Quick update

Due to a mix of technical problems (my laptop is now behaving itself) and the pressures of the school term I haven't been able to post any news for a while. That doesn't mean I haven't been busy!

Firstly I've got some repairs made to fences outside the bungalows on Northfield Avenue. Secondly I've been trying to chase an upgrade to the footpath from Ramsden Square to Campkin Road, however this has hit a snag. The removal of pinch points on that path has also been delayed and will be discussed in march at NAC. Please let us know of your opinion on these projects.

We should also have a reasonable redevlopment of the Arbury Community Centre carpark. Thanks to all who got involved in the consultation. Hopefully the lights in the area (which I reported via the County Council's street lighting unit) will soon be fixed too.

There is also news for Council tenants about this years government settlement, but that had better wait until the final figures are confirmed.

Anyway I wish you all a very mery Christmas and a successful and enjoyable new year!

Some good news when cycling and walking from King's Hedges

After several months of building concrete supports, and bolting and welding together of a jigsaw of steelwork, then new bridge across the River Cam was finally hoisted into place yesterday.

While it will still be several weeks before it is open, it is a significant step forwards towards offering an alternative route, down Union Lane and across to Riverside to head into town across Midsummer Common.

It's time Labour ended the sale of our votes to wealthy people

There has been yet another scandal involving large donations to political parties, in this case, hundreds of thousands of pounds donated to the Labour Party.

Labour have been in power for 10 years, and were supposed to be the party of the people, but instead, they're allowing their party policy to be dependent on bowing to the wishes of the wealthy.

What about the rest of us?

Gordon: Give us our democracy back!

Progress on city centre drinking

I was at a licensing committee meeting earlier this week, and we were finally able to vote on a "Cumulative Impact" policy. Something that we could only do with sufficient evidence from the police.

Since the changes to alcohol licensing a few years ago, we've seen a notable change to the character of many towns and cities. The hope was that the new licensing laws would allow for a more managed situation as pubs closed, and it did work that way for a while. However, the evidence shown to us by the police, demonstrates that Cambridge, like towns like Brighton, has had an increasing problem with violence and drink-related anti-social behaviour, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Part of the problem, I would say is that the licensing laws changed to "liberalise" the situation, something that I as a "Liberal" take as being a slur on the Liberal tradition. It did not liberalise licensing, it created a "presumption to grant" a license for any application, irrespective of local residents and councillors feelings. It gave us no democratic involvement, instead, chaining local councillors to implement the policy dictated by central government.

This policy was quite simple: "keep Britain drinking" or even "get Britain binge-drinking".

It certainly wasn't Liberal. Liberalism balances the freedoms of a person (e.g. to have a drink) with the rights of others to have a peaceful night and to use their town centre safely.


At least now, Cambridge should soon have a much stronger position. For license applications for the city centre and for the Cambridge Leisure Park (near the station), we have recommended that the city council apply a cumulative impact policy, which will require that license applications show that they will not be adding to existing problems.

This should allow a restaurant to get a license, but will require that large "mega-pubs" can be turned down.

The Full Council meeting where we expect this decision to be ratified will be at the Guildhall on the 6th December.

North Area Committee, Thursday 15 November

This Thursday, the 15th November, is North Area Committee night at Manor Community College on Arbury Road.

As well as the Open Forum which gives you a chance to ask questions of the north area councillors (covering King's Hedges, Arbury, and East and West Chesterton) there is an agenda consisting of...

• The Network, Maintenance and Traffic managers from Cambridgeshire County Couuncil will be visiting.
• We will be getting a briefing on open spaces and recreation relating to S106 money (money from property developers to pay for infrastructure).
• And the usual planning applications will be considered. These include applications on Downhams Lane and Milton Road in King's Hedges.

Please come along for the open forum if you have any questions!

Pavements on Markham Close (I spoke too soon!)

I was in Markham Close again and I couldn't help but notice that not all the marked up repairs had been made! I am chasing up what is happening as the remaining pavement is dreadful, and really shown up by the newly laid bit.

