District and County Councillors’ Report

Village Roads and Safety

We are working with Meldreth Parish Council on matters of road safety and seeking assistance from our district and county councils. It has been upsetting to witness vehicle collision accidents over the course of the summer.

Update on Transport Schemes

There is lots happening at the moment, so we thought we’d give a more detailed report. The following schemes come from a mix of local government bodies, starting with the Greater Cambridge Partnership (which is due to meet on 28th September). Further down we provide some context for the maze of decisionmaking.

Melbourn Greenway – walking and cycling links between Cambridge and Royston Meldreth Station to Melbourn path improvements: detailed design work is now being undertaken with matters such as lighting being worked out (what’s needed and how will it work?). Construction is due next spring.

Melbourn to Royston A10 off-road path and bridge: the GCP is recommending that this should now be delivered. It is recognised that this would be transformational in providing cheap, clean and healthy transport along this busy stretch. Funding comes from central government and is earmarked for transport infrastructure. Contributions have also come from local business and Hertfordshire local authorities.

Foxton Travel Hub: The recommendation is that this project be paused. A reprioritisation of schemes has been required, following reductions in the value of funds due to inflation.

‘Making Connections’: As we’ve reported previously, this scheme is about increased funding for bus services tied to a new Cambridge city road charging scheme. Proposals have been considerably reshaped following last year’s public consultation, with road charging windows reduced and exemptions/free days increased.

The premise of the scheme is firstly to reduce congestion in Cambridge, thereby allowing buses to run freely and on schedule; and to create a new model of funding for those services. If sufficiently advanced, the scheme could evolve to bring integrated ticketing (so just one ticket for one journey, regardless of changes), a network of bus links to rail stations and other improvements - for example evening and Sunday services.

In addition to opportunities, there are risks associated with not taking the Making Connections scheme forward, including the viability of the Local Plan, in which significant growth is supported by transport systems designed for a growing population. The GCP meeting on 28th September is due to consider these.

Opinion has been divided largely due to the proposed road charge aspect of the scheme. Support for better bus services is strong. These are not easy choices and there are no magic solutions.

Bus Network Review and Tools for Improving Public Transport

The Combined Authority is currently reviewing all the bus services for which it provides basic financial support in the form of public subsidy. These are services where no commercial operator has come forward, but which are deemed essential – indeed national bus policy has since the 1980s been based on private commercial bus services, with local authorities stepping in as and where they can to serve otherwise isolated areas.

The 26 service connecting Royston-Melbourn-Cambridge looks set to continue next financial year, but the frequency of the service is unlikely to improve due to funding constraints. Meanwhile the 17 connecting Meldreth to Melbourn and Royston (Meldreth’s only bus service) has been marked for further review. We have made representations about the lifeline nature of the 17 for those who depend on it. This includes people who are less mobile or who rely on using their bus passes to keep travel affordable.

Who Are These Local Government Organisations?

The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) comes from one of several ‘city deals’ signed by central government in 2014. It is worth up to £500 M in funding to 2030 for infrastructure improvements to boost economic growth. It’s comprised of South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridge City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council elected representatives who hold voting powers; plus representatives of the business and university communities, who are part the legal agreement.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CA) was formed in 2017, as a national government initiative agreed by a majority vote at the respective councils. The CA became the Local Transport Authority, taking over from the County Council. Meanwhile the County Council remains the Local Highway Authority. The CA is led by the Mayor and its committees are made up of councillors representing Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Within this mix, the GCP delivers significant transport infrastructure projects for the Greater Cambridge area. Strategic planning and decisions about publicly supported bus services and road charging can only be taken by the Local Transport Authority (CA) and the Local Highway Authority (County Council), respectively.

Free School Meals

Take-up of free school meals in Cambridgeshire has increased by 52% in the last three years as living standards in the UK continue to fall. 21% of all children in Cambridgeshire now qualify for the ‘pupil premium’ schools receive for children from low-income households. Details and criteria at can be found on the Cambridgeshire County Council website, or please contact us.

