It has been a productive month at the District Council, with the rollout of our new waste service starting from 1st June. This will see black wheelie bins, continued free garden waste bins as well as the food waste service now mandated by Government.
We also recently commenced a Public Space Protection Order to tackle dangerous and antisocial driving, agreed the policy for the District’s beautiful new Bereavement Centre, and awarded the last of our Sports Facilities Grant money.
One of the main issues I am contacted about is planning. Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework are taking away the right of local people to a clear say in planning decisions, especially with battery storage facilities like the one proposed near Wicken.
We have been working hard to keep communities involved in planning applications and to ensure that they are paired with sufficient infrastructure. The increased housing targets are a challenge, as if we don’t meet them, our local planning rules can be discarded.
I am always keen to hear residents’ views on how East Cambs should look in future.
I was relieved when the A142 and Downfields Roundabout were finally repaired, but the state of our roads remains unacceptable. I am pushing the County Council to fund our road repairs properly, but in the meantime, please always email me or other councillors and we will push the issue hard until our roads get fixed.
I also recently had the opportunity to question the Mayor, Paul Bristow, about the future of bus services in rural areas and about the alarming rise in youth unemployment. His authority is undertaking a strategy to get young people off to a good start in life, which is absolutely essential, as expenses only rise when you get older. The skills hub in Soham, partnered with West Suffolk College, is another welcome boost to this effort.
I am always available for a chat via lucius.vellacott@eastcambs.gov.uk.
