Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

Cllr Dee Laws and myself attended the monthly open councillor surgery at Peel House Chamber.
3 residents in attendance, issues were ongoing ‘Tree’ complaint which is historic and needs to identify who ownership belongs.
The other issue concerned inconsiderate parking.

Next meetings of WTC being…
Monday 16th December 18:30 Finance & Policy  19:30 Planning
Thursday 19th December 18:30 Full Council

WTC office will close on Friday 20th December and will be open again on Monday 6th January.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

A Flood Warning has been issued by the Environment Agency.

Flood Warning in force: North Bank Road alongside the River Nene, east of Peterborough and west of Dog-in-a-Doublet Sluice.

Flooding is expected for: North Bank Road alongside the River Nene to the east of Peterborough and the West of the Dog-in-a-Doublet Sluice.   

Immediate action required.

High flows coming down the River Nene are causing levels to rise on the River Nene. During periods of high tide the River Nene will be unable to discharge into the sea, resulting in tide lock conditions. This is likely to lead to localised flooding of the North Bank Road, between Peterborough and Rings End. Whilst this Flood Warning is in force, the Local Authority will close North Bank Road. Diversionary routes will be put in place and further updates will be available through local media. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. We are closely monitoring the situation and this message will be updated on Saturday 7th December, or before, if the situation changes.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1549026302447519

What’s a Tool Station? Watch as the young voices of Whittlesey explain why their local skate park needs one!

From fixing scooters to building community, hear their stories and dreams for a better space.

Let’s make it happen! #SupportLocal #SkateParkUpgrade #Whittlesey #fenland #cambridgeshire

We were called earlier this week  by someone who was concerned for a relative with Alzheimer’s who had gone for a walk in near Peterborough, and had not returned. 

Officers headed out to the area to look for her, and fortunately the woman in her 80s was found safe and well by a member of the public who had joined the search.

Thank you to the person who called in with the concern and to the community for helping us in finding the woman. 

The family have since completed a Herbert Protocol form.

Have you heard of the Herbert Protocol? It is a scheme we support that can help find people with dementia if they go missing.

The scheme encourages you to keep a document that will help us if a loved one goes missing by collating key pieces of information – such as a physical description, familiar places, health details and a recent photo.

If this is something you wish to do for someone you know, or want to find out more about the scheme, you can visit our dedicated webpage.

Councillors Surgeries on Saturday 7th December 2024 between 09:30am-10:30am at Peel House, Queen Street, Whittlesey.

Present will be Fenland District Councillor Dee Laws and Whittlesey Town Councillor Roy Gerstner.

Details on Notice Board at offices or via the Town clerk – Sue Piergianni on 01733 351296 or via

Website http://www.whittleseytowncouncil.gov.uk

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.