There is a planning application for a "New dropped crossing and hardstanding" at 378 Milton Road. I wasn't sure what this means so I asked the very nice planning officer. It means that the application is to put a dropped kerb in to allow vehicular access to the property from the road, and putting paving in the garden (presumably for the car).
As usual you can get more information from the Planning department. The reference is 08/0818/FUL
Monday, 28 July 2008
Saturday, 26 July 2008
Tenants paying £195,816,938: The National Negative Subsidy!
Regular readers will be aware of the negative subsidy system and how this year it is costing Cambridge Council Tenants around £12million, around £3million from King's Hedges.
The claimed logic behind the scheme was that money from council tenants in wealthy areas could be used to help other council tenants in other areas. This has now been blown out of the water as nearly £200million is being kept by the Treasury from the fund that was supposed to be distributed to other councils.
In fact it always was a stealth tax to cover the fact the Labour government wasn't willing to improve the lot of those in poor conditions in a fair way. Now it is clear that it is just a stealth tax to help the Treasury out of a hole.
Lembit Opik MP, the Liberal Democrat shadow Housing Minister, observes that "following the 10p tax debacle, and now a massive tenant tax, it's clear that this is a government that is prepared to take from those who can least afford it just to balance its own books."
This tax is preventing us, and other council's including those who are supposed to get money under the system, from investing properly in our stock.
This is at a time when 1.67 million people are on waiting lists. A figure that is 60% higher than when Labour took office.
The LibDem policy is clear and summed up by Lembit: "It's time to scrap the tenant tax."
This press release summarises our policies, but to see in more detail what we'd do if we were in government have a look at our policy papers, particularly on housing and affordable homes.
The claimed logic behind the scheme was that money from council tenants in wealthy areas could be used to help other council tenants in other areas. This has now been blown out of the water as nearly £200million is being kept by the Treasury from the fund that was supposed to be distributed to other councils.
In fact it always was a stealth tax to cover the fact the Labour government wasn't willing to improve the lot of those in poor conditions in a fair way. Now it is clear that it is just a stealth tax to help the Treasury out of a hole.
Lembit Opik MP, the Liberal Democrat shadow Housing Minister, observes that "following the 10p tax debacle, and now a massive tenant tax, it's clear that this is a government that is prepared to take from those who can least afford it just to balance its own books."
This tax is preventing us, and other council's including those who are supposed to get money under the system, from investing properly in our stock.
This is at a time when 1.67 million people are on waiting lists. A figure that is 60% higher than when Labour took office.
The LibDem policy is clear and summed up by Lembit: "It's time to scrap the tenant tax."
This press release summarises our policies, but to see in more detail what we'd do if we were in government have a look at our policy papers, particularly on housing and affordable homes.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Community Safety Survey
The Safer Communities department at the City, along with other partners in the County are conducting a survey to find out about people's views on crime and misbehaviour in their neighbourhoods.
The survey is online and only takes about 10 minutes to do.
It doesn't take long to do, and can be anonymous (although they do ask for a postcode to identify any areas where they may be problems). If you chose to you can be entered to a prize draw to win £50 of vouchers.
The survey is online and only takes about 10 minutes to do.
It doesn't take long to do, and can be anonymous (although they do ask for a postcode to identify any areas where they may be problems). If you chose to you can be entered to a prize draw to win £50 of vouchers.
Fix to manhole in Minerva Way
Another quick feedback: I was out today in Minerva Way and saw a manhole I had reported a dangerous problem with being fixed.
Anything that is clearly dangerous let us know of as the County Highways department do their best. The problem is with bigger projects rather than isolated problems. Only four projects were funded in the City last year, and only four this year. There are many more projects that could be done.
Please let us know of any problems: even if we can't get them fixed we can make sure the County know people are not happy.
Anything that is clearly dangerous let us know of as the County Highways department do their best. The problem is with bigger projects rather than isolated problems. Only four projects were funded in the City last year, and only four this year. There are many more projects that could be done.
Please let us know of any problems: even if we can't get them fixed we can make sure the County know people are not happy.
City centre road closures
In a welcome development (given the short notice we got when King's Hedges Road closed!), I received a letter from the County Council about closures to Emmanuel Street over the summer.
The closures are to build a new traffic island and resurface the road.
The given times are
The closures are to build a new traffic island and resurface the road.
