Notes from the Parish Council November meeting
John Covill chaired the meeting with 7 Parish Councillors in attendance. There were 4 members of the public present.
Following the formalities, the Chairman suspended the meeting to allow the public to speak on the below items:
Proposed additional gipsy site on Heath Road: David Greenfield reported that it was agreed at a meeting of ECDC's Strategic Development Committee not to go ahead with the proposal for an additional gypsy site at Goodwin Farm. David went on to say that due to the high number of responses opposing the proposal not only was the Goodwin Farm site removed as an option but also any future proposal for the Swaffham Prior area. Everyone thanked David for his hard work and efforts as Chairman of the Steering Group.
Problems with Drains on Green Head Road: Concerns were reported about chemical smells coming from the water system on Green Head Road. This was initially reported to ECDC's Environmental Services and following further visits by Anglian Water and the Environment Agency this problem has now been reported to the Health & Safety Executive for further advice and action.
Front Gates to Village Hall: These were reported as in need of repair as they had become very difficult to close or secure.
At this point the Chairman reconvened the meeting.
Reports
- CCC -Cllr David Brown reported to the meeting.
- ECDC -Cllr Allen Alderson reported to the meeting:
As part of Cllr Alderson's report he confirmed that work was to start shortly on the installation of a handrail on the footpath at The Beeches. Parish Councillors thanked Cllr Alderson for chasing this work but remained concerned about the delay in getting such necessary work carried out.
Cllr Alderson also confirmed that he had reported the dumping of a fridge/ freezer on the slip road into the Village and that this would shortly be removed. Correspondence for Consideration/Circulation: Victim Support -request for donation. It was agreed that donations would only be made to local groups. Progress Report on Proposed Works to Pound Wall: ECDC confirmed that the application for Listed Building Consent had been received and registered. Replacement Noticeboard outside Village Hall: The Clerk informed the meeting that the noticeboard was in a poor condition and asked if it could be replaced and reported a budget cost of approximately £1,000. Following discussion it was suggested that before considering replacement the Clerk would first look into the costs involved to refurbish the noticeboard.
Consideration of Draft Budget/Precept for 2011-2012: Following discussion it was agreed to set a draft Precept figure of £14,500 -no increase on current year. Final Precept figure will be agreed at the January 2011 meeting.
Clerk's Report:
Cambridgeshire ACRE - Housing Needs Survey: To follow on from last meeting, a representative from Cambridgeshire ACRE will be invited to the December meeting. It was confirmed that no costs would be incurred. Light over Church Steps: The light is now fully working.
Grasscutting Tenders: 4 contractors have been invited to tender for the 3-year contract to start March 2011.
Dog Bin, Fairview Grove: The moving of the dog bin was pending. To be followed up with ECDC.
Wreath for Remembrance Sunday: This was laid by Andrew Camps.
Accounts for Payment: These were agreed.
Parish Councillors'Reports:
Andrew Camps reminded the meeting of the need to remove the spoil heap in the cemetery. Carried forward as agenda item for meeting early in the new year.
Open Question Time:
It was reported that the Pound was in need of some tidying up. It was suggested that perhaps a working party could carry this out.
The poor condition of one of the litter bins on Coopers Green was raised with the suggestion that this was repaired or replaced.
If anyone would like further information on any of the above items, please do not hesitate to contact the Clerk.
The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday, 9th December 2010, starting at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
All are welcome to attend.