September minutes

PRESENT: A Milton (Chairman), Mr D Reeves (Vice Chairman), Mr J Bailey, Mr P Harradine, Mrs J Sidaway, Mr R Ward, Mrs A Christie, Coun S Edwards (SCDC), the Clerk and 5 members of the public.

APOLOGIES: Mr R Warboys, Mrs Y Graves, Coun M Bradney (CCC), Coun T Wotherspoon (SCDC), Coun N Bolitho (SCDC), Coun D Jenkins (CCC)

The Chairman reported that regrettably Mr Ralph Warboys had resigned due to ill health.

MINUTES – The Minutes of the meeting of 7th July 2008 were approved and then signed by the Chairman.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: None.

MATTERS ARISING:

A14 Ellington to Fen Ditton Improvement Scheme:
The Chairman welcomed John Clarke, Costain Skanska and Geoff Chatfield, Highways Agency who returned with a follow up from our previous meeting.
Mr Chatfield confirmed they are on programme to hold ‘pre-order’ exhibitions in December (public exhibitions to show more detail of the new junctions, etc)
In March, formal draft orders will be exhibited – public will have the right to object to these. Details of the exhibitions will be circulated to all households.
Mr Clarke showed everyone draft plans of the proposed interchanges at Oakington junctions which will be linked to a two lane dual local road (separate to the proposed new A14) with a new over-bridge, and an additional attenuation pond.
This local road will join up with Huntingdon Road, Cambridge and will also link to the new A14 ‘strategic’ road towards Felixstowe.
A dedicated cycleway is also planned to run alongside the new local road.
All aggregates would be brought in from gravel works adjacent to the new roads avoiding the existing A14, A1 or A428 Similarly, materials for banking etc will be extracted from land adjacent to the new roads.
Mr Clarke offered to return to either our November or December meeting with a further update. He will liaise with Clerk on preferred date.

Northstowe – the Chairman had eventually received acknowledgement from English Partnerships that they are responsible for Station Road ditch as the riparian owner. The Highways Dept (at the request of EP) had done some exploratory work and found another headwall the other side of the culvert at right angles to the ditch. At this stage they do not know what is feeding into it. The ditch had not yet been properly cleared as Highways Dept was waiting for some heavy rainfall to see what the water does. They will also get the highway gullies pressure-washed. The Chairman had written to EP informing them of this additional drainage source from the airfield.

Parking Bay – Coun Christie had circulated a draft agreement. A few amendments had been requested by Mr Leadley which were accepted. Coun Christie will arrange for the final agreement to be produced.

A14 Junction Lighting – only one light not working now!

Parking, Cambridge Road – issue seems to have improved lately.

Interactive Signs – acknowledgement to Chairman’s letter received from Andrew Lansley. The Clerk had observed men inspecting the signs on two occasions but it appears that no work has yet been done on them.

S106 Northstowe – the Chairman, Couns Reeves & Ward had met with SCDC officers regarding the ‘wish-list’. Regrettably, they were informed that none of our requests would be eligible. However, they are looking into the allotment request further following a letter from the Chairman confirming that there is a current waiting list and justifying the reasons why they are needed. Unfortunately, the area of land suggested contains badgers, so SCDC are investigating other potential suitable areas.

Ditch, Station Road – discussed under ‘Northstowe’. Matt Pickering, CCC Highways Dept is also looking into the flooding caused by guided bus works.

Saturday Markets – the planning application had now been withdrawn. This is precisely what has occurred in previous years and the markets continue to be held. It was noted that the applicant knows how to ‘work’ the planning regulations to his advantage.

Play Area – Coun Christie reported that the play area ‘committee’ are in agreement that the new play equipment should be located on the current site but with an extension of area if possible. The Chairman stated that any increase would need to go towards the left side (if facing the pavilion) due to known Saxon remains on the other side. It will also need to avoid the pavilion services (approx 2 metres in from barrier) and the burial chamber at the front.
Coun Christie will obtain some new quotes when they have calculated the total size of the area.
Coun Sidaway reported that one of the new CCTV cameras will be directed at the play area so the Pavilion committee will need be informed of the extent of the ‘new’ play area so that it can be correctly positioned.

Sports Pavilion – keys had now been distributed and signed for. The Clerk will keep a record of key holders.

Scout Hut – only one quote to demolish the building had been received so far. Coun Sidaway will ascertain if there have been additional quotes at the next Pavilion Committee meeting (9th September). It was noted that the building must to be demolished as soon as possible to avoid further destruction by vandals.

Road Planings for Paths – the Chairman had had a site meeting with Sarah Shepherd, Countryside Access Team to discuss our request for upgrading of the existing Permissive Footpath at the rear of the cemetery and the Public Footpath from the bridge to the kissing gate, and from the kissing gate to the bus stop on Water Lane.
The Chairman has sent her a quote from Gavin Stearn to lay the planings and she will compare this against a quote from CCC contractors.
Coun Bailey had spoken to the Garden Centre about planting seeds or bulbs alongside the paths. They recommended that seeds should be planted in spring and bulbs (which would be more expensive) about now. It was felt that wild bluebells would be the only suitable bulbs for woodland.

