Meldreth Parish Council

www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 5th October 2023

This meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points of the meeting are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website noted above and on the Parish Council noticeboard; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.

Discussions and Decisions

District and County reports: the Council thanks our District and County Councillors for their latest report; this can be seen in Meldreth Matters on pages 33-35 and questions and requests for further information on this wide range of subjects can of course be raised directly with our District and County representatives.

Flambards Estate

The Council voted to arrange a professional risk report on the area of damage to a hard standing area, in order to identify the nature and possible scale of risk to pedestrians and other users. This report would establish the need and nature of any protective measures - such as secure fencing – for immediate safeguarding and for any permanent repair possibly preventing access by vehicles or on foot to the area.

There has been an approach by Gigaclear Limited to install underground internet connections through the parcels of land owned by the Council and leased to the Residents’ Association. As the freeholder of this land the Council is asked to sign the agreement with Gigaclear but will also pass details of the scheme to the Residents’ Association for comment and information. This process was approved by the Council.

MCCS Update

Partial funding from ACRE is available for the hub for the next twelve months. The FoodBank does not benefit from central funding and a JustGiving campaign has been launched to secure funding for the next six months [see page 44]. For both initiatives it may be necessary for the organisers to approach the Parish Council for a contribution. Both the Food Bank and the Hub are working well and are clearly appreciated by village residents.

Community Rail Partnership

It was noted that a meeting is planned for 17th October 2023.

Community Projects Working Group

Three projects were discussed

1. Marvell Green wild area: a request from the residents’ company for £1,730 was considered to help finance the planting of and equipment needed for the management of the wild area in the centre of the Marvell Green development. This is private land owned by the Management Company formed by the residents who have stated that they are not prepared to give open public access to the site, although visits under special circumstances would be considered. The Council considers that this fails the test of open access to all in Meldretha requirement for community funding. There was no support in favour of the request.

2. Tennis court maintenance: £1,037 has been requested to match the same amount being provided by the Tennis Club to carry out maintenance work to the two village tennis courts. The Council voted to assist but would like to renew discussions with the Club about wider public access and in particular with regard to greater use by young people in the village.

3. Village Hall garden - £1,480 has been requested to conclude the financing of the refurbished garden at the Village Hall. The total cost of this is in the order of £17,000 of which the Council will have contributed about 30% if this request is approved. The remainder has come from grants and National Lottery funding. The Council voted to approve this payment and would like to see a forward financial plan from the Village Hall trustees.

Recreation Ground

There continues to be anti-social activity at the recreation ground. Some of these incidents appear to be of a serious nature and the Council is in regular contact with the Police on this subject.

Progress on maintaining equipment continues to be made.

Village Infrastructure

It was agreed to install two recycling bins under the SCDC recycle bins scheme.

Village Traffic

As reported in the local press, the Council’s application for funding for a 20mph traffic zone in the village has been granted priority by the Highways Department of Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC). CCC received 88 applications from local councils for this programme and Meldreth’s was ranked in fifth place. In response to this outcome, the Council voted to publish the application on the Parish Council website.

This secures funding and moves the initiative into the detailed planning stage, which will be undertaken by CCC in liaison with the Parish Council. The future process also includes a formal consultation on the final design, which is determined by statute and will be managed by CCC Highways. This will be the opportunity for all residents to comment on the final proposal and will be advertised across Meldreth by site notices and in the local press. The Parish Council is discussing what else it will do to inform residents about the final design and the formal consultation.

Another round of Local Highways initiative funding has opened and our Traffic Working Group is considering, in liaison with the Highways department, what kind of project to take forward to the Parish Council. This application closes in early January 2024.

Section 106 Contributions

At the request of SCDC S106 officers the Council has reviewed the projects that would attract S106 funding if the development of the former GoCold sites proceeds (the disused premises by the station). Our requests would primarily focus on the following areas:

 At the recreation ground to extend the recreational/sport and play facilities to be used in all weathers and for all ages. This could include a covered area within or abutting the pavilion for activities such as table tennis and an all-weather hard surface area.

 To improve the facilities for active travel and exercise especially walking and running. This includes special focus on improving the railway bridge area in Station Road.

 To continue to regard the Village Hall as an important community resource and to provide assistance to its further improvement and general maintenance.

