West Area Neighbourhood Panel

Monday 16 July 2012 – Witchford Village Hall

PRESENT:

Cllr Nick Border Coveney Parish Council Cllr Peter Goddard Haddenham Parish Council Cllr Jean Ballantyne Little Thetford Parish Council Cllr Elizabeth Stazicker Mepal Parish Council Cllr Penny Mayo Sutton Parish Council Cllr Tony Goodge East District Council (ECDC) Cllr Gareth Wilson District Council (ECDC) Cllr Philip Read Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) OFFICERS Liz Knox Head of Environmental Services, ECDC Debbie Bailey Sanctuary Hereward Housing Inspector Paul Ormerod Cambridgeshire Constabulary Lewis Bage Project Officer (Leisure and Community Services), ECDC James Nairn Community Development and Engagement Officer, ECDC Melanie Sage Democratic Services Officer, ECDC ALSO IN ATTENDANCE Neil Goudie Environment Agency John Pye Cambridgeshire Police Authority

IN ATTENDANCE: 7 members of the public (including 1 District Councillor, 1 Mepal Parish Councillor, 1 Sutton Parish Councillor and 1 Coveney Parish Councillor)

WNP12/01 Election of Chairman and Appointment of Vice-Chairman

Cllr Elizabeth Stazicker was proposed and seconded as Chairman of the West Area Neighbourhood Panel. There being no other nominations, Cllr Elizabeth Stazicker was duly appointed as Chairman of the Panel for the ensuing municipal year.

On accepting the position as Chairman of the Panel Cllr Elizabeth Stazicker stated that she hoped that the Panel could continue to work proactively as well as reactively.

Cllr Gareth Wilson was proposed and seconded as Vice-Chairman of the West Area Neighbourhood Panel. There being no other nominations, Cllr Gareth Wilson was duly appointed as Vice-Chairman of the Panel for the ensuing municipal year.

WNP12/02 Welcome

The Chairman, Cllr Elizabeth Stazicker welcomed everyone to the meeting.

1 U:\commlive\West NP\160712 mins.doc WNP12/03 Introductions and Apologies

Apologies were received from Cllr Peter Moakes, Cllr Bill Hunt, Linda Mynott and Terry Jordan, both of whom were from Cambridgeshire County Council.

Cllr Day from Wilburton Parish Council and Cllr Shields from Witchford Parish Council submitted apologies for absence prior to the meeting. However, this was not announced at the meeting as the Project Officer (Leisure and Community Services), at East Cambridgeshire District Council discovered the email subsequent to the meeting.

WNP12/04 Chairman’s Announcements and Consultation Items

The Chairman made the following announcements:

. Requested that everyone complete the attendance list including an email address and postcode. . At the end of the meeting complete the ‘Have Your Say’ evaluation form. . ShapeYourPlace Update – James Nairn, Community Engagement and Development Officer at East Cambridgeshire District Council would provide an update regarding the ShapeYourPlace website during Agenda Item 5 – Neighbourhood Update and would inform the Panel of recent issues raised in the west via the website and site statistics. . Highlighted the following items currently out for consultation, as detailed on the reverse of the agenda sheet: - Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership - Revised Single Equality Scheme 2012 –2015 - Proposed changes to the Waste Collection Services . The date of the next West Neighbourhood Panel meeting originally scheduled on 22 October 2012 had been changed to 1 October 2012. The meeting would continue to be held in Witchford Village Hall.

WNP12/05 Neighbourhood Update

The Panel received an update on the non-policing priorities and other issues raised at the previous Panel meeting:

