Histon & District

Introduction

Councillors

Branch Officers

Local Focus Teams

Latest Stories

Introduction

Covering a large area from Fulbourn and along the A14 corrider bordering Cambridge, Histon & District consists of several wards on the district council including Willingham & Over, Histon & Impington; Waterbeach; Milton; Fulbourn and Teversham.

There was an electorate of 28,481 in 2006

Councillors

County Councillors

District Councillors

County Councillors

Cllr David Jenkins

Cllr David Jenkins for Cottenham, Histon & Impington re-elected in 2009

Cllr Sue Gymer for Cottenham, Histon and Impington. She was first elected in 2009

Cllr Michael Williamson

Cllr Michael Williamson for Waterbeach elected in 2005. He has lived in Waterbeach for 36 years and a Trustee of the Cambridge and County Folk Museum and Treasurer of the Farmland Museum at Denny Abbey.

District Councillors

Cllr John Williams

Cllr John Williams first elected for Fulbourn in 2010. He has lived in Fulbourn for over 20 years and is on the Parish Council. A transport planner by profession, he has held senior management positions in both the public and private sectors in the UK and abroad, and has also held senior posts in marketing and human resources. He has also been a trustee of a large charity and a director of a not for profit company helping people set up and develop their own businesses.

Cllr Jonathan Chatfield

Jonathan Chatfield for Histon & Impington re-elected in 2007. He works as a senior manager in the rail industry and has held several commercial positions in sales, marketing and customer service. A graduate of University of Bradford (where he studied politics and history), Jonathan is also nearing completion of a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Warwick Business School. Married to Dot, they both enjoy cycling, walking and looking after their Cocker Spaniel puppy!

Cllr Edd Stonham

Cllr Edd Stonham first elected for Histon and Impington in 2010

Cllr Hazel Smith

Hazel Smith for Milton re-elected in 2007

Cllr Mark Hersom

Mark Hersom for Milton first elected in 2010

Cllr Frances Amrani

Cllr Frances Amrani, first elected in the Teversham bye-election in 2008

Branch Officers

Chair -

Secretary -

Treasurer -

Membership -

Local Focus Teams

Fulbourn

The Fulbourn Focus Team is led by Cllr John Williams. Please contact him with any issues you would like raising.

You can contact John at fulbourn@secambslibdems.org.uk.

