Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

At last nights town council meeting, it was unanimous by all who attended that this ‘gift’ from Tesco to both Chatteris and Whittlesey for the inconvenience caused by their planning applications (Sweetener by anyone else’s language), be administered by the town council itself. The Cambs Times tried to involve in moderating the granting/allocation of would be applicants. I and I dare say the majority of Whittlesey electorate hope that this ‘Gifted Money’ is treated by the Finance & Policy committee of WTC like any other requests for money. Many organisations within Whittlesey are looked after by WTC in small grants, providing they make a case for such support, this money should be treated no differently.

Okay….like it or not….the ‘new’ bus stop/station is open for business as from Friday 10th April. I see all the ‘double yellow lines’ are in place, and already I see ‘many’ cars parked all over them…maybe because the car parks are not fully open yet, but I hope as of tomorrow, that responsible drivers do not park on the double yellows….
We also hope that Stagecoach who originally came on board with the idea, then decided not to use the new facility (They even tested a bus to make sure of safe access) have a change of mind, however I do not hear that there is any communications going on.

At last nights council meeting, various ‘awards’ were bestowed on local organisations and people. One was Averil Cosstick who has been involved in many organisations over many years. Well deserved Averil.

This has been looked at before….and I along with most Whittlesey Town councillors agree that there is a ‘need’ for more cycle racks….We should be encouraging more people to use bicycles. As I promised the lady that contacted me….Yes I will actively promote this initiative both now and if re-elected after the elections.

A very cold Easter Monday, saw what is now an Annual event – The Mayors charity Duck Race. As with most years, a few ‘Street Priders’ helped launch the Ducks, and carried out a Litter Pick before and after the event – Luckily not much rubbish which is Good News.
All money raised goes to ‘Local Charities’
Well done…

As stated below, the nominations for all would be candidates close on the 9th April, but I have had some good information that there are very few UKIP candidates so far putting themselves forward, there maybe a lot of ‘sympathy’ for UKIP, but without ‘candidates’ those sympathisers are not going to be able to vote for their Man/Woman….Can I ask those supporters to vote for me – Independent in the St Marys Ward as Town candidate and as Independent in the St Andrews ward….

More complaints about the Bus Station move…. here is a photo of ‘what’ it was like on a Friday when the buses stopped on Queen Street…and yes on more than one occasion someone was injured.
One nice lady had a 20 minute go at me – I listened intently, asked at the end – when was the last time she used a bus – to which I already knew the answer….never – I rest my case!

Kings Dyke Railway Crossing is a favourite place for the Railway Police or our own Cambs Police Camera Van, it is looking for Speeders, Vehicles ‘jumping’ the Red Lights and is equipped with ANPR.. Automatic Number Place Recognition. We law abiding motorists have nothing to fear…
Taken from automatic camera today at around 08:20

More on the Church Street Road Traffic enhancements….I repeat I have lived along this stretch of road for nearly 40 years, I dug some ‘evidence out and this is just a ‘taste’ of what traffic has to contend with dozens of times a day. Yes I would like to see further ‘Safety Enhancements’

If I had not stopped completely the ‘Truck’ would have taken me out….Sometimes there are HGV’s meeting at this point in opposite directions and sometimes a Bus…imagine being a pedestrian, mother with pram or cyclist….!!!!!

Okay….this was my photo from 2011 Elections…..
Today, I have officially submitted my Election Paperwork…. All in order and my papers were validated and accepted, this makes me a candidate for the May 7th elections.
I will be ‘standing’ as always – Independent
I will be standing in the Town Ward of St Marys
I will be standing in the District Ward of St Andrews
This ward encompasses most of the St Marys Ward.
Naturally I am aware who will be standing as the conservative candidates, but we all have until 4pm on the 9th April to ‘withdraw’ our nominations.
I am unaware of other candidates from other parties who may stand…..

This is just one of many instances of ‘inconsiderate’ parking along Church Street & Ramsey Road, I dare say many can identify virtually every street in Whittlesey having a similar issue/problem.
It is only a matter of time before the unfortunate accident will happen and someone will be seriously injured.
A few years ago a good neighbour of mind Stuart Rippon (RIP) was seriously injured on his bicycle. Happily Stuart recovered well from this ‘accident’ and the driver – who was also over the drink/drive/alcohol limit lost his licence. As I have said although the ‘new’ arrangements may not be perfect or ideal, if ALL drivers abide by the rules, this hopefully will reduce the risk at this point on Church Street.

Last nights WTC Planning meeting – the Showfields planning application (A new one)
was recommended for refusal…more to come.