The given times are
- From 6am Sunday 17th August through to 6am on Monday 18th August.
- From 6am Sunday 24th August through to 6am on Monday 25th August (Bank Holiday).
- A further closure may be necessary from 6am to 6pm on Sunday 31st August.
but these are subject to change. They say more information will be on the County Council website, but I can't find it at the moment. (If anyone can find it let me know and I'll update this post!)
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Planning application on Ramsden Square
Another planning application on Ramsden Square.
This time it is for a "Proposed,detached two storey dwelling within the existing dwelling plot. New additional access and off street parking."
The case number is 08/0976/FUL and more information can be obtained from the City Council Planning department. You can monitor and comment on applications online, and can also see the plans at the Guildhall, or at the City Homes North office on Arbury Road, or Milton Road library. More details here.
This time it is for a "Proposed,detached two storey dwelling within the existing dwelling plot. New additional access and off street parking."
The case number is 08/0976/FUL and more information can be obtained from the City Council Planning department. You can monitor and comment on applications online, and can also see the plans at the Guildhall, or at the City Homes North office on Arbury Road, or Milton Road library. More details here.
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Local government strike: bin collections
I've been told that the strike has had an effect on rubbish collections.
Black bin collections have gone ahead as normal.
The green bin collections are short staffed and behind. As a result the decision has been made to transfer some people from the dry recycling (black/blue boxes) onto the green bins to catch up.
If you can't take your own recycling to a centre then I have been told that extra dry recycling receptacles will be accepted in two weeks time to deal with the excess then. (So put more stuff in your blue box alongside the black in a fortnight.)
Sorry about the inconvenience!
Black bin collections have gone ahead as normal.
The green bin collections are short staffed and behind. As a result the decision has been made to transfer some people from the dry recycling (black/blue boxes) onto the green bins to catch up.
If you can't take your own recycling to a centre then I have been told that extra dry recycling receptacles will be accepted in two weeks time to deal with the excess then. (So put more stuff in your blue box alongside the black in a fortnight.)
Sorry about the inconvenience!
Planning application in Callander Close
There is a planning application for a two storey side extension at 24 Callander Close. More information can be obtained from the City Council planning department.
The case reference is 08/0877/FUL.
The case reference is 08/0877/FUL.
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Post Office Meeting delayed
To allow more time to get the message out to people so we can get as many people involved as possible the public meeting arranged by the City Council about the Post Office closures has been delayed until 11 August at 7pm.
Friday, 11 July 2008
Pavement fix in Banff Close
This evening I was near Banff Close so I called in to check that an issue we reported to Highways a little while ago had been fixed.
I was pleased to see the damaged pavement had been repaired and the gap that created a trip hazard had gone.
We are still waiting for a new street name sign for the Close however.
I was pleased to see the damaged pavement had been repaired and the gap that created a trip hazard had gone.
We are still waiting for a new street name sign for the Close however.
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Milton Rd Trees: AJC report
A report to the Area Transport Joint Committee (a combined County and City council committee) says that there is no need for extra bus priority measures on Milton Road!
However even now the report, while acknowledging the effort of the City Council to get trees replanted, says...
"The potential for future bus priority measures and cycleway improvements including possible hybrid cycle ways (i.e. wider on-road cycle lanes with some degree of physical separation from the neighbouring traffic lanes) will need to be taken into account as part of any tree planting plan."
So we still don't have agreement to replace all the stumps.
The AJC meets on 14 July. We will update you after the meeting!
However even now the report, while acknowledging the effort of the City Council to get trees replanted, says...
"The potential for future bus priority measures and cycleway improvements including possible hybrid cycle ways (i.e. wider on-road cycle lanes with some degree of physical separation from the neighbouring traffic lanes) will need to be taken into account as part of any tree planting plan."
So we still don't have agreement to replace all the stumps.
The AJC meets on 14 July. We will update you after the meeting!
Post Offices: Details clarified
I attended a briefing session for councillors on the Post Office closure programme this evening.The bad news is that even though none of our Post Offices are included in the list going out to consultation it doesn't mean that they won't be on the final list in September.
The reason for this is that should the consulation identify any Offices in need of reprieve, they would probably have to identify replacement offices to close. Hopefully this will not happen.
Currently the consultation period runs until 26 August. However the City Council are trying to get the consultation extended beyond the summer holiday period to allow as many people as possible to respond.
