A Councillor's Comments - November 2000

It was a cold dismal night and raining heavily, all should have been at home keeping warm and dry, but your Soham Town Council was well attended on 9th October. This meeting quickly warmed up with words from our Chairman, Lionel Hart, regarding the item ‘Traffic, Crime & Disorder’ on the Agenda. The Town Council had received a letter from the Chairman of Cambridge Police Authority enclosing a questionnaire seeking out opinion regarding a local policing plan setting our their ministerial priorities for 2000/2001. The first being — ‘To target and reduce local problems of crime and disorder in partnership with local authorities, other agencies and the public.’
As our chairman said (along with many others), “We feel let down with the lack of police presence.” Again at this meeting there was no one to answer questions from the Police. The town is suffering from vandalism, especially after such a wonderful day on Saturday, 30th September, when only 48 hours after the Millennium Walk the notice board disappeared. There are also grave concerns for the Fountain Lane car park which is continually being vandalised. Suggestions for better lighting and an upgraded CCTV system are being put forward to ECDC.
On a lighter and happier note “some 70 people took part in the walk, it was especially gratifying to see residents of Keith Leonard House, four in wheelchairs, enjoying the walk. The Council thanked John Wignall, the Clerk, for all his efforts which made the day the success it was, along with the Footpath Association and all others involved. A special thank you to Elizabeth Ennion for opening the walks. The weather was excellent and an enjoyable time was had by all taking part.
The Council has received letters of thanks from Cambridgeshire Countryside Services — “Congratulations to Parish Paths Partnership Scheme for working together, what an achievement, a fine tribute to Margaret Ennion!” Also from the Ramblers Association - “Appreciation of efforts of such a high standard in Soham due to the interest of local people.” These were just some of the comments made.
The jointly funded Minor Improvement Scheme of the Environment and Transport Committee is asking for submissions from the Council for next year’s budget. We have put forward
(i) a footpath for White Hart Lane,
(ii) a much needed pedestrian crossing in Sand Street near the College. As we are one of many bidding in our region we hope to be successful.
The Council were advised that approximately 3 acres of land at Cotes Piece is available for allotments. The rest of the land is earmarked for business use according to our Local Forward Plan.

Anne Tuite
Soham Town Council - Vice Chairman