July 2015

FROM YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR

When you read this article, exam season will have finished. Whilst government legislation now dictates that chil-

dren remain in education or training until they are 18, there is no requirement for the local authority to provide

transport for children after the age of 16. I would urge children and parents to consider whether there is transport

available when considering education or training after the age of 16 and the possible cost implication of the

transport. Should additional funding be required for transport it is worth contacting the school or college to ask

about any grant funding available or bursaries that may be offered towards transport costs. It might also be worth

looking on the internet for local charities, many communities have small local charities whose purpose is to pro-

vide additional funding to local residents. Many of these charities find that they do not have people applying for

their grant funding every year purely because people are not aware that they exist.

My next surgery will be in the village hall in Buckden on Tuesday 8

September 6.30pm-7.30pm. Please come

along if you wish to speak to me. No appointment is necessary. If you would like any further information please

contact me.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

Julie Wisson

County Councillor Buckden and the Offords

07725 791459, 01767 677837

julie.wisson@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR

USE OF VILLAGE FOOTPATHS

There has recently been increasing abuse of the village footpath network by cyclists and motorcyclists. This has

resulted in rutted and damaged paths which make it increasingly difficult for walkers to use especially the less

able and elderly who use the paths to improve their health. Footpaths are generally Rights of Way for walkers

only although in some cases they are suitable for use by those in wheelchairs. Please use this important part of

the village environment with respect and encourage others to do so.

FUTURE OF A1

By the time you read this I shall have met our local MP, Jonathan Djanogly to discuss the possibility of setting up

a Pressure Group to campaign for the much needed up date of the A1 from the M25 to the Brampton Hut rounda-

bout.

SPORTS AND LEISURE FACILITIES

The District Council provides many opportunities for sport and other recreational activities through the provision of

its Sports Centres, Hinchingbrooke Country Park and other parks and open spaces. I hope that you will all take

advantage of these facilities and the various introductory courses for all ages which are being offered throughout

the year.

PLANNING ENFORCEMENT

I continue to receive complaints from residents of both Buckden and Southoe about the performance of the Plan-

ning Enforcement section of the District Council’s Planning Department. I am assured that measures are in hand

to improve the situation and the Councillors will be provided with an analysis of the problems involved and possi-

ble solutions. Rest assured I shall do my best to represent your views.

If you have any questions or would like advice on local issues please contact me on 01480 810974 or ter-

ry.hayward@huntingdonshire.gov.uk

Regards

Terry Hayward (Cllr)

Buckden Ward, Huntingdonshire District Council

In response to the second lot of vandalism to the children's playground, I posted an article on the Buckden Resi-

dents Facebook asking for support to raise funds for CCTV of this area to deter future damage. There were 30+

'likes' supporting this, but the comments made by residents prompted a larger debate about the lack of facilities

in the village for young people to keep them occupied, entertained and, for those inclined to vandalise, out of

trouble.

Many suggestions were put forward - Skate Parks, Youth Clubs, Astroturf, better access to Tennis, Chill Out are-

as etc. I took these to the Parish Council Meeting last night and was told that both the Council and the Village are

themselves keen to improve facilities in the village - they would support with the funding element as much as

possible, but what they lack is the people prepared to actually implement the ideas.

I am sure we are all busy - but if we want to improve what's on offer for young people by practically doing some-

thing, can you please message me on Facebook and I will try and set the ball rolling.

Thanks, Nick Speroni