Present: Parish Councillors; B Drayton, T. Footman, O. Kember (Chairman), P. Phillips, Dr C Stopp, F. Wolton, County Councillor R Martlew and Mrs LG Stoehr (Clerk).

The proposal by the Chairman, seconded Councillor Wolton, that ‘the minutes of the meeting be accepted as a true record with one amendment; Item 3.3 the quotation from Signwork to show £550’ was carried unanimously. The Chairman signed the minutes.

3.1 (6) Village shop

The Chairman welcomed Ms Teresa Jones from Cambridgeshire ACRE and Mr Norman Hayward from VIRSA and invited them to address the meeting. There was a consensus that the parish needed a shop as an essential service for future generations and that with the provision of the shop site as part of the development S106 now was the time to work to provide one.

Following discussion on funding and management the proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Lang that ' a working party consisting of Councillors Drayton and Lang be set up to see this project progress; an item be put in the next edition of the Journal informing the village and seeking assistance with the project; and a parish meeting be called for Monday 15 October' was carried unanimously.

The proposal by Councillor Land, seconded by Councillor Dr Stopp that 'the Parish Council join VIRSA and purchase its publication for £40' was carried unanimously.

Nothing further had been heard from Mr Pearson, Plant Manager. The licence for the bund wall had now been approved. Members reported still hearing noise from the plant.

3.3 (3.3) Village map

Following a review of the budget^{(appendix 1 to these minutes)} the proposal by Councillor Footman, seconded by Councillor Lang that 'the Parish Council approve the quotation received from Signwork and purchase two frames for the schematic map using the unallocated funds carried forward from the last financial year' was carried unanimously.

There was some uncertainty as to the name of the new road between the Social Club and Hall Drive. There was a consensus that this would be Hall Drive. The schematic plan is almost complete. It was agreed to finalise this matter at the next meeting.

3.4 (3.6) Dog bins

Quotations from Glasdon (£64 plastic bins) and ESPO (£67 metal bins) were considered. The proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded, Councillor Footman that 'the Parish Council purchase three dog waste bins in green from ESPO' was carried unanimously.

An information pack had been received from Cambridgeshire Constabulary on Special Constables had been received. The Clerk had been told that it was Cambridgeshire's current policy not to accept funding from parish councils to support policing. The proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Lang that 'a letter be sent to the Chief Inspector, copy A Lansley expressing disappointment that Cambridgeshire Constabulary would not accept financial support from parish councils and that this matter be raised at the next Police consultation Meeting' was carried unanimously.

As no further information was to hand it was agreed to carry this matter forward to the next meeting.

3.7 (10.9) Notice board vandalism

Councillor Wolton reported that the notice board had been vandalised by air pellets once again. It was agreed to carry this matter forward until PC Hilton had reported on the Guardian Awareness Program outcome.

3.8 (3.7) Tesco bus service. Councillor Stewart has tried to speak with the Tesco manager Carry forward.

3.8 (3.8) Awarded ditch Furlong Way to Grafton Farm entrance. Nothing further heard. Carry forward.

3.10 (3.11) Medical unit for the village. Contact had been made to Ian Burns of the Primary Care Group who had asked for more information why the village wanted a medical unit in the village. It was agreed to carry this matter forward until more information was to hand.

3.11 (4.1) Councillor Kember reported on his nomination to the Standards Committee.

4.1 Off Licence for the BP Garage

The proposal by Councillor Lang, seconded by Councillor Footman that 'the Parish Council minute its objection to the BP garages application to the Justices for an off-licence with the following comments:

The applicant has not demonstrated that there is a need for such a licence and we urge the Justices not to grant it' was carried unanimously.

The Clerk reported on her attendance at the Magistrates Court and the long wait. The proposal by the Chairman that 'a letter of complaint regarding the procedure of only noting objections in person be sent to the licensing magistrates with a copy to the MP' was carried unanimously.

5. Planning received since the last meeting

The proposal by Councillor Wolton, seconded by Councillor Drayton that ‘the Parish Council refuse S/1270/01/F The Sheilings, Highfields Road with the following comments:

The Parish Council notes the existing agricultural use of the property and field. It does not object in principle, however to a development which will enhance a run-down area but does consider as essential

1. a legal agreement for maintaining the road leading to the A428 and to Highfields Road

2. a satisfactory foul water system

3. a condition that the field attached to the house and grounds is properly maintained either as an agricultural unit or as a larger garden/paddock to the house' was carried unanimously. A resident's letter regarding the proposed was noted.

