Present:
Mr. Brown (Chairman), Mr Senior, Mrs Adams, Mrs Aylott, Mr Dawson, Mrs Dyer, Mrs Elphick, Mrs Watkin and Mrs Williams. Sir Peter Brown - County Councillor Mrs Vanbergen - District Councillor Mrs Lancey (Clerk) 2 members of the public. Members of the Parish Plan Steering Committee

Public Forum
Mr Wade enquired about progress with the traffic control measures along the Great North Road. Clerk informed the meeting of the success in the bid for Jointly Funded Minor Improvement Scheme which would address this issue.
Mr Hodgson enquired about the new gate which had been installed in the perimeter of the Airfield opposite Admiral Windows site. Clerk explained that she had spoken with the Planning Dept. at HDC and the matter had been referred to the Enforcement Division.
Mr Scotney raised the issue of refuse left by lorry drivers at Truckstop and requested large bins be installed as in many similar European facilities. Clerk to action. Lorries parking outside the premises were also of concern. Clerk to pursue.

1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from County Councillor Elaine Kadic, Mrs. Dix and Mr. Vanbergen.

2. Councillors' Interests
Special dispensations had been received from the District Council's Standards Committee in order that all of the Parish Council might speak and vote on matters relating to the Flood Alleviation Scheme.

3. Minutes of the Previous Meetings held on 31st January 2006 and the Planning Sub Committee meeting held on 24th February 2006.
Approved and signed.

4. The Parish Plan
Members of the Parish Plan Sub Committee attended the meeting and the Chairman, Mr. Scotney presented each Councillor with the final version of The Plan. This received high praise from the Parish Council and the Committee were thanked once again for their hard work. The Committee had taken pleasure in taking the project to its conclusion. The Plan would now be distributed to residents who had supplied names and addresses. The final accounts had to be completed by 17th March and it was anticipated that the second half of the Grant would then be received.
A Sub Committee was formed to progress findings of the Plan consisting of Mr. Brown, Mr. Dawson, Mrs Watkin and Mrs. Williams. Their first meeting was planned for 7th March (please note now changed to 8th March).

5. Alconbury Flood Alleviation Scheme
A letter had been received from The Environment Agency asking for the Parish Council's views on whether the Scheme should be modified to provide protection against a 1 in 200 year annual chance of flooding (which would mean defence heights would be raised by a further 6 inches) as opposed to the preferred option of 1 in 100 year. After some discussion concerning the Scheme in general, it was decided that the Clerk should reply to the Environment Agency expressing preference of the 1 in 100 year option.
The Clerk also informed Councillors that a further request had been made to the District Council's Standards Committee for dispensations for the whole Parish Council to discuss and vote on the Flood Alleviation Scheme from end April 2006 when the current authority expired.

6. The Youth Group
Mrs Adams reported that two junior youth workers had been appointed as a temporary measure, supported by the detached team, until the vacancy had been permanently filled. The senior group would be meeting on a weekly basis. Dave Lofting, Community Beat Officer and the PCSOs had visited the junior group. Mrs Aylott had reported on the multi play facility and it was hoped that a meeting with the Memorial Hall Committee would take place in March to discuss its possible location.

7. The New Memorial Hall
Mr Senior reported that the AGM would take place at the end of March. (Date has since been confirmed as 31st March). Arts in Cambs. on Tour would be holding a theatre event in the hall on Saturday morning 17th June. The heating in the hall was not working. Clerk to contact the Committee to see if, in the event of this happening in the future, regular user groups such as the Parish Council might be given advance warning.

8. Committee Reports
a) Clerk's infrastructure Report
Churchyard: Richard Scott had requested that the area alongside the Brook where many old gravestones are completely overgrown, be cleared and gradually incorporated into the Churchyard. A quotation had been obtained in the sum of £300 for this work. After discussion it was agreed that the quotation should be accepted.

Village Green: Burleigh Tree Surgery would be carrying out extensive pruning to the willow tree along Brookside on 8th March. Notices had been posted to this effect.

General: The Clerk had drawn up a Specification and three quotations had been received for the grass cutting in the village as follows:
Groomfields - £10,200 plus VAT
Huntingdonshire District Council - £7366.68 + VAT
Alan C. Summerfield - £5220 + VAT

Clerk explained that the sum paid to Fergusons for last year was £2343 and the Precept for 2006/2007 had been based on this figure, so clearly reserves would have to be spent to cover the extra cost this financial year.
It was agreed to accept the quotation from Mr. Summerfield. Clerk to action accordingly.

Roger Read had requested that the Parish Council should cut the hedge which was overhanging the footpath between the Memorial Hall and the Surgery. Clerk had obtained a quotation for £20 for this work. It was decided that this work should not be the responsibility of the Parish Council. Clerk to action. The hedge on the other side of the car park was also in need of cutting back. Clerk to contact Surgery. A damaged bridge in Globe Lane had been reported. A litter pick had been requested from HDC in Mill Road/Great North Road. The grips had been cleared in Polecat Lane. The potholes in Spinney Lane would be filled and the road assessed for resurfacing. Complaints had been received about parking on the slip road outside the Mead in Brookside. Mrs Williams to speak with residents. Parking problems on the corner of Globe Lane had been reported. Clerk to action. Mrs Watkin enquired whether signs could be erected at this time of the year to warn drivers of ducks in the road. It was considered that signs made by children might be a worthwhile and effective project. Mrs. Adams would liaise with the Youth Group and Mrs. Dyer with the school.

b) Planning
New Applications:
0600240FUL- Erection of Poultry Unit, Lodge Far, Low Road, Little Stukeley.
Clerk explained that the access road to this proposed unit would be from the A1 and would be in the Parish of Alconbury, hence receipt of the plans. After some discussion it was agreed that such an establishment would encroach upon the rural setting, and concern was expressed over the amount of traffic it might generate. Concern was also expressed over possible air pollution. Recommend refusal.
0600278FUL - Continuation of use of building as independent dog handling unit - Alconbury Developments Limited, Alconbury Airfield -No observations.

