Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

Of course it wouldn’t  be weekend without me updating on the situation regarding the
‘Closed Toilet’.
We had 2 months or so with (3) toilets ‘Out of Use’ due to vandalism, this left just the Disabled Toilet ‘In Use’ – 2 months to fix, then we have had (1) Toilet that’s been Out of Use for the best part of nearly 4 months.
When asking questions of my Councillors, I get varying excuses, some valid but most not.
‘They’ our Councillors – appear – NOT to be embarrassed in the least that this relatively minor issue is taking so long to sort out.
I will continue to make issue of this ’embarrassing’ situation for as long as it takes.
I do plan to raise this ‘Issue’ again at this weeks coming WTC Council meeting…maybe it will have ‘Fixed’ itself by then –  if NOT – What is the latest event of excuses I wonder.
NOT embarrassed – Well I am!

Pictures taken yesterday (07th July 2017)

The numbers attending the Charity Walk tomorrow are a little disappointing – around 50 or so at present with some hopefully last minute registrations.
This had been a very well advertised event both here and through many other media.
All for (2) local charities…here in Whittlesey….come on stop moaning on social media and do something worthwhile…..

Here is tomorrow route with some interesting facts..

Being supported by many ‘Local’ businesses and organisations, from NISA – Army Cadets – Neighbourhood Watch – Whittlesey Business Forum & The Fens Magazine….

Well, I Litter Picked the 5 mile route today on my 4×4 mobility scooter!!!.. it was a bit hard going in places, but I hear that the event seems to have created some interest….
Not too late to join in on the day, just turn up on Sunday Morning in sturdy foot ware and £5 registration for the charities and away you all go.
I and 3 kind ladies will be at the ‘Watering Hole’ – The Vine in Coates, with – you guessed it – Water ….

For the sedate crowd here is the route in pictures from Lattersey Nature Reserve to returning.
By the way, I had been gone for around 1½ hours, by which time another Low Life had dumped a load of rubbish in the Lattersey Nature Reserve Car Park – whilst the Recycling Centre was open!!!!!..
   
   
   
   


I cleared up what I could but had to leave some behind, I have contacted the Wardens who will clear up the rest.

Picture 12 shows a cream coloured building in Coates facing end onto the road, I used to live opposite this building in 1952 -1961
The building is an Ex Public House – The Stag & Hounds – locally known as ‘The Rat Hole’

Looking forward to seeing as many ‘charitable people’ on Sunday Morning…. Peace and Quiet along this route…..

I am writing to inform you that there has been an increase in various types of vehicle crime across Fenland and neighbouring forces. High performance vehicles are being targeted as vehicles of choice to be stolen (BMW, AUDI etc.), please ensure that if you are an owner of this type of vehicle please take a few minutes to read the following..
Please ensure that they are locked securely, make sure that your vehicles immobiliser is on, if you have additional alarms fitted that they are working and even consider a steering lock for added security.
Works Vehicles We are again seeing works vehicles being targeted, tools are being stolen from works vehicles, please try to make your tools less desirable to the criminals paint them pink and mark them with your details. Criminals want to take things that don’t belong to them and want to pass them on don’t make it easy for them.
Where possible remove tools from vehicles, I appreciate that this can be inconvenient and time consuming however surely loss of business disruption to customers is a bigger inconvenience. If you must leave them in the vehicle store them in a double locked heavy duty box, that is attached to the floor of the vehicle, use closed shackle padlocks, also double lock the van doors although this might seem unsightly its an added barrier where possible please park vehicle in a position that makes access difficult or impossible! Domestic vehicles Please could I remind you to take a few extra seconds to ensure no valuables are left inside your vehicle and that it is locked. Don’t let criminals win!

Thank you for taking the time to read the above. If you have any information regarding any of the above please contact us on the non emergency number 101 or you can call crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 Many thanks Julie Bailey Crime Reduction and Community Safety Officer Fenland.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) and Action Fraud have recently noticed a rise in the reporting of pets, and in particular puppies and kittens, being advertised for sale via popular online auction websites. The fraudsters will place an advert of the pet for sale, often claiming that the pet is currently held somewhere less accessible or overseas. Upon agreement of a sale, the suspect will usually request an advance payment by money transfer or bank transfer. However, the pet does not materialise and the fraudster will subsequently ask for further advanced payments for courier charges, shipping fees and additional transportation costs. Even if further payments are made, the pet will still not materialise as it is likely to not exist.

Tips to staying safe when purchasing pets:

