SouthCambs Magazine
www.scambs.gov.uk
Green bin changes See page 27
Autumn 2014
Famil y thea ticket tre s S ee pa
ge 34
All ages get active See page 45
Disability open day See page 12
Two for one BikeBus Explorer offer- page 8
Welcome
Autumn 2014
Welcome to the autumn issue of South Cambs Magazine
Following a summer of sport where residents lined the streets as the Tour de France raced through the district, we are looking to inspire more people to get out into the countryside on two wheels. The BikeBus Explorer could be the answer for some people as it allows you to take the bus for part of your journey and use a bike to rove further afield. See page 8 to find out more about the special bike trailer the bus pulls - and don’t miss our exclusive two-for-one special introductory offer. I’m delighted to say that our housing company has taken on its first properties, with tenants moving into 27 homes in Waterbeach. We’ve set up the company so we can invest in housing and generate a return to support the services people need. Page 20 tells you more. Along with investing wisely to generate money, we’re also trying to find even more savings as our budgets are squeezed by cuts in funding from government. To make sure we continue to deliver the best value for money possible we’ve teamed up with neighbouring councils in a shared service strategic partnership. Page 36 explains more. And finally, don’t forget to read page 27 where you will find out more about changes to green bin collections during the winter months. The changes commence in December. Cllr Ray Manning Leader South Cambridgeshire District Council
Our Vision: South Cambridgeshire will continue to be the best place to live, work and study in the country. Our district will demonstrate impressive and sustainable economic growth. Our residents will have a superb quality of life in an exceptionally beautiful, rural and green environment.
The next issue of South Cambs Magazine will be delivered between 28 November and 14 December. For all delivery enquiries please contact PDC on 01904 606300 or customerservice@teampdc.co.uk
For a large print copy please contact:
03450 450 500
scmag@scambs.gov.uk
Autumn 2014
Contents Contact Us ............................
4
Community ...........................
6
Planning ................................
15
Housing .................................
20
Waste & Recycling ...............
24
Young People ........................
30
Conservation ........................
33
Competition .........................
34
About your Council ...............
36
Business ...............................
41
Environmental Health ...........
43
Sport ......................................
45
South Cambs Magazine Letters should be directed to: Editor: Gareth Bell Editorial: Anna Efford and Kelly Quigley South Cambridgeshire District Council South Cambridgeshire Hall Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne Cambridge CB23 6EA e: South.CambsMagazine@scambs.gov.uk t: 03450 450 500 Design: Sean Gentle & Katie Rea
For all advertising enquiries please contact: Katrina Burrill KM Media & Marketing, County House, 9 Checkpoint Court, Sadler Road, Lincoln LN6 3PW e: info@km-media.co.uk t: 01522 513515 The opinions and views expressed in South Cambs Magazine are not necessarily those of South Cambridgeshire District Council or KM Media & Marketing. All data contained in advertisements, being subject to the Advertising Standards Authority guidelines, is accepted in good faith at the time of going to press. Printed on wood fibre from sustainable forests R
When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it.
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3
Contact us
South Cambs Magazine
Contacting us The quickest and easiest way to contact us, and to apply, report or pay for something, is via our website:
www.scambs.gov.uk Social media: @SouthCambs
Email or
search ‘South Cambridgeshire’
call:
Benefits
benefits@scambs.gov.uk
03450 450 061
Building Control
building.control@scambs.gov.uk 03450 450 062
Elections
elections@scambs.gov.uk
03450 455 214
Environmental env.health@scambs.gov.uk Services
03450 450 063
Fraud
fraud@scambs.gov.uk
0800 7311 892
Housing
housing@scambs.gov.uk
03450 450 051
Planning
planning@scambs.gov.uk
03450 455 215
Revenues
revenues@scambs.gov.uk
03450 450 064
For all other enquiries
scdc@scambs.gov.uk
03450 450 500
Visit or write: South Cambs District Council South Cambridgeshire Hall Cambourne Business Park Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6EA Office open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm
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4 www.scambs.gov.uk
To make a payment Visit www.scambs.gov.uk and click on the ‘Pay for it’ button. Call our automated payment line on 03450 455 218 You can also pay using a payment card at any Post Office or Pay Point outlet. To request a direct debit form or a Post Office payment card, call 03450 450 064
Putting service first If you phone us we will resolve your enquiry as quickly as possible provide voicemail if the person you need is unavailable answer your phone message within three working days If you write to us we will reply to your letter or email within 10 working days If we write to you we will write in plain language arrange for translation, large type, braille or audio tapes upon request If we visit you we will carry identification that you can check with a phone call to our contact service on 03450 450 500 arrive at the time we say we will, or give you as much notice as possible if we have to change the time If we get it wrong we will apologise if we have made a mistake or failed to meet our standards acknowledge your written complaint within three working days reply in full to your complaint within 10 working days
Tell us how we’re doing We’re proud of what we are trying to achieve and recognise we can always do better. To help improve our services, we need your feedback. Whether it’s a compliment, a general comment or a complaint, we want to hear from you. www.scambs.gov.uk/contact-us
Autumn 2014
Concerts & Events 2014–15
Saffron Hall
Experience breathtaking performances at Saffron Walden’s award-winning new venue London Philharmonic Orchestra • Maxim Vengerov BBC Singers • The Brodsky Quartet • Nicola Benedetti Paul Lewis • Michael Morpurgo • The Sixteen Abdullah Ibrahim • Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Ian Bostridge • Britten Sinfonia Book now: 0845 548 7650 • www.saffronhall.com Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre
Community
South Cambs Magazine
More community transport schemes - could they help you? Community transport continues to offer an answer to people’s transport problems, but did you know that by working with your local scheme you could help drive forward their services? The Good Companion group and other elderly residents in Meldreth recently met with Royston and District Community Transport and local councillors to discuss their travel needs. They agreed both a monthly service to Letchworth for shopping, and a weekly service connecting them with local facilities at Meldreth, Melbourn and Shepreth. David Wherrell, from Royston and District Community Transport, said: “It is great to be able to work with local people to provide them with the services they need. Community transport plugs the gaps between public transport and can be a lifeline. We don’t just offer short trips, transport can be hired by groups and we can also plan trips further afield.” Community transport differs across the district, but is mainly provided through mini buses or cars.
New schemes
Care Network has supported Volunteer drivers are the backbone the launch of a new community of community transport schemes transport scheme for Bar Hill - with two more in the pipeline, one serving Bourn, Kingston, Longstowe & Arrington and another at Histon. The new schemes add to the network of 33 which are already operating in the district. Details of your local scheme can be found by visiting www.scambs.gov.uk/community-transport where a community transport leaflet can also be downloaded. We can send you a printed copy too.
Our support - and yours?
Mini buses provide community transport in some areas of the district
We continue to support community transport through grants but they can only continue to operate with volunteer drivers coming forward to offer their time for free. Volunteers who drive their own car are reimbursed for their mileage. David Cutter, who is a volunteer driver with the Royston and District Transport Scheme, said: “I really enjoy being a car scheme driver as you meet such nice people. It’s really just a case of wanting to help others and I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing people be able to get out and about.”
For further information on community transport, or to volunteer, contact Clare Gibbons on clare.gibbons@scambs.gov.uk or 01954 713290
6 www.scambs.gov.uk
Autumn 2014
Community
South Cambs Magazine
Enjoy the colours of autumn with the BikeBus Explorer A new bus service which pulls a bike trailer behind so you can saddle up and rove further afield is now helping people have days out exploring the countryside. The service, which is a first in Cambridgeshire, began at the end of July in response to demand for people to be able to get out and about to explore beauty spots, attractions and village pubs. Once you’ve got your Day Explorer ticket you can hop on and off all day. To guide you on your journey, you can use the BikeBus Explorer route map and walking guides. The bus can carry over 30 passengers, with room for 20 bikes towed behind on its specially designed trailer. Bikes can be loaded up at three stops in Cambridge and in villages along the route. Four times a day on Sundays and bank holidays, the BikeBus Explorer connects Cambridge Rail Station with villages between Barton and Gamlingay on a circular route. It takes in a host of visitor attractions along its path, including the magnificent Wimpole Estate. The BikeBus project is led by us with additional funding from Cambridgeshire County Council and the National Trust. The initial pilot will run until the end of March.
Don’ forge t tnot ju it’s st fo cyclis ts. Yo r use it u can bus s as a regul ar ervi catch ce, or even the explo bus to re on foot t oo
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased when boarding the bus, or in advance from the Tourist Information Centre at the Guildhall in Cambridge and the Stable Block at the Wimpole Estate. An Adult Day Explorer ticket costs £5, with a £2 charge for bike carriage. Child fares are half that price, with further discounts for family tickets. Single fares are also available and concessionary bus pass holders only pay for bike carriage.