Hopefully it is just a delay caused by the weather but I will be in touch as soon as I get any information. (Looking at the time I guess that won't be until Monday now.)

Markham Close being resurfaced

A nice new pavement was being laid in Markham Close when I was visiting the area on Tuesday. This is a very welcome improvement.


I have recently asked the County to take another look at the surfaces in Ashvale, especially at the school end.

On another note I've reported another batch of street plates to the County and been told that orders have been placed to fix several in the Livermore Close area.

I'm a councillor... and speed dating

Neale and I took part in two events connected to Local Democracy Week to try and raise the profile of Councils with young people.

Neale took part in "political speed dating", in which 9 City Councillors tried to persuade sixth form students to support them. He won the contest, well done Neale.

In the "I'm a Councillor" game, aimed at secondary school students, I didn't quite win. I came second. More importantly I learned a lot about what is important to the young people in Cambridge, and this should help me in doing my job as your Councillor.

Both events were good fun for us. I hope the sixth formers and pupils enjoyed them too!

Brookfields Hospital petition

The campaign to save Brookfields Hospital have started a petition calling on the local NHS Primary Care Trust not to close the wards for the elderly at Brookfields.

If you support the campaign you can sign up online at http://www.ourcampaign.org.uk/brookfields.

Join me in supporting David Howarth's campaign to keep the vital services at Brookfields open.

St Alban's Rec - The witch's hat

An issue that has come up on I'm A Councillor... from local young people is the "witch's hat" on St Albans Rec. There is concern that this has been removed, and along with other councillors I chased up officers to see what happened.

The hat was taken down to allow a new safety surface to be put in below it. Apparently this work is finished and the hat should be returning soon.

Pavements in Caravere Close

Following a complaint from a local resident I passed on concerns about the state of the pavements in Caravere Cose, in the Armitage Way estate. I'm pleased to report back that the County officer agrees with me and the residents that repairs should be made!

A works order was raised, but it has yet to be carried out. Watch this space (and the pavement)!

Chesterton Challenge and Milton Rd Trees

The October issue of Chesterton Challenge, the newsletter for the parish of St George (covering part of East Chesterton and King's Hedges) is carrying the Milton Road trees story.

This is just a reminder that you can sign the petition online.

I'm a Councillor...

As part of Local Democracy Week, I (Mike) am taking part in I'm a Councillor, Get me out of here. This gives a chance for children in local schools to ask direct questions of five local councillors, and then vote us out one by one!

Manor School are among those participating, and I am keen to be put on the spot!

If you aren't at a participating school you can look at the site as a guest visitor.

October's Focus on King's Hedges out soon

You should soon receive delivery of the latest paper focus.

It contains details of David Howarth's campaign to save Brookfields Hospital from closure and an update on the problems of our local bus services.

If you could help us by delivering the Focus in your street please let us know.

Stagecoach boss admits...buses on Milton Rd and King's Hedges Rd

Andy Campbell, the Cambridgeshire Stagecoach boss, bravely faced the public at the NAC, but it is clear that he doesn't share the concerns of local residents about a decent bus service.

On the 9/X9 services, when I challenged him, he did admit that they are not really relevant to those people who have lost the use of the Park and Ride service. Those services have existed for some time and he himself admitted they were designed for the residents of the villages and not the City. He also admitted that the every 20 minute service to Cambourn is not a replacement for an every ten minute service to Addenbrookes. This is despite the fact that the Conservative run County insisted that the stops would not be removed without a decent replacement.

The Park & Ride could be made to stop on Milton Rd off-peak as the buses often run nearly empty in the day, and stop efficiently in the peak by providing on street ticket machines or selling tickets at the local shops.

He also refused to consider extending the Citi4 to Buchan street, despite the fact that the buses currently sit idle as they can't go to Arbury Park until the building finishes.

More positively any deviation from route should be reported. He seemed annoyed that drivers might be failing to follow the correct route. You can complain to Stagecoach directly or via us, but be sure to provide the date, time, route number and location.

News from the NAC

Among the decisions made at North Area Committee...

