The Parish Office is moving?

across the whole of Cambridgeshire.

National Express has matched the discount for students travelling on its line (which includes Whittlesford to

Cambridge). So the small campaign that began around our little stations has made a real impact. The job now is to ensure that the discount stays in place. 2 Thanks to residents who took the trouble to fill out the Customer

Comment Form regarding the terrible problem of ticket machine screen visibility. This has been common to all FCC stations, and five stations between Royston and King’s Lynn are to be given new screens on a trial basis, sometime from January. These stations were selected on the basis of customer feedback and include

Foxton and Meldreth. FCC know that

Shepreth’s screen has also been very difficult to read and we’re hoping that if the trial screens are successful, all ticket machine screens will be replaced. Please make sure to contact

FCC if the new screens make a difference, as their decision to roll out these screens depends on customer feedback. 3 Foxton ticket machine will also have a new coin slot that opens only when a ticket purchase is ready to be paid for by coin – so hopefully the problem of minor but consistent vandalism to the machine will abate. 4 Cycle racks have now been installed adjacent to Foxton Station. 5 British Transport Police data directly relating to our three stations is now presented as part of the overall picture on crime and anti-social behaviour at the Neighbourhood Police Panels – something strangely missing in the past, but essential of course, to understanding the broad picture. 6 FCC will soon be installing notice boards for the rail user group; one at each station and a fourth in

Cambridge. So please look out for our news. Melbourn Village Website has generously created a webpage for us, so you can look up our activities at www.melbourn.org.uk/railusergroup. Our meetings are now attended by FCC’s Fen Line Station Services Manager and Railfuture East Anglia, and this is greatly beneficial in terms of learning from experience elsewhere. We had a recent visit from Passenger Focus who took a full inventory of our work in progress; their input is invaluable because they work closely with the Department for Transport and will contribute on our behalf when the franchise comes up for renewal. Two projects they felt particularly worth pursuing include a disabled ramp to the London-bound platform at Meldreth Station, and the abolition of parking charges at Shepreth and Meldreth Stations – a great bone of contention due to the new parking problems it has created around our stations. We are pleased that Meldreth’s parking charge has been reduced to £2 per day, but mystified that Shepreth’s has gone up to £3. Passenger Focus also felt that cycle racks ought to be provided by FCC on the Melbourn side of Meldreth Station.

Shepreth and Meldreth Stations celebrate their 160th birthdays next summer, and Foxton’s birthday is underdiscussion – hopefully to be revealed by Foxton’s Common Stream local history group. We are looking to celebrate them all.

Our next meeting is December 8th, 8pm, at the Meldreth Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way (just off the High Street near the Primary School). All welcome – and please get in touch if you are interested to learn more or to get involved in any small way. Meanwhile, thanks again to all who have given their support! susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk Telephone 01763 261833

Due to the tenancy expiring the Parish Office will be moving to new premises in December 2010. The new location will be at the Village College (see map below). The accommodation offers greater space for meetings, storage and security, better car parking and easy access.

The Parish office will be closed from 20th December 2010 and reopen on the 4th January 2011. The clerk will be available until 12 noon on 23rd December.

Please remember, there are many ways to contact the Parish Office or the Parish Council apart from visiting the office. Melbourn Parish Council Melbourn Village College The Moor, Melbourn, Cambs. SG8 6EF Telephone: 01763 262494 e-mail: parishclerk@melbournpc.co.uk The Village website has up to date information on councillors, meetings and minutes. www.melbourncambridge.co.uk/parishcouncil

Melbourn Village College

Police Station Car Park

Parish Office

Melbourn Sports Centre

MVC Reception The Moor

Library