Frequently Asked Questions

There are a number of questions that the Council gets asked on a regular basis. Here we provide a number of them, and the answers.

• How can I book a hard tennis court or the Multi Use Games Area at the Recreation Ground?
• Can I book the Recreation Centre for a party or function?
• When can I visit the office to inspect a planning application?
• Where does the Parish Council meet?
• What about Committee meetings. Can anyone attend?
• How do Parish Councillors find out what their electorate wants?
• Who is "my" Parish Councillor?
• I'm thinking of standing for election. How much time is involved in being a Parish Councillor in Histon or Impington?
• Can residents help with the Parish Councils' work?
• Where does the Parish Council get its income from?
• Who cuts the grass in the villages?
• Where can I report a pot-hole which needs filling?
• What are the rules on overhanging trees or bushes?
• I have seen some flytipping in the village. Who should I contact?
• Can the Parish Council donate to village causes?
• Does the Parish Council provide allotments?
• Who empties the litter bins and dog bins? How often?
• My street name sign is damaged. Who do I contact?
• How do I book a stall on the Village Green?
• How can the public follow the work of the Parish Council?

How can I book a hard tennis court or the Multi Use Games Area at the Recreation Ground?

Telephone 232423 to book and make arrangements for collection of key and token for floodlights (if required). At weekends an alternative number is offered to callers.

Back to top

Can I book the Recreation Centre for a party or function?

Yes. There is a policy not to take teenage or 21st birthday parties but telephone 232423 to discuss your needs with our staff. The function room comes with fully fitted kitchen and tables and chairs are available.

The Council does not provide a catering service. There are a number of caterers in the Yearbook who can assist.

Back to top

When can I visit the office to inspect a planning application?

The office is open Tuesdays 12 noon to 4 pm or Thursdays 9.30 am to 1.30 pm. Other times by appointment. Please telephone 235906 for details.

Back to top

Where does the Parish Council meet?

Histon Parish Council meet monthly at St Audreys Community Centre, on the second Monday of the month. The Council does not usually meet in August.

Impington Parish Council meet monthly at St Andrew's Church Hall, Burgoynes Road, on the third Monday of the month. The Council does not usually meet in August, nor occasionally in December.

Committee meetings take place regularly throughout the year at the Parish Office on the Recreation Ground. Details are available on the Councils' calendar on the website.

Back to top

What about Committee meetings. Can anyone attend?

ALL Parish Council meetings are open to the public.

Back to top

How do Parish Councillors find out what their electorate wants?

There are a wide range of ways that Councillors find out what local views are:

• The appraisal (and we are seeking to redo that) gave the Council broad direction on a number of topics
• Councillors are involved in village life; they go to formal and informal meetings of village groups; get involved in sports groups; walk around the village; meet people in pubs, shops, church, on the street
• Talk to other community leaders, other people who are providing services in and to the community
• Always welcome views and questions via phone, e-mail or post
• Welcome you to Council and Committee meetings, where you can speak

In addition, Impington Council publishes (and distributes via Parish Councillors) a regular newsletter - both reporting matters of interest but also seeking feedback on specific issues.

Back to top

Who is "my" Parish Councillor?

Parish Councillors do not cover a specific area of the village. All Councillors can be contacted regarding problems and contact details are available on the website or via the parish office. However, it may be easiest to talk to a Councillor who lives closer to you.

Back to top

I'm thinking of standing for election. How much time is involved in being a Parish Councillor in Histon or Impington?

This can vary enormously. Monthly meetings are an absolute minimum, with at least one other Committee monthly to be expected. A substantial amount of time can be involved for those who wish to become involved in multiple issues.

Back to top

Can residents help with the Parish Councils' work?

Yes - the Councils welcome the support, time and expertise of rsidents.

Committees can co-opt members of the public, or help and advice can be on a single issue basis. Residents regularly help with areas of expertise such as noise, traffic, planning.

In addition, residents get involved in Impington's bulb planting work, and Histon's work at the Green.

Back to top

Where does the Parish Council get its income from?

Most of the income is from Council Tax. One of the components of the money collected by South Cambridgeshire District Council, and shown separately on the bill, goes to meet Parish Council costs.

Charges are made for sports facilities, and at the Burial Ground, but these do not cover the full costs involved.

Back to top

Who cuts the grass in the villages?

Histon Parish Council contract out to Buchans Landscapes to cut the grass at the Village Green, War Memorial and area of land adjacent to the bus shelter at School Hill.

All other verges and areas of grass are cut by Cambridgeshire County Council, or if part of the Council housing stock land,

Impington Parish Council carry out all grass cutting in Impington, contracted out to Herald Contract Services, except for the Recreation Ground and Homefield Park which is carried out in-house, and Council Housing stock land, carried out by South Cambridgeshire District Council

Back to top

Where can I report a pot-hole which needs filling?

Contact Matthew Pickering, Cambs County Council, South Highways Division

Back to top

What are the rules on overhanging trees or bushes?

Cambridgeshire County Council, South Highways Division can approach landowners to ask them to cut back any overhang affecting the public highway. High hedges should be reported to South Cambs District Council but a non-refundable charge of £450 to investigate the complaint will be made.

Back to top

I have seen some flytipping in the village. Who should I contact?

South Cambridgeshire District Council Tel 03450 450 063

Back to top

Can the Parish Council donate to village causes?

Yes. Both Councils review donations to local causes in June and again in December/January. A small budget is set each year for this purpose.

In addition, the Councils may be able to suggest other sources of funding to explore.

Back to top

Does the Parish Council provide allotments?

Yes. Contact the Clerk if you wish to go on the waiting lists

Back to top

Who empties the litter bins and dog bins? How often?

SCDC empty these weekly, apart from those on Parish Council land which our own staff clear regularly

Back to top

My street name sign is damaged. Who do I contact?

South Cambridgeshire District Council on 03450 450 500

Back to top

How do I book a stall on the Village Green?

Telephone 235906 to book a date. There is no charge

Back to top

How can the public follow the work of the Parish Council?

There are lots of ways:

• come to the meetings
• read the agendas & minutes on the website (agendas also on noticeboards, minutes also at the Library)
• follow the summary in the Histon & Impington Crier each month
• talk to a Councillor about specific issues
• talk to the Clerk about specific issues

Back to top