Clare Gibbons, Chairman Cllr David Bard and Deputy Leader Cllr Simon Edwards with the BikeBus Explorer at Wimpole Hall
Special offer - for a limited time only, we’re giving you an exclusive two-for-one voucher to try out the BikeBus Explorer, so don’t miss out!
Two for one Day Explorer ticket special offer Terms: - Cut out and present this voucher when you board the bus -
You must purchase one full priced Day Explorer ticket (with or without bike carriage) to receive a second free ticket to the same value
-
Both tickets must be used at the time of purchase
-
Photocopies of this voucher cannot be accepted
-
This offer closes on Sunday 26 October 2014
8 www.scambs.gov.uk
Autumn 2014
Community
South Cambs Magazine
Where to go The BikeBus Explorer turns directly into the Wimpole Estate, dropping visitors close to the ticket office, for easy access to the Hall, gardens and Home Farm. There are many walks across the parkland or, for those who bring their bikes, cycle trails across the estate. Elsewhere along the BikeBus route there are a number of ancient woodlands, looked after by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, perfect for an autumn walk. Check out the Explorer route map and BikeBus Explorer village walking guides, where you will find insider tips on great things to see and do. Be sure to call in on one of the many country pubs along the way - a perfect way to round off your trip.
Maps and more can be downloaded from our website for free, or they can be bought on board the bus. Cllr Simon Edwards, Deputy Leader, said: “What better time to hop on this unique service than the year the Tour de France has visited the area. People often say they want to get out and explore what the countryside has to offer, and we hope the BikeBus removes the barriers for them. There is so much to offer in the district, from popular tourist attractions such as the Wimpole Estate to ancient woodlands and historic villages with their welcoming pubs. Why not give it a try?”
an sd en
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look out for the BikeBus Explorer logo at bus stops
Ha r yle tG L yW r ood nea
Gamlingay
For further information a timetable and route maps, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/bikebus-explorer
Autumn 2014
Your bike will be loaded onto the specially designed trailer by the driver
www.scambs.gov.uk
9
South Cambs Magazine
Community
Can you help shape public transport? Communities are being urged to continue to help shape publically funded bus services as part of the on-going review by Cambridgeshire County Council.
The initiative known as Cambridgeshire Future Transport (CFT) has seen the county divided into a number of areas and the bus services operating in each area reviewed in turn to boost ridership and reduce costs. For the villages south west of Cambridge currently served by the 31 and 75 (area G), and the villages north-west of Cambridge along the A14 (area E), suggested changes to services are now being developed. The review to service 46 in the south east of the district (area J) is now also underway. The new services introduced west of Cambridge (Area C) have now been in place since June, including a demand responsive transport (DRT) service operated by HACT - service 28. It picks up passengers at times and locations convenient for them on a first come, first served basis. In September, the final area (Area M) of villages north of Royston, including Guilden Morden, Steeple Morden, Abington Piggots, Litlington, Bassingbourn, Kneesworth, Melbourn, Whaddon and Meldreth, will come under review - covering services 15, 127 and 128. To get involved in this final area, contact your parish council or the CFT Team on CFT@cambridgeshire.gov.uk You can view all bus timetable information, including DRT services, by visiting www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk and clicking on the bus timetable option
Expert advice on hand for residents There are now more ways to access the free advice available from the four Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) which serve our district.
North Hertfordshire and District CAB is now offering sessions at the recently opened Melbourn Hub. Drop-in advice sessions are available the first Monday and third Tuesday of the month, between 9.30 and 11.30am. Elsewhere, touchscreen kiosks are being installed to help residents find the advice they need. And don’t forget, you can access this service from your own computer or smart phone by going to www.advicehub.org If you need support finding advice online, there are drop-ins hosted by volunteers in Great Shelford and Histon libraries. Volunteers are also being looked for in Bar Hill and Cambourne. Contact Lynne McAulay, using the details below, for more information. The Melbourn Hub, Gamlingay Ecohub and the C2 café in Cambourne Church Foyer are the latest to install a kiosk following the success of the first one in Sawston Medical Centre. Cambridge and District CAB is working in partnership with Care Network on a Big Lottery funded project to find sites where this network can be extended to help more people access advice without having to travel too far. Lynne McAulay, of Care Network, would like to hear from parishes interested in finding out more. Contact Lynne.M@care-network.org.uk We’ll also continue to fund face to face advice services, which can be accessed from the four CAB offices. They are in Cambridge, Royston, Haverhill and Saffron Walden. For more information, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk or call 03450 450 500
Autumn 2014
www.scambs.gov.uk
11
Community
South Cambs Magazine
Disability open day to bring people together Residents are being encouraged to attend a disability open day which aims to bring together like-minded people to remove barriers to better services.
A survey of Council tenants showed that over 40% of people said they either had, or were living with someone who had, a disability. Since then we have set up a disability forum for tenants and this event was put together by that group for the entire district. At the open day there will be information from groups such as Help for Heroes, Care Network, Age UK and Emmaus. Our officers will also be on hand to talk about Council services, including benefits, Lifeline and Lifeline Plus. The Lifeline services are aimed at helping people enjoy their independence with the safety net of support when they need it. It will be held on Friday 31 October in our South Cambridgeshire Hall offices on Cambourne Business Park. You can drop in any time between 10am to 4pm. The open day is free to attend and open to all. For further details, contact Gill Anderton on gill.anderton@scambs.gov.uk or 01954 713377, or the Chair of the Disability Forum, Jim Watson, on 07947 572008. If you need transport to attend the event, contact us and we will try to assist you
Superfast broadband roll-out hits 30,000 premises milestone Over 30,000 homes and businesses across rural Cambridgeshire can now connect to high-speed fibre broadband as the roll-out gathers pace. The Connecting Cambridgeshire programme, which is led by Cambridgeshire County Council, has already reached a third of its target to bring faster broadband access to more than 90,000 properties across the county that would not otherwise be able to get it, by the end of 2015. More than 125 new green fibre cabinets have been installed in over 50 communities across the county, giving thousands of people access to faster fibre broadband. South Cambridgeshire areas that have already gone live with fibre include: Barrington, Grantchester, Graveley, Great Shelford, Little Shelford, Landbeach, Pampisford, Papworth Everard, Sawston, Stapleford, Waterbeach and Whittlesford, with many more to come. Visit the ‘my area’ pages at www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk to view a coverage map showing when your area can expect to get faster broadband. More than 500 small businesses - many in South Cambridgeshire – have successfully applied for broadband connection vouchers, grants and free advice to make the most of digital technology from the Destination Digital business support scheme. Now, extra Government funding is available to help women start or grow their own small businesses by getting online and taking advantage of faster broadband. Find out more at www.destinationdigital.info
12 www.scambs.gov.uk
Autumn 2014
Community
South Cambs Magazine
Calling all arty under 16s
Artistic students are in with a chance to be part of a major exhibition - which could provide an opportunity to gain recognition in the professional art world.
This year’s Open Art Exhibition, sponsored by local company Rheebridge, will be held at Swavesey Village College from 21 to 23 November. Adult entries will compete for accolades including the Top Twenty, Rheebridge Awards and a People’s Choice Award. There will be a free draw to Steve Ferris, lead artist, with students at Impington Village vote for your favourite artwork - and a chance to do a bit of College at a workshop to inspire student submissions Christmas shopping with paintings, sculptures, prints and cards available. There’s no selection procedure for the main exhibition - just make sure you apply early to secure a space. At the exhibition, we’re endorsing a new Cambridgeshire Area Young Artist Competition (CAYAC), showcasing and recognising all the budding artists we have across our local secondary schools. Students under the age of 16 can enter the competition through their school's art department. Andrew Daly, Principal of Swavesey Village College, said: “Our students will be involved in all aspects of the event. It is a fantastic and unique opportunity for them to work alongside professionals and learn from them.” On the Saturday, Jeremy Newton, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts will present the student prizes and the winning school will receive the CAYAC shield at a teatime reception. For more information visit www.attheatrium.org.uk or email info@attheatrium.org.uk
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South Cambs Magazine
Planning
Archaeology underway at Northstowe Archaeologists have begun to delve into the history of the Northstowe site. A 12-month programme looking to uncover, excavate and record artefacts and other historic features got underway in June. Following extensive research and surveys, the Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) identified nine separate areas worthy of further investigation. One of the first places CAU began working was the site for the new primary school. The archaeological work will help enable construction of the school to begin on time and represents a major step towards preparing the site for homes and facilities to be built. CAU plan to host an open day later this year to display archaeological findings from the site. Look out for more details. Outline planning permission for the first phase of the development on the former airfield between Longstanton and Oakington was issued in April. This gave permission for the first 1,500 homes and community facilities such as a new primary school, community centre and sports pavilion. Developer, Gallagher, is now in the process of submitting a series of planning applications to agree details from the construction of roads, sewers and broadband, to where the homes will be located and what they will look like. These need to be agreed before each part of the construction can get underway. In June, councillors on the Northstowe Joint Development Control Committee approved the construction of new junctions on the B1050 to provide access to Northstowe. The work is expected to begin in October.
