Fen Ditton Parish Council

FEN DITTON PARISH COUNCIL

Chairman – Councillor Charles Jones

Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council held on Tuesday 2^nd March 2010

at the Recreation Ground Pavilion

Present:

Councillors: A. Cram, M. Easterfield, J. Green, I. Harvey, J. Parr, P. Snellgrove Hawkins, L.Woolfenden. C. Jones (chairman) attended from 9.15pm.

Parish Clerk: M. Starkie

Election of Chairman for the meeting

As the Council Chairman was unable to attend the beginning of the meeting, Clr. Woolfenden proposed Clr. Snellgrove Hawkins as Chairman for the meeting; seconded by Clr. Parr.

Open Forum

Cycle Path Alex Alexander from Cambridgeshire County Council updated the council on the proposed cycle path from Horningsea to Fen Ditton. There has been an issue with financing the project but Mr. Alexander thinks that this has now been solved. The detailed design of the section from Horningsea to the A14 has been agreed, scrub removal has started and because land on the Quy Estate was not available, the path will use the existing verge. The second section currently needs design for ditch drainage pipes. Telegraph poles obstruct the straight run of the path and CCC is negotiating to move them; this has a cost implication. The path can cross the A14 exit slip road with the existing traffic lights; the path across A14 access will have new traffic lights. CCC is in discussion with Fen Ditton Primary School on how the path will cross Horningsea Road; the head teacher has requested that the crossing will be on the south side of pedestrian crossing. Work is planned for the school summer holidays avoiding key times, i.e. 0700 to 0930 and 1530 to 1830. Clr. Cram expressed concern at the removal of hedges; Mr. Alexander responded that only scrub was being removed; replacement hedging where appropriate will depend on the drainage pipes. Clr. Harvey asked who would be responsible for maintenance of the path and removal of any litter, especially broken glass. Mr. Alexander responded that maintenance would be on the inventory of the County Council; litter is the responsibility of SCDC. Clr. Green asked if the path would be part of the National Cycle Route. Mr. Alexander responded that this was not currently planned. Clr. Snellgrove Hawkins thanked Mr. Alexander for his presentation and asked that the Parish Council be kept updated.

Community Transport Strategy Kathryn Hawkes from SCDC and Jane Hurst from Care-Network attended the council to present on transport options where there is insufficient rural public transport.

The Dial-a Ride scheme is aimed mostly at over 65s, infirm or disabled but now looking to increase its client base to anyone who is rurally isolated. There are no concessionary fares in Cambridge for Dial-a-Ride with individual return travel to Cambridge being £7.50; group bookings can be much cheaper than taxis, a planned journey costing £48 for up to 40 people. Kathryn left leaflets for distribution; Parish Clerk to supply to Mrs Jack for the Coffee Pot. More information can be found on SCDC website.

Care-Network is a good neighbour scheme and develops local social car schemes such as the Beaches Car Scheme for residents of Waterbeach, Horningsea, Landbeach and Chittering. The scheme requires a committee of at least three people who are also co-coordinators and requires volunteer drivers who need CRB certification. SCDC covers public liability insurance and reimburses part costs. It is aimed at passengers needing welfare transport such as surgery and hospital visits, but does not replace transport where there is a need for ambulance care. Clr. Woolfenden suggested discussing these schemes as an agenda item at a future meeting. Parish Clerk to check if the Beaches Scheme could include Fen Ditton.

1. Apologies for absence – Clrs. Clarke, Peel and Turner had sent their apologies.

2. Declarations of interest – Clr. Harvey expressed a personal Interest in the Planning Application on High Ditch Road and did not vote at Item 6a.

3. Ratification of the Minutes of the meeting of 2^nd February 2010
The date of the Annual Parish Meeting had been set at 11^th May but this needed to be changed. With this exception the Minutes were agreed and signed by Clr. Snellgrove Hawkins.

4. Matters arising
a) Councillor affiliation to Committees – the responsibilities were agreed – see Appendix 1
The Council currently has no Vice-Chairman. Clr. Jones proposed Clr. Snellgrove Hawkins for this post; seconded by Clr. Woolfenden and carried unanimously.
Note – this action were taken out of order of the agenda and agreed after the Chairman, Clr. Jones arrived.
b) Group Councillor training – Clr. Woolfenden suggested that CPALC could provide training for the whole Council; if shared with other councils the cost might be reduced. Parish Clerk to contact Orchard Parish Council and CPALC
c) Contract with C.G.M. – the contract has been renewed. CGM has been asked to inform Council when areas have been cut. Conservation Committee to monitor.
d) Cambridgeshire Third Local Transport Plan – leaflets had not been delivered to households by agency. CCC to investigate.
e) Proposed Cycle Path – covered in Open Forum
f) Maintenance of Recreation Ground Pavilion – The Council agreed that the Pavilion needed some serious attention. Discussed at Item 13a
g) Annual Parish Meeting – the council agreed the meeting should be held on Wednesday 19^th May in the Village Hall. Parish Clerk to contact all Societies and Charities, advertise the date and venue and book the Hall. (Note – this item was discussed when Clr. Jones arrived after Item 12)

5. Reports from County and District Councillors
Both councillors had sent their apologies; there were no reports this month.

6. Planning Applications and other Planning Matters
The planning committee met on Saturday 20th February – Report from Clr. Woolfenden.
a) S/0185/10/F Erection of two dwellings High Ditch Road - the Committee had inspected the plans. The Committee felt that the plans were in keeping with the requirements of the local development plan and would recommend approval.
A villager had queried whether the development was outside the village envelope but SCDC has confirmed that it is within the envelope.
The Council discussed the plans and expressed concern that a boundary hedge had already been grubbed out. Clr. Cram proposed that the application should be approved with the recommendation that the hedge should be replaced with mixed hedge of native species; seconded by Clr. Green and carried unanimously with Clr. Harvey not participating because of declared interest.
b) Land by the Barn - the Committee had also discussed the Land by the Barn in relation to the letter suggested by Kate Church of Hewitsons to respond to Barr Ellison LLP. Kate Church had given her opinion that the Deed of Grant to the Williams did not invalidate that of Mr. Gough Goodman. The committee wants to reduce the cost of legal fees and asked the Clerk to look at the Council's Insurance and possible back up available from SCDC. They agreed to send the letter, with minor alteration, as Kate Church had written it, but to try to limit the Council’s legal costs by writing from the Council, as far as possible, in future. Hewitsons were asked to forward any correspondence sent to them to the Parish Clerk. The Committee hopes that Mr. Gough Goodman would agree to a meeting with the Chairman to discuss the situation further. The Parish Clerk reported that she had inspected the insurance and advised that it did not cover the type of legal fees currently involved. She will ask Clr. Turner about SCDC possible support on his return.
The Chairman had met with Mr. Oliver who had now started to cut down the Russian Ivy from the telegraph wire. Mr. Oliver has referred to a letter that he received from the Parish Council some years ago; he thought that this established his rights of access. The Parish Clerk had searched the files for this letter but had not yet found it.
The Parish Clerk has notified the Land Registry of the change of names and addresses of Clerk and Chairman for correspondence.
The Council accepted the report and endorsed it. The Council agreed that it should contact the residents of 3, 5 and 7 Green End in April each year to remind them of their obligations in respect of the Council land.

c) Traveller Site Sewerage issues – Clr Woolfenden reported that she had responded to a request from Clr Hazel Smith of SCDC and Milton PC to support Milton in their request to Anglian Water for a sewage connection at the Traveller site. This was in line with the Council’s original response to consultation on the site. Current response on file and in Appendix 2. Clr. Green had also responded in a private capacity and his response is on file.

