Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

A very good engagement with Mr Preston this morning at The Buttercross/Market Place.
Mr Preston listened to some of the issues and problems ‘we’ have here in Whittlesey and Villages, several other Whittlesey, District, Town and County Councillors were also present.
Mr Preston did say he (as an ex Police Officer) wanted more Neighbourhood Policing.

I hope and will of course attend should any other candidates make contact or come to Whittlesey.

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Disclaimer : Please be aware, that Whittlesey Town Council are consultee’s only on planning matters,
the decision makers at Fenland District Council (Delegated Officers) or The FDC Planning Committee. Recommendations made at WTC are not always the same decisions made at FDC.

A presentation made by Mr Mark Mann on F/YR20/0861 – 130 Dwellings Bassenhally Farm. A Seperate entrance is being build for the Football Field.

RG comment, I questioned Mr Mann in respect of differing access to/from the estate and that unlimited traffic would now be able to come out onto Drybread Road.

Later when the item was debated I strongly made the point that previously we had been shown a plan – whereby the estate would be split and that the final phase 4 would have access onto Drybread Road, the rest of the estate would access the A605.
A robust debate took place and a vote to object to the present application on the road layout within the estate.

Better news was that the applicant has agreed(as in 2011) that a cycle route be build from the Drybread Road entrance along to the School.

I have been informed that there are a number of residents who are in favour of this application, however the reasons that ‘we’ and Whittlesey Town Town Council objected are layed out in the documents below.
I have stated on a number of occasions, there are certain advantages and positive environmental grounds for recycling Bottom End Fly Ash.

It is good to see that at least One Candidate (Cllr Chris Boden) has made space on his election leaflet to promote the concerns on this planning application.
As far as I am aware other than present Councillors (WTC) no other Candidates have made any committment to supporting residents on these concerns.
Today 8th April is the closing date for any submissions – Do it now…

This is a word document and you can copy and paste from it, or contact me and I will send you the template document.

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12 th April – At The George this morning – marking out for social distancing there will be 16 tables out the front – opening 9am – 9pm – No booking requried.

You can register for free for a pass and membership by contacting:-
Philip Parker e-mail…..     admin@philipparkerassociates.co.uk

Following extended efforts by reserve staff/volunteers and Forterra in removing several million litres of flood water, we are pleased to announce the following timescales for re-opening : 

1. Thursday 8^thApril, the paths will re-open. Please stay strictly to the paths. Those in the main reserve are passable with boots, that in the extension by the bunker is currently only passable with wellingtons. The pond dipping area and path right past the main hide remain flooded over Wellington depth.
2. The fossil area will open from Monday 12th April and has been topped up once since Christmas.
   We will try and get some more fossil clay in there as soon as a machine is available.
3. The main hide will also open from Monday 12th April but to a maximum of 3 people only (one per available bench to maintain social distancing). The end of the hide is closed and taped off to avoid disturbing the swans who are nesting outside the far window. Use of the hide is being monitored to ensure these rules are followed.
   Any breaches and the hide will be closed.
4. Following an arson attempt on the extension hide, members should not use this until the steps have been repaired
5. We look forward to seeing new photographs from peoples visits but please note that we are now in the bird nesting season so as normal, there is a list of restricted birds which should not be reported until the end of July.
   This is available on request.

We expect the reserve to be quite busy given it is spring and people have not able to visit for some time so please observe social distancing.
The gate is locked and only member have the access code.

Subject to Planning permission/approval @FDC

On the agenda was The Manor Picnic Benches, they have been identified in need of replacing for sometime, due to vandalism and age.

Whittlesey Street Pride in partnership with Whittlesey Town Council are moving this project forward. Myself, the Projects Committee, WTC and StreetPride are very much hoping to be able to replace all of the benches with recycled plastic benches sometime in the summer. Funding is well advanced and a grant from The Glassmoor Wind Turbine Fund is being processed. More as/when news emerges.