Present:
Mr Senior (Chair), Mrs Adams, Mrs Aylott, Mrs Dyer, Mrs Elphick, Mr Hardy, Mrs Hathaway, Mr Watson and Mrs Williams. County Councillor Peter Brown. District Councillor Keith Baker. Mrs Lancey (Clerk). 4 members of the public.

Mr Senior welcomed Mr John Clarke, Public Liaison Officer of Costain Skanska and Mr Geoff Chatfield, Project Manager, Highways who attended the meeting to update the Parish Council on the progress of the A14 improvements Ellington to Fen Ditton. Mr Chatfield reported that the scheme was on schedule to produce a finished proposal by the end of the year. Public information exhibitions would be held at the Marriott Hotel in Huntingdon on Sunday 30th November, Monday 1st December and Tuesday 2nd December 2008 where detailed plans together with a scaled model of the scheme would be available. Engineers would also be available to speak to members of the public. Draft orders would then be completed in March after which the public could make any observations. It was envisaged that any Public Enquiry would be complete by the end of 2009 and work on the Cambridge end of the scheme would start at the end of 2010 with the Huntingdon section following a year later. The whole scheme should be complete by the end of 2015. Traffic modelling information would be available at the public exhibitions.

The Parish Council and members of the public expressed their continued concerns that on completion of the scheme there would be a huge increase of heavy goods vehicles, with resulting problems, using the slip road from the A1 to the top of Rusts Lane. These same concerns had been expressed at the previous meeting held in February 2008, but it did not appear that these concerns had been taken into consideration by the design team and the traffic modelling team. Mr Clark agreed to take these concerns back to the teams involved. It was also agreed that the local engineer would meet with Mr Watson to inspect the individual locations about which the Parish Council had specific concerns. Mr Watson to organise. Mr Senior thanked Mr Clarke and Mr Chatfield for attending the meeting.

Public Forum
Mr Hodgson complained that there were still heavy goods vehicles parked on private property at the top of Rusts Lane outside the old Truckstop site and requested that the Parish Council should approach the land owner to make complaints. He also enquired if there had been any development of the sale of the old Truckstop site. Mr Senior confirmed there was nothing new to report. He also reported the theft of car badges in the village.

Mr Read expressed his support for the idea of a community orchard in the village and suggested that some sort of share purchase scheme might be considered. He also asked for further details of the proposed traffic calming measures in Rusts Lane. Clerk to copy him with details of the recently submitted JFMI Scheme. Mr Read also congratulated the Parish Council on obtaining Quality Status.

72. Apologies for Absence
Apologies received from Mrs Watkin and County Councillor Laine Kadic. Mrs Williams requested that she might leave the meeting early.

73. Councillors' Declaration of Interest for items on the Agenda
Mrs Williams and Mr Watson declared a personal interest in the agenda item dealing with Maypole Square, living in close proximity to the site. Mr Hardy expressed a prejudicial interest in planning application 0802692FUL as his property was adjacent to the site of the application.

74. To sign and approve minutes of previous meeting held on 26th August 2008.
Proposed by Mrs Aylott and seconded by Mrs Dyer. Minutes duly approved and signed.

75. Resignation - Mr Mark Brown
It was noted with great regret that Mr Brown had resigned from the Council. The Clerk explained that electors in the parish had fourteen working days after the notice of vacancy had been published in which to request that a poll be held. Ten written requests had to be received by HDC in order to prompt this poll. Should these requests not be received by 9th October, the casual vacancy could be filled by co-option. Two applications had already been received. Mr Brown's resignation meant there were vacancies on the Planning Committee and for the ASSC representative. It was agreed that Mrs Williams would join the Planning Committee and that Mr. Hardy would become the new ASSC representative.

76. Request for donation from 1st Alconbury Guides
Three representatives from 1st Alconbury Guides came along to the meeting to request a donation to their group. Unfortunately not all the financial information required by the Council, such as running costs, was to hand, so it was agreed the girls would speak with their leader and attend a future meeting. The Parish Council would also find it useful to have an idea of how much money they required.

As Mrs Williams needed to leave the meeting early, it was agreed to move agenda item 90 to agenda item 77.
77. Bi-monthly Newsletter
The next Newsletter was due to be published in November with a copy date of 20th October. Several ideas were discussed. It was agreed that the appointment of the next editor should be on the agenda for October.

