A Councillor's Comments - June 2002

First, let me introduce myself, I am Fiona Ross, one of your town councillors elected in 1999 and I have taken over writing this column for Anne Tuite. Our annual town council meeting took place on 13th May. Lionel Hart, our outgoing chair has done a commendable job following the very sad death of Meg Ennion. Anne Tuite was proposed by Lionel to Chair our town council, all town councillors agreed that Anne (who is also a district councillor for Soham, and involved in many community projects) was an excellent choice. Her first job as chair was to thank Lionel for his work, then propose that Rosemary Aitchison (Chair of Common & Footpaths committee) become Vice chair, again this was agreed unanimously. I am sure these two ladies will do a terrific job, they have a wealth of council experience behind them - and Emily Pankhurst would be so proud!!
Because it was our annual town meeting, our finances were reviewed. Our accounts were approved without qualification and therefore I must mention John Wignall our town clerk, he and Gloria do a sterling job keeping us financially sound. Last year there was a conscious decision by the town council to reduce the charge from residents forwarded from the Community charge (Rates) and to fund a number of schemes from our balances. This year the increase for Soham is less than the majority of councils in East Cambridgeshire. Also your money is being recycled!! As you may he aware within our community charge we all pay a Landfill/recycling tax, in Soham we have been fortunate to have been awarded a grant from Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (WREN) to re-surface the children’s play area in the recreation ground. Work for this is due to start in the next few months.
The Boundary Committee for England have published their final recommendations and Soham will be warded for future elections.
Sadly the council discussed the fatal road traffic accident on the East Fen Isleham junction of the bypass. Town councillors support any measure that will improve road safety suggested by the appropriate authorities. We are very pleased that agreement has been reached for two mobile speed cameras to be used on the Soham bypass stretch of the A 142.
To end on a positive note, we discussed our Golden Jubilee Celebrations. Following the Carnival on 3rd June, at 7.30pm a Family Disco, including games for the children with prizes has been organised. Soft drinks and other refreshments will be available to buy. At 1.00pm the disco will finish and a fireworks display will commence - this display is entitled ‘Thunder in the Night’ - a wonderful end to our jubilee celebrations for everyone to enjoy. These events are completely free of charge - courtesy of your town council.

Fiona Ross
Soham Town Councilor