Those present were Vice/Chairman Cllr Robinson, Cllrs Summers, Harrison, Pearson and Aves; also C/Cllr Fitch and C/Cllr Cane.

The lights in the middle of the A1303 cyclepath were to be removed (see December’s minutes).

The proposed new town has been recommended as Longstanton/Oakington. This is good news, said Cllr Fitch, however, there will be a lot of work to be done regarding the infrastructure, in particular the improvement of the A14.

There is still some uncertainty regarding the footpath around the old railway bridge. Cllr Fitch said that Transportation at CCC were not too keen but the Rural Group were. He had been to the site; the scheme had yet to be costed.

Bottisham Village College, already a Beacon school, had been chosen as a school to advise others on good practice. Burwell Village College had also been chosen.

Although the Local Government Commission had recommended that Cllr Cane’s Ward (Swaffham Bulbeck, Swaffham Prior and Reach) stay as it is the District Council have indicated that they would prefer the Ward to combine with Bottisham and Lode. This would mean three councillors representing the new Ward. Councillors discussed this and agreed that although they would prefer maintaining the status quo, the proposed re-structuring would be acceptable. Clerk to write to the Commission.

The National Crime Audit had shown that crime in East Cambs is below the national average, apart from thefts of, and from, vehicles. However, the fear of crime is just as high in this area. Cllr Cane reported that she had persuaded the Crime Safety Committee to allow members of the public to attend meetings (although not to take part).

Cllr Cane reported that, despite much representation from the public that it wished to retain the status quo, East Cambs PCG was to merge with Fenland PCG. She said that she was unhappy that there had not been a completely new board – rather than just two members from East Cambs joining the present Fenland board. In answer to questions from councillors Cllr Cane said the restructuring should not make any difference to local healthcare.

A discussion took place about the concerns felt over councillors having to sign forms declaring interests etc.

Cllr Robinson said that the Christmas distribution of monies had gone well.

Clerk had written requesting that the War Memorial be made a listed ‘building’.

The Rights of Way Officer had been to the village to see problem footpaths. Arrangements had been made to trim the hedges of Byway no 5.

A breakdown of figures for ECDC’s budget 2002/2003 had been received.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Structure Plan Review had been re-timetabled to go on deposit between March 11^th and 22^nd April.

ECDC had written to publicise the ‘Supplementary Planning Guidance: Ely Environment Capacity Study’.

Road salting was discussed, as unsalted roads had become only too apparent in the recent cold spell. It was agreed to purchase two further salt bins for next winter.

The Queen’s Golden Jubilee was discussed and it was decided to celebrate this on the Bank Holiday Monday. Initial plans were for a party for the children on Fair Green and a Barn Dance in the evening.