SouthCambs Magazine
www.scambs.gov.uk
Winter 2015
VJ Day tribute See page 39
Take the New Year recycling pledge See page 27
Be prepared for winter See page 34
A stylish new double bed wort h ÂŁ349 See page 29
Fires
with a presence
and ideas for
presents!
Find inspiration at our showroom in Histon. Exclusive imported fireplaces. An abundance of accessories and gifts. Modern and traditional styles.
4 Supply 4 Supply & install 4 Service & support www.fireplaces.co.uk 01223 234713 sales@fireplaces.co.uk HETAS
Approved
Anglia Fireplaces & Design Ltd, Anglia House, Kendal Court, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge CB24 9YS
Impington B1049
A14 J32
Welcome
South Cambs Magazine
Welcome to the winter issue of South Cambs Magazine
As we approach the festive season, we are calling on residents to take the New Year recycling pledge. There are plenty of ways you could take the pledge to help us slim black bins and boost recycling rates. You could even be in with the chance of winning a fabulous new bed in our competition. See page 27 for more details. We were honoured to pay tribute to those who served in the UK Armed Forces in the Far East at a special ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day this summer. Guests included bomber command veterans who had never met until the event. There is more on page 39, including the permanent tribute we paid at our offices. Since our last South Cambs Magazine was published, extra work has been done on our Local Plan. This has endorsed the bulk of the proposals we put forward with some small modifications. How the area will be developed over the coming years is really important. Please have your say on the proposed changes from 2 December. See page 21 for more information. And finally, don’t forget to check out page 24 to find out the revised bin collection dates this winter. We all hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year. 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.
Contents Contact Us .............................. 4 About Your Council ................. 6 Conservation ........................... 15 Planning ................................. 16 Sport ...................................... 22 Waste & Recycling ................. 24 Competition ........................... 29 Young people .......................... 31 Community .............................. 33 Housing .................................. 44 Environmental Health ............. 46
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:
The next issue of South Cambs Magazine will be delivered between 23 February and 13 March.
Gareth Macfarlane Media Shed Ltd, 1 Royce Court, Burrel Rd, St Ives Cambridgeshire PE27 3NE
For all delivery enquiries please contact Smart Distribution on scdc@smartdistribution.co.uk or 0800 6444 011
e: garethm@media-shed.co.uk t: 01354 818003
For a large print copy please contact:
The opinions and views expressed in South Cambs Magazine are not necessarily those of South Cambridgeshire District Council or Media Shed Ltd. 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.
South.CambsMagazine@scambs.gov.uk 03450 450 500 Winter 2015
Printed on wood fibre from sustainable forests R
When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it.
www.scambs.gov.uk
ď Ž
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 ...... building.control@scambs.gov.uk .... 03450 450 062 Control Elections ........ elections@scambs.gov.uk ........... 03450 455 214 Environmental env.health@scambs.gov.uk ......... 03450 450 063 Services For Housing Benefit fraud only ............................ 0800 854 440 Other 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 Rents .............. rents@scambs.gov.uk ................. 03450 455 216 For all other ... scdc@scambs.gov.uk .................. 03450 450 500 enquiries
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
QR Code Scan this code with your smart phone to visit our website
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
Winter 2015
About Your Council
South Cambs Magazine
Electoral boundary review The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is carrying out a review of the electoral arrangements for our district.
The aim of the review is to draw up a Cllr Hazel Smith (right) tours her ward with Milton parish new pattern of Council wards across South councillors to look at general village maintenance and Cambridgeshire that better balances the number facilities such as allotments, play areas and road surfacing of people represented by each councillor. This will mean that everyone’s vote in District Council elections is worth roughly the same regardless of where you live, and we have the appropriate number of councillors to represent each ward effectively. Boundary reviews are needed because the ratio between the number District elections will of voters and the number of take place in May 2016 as councillors can be affected by new scheduled. All Council seats housing development or population growth. will be contested in 2018. The Commission will then publish a draft of new wards for further consultation in May. Final proposals are scheduled for publication in September. At the start of the boundary review, the Commission will determine how many councillors we need to operate effectively. To inform that decision, we proposed that the number of elected councillors be reduced from 57 to Cllr Cicely Murfitt considers 45 and made it clear that we could Parish council feedback to a not support a decision to reduce Cllr Peter Topping meets with Marie local planning application the number of councillors to below Swann, who runs the Bees in the Wall 45. This proposal was backed by in Whittlesford, to talk about village councillors at a meeting in September 2016. facilities. She is vice chair of Whittlesford Parish Council
All change for elections
At a Council meeting in September, in preparation for the Boundary Review, Council resolved to move to all out elections. This means that from 2018, alongside the implementation of new ward boundaries, all seats on the Council will be contested at the same time. This is a change from the current cycle which only sees a third of the seats being contested at any one time. The decision was made because the Boundary Commission advised that any council electing by thirds would find themselves with a new ward pattern of three member wards across the district. Councillors did not feel that this would best represent the diverse needs of our residents. They stated the importance of having the flexibility to have one, two and three member wards, as the most rural communities may be better served by one elected member who can be at the heart of village matters, while larger villages are better served with more than one councillor. Council also voted to change the election cycle of parish councils across the district so that they continue to have elections in the same year as their district council ward. Anyone interested in putting forward their view on potential new ward boundaries can do so through the Boundary Commission website at www.lgbce.org.uk between the end of November and the beginning of February.