7. New Standing Orders
The council agreed that new Standing Orders should be written in line with NALC guidelines. A sub-committee will meet at 7pm before the Council meeting on 6^th April. (Clrs. Easterfield, Harvey, and Woolfenden)

8. Conservation matters
a) Request for help with Church Wall Maintenance – the Clerk had heard from Mr. Ritchie that the matter had not been discussed at the Parochial Church Council meeting but Rev. Bower would contact the Council on his return from holiday
b) Response to Cambridgeshire Together Rural Strategy - Councillors felt that the objectives were not clear. The Conservation Committee will meet to discuss and provide a response.
c) Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Minerals and Waste Plan – Household have received information on the plans and there is a notice on the village board with more information on the SCDC website. As the consultation period ends 29^th March a committee will meet to respond. Individuals may respond on line or by letter.
d) TPO – removal of walnut tree at 26 Church Street. This item was not on the agenda but because of time restraints was considered at this meeting. The Tree Warden had reviewed the TPO and had no objection. Clr. Snellgrove Hawkins proposed approval; seconded by Clr Easterfield and agreed by four councillors with abstention by two.

9. Highways matters
a) Preparation for A14 Public Local Enquiry – The Council expressed concern on the increased traffic likely with the third lane terminating at Fen Ditton and the effects of construction traffic in the village. The council has objected to the proposals in the past and wants to object at the Enquiry. Clr. Jones suggested that the Council might need legal representation and considered that other councils in the area, such as Stow cum Quy, Horningsea and Milton, might share the cost of such representation. Clr. Woolfenden pointed out that the concerns and objectives of the four councils might be different. Clr. Jones had heard from the scheme’s project leader that there would be a quieter road surface but that there would be no sound barrier over the A14 Bridge. He had been told that the objections would be grouped together into categories, such as noise, and not be addressed specifically to a village’s objections. No dates have yet been given for the Enquiry but the Council wants to prepare in advance. The Parish Clerk to contact the other Councils to ask for their objections and plans and suggest group representation. To be discussed at the Annual Parish Meeting in May.

10. Cemetery matters - report from Clr. Woolfenden
The Cemetery Committee inspected the Cemetery on Saturday 20th February because the Gravedigger had reported areas overgrown and plots unusable. There are 41 plots available; all of the pre-booked plots are usable but it is difficult for the digging machine to get access to all available plots. It is possible to take out part of the Recreation Ground fence for access and the Committee would like the Council to consider making a permanent lockable gateway if this can be done without affecting the appearance. Tree and bush cutting should be avoided, especially in the nesting season but some supervised strimming was required in the area to the rear of the ground. CGM should do this as part of their normal schedule. Some bramble clearing is planned by a group of volunteers for 20th March. The appearance of the cemetery would be improved with some plants and bulbs; Clr. Cram could source these at a discounted price. Clr. Parr is propagating the seeds supplied by Scottsdale. One of the benches had previously been removed because it was unsafe; the committee would like to investigate possible funding for a vandal-proof replacement.
The council discussed these proposals; Clr. Snellgrove Hawkins suggested that a bench could be bought from Branson Leisure who supplied benches to the Recreation Ground. Clr. Woolfenden suggested that it should be a rural type with arms, preferably with central division to discourage anti-social behaviour. Clerk to provide URLs of bench makers for consideration before the next meeting.

11. Production of a Parish Council Newsletter
Clrs. Green and Harvey will bring some proposals to the next meeting

12. Crime and Welfare Issues – report from Clr. Woolfenden
James Lynch PCSO sent his apologies, as he was unable to attend this month’s meeting. He reported:
He has been made aware of heavy goods vehicles using Horningsea Road (weight restricted area).
PC Rendall and James conducted speed checks in Clayhithe Road at the beginning of February and stopped about 7 vehicles exceeding the speed limit.
There have been reports of vehicles running through red lights outside the Blue Lion Pub. Many children use this crossing.
There has been one burglary in the last month in Fen Ditton High Street.
Three men were arrested for burglary in Cherry Hinton on 2^nd February following a dwelling burglary in the area. They had used a garden spade to break a dining room window to gain entry.
Several calls have been received regarding suspicious activity in Stow-cum-Quay.
If anyone sees anything suspicious please call 0345 456 456 4 or 999
Should anyone wish to subscribe to e-cops (free service), this can be done by visiting:

