West Area Neighbourhood Panel

Monday 24 October 2011 Witchford Village Hall, Witchford

PRESENT:

Cllr Vernon Ingram Coveney Parish Council Cllr Owen Winters Little Downham Parish Council Cllr Ann Wardle Little Thetford Parish Council Cllr Maurice James Sutton Parish Council Cllr Chris Day Wilburton Parish Council Cllr Anna Bailey East District Council (ECDC) Cllr Bill Hunt District Council (ECDC) Cllr Peter Moakes East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) Cllr Philip Read Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) OFFICERS Liz Knox Head of Environmental Services, ECDC Linda Mynott Adult Services, Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) Terry Jordan Neighbourhood Panel Liaison Officer, Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) Debbie Bailey Sanctuary Hereward Housing Alan Savill Sanctuary Hereward Housing Inspector Robin Sissons Cambridgeshire Constabulary Brian Tully Anti Social Behaviour Coordinator, East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership Lewis Bage Project Officer (Leisure and Community Services), ECDC Julie Cornwell Partnerships Officer, ECDC Melanie Sage Democratic Services Officer, ECDC

IN ATTENDANCE: Approximately 12 members of the public

WNP11/13 Welcome

The Vice-Chairman, Cllr Bailey welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that the Chairman, Cllr Elizabeth Stazicker had offered apologies for the meeting.

WNP11/14 Introductions and Apologies

Apologies were received from:

Cllr Pauline Wilson Haddenham Parish Council Cllr Elizabeth Stazicker Mepal Parish Council Cllr Alison Hayes Wentworth Parish Council Cllr Gareth Wilson East Cambridgeshire District Council

WNP11/15 Chairman’s Announcements and Consultation Items

The Chairman made the following announcements:

1 \\data1\shared\commlive\West NP\241011 mins.doc . Requested that everyone complete the attendance list and at the end of the meeting complete an evaluation form, even if a form had been completed at a previous meeting. . Highlighted the items currently out for consultation, as detailed on the reverse of the agenda sheet. As well as: Consultation on Ely Crossing – Cambridgeshire County Council had identified Ely Crossing as one of its key infrastructure projects and wanted local residents to have their say on possible solutions; Consultation on review of the decision to remove all subsidised bus service funding – Cambridgeshire County Council wanted to hear views on the changes and reductions being proposed to bus services, which were supported by financial contributions from Council funds. Details of both Cambridgeshire County Council consultation documents were tabled at the meeting. . In addition, the Chairman reported that ECDC had re-launched two small grant schemes that aimed to enable parishes to deliver projects in their local communities. The Community Fund Grant would help provide community run services for key priority groups. The Community Facilities Grant was for capital build projects and would help communities with a population of less than 3,000 to provide community facilities and recreation amenities. Villages with a population above 3,000 will have a specific allocation of funding within Section 106 monies that can be used for equipment and building costs. For further information please contact Lewis Bage, Project Officer, ECDC, Tel: 01353 665555. . 2012 Small Grants for celebrations and events of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Cambridgeshire County Council has funding available to help local groups and organisations create activities and events that will celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the local community. The celebration must be inspired by London 2012, but does not have to be a new event or activity. Applications are welcomed for celebrations in the community that ‘welcome the world’ or involve or inspire young people and create a lasting and positive legacy in the community. Grants will be available to a maximum of £500. There a three deadlines for 2012 Small Grant applications – 20 January 2012, 29 February 2012 and 9 April 2012. Guidelines and an application form are available on the County Council website via the Leisure Section by selecting the link for ‘Olympics 2012’. . The Neighbourhood Panel Terms of Reference had now been approved. . A Joint Annual Review Neighbourhood Panels meeting had been held and a Development Plan was being devised and will shortly be circulated to Panel Members. . Village SOS – Is an initiative by the Big Lottery Fund and the BBC launched during the summer to help communities take a step towards starting their own business. As part of the campaign Cambridgeshire ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural ) is running a one day free event on Tuesday 15 November 2011 at The Burgess Hall, St Ivo Leisure Centre, St Ives at 10am – 3.30pm. Further details are available on www.villagesos.org.uk/uk- events/category/126