Applications Determined by Huntingdonshire District Council:
0503920FUL - Erection of dwelling, land adjacent 2 Gt. North Road - Permission granted.
0503963S73 - Renewal of permission continued used of building for training purposes - Alconbury Airfield - Cambs. Police Shrievalty Trust - permission granted.
0600107FUL - Extension to dwelling - 22 Spinney Lane - permission granted.

Clerk explained that a Planning Sub Committee meeting had been called to discuss the proposed changes to planning guidelines concerning airfields by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. As a result of these changes it appeared that airfields (with a building) would be classed as “brownfield” land sites and therefore could be considered for housing developments. The Sub Committee had written to Jonathan Djanogly MP expressing their concern over these proposals and also the fact that the Planning Policy Statement 3 was being revised without adequate notification to those concerned.

c) Bramble End Playground
Due to settlement, the areas directly around the new “wetpour” surfaces needed building up and re-seeding. Clerk to action.

9. Matters Arising
The Village Shop
Due to the retirement of personnel, the village shop was sorely undermanned and in danger of closing. It was agreed that this would be disastrous for the community. This would be addressed by the Parish Plan Sub Committee.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Life Education Centre
Clerk reminded Councillors of their choice of times to visit the Centre.

Re-routing of Footpath near to footbridge - Village Green
Clerk reported that she was to meet with West Highways Division on 3rd March.

The Fair
Clerk had confirmed the booking of the fair with W.J.F. Thurston for 15/16/17 June 2006. Rent would be £100. Public Liability Insurance would be checked.

The Bus Shelter.
Clerk confirmed that a quotation had been received from HDC for installation of two vandal proof lights in the shelter of £1665 + VAT. As this seemed very high, Clerk to request further quotes. A further quote had been obtained for enlarging the holes in the sides of the shelter of £340 plus an additional £120 if Perspex was to be fitted. It was decided not to go ahead with enlargement of the holes.

The May Election
Clerk would receive nomination papers on 14/15 March for distribution to Councillors. These had to be returned by each individual to HDC by 12 noon on 3rd April. Should there be more candidates than seats then the Clerk would be sent copies of Notice of Poll to display. Mrs Watkin stressed the importance of Councillors notifying the Clerk should they not be intending to stand for office at the May election. If the Council were to consider Quality Status they had to meet the 80% of elected members criteria, and would not wish to unnecessarily have to co-opt members after May. Mrs Dyer expressed her preference to stand down but was willing to remain should this prove necessary.

10. Correspondence (A list of correspondence had been circulated to all)
Letters of thanks from Caresco and Macmillan Cancer Relief -received in respect of recent donations.

CALC Meeting
Mrs Dyer gave a brief report on the recent CALC meeting which concerned recycling. It was agreed that Mrs Watkin would accompany Mrs Dyer to the next Liaison Meeting on 26th April Clerk to confirm to CALC.

District Councillor's Report for February.
Circulated to all. Mrs Watkin queried the decision taken to ask residents of Lordsway Park to stop clearing rubbish from under the flyover. It was decided that they should be allowed to carry on with this good work whilst keeping the refuse collected for inspection by the police. Mrs. Vanbergen to contact the Neighbourhood Watch representative for Lordsway Park accordingly.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Cambridgeshire
Passed to Mrs Watkin for inspection and completion of questionnaire.

Children's Play Initiative - Clerk to complete questionnaire

Speeding - The Great North Road
Mr Wade had written concerning speeding along the Great North Road. See Public Forum above.

Waste Development Plan - additional proposed locations can be viewed on websites - passed to Mr. Brown.

11. Responsible Finance Officer's Report
Payment of Accounts
Cheques for signature (notified along with Correspondence List):
Lodge Printers - Parish Plan Report - £1000 (to be refunded on grant receipt)
Ian Faulkner - Parish Plan map design - £201.50 (to be refunded on grant receipt)
Demon - Web Hosting February - £11.75
S Lancey - internet calls Feb.- £8.55
Clerk's Salary - February 06 - £346.38 - 42.5 hrs. @ £8.15 per hr.

Youth Group Account
ADCHC - Committee Meeting Room Hire - £67.50
ADCHC Youth Club Session Meeting Room Hire - £105

Payments Proposed: Mr Brown.Seconded: Mr Senior.
Cleared balances - Current Account £12,483.97 and Deposit Account £18,408.67
Cleared balances - Parish Plan Account - £186.21 (excluding above expenditure to be reimbursed)
- Youth Group Account - £5328.59

A meeting to discuss adoption of financial regulations was held on 21st February. Mr Brown, Mrs. Watkin and the Clerk had attended. Apologies received from Mr Vanbergen. The Draft Format received from CALC had been largely agreed upon with a few minor changes. Clerk to amend and circulate. One section of the Draft concerned Risk Assessment. It was suggested that on the re-appointment of Councillors to responsibilities after the AGM, a new position should be created for Risk Assessment/Health & Safety issues. In the meantime the Clerk and Mrs. Watkin had carried out an inspection of all assets (seats etc.) in the village and found few problems. It was suggested that the Jubilee Seat might be re-oiled. Mrs. Adams to contact ASSC.

12. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held at 7.45pm on Tuesday 28th March 2006 in the New Memorial Hall.

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