Report on a meeting between Mike Oakman (South Cambs District Council, Highways Dept.) and three Caldecote parish councillors (Frank Wolton, Tom Footman and Owen Kember), Tuesday, 16 September 2003, at 9 a.m. on Highfields Road.
Widening the footpath on the western side of Highfields Road
After meeting Mr Oakman at the junction of Bosserts Way and Highfields Road, the three councillors proceede3d to take him northwards up the western footpath, Mr Wolton pointed out that the footpath was too narrow to take wheelchairs (such as were used in the village by the Papworth Trust); he himself had difficulty in wheeling a pram up the footpath. Mr Oakman noted the problem and said that he had to investigate the width of the footpaths in more detail but would be prepared to give a 200 metre section an overlay if the parish obtained a discretionary allocation from the District Council. He was not too hopeful that the section between Bosserts Way and 87 Highfields Roads would be awarded such an allocation since there was a perfectly good footpath on the eastern side of the road. For the sections north of 99 Highfields Road, however, there was a much better chance of such an allocation since there was no footpath on the eastern side of the road. He advised an early application since the funds were able to be allocated.
Surface dressing of Highfields Road
Mr Oakman said that he would be prepared to surface dress Highfields Road nest spring. This might help to reduce the impact of the bumps. There was a particularly poor section of the road surface north of 121 Highfields Road and this might have to be dealt with separately.
Drains
It was noted that all road drains needed cleaning. Mr Oakman said that this was scheduled.
Award Ditch
The award ditch was generally in good condition. The section between 111 and 115 Highfields Road needs clearing by the Drainage Officer (Pat Matthews of SCDC) as does the section between the culverted drain across the road and the award ditch outside no 89 Highfields Road. This is the responsibility of the houseowner of 89 Highfields Road.
Other ditches
(1) The ditch on the eastern side of Highfields Road between the Bloor estate and the Highfields Farm track desperately needs cleaning. If this is done Mr Oakman thought that he could arrange the flattening of the soil which had been dumped on the roadside verge at that point.
(2) The ditch outside Oak Farm (78 Highfields Road) has been cleared but would benefit from a new headwall to assist ditch water to go into the culvert across the road (towards 89 Highfields Road) and join up with the award ditch). This might also prevent flooding of 74 and 72 Highfields Road.
Trees overhanging footpath
It was noted that trees were overhanging the footpath outside 111 Highfields Road and needed to be cut back.
Bus shelter hard standing
The hardstanding opposite nos 109-111 Highfields Road was examined with a view to putting a small brick bus shelter on the verge there. Mr Oakman thought it a reasonable site.
Broken manhole cover
The broken manhole cover in the roads near 40 Highfields Road was examined. Mr Oakman suggested that the emergency number of Anglian Water be contacted.
Kerb stones
Several kerb stones on Highfields Road were damaged or had sunk:
These were noted by Mr Oakman.