Further bad news is that the consultation is limited in what it can consider.
It was made clear that Post Office Ltd would only consider what they called "errors or misleading information".
The Liberal Democrats will continue to fight to save as many Offices as we can. The Labour Government have decided that 2500 Offices must close. The Tories have no plan to save Post Offices.
The City Council have a public meeting on 22 July in the Guildhall from 7pm.
Cambridge Standard Funding: Hawkins Road
On Tuesday the Housing Management Board of the City Council agreed a £44,000 project to try and improve the state of the flats in Hawkins Road (including those on Atkins, Larkin and so on).
The money will be spent on various work needed in the area: ranging from planting, to improved paths, doors, benches and windows and locks.
This is a very welcome investment in this area, one that needs a little help to get it towards the standard we want for Cambridge council housing. The hope is that raising the standard will get more residents involved as well.
Credit is due to the Hawks Resident group who have worked hard to get this work done: Especially to Kay!
One slight disappointment is that the work doesn't include the garage block, so I shall continue to campaign for these improvements.
If you feel that your estate would benefit from similar work next year, please get in touch with us. The HMB works with housing officers and tenants to prioritise areas.
This year we have funded three projects: as well as Hawkins, money has been spent on Maitland Avenue flats (in East Chesterton) and Ekin Rd (in Abbey).
Of course the amount we can spend on these projects is heavily limited by the nearly £12 million we have to give to Gordon Brown in negative subsidy. I was pleased to learn at the HMB that tenant's representatives will be lobbying parliament on this issue on Monday.
The money will be spent on various work needed in the area: ranging from planting, to improved paths, doors, benches and windows and locks.
This is a very welcome investment in this area, one that needs a little help to get it towards the standard we want for Cambridge council housing. The hope is that raising the standard will get more residents involved as well.
Credit is due to the Hawks Resident group who have worked hard to get this work done: Especially to Kay!
One slight disappointment is that the work doesn't include the garage block, so I shall continue to campaign for these improvements.
If you feel that your estate would benefit from similar work next year, please get in touch with us. The HMB works with housing officers and tenants to prioritise areas.
This year we have funded three projects: as well as Hawkins, money has been spent on Maitland Avenue flats (in East Chesterton) and Ekin Rd (in Abbey).
Of course the amount we can spend on these projects is heavily limited by the nearly £12 million we have to give to Gordon Brown in negative subsidy. I was pleased to learn at the HMB that tenant's representatives will be lobbying parliament on this issue on Monday.
Steve Webb visits Cambridge
Steve Webb MP, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, was in Cambridge yesterday to talk about the threat of climate change. Steve visited the City Council and local businesses with environmental concerns, before attending a LibDem Policy Forum at the Friends Meeting House.
Before his visit Steve said
"Climate change is bigger than any one political party, so support for the Liberal Democrat campaign for an 80% cut by 2050 is welcomed wherever it comes from.
"The Government has got the emissions target wrong and once again it looks like its own backbench MPs will have to rebel to get ministers to do the right thing.
"Both Gordon Brown and David Cameron must come off the fence on this issue. By allowing his Tories to constantly abstain David Cameron is showing how hollow his green credentials really are.
"The Climate Change Bill is too important to be watered down. The Liberal Democrats will be tabling an amendment today to make sure there will be a vote on the 80% target."
Before his visit Steve said
"Climate change is bigger than any one political party, so support for the Liberal Democrat campaign for an 80% cut by 2050 is welcomed wherever it comes from.
"The Government has got the emissions target wrong and once again it looks like its own backbench MPs will have to rebel to get ministers to do the right thing.
"Both Gordon Brown and David Cameron must come off the fence on this issue. By allowing his Tories to constantly abstain David Cameron is showing how hollow his green credentials really are.
"The Climate Change Bill is too important to be watered down. The Liberal Democrats will be tabling an amendment today to make sure there will be a vote on the 80% target."
Relaunch of the garden at 37 Lawrence Way
We were all pleased to get an invite to the relaunch of the the Community Garden at 37 Lawrence Way: the King's Hedges Neighbourhood Project's community house (just next door to the Campkin Road shops).
We would like to send our congratulations to the King's Hedges Neighbourhood Project on the relaunch. The community house is a very useful resource for the people of the ward, and the work of the partnership shows how a local community can work together in a very
positive way.
