Notes on the minutes of the meeting of Reach Parish Council held on Wednesday 2nd December 1998

Present

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

Reports

County Council

Cllr Fitch told the PC about 'Choices' the replacement for 'Meals on Wheels'. Meals are delivered frozen once a fortnight and if elderly people are frail they are assisted in the preparation of meals for eating.

Cllr Fitch commented on the forthcoming budget and how it might affect Council Tax.

Neighbourhood watch - PC were told that it was important to be vigilant in the run up to Christmas as cycle thefts were always on the increase at this time.

District Council

The enquiry into the Local Plan was closed and was now being inspected. It should be available in its finished form in March of next year.

Local enforcement issues were going through very slowly. Cllr Cane told the PC that this could take some time and explained the process.

It was still not clear who owns the ditch near the Reach sewage works. Cllr Cane is to contact the Land Registry office to get more information.

Cllr Cane told the PC she is now the LEA governor of Swaffham Prior Primary School.

Swaffham Prior Primary School

Cllr Pearson said the school will lose one of its teachers at the end of this term (to be replaced). The building of the new classroom is on track.

Village Hall Committee

The committee agreed that it would take on the running of the Reach Sports Club after reviewing legislation required.

Swaffham Prior Parochial Church Charities

Cllr Robinson told the PC that monies had been donated to local people in need. He explained that it was not possible to give money to individuals working at the Prospect Trust (Snakehall Farm) if they lived elsewhere.

It is hoped that four low cost houses will be built near the cross roads at Cage Hill and Heath Road.

Matters arising

The provision of salt bins was discussed. It was agreed that Cllr Lambert investigate the purchase.

The celebration of the millennium is to be discussed with Rev Mark Haworth at the January meeting and so it was decided to invite two members of the Village Hall Committee along for their input.

Correspondence

ECDC trees and landscape officer, Jane Dow, had written asking if the Parish would like to plant a tree 'in a prominent location'. Cllr Reed is to contact to make arrangements.

Shirley Blake, ECDC's funding co-ordinator had written asking if Reach would like to apply to the 'Facilities Grant Scheme'. This is limited to small Parishes and has a maximum of £4000. Cllr Pearson to investigate possibilities.

CCC had invited Reach to join the Parish Paths Partnership. It was decided to decline.

The draft register of electors has been prepared for publication in February 1999. This was discussed and some alterations agreed.

The local elections are to take place on 6th May 1999.

Playing field update

The sub committee had agreed on signage for the playing field. It was agreed that no-one over 12 was allowed to play on the equipment and that the field would shut at dusk each night.

The use of the path through to the Stewardship land by dog owners was discussed. Cllr Davies is to investigate if such use of their land is agreed by County Farms.

The costs of erection of gate and styles on the field was discussed and agreed.

Reach matters

Clerk reported enquiries about trees planted near entrance to public footpath in Chapel Lane. The Rights of Way Officer at CCC has been informed and is to investigate.