A Councillor's Comments - October 2001

Hello again. Since I last wrote Councillors Comments, Soham has had some problems locally, but all those fade into insignificance against the background of what’s happened globally to our friends across the water in America. Many families in Soham are linked to families over there. We all share in their grief and determination to see this through.
After the August recess Soham Town Council met on 14th September. The meeting started with the Chairman Lionel Hart making an announcement. Issues regarding the Commons such as rights of way, maintenance and travellers would be discussed at the earliest convenience of the Commons and Footpaths Committee. All relevant documentation on Soham Town Council’s responsibility and other parties responsibilities will be legally assessed. The committee will then report back to Soham Town Council with their recommendations.
In matters arising from minutes of 9th July meeting: CCTV. Scheme, it was noted that although Littleport had pulled out, a scheme is still going ahead for Soham and Ely. A steering group has been set up — the East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership. Partners are East Cambridgeshire District Council Soham Town Council Ely City Council and the police. No specific details as yet, but Soham Town Council agree in principle to the scheme subject to terms of reference without prejudice to STC.
Although it is part of our constitution to evoke delegated powers during our August recess, due to a Councillor’s concerns this item has been referred to the Policy and Finance committee. On community policing, PC Jason Porter has been transferred and PC Mark Hobson is to take his place; also inspector Simon Causer has replaced Inspector Jugg. At some stage Sergeant Marcia Bates or Community Coordinator Chris Burbridge will attend Soham Town Council to explain strategies and aims of Cambridge Constabulary. We were however pleased to hear that the perceived crime wave due to the summer holidays and travellers didn’t happen. Figures for last year for this period were 150, this years figures 60. Ongoing problems though arc youth disorder and antisocial behaviour, especially at the Fountain Lane Car Park. The usual business of other meetings and balance analysis followed. At end of August Soham Town Council still has a healthy balance.
Agenda item 5 - Proposed Safe Cycle Route. Mr Allan Middlebrook, Cambridge C.C. and Richard Bainsley Road Contractors, laid out plans suggested to form part of the Fordham Bypass. If funds allow, the cycle route will start in Fordham and finish at Soham Village College. A safer route to school scheme. There will be a public meeting and full discussions with those concerned. Councillors were worried about some safety aspects when cyclists were crossing busy junctions, we were assured measures are being taken to alleviate those concerns. This will take some time, but I asked that Soham Town Council he kept informed of the plans progress.
Another item on the Agenda - Claimed Public Footpath actually concerned two, we were asked to comment. As I had some knowledge of the Spencer Drove footpath after earlier investigations, the fact it had been used for over 20 years and it had now been blocked off was of concern to councillors. On both footpath suggestions Soham Town Council were fully supportive and a letter to that effect would be sent to Cambridge County Council.
Attached to our Agenda was a copy of the Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance on Gypsy Site provisions. - It is important that in planning law a different definition of gypsies has emerged, based on a nomadic lifestyle rather than ethnicity. This is with regard to permanent gypsy sites. It should also be noted that there are certain areas of the district with special landscape, wildlife or historic value that the council are keen to safeguard from inappropriate development and county wildlife sites such as our commons. There are also access problems - and I quote from the document - sites with direct access to the A10 and A142 will be resisted in the interests of both highway safety and the need to maintain a through flow of traffic. The full report can be obtained from East Cambridgeshire District Council. Information that many have been waiting for. Work on the upgrading of the remaining grassed areas of the Garden of Remembrance started on 17th September.
In correspondence there was a letter from Cambridge County Council regarding funding for minor improvement schemes. Soham Town Council will be looking into the possibility of putting forward a bid at our October meeting.
At any other business when we had a quiet moment I informed councillors of the progress of Councillor Hayden Davies. I had visited him and he had asked me to thank everyone for their kind concerns and wishes, cards and flowers. Although there are still some health concerns Hayden said he is improving daily and is managing to get about - wonderful news. We all hope to see you soon Hayden. It is nice to finish on a hopeful, positive note.

Anne Tuite
Soham Town Council - Vice Chairman