John Williams is campaigning for improved plastic recycling facilities

Willingham

Latest Stories

• May 23, 2010:
  • Fear for Dementia Patients as Day Centres Under Threat
    Cllr John Williams has called for Day Centres including one in Fulbourn to be kept open Leading Cambridgeshire councillors are worried that patients with dementia could suffer following the news that three day care centres are to close. HealthCare UK has decided not to renew its contract with Cambridgeshire County Council meaning that centres at Home Meadow, Toft, Home Close, Fulbourn and The Hillings, St Neots will be shut down. The centres provide specialist dementia day care and their closures follow the loss of similar provision in Sawston and Bassingbourn. Fiona Whelan, Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Adult Social Care fought to keep Home Meadow, Toft open last year when it was threatened with closure. Now she has joined forces with South Cambridgeshire District Councillors Bridget Smith and John G Williams to fight the latest closures. She said: "This is extremely worrying news. These day centres provide specialist care for some of the county's most vulnerable adults and give their carers much needed respite. "Across the county people are living longer and I am concerned that if this provision is lost it will not be replaced. The county council must look closely at this whole issue and work to find a way to keep these centres open." Cllr Smith who represents Gamlingay, said: "I was horrified to learn about these closure plans. Over the last few years we have lost specialist dementia care in Sawston and Bassingbourn and now our nearest day care provider is to close. "Some Gamlingay residents with advanced dementia already have to travel weekly to Melbourn and even Cambridge at a cost of over £25 a day for their travel alone. This is grossly unfair." Cllr Williams who represents Fulbourn, added: "The people who use these day care centres and their carers rely on the specialist help they provide. The county council should not be sitting back allowing this to happen; there must be a way to maintain this provision." Home Meadow, Toft is due to close on August 31; Home Close, Fulbourn on October 31 and The Hillings, St Neots on November 30. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 2, 2010:
  • Someone's nicked our boards!
    Edd Stonham has called for the return of stakeboards We've been quite excited during this campaign about the number of people who've volunteered to help, to put posters in their windows and stakeboards in their gardens. Then last night someone nicked 8 of our stakeboards along Park Lane and Impington Lane in Histon. We understand that the Tories have lost some of theirs as well. There's a certain honour amongst thieves and that applies to politicians as well. We attack each other in our literature and on the door step but we don't engage in 'dirty tricks'. We don't nick each others posters. So whoever did this is not from one of the major parties, he or she may simply be anti-politics. Who ever it is the action doesn't achieve much. Edd Stonham, Lib Dem candidate for Histon and Impington in the local election, said: 'this is disappointing. It's not just an affront to the Lib Dems (and the Tories) but it's also a denial of the right of free expression of political opinion to the people who chose to display the posters. I'm more concerned about the latter than the former.' If anyone knows where the errant stakeboards are perhaps he or she could contact us. info@secambslibdems.org.uk Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 21, 2009:
  • Anger at Stagecoach bus timetable and route changes
    Local bus travellers and Parish, District and County Councillors have expressed anger about the recently revised timetable for the Citi 7 bus route, which runs from Cottenham to the City and onwards to Sawston and which is due to go into operation 30th November 2009. The new timetable reduces the current 6 times an hour service to 4 times an hour with no extra buses in the rush hour. A change to the route, which is not apparent from the timetable, also means that the Citi 7 will no longer serve Cambridge Road in Impington. This move appears to be related to the coincident start-up of guided bus services although this has been denied by Stagecoach. County Councillor Sue Gymer said: '"This is bad news for local people who use the bus to travel to work and for the wider community accessing doctors, dentists, chemist, church groups and the companies on Vision Park. This service is already over-crowded in the rush hour. Now it will be worse and people in Histon and on Histon Road in Cambridge may not be able to board, as it is likely to be full. It will simply discourage travellers from using public transport and many people will want to use their cars." Fellow councillor David Jenkins added: 'The net result of this change is to disenfranchise large parts of Histon and Impington as far as buses are concerned. It is generally accepted that 400m is a fair walking distance to a bus stop and now nearly 500 homes and businesses will be further than this from their nearest bus stops.' 'It's good that the guided bus will finally start operations but it shouldn't lead to a reduction of local service. The Citi 7 will no longer follow its established route and many travellers will find this extremely off putting. The elderly will be particularly hit by this cut." Histon & Impington District Councillor, Jonathan Chatfield adds, "The service starts later in the morning now, making it impossible to catch the busy commuter train at 07:15 into London - you miss it by 5 minutes. Also, in the evening, if you catch the 17:45 back from London you would have 1 hour 10 minutes to wait for a bus, as there is an extended gap at this time between the 15 minute daytime service and the hourly evening service." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 30, 2009:
  • Foot and Cycleway Improvement Projects - The Illusion of Consultation
    Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that a £2.3 million package of improvements to cycle routes has been approved by Cambridgeshire County Council, but have raised serious questions about the way in which the scheme has been developed and implemented. The scheme has caused considerable consternation in communities where the new cycle route is expected to replace the existing school bus service. Services which will be particularly affected are those from Babraham to Sawston, Horningsea to Fen Ditton, and Milton to Impington Village College. County Cllr Kilian Bourke, Lib Dem Spokesperson for Public Transport, said "We fully support the encouragement of a modal shift away from the motor car, and towards cycling and walking. However, the Conservatives have gone about this in a bungling and hamfisted way, by failing to consult the public on the scheme." "The Conservatives initially claimed that full consultation had taken place. However, when I asked for more information about the consultation process, the Council quickly retracted its use of the word "consultation", and admitted that it had simply "provided an opportunity for views to be expressed." Cllr Bourke added: "The 'consultation' involved the Council telling local residents what was going to happen, listening to their concerns, and then going ahead and doing exactly what was intended from the outset. This is the illusion of consultation." The Liberal Democrats have proposed a solution. "We suggest that school bus services ought to remain in place for a transitory period of two years, during which local families would have an opportunity to adjust to the new arrangements. At the end of this period a proper consultation ought to take place, at which residents views would really be taken into account, and a decision on the school bus service could be made." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 12, 2009:
  • Call for more Secure Allotments
    Following the burning down of an allotment shed in Histon local Liberal Democrat district councillor Jonathan Chatfield is calling for greater security for allotments which have been increasingly affected by theft and vandalism. Jonathan Chatfield who is also the Lib Dem's spokesperson for South East Cambridgeshire and an allotment holder explained: "Not only have we seen in the recession a tremendous increase in demand for allotments which has got to be good for people's health, regrettably we have also seen more theft and vandalism on allotments. "Liberal Democrats are calling for greater local support for allotment holders with advice on security and ready access to security equipment. "The police, county, district and parish councils should be working together to deliver a one stop shop for allotment holders worried about security and wanting help with beating the theft of produce sometimes mindless vandalism experienced. "For example in North Tyneside the council and police have set up an allotment watch scheme, while in many places community support officers walk through allotments on a regular basis. "Growing your own is not only good for the pocket it should also be good for your health, but it won't be if you're worried about theft and vandalism." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 6, 2009:
  • Councillor demands action on flashing speed sign
    The interactive speed sign recently installed in Denny End Road, Waterbeach flashes even if you're going at 10 mph. Michael Williamson, Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Waterbeach, is trying to get this fixed but is having little success. "We recently carried out a survey of residents living in this part of Waterbeach" says Michael, "and one resident said that the sign was worse than useless and should be removed. Speeding has been a problem in Denny End Road for a long time, but this sign that goes off even if you are on a push-bike brings the County Council into disrepute. I have tried to get the relevant department of the County Council to do something about this, but I keep getting told that it is properly adjusted. However, drivers (and cyclists) who pass through the field of vision of this rogue sign will tell you quite the reverse". Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 6, 2009:
  • Circle 33 leaves its tenants in the cold say Lib Dems
    Cllr Jonathan Chatfield and tenant Joe Hart examine draughty windows With heating costs going through the roof one of the country's leading housing associations - Circle 33 - is leaving its tenants in The Meadows in Impington in the cold say Liberal Democrats. Circle 33 tenants at Sunset Square are putting up with gaps around their windows and external doors despite numerous requests for improvements. Local Lib Dem councillor Jonathan Chatfield first took up the plight of the tenants nearly two years ago. He said: "You can feel the wind through the gaps around the window and doorframes. The frames are rotten and gaps let in the wind and rain. "Despite numerous approaches to Circle 33 by me and the tenants the housing association which is one of the biggest in the country has done nothing to rectify the situation. "Given the current emphasis on environmental protection and global warming, these basic issues of energy conservation and efficiency should be addressed without any delay." Councillor Chatfield says: Tenants first contacted him in March 2006 The houses are environmentally unfriendly - cold and draughty Windows and doors are rotted and gaps let in the wind and rain Circle 33 refuse to take action on these windows and doors Surveyors have missed appointments and other maintenance workers have failed to turn up when due Residents have had to take annual leave from work and then no-one has arrived on the agreed day When they do arrive they agree the work necessary, but Circle 33 then fail to carry out the work No sign of interest by Circle 33 in properly insulating its properties while leaving its tenants with higher than necessary heating bills. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 25, 2008:
  • Voters give thumbs down to Tory management of South Cambs
    At voters' first opportunity to give their verdict on the running of South Cambridgeshire District Council since local elections earlier this year they gave the thumbs down by electing Liberal Democrat Frances Amrani in the former safe Tory Teversham seat. Jonathan Chatfield the Lib Dem's parliamentary spokesperson and himself a South Cambs councillor hailed the victory on Thursday November 20 as evidence that voters were not taken in by Tory spin and that in a General Election there was everything to play for in South East Cambridgeshire. Jonathan Chatfield said: "I congratulate Frances on her brilliant win. She kept the campaign local, on issues that matter to people and exposed the Tory spin machine. "In Teversham it was a fight between Lib Dems and Tories as it will be in South East Cambridgeshire in a General Election and I'm very confident that we will do the same when that election comes." Frances Amrani said: "I thank all those who voted for me to represent everyone in the Teversham ward. "This is a verdict on the Tory management of South Cambs , particularly on the way council tenants have been treated and the waste of our money on non essential matters in these difficult times." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 26, 2008:
  • Frances demands end to budget freeze on street repairs
    Fracnes doesn't have to travel far to see evidence of the Tory councils neglect - this is the state of the pavement outside her own house in Teversham! Local resident Frances Amrani is campaigning for the many cracked and dangerous pavements in Teversham to be repaired. This was one of the main issues that came up in Frances' recent resident survey and is clearly a frustration for many local people. Frances has written to the County Council demanding immediate action - but the Conservatives have announced there is no money left for new repairs. Only work already planned will get funding. Last year, the council was left with a £1 million surplus which it squirreled away into reserves. The Lib Dems proposed putting the spare money towards street repairs but the council chose to hoard it for a rainy day instead. Frances said "It is outrageous that the Council is hoarding this money when so many of our pavements need urgent repairs. If the Council is not going to spend our taxes on services, it should give us our money back." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Tory Council spends thousands on spin
    Frances Amrani want local people to get a fair say on the future of their homes - not to be pushed into transfer by the council Conservative plans to sell the homes of dozen of Teversham residents to a private landlord are costing local taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds. The Conservative-run District Council wants to sell council tenants homes but the law requires them to have a ballot first. But local Tories are trying to railroad the vote by spending tens of thousands of pounds on a DVD to persuade tenants to go along with their plans. Why did the Conservatives vote down a cross-party motion for tenants to be given fair and balanced information about this important decision? Why are the Conservatives spending tens of thousands of pounds of our taxes on spin? In Cambridge, the Lib Dems gave city tenants a fair say and the residents voted clearly against the privatisation plan. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Anger at Post Office Profits
    Post Office Profits soar to £177 million as Post Offices around the constituency are earmarked for closure Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats have re-acted angrily to news that Royal Mail's profits have soared to £177 million at a time when the County faces 26 sub post offices closing with the commensurate reduction in services to the community. Their Communities Spokesman, Cllr Geoff Heathcock said "This is a kick in the teeth for all those who see services reduced, jobs going and the additional threat around the corner that could see the Post Office Card account withdrawn as well" The likely beneficiaries of this situation will be the Treasury and an inflated salary for the Post Office Chief Executive - already one of the highest paid public servants in the land. The Post Office remit seems to be to deliver a lower quality service, increase your prices well above inflation and be deemed a success. David Jenkins, County Councillor for Cottenham, Histon and Impington agreed: 'The Post Office has said that it is closing Impington Post Office despite local support to keep it open and despite major demand for its services from the local business community which is growing. This is an organisation which looks only at a narrowly defined profit the bottom line and doesn't understand its role as an agent of government in supporting the sustainable growth of our communities.' Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 16, 2008:
  • 20's Plenty: National Action Day in Histon and Impington
