Happy Christmas from the Team

Wishing all our readers a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We hope you have an enjoyable day.



(This posting was scheduled! Image stolen from Warwick LibDems, thanks guys.)

City Council Leader Fighting Government For Fairer Deal

Cambridge City Council Leader Sian Reid is battling with the government for a fairer deal after a 20 per cent cut in the city council’s grant from government next year.

Cllr Reid has talked to Local Government Minister, Andrew Stunnell after the city council was told it would receive 12 per cent less in grant funding than it was expecting for 2011/12.

Prudent management by the Lib Dem controlled city council has meant that some of this can be absorbed but the reduction in government grant gives the council less to spend in future years.

The figure includes a £900,000 bill to support the government’s concessionary bus fares scheme for the elderly and disabled which has already cost the city council £4.8 million in the last four years.

Cllr Reid said: “The council will come in under budget this year and that helps us to deal with the news that we will be receiving considerably less than was anticipated. We can cope without increasing our long term savings targets that were set out in November.

“But the government promised that no council would face more than an 8.9 per cent reduction this year. And we have been penalised through the concessionary fares scheme because the government is under the impression that we received £900,000 more than we actually did.

“I am pushing the government to look again at the funding for Cambridge city so that we can get a fairer settlement.”

LibDems in Government: ID cards abolished

Just in case you missed it on the 22nd December 2010 Identity cards, the failed "Database State" project left behind by New Labour, were finally  scrapped when the "Identity Documents Bill" was granted Royal Assent.

Both locally and nationally Liberal Democrats have consistently campaigned against ID cards and having them finally killed off is a major victory.

All existing ID cards will be cancelled within one month, and the National Identity Register will be destroyed within two months.

Scrapping this unwelcome invasion of personal liberty will save £845m in planned future government expenditure supporting the system over the next ten years. Just to put that number in perspective it's a little over 7 years worth of annual spend for the whole of Cambridge City Council!

On behalf of Cambridgeshire Road Safety Partnership...

It’s here, the Christmas office party, the firm’s “do”. Traditionally it’s a time to have a great time with your work mates and give the boss some gentle stick. It’s also the time for some to lose their driving licence, get a huge fine and possibly a prison sentence. Now there’s a party they’ll never forget.  Everyone likes a good time at Christmas and New Year. It’s the party season. The only safe course of action is not to drink and drive. Not only on the day of the office party but also on the day after it. (Don’t think that the morning after provides your body with an instant all clear. It doesn’t). So on the day and the day after take the bus, a taxi or arrange to have a non-drinking designated driver. But do not drink and drive.

Alcohol severely impairs the driver Alcohol tends to make you feel over confident and more likely to take risks when driving. This false confidence increases the danger to all road users, including you. The legal limit in the UK is 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. But any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely. The effects include Slower reactions Reduced co-ordination Loss of ability to judge speed, time and distance Diminished concentration There is absolutely no failsafe method of how to stay under the legal limit. Nor is there a magic formula to employ that allows you to drink and drive safely. Many elements have to be taken into account, including your weight, age, sex and metabolism; your stress levels; the amount and type of alcohol; and an empty stomach. The only safe option is not to drink if you plan to drive. And never offer a drink to someone else who is driving. A driver will be found guilty of drink driving if he or she has more than: 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood 107 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine Drinking and driving does not mix and the law is very clear on how it deals with it: Driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal limit (or unfit through drink) carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and a minimum 12 months driving ban. An endorsement for a drink-driving offence remains on a driving licence for 11 years. That means 11 years before a convicted driver will have a clean licence again. Being in charge of a vehicle whilst over the legal limit or unfit through drink could result in three months imprisonment plus a fine of up to £2,500 and a driving ban.

Should a driver refuse to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis the penalty is a maximum six months imprisonment, up to £5000 fine and a driving ban of at least 12 months. Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison; a minimum two year driving ban; and a requirement to pass an extended driving test before being able to   rive again legally. Think before drinking and driving, is it worth: The humungous taxi bill resulting from say a three year ban Being separated from family and friends whist serving up to 14 years in prison Your savings being frittered away paying a fine (typically £5000) Being forced to sit an extended driving test Getting a criminal record that could also make you unemployable Having your insurance costs go through the roof Experiencing a real problem hiring a car for the next 10 years Even on the morning after you’re still not safe On the morning after you’ve been out drinking you may still be affected by the alcohol you’ve consumed. You could feel fine but in reality be unfit to drive or be over the legal alcohol limit. Showering, drinking coffee, or other ways of sobering up will not help. It is impossible to get rid of alcohol from your body other than through time. You could still lose your licence if you drive the day after your party. Remember Any amount of alcohol will affect your judgement. Starting with your judgement about whether you should have another drink or not. And if you think you won’t get caught, think again. More than half a million breath tests are carried out each year and on average 100,000 are found to be positive. Take the bus.

Planning application

A major planning application this week. At the triangle on King's Hedges Road is a proposed "Future Business Centre" (offices?) and "associated works including the provision of car and cycle parking facilities, access and circulated areas".

The triangle is the piece of land between the new EDF substation and CRC fairly near (and on the opposite side from) the Northfield Avenue junction.

The reference is 10/1009/FUL, and more details are available from the online planning tracker.

Christmas and New Year bin collections

We are getting close to Christmas and the changes to bin collections that causes.

This year Christmas and New Years day are both on a Saturday, and the bank holidays are on Monday and Tuesday.

The plan is to collect Monday and Tuesday routes on the Tuesday and leave other days unaffected.

The full details of other Christmas service changes are on the City Council website.

Full details of waste collection changes:

Regular collection date	Revised collection date
Friday 24 December	no change
Monday 27 December	Tuesday 28 December
Tuesday 28 December	no change
Wednesday 29 December	no change
Thursday 30 December	no change
Friday 31 December	no change
Monday 3 January	Tuesday 4 January
Tuesday 4 January	no change

I think this means most people in King's Hedges are unaffected by the changes this year.

