CLERK REPORT TO HEMINGFORD GREY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 12 September 2016 Where I have info to support an agenda item this is below. 1. Apologies – Cllr Clifton 3. To approve the minutes of the last meeting on 11 July 2016 – attached. 4. Co-option to fill casual vacancies – There are two vacancies. The Parish Council should have this as a standing item until all vacancies are filled. The Council should continue to consider each month how this can be achieved. No written applications received at the time of writing. 5. Matters Arising 5.1 (5.4) Yes Development transfer – to consider reply from HDC solicitor and letter from resident Response from solicitor - The land which was transferred to the District Council by the developer, Linden Homes, is registered under Title Number CB385277. All of that land is what I have been instructed to transfer to the Parish Council. Perhaps you could let me know which land you are referring to as ‘the whole site’ and I will take further instructions from my client officer.” This has been provided and a transfer document for the rest of the site is awaited . A resident has written: “I am so pleased that you are actively including the residents of the "Yes" estate in parish matters. I note from you recent newsletter that the Parish Council will be taking over the maintenance of the small grassed area in front of our houses (2 to 10 Goldcrest Road). Initially Linden Homes maintained this area and it was well groomed, as it should be in a residential area. Over the last 2 years since the District Council took it over it has been a disgrace. Very occasional cutting by a huge industrial mower left a covering of long grass, which was not collected and left to rot. They also missed large areas which used to be tidied up using a strimmer. About a week ago the contractor took about 3 minutes at high speed to cut it and missed large areas. The machine also took a bite out of one of the paving stones alongside the grass. I attach photographs showing the way the area was left recently. I write to you to ask that, when you award the contract for maintaining this area, you specify that, as it is a small feature area, the grass be cut regularly, that the cuttings be collected and that the difficult areas be cut with a strimmer. The central area of shrubs should also be maintained but this may only need to be done once or twice a year. My friend has written to the District Council to complain and they are dealing with the current problem but, as you will be taking over the maintenance, I feel that you should be made aware of our concern.” 6. Finance, procedure and risk assessment 6.1 To receive the financial report and approve the payment of bills – attached. Any late invoices for payment will be brought to the meeting. 6.2 Clerk report on any actions taken using delegated powers or because of health and safety • The handyman has been asked to remove overhanging vegetation by the play area at Mitchell Close following a request from CCC that it be cut back as it was obstructing the highway; by the entrance to the cemetery following a complaint from a resident; and on the allotments boundary to ensure a clear boundary near Sadlers Way. • to contract CME to do the pensions payroll arrangements. Payroll system can make deductions (either before or after tax depending on scheme) and produce a monthly report – at about £50 for setup and an additional £5 per month. • Submission of the boundary review following its consideration by the working group. The response was as follows: “Hemingford Grey Parish Council submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission concerning the re-warding of Huntingdonshire District Council. July 2016 Current Situation
Hemingford Grey parish is currently combined with Hemingford Abbots, Houghton & Wyton, and Hilton parishes to form a two member ward for HDC. LGBC proposals LGBC are proposing to include Hemingford Grey in a new, two member ward to include Houghton and Wyton, and Wyton on the Hill. Hilton would be combined, in a single member ward, with Fenstanton which in turn would lose some electors to St Ives South. Hemingford Abbots would be combined in a three member ward with Godmanchester and the Offords. Hemingford Grey comments We understand the difficulty of trying to fit very variable sizes of parish into a ward structure but submit that the proposed arrangement is totally unsuited to the parishes of Hemingford Grey and Hemingford Abbots which are ‘joined at the hip’! We believe that The Hemingfords should have a single member ward for H Grey and H Abbots. The number of electors in the two parishes falls right in the middle of the range of electors for a single councillor required by LGBC for HDC in 2021. The two villages share a shop, a school, a pavilion and playing fields as well as a unique regatta on the River Ouse with races that start in Abbots and finish in Grey. Most of the social life of the parishes is shared in many joint clubs and societies: Gardeners Society; Hemlocs local history society, bowls, tennis, football, cricket, and squash clubs. All road communications are south of the river. Both parishes have the current and future A14 roads running through them. The parishes have similar demographics and neither are designated for any substantial development in the current draft of the HDC local plan. There is only a single bridleway that links The Hemingfords to Houghton and that is often cut off by floods. We therefore conclude that The Hemingfords should form a single member ward that would form a close knit social and geographical unit of just the right number of electors in 2021.” • The issue of the exclusive rights of burial for plots OLD 490a and OLD 490b • Interment of Peter LEARY’s ashes in grave 259b 6.3 To consider any matter that is urgent because of risk or health and safety – none at the time of writing. Is the Council aware of any? 7. To receive reports and items from committees, working groups and members Planning Committee – minutes of the meetings are available on the Parish Council’s website. 7.1 A14 – to note the timetable and report from meeting (RW) Cllr Waters to report. Jade Pettit, Stakeholder Manager for the Integrated Delivery Team has written as follows: “I am contacting you as I will be your contact for the A14 project moving forward. As part of the Stakeholder team at the A14, I will be here to answer any queries, concerns or points of general interest relating to the A14 project works. As a team, we are aiming to pro-active in our approach to giving you information regarding works that might affect your area, so I will undoubtedly be in touch in the near future.” 7.2 Wyton New Town/Local Plan and the implication of district issues (RW) Letter from HDC attached. Cllr Waters to report. He writes: “I am suggesting that the subjects that the parishes need to raise with HDC at the proposed October meeting should include Wyton on the Hill transport link(s); the importance (or otherwise) of Neighbourhood Plans; the likely progress of the HDC Local Plan; and the impact on all of these of the proposed new Mayor of CamPESoPH (Cambridgeshire, the isle of Ely, Soke of Peterborough, and Huntingdonshire).” 7.3 Proposal that the Council numbers the water troughs at the allotments (SH) Cllr Herring to report. 7.4 Proposal that the Council considers the Braggs lane bus shelter which has been boarded up by persons unknown following ASB (SH) Cllr Herring to report.
