January 2015

Do you want a by-pass for Buckden? Then let your voice be heard!

For several years Buckden Parish Council, and our District Councillor, Terry Hayward, have viewed a by-pass for

Buckden as being the only long-term solution to the traffic problems, pollution and vibration damage that affect

residents in Buckden.

Those who read last month’s Roundabout will know that Terry had arranged a meeting with our MP, Jonathan

Djanogly, with a representative from Sandy and with the MP for north east Bedfordshire, Alistair Burt, in whose

constituency the area from Wyboston to Sandy falls.

This meeting took place on 28

November, we made our representations for a by-pass and requested our MP’s

support in pursuing this. As a consequence, Jonathan Djanogly decided that he wanted a clear mandate from res-

idents in Buckden, Diddington and Southoe before he could pursue the matter formally. He will be writing to the

Hunts Post (by the time you read this, he might have already done so) to set up a petition to lobby for a by-pass.

It is extremely important for residents to respond to this petition, if a by-pass is what you want. If we are to have

any chance in securing political backing, we must show that the over-whelming majority support this idea. So

please, have your say….

Railway crossing at Offord

The Parish Council recently received a briefing on developments with regards to the railway crossing at Offord.

The consultation during the summer showed that the idea of a vehicle bridge and separate pedestrian/cycle

crossing was broadly welcomed by residents in Buckden and The Offords. The project management team report-

ed that they hoped to be able to apply for government funding shortly, apply for a transport order next autumn and

begin construction in 2017. They also reported that the precise route of the new road and bridge has not been

finalised and that the project presents particular engineering problems to be over-come, largely to cope with the

risk of flooding.

There will be a further consultation early this year and another exhibition at the Offord Cluny Village Hall on 8

January 2015, 4 - 8 p.m. and 10

January 2015, 11a.m. – 3 p.m.

Parish Council Photo Competition

Hot off the press! Photographers, start preparing for the Parish Council Photo Competition which will again be a

part of the Festival Weekend celebrations in the summer. Age groups will be the same as last year (age up to 10

years, 11 – 16 years and adult) and the subjects will be:

Selfie

Clouds

Insects and Spiders

HACT – Huntingdon Association for Community Transport

Several residents of Buckden already take advantage of the door-to-door service, including outings, that HACT

offer for a very reasonable fee. Please remember that you can access the services of HACT if you have a bus

pass. You will find more information about HACT in the library or at

www.hact-cambs.co.uk

Any questions or comments on this report can be addressed to the Parish Clerk John Chase, Clerk to Buckden

Parish Council, Buckden Village Hall, Burberry Road, Buckden PE19 5UY, Telephone (01480) 819407, Email

clerk@buckdenparishcouncil.org.uk

Do not forget our website at

www.buckdenparishcouncil.org.uk

The monthly meeting of the

Parish Council, including a 15 minute Public Forum will be held on Tuesday

13th January 2015 starting at 7.30pm

in the Village Hall. Members of the public are welcome to attend and

raise any Buckden related issues.

If required, the

Parish Council’s Planning Committee

will meet on

Tuesday 13th and Tuesday 27th January

starting 7pm. Agendas for the meetings are posted on the Parish Council notice boards not later than the Satur-

day preceding the meeting