DEVELOPMENT OF LAND OFF T0WNSEND.

J L Wignall
Clerk of the Council
4th October 2004 

County Councillor Mr J Powley
District Councillors Mr CW Fordham, Mr JH Humphreys and Mr JM Palmer
PC Kevin Humble, Cambridgeshire Constabulary

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.

Policing Strategies (122/04)
PC Kevin Humble informed Town Council that there were 39 crimes reported in the Soham area between 30 July 2004 and 9th August 2004. Of these there were 10 assaults, 9 of which were 2 or 3 adults fighting, two shed burglaries, 21 thefts and 9 thefts from vehicles. Diesel thefts were a priority in the area. The problem areas for anti social behaviour/criminal damage were at St Andrews School and Soham Village College; Mill Corner; The Causeway; Weatheralls School; Guntons Close/Berrycroft and The Recreation Ground, however as stated in the meeting held with Inspector Gallup, extra patrols were being carried out in these areas during Friday and Saturday nights to hopefully address the problem. During August, 45 crimes were reported, these included 8 assaults, 2 dwelling burglaries, 4 shed burglaries, 19 thefts (shop lifting) and 10 criminal damage. The Clerk also reported that he had been informed that crime statistics can now be retrieved from the police force website at www.cambs.police.uk although this had not yet been verified.

Commons (122/04)
The Chairman reported on the initial meeting held with the Wildlife Trust, and the Lord of the Manor.
The possibility was discussed of sending out a simplified letter, signed by both the Town Council and the Lord of the Manor, outlining who is responsible for what on common land, along with copies of the 'Scheme of Regulations' to all residents living adjacent Qua Fen, East Fen and Angle Commons.
As it is highly unlikely that there will be any further 'grazing' on Qua Fen especially, and alternative management scheme must be considered. It was agreed that there is no short term answer on commons conservation, however the Wildlife Trust would look at administrative issues firstly and also endeavour to devise a 'management statement' for everyone to work to. This, however will take the best part of a year to complete, but it is hoped that something can be put in place prior to the 2005 grazing season.

Application for Financial Assistance - MAGPAS (128/04)
Councillor Mr AJA Hinsley declared a non-prejudicial interest in accordance with paragraph 9.2 of the Code of Conduct.
A letter of thanks had been received from MAGPAS for the Councils donation towards the Soham Community First Responder Scheme.
NOTED that the Chairman attended a 'publicity event' on Monday 2°d August, when she personally handed over the cheque.

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          - 12th July 2004
Planning                      - 12th July & 18th August 2004
Cemetery & Allotments - 16th August 2004

PAYMENTS AND SCHEDULE OF ACCOUNTS - JULY & AUGUST 2004
RESOLVED that the schedule of payments and statement of balances, and Summary of Income and Expenditure as at 31st July & 31st August 2004 which are printed and attached to these minutes as appendices, be confirmed and approved, and were in accordance with Council's financial regulations.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
NOTED that informal meeting had taken place on 19th August 2004 between members of Council and Inspector Adam Gallup, Ely Police at his request, this was arranged so as to enable him to outline an anti-social behaviour 'action plan' presently being operated by the Police and other organisations within Soham. He also briefly touched on Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO's) and how they are implemented and worked.
Any comments or ideas Councillors may have on Dispersal Orders (wherefrom and whereto), Youth Provision, and/or General Ideas for tackling anti-social behaviour should be passed to the Clerk as soon as possible so that these can be forwarded to Inspector Gallup.

ENVIRONMENTAL DAY - FEEDBACK
The Chairman reported on the success of the Environmental Action Day - known as 'Cleansweep' held on the 1st September 2004. This multi-agency initiative by the Town Council, Fire Service, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Hereward Housing, Cambridgeshire County Council, USAF Property Services, Neighbourhood Watch and the Police achieved a number of rubbish removals, action on abandoned vehicles, minor repairs and highlighted a number of areas where such problems existed..

EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL OFFICE ACCOMMODATION
NOTED that members of the Town Council were invited to a Special Parish Forum held at East Cambridgeshire District Council on 18th August 2004 the purpose of which was to give parishes an opportunity to learn more about the proposals to be considered by the District Council and to assist with the completion of the questionnaire survey currently being distributed.
District Councillor Mr J Humphreys outlined the reasoning of the District Councils Resources Committee for the need to move from it's present location. Councillors Hempstead and Mr J Kirkham and District Councillor Mr J Palmer informed the Town Council of the reasons they felt of why Soham should be the preferred option, however, County Councillor Mr J Powley felt that Angel Drove, Ely, would be more convenient to the majority of
people. Completed questionnaires must be returned to Mr Simon Fraser, Corporate Strategy Officer (Performance Review), East Cambridgeshire District Council no later than 8th October 2004. An analysis of the consultation and details of the District Council's decision should be available in early December.

