Only a couple of hours after it was first posted, a Cambs Times poll asking “do you believe enough is done to promote road safety in Fenland ?” showed 20% voting “YES” and 80% thinking that the County Council’s record was simply not up to scratch
Hardly a ringing endorsement of Shire Hall, but I wonder who the 20% are who appear unconcerned about people dying, but none the less have taken the trouble to reply to a newspaper poll.
I’ve discussed Fenland Road safety (or lack of) with literally hundreds of people in the last few years. There are certainly a handfull (mainly councillors) who have said to me “people have always driven into the dikes, so why change it now ?”. But in my straw poll they have never amounted to anything likely to be even approaching 20% of a public opinion poll.
Last week Graham Chappell’s eloquent letter to the Cambs Times suggested the breathtakingly engaging idea of legal action against the Authorities for “Corporate Manslaughter” !
When I read the letter, I wondered if this suggestion of long overdue legal action for manslaughter might finally concentrate County Council’s attention on preventing unnecessary deaths on our roads.
Are the early results of the Cambs Times poll truly representative of the broad swage of Fenland opinion ? Or was the polling population largely constituted of the County Council and its Members scurrying in a panic to their computers ?
Walt.
Showing posts with label Fenland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fenland. Show all posts
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Friday, 21 March 2008
WHAT PRICE FENLAND LIVES ?
Cambridge News 12 March 2008 "More than £8 million is to be spent to make St Neots cleaner and safer."
Have you every asked yourself why nothing seems to be spent on Fenland?
Visit most Cambridgeshire towns and it's clear that lots of public money is spent on things that are needed. However meanwhile, Fenland is left year after year with poor and frequently dangerous roads, a lack of adequate public leisure facilities and town centres that would clearly benefit from investment.
Why does Fenland continually fail to attract investment?
It seems that St Neots is about to receive huge amounts of public money due to its town centre problems from vehicle exhausts. Plans are for a whopping £8 million to be spent co-ordinating traffic lights to improve the flow of vehicles and on improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities.
What could we do with £8million in Fenland ?
For a start we could do something about the 40ft road. A couple of years ago County Council said that it would cost £750,000 to sheet-pile the bank. A similar amount to make the 16 foot road safer would amount to £1.5 million.
And how about pedestrian safety in Fenland ? Or any kind of cycling facilities at all ? It would obviously be very nice if residents could cycle to work or the shops in safety, and we were all able to let our children out on their bikes for leisure or to cycle to school without worrying if they might come to grief. Fenland is also a natural haven for cyclists and it would be a delight to be able to cycle from one community to another, or just cycle for pleasure. Think of all that enjoyable exercise and the natural beauty of the Fens to enjoy, and think about the potential for fewer cars on the roads.
A few million would go a long way to providing cycleways,.
And there are many places in Fenland where safe road crossing places are desperately needed. Many residents of Chatteris drive into town from Doddington Road rather than run the gauntlet of the A141/A142 roundabout. And any morning, or after school, you can see numbers of youngsters or mothers with pushchairs and toddlers teetering on the kerb waiting for a gap in the roaring traffic, so they can get into town, or home again.
This situation is intollerable! The recently built Fordham by pass has a pedestrian and cycle fly over link to Soham, and the new Thorney by-pass has a similar link which seems to be little used at all. But in Chatteris, where two major roads converge, there is a complete absence of attention to public safety. You have to ask yourself why?
Fenlanders, just as much as any other residents of Cambridgeshire, deserve money to be spent on them!
We need safety on roads and the ability to walk or cycle about in safety and with pleasure, just as much as anyone else!
Could the problem by any chance be down to the fact that all of Fenland is represented exclusively by Tory County Councillors? Tory Councillors who are ineffectual and apparently don't wish to upset their ruling Tory colleagues at County Hall by asking for any money to be spent in Fenland!
Let's face it, the sitting Tory Councillors haven't even been able to persuade their colleagues to stick to their promise for a roundabout at the Goosetree junction.
What ARE the local Tories doing for you?
Have you every asked yourself why nothing seems to be spent on Fenland?
Visit most Cambridgeshire towns and it's clear that lots of public money is spent on things that are needed. However meanwhile, Fenland is left year after year with poor and frequently dangerous roads, a lack of adequate public leisure facilities and town centres that would clearly benefit from investment.
Why does Fenland continually fail to attract investment?
It seems that St Neots is about to receive huge amounts of public money due to its town centre problems from vehicle exhausts. Plans are for a whopping £8 million to be spent co-ordinating traffic lights to improve the flow of vehicles and on improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities.
