On Tuesday 27th September meetings of Cheveley Parish Council and Cheveley Pavilion & Recreation Ground Charity were held in Cheveley Parish Hall.   These replaced the meetings scheduled for 13th September which were cancelled because they fell within the mourning period for H M Queen Elizabeth II.    Seven Councillors were in attendance, together with District and County Councillor Alan Sharp and members of the public.

It was noted that there were still vacancies for Parish Councillors in both the South Ward (Cheveley Village) and the North Ward (Duchess Drive/Ashley Road and surrounding areas).   Further details can be obtained by calling the Council’s telephone number (07483 107014).

The Council thanked members of Newmarket Joggers who had collected discarded litter in the Parish.

Alison Day, who, although no longer a Councillor, was still working on the Neighbourhood Plan, reported that the production and adoption of the document was finally nearing completion.   A specific email address, neighbourhoodplan@cheveley-pc.gov.uk, for this has been set up and is in use.

On Sunday 25th September a highly successful Farmers’ Market was held at the Parish Hall.   It was well supported and stall holders were very satisfied with the business it attracted.   Future similar events would be held there.

A six month extension to the car park lease has been agreed with Cambridgeshire County Council whilst new Heads of Agreement are negotiated and it was agreed to pay for professional help to prepare documentation in respect of the parking spaces used by the School.

Councillors Hadlow and Nutt had installed the new bike anchors outside the Hall and contractors have been instructed to install storage cupboards in the Garden Room although no starting date had been given yet.

It was proposed to refer a debt for unpaid room hire fees to the Small Claims Court.

There had been a problem cutting the long grass at the cemetery because dogs had caused it to be flattened which prevented the contractor from being able to cut and collect it with the machines that they normally used.   A sign had been purchased, which would be affixed to the entrance gate, asking dog walkers to keep their pets on a lead there.

The recently purchased dog waste bin is being installed at Broomstick Corner this week.

Urgent work is being carried out by McGregor Services on the Bridle Way.   It was decided to write to owners of land adjacent to Public Rights of Way to remind them of their responsibilities in cutting back overgrown vegetation.

A resident had requested if they could plant a tree on Broad Green.   It was agreed to contact the organisation that maintained the area and other neighbouring organisations to ascertain where would be a suitable location.

Application details in respect of the vacancy for a Parish Clerk were discussed during a confidential item of the meeting.   It was agreed to offer the position to the chosen applicant.

The Council’s landline telephone has been discontinued and in future anyone wishing to contact the council should do so on the mobile number.

At the meeting of Cheveley Pavilion & Recreation Ground Charity which followed a quotation for installation of additional CCTV cameras was considered and approved.

Following the conclusion of both meetings the Council had the sad task of saying goodbye to our Clerk of 6 years, Marilyn Strand, and thanking her for her commitment to Cheveley Parish Council.   A small presentation was made to Marilyn in recognition of her work and Councillors gave her their very best wishes in her new appointment with Soham Town Council.

The next scheduled meeting of the Parish Council is Tuesday 11th October.