Notes of the meeting of Reach Parish Council held on Wednesday 5th April 2000

Present

Those present were Chairman, Cllr Aves, V/Chairman Cllr Lambert; Cllrs Summers, Pearson, Robinson and Harrison.

Before the meeting commenced Chairman Cllr Aves asked for a minute's silence to remember Albert Johnson who had recently died. For over 20 years Albert was a Parish Councillor and during most of that time the Chairman.

Visit Alan Johnson from the Communities Association of Youth Clubs, Brian Hicks the Young People's Issues Coordinator from ECDC and Colin Thomas, Community Education Manager from CCC came to talk about young people and discuss any issues. Councillors outlined the local situation stressing that many of the youths were not from Reach. Mr Hicks explained that the District Council does not have a statutory duty to help in any way and has taken an unusual step in appointing a youth issues officer. He sees Parish Councils as key partners with the voluntary services, the District Council and Education Officers. He talked about the role of 'detached workers' who were on hand if a problem arose, although they were understandably reluctant to work at weekends when most of trouble arose. He said that young people did not like to be organised and spoke about the drink/drug issue. PC Davies from Burwell was complimented on his helpful work and Mr Hicks advised anyone experiencing problems to phone Hinchingbrooke police station for help. The taking down of car numbers is helpful as it worries the drivers.

Reports

Swaffham Prior Primary School

Cllr Pearson reported that with the help of £13,000 of unexpected additional funds from the budget (£6k), and a change in how the infant class-size adjustment formula is managed (£7k) the Governors had been able to draw up and approve a positive budget for the new financial year. With a roll of just over 100 and the retention of four classes, the school was well set for the coming year. HMI continue to report very favourably against the school's achievement of the targets set under Ofsted 'special measures'.

Swaffham Prior PCC

Cllr Robinson reported that the houses being built on Cage Hill, Swaffham Prior would be completed in the summer of this year. They would be offered for rental through a housing association to residents of Reach and Swaffham Prior. Should there be no uptake from locals they would be offered further a field. Anyone interested should apply soon..

Matters arising

The Clerk to Swaffham Prior Parish Council had written stating that the investigation of signing and routing of traffic (in relation to the heavy lorry problem) should by done by them and not by Reach. Mark Jardine from Playscene has still not been to inspect the ground cover at the play area.

Correspondence

Residents had written requesting that the area of verge cleared for parking on The Hythe be made into a hard-standing as it was becoming rutted. It was agreed to ask Steven Hill from Highways to look at it.

Clerk had received a 'thank-you' letter from the Summer Play scheme 2000 for the donation received from the PC. This year's project is to transform the Swaffham Prior primary school changing rooms (to make them look like beach huts). ECDC are to install radar locks on disabled toilets to stop vandalism and casual misuse.

Reach matters

The vicar had asked that the entrance to the cemetery be looked at as it is becoming very slippery