Notes from the Parish Council February Meeting
Chairman John Covill chaired the meeting with 7 Parish Councillors and 1 member
of the Public.
Minutes of Meeting 8th January 2009: These were agreed.
The evening started with an Open Forum to allow members of the public to speak. Letters were presented to the meeting expressing serious concerns about the unauthorised use of the River Cam flood bank by drivers of vehicles, noting that one such vehicle had been stopped by the property owners who were then threatened. This together with the recent spate of burglaries in the area had caused much concern to those living along the river-side.
The Parish Council was to discuss the issues further in official meeting.
This was reported to the meeting. Two letters were presented by a member of the public as above. The issues were discussed at length and it was explained that the unauthorised access had become an issue due to the recent works carried out by the Environment Agency in strengthening, re-profiling and reseeding the flood banks. Although it was accepted that these works were necessary the 'smoothing'out of the embankment had been taken advantage of by vehicles. It was agreed to speak with the Environment Agency in the first instance and discuss possible means of blocking access.
Completion of Cemetery Maintenance: Following further inspection by Andrew Camps and Peter Hart, they told the meeting that the remaining cutting back of trees on the inside boundary of the cemetery would be completed by themselves and that a contractor was not needed.
Tothill Road Footpath - outstanding maintenance: Paul Butcher of CCC had inspected the footpath and reported his findings. He confirmed to the Clerk that the repairs would be added to his list for future works but that due to continuing budgetary constraints work could not be carried out at this time.
Fairview Grove - request for road maintenance: The Clerk had contacted CCC Highways about the repair/resurfacing of the road. A reply was pending.
Heath Road - passing place for vehicles: A letter was received asking the Parish Council for their support for the installation of a passing place and to confirm this with CCC Highways. This was discussed and it was agreed that the Clerk would write to Paul Butcher and confirm.
Whiteway Drove - request for grit bin: The purchase of a grit bin was agreed. The Clerk was to confirm with CCC Highways location and approval.
Change to Upware Sign (additional info for Football Ground): Amendments to the sign were agreed. The Clerk to confirm with CCC Highways.
Parish Path Partnership - application for 2009/10: Peter Hart agreed to complete and submit.
Planning Approval Received: Zoar Baptist Church, Rogers Road - change of use of Chapel and School Room to residential.
Accounts for Payment: These were agreed.
Clerk's Report:
Faulty streetlights reported - Fairview Grove and High Street.
Further complaints about dog fouling in village. See separate notice in Crier
Concerns received about condition of overgrown footpath running from Village Car Park across the field to Station Road. Also where hedgerow has been cut on the field boundary with Station Road, cuttings have been left on the footpath making it very difficult to use.
Simon King confirmed that repair works to village noticeboards would be carried out as soon as the weather permitted.
The traffic calming works on Mill Hill had been held up due to the bad weather.
Parish Councillors'Reports:
David Almond told the meeting that dumping of rubbish on the field behind Pulpit Corner was unsightly. It was noted that some of the rubbish had been removed but that future dumping should be watched for.
John Covill reported that he had attended a meeting of the National Trust where one of the main issues was volume of traffic and parking arrangements as part of their Fen Vision project. He had stressed at the meeting that no traffic should be permitted through the villages. The National Trust confirmed that a team of consultants were in the process of reviewing these issues and due to report back in April
John Covill confirmed that there had been further dumping in the Fen consisting of old furniture and asbestos.
Open Question Time: No questions.
The next meeting will take place on Thursday, 12th March 2009 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. All are welcome to attend.