Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

A message from the King’s Dyke project team:
Since the last update, the steel reinforcement on the railway bridge deck was completed (pictured left), which allowed us to commence the concrete pour as scheduled.
In total, more than 170,000 litres of concrete, the equivalent of about 1,150 baths, was used. This involved approximately 25 deliveries of concrete by mixer trucks, and we would like to thank residents and commuters for their patience.  

In addition, the precast concrete parapet units have also been installed (pictured right), which provides the permanent edge protection across the bridge. 

The site team is now focusing on progressing the drainage works at both roundabout locations as well as constructing the concrete wing walls, which will extend back from each corner of the railway bridge.

I’ll elaborate tomorrow.

In the meantime – Another BIG Thank You to All the Volunteers who have helped throughout the past 15 months.

When?

Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June.  In 2021, it will take place on Saturday 26 June.

Armed Forces Day celebrations begin on Monday 21 June when the Armed Forces Day flag is raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.

Reserves Day will also provide an opportunity for the country to recognise our Reserve Forces.

Where?

Events may be affected by COVID-19. Please contact the individual event organisers, using the contact details provided, for further information on specific events.

Why?

Showing support for the Armed Forces provides a much valued morale boost for the troops and their families. You can find out more about what they are doing at home and around the world by visiting the official sites of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

The public show their support for the Armed Forces on Armed Forces Day, but did you know the Armed Forces Covenant outlines how the Government, businesses and communities support Armed Forces personnel past and present throughout the year? Find out more here.

Who?

The Armed Forces

The UK Armed Forces defend the UK and its interests. They are busy working around the world, promoting peace, delivering aid, tackling drug smugglers, providing security and fighting terrorism.

Veterans

A veteran is anyone who has served in the HM Armed Forces at any time (including National Servicemen, Regulars and Reserves). Armed Forces Day celebrates their continued role within the military community.

You can find out more information about support for Veterans on the Veterans-UK website or by calling Veterans UK on 0808 1914 218.

Reservists

Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve.

An annual Reserves Day celebrates their contribution to the Armed Forces.  Reserves Day is the Wednesday ahead of Armed Forces Day – 23 June.

Cadets

The Cadet Forces (Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Air Cadets and the Combined Cadet Force) currently support over 130,000 young people in more than 3,000 locations across the UK. Cadets learn life and career building skills as well as gaining vocational qualifications..

Families

Our Armed Forces couldn’t do their job without the incredible support of their family and friends.

Charities

Although Armed Forces Day is not a charitable event, the Armed Forces have the support of several UK charities and many local events will offer opportunities to support them. To find out more about Armed Forces charities please see here.

https://www.cambstimes.co.uk/news/campaigners-halt-illegal-waste-opposition-whittlesey-8089166

Further to Mondays update (Community Briefing Note from The Environment Agency).

I can report that Mr Stephen Rice, the Land Agent/Chartered Surveyor acting on behalf of East Midlands Waste, requested a meeting with Whittlesey Town Councillors to give a presentation on the remediation and restoration proposals that have been formerly approved by The Environment Agency.

8 Councillors (including myself) attended the pre-arranged meeting at 18:30 last night.

Mr Rice, gave a very ‘slick’ and ‘professional’ presentation, naturally he knows the subject well and was very fluent in his delivery.

Some parts of the presentation he asked to remain confidential, which I have to accept as it makes no bearing on our ‘issues/concerns’ and deals with future business plans for the site.

Mr Rice explained in detail how/where the restoration of the buttresses will be engineered.
He explained how the ‘French Drain’ will work.
He explained on the testing of water and gas will take place and be monitored for the future.

The presentation took around 25 minutes. The Chairman then invited Councillors questions….

Only myself and one other Councillor asked questions. Leader of FDC and WTC/CCC Cllr Boden was not present at the meeting.

I stated that the people of Whittlesey were and are disappointed in that 122,858 tonnes of illegal and hazardous waste had been deposited at the Saxon Pit.

I questioned, how the water and gas management will take place, the monitoring infrastructure.
Unfortunately I have still not received the ‘chemical analysis’ of the hazardous waste, even though the EA has passed these figures onto Fenland District Council.

The success of ‘our campaign’ is that, ‘if’ the original lady who reported smells, had not been very determined and not fobbed off by the EA and others, the chances are that further considerable amounts of ‘illegal/none-conforming’ waste may have ended up in the Saxon Pit over months or even years.

I have re-attached the briefing note, which explains the EA answers.

So – as far as The Saxon Pit/East Midlands Waste concerns and issues are, we have reached the end of the road for this.
The lobbying and campaign will still carry on, in respect of future planning at the site.

It is deemed to be a Waste and Minerals site, and as such we have to rely on the EA to do their job properly – something I and others believe has not been happening in the past.

I’d like to thank everyone, who supported not only myself, the nearby residents but the whole community which would have been further affected by the none-conforming waste.

Onwards and Upwards – The Campaign Continues.

With regards,

Roy G…

These reports will come hopefully later today or tomorrow morning, working on it.

I did say might be……Don’t do rumours here…however – The Cambs Times™ reports of a ‘possible’ Lidl™ coming to Whittlesey – Well within a couple of years we could have a ‘choice’ of small/medium sized supermarkets.
I was made aware of the actual location this evening, but am bound by confidentiality.
So somewhere on the map below..

©Google Maps

This is the Draft Version of the proposed ‘Map’ – it will be made avalable in a much larger A3 formatt once the final version has been agreed.
Map is ‘zoomable’ ±