• The Arbury Community Centre car park plans were finalised and should now go out to wider consultation.
• The problem planter blocking views onto Campkin Road should be fixed! The officers have been told to draw up plans and consult local residents.
• Funding has been allocated to the problem of people driving on the verge to cut the corner from Milton Road into Ramsden Square. This should be consultation on a bollard on the verge or some similar scheme fairly soon.
• Access to Arbury Court should now be easier for the disabled and those with children. The barriers with arms will be removed.

North Area Committee

This Thursday is NAC day. It takes place at Manor Community College, on Arbury Road. It starts at 7.30pm, but before that is a presentation about grants to local organisations.

On the agenda on Thursday...

• Buses: The Managing Director of Stagecoach Cambs, Andrew Campbell, will be facing the public
• Policing: a report on police activities and priorities
• Leisure and community development grants
• Environmental improvement grants

There is also an open forum to raise issues with all the North Area councillors.

So come along on Thursday 20th September.

Trading Standards and mock auctions

I received a warning from a constituent about a mock auction type event in the ward.
(See this news story for details of similar events elsewhere.)

A piece of consumer advice I have been given from trading standards in the past is "if it seems too good to be true it probably is." Don't let curiosity get the better of you!

If you have any doubts about sales events then please call Cambridgeshire Trading Standards (0845 045 5206) or Consumer Direct (08454 04 05 06) to report it.

I am disappointed that it seems the police were unable to take action about this sort of activity.

Cleaner paths and car parks

On Friday I had a phone call with the council officer who runs the Street Scene department.

We discussed a couple of long standing niggles, such as the problem of Arbury Community Centre car park and the paths from Ramsden Square. I was promised that a special effort will be made next week to remove litter that is getting stuck between the wire fence and the wooden fences behind them.

If you want to know when your road is due to be cleaned then there is some good news. From Monday the litter picking rota for our ward should be added to the City Council's online listings.

Milton Road buses campaign

This is just a quick update. We are still trying to get the changes to the Park&Ride service reversed.

The Conservative run County Council have just proudly announced the dropping of even more stops, including the Arbury Road crossroads stop that some people from the ward have used since the Golden Hind stop was axed.

Kevin Wilkins, the Liberal Democrat County Councillor for West Chesterton, has been writing to officers raising the main problems, and trying to suggest alternative solutions to their claimed problems with the Park&Ride. If we have any news we will let you know.

Building the substation on King's Hedges Rd

Following a complaint about the noise from the building of the substation on King's Hedges Road (the big metal structure just next to CRC) I arranged a meeting with Mr Hoyle, the project manager, and a resident of the Armitage Way estate.

The good news is that the noisiest part of the construction is now drawing to a close. Mr Hoyle assured us that the use of the air-gun tool will be finishing this week (assuming that the weather holds and no unexpected problems crop up).

It also seems that Mr Hoyle's efforts at passing on the complaints may have had an effect as the resident told us that the noise had reduced.

He is keen to be a good neighbour, so if there are big problems with noise from the site do get in touch and I will pass them on to him.

Pinch points on King's Hedges Road

The work on the pinch points on King's Hedges Road (as advertised in the last paper Focus) are well advanced now. If there are any problems/thoughts let us know!

Campkin Road repairs

The short term repairs have been made to the pavement outside Campkin Road shops. The holes have been patched with tarmac to make them safe.

This is not the end of the issue: there are plans to improve this area. At the last North Area Committee they were delayed to get some more feedback from people such as the local police. The final ideas should go before the next North Area Committee and then out to consultation.

If you wish to be involved when the plans go to consultation let me know and I will pass your details on.

South Cambs threatens IVC community funding

Whilst this is out of our patch being in Impington and not in the City this is a cause we should support.

South Cambs 'reviewing' the funding of dual use grants for facilities at Impington Village College. This is money that improves the sports facilities for children at the school and pays for them to be available for local people. More details available on Histon and Impington village website.

This directly effects those in the ward who go to the school or use the facilities.

The other issue is the effect cutting this money will have on demand for other services. For Histon and Impington residents, including those in Arbury Park, that means those provided by the City.