• Stay within auction guidelines.
• Be cautious if the seller initially requests payment via one method, but later claims that due to ‘issues with their account’ they will need to take the payment via an alternative method such as a bank transfer.
• Consider conducting research on other information provided by the seller, for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated with the number/email address online.
• Request details of the courier company being used and consider researching it.
• Agree a suitable time to meet face-to-face to agree the purchase and to collect the pet. If the seller is reluctant to meet then it could be an indication that the pet does not exist.
• A genuine seller should be keen to ensure that the pet is going to a caring and loving new home. If the seller does not express any interest in you and the pet’s new home, be wary.
• If you think the purchase price is too good to be true then it probably is, especially if the pet is advertised as a pure-breed.
• Do not be afraid to request copies of the pet’s inoculation history, breed paperwork and certification prior to agreeing a sale. If the seller is reluctant or unable to provide this information it could be an indication that either the pet does not exist or the pet has been illegally bred e.g. it originates from a ‘puppy farm’. A ‘puppy farm’ is a commercial dog breeding enterprise where the sole aim is to maximise profit for the least investment. Commercial dog breeders must be registered with their local authority and undergo regular inspections to ensure that the puppies are bred responsibly and are in turn fit and healthy. Illegally farmed puppies will often be kept in inadequate conditions and are more likely to suffer from ailments and illnesses associated with irresponsible breeding.
• When thinking of buying a pet, consider buying them in person from rescue centres or from reputable breeders.
• If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting  www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Why not come along for a charity walk this Sunday, 5 miles in total, supported by ‘The Fens’® and Whittlesey Business Forum. Not to late to get registered or you can arrive on the day….Sunday 9th July 09:30 @ New Road/Latersey Nature Reserve.
All for (2) Local charities.

Click on picture to enlarge

Police & Crime Commissioners July News-Letter with interesting reading Click Here

WTC Planning meeting tonight (05th) I spoke briefly informing the other members of the public and the Planning Committee the outcome of the Horsey Toll Farm AD application – see yesterdays post.

The main controversial application was for 60 dwellings South East of 208 Coates Road Coates. There was a short presentation by the applicant and then the application was considered by the Planning Committee.
They recommended – Refusal – on the grounds that Coates has already met its obligation in the respect of the number of future housing requirements and this development would far exceed the requirement for the village, school placements and highway access were also of concern.
The other previously contentious application for a small development on North Green Coates, was recommended for approval.

Hot Days & Nights see Low Life opportunists….Here a recent photo of a Mercedes with the windows left open…Help Yourself!

Finally there is a ‘lot’ of Anti-Social trending on Whittlesey Facebook (I do not subscribe), concerning the exotic animal event being held at Whittlesey Library.
The miss-information is out of control and people are becoming very nasty as it often happens.
The event was NOT organised by Friends of Whittlesey Library.
The event was NOT organised by Whittlesey Town Council.
It was supposed to be a childrens event for ALL to enjoy.

I as a member of Whittlesey Business Forum are here to promote everything that can enhance businesses within our area.
So sorry for such a ‘minor’ issue to have caused such a negative and nasty response – shame on some that hide behind fake names and fake news….

Want to do something ‘REAL’ for a change then why not join us – we need ‘REAL’ people.

Excellent talk given by Mrs Maureen Watson (Retired curator of Whittlesey Museum), with old maps and photo’s.
Maureen informs that there is planned about another 5 sessions, covering Eastrea,
Coates and more Whittlesey subjects.

To be held at The Eastrea Village Centre for the next 5 Tuesdays at 14:00
Each session takes around an hour.
Todays session was attended by 12 interested members of the public including myself.

Information from Cllr Chris Harper (Peterborough)

Today the planning and environmental protection committee sat to hear the planning application for an anaerobic digester facility at Horsey Toll Farm. As chair of this committee I stood down as chair so as I could address the committee as both a resident and a local elected councillor. 

My deepest thanks go to all those residents who took the time to write in personally, to all those of you that worked so hard delivering leaflets and collecting names on the petitions, to the lady that set up and managed the on-line petition and to all of you who signed them and helped out in any way.

I would particularly like to thank all those that managed to attend the meeting including my colleagues Cllr Rush & Cllr Bisby, which I appreciate can be difficult during the day for those at work, and my huge thanks to the two local residents who bravely came along and addressed committee, they did us all proud.

Sadly, some very dirty tricks were tried to stop me being part of this campaign, from a letter sent in complaining that I was only standing against the application on political grounds to the developer trying to claim that as the Chair I was in a position of authority and that I should have refrained from putting information on my website or taking any part in the planning process. Both clear cases of trying to somehow gag me and something I find despicable and lower than low.

I fought this campaign in the proper manner both as a resident and local councillor. I never sought to influence any officer or committee member in advance of the committee meeting and by my actions of declaring an interest and stepping down to address the committee on the day, which also removed my debating and voting rights, I chose to leave the decision to our cross party committee to decide, and they did so unanimously.

Today we celebrate a great victory for local residents and I hope this will put an end to this type of application being proposed in such an unsuitable place so close to our homes, school, nursery and watercourses and that we will now be able to continue to enjoy our lives in the best ward in Peterborough as is our right.

I also hope those who tried to influence my involvement in such a underhand way will hold their heads in shame at their disgraceful attempts to deny democracy.

Message from PCSO Shane Green.

New Road Recycling Centre April 2010

Theft From the recycling centre, New Rd, Whittlesey.
Unknown suspects have cut the lock off of the main gate, gaining entry to the site.

Once inside, suspects have cut the lock from a container, removed a box containing car batteries, emptied the batteries out and stolen them, leaving the box behind and locks.

This is the second such incident….

New Road Recycling Centre undergoing major refurbishment March 2010

There is a misprint in the local magazines.

The signing of the contract for the preferred bidder has been put back by ‘a couple of weeks’ to ‘August’ (2017). I am informed that this latest delay will have no adverse effect on delivering the project next year (2018).
I also understand that although an official contract for the required land has not yet been signed, agreement with the landowner as to the terms is in place.