King's Hedges News

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T01:33:00.001Z

Just a quick to note to wish anyone reading this a happy and prosperous 2011.

... and to give another reminder that for up to date news from the King's Hedges team you should head over to the King's Hedges Focus blog.

Use the Focus

2010-07-01T11:42:00.002+01:00

Please use the Focus Blog for up to date info.

I've just disabled comments on the blog due to amount of spam that was coming for moderation.

News and update on the Focus Blog

2009-04-25T18:56:00.002+01:00

A reminder that news and update about the ward and your local Lib Dem team can be found at the King's Hedges Focus Blog.

Back to one blog

2009-03-29T20:40:00.001+01:00

We've decided to go back to a single blog after a year of working with two!

We've gone back to the single King's Hedges Focus blog. The news feed can be found here.

Comments on Gritting during cold spell

2009-02-23T18:20:00.003Z

To ensure that all the lessons of the ice and snow during the recent cold snap are learned, the Liberal Democrat group on the County Council are surveying people's experiences across the County.

The deadline for this is a meeting on March 25 when the LibDem's will push the County for better planning, and better provision for cyclists and pedestrians.

To ensure that an accurate picture is available at the meeting the LibDem's want to hear your experience of the response to the snow and ice, positive or negative. You can contribute at a new website, or if you'd rather email or call one of the local LibDem team in the usual way.

Tories Won't Face Residents

2009-02-16T14:31:00.003Z

For the second time one of the Conservative County Councillor's responsible for decisions that affect King's Hedges has refused to attend meetings open to the public in Cambridge.

The County Cabinet member for transport, Tory Matt Bradney and aleading officer have turned down the opportunity to answer questionsat the city's North Area Committee on March 19.

In part this is because they would have been challenged by residents on the decision not to allowthe bus to stop on Histon Road and Milton Road so that "it canprovide a fast reliable service with only limited stops" forpassengers living along the A14 corridor.

The only option for residents is to ask Councillor's to take questions to the closed County meetings.

This follows Tory Martin Curtis' refusal to answer questions on cuts to provision for vulnerable children in Cambridge.

Planning application in Turpyn Court

2009-02-16T14:29:00.001Z

There is an application for a "single storey rear extension" in Turpyn Court. The application reference number is 08/1476/FUL.

As ever more details can be obtained from development control at the City Council.

North Area Committee this week

2009-01-20T20:18:00.004Z

On Thursday this week (22 January) is the next North Area Committee at the Manor School on Arbury Road.

Apparently we are in a different room so if you wish to attend look out for signs.

Planning is at 6.30pm with applications in Milton Road, Hertford St and Ramsden Square.

The main meeting starts at 7.30pm with the Open Forum (your chance to ask questions of local councillors) and an item on Environmental Improvements.

Unfortunately Tory County Cllr Martin Curtis has turned down his invitation to speak to justify the cuts to many Children's services in Cambridge. He will be asked again!

Do come along if you can make it!

Hawkins Road improvements

2009-01-12T20:31:00.003Z

City Homes are about to start consultation on works to improve the Hawkins Road area, including Wilson, Atkins and Larkin.

If you live in the Hawks area then please use the consulation to let City Homes know your view on the proposed works.

The results of consultations are very important: proposed changes to recycling in Nuns Way were changed recently following a big response to consultation and the work of your local LibDem City Councillors.

The improvements are part of the Cambridge Standard Improvement Programme of the City Council which aims to raise the standard of the City's Council House stock. Whilst we're on the topic I must mention (again!) the superb inspection result. I have been told that the report is the best given to a council who retain their stock!

Street name plates

2009-01-07T14:52:00.002Z

Just a quick note about street name plates. I've noticed that the signs for Apthorpe Way and Albemarle have been fixed. I didn't notice exactly when.

I've now reported the Woodhouse Way sign which has lost a D and one of the Beales Way plates, which has just gone!

If you spot a missing or damaged street plate, get in touch with us or email snp@cambridge.gov.uk directly.

Guided busway meeting Thursday

2009-01-06T23:46:00.008Z

The next meeting of the County Council's "Guided Busway Local Liaison Forum - Oakington to Cambridge" will be on Thursday at the Meadows Community Centre.

The meeting starts at 7pm. If you wish to attend please contact Neil McGovern or myself in the usual way: the County rules do not allow members of the public but we believe guests of Councillors are allowed.

Burglary

2009-01-05T16:32:00.003Z

At the last NAC we made burglary a local police priority due to the worrying rise in burglaries.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously please do report it to the police on 0845 456 456 4. Use 999 if you think a crime is happening! The police need this information to build up pictures even if it isn't enough to catch a burglar on its own.

The main reason for this post is that in the December Neighbourhood Watch newsletter the police mention something called Smart Water, which they say is "a fantastic way of marking your property and making it less desirable to burglars and thieves, etc. It is virtually invisible to the naked eye, can be applied to just about anything and once applied is practically impossible to remove."