I hope you can join me signing this petition.

(Partial) Victory on Milton Road Buses

Following the effors of local residents, including your local councillors, Stagecoach are now running a regular bus service down Milton Rd. Stagecoach and the County Council finally accept that the situation was ridiculous.

Whilst it isn't as good as the Park&Ride which it replaces, we now have buses every 20 minutes to the city centre, and with only one change needed to get to Addenbrookes. Combined with the number 9 we now have 5 services an hour

Now we need to get Stagecoach to put the city centre stops on the timetables.

Milton Road trees petition

We are making steady progress collecting signatures. Many people have signed at either Co-Op store that are holding a copy.

You can now sign the petition online.

This also includes a printable petition page that you can use to collect more signatures to help us. Please return it to either the address on the sheet or directly to me at 19 Kirkby Close, Cambridge.

So far we already have signatures from people as far afield as Ely, Milton and Peterborough, which shows support is not limited to just the local people.

If you haven't already done so please sign up now

Good news about pavement near Kirkwood Road

As many who live in the King's Hedges Road area are aware, there has been a new warehouse development going on in Kirkwood Road.

Yesterday, a local resident asked me about the pavement, which is currently interrupted by kerbs from the old access onto King's Hedges Road.

I've just visited the site and spoken with the site manager. He has assured me that it is going to be turned into a consistent pathway, with the kerbs removed, and the area to the side dug up, and re-seeded on new topsoil.

He's said to me that if any residents have any questions, then they're welcome to visit him and he'll give them a 5 minute run through of what's happening... and even a tour around the units in a hard hat, if you want.

As someone who's daughter lives in the area, he's keen to ensure that it's left as a pleasant environment for us all.

Windy adventure for King's Hedges Councillor and MP

Cambridge MP David Howarth and local City Councillor Neale Upstone have been flying high in a wind turbine.

David and Neale climbed the 65m high Ecotech wind turbine in Swaffham this weekend. As part of the parliamentary committee scrutinising the draft Climate Change Bill David has been looking into renewable energy in the UK.

David commented:

“What surprised me the most was how quiet the turbine was. From just 200 yards away the blades could no longer be heard and closer in much of the noise was masked by the rustling of leaves on neighbouring trees.

“I was also impressed by the amount of electricity produced by the turbine. The two turbines at Swaffham produce enough energy over the year to power the entire town.

“There is great potential for renewable energy in the UK but we need to make sure that we capitalise on it. I recently met with representatives from a major energy company who pointed out that the demand for renewable energy in the UK is starting to exceed the installed capacity. However instead of building more turbines like this one, or working on other forms of renewable energy, the company's proposal was simply to increase the price!

“There is something clearly wrong with the energy market when demand management is needed for renewable energy. This is where we need leadership from the Government to support the development and expansion of renewable energy.“

Councillor Upstone added:

“Being so close to the turbine I realised how something clean can also be a thing of magnificence and elegance.

“The visit was a real eye-opener. There should be more centres like this Eco-Centre which wind turbines that are accessible to the public because its important that people realise just how effective wind power can be.”

Street names return: the end of "oo o"

I have managed to get the County's engineers to replace the road signs on Woodhouse Way and Apthorpe Way! This means the end of the old "oo o" sign, but I'm sure local residents will be grateful for the improvement.

The new engineers are doing a very good job, many local road names are returning.

Let me know of any damaged, missing or illegible signs near you and I will make sure they get fixed.

Milton Road Trees

I have to alert you to a new threat to the trees on Milton Road.

Cambridgeshire County Council has decided that no new trees can be planted to replace the existing stumps because of "the risk that future developments might possibly require their removal."

Quite simply, the County Council is drawing up plans for Cambridge which could include the removal of all of Milton Road's trees.

The decision to stop new planting has been taken by an officer of the County Council without telling local county or city councillors, let alone local residents.

I have been told that the County Council is:

[C]urrently working up a Long Term Transport Strategy for Cambridge and unilt the findings of this are complete and any impact that it may have on Milton Road are known, we will hold off new planting in case it is not consistent with those emerging plans.