    Cllr David Jenkins and Vanessa Kelly are campaigning for 20s Plenty in Histon and Impington This Monday, 20 October, concerned residents are gathering for a rally on Histon Green at 3.30 pm to show their support for a reduction of speed limits to 20 mph in Histon and Impington and 30 mph on the B1049. Local parish councillor Vanessa Kelly said: 'Traffic in Cambridgeshire has grown by more than 30 % in the last 10 years and is set to rise even faster with the huge new developments planned in our area. We want our children and grandchildren to be safe on our streets now, and in the future. The County Council need to see what a serious issue this is for our community.' The statistics speak for themselves: 90% of those hit by a car travelling at 40 mph will be killed; 20 % of those hit by a car travelling at 30 mph will be killed; only 2.5 % of those hit by a car travelling at 20 mph will be killed. 20 October is 20's Plenty For Us national action day for communities to press their council for a 20 mph speed limit in residential streets. 20's Plenty For Us is a voluntary organisation that supports 20 mph campaigns throughout the country. Portsmouth has implemented a 20 mph speed limit on most of its residential roads, and Norwich and Oxford are in the process of doing so. Rod King, founder of 20's Plenty for Us said: " Lower speeds only have a marginal effect on journey times, yet create a quieter street with less pollution and far greater safety for vulnerable road users. At 20 mph our streets become community public spaces where all road users can benefit from equitably interacting and sharing the road". This event has been organised by Histon and Impington Parish Councils, with the support of HICCA (Histon and Impington Climate Change Action). Related Links 20's Plenty for Us Everyones got an opinion about the B1049 Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 7, 2008:
  • Motorcycle accident was no accident says local councillor
    'The serious crash on Thursday at the A10 Slap Up junction in Waterbeach was sadly one of many,' comments Waterbeach Lib Dem County Councillor, Michael Williamson, 'We have seen 11 accidents resulting in injuries, 4 of which were serious, at this staggered junction in the last three years. A solution is needed. 'Although the County Council has identified the need for this junction to be in need of considerable of improvement, they have repeatedly delayed this work. I hope they will now inject a sense of urgency into this task.' The scheme currently under consideration envisages the provision of a system of traffic signals though other potential measures are under consideration. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 30, 2008:
  • Cambridgeshire Post Offices being 'Damned by Faint Praise'
    Lib Dem County Council group leader David Jenkins called on the County Council 'to really get their act together over Post Offices closures.' Cllr. Jenkins went on to say, 'The County Council are really not making an effort. The Tory Cabinet seem to only be concerned to avoid any blame being attached to their party, despite their appalling record on Post Office closures rather than making any effort to prevent closures or lead the way on real alternatives. This is in contrast with the considerable efforts being made to prevent closures by other County Councils like Lib Dem run Cornwall and Conservative run Essex.' Communities Spokes, Cllr. Geoff Heathcock adds, 'Like the Great Crested Newt, the Tories seem to think that Post Offices are something worth saving, but like the newt, they think this is something that though very worthy, should be done by someone else.' 'The Tories seem convinced that they will win the next General Election, so where is a pledge from the six local Conservative MP's and from the Conservative County Council to suspend or reverse any closures if they win? Until they make such a firm pledge, residents should treat their pronouncements with a VERY large pinch of salt.' David Jenkins commented, 'Only the Lib Dems, both nationally and here in Cambridgeshire have put forwarded costed, practical proposals to keep our Post Offices.' Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Open Letter regarding possible Council Tax Rises In 2009
    Cllr David Jenkins has called for minimal council tax rises in South East Cambridgeshire In an open letter to all County and District Council Leaders in Cambridgeshire, Liberal Democrat Leader on the County Council, David Jenkins has called upon all councils and all parties to make a special effort to minimise any increase in Council Tax for next year: "As councils start to look at their budgets for next year, I'm asking you as the leader of a council in our county to look seriously at any increase in expenditure. Residents appreciate the problems caused by inflation - after all, they are suffering from them too. With food inflation running at 9% and fuel prices rising exponentially, this is not the time for increases in costs, but for a root and branch examination of all expenditure and management costs to see how councils across Cambridgeshire can best help hard-pressed pensioners and families. "Equally, though, where capital reserves exist and building plans could be brought forward, I feel sure that the local employment this generates would be welcomed in the light of recent redundancies in the building trade announced across the county. "And finally the County Council should look seriously at itself. Following the disastrous reorganisation of 4 years ago it is probable that we do not have an organisation that is fully effective: there is duplication of activity, there are inefficient processes and there is a top heavy organisation. "I feel there is an opportunity for every council to lead by example and to show the people of Cambridgeshire that we are aware of the difficulties they are facing and that we are responding to them." yours sincerely, David Jenkins Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Cambridgeshire County Council Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 20, 2008:
  • Vanessa Kelly campaigning for tougher road safety measures
