Congratulations to Histon FC

I doubt Cllr McGovern will agree but I just want to pass on congratulations to Histon on their superb FA Cup win today.

Our neighbours from just across the A14 gave Leeds a real tough game, and I think they earnt their luck. I'm sure the Cambridge City and Utd fans will disagree though.

Here's hoping for Arsenal (my team) v Histon in the 3rd round draw.

The big problem for me is putting up with my head of department at school all next week (he's a Histon season ticket holder)...

Update: Histon drew Swansea at home in the next round.

No ID cards in Cambridge please!

As reported in the Cambridge News I am proposing a motion welcoming the County Council's decision to join the City Council in opposing ID cards.

The Government scheme is a hugely expensive waste of time. Whilst the article mentions the impact it will have on students at our universities there are plenty of other reasons to oppose the scheme. The huge cost alone is one reason. The fact that it will not help fight illegal immigration, terrorism or other crimes is another.

I am a member of No2ID and I'd urge others to join the fight against ID cards.

New battery recycling point in King's Hedges

Cambridge City Council has teamed up with Budgens in Arbury Court to provide a battery collection point in the store. This service opened today!

This is the third bin in the city, following one located in the council’s own Customer Service Centre on Regent Street and one in Waitrose in Trumpington.

Quoting from the City Council press release:

“Working with local shops is a good way to get the collection points where people really need them, and means people don’t have to make extra journeys to recycle” says Recycling Officer Rebecca Weymouth.

As well as helping to manage the collections, the retailers contribute towards the cost of recycling the batteries, as part of their producer responsibilities.

Budgens’ manager Brian Moorey was keen to get involved. “We recognise that as a key focal point for the local community we have the opportunity to support projects like this and help them to succeed. We want to give something back – both to people
living here and to the environment, and the battery recycling project is just one of many ways we are trying to do just that.”

Since the first battery bank was installed last year, about 130,000 household batteries have been collected for recycling. The old batteries are taken away by G&P Batteries and sorted in a UK facility before being sent for recycling in Europe. The metal casings are melted down and recycled, and the chemicals are extracted to be reused in other applications.

This is a welcome addition to the recycling opportunities in King's Hedges. Many thanks to the staff at Budgens and to the recycling team at the City Council.

Kings Hedges ASB group meeting

The King's Hedges ASB group meets this Thursday at 19.30 at the Community House (37 Lawrence Way, next to Tesco on Campkin Road).

Unfortunately Council business means that I won't be able to attend, but the meeting still gives a chance for people to raise concerns about criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in the ward to Council officers and the Police.

Of course you can also contact us directly if you prefer.

Possible social housing behind Beale Way?

As part of the strategic plan to identify possible new sites to provide more social housing in an attempt to being down the Council's waiting list for homes two sites have been identified in King's Hedges.

One is on the open ground behind Beale Way. Investigation will begin in January as to whether this site is suitable.

As local councillors we will ensure the views of local residents are taken into account, and we are concerned about the possible loss of a play area. However unless and until more details come forward we will need to keep an open mind.

It should be stressed that no decisions have been made! We are at the start of a city wide process.

We are keen to hear from people about this issue. I've already had meetings with some residents in the area.

The other site in King's Hedges in Roman Courts. These need modernising and investigation of the best way to proceed will take place next year. During the time this takes there is a plan to use the properties to house key workers in other sheltered housing schemes. Please get in touch with any concerns.

Trees on Milton Road

We received an email on Friday to inform us that replanting of trees has begun on Milton Road.

This is great news. More to follow!

Delay on Ship recycling centre

A legal problem has arisen with the improvements planned for the Ship recycling centre on Northfield Avenue. This means that work has been stopped until the problem can be resolved. We hope that a solution can be found, but watch this space.

Another Milton Road planning application

Another quick item: 344 Milton Road have applied to "widen an existing dropped kerb".

The application number is 08/1484/FUL

See the City Council website for useful contact information.

Arbury Court play area

I have been told that the repairs to Arbury Court play area should be completed this week, the excavations began on Friday and new kit is ready to be installed.

In related news I have reported the damaged fence on the play area on the corner of Downham's Lane and Woodhead Drive.

More on Edgecombe aerials

The problem with the Edgecombe aerials is quite severe. If you are without TV reception please get in touch with your housing officer as alternative arrangements can be made whilst the problem is investigated further. Any problems call or email us!

In related news the Housing Management Board agreed to the process which will be followed for digital switch over at our meeting last week. The old system will be replaced by a digital system in flats of 3 storeys or more. Do get in touch if you want more information.

More on Edgecombe aerials

The problem with the Edgecombe aerials is quite severe. If you are without TV reception please get in touch with your housing officer as alternative arrangements can be made whilst the problem is investigated further. Any problems call or email us!

In related news the Housing Management Board agreed to the process which will be followed for digital switch over at our meeting last week. The old system will be replaced by a digital system in flats of 3 storeys or more. Do get in touch if you want more information.

Planning application on Milton Road

An application for a "Two storey front extension and conservatory to rear" has been made for 378 Milton Road. The application is 08/1478/FUL, and as ever more details can be found on how to get information or a make a comment from the City Council development control website.

LibDem Councillor Surgeries

If you would rather speak face-to-face with a City Councillor rather than call us or email us (see the contact details) then you might like to know about the Liberal Democrat drop in Surgery every week.

The City Councillors take it in turns to be at the Guildhall between 12.30 and 1.30 every Friday.

It isn't always a King's Hedges' team member, but whoever it is will take details and offer advice, and if needed pass on details to us to help out. Of course if the Guildhall on a Friday lunch isn't possible then give us a call or email to arrange an appointment or see if we can help.