If you are interested go to the SmartWater website for more details.

There will be more on what the police have done later.

Planning applications

2009-01-02T18:13:00.003Z

There is one application in King's Hedges to mention: A single storey front extension to 102 Crowland Way (08/1656/FUL)

As ever more details can be obtained from development control at the City Council.

Dog fouling

2009-01-02T17:27:00.004Z

I have had a number of complaints about Dog Fouling issues over the last year.

If there is a problem StreetScene will clean it up. Contact them on 01223 457000 or via the web form.

The City's dog warden team deal with the criminal side for the City Council. They can be contacted in office hours on 01223 457898. Be prepared to leave a message as they are often out and about in the City!

They do need information however: if you know the type of dog, the time it happens or (better yet) the owner then they can act more easily. You can also report it to the Police on 08454 564564.

If you'd rather do it via one of us then get in touch in the usual way.

Road works on Northfield Avenue

2009-01-02T16:45:00.002Z

The Cambridge Water Company have written to local Councillors to warn us of long term road works on Northfield Avenue.

The letter informs us that the work will begin in January and run for about 18 weeks (which is until the middle of May).

The work, to renew the mains water supply, will eventually involve Northfield from the turn into Cameron Road as far as King's Hedges Road.

They say that any interruption to water supply will be "kept to a minimum" and that you should get advance warning. If you have any concerns you can contact Cambridge Water on 01223 706050 or get in touch with us and we will see if we can help.

Roman Courts update

2009-01-02T16:40:00.004Z

I hope everyone had a happy Christmas and that the new year has started well.

A quick update on Roman Courts: A proposal is probably coming to January's Housing Management Board meeting proposing that the courts be let to a company who run nursing homes (or provide staff to such properties).

This lease would run whilst a long term decision is made for the site. Obviously this hasn't been approved by committee yet and could change. The plan for the company is to use it as accomodation and training provision for staff who they would bus to and from their places of work.

The long term plan is still being discussed.

Watch this space for an update.

Audit commission praise "good value" for City Homes tenants

2008-12-18T15:33:00.002Z

The Audit Commission have published the report into their recent inspection of Cambridge City Council's housing services.

The Council was awarded two stars for this service, meaning a good service. What was very pleasing was that they said we had "excellent" prospects for improvement. Their lead inspector, Mark Elsworth said he was "confident" that our plans to improve those areas of the service that need improving (such as repairs) would succeed.

Congratulations to all the City Homes staff for their hard work and efforts to improve the service over the last few years.

See the Cambridge News website for more on this story, or go to the report itself.

Northfield Avenue update

2008-12-12T14:54:00.003Z

At last night's North Area Committee I again passed on the request for police to monitor and enforce the speed limit on Northfield Avenue following the accidents.

Unfortunately I have met little cooperation from the County in terms of support with dealing with the problem.

I hope to have a petition on the Focus website soon.

North Area Committee this week

2008-12-08T17:46:00.003Z

On Thursday it is the last North Area Committee of 2008.

At 6.30pm in the Manor School (Arbury Road) we will be considering one planning application.

The main meeting starts at 7.30pm. As ever the agenda includes an open forum, which is you chance to raise issues with the local Councillors.

There are items on environmental improvements and local policing too. The full agenda is available online.

Planning applications

2008-12-08T17:37:00.004Z

Three to mention today:

An application for a "New pvcu conservatory to the rear" at 30 Craister Court. Application number is 08/1559/FUL
An application for "Erection of a detached two storey dwelling with access and off street parking" adjacent to 42 Ramsden Square (08/1521/FUL)
An application to put in "Dropped kerb and access across pavement and grass verge to property" at 376 Milton Road (08/1508/FUL)

As ever more details contact City Council Development Control (or us in case of difficulty!).

Congratulations to Histon FC

2008-11-30T14:04:00.005Z

I doubt Cllr McGovern will agree but I just want to pass on congratulations to Histon on their superb FA Cup win today.

Our neighbours from just across the A14 gave Leeds a real tough game, and I think they earnt their luck. I'm sure the Cambridge City and Utd fans will disagree though.

Here's hoping for Arsenal (my team) v Histon in the 3rd round draw.

The big problem for me is putting up with my head of department at school all next week (he's a Histon season ticket holder)...

Update: Histon drew Swansea at home in the next round.

New battery recycling point in King's Hedges

2008-11-27T11:47:00.006Z

Cambridge City Council has teamed up with Budgens in Arbury Court to provide a battery collection point in the store. This service opened today!

This is the third bin in the city, following one located in the council’s own Customer Service Centre on Regent Street and one in Waitrose in Trumpington.

