Another message from CCC Cllr David Connor

This being in refernce to an article I published on the 19th February about the fatal accident and the state of Ramsey Road.
I have received communication from one of our County Councillors Cllr Dave Connor and am more than happy to print in full what his response was to my article.


“Hi Roy,
Again it’s unfair to say quote – County Counciloors have serious words with CCC highways. It cost a great deal of money to do the stretch of road last year. And we ran out of money that the Government gave for Drought Damage Road schemes. I can assure you and residents I keep pressing CCC highways of the need to improve this and many other roads where I am county councillor and I expect if and when we get another tranche of extra money I will be lobbying for more money to be spent in our area.
Please print this in its entirety.
Kind regards
David Connor”

The stretch of road we are refering is between Whittlesey Ramsey Road railway crossing and Pondersbridge – it is well known to suffer badly from subsidence.
We were promised well over 2 years ago that the road was going to have maintenance on it – delay after delay AND we were under the impression (incuding many Whittlesey Town Councillors) that the whole stretch of road was going to be done, as Cllr Connor states the money ran out and this has left still a great deal of road that is subjected to subsidence.
~ I am sure we all are looking forward to when the road can be made much safer.

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County Councillors Allowances & Expenses Part I

I have on a number of occasions both questioned and made comments about County Councillors ‘Allowances & Expenses’ the latest being on the 31st January.
I disagreed with the way that the leader Steve Count steam-rollered the large increases through and took no notice what so ever of the Independent Pay Review.
I have highlighted this – so the electorate are kept aware.
I have received communication from one of our County Councillors Cllr Dave Connor and am more than happy to print in full what his response was to my article.

“Hi Roy,
Really dissapointed by your comments about CCC allowances about the increase.
May I respectfully remind you that my Ward Whittlesey South is huge and as a result of boundary changes. And 8 councillors less I only claim partially for meetings not for phone calls and not for constituents meetings etc. People tell me I am doing a good job including yourself on a number of occasions. So I ask you to print this in its entirety and let the voters decide come election time in approx 2 years time.
Kind regards
David Connor.”

I agree with David’s comment above and have not questioned his hard work, however when the vote was taken to increase ALL County Councillors allowances, David voted with his party to accept these increases – my case stands.
We agree to disagree…..on this occasion and remain on good terms.

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Acts Of Bravery Praised In Chief Constable Commendations Ceremony

Exceptional acts of selflessness, compassion and bravery across Cambridgeshire have been recognised – with praise also going to a celebrity this year. 
The Chief Constable’s Commendations and Long Service Ceremony took place at force headquarters in Hinchingbrooke last night (14 March) with awards going to those who had gone above and beyond.
This round of awards also shone the spotlight on Channel 4 documentary Famous and Fighting Crime – with the actions of celebrity Katie Piper and officers in the last episode of the series commended.
Chief Constable Nick Dean praised everyone who had excelled as he presented the awards.
He said: “As we present these awards it is overwhelming to read the stories of outstanding bravery, compassion and kindness towards others in very difficult circumstances.  
 
“You have stepped up to help someone in need, to put your own lives at risk and to go above and beyond for the people of Cambridgeshire – and to each and every one of you, I say thank you.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Jason Ablewhite added: “One of the most rewarding parts of my role is meeting members of the public who tell me just how supportive you have been, especially when people have been in difficult situations or unpleasant circumstances. 

“What you do on a daily basis is outstanding and to be able to recognise and celebrate your efforts is a real honour.”
Julie Spence, Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, attended the event to present the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal to officers who had served 20 years or more within the force.
Other officers, police staff and members of the public were also commended for their actions.
 
TV star Katie Piper, together with Sgt Michael Johnson, PC Danny Cummings, PC Craig Farrington and PC Nathan Southerland were thanked for their bravery in the early hours of 23 May last year.
The team of officers, accompanied by Katie during filming for the Channel 4 series, led residents to safety after a block of flats in Peterborough caught fire.
Small children were carried from the building and elderly residents were helped to safety by the team, who arrived on scene before the fire service.
More than 50 flats were evacuated. Some officers received treatment for smoke inhalation, but remained on duty.
 
PC Chris Cawdery was given the Testimonial on Vellum award after single-handedly pulling a man from the wreckage of a crash in Peterborough.
He was first on the scene after a car left the A47 and crashed through trees and a fence in Bretton Fields before catching fire on 1 January, 2016.
The driver was conscious but injured and trapped. PC Cawdery got into the car through the passenger door and dragged the man to safety – almost certainly saving his life.
 
PC Tamsin Nichols, PC Rosie Wilkes and off-duty nurse Shirley Slender received a Royal Humane Society award for saving the life of a woman who had collapsed in Elm, Wisbech on 27 May last year.
 
