A Councillor's Comments - November 2001

My first comment is an observation of how quickly the winter is upon us and the deterioration of evening light, hence your Town Councillors will be vigilant keeping an eye on our street lighting.
The Town Council meeting of the 15th October was well attended, we were all pleased to see the return of Cur Hayden Davies and some of our constituents.
From matters arising: Chairman’s announcement - the Commons Trees & Footpaths committee met on the 10th October 2001 and due to the unique features of the commons and the many aspects to be considered and researched decided to recommend a working party approach - full council agreed. On CCTV East Cambridgeshire District Councils amended bid to the Home Office was approved at the previous level even though Littleport withdrew. Costs are being recalculated but there is no significant difference to Soham other than the fact that ECDC has agreed to a five year capital repayment scheme.
Delegated powers through August recess: Finance & Policy committee reviewed the standing orders, but the delegated powers are there specifically to be able to deal with ANY urgent business on all committees that arises before the ordinary Town Council meeting and it was therefore resolved no change necessary. Community policing Inspector Simon Causer was in attendance but would speak later as this was an Agenda item.
Possible alternatives are being looked at with regard to playpark safety surfacing and when the information is at hand we hope to have a solution which will require less maintenance.
The improvement works at the Garden of Remembrance arc now completed. A planting scheme will take place in the spring of 2002 following the end of the contractor’s maintenance. Cur Jill Hobbs. Chairman of the Burials & Lighting committee commended the work done as did all Councillors.
The Council then went through the Agenda until item 5 - Policing Strategies. It was time for Inspector Causer to speak. First he put us in the picture with regard to our new Pc Mark Hobson’s September figures for reported crimes - 23 (figures for last year 55). A man was arrested in Fordham for 9 shed burglaries - he had strong connections in Soham. There was also a nuisance tenant evicted in Soham and Hereward Housing are pursuing a policy of removal of residents who cause a nuisance.
In Inspector Causer’s speech on police strategies he stressed the importance of reporting all crimes whatever they are. It is only then that the police will be able to see where they will be most effective in our community. Beat officers and the possibility of an office in Soham being a local initiative.
On CCTV his comments were “it was an effective tool in detection and acted as a deterrent - an extra pair of eyes”. Item 7 on the Agenda was the Jointly Funded Minor Improvement Scheme. Soham Town Council are asking for the East Cambridgeshire Environment & Transport Area committee to consider providing a pedestrian crossing in Pratt Street adjacent to the route via Weatheralls Primary/Junior School & the Health Centre.
The Town Council received an application for financial assistance from Viva Youth Theatre; it was a very comprehensive, impressive and informative document. Viva are a registered charity & have performed at venues like the Soham Village College, Church Fetes and the over sixties club. They have also raised funds for St Johns Ambulance. They provide an environment in which young people between the ages of 9 and 19 can learn skills in all aspects of theatre. There are no auditions and no experience necessary. The Town Council agreed £500 this current year and also agreed in principle to review on an annual basis - we fully support their aims.

Anne Tuite
Soham Town Council - Vice Chairman