On Tuesday 9TH February meetings of Cheveley Parish Council and Cheveley Pavilion and Recreation Ground Charity were again held via an online meeting platform. Parish Councillors, County Councillor Mathew Shuter, District Councillor Alan Sharp and members of the public were in attendance.
On a night when those in attendance were doing so in the warmth of their own homes instead of braving the snowy conditions to meet face to face, Councillors were informed that the advice currently being given by their advisory body suggested that their meetings from 7th May should return to normal. Whilst the vast majority of those present were very much in favour of this format there was some concern that this date would be too soon to preclude any risk of infection from the pandemic to those present. The Council would keep itself up to date with advice being given and would act accordingly. An alternative date of 4th May would be considered, if necessary, for the Parish Council’s Annual Meeting which could then be held online
County Councillor Mathew Shuter reported that there would be a small increase in the County Council element of Council Tax. There would be increased investment into Highways including pavement and flood issues. District Councillor Alan Sharp confirmed that East Cambridgeshire District Council’s final budget would be set very shortly. Following the consultation on cycling and walking routes, cross border initiatives on cycle lanes etc. were being examined.
Councillor Fullerton reported that he had spread wood chippings along roughly 90 yards of the Icknield Way Bridleway. Any future work on this surface would be undertaken after consultation with local horse riders.
The McCalmont Cup and Young Volunteer awards had been advertised on the Council’s website. The closing date for nominations of potential recipients to be considered for these is Sunday 28th February. Please could anyone wishing to put forward the names of anyone that they felt had given help to the Parish ensure that they do so by that closing date. The McCalmont Cup had not been presented in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions and any nominations received last year would be carried forward to this year. The presentations would be made at the Annual Parish Meeting which would be held on Tuesday 20th April via an online meeting platform.
Posts had been placed on a long section of Saxon Street Road to deter drivers from mounting the grass verge. However these had not been entirely successful as some damage was still occurring.
A street light at the junction of Cheveley High Street and Coach Lane had been hit and damaged by a vehicle. The column had been removed and a replacement will be in place and working by 12th March.
An area of Oak Lane that had recently been the subject of a flooding issue during the very wet weather would be dealt with by Cambridgeshire County Council who intend to clear gullies in this location, and also the roadside ditch, and put in a couple of grips to drain water from the road into the main ditch.
The monthly inspection of Rights of Way throughout the Parish had revealed, not surprisingly, that some areas were very wet following heavy rain.
Work on the Parish Hall was continuing. There had been some confusion as to whether the current oil tank and concrete slab would be compliant following replacement of the boiler. It had been ascertained that they would not and it was agreed to install a new tank which would be placed closer to the building for security reasons and which could hold more oil, thus enabling savings to be made by purchasing at non-premium prices when they were available.
A structural engineer had examined the retaining wall to one side of the site of the hall and it had emerged that more work than was originally anticipated would be required to alleviate the issues that have been identified. A comparative quotation would be obtained on the cost of this essential work.
It had become apparent that some items, notably a new kitchen and provision of AV equipment, would not be covered within the budget set for refurbishment of the hall. It was therefore agreed that local organisations should be contacted with a view to obtaining donations to cover these.
It was noted that only work authorised by the Council and carried out with its approval by approved contractors should be undertaken on property owned by it. This was essential in order not to invalidate insurance cover.
In order to update official documentation the Council had agreed to complete confirmatory paperwork that the old section of the Cemetery had been closed.
A meeting of Cheveley Pavilion & Recreation Ground Charity followed the Council meeting at which it was reported that the damaged electricity meter box had been secured and would be monitored for any further vandalism. The outside light on the southern end of the pavilion had been replaced.
A letter had been received from Cheveley Sports Club regarding their disappointment at the intended relocation of the defibrillator to the Parish Hall which the Parish Council felt to be a more central location.
Once again there had been damage to one of the Barbecues. This would be repaired but should this happen again consideration would be given to removing them all from the Recreation Ground.
A meeting would be arranged between Cheveley Sports Club and Councillors Day, Hadlow and Thomas regarding future plans for the use of the pavilion and recreation ground.
The next meetings will be held on Tuesday 9th March at 7.30 p.m. and it was anticipated that this would once again be held on an online meeting platform.