East Cambridgeshire District Council Update Ouse Washes Habitat At the previous Neighbourhood Panel meeting it was suggested Creation Project update that the Ouse Washes Habitat Creation Project update by Peter by Peter Doktor, Doktor be brought forward as residents were concerned Environment Agency. regarding the car park being created at the Coveney site. East Cambridgeshire District Council contacted the Environment Agency to seek a representative to present at the July Neighbourhood Panel meeting. However, the Environment Agency stated that they would be in a better position to present at a meeting at a later stage and that Peter Dokter would be attending the October meeting to update the Panel on Environment Agency works in the west area and to answer any questions. Fatal accident near An inquest into the fatal accident at the Mepal Motorcross site Mepal – ECDC to took place on 14 June 2012 with a verdict of accidental death. 2 U:\commlive\West NP\160712 mins.doc request report from Any additional information from Fenland District Council would Fenland District need to be requested by individuals via a Freedom of Council Information Act request. Fenland District Council had served a noise abatement notice ECDC to provide on persons responsible for Mepal Motocross site and the notice update from Fenland requires them: District Council “To take all reasonable steps to ensure that no noise from motor cross activities including racing and practice sessions, at Mepal Motorcross Park, Mepal Cambridgeshire, is the source of noise nuisance at local resident’s properties” “Ensure that noise levels do not exceed 91 Laeq 15 minutes dB (A) at the boundary of these premises” Mepal Motorcross had also been issued with a Planning enforcement notice from Fenland District Council requiring the site owner to cease the use of the land as a track for motor cross activities, this came into force on 8 June 2012, which is being appealed. Fly tipping - Recycling centre is monitored at least weekly, and problems are unsatisfactory follow dealt with as and when they are discovered. All incidents of fly ups of fly tips (e.g. BT tipping are followed up with an inspection of waste, and if telephone books) at evidence is available this will be used in an investigation. recycling centre in Sighting of people dumping waste can be reported to East Sutton Cambridgeshire District Council with as much detail as possible and vehicle registration numbers are particularly useful. If evidence is present within a flytip, it should be left alone, and reported to waste services to retrieve. Dog foul bins full. Look Additional resource has been added to the cleansing side of the at how often emptied in contract to ensure that bins are being emptied regularly. Bin Sutton emptying is being monitored in the area, following scheduled emptying days, and any problems reported directly to Veolia for resolution. Increase in smoke from An update had been provided within the West Neighbourhood straw burning plant in Panel Update document circulated with the agenda. However, Sutton Neil Goudie, PPC Compliance Officer at the Environment Agency would also be providing an update at the meeting. Request for a report Additional resources have recently been added to the cleansing stating where and side of the contract to ensure litter picking and bin emptying is when Veolia have being completed. East Cambridgeshire District Council has a cleaned within the past cleansing schedule that is provided by Veolia at the end of each 6 months week, copies of these can be supplied. Smell from power Information had been provided within the West Neighbourhood station and noise at Panel Update document circulated with the agenda. However, night from the station Neil Goudie, PPC Compliance Officer at the Environment in Witchford Agency, would provide an update during the meeting. Support concerns of fly Recycling centre is monitored at least weekly, and problems are tipping in Witcham dealt with as and when they are discovered. All incidents of fly tipping are followed up with an inspection of waste, and if evidence is available this will be used in an investigation.

3 U:\commlive\West NP\160712 mins.doc Sighting of people dumping waste can be reported to East Cambridgeshire District Council with as much detail as possible and vehicle registration numbers are particularly useful. If evidence is present within a flytip, it should be left alone, and reported to waste services to retrieve.

At this point of the meeting the Chairman allowed Mr Neil Goudie, PPC Compliance Officer at the Environment Agency to deliver a verbal presentation on the straw burning power station at Sutton.

Mr Goudie explained that:

.The straw burning power station had been in operation for over 10 years. .Since 2006 the power station had obtained a Pollution Prevention and Control Permit that was required by an EU Directive. .Mr Goudie had been appointed as Compliance Officer to the straw burning power station at Sutton since April 2011. Since his appointment he had not been aware of any non-compliance issues and the power station had progressed to the top quartile of performance. .A detailed audit of monitoring arrangements had been produced in December 2011, which considered not only of releases from the stag but also amenity issues such as, noise and straw dust. .By 2016 the power station would need to comply with a further EU Directive. .There was no intention to burn any other material except for straw. It was not appropriate for the power station to burn any other material and the plant was not designed to burn any other material. .Mr Goudie was aware that over the years there had been a few complaints. However, he had not received any complaints directly. In the event that someone wished to complain Mr Goudie encouraged people to complain directly to the site manager so that they may be acted upon in a timely manner. Mr Goudie was not aware of any complaint that had not been responded to. .Mr Goudie explained that the biggest issue appeared to be the transportation of straw from field to the site as the straw was not always netted.

