Cycle improvements

The Department for Transport (DfT) has given Cambridgeshire County Council nearly £1.2million to improve safety for cyclists at key junctions around Cambridge.

The Council has been working with local cycling and transport groups to find out where improvements were most needed. As a result, funding was agreed for three key junctions in the city.

Work on improving all the schemes will start later this year as part of the requirements of the funding.

A total of £500,000 has been allocated to install toucan crossings at the A14/B1049 Histon interchange and the A14/B1047 Horningsea interchange, as well as improving cycle lane approaches at the junctions of Gilbert Road and Histon Road, and Gilbert Road and Milton Road.

A further £450,000 is earmarked for the junction of Hills Road and Regent Street in Cambridge, adding new cycle lanes on Hills Road to enable cyclists to safely reach the front of the queue. The existing central reservation will be removed, traffic lights will be upgraded and the entire junction resurfaced.

In addition, £240,000 will be spent on improving the junction of Perne Road and Radegund Road. This will improve safety for children cycling and walking to St Bede’s School and Coleridge Community College. Traffic speeds on the roundabout will also be reduced.

I would like to thank Sustrans, Cambridge Cyclists’ Tourists Club (CTC) and Cambridge Cycling Campaign for working with us on the bid. I am delighted that Britain’s cycling capital, Cambridge, received funding, and safety improvements can be made to encourage even more people to cycle. We are working hard to improve facilities for cyclists. Cycling makes for a healthy, active, independent population and reduces traffic congestion.

Cambridgeshire County Council has organised a number of events this spring to encourage more people to get on their bikes. More information about these and cycling in Cambridgeshire is available on: http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/cycling

Fulbourn – foul water flooding

Yesterday I was alerted to a resident who is suffering from drains backing up and flooding her garden. This is very distressing and she was not getting very far in sorting it out.

I contacted my officers to see what could be done. Whilst it is not a County Council issue I have managed to secure a customer liaison officer at Anglian Water to take responsibility. I am expecting a long term solution.

I will be monitoring the outcome.

Fulbourn – Topping out ceremony

On Saturday it was my privilege to say a few words at the topping out ceremony for the new hall in Fulbourn. Along with Jim Paice, Tony Orgee, the Parish Council and lots of locals we enjoyed a cup of tea before braving the wind and rain to witness the ceremony. You can read my speech below:

“Topping out is an ancient Northern European tradition in which a Yew tree is placed in the highest room of the building and a bough from the tree is raised as high as possible. The tree symbolises the unity and wholeness of everyone involved and raising the bough reminds us all to reach for the highest qualities in whatever we do. This traditional, non-religious ceremony is a time when all the different people involved in the building come together and wish the enterprise and everybody involved well – both now and in the future. And your are all here today.

Today feels a lot safer than the last time we were here. If I remember correctly Jo and I were at the controls of a violently swinging digger. I’m not sure who was most worried me or the people stood in front of us.

This new hall symbolises what is so good about Fulbourn. Fulbourn is a village where people work together. Where the community values where it lives. Where your excellent parish council drives through improvements, creating a positive place to live, a place where people want to live.

There are too many people to thank for all the hard work to get to this stage. It really should be a big thank you to the whole village. But I can’t let this pass without a special mention for Richard Townley and Ron Ward and the team who have worked tirelessly to make this project a success.

This Townley Memorial Hall Trust will add a great new facility to this village. A village that is proud of itself and one that must be protected from too much change that might threaten the special nature of Fulbourn.

I have recently been approached by a developer to support a 4000, yes that’s right, a 4000 house development on the outskirts of Fulbourn. I was clear that I did not think the village would welcome such a large development. We must all band together to ensure the village is not swamped.”

Roberts Way, Fulbourn

The recent heavy rains have revealed some issues with drains in my division. A particularly difficult issue has arisen in Fulbourn on Roberts Way. The road flooded twice recently. The road itself is a private road owned by a housing association which means they are responsible for upkeep and ensuring it does not flood.

