Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

A very good presence of The New Queen Street Surgery – Patients Participation Group, supporting today’s Flu Clinic, several other local organisations also in attendance…
Whittlesey library & Learning Centre, The (Wisbech) Rossmini Centre & Peterborough Samaritans.

I just wanted to let you know about the pending changes to the way prescriptions are being ordered. Currently patients have the option to order their repeat medication by selecting the appropriate option when calling the surgery and leaving a voice message.
For some time now this has become  increasingly difficult to manage as often, due to the changes in medication and their names patients find it hard to pronounce the medication they are currently on, this increases the risk of reception staff getting it wrong.
Further, on many occasions patients will leave messages asking for the particular colour of the tablet, this results in a member of staff calling the patient to determine what medication they are asking for, this then prevents reception staff from receiving incoming calls to the practice. Frequently patients will  request medication without leaving  their name or date of birth, which again makes it difficult for the reception team.

Therefore,  as from the 4^th November this option will be removed from the telephone message. I have attached the poster which will displayed in the waiting from Monday advising patients of this change. Further, a message will be added to the right hand side of the prescription slip advising patients they will no longer be able to order their medication over the phone.  This will be added to the script shortly.
Also a notification will be added to our website, again this will be completed by the middle of next week.

At last Wednesday’s WTC meeting, WTC/FDC & CCC Cllr Chris Boden (also the leader of FDC) quoted during a discussion on the ‘Growing Fenland’ & ‘Future For Fenland’ documents and consultations – The ‘By Pass’

Mr Steve Hodson a well known and respected businessman and member of the Business Forum has quoted the following….

“A new Relief Road” that the line of the new road be extended from the Morrisons Roundabout.
This extends the Relief Road dramatically and is not likely to happen.
The evidence for this is that Cllr Count advised Peter Baxter and others at the recent meeting in Whittlesey that any By Pass was a “PIPE DREAM”

In addition, I do not think you were able to make such a suggestion as a properly convened meeting of the Whittlesey Growing Fenland Group was not present.  It is a decision that the Town Council cannot make.
“I suggest you call a meeting as soon as possible of duly authorised group to consider this final report”

(RG) When I met MP Steve Barclay some 3 years ago and poached a similar question on ‘a proper By Pass’ for Whittlesey he said :-
“The criteria for a By Pass using the Governments formula of ‘Cost Benefit’ would require Whittlesey to build in the region of 8,000 houses.”

So – I well accept Cllr Bodens – aspiration(s) he unfortunately has only lived in the area a relatively short time – we have been told/asked and promised all sorts of infrastructure/supermarkets (commercial decision) and country parks, none of which for various reasons have not come about to date….
I, like many in Whittlesey share aspirations for all sorts of better enhancements, but achieving these ‘goals’ is a challenge.

Above photo WTC/ RWT photography.

Further to my (2) previous postings, here is the official release. The online survey will open up from the 11th. I/we encourage as many to take part – It may well determine the furture for our Town/Villages.

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.

Cllr Eamonn Dorling gave a brief talk on the benefit of
‘Tree Planting’ some of the positive benefits being better oxygen air quality, reduction of CO2 & particulate matters.
Provide materials for tools & buildings

https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics

A robust discussion took place, basically supporting, however it was the conscientious that this initiative should be ‘community led’ as on several previous occasions.
Cllr Dorling is in contact with various organisations.
I am in full support of ‘more’ tree’s and ‘bushes’ and have taken part in several previous projects.
The big concern is ‘where’ to plant, getting permission to ‘plant’ and any future maintenance.

Other Items discussed :- Cllr Mrs Laws gave an update on the for-coming ‘Local Plan’ consultation process and to get as many public to take part – It is important they do so.
The post which I placed on Oct 9th Click Here has a link on which you can place views….

The link will become ‘live’ in a day or two…..

News that ‘The Bower’ maintenance concerns/issues, is being resolved, Cllr Mrs Mayor, arranged a meeting with FDC and other agencies, it would now appear the FDC are responsible for a large part of the ‘Walkway’ – however there are other parts which come under Cambs CC and Mid-Level Commissioners.

A ‘Fly-Tipper’ was caught red-handed – and issues on the spot £400 fine.

Below are supporting papers, Environment, Street Pride & Other News…

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 was published on this site on the 03rd October…. Click Here to see agenda

8 members of the public present.
11 Councillors present – Apologies from Cllr’s Munns, Bristow & Lang-Winston.

The early start was to present Whittlesey Allotment Society with certificates for the best kept allotments. Presentation by Gill Lawrence.

There was a ‘group photo’ taken of present and past Councillors for the ‘new council offices’ (Photo to come later).

A presentation from Lisa Roberts.
(Peterborough City Council) – gave an update on the
‘Must Farm’ project, this is being undertaken with several different agencies, including WTC representation.
It is hoped that a Heritage Centre will be built at the Forterra Car Parking Area (Peterborough Road) –
She explained that this building will be an environmentally friendly facility (Solar, Rainwater & Effluent).
There will be a class room for up to 30 places and an exhibition centre to highlight the history of Whittlesey. Our local museum will be involved.
She seems very positive on funding and moving to phase 2 of the project.

Public Forum :- 3 speakers on subjects – Tree’s & Environment
The Zebra Crossing near the Nationwide, Recycling Centre.
HGV’s along Benwick Road/Inhams Road.

Cambs CC David Connor, gave updates on Kings Dyke Crossing (See my post of 02nd October – Click Here)
The latest date for the 1st phase of the ‘Tendering Process’ is the 5th November – short listing. There were questions re the clearance of the land, some of which will have to be re-done.
The Pondersbridge (LHI) Local Highways Improvements is moving forward.
There was a community meeting in Turves recently with around 50 residents attending.
Several ‘issues’ were raised, including the re-installation of a #Bus Shelter#.

Part II to follow…..