Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

It is fantastic at last that ‘some’ Street Lifers®’ have ‘something positive to post for a change, there are a number who of course do attend meetings and get their information direct as heard, then there are a lot that – well I heard from someone the other day!.
There are a great many positives about our town and villages than there are negatives.
A number of fantastic community groups doing their part.

Anyway I bring you my environmental part recently in Galle/Sri Lanka, where I spent an hour or so with the Street Cleaners, (even with my limited mobility) they we so happy to have me with them, and the made a very good job of this area (There is a vast amount elsewhere, plenty for many years to come)

A nice mini rubbish cart donated by             No he did not let me drive his tractor.
the people of Okayama Japan                        This was collected from 1 street.
(click on picture to enlarge)

In my professional life I was very proud of NOT being party to ‘Blame culture or recriminations, I have carried this on as far as I can in my community roles.
The number of times it has now been said and explained on various forums, Whittlesey Town Council/councillors are only ‘consultees’ on planning matters, their ‘weight’ being if a unanimous decision is made – then some ‘weight’ might be highlighted at a FDC’s  Planning committee.

The 7 elected FDC councillors hold the ‘force/lobby’ and weight at decisions.
The (3) Whittlesey /FDC councillors who ‘normally’ sit on the planning committee, are the ones who can persuade/argue and convince the rest of the committee the Pro’s/Con’s of an application.
The ‘Blame culture/Recriminations’ could if the electorate so wished be decided at the ballot box – but this will not happen – why because there are no FDC elections for another 3+ years, by which time most of the arguments will have either blown over or been forgotten about (or we may even have a supermarket/country park by then?)
Maybe in 3+ years time is site will no longer be here – there is no crystal ball.

On a final note, Martin Curtis who occasionally when he has time raises his head above the parapet ‘Quote’ It is about value and spend to save in regards to having an enquiry into various planning issues. I disagree – Martin is NOT spending his own money but the Tax/Rate payers money, he cost the ratepayer several thousands of £’s in his misfortunate non compliance of the initial election results, which needed another election in his ward, I think I am correct in saying it worked out at £16 per vote cast – well that’s history as well now – MC being re-elected on a very convincing majority.

MC appears to have a personal vendetta (for some time now) against FDC’s planning department. He was of course Chairman of the Planning committee whilst some of the issues being raised now.
The FDC solicitor has long since left and found another job on another council.
The Chief Planning Officer, on whose advice many relied upon – has also gone to pastures new.
A multitude of ‘Planning Officers’ dealing with these applications have long since departed.

By now there are few left to ‘Blame’ if the public so wished, except for !!!! you tell me….

For many years the volunteer Street Pride group have held a clean up event after the Straw Bear celebration.

Who dropped this litter?….I think I know who the culprit was He won’t be doing that again …. Well at least for another year.

The Pride were out in force on a chilly Sunday morning, with 18 members clearing up from the day (and night) before.

The team who filled the Street Scene van with 21 bags.

Future Events.
Saturday 23rd January     10:30am
Park Lane School, Park Lane, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 1JB

Clean up and maintenance of the garden and children’s play area.
Join us at 10.30am along with parents and councillors.

Saturday 30^th January   10am
Mortons Leam.

Meet in the layby (Long Drove) just outside of the town on the B1040 towards Dog in a Doublet.

Saturday 13^th February   10am
King’s Delph.

Meet in the layby on the A605

Wednesday 10^th February  7pm
Whittlesey Street Pride Management Committee meeting

The Meeting Room at The Manor Leisure Centre (next to the hall).We still have spaces for 2 new members who could give up an hour every couple of months to shape the future of Whittlesey Street Pride

Wednesday 17^th February  7:30pm
(PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE FROM PREVIOUS EMAIL)

Bi-Monthly meeting in Whittlesey Town Hall
All members and friends welcome to attend.

Thank you to all who attended today. Without your support there would be no Pride.
I look forward to seeing you at the next event.

Rob Kent
Treasurer

Chairman – Fred Mills                    Vice Chairman – Bernard Gray-Esson
pongofred1@sky.com                      mail@bandsge.plus.com

Secretary – Peter Davies                Treasurer – Rob Kent                                              peterdaviesgb@aol.com                          robkent@usa.net

COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
Alan Hobbs    David Palmer    Margaret Palmer     Min Mean

Whittlesey Street Pride are a volunteer group established in 2008 as an environmental impact group. Since their inception, the group have removed in excess of 40,000+ Kgs of litter & rubbish from the town and surrounding villages. We have 9 Gateway projects, ranging from floral boats to plough gardens and adopted laybys. We are a community based group under the umbrella of Fenland District Council.

We are self-financing and are grateful to the many local businesses for their generous support and sponsorship.

