THE Parish Council met on June 14, 2006. The minutes of the previous meeting and accounts to be paid were approved and signed. Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Stuart Smith, David Fairchild, George Gutkaess, Pauline Wilson and Neil Smith. Cl

THE Parish Council met on June 14, 2006. The minutes of the previous meeting and accounts to be paid were approved and signed. Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Stuart Smith, David Fairchild, George Gutkaess, Pauline Wilson and Neil Smith.

Cllr Gareth Wilson reported on the proposal to provide more car parking in Ely to the rear of Ely Cathedral, which would extend the existing Forehill Car Park. A letter will be sent from the parish council objecting to the use of this land and also suggesting that signage for Cresswells Car Park should be improved to make drivers more aware of its existence.

Following on from last month it was reported that the county council had levelled out the cut bank and erected notices asking users, in particular 4x4 vehicles, to consider voluntary prohibited use. The footpath along the canal bank has also been cut.

Offensive graffiti had been cleaned off the footpath and shelter. The shelter had also been repainted by a professional graffiti artist, free of charge. The artist has offered to paint the skatepark equipment in a similar way and the Parish Council accepted this offer.

Cllr Bill Hunt urged each councillor to write in opposition to the Mereham application appeal, the deadline for objections is 21st June 2006. The Parish Council will also write a further letter of objection. Cllr Wilson reported that the appeal is due to be heard, starting November 9, 2006 and may take several days. The district council will need to organise a venue for the hearing and it has been suggested that the Arkenstall Centre would be a good central point for local residents who would wish to attend.

Problems with dogs running loose and fouling the playing field areas in Haddenham and Aldreth were discussed with Veronica Avory, the dog warden. It was agreed that she would liaise with the clerk on suitable wording, positioning and quantity of signs required.

It is hoped that a working party can be formed to provide a better show of Christmas lights in the village. Volunteers and sponsors are invited to contact the clerk.

A local resident has applied for permission to use the recreation field on the second or third weekend of August to hold a music orientated free event. Permission was granted in principle and a more detailed report of the event will be given at the next meeting in July when certain conditions of use will also be applied.

The next meeting will be on July 14 7pm at the Arkenstall Village Centre, Haddenham.