Notes on the meeting of Reach Parish Council held on 7th May 1997

Present

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

Apologies

Cllr Davies

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed and signed.

Reports

C/Cllr Fitch reported on the County elections. He thanked anyone who had supported him and spoke of opposition to the Liberal Democrats at the CCC as the Conservatives now have a majority of 3. The Chief Executive has resigned after 10 years at Cambridgeshire County Council. The Fordham by-pass had been discussed at the ECDC planning meeting with a strong recommendation for approval. The Ely museum in the old jailhouse is now open and well worth a visit. The environment and leisure committee at East Cambs are publishing prospects for cycleways in this area specifically aimed at tourism. It may be possible to cycle from Newmarket to Cambridge via the village backroads. Cllr Fitch discussed with the PC the proposed sale of land owned by County Farms. Councillors were concerned that it may be bought for equestrian use and there were already many horses in the area. The application for a large grain store on the land which has been bought next to the Prospect Trust farm was discussed. Cllr Fitch is to ask Stephen Conrad the Principal valuer at County to come and tell the PC about the current situation regarding sale of farm land belonging to County Farms. The gypsies at Barston Drove were discussed. Cllr Robinson reported the Rural group had complained about a mound being built to deter the gypsies. Cllr Fitch told the PC a set of guidelines has been set up to deal with 'unauthorised encampment', 120 families were now settled in this area and money is to be put into a site at Burwell for possibly 8 families. A member of the public asked Cllr Fitch if he could explain to the children of the village why they still couldn't play on the new playing field. A discussion took place about the problems over the purchase of the field.

Election of officers

Cllr Robinson was elected as Chairman for a third year, Cllr Aves as Vice-chairman and other councillors agreed to hold the various other posts.

Matters arising

Cllrs Robinson and Aves had been to Swaffham Prior Parish Council meeting to discuss the problem of the gypsies in Barston Drove. They reported that a decision had been made to put an earth mound with trees planted on top to block their access . The PC discussed the planning application for a grain store on the farm land between Reach and Swaffham Prior. Clerk told PC the County Bridge Engineer had inspected the old railway bridge and were going to carry out minor works. The Public Transport Operations Manager is trying to get the Service 111 12.10 from Newmarket to Cambridge put back on for Newmarket market days. He stressed it would be difficult to restart it a third time if it was not used this time. Stagecoach have agreed to use the bus shelter travelling in both directions but asked that vehicles did not block the area near the memorial end of Fair Green.

Correspondence

The Conservation officer at ECDC had written detailing the next phase of the Enhancement Scheme. It was suggested that Reach could have replacement street lamps and this was agreed. PC to ask Eastern Electricity if they will pay for putting electricity cables underground in the area around Great Lane. If not this could come out of Enhancement scheme funds.

Playing field update

Cllr Pearson told the PC about the situation regarding the planning permission and the conveyancing for the playing field. Clerk is to tell the playing field committee how much money had been spent so far in the purchase and preparing of field. It was suggested that the Cambridge Evening News might do a photo of the children waiting for their playing field.

Reach matters

Seat around the Jubilee tree - it was agreed to ask Ranald Scott to do this. Clerk to write to confirm money had been set aside for this in the County Council enhancement scheme.

New notice boards - this is to be held over until confirmation about tree-seat money is received.

St Etheldreda's arch - still no news from the PCC about the repair.

Mowers - Councillors discussed prices and types of mowers as the present ones are broken and old parts are not available.

Little Lane - Cllr Aves reported that this is in need of attention. Clerk to ask Highways Department to look at it.

Penny Lang