Vacency for a Deputy Clerk

Scheme, which is just one way in which young people will be looking to get involved in their communities.

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any concerns.

Addenbrookes Access Road Arrangements

This road is restricted for people travelling to and from the hospital, and a vehicle registration monitoring system is in place to prevent the road from being used as a rat run, by identifying vehicles that enter and exit the site within a specific period of time. Unfortunately, little information has been published by the County Council about arrangements for voluntary drivers (and family and friends) who drop off and collect patients without parking, and therefore could be identified as rat runners.

Many people have been in touch with queries on various details of the scheme. I have been pressing County Highways for sensible arrangements for volunteer drivers, and publication of comprehensive information on arrangements relating to use of the Access Road generally. The council has said that it will respond ‘soon’. Meanwhile she would be glad to pass on any queries. Updates will be posted at www.susanvandeven.com.

Volunteer Drivers for Luncheon Club

Can you spare a little time on Thursdays to drive elderly, isolated people living in Meldreth and Melbourn to the Luncheon Club, at Vicarage Close Sheltered Housing, Melbourn? This would involve picking up at around 11:15 and bringing back again at 1:15. The club makes an enormous difference to those involved. If you can help, please contact Jayne White at jayne.white1@ntlworld.com.

Blue Wheelie Bins

The first collection of the new blue bins has taken place successfully. We are obviously keen that this scheme is a success as it is costing a lot of money and we all want to recycle as much of our waste as possible. If you have more material than your blue bin can take then just put it in the old green boxes and put them out for collection at the same time.

A vacancy is currently available for a Deputy Clerk to the Parish Council

with a view to become Clerk, Proper and Financial Officer to the Council

Part time – 22 hours per week

Melbourn Parish Council serves a large community of over 2000 households with over 4500 residents. Situated in South Cambridgeshire, Melbourn is a lively, thriving village supporting an expanding Science Park of international status, a large industrial area, plus numerous small businesses and shops. With easy access to train stations in neighbouring Meldreth and Royston and bus routes, Melbourn is also a popular location for commuters to Cambridge and London.

The Parish Council is seeking a suitably experienced individual for the position of Deputy Clerk.

The successful candidate will work with the present Clerk, Proper and Financial Officer to the Council, and, from 14th March 2011, will take the position of Deputy Clerk. Following the completion of a successful probationary period, they will then take the roll of Clerk, Proper and Financial Officer to the Council.

The position will be part-time and office based, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (9am–1pm and 2pm–4pm). The postholder will also be expected to attend Council committee meetings every Monday evening (from 6.30pm–10.30pm), approximately 22 hours weekly. (These hours may be subject to change (increased) at the council’s discretion).

It is essential that you have the following skills and attributes: • Full working knowledge of Microsoft office software and the use of email and the Internet. • Good telephone skills, office routines, the preparation of letters and minutes (Touch typing or shorthand skills would be of benefit). • High level of accuracy and attention to detail. • A commitment to providing excellent customer service. • A sound understanding of accounts. • Experience of managing a small team of staff and outside contractors. • Able to demonstrate flexibility and a common sense approach. • Willingness to undertake personal development appropriate to the role.

Salary will be in accordance with rates agreed between National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC). The successful applicant will be required to undertake the appropriate training as laid down by NALC & SLCC.

The post includes 20 days (pro rata) paid holiday per annum and statutory sick pay. A pension is not included.

Applications, CV and two references must be received at the Melbourn Parish Office by 4pm on Monday 10th January 2011.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by letter and invited to attend a formal interview in the week commencing 1st February 2011. Application forms and further details are available online at: www.melbourn.org.uk/parishcouncil Or contact The Clerk, Melbourn Parish Council 28 Station Road, Melbourn, Cambridge. SG8 6DX Tel: 01763 262494 Email: parishclerk@melbournpc.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE: As from 23rd December the Parish Office address will be: Melbourn Parish Council Melbourn Village College, The Moor, Melbourn, Cambs. SG8 6EF see map on page 19 for more details

A response has finally come from Highways on the reasons for the spray painting out of the new 50mph speed limit signs: ‘The legal order to enforce the speed limit is being completed as part of a larger speed limit review on the A505 and other A and B roads in South Cambs. In order to minimise costs all the speed limit modifications are being advertised together so that objections can be considered by the South Cambs Area Joint Committee in January.’

Thanks to residents who have been in touch with their concerns; all have been relayed to County Highways. Winter Gritting

Cambridgeshire County Council has a policy of gritting scheduled commercial bus routes and on this basis should have included Shepreth Road, Foxton, on its gritting list, as it forms part of the Stagecoach 26 route. Unfortunately a clerical error was made in the County’s gritting list for the coming year and the route was not included. Further representations have been made but no assurances have been provided as yet.

Further appeals have been made for the gritting of New Road, Great Chishill, which is a school bus route, and a response from the County Council is still awaited.

Driving While Using Mobile Phones

Amongst priorities for the coming quarter, the recent Melbourn/ Bassingbourn Neighbourhood Panel meeting agreed to include special attention to the problem of drivers using mobile phones. At the meeting the police said they would be considering various approaches to the problem.

Speedwatch In Melbourn

A new Speedwatch initiative is underway in Melbourn. If you are interested in helping out or learning more, please contact Sharon Camilletti at Jacqueline.camilletti@tesco.net.

Youth Club On A Bus

The Connections Youth Bus – like a mobile Youth Club – will be situated at Melbourn Village College car park on alternate Thursdays until the Christmas school break: 2nd December and 16th, from 7–9 PM. This is free and open to young people in Year 7 and above. Sports, crafts, information and advice, internet access, tuck shop, karaoke and more – please visit www.connectionsbusproject.co.uk to find out more, or just come along! Rail User Group

Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group The no-longer-new rail user group has been plugging away at its work list since February. We have now met once in each of the three villages, and will be holding our AGM at Melbourn Village College on March 8th. Thanks to all four Parish Councils for covering the cost of room hire for our meetings. We’ve made some progress so far 1 First Capital Connect has, as promised, increased its 16-18 year old student discount fare from 30% to 50% off the adult fare. Unexpectedly, it has extended the discount to students attending private as well as state schools, and to students

DID yOU kNOw

We now have a ➧ Butcher, Baker, ➧ Greengrocer, ➧ Fishmonger ➧ ... and Grocery Stall every Wednesday and Saturday.

Other products available include:

Linen ● Swimming Pool Supplies ● Jewellery Hardware ● Kitchenware ● Plastics ● Books Ladies and Gents Clothing ● Bric A Brac and Wooden Wildlife Supplies. Come and visit the home of the: Royston Sausage – try before you buy.

Forthcoming events EVERY 1ST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Outdoor Farmers Market. 10am – 1pm. Come and sample the tastes of Gary Rhodes Local Hero Stuart Blackman’s Vension Kofta’s, for the sweeter tooth try out National CupCake Champion Kevin Sibleys Cakes and Home Made Fudge. Other stalls include; Fruit and Veg, various Meats, Arts and Crafts, Hand Made Jewellery, Pasties, Pies and Rolls. See for yourself.

EVERY 3RD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Mini Outdoor Farmers Market. Incorporated into the twice weekly Charter Market; 9am – 1pm a range of local products at reasonable prices.