Quoting from the City Council press release:

“Working with local shops is a good way to get the collection points where people really need them, and means people don’t have to make extra journeys to recycle” says Recycling Officer Rebecca Weymouth.

As well as helping to manage the collections, the retailers contribute towards the cost of recycling the batteries, as part of their producer responsibilities.

Budgens’ manager Brian Moorey was keen to get involved. “We recognise that as a key focal point for the local community we have the opportunity to support projects like this and help them to succeed. We want to give something back – both to people
living here and to the environment, and the battery recycling project is just one of many ways we are trying to do just that.”

Since the first battery bank was installed last year, about 130,000 household batteries have been collected for recycling. The old batteries are taken away by G&P Batteries and sorted in a UK facility before being sent for recycling in Europe. The metal casings are melted down and recycled, and the chemicals are extracted to be reused in other applications.

This is a welcome addition to the recycling opportunities in King's Hedges. Many thanks to the staff at Budgens and to the recycling team at the City Council.

Kings Hedges ASB group meeting

2008-11-23T15:57:00.004Z

The King's Hedges ASB group meets this Thursday at 19.30 at the Community House (37 Lawrence Way, next to Tesco on Campkin Road).

Unfortunately Council business means that I won't be able to attend, but the meeting still gives a chance for people to raise concerns about criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in the ward to Council officers and the Police.

Of course you can also contact us directly if you prefer.

Possible social housing behind Beale Way?

2008-11-23T15:48:00.005Z

As part of the strategic plan to identify possible new sites to provide more social housing in an attempt to being down the Council's waiting list for homes two sites have been identified in King's Hedges.

One is on the open ground behind Beale Way. Investigation will begin in January as to whether this site is suitable.

As local councillors we will ensure the views of local residents are taken into account, and we are concerned about the possible loss of a play area. However unless and until more details come forward we will need to keep an open mind.

It should be stressed that no decisions have been made! We are at the start of a city wide process.

We are keen to hear from people about this issue. I've already had meetings with some residents in the area.

The other site in King's Hedges in Roman Courts. These need modernising and investigation of the best way to proceed will take place next year. During the time this takes there is a plan to use the properties to house key workers in other sheltered housing schemes. Please get in touch with any concerns.

Trees on Milton Road

2008-11-23T15:47:00.002Z

We received an email on Friday to inform us that replanting of trees has begun on Milton Road.

This is great news. More to follow!

Delay on Ship recycling centre

2008-11-18T17:11:00.001Z

A legal problem has arisen with the improvements planned for the Ship recycling centre on Northfield Avenue. This means that work has been stopped until the problem can be resolved. We hope that a solution can be found, but watch this space.

Another Milton Road planning application

2008-11-18T12:10:00.001Z

Another quick item: 344 Milton Road have applied to "widen an existing dropped kerb".

The application number is 08/1484/FUL

See the City Council website for useful contact information.

Arbury Court play area

2008-11-18T12:04:00.001Z

I have been told that the repairs to Arbury Court play area should be completed this week, the excavations began on Friday and new kit is ready to be installed.

In related news I have reported the damaged fence on the play area on the corner of Downham's Lane and Woodhead Drive.

More on Edgecombe aerials

2008-11-15T11:29:00.003Z

The problem with the Edgecombe aerials is quite severe. If you are without TV reception please get in touch with your housing officer as alternative arrangements can be made whilst the problem is investigated further. Any problems call or email us!

In related news the Housing Management Board agreed to the process which will be followed for digital switch over at our meeting last week. The old system will be replaced by a digital system in flats of 3 storeys or more. Do get in touch if you want more information.

Planning application on Milton Road

2008-11-15T11:24:00.003Z

An application for a "Two storey front extension and conservatory to rear" has been made for 378 Milton Road. The application is 08/1478/FUL, and as ever more details can be found on how to get information or a make a comment from the City Council development control website.

LibDem Councillor Surgeries

2008-11-02T18:05:00.003Z

If you would rather speak face-to-face with a City Councillor rather than call us or email us (see the contact details) then you might like to know about the Liberal Democrat drop in Surgery every week.

The City Councillors take it in turns to be at the Guildhall between 12.30 and 1.30 every Friday.

It isn't always a King's Hedges' team member, but whoever it is will take details and offer advice, and if needed pass on details to us to help out. Of course if the Guildhall on a Friday lunch isn't possible then give us a call or email to arrange an appointment or see if we can help.

Edgecombe Aerials Out

2008-10-31T16:23:00.003Z

I received a phone call today informing me that the communal TV aerial for the Edgecombe flats is currently not working, and has been out for some time.

The issue is connected to damaged cabling, and I am trying to find out what the delay is and when it will be fixed.

Watch this space.

In vaguely related news one item on the Housing Management Board agenda for the week after next is the digitial switchover. After that meeting we should have more information on that.

Kirkwood Road reseeded by EDF

2008-10-31T15:02:00.003Z

The corner of Kirkwood and King's Hedges road has been reseeded by EDF.

The damage to the verge happened some time ago, and EDF agreed to repair the verge as part of the environmental work done connected to the new substation near the site. Hopefully the verge will look much better than it has this year.

Thanks to EDF for this kind gesture!

Learner pool hours restored

2008-10-31T14:26:00.002Z

Neale recently received a contact about changes in opening hours at the Learner Pool in King's Hedges. The changes meant that the pool was no longer available outside of school hours, and in effect only open to the public for one hour a day!

The pool is run by a company called SLM Ltd on behalf of the City Council and any changes to the opening hours have to be agreed by the Council.

The changes had not been approved, and following intervention by Neale and the LibDem executive Cllr Julie Smith they have been reversed.

We will resist any such changes to the opening hours that are proposed, and will ensure that any such changes are considered when the contract is up for renewal!

Thanks to Julie and her staff for acting quickly on this issue.

As always we are keen to hear from you on this and any other issue.

Ship recycling centre update

2008-10-29T11:48:00.003Z

The plans for the proposed improvements are available online.

If you have any comments get in touch with Neil McGovern in the usual way.

Northfield Avenue Recycling Centre

2008-10-27T18:29:00.003Z

At North Area Committee we were presented with plans for improvements to the recycling centre at the corner of the Ship's car park in Northfield Avenue. This is an area in great need of improvement!

We hope we can put the revised plans on our blog to allow residents to comment, but if you want to be kept informed contact Neil McGovern, who is the scheme's champion, to register your interest now.

Planning applications

2008-10-17T09:01:00.002+01:00

I've been a little slow this week in getting the information onto the blog about planning applications.

Two to report:

First an application to erect a two storey block of flats "on land adjacent to 48 Crowland Way", which is application 08/1308/FUL. This will be definitely going to a planning committee, and more information can be found in the usual way.

Secondly there is an application for a two storey side and rear extension to 21 Armitage Way. This application is 08/1361/FUL.

See previous planning posts for useful links.

North Area Committee tonight

2008-10-09T11:08:00.001+01:00

As mentioned previously the North Area Committee meets tonight.

The planning (one item on Histon Road) is at 6.30pm, and the main meeting starts at 7.30pm with the Open Forum.

The meeting is in Manor School on Arbury Road. Do come along and say hello!

The agenda is available online from the City Council website, but in summary we only have two main items of business:

an update on Environmental Improvement programmes
More Community Development and Leisure Grants

There is also the Open Forum before these, which is a chance to raise any issue you wish to your local Councillors.

Planning application at Colleges Nursery

2008-09-29T20:08:00.002+01:00

Colleges Nursery on Campkin Road has put in a planning application to replace its existing fence.

The reference number for the application is 08/1231/FUL, and more information can be found (as ever) on the development control pages of the City Council website.

Retrospective planning app in Ramsden Square

2008-09-22T19:56:00.002+01:00

A retrospective application for a "replacement car port" has been made by a house on Ramsden Square. The application number is 08/1124/FUL.

As ever more details can be found at the development control pages of the City Council website.

Footway works in St Kilda Ave and Lavender Rd

2008-09-22T19:49:00.006+01:00

I've just had an email telling me that there will be

thin coat overlay works to the footways in Saint Kilda Avenue and in
Lavender Road in Kings Hedges Ward, starting on the 22/09/2008, and lasting 1 week. These dates are subject to the weather.

Hopefully this will improve the quality of the footpaths as they need it. Let us know if the works cause any problems!

Recycling centres

2008-09-20T12:07:00.004+01:00

Good news from City Homes. In an attempt to increase the recycling rates the Housing Officers are making a big effort to find suitable sites for recycling depots for flats in the ward.

The first consultations have taken place and others have recently started.

If you get a letter asking your opinion do let us know. I am sure most people would welcome more recycling, and if you would respond to say so.

At the moment I have letters for Albemarle and Nicholson Ways, and have seen various sites in Minerva Way.

Slow Down In King's Hedges

2008-09-20T11:50:00.002+01:00

The issue of cars speeding in King's Hedges has arisen again. This time I'm trying to find what can be done in Northfield Avenue.

I have already asked (back in April) for a 20 limit on the road. Other towns and cities have found that 20 limits do slow people down even without road humps. Yet the County policy is that you can only have a 20 limit if people are already going slower than 20!

This is a decision and a policy that ought to be decided locally. Not by the Conservative County Councillors from March.

I'll keep plugging away to see what we can do.

Planning applications in Turpyn Court and Milton Rd

2008-09-01T17:31:00.003+01:00

An application has been made for a single storey extension to a property in Turpyn Court. The reference number is 08/1109/FUL.

More information can be obtained from development control on the City Council website.

There is also an application (08/1083/FUL) in Milton Road for the erection of 6 one bedroomed apartments. This is just outside the ward at 127 Milton Road.

Homelink: Local Lettings Policies

2008-08-27T11:24:00.003+01:00

I recently spoke to a local resident about an apparent oddity in the results of allocations in Homelink in South Cambs. A priority B resident was given a home in Arbury Park ahead of a city resident in band A. I did some investigation and felt it worthwhile to share the results more widely.

This was a result of a Local Letting Policy used by the Social Landlord (RSL) who run the housing on the Arbury Park development. They are giving priority for the South Cambs allocation to people who have a family connection to Histon or Impington. They are also giving priority for the houses allocated to Cambridge residents to those with Arbury and King's Hedges connections. Some of the policies are also aimed to ensure that there is a 'good balance' of families in the development.

The priority to village residents policies might make sense when the developments are actually in the villages, rather than over the A14 and seen by most as part of the neighbouring City. I will ensure that they are looked at in the six month review, but the policies are set by RSLs who don't have to be part of the Homelink scheme.

North Area dates

2008-08-26T18:38:00.002+01:00

Seeing as a I only just posted the date of the last NAC on the day it was held I thought I'd give a bit more notice of the next two.

The meetings will be held at Manor School (Arbury Road) on Thursday 9 October and 11 December.

I'll give more details of the agenda nearer the time, but the usual arrangement is planning at 6.30pm, with the main meeting starting at 7.30pm with the Open Forum, though sometimes an external speaker will be bumped up the order.

Grove school planning application

2008-08-26T18:27:00.004+01:00

A few planning applications have been made in King's Hedges.

The Grove School have made an application to change the use of three classrooms into offices (application 08/1104/CCM).

More details can be found on the planning area of the City Council website.

North Area Committee TONIGHT

2008-08-14T11:36:00.003+01:00

Sorry for not posting this earlier!

The North Area Committee meets at Manor School on Arbury Road tonight.

Planning is at 6.30pm (with 3 applications to consider, 2 in Arbury and 1 in West Chesterton).

At 7.30pm is the main meeting.

The police are at the meeting for the Safer Neighbourhoods item. This considers neighbourhood policing, and any issues with police and policing.
We have a representative of Tesco here to discuss matters. This is particularly with respect to East Chesterton's delivery issues.
Then we have the Open Forum for people to raise any issues they wish with the North Area councillors
Finally we have the Environmental Improvements Programme back to committee. Come and comment on issues like the Campkin Piazza plan.

Dates for works on Campkin Rd planter

2008-08-08T14:36:00.003+01:00

I now have dates for the work to make the planter on Campkin Road safe (see right for a picture of me next to it in April this year).

The brickwork and plant growth make it awkward for cars pulling out to see oncoming traffic. The plan is to reduce the level to ground level. Later in the autumn the planter will be planted with low level plants and a narrow tree.

The work is scheduled for the week of the summer bank holiday, from Tuesday 26 August to Friday 29 August.

Guided Bus works update

2008-08-08T14:00:00.003+01:00

On Tuesday the gantry that lays the the guided busway reached Milton Road. It has now started back towards Longstanton during which time it will make the changes needed at the junctions.

So the good news is that the noisiest stages of construction (ground levelling and guideway laying) are finished as far as this section of the guideway are concerned.

The bad news is that this doesn't mean the work is finished.

Firstly the guideway needs some work. Bob Menzies, the County Council officer in charge of the project tells me that the work so far
"will just leave the stops, guideway infill, cycleway and landscaping
to do. None of which are particularly noisy."

Secondly the work on Milton Road itself continues. This has been delayed by delays in utility companies "diverting the services" (i.e. moving cables and pipes). This is now expected to take another 2 weeks or so according to the representative of Nuttall at last nights Guided Busway Local Liaison Forum. After that there is about 7 more weeks of work.

In the mean time we don't have a bus stop for residents of Lovell Rd. Cllr McGovern has written to Bob Menzies and Stagecoach about this issue. A suggestion that a temporary stop be positioned on Greenend Road was received positively at last night's meeting so watch this space for more news.

New play equipment opened by Mayor

2008-08-05T10:24:00.002+01:00

I was very pleased to attend the opening of the new Ramsden Square Rec play areas yesterday!

The new equipment is a very welcome addition, and from the positive comments I got from chatting to a few residents it appears that the consultation process to get to this point was very successful.

Hopefully I'll be able to point the blog at a picture soon!

Well done to the City officers and contractors for a fabulous job. It also shows how successful residents interventions can be, a model your LibDem City Council tries to follow.

If you are worried about the bare earth there is a plan: the earth will be allowed to settle, roots/stones etc will be removed, and then in autumn it will be seeded (so that the grass has a chance to survive).