Unfortunately I had to stay at work and was unable to make it to what I am sure was a great event.
We would like to send our congratulations to the King's Hedges Neighbourhood Project on the relaunch. The community house is a very useful resource for the people of the ward, and the work of the partnership shows how a local community can work together in a very
positive way.
Unfortunately I had to stay at work and was unable to make it to what I am sure was a great event.
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Impington Post Office to close?
According to a list of Post Offices to be closed in the government's closure plan in today's Cambridge News Impington Post Office is facing the axe.
Foretunately none of those in King's Hedges is on the list from the Cambridge News, and if true this is a relief. However I am sure that King's Hedges residents, whether they use the Impington PO or not, will support our near neighbours in campaigning against the closure if the New's list is correct.
Foretunately none of those in King's Hedges is on the list from the Cambridge News, and if true this is a relief. However I am sure that King's Hedges residents, whether they use the Impington PO or not, will support our near neighbours in campaigning against the closure if the New's list is correct.
Post Office Closures update
The Cambridge News has obtained a list of Post Office closures in Cambridgeshire. If true the good news is that none of the King's Hedges Post Offices are threatened by the government's closure plans. However the Post Office in Station Road Impington is on the list, as are three offices in Cambridge City.
The Liberal Democrats are opposed to the closure plans and are the only party to set out a plan to stop closures and open new offices where needed.
When I hear confirmation of the details we'll let you know. In the meantime well done to the Cambridge News for getting this information.
The Liberal Democrats are opposed to the closure plans and are the only party to set out a plan to stop closures and open new offices where needed.
When I hear confirmation of the details we'll let you know. In the meantime well done to the Cambridge News for getting this information.
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Guided busway nearly at King's Hedges
The construction of the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway (CGB) is expected to reach the A14 by the weekend. The current schedule will have the Gantry (the machine that places the preformed blocks into position) reaching Milton Road in August, which means that the construction work on the main busway will hit King's Hedges soon.
We already have the start of work on the Milton Road end. This current work is apparently "utility companies excavating for utility diversion" and the construction of a new footpath.
I've just attended a meeting of the "Local Liaison Forum" for the Busway. At this meeting the County officer in charge, Bob Menzies, said that the main disruption caused by the building in other sections was in the ground works: the digging and compression of the land prior to the gantry arriving. Residents of Histon have found other problems as well!
Please get in touch with us if the development causes you any problems and we shall see what can be done to minimise (or better yet stop) the disruption.
We already have the start of work on the Milton Road end. This current work is apparently "utility companies excavating for utility diversion" and the construction of a new footpath.
I've just attended a meeting of the "Local Liaison Forum" for the Busway. At this meeting the County officer in charge, Bob Menzies, said that the main disruption caused by the building in other sections was in the ground works: the digging and compression of the land prior to the gantry arriving. Residents of Histon have found other problems as well!
Please get in touch with us if the development causes you any problems and we shall see what can be done to minimise (or better yet stop) the disruption.
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Save Our Post Offices: Public Meeting
The Post Office will publish their closure plans for Cambridgeshire on 8 July.
There will be a public meeting in the Guildhall to consider the implications of this for Cambridge on Tuesday 22 July 2008 from 7pm.
Ian Nimmo-Smith, Liberal Democrat Leader of Cambridge City Council, said "It is really
important that as many people as possible give Post Office Limited their views on the proposed closures and we have arranged this public meeting for residents so that they can find out more information and express their concerns. We believe post offices offer a vital service for local communities, particularly for elderly people who may be less mobile and for people on lower incomes. Post offices are often the hub of a neighbourhood and we are very concerned about these proposed closures."
We will of course give you more information when the plans are published.
There will be a public meeting in the Guildhall to consider the implications of this for Cambridge on Tuesday 22 July 2008 from 7pm.
Ian Nimmo-Smith, Liberal Democrat Leader of Cambridge City Council, said "It is really
important that as many people as possible give Post Office Limited their views on the proposed closures and we have arranged this public meeting for residents so that they can find out more information and express their concerns. We believe post offices offer a vital service for local communities, particularly for elderly people who may be less mobile and for people on lower incomes. Post offices are often the hub of a neighbourhood and we are very concerned about these proposed closures."We will of course give you more information when the plans are published.
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