Notes from the Parish Council June Meeting
Chairman Mr John Covill chaired the meeting with 7 Parish Councillors and 2 members of the Public.
Minutes of Last Meeting: These were agreed.
Parish Council Vacancy: Mr David Almond of 32 Cage Hill was co-opted onto the Parish Council.
Reports:
- CCC - Cllr Hazel Williams reported to the meeting
- ECDC - Cllr Allen Alderson sent his apologies but was unable to attend
Correspondence Received: This was reported.
Matters Arising:
Peter Hart asked whether any progress had been made with reference to maintenance work to the substation at the bottom of Cage Hill. The Clerk confirmed that she had not heard anything further from EDF but would follow up.
Quality Status for Parish Council: There were varying opinions on the value of attaining Quality Status and it was agreed to defer until the July meeting to allow members to consider further.
Adoption of New Code of Conduct: Copies of a "Guide for Members May 2007" had been circulated. Again, it was agreed to defer this to the July meeting to allow members to consider further.
Road Safety Measures/Traffic Calming - Mill Hill: The Clerk confirmed that a meeting with Kevin Hall, Traffic Engineer for CCC was to be held on the 20th June 2007 to discuss what measures could be put in place.
Jointly Funded Minor Highways Improvements - 2008/09 Bidding Round: To be deferred until next meeting.
Use of Footpath at The Beeches by Bikers: Several complaints had been received with reference to bikers using the footpath as a cut through from Lower End to Fairview & vice-versa causing considerable disturbance and distress to residents. It was suggested that some form of 'staggered barrier'should be installed across the top of the footpath to stop access. A meeting was arranged with Paul Butcher of CCC to discuss what could be done.
The Lodes: GeoffreyWoollard reaffirmed the importance to keep a watchful eye on proposals for The Lodes. David Almond suggested that it would be useful to have a meeting of interested Parish Councils to share views. This was felt by all to be a good idea. The Clerk is to contact Swaffham Bulbeck, Burwell Reach, Wicken and Lode Parish Councils.
High Street Signs & House Numbering: Cllr Alderson had passed to the Clerk a copy of a letter received from John Hill, Chief Executive-ECDC which asked for confirmation of which signs should be removed/remain. It was agreed that two "High Street"signs should be removed (one to the left hand side of the entrance to Swaffham Prior House and one to the right hand side of the Swaffham Prior House farm entrance on the Village boundary with Swaffham Bulbeck). It was agreed that the removal of the "Green Bank Road, Swaffham Bulbeck"sign was a matter for Swaffham Bulbeck Parish Council but that Swaffham Prior Parish Council would support any decision to remove this sign.
Play Area Maintenance Works: Confirmation of original estimates for this work was still awaited. Only one estimate had been confirmed. It was agreed to carry this over to July meeting. A verbal estimate had been received for the removal of algae on the surfacing beneath the slide. This will be considered with the foregoing at the July meeting.
Steve Kent-Phillips agreed to organise a working party to cut back the new growth at the base of the 3 trees to the front of the play area as recommended in the RoSPA annual inspection report.
Maintenance Works to Cemetery Path: It was agreed to defer this until the July meeting.
Request for Donation from Swaffham Prior Playscheme 2007: A donation of £100 was agreed.
Accounts for payment: These were agreed.
Planning Applications:
- The Cottage, 67 High Street - single storey rear extension (reduced proposal). No objections.
- 16 Green Head Road - two storey rear extension. No objections. (CCC) The National Trust - New timber bridge over lode, earth ramp adjacent lode bank, foot and cycle path across field south of lode. This was discussed at length and several concerns were raised. The Clerk to submit to CCC queries for reply
Planning Approval:
- Reservoir at Lords Ground - permission to use the reservoir water for course fishery in addition to agricultural use.
Items for the Next Agenda will include:
- Quality Status
- New Code of Conduct
- Jointly Funded Minor Highways Improvements - 2008/09 Bidding Round
- Play Area Maintenance
- Cemetery Maintenance
- The Lodes & The Fens
- Mill Hill - Road Safety/Traffic Calming
- Recycling - Station Road
Open Question Time:
The repair of the footpath on Rogers Road was raised. The Clerk to follow up with CCC.
The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Thursday, 12th July 2007 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.