Next phase
be in gs ubm itted
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) carried out an informal consultation in March to gather early views on the next phase of the new town. This planning application will include up to 3,500 homes, the town centre, retail and commercial properties, the secondary school, sports hub, two primary schools and public open spaces. The application was submitted on 22 August and included the southern access road to connect Northstowe to the B1050 close to its junction with the A14. Once the application has been checked to make sure all the information needed has been submitted, it will be posted on our website - www.scambs.gov.uk - and a public on consultation carried out. You can also find out more by visiting i t ď Ž lica The www.northstowe.com HCA's app
Get involved
People can find out more about the latest planning applications at the events shown in the green box. Our officers will be on hand to give you more details about the plans as well as answer your questions.
Autumn 2014
Have your say Saturday 20 September - 10am to 12 noon at Bar Hill Library, Gladeside Saturday 27 September - 10.30am to 12.30pm at Longstanton Village Institute, High Street Tuesday 30 September - 5pm to 7pm at Ploughman Hall, West Fen Road, Willingham Saturday 4 October - 10.30am to 1.30pm at Oakington Pavillion, Queensway Wednesday 15 October - 4pm to 6pm at Rampton Village Hall, Church End Saturday 18 October - 10am to 12 noon at Ploughman Hall, West Fen Road, Willingham Tuesday 21 October - 3pm to 4.30pm at Longstanton Village Institute, High Street Tuesday 28 October - 5pm to 7pm at Oakington Pavillion, Queensway
www.scambs.gov.uk
ď Ž 15
Planning
South Cambs Magazine
Inspector begins Local Plan examination An independent planning inspector has begun to review our Plan for how the district should be developed up until 2031. We submitted our draft Local Plan to Government in March this year, following two years of public consultation, in which hundreds of possible sites for new jobs and homes were considered. It proposes building a new town north of Waterbeach, a new village at Bourn Airfield, an extension westwards of Cambourne and around 900 homes at six of the larger villages. The homes are in addition to the 14,000 that have either already been allocated at sites, recently built, are under construction or have planning permission in locations such as the edge New homes could be built around the new of Cambridge and the new secondary school in Cambourne (circled above) town of Northstowe. Our independent planning inspector is Laura Graham who will also be running the examination for Cambridge City Council’s Local Plan. One of her first jobs has been to read the planning documents and evidence that the two councils sent to her, including the comments and views submitted during the consultation held from July to October last year. Before a series of hearings to assess the draft Local Plan, an initial meeting will be held to hear how the planning inspector will conduct the hearings. If you made comments during the Local Plan consultation last year you will have been notified about this meeting already. Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire’s Plans will each have their own examination process, but given the interdependence of the two, the inspector intends to hold some hearings jointly. Her job is to see if the Local Plans meet the development needs of each area or if changes are needed to make the plans sound. Ahead of the pre hearing meeting the inspector will publish ‘matters and issues for examination’. The Council and people who made comments during the last consultation will have the opportunity to respond to them. We still anticipate the hearings will not start before the end of October and those who made comments last summer can ask to speak at these. This is at the discretion of the inspector. Once the inspector provides us with the timetable for the examination hearings we will publish it on our website. The pre hearing meeting is being held on Thursday 11 September at 2pm. It is in the Guildhall, Market Square, Cambridge. Visit www.scambs.gov.uk/local-plan-examination for more information, or contact LDF@scambs.gov.uk or 01954 713183
16 www.scambs.gov.uk
Five year housing land supply In his decisions on two recent planning appeals in Waterbeach, a planning inspector has concluded that the district cannot currently demonstrate a five year supply of land for building new houses. This is a requirement set by national planning policy to help boost housing supply. The appeals affect how we make decisions on planning applications for new homes until we do have such a supply, although all housing proposals will still have to show they are sustainable against the tests in national planning policy, including the green belt. The need to demonstrate a five year supply will be a factor in the examination of our new Local Plan.
Autumn 2014
Planning
South Cambs Magazine
Forum events
Community forums have been set up for developments that border South Cambridgeshire District and Cambridge City councils’ areas to help people find out more about what’s happening. The events are a great chance to find out more about what’s happening and take part in question and answer sessions.
Cambridge East Community Forum
The forum covers the Marshall development known as ‘Wing’ on the eastern edge of Cambridge. It also covers the new developments in the Cherry Hinton Ward of Cambridge. The next forum will be held on Tuesday 28 October at Fen Ditton Primary School from 7pm - 8.30pm.
North West Fringe Community Forum
This forum covers the Cambridge University development between Huntingdon and Madingley roads, as well as Darwin Green between Huntingdon and Histon roads. The latest dates and information are available on Cambridge City Council’s website at www.cambridge.gov.uk/north-west-community-forum
Southern Fringe Community Forum
This Forum covers the new developments at Trumpington Meadows, Clay Farm and Glebe Farm. The latest dates and information are available on Cambridge City Council’s website at www.cambridge.gov.uk/southern-fringe-community-forum For further information about community forums, please contact tracy.mann@scambs.gov.uk or 01954 713342
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Left to right: Link carers Barbara and Neil with Sharon, Jonathan and Jake
Cambridgeshire County Council’s Family Link Service is a short break service for families who have disabled children. The service links a family to carers who can help share the care of the child by welcoming them into their home. Jake is 8 and lives in Sawston. He has been visiting his Link carers Barbara and Neil for 4 years. They collect him on Sunday mornings, leaving his parents, Sharon and Jonathan, much needed time to relax and spend quality time with their other children. Sharon said, “I always sleep in bed with Jake because he has seizures through the night, so I often feel very tired. Jake is very strong willed and active, when he’s at home we have to keep all the doors and windows locked to keep him safe. To have just a few hours when I can switch off and spend time with our other kids or have chance to do the small things other people take for granted, like have a shower uninterrupted, makes a huge difference.” Neil and Barbara live round the corner. They have a wellestablished routine of activities which Jake enjoys each week. Neil explained, “we just do simple things like go for a walk to buy the paper then play football, teach Jake card games and make fresh orange juice. We also take Jake out for trips to nearby places like the Botanic Gardens in Cambridge where he loves having hot chocolate.” Sharon added, “Jake’s Link carers are a big part of his life, one week we were away so he wasn’t able to spend time with them and he reminded me that Sunday should be a Barbara and Neil day!” Neil and Barbara have been involved in the Family Link Service for many years and have built up a number of long-term, close relationships with disabled children and their families. They said “the role can have challenges which you have to consider before applying, especially if you are a Link carer while your own children are growing up. But friends who hear about our work and the difference it makes are often tempted to become Link carers themselves and we always encourage anyone who is interested to come forward and find out more.” Cambridgeshire County Council are currently looking for more people to become Link carers and are particularly keen to hear from anyone with experience working with children with disabilities. Carers are paid an allowance, take part in a comprehensive training programme and receive ongoing support.
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Planning
South Cambs Magazine
New shops to open in Orchard Park
Shops will soon be opening their doors in Orchard Park on the edge of Cambridge as work is being completed on seven new retail units.
The new units at the top of Circus Drive will face onto an area which could hold markets and the main store will be a small supermarket. The remaining six retail units will include two food outlets and four shops, with some premises still available. Above the shops are 28 affordable one and two bedroom flats - which will help people on our housing waiting list as well as key workers. The building boasts many sustainable features, including Artist’s impression of the new shops and homes air source heat pumps servicing the shops and solar tiles laid on the roof. The energy saving measures in the development will mean residents of the flats will have reduced service charges due to the on-site energy creation. Including affordable homes as part of the retail development has been a big success of the project and was made possible thanks to our joint work with Gallagher, Orchard Park Community Council and Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association. If you are interested in renting one of the retail units, please contact James Lankfer at Bidwells on 01223 559558
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Housing
South Cambs Magazine
Housing company takes on first homes Waterbeach residents have moved into the first 27 homes being managed by our new property company.
