A Councillor's Comments - July/August 2000

I can report that since our last Town Council Meeting the concerns we had on policing Soham have been somewhat alleviated. One of our bobbies on the beat, PC Jason Porter, when giving his report stressed that he had reorganised his schedule to do every Friday night rather than every other Friday night in the town - his presence will be felt, he stops and talks to people on his beat and feels he is getting recognised as being friendly and approachable. His concerns are that some youth problems are drink related and one measure to help this problem is to crack down on underage sales of liquor; all off licenses have been asked to help. The crime figures for the month are down and it was interesting to note that although we are the second largest settlement in ECDC proportionately our crime figures are good. There was also a positive response to the Town Council’s letter to the Chief Constable on policing. The feedback was that the police are committed to better cover for Soham. Now about personal security. I have been informed and I’m sure you should know, that there is a leaflet and sticker available with important information regarding door-to-door sales persons and how to deal with them. it’s a two part package called “Were not buying” and it’s orchestrated by Trading Standards.
Their helpline is 0845 3030666. Leaflets are also available at the pavilion.
The County Council will be lighting the junction on the A142 Soham bypass at East Fen Road. This should greatly improve the safety factor and reduce accidents. The Town Council has contributed towards replacing one of the radar signs which have been so effective.
Some more good news. The Old Grammar School site is being improved and the front of the building renovated. This can only further enhance what is being done along Churchgate Street and also the humps being incorporated to provide a safe crossing. The Town Council hopes completion won’t take too long.
ECDC has produced a draft supplementary planning guidance on planning obligations as part of the review of the District Local Plan. It’s in user-friendly language and very interesting. All councillors have a copy. There is one at the Council Offices at the pavilion for anyone interested. Comments on the draft guidance are now being invited from the public, developers and other organisations.
The issue of the retail store (Budgens) in Clay Street came up for review as there is an appeal by Cliveden Estates Ltd. They have also put in a revised planning application. The Town Council had requested improvements and we were happy with the revised plan, having to take into account the issue of the archaeological study which is soon to be reported on.
The Town Council was also asked to review our conservation area as this has not been assessed since 1973. We will be asking the ECDC Conservation Officer to look into this.
Yet more excellent news for our youth. The skate board park is back in action, reinforced for added protection and durability as a more viable long term solution. The Millennium Footpath Project should be up and running - I should say walking -by October. There will be an official ceremony to launch this.
Last but not least, not only has our kitchen had a new face-lift but a new cooker is on the way. The Pavilion will have good efficient up-to-date facilities for any of its many users. So get booking and come and do some cooking

Anne Tuite
Soham Town Council - Vice Chairman