Aug 2021

From Councillor Saqib Farooq Write Away

I was truly humbled and honoured to have been selected as your ward councillor for Glinton and Castor at this year’s May local elections.

As some of you will know, I am a local resident of the ward myself, and wanted nothing more than to represent our concerns and our priorities at city council level. And to have the opportunity to do so is a responsibility I will always carry out to the best of my ability. As a first-time candidate, in unprecedented times, I particularly enjoyed engaging with residents at the door (albeit with restrictions in place!). Here I was able to hear your concerns both ward and city wide, and able to work with my colleague, good friend and co-ward councillor Peter Hiller on solutions. During my campaign, I also had the privilege of meeting many wonderful people, who do extraordinary volunteer work in our community. From grasscutting at local church yards to community litter picks, these volunteers form the heart of our community and we are all so grateful for your efforts. Once restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so, I will also be hosting regular surgeries throughout all villages in our rural ward (details to be posted on the Village Tribune Facebook

page). Not only would this give me the opportunity to get to know some of you better, but it will also be an opportunity to improve our community, and continue to make it a wonderful place to live. I have had the pleasure of being part of this community for a number of years now, but now hopefully in my capacity as ward councillor I can do more. I thank you once again, and look forward to working with you all to continue to make our ward a great place to live, work and start a family. Please know that Peter and I are always reachable for any concerns you may have at saqib. farooq@peterborough.gov.uk and peter.hiller@peterborough.gov.uk. From Churchwarden Veronica Smith Write Away @ I believe there has been a considerable amount of misunderstanding and controversy concerning the Churchyard of St. Benedict’s which has appeared as a wildlife meadow for the past few months.

As I do not have a Facebook account it is left to others to inform me of the local concern in this matter.

Perhaps I should have printed an exploratory notice for the church notice board (which I am informed is never read) Please allow me as sole churchwarden for another term to explain the reasons for the height of grass (which has been applauded by some!). Firstly our usual Team from the Cambridgeshire Probation Service are unable (yes the name Covid 19 safe rears its head again)and may not be able to resume this service in the future.

Secondly obtaining quotes from a contractor flagged up £500 per cut!Well out of the church budget with virtually no/reduction in giving like so many places of worship,sports and leisure venues we are not alone....However I am hugely grateful to those volunteers who set up a working party 15 June to rectify this ongoing issue. Please contact me with any ideas and offers of help. Please support any fundraising events we have on the diary. This village is loved and supported by many let us work together to this aim. T villagetribune 13