Tuesday 3rd July 2007

Present - Cllrs. Murgatroyd (in the Chair) Brearley, Gardiner, Hatt, Lyster, Scott and Wahlich, Cty Cllr. McCraith, Dist.Cllr. Guest, 10 members of the public and the Clerk.

There were no apologies for absence.

The Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 8th May were taken as read, confirmed and signed.

Matters arising

  1. Parking in Hall Lane.
    In reply to the Clerk’s letter, Mr. Mike Cooper advised that the work on the remaining parking area would be considered in the 2008/9 budget. Cllr. Hatt felt that Mr. Cooper’s attention should be drawn to white lines being painted along the edge of the road, where required. The Clerk would write to Mr. Cooper accordingly
  2. Rabbit Sanctuary.
    The Chairman confirmed that a planning application had been sent to Mr. Collings but he had not yet completed and returned it. The Chairman would look into this.
  3. Parking in Wallers Close.
    Enquiries had been made about erecting "no parking" or "parking for residents only" signs and apparently not only South Cambs District Council but also the police would have to be approached to obtain approval. Other solutions may have to be found.
  4. Affordable Housing.
    The building work was progressing satisfactorily. However, the Chairman reported that he had been advised by South Cambs. D.C. that despite the Parish Council wishing to give the development the individual name of "Twelve Acres"(relating to the site’s original name) the District Council intended to continue numbering the houses along Heydon Road. The Chairman would get in touch with the D.C. expressing the Council’s preference.
  5. Status of Planning Applications.
    The joint application from Mr. Fisher and Mr. Stanford of Hall Lane, had been approved. However, Cllr. Brearley felt that the attention of Mr. Cooper be drawn to the fact that the owners of these properties had extended their front garden paths across the public highway. The Clerk reported that the planning applications from Mr. & Mrs. Gadian, Mr. G. Slowman and Mr. Wren had all gone to Appeal.
  6. Financial Matters.
    The Clerk read the report from the External Auditors, Messrs. Moore Stephens, approving the audited accounts for the year 2006/7.
    Mrs. Buckland drew attention to the ROSPA Report (a copy of the appropriate section had been sent to the Children’s Playground Committee). The Report had mentioned in particular that the free-standing metal 5-a-side goals should be permanently secured. The Chairman would speak to Mr. Fred Smith on the matter.
    Cllr. Scott suggested that all interested parties connected with the playing field should get together and discuss the siting of playing field equipment etc. This was agreed and a meeting would be arranged.
    The Chairman then invited Mr. Stuart Farrow, Chairman of the Village Hall Committee, to explain the financial position regarding income and expenditure and, in particular, the toilet improvements. This Mr. Farrow duly did. The Chairman thanked him for his report. Cllr. Brearley suggested that the Parish Council give further consideration to the accounts and confirm a budget figure at the next meeting.
    A request had been received from the Youth Committee that the sum of £500 be granted to them to be used to get the activities "off the ground". After consideration, Cllr. Gardiner proposed, Cllr. Brearley seconded and it was unanimously agreed that the request be granted.
    The Chairman suggested that Mrs. Jo Shickell be invited to our next meeting and advise the P.C. of their plans for the youth club.
    Confirmation of cheques paid since the last meeting:- £275 each for churchyard maintenance; printing £6; Playground grant £650; Chairman’s Parish Council expenses £32.97; CALC £13.50; Pear Tree Press (village newsletter) £29.70; Teenagers’ Group £60; Annual Parish Meeting expenses £68.10; verge cutting £160; Playing Field Assn.£2250; Moore Stephens £334.88; Playsafety (ROSPA) £141 and D.B. Leitch £24 re-siting benches.
  7. To discuss Village Plan
    Cllr. Scott introduced three members of the "Speeding Group" which had held several meetings regarding the problem of speeding through the village. Mr. Chris Martin gave a very detailed account of the information gained so far, including the experience re flashing warning signs used by Barley and Newton. It was also suggested that a petition be organised and sent to Mr. P. Lowe.
    Cllr. Scott said that the Parish Plan is to be presented to the District and County Councils by Melanie Baker of CALC shortly.
    Regarding the suggestion of establishing a footpath between Chishill and Barley, this will be investigated further.
    The Chairman thanked Mr. Martin and Cllr. Scott for their comprehensive reports and for the efforts being made by the Group to get drivers to observe the speed limit through both villages.
  8. To discuss the New Code of Conduct
    A "Guide to Members" received from the Standards Board for England had been circulated to Parish Council members and, after discussion, it was agreed that the Clerk should write to CALC accepting their recommendation that 12(2) of the New Code be retained, to take effect from 1st September.
  9. Correspondence
    The Parish Council was advised re a Conference on Anti-Social Behaviour to held on 25th September at Cambs. City Airport.
    Information regarding increasing public involvement in decision making was also reported as well as a meeting of Bassingbourn/Melbourn Neighbourhood Panel on 24th July at Melbourn Village Hall.
  10. Any Other Business
    The Chairman mentioned that an invitation had been received from Bayer CropScience to visit their Centre at Chishill, which was received with interest.
    Cllr. Hatt reported on complaints received about the proliferation of rabbits breeding in a field in Barley Road and the Clerk was instructed to write to the owner/occupier drawing attention to the fact that is incumbent on him to control these animals according to DEFRA and the N.F.U.
    Mrs. Crouch advised the meeting that work on the church wall was about to start. This information was welcomed by the Parish Council.
    The Chairman reported that on the recommendation of the Parish Council’s solicitors, the land referred to in their recent letters, be registered.
    Cllr. Brearley suggested that the Clerk be offered extra help with her work as Clerk.
    Mrs. Buckland said she would think about it.
  11. Date of next meeting.
    It was agreed that the next meeting of the Parish Council would be held on Tuesday, 28th August.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed