PRICKWILLOW VILLAGE COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

HELD ON MONDAY 5 MAY 2008 AT 8.00PM

IN PRICKWILLOW VILLAGE HALL

Present:

Tony Pearson, Jean Pearson, Wendy Wilson, Jackie Petts, Pat Langston, Doug Langston, Mike Wilson, Angela Shipp, Robin Pearson, Bob Matley, Dave Simpson Apologies from Edward Rice

1) Tony welcomed all present including our member of the Village: Jan Matley
2) Minutes were signed and approved. 3) Matters Arising: Tony wrote in the Messenger about the Village Plan and the Village Shop; no response on the first item, lots of interest in the second. Tony was worried about the lack of response on such an important item; Pat and Bob said it would be better to put together a questionnaire to look at and distribute so that the village could voice their opinions, rather than get suggestions from them. Tony suggested a sub-committee be formed to make a Village Plan. It was agreed that Jackie, Bob and Edward (who had expressed an interest in serving should such a committee be formed when giving his apologies). Grass cutting – Jackie had heard that County and District Councils are talking to each other about this. We would like to know when the grass will start to be cut as the village is looking extremely untidy at present. Jackie to enquire. Dog bin has been erected but in a very unsuitable place where it is likely to be demolished by lorries! War Memorial – cost from Marcus Pinion was £275. Tony has contacted the War Memorial Trust who deal in thousands of pounds and want an inordinate amount of information in return. Tony asked as it was a reasonable sum, could we foot the entire bill? Angela confirmed that there were funds in the kitty for this. Doug was concerned it would use our entire funds; Angela reassured him this would not be the case. Jean suggested that the sub-committee formed for fund raising should remain, investigating where we could acquire extra funds. Tony to ask Marcus to complete the work. Footpaths – Mike had been in touch with the Parish Clerk who had confirmed that if Prickwillow Village Council are willing to undertake investigation, she would be happy to endorse this. Mike said he was told we needed to find out who the landlords were whose land adjoined footpaths and process any problems ourselves. This seems a huge abnegation of responsibilities from the council. Mike said he thought the council were cascading authority down to the ‘grass roots’. Mike to speak to the Ramblers’ Association for further advice/information. Members’ Biographies – some are still outstanding; you know who you are! These are required by Friday 9 May 2008.	JaP/BM/ER JaP TP MW
4) Reports from Outside Meetings Jean said she had not issued updates as not much had occurred but she was saddened that at a recent Neighbourhood Panel, the committee outnumbered the audience. Next meeting is being held 30 July at St Mary’s School at 7.00pm; if anyone has any complaint please attend as all necessary councillors are available to help. Jackie mentioned that she had copies of the Master Plan and encouraged all to read. Pat said that Edward had advised you read the summary first, then any major items that were of interest could be easily referred to. Comments were expressed on the impossibility of getting planning permission from Ely; Jackie asked of instances. Traders in Jubilee Gardens were discussed; a man who wants to sell ice cream in this area has a small barrow. He is currently selling from his own property in Annesdale just past the Boat House restaurant but would like to be able to move around. Considerable public hysteria is being whipped up by a few Councillors set on establishing themselves as the Defenders of Jubilee Gardens. They are succeeding in their mission to make it impossible to explain the difference between Licensed Street Trading and unlicensed 'Consent'. The latter is what is being proposed as it gives all the power and rights to the District Council and there can be no appeal to the Magistrates if Consent is withdrawn, or refused. That is not the case with a street trading licence, which residents might well be justified in refusing.
5)      Bingo at Hiam’s Club raised £200; thanks to Pat for organising this event. Pat thanked Tony as the caller and those that helped on the night.
6) AOB – Tony advised that Cllr Hobbs and Angela Davison would not be attending with a presentation as the rules concerning affordable housing had been changed. It was agreed that both sub-committees would meet to discuss the Village Plan and Fund Raising and advise at the next meeting.

Tony thanked all for attending; the meeting closed at 9.05pm

Date of next meeting– Monday 7 July at 8pm in the Village Hall.