October 2024

5 Buckden Roundabout October 2024 From your District Councillor SHAKESPEARE AT THE TOWERS After attending the launch event, I am delighted to share that Shakespeare at the George has found a new home for their much - loved performances. Following an unexpected turn of events earlier this year, they are moving from The George Hotel, Huntingdon, where they have been for 65 years, to our magnificent Buckden Towers. As residents know, Buckden Towers, with its rich history da- ting back to the 11th century, offers an equally immersive and authentic theatre experience. Formerly known as Buckden Palace, it has been home to many historical events, including serving as a residence for Katherine of Aragon. The 15 - acre estate, now owned by the Claretian Missionaries, is a perfect setting for performances of Shakespeare. The first production at Buckden Towers will be Twelfth Night, directed by Chris Avery, running from Tuesday, 24th June to Saturday, 5th July 2025. Join me in celebrating this new chapter as we add Shake- speare to Buckfest, the Buckden Proms, Buckden Beer Festi- val, and the many other Buckden cultural events. Finally, I ’ d like to offer special thanks to Father Paul, the Friends of Buckden Towers, and everyone else who has helped facilitate the change of venue. I look forward to seeing you there next summer! PROPOSED GRAFHAM TO BRAMPTON QUIET WAY In recent weeks, you may have heard about the proposed pilot Grafham to Brampton Quiet Way, either through the formal letter from Cambridgeshire County Council or via social media. I wanted to reach out to provide more details and en- sure you have accurate information. The route would enable a safe, ‘ Active Travel ’ path to Grafham, Grafham Water, and Brampton Woods via the Mere Lane Byway and the Brampton to Grafham Road. Sustrans has been delivering the Paths for Everyone pro- gramme for several years, funded by the Department for Transport and Active Travel England. This programme aims to improve the National Cycle Network (NCN) to create safe, enjoyable routes for families, less mobile individuals, walkers, and horse riders. Where off - road paths are not possible, they aim to ensure on - road sections are lightly trafficked with low speeds. They have secured funding from Active Travel England to pilot three high - quality Quiet Ways in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. After detailed analysis and discussions with local au- thorities, the route between Grafham and Brampton was pri- oritised. Their pre - monitoring of Brampton Road revealed that only 1% of walkers and cyclists are children, 2% are over 65, and 14% are women. Additionally, top speeds recorded exceeded 44mph, which is unsuitable for the NCN. They aim to make Brampton Road more attractive and safer for all users. They are considering various solutions, including physical clo- sures, and will be conducting comprehensive ‘ co - design ’ ses- sions with the community from late September to mid - November. These sessions will allow residents from Grafham, Brampton, Buckden, Huntingdon, and surrounding areas to shape the process and decide on final interventions. Recom- mended interventions will be trialled in the New Year. This project aligns with national, regional, county, district, and parish strategies and policies, including Buckden ’ s LCWIP. They assure you that residents will be listened to and involved in the process. From Buck- den ’ s per- spective, it is crucial for as many villagers as possible to participate in the con- sultation. The last consulta- tion, part of the Neigh- bourhood Plan prepa- ration, showed strong support for a cycle route to Grafham. This has been a consistent preference in similar surveys over the dec- ades. I strongly encourage all residents to participate in the consul- tation. If the change goes ahead, it could be more transforma- tive to the village and its economy than we first realise. For example, there is talk of opening a café at the Towers, which could benefit from cyclists passing through the village. Realistically, this proposal is the only viable option, as other routes have been rejected by landowners or deemed too cost- ly. We have to be mindful of any impact on the Buckden Roundabout and Perry Road, but I do hope we can reach a compromise that satisfies the needs of Brampton, Buckden, Diddington and Grafham residents, while also meeting the national standards for improved cycleways and active travel. I am interested to hear the views of residents on this inter- esting development. Wishing you well, Martin Martin Hassall District Councillor for Buckden, Diddington and Southoe Phone: 07480 798 342 Email: martin.hassall@huntingdonshire.gov.uk