The Conservative Councillor in charge of the traffic department has backed up the decision to suspend planting. I wrote to County Councillor McGuire asking him to reverse the decision, but he replied bluntly:

I understand that [an officer] has replied to you explaining the County's position.

I hardly need to explain how important the trees are to the area. They improve air quality and make Milton Road a much nicer place to live, and travel through, than so many other roads. Imagine how different the road would be with another line of traffic and no trees!

I urge you to support the campaign to save Milton Road trees by signing the petition.

To do this

• Sign the petition if you see it in a local shop
  
• When we call sign the petition or post the postcard back to me
  
• Email me (with full name and address so you can be added to the petition) at mike-kh@einval.com
  
• Write to Save Milton Road Trees, c/o 16 Signet Court, Swann Road, Cambridge with your name and address indicating your support
  
• Drop a note into Neale or me at the usual address

Thanks for your support!

Pavements again...

Please keep these coming. I will do all I can to get the repairs done.

Good news: I've managed to get some repairs done to the pavement on Arden Road.

Bad news: Still no sign of the promised emergency repairs to the pavement outside Campkin Road shops.

However refurbishment of this area is to be discussed at North Area Committee on Thursday 26 July at Manor Community College from 7.30pm.

City tops affordable housing league

Cambridge City Council is top in the East of England in building affordable housing.

Figures released this week by the East of England Regional Assembly show that 43% of all new homes built in Cambridge are affordable housing. This compares to 23% in Cambridgeshire as a whole.

Cllr Catherine Smart, Executive City Councillor for Housing, commented on the figures:

"House prices in Cambridge are rising out of many people's reach. Many of those who work in the city can no longer afford to live here. This is why we have set high targets for affordable housing on all new developments,This is also why we are committed to building quality, sustainable and affordable housing near to good local facilities and public transport on the Southern Fringe of Cambridge and to the East of Cambridge.

"The whole Council is working towards providing good quality affordable housing in Cambridge. As well as setting affordable housing targets for private developments, we have sold £2 million of City Council land at a massive discount to housing associations and registered social landlordsin the last year. At the same time we are working with the Housing Corporation to ensure that local affordable housing schemes receive adequate central government funding, not always an easy task!

"I am very pleased that we have achieved 43% affordable housing on all new houses in the city but this work must continue if Cambridge is to remain a sustainable community for all who live and work here."

For a full breakdown of the housing statistics for the East of England visit the data on the EERA web site. The figures quoted are for the year 2005-06.

Pavement Progress

In the latest paper focus, which I hope everyone should have received by now, it says that I am to meet with officers from the County Council to discuss pavements.

This meeting has taken place and it is mixed news.

The bad news is that the County are unable to make repairs unless the pavement is considered dangerous. This is because funding for work to avoid problems in the first place has been slowly taken away by the Conservative run County Council.

The good news is that the officers on the ground are keen to fix the problems that they can. I have passed on the first set of reports, and hope to be able to report back some repairs soon. Please keep writing to me with details.

Stop Press: As I am writing this I have received an email telling me that repairs have been ordered to the pavement outside the Campkin Road shops. There is also a larger project to improve this area which should come before the next North Area Committee.

North Area Committee

North Area Committee, 7.30pm Wednesday 30 May

Manor Community College, Arbury Road

The meeting will be looking at Trees, pavements and policing among other issues.

PDF of the full agenda from the City Council website.

Thank You!

King's Hedges elects our second Liberal Democrat councillor

Speaking about his victory, Mike said: "I am thrilled to be asked by the people of King's Hedges to work as their City Councillor for the next four years."

Mike becomes only the second Liberal Democrat to represent King's Hedges joining Neale Upstone in serving the ward.

Neale said: "It will be fantastic to have Mike joining Louise Downham and I in serving the ward."

"The close result this year means that no-one can take the people of King's Hedges for granted," said Mike, "I hope to have a positive impact on the ward."

Result in full:

Mike Pitt - Liberal Democrat      679
Gerri Bird - Labour               661
Michelle Tempest - Conservative   368
James Youd - Green                181