Present:
Mr Senior (Chair), Mrs Aylott (Vice Chair),Mrs Adams, Mr Brown, Mrs Dyer, Mrs Elphick, Mr Hardy, Mrs Hathaway, Mrs Watkin, Mr Watson and Mrs Williams. County Councillors Peter Brown and Laine Kadic. District Councillor Keith Baker. Mrs Lancey (Clerk) 3 members of the public.

Public Forum
Mr Hodgson expressed his concern that the Parish Council, at their last meeting, when discussing local transport had seemed to indicate that the poor bus service in the village only affected youngsters and not the adult population. He was assured that the Parish Council realised this was a problem for the whole of the village. Clerk to contact District and County Councils to express their concerns. Mr Hodgson also said he had contacted the police on several occasions to complain about the HGVs parking illegally at the old Truckstop facility.

174. Apologies for Absence
None received.

175. Councillors’ Declaration of Interest for items on the Agenda
Mr Watson and Mrs Williams declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 180 – Small Scale Scheme – Maypole Square, being residents in close proximity to the scheme. Mrs Elphick and Mr Watson declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 179 – Village Shop/Post Office as their properties were close to the area outlined for planning. Mr Watson declared a prejudicial interest in Planning Application 0800349FUL as he had been instrumental in its preparation.

176. To sign and approve minutes of previous meeting held on 29th January 2008.
Proposed by Mrs Aylott and seconded by Mr Hardy. Minutes duly approved and signed.

177. A14 Re-alignment
Mr Senior welcomed Mr John Clarke, the Public Liaison Officer for Costain Skanska Atkins Joint Venture – the contractor for the scheme, and Mr Geoff Chatfield, the Project Manager for the scheme from the Highways Agency. Mr Chatfield explained that because of the size and complexity of the scheme, the contractor would be involved at this early stage to help and influence its design. It was hoped that Draft Orders would be completed by March 2009. Work on the section of the route near Huntingdon was expected to start in 2012.

On behalf of the Parish Council, Mr Watson explained the concerns of residents of Alconbury that when the viaduct in Huntingdon was removed, the resulting increase in traffic routed onto the A1 would mean HGVs accessing the airbase would leave the A1 at Alconbury and hence use Rusts Lane. Any expansion on the airbase would make this problem even worse and the village would suffer from congestion, noise and air pollution. Some assurance was sought that the new scheme could take this into account and a solution found to prevent this from happening. He also queried why there were no plans to increase the section of the A1 passing Alconbury to 3 lanes in each direction, as there were plans for such an increase south of the Brampton interchange and the A1(M) north of the village was already 4 lanes in each direction.

Mr Chatfield explained that the widening of the A1 at Brampton was in order to reduce congestion rather than an expectation of increased traffic, but the traffic model would be looked at again, taking into account traffic growth to 2025. He acknowledged that after the Huntingdon viaduct was removed, the need for an effective through route while reducing the amount of traffic using the old route would have to be carefully balanced. Mr Clarke said that in the event of further planning permission being sought on the airbase, the impact of increased traffic would have to be taken into account by the developer.

It was agreed that Mr Clarke would take the Parish Council’s concerns forward to the design team and in particular to the traffic modelling team. It was envisaged that a public meeting might be held in the village when plans for the scheme were more specific. Mr Senior thanked Mr Clarke and Mr Chatfield for attending the meeting.

178. Truckstop Site
The Clerk reported that she had been in touch with both Carillion URS – the Managing Agent for the Highways Agency and CCC Highways Department concerning both illegal parking of HGVs at the old site and signage issues. Both aspects were being considered and CCC was in the process of looking at methods of deterring parking, possibly by bunding. Clerk to ask HDC to carry out another clean up of the area in question. Clerk also reported that Stukeley Parish Council had offered its support in any efforts to solve this problem.

179. The Village Shop/Post Office (Mrs Elphick and Mr Watson left the meeting for this agenda item, having declared a prejudicial interest.)
Clerk reported that she had received a reply from HDC Planning declining the Parish Council’s suggestion to hold a joint meeting to discuss the planning issues concerned with the shop/post office as they felt that they had already given Mr Mistry’s agent clear and detailed guidance for which an acceptable amended scheme had not been forthcoming. It was understood that Mr Mistry would be seeking to engage another agent in due course.