6 www.scambs.gov.uk
Winter 2015
Sawston Village College’s Spring 2016 Adult Learning and Leisure courses Courses start week commencing 11th January Tutor Vacancies We are currently looking for new courses to add to our 2016 programme. If you are interested in joining our team please contact us
Saturday Workshops We have many workshops planned on 23rd January and 5th March
New for Spring Creative Writing Bookkeeping Developing Presentation Skills Art History Cookery courses
Computer Courses We currently have space available – Getting To Know Your IPad, Microsoft Office For Beginners and Raspberry Pi For Beginners
We will continue to offer a wide range of classes in the spring term, please either contact us or check our website for details. Please book early to avoid disappointment. www.sawstonadulted.org • 01223 712424 • community@sawstonvc.org We are always interested in hearing from the community. If there is a course you would like to see offered please get in touch.
SAFE, QUALITY SWIMMING LESSONS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON FUN! Enrol on our Courses Today! Our courses consist of ½ hour lessons each week for 11 weeks at just £85 with 6 children in a class and £170 with 3 children in a class! The aim of the courses is to build and improve water confidence and technique in all age groups with our outstanding swimming teachers.
January to April 2016 Term Monday 4th January – Sunday 20th March The Grove Pool Monday-Friday 4pm-7.30pm Saturday AM 8.30am-10am Saturday PM 3pm-6.30pm
The Granta Pool Wednesday & Friday 4pm-7pm Saturday 8.30am-1pm Sunday 9am-1pm
Web: www.sealsswimming.co.uk Email: office@sealsswimming.co.uk Telephone: 0845 680 9876 The Grove School Pool Campkin Road, Cambridge CB4 2NB
The Granta School Pool Cambridge Road, Linton CB21 4NN
About Your Council
South Cambs Magazine
How will the district look in five years? We’re launching a public consultation to help you let us know what you want us to focus on over the next 12 months and beyond. We’ve already been reviewing what we think are important areas for us to be focusing on to help our communities and so far our Cabinet has identified four themes for you to give your views on. Our intended priorities will be to create and maintain healthy communities, deliver a wide range of housing, improve transport and digital infrastructure whilst providing the best possible services for residents at the lowest possible cost, all in the context of increasing pressure on public sector finances. Cllr Peter Topping, cabinet member for corporate services, said: “We’re anticipating further significant cuts in funding, so face increasingly hard decisions about targeting scarce resources where they are most needed. Given our limited resources it is more important than ever for us to know where our communities see the district in five years so we can make sure we can work together to get there.” From Tuesday 1 December you can view and comment on the priorities by visiting www.scambs.gov.uk/council-aims-and-objectives.
Working with neighbouring councils on services such as Building Control is helping us meet budget reductions while retaining high quality services
The consultation closes on Friday 29 January. All comments will be considered by councillors in February before we begin work on making them become a reality. If you do not have internet access and want to have your say, please contact Richard May on (01954) 713366.
Christmas and New Year opening hours
Our seasonal opening hours are below to help you get in touch with us when you need to over the festive season. Don’t forget, you can report, pay and apply for things using our self service website at any time. If you have an out of hours emergency you can still get in touch:
December 2015 Wednesday 23
8am - 5.30pm
Christmas Eve
8am - 4pm
Christmas Day
Closed
Boxing Day
Closed
Sunday 27
Closed
Council tenants:
Monday 28
Closed
Tuesday 29
8am - 4.30pm
Wednesday 30
8am - 4.30pm
Gas appliances repairs and breakdowns 0845 650 0065 Housing and electric heating repairs 0800 085 1313 Oil fired heating systems and air source heat pumps
01480 302211
Thursday 31
8am - 4pm
January 2016 New Year’s Day
Winter 2015
Closed
Dangerous structure enquiries (Building Control) 01253 501055 Environmental health emergency 01253 501055 Homelessness emergency service 0845 609 5438
From Monday 4 January, our office hours will return to their regular pattern of 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. www.scambs.gov.uk
9
About Your Council
South Cambs Magazine
Readers’ survey results
South Cambs Magazine is rated good or excellent by 86% of residents and publishing four copies a year is about right. These are the headline results from the autumn issue readers' survey, which 238 residents took part in. Although the survey results are not a representative sample of residents across the district, the results and feedback they’ve given us are interesting, and will be used by councillors and officers to consider ways to improve South Cambs Magazine. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey.
