Notes from the Parish Council October Meeting
John Covill chaired both meetings with 7 Parish Councillors and 2 members of the Public attending.
Reports:
CCC: Cllr David Brown reported to the meeting
ECDC: Cllr Allen Alderson reported to the meeting.
Parish Council Vacancy: Mr Paul Latchford was co-opted onto the Parish Council. This was unanimously agreed.
Matters Arising from Previous Minutes (for information only)
Steve Kent-Phillips confirmed that he would shortly be replacing the broken glass front to the cemetery noticeboard.
Steve Kent-Phillips reported that the Scouts had helped with the painting of the seats and fencing in the play area. The Scouts were thanked for their help. Repairs to the Pound, Cage Hill: Meeting between Structural Engineer and ECDC Conservation Officer pending. Carried forward to next meeting.
Removal of Cedar Tree in Churchyard: Following discussion it was agreed that nothing would be gained by removing the young Cedar tree to the rear of the Limes. Concern was raised about a second Cedar nearer to St Cyriacs noting that the roots could potentially become a problem for St Cyriacs. The Clerk was to write to the Churches Conservation Trust to make them aware of this.
A petition signed by 39 village residents was received. This petition stated "we, the undersigned residents of Swaffham Prior, wish to be able to see the Clock and Tower of St Cyriac's Church from the High Street. We ask the Parish Council to support this petition and to discuss with ECDC how best our wishes can be met. While we are all lovers of trees we do not believe they should dominate our lives. After all, the Clock and Tower were there first" . The meeting considered concerns received for and against the cutting of the Limes but given the results of the survey it was proposed that the Clerk contact Cathy White, ECDC's Tree Officer to discuss further her decision not to allow the Limes to be cut.
Planning Matters including:
A Parish Council Planning meeting was held on the 1st October 2009 to consider an application for 14 Cage Hill -demolition of existing garage and construction of two storey side extension and single storey rear extension. There were no objections.
Accounts for Payment: These were agreed.
Clerk's Report:
Grit bin has been ordered for the Village Car Park.
It was confirmed at the meeting that the new sign on Lower End/Rogers Road was now complete and looking splendid!
Request received from ECDC for estimated total Precept figure for 2010/11 - agenda item for November meeting.
Parish Councillors' Reports:
John Covill noted that some of the 'spikes'on top of the play area swings were missing. Steve Kent-Phillips said he would replace with new ones. Geoffrey Woollard reported that signs had been put up by CCC Highways warning drivers of uneven Fen roads between Swaffham Prior and Upware. Unfortunately some of the signs were stolen and had to be replaced with new ones. Andrew Camps reported on Neighbourhood Panel Meeting noting that further volunteers were needed for the Speedwatch Scheme.
Peter Hart told meeting that he was waiting to hear from Karen Whymark, CCC Parish Paths Liaison Officer with reference to Footpath No.6 from Village car park. Peter Hart reported that the Stagecoach bus stop sign at the top of Rogers Road was still loose. The Clerk said she would chase repair work.
Open Question Time:
With reference to the future plans for the A14, the meeting was made aware of a further round of public displays for consultation and the importance of going along to see plans.
If anyone would like further information on any of the above items, please do not hesitate to contact the Clerk.
The next meeting will take place on Thursday, 12th November 2009 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
All are welcome to attend.