Welcome
January Parish Council Minutes
1. Public Meeting
District Councillor Lay and one member of the public were in attendance. County Councillor Edge was unable to attend and forwarded a written report, which can be viewed in full on the parish website: Cllr Jonny Edge Monthly Report
Cllr Winson-Pearce advised that she would be stepping down as a councillor with immediate effect, having already notified the Clerk in writing. Councillors thanked her for her service to the village, and Cllr Howell stated that she would be welcomed back at a future date should she so wish.
District Cllr Lay reported:
Planning: 131 determinations during the month, of which 120 were approved and 11 refused. Two appeals were also refused.
Citizens Advice: The Newmarket branch assisted 993 families last year, including 86 families from the Woodditton ward.
The public meeting closed at 7.15pm.
2. Apologies for Absence
None.
3. Approval of Minutes (Meeting held 10 December 2025)
The minutes were presented for approval. They were proposed by Cllr Hull, seconded by Cllr Herridge, and signed by the Chairman.
4. Matters Arising
Recreation Ground
The Clerk advised that an offer had been made to the landlords for the purchase of the freehold of the Recreation Ground, as agreed at the December meeting. The land agent has acknowledged receipt of the offer, but no further response has been received.
About Ashley
Cllr Howell advised that she would be holding further discussions with Debbie Garrity regarding the production and funding of About Ashley.
Tree Survey
Councillors discussed and agreed that the works detailed in Cllr Hull’s report should be carried out. Cllr Herridge provided a quote of £860. Based on previous quotes being significantly lower than alternatives and the quality of work being satisfactory, it was agreed to accept the quote. Proposed by Cllr Hull and seconded by Cllr Summers.
Action: Cllr Herridge
Local Highways Initiative
The Clerk advised that an application had been submitted for 50% grant funding for a new solar-powered speed camera sign.
5. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Herridge – Agenda Item 4 (Tree Survey).
6. Planning Matters
None.
7. Finance Matters
a) Receipts (December / January)
None.
b) Payments for Authorisation
Bidwells – Valuation of Recreation Ground and Pavilion (Stage 1): £1,800.00
Kevin Dadds – Clerk’s salary (Oct–Dec, including arrears following April annual pay agreement): £1,521.52
HMRC – PAYE (Clerk’s salary, Oct–Dec): £380.20
Kevin Dadds – Clerk’s expenses (working from home allowance): £78.00
Suffolk Tree Surgery – Church hedge trim: £90.00
Adam Herridge – Reimbursement for annual website hosting fee (paid by personal card): £203.88
c) Responsible Finance Officer’s Report
The Clerk presented the Quarter 3 report, which had previously been circulated to councillors. Year-to-date income totalled £53,000, including £28,000 of CIL monies and £3,000 VAT. Expenditure totalled £21,000, including £7,000 for the balance of solar streetlamps. Total bank balances stood at £91,000.
8. Pavilion Trust
Councillors are awaiting a response to their offer to purchase the freehold of the Recreation Ground.
9. Insurance Renewal Questionnaire
The Clerk advised that an insurance renewal questionnaire had been received and required completion to reflect any changes in cover. Cllr Hull reviewed the figures with the Clerk and agreed that an additional £10,000 cover was required for the new solar streetlamps.
The Clerk also noted that “soft surfaces” were listed separately on the schedule, whereas previously the soft areas around play equipment had been included within the equipment value. As several soft areas have been installed in recent years, the Clerk will clarify this with the insurers.
Councillors agreed with the proposed actions. The Clerk will complete and return the questionnaire. Cllr Hull added that the current three-year agreement is coming to an end and a similar offer may be forthcoming at renewal.
Action: Clerk
10. Website
Cllr Herridge advised that he is making the website more interactive and suggested adding recent village news to the home page. Councillors agreed with these proposals.
11. Urgent Matters / Items for Next Agenda
None.
12. Correspondence
Police and Crime Commissioner Survey: Email received with a survey link; however, the survey closed prior to the Parish Council meeting.
Public Spaces Protection Order: Draft policy received proposing fixed penalties for vehicle-related anti-social behaviour across East Cambridgeshire. This includes rapid acceleration, skidding, doughnutting, and stunts in public areas such as car parks.
13. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Monday 9 February at the Pavilion.
The meeting closed at 8.15pm.
Kevin Dadds
Clerk to the Council
A Positive New Chapter for Our Village Shop
We’re proud to see our village shop reopened under the care of a family team who are passionate about serving the community. With a fresh new look and an improved range of everyday essentials, the shop aims to be a welcoming, reliable place for everyone in the village. More than just a shop, it’s a friendly face, a familiar stop, and a place that puts people first. Thank you Nira Fernandez and his family for bringing a new shop to our community we hope to support you in this new chapter
Supporting Our Community Through the Village Clothing Bank
We’re pleased to have a village clothing bank run by the Salvation Army, providing a convenient and well-used resource for the community. With the closure of the Cheveley clothing bank, this service has become even more important for the local Cheveley School. Donations help give good-quality clothing a second life, while funds raised also support Cheveley School, ensuring the benefits are felt close to home. Thank you to everyone who donates and supports this valuable community service.
The Poor Condition of Our Local Roads
The condition of many local roads has become a serious concern for residents. This recent photo of a dropped drain between Ashley and Cheveley clearly show the extent of deep potholes, with multiple hubcaps knocked off vehicles after hitting them. This is one of many defects our local roads suffer and they pose a real risk to cars, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Reporting road damage to the local authority is vital via Highways Cambridge . Each report helps build an accurate picture of the scale of the problem and increases the likelihood of timely repairs. By taking a few moments to report potholes and road defects when we see them, we can collectively help improve road safety and prevent further damage or accidents.
The Future of Our Abandoned Village Pub
The former village pub, once a central and much-loved part of village life, has sadly been left abandoned for some time. In its absence, the car park has effectively become a free-for-all parking area, bringing disorder and frustration rather than the sense of community the site once provided. Despite this, many residents remain hopeful that the site could one day be brought back into positive use — something that genuinely benefits the village and reflects its central location. With thoughtful planning, this space has the potential to serve the community once again, rather than becoming yet another dwelling where a shared village asset once stood.