The trouble is the road looks like an adopted council road so residents quite reasonably might expect the council to fix the flooding. I called an on site meeting for yesterday, with the parish council, the housing association and the local district councillor Neil Scarr. I attended with officers.

It seems that the road was built not to a standard that would enable us to adopt the road without incurring a significant liability. I have asked for the drains to be cleared out, by the housing association, a review of the nearby pumping station and for some collaboration work between the association and ourselves to see how the road can be brought up to standard so that it can be adopted.

What we can’t have is residents being flooded.

On a wider note I have asked what can be done to ensure roads are only built to adoptable standards in the future.

Fulbourn – Opening of outdoor adult fitness equipment

On saturday it was my pleasure to join with Tony Orgee and the Chairman of Fulbourn Parish Counci, Jo Patten, to open the new outdoor excercise equipment. As ever the hardworking Parish Clerk, Patricia Newman, was in attendence.

http://fulbournpc.org/parish-council/parish-councillors/

This was the official opening so the kit had been in use for a short while already. Initial responses have been very positive with a number of people including the activities either before of after the daily walk or jog.

Interestingly, Fulbourn Parish Council is a great example of local people doing the right things for the community. They are so involved in shaping thinking and making a difference. An excellent Parish Council who often do not get the recognition they deserve.

Fulbourn Division Parish Report – July 2011

Parish Council report from County Councillor Nick Clarke

COUNCIL CHAIRMAN LEADS ARMED FORCES DAY CEREMONY

The Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council, accompanied by Captain Victor Lucas RN, Deputy Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire, and Nick Clarke, Leader of the County Council lead the County Council’s flag-raising ceremony in recognition of national Armed Forces Day. Capt Lucas inspect the standard bearers of the Royal British Legion and cadets from Kimbolton School. Children from nearby Mayfield Primary School attended to watch the ceremony and talk to the veterans. A special Armed Forces Day flag was raised on the County Council’s flagpole at Shire Hall. The flag-raising ceremony event was one of many being organised to take place simultaneously across the country.

Leader of the County Councillor Nick Clarke said: “I am delighted at the way the whole country comes together to recognise the armed forces and the work they do. The flag-raising at Shire Hall will combine ceremony, celebration and dignity, but more importantly will contribute to a wider understanding of the armed forces and the crucial role they play in our national life.”

COUNCILLORS LISTEN TO PUBLIC ON FUTURE OF GAMLINGAY VILLAGE COLLEGE

Following careful consideration of all the options and local views Councillors have said the failing Gamlingay Village College should become part of a federation – keeping the school open. Cambridgeshire County Council Cabinet, after an extended cabinet session to focus on this important matter, emphasised that their main priority is the future and educational standards of the children at the school which was put in special measures by OfSTED earlier this year.

Councillors considered all the options for the school as well as looking at the results of a public consultation and the impact on the community. After careful consideration and hearing all the arguments as well as the results of community impact assessments the Cabinet agreed a federation should be established with another school – keeping Gamlingay open. The vast majority of respondents to the consultation – 611 – were in favour of keeping Gamlingay Village College open and federating it with Stratton Upper School in Biggleswade.

Cambridgeshire County Council Leader Nick Clarke said: “Gamlingay Village College is a failing school and at the forefront of our thoughts is the welfare and educational achievements of the local youngsters. When we are talking about the future of children it is the strength of argument rather than the strength of voice that we listen hardest to.”

“Clearly doing nothing was not an option but we listened carefully to the arguments for and against closure. We took particular attention of what local people were saying, as any proposals we make will directly affect the lives of their children and the impact of any decision on the community. Equally we listened hard to the people whose job it would be to try and turn this school around and have confidence in their ability and enthusiasm to do their best for the children of Gamlingay. That is why we decided to opt for the federation option.

ALCONBURY –  A NEW ENTERPRISE ZONE

Government is being urged to back a bid to make Alconbury a new enterprise zone – signalling to the world that the greater Cambridge and Peterborough area is open for business. The decision to put forward Alconbury to Government would be a win for the whole area and urges communities to get behind the bid. Cambridgeshire’s economic success is vital for the country. Not only would local jobs and business prosper from an enterprise zone but it is well recognised that Cambridgeshire is an area whose success could kick start and grow the UK’s economy.