You rate the magazine as
12% 35%
Good 51% Excellent 35% Fair 12%
51%
Poor 2%
82% of respondents tend to agree or strongly agree that articles are interesting The print is clear and easy to read 94% The magazine helps me find out what the Council is doing 90% It is well designed 79% I enjoy reading it 72% It is relevant to me 71% We’re very pleased that 86% rate the magazine as good or excellent, and that we seem to be striking the right balance on the content being interesting and relevant. Comments are always welcome - find out how to contact the editorial team on page three.
Delivery We know that delivery has been an issue, and only 73% of respondents reported receiving all four copies of the magazine each year. We’re trying to improve this, and have recently moved to a mix of Royal Mail and door to door deliveries. We print delivery dates for the next issue - and ways to contact us if your magazine hasn’t arrived - on page three.
10 www.scambs.gov.uk
Winter 2015
South Cambs Magazine
Number of issues a year Just over 88% of people surveyed thought that four issues of the magazine each year is about right - this is also the maximum frequency that government advises we publish.
Value for money Some respondents queried whether the money the magazine costs could be better spent on services. We have a legal obligation to inform residents about services and how to access them, and feel that the annual magazine cost of 60 pence per household is better value for money than each service producing and distributing information individually.
About Your Council How much of the magazine do you read? Over 77% of people surveyed read all or most of the magazine. You gave us lots of ideas about what you’d like to see more of in the magazine. Some - like roads, buses and transport - are Cambridgeshire County Council services. Others, asking for more focus on villages, are difficult as we have over 100 in the district. We’ll consider all ideas though and review what we may be able to include.
How would you prefer to read the magazine in future?
15% 5%
Printed and delivered to home 78% By email 15%
78%
On our website 5% Don’t know 2%
We have no plans to move away from a printed magazine at the moment, but as more people are able to access the internet on their mobile phone, tablet or computer, it’s something we may well consider in the future.
Top five topics
Recycling and waste 82% About your council 67% Community 65% Conservation 57% Planning 52%
82%
As in previous surveys, recycling and bin information interests readers most, with many comments about how useful the bin calendar and recycling guide are. We’ve made some changes to the calendar this issue to make it clearer to read - do get in touch to tell us what you think.
What next?
Nearly 40% of respondents were aged 65 and over, but only 3% were under 25. As 10% of our residents are aged 15-24 and 24% are 60 or older, we’ll be looking to gather more feedback from younger residents and from our Youth Council to make sure that views from all ages are represented. South Cambs Magazine is overseen by a group of councillors from different political parties, and has input from all services across the Council. Working together, we will consider how we can improve your magazine in the future.
Winter 2015
www.scambs.gov.uk
11
Innovators in Water-based Technology WWW.BEDEC.CO.UK
EMAIL: PAINT@BEDEC.CO.UK
TEL:01279 876657
South Cambs Magazine
About Your Council
Benefits online has big benefits
New online benefit claim forms have been launched making it quicker and easier to make a claim or tell us about a change in your circumstances. We launched the new way of making a claim at the beginning of October and have seen people seamlessly move from the old paper application process to applying online. The great news for anyone making a claim, or telling us when their circumstances have changed, is that the form only asks you the questions we need based on the information you have already provided - saving you time. Once the forms are submitted the information is transferred directly into our databases which means we spend less time entering the data you have provided. Cllr Simon Edwards, cabinet member for finance, said: “The new system is a win, win for everyone. It is quicker and easier for our customers and for our team processing claims. Please remember to report any change in your circumstances immediately as inaccurate information could impact on your claim.” So far we are finding that most people are moving over to the online forms without any problems, but if you are unable to access the internet contact us for further help and advice. To make a new claim visit www.scambs.gov.uk and click on the ‘Apply for it’ button. To tell us about a change in circumstances click on the ‘Report it’ button
You can even use your smartphone to apply online
Give the gift of music this Christmas
106 Russell Street, Cambridge CB2 1HU tel: 01223 500442 www.wwr.co.uk email: shop@wwr.co.uk
Explore the city’s vibrant new museu Get hands-on with iconic machines, play games from the 80s and 90s Explore the city’s vibrant new70s, museum. Get hands-on with iconicthrough machines, play games while you travel the last 50 from the 70s, 80s and 90s while you travel years of computing history... through the last 50 years of computing history...