7.5 Village Grass Cutting by other Local Authorities eg Highway verges, etc (DD) The Chairman to report. 7.6 Proposal that Eastern Tree Services be contracted to cut back overhanging vegetation on gardens backing the allotments at Sadlers Way (JB) Cllr Brasnell to report.
7.7 Proposal that the handyman be asked to clear area between the rear of gardens at Sadlers Way and the line of trees on the allotments, cut back the brambles and weeds between the trees, and to add this to his contract (JB) Cllr Brasnell writes: “Can the Handyman clear the 6” gap between the rear of gardens at Sadlers Way and the line of trees on the allotments, also cut back the brambles and weeds between the trees. Can this be put on his contract?” The Clerk spoke to the Handyman reported on 6/9/16 that this had been done. 7.8 Proposal for a skip to remove green waste from the cemetery and to consider a contract for this (JB) Cllr Brasnell writes: Can we have a skip at the Cemetery at the end of September to take away the green rubbish. This is usually done in February but missed this year. Should we have a contract for this? 7.9 Proposal that the Council considers if it should send a representative to the CCG AGM (RW) The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Team have extended an invitation to their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 6pm on 13 September 2016 in the Roma/Forli Rooms, The Fleet, Fleet Way, Peterborough PE2 8DL. Does anyone wish to attend? 8. Correspondence 8.1 Cllr Ian Bates – London Road, St Ives 40 mph speed limit A resident of London Road has written to Cllr Bates as follows: I live at the above address, which is opposite the petrol filling station, on the main London Road which runs from the Fenstanton-Hemingfords roundabout towards the A14. This stretch of road has taken on an increasingly residential character due to the very substantial new homes development in recent years with consequent increase in traffic. I have been concerned that the 40mph speed limit on this road is too high for many years. But of late I have experienced more and more vehicles travelling at too high a speed along this road both to and from the roundabout towards the A14. This has the effect of traffic emerging from homes along London Road and the petrol filling station finding it increasingly difficult to safely enter the road due to speeding vehicles. One severe danger, for example, is for vehicles leaving properties to join the road or cross traffic travelling at excessive speed coming off the roundabout. Individual vehicles frequently speed round the bend off the roundabout giving emerging vehicles little or no time to cross. This excessive speed effectively turns what is a very tricky blind bend into a very dangerous blind bend. I have spoken to Sharon Piper at Cambs CC High ways dept. She has explained the financial difficulties facing the county council itself changing the speed limits and what may be involved in terms of changing signs, possible traffic calming, signage, etc to ensure that a 40mph to 30mph change is effective. I appreciate there is a cost of several thousand pounds and I appreciate it may not be the council’s greatest priority. It may not be yours, either, although I trust you will agree with the points I am making! I do feel very strongly about this as I am sure the increasing number of families living along this road would support a reduced speed limit. So I trust you will raise this matter with all relevant persons and authorities with the aim of achieving a change as soon as possible. I would also appreciate your advice on how this can be expedited. I gather that options include making a case for the Highways Authority to make the change, making it a local highways improvement plan or using third party funding. I await your advice on this.
Cllr Bates has replied as follows:
“My suggestion as a way forward is, both Parish Councils submit a joint bid to County Council for, what is called, ‘jointly funded projects’. Just to give an idea as to how this works: CC put money in – up to a set figure – last year it was £10k – and the Parish Councils would have to put money in, which they would Precept for in December and, if successful, it could then proceed in the next Financial Year. All PCs within HDC area can bid for this money and, each bid is assessed, scored, then put in priority order. There is a Panel of Members who will then interview Parishes (I am NOT allowed to judge ones in my Division). We have been successful – 2 examples: outside Hemingford Primary School there are Belisha Beacons flashing at the crossing, and in Hilton along B1040 beacons alongside another pedestrian crossing. I hope you will also have observed that CC recently widened the pathway along the Hem Grey side – outside The Limes area and, of course, replaced the pedestrian traffic lights again, in this area. This all paid for by CCC.” 8.2 Residents – Long Lane Lake complaints A resident has written: “Yesterday evening (Sunday 3 rd July 2016) there was noise disturbance from the area of long lane lake. This involved playing Ibiza style club music loudly, and several people (mainly women) shouting and screaming, again very loudly. We could see lights in the region of the lake. We live in Newman court and so can see the north boundary of the lake across the field. Can you tell me if a decision has been made about the proposed wakeboarding club? It is a great concern that this level of noise disturbance is being made already when this is just a lake. Please can you raise a complaint about noise disturbance. We don’t want this type of noise imposed on us. “ Followed by: “I have seen on the councils website (HDC) that the wakeboarding club has been allowed but without the broadcasting of music. I have lodged a complaint with HDC about the broadcasting of club music last night and the shouting and screaming, which we consider to be statutory nuisances. If there is anything you can do to support my complaint I would appreciate this.”
