The Swaffham Prior Village Assembly
28 May 2004.
A goodly number of neighbours enjoyed a useful, informative, and often amusing, gathering of the clans this year. Not all may have been there solely to wish Trevor Jones "God Speed" on one of his last public duties before leaving us, but he and his efforts will be sorely missed. His masterful handling of this unruly crowd would recommend him for a career as an international football referee, and we fairly galloped through the business. Trevor's final report to the Assembly as chairman included the happy news that a new climbing frame will soon be a reality. Financial demands arising from our travelling friends' illegal occupation of our fine recreation field had delayed this until now. The nuisance and danger of speeding traffic continues to annoy, and measures to discourage such anti-social and dangerous behaviour continue to be explored. The enormous cost of getting Police Community Support Officers simply made it a non-starter. TrevorŐs departure coincides with the loss of one other Parish Councillor, so it is time to think "not what your Parish can do for you, but what you can do for your Parish". Stand up, and step forward now. Your hour has come.
Our new PC, Tony Payne, impressed us with his command of our needs. Happily for us, though he will often walk (on foot) through the village, our problems pale into insignificance compared to those of other communities. Even so, PC Payne will be there to address our concerns. While they may sometimes appear inconsequential, they may clarify a bigger picture, or be more significant than we realise, so don't hold back if something worries you. His contact details will appear in The Crier, and he can be reached via the main Cambridge Police switchboard too. Most interesting is Tony's little radar gun. He promised to use it here!
Cllr. James Fitch skipped a load of CCC information that each household has already on paper, but he mentioned the possibility of losing retained fire stations in the villages if no young (part time) volunteers soon step forward. He also reviewed environmental concerns such as the effect of global warming on sea levels, 2 metres higher in the lifetime of many of us. The County is running out of landfill sites for rubbish disposal; so if you have any bright ideas, please let him have them. Road traffic has increased in the County by 30% in 10 years, and by 40% on the A14. Is your journey really necessary? (Some able bodied villagers actually drove by car to the Village Hall on a beautiful evening!) Good news included BVC applying for Foundation Status in some subjects. The Fordham Bypass is starting very, very soon now, really. And, CCC Council Tax is 4th from the bottom of all 33 shires in England (so Trevor Jones is probably in for a shock at his new home). This is in the fastest growing county nationally, and we find ourselves in the fastest growing District Council within it.
Our new ECDC Cllr, Allen Alderson promised to serve us in a local capacity, on call at all reasonable times. He apologised for making no report, having only just achieved office, and having taken a few days off after a hectic electoral campaign to allow himself and his wife to get re-acquainted. Now, once more on an even keel, and on first name terms with the management, he is raring to go. Good luck, Allen. Some people around here can be rather demanding.
Doug Malins, development manager for the Flagship Housing Association, gave an overview of the affordable housing situation locally, with special reference to the project for 8 new units in Rogers Road on Dencora Field. Flagship own 18,500 units in the region, and build 600 new units every year to meet the rising demand for homes. Although our project came too late for inclusion in the current 2 year funding programme, the situation can change in unforeseen circumstances, so it could start earlier (subject to Planning Approval). Several questions arose, including plans for off-road car parking. National guidelines stipulate 2 spaces per unit, and that's what's proposed. We do hope that will be enough.
Mr A Everitt of fixed abode proposed a "Swaffham Prior Award of Merit" for services beyond the call of duty to the Parish. This attracted wide support, with the proviso that this should not necessarily be a fixed annual event, because any obligation to do so could lead to a devaluation of the award. Clearly, there remains scope for consideration of the terms and organisation, etc. but means of conferring recognition by the whole community was welcomed.