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

Present

Chairman Cllr Robinson, V/Chairman Cllr Aves, Cllrs Harrison, Lambert, Reed, Pearson and Davies; also C/Cllr Fitch.

Reports

County Matters

Cllr Fitch reported on the 60th anniversary of the foundation of Bottisham Village College and the new music suite there which is hopefully going to be ready for the autumn.

The new Bottisham Police HQ is nearly operational; also the dog section.

The Fordham bypass has been downgraded to priority no.2. the first stage (design) will go ahead but it is unsure when it will be built.

Newmarket Road, Cambridge - a priority bus lane is to be built.

Speed cameras - more are being installed, the administration charges are to be added to the fines.

There has been an outcry over the increase in pensioners' bus passes from £6 to £11. The ruling group are to re-think this but at present it remains at £11.

District matters

Cllr Fitch reported on the successful sale of compost bins.

There is to be grant aid to set up a village shop if there are less than 3,000 people in the village. This will be 80% of the cost up to £5,000.

Cllr Davies asked Cllr Fitch about the waste paper collection by Cleanaway as it appeared to come very early in the morning.

Barston Drove - the Clerk has written to the Definitive Maps Officer at CCC re widths and ownership. Cllr Fitch said dumping must not continue, it had caused a lot of aggravation but he thought it sensible to leave it there now. Police Liaison Committee Cllr Lambert attended the quarterly meeting which introduced Superintendent Howes who outlined his policy to bring down crime. He said the detection rate remained the same but the crime rate was falling. He said Neighbourhood Watch was believed to work but there was no conclusive evidence to support this. The new helicopter was helping in arrests. The area each Police Constable had to look after was discussed - one had 11 villages; (PC Davies has only Burwell and Reach). The problem of building playgrounds near properties was discussed.

Matters arising

Cllr Fitch was asked if he had heard any further news about County Farms selling Church Farm. He said the Local Plan being prepared will explain the process of County Farms.

Correspondence

The PC agreed a sum of £12.75 towards a poppy wreath for the British Legion poppy appeal.

The Clerk had received a survey from the Village Lock-up Association and a survey from the Department of the Environment about spending in parish councils.

A report had been sent from Swaffham Prior Primary School. The Chairman commented that this was the first time one had been received.

The arch at St Etheldreda's - A letter had come from the Millennium Grant Scheme asking if the PC would contribute to the cost. This was put at £12,700 + VAT but was to cover repair to the arch and work to be done in the Church (a new front door and glass partition etc). A discussion took place about the amount thought possible, this will be decided after finances have been examined. It was pointed out that this had been held over while the playing field fund raising was taking place. It was wondered if the Village Centre and Swaffham Prior charities would contribute.

East Cambridgeshire conservation award scheme

It was suggested that the barn conversation by Ron Greenhill behind Fair Green would be suitable for an award.

Old burial ground.

The PC had been asked if they were interested in owning this. The ground has no value but costs would be incurred in the transfer and it was agreed that the PC contribute to this. Cllr Reed told the PC that Alison Condor from County had asked if the village would like any further planting schemes. It was suggested that the dumped soil on Barston Drove could be landscaped. Cllrs to discuss possibilities when they have considered it.

Playing field update

Cllr Fitch had asked if the PC would like a further meeting with the District and Council solicitors as conveyancing still was not completed owing to some contentious points. The County Surveyor is looking at the type of fencing which the PC has to erect legally on the boundary. The District solicitor said that the 'nuisance' clauses were too strict. A lot of work has been done, cutting and collecting grass. The Electricity Board had made a mess in the Car Park and entrance to the field. Cllr Pearson is to send a quote for repair to them. The mowers were discussed, Clerk to write to several people to ask for tenders to cut the grass as the mowers are old.

The Clerk was asked to write to residents of Swaffham Road who had let their gardens grow over the pavement.

Electricity in Reach - Cllr Pearson reported that a new transformer had reduced the voltage but that its installation had meat the power was off all day causing problems. It was reported that there had been 5 major cuts in five weeks. It was thought unlikely that anything would change in the near future and the PC is to ask for a copy of the EB's monthly report to see how Reach is affected. The Cambridge Evening News had been to report on the effects the day-long cut had had on businesses in Reach.

A planning application for an extension at 6 Great Lane was approved.

Nigel Day's barn - Cllr Aves asked if there had been any further developments. There was a discussion re its re-positioning and size. Nothing more had been received about this from the planning department.

Penny Lang