We would expect the total amount to be in the region of £80,000 but this is of course dependent on the development scheme being approved and taking place.

Village Housing Needs

Cambridgeshire Acre has offered a free of charge independent housing survey to update the report that they provided a few years ago. This will be helpful information to the Council in considering future planning options. The Council agreed to have further discussions with them and to arrange a new survey.

Next Parish Council Meeting

Thursday 2nd November 2023 at 7.30pm at the Elin Way Community Room.

Neighbourhood Policing Team Meeting

The next South Cambs Community Engagement meeting will take place online on Tuesday 7th November from 7.00-8.00pm. This online meeting will include a presentation on recent policing activity from the team, we’ll listen to concerns, present the results of the survey and allow you to have an influence. To sign up and for a link to the survey, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/southcambs-community-engagement-meeting-november-2023-tickets491859504017?aff=erelexpmlt.

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT

Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times

Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant Assistant Clerk: Mrs Sally Walmesley (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk

Cllr R Goddin (Chairman) goddin@btinternet.com

Mrs Jenni Bone

Contact details had not been provided at the time of going to press

Cllr Adam Bostanci adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com

Cllr Joan Fallon c.jfallon@icloud.com

Cllr Nick Garner nickphgarner@gmail.com

Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Cllr Alan Land conradland@btinternet.com

Cllr James Mossey j.mossey1211@gmail.com

Cllr Nigel Pellatt nppellatt56@gmail.com

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

All correspondence should be directed to the Clerk in the first instance

Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth & Shepreth

Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour?

What is the service?

We offer twice weekly visits and daily phone calls to support elderly or mobility impaired residents in their own homes by building a friendship and helping prevent social isolation. We can carry out errands such as local shopping, collecting prescriptions, paying bills or going to the Post Office so people can remain supported and independent at home. We can also help couples or those living with their family. We are also trained to support people living with dementia.

Who provides the services?

Mobile wardens, who have all been carefully selected for their caring nature and are DBS checked.

What will it cost?

We do make a small charge for the services, which is from as little as £7.50 per week.

How can I join?

For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976.

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity

Meldreth Village Hub

Community Room, Elin Way every Tuesday, and Thursday 12.00pm – 3.00pm

This is a very friendly and welcoming group open to everyone. We serve FREE lunches every Tuesday and FREE teas, coffees, and sweet treats on Thursdays. Some people have fun with board games, darts, jigsaw puzzles, while others choose to sit quietly and enjoy the atmosphere.

Come and join us for FREE refreshments and meet our brilliant team and maybe bring a friend?

If you would like information about joining our Team as a volunteer, please contact Helen Meridew, Lead Volunteer hmeridew@btinternet.com or 07787 734973

All donations gratefully received – thank you

Christmas at Meldreth Village Hub Tuesday 19th December 12.00pm – 3.00pm

Lots of festive music, food, tombola, and an amazing raffle

Everyone is welcome – we look forward to seeing you!

Helen Meridew Lead Volunteer

Free Tax Advice

Tax Help for Older People is a charity that was established in 2004. It offers a service from Tax Volunteers that provides free, independent and expert help and advice for older people on lower incomes (£20,000 gross a year or less) who cannot afford to pay for professional tax advice.

Much of the charity’s income comes from donations, which can be made via its website.

Please visit their website https://taxvol.org.uk, for more information or contact call the Tax Help number on (01308) 488066.

The Meldreth Matters Team

MM is Available in Colour Online

To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters

Meldreth Parish Charities

Meldreth Parish Charities (Charity Number: 233979) comprising Robert Halfhead (1658) Lettice Martin (1562) James Addlestone (1723)

These ancient bequests were set up to provide an annual income which was originally disbursed at the discretion of the Trustees. Over time, this purpose was modified by the introduction of the Welfare State and Social Benefits and subsequently the Trustees have been able to use the annual income to provide assistance to residents who have a particular need that cannot be met by normal sources of income or support.

A reminder that we are here to help. There is money available from these historic bequests to help Meldreth residents or village organisations with particular financial needs that cannot be met through normal sources of income or support.

Examples:

 Provision of books /equipment for students

 Costs involved in hospital visits, medical prescriptions

 Special payments to help with sudden financial need, or support in the case of illness or infirmity

Applications are invited and can be made to any of the Trustees or the Clerk. Applications are, of course, treated as strictly confidential.