As Dr. Outram had attended the meeting specifically to discuss Planning Application 0802467FUL it was agreed to move agenda item 91 to agenda item 78.
78. Committee Reports
(a) Planning Applications Received
0802467FUL - Extension to Surgery and part enclosure of entrance porch - The Surgery, School Lane (Standing Orders relaxed for this item) Dr. Outram explained to the meeting that the proposed extension was to provide an accessible area at the front of the premises which would be run as a Community Pharmacy, with a resident pharmacist. Under the proposals of a current government white paper, it would be highly likely that a surgery such as Alconbury would lose the right to dispense medication for their patients which would lead to residents having to travel to the nearest pharmacy. Developing a pharmacy run in conjunction with the surgery would offer a much improved service to residents of the village. The Parish Council were strongly in favour of this application and considered the extension to be of great value to the local community. Recommend approval.

080262FUL - Erection of agricultural grain and general purpose building - Land at Great North Road. - recommend approval.

0802692FUL - Alterations and extension to dwelling - 12 Spinney Lane (Mr Hardy left the meeting for this agenda item having declared a prejudicial interest) - no observations

0802667REM - Approval of reserved matters in respect of appearance, landscaping and layout for proposed rail facilities and rail link to East Coast Main Line - Alconbury Airfield
Mr Watson explained that the principle of this application had already been agreed when the original submission was made, and that this application only covered the details of that application. Unless there were any specific details that did not conform to the original application, there could be no grounds for objection. No observations.
Councillor Baker suggested he might organise a meeting between ADL and Alconbury and Stukeley Parish Councils to discuss the current developments on the airbase. This was considered a worthwhile idea.

Applications Determined by HDC
APP/H0520/A/08/2066851 - 15 Great North Road - Appeal dismissed.
0801867FUL - Temporary use of existing buildings for employment (B1, B2 and B8) Alconbury Airfield - permission granted.

The Clerk explained that HDC had produced a Local Residents Briefing Note on the current position at Alconbury Airfield. It was agreed that this should be displayed on noticeboards throughout the village.

(b) Clerk's Infrastructure Report
Churchyard: Nothing to report

Village Green: Nothing to report.

General: Fly tipping had again been reported in Globe Lane. HDC had stated that they were endeavouring to identify those responsible, and fines would be issued accordingly.
A damaged bridge in Woolley Road had been reported.
Works to School Lane footpath had been ordered and were expected by the end of the year.
The interactive speed sign had been repaired.
Complaint received of overgrown footpath between Bell Land and Rusts Lane - Clerk to obtain quotation.
Complaint received from Mrs Dix concerning the overgrown area belonging to ASSC neighbouring her garden. Clerk/Mr Watson to action.
A litter bin was requested near the two bridges across the brook at the bottom of Polecat Lane. Clerk to action.

(c) Bramble End: The surface beneath the equipment had shrunk slightly around the edges. The manufacturer had inspected and not recommended any repairs. This should be monitored.

79. Request for donation from 'Time Inspired' team.
£500 agreed. This would not be Section 137 money as the Parish Council had a separate power to support festivals and celebrations under LGA 1972

80. Request for Donation from Citizens Advice Bureau
£100 agreed

81. Request for Donation from Caresco
Caresco run The Thursday Club. It was agreed to make a donation of £150 to the parent organisation, but to approach The Thursday Club direct to see if they required any specific funding.

82. Damage to the Heritage Bridge
A bus had hit the bridge on 27th August. CCC was aware of the damage and would be programming repairs and claiming the costs back from the bus company. The Parish Council would be kept informed. Mrs. Hathaway reported that there had been another similar incident on 13th September. Clerk to report.

83. Grass Cutting
It was agreed that the grass cutting in the village was not up to standard. This was mainly due to the wet weather this season and the fact that 12 cuts were not enough to maintain any standard. It was agreed to order at least one extra cut. The contract should go out to tender again next year. The possibility of joining forces with the ASSC in some way was discussed. Mr Watson to discuss with ASSC. To be discussed further.

84. Maypole Square - renovation of the pump
The handle had now been repaired. Both Mrs Dix and Mrs Foster had agreed that the wooden casing should not be replaced. Clerk to order pump stand. Mrs Aylott suggested a working party to complete the project. Mr Watson, Mr Hardy, Mrs Elphick and Mrs Adams volunteered. Meeting to be arranged.

85. Neighbourhood Panel Meeting - update from Mr Hardy
Meeting had been held on 9th September and had covered anti-social behaviour, speeding and parking in the village together with the problems at Truckstop. The PCSOs had also dealt with the problem of go-peds.

