Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

Leaflets delivered by WTC councillors has certainly brewed up some contact and debate.
I understand that around 30 or so residents have already given notice to attend the meeting, and I re-iterate I encourage as many as possible to attend this meeting.
I am seeking suggestions from some of my neighbours who are unable to attend.
One thing is for certain – there is NO quick fix and there will be a number of residents unhappy with – what ever suggestions are made….more to come.

With so much going on…. firstly I was ‘told’ quite categorically that ‘SUBWAY’ (Yet again) – was opening on Friday at the ‘Norwich & Peterborough Building Society’ building.
Here is a photo taken at around 12 o’clock on Friday 02nd December – NO SUBWAY – and  as my previous posts – Myself, and also the chairman of WTC planning are NOT aware of any change of use for this building.
I am NOT saying that a SUBWAY will or will not arrive in Whittlesey – but to those who categorically argued it had arrived – sorry wrong again.
It maybe a long time coming but steady work is producing some nice effects on the ‘Old Hero of Aliwal’ Public House.
It is to become a modern Vets which I am sure the town is in need of.

  
Further to my earlier posts this week, (click on pictures – to enlarge) the VERY emotive subject of Traffic, Parking and Highway issues is coming to a head once more.
The leaflets to resident (who maybe do not read this blog have now been delivered)
This is the correct version (Fens magazine was printed prior to venue being known)
My own investigations indicate it is a 50 / 50 split – for every resident I have spoken with there are 50% in favour of ‘Major’ road improvement and restrictions and 50% – mainly those who park on the road – do not want any restrictions placed.

I’m sorry but I am unable to attend this meeting, I like some have made arrangements long before this was announced – however I will make a written statement to our County, District and Town Councillors prior to the meeting and will seek my neighbours views for those who again may not be able to attend this meeting.

I strongly urge anyone ‘for’ or ‘against’ any suggestions that may come from this meeting to attend.

So besides everything else happening during a very busy week – Connie and I celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary.
A nice weekend in London staying at the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury and having fantastic seats at the Novello Theatre to see the wonderful  musical ‘Mama Mia’

I had not seen the film which made the show even more exceptional –
A real ‘Feel Good Factor’ – something I am sure we could all do with!!!!

Sorry to say I am winding down a little – time for some sunshine – there will be posts…
I am hoping for some feedback on the Residents meeting…

Finally for those who are unaware  ‘Tesco Opticians’

We’re writing to let you know that we’ve agreed to sell Tesco Opticians to Vision Express. The sale will take place on 4 December 2017.
From that date, Vision Express will take over the operation of the opticians practice in-store, and this will eventually be rebranded to Vision Express.
So on the date of the sale or shortly after it, we’ll start moving all our customers’ eye care records and contact information securely to Vision Express (UK) Limited.
That will allow your eye care to continue in the opticians at your usual Tesco store. We may keep a copy of your records, as required for regulatory compliance.

Connie and I have known Jeanne (Beaumont) for many years, a wonderful happy and cheerful lady.
Jeanne was born in 1927, and on arriving in London she worked for the United Service Nursing Club, after the war she moved to Hazelmere where she met George and they got married on the 22nd September 1951, they had one son.
After owning and running a farm, she ran ‘The Royal Oak’ on the old A1 for 17 years, afterward they ran ‘The Catworth Fox’.
George and Jeanne arrived in Whittlesey 22 years ago.
Involved in voluntary work, she worked with the Red Cross at Peterborough Hospitals for 15 years. Jeanne has 4 Grandchildren.

A Very Happy Birthday Jeanne and many more to come….

The above was/is a typical example of the ‘issues’ I can assure you it is a pretty frightening experience – happens many times daily – even when anticipating or stationary.
These pictures taken before the ‘Traffic Calming’ was in place – see below….

Nothing ‘ new’ here I am afraid, having lived off Ramsey Road for 40+ years I and most residents are ‘very’ aware of the problems with Traffic, Parking and Highways issues.
I did approach a WTC/FDC councillor on a few occasions who informed me – ‘There is NO problem’.

