New Way To Dispose Of Weapons In Amnesty Next Week

A new way to dispose of knives and other items without prosecution by us is being piloted in some areas of the county as a weapons amnesty takes place next week.

As well as knives, people can surrender items such as knuckledusters, extendable batons, curved swords and zombie weapons that have been made illegal to own.
The amnesty will not cover guns.

The week-long initiative starts on Monday (19 May) with amnesty bins at Thorpe Wood Police Station in Peterborough and Parkside Police Station in Cambridge throughout.

An amnesty bin will also be available at Cambourne Police Station between 2pm and 6pm on Thursday (22 May) and at Sawston Police Station between 10am and 2pm on the same date.

This year people who want to dispose of knives or weapons, but who may struggle to get to an amnesty bin next week, can now arrange for officers to visit their home and collect them.

The idea is being piloted in some areas of Cambridgeshire including Peterborough, Fenland and East Cambridgeshire.

Anyone interested in doing so is asked to email [email protected] (for areas in Peterborough and Fenland) and [email protected] for areas in East Cambs. The email should contain their address and contact details.

They will then be contacted by an officer who will arrange collection. These mailboxes will only be active until the end of the amnesty on Sunday, 25 May.

Alongside this, officers will be visiting schools across the county, carrying out extra patrols in “hotspot” areas and targeting those believed to be carrying knives. The week will be supported by officers, Specials and police cadets.

The previous amnesty held in November saw 370 items handed in – a record number for Cambridgeshire.

In the past year, possession of weapons offences in Cambridgeshire increased by 31 per cent.

‘You will be safer in reality’

Superintendent Paul Rogerson said: “Regular amnesties continue to be part of our ongoing work to combat knife crime in the county and I am pleased we have a new option available to people this year.

“Although our statistics show possession of weapon offences have increased, this doesn’t necessarily mean knife crime has done the same. The rise could be due to any number of reasons, for example more pro-active work by officers to tackle the issue, more stop searches, or others having more confidence to report those who carry weapons to us.

“For example in that same timeframe, 215 extra stop searches were carried out in hot spot areas and 160 more knives were seized during those searches.

“It’s important we continue our other work in this area, such as speaking to young people at schools about the dangers of knife crime.

“Very few people carry knives in our county. However, if you suspect a friend or family member does, please speak to them about the amnesty and encourage them to do the right thing. By disposing of any weapons, they will be safer in reality, and this also removes the risk of them being prosecuted.”

The national Sceptre initiative is also part of Operation Guardian – the Constabulary’s ongoing strategy to combat knife crime in the county.

What is the law?

Where knives are concerned, it is illegal to:

– sell a knife of any kind to anyone under 18 years old

– carry a knife in public without good reason – unless it’s a knife with a folding blade 3 inches long (7.62 cm) or less, eg a Swiss Army knife

– carry, buy or sell any type of banned knife

– use any knife in a threatening way (even a legal knife, such as a Swiss Army knife)

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and a fine of £5,000.
Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston said: “I encourage anyone who has a knife, or knows someone else who has one, to hand these into one of the amnesty bins available.

“Knife crime has a devastating impact on the lives of victims, their families and the wider community.
“While we do not see the same levels of violence as other parts of the country, it is essential we all play our part in educating our young people as to the dangers of carrying knives.”

Visit Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website for more information on knife crime and to access a list of the banned items. 

Kind regards

Posted in Crime Updates, News | Comments Off on New Way To Dispose Of Weapons In Amnesty Next Week

FDC Planning Committee Agenda Wednesday 14th May

This meeting can be viewed on FDC’s YouTube Channel…..

FDC Agenda frontsheet 14052025 1300 Planning Committee
Posted in News | Comments Off on FDC Planning Committee Agenda Wednesday 14th May

FDC Net Zero Awards

NETZEROAWARDS LC140525

Posted in News | Comments Off on FDC Net Zero Awards

Marks & Spencer + Other Scams – Be Careful

Many of us are M&S customers, some have bank accounts and credit cards with the M&S name on it. M&S have sent e-mails out that customer details have been hacked – they claim passwords and payment details have not been compromised.


The reported phishing emails received by the National Cyber Security Centre’s SERS relate to a type of extortion referred to as ‘Financially Motivated Sexual Extortion’ (FMSE).

Reports suggests the phrasing of the email and subject lines can vary, but the theme remains consistent: the phishing email claims to have installed malware on the recipient’s computer and recorded them visiting adult websites. The sender will then coerce the email recipient to pay a ransom demand by threatening to release the videos. The ransom is usually demanded in a form of cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin.

In order to make these phishing attacks convincing, emails will often include genuine pieces of personal information relating to the victim, such as a password or home address. It is likely these would have been obtained from historic breaches of personal data.

Analysis shows that many people who received these emails also later reported becoming victims of online account hacking.

In 2024, a male victim in his thirties received numerous extortion emails that contained a password he used for one of his online accounts. The emails demanded a ransom of $500. Having correctly identified the emails as a scam, he deleted them. However, shortly afterwards he noticed that he was unable to login to one of his social media accounts. After some checking, he realised that one of his bank accounts and multiple social media accounts had been hacked and he was locked out of them.

What to do if you receive an email like this:

·  As with other phishing emails, do not to engage with the phisher, forward the email to [email protected], which is the NCSC’s Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS), and then delete it.

