The aims and composition of the Council remain much the same as those described in the last annual report to 31st March. There are 10 councillors supported by a part time Clerk and the Council meets once a month on the third Thursday, usually at the Methodist Church Hall in Saxon Street, though two or three times a year it aims to meet in the urban ward at Ditton Lodge School.
Agendas are displayed on 6 noticeboards throughout the Parish and the public are invited to attend and speak during the Public Forum of approximately 15 minutes provided at each meeting. Decisions are made by agreement or majority vote and published in the Minutes and on the Website.

RECENT CHANGES

The Council deeply regretted the sudden and unexpected death of Nigel Gardiner on 7th July and extended its sympathy to Shirley, Jason and Helen. Nigel’s contribution to the Council and work in the Parish will be sorely missed.
The Council welcomed a new councillor - Garsham Robertson from the Newmarket urban ward in June. There is still one vacancy to be filled.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

The main expenditure in the six months has been on maintaining the public amenities of the Parish, including the two Play areas for younger children and the Peterhouse Drive sports field, plus the usual administrative obligations. It also maintains the closed churchyard.
The Council made a grant of £750.00 to the Ellesmere Centre which provides valuable services to Woodditton.
The Clerk and Council have been in regular contact with the County Highways Division and the Police Authorities regarding improved services to the community.

FINANCE

The Council is funded by an annual sum precepted from East Cambs District Council. Close budget control is exercised and the main expenditure is on the above facilities and compulsory items like insurance. Annual accounts are published and approved by independent auditors. Accounts, books and records can be inspected by appointment with the Clerk and Chairman.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

The lease on the School Road Saxon Street Amenity Field has been finalized but the planning permission for change of use has been long drawn out. Plans for car parking, layout and landscaping have been drawn up and the Recreation Group hope to seek the preferences of young people in the Parish about actual use.

PARISH PLAN The Council works to achieve the priority items, for example the proposed participation in the Speed Watch scheme. A report is made annually at the May Parish Meeting.

PLANNING

The Council continues to examine all applications and makes relevant objections or comments to the Planning Department. Its aim is to preserve the attractive appearance of the district, particularly listed and distinctive buildings. So far there have not been any major new applications.

REGISTERS The Council keeps registers of - Members’ Interests, Gifts and Hospitality and Assets – all available for inspection at the Clerk’s office by appointment.

CONTACTS Councillors and the Clerk are always ready to discuss Parish matters and can be contacted as follows:

Peter Powney-Jones (Chairman) 64 Ditton Green Tel 730855
John Theobald (Clerk) 43 High St Stetchworth 507675

COUNCILLORS:
Eileen Bullock 2 Stetchworth Road Woodditton 730691
Geoff Gardiner 5 West End Cottages ditto 730880
Charles Smith 11 Vicarage Lane ditto 731116
Robin Sharp 60 Ditton Green ditto 730391
June Surrage 3 Kirtling Road Saxon Street 730712
Peter Golding 19 Stretton Avenue Newmarket 662513
Cliff Pettitt 3 New Cheveley Road ditto 664921
Bob Burton 101 School Road Saxon Street 730836
Garsham Robertson 49 St Johns Avenue Newmarket 663002

DISTRICT COUNCILLORS:
Peter Cresswell 1 Peterhouse Drive Newmarket Tel 661138
Anthea Davidson 10 Station Road Dullingham 507203
Carl Poole 12 Kings Drive Newmarket 668581

COUNTY COUNCILLOR:
Mathew Shuter Old Maltings High St Brinkley 508729

The public are recommended to visit the very good Parish Website on www.wood-ditton.org.uk
This contains a vast fund of information about the Parish past and present and has been very enthusiastically run by Mr Rodney Vincent. He will soon hand over the running to Garsham Robertson.
The Council extends its sincere thanks for Rodney’s past efforts on behalf of the Council.

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