What could we do with £8million in Fenland ?
For a start we could do something about the 40ft road. A couple of years ago County Council said that it would cost £750,000 to sheet-pile the bank. A similar amount to make the 16 foot road safer would amount to £1.5 million.
And how about pedestrian safety in Fenland ? Or any kind of cycling facilities at all ? It would obviously be very nice if residents could cycle to work or the shops in safety, and we were all able to let our children out on their bikes for leisure or to cycle to school without worrying if they might come to grief. Fenland is also a natural haven for cyclists and it would be a delight to be able to cycle from one community to another, or just cycle for pleasure. Think of all that enjoyable exercise and the natural beauty of the Fens to enjoy, and think about the potential for fewer cars on the roads.
A few million would go a long way to providing cycleways,.
And there are many places in Fenland where safe road crossing places are desperately needed. Many residents of Chatteris drive into town from Doddington Road rather than run the gauntlet of the A141/A142 roundabout. And any morning, or after school, you can see numbers of youngsters or mothers with pushchairs and toddlers teetering on the kerb waiting for a gap in the roaring traffic, so they can get into town, or home again.
This situation is intollerable! The recently built Fordham by pass has a pedestrian and cycle fly over link to Soham, and the new Thorney by-pass has a similar link which seems to be little used at all. But in Chatteris, where two major roads converge, there is a complete absence of attention to public safety. You have to ask yourself why?
Fenlanders, just as much as any other residents of Cambridgeshire, deserve money to be spent on them!
We need safety on roads and the ability to walk or cycle about in safety and with pleasure, just as much as anyone else!
Could the problem by any chance be down to the fact that all of Fenland is represented exclusively by Tory County Councillors? Tory Councillors who are ineffectual and apparently don't wish to upset their ruling Tory colleagues at County Hall by asking for any money to be spent in Fenland!
Let's face it, the sitting Tory Councillors haven't even been able to persuade their colleagues to stick to their promise for a roundabout at the Goosetree junction.
What ARE the local Tories doing for you?
Saturday, 1 March 2008
READ ALL ABOUT IT !
Chatteris Town Council has launched its official web site !
Now you can read the minutes and judge for yourself the validity of my observations on the proceedings.
Enter " http://www.eastspace.net/chatteris-council/ " or click on the link top left of this page.
Now you can read the minutes and judge for yourself the validity of my observations on the proceedings.
Enter " http://www.eastspace.net/chatteris-council/ " or click on the link top left of this page.
Thursday, 7 February 2008
MORE TEA VICAR ?
Email received from Chris Howes:
Following your invitation, I am writing to say how Sunday’s Civic Service went.
In two words - very well ! Christine and I were both very pleased that Council and Church had healed the apparent rift of the failed F.D.C. Civic Service a couple of years ago. Good on the Mayor - rebuilding bridges is part of her job. And good on the Church too.
The congregation ws representative of many parts of the Chatteris community, together with a number of local dignitaries including our retiring M.P. Many of the dignitaries were sporting their Chain of Office, whilst Mr Moss was wearing a gabardine mac. Christine and I had no problem with this apparel, but clearly this was not the view of everyone as I did overhear a disparaging remark about ‘raincoats’ and ‘flashers’. Thoughts return to Michael Foot’s choice of coat in the 1980s.
After a Civic Service, it is customary for guests to attend a reception and engage in polite conversation. You may wonder if this might be tedious, but be assured that in light of the Mayor’s Consort’s skill in making cakes, this was a absolute pleasure. Behold Brian, the ‘Mr Kipling’ of Chatteris.....
Imagine my surprise when my munching was interrupted by our MP Malcolm bouncing straight over to me. On the assumption that I am Walter, (if you follow my meaning) he complimented me on “tricking him into commenting on the blog”, and assured me that he “wouldn’t be doing it again” ! Then, rather abruptly, he enquired if I was going to be the LibDem parliamentary candidate for the next election. This thought had never crossed my mind before Malcolm mentioned it. But with Mr Moss’s apparent recommendation behind me - perhaps I should take the notion seriously ! .
Slightly flabbergasted, I endeavoured to continue the conversation in a manner slightly more akin to the normal polite chit-chat appropriate to church rooms.
“Tell me Mr Moss” I asked, “are you looking forward to your retirement, or do you think you’ll miss the Commons ?”
“20 years is quite enough” Malcolm replied.
“Do you have any plans for your retirement” I continued, “for example, where we previously lived, our last MP, the former Member for Huntingdon, has recently published a book on cricket”
“Really ?”
“Yes,” and I added “he was called John Major !”
Oh how fickle is the memory of a Tory backbencher.
