Notes on Reach Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 6^th March 2002

Donna Radley, Conservation Officer from English nature, and Stephen Macaulay of the Cambridgeshire County Council Archaeological Field Unit, came to have an informal meeting with councillors about the Devil’s Dyke Restoration Project. Donna spoke about the importance of maintaining the rich vegetation of the site, and Stephen told the PC that as the largest Saxon dyke in Britain the Dyke is designated as a special area for conservation. However, it is presently in the worst condition ever, mainly due to the changing farming methods over the decades. A project officer is expected to be appointed shortly; he/she will oversee the project for 5 years, during which time the PC will be kept informed of all developments.

Cllr Fitch spoke about the 9.3% proposed increase in the County’s share of council tax in the forthcoming budget; it is the largest proportion of council tax. The increase had received support from all three parties at County.

The 111/112 and X2 were to see timetables to Reach altered for evenings and weekends. Services would not be continuing at their present levels. Cllr Fitch entreated everyone to write supporting the services if these were to remain on the timetable.

Cllr Fitch spoke about the importance of installing smoke detectors. Between 40 and 60 people die in fires in the UK each year. He gave councillors a breakdown in fire engine callouts for the year in Cambridge, Swaffham Bulbeck and Burwell; we are lucky to have such a good service locally, he said.

These are coming along well and the Quy to Bottisham path is expected to be finished by the end of March. Some Councillors voiced disapproval for the traffic lights installed at the Quy roundabout cyclepath.

Bottisham Village College has its maximum intake set at 210 for the year. As this year’s September intake is already up to 240 it is vital that parents apply for places in good time.

Landowners can now give land for public use.

The District Council share of council tax will see an increase of 15.3% next year. A Band D house will see a rise of total council tax payments from £826 to £953.26.

This seems to have settled down now. The District Council is looking at the long-term solution and are planning to buy a new vehicle. Cleanaway have been borrowing trucks to see which is the most suitable

Although the East Cambs Primary Care Trust and Fenland have merged, Cllr Cane said that the new board had not yet been set up. She was concerned that this was in place by the first quarter. GPs, nurses and primary healthcare workers had met to discuss the future of the new body.

Cllr Cane, Chairman and Clerk of Reach PC had met with David Groom, the Area Maintenance Engineer from County Highways, to discuss various highways problems in Reach.

It had been agreed (with resident’s approval) to lower the kerb to allow cars to park on the pavement. This should allow lorries going to the sewage farm to pass by, without going onto the verge on the opposite side of the road.

Higher kerbs are to be put on the verge at the bottom of Fair Green where lorries had driven over the kerb and partly destroyed the verge.

It was agreed to write to residents living near the bus stop asking them to park in a sensible manner, i.e. as close together as possible and not on the pavement nearby, or in the bus lay-by. It was hoped that as many people as possible could park on their own property to free up places for those who could not do so.

The school was waiting to hear when the next OFSTED report would be due.

There was to be an open meeting about Reach Fair on 10^th April. It was hoped many villagers would attend.

Cllr Lambert had presented suggestions to the committee about the forthcoming Jubilee Day.

Cllr Summers reported that minor crimes can now reported on the internet.

The police could be contacted for the provision of yellow cones for events, in order to keep an area free from vehicles.

It was agreed to give the contract for grass cutting for the forthcoming season to Dennis Badcock.

It was agreed to provide simple seats at various points in the village, to provide a resting place for exhausted dog walkers. Cllr Robinson had offered to provide these

Councillors discussed and approved a proposal by Anglian Water to landscape the area of the sewage works on The Hythe.

It was agreed that two councillors visit 9b Fair Green to view a conservatory, which had required planning permission.

Councillors agreed to visit The Old Chapel, Fair Green as complaints had been received about loose tiles falling off the roof and the general unkempt appearance of the site.

Cllr Lambert and the Clerk had attended the Parish Forum where the Local Code of Conduct for Members had been discussed at length. Before agreeing to sign the code councillors took reading matter away with them to consider their decisions.