Another resident has raised this issue: “We would like it noted that the wedding held at Long Lake on Saturday 6th August, music can clearly be heard from the venue when we were out in the garden and through open windows (as it has been a very warm day). The music must be amplified, which is breaking a condition set by the Inspector.”
8.3 Residents –complaints about dog poo paint Cllr Hall has written: “Several Parishioners have mentioned that the spray used to used to circle instances of dog poo is lasting for several weeks on the pavement and then looks unsightly. I am aware of one Parishioner who used a pressure hose to remove several circles from outside the front of his property. There are several arrows on brickwork up near the river which are pointing to circles on the grass. I think we need to be a bit more aware of our actions so as not end up being seen to be graffiti-ing the village From a personal perspective, I spray the poo itself rather than pavement/grass so when it is removed the majority of the spray goes with it.” 8.4 Resident – request that trees overhanging the pavement are attended to and that the Council monitors regularly “I spoke at a recent Parish Council meeting about the overgrown state of the Glebe Road footpath running alongside Vicarage Field. I was pleased to see that the brambles have been cut back by someone and it is no longer necessary to walk on the road at that section. But the overhanging tree branches are still very low, and if it has been raining it results in an unwanted cold shower! The double bend on Manor Road, just past the Manor Field on the way to Hemingford Abbots, is also beginning to get a little overgrown as the brambles on that section are
starting to spread. Should they get worse, it means stepping off the pavement, and it can be quite hazardous for pedestrians there at the best of times. I am writing to request that the matter is brought up at a future Parish Council meeting, with a view to occasional checks being made on these and any other potentially dangerous sections of footpath. I would also like to add that the latest grass cutting operations on some of the village verges have been a vast improvement. It is such a pleasure to be rid of the eyesores which have blighted our village.”
Cllr Hall has also written: “I have had a complaint about the height of vegetation around the Gore Tree Road/Glebe Road Junction. I mentioned to the Parishioner that we will look into this and identify whose responsibility it is (Hem Grey PC, Hunts DC, Cambs CC.” 8.6 Neighbourhood Watch and resident – anti social behaviour Esther Harrod has written: “I sent the attached letter to you on behalf of NHW as there has been an acceleration of anti social behaviour in our village which the Parish Council should know about. I hope you have received it but if not, please see another copy attached for the next PC meeting. Since this was sent to you, I have continued to receive complaints and reports from villagers regarding drinking and urinating in our streets (and in the bus shelter outside the school) and a trail of litter (empty bottles of alcohol through St Ives Rd, the High Street and into Braggs Lane and Gore Tree Rd). Much of this is being removed by residents without anyone realising it so the real problem wasn’t apparent until now. The rest of the anti social behaviour involves teenagers which obviously is a police matter. But I believe the other anti social behaviour should be reported and discussed by the PC as it’s also an environment issue for villagers I don’t know if the PC has responsibility for the 2 “bug hotels” on Daintree Green but a NHW coordinator has reported that they believe a small bonfire had been attempted nearby, possibly removing cardboard from the bug hotels to start it
Letter below: “I am writing to you not only as the Village NHW coordinator but as a resident as well. My role as the Village NHW coordinator is now becoming a full time job on some days. In the past 3 weeks certain behaviour has accelerated and I am constantly getting phone calls and emails about it. Mostly no crime has actually been committed, (except for urinating in a public place), but some of the behaviour, I feel, is affecting the village environment and therefore the Parish Council should be made aware of it. Various men are coming into our village drinking during the day. They are seen in groups of twos, threes and fours. One group of four Eastern European men were seen drinking on the pavement at 11.45 in the morning just yards from the school car park, having emerged from the field behind. A short time later, one of them urinated into a resident’s front garden in the High Street in full view of those in the shop (this was reported to the police) I am regularly being told of these various men drinking in the streets and weaving their way drunk down the High Street and up Braggs Lane towards Gore Tree Rd (where I believe they are then going across the A14 to the other side of our Parish, via the footbridge). I have also been informed of the regular dumping of empty vodka bottles (labels taken off) along Braggs Lane which a resident dog walker has been removing to keep the street free of such unacceptable litter. Empty bottles of beer are being left on a regular basis inside the bus shelter near the school (and in the bin there also). I have also been told that there is regular urinating in the same shelter. This morning six empty bottles were found in the shelter having only been cleared of beer bottles the day before. The Lambrini may have been connected to the youths who emerged out of Daintree Green and into Old Pound Rd playing music extremely loudly on a portable music system, waking up a resident at 2.30am this morning (not for the first time apparently)
I’ve also had a report of 3 of the men walking down to the river with alcohol at 10.30 in the morning and staggering back down Braggs Lane at 3.30 in the afternoon. There are of course other issues including burglary and a ramping up of antisocial behaviour in the village which includes boy racers. In another example, CCC property has been damaged on Gore Tree Rd near the equestrian centre when a young male burnt rubber and ended up in a ditch having damaged the white fencing on the verge. I understand Parish Council property has also recently been vandalised in the Weir Rd/Apple Orchard footpath – the chicanes have been maliciously damaged. There have also been too many incidents of youths banging violently on doors in the High St at 10 at night since May which has damaged a couple of doors and scared some residents I am of course reporting these various matters to the police and have a meeting with a PCSO from St Ives Police station tomorrow. However, I feel the time has now come to include the Parish Council in the matters of drinking, urinating and littering in our streets around the centre of the village.” 8.7 Cambridgeshire Police Shrievalty Trust – the Bobby Scheme – burglaries in Hemingford Grey and offer of assistance “We regularly monitor where crimes against people over 60 years of age are in the county and we have noted that Hemingford Grey has had quite a few over the last few months. We have visited 10 burglary victims who are over 60 years of age and over living in Hemingford Grey this year. As well as helping victims of crime we are also very keen to be proactive and prevent crimes from happening. Is there anything that the Parish Council would like help with from our charity e.g raising awareness of crime prevention and the services of the Bobby Scheme? Shirley Simpson Trust Manager Cambridgeshire Police Shrievalty Trust The Bobby Scheme” 8.8 Hemingford Grey Gardeners’ Society – request for permission to use the Council’s projector “Hemingford Grey Gardeners’ Society would like permission to use the PC projector occasionally in the Reading Room for our meetings. We will need a projector for our 10 November meeting and our 12 January meeting for our current programme. We can ask Robin (Waters) to set it up as he looks after it.” 8.9 CCC City Deal – tackling peak-time congestion in Cambridge “We would like to know the views of the parish on our eight-point package to tackle congestion in Cambridge. The proposals aim to transform people’s ability to travel into, out of and around Cambridge by providing more efficient, safe and reliable capacity for travel, without the need to get in a car. The package includes: • Better bus services and expanded use of Park & Ride • Better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure • Improved public space and air quality • Peak-time Congestion Control Points (PCCPs) • A Workplace Parking Levy • On-street parking controls • Smart technology • Travel planning
Information is available online at www.gccitydeal.co.uk/congestion , at community hubs and at employment locations across Cambridge, South Cambridge and beyond. A series of events and exhibitions will be held in July, September and October where people can find out more information and speak to members of the project team. 8.10 Highway Improvement Scheme invitation to bid “Cambridgeshire County Council is once again delivering its Local Highway Improvement (LHI) initiative. The application form has recently been updated and is now an online form, all information including the online application form and guidance document can be found on our website.
Please feel free circulate this information to any groups in your community that you think may be interested in this initiative.
Please note that the closing date for LHI 2017/18 application forms is Wednesday 30 th November 2016 . Applications will only be accepted through the online form on our website http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/lhi .
We encourage applicants to discuss their application prior to submission, to do this please contact the Highway Projects and Road Safety team using [email protected] .” 8.11 CCC Community Volunteering Scheme “The Highways Service at Cambridgeshire County Council has recently completed some work with our Members who have been very keen to explore ways to enable community volunteers to carry out work on the public highway.
Attached to this email is some information that we hope will be of interest to you. The document, Community Highways Volunteering Information Pack, although a few pages, should not be seen as a hurdle but as a way of enabling volunteering to go ahead in a controlled and safe manner for all within your parish.
If your parish is interested in Community Highways Volunteering then we would encourage you to contact your Local Highway Officer (LHO) via the email address: [email protected] to arrange an initial visit. You will be able to discuss the highways volunteering your parish would like to do, and the LHO will be able to advise accordingly.
It is envisaged that initially Community Highways Volunteering will be limited to items highlighted in the attached information pack, however as experience and confidence increases the work you wish to carry out may well increase in variety.
We are aware that a lot of volunteering is already being carried out and we are very grateful for all the hard work to date. We look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Highways Service Cambridgeshire County Council” 8.12 Cambridgeshire Network Rail level crossing 2 nd round consultation “Following on from my previous correspondence back in June, Network Rail will soon commence the second round of public consultation on the proposed closure of up to 33 level crossings across Cambridgeshire affecting the highway and rights of way network. Based on further assessments and the feedback received from the first round of consultations, the initial proposals have been refined into more specific options for each crossing. Please find attached for your information Network Rail’s letter which Councillors in affected parishes may have already received. We understand that similar letters have been sent to affected District Councillors and Parish Councils, but we thought it may be helpful for us to again forward this to all parishes as closures in one parish may affect the network in another. Consultation events are being held on the 7th , 8 th and 12 th of September. Information about the plans are available on the Network Rail website, and those who can’t attend an event can complete a questionnaire online at www.networkrail.co.uk/anglialevelcrossings . Questionnaires close 21 days after each event.
Officers will be attending the events in the County Council’s capacity as a statutory consultee and are free to meet you at the event to discuss any concerns you may have with Network Rail. Following this, the County Councils formal response will be taken to the HCI Spokes for Member approval. Please see below the dates and locations of each of the public consultations for your information.
Date Event Public Public Address location Exhibition Time Venue 7th March March 14:00 – 34 Station Road, March, Cambs, PE15 8LE September Community 19:00 Centre 8th Cambridge Hughes Hall 14:00 – University of Cambridge, Wollaston Rd, Cambridge CB1 2EW September 19:00 12 th Littleport Littleport 14:00 – Victoria Street, Littleport, Ely, CB6 1LX September Village Hall 18:30
Yours sincerely Richard Lumley Head of Highways Infrastructure Management & Operations Cambridgeshire County Council”
From Network Rail “Further to our previous correspondence I am writing to make you aware of the second round of consultation for Network Rail's level crossings proposals in your area. Network Rail is looking at closing or changing the use of around 130 level crossings across 7 local authorities, including 33 in Cambridgeshire.