For a For £1pp entry visit: £1 ppoff off entry please please visit: www.computinghistory.org.uk www.computinghistory.org.uk/CC2015 /KM2015 01223 214 446 01223 214 446
admin@computinghistory.or admin@computinghistory.org.uk /computinghistory /computinghistory @computinghistory @computinghistory
www.computinghistory.or www.computinghistory.org.uk
Rene Court | Coldhams Road | Cambridge | CB1 3EW Rene Court | Coldhams Road | Cambridge | CB1 3
DRAMAWISE
Do you like music? So does Katie. why not help her enjoy it....
Centre for Computing History 2015 QP.indd 1
Patron Stephen Mackintosh “The Critic” Our festival play
Would you like your child to gain in confidence and communication skills, make new friends and learn to work with a team. Our Drama and Theatre sessions do all this with FUN. Free trial sessions available. We meet at the Free Church High St, Sawston. Fridays 4.30-7.30pm. Classes for ages 4yrs to 16yrs. Principal Frances Brownlie.
For more information contact frances.wyse@btinternet.com
Eddie’s is looking for volunteers for its Befriending & Family Support Schemes. It only takes a few hours of your time and it really does change lives. Like to know more? Call us on 01223 883141 or email volunteer@eddies.org.uk
www.eddies.org.uk Registered charity no. 1143944 Scan this code with your QR reader to go straight to our volunteering page.
09/1
Conservation
South Cambs Magazine
Wat-er effort on Hoffer Brook
A band of willing volunteers have teamed up with The Wildlife Trust and us to restore and improve an unloved brook in the district - and there’s still a chance to pitch in and lend a hand. Clean and healthy rivers are the lifeblood of communities and the Rob Mungovan works with a young volunteer work the group has been carrying out between Newton and Foxton has in the brook so far seen tree thinning and scrub clearance allowing all important light into Hoffer Brook. By clearing the bank in some areas it has also allowed room for an excavator to carefully desilt parts of the brook to help encourage a diverse range of flora and fauna. Restoring waterways is good for people and wildlife. It can create new areas for people to enjoy and re-create lost habitats, as well as help fish move along rivers and find new places to spawn. This in turn provides more food for birds like kingfishers. It can also reduce sediment levels and help with land drainage. The project on the Hoffer Brook was initiated as it had received little management since the 1980s. Some of the trees that fell in the storm of 1987 were never removed which resulted in blockages to the flow. Although the brook needs some work to get it back into tip-top condition, the water quality is still good, and it is only a matter of time before the improvements begin to help further. A public footpath runs between Foxton and Newton along part of the brook, so once the work has been completed it will be an enjoyable place for walkers and families to explore. A fish survey being undertaken
A BIG thanks The first phase of the work on the brook was funded through the Cam and Ely Ouse Catchment Partnership. This is an amalgamation of local business, environmental professionals, enthusiasts and communities committed to creating and overseeing a sustainable catchment management of the Cam and Ouse Rivers. The local landowners, Richard Barnes of Foxton, and David Walston of Thriplow Farms were also key as they have helped with machinery and access for the works.
Helping hand? The Hoffer Brook project - and many others like it - are always on the hunt for more volunteers. Volunteers of all ages have teamed up at Hoffer Brook making it a real community effort. If you want to find out more about other opportunities to help make your area a great place to be, contact South Cambridgeshire District Council: Rob Mungovan, ecology consultancy officer, on rob.mungovan@scambs.gov.uk or 01954 713402 The Wildlife Trust: visit www.wildlifebcn.org/volunteer or email ruth.hawksley@wildlifebcn.org
Winter 2015
Did you know? Hoffer Brook is a chalk stream of roughly 8km in length. It begins near Thriplow and forms the parish boundary between the villages of Foxton and Newton
www.scambs.gov.uk
15
Planning
South Cambs Magazine
Top of the class
An iconic circular designed school has opened its doors at one of the area's newest communities on the edge of Cambridge.
