This year’s Annual Town Meeting on May 2nd 2007 attracted around twenty five members of the public, including representatives from community groups and organisations. Not a Council meeting, but a meeting of the electors hosted by the Council, the evening began with a report from the Mayor detailing the main activities of the Council during the last year.

A number of questions were asked by the meeting, starting with the Huntingdon Town Centre Vision, which is supported in principle by the Council. We all know about the limited availability of parking in Huntingdon, which needs to be addressed in order that people are attracted to the town and all it has to offer, both during the day and in the evening. Huntingdon is one of Cambridgeshire’s fastest growing towns and your Council is keen that future growth is sustainable.

Alleged Council plans to dispose of Allotment Land were questioned by one resident as short-sighted in view of a rising demand both locally and nationally for allotment plots, by residents interested in growing their own quality fruit and vegetables. The Mayor, in response, said that the Council had a duty to ensure that expenditure on allotments was good use of local tax-payers’ money and that the proceeds from any sale of allotment land would benefit the whole town.

The future of the Town and Commemoration Halls was questioned at the meeting. Due to be vacated by the Magistrates in September, the Town Hall is an important asset in Huntingdon’s rich heritage and contains a court room associated with Cromwellian times which is to be preserved. Huntingdon Town Council would like ownership of the Hall transferred from the District to the Town in future and an awaited condition survey will inform the Council about the work needed to ensure the building is in a fit state for use. Use of the Commemoration Hall as an important meeting place and performing arts venue continues to increase and this will have a positive effect on the large financial subsidy contributed by the Council to support it every year.

Anti Social Behaviour at Huntingdon’s Town Park and the King George V Fields was raised as a concern, with suggested measures to prevent this, such as CCTV and the employment of a Groundsman discussed. Finally, the Council were asked to support increased use of the Riverside Park for outdoor events. A general wish to see the revival of the Huntingdon Carnival was expressed, although all agreed that community support was key.

The Annual Town Meeting gives all residents of Huntingdon an opportunity to ask “What are you doing for me?”. The subjects raised are the ones that matter to you and Huntingdon Town Council is best placed to respond to your needs.