Malcolm Moss is starting to grow on me. One thing is for certain though, our next M.P., whoever it may be, is going to be a different cup of tea. Should I take Malcolm up on his suggestion .... ?
Chris Howes
EDITORS NOTE: This blog accepts contributions from a variety of sources. Any one is welcome to send copy, and all contributions will be considered. Walt.
Following your invitation, I am writing to say how Sunday’s Civic Service went.
In two words - very well ! Christine and I were both very pleased that Council and Church had healed the apparent rift of the failed F.D.C. Civic Service a couple of years ago. Good on the Mayor - rebuilding bridges is part of her job. And good on the Church too.
The congregation ws representative of many parts of the Chatteris community, together with a number of local dignitaries including our retiring M.P. Many of the dignitaries were sporting their Chain of Office, whilst Mr Moss was wearing a gabardine mac. Christine and I had no problem with this apparel, but clearly this was not the view of everyone as I did overhear a disparaging remark about ‘raincoats’ and ‘flashers’. Thoughts return to Michael Foot’s choice of coat in the 1980s.
After a Civic Service, it is customary for guests to attend a reception and engage in polite conversation. You may wonder if this might be tedious, but be assured that in light of the Mayor’s Consort’s skill in making cakes, this was a absolute pleasure. Behold Brian, the ‘Mr Kipling’ of Chatteris.....
Imagine my surprise when my munching was interrupted by our MP Malcolm bouncing straight over to me. On the assumption that I am Walter, (if you follow my meaning) he complimented me on “tricking him into commenting on the blog”, and assured me that he “wouldn’t be doing it again” ! Then, rather abruptly, he enquired if I was going to be the LibDem parliamentary candidate for the next election. This thought had never crossed my mind before Malcolm mentioned it. But with Mr Moss’s apparent recommendation behind me - perhaps I should take the notion seriously ! .
Slightly flabbergasted, I endeavoured to continue the conversation in a manner slightly more akin to the normal polite chit-chat appropriate to church rooms.
“Tell me Mr Moss” I asked, “are you looking forward to your retirement, or do you think you’ll miss the Commons ?”
“20 years is quite enough” Malcolm replied.
“Do you have any plans for your retirement” I continued, “for example, where we previously lived, our last MP, the former Member for Huntingdon, has recently published a book on cricket”
“Really ?”
“Yes,” and I added “he was called John Major !”
Oh how fickle is the memory of a Tory backbencher.
Malcolm Moss is starting to grow on me. One thing is for certain though, our next M.P., whoever it may be, is going to be a different cup of tea. Should I take Malcolm up on his suggestion .... ?
Chris Howes
EDITORS NOTE: This blog accepts contributions from a variety of sources. Any one is welcome to send copy, and all contributions will be considered. Walt.
Sunday, 20 January 2008
‘ACTION MAN’ (probably) SELECTED
There is a woeful dearth of information currently available on line about the results of North East Cambs Constituency Conservative Party’s selection of their new parliamentary candidate yesterday.
conservativebone.blogs.com relates that it has been won by a Stephen Barclay:-
“Mr Barclay, is a cantab, rugby playing, skydiving, former army officer, a corporate lawyer and very good egg".
what’s more, the same site also tells us:-
“Two plum seats are selecting this 'Super Duper ' weekend. N E Cambridgeshire today and Maidstone and The Weald tomorrow. Steve Barclay was in the final for both and has been selected today for NE Cambs”
So why haven’t the Tories yet posted this apparently clear result on their official web site ? (N.E.Cambs don’t quite run to their own site)
Could it be that they’re waiting to see whether Mr Barclay, if also selected for Maidstone and The Weald today, will ‘jump ship’ (or leap airplane) from Fenland, before he even lands amongst us.
Since our outgoing Member, Malcolm Moss, has recently added his comments to this very blog, can I ask “Malcolm, if you happen to again be perusing this humble blog, any chance you could let us know who has been anointed your heir” ?
Walt
conservativebone.blogs.com relates that it has been won by a Stephen Barclay:-
“Mr Barclay, is a cantab, rugby playing, skydiving, former army officer, a corporate lawyer and very good egg".
what’s more, the same site also tells us:-
“Two plum seats are selecting this 'Super Duper ' weekend. N E Cambridgeshire today and Maidstone and The Weald tomorrow. Steve Barclay was in the final for both and has been selected today for NE Cambs”
So why haven’t the Tories yet posted this apparently clear result on their official web site ? (N.E.Cambs don’t quite run to their own site)
Could it be that they’re waiting to see whether Mr Barclay, if also selected for Maidstone and The Weald today, will ‘jump ship’ (or leap airplane) from Fenland, before he even lands amongst us.
