Ufford Parish Council Report, Feb

The next UPC meeting will be at 7.30pm on March 8th.The meeting was attended by David Over and one visitor from Bainton Parish Council, who had come to hear Mike Freeman from PCC talk about planning obligations.  These are financial contributions towards the cost of improvements in the infrastructure resulting from the construction of new buildings and paid by the developers.   For many years, when commenting on planning applications, Ufford has asked for contributions towards the cost of improvements to the drainage system, but no money has been forthcoming.  We were advised to invite the case officer to visit Ufford and talk to residents who have experienced problems with drainage or water pressure when we receive the next big planning application.  Please let one of us know if you would be willing to discuss your problems with him.

We understand that PCC planning department will not be sending out hard copies of plans to residents.  You can access them on the internet or view them by arrangement at the planning office.

“Is Ufford the dog mess capital of England?” asks a new resident.  There have been more complaints to the parish council.  Most of us are very particular about cleaning up after our pets but we all get blamed when one irresponsible owner allows their dog to foul the footpaths and verges.  Do we have to name and shame the owner or will their conscience make them change their ways?

We were asked by the PCC auditors to provide information about a “Gilt Stock” issued by PCC to Ufford Parish Council in 1931.  The Minutes were found and, sure enough, there was a reference to an investment of £79/9s in Consolidated Stock to be forwarded to the rating authority towards the reduction of the half yearly rates of Ufford parish.  The auditors failed to understand that in 1931 Ufford had only an annual parish meeting, that it was in Northamptonshire and the rates were paid to Barnack Rural District Council.  When this ceased to exist we became part of Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.  What became of the investment is not yet clear, perhaps we can afford to buy out PCC?