South Cambs Ltd was set up so we can buy, build and sell homes to help meet some of the housing need in the district while also generating an income which will be reinvested in supporting the delivery of the services residents and businesses want and need. The property company is just one of the measures we are taking as we look for innovative ways to generate income from other sources to protect local people from the full force of cuts to our funding from central government. Councillors have agreed a £7 million investment in a pilot project which could see us buy up to 40 homes. These would be rented on the open market to repay the initial investment and create a revenue stream. The pilot will enable us to test the concept and could lead to us committing to a larger scale investment in the future. The Waterbeach homes are part of the housing initiative as South Cambs Ltd is now managing the former Ministry of Defence homes for a period of five years. The five year deal will see our property company rent them to local residents who are registered on our housing waiting list. The first families to move in were handed over keys a few months ago after an overwhelming demand for the homes. The homes had stood empty before being taken on by us and by bringing them back into use it has also helped boost the local Waterbeach economy and build on an initiative in the village to encourage people to shop locally. Homes were first offered to Waterbeach residents, and people with a connection to the village, who were on the waiting list for a property. All the homes were allocated within a matter of Emma Tedstone was one of the days. first residents to move in to our Emma properties in Waterbeach Tedstone, 25, who grew up in Waterbeach, was one of the first tenants to be given the keys to her new home. She said: “When I was offered one of the properties I jumped at the chance as it meant we could make a new start back near family and friends. The home is perfect for me and my son, and will also mean I am near my mum who can help with childcare.” A report is due to be presented to councillors in September to give further details on the proposed purchase of the 40 homes. By establishing South Cambs Ltd as a separate trading company we can work within the regulations to generate an income to re-invest in services. For further information, contact Duncan Vessey on duncan.vessey@scambs.gov.uk or call 01954 713139
20 www.scambs.gov.uk
Autumn 2014
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Languages
Day
Course
Arabic beginners level 1 Arabic beguinners level 2 Arabic improvers Chinese beginners level 1 Chinese beginners level 3 Chinese lower intermediates Chinese intermediates Chinese advanced French beginners level 1 French beginners level 2 French beginners level 3 French improvers French intermediates French advanced conversation German beginners level 1 German beginners level 2 German beginners level 3 German lower intermediates German upper intermediates German advanced conversation Greek (modern) beginners level 1 Greek (modern) improvers Italian beginners level 1 Italian beginners level 2 Italian improvers Italian intermediates Italian advanced Japanese beginners level 1 Japanese beginners level 2 Japanese improvers Latin beginners level 2 Latin A2 level Polish beginners level 1 Polish improvers Portuguese beginners level 1 & 2 Portuguese improvers Russian beginners level 1 Russian improvers Russian intermediate/advanced Spanish beginners level 1 Spanish beginners level 2 Spanish improvers Spanish intermediates/IGCSE Spanish AS level Spanish A2 level Spanish advanced conversation Turkish beginners level 1 Turkish intermediates Turkish advanced
Thurs Mon Tues Wed Mon Tues Thurs Tues Tues Mon Wed Mon Tues Tues Mon Wed Tues Thurs Mon Mon Tues Mon Mon Mon Tues Wed Mon Mon Mon Wed Thurs Wed Thurs Mon Wed Tues Thurs Thurs Wed Mon Thurs Thurs Mon Mon Wed Thurs Wed Mon Tues
Time
19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 18.30-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 18.30-21.00 18.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00
GCSE/AS/A2 levels Start date
25 22 23 24 22 23 25 23 23 22 24 22 23 23 22 24 23 25 22 22 23 22 22 22 23 24 22 22 22 24 25 24 25 22 24 23 25 25 24 22 25 25 22 22 24 25 24 22 23
No. of Tuition weeks fee (£)
Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 10 30 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 30 30 30 10 10 10 10
120 130 140 120 130 140 140 140 105 105 110 110 110 110 105 105 110 110 110 110 120 140 105 105 110 110 110 120 130 140 140 590* 120 140 120 140 120 130 140 105 105 110 445* 590* 590* 120 120 140 140
* Tuition fee excludes examination costs. Tuition fees for language courses vary at different levels to reflect group sizes.
ESOL
ESOL entry level 1 & 2 conversation (CEFR A1) ESOL entry level 2 [KET] (CEFR A2) ESOL entry level 3 [PET] (CEFR B1) ESOL upper intermediate [FCE] (CEFR B2) ESOL advanced [CAE] (CEFR C1 & C2) IELTS Preparation course
Tues
19.00-21.00
23 Sep
10
110*
Tues Tues
19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00
23 Sep 23 Sep
10 10
110* 110*
Tues
19.00-21.00
23 Sep
10
110*
Tues Thurs
19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00
23 Sep 25 Sep
10 10
110* 110
CEFR = Common European Framework of Reference *An additional £5 online placement test fee applies to this course.
Daytime
Introduction to Counselling Skills AIM Awards Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills AIM Awards Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills Evening Introduction to Counselling Skills AIM Awards Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills AIM Awards Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills AQA Level 3 Helping Children & Young People† AQA Level 3 Psychodynamic option† AQA Level 4 Therapeutic Practice Unit 2†
Day
Time
Start date
Sat
10.00-12.30 22 Sep
Tues Wed
No. of HOURS
Tuition fee (£)
20
125
13.45-16.30 23 Sep
75
850*
11.15-14.45 24 Sep
150
1,875*
Mon
18.30-21.00 27 Sep
20
125
Tues
18.15-21.00 23 Sep
75
850*
Wed
18.00-21.30 24 Sep
150
1,875*
Mon
18.00-21.30 22 Sep
50
600*
Tues
18.00-21.30 23 Sep
50
600*
Thurs 18.00-21.30 25 Sep
75
900*
*Tuition fee exclues examination costs † Legacy course (available only to exisiting AQA students)
Access Course Access to Bioscience
Wed
Art & Design AS/A2 level English IGCSE Latin A2 level Maths GCSE Psychology AS level Psychology A2 level Spanish Intermediate/IGCSE Spanish AS level Spanish A2 level
Tuition fees exclude examination costs
Day
Time
Mon Mon Wed Tues Tues Wed Mon Wed Wed
19.00-21.30 19.00-21.00 18.30-21.00 19.00-21.00 18.30-21.00 1830-21.00 1900-21.00 18.30-21.00 18.30-21.00
Start date
22 22 24 23 23 24 22 24 24
Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep
No. of Tuition weeks fee (£)
30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
590 445 590 445 590 590 445 590 590
Skills for Employment & Development Book-keeping & accounting level 1 [City & Guilds] Design & build you own website beginners (Dreamweaver CS6) Functional English levels 1 & 2 Functional Maths level 1 & 2 Photoshop & InDesign for Business Proof reading and copy editing Running your own business WordPress Get that job! SAGE Computerised accounts - part 1 SAGE Computerised accounts - part 2
Wed
18.30-21.00
24 Sep
12
Wed
19.00-21.00
24 Sep
10
245 125
Mon Mon Mon Wed Mon Tues Sat Sat Sat
19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 09.30-12.30 09.30-15.30 09.30-15.30
22 Sep 22 Sep 22 Sep 24 Sep 22 Sep 23 Sep 4 Oct 15 Nov 29 Nov
10 10 10 6 6 5 1 1 1
120* 120* 125 72 75 60 25 50 50
Art & Design AS/A2 level Art History Card making and papercrafts Ceramics Ceramics Ceramics Ceramics
Mon Mon Mon Mon Tues Wed Thurs
19.00-21.30 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00
22 22 22 22 23 24 25
Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep
30 10 10 10 10 10 10
590† 99 99 99*** 99*** 99*** 99***
Ceramics
Sat
09.30-13.30
Creative textiles Digital filmmaking - introduction Drawing, the basics Drawing, continued Dressmaking - beginners Dressmaking - next step Felt Making Graphic design - beginners Illustration for picture books Interior design Interior desing - next step Jewellery making - beginners Life drawing Painting - beginners Painting oils & acrylics Painting oils & acrylics
Thurs Wed Wed Mon Mon Wed Thurs Thurs Tues Tues Wed Thurs Thurs Wed Tues Fri
19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 18.30-20.30
25 25 24 22 22 24 25 25 23 23 24 25 25 24 23 26
Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep
10 10 10 10 10 10 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
26 22 23 23 23 24 26 24 23
Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep
* Tuition fee excludes examination costs
Art and Design
Painting oils & acrylics
Sat
09.30-13.30
Painting without boundaries Photography digital - beginners Photography digital - beginners Photography digital - next step Photography advanced Photoshop CS5 (Adobe) - beginners Photoshop CS5 (Adobe) - advanced Portraiture Watercolour painting
Fri Mon Tues Tues Tues Tues Thurs Tues Mon
18.30-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00
18,25 Oct & 1 Nov
18,25 Oct & 1 Nov
3
3 8 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
72* 99**** 99 99 99 99 99 49** 99 99 99*** 99*** 99†† 99**** 99 99 99 72 99 99 99 99 99*** 99 99 99*** 99
* An additional £9 material fee applies to this course. **An additional £10 material fee applies to this course. ***An additional £16 model fee applies to this course.****An additional £21 model fee applies to this course. †Tuition fee excludes examinations costs. ††An additional £46 material fee applies to this course.