Link to newsletter

Calling all businesses in the Whittlesey area, your opportunity to meet and network

(click on picture to enlarge)

Today, Friday, I was returning from a cycle ride from up near Stamford and when approaching the Field of Dreams, heading towards Whittlesey, I came across a 4×4 blocking the footpath/cycle track. I stopped and asked the two young men (30s) if they were land owners. They told me they were ‘Whittlesey Wild Fowlers’ and have the right to drive down the footpath. During our chat there was a loud bang coming from the end North West end of the Field of Dreams area, right beside us. Cutting a long story off I cycled on down to the gate and closed it then called the police saying that I believe someone is firing a shotgun near the cycle track. While I was there the 4×4 appeared heading towards Whittlesey along the track. They opened the gate and drove through and asked me why I was looking at their registration plate. I said ‘I’ve called the police and just wanted to get your registration correct’ with that they drove off like maniacs. Just before they reached Stonald Road two police cars swung in front of them blocking their exit.
All names were taken, including mine. I’ll let you know if I hear anymore.

David William Donald Cameron a semi intelligent, Eton educated senior Politian and our Prime Minister, has used this terminology dozens of times, when things didn’t go right for some government department (Environment for example), one of his friends, or even the banking crisis.

Now guess what, our very own Whittlesey Town Council, are stating ‘Lessons need to be learnt’ – sorry it doesn’t wash with me. I am also guilty as was the ‘Independent councillor’ up to May 2015, and therefor hold my hands up, that I voted and agreed with the rest of the Conservative group, on the Supermarket and Showfields planning.
The present ‘new’ councillors can not be blamed as 99% happened before they were elected.

If – I am not mature enough, educated enough, or able to comprehend the issues in front of me, then I should not even consider to stand as a councillor.

Supermarket fiasco – what cost (£££) will an ‘Independent’ enquiry cost, I’ll tell you ‘a lot of dough’, how independent is independent – sometimes carried out ‘in house’ at FDC, or maybe from a neighbouring council.
If it goes completely outside (should it happen) then will WTC or FDC fund it!!!.

I just hate the term lessons must be learnt and I went to Sir Harry Smith secondary modern school – not Eton – I make no excuse for being a disconcerted/disillusioned conservative.

After respectfully accepting my being unelected I just wonder how many of the Street Lifers will be standing at the next elections, they have plenty to say now, but no alternative solutions, I rest my case.

After my earlier article, lobbying by several others, 2 speakers at this weeks WTC meeting, our very own councillors voted to reject imposing charges on FDC owned car parks.
Today I read John Clarke leader of FDC has decided not to try paid parking voted on at Fenland Hall.

As a recently retired councillor kept telling me on his view on parking charges, its only 20p, what he failed to say was it might be 20p this year, but would certainly be 50p, 75, £1:00 in years to come. Just look at Peterborough City Council car parking charges…
Like many government ‘tax’ it is stealth imposed charge, only ever going upwards.
Never fear, the car parking issue at Fenland, similar to the recycling centre closures last year at Cambs CC – will come back at sometime on the agenda…..
Think outside of the box to save money!!!

Apologies for absence: Councillor Windle.

Police Matters.
There was no police officers present. Concerns were raised about reports of recent burglaries. The Police were congratulated for prosecution of fly-tippers.

Public Forum.
A gentleman (apologies, I could not hear his name) gave notice of the Clean For The Queen campaign and the day of cleaning action on Saturday 5th March. Volunteers welcome.
The event will be publicised in February.

Paul Gibson requested clarification of WTC’s stance on Free or Paid parking, the enquiry to the Snowfields development and the funding of Christmas lights.
(all these matters were addressed later.)

Steve Robertson spoke against the possible introduction of parking fees.

Reports from other meetings.
It was agreed with Hereward Community Rail Partnership that there’ll be a clean-up day at Whittlesea station on Friday 4th March. Volunteers will be welcomed. It is hoped that further progress will follow in making the station more attractive and safer in the near future.

Must Farm Archeological Project.
This internationally important project is not only highly impressive but should bring visitors to the area. An exhibition in Whittlesey centre looks unlikely because of the cost in preserving the 2000-year-old discoveries. It was noted that neither Cambridgeshire nor Fenland have contributed to costs whilst Peterborough has given generous support. Councillors agreed that a Lottery Grant should be sought to bring some of the articles for display in Whittlesey.

Environment Agency/Cambridgeshire Highways.
North Bank is currently designated as AT RISK and is still closed. Flood news will be updated via local media including on the internet.

Planning.
The application from Cambridgeshire County Council to construct a bridge over the railway at Kings Dyke was enthusiastically Recommended for Approval.

Finance.
The Council Tax contribution for Whittlesey Town Council will rise by 6.7%. This will mean a real increase of £4 per year on a Band D property.