I hope that my picture from last year isn't repeated, but in case it is keep an eye on the City's service updates page for more information.

University funding: Full length interview with Nick Clegg

On YouTube here below (in three parts) is a 30 minute interview with Nick Clegg on University funding. The interviewer is Dr Evan Harris, this interview was originally published on the Liberal Burblings Blog (here).

Like them I thoroughly recommend viewing the interview. It covers an enormous amount of detail on the controversy.

A transcript is available here.

Elizabeth Hughes

On Friday I was saddened to hear the news that former King's Hedges Councillor Elizabeth Hughes had died.

She served as City Councillor from 2003 until 2007, and a County Councillor from 2005 until 2009. She also served as a Governor at the Manor, including as Chair of Governors. She also supported many groups including the Parkinson's Society.

She continued to work hard and campaign for King's Hedges despite her illness.

Whilst I certainly didn't always agree with her, her interventions in committee were thought through and often witty. She could puncture pomposity with ease, and in a friendly way. Whenever I met her out and about she always had time for a chat, and to share thoughts about issues.

She will be widely missed.

Cuts to Services Across Cambridgeshire - Have Your Say!

On Thursday the County Council released some preliminary information of the spending cuts it is currently planning in response to the financial mess the Labour party left this Country in. The really surprising thing was that only on Tuesday, at Full Council, the Conservative Administration was refusing to release details of the cuts - turns out a lot can change in two days*.

A few days earlier the Conservative administration briefed County Councillors (including Liberal Democrats) regarding the scope of the cuts. Those attending this briefing were sworn to secrecy regarding the changes - we are *still* unable to discuss specific areas of the cuts that have not yet been "leaked" by the administration into the public domain.

The BBC News covered the story here (with an interview with John Reynolds the cabinet member responsible).

One of the interesting things about the review is that the County Council is asking residents across Cambridgeshire to prioritise the services the County offers (i.e. say which areas should be cut and which should not). 

The survey is available here. I'd urge as many local residents and residents groups as possible to complete this survey - the County Council will be using it to "justify" the areas they are planning to cut (for example one of the "options" on the Survey is to close 19 libraries across Cambridgeshire - almost certainly including some in the city - if you think this is a bad idea let them know!)

*- The slightly more cynical amongst you will probably be thinking that, given the tuition fees debate and vote taking place on that date, it was "a good day to bury bad news".

Street Parties & The Royal Wedding (29 April 2011)

It might be a long time away but the County Council Traffic Management Team have put together some guidance regarding "Street Parties" should members of the public want to arrange one.

I've included that guidance, as well as contact details, in this article to keep you informed.

Background

The UK has a history of arranging street parties for historic events, the image to the left shows a street party celebrating the Queens Silver Jubilee in 1977. In 1981 street parties were held across the country to celebrate the marriage of the Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer. 

The County Council Traffic Management Team recognise that many may also wish to celebrate the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton in a similar fashion. This is especially true now that the government has declared 29 April 2011 as a Bank Holiday. 

Given the likelihood of one-off events the County Councils Traffic Management Team have published the following guidance for street party organisers.

Guidance

If at all possible, events should be held off road. Street parties should be held on residential roads with no through traffic e.g. a cul-de-sac. In which case;

• A traffic management company or trained person will not be required to put out signage or traffic management.
• Chapter 8 Traffic Signs Manual signage will not be necessary, but the road will need to be blocked off.
• Public liability insurance will not be essential, but is recommended.
• All residents affected by the closure will need to be asked and most will have to agree to it.
• An application for a road closure will be needed and will have to be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the event.

If residents wish to have a street party on a route with through traffic then they will be subject to the usual criteria for a road closure. Applicants will have to seek permission from the Local Highways Authority and;

• Use a traffic management company or persons trained under the New Roads and Street Works Act “Signing, lighting and guarding” to close the road and put out signage.
• Use Chapter 8 Traffic Signs Manual signage to correctly close the road and provide a diversion route. 
• Apply for a road closure at least 12 weeks prior to the event.
• Include mapped plans of the closures with diversion routes and all signage shown.
• Have public liability insurance of at least £5m.
• Ensure that the closure is communicated to all affected parties in advance.

Street parties will be classed as community events and therefore the public will not be charged for their Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTRO) if advertising deadlines are met.

Contacts

For further information please contact the Traffic Manager’s Team;

Tel: 01223 715913

Email: trafficmanagerteam@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

RES1005, The Octagon, Shire Hall, Castle Hill, Cambridge, CB3 0AP.

Planning application in Neptune Close

Somewhat later than normal but one planning application in the ward was on last weeks list.

It is for a two storey side extension to 1 Neptune Close. The reference number is 10/1168/FUL.

More details on the application can be found in the public access website or in person (see the development control webpage for more information). In case of difficulty contact the team.

At the drop in session now (until noon)

Our monthly drop in at Arbury Community Centre has started. For those who don't know the centre is on Campkin Road, near the Arbury Road junction. It should be in the middle of the map below:

View Larger Map

(Bellerby's is the language school next to the Manor. I have no idea why that is included when Manor isn't.)

If you can't make it but need to speak to a councillor then use our contact details (on the left).

Drop in tomorrow

Just a quick reminder that I'll be at Arbury Community Centre tomorrow (saturday) from 10am until noon.

Do drop by and have a chat if you have any problems, or just to say hello!

Library Service Review

It seems like central government is beginning to become concerned that local councils are planning on making huge cuts to Library service provision as a means of balancing the books. Ed Vaizey, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative industries, has taken the step of writing to Councillors to remind them that they have a statutory obligation under the Public Libraries & Museums Act 1964 to provide a "comprehensive & efficient" library service.

This should server as very timely reminder for Cambridgeshire County Council. The Conservative-controlled body has yet to announce the results of it's review into the Library Service in Cambridge but all the rumours (including a recent article in The Guardian) point towards "swinging cuts" to the service.

Needless to say your local Liberal Democrat councillors are committed to the continuation of the existing provision in Arbury Court. If you are interested in becoming more involved in supporting this effort please let us know! You can visit the "Friends of Arbury Library (FOAL)" blog here.

