Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

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.

email sent by Sainsburys David Mills Head of Property & Communications.
His details are given, if you wish to comment to him about Sainsburys decision.

I am writing to update you on our plans for a new supermarket in Whittlesey following on from our previous correspondence last November.
We have been carrying out an internal review of the plans, and I am afraid we have now taken the decision not to progress with a new supermarket in Whittlesey. 

I wanted to let you know at the earliest opportunity and explain why we have made this difficult decision.  

The context for the decision are fundamental changes in the grocery sector – a combination of cyclical and structural shifts have led to some of the toughest market conditions for 30 years.
For example people’s shopping patterns have changed considerably since we unveiled our plans five years ago. There is an increased focus on convenience and online shopping, and customers are increasingly shopping little and often, with smaller basket sizes.
We recognise that this news will be disappointing, particularly given the strong levels of support for a new supermarket in the area.  

We’ve worked hard to bring forward these plans but we simply cannot progress with a scheme that will be unviable in the long-term. 

I know this this is not the response or news that you had been hoping for. 

If you have any further questions or wish to discuss the matter in more detail please do contact me on david.mills@sainsburys.co.uk or 07900 709393.
David Mills | Head of Property Communications |
david.mills@sainsburys.co.uk | 07900 709393

From Bruce Smith…’quote’

I have just this minute heard From the chairman of the Country Park who  has spoken directly to Chris Templeman of Sainsburys, Templeman said that Sainsburys have no intention of building a store in Whittlesey.

I think this is a  disgraceful decision by Sainsburys bearing in mind the support that Whittlesey has given them in the past, this is is nothing more than corporate treachory.

I would have liked to have seen more support from our MP

On the agenda at this Wednesdays WTC meeting will be ‘Parking Charges’, irrespective of our Whittlesey Town Councils decision (which I hope will be to reject any charges), ultimately it will be Fenland District Councillors who will make the final decision, as with Planning applications!.
The Cambs Times© has reported that their maybe 17 FDC councillors who maybe in favour of bringing in charges (No names). Nothing yet picked up by the StreetLifers who are normally quicker off mark.

Reading some of the arguments, mainly about raising revue to cover the sort fall in central governments cutbacks to local authorities, police and fire services.
I won’t provoke the argument that it has been a Conservative administration hammering the Conservative ‘Shires’ disproportionally in all these cutbacks – No conservative councillor complained when the Labour government threw money at all and sundry.

It has been quoted that it is going to cost around £1 million to set up parking charges, then it has to be ‘policed/monitored’ at another cost.
The advocates say there is a profit to be made! – how long it would take they did not say.
My argument is like many, bringing in parking charges will surely be the death of our businesses within Whittlesey.
Free parking at Hampton, Cardea and Brotherhood retail parks will benefit further than they do already.
There is of course some ‘middle’ ground – that being ‘Free Parking for say 3 hours, allowing the vast amount of people to carry out their business/shopping etc, then make charges…..but then we go back to the ‘issue’ of monitoring/policing and cost.

I say ‘Keep Free Parking’ in Whittlesey, 7 days a week 24 hours a day.

If you want to keep Free Parking – lobby your councillor, sooner the better, otherwise they may ‘think’ the public are not bothered.
Do it Now before you start to see this….

Unfortunately I am unable to attend – there are some very important ‘issues’ on the agenda, including:

1/ F/2010/15CC Planning application for the proposed Kings Dyke Bridge crossing.
2/ Presentation of council rate/precept for 2016/17
3/ Showfields update
4/ Car Parking charges.

Click on link below to see the full agenda

FC-Agenda-13th-January-2016

During my engagements I have come across some information that may be of interest to yourselves and local residents:

Environmental Waste.

Before Christmas I had an interesting meeting with the Enforcement Team Leader at the Environment Agency. I was informed that there is a growing problem of illegal waste dumping within Cambridgeshire. As a result, they have put together a poster to raise awareness of this problem within our communities: ‘Don’t get dumped on’.
As the attached poster and flyer details, teams of criminals are approaching land / property owners, offering cash to store waste. They promise to return and remove the waste, but they do not – leaving the land / property owner with large quantities of potential unsafe waste. The message encapsulates concerns about the large scale illegal dumping of waste and linked serious fire and environmental risks.

Those at risk would be farmers or landlords of warehouses and land, and it occurs in both rural and urban settings.
Anyone can report suspicious activity to the Environment Agency via their 24-hr incident line 0800 807060, Crimestoppers 0800 555111 or via the 101 service.

Poster for support sessions Jan – March 2016

Local Voluntary Organisations.
On a more positive note, I am trying to raise awareness of support services for community and voluntary groups within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. We are really trying to empower and support local groups as we recognise the amazing work they do within our local communities.

Some information on the Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service who offer guidance and training for organisations across the Fenlands. They are hosting a number of workshops and sessions over the next three months that may also be of interest (also attached).

Please do forward the posters on to any of your local groups that may benefit from this service, or give their office a call on 01223 464696 for more information. 

I hope this is of some use to you. As always, please do contact me if you have any enquires.
Best wishes,

Emily Gutteridge.
Outreach Worker – Peterborough and Fenland
Office of the Cambridgeshire Police & Crime Commissioner

Email: Emily.Gutteridge@cambs.pnn.police.uk
Mobile: 07894 482898
Mobex: 7112652

Web: http://www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk/