Notes on the meeting of Reach Parish Council held on 5th February 1997

Present :

Cllr Robinson (Chairman), Cllrs Aves, Lambert, Reed, Harrison, Pearson and Davies; also C/Cllr Fitch and D/Cllr Webb.

The Minutes of the last meeting were agreed and signed.

Reports:

Chairman reported that Swaffham Prior Charities have been asked for donation of £3000 to upgrade Swaffham Prior Village Hall (cost about £100,000). C/Cllr Fitch talked about CCC Budget discussion to take place on 11th February. It had been a tough budget but cuts were not too drastic. Unitary authority at Peterbourgh were recruiting from CCC. About 50 teaching jobs may have to go. An Inspector would be seeing if the recommendations by the Bridge report on social services were being implemented. County Records Office is to be closed on Mondays.

Roads: Lode crossroads had been re-surfaced. Work has started on the Park and Ride at Newmarket Road and c/Cllr Fitch quoted figures forecasting traffic change. D/Cllr Webb told PC about a Parish Council survey and asked if Reach would like him to volunteer to be in the working group.

Stables: The PC discussed the refusal of Planning Application for a local stable. This will be discussed again after Councillors have attended the ECDC meeting on 11th February at which they hope to voice concerns of Reach PC on planning procedure generally. The Millennium bid for Ely waterway has been turned down.

Matters arising:

The bonfire site at The Hythe has been cleaned up by the Village Hall Committee.

Buses: the 4.30 bus (from Newmarket to Cambridge) is likely to be retained.

Mud on the road: letters had been received from residents of Great Lane concerning farm machinery leaving mud on the road. Clerk is to write to Mr. Hill of Highways Department to see if drainage can be improved.

Barrier, Great Lane: More complaints had been received from residents about this. Clerk to write to the Conservation Officer for his views as the barrier is in the Conservation area.

Playing field update:

Paper work for the conveyancing is hoped to be done in about 3 weeks. This is for the purchase of the playing field and it is hoped to purchase the Car Park at a later date. Access is to be through the Car Park. Hedging will be done when conveyancing finalised. Cllr Reed is getting estimates for the work.

Reach matters:

New notice board: A quote had been received which was considered rather high. Cllr Pearson said there was a possibility of purchasing old notice boards from ex-police houses. The PCC were interested in the idea of sharing a board with the PC.

Swings: the swings on Fair Green have now been repaired. A discussion took place about possible removal of these swings and/or new equipment at the top of the green. Cllr Pearson suggested asking for public opinion re leaving or moving.

Bus stop (Fair Green): Residents opposite bus shelter had complained to Stagecoach about buses stopping on the grass verge and causing mud. Stagecoach suggested a new stop (for buses to Newmarket) outside the Village Hall but this was considered inappropriate as the Hall is often busy. It was agreed suggesting to Stagecoach that the buses do a 'figure of eight' and stop at the Bus shelter before continuing to Newmarket.

Arch at St. Etheldreda's Church: Cllr Pearson had spoken to the vicar about the urgency of repairs.

Clearing of village droves: Chairman told PC they were to be done and the landowners of the adjoining land are to be charged for the clearing.

Railway bridge: Cllr Reed reported thorn cuttings and grease had been put underneath.

Millennium fund - Cllr Pearson asked if residents of Reach had any possible ideas so PC could apply for funding.

Grass cutting - tenders are to be invited for cutting of grass at cemetery.

P. Lang