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Buckden Roundabout
January 2018
FROM YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR
The next few weeks are challenging times for County Councillors as we grapple with the task of drafting the budget for the com-
ing year. The backcloth is depressing: government grant to local councils is being cut and there is a cap on the amount by which
councils can increase their tax level. At the same time, the demand for services from the County Council is increasing as people
are living longer and there is an increase in the birth-rate.
This is not just a problem for Cambridgeshire – it affects the entire country. The Chairman of the Local Government Association
(LGA) said recently: ‘It is hugely disappointing that the Budget offered nothing to ease the financial crisis facing local services.
The money local government has to run services is running out fast and councils face an overall £5.8 billion funding gap in just
two years’.
And in case you think I am being ‘party political’, I should point out that the Chairman of the LGA is a Conservative!
As proposals for service cuts come forward, I will be keeping the parish council fully informed so that they can be aware of the
implications for local people and consider what steps they can take to compensate for service reductions.
So we embark on the New Year 2018 with greater concerns than many of us can remember in a life-time. The cloud hanging
over everything is the uncertainty caused by Brexit and yet we know that, as a country, we are relatively fortunate compared
with many other parts of the world.
On more local matters, I have been working with District Councillor Terry Hayward and parish councillors from Southoe to try to
reduce the dangers and inconveniencies of the A1. The long-term intention is that the A1 will be re-built to the west but that
will take ages to plan and complete so we are pressing for short-term measures. We understand that some work will be carried
out soon on the central verges to improve visibility at danger spots.
If you wish to raise any local matters with me personally and would welcome a face-to-face conversation, I come to the Aragon
Room in the Village Hall at 7 p.m. on the evening of the parish council meeting, the 2
nd
Tuesday in the month. At other times,
please ring me on 07765 833 486 or write to me at peter.downes@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
Peter Downes, County Councillor for the Brampton and Buckden division
FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND FAIR
My congratulations and thanks to those who organised the lights and fair. Once again a wonderful opportunity for the village,
young and old, to congregate and meet. By the time you read this we shall have enjoyed the next opportunity to gather togeth-
er at the Churches’ Village Carol Service. I wonder how many of you noticed the fitting climax to the lights when the ‘Cold
Moon’ (a so called super moon) rose behind the Church Spire.
A1 UPDATE
I recently held a meeting with our County Councillor, representatives from Diddington, Southoe and Kier (HE engineers). We
discussed and then toured all of the ‘hot spots’ and I am hopeful that there will be improvements to verge and central reserva-
tion cutting and signage. It still ridiculous that there are no white lines across the roads approaching the roundabout. We hope
to see the report with its recommendations for the improvements to the A1 either just before or just after Christmas - my fin-
gers are crossed!
VILLAGE HALL TRUST
Many residents are not aware that the Village Hall and adjacent playing fields and valley area are not run by the Parish Council
but by a Charity, the Village Hall Trust. Like all charities this relies on the hard work and dedication of its trustees and in particu-
lar its Chairperson. I understand that John Thelwall is retiring and that the Trust is looking for a volunteer to take over the reins.
As a former chairman I know that the job can be both rewarding and at times frustrating and that it is a role that is vital if the
village is to continue to benefit from what is probably the best village hall in the local area. I urge any person who wants to see
the village continue to benefit from the services offered by the VHT to offer their services. I know that John will be very happy
to talk about what the task involves and I am also ready to have a chat if it was thought useful.
May I take this opportunity to wish all residents a very happy Christmas and a contented and healthy New Year.
With all best wishes
Terry Hayward, District Councillor for Buckden, Stirtloe, Diddington, Southoe and Midloe.
If you have any queries about the above or would like to talk to me about any other matter please don’t hesitate to contact me
on either 01480 810974 or terry.hayward@huntingdonshire.gov.uk
From Your Councillors