The full text of the letter is;


"Dear Councillor 


SPENDING DECISIONS AND LIBRARY SERVICES

The financial deficit presents very difficult challenges for all public bodies and I recognise the pressures you are under. The reduction in local government resource over the next spending period presents a real challenge. 


l have written to you recently about the value of libraiy services. They are places which can be used by anyone without judgement. They help people to learn new skills, read, access information, get online or find entertainment. 


I want to emphasise the importance I place on compliance with the statutory duty to provide a "comprehensive & efficient" library service under the Public Libraries & Museums Act 1964. As you know, the Secretary of State last exercised his statutory power to intervene in April 2009, by commencing a local inquiry into Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council’s compliance with its duties. The inquiry determined that the ‘comprehensive and efficient’ service that local authorities are required to provide is a balance between meeting local needs within available resources in a way which is appropriate to the needs of the local community. 


No two authorities are the same and there is no single way of making an assessment of the needs of a community.


It may be helpful however, if I set out the key considerations that every local authority should have in mind, as set out in the Chaiteris review on the Wirral closures. These are;

• a statement of what the service is trying to achieve;
• a description of local needs, including the general and specific needs of adults and children who live, work and study in the area;
• a detailed description of how the service will be delivered and how the plans will fully take into account the demography of the area and the different needs of adults and children in different areas (both in general and specific terms); 
• the resources available for the service, including an annual budget. 

I hope that local authorities will develop a creative and bold approach to decision making around the public library service. Along with the Local Government Group, I launched the Future Libraries Programme in the summer to provide local authorities with support in delivering the service more efficiently. 
Among the ideas being explored are transferring control of some library services to communities to run, merging services provided by two different authorities into one cross-­boundary library service and locating library services in retail stores. There are 151 library authorities in England. With fewer than 40 of them taking part in the programme it is important that the findings from the 10 initial pilot projects are shared Widely so that all authorities can learn from the experiences of those authorities that are participating. This process is just starting and l hope you will be inspired by some of the work that is progressing. 


You can find out more at;
http://www.mla.gov.uk/what/programmes/the_future_libraries_programme


ED VAIZEY Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative industries"


The original letter is available here.

Student Tuition Fees: A Brief Editorial

As you've no doubt seen both Nationally and Locally students are up in arms about the coalition governments proposed changes to Tuition Fees. The first thing to say that's worth noting is that Julian Huppert, the Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge, will be voting *against* raising the cap on Tuition Fees. He signed the Student Pledge during the election campaign and then re-signed it after the Coalition Agreement was signed. Julian *will* be voting against these changes.

The NUS pledge was not merely one against raising the cap, it also committed its signatories to work for a "fairer alternative" to the current system. I think that the government's policy is actually a fairer alternative (though naturally not one that wholly agrees with Lib Dem policy - welcome to coalition government!) for several reasons:

1. The income threshold to start repayments rises from £15,000 to £21,000. This means all graduates will pay less per month than they do under the current system, and stops them from having to start repayments simply because they've taken up a fairly low-skilled job because there are no graduate jobs available at the moment.
2. The discrimination of part-time students will be coming to an end. Provided the student is studying at least one third of the time they will now be eligible for student loans on exactly the same basis as full-time students and so will no longer have to pay tuition fees up front. If we are going to deal with skills shortages in the economy and reduce unemployment and underemployment it is vital that people who have started out in working life should be able to improve their qualifications, not just people who are straight out of school or can afford to leave their jobs entirely for three years.
3. Maintenance grants will be increased and more students will be eligible for them. The current system is simply too miserly, as parents with household incomes above the current cut off often cannot spare any money for children going to university.
4. The interest rate charged on the debt now varies with the graduate's income. This will mean that richer graduates pay a higher rate and poorer graduates pay a lower rate thus the system will become more progressive.

These last two points were the top two concessions called for by Liberal Democrat members who responded to Lib Dem Voice's survey on the Browne Report.

One of the other things to consider is that student loans are invisible to credit scoring companies because they are repaid entirely through the tax system. This will not change. What the state is doing is not so much lending money to students as taking a form of equity stake in their income for 30 years after graduation.

In addition to the items above, Ewan Hoyle made a good point about what it is that actually prevents poor students from going to university - not the prospect of paying for their tuition after graduating but insufficient maintenance funding while they are at university.  Because of the Lib Dem influence we got the government to change the Browne report's recommendations by making the maintenance grant system more generous (see point 3 above), this helps to deal with that problem.

So my conclusions are that the proposed changes to Student Tuition Fees are;

1. It's not Lib Dem policy, but it is an improvement on the existing system
2. Two of the four improvements on the existing system are almost certainly the result of Lib Dem influence in government
3. The package breaches the NUS pledge by raising the amount graduates have to pay for their education, but it is also a "fairer alternative" to the current system, so it does agree with that part of the pledge.

One thing the Liberal Democrats (specifically David Laws who championed this cause during the coalition negotiations) have achieved in Government is the Pupil Premium. In my opinion by directing extra funding to the poorest children in schools to prevent them from falling behind children from better off families as they currently do. If it succeeds it will do more for fairness and equal access to university than abolishing tuition fees would.

This post is based on an original message on a liberal democrat mailing list by Niklas Smith (reproduced with his permission). If you'd like to read the Liberal Democrat Manifesto for the 2010 Elections it is available online here.

Arbury Community Centre goes from Strength to Strength

A press release from the Community Centre:

Cambridge's Arbury Community Centre is going from strength to strength with a record number of visitors in the last year.

A new board of 10 trustees has also been formed with the number representing a significant increase on the previous year.

Newly elected Chair of the Association, Jo Richards said, "It's a tribute to the hard work that has been put in over the past year that at a time when companies and individuals have been cutting back, we have attracted a record 51,500 visitors."

Newly elected Vice Chair Cllr Mike Pitt added, "The centre offers everything from aerobics, and cheerleading to social enterprise, stamp collecting and yoga. It's good to see that the local community is getting more and more use out of this valuable resource and I'm excited to be involved."

