Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

We would like to remind you of our next set of Voluntary Group Networking Meetings for March, Whittlesey, Wisbech and Chatteris. 
We have already had a great response, but just in case you were coming along, and had forgotten to tell us, we thought we would send a gentle reminder.   As you know, these meetings are a great way for local organisations to get together and network, (large and small),  giving an opportunity to share successes and challenges, to talk about good practise and to share all ideas about those important matters such as funding and volunteering!  You are welcome to attend the ones you feel more relevant to you and your organisation, or indeed to attend all.

The Whittlesey meeting will be at the Whittlesey Library on the 5^th March, 10am to 12pm  Our speaker for this meeting will be a representative (s) from The National Lottery, and there will be an opportunity for questions and more of an insight into their work including how the Lottery are keen to fund projects in our area.

GhostersSpooky

Please note, these are NOT the official minutes of the meeting and are purely notes taken by Cllr Barry Wainwright.

Planning Notes Monday 2nd March 2026
Ghosters@Planning

All the hard work done by Saxongate and ‘some’ councillors.

GhostsGetsResults

Legal Team off to draft a proposal to refuse on Health and Highways, Highways
not a solid reason. Risk factors for refusing and applicant appealing.

GhostsLoveWaiting4Hours

Several speakers, legal, planning and questions, next the debate….

CCC’s balance – Employment/Recycling       Mr. Lewis Johnson (applicant)
outweighs Health Perception/Traffic.

Alan Bessant.                Stephen Hodson.                Clive Vaughn.

CCC/FDC Leader & WTC Chris Boden.      30+ Residents leaving Whittlesey.

Ghosts-Don’tLikeyLong Meetings.

Click Here To Watch

Meeting started 10:00am, Saxon/Johnson #2 on Agenda.
31 attending from Whittlesey.

33 watching @ 10:10
Ghosts@CCC-Planning

Unfortunatly I am unable to attend todays meeting, however I am pleased to have ‘sponsored’ the Free Bus taking some 30 or so residents and a Councillor or maybe two
for the meeting today.
With CCC ‘Planning Officers’ recommending to approve the application, stating there will be conditions to protect the residents and environment…..
Sorry CCC – this has only worked so far with some very limited and recent contacts and updates – good news in some respect.

Please take 2 minutes and read the latest below.

Saxongate The Final Push 030326
GhostyNotAHappyGhost

For those unable to travel, the Planning Committee meeting will be livestreamed from 10am on Wednesday 4 March via Cambridgeshire County Council’s website:
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/council/meetings-and-decisions/council-meetings-live-web-stream

We again thank Councillor Roy Gerstner for arranging a free 52-seat coach from Whittlesey to New Shire Hall to enable residents to attend the meeting in person. Public attendance matters.
GhostsLiveStreaming

FDC was granted £1.5m for projects and FDC has decided to spilt the money to be spent mostly on play parks and open spaces to each of the 4 towns (£250k each) and villages (£500k combined) it is for decision at Cabinet on Monday 23rd March as to where and how this money will be spent. The report for Fenland as a whole has to be published no later than Friday 13th March. Therefore the proposals need to be completed by next Tuesday, Officers (and the Portfolio Holder) need the prioritisation responses from Members by this Thursday at the latest.

Where the money is spent is not a WTC decision we only offer proposals. It is for cabinet to recommend the proposals to full district council.

Whittlesey Councillors are being asked to submit requests (very tight time), so far
There has been requests
1/ Play Area @ Church Street/St Andrews
2/ Tennis Court Re-surfacing @ The Manor.
3/ Storage and Hub Unit for Platinum Wood/Yarwells.
There may be others that I am at this point unaware of….

To give an idea of how much play equipment costs, see below, however I am told FDC use multiple suppliers, I dare say the prices are similar.

Play Area Brochure V1 to Members 24 Feb 26
GhostsJustLike Swings&Roundabouts

FRANKSCOURT LC030326
GhostsGoTo Court

From and still humbled, the engagement I’ve had over the last 15 years, I am the ‘Only‘ Councillor with this record…of keeping the residents I represent (Whittlesey South) informed not only on what I do, but give kudos to all who do good work for their community.
Not without controversy I will challenge and hold account those (and we have a few) that do not engage or pull their weight.

Being an ‘Independent’ is by no means easy…..many vote even locally on ‘politics and party lines’ I have always advocated – this should not be so – at Town/Parish level. RG May 2011 – Bit slimmer ….

So today not only being the last day of the ‘Chinese New Year’ ‘Chap Goh Mei’
It is a wonderful day to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped motivate me on this very special day……for how much longer – who knows….

Who can recall all the articles/Stories/Archives/Reports/Agenda’s there all here…
History – Has Whittlesey changed Yes – is it a better place to live – I hope so……
(Not without issues or problems daily)
Finally as always –
Ask YOU COUNCILLOR What they have done, and are doing for YOU.

Ghosts@10Kilo&10Megas