The Swaffham Crier Online

Notes from the Parish Council February Meeting

Mr John Covill chaired the meeting with 6 Parish Councillors and 3 members of the public.

CCC Report: Councillor Williams reported to the meeting.

ECDC Report: Councillor Alderson reported to the meeting.

Correspondence Received: This was reported to the meeting. A letter was received bringing the Parish Council's attention to the reluctance of bus drivers to stop at bus stops that are not marked and in some instances being abusive when asked to do so and causing unnecessary upset to people using the service. The Clerk spoke with CCC and they confirmed that many bus stops in the County are unmarked but are still designated bus stops. The Clerk is to follow this up with Stagecoach and look into the possibility of signs being erected.

Matters Arising - for information only

  1. Recreation Ground: Steve Kent-Phillips told the meeting that the entrance to the Recreation Ground had been ploughed up and that further hardcore material would be put in gateway.

Coopers Green - query re boundary: It was confirmed that the boundary lines overmarked on original plan were incorrect. This is to be rectified.

Pollarding of Trees on Village Hall Driveway: Three contractors were invited to tender for the work, two estimates were received - Eastern Tree Surgery at £470 plus VAT & Designed by Nature at £400 plus VAT. Following discussion it was agreed to instruct Designed by Nature to carry out the work.

The Pound - renovation works: The Fire Engine was removed from the Pound and put into temporary secure storage. Kim Sheldrick confirmed a start date of 10/2. Scaffolding would first be erected and then the roof stripped. The Clerk is to inform Rosie Burton, Conservation Officer for ECDC. With reference to the Fire Engine, it was agreed that this should be on view rather than locked away. In light of this Steve Kent-Phillips made enquires of the Burwell Museum Trustees asking if they would like to have the Fire Engine in the Museum as an exhibit. Following a meeting of the Museum Trustees, their Chairman confirmed their interest in having the Fire Engine but said that space was an issue. This is to be further looked into. Should this go ahead, the Fire Engine would be on a 5 year loan agreement. Other items stored in The Pound are to be listed in the Crier for possible purchase. See separate item.

Rogers Road - additional grasscutting services: The Contractor, K H Services, will be asked to cut the verges from the 30mph up to the main road as and when requested by the Parish Council during the cutting season at a cost of £36-50/ cut. This is in addition to the routine CCC Highways grasscutting schedule.

Annual Subscriptions - CALC (Cambridgeshire Association of Local Councils) & The Wildlife Trusts. These were agreed at £192-71 & £36 respectively.

Accounts for Payment: These were agreed.

Planning Application:

Any Other Business:

Dog fouling - this was again reported as a problem on footpaths, pavements, etc.

Village safe - H Hardiment reported that this needed a new home.

Open Question Time:

There was further discussion about the Fire Engine, noting that it would be a shame for it to leave the Village and that perhaps it could be placed on view, possibly in the Village Hall.

Further discussion reference the security of the Recreation Ground.

The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Thursday, 9th March 2006 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Karen King Clerk of the Parish Council