A member of public suggested that when the straw was transported that it should be totally screened rather than netted as the straw lost in transport caused significant drainage problems. Mr Goudie explained that it was the practicalities of total screening that was the issue, particularly on days where high winds were experienced.

A member of public stated that the amount of straw lost in transport and the drainage problems caused were a significant concern. Mr Goudie stated that it was an issue that required improvement.

Cllr Wilson stated that the original planning permission included that when the straw was transported that it should be netted. For health and safety reasons this was not viable, therefore the condition was rescinded. However, an agreement was made that the transportation of straw would avoid village routes wherever possible. Cllr Wilson noted that this was not always adhered to and that straw was often transported via Wilburton and Haddenham, through to Witcham Toll. Cllr Wilson further noted that the amount of straw lost in transport was exacerbated when transported via villages as the loads caught on overhanging trees. Cllr Wilson stated that that when the straw was transported that it should be via the agreed route and avoid villages. Mr Goudie stated that he would report

4 U:\commlive\West NP\160712 mins.doc the issue to the Chief Executive of the power station, as he was very keen to demonstrate that the company was one of the best.

The Chairman stated that the Panel must continue to raise their concerns direct to the straw burning power station.

A member of public with HGV experience suggested that a solution could be that trailers with curtains and sliding tails should be used to transport the straw. Mr Goudie explained that this was not feasible as the straw was unloaded at the power station via a crane and it was unlikely that the power station would undergo any major operational changes.

The Chairman was pleased to hear that the Chief Executive of the power station wanted to promote high standards and suggested that the power station organise an open day. The Chairman noted that the regular liaison meetings with management from the plant had ceased and she requested that these be reinstated. Mr Goudie explained that the Chief Executive of the power station was keen to improve communication and he proposed to invite him to attend one of the Neighbourhood Panel meetings.

Following the verbal presentation by Mr Goudie the Panel considered other updates given relating to the East Cambridgeshire District Council non-policing priorities and other issues raised at the previous Panel meeting.

Cllr Foster from Sutton Parish Council referred to response given regarding the fly-tipping issue at the recycling site in Sutton that he had raised at the previous Neighbourhood Panel meeting. Cllr Foster stated that he had found clear evidence as to who had committed a fly-tip at the site, yet no action had been taken against the perpetrators. Cllr Foster stated that if the East Cambridgeshire District Council Clean Neighbourhood Enforcement Officer had at least visited the culprits it might have deterred them was fly- tipping in the future. The Head of Environmental Services explained that where evidence was discovered as to who had committed a fly-tip the culprits were usually either sent a letter or visited by the Clean Neighbourhood Enforcement Officer and she apologised that on this occasion this had not happened.

Cllr Read stated that fly-tips were being dealt with promptly as he had noted a case at Earith Bank. However, before he had chance to report it, the fly-tip had been cleared. Cllr Read emphasised that if evidence is present within a fly-tip, it should be left alone, and reported to waste services to retrieve, otherwise it can be very difficult to prosecute.

A member of the public hoped that measures were in place to support both the Mepal Motocross Park users as well as the neighbours as the noise nuisance was minimal, occurred infrequently and he suggested that it was the uncontrolled activity that was the issue. The Head of Environmental Services explained that the Motocross Park was within the Fenland District Council boundary and it was for that authority to address the matter. Fenland District Council had served a noise abatement notice on the persons responsible for the site which required them to ensure that noise levels did not exceed a specified level.

Cllr Read noted that the planning permission issued by Cambridgeshire County Council for the Mepal Motocross Park was only for a temporary period of 2-3years after which time the site had to be returned as a nature reserve for aquatic birds.

County Council Update The Chairman was very disappointed to note that there was no officer representation at the 5 U:\commlive\West NP\160712 mins.doc meeting from Cambridgeshire County Council to deliver an update on the non-policing priorities and other issues raised at the previous Panel meeting relating to Cambridgeshire County Council. However, the Chairman provided Members with an opportunity to consider the Cambridgeshire County Council responses to each non-policing priority and the other issues raised at the previous Panel meeting, as per the West Neighbourhood Panel Update document circulated with the agenda.