Midfield Bus Shelter – Coun Reeves will cut back overhanging vegetation.

Hearing Loop – had been fitted and is fully functioning.

Parish Council Website:
Coun Reeves reported that the original website had been running for approx 2 years now and is viewed by residents. However, he suggested it should be reviewed and possibly have more information on parish matters included. His son is no longer able to assist with updating and consequently the minutes have not been added as quickly as they should.
Coun Reeves had spoken with Mat Barnett who produces the community newsletter and he is prepared to take on the administration of the website for a fee of £30 per annum (total annual cost would be approx £50 including website hosting fee).
Mat would only upload information provided by the Parish Council without amendment and the Parish Council would retain editorial control of the website.
Proposed by Coun Christie and seconded by Coun Bailey that Mat should take over running the website on the above basis. All agreed.

SCHOOL GOVERNOR COUNCILLOR:
Coun Reeves had decided to resign as a school governor. He had informed the chair of governors in writing.
Coun Christie confirmed she is happy to take on this role. All agreed.

AUDIT 2007-2008/RISK
The annual return had been submitted to Moore Stephens on 1st July. Several weeks later a list of supplementary questions had been received due to our ‘intermediate’ category. Responses were sent back on 18th August.
The Clerk reported that it is possible that we will also be in the ‘intermediate’ category for 2008/09 due to the pavilion. Therefore, she recommended a review of risk.
The Chairman reported that our last formal risk assessment was carried out in 2004. He then handed around a draft of what he viewed as the present day situation. These were discussed and agreed to be pertinent. (copy included with minutes)
The Clerk will also attend an ‘Assessing Your Risk’ course being run by CPALC on 5th December to ensure we are complying with current rules/procedures on assessing risk.
The 2008 ROSPA report was also reviewed at this meeting.
It was noted that there are no ‘high risk’ areas.
Due to the proposed redevelopment of the play area, all of the concerns raised should be addressed and none of the current ‘medium’ or ‘low’ risk items were considered to be sufficiently urgent to warrant additional expenditure/action in the meantime.
Coun Christie confirmed that the play area committee had looked at the items raised in the report as part of their discussions on the new play area.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING 2009:
It was agreed that the pavilion main hall would be required for this meeting.
Date agreed for Monday 27th April. The Clerk will ensure the regular Monday night booking is informed.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Rural Housing Trust – offer of presentation to hear about the work of the Trust – agreed to decline as no suitable land for housing in the parish.
CCC – Minor Highway Improvement Schemes – 2009/10 Bids – agreed to resubmit bid for 30 mph speed limit in Cambridge Road and yellow lines in Longstanton Road near pond.
S Moore – ‘Councillor Call for Action’ re issue of Longstanton Road and request that Parish Council reiterate view that it should be closed as soon as possible – Clerk will write to CCC again.
Perretts Amusements – request to hold a ‘traditional fair’ on Recreation Ground on Sat 13th & Sun 14th Sept – proposed by Coun Harradine and seconded by Coun Reeves that request should be denied on basis of ground not being suitable at present, concerns about generators disturbing neighbours and lack of toilet access. All agreed. The Clerk will inform Mrs Perrett.

Circulation
Andrew Lansley, MP – requesting copy of response letters from English Partnerships ref drainage issues in Station Road
Oakington Sports Pavilion – minutes of meeting held 8 July 08.
SCDC – responses to comments raised ref guided bus stops.
SCDC – reorganisation of Development Control Teams (now in East Area)
SLCC – Regional Conference 25 Sept 08
SCDC – Future for Council Housing in South Cambs
(above to CH 21/7)
COPE – August & September newsletters
Cambs ACRE – Rural Services Survey 2007
English Partnerships – copy of letter to A Lansley ref drainage ditch, Station Rd
A Lansley, MP – ack of letter re interactive signs.
D Jenkins (CCC) – August report
Local Council Review, September
Clerks & Councils Direct, September
CCC – Countryside Access Team Annual Report 2007-08
Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Histon Neighbourhood Newsletter Aug 08
Carillion WSP – Highways Agency Area 8
CPALC – training schedule Oct 08 – Mar 09
Connections Bus Project – report Apr to July 08
Community Action, Autumn 2008
Cambs & Peterborough Minerals & Waste , Preferred Options Consultation 8th Sept – 20th Oct
North West Cambridge Area Action Plan – Objection Sites Consultation
SCDC, Northstowe – Community Update Meeting – Tues 23rd September, Oakington Primary.


PLANNING:

Bedford Markets, Phypers Farm, Dry Drayton Rd – use of pasture land for car boot sales and associated parking on Saturdays and bank holidays (retrospective application) S/1218/08/F
(Letter received dated 3.9.08 advising application has now been withdrawn). Chairman to write to express our concerns that this happens year on year, and theses sales just carry on regardless.