Professional Counselling New courses are shown in bold
Course
15.00-21.30 24 Sep
30
2,995
24+ Advanced loans - telephone 01223 278002 for more information
Recreational
Ballroom & Latin dancing Creative writing - introduction Continuing Creative writing Creative writing - advanced Indian dancing Indian head, neck & shoulder massage Pilates - beginners Singing for fun Wine appreciation Yoga - holistic Art of Accessorising Bicycle maintenance - beginners Candle making Colour and Make-up Creative writing-kick start your creativity Dyslexia; a practical guide Flower arranging: autumn designs Flower arranging: Christmas designs Introduction to Indian head massage Selling on e-bay Tracing your family roots
Mon Mon Wed Wed Wed Thurs Thurs Tues Mon Tues Sat Sat Sat Sat Sat Sat Sat Sat Sat Sat Sat
19.30-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 18.30-19.30 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 18.00-19.00 09.30-12.30 09.30-13.30 10.00-12.00 09.30-12.30 09.30-12.30 10.00-12.00 09.30-15.00 09.30-15.00 09.30-13.30 09.30-12.30 09.30-13.30
22 Sep 22 Sep 24 Sep 24 Sep 24 Sep 25 Sep 25 Sep 23 Sep 23 Sep 23 Sep 15 Nov 4 Oct 4 Oct 4 Oct 4 Oct 4 Oct 11 Oct 29 Nov 4 Oct 4 Oct 22 Nov
10 10 10 10 10 5 10 10 10 10 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
90 120 120 120 60 60 60 120† 120†† 60 25** 30* 20*** 25** 25 20 40**** 40**** 30 25 30
* An additional £2 material fee applies to this course *An additional £4.50 material fee applies to this course. *** An additional £5 material fee applies to this course. **** An additional £8 material fee applies to this course. † An additional fee applies to this course for the purchase of sheet music (no more than £15) †† Additional costs apply to this course according to the wine tasted.
Housing
South Cambs Magazine
Building on success for affordable homes
We’re looking to unlock the door to more affordable homes following a recent myth busting tour of rural exception sites in the area. The tour was laid on for parish councillors to gain local support by dispelling misconceptions and showing them the important role affordable homes play in rural communities. Some common misconceptions are:
Local people won’t be housed in them ...They will Affordable housing of any sort is a blight on a village ... It can make it vibrant The new homes will look awful and stand out ...They will not, we take design very seriously.
Over the last five years, over 200 affordable homes have been built on rural exception sites in South Cambridgeshire, putting the district amongst the top performing areas in the country for delivering new homes in rural locations where planning permission would not be granted for market housing; Chris Jackson, Chief Executive of Hundred Houses and we aim to add another 100 new homes in villages over the Society, speaks to parish councillors at a recently next 12 months. completed scheme in Barrington Mark Deas, Rural Housing Enabler at Cambridgeshire ACRE, said: “Many young people and families want their own home and building affordable homes means they can stay in their village close to friends, family and their community.”
Seek support early to avoid homelessness
We’re calling on people who are concerned about mounting bills to contact us as early as possible so we can give them advice and support to prevent them facing the prospect of homelessness. The number of people stepping forward for support has risen over recent years, but we are pleased to say that over the last year more than 150 households have been helped to remain in their own home or to find alternative accommodation. This is an increase of around 15% on the previous year. Cllr Mark Howell, cabinet member for housing, said: “My message to anyone struggling is to come and speak to us as early as possible. Coming to see us before your debt gets out of hand means we have more options on how we can help you and make sure you do not become homeless.” Options we have to support people include:
Referring people for specialist money advice
Liaison with landlords and mortgage lenders to negotiate arrears repayments
Assistance - including financial support if appropriate - to access accommodation in the private rented sector Contact the housing advice and options team on housingadvice@scambs.gov.uk or call 03450 450 051
22 www.scambs.gov.uk
Contact us early so we can offer telephone or face-to-face support
Autumn 2014
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Waste Waste&&Recycling Recycling
South Cambs Magazine
Monday B - Bartlow, Castle Camps,
Horseheath, Linton, Sawston, Shudy Camps
Tuesday A - Carlton, Coton, Gt Wilbraham, Histon, Horningsea, Impington, Lt Wilbraham, Madingley, Orchard Park, Six Mile Bottom, Teversham/Cherry Hinton (North of the railway), West Wickham, West Wratting, Weston Colville
15 22 29
16 23 30
Wednesday A - Bar Hill, Childerley,
September
Wednesday B - Boxworth, Caxton, Conington, Cottenham, Elsworth, Fen Drayton, Lolworth, Over, Rampton, Willingham
September
Thursday A - Cambourne, Comberton, Croxton, Eltisley, Graveley, Hardwick, Papworth Everard, Papworth St Agnes, Toft
September
Thursday B - Abington Pigotts, Arrington, Bassingbourn, Bourn, Croydon, Gamlingay, Guilden Morden, Hatley, Litlington, Longstowe, Lt Gransden, Shingay-cum-Wendy, Steeple Morden, Tadlow
September
Friday B - Barrington, Caldecote, Duxford, Fowlmere, Gt Chishill, Heydon, Lt Chishill, Melbourn, Meldreth
24 ď Ž www.scambs.gov.uk
6
17 24
18 25
3
13 20 27
7
14 21 28
3
14 21 28
4
8
15 22 29
4
8
15 22 29
5
9
16 23 30
12 19 26 November
5
October 2
11 18 25
November
October 1
11 18 25
November
October 1
10 17 24
November
October 7
10 17 24
November
October
September
17 24
13 20 27
November
October
September
16 23 30
Friday A - Barton, Foxton, Grantchester, Gt Eversden, Harlton, Haslingfield, Kingston, Lt Eversden, Newton, Orwell, Shepreth, Thriplow & Heathfield, Whittlesford, Whaddon, Wimpole
6
September
Tuesday B - Fen Ditton, Fulbourn/Cherry Hinton (South of the railway), Girton, Milton, Oakington, Stow-cum-Quy, Westwick
Chittering, Dry Drayton, Knapwell, Landbeach, Longstanton, Swavesey, Waterbeach
October
September 15 22 29
Collection brought forward
12 19 26
November 6
13 20 27
December 2014
Jan 2015
1
5
8
15 22
December 2014 1
8
15 22
18 25
2
9
16 23 30
November 6
13 20 27
12 19
Jan 2015 5
12 19
December 2014
Jan 2015
2
6
9
16 23
December 2014 2
9
16 23
13 20
Jan 2015 6
13 20
December 2014
Jan 2015
3
7
10 17 24
December 2014 3
10 17 24
14 21
Jan 2015 7
14 21
December 2014
Jan 2015
4
8
11 18 23 Tue
October
No collection
Gt Shelford, Harston, Hauxton, Hildersham, Hinxton, Ickleton, Lt Abington, Lt Shelford, Pampisford, Stapleford
Later collection
No collection
Monday A - Babraham, Balsham, Gt Abington,
Blue bin only
No collection
Black bin
December 2014 4
11 18 27
15 22
Jan 2015 8
15 22
Sat
September 19 26
October 3
September 19 26
10 17 24 31
November 7
October 3
10 17 24 31
14 21 28 November
7
14 21 28
December 2014
Jan 2015
5
9
12 19 24
Wed
December 2014 5
12 19 27
No collection
Green & blue bins
No collection
Collection dates
We recommend bins are put out the night before, but they must be out by 6am on the designated day of your collection at the latest
16 23
Jan 2015 9
16 23
Sat
Autumn 2014
Waste & Recycling
South Cambs Magazine
What goes where? Blue bin
We recommend bins are put out the night before, but they must be out by 6am on the designated day of your collection at the latest Close lids firmly
Excess blue bin material will be collected if placed alongside the blue bin in a returnable container
Paper Caddy Put the caddy inside or beside your blue bin
Plastic bottles
Plastic bottle tops & triggers
Plastic packaging (pots, trays & tubs)
Paper
Plastic bags
Plastic film & clean food wrapping
Cartons (e.g Tetrapack)
Food & drinks cans
Aerosols
Tinfoil & foil trays
Cardboard/ Wrapping paper
Polystyrene Pyrex, flat glass, non packaging plastic e.g toys, bowls
Glass jars & bottles
Put items loosely in the blue bin and not in carrier bags
Batteries Batteries inc. AA & AAA cells, button batteries, size C & D and any laptop & mobile battery
Rinse items to remove any food contamination
Place in a battery bag or clear plastic bag and attach to the lid of the blue bin
Green bin
Junk mail
Garden waste
Newspapers & magazines
Catalogues
Cooked/uncooked food waste (meat, fish & dairy)
Telephone directories
Envelopes (with or without windows)
Kitchen paper and tissues
Jiffy bags, wrapping paper, greeting cards, tissue, cardboard & kitchen paper
Any type of cat litter. Turf and soil - due to its weight. Any type of plastic inc bags/sacks
Shredded paper*
Biodegradable bags (cornstarch, potato starch) Corrugated cardboard - put in the blue bin Cardboard - put in the blue bin
* Put shredded paper in an old envelope before placing in the paper only caddy
Excess green bin material cannot be collected. Please compost it or take it to Milton or Thriplow Recycling Centres
Black bin Non-recyclable / non-compostable material
Please use your black bin for material that cannot be put in green or blue bins Excess black bin material cannot be collected. Please take it to Milton or Thriplow Recycling Centres Nappies should be put in the black bin Empty and full paint tins cannot be collected. Please take them to Milton or Thriplow Recycling Centres
For more information visit www.scambs.gov.uk/bins or call 03450 450 063 Autumn 2014
TEA OUT R ME & ME T STICK O YO UR FRID GE
www.scambs.gov.uk
25
Working together with local businesses We work with organisations of all sizes and sectors across Cambridgeshire to design waste solutions that are tailored to our customers’ needs. Every opportunity is explored to divert materials away from landfill with our cost effective waste and recycling services.