Year on year usage of the community centre has increased by almost six per cent despite the economic downturn and there are plans in place for a regeneration of part of the centre in 2011.

CAPTION: Alan Soer, Arbury Community Centre Manager with newly elected Chair of the Association, Jo Richards.

I'll just add that it really is a pleasure and privilege to join the Association, the Centre plays a huge role in Arbury and King's Hedges.

Other Trustees include Neil McGovern, Andy Pellew and Arbury's Alan Levy

December drop-in session

December has begun so probably time to mention the December King's Hedges councillor drop-in session. This will be at Arbury Community Centre, Campkin Rd, on Saturday 11th December, from 10am until noon.

Please do say hello if you are passing, and if you have any problems we can help with then come and see us. You can always phone or email if you prefer.

There is also the weekly drop-in at the Guildhall on Friday lunchtime (but we can't guarantee a King's Hedges Councillor for that).

Library Opening / Closing Arrangements: Christmas 2010

I have received the following email (sent to all County Councillors) from the Acting Head of Libraries, Archives and Information relating to Christmas opening hours of Libraries across Cambridgeshire;

"Dear Councillor,


This is to inform you of the arrangements for Libraries and Archives over the Christmas period. Libraries with the exception of Central Library, will be closed from 1pm on Friday 24th December through to Tuesday 4th January 2011, when normal service will resume.


This was originally a staff suggestion for saving money, and the vast majority of staff have agreed to take their leave on these days in order to help make savings. We know that libraries are traditionally quiet during this period and it is estimated that the service will save in the region of £11,000 as a result.  Please note that the loan period for all items will be extended accordingly, items may be renewed online or by telephone, and that extra items may be borrowed on request.


Cambridge Central will remain open during the festive period because statistics show this is the busiest library over the Christmas period and Cambridge is very busy with shoppers at this time.  People increasingly expect the library to be open whenever the shopping centre is open - including public holidays.  Central Library will also provide support for Contact Centre referrals and enquiries to libraries.


If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.


Regards,


Christine May
Acting Head of Libraries, Archives and Information"

I think this shows the dedication of the staff who work in the Libraries across Cambridgeshire and is definitely something I welcome as your local County Councillor. The details of the library service review will be published soon although there are some disturbing items appearing in the National Press about "swinging cuts" in Cambridgeshire. I will update this blog as soon as there is news.

Guided Busway: Full Speed Testing *Soon*

For those of you who aren't avid readers of the Histon Impington Courier the following article has been published;

“We have received three independent reports .........that FULL SPEED tests on the guided busway have been planned for early December without public notice.  Parish councils have asked to be informed of the dates so people can be notified, however, it is uncertain if this will happen.   They were told that anyone who uses the guided busway track is technically trespassing.  The implication is clear - any injuries are solely the responsibility of the trespasser. 

As we all know, the unused busway has become a de-facto cycleway, walking path, and dog exercise area.  Go any day and you will see scores of people using it including many school children.  That fact is well known by all of the parties involved in the Busway Project. The lack of any signage to warn people it is unsafe means that the public has been placed in a position of unacceptable risk. 

The tests are to be carried out at 'full speed' - meaning 50-60 mph - and may begin as early as this Wednesday 1st December.   Those using the track as a cycle way may suddenly be surprised by a speeding guided bus coming up fast from behind.  Injury or death could result. 

We have been told the lack of public notice has to do with legal disputes between the busway contractors and County Council. "It's complicated" we have been told. No it's not! PUBLIC SAFETY COMES FIRST.”

Clearly this is very very alarming stuff - or would be if it was true. The County Council has released a "clarification";

“The note received from Histon and Impington Courier is incorrect and no buses are planned to run on the route this week.

BAM Nuttall need to complete the process of testing traffic signals and part of the work will be done this week - but without any buses running. BAM Nuttall has said buses will run on the route in the next couple of weeks, but as agreed with local parish councils at a Forum meeting last week, Cambridgeshire County Council will send a press release in advance and Forum members will also be informed. At the Forum meeting last week the Council initially expected BAM Nuttall to run buses later this week, but the contractor has confirmed this will be in the future.

Please note that buses have already run at full speed on every section of the Guided Busway successfully.

As has been stated throughout the project, the entire Busway route is BAM Nuttall's construction site and officially members of the public should not use the route to walk or cycle. However, as the route has been in the main complete (apart from defects that need to be corrected) for some time it would not have made sense for BAM Nuttall to block the route so people could not use the maintenance track.

The Council still expects the contractor to complete all the project by mid-January, but work will be required to fix the defects.

As the commissioning period for BAM Nuttall comes into effect people will still be able to use the maintenance track, but using the concrete track is not advisable.”

The guided busway has been a massive drain on the transport resources across the County but as it nears completion the Bus Operations are very conscious that members of the public have been using the busway as a cycleway/ dog walking ground/ etc. for the last year so it's very unlikely they think that one Monday morning they're going to be able to have buses tearing down the guideway without giving any kind of warning and not having an accident.

And despite what the original article says because it's clear the Busway has been used as something outer than a Busway for quite a while (something the County Council response seems to accept) I severely doubt that any court would put the sole blame on the "trespasser" for any accidents.

This does of course assume that buses will actually start to run;

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Home/Stagecoach-threatens-to-run-fewer-services-due-to-delays.htm

More news will follow

Planning application in Lauriston Place

Just one planning application in this week's list.

A "Two storey and part single storey front" extension to 11 Lauriston Place, reference 10/1151/FUL.

As usual details are available from the City Council development control website, and in case of difficulty contact the team.

Snow and ice clearance

A quick post to draw attention to two parts of the City Council website.

Firstly information on what County and City are doing to respond to the weather, and also information on what residents can do is available on the Snow and Ice advice page.

Information on any any City Council service disruption will also be posted on the City website.

We are also using the @camcitco Twitter account to provide some update. The County Council's twitter account also provides updates.

