Agenda Reports Pack (Public) 25/01/2012, 19.00

NORTH-WEST HUNTINGDONSHIRE NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM

A G E N D A

WEDNESDAY, 25 JANUARY 2012 - 7:00 PM

THE MAIN HALL, SAWTRY INFANTS SCHOOL, MIDDLEFIELD ROAD, SA WTRY, PE28 5SH

Time Allocation 1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS 5 minutes

2. FUTURE OF THE FORUMS 5 minutes

3. NOTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 19TH OCTOBER 2011 5 minutes (Pages 1 - 6)

4. NORTH WEST HUNTS NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM PROGRESS 10 minutes REPORT (Pages 7 - 8)

5. NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING PROFILE

Presentation from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team on the 15 minutes policing profile for the neighbourhood (November 2011 – January 2012)

6. PRESENTATION ON POLICE FUNDING

Presentation by Olive Main. 10 minutes

7. COMMUNITY SHOP YAXLEY

The Head of Customer Services and the Customer Services 10 minutes Manager, Huntingdonshire District Council, to address residents concerns over the opening hours of the Community Shop in Yaxley.

8. GREAT HADDON UPDATE

To receive an update on the Great Haddon Development from the 10 minutes District Council’s Planning Service Manager (Policy).

Covering the Parishes of Alwalton, Barham & Woolley, Brington & Molesworth, Buckworth, Bythorn & Keyston, Catworth, Chesterton, Conington, Denton & Caldecote, Easton, Ellington, Elton, Farcet, Folksworth & Washingley, Glatton, Great Gidding, Haddon, Holme, Leighton, Little Gidding, Morborne, Old Weston, Sawtry, Sibson-cum-Stibbington, Spaldwick, Hammerton & Steeple Gidding, Stilton, Stow Longa, Upton & Coppingford, Water Newton, Winwick & Yaxley.

9. HIGHWAY WARDENS

Presentation by Richard Kingston on the appointment of Highway 10 minutes Wardens.

10. FUTURE OF SAWTRY LIBRARY

Update from Sue Williamson, Acting Service Manager 10 minutes Cambridgeshire Libraries.

11. OTHER NEIGHBOURHOOD ISSUES

An opportunity for those present to raise any issues of local concern 20 minutes in the neighbourhood.

12. PANEL PRIORITISATION

The Panel to:- 5 minutes

• Prioritise issues emerging from the forum; • Allocate responsibility where necessary to ensure that issues raised in the forum are dealt with by the appropriate organisation.

13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

4th April 2012 – this is a provisional date and is subject to the outcome of discussions on the future of the neighbourhood forums.

14. CURRENT CONSULTATIONS/INFORMATION

• 2012 Small Grants for Celebrations and events Helping you celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Cambridgeshire County Council has funding to help local groups and organisations create activities and events that will celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the community. Grants will be up to a maximum of £500 and additional funding or support in kind will be expected. Further information is available from the County Council’s website or by contacting Alastair Haines on 01223 699351.

• Community Improvement Cash

The closing date to bid for County Councilst cash for highways projects has been extended until 1 February 2012. Successful projects will be those which provide improvements considered to offer benefit to the local community and have the support of local people. Parish council, community and

residents groups and charities are eligible to bid. Details of how to apply are now available at: https//www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/transport/localism/Minor+works+funding+opportun ities.htm.

• Hunts Work Clubs

Hunts Work Clubs are supported by the District Council, Luminus and Job Centre Plus, they run in five locations throughout the District. The aim is to assist anyone looking for work by providing a forum for networking opportunities as well as access to information on latest job vacancies. Club details can be found on the District Council website or by contacting Trish Bradbury on 01480 388488.

Please contact Mrs Helen Taylor, Senior Democratic Services Officer, Tel No: (01480) 388008 / email: [email protected] if you have a general query on any Agenda Item, wish to tender your apologies for absence from the meeting, or would like information on any decision taken by the Forum.

Agenda and enclosures can be viewed on the District Council’s website – www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk (under Councils and Democracy).

If you would like a translation of Agenda/Minutes/Reports or would like a large text version or an audio version please contact the Democratic Services Manager and we will try to accommodate your needs.

Emergency Procedure

In the event of the fire alarm being sounded and on the instruction of the Meeting Administrator, all attendees are requested to vacate the building via the closest emergency exit.

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NORTH WEST HUNTINGDONSHIRE NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM

WEDNESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2011

FOURFIELDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL, BENTLEY AVENUE, YAXLEY, PE7 3ZT

ACTION SHEET

PRESENT: Councillor E R Butler - Huntingdonshire District Council (Chairman) R Dykes - Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service Inspector I Ford - Cambridgeshire Constabulary Councillor B Highland - Farcet Parish Council Councillor Ms A Rees - Yaxley Parish Council

FORUM: 33 Members of other authorities, organisations and the public sector including: Councillor Mrs M Banerjee and Councillor J S Watt.

APOLOGIES: Councillor M Baker

ITEM SUBJECT ACTION BY NO.

1 Welcome and Introductions

In his role as Chairman, Councillor E R Butler welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2 future of the Forum

The Chairman reported that the District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) was undertaking a review of the operation of Neighbourhood Forums in Huntingdonshire. A questionnaire had been sent to Partners and County, District, Town and Parish Councils. Members of the public were encouraged to become involved in the All to note discussions over the Forum’s future by emailing their ideas to the Scrutiny and Review Manager at the District Council.

A member of the public asked how the meetings had been advertised. Mrs H Taylor explained that press releases were sent to local newspapers, all Parish Councils had received posters to display on their notice boards and the meeting had been advertised by the partners’ websites as well as E-cops.

3 Notes of previous meeting held on 14th July 2011

The Notes of the previous meeting held on 14th July 2011 were agreed as a correct record.

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4 North West Hunts Neighbourhood Forum Progress report

A report was circulated on action taken and information provided on Councillor N J matters raised at the previous meeting on 14th July 2011. With regard to Guyatt via Cambs the ownership of a stretch of road outside Fourfields School Community County Council. Primary School, Yaxley it was reported that this issue was still being pursued with the land registry.

5 Neighbourhood Policing profile

As Sector Inspector, Inspector I Ford delivered a presentation on the Neighbourhood Policing Team and the sector profile for the period 1st July to 30th September 2011 inclusive, copies of which were circulated at the meeting. Inspector Ford provided an update on the priorities identified at the previous Neighbourhood Forum meeting as follows:-

♦ Night-time economy related anti-social behaviour including criminal damage in Church Street and Caldecote Road, Stilton.

The Forum was advised that 94 patrols had been conducted in these areas, and stop searches had resulted in cannabis warnings being issued, alcohol confiscated and guardian awareness parents’ forms being issued. Whilst undertaking drinkdrive checks in these areas one arrest had been made for excess alcohol.

♦ Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Yaxley and Farcet. (Laburnum Avenue, Main Street)

It was reported that 96 patrols had been conducted in these areas during which an individual had been found sleeping rough in a wooded area and had subsequently been relocated.

♦ Speeding in Rural Villages (Woolley, Winwick and London Road, Yaxley )

The Forum was advised that 11 separate speed checks had been conducted by the Neighbourhood Policing Team at relevant locations and speedwatch checks had also been undertaken. One fixed penalty notice and 11 warning letters have been issued to offenders.

Additionally Inspector Ford reported that the number of offences recorded in the neighbourhood had been reduced by 26.5% compared to the same period in 2010. The number of incidents of anti-social behaviour had also been reduced by 27.4%.

In considering the contents of the report, Jo Voce, Locality Manager for Ramsey, Sawtry and Yaxley referred to ongoing problems of anti-social behaviour outside the youth centre in Sawtry. Ms Voce explained that the problem had grown lately with older youths intimidating and disrupting those who attended the club to such an extent that the club may be

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forced to close.

Councillor J S Watt drew attention to a problem which had been raised at the Area Road Safety Committee about the need for a roundabout at the junction for Elton on the A605. In response to which the Chairman T Jordan requested that officers refer the matter to the Highways Department of the County Council.

Having been asked a question on speedwatch, Inspector Ford explained that the scheme was made up of volunteers from the local community who receive training by the Police to monitor the speed of vehicles travelling through their neighbourhood. Those interested in becoming a speedwatch volunteer should contact their local neighbourhood team on 0345 456 4564.

In response to a concern raised over the inadequate length of the acceleration lane at Carpenters Lodge on the A1, the Forum were reminded that the managing contractors for the scheme, Atkins, had agreed to assist with the stage 4 audit for the scheme. Mrs H Taylor Mrs H Taylor undertook to establish whether the audit had been completed.

Attention was drawn to the problem of heavy commercial vehicles travelling at speed through Farcet. Residents were concerned at both the noise and possible structural damage caused to properties as well as villagers’ safety. The Chairman explained that the problem had been taken up by the Parish Council and that they were on the verge of an agreement with the County Council to reduce the speed limit from 30 mph to 20 mph along Main Street, Cross Street and St. Mary’s Street. He added that agreement had been reached to lower the speed limit between Stanground College and Farcet village on Peterborough Road from 40 mph to 30 mph.

Mention was made on the problem of cars parking on double yellow lines outside Yaxley Group Practice on Landsdowne Road, Yaxley. The meeting was informed that the area was patrolled once a day by the Police but that those vehicles displaying blue badges could not be moved on.

Miss T Guinea, Community Safety Officer with the District Council reported on a recent meeting between the Police, the Continuum Group, local residents and officers of the District and County Councils regarding issues of anti-social behaviour at Farrow House, Main Street, Farcet. The Forum were advised that Farrow House was operating as a three- bed residential home for vulnerable young boys aged between 11 – 17 years. A number of incidents at the home had been raised by residents and the police called on various occasions. Inspector Ford confirmed that the Police would take positive action whenever possible but that of the 26 recorded visits to the home 17 related to missing persons and only 9 to other incidents. He encouraged residents to report any issues to the All to note Police who would then take them up with the Manager of the home.

In response to a question by a resident, Ms Guinnee explained that both the County and District Council had very little influence over the home as it is a privately run business, however it was subject to OFSTED

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Regulations.

A number of comments were made with regard to the issue of planning permissions for running such a business in a residential area. In response to which the District Council’s Head of Legal and Democratic C Meadowcroft Services explained that permitted development regulations allows up to six individuals to live together as a single household therefore it was his opinion that the business would not require planning permission, however he would investigate the matter further with the Planning Department.

6 Incidents of Fire in the Yaxley Area

The Chairman introduced Mr Richard Dyke, Operations Manager with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service. Mr Dykes drew the Forum’s attention to a significant increase in fires in the Yaxley area. Members were encouraged to be vigilant particularly during the Halloween period, report any concerns to the local Fire Service and spread the message of safe disposal of rubbish.

7 Great Haddon Update

Oliver Leonard, a Member of the Norman Cross Action Group gave a verbal update on the proposed Great Haddon Development. She explained that the examination in public for Peterborough City Council’s Site Allocation Development Plan Document had raised a number of issues including the allocation of green space between the scheme and Yaxley and the proposed new access points on to the A15. With regard to the latter, the Forum were reminded that the Highways Agency and Cambridgeshire County Council had placed holding objections on the applications which would delay the determination.

Despite reports in the local press that work on the new development could start this year, Ms Leonard stressed that the proposals had not been approved by Peterborough City Council.

8 Other Neighbourhood Issues

The Chairman asked those present if there were any issues of local concern that they wished to raise.

Concerns were expressed over the planned closure of Barclays Bank in the Maltings Shopping Centre in Yaxley. Since the announcement of the closure, 3,000 signatures against the proposals had been collected by local businesses. It was reported that Barclays had declined an invitation to attend the Forum but were prepared to meet concerned residents outside the meeting. Having referred to the services available at the village post office, the forum were advised that the post office could not provide the same banking services for local businesses. With this in Mrs H Taylor mind, it was suggested that other banking groups be contacted to

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investigate if they could provide a mobile branch banking service for the area.

Parish Councillor Ms A Rees reported on the measures undertaken by Yaxley Parish Council to improve safety in the recreation ground where a school girl had been killed by a falling branch. Following the issuing of an improvement notice by the Health and Safety Executive, the Parish Council had removed a tree and ensured the safety of the remaining trees to the satisfaction of the HSE.

A member of the public asked why it was not possible to open the Community Information Shop in Yaxley on a Tuesday to coincide with the weekly bus service to the health centre from the surrounding villages. Having referred to staffing arrangements and the analysis undertaken prior to setting the opening times, Mrs H Taylor agreed to take the matter Mrs H Taylor back to the Customer Services Team at the District Council. On a related matter and having confirmed that Yaxley Library would be remaining open, a member of the public asked for an update on the future of Sawtry Mrs H Taylor Library.

Parish Councillor Ms A Rees reported that she would be presenting a petition containing 277 signatures to a meeting of Huntingdonshire District Council on 2nd November 2011, the petition highlighted problems with overflowing sewerage at Windsor Road and Main Street, Yaxley.

9 Panel Prioritisation

The Panel agreed the following priorities for the three months to January Insp Ford 2011:-

♦ Crime and Youth related disorder linked, to St. Judith’s Field, Sawtry/One Leisure and Sawtry Youth Club Area; ♦ dangerous parking and road safety issues outside Stilton Primary School and Great Gidding Primary School; and ♦ speeding along Main Street, Farcet.

10 Date of next meeting

It was noted that the next meeting of the North-West Huntingdonshire Neighbourhood Forum would take place on the 25th January 2012 at 7pm at Sawtry Infants School, Sawtry.

11 Current consultations/information

The Forum’s attention was drawn to the following consultation exercises –

♦ NHS Cambridgeshire – Review of Acute Services in

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Huntingdonshire;

♦ Cambridgeshire County Council – Consultation on Review of the Decision to remove all subsidised bus service funding;

♦ Cambridgeshire County Council – Priority setting for 2012/13;

♦ Members were reminded also that the District Council were currently undertaking a canvass of all households to produce a revised register of electors. This is a list of all those entitled to vote at elections in the forthcoming year.

6 NORTH WEST HUNTINGDONSHIRE NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM ISSUES RAISED AT FORUM MEETINGS – PROGRESS REPORT

FORUM DATE TASK/ISSUE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY/ AGENCY & RESPONSE ACTION 19 October Crime and youth related disorder linked Agreed as NPT priority for the quarter November Update via policing profile report to Judith’s field, Sawtry / One Leisure 2011 to January 2012. and Sawtry youth club area. Dangerous parking and road safety and Agreed as NPT priority for the quarter November Update via policing profile report issues outside Stilton Primary School 2011 to January 2012. and Great Gidding Primary School. Speeding along Main Street, Farcet Agreed as NPT priority for the quarter November Update via policing profile report 2011 to January 2012. Concerns about the safety of road To be passed to Highways dept at Update via policing profile report junction into Elton of A605 and calls for Cambridgeshire County Council. a roundabout there. Concerns over inadequate length of Item previously considered by the Police Liaison Police have approached Atkins acceleration lane at Carpenters Lodge meeting where the managing contractors for the to reconsider the junction on the A1. road, Atkins, agreed to assist with the stage 4 particularly the interface of 7 audit for the scheme – Inspector Ford to pathway and carriageway on the investigate whether this has been completed. northbound carriageway. Issues surrounding anti social behaviour Inspector Ford to arrange regular neighbourhood Update via policing profile report in Farcet from Farrow House Children’s policing visits to the home. home. Concerns that a business is being run Head of Legal and Democratic Services to The use of a dwelling by not from Farrow House for which no investigate with HDC’s Planning department. more than 6 residents living planning permissions have been together as a single household

granted. where care is provided for the Agenda Item4 residents falls within Class C3 of the Use classes Order, which is the same Use class as a straightforward dwelling. Hence Planning Permission is not required to switch from one to the other. Planning Enforcement have looked into this in the past NORTH WEST HUNTINGDONSHIRE NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM ISSUES RAISED AT FORUM MEETINGS – PROGRESS REPORT

1999 and concluded:- “in view of an appeal decision against similar premises at Whittlesey it was not considered that the operation of this premises requires planning permission .” Concerns over loss of Barclays Bank in Senior Democratic Services Officer to investigate Approached other banking Yaxley the possibility of an alternative service from services – but the mobile Natwest and the Norwich and Peterborough banking van is not available in building society. this area and is only in use in more rural settings. Issues over the limited opening times for Senior Democratic Services Officer to investigate Officers from the District Council the Community Shop in Yaxley given with the Customer Services Team at HDC. to attend next meeting to give that the local bus for the surrounding update. villages only visits on a Tuesday, a day when the shop is now closed.

8 Question over the future of Sawtry Senior Democratic Services Officer to speak with Officer from the County Council Library – has it been saved? Cambridgeshire County Council. to attend next meeting.