Disclaimer: These observations are not the ‘official’ minutes of the meeting, these are supplied by Whittlesey Town Council, normally (1) month following the meeting and can be viewed on their website.
The agenda for this meeting is posted below on 05th January 2018.
1. 6 members on the public attending + Cllrs Steve Tierney and Will Sutton (FDC Deputy Leader)
2. 12 councillors in attendance – apologies from Cllrs Windle, Boden & Curtis
+ Cllr Garratt (No apology).
3. A 10 minute talk by Wisbech/CCC Councillor Steve Tierney about his role as ‘Area 
Community Champion’ to help and facilitate both Parish/Town Councils and Community Groups. Although no funding at present he hopes there will be in the near furure.
4. A short talk by Deputy Leader of FDC Cllr Will Sutton – again about engaging with Town Council, questions mainly revolved around ‘Planning’ and FDC’s Website short-comings.
5. I had my usual 10 minutes at the ‘Public Forum’ and gave the Councillors/Public present the update on the ‘Police Review’ which I covered briefly here earlier in the week.
I also covered yesterdays news about the nationwide survey on Nitrogen Dioxide levels, which Mr Peter Baxter has been leading a campaign on and again has been covered on this site on several occasions….
See article Here… To see what the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide are in your postcode area.
FDC official Mr Steve Bass is to give a presentation to the Council at the March meeting.
I also had a go (again) about the ‘Lack’ of signage and information regarding the closure of both the North Bank Road & B1040 towards Thorney – I get the feeling I am talking to a brick wall – when will something be done….waiting and waiting….
6. Town Council finances are in a good shape – and it is forecasted that there should be a surplus by the end of the financial year – giving the Council some reserves to draw upon if and when needed.
7. Kings Dyke Bridge – Well don’t hold your breath again, Cllr Ralph Butcher informs that there are some further delays, he stated that in his opinion the Bridge will not be completed before the end of 2019 – (that’s a 9 not an 8)
There is ‘some’ short fall in funding (nothing new about this) However no-one has stated How Much – this could be because the ‘detailed’ plans have not yet been completed.
8. Ramsey Road/Church Street – I spoke with Cllrs Whitwell and Boden last Saturday at their surgery at some length – There is supposed to be a 6 page report ‘somewhere’ – although not at tonights meeting. The public meeting was well attended – although my Letter sent to WTC was NOT sent to all councillors and both the above councillors had not sighted it – Looks to me it was selective as to who saw it!.
The Bridge at Briggate has had a surface survey carried out – which brought up no issues…
However WTC/Public concern has now prompted a survey to be carried out from the River itself at a cost of £7,500
Other Business… There is to be a meeting at the Council Offices with the Police & Crime Commissioner and his officials on the 07th February – I think this is a closed meeting and not open to the public – unless otherwise advised.
The next Neighbourhood Plan – Workshop is to be held at The Christian Church Broad Street on 24th February – Time to be advised.
No relevant update on Whittlesey Railway Station.
The Whittlesey Food Aid Group had a very successful Christmas Hamper campaign
Finally, back to the Kings Dyke Bridge – Not only have we ALL been waiting a lifetime for this to happen, the latest initiative has now been ongoing for 4 years and the project has yet to be started! – reminds me of ‘Supermarketgate’ 2 Supermarkets slugging it out – only to be left with neither coming to Whittlesey….
Remember Waiting, waiting, and more waiting.
I am Roy Gerstner – I am not a Councillor and am solely responsible for this Website – I am accountable for what I write.
I am NOT a keyboard/social media warrior.
I am more than happy to support any community group with publicity and I support ‘many’ local groups financially – ask!
I am more than happy to correct anything that is not factually correct.