Biodiversity and Green Spaces

The County Council is continuing to work with its partners to develop its Local Nature Recovery Strategy but is still waiting for the Government to carry out its national launch so that we can organise our own local launch. Survey work is ongoing for the council’s Biodiversity Strategy. National Highways is developing a strategy to replant the many trees that died after planting along the A14. 162,000 plants have been ordered, and replanting is on course to start in October.

Council Tax Collection Rates

Government figures show South Cambridgeshire District Council collected 99.2% of the Council Tax funds it was due to in the 2022/23 financial year, compared to the England average rate of 96.8%.

As a result, South Cambridgeshire District Council is the joint top performing District Council out of almost 320 tax-collecting authorities in England. South Cambridgeshire District Council collects Council Tax on behalf of the Police Service, the Fire Service, County Council, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Parish and Town Councils.

District Councils are responsible for council tax collection for all local authorities; their piece of the pie is about 9%. For the average band D house, South Cambridgeshire District Council retains £165 a year from the whole Council Tax bill.

The Government figures also show that South Cambridgeshire District Council collected 98.2% of the Business Rates that it was due to collect from local companies during the 2022/23 financial year – a total of £92,053,000.

Support is available if residents are struggling to meet Council Tax payments. Please visit the South Cambridgeshire District Council website for details.

This year the Council sent out over 63,000 Council Tax letters by post at a cost of nearly £33,500. Registering for an online account would help the Council spend more on vital services rather than paying for postage. South Cambridgeshire residents can also sign-up to receive their Council Tax bill online.

Zoom Cuppa – Your Questions or Concerns

We hold a Zoom Cuppa surgery on Monday afternoons, or can meet or talk with you at a time that’s convenient. Please contact us any time and we’ll do our best to answer your questions or concerns.

Meldreth Plant Hire

TEL: 01763 262738

DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE.

WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK

Moorlands Court

Over 60? Feeling a bit lonely?

Why not try our Day Centre?

 Meet up for a chat and lunch?

 Our Day Centre is comfortable, friendly and easily accessed.

 Open Tuesday to Friday every week.

 Transport can be arranged.

Why not give us a call?

To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk

Take Charge and Be Safe!

Following some recent very serious fires, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to Take Charge and Be Safe by keeping in mind some simple steps when using electrical devices, especially those with lithium-ion batteries.

E-scooters and E-bikes

Simple tips can help reduce the risk of overheating a battery. Please see our safety advice at www.cambsfire.gov.uk/community-safety/take -charge-and-be-safe/e-bikes-and-e-scooters or scan the QR code.

Bedtime Routine

Many fires in the home start at night while people are asleep. A bedtime routine is a great way to help you and your family stay fire safe in your home. By following a few simple tips you can prevent a fire from happening or, if one does break out, stop it from spreading. See our four tips or watch a video on our website: https://www.cambsfire.gov.uk/community-safety/take-charge-and-besafe/bedtime-routine or scan the QR code.

For more on our Take Charge and Be Safe campaign, including advice when purchasing batteries, please visit our website: www.cambsfire.gov.uk/communitysafety/take-charge-and-be-safe.

MCCS – The Hub and FoodBank – Funding For Year 2

As we approach the first anniversary of the re-launch of the Meldreth FoodBank and the establishment of the Meldreth Hub it is time to review funding. Both initiatives have been welcomed by those who benefit and, most importantly of all, we thank the volunteers who sustain the service and continue to donate their time and energy to make things happen.

The Hub received funding from NHS budgets delivered by Cambridge ACRE. For Year 2 at the Hub we have built up provision from which we will fund our second year of operation.

The FoodBank was launched at a time, last year, when we feared the worst over inflation and fuel bills. The demand quickly emerged and, as we might expect, the FoodBank requires continued funding to replenish stocks for the 50+ people from Meldreth who rely on the service. From launch we ‘spread the net’ for contributions and have seen funds from individual gifts, the Parish Council, local companies at Christmas and Tesco but we have also had to use MCCS reserves. Our reserves are now exhausted and we have to replace these funds if we are to continue into 2024.

We learn that the churches here and in Melbourn, have kindly agreed to donate the proceeds of the Harvest Festival to the FoodHub and the food collection boxes at the Church and on the High Street remain available for donations.