One concern was raised with me by residents about dog mess in the play area. From discussion with residents, officers and our wonderful City Ranger I understand that some signs will be put up to remind owners of their responsibilities. I'll also ask the Dog Wardens to target the area.
Additional litter bins have been ordered for the site too.

Planning application on Milton Rd

2008-07-28T11:08:00.004+01:00

There is a planning application for a "New dropped crossing and hardstanding" at 378 Milton Road. I wasn't sure what this means so I asked the very nice planning officer. It means that the application is to put a dropped kerb in to allow vehicular access to the property from the road, and putting paving in the garden (presumably for the car).

As usual you can get more information from the Planning department. The reference is 08/0818/FUL

Community Safety Survey

2008-07-24T16:21:00.003+01:00

The Safer Communities department at the City, along with other partners in the County are conducting a survey to find out about people's views on crime and misbehaviour in their neighbourhoods.

The survey is online and only takes about 10 minutes to do.

It doesn't take long to do, and can be anonymous (although they do ask for a postcode to identify any areas where they may be problems). If you chose to you can be entered to a prize draw to win £50 of vouchers.

Fix to manhole in Minerva Way

2008-07-24T14:22:00.003+01:00

Another quick feedback: I was out today in Minerva Way and saw a manhole I had reported a dangerous problem with being fixed.

Anything that is clearly dangerous let us know of as the County Highways department do their best. The problem is with bigger projects rather than isolated problems. Only four projects were funded in the City last year, and only four this year. There are many more projects that could be done.

Please let us know of any problems: even if we can't get them fixed we can make sure the County know people are not happy.

City centre road closures

2008-07-24T14:12:00.002+01:00

In a welcome development (given the short notice we got when King's Hedges Road closed!), I received a letter from the County Council about closures to Emmanuel Street over the summer.

The closures are to build a new traffic island and resurface the road.

The given times are

From 6am Sunday 17th August through to 6am on Monday 18th August.
From 6am Sunday 24th August through to 6am on Monday 25th August (Bank Holiday).
A further closure may be necessary from 6am to 6pm on Sunday 31st August.

but these are subject to change. They say more information will be on the County Council website, but I can't find it at the moment. (If anyone can find it let me know and I'll update this post!)

Planning application on Ramsden Square

2008-07-23T13:02:00.002+01:00

Another planning application on Ramsden Square.

This time it is for a "Proposed,detached two storey dwelling within the existing dwelling plot. New additional access and off street parking."

The case number is 08/0976/FUL and more information can be obtained from the City Council Planning department. You can monitor and comment on applications online, and can also see the plans at the Guildhall, or at the City Homes North office on Arbury Road, or Milton Road library. More details here.

Local government strike: bin collections

2008-07-17T17:09:00.004+01:00

I've been told that the strike has had an effect on rubbish collections.

Black bin collections have gone ahead as normal.

The green bin collections are short staffed and behind. As a result the decision has been made to transfer some people from the dry recycling (black/blue boxes) onto the green bins to catch up.

If you can't take your own recycling to a centre then I have been told that extra dry recycling receptacles will be accepted in two weeks time to deal with the excess then. (So put more stuff in your blue box alongside the black in a fortnight.)

Sorry about the inconvenience!

Planning application in Callander Close

2008-07-17T11:15:00.003+01:00

There is a planning application for a two storey side extension at 24 Callander Close. More information can be obtained from the City Council planning department.

The case reference is 08/0877/FUL.

Pavement fix in Banff Close

2008-07-11T17:49:00.003+01:00

This evening I was near Banff Close so I called in to check that an issue we reported to Highways a little while ago had been fixed.

I was pleased to see the damaged pavement had been repaired and the gap that created a trip hazard had gone.

We are still waiting for a new street name sign for the Close however.

Cambridge Standard Funding: Hawkins Road

2008-07-10T12:04:00.001+01:00

On Tuesday the Housing Management Board of the City Council agreed a £44,000 project to try and improve the state of the flats in Hawkins Road (including those on Atkins, Larkin and so on).

The money will be spent on various work needed in the area: ranging from planting, to improved paths, doors, benches and windows and locks.

This is a very welcome investment in this area, one that needs a little help to get it towards the standard we want for Cambridge council housing. The hope is that raising the standard will get more residents involved as well.

Credit is due to the Hawks Resident group who have worked hard to get this work done: Especially to Kay!

One slight disappointment is that the work doesn't include the garage block, so I shall continue to campaign for these improvements.

If you feel that your estate would benefit from similar work next year, please get in touch with us. The HMB works with housing officers and tenants to prioritise areas.

This year we have funded three projects: as well as Hawkins, money has been spent on Maitland Avenue flats (in East Chesterton) and Ekin Rd (in Abbey).

Of course the amount we can spend on these projects is heavily limited by the nearly £12 million we have to give to Gordon Brown in negative subsidy. I was pleased to learn at the HMB that tenant's representatives will be lobbying parliament on this issue on Monday.