Trustees

Mrs Ann Askham (01763) 262133

Mrs Jane Bates (01763) 261638

Mr Graham Borgonon (01763) 260358

Mrs Joan Fallon (01763) 262822

Clerk to the Trustees

Theresa O’Malley (Tel:260433)

Be Seen, Be Safe!

Cyclists and pedestrians:

 Please wear bright, light or reflec ve clothing

 Pedestrians, please carry a torch

 Cyclists, use front and rear lights

Theresa O’Malley Clerk to the Trustees

Meldreth Food Bank

The Food Bank has been open for a year now and we are busier than ever. Fiftyfour Meldreth people are on our books and amongst these are eight families with children. We have got to know them well and enjoy chatting each week - they are all lovely people living in difficult circumstances and all, without exception, are sincerely grateful for the food we can offer them.

It takes courage to admit you need help and to step over the threshold of the Community Room but those who take the step say ‘It’s really good’, ‘absolutely wonderful’, ‘a life-saver’, ‘I felt embarrassed at first but I don’t now - and it’s lovely to have someone to talk to’, ‘I used to go to Royston but it was hard lugging everything back - especially when the trains are as they are.’ Everyone is feeling the pinch as prices go up - those working unpredictable hours for a very low wage, those with mortgages which have rocketed up, those who have no job and a house full of hungry children and those on a pension struggling to heat the house. And there are more people out there in need, we know - (come along!)

The Food Bank has been funded by grants from the Parish Council and from MCCS but weekly donations of food from Tesco and from the people of Meldreth have supplemented these. A huge thank you to all of you who have slipped a few items into the donations boxes - from garden-grown beans to shower gel, from tea bags to tinned meatballs - and to those who have called in regularly with a bag of essentials or who have given us cash. Thank you also to Lindsey and to One Stop, who deal with the donated items in their boxes each week.

Our supplies are now dwindling and for the first time we have no spare stock waiting to go on the shelves. With winter coming and heating costs still high, we are worried about providing for our families in the future.

So if you can help us, please put donations in our boxes which are in One Stop, in Holy Trinity Church, outside 62 High Street or pop in any Tuesday morning between 9.00am and 12 noon at Elin Way Community Room. You’ll get a warm welcome and an insight into what we do.

The Food Bank Team

07572 443522 (Jo)

MCCS - We Need Your Help

The MCCS JustGiving funding campaign is now open. Please help us to … DeliverCheerBoxesthisChristmasto over30individualsinMeldreth

OpenFoodBankthroughoutthewinterforover50residentsinMeldreth

Talk to the FoodBank team every Tuesday from 9.00am - 12 noon at Elin Way Community Centre, contact the Treasurer Roger James on 07808 235873 or visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mccs2024.

MCCS – Community Support

MCCS is pleased to be coordinating the Meldreth Food Bank and Meldreth Village Hub.

Huge thanks to everyone who is supporting these initiatives, whether through volunteering and warm welcomes, or donations of daily basics to the collection box outside 62 High Street, or cash support from individuals and groups (please contact MCCS Treasurer Roger James 07808 235873). Behind the scenes, invaluable support has been received from our Parish and District Councils. Core funding initiative for the Warm Hubs comes from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System (our local NHS).

Our Neighbourhood Zone Leaders are always on hand for a friendly chat by telephone and to help locate the support you’re looking for. Their telephone numbers are below.

Kneesworth Rd, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838

Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: David Hollamby, 07732 106828

Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose, Marys Way, Westacre: John Crawforth, 07595 627684

High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard and Road: Lindsey McCaig, 07884 432345

Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380

North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 and Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

County and District Councillors Susan van de Ven, Jose Hales, Sally Ann Hart and all at the MCCS team

17 Bus Service

This bus runs Mondays to Saturdays from Guilden Morden via Steeple Morden, Litlington, Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Meldreth, Melbourn and Kneesworth to Royston and return.

The bus stops in Meldreth High Street (near the Stocks) at 10.20am and then makes several stops in Royston including Tesco at 10.35am before the last stop at Royston Bus Station at 10.49am. The return bus leaves Royston Bus Station at 1.10pm and Tesco at 1.21pm, arriving in Meldreth at 1.31pm.

Susan

van de Ven