Hilton Parish Council Report:  March 2007:

A14 Consultation Process.  The Council had formally responded to the Highways Agency Consultation expressing its support for the "Brown" route and objecting to the "Orange" option.  Residents had been urged to respond individually and a petition of support for the Council's line had been obtained.  In addition, the Hilton initiative to work with other local communities to jointly urge the Highways Agency to introduce adequate measures to mitigate the environmental impact of the road had been very successful.  Sixteen villages had agreed to be joint signatories of the initial letter to the Agency.  This letter has also been widely circulated and had been discussed in committee by Huntingdonshire District Council.  The Parish Council had also made a presentation to Cambridgeshire County Council who had promised to support the call for environmental protection.  The Parish Council and the A14 Action Group will now direct its efforts to ensure that the Highways Agency deals with the environmental issues and also to prepare for a Public Enquiry, should one be called.

PARC Project   The ‘Young Lives' organization had recently advised that the PARC Project pilot scheme involving our young people was to end in June.  Thereafter, Hilton would be responsible for the support and organization of the scheme.  The Council was to explore ways to keep this project going but the feeling was that this must be lead by residents and would ask for volunteers. 

Gate to the Wilderness.  The Council were negotiating to replace the broken dropping-bollards at the top of Wraggs Row with a gate.

Management of The Green  The Council believed that the stakes and ropes along Wraggs Row had eased off-road parking problems in that area over the wet winter but were concerned at vehicle damage elsewhere on the Green and urged motorists not to park on the grass.  The Council were particularly concerned about the damage near the Cricket Pavilion caused by joy-riders.  The damage would be repaired when conditions permitted.

"Lorry Watch"  Cambridgeshire County Council were hoping to introduce a new scheme aimed to reduce the numbers of HGVs breaching weight restrictions and had asked the village to take part in the pilot.  Notice of Lorry watch would be circulated to local hauliers and appropriate road signs displayed.  Residents would be asked to report breaches to the County Council who would take action with firms and the various transport associations to reduce out of hours transits through the village.  The Parish Council had agreed to join the pilot scheme and were currently waiting for more information.

Crime Report.  There had been no crimes reported to the police  since the last meeting.

Ditches  Following the recent wet weather and calls from residents, the Council had inspected the ditches and drains serving the village.  With the exception of a potential blockage caused by a dumped washing machine, the ditches were considered satisfactory, but the need for some routine maintenance work was identified.

Planning.  Planning Applications to refine the refurbishment of 2 & 3 Graveley Way and for the demolition of Clare Cottage were recommended for approved.  An application for a new dwelling on the site of Clare Cottage was recommended for refusal as presented.

Annual Meeting  The Annual Village Meeting will be held on 30 May 2007. 

Resurfacing Rutland Green.  Highways had confirmed that the surface of Rutland Green would be repaired in the near future and were currently negotiating a start date with their contractors.

Resignation Cllr Ashby Wright.  Cllr Ashby Swain announced her resignation from the Council.  The Council thanked her for all her work and wished her well for the future. 

Mr George Brittain.  The Council noted with sympathy the recent death of Mr George Brittain and wished to record a note of appreciation for all the work he had generously done within the village for the benefit of residents, and for his contribution over many years to the Parish Council.