I will copy here the advice on clearing Snow and Ice from the City Council and the national Snow Code:

Tips for clearing snow and ice

The government has issued a snow code about safely removing snow and ice from outside your property, pathways and public spaces. The snow code advises you to:

start early - it is much easier to clear fresh, loose snow compared to ice that has been compacted by people walking on it

not use hot water - it melts the snow, but replaces it with black ice, increasing the risk of injury

use ordinary table salt, ash or sand to prevent ice forming but avoid spreading it on plants or grass

be a good neighbour and help anyone that may not be able to clear snow and ice from their own pathways

If shovelling snow:

think about where you will put the snow so you don’t block paths or drainage channels use a shovel with the widest blade available

make a line down the middle of your path first, so you have a safe surface to walk on - then you can shovel the snow from the centre to the sides

use the sun to your advantage by removing the top layer of snow so sun melts any ice underneath - but you will need to cover any ice with salt to stop refreezing overnight

be careful around steps and steep gradients

You can read more about the snow code on the Directgov website or telephone our customer service centre on 01223 458282.

City wide police priorities: Community Safety Partnership

As mentioned in an earlier post, the Community Safety Partnership attended Thursday's North Area Committee at The Manor to ask about priorities for the coming year.

There was considerable discussion at the Committee about the options, and whether anything was missing. It wasn't possible to find a consensus!

The five options are
• Reduce Alcohol Related Violent Crime in the City Centre
• Reduce repeat victims of Domestic Violence
• Reduce cycle theft
• Reducing re-offending
• Reduce repeat incidents of Anti-social Behaviour

If you have opinions on this then do go to the consultation website and have your say. There is more background information on the page too. The consultation is running until at least Christmas.

North Area Committee: Grants to community groups

One of the items at North Area Committee last night was to award City Council grants to community groups.

Every year the City Council gives just under £60,000 to the four area committees to allocate, and the North gets a share of just over £21,000. These grants are used by differnt groups in different ways to support community projects.

Last night we agreed to fund two groups active in the Arbury and King's Hedges areas: Groverbury Ladies Club and the Abury Manor branch of the Royal British Legion. The total to them was just over £1000.

These grants are for special events, but we also give grants to cover start up and other one off costs.

There is still about £9000 in the kitty for this year, so if your group could use a grant to help community activities then check the application guidelines, and the general information page.

If you have an idea and need help to get going then contact a member of the team.

E-Cops - Have Your Say - Cambridge Community Safety Partnership Requests Your Help

The Cambridge Community Safety Partnership is asking for your help in deciding the three priorities that it will focus its resources on over the next financial year. Representatives from the Community Safety Partnership will be present at this Thursday's (25th November) North Area Committee Meeting being held in the Main Hall at the Manor Community College. The representatives will present five options from which three will be chosen when city-wide consultation is completed.

The main part of the meeting where this item will be considered starts at 7.30pm.

If you are unable to attend the Area Committee Meeting you can still register your selection online via the Community Safety pages on the Cambridge City Council website. Please visit

http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/ccm/content/community-and-living/community-safety/community-safety-news.en

The survey closes on Friday 31st December 2010, and the members of the Cambridge Community Safety Partnership would like to thank you for your time and cooperation.

Sent on behalf of your neighbourhood policing team.

Orchard Park to Riverside Cycle Scheme

I have been emailed with details of the possible Orchard Park to Riverside Cycle Scheme. This involves changes to the cycle route on Arbury Road from King's Hedges Road.

The changes would be on the stretch outside St Laurence's school, and on the stretch outside the front of The Manor.

The County are consulting on the proposals and would like comments by post, email or phone before Friday 10 December 2010. The results will go to the transport Area Joint Committee on 24 January 2011.

More details and a PDF of the leaflet and explanatory notes are available from the County Council's project website.

Gladeside (Woodhead Drive) playground to open soon

I have been told that the Gladeside play area which has been closed off since it was built more than a year ago should be open at the start of next month.

City Council officers and representatives of Miller Homes (the developers) met last week and hope to have sorted out all the issues to allow the park to be transfered to the City and finally opened.

Unfortunately Miller are unable to open the site before the handover, but both the council staff and Miller are hopeful of a quick completion.

North Area Committee Meeting - 25th November

The next meeting of the City Council’s North Area Committee will be held at the Manor Community College on Thursday November 25th.

The planning part of the meeting starts at 6.30. The main meeting will start at 7.30, or follow on from the planning part, if that over-runs (unlikely as there’s only 1 planning application).

The agenda is available here (with notes) from the City Council website, the main agrenda items are;

1     Apologies for Absence
2     Declarations of Interest (Planning)
3     Planning Applications
3a    10/0537/FUL: 11 St Lukes Street
4     Declarations of Interest (Main Agenda)
5     Minutes
6     Matters and Actions Arising From the Minutes
7     Open Forum
8     Discussion Concerning Local Matters Relating to Tesco Express
      in East Chesterton
9     Improve Your Neighbourhood
10    Cambridge Community Safety Partnership (CCSP) Plan 2011-2014
11    Community Development and Leisure Grants
12    Committee Dates 2011-12 and 2012-13

 If you have anything to raise anyone can make contribution to the "Open Foum" item on the agenda.

Woodhouse and Apthorpe Improvements

Some good news: the City Council has found funding to improve the area of green space behind Apthorpe Way and off Woodhouse Way.

The play area is under pressure from parking and has been churned up be vehicles.


Following consultation with residents the plan is to provide two extra areas for parking to try and reduce the pressure, and to fence off the green space to protect it.

Local residents have been written to with details of the plan. Any concerns please do get in touch with the team.

The picture shows Andy and Neil looking at the problem, hopefully that mud will soon be a thing of the past.

Central Post Office to move in January

Councillors have been written to by the Post Office to inform us that the main post office on St Andrew’s Street is moving across the street.

The current office (9-11) will close at 5.30 on 5th January 2011, and the new one will open just across the road at 57-58 at 9.00 am the next day.