86. Alconbury Sewage Treatment Works
Skanska Aker Solutions, the company undertaking works at the Sewage Treatment Plant were interested in contributing to the village whilst they were working in Alconbury. They were willing to provide volunteers and machinery for any suitable projects and were happy to undertake assemblies with local schools/groups concerning the dangers of playing on construction sites. Clerk had outlined some possible projects in which they might become involved. Position to be monitored.

87. Community Orchard (Standing Orders relaxed for this agenda item)
Clerk had spoken with Brigit Halford the expert on such community projects at HDC who was very enthusiastic about the proposed scheme. The area measured 1,371 sq. mtrs. Little Downham had successfully created a community orchard and a visit could be arranged for the Parish Council to see another similar project. Quotation for valuation of the land had been received from Barker Storey Matthews who had suggested a two-fold approach, firstly an informal valuation to enable the Parish Council to consider and take matters forward (£250 + VAT) followed, if appropriate, by a more formal report (£200 + VAT). Clerk to proceed. Mrs Dyer, Mrs Elphick and Mrs. Aylott would be able to attend valuation. Mr Read was in support of the idea and suggested some kind of community share purchase scheme could be investigated. He was willing to serve on a working party if the project became viable.

88. Emergency Planning - Mr Hardy
Further information had been received from Frank Cannon. Mr Hardy expressed his concerns about holding personal data and resulting implications of the Data Protection Act. Meeting to be arranged. Mr Hardy, Mr Senior, Mrs Elphick and Mrs Aylott to attend.

89. The Clerk's Computer - Mr Senior
Revised quotation received from Total Computing Systems Ltd. in St. Ives for a sum of £1236.93 + VAT. £1800 was put aside in the precept. Clerk to go ahead and order as soon as possible.

90. The Youth Group - Mrs Adams/Mrs Aylott
The last committee meeting had been held at the Huntingdon Resource Centre which made various resources available at very reasonable hire prices. Prior to the meeting a vote had been taken on the issue to charging, the result being 4 in favour and 4 against. It had therefore been agreed that a profit should be made on goods purchased from the tuck shop. All meetings continued to be very well attended and there were lots of fund raising activities planned. The group wanted to meet more than once a month, but without more volunteers to supervise this was impossible. Nigel Murphy had applied to WREN for a grant for the ball park.

91. The Memorial Hall
The committee would be pleased for the Parish Council to display their Quality Certificate in the Hall. They had also decided to have their own website and asked that this could be linked to the Parish Council's site. They also requested that the village should run some sort of diary to stop events from various groups conflicting with one another. Clerk to speak to Paul Tait with a view to setting up an electronic calendar available to all.

92. Correspondence
Capital Grant Aid Application - Clerk to obtain details from HDC.
Review of Parish Boundaries - the necessary Orders to put before the Secretary of State for approval were being drafted. These Orders would be subject to a further public consultation by the Dept. of Communities and Local Government. The recommendations were still stating that Alconbury Parish Council should lose the airbase to The Stukeleys as they believed it to be illogical to leave the airfield split between two parishes. Alconbury would continue to be consulted on major applications.

House and Garden - 8 The Leys - complaints received concerning the untidy state of this property. Clerk to write to resident concerned.

CCC Roadshow - this would be held on October 14th outside Sainsburys in Huntingdon and was to set out next year’s spending priorities and budgets.

Proposed clarification of legal registration Public Footpath No. 3 - this footpath was from Rusts Lane to Frumetty Lane. The exact legal line was problematic as it ran through several properties in Beech End and Maple End. CCC wished to register the footpath on the line that is available on the ground. The Parish Council had no objections to this.

CPALC Training Courses for 2008/2009 - to be circulated.

93. Responsible Finance Officer's Report
Moore Stephens (external auditor) had approved the Annual Return for the year ended 31st March 2008. Notice duly displayed.
The Clerk had provided details of expenditure year to date as compared with the Precept which had been circulated to all. No overspend anticipated
Cheques for signature:
Demon - Webhosting August - £11.75
Demon - Webhosting September - £11.75
Pipex Internet (September 08) - £14.99 (please note wrong figure of ¬£14.81 on agenda)
Grafton Projects - Newsletter - £115.19
HDC - Maypole Square Enhancements - £1983.54
Moore Stephens - Audit 07/08 - £334.88
Clerk's Salary September 2008 - £760.24 (includes back pay)
Petty Cash Top Up - £51.20

Payments were proposed by Mr Hardy and seconded by Mrs Adams.

Cleared Balances: C/A £7,273.74. D/A £36,698.26. The second half of the Precept had been paid into the Deposit Account.

94. Date of Next Meeting
28th October 2008 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.

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