Melbourn is desperate for a good coffee shop on or very near to the cross roads, where you can chill out, watch the world go by, and have a chat with friends and neighbours, sat down outside in the fine weather. That’s what’s needed in our village, another social focal point for people to meet up. Especially after dropping off the kids at school. Also the Spa needs to be told by the Parish Council to tidy up the front of it’s shop and surroundings and stop using the empty shop by little lane as an advert for the Spa, cheap posters all over the front window, it’s a mess! Come on get a grip!

Pete Moxham

There is another major issue that although not in Melbourn, will affect the village in a way that nobody can predict. I am talking about the proposed wind turbines at Heydon Grange. And yet again, there is only a short discussion period for local councils – 12th April for a Scoping Opinion then probably straight in for the planning application. Nothing new here then!

I love the look and sound of these wonderful ‘birds’, they have a grace all of there own and driving through the countryside I find them awesome. So, yes! I know this is going to sound like nimbyism, but what really concerns me is that apparently these eleven structures are not going to be the usual towers you see along the roads. They are going to be bigger – nearly 400ft and almost certainly noisier.

Let’s not forget – if planning is successful then just opposite the Grange is another potential site and this time it will be in Melbourn.

For once I would just like to see a proper discussion and consultation on subjects that affect us all. The faceless bureaucrats in London who live miles from any possible problems are always happy to give the go ahead as long as it doesn’t affect them.

I’m not opposed to wind turbines, but I am worried that we have little information on the noise or any possible hazardous side effects these giants are going to produce.

So let’s discuss this thoroughly.
For more information see

http://www.scambs.gov.uk/Environment/Planning/DevelopmentPlanning/heydonwindscopingrequest.htm

Written by Peter

I notice on my Council Tax bill that the precept for Melbourn Parish Council next year is to be about £152,000. I did not realise that this much money was up for spending. I can’t see any annual accounts or similar on this site, so I was wondering how this money is spent.
Does anybody know where this is published, or is it only available through a Freedom of Information request to the council? I think it would be a useful thing to publish in the Parish Council section of this website.
Written by Mathematician

As a regular dog walker in the village, and a responsible one too, in regards to always – without fail, picking up my dogs poop. I was wondering if consideration be given to a poop bin being placed on the moor. I am aware there are plenty on the playing fields, but on my nightly walk with my dog, I do not relish walking 50 yards into the playing fields to discard of my poop bag.

I know there is a normal rubbish bin accesible over the fence in the kids playground, outside the nursery and one in front of the college – but these are not specific for dog poop bags – also the common field along the moor is frequently used by dog walkers, and I have witnessed on many occasions, that they do not pick up their dog mess.

Maybe this is because there is nowhere suitable to dispose of it – so maybe a poop bin nearby would encourage the “pick up”. I have had a good walk around the village, and there seems to be some poop bins placed on residential streets, so I am assuming that health/safety/enviromental issues arent a problem?

Many thanks Sarah

Good news and it’s official! We now know where the heart of the community is – at the back of the Village College, tucked in between the Squash court and the Community Centre. In the latest issue of the magazine there is the following quote:

‘The new police base will be very convenient for residents, being adjacent to other village services. By being in the heart of the community we hope people will find it easier to speak to us about issues.’

Apart from the library and the college – what other village services? Its new position will only be convenient for residents at the north of the village.

A great opportunity has been lost – and the blame must be shared by the District Council the Parish Council and the Police. The ‘heart of the community’ would naturally be in the centre of the village and the obvious choice would have been the car park – as has been discussed in the past.

I would dearly like to hear the reason for this rather obscure choice, unless of course, the students at the college are deemed disruptive enough to warrant the police force within their midst!! I doubt it!

Posted by Peter