From our District Councillor
10 and 10A Buses
I am sure we will all be pleased on the positive outcome of the consultation process on the proposed bus times cuts. Services to be retained are:
- Mon-Sat: The 18:30, 19:00, 21:00 and 23:00 from Cambridge.
- Mon-Sat: The 18:30 Ely to Cambridge will replace the 18:52 Newmarket to Cambridge.
- The present Sunday services will also be preserved.
This is excellent news and illustrates what can be achieved when local councillors, Parish Councils, the District Council and the Neighbourhood Panels work together on behalf of their communities.
Cambridgeshire Together
On November 10th, I attended a meeting at the Grange of Cambridgeshire Together. It examined the role of Parish, Town and City Councils in Cambridgeshire and Local Strategic Partnerships.
Presentations were given by Cambridgeshire County Council, East Cambs District council, the National Association of Local Councils, Cambridgeshire ACRA, and Alan Williams for the Neighbourhood Panels.
The partnerships are working together to improve the quality of life of those who live, learn, work and travel in Cambridgeshire with priorities of:
Managing Growth, Creating Economic Prosperity, Environmental Sustainability, and Safer and Stronger Communities.
I felt that the evening highlighted many ways in which these polices could benefit a rural community like the Swaffhams.
The Wicken Fen Vision
East Cambs District Council's Strategic Development Committee received a presentation on the Wicken Vision from the National Trust at its meeting on November 11th. Although there are advantages to the Wicken Vision, it has become increasingly apparent that there is significant local concern in the area envisaged for the vision. ECDC has a duty to consider that concern on behalf of local people.
The committee passed the following recommendation: "It reserves this council's support for the development of the Wicken Fen Vision subject to further detailed consultation of interested parties, including local residents, the farming community and countryside user groups. And continuing community engagement and involvement in shaping this vision, together with any detailed comments that councillors make in the context of the outcome of the recent consultation by the National Trust."
Ely Markets Gain National Recognition
Ely market has been declared one of the most environmentally friendly markets in the UK by a national body.
Ely came runner-up in the Southern region section of the National Markets Traders Federation "How Green in Your Market"competition.
Ely market was recognised for recycling a huge 70% of its waste, having a large mixture of stalls including many organic and local sellers as well as promoting demonstrations of traditional crafts.
I feel this is a justifiable recognition of what is a popular market.
This December there will be a special Christmas Market on Tuesday 23rd December combining the Farmers and General Market from 8:00am to 3:00pm with seasonal entertainment.