Patrick Squires, courtesy of the University of Cambridge
The new University of Cambridge Primary School opened its doors in September with Reception, Year one and Year two pupils beginning their schooling at the North West Cambridge Development between Huntingdon Road, Madingley Road and the M11. There is still work taking place on a second phase of the school and this is expected to be completed this December. The school is sponsored by the University of Cambridge and will provide education for four to 11 year olds. When complete it will provide a place of learning for 630 children from the local catchment area. The school will also offer unique training and research opportunities through its relationship with the University Faculty of Education. Headteacher, James Biddulph, You can view aerial photographs of the development progressing at: said: “The start of a new academic www.nwcambridge.co.uk/building-north-west/phase-1/construction-site-progress year is always exciting; but never more so than this. The teachers and I are thrilled at how the children have settled into their new learning environment.” A joint committee of councillors from South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridge City Council and Cambridgeshire Work began to build the County Council granted the school planning permission at the end of 2013. community centre at the site in Cllr David Bard, Chairman of the Joint Development Control September. Committee, said: “It was great to see the amount of community engagement that has taken place on the school plans before When completed, this will provide a variety councillors considered the application. Having high quality of facilities and space for people living nearby. facilities ready for arrival of new residents is really important and Within the centre there will be a main hall which something we welcome with open arms.” can hold up to 180 people for events from film
What’s new?
clubs and dance classes to fairs and weddings. There is a medium sized hall that can hold up to 50 people, a smaller room for up to 20 people and the centre will have a nursery. A joint venture between Cambridge City Council and the University called the Storey’s Field Trust has been established to manage the centre which is expected to open in the latter part of 2016. Further details about the University of Cambridge Primary School can be found at www.universityprimaryschool.org.uk
Jonathan Settle
16 www.scambs.gov.uk
For more information about the North West Cambridge Development visit: www.nwcambridge.co.uk
Winter 2015
Like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @HillsRdAdultEd
Enrol online NOW!
www.HillsRoadAdultEducation.co.uk
Scan for more information
email: adulted@hillsroad.ac.uk
01223 278002
Come along to our Enrolment evening on
Tuesday 5th January 17.00-19.30
Languages Course
Day
Time
Start date
Arabic beginners level 1 Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan Arabic beguinners level 2 Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan Arabic improvers Thurs 19.00-21.00 21 Jan Chinese beginners level 1 Wed 19.00-21.00 20 Jan Chinese beginners level 2 Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan Chinese beginners level 3 Thurs 19.00-21.00 21 Jan Chinese intermediates Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan Chinese advanced Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan French beginners level 1 Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan French beginners level 2 Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan French improvers Thurs 19.00-21.00 21 Jan French intermediates Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan French advanced conversation Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan German beginners level 1 Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan German beginners level 2 Thurs 19.00-21.00 21 Jan German beginners level 3 Wed 19.00-21.00 20 Jan German improvers 2 Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan German improvers Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan German intermediates Wed 19.00-21.00 20 Jan German upper intermediate Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan conversation Greek (modern) beginners level 2 Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan Italian beginners level 1 Wed 19.00-21.00 20 Jan Italian beginners level 2 Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan Italian beginners level 3 Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan Italian improvers Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan Italian intermediates Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan Italian upper intermediates Wed 19.00-21.00 20 Jan Italian advanced conversation Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan Japanese beginners level 1 Wed 19.00-21.00 20 Jan Japanese beginners level 2 Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan Japanese beginners level 3 Wed 19.00-21.00 20 Jan Japanese improvers Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan Latin improvers Thurs 19.00-21.00 21 Jan Polish beginners level 1 Wed 19.00-21.00 20 Jan Polish beginners level 2 Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan Polish improvers Thurs 19.00-21.00 21 Jan Polish intermediates Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan Portuguese beginners level 1 Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan Portugeuse improvers Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan Russian beginners level 1 Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan Russian improvers Thurs 19.00-21.00 21 Jan Russian intermediate/advanced Wed 19.00-21.00 20 Jan Spanish beginners level 1 Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan Spanish beginners level 2 Thurs 19.00-21.00 21 Jan Spanish beginners level 3 Thurs 19.00-21.00 21 Jan Spanish improvers Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan Spanish advanced conversation Thurs 19.00-21.00 21 Jan Turkish beginners level 1 Mon 19.00-21.00 18 Jan Turkish advanced Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan
Skills for Employment & Development
No. of Tuition Course weeks fee (£) New courses are shown in bold
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
110 115 125 99 110 110 125 125 99 99 105 105 105 99 99 99 105 105 105
9
105
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
115 99 99 99 105 105 105 105 99 99 110 125 125 110 125 125 125 110 125 110 110 125 99 99 99 105 105 125 125
Tuition fees for language courses vary at different levels to reflect group sizes
English as a Foreign Language
ESOL with diagnostic test ESOL entry level 1 & 2 conversation (CEFR A1) ESOL pre-intermediates [A2] [KET] ESOL intermediates [B1] [PET] ESOL upper intermediate [B2] [FCE] ESOL advanced [C1 & C2] [CAE] IELTS Preparation course
9
Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan
9
99
Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan
9
99
Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan
9
99
9
99
Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan Thurs 19.00-21.00 21 Jan
9 9
99 99
Professional Counselling Introduction to Counselling Skills AIM Awards Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills Saturday courses Introduction to Counselling Skills Attachment - theory of practice (workshop)
Time
Start date
No. of Fee £ Hours
Mon 18.30-21.00 18 Jan
20
99
Thurs 18.30-21.00 14 Jan
75
925*
Sat
10.00-12.30 23 Jan
Sat
12.45-16.00 27 Feb 3.25 40**
* Includes examination fees. ** 20% discount to existing Hills Road Counselling students
20
Art and Design
Art History Book illustration Ceramics Ceramics Ceramics Ceramics Creative textiles Digital filmmaking - introduction Drawing, the basics Drawing, continued Dressmaking - beginners Dressmaking - beginners Dressmaking - next step Graphic design - beginners Interior design Interior desing - next step Jewellery making - beginners Life drawing Painting - beginners Painting - oils & acrylics Painting - oils Painting without boundaries Photography digital - beginners Photography digital - beginners Photography digital - next step Photography advanced Photoshop - beginners Photoshop - the next step Portraiture Watercolour painting Saturday courses Ceramics (AM)†† Ceramics (PM)†† Painting - oils Painting - the next step Portraiture -the next step
Start date
No. of weeks
Tuition fee (£)
18.30-21.00 18 Jan
12
250
19.00-21.00 19 Jan
9
115
19.00-21.00 19 Jan 19.00-21.00 21 Jan 19.00-21.00 18 Jan
7 8 9
85 95 115
09.30-15.30 27 Feb
1
50
09.30-15.30 5 Mar
1
50
Mon Thurs Mon Tues Wed Thurs Thurs Mon Wed Mon Wed Thurs Mon Thurs Tues Wed Wed Thurs Wed Tues Fri Fri Mon Tues Tues Tues Wed Thurs Tues Mon
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 18.30-21.00 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 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 21 18 19 20 21 21 18 20 18 20 21 18 21 19 20 20 21 20 19 22 22 18 19 19 19 20 21 19 18
Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan
9 9 9 8 9 9 8 9 9 9 8 8 9 9 8 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
99 99 115* 106* 115* 115* 130* 99 99 99 110 110 99 99 106* 115* 141* 120* 99 99 90 110 99 99 99 114* 99 99 114* 99
Sat Sat Sat Sat Sat
09.00-12.00 13.00-16.00 09.30-13.30 13.00-15.00 10.30-12.30
30 Jan 30 Jan 5 Mar 23 Jan 23 Jan
4 4 3 8 8
88* 88* 72 90 106*
104 †† Enrol for one AM and one PM Ceramics course together for £140 saving £36
Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan
Day
Book-keeping & accounting - level 2 Mon [City & Guilds] Design & build you own website, Tues using Wordpress - beginners Presentational skills Tues Proof reading and copy editing Thurs Running your own business Mon Saturday courses SAGE Computerised accounts Sat - part 1 SAGE Computerised accounts Sat - part 2
Time
* Includes a material fee, please see individual course details on our websiste
Tues 19.00-21.00 19 Jan
A1-C2 refers to the Common European Framework of Reference
Course New course shown in bold
Day
99
Recreational
Ballroom & Latin dancing Creative writing - introduction Creative writing - continuation Critical Thinking Indian dancing Indian head, neck & shoulder massage Salsa and Kizomba for beginners Singing for fun Wine appreciation Yoga Holistic - mixed ability Saturday courses Bicycle maintenance - beginners Creative writing-kick start your creativity Selling on e-bay Tracing your family roots
Mon Wed Wed Tues Wed
19.30-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.00-21.00 19.30-20.30
18 20 20 19 20
Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan
9 9 9 9 6
80 110 110 99 40
Thurs
19.00-21.00 21 Jan
5
60
Mon
18.30-20.00 20 Jan
6
55
Tues Mon Tues
19.00-21.00 19 Jan 19.00-21.00 18 Jan 18.00-19.00 19 Jan
9 9 9
100† 110†† 55
Sat
09.30-13.30
6 Feb
1
32*
Sat
09.30-12.30
6 Feb
1
25
Sat Sat
09.30-12.30 27 Feb 09.30-13.30 6 Feb
1 1
25 30
* Includes a material fee, please see individual course details on our website † 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 wines tasted
Emily Grace
Home & Pet Sitting Service
Need glasses? Save your money
BUY DIRECT! (frame & lenses)
High/complex prescription
Single Vision from £9.00* Bifocals from £39.00* Varifocal from £59.00*
UP TO 75% save your SAVE money
BUY DIRECT! why pay more?