Cllr Wilson noted that Haddenham Parish Council had been successful at securing a bid for minor works via the local Highways Authority at Cambridgeshire County Council.

Sanctuary Hereward Housing The Panel were informed that court proceedings were continuing in order to execute an eviction of a family in Stretham.

At this point of the meeting the Chairman allowed James Nairn, Community Engagement and Development Officer at East Cambridgeshire District Council to deliver a presentation of an update regarding the ShapeYourPlace website.

The Community Engagement and Development Officer explained that:

.ShapeYourPlace is a partnership website owned by the community. .The East Cambridgeshire ShapeYourPlace website was launched across the district on 5 April 2012. .Since its launch the East Cambridgeshire ShapeYourPlace website had received 2132 unique visitors and within 60 days had received over 6000 visits. .The West Area section of the East Cambridgeshire ShapeYourPlace website had received 420 unique visitors; 750 visits and had 5-6 comments posted. .From these statistics it could be established that people were viewing the website. However, were not necessarily offering input or any issues to the website. .Some items of interest placed on the West Area section of the East Cambridgeshire ShapeYourPlace website were specific to the west, whilst some were district wide issues, such as the Ely Cinema Site Options Consultation and the Summer Daze children’s summer holiday activity programme. The site can also accommodate ‘quick polls’ that operate for approximately 4 weeks at a time. .Welcomed any ideas to promote the site.

Cllr Wilson enquired of the nature of information that was wanted on the ShapeYourPlace website. The Community Engagement and Development Officer explained that the website was not only for airing any issues, but also for suggestions and ideas and that no item was too big or too small to be posted to the website. It was emphasised that it was for the community to decide as to what was important to them.

Subsequently the Panel received an update from Inspector Ormerod on the policing priorities raised at the previous Panel meeting.

Continue to support The local Policing team had continued to share information with Sanctuary with Sanctuary Hereward Housing. Since the last Neighbourhood Stretham case Panel meeting Sanctuary Hereward Housing have gone to court

6 U:\commlive\West NP\160712 mins.doc for the first stage of eviction proceedings regarding a particular property in Stretham. There had been a decrease in incidents and calls for service to the location in recent months. However, within the last week the Police had arrested two members of the family for theft of a pedal cycle. It was proposed to discharge the priority, as the Police would continue to support Sanctuary Hereward Housing whenever it could as a matter of normal daily business. To reduce the The Police had visited the affected individuals and as a result number of Green patrols were primarily directed to take place on a Saturday and Laning incidents Sunday between 1400 hrs and 1700 hrs as this was when the within the area of police had been informed that incidents were most likely to occur. Coveney and Wardy Some of the paths used by greenlaners were Bridleways and the Hill. Police had therefore contacted the Highways Authority as this effected how the Police dealt with the issue. A local resident reported a quad bike rider on the path and called Police with the details of the registration marker. The male rider was located and spoken to. The rider had just purchased the bike, was incredibly apologetic and it had not been reported that the bike had been driven in a dangerous manner. It was decided, in consultation with the informant, that words of advice were sufficient in this case as it was not believed that there would be a re-occurrence. During plain clothes patrols in neighbouring villages a male was witnessed driving dangerously from droves and onto the public road. He was stopped and summoned to Court for driving offences and for document offences. Whilst on patrol in neighbouring villages a road legal motor cross bike was stopped due to the manner of his riding where he was found to be over the drink drive limit. He was later prosecuted and disqualified from driving. Sergeant Will Davis had visited Mepal Motocross site and had a discussion with its owners as the Police had been informed that the incidents could be linked. However, it appeared that the majority of riders at the location travelled to the site in vehicles capable of carrying bikes and more professional riders primarily use the site. The organisers of the site were not aware of anybody riding cross-country to the location. The Police had received very few calls on the matter and despite patrols being conducted in the area the Police had not witnessed any riders in the highlighted area. Therefore it was proposed to discharge this as normal daily business. To tackle speeding The following actions were taken in relation to this issue in vehicles in Sutton Haddenham and Sutton: and Haddenham. Sutton, The Brook: Sutton - The Brook and The Americas, 0 Endorsable Parking Tickets Haddenham - Station 4 Words of advice Road and A1123 Sutton, The Americas 7 Endorsable Parking Tickets

