A Councillor's Comments - April 2000

Hi there. Councillor Anne Tuite here for my sins as the new Vice-Chairman of Soham Town Council, I have taken over the role of correspondent.
A little background about me. I am also a District Councillor for Soham. I am retired. My family has lived in the district for 30 years, in Soham itself for 10 years, and we are very happy here. I have found Soham people so friendly.
To begin with an update on the vacancy for a Town Councillor. We have had formal notice from East Cambridgeshire District Council that there has been no request for an election. After 14 days notice in the town inviting anyone who meets the qualifications to apply a vote will be taken at the next Council meeting on applications received.
As part of a new Police initiative there will be additional Police on the ground for Ely, Littleport and Soham - a new bobby on the beat, PC Jason Porter. Have you seen him around town? - I have. At the town Council meeting PC Porter stressed that Distraction Burglaries are on the increase and for the elderly especially to be very wary of doorstep salespersons.
Despite the County Council, the Police and the District Council having to increase their share of Council Tax to improve services there is good news. The residents of Soham will be pleased to hear that although the Town Council proportion is a very small part of the total bill we have managed to improve and increase our standards of service and at the same time reduce the Town Council’s share. Soham’s Council Tax is below the weighted average for other areas in the District.
An ongoing traffic problem in the town, Paddock Street/Adelaide Close is causing concern to all Councillors. Minor measures agreed last October between residents, Town Councillors, District Councillors, the police and a County Council Highways representative to alleviate the problems have been changed not to the Town Council’s satisfaction. Also an addition to Churchgate Street improvements - a small pedestrian hump in Paddock Street, which was included at the request of the Town Council, has been removed at the last minute. A letter sending a strong message of dissatisfaction is being sent to the Assistant Director of the Environment and Transport at Cambridgeshire County Council hoping the decision will be overturned.
With reference to the Annual Town Council Meeting on 10th April 2000 - do come along and have your say, it may be that it is your contribution that makes a difference.

Anne Tuite
Soham Town Council - Vice Chairman