http://www.cambs-police.co.uk/myneighbourhood/ecops/
To give information anonymously about crime, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
The Parish Clerk attended the Police Surgery at Notcutts garden centre on Friday 19th February. The dates of Police surgeries to be held in the next few months will be put on the Parish Notice boards when they are known. These provide an opportunity for residents to chat with the neighbourhood policing team regarding any issues in our community. (It would be useful to put the dates of Police surgeries for the rest of the year in the newsletter).
The Council accepted the report. Clr. Snellgrove Hawkins suggested that a temporary camera at the crossing might help; Parish Clerk to investigate. Clr. Easterfield suggested the proposed cycle path crossing might have an effect on slowing the traffic.

The Chairman, Clr. Jones, attended the meeting from 9.15pm.

13. Finance
a) s106 Open Spaces Contribution
SCDC suggests that this money should be either in a separate bank account or in a savings account and earmarked as s106 for auditing purposes. The money has been deposited in the savings account. Clr. Jones explained that the money should be used within 10 years. Councillors discussed how it might be used. More s106 contributions are expected from recent developments; the council will consider these at future meetings for possible improvements to the Pavilion. Parish Clerk to contact Mr. George Devine, Chairman of the Cricket Club.

b) Approval of Accounts
The following Invoices were approved
i) Clerk’s Salary & expenses for February
ii) Cambridgeshire County Council – street lighting maintenance and energy 192.52
(This invoice had been received after the Agenda was posted but due to time constraints had to be approved at this meeting)

The following monies were received
i) SCDC – s106 Open Spaces Contribution relating to 28A High Ditch Road 3104.38

Current A/C - £1018; Savings A/C – 22,091 of which £3105.38 is s106 contribution

14. Report from Parish Clerk
a) SLCC Cambs Branch Meeting – Training was given on the Code of Conduct and information on Neighbourhood Panels. CPALC CEO gave update on Standing Orders and Councillor Training.
b) Distribution of Agenda – Standing Orders require that the Proper Person sign and serve on councillors by delivery or post at their residences a summons confirming the time, date, venue and the agenda of a meeting of the Council and a meeting of a committee or sub-committee at least 3 clear days before the meeting unless it is considered expedient to do so electronically. The Council agreed that, to save time and cost, it was expedient for the Parish Clerk to serve the Agenda for all meetings electronically. Proposed by Clr. Jones and seconded by Snellgrove Hawkins, and agreed unanimously.
c) Dispute with OCS Services Ltd. The Parish clerk is disputing an invoice from OCS for window cleaning as it gives the address of the Plough Inn but addressed to the Council. OCS is contracted to clean the bus shelters but there has been little evidence of this recently. She will investigate if a local company can be found to clean the shelters.
The Probation Service has cleaned graffiti from the shelter on Horningsea Rd. opposite Biggin Abbey.
d) Reports of potholes – work has started on some of the potholes reported through the website www.fixmystreet.com. The Clerk has also reported blocked drainage gullies and saplings on High Ditch Road. This website is available to anyone to report damage, safety issues and graffiti.
e) Repairs and Maintenance Kevin Bennett has fixed a commemorative plaque to the bench in Green End; this was covered by a private donation.
f) Local Access Forum Biodiversity Project – the secretary has contacted the clerk for information on land at Low Fen Drove. This land proves to be in Horningsea Parish Council area and the Clerk has given the Forum details of the landowner and who to contact at SCDC.
g) General Election – SCDC has indicated that the Election cannot take place in March but does not yet know if it will be May or June. The Pavilion has been booked for both dates.

