MINUTES
Present: Cllr Bobbie Coe (in the chair)
Cllr Elly Hemmins
Cllr Ben Holland
Cllr Peter White
Sharon Brown – Clerk
Also present: Cllr Tumi Hawkins (SCDC), Christine Morton, Skylark newsletter editor, those contributing the reports as below and 1 other resident of the Parish.
At the start of the meeting, Cllr Bobbie Coe asked if any resident wished to come forward to chair this Annual Open Parish Meeting. She was requested to remain in the chair.
Apologies for Absence:
Cllr Mark Howell, CCC, Cllr Barbara Cooper and Cllr Will Bevan.
Minutes of the Open Parish Meeting April 2023:
The minutes were available at the meeting, having been agreed and signed at the May 2023 Parish Council Meeting.
Parish Council Annual Report – Appendix 1: The report from Cllr Barbara Cooper, Parish Council Chairperson was read out in her absence. Those present at the meeting were welcomed and those volunteering or undertaking tasks in and around the village in the past year, were thanked. It was explained that the Annual Open Parish Meeting was a time for residents to bring matters of concern or interest to the fore. Other subjects included: Speed Limits Campaign, Playground equipment, Village Sign, Aircraft noise concern, Community involvement, Planning matters, Neighbourhood Plan and Volunteering.
Questions and comments from the floor:
Fox Road planning application by cross roads: It was noted that the planning application had been approved. A resident welcomed the decision as they considered that small parcels of land within villages should be used for housing, rather than agricultural land. Cllr Hawkins noted that the submission against the development focusing on traffic issues had definitely been considered by the Planning Committee, but a small number of self-build houses was within the scope of acceptance.
A1198 / B1046 crossroads: The often, dangerous nature of these crossroads was discussed. Cllr Hawkins noted that there was no official record of all the accidents at the crossroads and that these needed to be reported. It was noted that reporting near accidents was not possible, but that there was high potential for serious accidents. Cllr Hemmins noted that it was unlikely that pedestrian accidents would be recorded involving children, as parents did not allow them to cross the road. A resident asked why two mini-roundabouts could not be painted on the road to show driver priorities, as in Bassingbourn-cum-Kneesworth. A resident also noted that many vehicles, including agricultural vehicles speed through the village on the B1046 as well.
Report from the District representative to LPC – Appendix 2: Cllr Tumi Hawkins provided a verbal report with the written report following. She noted that it was a pleasure for her to serve as ward councillor. Considering SCDC finance: last year’s accounts are now published and show a significant commercial income of approximately 7 million pounds, which helps to run both essential services and non-statutory work including the Community Warden Scheme and support for Ukrainian refugees.
In respect of grant distribution: the Community Chest Scheme distributed approximately £80K in 2023/24. Current focus in grant schemes includes active leisure support / 6-free trees / EV charging points and Zero carbon project grants.
Cllr Hawkins noted the impact that the speech by Michael Gove MP will have on housing development in particular in South Cambs, but that issues around water supply were a major restraint and would require other construction works (reservoirs) in the countryside to resolve the matter.
The Local Plan: An update is being prepared but the challenges of water supply and public transport amongst others require much work, thus, the proposed plan will not be published this year.
4-day week trial: This has saved £434,000 in agency fees and now after a long time, the Planning Department is fully staffed and sickness rates have gone down. The well-being benefits of a 4-day week are considered attractive. Data on this trial, is now being supplied to government every week.
Comment from the floor: The Council tax was high because Longstowe is a small village.
Village Hall Committee Report – Appendix 3: The Village Hall Committee chairman presented his report. He noted regular hirers and the good number of village events including the Coronation Party and the Christmas Party. Maintenance had gone forward with new guttering, key-safe, doors. Plans have recently been approved for upgrade of the shower, toilets and hot-water system. Plans are being made to make the main doors wheel-chair and mobility-scooter friendly.
Finance: The dormant account held with Barclays has been reactivated after perseverance of the former Treasurer and the money can be used. The Treasurer of the last 10 years, who has recently stood down, was thanked along with those standing down from the committee. The new Treasurer was welcomed to the post, together with the new members to the committee.
Sports / Cricket Club Report: A verbal report was provided by the president of the Sports / Cricket Club. 2019 saw its hundredth anniversary. The Club remains active with players all now from outside the village, though with a village connection. John Murden continues to do a sterling job of cutting the grass and preparing the wickets. The January AGM of the Club had an excellent turnout. The younger players are being encouraged to help with the grass maintenance: several are becoming active and learning the requirements. There has recently been a problem with the 60-year-old tractor used for the mowing. Grant options were noted. It was also noted that the Club is now reporting scores in real time, registering scores straight to the Cambridgeshire Cricket Association website, with no need for the old manual score book.
Longstowe History Society Report – Appendix 4 – Annual Report and Accounts 2023, Appendix 5 – Constitution, Jan 2017: Steve Owen, chairman of the Society summarised the above documents. The Society is now six years old, with Dick Murden as Honorary President. There are five talks and one visit each year. Future projects are to create an archive and to publish papers and booklets. That membership is thirty-four in such a small village shows remarkable interest in local history. Finances are on a good footing and, although the society does not have its own website, that of CCAN (Cambridge Community Archive Network) is used via the subscription.
Cllr Hawkins asked if there was a book on Longstowe. It was noted that there was an old one produced for a wedding, but it needed updating or rewriting.
Footpath Warden’s Report: Footpath Warden, Cllr Ben Holland gave a verbal report. He noted that the footpaths were dry much of the year, as fields are better drained. One sign-post currently needs to be put back pointing in the correct direction. The Footpath Warden’s email address for any problems is – benfootpathwarden@outlook.com
Other items discussed:
Village sign: The same family that made the sign will be undertaking the restoration, although this will be some months ahead as they have a very busy order book. The costs and grants were discussed and the application made to SCDC for a Community Chest grant.
Speed monitoring: Cllr Coe offered to undertake all the Speedwatch data submission to the police from any Speedwatch sessions. Noted, that the police will provide the equipment for Speedwatch activities. Also noted that 4-5 further volunteers were needed to get the Speedwatch group up and running, so ideally,
groups of 2-3 people could be active in rotation.
Getting people involved: How to get residents involved in various village activities was discussed.
The Open Meeting concluded at 8.15 pm.
Signed by: Date: 23rd June 2024
Chairperson
Parish Council
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Appendix 1 – Longstowe PC – Chair Report 2023-24
Appx 2 – 240425 DC Annual Parish Report Caldecote Ward
Appx 3 – Longstowe History Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023 APM
Appx 4 – Longstowe History Society Constitution January 2017
Appx 5 – Village Hall Annual Report – to Annual Parish Meeting 2024
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