The services we provide:
• Skip and bin hire
• Waste treatment and recycling
• Roll-on/roll-off containers
• Trade waste collection services
• Bespoke collection services
Tel: 01223 861010 www.ameycespa.com/east
1792 AMY Cambridgeshire Waste Advert 92.5x136mm v3 AW.indd 1
15/05/2014 13:17
South Cambs Magazine
Waste and recycling
Green bin collection changes
We are changing to monthly green bin collections during the winter when far less garden waste is put out by residents.
The change is being made for December, January and February collections only, with fortnightly collections remaining in place for the rest of the year. Black and blue collections are unaffected. Like all local authorities, we need to make significant savings over the next few years as our funding continues to be cut. Some of these savings have been achieved by adjusting our collection routes. These changes have either just taken place, or will happen soon in your area. We have worked hard to minimise the effects of these changes on residents, and although some residents may find their bins collected either earlier or later in the day, only nine out of over 60,000 households served will need to change their collection days as a result. Not all of the savings can be achieved through route changes alone, so we have been looking at different ways in which we can deliver further savings. Garden waste tonnages follow the seasons and our research shows that during December, January, and February, we collect around half the amount of garden waste each month than during the summer. Far fewer households put out their green bin for collection too. By making small route changes and aligning the frequency of our collections to the amount of waste in green bins we can deliver savings of £400,000 per year. It has the added benefit of reducing the number of vehicles on the road too. What you can put in the green bin won’t change, so you can continue to compost as you would throughout the year. Last year 57% of your waste was recycled so thank you for your continued efforts to recycle and compost.
Did you know:
wrapping food waste in newspaper or using paper liners can help to keep your bin cleaner. Lower temperatures in the winter will further help by having a refrigerating effect on the contents
home composting is always the best way to deal with organic household and garden waste, and you can even include in it faeces/bedding from vegetarian pets. Composting at home provides you with a free rich organic material to improve your garden soil
South Cambridgeshire and other local authorities in the area have teamed up with www.getcomposting.com to bring you offers on home composting bins and other composting products
you can take additional garden waste to any of your Household Recycling Centres at any time of year Please refer to the collection calendar on page 24 to check when the last fortnightly green bin collection will be made in your area. The next edition of the magazine will tell you when green bin collections return to their usual fortnightly collection. Further information on the green bin change can be found by visiting www.scambs.gov.uk/changes-waste-collections-south-cambridgeshire
Autumn 2014
www.scambs.gov.uk
27
Waste and recycling
South Cambs Magazine
Early Christmas reminder We’re asking residents to make an early note of Christmas bin collection dates as changes this year will affect all residents - with some collections moving forwards as well as back.
Please see the bin collection calendar on page 24 for the schedule in your village. The calendar highlights where changes have been necessary, including a break in collections from 28 December to 4 January. Don’t forget, additional blue bin waste can be put in a cardboard box or returnable container and placed next to your bin for collection.
Your clothes would love a new life Did you know over £140 million worth of clothing gets dumped in landfill sites each year. Even if it’s on its last legs it can still be recycled. Worn out clothes, stained fabrics, misshaped tops, old underwear and odd shoes can be recycled and turned into new clothes, furniture or even speakers! It’s not just clothes - towels, blankets, curtains and other textiles can be recycled, just take them to your local clothing bank or household recycling centre.
Sell or swap it Fallen out of love with your clothes? Good quality items can be used again so why not sell them or swap with family and friends? Donating your clothes to local charities also helps them raise money. Find out more at www.recap.co.uk or call 03450 450 207
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Autumn 2014
Young people
South Cambs Magazine
Introducing the Youth Council
Four new youth councillors have joined our team to represent the views of young people across the district.
The Youth councillors ran the entertainment stage at Parklife
They join eight councillors who remained on the Youth Council from last time. Louis Pascuzzi (Chairman - Shelford and Stapleford)
Dale Hargrove (Scrutiny and Northstowe - Willingham)
Samantha Menezes (Youth Affairs - Cambourne)
Robert Watson (Vice-Chairman & Policy/Finance - new yCllr from Balsham)
Ellie Harris (Education - new yCllr from Milton)
Nathan Samuel (Youth Affairs - Landbeach)
Bella Forster-Lewis (Education - Thriplow) Helen Grant (Culture & Sport - new yCllr from Linton)
Callum Hatch (Housing & Planning - Gemma Steele (Youth Affairs - Longstanton) Waterbeach) Thomas Mayer (Communications - Swavesey)
Princess Lauryn Tamou (Transport - new yCllr from Cambourne)
One of the first duties of our new Youth Council was hosting the entertainment area at Parklife – our annual free family fun day at Milton Country Park. If you, or someone you know, is interested in joining our Youth Council, or you would like our Youth Council to help you with young people related projects, then get in touch. youthcouncil@scambs.gov.uk or visit our Youth Council Facebook Page: South Cambridgeshire Youth Council
Masterplanners of the future? Students got a taste for what it’s like to work in local government this summer when they took part in a two week work experience programme with our new communities and planning team.
The eight year 10 and 11 students took part in talks, workshops and site visits giving them the chance to develop professional skills and gain practical experience in architecture, urban design, town planning, landscape design, sustainability and historic buildings. They were given the opportunity to put their new found knowledge into practice and developed a masterplan for the proposed Bourn Airfield development. Philippa Le Grand from Bedford Girls’ School said: “The Bourn Airfield project reminded me of why I want to work in design or architecture. I learned a great deal about how master planning works. The hands-on nature was very useful and I consider myself very fortunate to have found a placement where I could be totally immersed in what an organisation does.” Rebecca Law from Swavesey Village College said: “I’ve come away with a well rounded view of the Council and architecture. I would like to thank the officers as all my questions were answered honestly and openly, giving me a balanced opinion of urban design and architecture and the qualifications required for my personal development.”
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South Cambs Magazine
Young people
Beware of the risks of nitro-cocktails A new trend of nitro-cocktails has raised concerns about the lasting effect on people’s health. Liquid nitrogen instantly freezes food and drinks and can create an impressive cloud of vapour when exposed to air - but if it is not used correctly it can cause irreversible harm. Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold causing burns or frostbite as the human body cannot tolerate cold internal temperatures. If a drop of liquid nitrogen fell on your finger it would immediately boil and not cause much harm, but if you put your finger into a container of liquid nitrogen it will freeze and fall off. Recently, young people have been reported to have drunk nitro-cocktails before the fog has lifted subjecting their oesophagus and stomach to irreversible harm. Yet these cocktails are on sale in bars up and down the country. Cllr Mick Martin, cabinet member for environmental health, said: “The sale of unsafe food and drinks is prohibited by law and if the preparation and sale of these drinks is not thought through properly there could be risks. Please help us by reporting any concerns you may have.� You can report concerns about the sale of nitro-cocktails by emailing duty.h&eresources@scambs.gov.uk or calling 03450 450 063
Private Landlords the King Street Housing Society Private Leasing Scheme offers hassle-free lettings, guaranteed income and peace of mind.