WNP11/16 Neighbourhood Update

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

Straw and Aggregate East Cambridgeshire District Council Update 2 \\data1\shared\commlive\West NP\241011 mins.doc Lorries on Roads in The District Council has no control regarding the routes Breach of HGV's take to transport straw to the Elean Power Station. Agreements Planning conditions require the operators, EPR, to notify all hauliers of the preferred routes (avoiding local villages) and to maintain a log to ensure this is undertaken. There is also a condition to require that a monthly management check be undertaken to confirm the log is up to date. On 25 August 2011 the log was inspected by Planning Enforcement and was found to be up to date. Wilburton Parish Council has been unable to gather any specific information about individual incidents, but the Panel meeting minutes suggested that a company called Skegg was seen traveling through Wilburton High Street. EPR has advised that there have been some local straw collections that could account for these movements. EPR plan to contact all hauliers to remind them to use the preferred routes. It was suggested that further specific incidents or concerns are submitted direct to the EPR at that time, which will mean that any anomalies can more easily be accounted for. EPR are keen to tackle any deviations from the preferred routes if they are routinely occurring. County Council Update The County Council is in the process of undertaking a series of trial assessments using the villages of Earith, Hilton, Sutton and The Wilbrahams for the draft HCV strategy. The results from the trials will be assessed in the autumn and it is expected that the Cabinet at the County Council will approve the new HCV strategy by the end of 2011 or early 2012. Safer Cycling East Cambridgeshire District Council Update In order to support the creation of a cyclepath along the A142 to link Wentworth – Witcham Toll, the District Council could consider a Section 106 application. However, not all Parishes in the West Panel area have a Section 106 allocation. ECDC would be willing to consider a proposal for the complete cycle route which would include details of all of the funding package required, the parts that S106 could contribute to and where the remaining funding package would come from. The project should be funded and deliverable before an application is made. For further information about Section 106 contact: Allison Conder, Principal Community at Leisure Services Officer, ECDC. Tel: 01353 665555. County Council Update The consent of the County Council, as the Highway Authority, would be necessary but it is unlikely that this would be a local authority funded project. The Local Highway Authority is able to identify the cyclepath as an aspiration in plans as developments come forward but the

3 \\data1\shared\commlive\West NP\241011 mins.doc principal funding would need to be from elsewhere. East Cambridgeshire District Council Update Fly-tipping at The Council had only one report of a fly-tip in Coveney Coveney between April - August. A few fly-tips have recently been found and inspected by the Council's Enforcement Officer and are scheduled for removal. The public are encouraged to report fly-tips directly to the Council, giving as much detail as possible about location, type and amount of material, and details of offenders if known. Reports can be made by telephoning 01353 665555 or through the Council's web site at www.eastcambs.gov.uk. If the offenders can be identified the Council will take enforcement action. Generally there had been a reduction in the amount of fly-tipping reported. A10 Litter in lay- The area is cleaned on an approximate six weekly cycle by/bus shelter at with mechanical sweeping and litter picking taking place at Little Thetford. the same time. Additional work is carried out if the area is inspected and found to be below standard between routine visits. The area was last cleaned on 14 September 2011. Litter in Witchford The village is cleaned on a 23-day cycle, with additional visits for problems that occur between visits. It was last cleaned on 19 September 2011. The A142 is cleaned approximately every 6 weeks with additional visits in response to reported problems and where the area is found to be below standard. Litter at Old Pavilion, Cleansing of the Old Pavilion in Sutton is not the Sutton responsibility of ECDC. This will be the responsibility of whoever owns or occupies the land. Need volunteers for The scheme was advertised in the latest Panel newsletter Speedwatch scheme and display boards will be taken to the next Panel meeting –promote the promoting the scheme. Speedwatch volunteers are still scheme. required. Vehicles driving across open space and damaging grass in New Close Road, Little Thetford, had been raised as an issue. The same issue in relation to other areas of open spaces has also been raised at other Panel meetings and in view of this the District Council is now reviewing use of all of the relevant public open spaces within residential developments with a view to putting together an approach to tackling this problem. A report will be presented to Strategic Policy and Resources Committee to propose a course of action. A further update will be provided to the Panel in due course.

4 \\data1\shared\commlive\West NP\241011 mins.doc ECDC has been working with the East Cambridgeshire Family Project (ECFP), an independent charity, and King Street Housing Society to provide a new project for people fleeing domestic violence which opened in the first week of October. A house has been leased through King Street to provide short-term accommodation for two families where they can get specialist counselling and support and access to the very successful “freedom programme” before being moved on to suitable permanent housing by the Council. People will be referred through the Council’s Housing Advice Team after a specialist assessment. This is a welcome addition to Council services and has been provided at very little cost by working with a charitable organisation and it is a particularly welcome improvement to domestic violence services since the Council had to end the Sanctuary Scheme a year ago through lack of funding. County Council Update Obstructive parking The current parking restrictions are, in the opinion of the on top corner/cross Local Highway Authority, adequate. However, the roads in Haddenham. restrictions appear to be poorly observed by some road Review of parking users. A local campaign aimed at improving motorists’ restrictions behaviour (perhaps led by the Parish Council), backed up by appropriate enforcement as necessary, may be an effective remedy. Hazardous crossing A safety improvement scheme was introduced at this the A10 in and out of junction a few years ago and appears to have been very Little Thetford effective at reducing casualties. Highways officers will, however, investigate the need for possible further action. A10 impossible for Very few people cycle between Stretham and Ely but a path cycling, very narrow exists alongside the A10 connecting Little Thetford with Ely, in parts (section from which cyclists are permitted to use. Ely to Stretham) An alternative, quieter route of little extra distance that largely avoids the A10 exists between Ely and Stretham via the A142 Ely to Witchford cycleway, Witchford village and Grunty Fen. New bridge built on This issue will be investigated by the County Council’s Twenty Pence road Highways and Access team to see whether it is causing a at access to Solar problem that requires attention. Farm (Cottenham to Wilburton) is partially obscuring the view of the road and is therefore dangerous. Pupils take fairer funding campaign to Parliament In a bid to secure more funding for the county's schools, pupils from Chesterton Village College, Bottisham Village College, Milton Road Primary School and Swaffham Bulbeck Primary School joined the Cambridgeshire Schools Forum for a visit to London. Cambridgeshire is ranked 143rd out of 151 local authorities for funding - down from 132nd last year. Peterborough is the 55th best-funded authority in the country. If Cambridgeshire was funded at the national average of £5,082 per pupil, this would mean nearly £35m more for Cambridgeshire's schools - or an extra £441 per pupil. 5 \\data1\shared\commlive\West NP\241011 mins.doc Sanctuary Housing An overview of the work of Sanctuary Housing was given. It was explained that housing officers try every avenue before a tenant is evicted – eviction was only used as a last resort. To evict a tenant involved a lengthy court process and was expensive. Regular estate visits are conducted across the panel areas by Housing officers to ensure that both properties and areas are in a maintained condition.

Cllr Hunt explained that there was a particular tenant of Sanctuary Housing that was creating extensive problems in Stretham. Mr Savill was aware of the property and assured the panel that Sanctuary Housing was dealing with the matter.

The Panel proceeded to receive an update on the policing priorities and other issues raised at the previous Panel meeting:

Parking on double Patrols have increased over the last 3 months in this yellows (esp. specific area. Haddenham) and Where offences have been observed a mixture of words of Obstructive Parking advice and if necessary enforcement action has been used on pavements to prevent people from parking in this way. generally As expected many of the drivers are from within the village or surrounding areas and have generally been receptive of the advice given. It has been noted that several of the perceived illegally parked vehicles were displaying Disabled Badges and, providing the vehicle was not creating an obstruction, were not committing any offences. The police believe that a strong message has been sent. Tackle speeding The Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) carried out 12 across panel area to speed enforcement operations within the Panel period at include results of varying locations. As a result 4 Endorsable Fixed Penalty activity and provide Notices were issued as a result. Police also conduct ad support to the hoc speed checks when duties allow. Speedwatch to Speeding remains an issue throughout the West Panel encourage its area, particularly on the main arterial roads. NPT officers continuation can only conduct speed operations in 30 mph limits. Anything outside of this has to be carried out by the Roads Policing Unit (Traffic). Speedwatch A new team leader from Wilburton has been appointed to coordinate Speedwatch. A number of previous volunteers have expressed an interest to continue. There were currently 17 volunteers, but more were required. Drug Enforcement Orchard Estate, Little Downham – the police attended a domestic incident on 18 August 2011 that resulted in the seizure of a substantial cannabis plant. Drug warrant executed on 10 October 2011 in Meadow Court, Witchford – cannabis and crack cocaine seized. Drug warrant executed on 21 October 2011 in Duck Lane, 6 \\data1\shared\commlive\West NP\241011 mins.doc Haddenham. Ongoing investigations into the dealing of cannabis in Lode Way, Haddenham. Restorative Justice ‘Restorative Justice’ was used to deal with offenders in instances of appropriate crimes. ‘Restorative justice’ was victim focused, and a recent example of this was a Sutton youth who had criminally damaged the Pavilion and as punishment had been ordered to litter pick on three Saturdays.

Total crime in the West Neighbourhood Panel area has increased compared to both the previous period and the same period last year.

An individual in Aldreth responsible for vehicle crime had been charged and disqualified from driving.

There had been an incident of criminal damage to vehicles along or nearby Main Street, Witchford where swear words had been scratched onto the paintwork and bottles had been smashed on vehicles. No offender had been charged with these offences.

In Sutton theft from two shops on the High Street - offenders have been charged in three of the four cases.

In the Downham Villages there had been 9 ‘Burglary Other’ offences. Four were shed/garage burglaries where gardening equipment was stolen and three were offences in Mepal where environmental buildings were targeted and tools stolen. No offenders had been identified for these offences.

There had been 5 violent crime offences - three offences related to an incident in Little Downham and another two related to an incident in Mepal. These were isolated incidents where the offenders knew each other. Offenders were charged in four of these offences.

The total number of Anti Social Behaviour incidents has decreased compared to the same period last year.

The Panel were provided with details of the sentences issued to John Smith, David Loveridge and George Loveridge in connection with the illegal scrap yard at Cophall Farm, Little Downham.

A new non-emergency number – 101 - had been launched to contact the police to report non-urgent crime.

Regarding the work of the Police to address illegal parking, Inspector Sissons suggested that the Panel did not set this again as a priority. Inspector Sissons acknowledged that re-establishing the Speedwatch scheme was important to the Panel. However, if the Panel were to set speeding as a priority, consideration should be given to proposing a specific location for maximum impact. Inspector Sissons suggested that the Panel set addressing the drugs activity in Haddenham and addressing anti-social behaviour in the Orchard Estate, Little Downham as priorities.

7 \\data1\shared\commlive\West NP\241011 mins.doc Mr Savill of Sanctuary Housing informed that Panel that the incident earlier referred to by Inspector Sissons in Orchard Estate, Little Downham involved Sanctuary Housing tenants and as a result their tenancy had been demoted and the tenants were on probation with Sanctuary Housing for twelve months.

Cllr Read informed the Panel that a 20mph speed restriction applied outside Sutton Primary School and he had been notified of an incident where a lorry had nearly hit the lolly pop lady. Therefore Cllr Read suggested that the police should do speed checks in this location.

WNP11/17 Ouse Washes Habitat Creation Project

The Panel received a presentation on the Ouse Washes Habitat Creation Project from Mr Peter Doktor, Project Manager of the Environment Agency. A summary of the presentation is as follows:

 A map detailing the location of the Ouse Washes was displayed.  Since the 1970s there had been increasing concerns about declining bird numbers as a result of changes to rainfall patterns and flooding.  There is a legal obligation on the Government to take appropriate steps to address the ecological decline  In the late 90’s early 2000 potential engineering solutions to address this decline were costed. It was decided that the most effective solution would be to replace the habitat outside of the washes.  The aim of the Habitat Creation Project was to create a minimum of 500 hectares of new wetland grass habitat. It was hoped to establish this project over the next 5-10years.  A map detailing the two locations of the envisaged Habitat Creation Project areas were displayed. Two sites had been identified, one at Coveney and the other at Sutton, due to their close proximity to the Ouse Washes and the suitability of the soil. It was important to replace habitat as close to the Ouse Washes as possible.  The sites would be maintained as grazing glassland. To maintain a suitable environment for nesting birds the water table would need to be raised in spring and summer.  Both sites would incorporate water management infrastructure and a storage reservoir. It would be important to draw the water in winter for storage in the reservoir for use in spring/summer. The Internal Drainage Board would need to give approval to any proposals, therefore it would be necessary to demonstrate that the water run-off could be accommodated and would not cause any issues.  Other organisations were looking to create different types of environments at various locations over varying timescales, such as, at Block Fen, the National Trust at Wicken Fen and the RSPB. Initially the aim of the Habitat Creation Project had been to create 1000 hectares of new wetland grass habitat, but due to budget constraints this would not be achieved. However, with joint working with other parties this could be possible.  The forward plan for the project was as follows:  February – April 2012 (to be confirmed) – public consultation on the Coveney site proposals.  Completion of environmental assessment.  Mid 2012 - planning application to be submitted to the District Council.  Working closely with landowners to secure suitable land in Sutton.

8 \\data1\shared\commlive\West NP\241011 mins.doc  Continued use of the Washes for flood risk management.

Cllr Moakes enquired how the Ouse Washes Habitat Creation Project would benefit the district. Mr Doktor explained that it could increase tourism to the district. Cllr Moakes accepted that this was an advantage, but due to the road network the proposed Coveney location was not necessarily an area where tourism would want to be promoted. Cllr Moakes noted that the Project was being funded by a significant amount of public money.

In the response to a question, Mr Doktor explained that in the future the sites could provide an opportunity for low key informal recreational use and it was intended to consult with the local community regarding suggested uses and how this could be provided.

Cllr Ingram asked various questions about management of construction traffic and the amount of spoil that would be removed from the Coveney site. Mr Doktor explained that the project was in its early stages so it was too soon regarding specifics, such as, traffic management. However, it was not proposed to remove any spoil from the site, of which there was likely to be 200,000 cubic metres.

In the response to a question, Mr Doktor explained that the Environment Agency was conscious that development of the Project would impact on neighbours and that the planned location for the reservoir was opposite Jerusalem Drove. However, the land had not yet been secured.

In the response to various questions Mr Doktor explained that the Habitat Creation Project in Sutton was not as advanced as the Project in Coveney and that no roads would be flooded by its creation. When developing the proposals, implications on the road network would be considered and Mr Doktor noted that a small parking area at the Coveney site was proposed to accommodate the bird watchers.

Cllr Taylor could not understand now such a significant amount of public money could be justified on the Project. Cllr Taylor suggested that if the fox population was controlled by shooting, as it was years ago, the bird habitat would improve.

Mr Doktor explained that the funding for the Ouse Washes Habitat Creation Project had been allocated from Central Government and was aware that there were various issues regarding the management of foxes. However, following investigation it had been concluded that the declining bird population was as a result of changes to rainfall patterns and flooding.

Dr Geoff Brighty, Central Area Manager of the Environment Agency, acknowledged that foxes were a key predator for birds and that boundary fencing was effective at discouraging foxes. Dr Brighty noted how Godwit chicks had been destroyed by the flooding in 2007. Dr Brighty acknowledged that the management of the Washes was a concern for a number of people, but noted that a significant amount of money was being spent on the management of the Washes. A question that would need consideration was given the rising sea levels, whether the current level of management would be sufficient in 80 – 100years.

Cllr Winters enquired why an environmental impact study had not been conducted to consider control methods for mosquitos and other insects. Mr Doktor explained that an environmental impact study would be conducted and an element of that would be

9 \\data1\shared\commlive\West NP\241011 mins.doc to consider biting insects. Mr Doktor informed the Panel that it was a common concern that such a habitat would generate biting insects. Cllr Winters stated that if dykes had steep banks as well as reeds that there would not be an issue. Mr Doktor was not aware of problems regarding biting insects at the RSPB Pilot Project at Manea, which was identical to the Habitat Creation Project.

Cllr Read suggested that for the public to understand the background of why the Ouse Washes Habitat Creation Project was necessary, that in the future it should be made clear that the Ouse Washes were recorded as a failing Ramsar site.

WNP11/18 Protecting our Communities from Flooding – Overview of Flood Warning Changes

The Panel received a presentation on Protecting our Communities from Flooding from Dr Geoff Brighty, Central Area Manager of the Environment Agency.A summary of the presentation is as follows:

.The aim of the presentation was to ensure the community in East Cambridgeshire understood how the Environment Agency warned and informed on flooding and how to protect themselves and property. .A map detailing the location of the River Great Ouse catchment area flood risk was displayed. .It had been established that communities wanted access to more information; a staged warning service; early forecasts of flood risk; simplified flood warning codes; more local information and messages that placed greater emphasis on actions that communities needed to take. .The following improvements had been made to the flood warning service:  Public Warning Service – early awareness raising and new flood warning codes and messages.  Improved Partner Service – Flood Advisory Service and Training and joint working with the Flood Forecasting Centre and Met Office to obtain more information to get a better picture of flooding risks.  Improved information on the Internet – river and sea levels online and real- time information. .A map detailing the river flow monitoring stations was displayed. .The Washes are meant to flood and in the event of a flood it can take one week to ten days to reach a final destination. .The stages of warning the public are as follows:  Raise consciousness in general public of potential for flooding;  Raise vigilance in specific area to notify ‘it’s you at risk – take early action’;  Tell people to take action as flooding is imminent;  Tell people to protect themselves as flooding poses a serious risk to life;  Threat levels reduce and communication with public closed. .An illustration detailing the three new flood warning codes was displayed. The first warning ‘Flood Alert’ notified people to stay alert, stay vigilant and take early precautions. The second warning ‘Flood Warning’ notified people that flooding was expected, to take action and to protect yourselves and your property. The third warning ‘Severe Flood Warning’ notified people that there was a significant risk to life, a significant disruption to communities and to protect yourselves. The Environment Agency wanted people to take action at the earliest opportunity as, depending on the severity of the situation, the third warning might not be delivered.

10 \\data1\shared\commlive\West NP\241011 mins.doc .The Severe Flood Warning would be issued from a forecast when there was not time to wait until flooding had begun. However, most Severe Flood Warnings would be issued after flooding had already begun. In exceptional circumstances a Severe Flood Warning would be issued when floodwater recedes and secondary effects become apparent such as damaged infrastructure. .The Environment Agency has learnt many lessons from recent flooding events and has made changes to the way it evaluates flooding risks. It has made changes to the flood warnings and advice give and where people can obtain advice. .For further information or to enquire whether there are any flood warnings in your area visit www.environement-agency.gov.uk

Cllr Winters enquired whether the Environment Agency had an effective warning system to monitor the water level in the Hundred Foot Bank to warn people in the event that the Hundred Foot Bank was to breach. Cllr Winters stated that the Environment Agency was in the dark ages with its warning system. Dr Brighty stated that the banks were inspected, assessed and dredged every year and the banks were only likely to fail in the event of over topping.

