Glinton
The Council, at its meeting on the 20th April, had a talk from the City’s Chief Planning Officer, Simon Machin, in particular to discuss the value of village plans, which resulted in Simon saying that as funds permitted, he would rewrite these plans so that they could be used in planning considerations.
It was reported to the meeting that instructions had been given by the City Council to design and seek planning permission for a rear access road into AMVC.
Glinton Parish Council has 11 councillors. Only eight put themselves forward for re-election, and when nominations closed, there were only nine nominations – leaving two vacancies, which can be filled by co-option. Anyone interested, should apply to the clerk with a 250 word (approx) statement as to why they believe that their skills would add to those of the councillors already elected, or how they feel they could make a contribution to the life of the village. Applications please, no later than 21st June 2010, to the Clerk (details below).
The Annual Parish Meeting was held on the 18th May and the following issues were raised by members of the public: play equipment for the 13+ age group, the condition of the footpath from Lincoln Road to Welmore Road, and the progress of the Neighbourhood Investment Plan. These items will appear on future agendas.
The AGM of the Council followed the Parish Meeting. Cllr John Holdich OBE was re-elected Chairman, and Cllr R Johnson was re-elected Vice-Chairman.
If you find someone from the Council looking in your bin to ascertain what type of rubbish you are throwing away, don’t be alarmed, the analysis of such an exercise will provide important information to inform and help the authority to develop improvements to the waste and recycling services currently provided.
Cllr John F W Holdich OBE,
Chairman
Northborough
May is always a busy month for the Parish Council as it is the start of a new financial year and it is the month in which we must hold an Annual Parish Meeting.
This Parish Meeting is open to the Public to participate, we also hold the Parish Council AGM, which is the meeting where the plans are laid for the coming year and the Council elects its Chairman for the ensuing year and reviews the sub committee structure and Membership. On top of those two meetings there is a Parish Council Meeting. These meetings all take place on the same evening.
The Parish Council is again up to full strength following the resignation of Mr Graham Gudgin, now replaced, by cooption, by Mr John Dadge. Graham was a Member of the Parish Council for many years and was a very active Member in that time.
You will now know that the Parish Council (aided by some interested Parishioners) were unable to stop (or have designs amended) the works to the Armco barrier at Nine Bridges. As I reported in the last Tribune, there was no prior consultation by the City Council with the Parish Council, and all our protestations were discounted by Peterborough City Council. We have been told on numerous occasions that there are ‘good reasons’ and ‘health and safety issues’ why these ‘improvements’ are being made. At the end of the debate we are stuck with the eyesore you now see. The Parish Council have made a formal complaint to the City Council about the whole matter and we are requiring plans to be prepared, by the City Council, showing designs which will help mitigate the damage caused to the area. We have the support of our Ward Councillor on this matter.
The Speedwatch training took place in April, so that means that 11 Parishioners are now trained up and raring to go with their own (borrowed) Speed Monitoring System which will soon be seen around the village, monitoring speeds, reporting offenders, and hopefully making our village a safer place.
The Village Handyman started at the beginning of May, his first job was to tidy up around the Village Hall, then he moves onto the job of tidying up the verges between Clare Road and Church View (adjacent to the new footpath), then its washing/painting the 13 seats we have around the village. So if you can identify any jobs which don’t appear to be the responsibility of anyone else, let the Parish Clerk know
There has been a spate of anti-social behaviour by young people on the Village Playing Field. The Police have been informed; they have attended on several occasions and are making the problem a high priority. The Police are determined to stop the problem before it escalates, so if you see or know of any incident ring PC Norman McCallum on 0345 456 456 4.
The old problem of dog fouling, on the Playing Field, is not going to go away. The Parish Council are trying their best not to ban dogs from the Playing Field, but the problem seems to be getting worse. New notices are going to be erected warning dog owners of the penalties associated with dog fouling and the City Council Dog Warden will be patrolling the area regularly (and not just the Playing Field). The Parish Council is trying to preserve the area for the enjoyment of all, not to be spoilt by a few.
The Village Fete, based upon a Circus theme this year, will be held on the 12th of September. The headline Band is ‘The Brays’. If you would like a Car Boot Stall, Fete Stall, or just help on the day, let the Committee know. Details elsewhere on page 29. Have a good Spring.
Richard Tindall, Chairman
Peakirk
Annual Report 2009/10
Projects: The Parish Council agreed to use s106 money for the new lighting in the Village Hall.
We held a litter-pick in and around the village which collected a large amount of rubbish – although somewhat less than last year. At the same time hundreds of daffodil bulbs were planted.
The Parish Council Newsletter continues to be published to keep residents up-to-date with our activities.
The Parish Council continues to be actively involved with external bodies. This year we have attended Neighbourhood Council meetings in order to understand and develop their role for the benefit of Peakirk.
Transport: You may have seen the Speedwatch monitoring system in the village. This shows drivers the speed they are travelling at. Any drivers seen going faster than 37 mph are notified by the police.
The 30 mph speed limit has been extended along Thorney Road and Meadow Road. The police will be carrying out spot checks to enforce the new limit.
As a result of a grassroots movement from residents and support from the Parish Council our bus service has been spared from closure.
Paths: The Northern Footpath Forum, of which Peakirk was a founder member, has been working to get a footway along the Deeping Road to Maxey Cut. The Highways Department at PCC have been remarkably unhelpful. The NFF are exploring different ways of achieving the objective, such as a ‘green path’ that does not use hard civil engineering materials and techniques.
Future: The Village Green is our main asset and continues to be our most expensive outlay. Following advice from the PCC Arboricultural Officer we must plan for the removal and replacement of the chestnut trees over the next 20 years. This is going to be a considerable expense which is why we have been building up a fund to cover this.
The fence along St Pega’s Road needs replacing and the ever controversial hedge will ultimately need attention.
We are happy to receive suggestions and ideas for ways in which the Parish Council can do a better job for the parish of Peakirk. Please feel free to contact any of the councillors or the clerk.
Finally, I would like to thank the clerk, my fellow councillors, Rod Gall, Greg Prior, other residents, non-residents, and Councillor Harrington, who have all voluntarily given time and effort to help keep Peakirk a safe and pleasant place in which to live.
I would also like to thank the retiring councillors David Dearman, Mel Boustead and Doug Crane for their work and welcome newly elected councillor Abby Brazier. There are two vacancies on the Parish Council. Anybody interested in being co-opted is welcome to contact the clerk or me for further information.
Henry Clark, Chairman
Police Community Support Officers – their role explained
Villagers often ask about the difference between Police Constables and Police Community Support Officers. PCSO’s are uniformed staff whose role is to support the work of police officers within the community in Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
They are a vital part of these teams and a large part of their role is to patrol in communities and work with organisations like the local councils to tackle the menace of anti-social behaviour.
PCSO’s do not have the same powers of arrest as police officers, although they do have the right to detain suspected offenders for up to thirty minutes until a police officer arrives. They also are able to give tickets for certain offences such as parking and littering. You can find out more about the role of a PCSO on the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website: www.cambs.police.uk/recruitment/pcso/role.asp
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