County Councillor Residents Newsletter
Make sure you have your say on the future of Cambridgeshire
The government has launched a public consultation on how local authorities in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough should be reorganised—a decision that could shape our area for the next 50 years. Only Option A (No.2 in the consultation) keeps us aligned with Cambridge; every other option places us under a Peterborough facing authority. It’s vital that local residents speak up to show why this would be the wrong fit for our communities. You can respond to the consultation here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/local-government-reorganisation-in-cambridgeshire-and-peterborough
Leaders in Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire support staying together, while East Cambridgeshire District Council’s leader is advocating for us to be tied to Peterborough, Fenland and Huntingdon, which does not reflect the strong views residents in our area have already shared. Ultimately, ministers will decide—so this consultation is our opportunity to make our voices heard.
All 12 parish councils in the Woodditton division, along with neighbours in Burwell, have already written jointly to ministers. Now we need as many individuals as possible to respond and support the option that best reflects our communities’ needs.
Cambridgeshire County Council has submitted the business case for Option A, the only proposal offering a cohesive approach for the whole region.
Option A may mean a modest council tax rise of around £17 a year for a Band D household and may revive long standing development proposals, such as in Six Mile Bottom. But ensures we have a seat at the table to shape development in our own interests—something far less likely under a Peterborough led authority, where we would be a small voice in a large, distant authority with limited influence. It would create a predominantly rural authority centred on Cambridge, giving our communities stronger influence and a structure that better reflects how we live. Please don’t miss your opportunity to help shape out future as you believe it should be.
HIGHWAYS
Our highways teams are working hard to maintain roads that we know can and should be better. I am working hard to make sure our villages do not miss out. As a result, some of our roads will receive broader surface treatments this year. I will continue to fight for even more to be resurfaced next year.
Footpaths are equally important and I’m disappointed with how few have been listed for treatment this year. Many of our village pavements need work, so I will keep pushing. In the meantime, if you notice anything that is dangerous on the roads or the pavements, please do not rely on someone else to report it, makes sure you do https://highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/en-gb
Railways
Greater Anglia have announced an additional Mon-Fri morning and evening service on the Ipswich to Cambridge line, commencing in May. This is the first stage in a series of priorities as we anticipate the eastern leg of East West Rail greatly improving our rail connectivity in both directions.
Cllr Jonny Edge, 07974 348141, [email protected]