7 U:\commlive\West NP\160712 mins.doc 8 Words of advice Haddenham, A1123 1 Endorsable Parking Ticket 6 Words of advice Haddenham, Station Road 3 Endorsable Parking Tickets 0 Words of advice The prosecution threshold was 10% plus 2. Therefore in a 30mph speed restriction a driver travelling at 35mph or over would be prosecuted. A speed awareness course was offered for anyone travelling at 10% plus 6 in a speed restricted area. Successful completion of the speed awareness course enabled the person to avoid incurring penalty points and a fine. Speeding remained an issue across the West Neighbourhood area and the Police were discovering that it was primarily local residents that are the offending drivers. Due to operational commitments, the Police were not able to impact on the area as much as they would have liked. Therefore it was proposed to maintain speeding as a priority in the West Panel. However, it would be preferable if specific areas were suggested.

In Little Downham, during 25 June and 26 June 2012 there had been a theft of vehicle, dwelling burglaries and a number of vehicles had been broken into. Two men had been located and bailed in relation to these offences and property recovered. The two men were no longer residing in the village.

In Mepal a vehicle had been damaged. The Police had spoken to a suspect who had been bailed. Further action was being taken.

Total crime in the West Neighbourhood Panel area had decreased compared to the previous period and had also decreased in comparison to the same period of the previous year

April 2012 – June 2012 144 offences (148 offences committed April – June 2011) January 2012 - March 2012 162 offences

Total Anti Social Behaviour had increased compared to the previous period, but had decreased in comparison to the same period of the previous year

April 2012 – June 2012 87 incidents (91 incidents committed April – June 2011) January 2012 - March 2012 76 incidents

A member of the public enquired whether the theft of catalytic converters was an issue for the area. Inspector Ormerod explained that in the south of the district, in Burwell 6 vehicles had been targeted and at least 3 vehicles had been targeted in the west area. The Police were conducting daily checks of local scrap yards, as well as scrap yards just over the Cambridgeshire border and that the monitoring of scrap yards was a cross county Police operation. Inspector Ormerod encouraged the

8 U:\commlive\West NP\160712 mins.doc public to contact the police to get their catalytic converters marked so that in the event that they were stolen they could be easily identified.

Inspector Ormerod noted that one option for the public to contact the Police for non- emergency issues in the area was via the ShapeYourPlace website.

WNP12/06 Police and Crime Commissioners Presentation

John Pye a member of the Police Authority delivered a presentation, on behalf of Nic Williams who was unable to attend the meeting, to explain about the Police and Crime Commissioner role and the forthcoming elections. Mr Pye explained that he was on the Conservative Party shortlist to be put forward as the Conservative Party candidate for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The presentation is available to view on the East Cambridgeshire District Council website, via the address below:

http://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/sites/default/files/agendas/wnp160712ag_PCC%20Pre sentation.pdf

Mr Pye explained that:

.The Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) were introduced via the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, which came into force on September 15 2011. The Act put an emphasis on reforming the police service and is the biggest change for decades. .PCCs will be directly elected by the public and will act as the voice of the public to get major issues ‘on the table’ for discussion. .The PCC will not be a replacement for the Chief Constable, who will remain responsible for officers and staff. The PCC will be responsible for the governing of the Police within that area, not the operational aspects of the Police. .The PCC elections will take place on 15 November 2012 and PCCs will be elected every four years. 41 commissioners will be elected across and Wales. The Commissioner will take up post on 22 November 2012 when Police Authorities will be abolished. There will not be a PCC elected in the Metropolitan area of London, as the Mayor is responsible for these functions. .The Election Commission will be sending a leaflet to every household regarding the PCC elections. .The PCC will be held to account for their performance by a Police and Crime Panel. The Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Panel will be made up of 11 Members and 2 Independent Members. A Police and Crime Panel can require the PCC to attend any of its meetings. The Police and Crime Panel can ask, but not require the Chief Constable to attend any of its meetings. .The PCCs will provide a greater level of public engagement and will be accountable to the public via the ballot box. .The PCCs will need to maintain local police performance; deliver policing within the available budget; reduce crime and disorder; keep people safe and maintain the resilience of ‘protective services’. .Mr Pye noted that out of the 41 PCC areas, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police force were the second lowest funded, and this was the same situation for education funding.

