The minutes of the meeting of Reach Parish Council held on Wednesday 30th September 1998 (October meeting)

Present

Those present were Chairman Cllr Aves, V/Chairman Cllr Lambert, Clls Harrison, Pearson, Reed, Robinson and Davies; also D/Cllr Cane.

Reports

Swaffham Prior Primary School

Cllr Pearson told the Councillors that there was to be an OFSTED inspection at the school. Tenders were closed for the building of the new classroom.

District Council

Cllr Cane told the council about a new format of electoral register forms being sent out. This was to try to encourage a better response.

The problem of the ditch running alongside the sewerage works was discussed. The ownership of the ditch was in question and it was decided that it was the responsibility of Anglian Water. Cllr Cane is to investigate.

Village Hall

Cllr Lambert informed the Parish Council about the new officers elected to the Village Hall Committee.

A resident living near the site of the bonfire on The Hythe had complained about premature tipping of rubbish for bonfire night. The Chairman of the Village Hall Committee had put a sign up asking for this not to happen.

There was a discussion about the formation of the Sports Club as a sub-committee of the Village Hall committee. Cllr Pearson set out possible terms of the proposed committee.

Swaffham Prior PCC

Cllr Harrison asked if there were any vacant allotments. Cllr Robinson replied that the matter was being looked into. The Christmas payments were also discussed with Cllr Robinson stressing the importance of people putting in their requests in plenty of time.

Correspondence

The East Cambridgeshire Crime and Disorder Partnership had written to the PC asking for their three most important crime issues. It was agreed that these were - hare coursing, car/illegal dumping and gypsies/related crimes. The gypsies in the local droves were then discussed. John Grain from ECDC had also written inviting the parish to organise a clean-up day with their support.

Playing field update

The roadway has been completed. Complaints had been received from residents living near the playing field about noise at night. The sub committee are to meet to discuss by-laws. A discussion took place re locking the main gate at night. The problem of dogs running loose was also brought up. Cllr Cane said that the ECDC had a dog warden who could contact the dog owner if they were known. There was a discussion on who could legally use the new mower and if it needed road tax. Cllr Robinson said he would investigate.

Reach matters

Planning permission has been sought by Mr and Mrs Robinson of The Hythe for a loft conversion and a change of use of a store to ancillary living accommodation for Mr Greenhill of The Barn, Fair Green. Both had no objections from the PC.

Insurance - Clerk ran through current schedules. It was agreed to seek advice on updating the insurance.

Cllr Cane was asked what the situation was on burning horse waste as there had been some complaints about this in the village. She is to consult the environmental health officer.

Councillors were given copies of last year's precept for discussion at next month's meeting.