WOODDITTON PARISH COUNCIL   
ANNUAL PARISH  MEETING

The Meeting in the Methodist Church Hall Saxon Street on Thursday  21st May 2009  started at 19.05 pm 
Present Mr Peter Powney-Jones (Chairman) and Councillors Messrs 
Peter Golding, Cliff Pettitt, Garsham Robertson, June Surrage,
Charles Smith, Bob Burton, Robin Sharp,Geoff Gardiner and Eileen Bullock.
Clerk Mr John Theobald.
Also present Messrs Peter Cresswell, Carl Poole and Anthea Davidson (District Councillors) and Mr Mathew Shuter (County Councillor)

1 Apology for absence   None 

2  Chairman”s Report 2008/09
   Peter Powney-Jones referred to the sad demise of Councillor Nigel Gardiner ,and   Councillor Geoff Gardiner”s daughter Stephanie.
 Council has exercised good economies  ,and has not increased its precept bid over 3 years. As well as normal activities the Council has at last obtained planning consent for the School Road Amenity field ,and plans to install a car park area and youth shelter in the current year. It has joined the Speedwatch scheme, and volunteers to help run it are sought, (contact Bob Burton on 730836). 
Planning applications are examined carefully and objections and concerns are expressed in accordance with the aims of the Parish Plan. A new  councillor for the Urban Ward in Newmarket is still sought .There is a very good Parish Web-site www.wood-ditton.org.uk now run by Councillor Garsham Robertson ,who welcomes entries from parishioners. Thanks to Chris Winch and helpers for the very popular firework and barbecue event  held each November.
Meetings are held on the third Thursday each month except December ,and the public are encouraged to attend and speak at the public forum.

3  Reports from County and District Councillors.
  Mathew Shuter  said that Cambs CC was one of the best performing Councils  and most improved over 2 years.It  had limited the Council tax increase to 3.9%, had joined a service sharing scheme to obtain economies. The Neighbourhood Panels were becoming a success and would be introduced throughout the County.
Cambs CC had obtained funding of £57m for replacement streetlights which    would reduce light pollution.  
He answered public questions mainly about planning applications policy, and the plans and backup information available to residents.  
Anthea Davidson said that East Cambs DC, of which she is Vice Chairman, had received a very good government audit and was  regarded as providing high quality services. 
The Council Tax increase was 4.5% one of the lowest.
Carl Poole reported on an eventful year. Councillor Cresswell is Chairman of East Cambs DC and has been heavily engaged in civic and ceremonial duties and is an ambassador for the whole Council.
Carl himself is Chairman of the South Neighbourhood Panel,which is  proving very useful in addressing mutual concerns and providing contacts among the parishes. Further participation in Panel meetings is encouraged. He is also a member of Planning, Standards and Community Safety boards and committees. There is closer working with adjacent District Councils, and local support organisations have been awarded grants. A lot of work has gone into Master Plans for Ely and Soham.
All Councillors for Cheveley Ward are ready to address any local concerns and welcome public contacts.

4 Public Forum    
  Rev. Ann Gurner spoke to the meeting.She described an encouraging year for the church,in which the Church Council had made repairs to the stonework and plaster and improved the porch with attractive new doors.She gave details of the church services and social events ,notably the Chrisingle service and the very good St Georges Day supper among others.  
The congregations are increasing and have made generous donations to the ministry and some charities. The church is involved in local activities and is closely linked with the Primary School.
There is the Summer Fete on 13th June and a Ceilidh on 7th August as part of the Ely Diocesan 900th Anniversary. 
The Chairman thanked Ann Gurner for the interesting address ,and all others for attending.
                      Meeting closed 19.50pm.

        Signed…………………………..Chairman Date  18th June 2009 
 

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