Twenty is plenty in the City Centre, but not in King's Hedges...

The new 20mph limits in parts of the City Centre is a welcome sign that the County Council are perhaps becoming more flexible in their previously rather rigid approach to speed limits.

However they are still only willing to put in such limits where the speed of the traffic is already below that limit: basically where there is less need to do so.

As a result Northfield Avenue remains off the list of possible reduced limits. This is despite the decision of the City and County's Joint Committee to look at possible options in February 2008.

(Picture shows Andy on Northfield Avenue)

King's Hedges primary planning application

Another planning application with a connection to a local Councillor! This time it's me who is connected as a governor of King's Hedges Primary school on Northfield Avenue.

As part of a very exciting project to support the learning of speech and language they have put in a planning application for the "Erection of language centre with decking area and ramp". The application number is 09/1131/FUL.

As always more details on the proposal can be obtained from Development Control at the City Council. The plans can be seen at City Homes offices on Arbury Road, or other places. See the how to look in person section of the City Council site for more details.

Northfield Avenue petition

Just a reminder that if you would like to see action on Northfield Avenue to make it safer for local residents then you can sign our petition online.

"20 is Plenty" Petition for Northfield Avenue

Following on from our Residents Survey along and around Northfield Avenue it became clear there was clear community support for something to be done to reduce speeding, especially outside the Primary School.

To demonstrate this support to the Conservative Run County Council I've created a Petition to introduce a 20mph Speed Limit on Northfield Avenue. A form for this Petition will be included in the next "Focus on Kings Hedges" issue (due soon). To kick things off the form is also available online at;

http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/northfieldave

You will also have the opportunity on the website to sign-up for Notifications from this campaign.

The recent announcements by the Government has led to the County Council considering changes in some parts of the city (see this Cambridge News article). This change is very welcome and suggests that the County Council might be willing to listen.

Please sign up so we can get a sensible limit in King's Hedges!

County council ignores pleas for action to save lives

The whole team here fear someone will be killed in the King’s Hedges area unless the county council changes its priorities to include the safety of city residents.

The Conservative run Cambridgeshire County Council has refused our ideas for cutting drivers’ speed on King’s Hedges Road. Speeding drivers are also putting lives at risk in the Northfield Avenue area.

Yet again, there's been two crashes on King's Hedges Road, supports our fight for traffic calming measures.

Councillor Mike Pitt said: “All the ideas I have put forward to try to cut speed and save lives on this road have been turned down by the county council.
“It is only a matter of time before someone dies on this dangerous stretch of road and yet the county council seems oblivious to that fact. Its priorities have been set up to exclude Cambridge city residents and their concerns for safety.”
Mike has suggested better signage, temporary or fixed speed cameras, painting the 30mph limit on the road and even moving the 30mph sign at the Histon Road end to make it more visible, and all of these have been turned down.

Campaigner, Andy Pellew has also been fighting for traffic calming measures in the area. He wants to see action taken in Northfield Avenue especially on the stretch between King’s Hedges Primary School, The Red Hen House and The Ship.

He said: “There have been accidents on this road and traffic regularly speeds along this stretch. I believe it is only a matter of time before there is another serious accident.
“The county council must start listening to the people of Cambridge and realise that speeding traffic in this area is a real threat.”

Worried about speeding on Northfield Avenue, or anywhere in King's Hedges? Please get in touch!

Speeding/ Accidents on Northfield Avenue

First of all let me introduce myself, my name is Andy Pellew, I live locally and I'm campaigning to get some taffic calming measures implemented for Northfield Avenue - especially the stretch of road between King's Hedges Primary School, Red Hen House (part of the Red Hen Project), and The Ship. Many of us are aware of accidents or have witnessed speeding on this stretch of road and I believe it's important we do something before there is a serious incident.

Myself, Mike Pitt, and Neil McGovern have already begun speaking to local residents about this idea and I hope soon to start a petition to put before the council to make this road safer not only for local residents but for all users of this important road. Watch this space!

Planning Applications

There are a couple of planning applications in King's Hedges.

Firstly a single storey front extension in Haviland Way (reference number 09/0130/FUL).

Secondly an application by King's Hedges Primary to build a new cycle shelter (09/0133/FUL). In the interests of full disclosure I ought to mention that I am a governor at the school!

For more information on how to view and comment on the plans please go to the City Council Development Control page, or contact one of the team in the usual way.

Northfield Avenue Underpass Swept

At the weekend it was reported to me that the Northfield Avenue underpass was unpleasant and unsafe due to large amounts of leaf litter collecting in it. The matter was reported to the City Services helpdesk by phone.

This morning I was in the area so checked by and I was pleased to see that the footpath has been cleared.

If there is a problem with leaf fall, mud or litter then please let us know and we'll try to get it tidied up.

Northfield Avenue -- Cycle path proposals

I have just returned from the County-City Area Joint Committee for transport issues.

Thanks to a huge response from local residents, including a petition by the parents at King's Hedges Primary, the proposals to turn the footpath on Northfield Avenue into a shared use path has been rejected. I spoke against the path at the meeting, but the officers at the County Council had already listened to the massive feedback they had and withdrew the proposal!

The extra crossing on King's hedges Road is going ahead, which required the narrowing of the Northfield junction. This should improve safety on both roads by slowing traffic.

There is also the possibility that a 20mph limit will be introduced on Northfield Avenue, the road has enough traffic calming measures on it already to meet the county's rules. This would make Northfield Avenue a safer place to walk and cycle, which will be important when Arbury Park residents begin to use it to get to work and school.

Watch this space for news!

Northfield Avenue proposals

The County Council are proposing making changes to Northfield Avenue to calm traffic. More details on the changes can be found on the County Councils website.

I have concerns about the creation of a shared used cycle and footpath outside Kings' Hedges Primary which I have raised with the County's officers. There is a petition about this aspect, and if you contact me I can put you in touch with the organiser.

Please let me know your opinions on the scheme. It will be looked at by the Area Joint Committee at the end of January.