- Present
- Parish Councillors T.Bulgarelli, Ms R.Collins, J.Downes (Chairman), Mrs. S.Edghill, Mrs. S.Ward, Mrs. P.Webb. District Councillors Seaton, Clark, Barber, County Councillor A. Osborn. 9 parishioners. Clerk B.Boyce.
1. Welcome by the Chairman of the Parish Council, J.A.Downes.
The Chairman introduced all Councillors present. Apologies were received from Parish Councillor N.Brooks.
2. Parish Assembly 2025
The minutes of the Assembly held on 18th March 2025 had been signed as a true record at the Council meeting held on 25th March 2025 LGA 1972, Sch 12 par 41 (1) as the good practice guide.
3. Items arising from the minutes of the meeting:
The Chairman reported on the action taken in connection with the items brought forward from the minutes:
- Dropped Kerb. Cars are parking over the newly installed dropped kerb opposite the Village Hall. The extension of the yellow lines could help. Action: The chairman Councillor Downes spoke to the County Highways. No action at this time.
- Brambles. A concern was raised about the state of brambles growing through the bushes in the grass area of Crown Close (area between Munday Way and Ringers Lane). FDC Councillor C.Seaton will confirm that this area is maintained by FDC and will pass the concern on to the correct department.
- Dog excrement on pavements. For information:
- Doggie bins are situated at Popes Lane (Leverington Common and Gorefield Road ends)
- Mays Lane (Leverington Common and Gorefield Road ends)
- Ringers Lane (Leverington Common and Gorefield Road ends)
- Woodgate Road junction with St Leonard’s Road
- Roman Bank - Church End
- Richmond Way (On grass area opposite Ivesdyke Close)
- Flashing speed M VAS. The different locations that require a reminder were discussed at length; the possibility of the purchase of further signs was muted. Action: The costs and possibilities of additional Speed monitor will be investigated.
- Ringers Lane heap. This is thought to be lime but no conclusion reached. No action to be taken.
4. Chairman’s Report. 2025-26
The Annual Report will be on the website and in the noticeboards. The report was printed and given to those present. The report highlighted the purchase of the four new flashing speed signs but also spoke of the Roman Court building and the very real concerns of the council and all parishioners. A copy of the report will be posted on the website and with the minutes.
5. Open Forum.
5.1 Roman Court.
Concerns were put forward by the parishioners present. They were assured by District Councillor C.Seaton that Roman Court building is being watched closely by the police and access has shown that the workforce are painting and renovating the place. It has been inspected for fire hazard. His full report, as received by Councillor Collins, is printed here:
The site of the former Roman Court, Troughton Way, Leverington is now in private ownership following its sale by Clarion. The owner is known and has been contacted by FDC. The owner has advised:
- There is the intention to refurbish the site as the planning application permits.
- They are aware of C2/3 planning status and seeking advice.
- They are working with Power Networks to reconnect the electricity supply.
- There are only a small number of occupants who are working and living on site. None are female.
- They are shocked at the community reaction and can’t understand why they wouldn’t want the building back in proper use.
The owner has been made aware the lack of communication hasn’t helped and been encouraged to be more open with the community. In terms of the generator, the owner has been advised the current location and use of it is likely to make it a statutory nuisance. They have been given advice on its use, location, and noise reduction. On Friday 27th February there was a commitment by the owner to adopt the recommendations. This will be subject of continued monitoring.
The local police team has visited the location over the weekend and managed to gain access. They found five men occupying the location who were reportedly working and living on site. They said they were involved in refurbishing the location. Relevant checks were made and contact with the Border Agency made.
The fire service has again made representation regarding the potential Health & Safety (H&S) implications, and this will be followed up in contact with the H&S executive by the Council’s H&S lead.
In our contact with a local resident, they mentioned some points of concern. They were (basis of update provided to resident on Tuesday 03/03/3036 in red text)
- Formal feedback on suggested Covenant: the council has looked at all available covenants and there is nothing relating to restrictions on future use
- Planning application and status: F/YR25/0001/F|Erect 4 x single-storey extensions to flats 3, 12, 13 and 14 Weblink F/YR25/0001/F | Erect 4 x single-storey extensions to flats 3, 12, 13 and 14 | Sheltered Housing Accommodation Roman Court Leverington Cambridgeshire
- FDC engagement with the owner: This has happened last week; it’s intended to refurbish the site. However, they are exploring the potential onward sale of the site.
- What are the council investigating? EG: Env health and the noise from generator, The H&S situation with the building (reported by Fire to H&S who deferred to LA): Fenland District Council are monitoring the generator noise situation, with suitable advice being given and expected to be adopted. There has been engagement between the fire service, H&S executive, and the Council. This will continue as the situation develops.
- No known intention for it be used as an asylum facility: The Council has made representations to the Home Office / Serco, the area isn’t suitable for placement of asylum seekers, and we have no reason to believe they will not adopt this recommendation. We currently receive advance notification of any intention to place asylum seekers within the area.
5.2 Footpath proposal.
Parishioners who live in Munday Way, a road that exits onto Ringers Lane asked if it would be possible to have a footpath installed from Munday Way to Knights Close. At present both sides of Ringers Lane from these points are nothing but grass verges and as this Lane is now part of the bus route and also provides a rat run from Gorefield Road to B1169 Leverington Common, for traffic trying to avoid the School and Church which are at the junction of Church Road, Orefield Road and Church End. They thought in the interest of public safety a footpath is necessary. The Chairman will pass this enquiry on to the County Highways Department and report to the next meeting.
5.3 Uneven footpath.
The uneven state of the footpath that runs from Munday Way to Leverington Common was also highlighted. The chairman will report this ‘on line’.
5.4 H.G.V. use of Peatlings Lane.
H.G.V.’S using Peatlings Lane has been highlighted by the parish council. A ‘not suitable for HGV’s’ sign is in view at Peatlings Lane but no sign is shown at the Wisbech end. The clerk has written to Wisbech Town Council but no reply has been received. The chairman will contact S.Nicholson to discuss locations for signs.
5.5 Rat problems.
Residents at Seafield Road are concerned that rats at the Old Council Depot on Roman Bank are invading their gardens. The residents are advised to consult Environment Health at Fenland District Council.
6. Close of Meeting.
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 7.40pm. A Council meeting followed.