Earlier this week, at about 5am a car had to swerve in order to miss an oncoming lorry – a very regular occurrence I might add….
The yellow bollard was smashed and considerable damage to the sign – not sure about the car or the driver.
On Wednesday I saw a truck with a basket reversing to the sign and the next day it had gone….sawn off at about 1+ metre.

I understand that the cost of the damage is in the order of £5,000.

There has been and there is still is a considerable amount of concern about the issues of :
Traffic, Parking and Highways along the whole stretch of Church Street/Ramsey Road.

There is to be a ‘public’ meeting of residents of Church Street/Ramsey Road (and adjoining estates) at 6pm of Friday 15th December – A venue to be announced.
Residents will have to register in order to attend.
I ‘strongly’ advise you to attend this meeting and have your say on these issues and concerns.

This meeting is being organised by WTC Cllrs J Windle and Cllr D Mason.

So some weeks ago, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority – Mr James Palmer
sent out to a number of people including some Whittlesey Councillors:-

We have just carried out our first Market Town Masterplan at St Neots. The plan was carried out in full consultation with St Neots Town Council and will lead to funding from the CA of nearly £6m.
Our aim is to carry out Masterplans on all our Market Towns and Whittlesey is clearly part of that scheme.

Now I perfectly understand not getting our ‘hopes’ up too high at this time – but I’m sure that if St Neots can get funding for nearly £6m – there must be something left in the pot for Whittlesey.
I am waiting in anticipation and maybe even getting excited about ‘us’ getting some money.

I have been aware of this for sometime but was holding off to see whether anything came up at the Town Council meeting or maybe in one of our ‘Free’ magazines – which by the way has also gone extremely ‘quiet’ from any of our representatives – alas nothing coming in the public domain.
Lets wait and see….

Is there £Millions coming to Whittlesey – from the Mayor James Palmer (Combined Authority) – Article coming tonight…

Last nights ‘Friends Of Whittlesey Library’ meeting was again very well attended, we reviewed on events that the ‘Friends’ had put on over the past year.
Planning ahead for the coming year will include:
A possible ‘Photographic competition.

A Coffee and Cake stall at the Library on Straw bear Saturday 13th Jan 2018 10am – 12:00

13th Feb ‘Alice in Cuckoo Land’ – more details to follow.

Friday 16th March Quiz Night – which as usual will include a Fish & Chip supper – more details to follow.

More plans to be discussed at Januarys meeting – 09th Jan 2018

Having driven all over the world without too many issues or problems, I and many others agree, that ‘if’ you can get out of Whittlesey in one piece – you’ve cracked it.
Today for example, being ‘blocked in’ by a Big People carrier, I could not see to get out of the parking space by Sunshine Café, after several minutes of manoeuvring back and forth I eventually got out, a short ‘friendly’ beep’ was met with Road-Rage abuse….and gestures –
If this was my Dad or Grand-Dad I would be truly ashamed.
Blue Citroen People Carrier Reg SV16 YVM – if the owner has issue with identification I am more than willing to show him and the Police the rest of the Dash Cam footage.

A very well attended New Queen Street Surgery PPG (Patients Participation Group) meeting last night, which was the AGM.
A great deal has been achieved by the group in the past year and fantastic engagement with both the Surgery and Patients.
I am one of the original members I believe it is an excellent ‘interface’ between we the patients and the Surgery and Practice Manager.
We do on occasion have the senior doctor – Gary Howsan pass by the meetings, which he did last night and thanked all those who make the PPG a success.
Whittlesey NQS PPG is one of the best attended and most active of those in/around Peterborough

Sign in ‘Freemans the Butcher’ window – taken today 28th November.

Farewell to another well known shop in our town, but all maybe not lost – just yet.

I wonder ‘who’ may be taking over ‘Alices’ old shop – and for those on Faceless Book… it is NOT McDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks or Subway – at least NOT in this unit.
It maybe…or it could be, or just possibly be….

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