Attendance: Betty Pinfold, Eileen & Eric Howard , Sylvia Scott, Dave Heal, Carol Leslie, Brian Shaw, John Hough, James Pocklington, Chris and Carol Bromfield, Di & Gary Dray, Brenda Nutt.
Guest Speaker: Sgt Lee Willoughby for Neighbourhood Policing Team. Sgt Willoughby reported that there were two PCSO’s present in this area. He understood that the recent drug related arrests in Mt Pleasant had alarmed many of the residents but he offered assurance that the situation was being closely monitored and that these were isolated incidents and not symptomatic of a wider problem in the community. Sgt Willoughby explained that there was a Policing panel made up of local councillors, local business people and community groups. It meets once a quarter to discuss the priorities for crime prevention in the town. The priorities currently are illegal parking and “boy racers”. The panel is due to meet again in the next few days. He urged residents to always report a crime they might have witnessed. This is never a waste of time however insignificant it might be, as it helps the police to build a picture of criminal activity in the area. Sgt Willoughby’s mobile is 07500920231 or crime stoppers (anonymously) 0800555111. After a vote of thanks for attending Sgt Willoughby left the meeting.
Apologies: Sarah Dodds, John Prior
Minutes of the last meeting read and approved
· John Hough reported that no plans had yet been submitted for the proposed Sainsbury’s store on Newmarket. The application for an alcohol licence had been amended by Sainsbury’s at the very last minute to trading between 7.00am and 11.00pm 7 days week. This was approved at the recently held ELDC planning committee.
· The lights on the walkway are between Spire view and Watts lane are still not switched on, John believed that there was still an issue with permission for access to the land adjacent to the lights.
· Speeding on Mount Pleasant/ Little lane was discussed, there was general support for a 20mph restriction to be introduced if at all possible. James explained that Highways had agreed to install a speed monitor at some future date to determine whether a 20mph limit is appropriate. The limit can be imposed if vehicles average speed is currently already close to 20mph.
· Carol reported the attendance of a Fire engine to the building plot at 35 Mount Pleasant. The contractors had left an unattended bonfire on the site which had been reported by a nearby resident. John promised to raise the issue with the local authorities to prevent a similar occurrence. Carol reported that there was already a second bonfire being formed.
· James announced that this would be John’s last meeting as a district councillor as he was standing down at the elections next month. He thanked John for all his help and support as a district councillor but hoped he would still be coming to the meetings as a county councillor, John confirmed that he would. James invited John and Lesley to be our guests of honour at the “Big lunch” on Sunday 5th June 12-2pm .
· James suggested that we hold a “Meet the candidates” event at the Church hall before the election date of the 5th May. This would be an opportunity for all the election candidates to meet informally with the local residents. James agreed to try and organise the event.
· Brian Shaw requested that we ask the Dog warden to the next meeting, it was agreed that this would be a good idea.
· James reminded the meeting that we would be printing hand out flyers to publicise the next 6 months meetings and asked for volunteers to distribute. Thanks to Gary, Eileen, Betty, Carol and Brian for agreeing to help.
Meeting closed 8.35pm
