It’s a pleasure to enter my fourth year as District Councillor for Soham South and Wicken. One of the things I love most about this job is the range of activities you get to do, from hyperlocal problem solving to District-wide meetings to national representation.
Last month, we had our Annual Council meeting, where I was pleased to propose a Motion to support the full dualling of the A10, which passed. We also requested that our MP champion the issue of access to in-person banking in East Cambridgeshire.
Closer to home, we’ve had some brilliant community events. I was delighted to attend the Soham Carnival and the Wicken Beer Festival, and meet so many amazing people who keep our town and village going.
The arrival of the Knife Angel in Ely, organised by Soham Town Rangers, is a particularly moving highlight of the last month. Please do go and see it; it’s a poignant reminder of the horrors of knife crime and what we can do to prevent it.
There has been a rise in fly tipping as we enter the nicer weather, but I was pleased to have got the nasty one on the A1123 between Soham and Wicken cleared in less than 7 days.
Battling the County Council to get repairs to our roads is always fun, and in particular, the state of the cut-through down by the Linden Homes Development is not acceptable. Although I am pleased that Highways have fixed half of the road, I have requested to meet with the developer on site to discuss the issue.
I am also engaged with the Environment Agency and land agents regarding the worsening state of Soham Lode, particularly down at Angle Common. Last year, the EA kindly cleared the Lode following the risk of harm to local wildlife, a situation which is now repeating itself.
I am always available to assist wherever I can, just email lucius.vellacott@eastcambs.gov.uk.