We offer: • Guaranteed rent payments - no rent arrears • Guaranteed rent when the property is empty no ‘rent free’ periods • No fees • Comprehensive management we take care of everything We are currently looking for 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes in the South Cambridgeshire, East Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Cambridge City and Newmarket areas. For an information pack please contact Deena Coulson on 01223 459737 Email: deena.coulson@kingstreeths.org.uk No hidden extras, guaranteed. King Street Housing: 23 years’ experience in private leasing
business for neighbourhoods
South Cambs Magazine
Conservation
Blooming marvellous displays New wildflower meadows have sprung up after an initiative to improve unused pieces of grassland across South Cambridgeshire villages. The project was inspired by the flower meadows at the Olympic Park, and by working with communities we’ve created a very different kind of colourful London 2012 legacy.
The first areas sown were in Cottenham, Stapleford, Gamlingay, Shepreth and Fowlmere. Over the last 50 years, Britain has lost around 98% of its wildflower meadows but, with the help of residents, we are creating new spaces that enhance villages, engage people, and help the wildlife that rely on this threatened habitat for survival. The first areas we transformed were underused Council-owned green spaces which had been mown and maintained as grassland in the past, despite some being too small to offer any recreational value. Maintenance of the mini flower meadows is relatively simple and requires far less attention than grass. Typically, they will need one cut a year. Cllr Lynda Harford, local member for Cottenham, said: “Local residents have really enjoyed seeing the flowers bloom and their response has been nothing but positive. Such is its success that residents have now asked for a bench to be installed and I'm delighted to say that this has been arranged.” Cllr Bridget Smith, local member for Gamlingay, said: “This has been a really successful initiative as local volunteers and the community have been part of it from day one. The wildflowers make a real statement and give a burst of colour. I would encourage more parish councils and residents to nominate other areas which could benefit from the same transformation.”
If you would like to nominate a suitable area of land for seeding, contact ecology officer, Rob Mungovan, on rob.mungovan@scambs.gov.uk or 03450 450 500
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Competition
South Cambs Magazine
Win theatre tickets!
We’re giving you the opportunity to win one of two family tickets to see Octonauts And The Deep Sea Volcano Adventure courtesy of Cambridge Corn Exchange. In this brand new action packed live show, you will embark on an exciting underwater mission with the entire Octonauts crew, led by intrepid explorer Captain Barnacles, Lieutenant Kwazii and Medic Peso. Based on the popular Cbeebies’ TV show, this exciting interactive production features new music from BAFTA award winning composer Mani Svavarsson and is produced by Fiery Light - the team behind the three successful Peppa Pig tours. We have two family tickets to giveaway for Sunday 16 November, one for the 1pm performance and one for 4pm. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is visit www.scambs.gov.uk and click on the ‘Apply for it’ button then select the ‘Readers Competition’ link to complete the entry form. Closing date for entries is midday on Friday 3 October.
The question you need to answer is: How much is an adult ticket for the all new BikeBus Explorer - the new bus service that pulls a trailer behind to help residents explore the district by bike? (See page 8 for a clue) a) £5
b) £7
c) £10
If you don’t have internet access, you can still enter. Send your name, address and telephone number, plus your answer to the question, to: Cambridge Corn Exchange Competition South Cambs Magazine South Cambridgeshire District Council Cambourne Business Park Cambourne Cambridgeshire CB23 6EA Terms and conditions are available at www.scambs.gov.uk/t-c or can be requested by calling 03450 450 500. Winners will be notified by Friday 17 October and announced in the winter edition of the South Cambs Magazine.
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Winner’s spotlight One lucky reader’s fitness regime just stepped up a gear after winning a custom fitted Trek road bike in our summer competition. The prize was generously donated by Cambridge Cycle Co of Great Shelford to celebrate the opening of its second showroom at Sawston Trade Park in Pampisford. We asked readers when the Tour de France was due to visit the district this year and Matthew Simons, 36 from Fulbourn, correctly answered Monday 7 July. Matthew couldn’t believe he had won the new road bike. He said: “I got into cycling about 6 months ago and recently completed the London to Cambridge bike ride. When I got the call from the Council to say I’d won, I couldn’t believe it as I had been looking to invest in a road bike for a while. I didn't think I would have any chance of winning.”
Autumn 2014
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About your council
South Cambs Magazine
Shared services increase with strategic partnership We have entered into a strategic partnership with Huntingdonshire District Council which will see us sharing some services to cut costs. Councillors backed the plans at a cabinet meeting in July when they also approved phase one of the shared service programme which alone could save over half a million pounds. Building control, legal and ICT services will be the first services to be shared under the agreed plans – which we believe will improve resilience, provide specialist skills and deliver efficiency savings to contribute toward tough savings targets following continued cuts to our grant from government. Cambridge City Council will also join us and Huntingdonshire in sharing legal and ICT services.
Linking up ICT will support moves for further Council Leader, Cllr Ray Manning with Cllr Jason Ablewhite, shared services in the Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council future. The three councils currently spend £6.1 million on this service and a 10% cost reduction would deliver an additional £600,000 of savings for the councils. Councillors in Huntingdonshire and South Cambridgeshire will also consider a further building control report in the autumn to see how the two councils could work with others in the region to improve the service on offer and generate more income. This could include forming a new company for Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire councils to carry out inspections. Over the last four years we have delivered efficiencies in the region of £5 million to meet the demands of three consecutive years of 25% cuts to national grant funding. Detailed business cases will be considered by councillors in the autumn to make sure best value for money is achieved by entering into the shared services. Council Leader, Cllr Ray Manning, said: “The huge squeeze on our funding presents us with really tough challenges, but we firmly believe this partnership will put us in a very good position to tackle them as we try to minimise the impact on our residents. We’ve already delivered millions of pounds of savings over recent years but all the low hanging fruit has been picked and a new approach is needed to ensure we can continue to serve our communities with high quality services.” Cllr Jason Ablewhite, Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, said: “The main objective of this exciting new partnership is to ensure we can rise to the significant financial challenge ahead of us as funding continues to be cut by government. However, as both South Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire are among the fastest growing areas in the country I firmly believe we will also have a stronger and united voice on common and vital issues such as the A14 and A428. This is just the start and the hard work now continues to ensure we make the partnership a huge success.”
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South Cambs Magazine
About your Council
Individual Electoral Registration what you need to know The way residents register to vote is changing. By now everyone who is registered to vote should have received a letter from us about this.
Most residents will have been automatically moved to the new register and won’t need to do anything. However, some will have been asked to provide further information. If you have, you should respond in order to make sure you are not removed from the register. The quickest and easiest way to do this is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you do not have access to the internet you can complete the paper form or call our contact centre who will happily take your details over the phone. If no one is currently registered at your property you will have received a letter asking for the details of those living there. Please follow the instructions on the letter to respond, even if no eligible electors are living there. Please ensure you respond promptly to your letter. If you don’t, you may receive further reminders and a visit from a canvasser, and run the risk of falling off the register. You are also at risk of losing your postal vote if this is how you currently vote. You can find more information about the changes to voter registration online at www.gov.uk/yourvotematters
How is your council tax spent? We’re trying to make it as easy as possible for residents and businesses to see exactly how we’re spending your money on providing services. We spend around £37million a year and at the end of June we completed our draft annual accounts and handed them to auditors for checking. These are a very detailed series of documents, but to make them more accessible we have also produced some Plain English Accounts. These are a simple guide to our finances, showing how we’re funded and how our budgets are spent.
Did you know that:
133 people look after our 5,400 council houses at a total cost, including repairs and maintenance, of £9.6 million
We receive around £2 million each year in planning application fee income
141 people look after waste collection and other environmental services, at a total net cost of around £4.3 million
Our customer contact team handled 146,974 calls from you in 2013-14, which cost £579,000 to run
We only keep 8% of the £88 million we collect in council tax each year. This means £81 million (or 92%) is collected on behalf of the County and parish councils, police and fire services To find out more, and to view our Plain English Accounts, along with the full accounts, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/content/statement-accounts-and-annual-governance-statement
Autumn 2014
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Get ready for the domestic RHI
What is the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (dRHI)?
The domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (dRHI) is a government financial incentive, designed to encourage people to make the switch to renewable heating systems in their homes. For example, homeowners and landlords could be eligible to receive an income of about £2,000-£6,000 when fitting an air-to-water heat pump, depending on the size of their property and the type of heating system installed. The domestic RHI offers quarterly payments over seven years, based on a set of tariffs and according to the type of system installed, which help to offset the cost of installing renewable heating systems.
is taken from your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), although its design efficiency (seasonal performance factor) is also used to calculate payments. For solar thermal, the figure is taken from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificate, which is based on a calculation by your MCS installer. For some households, metering may be required and the payments will be based on regular meter readings.
