Notes on Reach Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 6th September 2000

Present Chairman, Cllr Aves, V/Chairman Cllr Lambert; Cllrs Summers, Robinson, Harrison and Pearson; also D/Cllr Cane.

Reports

County Council

In his absence Cllr Cane reported that Cllr Fitch had attended a joint meeting between County and District to discuss the possibility of having speed cameras on the B1102 between Burwell and Lode.

The soil pile dumped at the entrance to Black Drove to deter travellers had been noted by the Rights of Officer. This is illegal and must be removed. Cllr Robinson spoke about the mess left by travellers near his farm and complained about the length of time it took to get a magistrate's order to move them on. Cllr Cane said there had been a significant problem with travellers this year and promised to look into possible ways of registering them. Cllr Robinson thanked Cllr Fitch for his help in the recent past.

District Council

Cllr Cane spoke about the forthcoming Parish Forum. This, she said, would have a different format. The forum would be looking at things coming up in the next six months - guests would then choose the agenda for the next meeting.

The farmer's market had been very successful.

Ely High Street will be closed to traffic for a pilot scheme.

ECDC are considering installing computers in certain areas. Cllr Cane asked if there was a need for one in Reach. The short list had been drawn up already but she will consider putting Reach on the long list.

Cllr Cane said a questionnaire was being circulated to ascertain the views of residents and businesses for the coming budget.

Post Offices - the government is still not making any firm decisions about these. Luckily the Swaffham Bulbeck Post Office has been bought and will remain in business.

Swaffham Prior Primary School

The school is starting the Autumn term with its full compliment of teachers and pupils.

Swaffham Prior PCC

Cllr Robinson praised the new houses on Cage Hill and spoke of the need for more houses of a similar type. He felt a countrywide seminar of local councils should be held to address the needs of housing locally.

Millennium committee

The book is with the designer who will be assessing how many pages it will be. Quotes will then be sought from printers before applying for the grant.

Matters arising

Clerk had spoken to Steven Hill about the potholes in Burwell Road and reminded him about the sign which needs erecting in Great Lane.

The people at Wicken fen concerned with the proposed flooding of the area are going to have meetings for Parish Councils. It was agreed to purchase a memorial seat for Albert Johnson.

Correspondence

The Archaeological Field Unit at CCC had written about the PC's opinion on the management of the Devil's Dyke. It was agreed to ask the Senior Project Officer to come and talk to Councillors.

Planning permission had been granted for an extension at Boutles Barn and Appletree Cottage, both in Great Lane.

Following a letter regarding parking on Fair Green, Councillors agreed that this was not illegal as it is a public highway, providing drivers parked responsibly and did not obstruct driveways. However, should residents have off-road parking facilities, it was preferable that they use them to free up spaces for those who did not.

Reach matters

The street light attached to The Old Post Office is too bright for the resident. The street lighting department at CCC had agreed to try to rectify this. It was mentioned that the light had not been working anyway but no-one had reported it to the Clerk.

Planning applications for 10 Ditchfield and The Manor, Chapel Lane were approved.

Burial ground fees - these were raised by 5%