We still need more and we are launching a crowdfunding appeal, open until Christmas, at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/MCCS2024.

Please help if you can. Drop-in to the sessions on Tuesday (9.00-3.00pm) or Thursday (12.00-3.00pm) at Elin Way Community Centre. Approach the volunteers, go to the website or contact the MCCS Treasurer on 07808 23873.

Thank you.

Roger James Meldreth Cares Community Support

MCCS – Community Support

MCCS is pleased to be coordinating the Meldreth Food Bank and Meldreth Village Hub.

Huge thanks to everyone who is supporting these initiatives, whether through volunteering and warm welcomes, or donations of daily basics to the collection box outside 62 High Street, or cash support from individuals and groups (please contact MCCS Treasurer Roger James 07808 235873). Behind the scenes, invaluable support has been received from our Parish and District Councils. Core funding initiative for the Warm Hubs comes from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System (our local NHS).

Our Neighbourhood Zone Leaders are always on hand for a friendly chat by telephone and to help locate the support you’re looking for. Their telephone numbers are below.

Kneesworth Rd, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane:

Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838

Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: David Hollamby, 07732 106828

Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose, Marys Way, Westacre:

John Crawforth, 07595 627684

High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard and Road:

Lindsey McCaig, 07884 432345

Bell Close and Gables Close:

Cathy Walston, 07757 086380

North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm:

Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 and Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

County and District Councillors Susan van de Ven, Jose Hales, Sally Ann Hart and all at the MCCS team

Litter Picker Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118

Neighbourhood Watch Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358

One Stop

Village Hall Bookings

Village Hall Chairman

Cycling Group

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days

Julia Moore—meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com or 07403 462198

David Coton—07749 850026

John Rogger—(01763) 260809

Local History Group (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

Lunch Club Nikki & Julie—07599 292327

Melwood Cons. Group (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk

Photographic Group www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440

U3A Nicole Searle—(01763) 269561

Bowls Club Christine Piper Hatch—(01223) 263266

Croquet Club Janet Pope—(01763) 248239

Table Tennis Christine Knight—(01763) 261676

Tennis Club

(01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Vicar Rev Andrew Birks (from 1/11/23)

Bells Sandra Webb—(01763) 261451

Ian Mitchell (Friends) 07726 936635; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Julia Moore—07403 462198

Brownies (1st Meldreth) Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com

Guides (1st Meldreth) Email: 1stmeldrethguides@gmail.com

Hartbeeps Kelly@hartbeeps.com

Meldreth Rainbows 1stmeldrethrainbows@gmail.com

Pre– and Primary School (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council

District Councillors

Please see details at end of Parish Council report

Jose Hales—07703 262649; Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303

District Council Offices 01954 713000; www.scambs.gov.uk/

County Councillor

Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 https://susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/

County Council Offices 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/

MP Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/

Station Ticket Office Hours: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.15pm

User Group 07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk Govia/Great Northern www.thameslinkrailway.com

Potholes, problems,Highways etc. http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/ Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx or in an emergency tel 0345 045 5212

Streetlights (faulty) Report on SCDC website. For urgent faults use (01954) 713000 - Mon-Fri, 8am-5.30pm. Out of office hours: (01354) 65432. Give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

Community Support for Dementia Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299

706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk Crimestoppers 0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org Police 101; www.cambs.police.uk

S Cambs Fire & Rescue (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Melbourn Hub (01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Taxis (01763) 0250811

For details of village groups & facilities see the Meldreth Today section www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge;

Distribution: Lesley Pemberton 07798586875 and Maggie Smith 260378; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters

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Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

Licensed bar

Hall available for private hire for any occasion (compe ve rates)

Snooker room, Pool table

Large children's outdoor ac vity area

Petanque pistes

Football pitches, changing rooms

Entertainments

1st Friday of the month

Melbourn Rock Club

One Saturday a month

Melbourn Rock Club

Rock and Roll Night

Every Thursday night

Eternit bingo—starts 7.30pm

Local gig venue

Big charity events during the year

Motorcycle Rally - Air Ambulance - Mini Chill weekend - Camping - Local Chari es

Club Charity - LUPUS