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Annual Report 2009

Linton Parish Council Annual Parish Meeting 30 April 2009: Chairman’s Report

The Council began the year May 2008-April 2009 with two vacancies on the council. That continued for most of the year until Janet Williams and Trisha Hunt applied to be co-opted to the Council in 2009. We welcome them both.

At the time of my last report Tina Stock, our administrative assistant, had tendered her notice and I expressed the view we would be lucky to find as good a replacement. I am happy to report that we had the good fortune to receive an application from Anne Meeks and were able therefore to appoint a worthy successor. Anne has been a great support to Sue Parry, our clerk, who has in turn been a great support to me during the year. Colin Tofts, who is looking forward to another cold winter next year so he can make good use the newly acquired Parish Council gritting machine, and Ivy Whiting have continued to help keep the village clean and tidy whatever the weather.  

One resolution on notice was passed during the year, to lay a tarmac path on the open land between the Kingfisher Walk path and the path behind Granta Leys and to request the County Council to assume responsibility thereafter. The work has recently been carried out.

At the beginning of the Council year there was local concern regarding proposed changes to commercial air traffic flight paths in the area. Following representations from many parish councils and organisations in the area, the Air Traffic Control Service has agreed to look at this issue afresh.

In the summer several councillors including myself had a meeting with a local landowner regarding a possible allotment site. Although he subsequently approached the District Council for advice, we learnt only recently that the District Council’s officers had not responded, and I have written to the District Council expressing our disquiet. I hope we shall make more progress on this matter in the coming year.

The wind farm application relating to land between the Camgrain site and Catley Park was finally submitted at the beginning of March. The Parish Council engaged in an active consultation process, as had been previously agreed. Over a third of residents on the electoral roll responded to the Council’s questionnaire, some 76% opposing the application, and over 100 attended the public meeting. The Council resolved at a special meeting held last week to oppose the application for reasons which have been submitted to the District Council. Whatever people’s views of the merits of the application I regret the applicant’s refusal to engage in the local debate over this issue.

By comparison the intended developers of the Newdigate House site on Horseheath Road did engage in dialogue with residents and the Council, to the benefit of all parties, and planning permission has been granted.

There have been problems relating to vehicles being driven to and from the Flaxfields development. Linton and Hildersham Parish Councils were unable to agree on a common way to address this problem.

In the course of the year, the Council has installed railings to the corners of Stantons Lane bridge, reinstated the light to the skateboard, not without its problems, repaired a section of the bowling green kerbing and replaced the bus shelter at the Swan Bridge, to include the provision of a proper seat as requested by the members of the WI. The village sign, repainted by Darryl Nantais, was returned to its rightful position during the summer. The Council has recently resolved to apply for the registration of the Camping Close as a village green.

Some further repairs have been carried out to the churchyard, for which the Parish Council is responsible. A contract to relay the paths in poor condition has been let, after some delay over the specification, but is yet to be carried out.

The Council was surprised to learn of the proposed closure of the existing police station in Linton and is pressing the police force to maintain a proper physical presence in the village, possibly at the Fire Station.

The District Council has now required the transfer of the car park to the Parish Council to proceed. The matter is currently in the hands of the Council’s solicitors.

The Parish Council was pleased that the speed limit on the bypass has been reduced to 50 mph and that the police have organised a number of traffic action days targeting motorist who were breaking the law.

In conclusion on behalf of myself and the Council I would like to thank Sue Parry and the other members of our staff for their hard work and assistance throughout the year.

ANDREW GORE