DC Clemie Yaxley, PC Simon Berrill, Sgt Hayley Carter, PC Kurtis Irving, PC Anna Pollard and two members of the public were commended for a courageous team effort that helped save the life of a man in Peterborough. 
On the morning of 29 November last year police were called after a man climbed over the Fletton Parkway bridge near Oxney Road. 
The road was closed and DC Yaxley, who was off duty, controlled the man, with help from members of the public, and held his hand. 
Two members of the public also climbed over the barrier to help. One had lost his mother to suicide just two weeks previously and felt compelled to help in spite of his fear. 

PCs Pollard and Irving were the first on-duty officers on the scene and asked members of the public to grab whatever they could to secure a makeshift harness – using rope, dog leads and even telephone wiring. 
PC Irving, who had only been on shift for five weeks, leaned over the barrier to hold the man while Sergeant Carter coordinated a response with limited resources. After liaising with fire and ambulance, the man was brought back to safety.

Julio O’Malley, aged just 14, was praised for his bravery after saving the life of his mum on 25 March, 2018.
Julio was upstairs at his Peterborough home when he heard a commotion downstairs. He went to investigate and saw a man attacking his mother, who was covered in blood and begging for her life.
Acting quickly and with outstanding bravery, Julio stamped on the offender’s head as he lay grappling with his mother on the floor. This allowed Julio and his mother to escape and call police. 
Julio’s mother believes her son’s actions that night saved her life. In October last year, Jonathan Youthed was jailed for 10 years for GBH with intent, threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment. 

Sergeants Darren Gore and Carl Harris were also praised for saving a woman who was threatening to drown herself in a lake in Peterborough in December last year.
 
PCs Lewis Busby and Harry Howe were praised for their actions to save a man’s life by holding onto his arms as he dangled from the top of a multi-storey car park in Peterborough on New Year’s Eve 2018. 

To see photos from the night, click here.

Regards,
Tara Cox (Communications officer) 

Message Sent By
Corporate Communications (Police,Communications Officer,Cambridgeshire)
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Update from The Police & Crime Commissioner

Connect-Spring-Newsletter-2019
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Local People still falling for this SCAM

I have covered the TV License Scam on several occasions, but people locally are still falling for it – I also had an e-mail supposedly from the TV Licensing – but it is so easy the check….
Know when you bills are due.
This is what has come today…

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Report on the WTC Meeting Wednesday 13th March 2019

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 for the meeting was published on this website 12th March – below.
Councillors present with the exception of Cllrs Wicks & Curtis who gave apologies, Cllr Garratt no apologies. County Councillor David Connor present.
Chair – Cllr Windle reminded Cllrs of no repeating or deviating from the agenda items.

There were 10 members of the public, no would be ‘new’ candidates standing for WTC election were present!!!!.
F43/19 The main interest was the presentation by Persimmon Homes™ representatives Ann Dew and Ben Purdy, you can tell how interested they were by the photograph’s!
They explained that the project is well advanced, and it is my understanding that they want to clear the way – to be able to begin on the Showfields site asap.

A fairly short review on the project was given, and then questions from the councillors….Cllr Mrs Mayor questioned direct about the historical issues of flood risk and especially concerns over Teal Road & Kingfisher Road – Mr Purdy seemed to ‘fudge’ the answer by stating that Anglian Water had been fully consulted about drainage and flood risk in conjunction with the Environment Agency. Mr Purdy stated the 1 in a hundred/thousand year scenario – which we local people know is not quite correct.
Cllr Boden questioned about how/who the management company is to be formed and under what remit would they operate….No conclusive answer.
Unfortunately there was no one from the ex Showfields action group in attendance.
Some half good news given was that all traffic going on site will be coming from the B1040 and NOT from Teal Road. There is to be a S106 contribution of £1.7 million towards education, transport etc.
The plan is to start the first phase of around 80 houses within a few months.
220 houses, with xxxx amount of vehicles all coming out onto the B1040/Thorney Road –
We will wait and see what the effects are.
I am sure many have read press reports about Persimmon Homes and I will not comment.

F44/19 Police report was given to councillors and to Whittlesey NHW members. Cllr Butcher stated there had been a number of incidents in the Coates area, he was unsure whether they had all been reported.

F47/19 Public Forum 3 speakers, covered inconsiderate bad parking in Eastrea, new rules regarding cattery’s and planning concerns.

F50/19 Consultations – included another recent ‘Transport Plan’ which both Cllrs Boden and Laws commented about the HGV issues and pollution concerns of the A605 – this consultation will be going into the public domain, for the public to comment on – it will be important for Whittlesey residents to have their say – more to follow.

Cllr Boden – brought up again issues concerning parking….and stated that Police were not that interested in addressing and that ‘decriminalisation’ of parking was maybe an option.
(Please see my article presented to Whittlesey Business Forum regarding the options in/around parking issues in Whittlesey)
Also see article on Whittlesey NHW site about Rules & Regs concerning parking
Click Here

Cllr Laws – Neighbourhood Plan – on-going Draft Policies and then a Public Referendum
Cllr Mason – Property working group, re new council offices – appears that nearly all the contingency money may be used for the ‘Boiler’ – on-going… Work is hoped to start Mid-April.

