Present:
Mr. Brown (Chairman), Mrs Adams, Mrs Aylott, Mrs Dyer, Mrs Elphick, Mrs Hathaway, Mr Watson, Mrs Watkin and Mrs Williams. County Councillors Sir Peter Brown and Elaine Kadic. Mrs Lancey (Clerk) 8 members of the public.

Public Forum
Mr Read enquired whether his letter dated 27th June, together with previous e-mails sent to the Clerk were items for discussion at this meeting. Clerk explained that she had not had access to e-mail for several weeks and hence had not received the letter of 27th June. Mr Read distributed copies to all Councillors. The Chairman explained to Mr Read that at such short notice no comment could be made on this letter and that it would be discussed at a later date. The Clerk would look into the other e-mails mentioned by Mr Read when she was able to access her computer. Mr Vanbergen said that this situation was unacceptable.

Mr Stock said he was bitterly disappointed at the reaction of the Parish Council over the CCTV camera recently installed in the village, especially in light of the Parish Plan which clearly stated that residents were concerned about anti social behaviour at the bus shelter. Neighbourhood Watch were in favour of permanent cameras in the village. The Chairman reiterated that the Parish Council were not against CCTV cameras in principle, but their concern had been that the camera opposite the bus shelter had been installed deliberately without their knowledge and appeared to be against HDC’s own CCTV Code of Conduct. Mr Read commented on events that had taken place at the bus shelter over the past years and was at a loss to understand why the Parish Council had taken no action to alleviate the problems. The Chairman repeated that the Parish Council had not received any specific complaints via Neighbourhood Watch or any other body. Mrs Aylott as the new Neighbourhood Watch representative would ensure that any such complaints were passed back to the Parish Council.

Mrs King thanked the Parish Council for their letter of condolence sent on the death of her mother, Mrs Brudnell.

Mr Wade enquired on any progress with speed restrictions along the Great North Road. Clerk informed him that this would be discussed later in the meeting. Mr Deller enquired about signs that had recently been displayed around the village. Clerk informed him that this would also be discussed later.

1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Mr Senior.
Note: Clerk was informed after the meeting that an e-mail sending his apologies had been sent by District Councillor Keith Baker, but due to computer problems this had not been received in time for the meeting.

2. Councillors’ Interests
None recorded.

3. The Parish Plan
Mr. Stan Rees from Cambridgeshire ACRE was welcomed to the meeting.
Mr Rees had attended the meeting to explain the way forward with the Action Plan (which would result from the Parish Plan) and how it should be developed within a time span. Cambridgeshire ACRE had come up with a standard format for the Action Plan which would allow its identification within local government and Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) Boards. Cambridgeshire ACRE considered that the manner in which the Action Plan was presented and its standardisation assisted its acceptance by District and County officers. They also considered it an acceptable document for release to the general public. He explained that a small sub committee had been appointed who would allocate time to the Action Plan and submit accordingly to the LSP Boards. It would be brought before various officers and then fed back to Cambridgeshire ACRE. At this point he would report back to the Parish Council. The LSP Boards would only look at items which required District and County input. The Parish Council should pursue items coming under their own jurisdiction. It was anticipated that he might be in a position to report back to the Parish Council early in 2007. He advised the Parish Council to prioritise the Action Plan and not to be too ambitious, possibly looking at the completion of 2-3 items per year. The completed Action Plan should be sent to him by early Autumn, but he would appreciate an electronic copy of the Parish Plan immediately. Clerk to action
A meeting of the Parish Plan Sub Committee was set for 2.00pm on Thursday 20th July 2006. Mr Rees was thanked and he then left the meeting.

4. Minutes of the Previous Meetings held on 30th May and 12th June 2006
The minutes of the AGM held on 30th May were proposed by Mrs Aylott and seconded by Mr Watson and were duly approved and signed.

The minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting held on 12th June were proposed by Mrs. Hathaway and seconded by Mrs Watkin and were duly approved and signed. The clerk agreed to record that a member of the public felt they were not a balanced record of proceedings. After a brief discussion the Parish Council concluded that the minutes were a factual representation of proceedings.

