John has produced two reports – the one below and a substantial collection of County Council briefing notes, which can be uploaded by going to the 'Attached' section at the bottom of this page
Council facilities' opening times over Christmas – use these links to check opening times:
Cambridgeshire County Council – offices.
South Cambridgeshire District Council – refuse collection.
South Cambridgeshire District Council – recycle centres.
Improvements for cyclists in south Cambridgeshire
Residents and commuters in south Cambridgeshire will be reaping the benefits of the County Council’s success in winning £4.1 million from the government’s Cycle City Ambition Fund next year.
Plans are underway for three new cycle links to business parks in South Cambridgeshire providing better access to employment and training, and a boost to the local economies:
• 1.6 km from Boxworth End, Swavesey to Buckingway Business Park and
over the A14 to Cambridge Services.
• 2.5 km alongside the A1307 between Wandlebury Country Park and the
Babraham Research Campus, creating a continuous cycle link to the
Park and Ride site and into Cambridge.
• 2.7 km path along the A505 to provide a continuous link from
Whittlesford Station to Granta Park.
Where possible, all the new cycleways will be 2.5m wide, shared-use for two-way cycling and walking, and separated from the road by a 1m wide grass verge.
The Swavesey path will be available for horse riders as it links to bridleways in the area. The total cost of the schemes is £1.7 million. Construction work is due to begin on the first of the paths in February and all three are expected to be completed by early summer.
Local County Councillor John Reynolds, said: “The focus of the Cycle City Ambition Fund is to create good quality cycle links to employment areas in South Cambridgeshire and provide segregated lanes on the main roads into Cambridge.
"It’s great to see the County's ambitions being recognised by central government and to see local people and businesses benefit.
"The Council has been working closely with businesses on these schemes – indeed the Babraham Research Campus is contributing £200,000 to the project as part of a larger investment from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to generate economic growth and create jobs.
For more information on the schemes, go to www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/cycling.
Mechanical Biological Treatment plant working again
The Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) plant at AmeyCespa's Waterbeach site is once again processing all of the county's black bag household waste – as it has been from earlier this autumn, with the tonnage gradually increasing to ensure it is operating as it should.
AmeyCespa report it has replaced the turning machinery which failed in September 2012 and also taken the opportunity to make improvements to the mechanical treatment element of the plant. The machine was built by guided busway builder BAM Nuttall.
Local County Councillor John Reynolds, said: "Naturally, we are pleased the MBT plant is processing waste again – AmeyCespa worked very hard with their contractors to carry out significant work to bring the facility back into operation.
"It is important to remember despite the breakdown, the robust contract we have in place meant the County Council and local Council Tax payers were protected from any additional costs incurred.
The MBT plant is a key element of AmeyCespa's 28-year PFI contract with Cambridgeshire County Council. It processes waste put out in black bins across Cambridgeshire, using a range of technology to remove any recyclable materials before sending the remaining waste to biodegrade. This reduces the amount of household waste going to landfill by at least 50 per cent.
The Cambridge News report has more detail.
Gamlingay First School good across the board
Gamlingay First School has been rated ‘good’ across the board by inspectors from OfSTED – the Office for Standards in Education.
The team rated all areas as good, including the achievement of pupils, the quality of teaching, the behaviour of pupils and the leadership and management of the school.
“Teaching is typically good and is sometimes outstanding, ensuring that pupils learn quickly and are keen to learn. There is a good pace to learning, and teachers make good use of resources to bring subjects alive,” said inspectors.
Much more on this on the County Council's website.
A14 announcement welcomed – now we want action
The County Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council have welcomed the news plans to impose a toll on the A14 to help pay for the road’s improvement have been scrapped by the Government – and the decision will not delay the 2016 start, especially as the councils will continue to work with the Department for Transport to ensure the project does not slip.
Local County Councillor John Reynolds, said: “This is very good news. This vital scheme had been dropped and it was not until we and our partners put pressure on the Government that it was put back on the agenda and is now moving forward. We have always been clear we did not accept the principle of tolling but were told by Government this was the only way it would be funded.
Councillor Ray Manning, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "We never supported tolling to deliver the upgrade and the decision to scrap it shows we were correct to work with the Government and press them on behalf of our taxpayers. Being at the table has made the Government listen and now need to make sure the promised action in 2016 happens."
Andrew Lansley, MP for South Cambridgeshire, also welcolmed the news. “Locally, we were already contributing funds towards the scheme through the Local Enterprise Partnership," he said, "so with plans for a road-user toll it did feel as though we were being asked to contribute twice.
"The news that the Government will now meet the additional cost from central funding will be welcome to local authorities and residents in South Cambridgeshire – and whereas both the previous Labour Government and the Liberal Democrats in Cambridge opposed the scheme, this Government has made a commitment to getting this project off the ground.
“The A14 upgrade is a crucial for our region, and I am pleased the project can now proceed without delay.”
However, while the Government remains committed to beginning construction work on the upgrade before the end of 2016, the road is unlikely to be open to traffic until the end of the decade.
Road repairs and improvements in Cottenham
A £150,000 project on safety and surface improvements to Cottenham High Street got underway on 9 December with the promise of working hours restricted to between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm to avoid the peak periods and limit traffic disruption.
Traffic, controlled by traffic lights and a reduced speed limit, should ensure access to homes and businesses at all times. The work wais expected to take around 10 days to complete.
Council helps put small businesses on level playing field
Steps taken to help smaller businesses compete equally with larger ones for Council contracts of up to £100,000 have been endorsed by the Federation of Small Businesses.
The move is part of Cambridgeshire County Council's drive to boost the local economy by ensuring smaller and local businesses have more opportunities to win contracts.
