Trees and hedges should be maintained such that they do not obscured street lights, road signs (including street name plates) and should not overhang footpaths.

A recent survey by Impington Parish Councillors found a worrying number of cases where the effectiveness of street lights was affected by nearby trees. We will be working with the County Council to ask residents to take action to clear these problems.

Repairs and resurfacing will not be carried out where trees and/or hedges overhang footpaths.

The Parish components of Council tax have again been swamped by the increases in tax from the County Council and Police.

The County Council publishes a map based comparison of Council taxes on its website.

Have you sorted out your water bill yet?

Water bills issued earlier this year included the following:

SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE

Customers who believe that their premises are not connected to the public sewerage system for surface water drainage will be entitled, on application and provision of suitable evidence to pay a lower standing charge.

Ring 0800 169 3271 for further details

What does this mean? "Surface water drainage" is rainwater and all other water that does not go through your house. So, if downpipes go to soakaways - rather than into the sewers - you should be able to pay the lower rate - a saving of £30 each year.

It is estimated that more than 3/4 of properties in SCDC may be eligible to claim this discount.

Ring the above number for more information

Histon & Impington Fireworks Extravaganza - see some photos

Heavy rain on Saturday night and through much of Sunday caused flooding to housing, on roads and at the Green where drains, and ditches couldn't cope with the volume of water.

Residents in South Road, Impington had to be evacuated, as did some in Station Road, Histon. Homes all over the villages, in more than roads, were affected. If you know of someone with flood damaged property - please bring the following to their attention:

SOUTH CAMBS DISTRICT COUNCIL - COLLECTION OF FLOOD DAMAGED PROPERTY

If a resident’s domestic property has been damaged by flood water they are advised to contact their insurance companies (if applicable) as soon as possible and list all damaged items with photographs, if possible. It may be some time before an assessor is able to visit a property. Residents are advised not to dispose of water damaged articles until the insurance company gives clear advice that it is OK to do so.

South Cambridgeshire District Council will remove free of charge any items of flood damaged property from a domestic property that the owner is ready to dispose of. Telephone: (01223) 235468 and ask for Special Collections

Some photos of the roads and Green

Did you take part in HIT 2000? A splendid afternoon was had by over 660 walkers, young, and not so young. They gained a greater appreciation of the history of our villages, with evidence from the landscape.

There's a brief photo report