CCTV SCHEME UPDATE.

RACE RELATIONS AMENDMENT ACT 2000. (see enclosed)

STANDING ORDERS
a) Revision
b) Delegated Powers - August Recess

J L Wignall
Clerk of the Council
28th June 2002 

County Councillor J Powley.
PC Mark Hobson.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.

Policing Strategies (66/02)
PC Mark Hobson attended and gave his report on the crime figures for May. There were a total of 58 reported offences during the month, 6 thefts from shops and nine other thefts being the highest single figures for the month.
The rest of the report included, 1 arson, 1 burglary (ram raid), 4 burglary dwelling, 3 burglary other premises, 4 shed/garage burglaries, 1 causing affray, 4 common assault, 2 non dwelling criminal damage, 3 criminal damage other, 2 dwelling criminal damage 2 vehicle criminal damage, 1 domestic violence, 2 harassment, 1 making off without payment, 2 malicious telephone calls, 2 taking without owners consent, 4 theft from motor vehicles, 2 theft of motor vehicles and 2 threaten/conspire to murder.
PC Hobson was also able to report that he was almost certain of obtaining premises within Soham where he will be able to make a base, this would enable members of the public to be able to meet with himself or PC Kevin Humble, who is to be the second Community Beat Officer, personally to discuss any problems or worries they may have.

Community Safety Partnership (66/02)
It was again noted that the next meeting of the Community Safety Partnership is to be held at the Pavilion, Soham on Tuesday, 25th June 2002 at 5.30pm and is open to anyone wishing to attend.

Jubilee Celebrations 2002 (66/02)
NOTED that many messages of appreciation and thanks had been received by the Town Council, for the very successful evening entertainment's comprising of a Family Disco and Firework display, held on the Recreation Ground on Monday 3rd June 2002 following the Soham Carnival to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Bus Services (78/02)
NOTED that a revised timetable for services 111 and 122 had been received.

Think Country Child! (80/02)
The Chairman reported on the aims etc. of the workshop she had attended where the interests in safety, security and welfare of young people in rural areas of Cambridgeshire were discussed.
One item of extreme local concern raised were the number of under-aged young people riding motorcycles on Soham common land, other unsuitable pieces of land and public highways.
The Town Council agreed to fully support such a project and as the police have access to funding they would be willing to take the initiative in finding a suitable venue and assist in the running.

MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF STANDARD COMMITTEES
RESOLVED that the minutes of the following committees, which are printed and attached to these minutes be confirmed and approved and the recommendations contained therein be adopted:
Finance & Policy - 15th May 2002
Planning             - 15th May 2002

PAYMENTS AND SCHEDULE OF ACCOUNTS - MAY 2002
RESOLVED that the schedule of payments and statement of balances, as at 31st May 2002 which are printed and attached to these minutes as appendices, be confirmed and approved.

CHAIRMAN’S ACTION - QUA FEN COMMON
The Chairman reported on the legal action which had been undertaken, in conjunction with the Lord of the Manor, o ensure the removal of travellers from Qua Fen Common within a reasonable time-scale.
It was noted that the ‘Order of Possession’ which had been served on 28th May 2002 referred to ‘persons unknown’ and was valid for a period of 3 months without further recourse to the courts.

PARISH PATH PARTNERSHIP SCHEME 2002-2003
NOTED that funding from the Parish Path Partnership Scheme for 2002-2003 had been greatly reduced over the last two years and previous shortfalls have been met by the Town Council.
For the year 2002-2003 a grant of £2,325 was requested, for maintenance of footpaths within Soham including the Millennium Red Route. Unfortunately, a grant of £400 only was awarded and as this amount does not even cover the full annual cost of keeping the red route free of litter etc. a decision needs to be made as to how to proceed for this year.
RESOLVED that the £400 be used towards maintenance costs of the “Red Route” with the additional cost being met by the Town Council but that all other schemes included in the bid be cancelled and that a meeting should be arranged with representatives from Cambridgeshire County Council and Soham Footpaths Society to discuss the future of the Partnership Scheme.

STREET LIGHTING
RESOLVED to proceed with the Street Lighting Schemes for Kents Lane (Single column installation) and footpath link between Bushel Lane and Foxwood South at a cost of £766.41 and £7,768.68 respectively.
RESOLVED also that the scheme at Kents Lane (path to rear of Weatheralls School) should be deferred until the financial year for 2003/2004.

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS - Year Ended 31st March 2002
RESOLVED to adopt and accept Final Accounts for 2001/2002
NOTED that the Audit Commission has approved the appointment of Moore Stephens as external auditor to Soham Town Council.

THANK YOU!
NOTED a message of thanks had been received from Councillor Marian Count for the gift of flowers sent during her recent stay in hospital.

THE STANDARDS BOARD FOR ENGLAND
A copy of the publication ‘Guidance on Standards Committees’ and a video entitled ‘The code to protect you’, was received. These are designed to help members understand the Standards Boards role and the new arrangements of the Model Code of Conduct in context.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT LOCAL GOVERNMENT & REGIONS
A Consultation paper entitled Local investigation and determination of misconduct allegations, which sets out proposals for the framework within which allegations about misconduct by councillors could be handled by local authorities was received.

THE QUEEN’S GOLDEN JUBILEE AWARD
NOTED the Queen has created a new annual Award to recognise the “unsung heroes” in communities. A leaflet explaining the details of the award can be obtained from the Clerk.

ELY AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
NOTED the annual general meeting of the Ely and District Citizens Advice Bureau will be held at 12.30pm in Hereward Housing Association’s Committee Room, St Mary’s Lodge, St Mary’s Street, Ely on Friday 14th June 2002.
NOTED also that Councillor Mrs PA Tuite will be attending.

CALC BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENTARY EDITION 23RD MAY 2002
The Clerk drew the Councillors attention to the enclosed CALC Bulletin and especially the paragraph relating to Council Standing Orders.

DATE OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING
NOTED that the next regular meeting of the Council would be held at 7.30pm, Monday 8th July 2002..