S/0331/01/F Granta Housing Society, Strympole Way - amendment. Approved by the Parish Council.

S/1332/01F Banner Homes Ltd - erection of 3 houses revised scheme. No recommendation by the Parish Council.

BT kiosk, Highfields Road - proposed revision to location. The proposal by Councillor Wolton, seconded by Councillor Kember that 'the revised proposals be refused but that a site visit be arranged with BT to discuss the matter' was carried unanimously.

J Lang, Mitchell Wood House - amendment for information only.

Planning permission with conditions granted by SCDC to: Mr Johnson, Church Cottage, Main Street - revision to appearance of garage

The planning officer's recommendations and comments for Mr Stevens' application, land R/O Highfields Road were read out. The proposal by Councillor Drayton, seconded by Councillor Kember that 'a letter of concern/complaint regarding the planners allowing backlands development be sent by the Chairman to the District Council' was carried unanimously.

6. The village development

6.1 The Chairman reported on his discussion regarding the archaeological site near the JS Bloor site. It was noted that there had been some recent activity and the Clerk was asked to find out what is happening.

6.2 Bourn Drift. Councillor Dr Stopp reported on the recent encroachment by the developers and Karen Champion's action ensuring the reinstatement of the bridleway's width. Clarification is to be sought on the type of hedging agreed in the landscaping plans.

6.3 It was noted that two pipes had been left exposed and unconnected outside 8 Highfields Road. It was agreed that a letter be sent asking that a watertight connection between the two pipes be provided.

6.4 It was agreed that a letter be sent to Anglian Water seeking the arrangements for foul and surface water from the Banner Homes development (copy to SCDC).

6.5 The proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Drayton that 'a letter be sent to Wilcon Homes asking them to plan and commence the proposed bus shelter' was carried unanimously.

7. To receive and consider the report from the Rereation Ground Working Party including funding for the play equipment

Councillor Drayton reported on the progress with James Blake Associates and the recent meeting with the playground equipment supplier, and the preferred safety surfacing. The proposal by Councillor Dr Stopp, seconded by Councillor Kember that 'the Parish Council agree to the rubber safety surfacing and the grasscutting of the play area' was carried unanimously.

7.1 Councillor Drayton reported on the different types of lottery funding which could be applied for by both groups simultaneously.

7.2 In response to the request for financial support from CALYPSO and Caldecote Playground Equipment Scheme the proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Footman that 'the Parish Council allocated £2,500 from the POS Reserve Fund towards each groups scheme and that further funding be considered when the draft budget is drafted' was carried unanimously.

8. Payment of bills

The proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Drayton, that ‘the following bills be paid:

VIRSA - £40 affiliation fees and publication' was carried unanimously.

9. Councillors’ items

9.1 It was agreed that another verges' grass cut should be scheduled.

9.2 Concern was expressed at the dangerous new layout of Highfields Road near West Drive. The Highway Division is to be contacted to ask them to rectify the situation ASAP.

9.3 Mike Cooper is to be asked to rectify the pothole south of Fry's Scales, Highfields Road.

9.4 It was agreed that a letter be sent to BP regarding cars still turning right out of the filling station (copy Highways Agency).

9.5 It was noted that the road and pavements still had not been reinstated by TEW Construction, GTC contractor. The Clerk was instructed to contact the contractor and notify OFGAS with a complaint.

9.6 Councillor Footman reported that the recently planted memorial tree was not variegated and that Scotsdales had offered to provide a free replacement.

9.7 Concern was expressed that some new parishioners had been refused CVC admission . It was agreed that a letter be sent to the Village College Governors regarding their admissions criteria.

9.8 It was agreed that a letter be sent to Mr Barker and Dr Husband, The Rectory thanking them for the new kissing gate near the Church.

9.9 Councillor Footman reported on the wild orchids on Phase 2, Wilcon development.

9.10 A letter of welcome is to be sent to Revd. Browning, new rector of St Michael's.

10. Closure of the meeting and Parish Matters

Concern was expressed at the poor visibility when exiting the Wilcon development on to Highfields Road.

The Chairman declared the meeting closed at 10.25pm.