Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

It has been a journey but the lease is at last in place and a signed hard copy is now in the clubs safe. It is a 15-year lease with the 1954 tenants act still applicable, which is the gold standard, running from  01/09/2024.

The club recently held another open access young persons night and we have an award ceremony coming up to celebrate members competition achievements this year. We will put some positive publicity out, including the good news on the lease after that event.

Club membership continues to grow building on the long-standing heritage the club has in the Town.

The Highways Engineer has sent the following…..

The bridge is still in design, however once designs are complete, I’m happy to share with you.  The bridge design/ spec requested is an FRP replacement.  FYI FRP is fibre reinforced polymer (plastic) however can have a decorative look and colour. 
The advantage to using this product is unlike timber it doesn’t suffer due to weather and therefore requires little to no maintenance.  You’ve obviously been aware of the issues of the existing timber bridge over time, which isn’t helped by location nor vegetation.

I appreciate this is within the conservation area and therefore comms will be had with the relevant teams.  If suitable FRP posts and handrails can’t be identified, timber will be opted for; however preference is for the FRP.  FYI CCC are pushing for FRP on all footbridges now due to longevity and reduced overall costs, risks etc..

Moving forward a step I’d like to have these works completed in summer 2025.
It’s inevitable a footway closure will be required.  Are there any dates that would suit better than others?  I appreciate there may be certain festivals etc. within the Manor fields that I’ll look to avoid.  If possible is there a preference to completing the works within school holiday or within term times?

Best regards,
Adam Cobb IEng MICE MCIHT

Today has been a relatively quiet day…..

Main news was the yet again vandalism of the Locks and Chain across the gate on the B1040 Thorney Road.

Message earlier from CClr Dee Laws

Just to advise an irresponsible person has taken an angle grinder to B1040 south floodgate lock.

Reported to CCC and mobilised a member of the highways team to drive out and replace – yet again.

For good measure I’ve advised the Police.

If a WTC member would like to post on FB – as I am already late leaving Whittlesey

1. a) this is a cost to taxpayer
2. b) illegal when a road closure notice is in place

c) Police advised and ANY motorist will be fined (no excuses) as the road closure notices are displayed,  they are placing other drivers at risk and if the emergency service are called out.

https://www.octagon.org.uk/pulse/autumn2024/

Here is what I found out this morning….

Thank you for your enquiry about the heating in Whittlesey Library.
The heating system has broken and will not be repaired as it will be replaced in the spring with an Air Source Heatpump system, so we are using a temporary solution currently.  Property are keeping the situation under review.

Message from Cllr Dee Laws…GOOD News –

The Buttercross will be illuminated again.
At the end of October I reported Whittlesey Buttercross monument was looking very sad with only one light working.
Agreement from Sam Falco, Conservation Officer Fenland District Council has purchased a new lighting system – 16 x LED lights and being installed this morning.
Fingers crossed the ‘little darlings’ do not damage them.

Along with our Cyberhood Watch partner, Avast, we are launching the latest Cybercrime Survey which will help us understand the impact of online crime and scams on our members. There’s also the opportunity of winning some very useful M&S vouchers!

Enter now

The findings of the survey will be used to inform the ongoing Cyberhood Watch awareness initiatives and help our Cyberhood Watch Ambassadors. It will also draw attention to important topics which will help everyone protect themselves – and their loved ones – from cyber criminals.

The survey will close on Friday 15 December – we’d really love to hear your views and of course, we will load the report onto our website once it is available so you can take a look for yourself!

Thanks in advance for your support in the fight against cybercrime in the UK.

North Bank Road will be reopened once the Highways Authority have been able to inspect the road surface and carry out any necessary works to ensure the road is passable. There may be standing water in low lying areas and fields for several days.

I did not attend myself, however there were a number of Saxongate Resident Group members there, Mr Rice the agent and lead on the Science Park gave an update.
Both the Science Park and Battery Storage Unit applications were ‘approved’ by the only 3 members of WTC Planning Committee in attendance.

I don’t know the reason for absent members,, but on such important applications it would have been nice to see a better turnout.
Both application will go to FDC Planning to be decided on, I would imagine that both will come to the Planning Committee.

I am posting this for information only.
I am a committee member of Fenland District Councils Planning Committee, I will not make any comments on this application or any other application and keep an open mind at all times.