Date of next meeting – Wednesday 10th April.

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Advice Issued To Help Prevent Keyless Vehicle Thefts

Following a rise across the eastern region in thieves using more sophisticated techniques to gain access to keyless entry/start button cars, we’re issuing advice to help you keep your vehicle secure and protect you from becoming a victim of crime.
When the correct key fob is close by, the fob recognises the signal and transmits its own code, instructing the vehicle to unlock the doors and to allow the ignition to work on the car.
Thieves use wireless transmitters to capture its radio transmission. This is relayed to another device.  It allows the thief to open and start your car in the same way.

To prevent this from happening, use car key signal blocker cases/sleeves, they cost less than £10, or an aluminium tin at home.  Find a safe place for your keys at home and check to ensure they are out of range.

Following some of these other steps will also help to protect your vehicle:

  • Use a good quality crook lock or full cover steering wheel security lock to immobilise your vehicle
  • Consider fitting an ‘OBD safe’ device, a secure lockable device that fits over the vehicle’s on board diagnostic port, in the vehicle cabin. This prevents criminals using software to code an electronic key for the vehicle
  • If your vehicle is fitted with on board wi-fi consider switching this facility off, if you do not need it which will reduce the chance of criminals hacking into the vehicle’ system; your banking details or personal data from linked devices
  • Criminals can also employ remote/keyless entry jamming equipment; so make sure your car is locked physically by trying the door handle and viewing the indicators flash, before leaving it.
Message Sent By
Corporate Communications (Police,Communications Officer,Cambridgeshire)
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WTC Agenda – Wednesday 13th March

I am planning to attend this meeting and will report on it afterwards.
Of interest will be the presentation by Persimmon Homes on their plans for the Showfields Site ….
Full-Council-Agenda-13th-March-2019

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St Mary’s Church Hall – Planning for a Hotel

St Mary’s Church Hall which has stood semi-derelict for many years. Proposals previously for Flats and Sheltered housing, which was time expired.

Go to FDC Website under planning F/YR19/0188/F to view drawings. Is Whittlesey on the expansion, with the development of ‘The Monastary’ on Market Street, the forever planning proposals to enhance/enlarge ‘The Falcon Hotel’ – which has been refused on several occasions. Now a good plan to tidy up a grot building and land can only be a good proposal – Hopefully it will materialise.

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Full Town Council meeting this Wednesday

There is a full town council meeting this Wednesday 13th March at the town council office, Grosvenor Road @7:30pm

 

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Not to be confused – Independents

No, is the answer – I have not been approached or asked to ‘join’ the so called gang of 4 ex conservative FDC councillors on becoming what they are calling ‘Indpendents’ at the May local elections. During my relatively brief local political stance (about 15 years) I have never wavered my ‘total Independence’ from any political group here locally. I have never knowingly supported financially any political group.

The ‘toxic relationship between councillors and Necca has been on going for years, and rears up to a crescendo cum election time. I know all 4 of the gang, and respect their reasons for ‘leaving (maybe only temporary) the conservative group. The problem(s) have been well know amongst the group for some considerable time.

The problem for ‘us’ few real Independents is that the voting public can not easy identify between those who temporarily disengage from their political masters and myself.

The Peterborough MP Fiona Onasanya who stood as a Labour candidate, was kicked out on her being convicted on perverting the course of justice, then sits as an Independent, this woman has cost the tax payer £millions in two trials and now a ‘recall process (about £ ½ million – government/taxpayer pays)

Ask the would be candidate what ‘real political’ Independence stands for.

My passion like many local (and maybe would be) councillors is for local politics not to become embroiled in national issues, my passion is to improve our lives and welfare here locally. My lobbying has brought issues and concerns to the for front, My Web-blog regularly gets well over a thousand hits a day and at weekends regularly hits between 2 and 3 thousand – not all my supporters I well know, but for factual information people look here…and no further.

Have a good weekend.

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‘The Pulse’

As many of you are aware I attend dozens of meetings at my own expense, I like to know and hear first hand at what is happening within a vast spectrum of subjects….One being a member of our local Health trust.
Find out what has been going on at our hospitals, including all the awards won, meet our new Nursing Associates, the fundraising that has taken place and also what happens in the vital department of Sterile Services by clicking on the link below.

Click Here
We are sent regular update via ‘The Pulse’

The Spring issue of The Pulse, our hospital magazine, is now out and has lots of great stories for you to read.

Inside this edition you can find out about:

    • Our nursing associates
    • Plans for redevelopment at our Hinchingbrooke site
    • The latest news from our research team
    • How patients are benefiting from fundraising by our hospitals’ Friends and the public
    • Some of the amazing achievements of our staff
    • Plus lots more!
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