A member of the public enquired how the PCC would affect the Police. Inspector Ormerod explained that the police would be more accountable to the public and

9 U:\commlive\West NP\160712 mins.doc policing need could be more specific to the area. Inspector Ormerod noted that the PCC elections would have a huge impact on way Cambridgeshire and Peterborough were policed at a local level.

A member of the public enquired whether the PCC would be allotting funding for the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. Mr Pye explained that the PCC would need to consider such schemes, particularly as the funding to certain partnerships had been reduced, such as to the Community Safety Partnership. The PCC would need to decide how it would divide the budget of £130 million.

Cllr Mayo enquired whom the PCC would be accountable to. Mr Pye explained that the PCC would be accountable to the public via the ballot box and also to the Police and Crime Panel.

In response to a question by the Chairman, Mr Pye explained that currently there were approximately 6 candidates standing for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough PCC including a Conservative Party candidate, a Labour candidate, a UKIP candidate, Lord Toby Jug and 2 other candidates. However, the nomination process did not begin until early October. Mr Pye explained that a candidate would need 100 valid electors to support his nomination form; anyone could stand as a candidate for a PCC, although the nomination would need to be accompanied by £5,000 deposit. In response to a further question by the Chairman, Mr Pye explained that candidates would need to comply with the usual rules that accompany an election regarding funding and the amount that a candidate could spend per electorate.

WNP12/07 Discussion of Neighbourhood Issues Raised by Audience and Panel Members

The following issues were raised by Parish representatives/public:

LOCATION ISSUE OF CONCERN OFFICER COMMENTS AT MEETING Coveney and Greenlaning – irresponsible Wardy Hill greenlaners. Group discussions required. Invite relevant people to see issues caused to byeways by greenlaining. Haddenham Convoys of landrovers in area and Specific locations required. damage caused. Number of vehicles Cars for sale at perimeters of determined the legislation junctions – creates safety issues that could be used. and unable to cut grass - Corner of Hop Row and The Ramparts. Little Downham Greenlaning vehicles coming from and Pymoor Coveney, Byway 49 and Marshalls Drove. Little Thetford None Mepal Neighbourhood Watch – no co- Police – difficult to deal operation from Police as the with Neighbourhood Watch individual concerned did not have Co-ordinators that do not 10 U:\commlive\West NP\160712 mins.doc internet access. have internet access. Need to log any further Motocross Suggested that individual incidents. concerned approach a neighbour with internet access. Stretham None Sutton None Wentworth None Wilburton None Witcham (& Greenlaning – irresponsible Wardy Hill) greenlaners particularly affecting Lanes 19, 8, 4, 12. Witchford None Witcham Concern regarding state of highways and when accident at Witcham Toll traffic is diverted via Wardy Hill. More by-pass areas required on road as not suitable road for this use, particularly for large vehicles, such as, buses, lorries. Suggest that the Police introduce a one-way system in the event of such incidents. General or Collectively get together in crossing cutting Parishes to reduce speed issues restrictions, e.g. reduction of 40mph zone by Wardy Hill playarea. Look at the workings of Neighbourhood Panels – lack of attendance by public and parishes POLICING Speeding – The Americas in PRIORITIES Sutton; Station Road in Haddenham, particularly near pond area, Bury Lane in Sutton. Greenlaning in Witcham, Wardy Hill, Coveney, Little Downham, Haddenham areas.

OTHER Flytipping around recycling PRIORITIES sites in area – Haddenham and Sutton have particular issues. ECDC in process of re-letting contract for management of recycling sites. Signage is being placed at sites. If obtain funding via DCLG,

11 U:\commlive\West NP\160712 mins.doc promotion and education officer post will be viable. Veoila responsible for litter picks, which need to be timed in line with grasscutting. Litter along highways, particularly outside villages.

WNP12/08 Forward Agenda Plans

The Forward Agenda Plan for 2012 was received.

WNP12/09 Date of Next Meeting

Monday 1 October 2012 - 19:00-21:00 – Witchford Village Hall

The Meeting closed at 9pm.

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