Since our outgoing Member, Malcolm Moss, has recently added his comments to this very blog, can I ask “Malcolm, if you happen to again be perusing this humble blog, any chance you could let us know who has been anointed your heir” ?
Walt
Saturday, 12 May 2007
BATTLE FOR THE CROWN
The freshly elected new Chatteris Town Council meets for the first time on Tuesday 8 May 2007.
Its first job will be to elect Chatteris’ first Mayor. The prospect of donning the Chain has engaged many of the Members, and betting is fierce on who will receive this honour. Leading contenders are:
No. 1 - Cllr Mrs Florence Newell. ‘Florrie’ has already been chairman of the town council for a quite remarkable 16 years ! In May ‘06 Florrie went to press saying that should would not even stand again for Town Council in May 07, however a change of heart has seen her re-elected for the Wenneye ward. More recently she has ruled out becoming the first Mayor, but will the glitter of Office prove too seductive to the only member of the council who doesn’t actually live in Chatteris ?
No. 2 - Cllr Mrs Sue Elam. Sue has loyally served Florrie as deputy Chairman for 9 years, not even protesting when Florence has claimed credit for Sue’s achievements (for example the mini skate board park). It is widely know that Sue coverts the ‘crown’ and many believe she has always been promised the succession. But in the cold light of the new council will political ambition take precedence over old promises ? And if the promise to Sue is reneged on, will Sue be able to bare to stay on the council ? She may be offered the consultation of Deputy Mayor, but can Sue remain for ever the bridesmaid ?
No. 3 - Cllr Peter Murphy. Peter appeared to become Florence’s deadliest of enemies in 2003 when he defeated her in the 2003 district council election. However since Florence defected and became a ‘born again Conservative’ an uneasy marriage of convenience exists, which extended to Florence standing with Peter in Wenneye ward for town (and accepting the diminished role of ‘second fiddle’) and the reverse alliance happening in Slade Lode ward. Peter’s rise within the District Council was been meteoric, with his almost immediate elevation to ‘portfolio holder for toilets’. Hot money is on Peter becoming the first Mayor, but most observers believe that no-one can achieve this exalted position without Florence’s blessing. Are all the old wounds really completely healed ?
This blogger promises not only to update you with the result, but also report all the shenanigans and political manoevering. And I plan to regularly update you on happenings at this ‘vicar of Dibleyesque’ body. Wait with baited breath for your next installment !
Walter Burnett is a pen name
Its first job will be to elect Chatteris’ first Mayor. The prospect of donning the Chain has engaged many of the Members, and betting is fierce on who will receive this honour. Leading contenders are:
No. 1 - Cllr Mrs Florence Newell. ‘Florrie’ has already been chairman of the town council for a quite remarkable 16 years ! In May ‘06 Florrie went to press saying that should would not even stand again for Town Council in May 07, however a change of heart has seen her re-elected for the Wenneye ward. More recently she has ruled out becoming the first Mayor, but will the glitter of Office prove too seductive to the only member of the council who doesn’t actually live in Chatteris ?
No. 2 - Cllr Mrs Sue Elam. Sue has loyally served Florrie as deputy Chairman for 9 years, not even protesting when Florence has claimed credit for Sue’s achievements (for example the mini skate board park). It is widely know that Sue coverts the ‘crown’ and many believe she has always been promised the succession. But in the cold light of the new council will political ambition take precedence over old promises ? And if the promise to Sue is reneged on, will Sue be able to bare to stay on the council ? She may be offered the consultation of Deputy Mayor, but can Sue remain for ever the bridesmaid ?
No. 3 - Cllr Peter Murphy. Peter appeared to become Florence’s deadliest of enemies in 2003 when he defeated her in the 2003 district council election. However since Florence defected and became a ‘born again Conservative’ an uneasy marriage of convenience exists, which extended to Florence standing with Peter in Wenneye ward for town (and accepting the diminished role of ‘second fiddle’) and the reverse alliance happening in Slade Lode ward. Peter’s rise within the District Council was been meteoric, with his almost immediate elevation to ‘portfolio holder for toilets’. Hot money is on Peter becoming the first Mayor, but most observers believe that no-one can achieve this exalted position without Florence’s blessing. Are all the old wounds really completely healed ?
This blogger promises not only to update you with the result, but also report all the shenanigans and political manoevering. And I plan to regularly update you on happenings at this ‘vicar of Dibleyesque’ body. Wait with baited breath for your next installment !
Walter Burnett is a pen name
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