District and County Councillors’ Report

At the time of writing, it has been a relatively quiet summer. We hope you have had a good one.

Government Announcement on a Massive Expansion of Cambridge

It would be remiss of us not to mention the extraordinary announcement by Michael Gove of the expansion of the Cambridge area on a completely unprecedented scale.

Plans by the Government for a major expansion of dwellings, along with scientific research space, in and around Cambridge were leaked to the national press in mid July. None of the local authorities affected had been informed or consulted about these plans. A formal announcement was made by Mr Gove on the morning of Monday 24 July:

“Proposals will see Cambridge supercharged as Europe’s science capital, addressing constraints that have left the city with some of the most expensive property markets outside London, and companies fighting over extremely limited lab space and commercial property with prices that rival London, Paris and Amsterdam …”.

This is extremely significant news for our area, already struggling with water stress and huge transport deficits, as well as an acute shortage of affordable housing. The original leak referred to 250,000 additional homes in Cambridge. The announcement by Mr Gove neither repeated these numbers, nor offered any others. It was not specific about the geographical extent of the plans.

To our already five tiers of local government (Parish, District, Greater Cambridge Partnership, County, Mayoral Combined Authority) the announcement adds a sixth layer, to which it is unclear how the others will relate. Large amounts of work have already gone into development planning for Greater Cambridge (Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire) by the respective local councils, with a robust evidence base and following local consultation. More in due course, no doubt.

Anglian Water Remedial Works

Thank you to Anglian Water for tending to infrastructure problems in a residential part of the village. Please continue to let us know if you have any concerns, and we’ll do our best to liaise with Anglian Water.

Meldreth High Street

We are still working closely with the Highways department on the continuing need for something significant to repair the surface of the High Street. As previously reported, it has failed the test for surface treatment, both because of structural defects and because any added height to the surface would in many places bring the level of the road to pavement height, creating flood issues. Susan went out with staff from the Highways department to see a trial method of repair to a very similar stretch of road in Huntingdonshire, which has proven successful, and an application has been made for this to be done for Meldreth. We are hoping for a positive outcome and will keep you posted.

Road Markings at Whitecroft Road/Kneesworth Road/Fenny Lane Junction

These should be refreshed soon.

Neighbouring Village Speed Limit Reductions

Over the summer, Melbourn’s 20mph speed limit has been implemented, following a public consultation that indicated support for a consistent whole village zone. You’ll see the Station Road ‘gateway’ outside Sheen Mill. Meanwhile, Whaddon’s new 40mph has been implemented along the A1198 between Kneesworth and Whaddon Gap, with final infrastructure adaptations near the Barracks entry point and Whaddon Gap. The Bassingbourn 20mph zone was implemented last November.

Become a Mentor for Care Leavers

The County Council has an ongoing recruitment campaign for foster parents and now also a mentoring programme to support young people in mapping out life choices and strategies.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer mentor in Cambridgeshire for young care leavers, visit https://www.goal17.global/cam.

Zoom Cuppa Surgeries

We hold a Monday ‘Zoom Cuppa’ from 5.00-6.00pm every week. Please let Sally Ann know if you’d like to join and she’ll send you the link. Alternatively, contact us any time by email or telephone.

Station Ticket Office Closures

The rail industry’s very short July consultation on nationwide ticket office closures was extended, on the closing day, to 1st September. Unfortunately, this did not fit in with any local parish magazine editorial deadlines, meaning that we couldn’t share this with you on paper. However, we did write via email to all those on our Rail User Group list.

Our Rail User Group response to the consultation can be seen at www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk.

We emphasised that the new proposed arrangements make no convincing case concerning the exclusion of the one in ten passengers who currently rely on human beings at ticket offices to purchase their tickets, and for whom digital exclusion stands to disincentivise use of the railway – all at a time when public transport is still struggling to regain ridership post-Covid and when increasing digitalisation of public services is intensifying isolation for those who don’t use the internet or carry a smart phone.

Meanwhile on a more positive note, our three stations have looked lovely all summer – thanks due to the station garden volunteers who work 52 weeks per year to keep the flowerpots watered, which in turn seems to enthuse all station users to do their bit to maintain a well-looked after environment.

Please do choose to travel by train whenever you can!

Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove, Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership

Railusergroup@gmail.com or sarahgrove.msfcrp@gmail.com

Net Zero Now

Applications will open on Monday 11th September for another Net Zero Now course for residents of South Cambridgeshire. This is a free, six-week community climate action course designed to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to support your community on its journey to net zero. This challenge to net zero is a unique opportunity to build communities that are not just more sustainable but also healthier, happier and more resilient.

Run by Cambridge Carbon Footprint with the support of South Cambridgeshire District Council and the National Lottery Community Fund, Net Zero Now will give you the opportunity to connect with others working on community climate action in the area and discuss a range of themes.

Applications close on Sunday 8th October. To sign up, visit https:// cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/what-we-do/net-zero-now.

Alice Vodden Net Zero Now Coordinator

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

17 Bus Service

This bus runs Mondays to Saturdays from Guilden Morden via Steeple Morden, Litlington, Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Meldreth, Melbourn and Kneesworth to Royston and return.

The bus stops in Meldreth High Street (near the Stocks) at 10.20am and then makes several stops in Royston including Tesco at 10.35am before the last stop at Royston Bus Station at 10.49am. The return bus leaves Royston Bus Station at 1.10pm and Tesco at 1.21pm, arriving in Meldreth at 1.31pm.

Susan van de Ven