We are assured that the new branch will good access: it will have level access with an automatic door, a low level writing desk and serving counter. The range of services and facilities available will be unchanged.

It remains to be seen if the move will improve queueing times!

The Busway Local Liaison Forum - Wednesday 24 November

Attached are the papers for the next forum meeting, which will take place on Wednesday 24 November from 7 pm at Orchard Park Community Centre.

The contractors update will be available at the meeting.

If there are any local issues that need to be raised please let one of your local Councillors know.

Agenda/ Notes

North Area Committee: 25 November

The next North Area Committee is next Thursday, and the agenda is due out later this week.

The meeting will be at the usual venue, The Manor (School) on Arbury Road. We will start at 6.30pm with planning, and the main agenda at 7.30pm including the Open Forum: your chance to ask councillors about local issues.

I'll try to post more details when the agenda is published, but you will be able to get it from this page on the City Council website.

Planning app for a dropped kerb

It has been a while since we had a planning application in the ward but one is in the list this week.

It is for a dropped kerb outside 63 King's Hedges Road, and has application number 10/1036/FUL. As usual you can get details from the City Council development control web site or contact the team in case of difficulty.

Your community centre needs you!

Arbury and King’s Hedges residents are being urged to have their say on who runs their community centre.

Trustees of the Arbury Community Centre are to be elected at its Annual General Meeting tomorrow evening (Tuesday, November 16).

Councillor Neil McGovern, Chair of Trustees, said "With increasing bookings, a dedicated professional staff, as well as recent renovations our community centre is where it should be; right at the heart of the local community. As trustees we've done this by focussing on the unique needs of North Cambridge and providing a link between local group organisers and people interested in joining the groups."

County Councillor Andy Pellew, a trustee said "Engaging with the local community in this current economic climate is always going to be more difficult but it's vital, especially given the Government’s commitment to the 'Big Society', that successful Community Centres like this have the support of their local communities.

“I urge everyone to attend the AGM and have their say on who will run their community centre for the next year. If you would like to be more involved than that of course we’d welcome you."

Alan Soer, Centre Manager and Chair of King's Hedges Neighbourhood Partnership said "This government may be talking about the 'Big Society' but here in North Cambridge we've been doing this for years. Volunteering can be, in my experience, one of the most rewarding things you can do with your time - this isn't about endless meetings and nothing ever happening, we're at the cutting edge delivering services to real people for whom the benefits can be enormous".

The meeting takes place at 7.30pm at the Arbury Community Centre on Campkin Road (CB4 2LD). Parking is available on site. Enquiries should be directed to Alan Soer (Centre Manager) on 01223 712038.

CAPTION: Alan Soer (Centre Manager), Jo Flood (Vice Chair), and John Robershaw (Treasurer) from Arbury Community Centre Trustees

At the drop in surgery at Arbury Community Centre

Cllr Andy Pellew and myself are currently at the councillor drop-in session at Arbury Community Centre. It is a lovely day, so do come along if you wish to talk about any local issues. We are here until noon.

As you can see from the picture we do need a new sign! We should have one for the next session on 11 December 2010, and the second saturday of each month.

Thinking of becoming a councillor...?

If anyone in interested in standing as a City (or district) or County Councillor then there a couple of events coming up that might be of interest.

The first is run by the City Council and is on Wednesday 17th November at 6pm in the Committee Rooms at the Guildhall. This is for people who would like to stand for the City next May. More details will be published on the City Council website soon.

There is also a Be A Councillor event on 23 November at 7pm, for anyone in the Eastern Region who might like to stand for their councils. This requires you to register online. There are other dates (but these are in other Counties) as well.

There is lots of information on the Be A Councillor website, it is well worth a look. I'd encourage anyone who might be interested to think about it: it is very interesting, challenging and enjoyable.

You can also contact the team and we'd happily talk to you about it independent of any party allegiance.

Mobile phone mast changes in Kirkwood Road

Local councillors have received a somewhat short on detail letter about plans to site a consolidated O2 and Vodafone mast on Kirkwood Road, off King's Hedges Road in Cambridge.

I have written asking for more detail, and if you are interested in what may emerge please get in touch with us so we can keep you informed as we find out more.

We will of course update the blog when we find out more.

Halloween message from the police

Today is Halloween (and that is presumably why I saw Frankenstein's monster on a bicycle yesterday evening...). Subscribers to eCops have received the following mesage from the police:

HALLOWE’EN

I know that we have already made you aware of the precautions regarding Hallowe’en but just a quick reminder.

* Ideally children should be accompanied by an adult.
* Children should stay in groups, make sure at least one person has a mobile phone on them and not go out too late.
* Children should tell someone where they are going, what route they will be taking and what time to expect them back.
* Not everyone wants to get involved in Halloween and we ask children and parents to leave residents not wanting to take part in peace.

We hope everyone enjoys themselves and I’m sure we will see many of you on the night. If you have any issues or concerns during Hallowe’en, let us know on 0345 456 456 4.

If you don't wish to be disturbed you can download a poster from here in either colour or black and white.

Having said all that: if you are going trick-or-treating or to a Halloween event have a good time.

Councillor "drop in" sessions

If you'd like to talk to a member of the team about problems then we are pleased to announce we are starting drop in sessions at Arbury Community Centre on the second Saturday morning of each month.
The first one is on Saturday 13th November from 10 until noon.

Andy and I should be attending that one (and possibly other members of the team). No appointment is needed: we should be in the reception area, but will have private space if needed for your issue.

The next few dates will be

• 13 November
• 11 December
• 8 January 2011
• 12 February

Do come and say hello if you are around!

City Council: Keep our Libraries open!

At last Thursday's meeting of the full City Council meeting I proposed a motion to ask the County Council to rule out library closures in the City.

The motion was passed unanimously sending a strong message to the Conservative run County Council of how much our libraries are valued. Our library network is vital not only for the people of all ages who use it for educational and leisure purposes, but because it plays a key part in our communities.

Taking away our libraries impacts on the whole fabric of our society, denying people access to life-long learning opportunities and the wide range of events that take place there.