Prescription sunglasses from £49* Premium frames & lenses at low prices (frame & lenses) Largefrom selection frames & lenses High/complex Single Vision £9.00*of specs prescription Excellent customer service Bifocals from £39.00* Specs all sports & SAVE occupations UP Varifocal from for £59.00* TO 75% Specs repairs & emergency supply* • Repairs & Emergency Specs* • Free NHS Specs* FREE NHS specs*
All our sitters are professional people who are fully vetted, police checked and issued with ID cards. We serve a 30 mile radius of Cambridge.
☎ 01223 832604 o r e m a i l : i n f o @ h a p p i t a i l s .c o.u k
Members of NARP NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED PETSITTERS
www.happitails.co.uk
• Reglaze your own frame save ££’s* • Premium frames &
Why pay more?
lenses at low prices * T & C’s apply, phone for details. For customers aged 16 and over only • Large selection of Specs Frames
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Cycling Made Easy with Electric Motor Assistance!
Just bring in your up to date prescription for a
TOP QUALITY BARGAIN!
*T & C’s apply, ring for details. Please ensure your prescription is less than 2 years old.
FACTORY SHOP 20 Norman Way Ind. Park, Over, Cambridge CB24 5QE Tel: 01954 231545 or 07824 706969 Bring your new prescription Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm
£999
saving: SPECIAL NOTE: Showroom opening times may vary, pleaseand ring tostart avoid disappointment
ALL EYES Specs Makers
20 Norman Way Ind. Park, www.all-eyes.co.uk
Over, Cambridge CB24 5QE
Tel: 01954 231545 or 07824 706969
Open: Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm
We are closed on Thu 24th December for Christmas Holiday, reopen Monday 4th January 16
Please ring for an appointment
www.all-eyes.co.uk
40 to 60 miles on a single charge No road tax, no insurance 2 year battery warranty Demonstrators available Call us on 01223 276128 for a free test www.haywardsofcambridge.com
Planning
South Cambs Magazine
Stay up to date with the Deal There are now more ways than ever to find out more and get involved in the Greater Cambridge City Deal.
New Facebook and Twitter accounts have been launched in addition to the City Deal’s website to give as many people as possible the chance to get involved. Anyone tuned in to the social media world can ‘like’ and ‘follow’ the Deal by visiting www.facebook.com/gccitydeal and www.twitter.com/gccitydeal. The first of the Deal's consultations, looking at improving bus journeys between Cambourne and Cambridge, recently closed. For six weeks we asked for your views on options and ideas for the route and these are now being reviewed. The City Deal Board will look at your feedback soon before they begin to narrow down options and ask you your views once more. Look out for forthcoming consultations on Histon Road and Milton Road, key routes into Cambridge. They will be launching in mid December. Events are scheduled for early January where the City Deal team will be urging people to share their views on initial ideas on improving the peak time congestion and providing better and safer journeys for both bus users and cyclists.
HAVE YOUR SAY
For the more information, consultation dates, events and latest news visit www.gccitydeal.co.uk/citydeal
Discovering the past at Northstowe
An interesting history has been unearthed about previous communities at the Northstowe site. Archaeologists have now completed ground work to look at how the site has been used in the past and we now know that it was inhabited during the Iron Age period. People also lived on the site during Roman times, with signs of areas where houses were grouped together. Saxon artefacts were also found including a rare wooden bowl, weaving tools and many fragments of pottery. Please visit www.northstowe.com for more information about the new town
Winter 2015
Find out more The next Northstowe Community Forum event, where you can find out more about what is happening at the new town, takes place on: Wednesday 27 January, Longstanton Village Institute, High Street, 7 - 9pm. Cambridge City Council organises forums on behalf of both councils for other major developments on the edge of the city. Please visit their website to find out more information: North West Community Forum www.cambridge.gov.uk/ north-west-community-forum Southern Fringe Community Forum www.cambridge.gov.uk/ southern-fringe-community-forum Cambridge East Community Forum www.cambridge.gov.uk/ Cambridge-east-community-forum
www.scambs.gov.uk
19
Planning
South Cambs Magazine
Consultation on modifications to Local Plan Fresh evidence on plans to deliver thousands of new jobs and homes up to 2031 has endorsed the bulk of proposals we submitted to Government for independent examination last year.