The Government’s enterprise zone initiative would see an area set up where businesses are encouraged to grow with the reduction of previously constricting red tape. In return the local communities across the Greater Cambridge Greater  Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership area would benefit as the business rates are reinvested in the area rather than going to the treasury as they do now.

Developers working in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council are planning a dynamic and innovative employment-led development on the former Alconbury Airfield just to the north of Huntingdon. The Enterprise Zone would cover 150 hectares of what is a very large 575 hectare site in total. Alconbury is ideally placed between Cambridge and Peterborough, and should help to enhance the economic links between the complementary business communities in and around those two cities.

Councillor Clarke, who sits on the Local Enterprise Partnership Board, said: “Although Alconbury was chosen out of the five bids if it is granted enterprise zone status it will benefit the whole area making it a win for everyone. Now is the time for us as councillors, our communities and businesses as well as our MPs to get behind this bid and do what we can to persuade Government that it’s in the local and UK interest to grant us an enterprise zone.

This would see more jobs and prosperity created while money raised locally is kept locally to benefit the area rather than going into a large Government pot. We know that the area is a world beater in innovation and is a leader in driving forward the UK’s economy.

FUTURE JOBS FUND

During the last 15 months Cambridgeshire County Council Adult Careers Service (Next Step) has worked with 35 local employers to support over 200 unemployed young people to find work. This six month job, funded through the Future Jobs Fund, has resulted in many young people moving into full time employment or going into further/higher education.

ROADS DRESSED FOR SUCCESS IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE

County Council Contractors have been out and about across Cambridgeshire carrying out an extensive programme of work to improve the roads. Over the past few weeks, the work costing a total of £1.2 million, has seen many miles of road surface dressed to improve the highways for all road users. The team have used recycled granite railway ballast, which will cut costs and protect the environment by re-using materials.

County Councillor Leader Nick Clarke, said: “This extensive programme of work is part of the County Council’s commitment to repair and maintain the highway network in the best possible condition within the resources available to us – by re-using the old railway ballast we can keep costs down and surface dress more miles of road within the same amount of money.”

ALL ABOARD TO PLAN YOUR BUSWAY JOURNEYS

Timetables for The Busway have been released so people can begin to plan how they will use the new reliable, fast and frequent bus service. Stagecoach and Whippet Coaches, who will run the services on The Busway, have now registered the new services and timetables, including maps showing stops the different services will use.  Timetables are now available on The Council’s website by visiting:

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/thebusway.

Printed timetable booklets will be made available on current bus services between Huntingdon, St Ives and Cambridge before The Busway opens on Sunday 7 August.

The timetables confirm Busway services will run seven days a week, and from Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm there will be buses running between St Ives and Cambridge at least every 10 minutes. Services to Huntingdon will be every 20 minutes with an hourly evening service running until midnight.

It is anticipated around 3.5 million trips will be taken on The Busway each year and the guideway will provide far more reliable journey times for passengers than current services. The timetables include bus services from the new Busway Park & Ride sites in St Ives and Longstanton. The southern section of the Busway will also open on Sunday 7 August and the completely traffic-free route will allow passengers to travel from the Trumpington Park & Ride to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in just four minutes.

Leader of the  County Councillor Nick Clarke, said: “With 7th August opening of the The Busway fast approaching it is great news we have been able to publish the timetables so people can begin planning how they will use the route.  With WiFi, air conditioning and leather seats the buses will offer a high quality rapid transit for journeys in and out of Cambridge. Each week more and more jobs are ticked off the list as anticipation is building to the grand opening.”