WNP11/19 Neighbourhood Issues

The following issues were raised by Parish representatives/public:

Coveney Coveney and Wardy Hill roads in poor condition. Hythe Road was uneven and planned works were expected for Westfen Road. Could a 50mph speed restriction be imposed on surrounding roads? Cllr Read had spoken to the County Council about these issues and was informed that a County Council officer would be contacting Coveney Parish Clerk. Haddenham Not Present Little Downham Little Downham and Pymoor roads in poor condition, particularly B1411 and subsidence at Pymoor Common. Issues had been reported but no remedial works had taken place. Little Thetford Cyclepath at Little Thetford to Ely is overgrown so very narrow. Little Thetford A10 junction – cars for sale parked on grass at junction. The Head of Environmental Services explained that if there were more than 2 cars, the issues could be remedied under the Clean Neighbourhood Act. Lack of police presence in Little Thetford. Parking on pavement at Orchard Close and Cowslip Drive A10 – faded white lines and missing reflectors. Mepal Flytipping and litter on verge of A142 between Sutton and Mepal. Stretham Problem with a particular family housed by Sanctuary Hereward including noise nuisance and unmanaged/littered garden. Parking on Ely Road outside school on ‘keep clear’ markings. Sutton Lorries transporting straw - straw falling off bales, which can cause an accident. Some loads appear to be insecure.

11 \\data1\shared\commlive\West NP\241011 mins.doc Wentworth Not Present Wilburton Obstructive parking on top corner/cross roads in Haddenham often occurred as a result of lorries delivering to the Spar shop. Flytipping – Pull Road Corner. Number cars travelling with defective headlights. Wilburton is a rat run for the fast tractors, which are noisy and often driven by young foreign drivers. Large lorries travelling on B1123, which is unsuitable for such vehicles, especially twenty pence corner. Witcham A member of the public suggested that many of the issues raised at the meeting could have been dealt with by the individual telephoning the appropriate organisation and that such issues did not need to be presented to the Neighbourhood Panel meetings. Witchford Suggested promotion of the National Farmers Union training courses to promote better awareness to agricultural workers. Cambridgeshire Under Minute WNP11/16 Cllr Read had suggested that the police County Council should do speed checks in the 20mph speed restriction area (CCC) outside Sutton Primary School following an incident where a lorry had nearly hit the lolly pop lady. ECDC Members Cllr Moakes stated that the creation of a cyclepath along the A142 to link Wentworth – Witcham Toll had been an issue for the last four years. Therefore to maintain the pressure in order to achieve a resolution Cllr Moakes requested that the issue remain as a re- occurring agenda item as the Neighbourhood Panel was the ideal forum. Cllr Hunt echoed the concerns already expressed regarding the family housed by Sanctuary Hereward in Stretham. Cllr Hunt stated that Sanctuary should review its housing procedure as ‘trouble families’ were often parachuted into different villages. Cllr Hunt also noted that he had been informed that there was often litter and drunken behaviour around the bus shelter in Stretham.

WNP11/20 Panel Prioritisation

The Panel agreed that the policing priority for the next 3 months should be to address the drug activity in Haddenham.

The Panel agreed that the non-policing priority for the next 3 months should be to address the degeneration of roads throughout Coveney, Wardy Hill, Pymoor and Little Downham and that County Council report back on this issue at the next meeting.

WNP11/21 Forward Agenda Plans

Forward agenda Plans for 2011 and 2012 were received.

12 \\data1\shared\commlive\West NP\241011 mins.doc Cllr Hunt requested that at the next Panel meeting a County Council representative address the Panel regarding introducing a 50mph speed restriction on the A10 between Ely and Cambridge.

Mr Peter Doktor was invited to return at an appropriate date to inform the Panel of progress with the Ouse Washes Habitat Creation Project.

The Partnerships Officer explained that it would be appropriate to have an item on the agenda regarding Clinical Commissioning Groups.

WNP11/22 Date of Next Meeting

Monday 23 January 2012 - 19:00-21:00 – Little Thetford Village Hall, The Wyches, Little Thetford

The Meeting closed at 9.18pm.

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