Closing level crossings and diverting to alternatives will make the railway safer by removing the point where people can come into contact with trains. The closures will also help improve reliability and may enable separate future developments for faster and more frequent train services. None of the crossings in this proposal involve closing public A or B roads. They do not require and new bridges or underpasses, and offer benefits which are currently affordable and deliverable.
Initial proposals were presented to the public at a series of consultation events in June, and people were encouraged to come along to ask questions and share any concerns or ideas before any decisions were made. Based on further assessments and the feedback received from the first round of consultations, the initial proposals have been refined into more specific options for each crossing. This also includes consultation with a wide range of statutory consultees, landowners and user groups.
Following feedback from round one of the consultation we are now not proposing to close Adelaide level crossing (C23), which is public footpath 49 in Ely, in order to preserve a circular walking route in the area. More information on this will be available from our level crossing team at the event.
As with the previous consultation events, we will also be offering a private briefing for councillors and members of parliament. This was be one hour in advance of the public opening time (please see below for details of the events).
Information about the plans are available on the Network Rail website, and those who can’t attend an event can complete a questionnaire online at: www.networkrail.co.uk/anglialevelcrossings . Questionnaires close 21 days after each event. I attach for your information a location map of each of the crossings in your area.
The results of the consultation will feed into agreed plans that will then be put forward under Transport & Works Act Orders early next year. Closures, if agreed, will take place in 2018 and 2019. Network Rail will continue to upgrade or close its highest risk crossings as part of its Railway Upgrade Plan, delivering a safer railway for passengers and those living close to the rail network.
8.12 HDC – Orphan site maintenance - attached
HEMINGFORD GREY PARISH COUNCIL FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Sep-16 Balance B/ Forward £157,208.53
ADJ'S + Chq's Approved at Previous Meeting Adjustments CHQ 22388 ADJUSTMENT £21.83
Payments K&M LIGHTING STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE -147.05 ICO DPA -35.00 POLAR COMMUNICATIONS DOMAIN NAME -60.00 CME PAYROLL -1293.34 SO CME PAYROLL -1293.34 SO CME PAYROLL -1293.34 SO
Receipts HMRC VAT 15569.43 DENNIS EASTON LEARY INTERMENT 70.00 PAIGE-MITCHELL PLOT 490A & 490B 520.00 GRAVES TRANSFER OF 530B 80.00 SANTANDER INTEREST 15.97 SANTANDER INTEREST 10.82 PLOT 20B ALLOTMENT RENT 35.48
Total Fund movement £12,201.46 Balance revised after adjustments £169,409.99
Bank Reconciliation Item Funds Statement Outstanding Current Acc £127,490.70 £116,501.55 £10,989.15 Deposit Acc £41,919.29 £41,919.29 Total £169,409.99 £158,420.84 £10,989.15
Expenditure for month Amount Chq/ref K&M LIGHTING STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE 147.05 22403 K&M LIGHTING STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE 147.05 22404 K FERGUSSONS GRASSCUTTING 9428.40 22405 K FERGUSSONS GRASSCUTTING 504.00 22406 READING ROOM ROOM HIRE 115.50 22407 LCPAS TRAINING 10.00 22408 GUILDEN MORDEN PC TRAINING 25.00 22409 HEMINGFORDS DIRECTORY NEWSLETTER DELIVERY 60.00 22410 VICTOIRE PRESS NEWSLETTER PRINTING 290.00 22411 LGS SERVICES ADMIN SUPPORT 1422.22 22412 LGS SERVICES ADMIN SUPPORT 1367.38 22413 HEMINGFORD PAVILION ROOM HIRE 24.00 22414 CME PAYROLL 1293.34 SO
Total Expenditure £14,833.94
Balance c/f £154,576.05
Notes: Late invoices will be brought to the meting. Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street Huntingdon. PE29 3TN Tel: 01480 388388 Fax: 01480 388099 www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk
4 August 2016
Mr J Peters Chairman, Hemingford Abbots Parish Council C/O Mrs C Pollock – Parish Clerk 5 Gore Tree Road Hemingford Grey Cambs. PE28 9BP
Dear Mr Peters
Thank you for your letter of 10 June. Please accept my sincere apologies for the delay in reply.
Of course we are able to meet to update collectively on progress and key issues relating to the Local Plan. That would be very useful for many reasons. Indeed, it will be useful for Andy Moffat and me to be able to introduce you to Cllr Graham Bull who has replaced Cllr Dew as relevant Portfolio holder and whilst you may already know Graham, we can also introduce you to Clara Kerr who has just taken over the Development Manager (Growth) role in place of Paul Bland’s former policy role as part of a whole service restructure across Planning. Again some of you may already know Clara as she has been leading our Strategic Sites development management team which of course includes Wyton.
Given existing holiday commitments and other matters with those who need to be involved, it would be most sensible to hold a meeting in October. Whilst this seems far away, it would be useful timing in regard to ongoing work and initial findings of highways related work on infrastructure requirements and mitigation options and also, the outcome of work we are currently finalising for September on housing trajectories and new homes completions.
It is likely easier for us to flex our diaries around the commitments of your group. Perhaps you could let me have some date options, ideally avoiding Tuesdays and Wednesdays which tend to be busy evenings for HDC meetings. If you have particular agenda items you would like included, I’d be grateful if you could highlight those.
Again, apologies for the delay in response. I look forward to getting together with you all again, alongside our new team here.
Yours sincerely
Nigel McCurdy Corporate Director (Delivery)
01480 388332 Email: [email protected]
Community Highways Volunteering
Information Pack
2016/17
Cambridgeshire County Council Community Highways Volunteering Information Pack 2016/17
Contents
Welcome to the Community Highways Volunteering Scheme ...... 2 How the scheme works ...... 3 Who can register to become a volunteer? ...... 3 What can the community help with? ...... 3 Recording the work of each Parish ...... 4 Reporting highway faults to us that are not covered in this scheme ...... 4 Siding out ...... 5 Vegetation cutting back ...... 6 Sign cleaning ...... 7 Litter Picking ...... 8 Health and Safety ...... 9 Working around the highway ...... 9 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ...... 9 Manual Handling ...... 9 Slips and Trips ...... 9 Lone working ...... 9 Liability and Insurance ...... 10 Incidents or injuries to volunteers ...... 10 Notification of incidents ...... 10 Community Highways Volunteer Log Sheet ...... 11 Community Highways Volunteering Registration form 2016/17 ...... 12
1 Cambridgeshire County Council Community Highways Volunteering Information Pack 2016/17
Welcome to the Community Highways Volunteering Scheme
The County Council’s Community Highways Volunteering Scheme allows communities to step in and work on the highways in your area, helping the County Council to maintain Cambridgeshire’s highways to a high standard.
The scheme gives volunteers in the community the opportunity to enhance their environment whilst at the same time reducing pressure on county council budgets.
With this scheme the County Council are creating the conditions whereby Parishes, Towns and Community Groups can undertake certain routine maintenance activities. The scheme essentially gives Parishes in Cambridgeshire the opportunity to carry out works that would otherwise be a low priority for the County Council.
This information pack contains all the information Parishes need to become part of the Community Highways Volunteering Scheme. In order to complete their registration, the form at the end of this pack needs to be signed and returned to the County Council.
If you are unsure about any element of this scheme, have any questions or would like more information, please contact [email protected] or speak to your Local Highway Officer.
2 Cambridgeshire County Council Community Highways Volunteering Information Pack 2016/17
How the scheme works
Who can register to become a volunteer?
We ask for each Parish Council to speak to their County Councillor who will then register the Parish with Cambridgeshire County Council, this ensures easy communication between the parties.
Anyone in the community can become a volunteer to help improve their area’s highway. The more, the better!
Your Local Highway Officer will have more information on the scheme if needed. To register their interest, each Parish will need to fill in the registration form at the end of this pack. This then needs to be sent to Cambridgeshire County Council.
What can the community help with?
Each Parish is responsible for deciding what work they’d like to be done in their community. However, all work as part of this scheme must be carried out within the limits of the village or town. At no time should volunteers work near high speed roads; they should only work within 20, 30 and 40mph limits. An initial consultation with the Local Highway Officer will be required with each Parish representative prior to any work commencing to ensure all Health & Safety information is fully understood.
This scheme only applies to footways, footpaths and bridleways. Volunteers on this scheme are not insured or trained to work on the roads and should never place themselves in conflict with live traffic. Volunteers should not put themselves at any further risk from motor vehicles than they would as an untrained pedestrian.
The four areas where the Council would like your help are:
Siding out Vegetation cutting back Sign cleaning Litter picking
Further details on each area are below.
3 Cambridgeshire County Council Community Highways Volunteering Information Pack 2016/17
Recording the work of each Parish
It is very important that all volunteers keep a record of when and where they have worked. These records evidence what work has been carried out, where and when for each Parish. The County Council will only require these records if a problem arises.
An example form for recording work is provided with this pack, but volunteers can record the information in whichever way is best for them.
Reporting highway faults to us that are not covered in this scheme
If volunteers spot any additional highway faults which are not covered within this scheme, they can be reported to the County Council by using our simple and easy online reporting tool which can be found here: https://highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/
4 Cambridgeshire County Council Community Highways Volunteering Information Pack 2016/17
Siding out
Siding out is the term used to remove grass that has grown over the footpath from the adjacent verge.
Siding out of overgrown footways is essential to ensure access for all pedestrian users is maintained along the footpath.
Footways should be removed of all obstructions and encroaching grass should be cut out of footways. Where landowners are involved they must be made aware of their obligations and prompted to clear footways, your Local Highway Officer can help with this.
Below are some before and after pictures…
Example 1:
Before After
Example 2:
Before After
5 Cambridgeshire County Council Community Highways Volunteering Information Pack 2016/17
Vegetation cutting back
Where vegetation is overhanging or obstructing footways this can be cut back or removed to ensure pedestrians can navigate the route.
Also cutting back of all highway vegetation to ensure visibility of road signs or a potential hazard should be considered.
However, this does not include vegetation that is privately owned, so we ask all volunteers to liaise with the Local Highway Officer first if unsure.
Below are some examples of where vegetation needs to be cut back…
6 Cambridgeshire County Council Community Highways Volunteering Information Pack 2016/17
Sign cleaning
We ask for any unclean and hard to read signs belonging to Cambridgeshire County Council to be cleaned simply with soapy water.
Please only clean signs that are reachable from ground level with a brush, do not use ladders.
Examples of signs needing cleaning are below…
7 Cambridgeshire County Council Community Highways Volunteering Information Pack 2016/17
Litter Picking
To ensure the towns and villages in your community looks attractive and are kept clean and tidy a simple task such as litter picking can make all the difference. We ask for you to remain on footways and not to step out into the roads.
Below are just a few examples of where litter makes the area look dirty and untidy and where a simple task such as litter picking is very much needed…
8 Cambridgeshire County Council Community Highways Volunteering Information Pack 2016/17
Health and Safety
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the foundation of British Health and Safety Law. It imposes a duty of care on employees, including volunteers, to take reasonable care of themselves and others while working and to co-operate with their employer to achieve this.
The information presented here is given to allow volunteers to work as safely as possible. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact [email protected] and remember, if it doesn’t feel safe, don’t do it!
Working around the highway This volunteer scheme provides for working on and around footways, footpaths and bridleways, it does not provide for working on the carriageway. Volunteers should not be any closer to moving traffic than they would be as an ordinary pedestrian and they should take extra care when crossing roads. The County Council also does not permit volunteers to work on power signs, due to health and safety implications.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) PPE is equipment or clothing which is intended to protect oneself against risks to their health and safety. The County Council will not be providing PPE for this scheme and does not require volunteers to wear specific PPE, however we do advise volunteers to wear brightly coloured clothing and appropriate footwear. When cutting back vegetation we also ask for volunteers to wear gloves.
Manual Handling Manual handling covers any transportation or supporting of a load (including pulling, pushing, carrying and moving) by hand or bodily force. Volunteers have a duty to ensure that they do not place themselves or others at risk by not following proper systems of work while acting as part of the scheme.
Slips and Trips The Health and Safety Executive states that slips and trips were the most common cause of accidents in the workplace and account for over a third of all reported injuries lasting over three days.
We therefore ask that volunteers take particular care of where they are walking and to remain aware of their surroundings at all time.
Lone working Working alone can significantly increase work related risks. In an ideal scenario volunteers should arrange to work with another volunteer. However, as this is not always practical volunteers should carry a mobile phone and inform someone when they are going out to work as part of this scheme.
9 Cambridgeshire County Council Community Highways Volunteering Information Pack 2016/17
Liability and Insurance The County Council will indemnify volunteers in respect of any claims for loss or damage caused as a result of undertaking approved activities at approved locations and holds appropriate insurance cover to protect the interests of the volunteers and the Council itself. This indemnity will not operate in circumstances where any loss or damage was caused as a result of deliberate, unlawful or illegal actions on the part of the volunteer.
Incidents or injuries to volunteers The County Council holds a personal accident policy designed to pay compensation for any serious disabling injuries or death suffered as a result of approved voluntary activities undertaken on its behalf. This cover will only operate in circumstances where volunteers are acting fully within the scope of approved activities at approved locations and will not operate in circumstances where volunteers act on their own accord without authority and appropriate training, deliberately or unlawfully.
In circumstances where a volunteer is injured as a result of alleged negligence on the part of the Council or its agents/employees the volunteer will be entitled to pursue a claim in negligence against the Council. The Council holds appropriate liability insurance to cover this eventuality.
Notification of incidents Any incident, however minor, involving loss, injury or damage to any party must be reported to your Local Highway Officer (LHO) immediately upon notification or discovery. A full report relating to the occurrence will be required and any volunteers involved will be required to co-operate fully with any investigations undertaken by or on behalf of the County Council.
10
Community Highways Volunteer Log Sheet
Parish:
Time Time Name of volunteer Work carried out (including location) Date out back
Community Highways Volunteering Registration form 2016/17
Thank you for volunteering to help keep your parish highways maintained.
Please complete this form and return to Cambridgeshire County Council, Highways Depot, Station Road, Whittlesford CB2 4NL or [email protected] to register your Parish on the Community Highways Volunteering Scheme.
Parish:………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Email address:……………………………………………………………………………………….
Phone Number:…………………………………………………………………………………….
Postal address (if no email available):………………………………………………………......
………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
By ticking this box I confirm that I have read and understood the Community Highways Volunteering Information Pack provided by Cambridgeshire County Council.
The information provided on this form will be used solely for the purposes of administrating the Community Highway Volunteering scheme.