Steve Webb visits Cambridge

2008-07-10T10:49:00.001+01:00

Steve Webb MP, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, was in Cambridge yesterday to talk about the threat of climate change. Steve visited the City Council and local businesses with environmental concerns, before attending a LibDem Policy Forum at the Friends Meeting House.

Before his visit Steve said

"Climate change is bigger than any one political party, so support for the Liberal Democrat campaign for an 80% cut by 2050 is welcomed wherever it comes from.

"The Government has got the emissions target wrong and once again it looks like its own backbench MPs will have to rebel to get ministers to do the right thing.

"Both Gordon Brown and David Cameron must come off the fence on this issue. By allowing his Tories to constantly abstain David Cameron is showing how hollow his green credentials really are.

"The Climate Change Bill is too important to be watered down. The Liberal Democrats will be tabling an amendment today to make sure there will be a vote on the 80% target."

Relaunch of the garden at 37 Lawrence Way

2008-07-10T10:32:00.001+01:00

We were all pleased to get an invite to the relaunch of the the Community Garden at 37 Lawrence Way: the King's Hedges Neighbourhood Project's community house (just next door to the Campkin Road shops).

We would like to send our congratulations to the King's Hedges Neighbourhood Project on the relaunch. The community house is a very useful resource for the people of the ward, and the work of the partnership shows how a local community can work together in a very
positive way.

Unfortunately I had to stay at work and was unable to make it to what I am sure was a great event.

Impington Post Office to close?

2008-07-05T15:58:00.002+01:00

According to a list of Post Offices to be closed in the government's closure plan in today's Cambridge News Impington Post Office is facing the axe.

Foretunately none of those in King's Hedges is on the list from the Cambridge News, and if true this is a relief. However I am sure that King's Hedges residents, whether they use the Impington PO or not, will support our near neighbours in campaigning against the closure if the New's list is correct.

Guided busway nearly at King's Hedges

2008-07-03T20:51:00.003+01:00

The construction of the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway (CGB) is expected to reach the A14 by the weekend. The current schedule will have the Gantry (the machine that places the preformed blocks into position) reaching Milton Road in August, which means that the construction work on the main busway will hit King's Hedges soon.

We already have the start of work on the Milton Road end. This current work is apparently "utility companies excavating for utility diversion" and the construction of a new footpath.

I've just attended a meeting of the "Local Liaison Forum" for the Busway. At this meeting the County officer in charge, Bob Menzies, said that the main disruption caused by the building in other sections was in the ground works: the digging and compression of the land prior to the gantry arriving. Residents of Histon have found other problems as well!

Please get in touch with us if the development causes you any problems and we shall see what can be done to minimise (or better yet stop) the disruption.

Planning applications

2008-06-30T15:24:00.001+01:00

There are two planning applications that might be of interest to residents of Arbury and Milton Road.

Just outside the ward in West Chesterton is 08/0865/FUL a first floor extension and loft conversion at 146 Milton Rd.

Similarly in Arbury is 08/0876/FUL a single storey extension to 229 Arbury Road.

For more information visit the City Council planning web site. You can submit comments on the application online, but need to accept some conditions to do so (so we can't give a direct link). More information is available from the website.

Moore Close Manhole Fixed

2008-06-29T13:47:00.003+01:00

I meant to post this some time ago, but following a complaint from a resident of Moore Close I have got the County Highways department to fix damage around a BT manhole on the pavement in Moore Close. I think the county may even have got BT to pay for it.

Damaged path on Minerva Way

2008-06-25T19:51:00.005+01:00

I reported damage to the road next to a manhole in Minerva Way and have been informed by the Highways Department at the County that a works order has been raised to repair the damage.

Please let us know of any damage to pavements near you. We will do what we can to get them repaired.

Focus on King's Hedges

2008-06-25T18:59:00.000+01:00

Since the election in May we have tried splitting our blog into two parts.

This site, King's Hedges News, will look at detailed local issues.

Our first site (Focus on King's Hedges) concentrates on our campaigns.

The reason for this is that the format of a blog meant that the campaigns information could be hard to find and didn't get the priority they deserved. We'll see how it goes, and welcome any comments on the change!

Ramsden Sq Recreation Grounds

2008-06-20T14:07:00.003+01:00

I received news today that following a rigorous evaluation of submitted bids, Cambridge City Council contracts have now been awarded for the development and improvement projects at both Ramsden Square and Thorpe Way Recreation Grounds.

You can download the plans for the play area and sports area at Ramsden Square, or view a poster that illustrates the upcoming changes to the recreation facilities at Thorpe Way.

If you have any ideas to improve your neighbourhood, you can submit them online, or contact us!