180. Small Scale Scheme – Maypole Square (Mr Watson and Mrs Williams left the meeting for this agenda item having declared a prejudicial interest.)
Clerk confirmed that the one light shown on the plans for the scheme was considered sufficient by HDC’s Project Engineer. The total scheme was anticipated to cost in the region of £7,000 - £8000. The Parish Council had pledged 25% of this total cost. Letter of confirmation awaited.

181. Field Close
Clerk had received notification from the Land Registry that the land in question was not registered to anyone. The Parish Council had also been approached by a young American resident who wanted to organise a community project on behalf of the Eagle Scouts, and it had been suggested that clearing this piece of land might be suitable for such a project. In the meantime HDC had cleared some of the trees from the site which they considered to be in a dangerous condition. It was agreed that the Parish Council should proceed with possible adoption of this piece of land and that the community project would be a good idea. The Parish Council would like a presentation on the proposed plans for the project before work commenced.

182. JFMI Scheme - The Great North Road
Scheme now complete. Clerk had reported that the interactive sign flashed well below the required speed limit. Account would now be paid.

183. Planning for Emergencies
Mr Hardy reported on the recent meeting that had been held with Mr Frank Cannon from the HDC Emergency Planning office. HDC are responsible for district wide planning under the Civil Contingencies Act. A Risk Register had been prepared which forms part of a country-wide plan. It had been acknowledged that in any major event, there was a need for local knowledge and this is why Parish Councils were being encouraged to get involved. It was agreed that a small sub committee should be formed as a “brain storming” exercise (Alconbuy Weston Parish Council to also be included). Mr Senior, Mr Hardy and Mrs Elphick would attend. Clerk to arrange. It was agreed that the meeting with Mr Cannon had been very worthwhile. Clerk reported that sandbags from HDC would only be provided if properties were at risk from flooding. If residents wished to store sandbags they must make their own arrangements.

184. CALC AGM
Mrs Dyer had circulated a report on the recent AGM which had been somewhat shambolic and ill-organised. Affiliation fees would rise by 5%.

185. The Sports & Social Club
Mr Watson reported that planning permission for the extended facilities had expired so had been re-submitted. Additional parking might now be a requirement, but it was hoped this could be achieved inexpensively.

186. Parish Electoral Review
HDC’s final recommendations had been submitted to the Secretary of State, but disappointingly had not taken the Parish Council’s views into account in so far as it was still being proposed that Alconbury should lose the part of the airbase currently within its parish boundary. The Parish Council felt that as this was the one area most likely to be the subject of development in the foreseeable future, these recommendations were not acceptable. Clerk to write to the Secretary of State accordingly. Councillors would see the letter prior to it being sent out.

187. Signs for the Village Green
Provision of signs requesting horses not to ride on the village green was discussed. It was agreed that in the first instance advice should be sought from CCC Highways. Mrs Watkin and Mrs Williams agreed to action.

188. The Code of Conduct
The Clerk reminded Councillors of the rules relating to personal and prejudicial interests under the new Code of Conduct.

189. Replacement computer equipment
Money had been put into next year’s precept for replacement computer equipment for the Clerk. It was agreed three quotes should be obtained for this. Mr Senior, Mr Brown and Mr Watson to action.

190. Highway Repairs – Chapel Street
Mr Brown expressed his concern over money spent by CCC on repairs to kerbing in Chapel Street whilst urgent repairs to School Lane footpaths were still awaited. Highways had felt it necessary to constitute a kerb on the corner of The Maltings prior to the development at Manor Farm. Clerk to continue to chase for work to be carried out to School Lane footpaths and also to Spinney Lane footpaths.

191. The Parish Charter
Questionnaire completed by Mrs Aylott, Mrs Dyer and the Clerk. There was agreement in principle to the Charter but concerns had been expressed that councils with Quality Status did not appear to have any significant advantages over those without the qualification.

192. Proposed Work in the Churchyard
Clerk circulated information from Richard Scott concerning proposed work to be carried out in the Churchyard and a request for the Parish Council to contribute towards the costs incurred. It was proposed that Mr Scott be invited to the next Parish Council meeting in order to explain the plans more fully. Clerk to arrange.

193. Request for donation from C of E Primary School (Mrs Dyer expressed a personal interest being a School Governor, and Mr Senior, Mr Brown and Mrs. Williams expressed personal interests having children at the school). A donation was requested towards a visit from the Life Education Centre (known as the Drugs Bus). After some discussion it was agreed that as this was additional help and support to the educational system, a donation of £500 under Section 137 should be made.

194. Request for Archive Training for the Clerk
It was agreed the Clerk should attend a course scheduled for 22nd April. She would be joined by Mrs Dyer. The cost was £40 per person.

195. Links to the Parish Council Website
Requests for links to the Parish Council website continued to be made. It was agreed that guidelines should be written on which sites would be acceptable. Mrs Watkin agreed to write this policy document.

196. Committee Reports
a) Clerk’s infrastructure Report
Churchyard: No observations.
Village Green: No observations.
General: Parking issues had been addressed by the PCSOs but as the problem continued in Manor Lane, Clerk to write a letter to resident concerned.
The Environment Agency had been contacted concerning a tree across the brook.
A damaged road sign on the corner of Globe Lane/Great North Road had been reported.
An accident had occurred due to the slippery surface on the bridge at the bottom of Polecat Lane. Clerk to report.
PCSO to be asked to patrol the “bird street” area due to nuisance door knocking.
Broken glass was reported in Polecat Lane and Rusts Lane. Clerk to action.
Dog fouling was a particular problem in Manor Lane. It was agreed this was a subject for the next Newsletter.
Faulty street light to be reported on the corner of Spinney Lane/Chapel St.

b) Planning (Mr Watson having declared a prejudicial interest, left the meeting for this agenda item)
New Applications
0800349FUL – Change of use from agricultural land to recreational use (including multi-user games area) – Gt. North Rd – no observations.
Applications determined by HDC: None

c) Bramble End Playground
Monthly inspections carried out with nothing specific to report.
Mr Watson and Mrs Williams had begun research into development of the play area at Bramble End. They recommended any new equipment should be aimed at pre-school age and also those aged between 6 and 9 years. They did not propose that the existing equipment should be removed. Various types of equipment were discussed. It was agreed that quotes should be obtained from suppliers in order to ascertain the scope of the project. This should also be an item for the next Newsletter.

197. Correspondence
Letter of thanks from Citizens Advice Bureau for recent donation. This also included some statistics - reported to the meeting.
Letter of thanks from WEA Alconbury Branch for recent donation.
Review of Transport Services in Cambridgeshire – circulated to all
Letter of introduction from Barbara Gowling as Anti-Social Behaviour Caseworker in this district.
Letter from Audit Commission – Moore Stephens appointed for the next 5 years as Alconbury’s auditiors.
CCC Speed Limit Policy – circulated to all and to be held on file.
Letter of complaint from Coulson Way – complaint received from resident of trees overhanging garden from footpath leading from Bell Lane to Rusts Lane. Clerk had advised resident that he should cut back any offending branches. Advice was also being sought from Highways. Clerk to inspect for general maintenance that might be required.

198. Responsible Finance Officer’s Report
Cheques for signature:
CCC – JFMI Scheme Great North Road - £1162.00
Pipex Internet (Feb 08) - £14.99
Demon – Web Hosting (Feb 08) - £11.75
Peter Rowlings – tree stakes for village green £13.96
Donation to Alconbury Over 60s - £200 (Section 137 agreed Jan 08)
Donation to Caresco - £150 (Section 137 agreed Jan 08)
CCC – contribution towards re-direction of footpath - £1500.00
Clerk’s Salary February - £367.65
Travelling expenses to St Ives (Quality Portfolio) - £13.00
Payments were proposed by Mrs Aylott and seconded by Mr Watson
Cleared Balances:
Current Account: £10,590.15 Deposit Account £13,738.72
Youth Group Account: £2,525.84

199. Date of Next Meeting
25th March 2008 7.45 in the Memorial Hall.

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