5. Committee Reports
a) Clerk’s infrastructure Report
Churchyard: Nothing to report

Village Green: It was agreed members of Neighbourhood Watch could prune around the base of trees prior to the village fete.
The Fair had left some holes on the Green which had been filled in.
The large chestnut tree surrounded by the metal seat looked in a poor state. Clerk to speak with Mr. Rowlings, Tree Warden.

General: One piece of grass in Field Close had not been cut. Clerk had contacted the District Council.
Signs had been displayed in several locations in the village by Designer Drives. These signs had been removed and Neighbourhood Watch had been alerted that residents, especially the elderly, should be cautious if approached by this company.
Sir Peter Brown had been contacted by a resident in School Lane complaining about the poor state of the footpath. Clerk explained that CCC Highways were going to do some patching in this area but she had been advised that no further remedial work could be carried out at this time due to lack of funding.

b) Planning
New Applications:
0601680FUL– Extension to dwelling, 11 Coulson Way – No observations.
06017019FUL – Erection of Conservatory 21 Chapel Street – Personal interest expressed by Mrs Watkin and Mrs Dyer - No observations.
0601704FUL – Extension to Lorry Park to create 45 additional spaces – Alconbury Truckstop. Clerk explained that this application had been withdrawn, but recommended that the Parish Council should still discuss and comment. In order to approve this application, the Parish Council would require assurance of substantial landscaping along the boundary with Rusts Lane with better fencing and litter control. This could also help prevent vehicles parking outside the perimeter fence. It was considered that Truckstop might also provide better signage to the site to prevent vehicles entering the village in error. Clerk to circulate Planning Committee with appropriate response.
0601919FUL – Part demolition and construction of new research facility – Paragon Global Services – No observations.

Applications Determined by Huntingdonshire District Council:
0601320FUL – Extension to dwelling, 3 Old Glebe - Permission granted.
0601314FUL – Extension to dwelling to form ancillary residential accommodation – 8 Great North Road – Permission refused
0601593FUL – Erection of conservatory and summerhouse – 5 The Maltings – Permission granted.

c) Bramble End Playground
Mrs Williams to liaise with Mr Senior concerning quarterly inspections of the key links on the bay swings.
Information on HDC’s Play Strategy confirmed that this would be submitted to National Lottery, in terms of funding, by March 07, and if accepted, implementation would be completed within 3 years. Clerk to ascertain whether the Parish Council would have any further input into the Strategy.

6. Matters Arising
JFMI – Speed Restrictions along the Great North Road
Clerk and Councillors had met with Highways Dept. and had a very constructive meeting concerning the possible speed restrictions along the Great North Road. Draft plans were circulated. Clerk explained there would be ample opportunity for public discussion of the scheme. Councillors confirmed they were prepared to help with distribution of leaflets to inform the public of the proposals. It was also hoped that a speed restriction might be imposed between Alconbury and Alconbury Weston. The Parish Council were strongly in favour of this. Signs saying “village only” would also be erected on the corner of the Great North Road and Mill Road in order to prevent lorries entering the village from this direction. Clerk to contact Highways to confirm Parish Council support of the scheme.

Huntingdonshire Community Safety Partnership Seminar
Unfortunately Mr Senior had, at the last minute, been unable to attend this Seminar and no replacement could be found at short notice. Clerk had arranged to receive documentation on the event. It was agreed that it would be useful for Mr Senior, in his new role as Police Liaison Representative, to make contact with the Community Safety Partnership.

1st Alconbury Scout Group
Acknowledgement received of recent donation of £100.

Registration of Financial and Other Interests
Copies returned from HDC and distributed to Councillors.

Dispensation for discussion of Flood Alleviation Scheme
Clerk to contact HDC with Councillors particularly affected by potential flooding and requiring dispensation for the planning stage of the Scheme.

Transport Challenges Seminar
This had been attended by Mr Watson who gave a brief update. Seminar notes to be distributed.

Noise in the Memorial Hall
Noise coming from the main hall into the lounge was considered excessive, making it impossible to conduct meetings satisfactorily. It was proposed that from September onwards, the Parish Council should hold its monthly meetings in the Methodist Chapel. Clerk to organise.