Cambridge Law Centre Outreach Advice

2008-06-20T09:00:00.002+01:00

At last night's North Area Committee, we voted to approve a grant of £1500 towards Advice for Life, who's Cambridge Law Centre Outreach sessions help those who need advice on a range of issues, including benefits, housing and debt.

Both myself, the rest of the team here in King's Hedges and the Committee feel it's an important project that provides an immensely valuable service to the community.

Their outreach sessions are held twice monthly, the next ones being on the 2nd and 16th July, 10am - 12pm at Brown's Field Community Centre, and 1:30pm - 3:30pm at Meadow's Community Centre. To make an appointment, contact the Cambridge Law Centre on 01223 712 222. You can drop in without an appointment, but they can't guarantee you'll be seen, so it's best to drop them a line first.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Councillor Clare Blair for her work in ensuring that these outreach sessions are available and continue.

North Area Committee: 19 June

2008-06-15T13:18:00.003+01:00

The North Area Committee meets this Thursday (19 June) at Manor School on Arbury Road.

The meeting has planning applications at 6.30pm, then from 7.30pm we have an agenda including...

Arbury Park update from a South Cambs planning officer
The Open Forum where you can raise issues with all the local councillors for the North of the city
Decisions on the Community Development and Leisure grants. Several groups in King's Hedges have made applications for money from this pot.
A discussion and update on the Environmental Improvements programme, including works on the Campkin Rd piazza.

If you have any concerns come along and see us.

There will also be an exhibition about the impact of climate change in the hall.

Planning application in Ramsden Square

2008-06-15T13:07:00.003+01:00

An application has been made to erect a "two bed dwelling" in Ramsden Square.

The application reference number is 08/0795/FUL.

For more information visit the City Council planning web site. You can submit comments on the application online, but need to accept some conditions to do so (so we can't give a direct link). More information is available from

Scaffolding on Atkins Close

2008-06-09T20:41:00.002+01:00

I recently had some calls about the scaffolding on Atkins Close.

The apparent delays in removing the scaffolding were partly caused by the fact the scaffolding is being used for more than one job. Hopefully this means we won't need scaffolding again for many years.

However, City Homes were also unhappy at the delays from the contractor involved. After my intervention the contractors have started to remove scaffolding from one of the blocks, but this is almost certainly a coincidence!

If you are concerned about the time scaffolding is up on your block, call or email us and we can chase it up.

Post office closures: news in July

2008-06-01T20:14:00.000+01:00

Cambridge will hear in July which of our Post Offices will be under threat of closure from the Labour Government's closure scheme.

We will update you when we hear.

Milton Road trees: confusion from the county

2008-06-01T20:07:00.001+01:00

East Chesterton Liberal Democrat Cllr Julian Huppert asked a question about the Milton Road trees at the recent full meeting of the County Council.

However the answer whilst giving grounds for optimism was confused.

We shall continue to work towards planting being resumed.

Rees Thomas site

2008-05-11T13:14:00.002+01:00

The closure of the busy cycle path from Woodhead Drive to Hawkins Road has caused some inconvenience.

I have been unable to persuade the contractors that closing the whole road at once is a bad idea, but they have at least put up diversion signs to help people navigate after requests from me (and others).

Thank you!

2008-05-03T11:10:00.001+01:00

A big thank you to the voters of King's Hedges for electing Neil McGovern as their third City Councillor to join Neale Upstone and myself.

The results in full

Neil McGovern (Liberal Democrat) 760
Geri Bird (Labour) 562
Cyril Weinman (Conservative) 419
James Youd (Green) 129

A big thank you to everyone who voted for Neil, to everyone who we talked to during the campaign, to everyone who helped us win.

Polling day today!

2008-05-01T08:58:00.000+01:00

Today is polling day. Please don't forget to vote for Neil McGovern to get a hard working local councillor.

Remember Neil lives in the ward and is the only local resident who can win.

Neil is already active on issues that affect local residents: from campaigning against the negative subsidy taking 1500 pounds from each council tenant each year to working to help save Milton Road trees.

The two polling stations are :

Arbury Community Centre on Campkin Road (for those with poll numbers starting G1, living in the south east of King's Hedges), and
North Arbury Chapel on Northfield Avenue (for those with poll numbers starting G2, living in the north west of the ward)

Markham Close pavement fixed

2008-04-26T17:41:00.000+01:00

In the online Focus Neil McGovern reported damage to Markham Close pavement.

Thanks to Neil's reports this damage has now been repaired!

Fence fixed on Hopkins Close

2008-04-23T19:52:00.000+01:00

Thanks to work by the LibDem team the fence between Campkin Road and Hopkins Close that blew down in the wind has finally been fixed.

(Thanks to Clare Blair, a LibDem councillor for East Chesterton, for help chasing this up!)

Coming soon...

2008-04-01T15:34:00.001+01:00

...watch this space.

In the mean time have a look at the online Focus on King's Hedges for King's Hedges News