I grew up in a village with a travelling library so I also know the great benefits that rural libraries bring to people who have few other services. At the Cabinet meeting it appeared that Tories in the county council Cabinet know that libraries will be lost and they are fighting to protect those in their own wards.

We need to keep the pressure on the County Council to rule out closures anywhere in the County, but especially in King's Hedges.

Another planning app in Lovell Rd

This weeks weekly list has an application for a "two storey pitched roof extension with associated works" at 36 Lovell Rd. The application number is 10/0967/FUL, and details can be found in the usual places. In case of difficulty contact the team.

"Thank You" Party in King's Hedges

Sunday afternoon at the Arbury Community Centre we had a "Thank You" party for local activists who worked alongside your local Councillors to help get Julian Huppert elected to parliament and Simon Brierley elected to the City Council at the last elections.

It was good to be able to talk to and thank some of the people who haven't just helped with the last election but have helped us to deliver on our promise to be working for the people of King's Hedges "not just at elections, but all year round".

Julian Huppert MP recorded this message;

If you'd like to help in King's Hedges please get in touch.

Planning apps last week: Crowland Way

Last weeks list of planning applications had one in King's Hedges. The application was for a single storey front extension to 18 Crowland Way. The application is number 10/0909/FUL.

As always more details are available from the City Council's planning portal, or in person. In case of difficulty contact the team.

Coalition Agreement - Liberal Democrat Policies

Given that it's now been a few months since the political landscape in the UK changed forever I think it might be a good idea to reflect on the successes the Liberal Democrats have had in government and the foundation for those successes has to be the coalition agreement.

In light of this I'm providing the list of policies that are in the Coalition Agreement because the Liberal Democrats are in Government (well, according to the Guardian anyway).

Of the 399 policies in the agreement, 174 are solely from the Conservatives, 91 are solely from the Lib Dems, 80 were policies of both parties, and 54 are of unknown origin.

Looking at percentages this gives us 20% Liberal Democrat, 44% Conservative, 20% from Both Parties, and the final 14% seem to be what Nick Clegg/ David Cameron dreamed up on the spot (for example the AV Referendum).

The complete list of Liberal Democrat (and now Coalition) polices is below;

