IMPROVING the High Street is top of the list of priorities for many Melbourn residents. Over 250 residents have already had their say on the villages proposed parish plan, and have identified things they like and don t like about living in the area. Cllr

IMPROVING the High Street is top of the list of priorities for many Melbourn residents.

Over 250 residents have already had their say on the villages proposed parish plan, and have identified things they like and don't like about living in the area.

Cllr Mike Linnette, from Melbourn Parish Council, is part of the parish plan steering committee.

He said: "The major issues of concern which have come up so far are dangerous parking on main roads in the village, such as the High Street, and the state of one or two properties which are seen as eye-sores.

"But people are really pleased with the shopping facilities on offer in Melbourn, such as CA Leach the butcher, and the co-op store. They also like the new post office, and green spaces such as Stockbridge Meadow," he said.

Many peoples views were garnered when the parish plan steering group had a stall at the recent Melbourn village fete. However, the steering group will continue to gauge opinions as they look to put together the plan. For more information, or to join the steering committee, call Jocelyn Robson on 01763 261633, or visit www.melbourncambridge.co.uk/parishplan.

Last weekend saw the Stockbridge Meadow open space officially opened to the public.

The meadow, which can be accessed via Dolphin Lane, was handed over to the village by housing developers, and has been turned into a conservation area for plants and wildlife.

The 13-acre site provides a mix of habitats including meadows, ponds, scrub and orchards that are home to lizards, grass snakes and butterflies. It is believed that the rare water vole may still be present amongst the reeds of the River Mel, which runs beside the park.

Work carried out on the site included grass cutting to sustain wildflowers, pond clearance and building nest boxes and log piles. Scrub was cut back to prevent shading and dumped rubbish has been removed. Mixes of traditional and new variety plum, apple and pear trees have also been planted in the orchard.