BILLS FOR PAYMENT:

Cheques signed since 7.7.08:
British Gas Business – pavilion electricity 1.6.08 – 30.6.08 85.21
C J Murfitt Ltd – interim inv 11, building work pavilion 9680.53
B J Waller Ltd – toilet roll holders, pavilion 82.25
Speedy Hire Centres Ltd – duplicate chq 469 (lost in post) 218.03
Algar Signcraft Services Ltd – plaque, pavilion 82.25
Philip Goodwin Ltd – road sweeping, pavilion opening 84.60
Total Protection Services – fire safety inspection, pavilion 470.00
J Milton – refund re hearing loop, pavilion 284.50

Direct Debits:
British Gas Business – pavilion gas 20.5.08 – 14.7.08 557.46
British Gas Business – pavilion gas 14.7.08 – 31.7.08 13.86
British Gas Business – pavilion electricity 30.6.08- 31.7.08 88.03

LGS Services – internal audit fee 07/08 235.00
Five Star Pest Control – treatment of wasps’ nest, pavilion 47.00
Connections Bus Project – 13 visits 14.4.08-21.7.08 1031.03
A J Milton – refund filing cabinets, key box, whiteboard, cement 32.63
R Bell – street lights & cleaning 8.7.08 – 8.9.08
9 weeks @ £51.50 463.50
L Lawrence – clerk’s salary 8.7.08 – 8.9.08
67.5 hours @ £9.57 = £645.98
+ telephone allowance = £60.00
+ travel expenses = £10.60
+ refund toner, printer & stationary = £32.94
+ refund, phone, pavilion = £22.48 772.00
14227.88

It was proposed by Coun Reeves and seconded by Coun Bailey that these bills be paid. All agreed.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The Clerk confirmed the two broken Dry Drayton Road signs had been reported.

Coun Bailey had noticed the large new building behind the pub and enquired if the owner had got planning consent (belongs to number 1 Coles Lane) The Chairman had been asked directions to the new ‘health centre’ in Coles Lane. He had reviewed the planning application and it is for a private garage! Consequently, he will write to the planning enforcement officer.

Coun Sidaway reported the following:
• Tony Leadley had expressed concern about dogs and bikes being taken through the cemetery. It was noted that this had been a longstanding issue. The holes in the hedge need to be blocked up to stop it being used as a cut-through. After some discussion, it was agreed that Coun Reeves would obtain pricing for some chestnut paling.
• Parish Council approval sought a post box to be installed at pavilion. It was decided that a box on the outside near the entrance would be preferred.
• The brook under Dry Drayton Rd/Cambridge Road is thick with weeds. The Chairman understood that the Environment Agency is not generally concerned about weeds as they tend to bend down with the pressure of flowing water. However, the Clerk will contact EA to confirm this.

SCDC had drawn up a list of red phone boxes and advised would only be objecting to the closure of those boxes with an excess of 50 calls per annum. According to their records, Longstanton Rd had zero. However, Coun Bailey pointed out that this would only be chargeable calls as he was aware that the box had been used several times by students using phone cards.

The trees at no. 18 Coles Lane are overhanging the footpath forcing pedestrians to walk on the mud strip. They also block the streetlights. The Clerk will report to Matt Pickering.

Coun Reeves had been received a complaint from a resident about the reduction in the evening bus service to and from Cambridge. Stagecoach had withdrawn some of the No. 15 buses without consultation. The resident had had a letter published in the Cambridge Evening News regarding this matter. It was agreed that the Clerk should copy Matt Bradney, Transport portfolio holder on the correspondence and reiterate the concerns raised.

Councillor Christie had been informed that there is some overhanging vegetation in Dry Drayton Road. She will establish the exact location and inform the Clerk.

The Chairman reported the following:
• He had repaired the path to the play area
• Tree by the school is obliterating the traffic light there (the Clerk will bring this to attention of governing body)
• Should bulbs be planted this year? Coun Reeves offered to plant some near Arcadia Gardens. The Chairman will purchase them.
• Congratulated Tim Wotherspoon on becoming a SCDC Cabinet member
• Lampost No 4 at Westwick is still leaning over
• Asked Coun Edwards who we contact regarding new litterbins. Suggested Dale Robinson
• Received a phone call from Louise Pirouet advising that new strengthened fences are to be installed at the Immigration Centre so that ‘higher grade’ asylum seekers can be detained there
• He had removed an obstruction from the Brook (low level safety barrier put across it to make a bridge and grills from scout hut used to make a dam)

Coun Edwards reported that SCDC would be starting household collection of plastic bottles for recycling from October.

A member of the public requested that the Parish Council press for yellow lines along Longstanton Road – agreed application would be made under Minor Highways Improvements Scheme 2009/10.

A member of the public reported that a lot of surface water was atone time a problem on the old airfield near to Mill Road and there was possibly a ditch running down from the old mill which may account for the current drainage problems.

A member of the public reported that the new bridleway in Dry Drayton Road is very overgrown with trees and can’t be used by horse riders. The Clerk will report to Peter Duthrie.

The meeting closed at 9.35 pm.