Bus Survey.
It was regretfully announced that Stagecoach do not intend to improve nor extend services. Councillor Mason was praised for his efforts and he stated that he would try to contact other companies.

Showfields Update.
A draft letter to the Secretary of State was agreed and will be signed by Councillors Boden and Jolley.  The chairman cannot sign it given his position as Chair of Planning at FDC. The letter will be accompanied by a copy of “Whittlesey In Flood”.  The four-page letter includes information concerning the District Council’s disregard of certain drainage problems highlighted by consultants as well as the concerns about flooding and access problems.

Tour of Cambridge Cycle Race.
A survey of residents’ views on this forthcoming event has been drafted and will be issued to all households and on the internet.

Car Parking Fees.
It was agreed that WTC would oppose possible plans for paid parking.

Sainsburys.
There was a lengthy discussion on the years of events that have led to the current situation leaving Whittlesey without a supermarket.  It was unanimously agreed that individuals, councils and applicants need to learn from the mistakes made throughout the various applications. It was further agreed that WTC should seek an independent enquiry into all the proceedings including the mysterious rejection of the original in-town application.  The aims and content of such an enquiry are to be discussed at next month’s meeting.

End of report from our own correspondent.

I publish further correspondence from the developer of the Sainsbury/Country Park & Business Park. Bruce is a very upset person at this time as I am sure we would all be in his position.
He confided with me a few weeks ago – what this has cost him personally, in time, resources and a very substantial amount of money, to see that Sainsburys have pulled out.
However – some may say that is always a risk in business and I dare say ‘risk assessment had been done.
‘Some’ of the ‘usual suspects’ on Street Life© Blab on a load of rubbish, never have attended any of the 20+ meetings, and posting hearsay a lot of the time – that’s why, most councillors and ex councillors do not take part, it always ends up messy as with yet another brutal battle recently between David L (ex councillor) and ‘The Baldry’s. There are no winners.
See mail below – perhaps – just maybe, there is a very and I mean very small glimmer of hope. The question being financial!

Dear Friends,
I share  your disappointment , it is astonishing that a project that would have benefited the people of Whittlesey and surrounding villages for generations, to come should fail. It is a great pity that corporate profits have  overtaken any sense of morality. We have  to ask the question why did it fail ???? There are some that did not want this project to happen for their own personal greed or political position, they must be rubbing their hands now thinking that they have won, well let me tell them now I promised to deliver a Country Park a Business park and Store, this I will do, it will take just a little longer. The support from the majority of Whittlesey Town Council has been second to none

Keep the Country Park Banner coming soon flying,  just depends on ones definition of soon, maybe we  should say eventually.

We all put our money on a dead donkey, I now  have a racehorse up my sleeve.

 I am not giving up  , it will be a long time before a group of self centered devious individuals or a  bunch of corporate yuppies representing  a jumped up corner shop will dictate  the future of Whittlesey.
I continue to work towards delivering all that was promised, I thank you all for your support in the past, do not give up I am not, we soldier on.

Bruce

Beware more thefts….
From PCSO Ian Moll.

FYI we continue to have thefts and burglaries (here and in Coates/Eastrea)  – plans are in place to catch the offenders – if you could ask NHW and the community to continue being vigilant.
Notice anything – Report It.

cheers

An update to the Friends of the WCP from the Chairman.

Dear Friends,
I should think that by now you will all have heard the news, but if not here it is;
Sainsbury’s called me yesterday 11^th January to inform me that they will not be building a store in Whittlesey. Given the recent turn of events and the current economic climate this is not too much of a surprise. However, after all the hard work and support of the community, disappointing never the less.

But there is a glimmer of  hope – after speaking to Bruce Smith this morning he informed me that he is going to try and deliver all that he promised, but it is still to early after Sainsbury’s announcement to make any decisions.

I will keep you all informed as soon as I get any news.
Thanks for all your support so far. There could still be a Country Park in Whittlesey.
Lets hope so!
All the best for 2016

Martin Whitwell
Chairman Whittlesey Country Park

My apologies, we are far away in sunshine, however I hope to have eyes and ears attending the meeting, which as previous post could be interesting.

     
RG & Mr Thomas               Jin, Lek Connie, Dos & RG            Mr Dos & RG

Our annual outing to ‘Norbu’s Steakhouse by Rawai in Southern Phuket, the owner, Mr Thomas is originally from Tibet, trained in Switzerland and washed up for Clement Freud.
5 star steaks flown in ‘chilled’ from Australia – when they’re gone – they’re gone!

The ‘PhuNaNa’ beautique hotel we have visited many times and made extremely good friends with the owners and his son Mr Dos, who studies in Bangkok, I am regarded a protégé!  A very clever boy for 14.