Anglia Level Crossing Proposals – Cambridgeshire (Round 2)
Level Crossing Locations Map and Tables
Littleport Venue Level Crossings OS Grid OS Grid OS Grid Ref OS Grid Ref Level Crossing Reference & Name Post Code Longitude Latitude GoogleMaps Link Easting Northing (6 Digit) (10 Digit)
C03 - West River Bridge CB6 3HR 0.246380 52.347502 553110 274534 TL5374 TL53117453 C03 - West River Bridge (GoogleMaps)
C08 - Ely North Junction CB7 4TZ 0.293903 52.406980 556137 281250 TL5681 TL56138125 C08 - Ely North Junction (GoogleMaps)
C09 - Second Drove CB7 4UA 0.295209 52.416385 556192 282299 TL5682 TL56198229 C09 - Second Drove (GoogleMaps)
C10 - Coffue Drove CB6 1RX 0.269280 52.433609 554369 284158 TL5484 TL54368415 C10 - Coffue Drove (GoogleMaps)
C11 - Furlong Drove CB6 2ER 0.232516 52.459111 551782 286917 TL5186 TL51788691 C11 - Furlong Drove (GoogleMaps)
C16 - Prickwillow 1 CB7 4UP 0.345307 52.420062 559586 282817 TL5982 TL59588281 C16 - Prickwillow 1 (GoogleMaps)
C17 - Prickwillow 2 CB7 4UP 0.345884 52.420221 559624 282836 TL5982 TL59628283 C17 - Prickwillow 2 (GoogleMaps)
C18 - Munceys CB7 5LP 0.379192 52.296667 562341 269170 TL6269 TL62346917 C18 - Munceys (GoogleMaps)
C19 - Wicken Road CB7 5AW 0.338735 52.318680 559503 271528 TL5971 TL59507152 C19 - Wicken Road (GoogleMaps)
C20 - Leonards CB7 5HX 0.331310 52.327104 558967 272448 TL5872 TL58967244 C20 - Leonards (GoogleMaps)
C21 - Newmarket Bridge CB7 4EX 0.265625 52.379558 554309 278140 TL5478 TL54307814 C21 - Newmarket Bridge (GoogleMaps)
C22 - Wells Engine CB7 4EX 0.263490 52.380703 554160 278262 TL5478 TL54167826 C22 - Wells Engine (GoogleMaps)
C23 - Adelaide (Removed from Project) CB7 4UE 0.303393 52.417896 556743 282484 TL5682 TL56748248 C23 - Adelaide (GoogleMaps)
C24 - Cross Keys CB7 4UE 0.305811 52.422636 556891 283017 TL5683 TL56898301 C24 - Cross Keys (GoogleMaps)
C25 - Clayway CB6 1NT 0.317040 52.451824 557550 286287 TL5786 TL57558628 C25 - Clayway (GoogleMaps)
C26 - Poplar Drove CB6 1FB 0.321044 52.474306 557742 288796 TL5788 TL57748879 C26 - Poplar Drove (GoogleMaps)
C27 - Willow Row / Willow Road CB6 1EE 0.322895 52.478639 557852 289282 TL5789 TL57858928 C27 - Willow Row / Willow Road (GoogleMaps)
C31 - Littleport Station (Footpath Level Crossing) CB6 1JL 0.316349 52.462172 557466 287437 TL5787 TL57468743 C31 - Littleport Station (Footpath Level Crossing) (GoogleMaps)
C28 - Black Horse Drove CB6 1EH 0.335093 52.507155 558578 292480 TL5892 TL58579248 C28 - Black Horse Drove (GoogleMaps)
Cambridge Venue Level Crossings
OS Grid OS Grid OS Grid Ref OS Grid Ref Level Crossing Reference & Name Post Code Longitude Latitude GoogleMaps Link Easting Northing (6 Digit) (10 Digit)
C01 - Chittering CB25 9PW 0.223752 52.306697 551708 269948 TL5169 TL51706994 C01 - Chittering (GoogleMaps)
C02 - Nairns No. 117 CB6 3LG 0.233475 52.324251 552311 271921 TL5271 TL52317192 C02 - Nairns No. 117 (GoogleMaps)
C04 - No 20 SG8 6JR 0.005864 52.087071 537530 245089 TL3745 TL37534508 C04 - No 20 (GoogleMaps)
C06 - Barrington Road CB22 6SJ 0.055694 52.119120 540843 248749 TL4048 TL40844874 C06 - Barrington Road (GoogleMaps)
C07 - No 37 CB22 7PH 0.092522 52.136726 543308 250779 TL4350 TL43305077 C07 - No 37 (GoogleMaps)
C29 - Cassells CB8 0UN 0.310754 52.187618 558061 256891 TL5856 TL58065689 C29 - Cassells (GoogleMaps)
C30 - Westley Road CB8 0UB 0.327041 52.194949 559148 257742 TL5957 TL59145774 C30 - Westley Road (GoogleMaps)
C33 - Jack O'Tell (Adam's Crossing) CB25 9LR 0.225794 52.310352 551835 270359 TL5170 TL51837035 C33 - Jack O'Tell (Adam's Crossing) (GoogleMaps)
C34 - Fysons CB25 9LR 0.220214 52.300303 551489 269230 TL5169 TL51486923 C34 - Fysons (GoogleMaps)
C35 - Ballast Pit CB25 9LW 0.209455 52.280903 550821 267050 TL5067 TL50826705 C35 - Ballast Pit (GoogleMaps)
March Venue Level Crossings
OS Grid OS Grid OS Grid Ref OS Grid Ref Level Crossing Reference & Name Post Code Longitude Latitude GoogleMaps Link Easting Northing (6 Digit) (10 Digit)
C12 - Silt Drove PE15 0DB 0.106598 52.549556 542934 296719 TL4296 TL42939671 C12 - Silt Drove (GoogleMaps)
C13 - Middle Drove PE15 0AJ 0.043513 52.558345 538630 297573 TL3897 TL38639757 C13 - Middle Drove (GoogleMaps)
C14 - Eastrea Cross Drove PE7 2HG -0.077584 52.551214 530442 296555 TL3096 TL30449655 C14 - Eastrea Cross Drove (GoogleMaps)
C15 - Brickyard Drove PE7 2AZ -0.088691 52.550769 529691 296485 TL2996 TL29699648 C15 - Brickyard Drove (GoogleMaps)