Notes on the Annual meeting of Reach Parish Council held on 4th June 1997

Present

Those present were the Chairman of the Parish Council, the Parish Council, Clerk, C/Cllr Fitch and a member of the public.

Minutes

The minutes of last year's Parish Meeting were agreed and signed.

Chairman's Report

Cllr Robinson spoke about the purchase of the Playing Field and noted it had taken some time. He thanked the Sub-committee for its work and suggested the Clerk attend any further sub-committee meetings to liaise with the PC and authorities. He said that the Parish Council had worked well for the community. The bad continuity of planning was illustrated by the permission to build 7 stables on one site where 1 was turned down on another. Cllr Robinson commented that the rubbish left by the gypsies was unacceptable. The accounts were healthy although money was being kept for possible purchase of new street lights and play equipment. The Chairman thanked the Councillors, the Clerk who had left during the year and the present one. He also thanked Cllr Fitch for stepping into the District Councillor's place after his resignation.

County Council Report

C/Cllr Fitch told the PC that the Cambridgeshire County Council spend £800 million every year. There had been an increase in population (30%) since 1974, mainly children and old people needing considerable resources. Reductions had been made at all levels at Shire Hall. Education - the CCC spent more on education in the last four years than the government had suggested and very little was on administration. About 90 teaching jobs may have to go although nearly all these were through early retirement. Education tests in the area were good.

Social services - the elderly depended a lot on voluntary services. 2 bad cases this year had meant changes. There was an increased demand for special needs services.

Fire and Rescue - the future of Burwell Fire Station is still unsure.

Police helicopter - this is supplied by the Home Office and has heat seeking facilities. It is successful in catching car thieves and burglars. There had been a drive for special Police Constables in this area.

Cllr Fitch reported on a 1.5% increase in road traffic also local developments and on the proposed cycle path from Quy to Burwell.

The County Farms Estate has received a Charter mark.

Gypsies - Cllr Fitch spoke about the time it takes to move gypsies on. He said an Act passed in 1994 makes it more difficult for them to camp by the side of the road. Social services are now involved in every family and a Code of Conduct was issued to all gypsies. The police say everything is investigated.

District Council Report

The Council tax has not changed for 3 years so it will probably have to be increased next year (maybe between 10 and 15%).

Barston Drove - a discussion took place re the dumping of soil along the drove.

Accounts

These were presented by the Clerk and agreed by the Parish Council.

Reach matters

Cllr Robinson reported that the mowers still hadn't been repaired and this was now a matter of some urgency.

Electrical surges - it was reported high voltages had been measured in the village.

Swaffham Prior Primary School - it was agreed to press for a Representative from the PC to sit on the Board of Governors. The school has money for a new library and the Department of Education has agreed to reduce numbers of children per year to 17.

Penny Lang