A Councillor's Comments - December 2000

The Soham Town Council meeting this month covered many issues. Our clerk reported that a Mr Quinton Carroll, the county archaeology project officer, will attend our December meeting with regard to “Historic Towns of Cambridgeshire” survey and Soham’s involvement. Good news, for ages we have been looking into adequate disabled person access to the pavilion, this is now in the process of being resolved. 
On policing issues Pc Jason Porter apologised for not attending meetings. He informed us of his action plan for the Fountain Lane car park which is working. His figures were encouraging for last month, especially drink-driving offences. Although there is no particular pattern, smash and grab targeting schools is on the up. Concerns were voiced with regard to the benches outside One Stop (Dillon’s) shop on the corner, where rubbish is distributed anywhere but the bin and teenagers around that area behave in an aggressive manner. PC Porter did suggest the possibility of removing the benches but Council’s response was that the elderly and mums and toddlers frequently use them whilst shopping. The recommendation was that it go to the Soham Town Forum as it was in their remit - townscape enhancements, etc - to look at and decide what is best for the whole community. At this stage PC, Porter reminded us all of his mobile number 07740734971 and our traffic warden’s telephone number, if we have any parking problems - 01480456111 extension 6623. There were two planning applications (a) the Beeches outline planning for homes on this site, subject to the usual issues of archaeology etc. and (b) St. Andrew’s House. Full planning approval for modernising the flats in keeping with it being a listed building i.e. windows, doors, roofs, materials etc.
The Council contributed £1,000 towards the estimated lighting cost of £1,200 for the Christmas lights this year, and we will have more light soon along the Berrycroft and Julius Martin Lane footpath.
The Soham town council has realised the valuable contribution that the Soham Online website has provided for the community, businesses, tourism etc set up by Mr Chris Scurrah, editor. It was decided that the council would fund the Webspace and reimburse any reasonable operating expenses. This access to information is the way forward in promoting Soham locally, nationally and internationally.

Anne Tuite
Soham Town Council - Vice Chairman