• We will bring forward detailed proposals for robust action to tackle unacceptable bonuses in the financial services sector; in developing these proposals, we will ensure they are effective in reducing risk.
• We want the banking system to serve business, not the other way round. We will bring forward detailed proposals to foster diversity in financial services, promote mutuals and create a more competitive banking industry.
• We will take steps to reduce systemic risk in the banking system and will establish an independent commission to investigate the complex issue of separating retail and investment banking in a sustainable way; while recognising that this will take time to get right, the commission will be given an initial time frame of one year to report.
• We will cut red tape by introducing a ‘one-in, one-out’ rule whereby no new regulation is brought in without other regulation being cut by a greater amount.
• We will impose ‘sunset clauses’ on regulations and regulators to ensure that the need for each regulation is regularly reviewed.
• We will find a practical way to make small business rate relief automatic.
• We will seek to ensure an injection of private capital into Royal Mail, including opportunities for employee ownership. We will retain Post Office Ltd in public ownership.
• We will seek to ensure a level playing field between small and large retailers by enabling councils to take competition issues into account when drawing up their local plans to shape the direction and type of new retail development.
• We will review the range of factors that can be considered by regulators when takeovers are proposed.
• We will reinstate an Operating and Financial Review to ensure that directors’ social and environmental duties have to be covered in company reporting, and investigate further ways of improving corporate accountability and transparency.
• We will ensure that Post Offices are allowed to offer a wide range of services in order to sustain the network, and we will look at the case for developing new sources of revenue, such as the creation of a Post Office Bank.
• We will end the so-called ‘gold-plating’ of EU rules, so that British businesses are not disadvantaged relative to their European competitors.
• We will introduce a Freedom Bill.
• We will scrap the ID card scheme, the National Identity register and the ContactPoint database, and halt the next generation of biometric passports.
• We will outlaw the finger-printing of children at school without parental permission.
• We will extend the scope of the Freedom of Information Act to provide greater transparency.
• We will protect historic freedoms through the defence of trial by jury.
• We will restore rights to non-violent protest.
• We will end the storage of internet and email records without good reason.
• We will introduce a new mechanism to prevent the proliferation of unnecessary new criminal offences.
• We will abolish the unelected Infrastructure Planning Commission and replace it with an efficient and democratically accountable system that provides a fast-track process for major infrastructure projects.
• We will maintain the Green Belt, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and other environmental protections, and create a new designation – similar to SSSIs – to protect green areas of particular importance to local communities.
• We will explore a range of measures to bring empty homes into use.
• We will promote ‘Home on the Farm’ schemes that encourage farmers to convert existing buildings into affordable housing.
• We will phase out the ring-fencing of grants to local government and review the unfair Housing Revenue Account.
• We will require continuous improvements to the energy efficiency of new housing.
• We will introduce stronger consumer protections, including measures to end unfair bank and financial transaction charges.
• We will take forward measures to enhance customer service in the private and public sectors.
• We will increase households’ control over their energy costs by ensuring that energy bills provide information on how to move to the cheapest tariff offered by their supplier, and how each household’s energy usage compares to similar households.
• We will seek to extend protection and support to ‘off-grid’ energy consumers.
• We will seek to spread information on which policing techniques and sentences are most effective at cutting crime across the Criminal Justice System.
• We will have a full review of the terms and conditions for police officer employment.
• We will make hospitals share non-confidential information with the police so they know where gun and knife crime is happening and can target stop-and-search in gun and knife crime hot spots.
• We will promote better recording of hate crimes against disabled, homosexual and transgender people, which are frequently not centrally recorded.
• We will review the operation of the Extradition Act – and the US/UK extradition treaty – to make sure it is even-handed.
• We will maintain the independence of the BBC, and give the National Audit Office full access to the BBC’s accounts to ensure transparency.
• We will maintain free entry to national museums and galleries, and give national museums greater freedoms.
• We will examine the case for moving to a ‘gross profits tax’ system for the National Lottery, and reform the National Lottery so that more money goes into sport, the arts and heritage.
• We will use cash in dormant betting accounts to improve local sports facilities and support sports clubs.
• We will cut red tape to encourage the performance of more live music.
• We will look at whether there is scope to refurbish Armed Forces’ accommodation from efficiencies within the Ministry of Defence.
• We will support defence jobs through exports that are used for legitimate purposes, not internal repression, and will work for a full international ban on cluster munitions.
• We will hold a full Spending Review reporting this autumn, following a fully consultative process involving all tiers of government and the private sector.
• We will push for the EU to demonstrate leadership in tackling international climate change, including by supporting an increase in the EU emission reduction target to 30% by 2020.
• We will introduce measures to promote a huge increase in energy from waste through anaerobic digestion.
• We will refuse permission for additional runways at Gatwick and Stansted.
• We will replace Air Passenger Duty with a per-flight duty.
• We will work towards an ambitious global climate deal that will limit emissions and explore the creation of new international sources of funding for the purpose of climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• We will work towards full compliance with European Air Quality standards.
• We will investigate measures to help with fuel costs in remote rural areas, starting with pilot schemes.
• We will extend the right to request flexible working to all employees, consulting with business on how best to do so.
• We will undertake a fair pay review in the public sector to implement our proposed ‘20 times’ pay multiple.
• We will press for the European Parliament to have only one seat, in Brussels.
• We will maintain the goal of ending child poverty in the UK by 2020.
• We will reform the administration of tax credits to reduce fraud and overpayments.
• We will publish serious case reviews, with identifying details removed.
• We will regulate lobbying through introducing a statutory register of lobbyists and ensuring greater transparency.
• We will end the detention of children for immigration purposes.
• We support E-borders and will reintroduce exit checks.
• We will explore new ways to improve the current asylum system to speed up the processing of applications.
• We will support efforts to establish an International Arms Trade Treaty to limit the sales of arms to dangerous regimes.
• We will review what action can be taken against ‘vulture funds’.
• We will support reform of global financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in order to increase the involvement of developing nations.
• We will explore alternative forms of secure, treatment-based accommodation for mentally ill and drugs offenders.
• We will urgently review Control Orders, as part of a wider review of counter-terrorist legislation, measures and programmes. We will seek to find a practical way to allow the use of intercept evidence in court.
• We will ensure that there is a stronger voice for patients locally through directly elected individuals on the boards of their local primary care trust (PCT). The remainder of the PCT’s board will be appointed by the relevant local authority or authorities, and the Chief Executive and principal officers will be appointed by the Secretary of State on the advice of the new independent NHS board. This will ensure the right balance between locally accountable individuals and technical expertise.
• We will give every patient the right to choose to register with the GP they want, without being restricted by where they live.
• We will make the NHS work better by extending best practice on improving discharge from hospital, maximising the number of day care operations,
• reducing delays prior to operations, and where possible enabling community access to care and treatments.
• We will prioritise dementia research within the health research and development budget.
• We will seek to stop foreign healthcare professionals working in the NHS unless they have passed robust language and competence tests.
• Doctors and nurses need to be able to use their professional judgement about what is right for patients and we will support this by giving front-line staff more control of their working environment.
• We will encourage NHS organisations to work better with their local police forces to clamp down on anyone who is aggressive and abusive to staff.
• We will restore the earnings link for the basic state pension from April 2011, with a ‘triple guarantee’ that pensions are raised by the higher of earnings, prices or 2.5%.
• We will commit to establishing an independent commission to review the long-term affordability of public sector pensions, while protecting accrued rights.
• We will explore the potential to give people greater flexibility in accessing part of their personal pension fund early.
• We will establish five-year fixed-term Parliaments. We will put a binding motion before the House of Commons stating that the next general election will be held on the first Thursday of May 2015. Following this motion, we will legislate to make provision for fixed-term Parliaments of five years. This legislation will also provide for dissolution if 55% or more of the House votes in favour.
• We will bring forward a Referendum Bill on electoral reform, which includes provision for the introduction of the Alternative Vote in the event of a positive result in the referendum, as well as for the creation of fewer and more equal sized constituencies. We will whip both Parliamentary parties in both Houses to support a simple majority referendum on the Alternative Vote, without prejudice to the positions parties will take during such a referendum.
• We will review the control and use of accumulated and future revenues from the Fossil Fuel Levy in Scotland.
• We will fund a significant premium for disadvantaged pupils from outside the schools budget by reductions in spending elsewhere.
• We will help schools tackle bullying in schools, especially homophobic bullying.
• We will simplify the regulation of standards in education and target inspection on areas of failure.
• We will ensure that all new Academies follow an inclusive admissions policy. We will work with faith groups to enable more faith schools and facilitate inclusive admissions policies in as many of these schools as possible.
• We will reform Access to Work, so disabled people can apply for jobs with funding already secured for any adaptations and equipment they will need.
• We will increase the personal allowance for income tax to help lower and middle income earners. We will announce in the first Budget a substantial increase in the personal allowance from April 2011, with the benefits focused on those with lower and middle incomes.
• We will further increase the personal allowance to £10,000, making real terms steps each year towards meeting this as a longer-term policy objective. We will prioritise this over other tax cuts, including cuts to Inheritance Tax.
• We will reform the taxation of air travel by switching from a per-passenger to a per-plane duty, and will ensure that a proportion of any increased revenues over time will be used to help fund increases in the personal allowance.
• We will seek ways of taxing non-business capital gains at rates similar or close to those applied to income, with generous exemptions for entrepreneurial business activities.
• We will make every effort to tackle tax avoidance, including detailed development of Liberal Democrat proposals.
• We will review the taxation of non-domiciled individuals.
• We are committed to fair pricing for rail travel.
• We will ensure that public funding mechanisms for university research safeguard its academic integrity.

NOTE: This was originally posted on the Split Horizons Blog.