TOP NOTCH SURFACE FOR FINAL SECTION OF CYCLING SUPER HIGHWAY

Transport chiefs have announced a super smooth blacktop surface will be added to the final section of the 16-mile path next to the Guided Busway on the section between Swavesey and St Ives. would have an upgraded blacktop surface rather than crushed limestone as originally planned. Work has already begun to add a blacktop surface to the path for cyclists, walkers and horse riders and following the successful bid for £150,000 of Government links to schools funding, held by transport charity Sustrans, every section will now have the highest quality surface.

It has also been agreed to raise the level of the sections of the path next to the guideway between St Ives and Swavesey as approved by the Environment Agency. After the work is completed rain water will no longer collect, flood the path, and make it impassable for much of the year. The cost of raising the level of the defective path will be deducted from former contractor BAM Nuttall as they built the path at too a low level despite independent and official warnings.

The work is scheduled to take place in August and September and does not need to be completed before The Busway opens on 7 August.  As originally planned, the path will be built above the level of the surrounding land.

Leader of the County Councillor Nick Clarke, said: “The path next to The Busway is going to be a fantastic addition for Cambridgeshire and it is great news that we have secured the funding to make sure it as attractive to use as possible. Cyclists I speak to are really excited about the path, which will be part of the national cycle network, and the blacktop on every section is a massive bonus.

KEEPING UP TO DATE

For those of you with computers the best way to see what I am up to is to follow my blog. I keep it up to date (well I try to) and it gives a different perspective on things than the official County Council site.

Blog http://nickclarkeconservative.wordpress.com

Anyone who uses twitter can find me as cllrnickclarke

Or my mobile 07717422447 or email nick.clarke@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

New chair of school governors group forming

As the county councillor for Fulbourn division I have a number of primary schools to look after including Fulbourn, Great Wilbraham, Teversham and Fen Ditton ( where I am  a governor).

There is considerable change proposed for schools within the south of the city which are likely to have an impact on all of these village schools. The distinction between schools in the city and those just outside is important as it affects targets, funding and capacity.

Head teachers join together to discuss these matters but up to now there has not been  a forum for the chair of governors. Given they have increasing powers and responsibilities it seemed sensible to get them together to share best practice and to encourage and support each other.

It will also be an efficient forum to lobby me to help affect positive change.

Our first meeting is soon.

Horningsea – Fen Ditton Cycleway update

With the first part of the cycleway complete (A14 to Horningsea) it was time to turn the attention to the A14 to Fen Ditton stretch. I have to say the first bit looks fantastic.

Given all the projects being cancelled or delayed including the A14 widening it was with immense pleasure and some relief that the Fen Ditton bit was started. I joined the queue behind the temporary traffic lights in place to manage traffic whilst huge amounts of earth works were being carried out to ensure the cycleway was in the right place and wide enough. Just for once I did not mind the delay.

I confess I had to poke my nose into the deep trench being dug to find out more. It seems that a drainage gully had to be moved and that involves deep trenches, pipes and gravel all laid at the right gradient. Still to come are the moving of telegraph poles. And there was me thinking a cycleway was a few kerb stones and tarmac!!!

We will be left with two issues, crossing the A14 safely and crossing over the road near the school. Cross fingers the money does not run out but in this economic climate ………………..

Fulbourn Day Care Center – Update

A steering group meeting was held today. It was seeking to explore how and if day care provision could be provided in some sort of community / council partnership. I fear that this will be a particularly difficult and complex issue to resolve given the vulnerable people involved and the level of responsibility that will be required to maintain this facility. What we all have to reflect on the families involved and how they are affected.

I arranged for some early meetings between the community and the Executive Director for Adult Services which opened the door for exploring community based provision. What is clear is that the current model will not continue as the current provider does not wish to renew this contract.

Library Access Points – Reprieve

Following a great deal of hard work the County has managed to save all Library Access Points.  There will be changes revolving around stock etc and each LAP will have to sign a new agreement with the Council.  These will be agreed individually. It will mean that some LAPS will have to become more efficient to meet their targets.

I was very grateful to Sir Peter Brown for listening to my plea to retain this service.  I am sure the meeting we had with Sir Peter and the Fulbourn LAP team went a long way to persuading everyone what an excellent service it is.