7. Correspondence (A list of correspondence had been circulated to all)
Manor Farm – Public Access
A further communication had been received from Smiths Gore raising two main points on the public access from School Lane to the “flood relief road”. They expressed concern over the route, if opened, being used by unauthorised motorbikes and had also pointed out that the southern part of the track had been compulsorily purchased during the A1 widening scheme, so it would be necessary for a formal agreement to be reached with the legal owners. It was suggested that a kissing gate might be installed at the School Lane entrance, hence preventing unauthorised use of motorbikes. Clerk to make enquiries concerning the legal landowners.

Ethical Standards and the Code of Conduct
Training session to be held on 5th July 2006. Mr Brown, Mrs Hathaway, Mr Watson and possibly Mr Senior to attend. Clerk to confirm to HDC.

Crime Prevention - Burglaries
Cambs. Constabulary had requested any help the Parish Council might possibly be able to give in preventing burglaries targeted at the elderly – especially in sheltered accommodation. Mrs Aylott to liaise with Neighbourhood Watch to see if anything might be done to help.

Memorial Hall Regular User Meeting
Meeting changed from 22nd June to September. An “Abba Night” was organised for 30th September.

Allotments in the village
Clerk had received two requests for an allotment, making 3 in total. It was agreed to form a Working Party to look into this.

Overview and Scrutiny Panel Annual Report
To be circulated to all Councillors.

HCV Route Map
This was now available on line – designed to direct drivers through Cambridgeshire – cambridgeshire.gov.uk/transport/managing

Mobile CCTV Camera – reply from HDC
It was agreed that the latest reply from HDC concerning the erection of the CCTV camera opposite the bus shelter should be displayed on the Parish Council Noticeboard. HDC had suggested meeting with identified representatives from the Parish Council. It was agreed that Mr Brown and Mr Senior should attend this meeting. Clerk to acknowledge receipt of letter and arrange a meeting.

8. Responsible Finance Officer’s Report
Annual Return – Year Ended 31st March 2006
The Clerk reminded Councillors of the points listed on the Statement of Assurance on the Annual Return, which was then duly signed by the Chairman and the Responsible Finance Officer.

Cheques for signature (notified with Correspondence List):
Clerk’s back incremental pay April/May - £55.25
Clerk’s Salary – June - £135.14
Inland Revenue – Tax payable – Quarter 1 - £262.24
Alconbury Cricket Club Donation - £250
Demon – Web Hosting - £11.75
Pipex Broadband - £17.70
Rental of Methodist Chapel – extraordinary meeting - £7.50
Norton Anti Virus - £34.99

Payments were proposed by Mr Watson and seconded by Mrs Elphick

Cleared Balances:
Current Account: £17,707.53 Deposit Account £18,499.45
Youth Group Account: £5250.41

Clerk explained that due to computer problems she had been unable to update the Financial Regulations. These would be completed as soon as possible.

9. The Youth Group
Mrs Adams and Mrs Aylott reported that the recent senior youth group had been poorly attended and they were suffering lack of enthusiasm from the current youth worker. Mr Murphy to pursue this with CCC. Sir Peter Brown had also offered his assistance. More parents and helpers were being sought for the very successful younger group. Quotes were being obtained for the multi-user surface and the area outside the Memorial Hall would be mapped out in order that the size and location of the surface could be assessed by all concerned. A meeting of all parties would be planned to discuss this project. Total costs were estimated at £40K. The youngsters would take part in fund raising at the village fete. A copy of the Partnership Agreement relating to the employment of a youth worker was passed to the Clerk for retention.

10. The Alconbury Sports & Social Club
Mrs Adams reported on the success of the recent Charity Cricket Match. She also confirmed that according to its constitution, the club required a second Parish Council representative. Mr Watson agreed to be appointed. Clerk to confirm to ASSC.

11. Neighbourhood Watch
Mrs Aylott said she was still awaiting minutes from the last meeting and until she received them together with the agenda, she was unsure of the next meeting date.

12. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 25th July 2006 in the New Memorial Hall, starting at 7.45pm.

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