15. Correspondence
a) Letters received
i) Horningsea PC – Parish Clerk Vacancy – notice displayed on village boards
ii) Mr. Gough Goodman - sent 1st February –covered during item 6b of Planning Matters
iii) Letter from Hewitsons solicitors 17 February - covered during item 6b of Planning Matters
iv) Request from Spinal Injuries Association - fund raising notice displayed on boards
v) SCDC – PC representative vacancy on Standards Committee – none of the councillors felt able
to apply for this
vi) SCDC – Invitation to Cabinet Meeting 23^rd March – Parish Clerk will attend
Clean-Up workshop 8^th March – no-one able to attend but notice will be passed to a villager
vii) Invitation to attend Tree Warden Meeting Saturday 6^th March, Eltisley.. Tree Warden is unable
to attend. No Councillor is able to attend.
b) Letters sent
i) Mrs Jack and Mrs Griffith thanking them for input to Community Transport Scheme Response
ii) Kate Church of Hewitsons regarding response to Mr. Gough Goodman’s solicitors
iii) Mr. Gough Goodman – acknowledging his letter of 1^st February & inviting him to PC meeting
iv) Bottisham VC – re Trust Status; informed BVC that councillors would respond individually
v) Mrs Jack re Linda Browne to Coffee Pot mornings
vi) Mrs Martin – her complaint about noise from bird scarer – Parish Clerk has contacted farmer.

16. To Accept notices & Matters for the next Agenda
No decisions can lawfully be made under this item. LGA 1972 s12 10(2) (b) states that business must be specified; therefore the Council cannot lawfully agree any matter that is not on the agenda.
Clr. Green asked for the Village Sign maintenance to be discussed at the April meeting

As there was no other business to discuss, the meeting closed at 10.05pm

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 6^th April 2010

Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings of the Parish Council
Appendix 1

Councillor Responsibilities

Committee	Councillor
Cemetery	A. Cram, J. Parr, L. Woolfenden
Conservation	A. Cram, M. Easterfield, J. Parr
Crime and Police	L. Woolfenden, J. Green
Finance	C. Jones, G. Peel
Highways and Transport	C. Jones, G. Peel, L. Woolfenden for A14
Newsletter and Website	J. Green, I. Harvey
Planning	A. Cram, I Harvey, C. Jones, J Parr, L. Woolfenden
Playground	J. Green
Primary School Liaison	J. Green, P. Snellgrove Hawkins
Recreation Ground	P. Snellgrove Hawkins, C. Jones
Travellers and Gypsy Issues	L. Woolfenden, A.N. Other
Welfare and Emergencies	L. Woolfenden, J. Green

Appendix 2

Response to Councillor Hazel Smith of Milton PC and SCDC

10^th February 2010

Dear Cllr. Smith,

Re:- Sewerage connection for the Travellers’ site at Chesterton Fen

Whilst we remain opposed to granting permanent planning permission to site 1 and 2 at Sandy Park, Chesterton Fen (see previous response) we quite agree that the current sewerage arrangements for the Travellers at Chesterton Fen are entirely inadequate. There are serious health and environmental concerns about the current management of sewage at Chesterton Fen, specifically relating to adequate cess pool capacity and regular emptying and disposal of waste. Mains sewerage connection should be a priority. The technical judgement of Anglian Water that the caravans are not buildings , under the Water Services Act, is not logical. They are dwellings in which people live. It is not the health of the caravan or building that is relevant here but the health of the people living in them and the effect on the surrounding environment and community.

Pollution is known to have been identified in ditches near the area on several occasions. Whilst these events have been logged by both SCDC environmental health services and the Environmental agency, the problem remains. This poses a health hazard to both humans and wildlife and the associated foul smell could affect business at the Plough public house, just across the river. It is also unpleasant for those using the river and pathways for recreational purposes.

Whilst a small treatment plant and septic tanks exist on the site, it should be remembered that the Chesterton Fen site is on Flood plain zone 2 and 3 (where 3=high risk of flooding). We are advised that low lying areas, where the water table is very close to the surface, are not the best suited for this purpose. The traveller’s sewage arrangements have not been planned but have just developed on a very ad hoc basis. The purpose built sewage works are within 1km of Chesterton Fen and mains connection would resolve this problem.

The site should be connected to mains sewerage.

Yours sincerely,

Laurie Woolfenden (Mrs)