    Traffic danger is a real issue for Histon & Impington residents. Many vehicles speed through our two villages, especially on the B1049, and other main roads, at off-peak hours. Vanessa Kelly, Lib Dem candidate for Histon & Impington on May 1st, would like to see the speed of traffic reduced from 40mph to 30mph along the B1049 within Histon and Impington. She added "I also think there should be permanent 20mph zones on other busy roads such as the High Street, Impington Lane and Station Road. The facts speak for themselves: 90% of pedestrians hit by a vehicle at 40mph are killed, 20% at 30mph and only 2.5% at 20mph." (Which? Magazine, March 2005). Vanessa is also concerned about the number of HGVs on our roads - some with legitimate reasons to be here, but others rat-running to avoid congestion elsewhere or to take the shortest route. With the new town of Northstowe, the NIAB development of 1800 houses (off Histon Road) and the promised upgrade of the A14, this problem can only get worse. Vanessa says, "I will be pushing for construction traffic to follow designated routes that avoid our two villages and be closely monitored by enforcement officers. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 7, 2008:
  • Waterbeach dropped from Eco-Towns Plan
    The Government announced that Waterbeach would not be on the shortlist for new eco-towns. Michael Williamson, County Councillor for Waterbeach, echoed the relief that Waterbeach has been dropped. In the last couple of years, he repeatedly spoke out against the scheme, alongside all Liberal Democrat Councillors of Cambridgeshire. Mr Williamson commented: "This was just an old scheme which had been rejected in 2003 now dressed up with the eco-town label. I am pleased the Minister has seen through this ploy to resurrect a scheme that would have been bad for the whole local area. "The scheme would have dramatically damaged the quality of life for Waterbeach residents. A new dormitory town would have brought increasing traffic to an already massively congested area. "Now, the Government must go all the way and take Hanley Grange off the shortlist." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 29, 2008:
  • Vanessa Kelly standing for the Lib Dems on May 1st
    Vanessa Kelly is the Lib Dem Candidate for Histon & Impington in 2008 Parish Councillor Vanessa Kelly has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Histon & Impington in the South Cambs District Council elections on May 1st. In her role as a Parish Councillor Vanessa has represented our two villages on a number of issues, including the Guided Bus, Northstowe, and the Arbury Park development. Since moving to Impington, Vanessa has: Been elected as an Impington Parish Councillor As part of the Cambridge Cycling Campaign, worked to make Arbury Park safer for cyclists and pedestrians Advised GOSH (Girton & Oakington Safely Home) in their campaign against axing school buses Vanessa is also a member of Histon and Impington Climate Change Action Vanessa commented: "I am thrilled that the Liberal Democrats have selected me as their candidate for Histon & Impington. I care passionately about local issues and, at a time of great change, I want to make sure our quality of life is not eroded and is the best now and in the future." Vanessa lives locally, on The Crescent in Impington, with her husband Andrew and their two teenage daughters. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Adrian Wright standing for the Liberal Democrats on May 1st
    Adrian Wright who is standing for election as a Councillor for Waterbeach Hardworking local resident Adrian Wright has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Waterbeach ward in the South Cambridgeshire District Council elections to be held on May 1st. Adrian will be well-known to many of you already as someone who has been very much involved in community activities. Having recently retired as Superintendent Registrar for Cambridge, he now has the time and energy to represent you in the villages of Chittering, Landbeach and Waterbeach on the District Council. Since moving to Waterbeach 24 years ago, Adrian has been: A member of Waterbeach Parish Council for over 20 years and Chair from 2004 to 2007 Chair of Waterbeach Community Association Churchwarden at St. John's; currently he is Sacristan Member of many church organisations including Deanery and Diocesan Synods and the Bishop's Council Chair of Waterbeach Village Society Founding Chair of the Friends of the Farmland Museum During his time as Chair of Waterbeach Parish Council, Adrian led the campaign for traffic improvements in Denny End, a campaign which will shortly come to fruition with the installation of traffic calming and an advisory 20 mph speed limit during school hours in the High Street. In his spare time, Adrian enjoys playing golf in Waterbeach and helps out one day a week at the Farmland Museum. He is married to Ros and has two grown up children and a grandson Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 10, 2008:
  • ECO-MADNESS: Waterbeach new settlement proposals recycled
    Tom Mead and Cllr Michael Williamson think Waterbeach is the wrong location for a eco-town Back in 2003, we thought we had seen off plans for a new settlement on the Waterbeach Barracks site. A team which included Michael Williamson who is now your Liberal Democrat County Councillor, and representatives from Landbeach and Milton Parish Councils put forward a strong case against the developer's plans. This was accepted by the County Council and by the government inspector at the subsequent planning inquiry. Now the plans are back again but dressed up to try to take advantage of a new government initiative called eco-towns. As Liberal Democrats we are, of course, in favour of sustainable development. However, we oppose these plans because we believe they are not sustainable and will greatly damage the local quality of life. In addition: The site is low lying, prone to flooding, and building new houses will make matters much worse. With 10,000 houses and just 4,000 jobs, most of those who live there will have to commute down an already congested A10 which, even if dualled, will not be able to cope. We need development much closer to where the jobs are. Building next to the railway line will make the site particularly attractive to people who work in London and will not help the Cambridge housing shortage. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY