Present

Those present were Chairman, Cllr Aves, V/Chairman Cllr Lambert; Cllrs Summers, Pearson, Robinson, and Moseley; also C/Cllr Fitch.

Reports

County Council

Cllr Fitch reported that the early morning bus (0753) from Newmarket to Cambridge was once more routed through Reach.

Cllr Fitch explained about the re-organising of both CCC and ECDC on the basis of a parliamentary Bill, which Government hope to have through by January 2001. There are three options to be considered. The re-organisation was brought on by corruption in local councils; everything will now be scrutinised and most meetings will be open to the public.

Bottisham Village College has been appointed a Beacon school as it is one of the best schools in the county. This will give the school 15% more funding per pupil.

Swaffham Prior school has come out of special measures. Estimated roll figures are 101 for January 2001, going down to 95 in five years time.

Newmarket Road Park and Ride is creating 500 new spaces. Bridge Street and Jesus Lane in Cambridge are to be closed for a new months for essential work. Cllr Fitch showed the PC two options of routes for the Fordham by-pass.

The police have reported a lot of vandalism at Burwell Village College.

Cllr Fitch said Andy Cordery was now in charge of local policing.

Comment
Cllr Robinson spoke about the problems meeting passengers from Drummer Street bus station as there is nowhere to park and the approach road to the station has rising bollards.

Swaffham Prior Primary School

Cllr Pearson reported that the school was coming out of special measures with no serious weaknesses. Brenda Wilson was the first person in the country to see a school through special measures and still maintain her position as Head. Cllr Pearson said this was to be commended and asked the Clerk to write a letter on behalf of the councillors. The school would once more have a stable staff for the new year in September.

Village Hall Committee

Reach Fair:
Moneys are still coming in. A donation had been made to the Amenity Fund.

A survey had been sent round about the fair and was been analysed.
Following the charges for the policing of the fair Cllr Summers said he had learned that outdoor events should be policed free-of-charge.

Millennium committee

All editorial for the Reach book was now in and was being edited.


Matters arising

A recent public meeting in the village hall with representatives of the National Trust from Wicken Fen had been held to discuss the future of the area. Cllr Aves suggested that the speakers be asked to come and speak to the PC and this was agreed.

Correspondence

The County Council had written about a claimed public bridle way from near Manor House along the underbank drove of Reach lode. It was agreed that this was a valid claim and Cllr Fitch also said he too would be pleased to back the claim. It was decided to seek further information before replying.
Wicksteed Leisure (who inspect the swings on Fair Green) had written saying they would, in future, be levelling a charge. Cllr Lambert said he would ask the company who supplied the playing field equipment to look after the swings.

Reach matters

Mayor's plaque
Cllr Pearson said it would probably cost about £200 for a brass plaque to celebrate the 800th granting of the Fair's Charter. It was agreed to have the small ceremony at lunchtime so some refreshments could be provided afterwards.

Planning applications

1. Amendment to John Coles' barn conversion (Cllr Lambert declared an interest).
Clerk to write back to the planning department at ECDC enquiring if this was backland development and asking for a definition of what constitutes 'backland development'. Councillors also asked for a more detailed plan of the garden area and the entrance and exit at the back of Hillside Farm, and enquired whether or not the Dutch barn at the side of the planned residence was to remain.

2. Mr and Mrs Acklam, Fair Green Councillors had no objection to this but voiced some concern about the extra height the new building would have in relation to surrounding buildings. They also wanted materials to be in keeping.

3. Mrs Candy, Great Lane Councillors had no objection to this application.

Following planning discussions Cllr Lambert voiced concern about discussing applications without having had a site visit. This was prompted about a recent planning application which did not show any perspective and had been approved by the PC. Should councillors have visited the site Cllr Lambert believed they may have had a different opinion.

Swaffham Primary School Parent/Governors

A discussion about the representation of Reach on the board of governors was discussed, as a governor is to retire shortly.

The Hythe

Cllr Moseley spoke about the undesirable presence of young people late at night near the Point. Litter is being left and cars are being driven too fast.
It was agreed to arrange for a digger to prepare the parking area at the side of the road.