Unlike larger businesses, smaller enterprises often don't have the resources and in house expertise to complete bids for large contracts. Over the last year the Council has reduced the threshold for advertising contracts from £20,000 to £10,000. This means more contacts of a lower value are being advertised on the Source Cambridgeshire site which are likely to be appealing to smaller and local businesses.
The Council now only goes to tender for contracts worth over £100,000 in total value, meaning that for contracts of a lower value, the more resource friendly quoting process is used. The Council also require that at least one local quote should always be obtained when procuring under £100,000.
Local County Councillor John Reynolds, said: "The County Council is committed to helping and supporting business to boost our economy. The Council contracts for many services and products, so it is right we get best value and small businesses have an equal chance of competing for this work.
"We have worked closely with the Federation of Small Business and other organisations to improve the way we do things to make it easier for companies to bid for contracts. This is part of the County Council's priority of making sure the money we spend goes further and helps the wider community."
eBooks upgrade for Cambridgeshire libraries
Cambridgeshire Library users will notice some improvements to the eBook service next time they use it.
A recent upgrade has given a new look and feel to the eBook service search facility and navigation - making it much easier to use. There's now quick catalogue access meaning customers do not need to login to browse titles and the option to preview a title before downloading it.
Customers can also create a wish list of favourite titles and access a link to Project Gutenberg which offers over 40,000 free eBooks to download.
Local County Councillor John Reynolds, said "Many of these improvements have been the result of customer feedback – and we'd really encourage our library users to keep providing their comments. The eBook service is free to use if you are a library member and you can download eBooks onto your computer, eBook reader, tablet or smartphone."
More information can be found at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/libraries.
Draft budget proposals set out tough times ahead
The draft report warns that there are no easy solutions to meet the savings and that some services will need to be cut or reduced as the Council has already saved £74 million in the last two years.
It suggests that the Council sticks to its already agreed plan and, like other authorities across the country, increases Council Tax by 1.99 per cent to help protect
There is much more detail in John's original report – use this link to download a coopy of his Word file.
Kick winter into touch with our keep warm tips
The County Council and the NHS are reminding residents to keep warm as the county braces itself for the arrival of winter.
During the winter months, some people may be more at risk of poorer health than others. In Cambridgeshire alone, there are around an additional 250 deaths linked to cold weather.
Cold weather is a particular risk for the health of older more frail people, for those with heart and breathing difficulties or an on-going illness.
Icy ground is a problem as it can lead to slips and falls that might cause broken bones. Local people should also keep an eye out for neighbours who they feel are at risk.
Five top tips to keep the home warm, to help manage bills and to stay healthy
1. Heat the home well.
The living room should be 21°C (70°F), and bedrooms and the rest of the
house 18°C (65°F). Above these temperatures and you may be wasting
money – below and there is a risk health.
2. Get financial support.
There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make the
home more energy efficient, improve the heating or help with bills.
3. Eat well and have plenty of fluids.
Food and water are vital sources of energy; they help keep your body
warm. You should make sure you and your family have hot meals and
drinks regularly throughout the day.
4. Get a flu jab.
Certain groups can get a free flu jabs to protect against seasonal flu,
including the over 65s, pregnant women, people with an on-going illness
or if someone is the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
5. Look after yourself and others.
On cold days, try to avoid going outside. If you do need to venture out,
wrap up warm and take care on slippery surfaces. Look out for an older
neighbour or relative to make sure they are safe and well.
Consultation launched on reshaping of children’s centres
A consultation was launched last month on plans to change the way services are delivered from Children’s Centres across Cambridgeshire – Cambridgeshire County Council currently funds 40 individual Children’s Centres throughout the county.
The proposal is to move to a ‘cluster’ based arrangement, whereby each cluster would collectively provide a range of services previously provided by each individual Centre.
Crack down on selfish drivers who block bus lanes
Councillors are set to discuss plans to crack down on inconsiderate drivers who break the law by blocking bus lanes, stopping emergency services and risking the safety of cyclists.
Encouraging people to use public transport and cycling is an important element in reducing congestion and helping people move around the County. Last year, Cambridgeshire saw around 19 million bus trips (source not given!) – the majority in and around Cambridge.
10 years on: too many drivers still use phones illegally
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership is urging drivers not to use their phones while driving – the 1st December marking ten years since the introduction of a fixed penalty ticket for drivers using a hand-held phone.
Since the introduction of the £30 fixed penalty ticket in 2003, the penalties have been increased twice, first, in 2007, to include three points and a £60 fine, followed by the fine rising to £100 earlier this year.
Slam the door on rogue traders
A new campaign has been launched to encourage residents in South Cambridgeshire to slam the door on rogue traders who have been operating in the district.
Cambridgeshire County Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshire Police have joined forces to highlight the work of the criminal gangs who target homes in the villages – particularly focussing in on the older or more vulnerable members of the community.
Anyone who suspects a rogue trader has or is operating in their area should contact:
Crimestoppers or on 0800 555 111.
Call the police on 101 or 999.
Or notify the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 08454 040 506.
MORE INFORMATION
There is more detail on some of the above in John's original report – use this link to download a coopy of his Word file.
Contact John Reynolds
County Councillor John Reynolds
4 Holly Trees
Bar Hill
Cambridge
CB23 8SF
T 01954 200 571
F 01954 200 571
M 07720 379699
E john.reynolds@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Contact Cambridgeshire County Council
- Phone 0345 045 520.
- Fax 01480 376748.
- Minicom 01480 376743 (NB same number as the District Council).
- E-mail info@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
- Website www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
Follow Cambridgeshire County Council on
- Facebook – www.facebook.com/CambridgeshireCC.
- Twitter – www.twitter.com/CambsCC.
Your local County and District Councillors
- County Council – list of all councillors.
- District Council – list of all councillors.