Notes from the Parish Council October Meeting
Mr Trevor Jones chaired the meeting with 5 members and 2 members of the Public.
Reports:
- Councillor Fitch reported to the meeting.
- Councillor Cane reported to the meeting.
Matters Arising (reports for information only):
Village/Highway Signs:
The directional signs for Upware are on order.
The missing sign on the B1102 will be replaced in due course. Andrew Tipple of CCC Highways told the Clerk that the stealing of such signs was becoming a serious problem and in turn causing a back-log in the manufacture/erection of replacements. During the storms last year, Ringway picked up the fallen Swaffham Prior sign - this cannot now be traced. A new sign can be supplied but will not be the "decorative" type as previously. It was agreed that a suitable alternative should be erected. The leaning 30mph sign on Lower End will be repaired by CCC's newly formed "small works gang".
The damaged "Give Way" sign at the top of Station Road will also be repaired in due course.
Enhancement Scheme: 24Seven have agreed to carry out the work to complete this scheme. It is now a matter of confirming timescale.
Travellers - Whiteway Drove: The travellers have now left the site. A lot of damage to new trees was caused by the travellers' horses. Andrew Camps is to meet with CCC Countryside Group to inspect the trees and discuss replanting if necessary.
Interactive Signs - Mill Hill: The signs continue to be very erratic. One suggestion put to the meeting was that if it was the actual trigger mechanism that was causing the problems then this could be dismantled and the flashing 40mph limit used as a continuous warning to all vehicles.
Report on Police Community Support Officers: An "event" was held at Cottenham Village College to discuss the recruiting of these officers. This was organised by the Cambridgeshire Constabulary. Trevor Jones, Andrew Camps and Eric Day represented the P.C. at this meeting. At the time of the meeting there were 6 of these officers in operation with 56 under training and coming into service. These officers were funded by the Police and Government but future recruitment will have to be part funded by CCC, ECDC & the P.C. This is to be further discussed at the ECDC Parish Forum.
Budget Summary: This was circulated to all for information. A meeting was arranged to agree the Budget and set the Precept for 2004/05.
Cutting back of Vegetation, etc: With reference to the cutting back of vegetation by the Anglian Water Treatment works, the Clerk is to contact CCC and ask for their assistance.
Vegetation to the Village Hall driveway will be cut back. It was also noted that the trees in the Car Park were in need of cutting back. As these trees stand within the Conservation Area, the Tree Officer for ECDC will be consulted before any work is carried out.
Correspondence Received: This was reported to the meeting.
Accounts for Payment: These were agreed.
Planning Applications:
- New Gant Farm, Swaffham Prior Fen - "Potential Departure" Lifting of agricultural occupancy condition from the residential bungalow. There were no objections to this application.
- Land adjoining 5 Cage Hill Ðerection of new dwelling. Concerns were raised on this application and referred to ECDC Planning.
Planning Approval:
- 7 Heath Road Ðextension works.
Any Other Business:
It was reported that the noticeboard in the bus stop had again been damaged and was in need of repair/replacement. Grafitti was removed from the ceiling to the bus stop by Andrew Camps.
The Clerk is to contact Stagecoach with a view to having the timetable frames tidied and up-to-date timetables displayed.
Open Question Time:
The meeting was asked about the repair works needed to the footpath on Rogers Road from the speed sign to the B1102. The Clerk will follow this up.
The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday, 13th November 2003 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.