From our Local County Councillor
The season of Annual Meetings is upon us again. I expect to attend them all and
give a brief County report on what happened in year 2003/4, and some of the
things we can expect this year 2004/5. With the Chairman's permission I
will deal with any questions on County matters.
Looking back on last year it is surprising that as much as £42M has been invested locally in improving highway and public transport. The Audit Commission inspectors complimented our efforts to increase bus use (including Park & Ride), reducing road casualties, more street lighting and repair and re-surfacing of our roads. In my opinion our area has done well. There is more improvement to come in the summer and autumn, particularly the "soft" safety measurers.
Relating to Burwell and Bottisham I ought to explain that "soft" in this context means advisory, warning or encouraging measurers aimed at drivers of all sorts from HGV to cars. An example of a "soft" warning are the interactive 40mph signs on Mill Hill, Swaffham Prior with attendant strips and road paintwork.
Should there be a disappointing response, then we might be forced to think of "hard" alternatives, for example the priority arrangement on the Causeway, Burwell, or some Cambridge street "pinch" points.
From 1st April there are changes in the way Social Services and Health Care are provided to Older People, Cambs Social Services will transfer its £70M annual budget and 900 staff to the CountyÕs four NHS Primary Care Trusts. The County will continue to have statutory accountability for social services for older people, but the new system will give a single assessment of need and one joint team providing. The PCT's main role to commission primary care will continue as before to all people.