  • If you are considering paying the Bitcoin ransom, you should be aware that doing so, you will likely become the target of more scams, as the phisher will know they have a ‘willing’ customer.
  • The inclusion of genuine passwords or other personal information in phishing emails is a strong indication that you may have been affected by a historic data breach. You can use this service to check which of your online accounts were affected:
    https://haveibeenpwned.com
  • If the phishing email includes a password you still use, then change it immediately. Advice on how to create suitable passwords and enable other factors of authentication is available here: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/protect-yourself-from-fraud/protecting-against-online-fraud/improve-your-password-security/

If you have been a victim of extortion, or concerned that someone may be in possession of intimate images of you, you should report it to your local police force by calling 101. 

Find out how to protect yourself from fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk

If you’ve lost money or provided financial information as a result of any phishing scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-phishing or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

Posted in Crime Updates, News | Comments Off on Marks & Spencer + Other Scams – Be Careful

More + More Parking Tickets Issued…..

If residents complain about illegal/anti-social parking it is our duty to pass onto our local Police Team, lately they have been much more pro-active in issuing Parking Tickets.
NOT everyone is happy, and to top it I’ve had abuse over this issue….
Sorry I’ll do my duty – and stop parking illegally.


These are just a few of the reasons that cars in Whittlesey and March were issued parking tickets over the past couple weeks for:

  • Parking in disabled bays
  • Parking on double yellow lines
  • Parking on single yellow lines during hours of operation

Ten tickets have been issued during these dedicated patrols of the towns, particularly around Park Lane primary school and Coates primary school at drop off and pick up times.

These patrols will continue when we can, you never know where we will be next.

Have a concern? Let us know here.

Posted in Crime Updates, Issues and Concerns, News | Comments Off on More + More Parking Tickets Issued…..

Many Thanks For This Information…..Pot Hole Statistics

Posted in Issues and Concerns, News | Comments Off on Many Thanks For This Information…..Pot Hole Statistics

Just In Case You Are Not Aware

In November 2024 FDC Planning Department granted permission for 15 Touring and 15 Static Caravans at Decoy Lakes, there were concerns (and still are) of passing places for vehicles entering and exiting, there was objections from Rose Homes, who have planning permission for Eastrea Road (opposite Aldi) and access onto Decoy Lake Road.

Condition Notice(s) have been issued and approved.

F_YR25_3052_COND-PROPOSED_SITE_PLAN-951091
Posted in Issues and Concerns, News | Comments Off on Just In Case You Are Not Aware

Don’t Fall For It – Scammers

Hi Mum, I’ve lost my phone so I’m using this number”
The message continues…
“I’m so stressed, I’ve got various bills to pay but I can’t access my online banking as it’s linked to my old number”
Likely story, but go on…
“If I send you some details, would you be able to pay them for me? I promise I’ll pay you back as soon as I get back into my online banking”
These sorts of urgent and emotive messages are on the rise and they’re designed to pressure you into acting quickly – transferring money without thinking.
Stop. Think. Don’t be fooled.
For more on fraud, visit the force website: https://orlo.uk/HkQZ0
Posted in Crime Updates, Issues and Concerns, News | Comments Off on Don’t Fall For It – Scammers

Anyone Want To Join Me !!!!!

The Medworth (Wisbech Incinerator) Liasion Group will be having a meeting on Thursday 05th June, I hope to attend this meeting, should anyone be interested (Incuding all those who stood for election recently) – I can offer a lift there and back….
Contact me……

Medworth Meetings 25-26

 

Posted in News | Comments Off on Anyone Want To Join Me !!!!!

Free Energy Advice – Face 2 Face Meeting

On 21st May 9:30 – 12:00 pm it will be at March Library.

The aim is:

  • To help reduce energy use
  • Cut energy costs
  • Make homes more energy efficient
  • Explore available grants for sustainable heating systems
  • Give guidance tailored to people’s home and circumstances

The warmer weather will bring new challenges to keep people cool in their homes too.
Please share this with anyone you think it could help.

Henry Buttress
Energy and Communities Project Manager (AMEI)
If you would like an energy advice call, please book using the follow link

Select a Date & Time – Calendly

T 01733 568408 Ext 343#
E [email protected]

Ham Lane House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU

Posted in News | Comments Off on Free Energy Advice – Face 2 Face Meeting

Blackbush Drove – Closure Notice

Blackbush Drove Closure 02nd – 06th June 2025

25-875 Blackbush Drove Whittlesey Order_
Posted in News | Comments Off on Blackbush Drove – Closure Notice

Last Nights WTC Meetings F&P + Planning……

I attended both meetings as a member of the public….
At the Finance & Policy meeting, the committee discussed the councils finances and position for the year and forward into this years accounts.

Whittlesey Town Council have a budget and normally keep to it unless something exceptional occurs, they are in a healthy financial position in that they have well over £100,000 in reserves.

      

Mr Mat Page presenting his application       Mr Robert Windle presenting his application.
Grant for The Upcoming Fenland Bus          for The Whittlesey Sports and Community
Event and (2) Armed Forces Weekend         Directory.

Later in the meeting, all 3 of the above application were granted funding that was requested.

The Whittlesey Christmas Lights were also awarded their request as was the Summer reading Challenge.

——————————————————————————————————–

At last nights WTC Planning Committe, a short presentation was given by Allison Homes in respect of their application for 175 dwellings along Drybread Road.

Questions were asked about the positioning and type of play equipement being installed and when it would occur in the time frame.
The application is recommended for approval by WTC.

Ref Former Saxon Brickworks – application to increase throughput, – during the public forum ‘Brenda ?’ spoke out about Whittlesey becoming a ‘Toxic Town’.
A relatively short debate took place and WTC decided to recoomend refusal on grounds of
more noise, more, dust, more pollution and more traffic.

The next WTC Panning meeting is on Monday 02nd June.

Posted in News | Comments Off on Last Nights WTC Meetings F&P + Planning……