HIGHWAYS, FOOTPATHS ETC.

a) Jointly Funded Minor Improvements - 2005/2006 Bidding Round
NOTED that the community contribution would increase from 60p per elector to £1 from 2005/2006 and that the scoring criteria remained as in previous years.
RESOLVED that no bid be made for 2005/2006.

b) Speed Management Review Programme
RESOLVED that as traffic conditions will significantly change following the development at Townsend/The Shade the County Council be requested to extend the existing 30mph limit to the roundabout and to consider the installation of 'flashing signs' between that point towards the centre of Soham.

c) A142 Paddock Street Junction, Soham Bypass
NOTED that to address the accidents occurring at the junction of Al 42 Paddock Street Junction of Soham Bypass the County Council are preparing an interim solution is being developed which will increase awareness of the junction from the A142. The measures to be installed this Autumn will include enhanced road signing and road marking installed well in advance of the junction.

d) Fordham to Village College Route
NOTED that Cambridgeshire County Council had commenced work on the construction of a cycle route in Soham, the aim of which is to promote cycling and to provide a safe route to Soham Village College for pupils who live in Fordham.

e) Stream at Brook Dam Lane
NOTED that following comments made by the Coroner's office following the inquest into the death of a resident of Soham and although the County Council were not blamed for the events which caused his death, they believed it prudent to arrange for the footpath to be resurfaced and the fence along Brook Dam to be repaired, this work will be carried out during the winter months.

f) Cleaning/Clearing of Ditches
It was reported that an issue raised at the Environmental Day was the unkempt state of many of the ditches. A major problem in achieving clearance etc. is the diversity of ownerships and it was considered that there was a need for a co-ordinating authority to achieve satisfactory cleaning and or clearance.
RESOLVED that East Cambridgeshire District Council be requested to perform this function.

g) Street Name Plates
NOTED that East Cambridgeshire District Council has a small amount of money unaccounted for in this year's Street Nameplate budget and request that they be informed of any nameplates, their positions and severity of any damage of any signs that need replacing or any additional signs required within Soham.
RESOLVED that a request be made for an additional sign at Red Lion Square stating leading to Clay Street and also the replacement of the damaged Gardeners Lane be considered.

OPEN SPACE BANCROFT LANE
A request had been received from Hill Partnerships Limited to transfer part of the site being developed by Circle 33 Housing Trust to the Council as open space.
RESOLVED that the Council decline the offer unless a substantial capital contribution in respect of future maintenance is forthcoming.

CALC
NOTED that following the successful inaugural meeting held in July that the next meeting of the East Cambridgeshire District Association will be held on the 5th October 2004 to continue the debate.
RESOLVED that the Chairman be the Town Council's appointed representative.

PARISH FORUM
NOTED that the next meeting of East Cambs. Parish Forum will be held at The Grange, Ely on Wednesday 24th November 2004 at 7.00pm.
RESOLVED that the Chairman and Clerk will attend..

TREES
NOTED that permissions had been granted to carry out works to replacement of a row of mature cypress trees with native hedge along the boundary of open space adjacent 83 Station Road, to re-pollarding of eleven Lime trees at 3 Adelaide Close, the felling to ground level and removal of stump of Silver Birch tree at Cedar Court, Station Road and emergency work on Copper Beech tree in garden of 20 Pratt Street, Soham.

CHANGE OF PROPERTY NAME
NOTED that Qua Lodge, 6 Long Dolver Drove, Soham will now be known as Danes Lodge, 6 Long Dolver Drove, Soham.

EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE & FENLAND PRIMARY CARE TRUST - AGM
NOTED that East Cambs. & Fenland Primary Care Trust Annual General meeting will take place at E-Space North, Wisbech Road, Littleport on Thursday 29 September 2004 at 7.30pm.
RESOLVED that Councillor Mrs FE Ross, Vice Chairman will attend.

DATE OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING
NOTED that the next regular meeting of the Council would be held at 7.30pm, Monday 11th October 2004.