Neighbourhood Panel News
Are the Neighbourhood Panels just "talking shops"? No, says Alan Willams, and here's why.. .
Speedwatch training has now taken place on January 17th for volunteers in the South Panel area. The team now have the Speedwatch equipment and will be soon using the device in our local area in 30 mph and 40 mph zones. By the end of February all areas within East Cambs will be operating the scheme. The aim is to reduce speeding through our village and in our area, with a view to the police being able to more effectively target their enforcement campaigns (leading to possible prosecutions and endorsements). If you could volunteer a few hours of your time on a regular basis, please contact Alan Williams (see contact details below).
In initial feedback from the pilot (Soham and East) area indicates that several local drivers are those who are ignoring the speed limits. So, please do take care as you drive around!
At the last South area Neighbourhood Panel meeting in Burwell the main items were:
Feedback on actions taken to address the priorities and issues of concern raised at the meeting in October. Please note that ALL priorities and issues were actioned, and this emphasises that the Panel meetings are all about listening, clarifying and taking improvement actions. These Panel meetings are not 'talking shops'! Multiagency working to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Burwell has been demonstrably effective and needs to be sustained. Crime is down and ASB incidents have decreased. People and agencies are understanding the benefits of working together to bring about improvement.
Transport and Traffic Management - speed limits of (30 mph and over) are being reviewed by the County Highways team on all the A and B roads in the County until Outcomes of the reviews will be made available to local members and Parish Councils. 4 villages were concerned for there to be a review of the extent of the 40 mph zone close to the heart of their village, with a view to extending the 30mph zone, and 20 mph close to schools. A letter is being written to the County authority on behalf of the Panel to attempt to progress these issues.
Identification of issues of concern (from local residents and Panel members), and setting priorities for action.
The priorities for the next 3 months are
- For the police (working in partnership with other agencies)
- ASB in Burwell
- ASB in Bottisham
- For the other agencies
- Review of the extent of 40 mph close to villages
- Operation of Speedwatch scheme
- Public meeting about the Wicken Fen Vision
- Gritting of specific roads and paths