Estimate your domestic RHI income online
Daikin UK has an online RHI Estimator Tool, which you or your installer can use to project the potential income you could receive from the
domestic RHI. Please visit www.daikin.co.uk/ rhi/rhi-estimator-tool for details.
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The tariff levels are 7.3 p/kWh for air-to-water heat pumps and 19.2 p/kWh for solar thermal. The tariffs have been set at a level that reflects the expected cost of renewable heat generation over the system’s lifetime. Tariffs will be subject to review every quarter.
Estimating RHI payments
Payments are usually based on the heating system’s estimated annual heat output and made on the portion of renewable energy generated. For heat pumps, this figure
*Please refer to the Homeowner Guide on www.daikin.co.uk/rhi for further details on the technical assumptions
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About your Council
South Cambs Magazine
Financial management ‘stands us in good stead’ We’re pleased to say that we’ve delivered services for £650,000 less than we budgeted during the 2013/14 financial year.
Although this is a really good end of year result, it would be wrong to call it money saved as our grant from government continues to be cut and we need to find millions of pounds of savings so we can continue to balance the books. As well as finding ways to manage costs down wherever possible, we have also increased revenue with improved performance in services such as trade waste collections which we offer in competition with the private sector. However, driving down costs has not seen performance fall as we continue to try to do more for less. Some notable performances include: Rent and council tax collection among the highest in the country 147 households have been helped to avoid homelessness A 50% increase in affordable homes being delivered compared to the previous year
We’ve driven down costs while still introducing new initiatives such as our business e-newsletter
New register, e-newsletter and support workshops for businesses Cllr Simon Edwards, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for finance, said: “This result stands us in good stead for the future, but as there is no sign the cuts to our funding will end it is clear further difficult decisions are ahead.”
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South Cambs Magazine
Business
Are you registered? We are currently reviewing properties in the district to make sure everyone who should be paying business rates is doing so.
The money paid for business rates by owners and occupiers within the district is a valuable contribution towards the cost of local services so we need to make sure those who should be rated are on the list. The process we are going through will see us using information from other departments such as planning and licensing. Some properties are exempt from paying business rates, such as agricultural land and ancillary buildings, places of religious worship or public parks. More information on exempt properties and other information can be found at www.gov.uk/introduction-to-business-rates/overview. The assessment of non-domestic properties is undertaken by the Valuation Office Agency and further information is available at www.voa.gov.uk Once registered for business rates, you can join our business register - a free service designed to provide practical advice and information on a range of topics from financing and funding opportunities, to updates on key infrastructure or new developments. Attendance at our range of business skills and networking seminars is subsidised, and some events are free. For more information, and details of how to join, please visit www.scambs.gov.uk/businessregister
If you are unsure if you are registered to pay business rates, or know of a property that is not listed, contact us on nndr@scambs.gov.uk or call 03450 450 064
Retailers would you like £1,000?
A new scheme has been introduced to support retail ratepayers by giving a discount of up to £1,000 on their annual business rates bill. Retail Relief, as it is known, is available for two years from April 2014. Ratepayers just need to submit a brief application form and, provided their business meets the guidelines set by the government, the discount will be applied directly to their accounts. Shops, pubs, restaurants, cafés and certain other service providers can apply for this, as long as their Rateable Value is £50,000 or less. More information on the scheme, and all the information you need to apply for the discount, is available by visiting www.scambs.gov.uk/content/business-rates Over 200 businesses in the district are already benefiting from this initiative. The Pheasant in Great Chishill successfully Simon Oughton, Landlord of The Pheasant in Great Chisill, said: applied for £1,000 rate relief, could you? “The process of applying was made really simple by the Council and their helpful officer Trudie. All I had to do was visit their website, complete the form and return it. I was successful in reducing my rates bill by £1,000 so don’t miss out.”
Autumn 2014
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South Cambs Magazine
Environmental health
Control condensation and prevent mould Noticed mould in your home? Chances are it is because of condensation. Usually found on windows, colder parts of walls, around external doors and where ceilings and floors meet with outer walls.
It also occurs where there is little air movement.
Every home gets condensation at some point, usually when lots of moisture and steam are being produced. The good news is there are things you can do to minimise it. Here are our top tips:
Put lids on saucepans whilst cooking If you need to dry clothes indoors, open the window and close the door of the room they are in Make sure your tumble drier is properly vented Wipe away condensation when it appears While cooking, bathing or washing, use an extractor fan or open the window Leave trickle vents open Put free-standing wardrobes and other furniture against internal walls if you can For more information, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/content/preventing-condensation
You will get less condensation if you keep your home warm most of the time. Insulation and draught proofing can do this and help cut fuel bills. Our ‘Action on Energy’ scheme offers practical advice on energy saving improvements, including grant funding and finance options. Grants of up to £6,000 are currently available for solid wall insulation. Email info@actiononenergy.net or call 0800 093 3303
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Sport
South Cambs Magazine
Get active this autumn
Don’t miss your chance to take part in our increasingly popular half term activities this autumn. They provide a fun way to learn new skills, make friends and compete against each other. Following a recent holiday camp, Michaela McAdam, whose child regularly attends, wrote to us to say: “Thanks for another great netball camp. Paige and her friend really enjoyed it."
Netball - 29 October
Impington Sports Centre, New Road, Impington - 10am-3.30pm
Athletics - 30 October
Wilberforce Road Athletics Track, Cambridge - 10am-3.30pm
Cost:
- £18 per child per day (£30 for two siblings for one day) - £30 for two days
Disability Golf 31 October Bourn Golf Club, Toft Road, 10am -12 noon
Cost:
- £7 per child
For more information and a booking form, contact Helen Stepney on helen.stepney@scambs.gov.uk or 03450 450 500
Adult friendly netball league Are you playing netball in a local social group? If so, our adult friendly league could be just the thing for you.
It allows you to play against similar teams in a relaxed and friendly environment from October through to March. The games take place regularly on Thursday evenings. Alison Osborne from Coton Ladies took part for the first time last year. She said: “The winter social league is a fantastic place to play friendly, relaxed netball with like minded teams. Coton Ladies were set up in April of last year with tremendous support from Helen Stepney from the Council, and our new regular England Netball qualified coach, Jane Lampshire. Some players were returning to netball having taken a long break through work or family commitments, whilst others were completely new to the sport. “Matches are played in a fun and friendly environment and the umpires are supportive, offering advice during matches and explaining why they have had to blow their whistle. There is no pressure to be fully kitted out in skirts and PE pants! We wore our existing gym kit and were made to feel very welcome. It’s a great way to play netball, get fit, have fun and meet new people.” The results from last year’s league were: A group - First - Taylor Vinters Joint second - Melbourn and Linton Third - Ivies
B group - First - The Perse Second - Coton Third - Girton
The 2014/15 league starts with a tournament on Thursday 25 September and the league will begin on Thursday 2 October. To enter a new team, or discuss joining an existing one, contact Helen Stepney on helen.stepney@scambs.gov.uk or 03450 450 500
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Sport
South Cambs Magazine
Get in gear on two wheels
Following the popularity of Le Tour de France, we have been encouraging residents to take to two wheels and explore our beautiful rural district by bike. Seventeen local cycling enthusiasts recently took part in cycle leader training and are now all set to help people gain the confidence to ride more, as well as develop a network of local cycle groups that residents can join. One of our new leaders, Sean Missin from Little Eversden, told us about his experience of training. He said: “We were given lots of examples of leading people with different needs, the importance of good communication and thorough preparation. I now feel able to help people returning to the saddle after some time and even people completely new to cycling.” We now want to hear from individuals or groups who would like support from our volunteer leaders to help establish cycling groups in their villages, so get in touch. In another initiative, ladies in the Cambourne area have been making the most of our Breeze women only cycling project. They have been cycling every Wednesday over the summer to improve their cycling confidence, learn new local routes and enjoy the company of other female cyclists. You can still join these rides by contacting us. Contact Helen Stepney on helen.stepney@scambs.gov.uk or 03450 450 500 If you’ve considered taking up running before but need a boost of confidence we’ve got just the thing for you. Why not go along to one of the many Run4Fun groups in the district to help give you that little boost of confidence. They are all friendly groups with qualified instructors who are there to guide you on your way to running success. This year we have also helped to start a junior park run at Milton Country Park. This is aimed at four to 14 yearolds and offers a regular 2k supervised running route every Sunday.
Get involved: For junior park run, visit www.parkrun.org.uk
For your nearest Run4Fun group, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/run-fun If you would like help in setting up a group in your area then please let us know. For more information, contact Helen Stepney on helen.stepney@scambs.gov.uk or 03450 450 500
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Autumn 2014