Notes on the meeting of Reach Parish Council held on 2nd April 1997

Present

Cllr Robinson (Chairman), Cllr Aves (v/chairman), Cllrs Lambert, Harrison, and Reed, also C/Cllr Fitch.

Apologies

Cllrs Pearson and Davies.

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed and signed.

Reports

C/Cllr Fitch told PC that D/Cllr Nick Webb has resigned from the District Council. Because of County and Parliamentary elections an election for a new Councillor cannot take place until Mid-May.

District matters - The Economic Development Manager at ECDC has money in the budget for firms that want to expand or move into the area and also help for small firms. The housing grants construction and generation act went through last year. There has been £100,000 put in the budget to cover grants to landowners/building owners to develop accommodation of small units for single persons or couples (maximum £10,000 per unit or 75% whichever is the smallest). Priority to be in the Burwell area (to include Reach, Swaffhams, Lode and Bottisham). Mandatory grants have been made discretionary. There has been a debate on arts strategy and a performing arts venue is to be set up at Ely Community College. A bid has been put in to Heritage Lottery Fund. ECDC will put in money capped at about £620,000.

County matters - Fordham by-pass is 'in limbo'. It is going to cost £12.4 million. A transport supplementary grant bid was unsuccessful for this coming year. It is the last village on the A142 Newmarket to Peterborough to be by-passed and is a priority at ECDC and CCC. The junction at Quy has been adjusted following many complaints and is now easier in the rush hour. C/Cllr Fitch showed the PC a letter and map related to maintenance of 'Area 8' trunkroads which include this area. This has been privatised.

Education - there has a withdrawal of early retirement where it is paid for by the government with effect from the end of Easter term. This has been postponed until Autumn so redundancies have been reduced. Environment 2000 'A strategy for action'. A booklet about this has been received and will be discussed at a future meeting. Cllr Fitch told PC about a board he has unveiled at the Burwell End of Devil's Dyke about different grasses. 1210 bus from Newmarket to Cambridge. C/Cllr Fitch had received letter asking if Saturday service could be re-instated. He suggested PC drum up support.

Matters arising

Gypsies - Cllr Aves commented that Barston Drove now looks like a scrapyard and that about 9 caravans now there. C/Cllr Fitch said it was a problem as the courts were not supportive and people were unwilling to speak out against them. Various ideas re removing them put forward. Bus shelter, Fair Green - the seat has not yet been removed. As the 'noise' problem has not been too bad lately it was decided to leave it for now.

Proposed grain store, Swaffham Road - PC discussed the letter they had sent objecting to this.

Correspondence

Clerk told PC that letters had been sent to the Highways department re Fen Road and the County Bridge Engineer about the old Railway Bridge. Highways had patched Fee Road but nothing had been heard about the Bridge. A letter had been received about the Speed camera publicity campaign and this was circulated. Playing Field Update The hedge had been planted. It was agreed to keep this trimmed next to Mr Estell's land so he can maintain his fence. The purchase is still being held up.

Reach Matters

New notice board - Councillors had not yet viewed samples of work of people who had quoted. It was agreed to discuss further when they had done this.

Swings on Fair Green - A representative had visited the swings and given quotes re cost of moving swings and/or erecting similar new swings. This was discussed and it was decided to leave the decision until the PC owned the playing field.

St Etheldreda's arch - no further progress had been reported. The PCC will hopefully be discussing at their next meeting.

Seat around the Jubilee Tree - Chairman had discussed design with Ranald Scott and told PC about it. A quote for cost had not yet been received.

Gypsies - This was discussed again. Cllr Aves suggested combining with Swaffham Prior PC.

Car Park next to Devil's Dyke - Cllr Lambert asked if it was possible to have a sign indicating 'Car Park' to make people aware of its presence. Clerk to look into this.

Mowers - these have still not been repaired.

Water tap at cemetery - a member of the public had been using water to wash their vehicle. Clerk to write and ask for donation from them as water is metered.

Penny Pang