Although the bulk of the Local Plans remain unchanged, we’re calling on communities to have their say on some modifications that are proposed. Leading independent experts were commissioned by Cambridge City Council and ourselves to check our Local Plans after Government inspectors examining both the South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City Plans questioned whether more homes were needed to meet local needs, and if the strategy of focussing the majority of additional homes in new towns and new villages was the right one. The Local Plan we had submitted to Government in March 2014 suggested new housing in a new town north of Waterbeach, a new village at Bourn Airfield and an extension to Cambourne. These were in addition to around 15,000 homes already committed to in locations such as the edge of Cambridge and the planned new town of Northstowe. The small modifications for South Cambridgeshire include:
increasing the number of homes being planned for between 2011 and 2031 from 19,000 to 19,500
removing the restrictions on the earliest date proposed new towns and villages could be built to give more flexibility
increasing the number of homes planned north of Cherry Hinton to 1,200. Of these, 420 homes would be in South Cambridgeshire. This carries forward more of the larger Cambridge East site approved in 2008
a possible 10% extension to the south of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus south of Addenbrooke's, subject to further investigation of surface water flooding issues
reducing the size of the proposed employment site adjacent to Peterhouse Technology Park, Fulbourn Road, Cambridge At the time of going to print, councillors were due to consider the modifications at committee meetings in November and were being asked to agree for a public consultation to begin on Wednesday 2 December 2015. This will run until 25 January 2016. Following the consultation the two Councils will assess the feedback and consider any further amendments before submitting modifications to Government planning inspectors by the end of March so they can recommence their examination. Cllr Robert Turner, cabinet member for planning, said: “It is good to see that all the in-depth work and consultations we have already carried out have been backed up by this extra work carried out by independent experts looking at it with fresh eyes. The end result is 500 additional homes being suggested - far less than the 10,000 extra some developers had been suggesting during the examination. Once councillors have assessed the report we will be calling on your views. It is important for people to remember that the consultation we will be running is on the changes being proposed, not the whole of the two Local Plans the Councils have put forward.” For more information on the Local Plan, and to have your say during the consultation, visit www.scambs.gov.uk and search for Local Plan news. If you do not have internet access you can also call us on 01954 713183
Winter 2015
www.scambs.gov.uk
21
Sport
South Cambs Magazine
Paddleboarding continues to make a splash
Local business Sweatshop brought staff together to get to know each other and learn a new skill whilst having fun
This year we’ve seen record numbers of individuals, community groups and businesses jumping on board one of the country’s fastest growing water sports.
Paddleboarding’s popularity has continued to grow since it was first introduced at Milton Country Park in 2013 with more people choosing to enjoy the beauty of the area from the tranquillity of the lake. Interest has come from schools and community groups, such as Scouts and Guides, who have worked the activity into their summer programme, as well as from families who are enjoying making paddleboarding a part of their weekend visit to the Park. Local businesses have escaped the office for team building and social events. We've even had birthday, hen and stag party organisers wanting to team their celebrations with fun outdoor pursuits. Taster sessions and short courses are held from Thursday to Saturday, May to September and for 2016 we’re looking to introduce Born to Ride courses for under 18s and to establish a Paddleboarding Club as well as instructor training, on-board yoga and adventures on other local waters.
A recent hen party said paddleboarding was one of the best things they have ever done
If you’re as excited about paddleboarding as we are and want to hear more as it happens, register your interest by emailing paddleboarding@scambs.gov.uk
You Can Bike Too is a community project offering cycling sessions at Milton Country Park. There are a large selection of adapted bikes, from tandems and trikes to recumbents and quads, and children and adults of all abilities are welcome. The 95 acre park offers over two miles of natural pathways to ride on and trained instructors are on hand to help select bikes suited to individual needs. Various sessions are on offer, both regular and drop in events, including Try It Out Tuesdays, Family Fun Sundays, Group Sessions and Bikes For Businesses. Bikes For Businesses cater for team building events sparking renewed energy for your staff, team or organisation. Options range from a one hour bronze package at £25 per person, three hour silver package at £60 per person to a six hour gold package at £100 per person. Team events incorporate fun activities and challenges, from blindfolded cycling and treasure hunts on the more quirky bikes to fire building and den making. These also use other on-site facilities, including the café and meeting rooms. There is also a Bike To You service which offers the opportunity to try bikes out at your own venue or event. For more information visit www.youcanbiketoo.org/your-business.html email ruth@theyoucanhub.org.uk or call 07521 905448
22 www.scambs.gov.uk
Winter 2015
Christmas offer
Any new Cycle comes with our Lifetime service package and FREE accessories or clothing to 5% of its value.
Scotsdales, Horningsea CB25 9JG 01223 860471
www.benhaywardcycles.com info@benhaywardcycles.com @BenHaywardCycle
for cambridge’s Widest Selection Of Musical Instruments
• • • • •
money back
RentaLs fRom £8
green hat construction
PeR month
24 months 0% finance*
Rent, loan, or pay! Just play. Visit Millers at 12 Sussex Street, Cambridge, CB1 1PW Tel 01223 354452 | millersmusic.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply.
New Build Extensions Renovations Living Roofs Garden Studios & Home Offices • Green energy solutions & Wood burning stoves • External (solid) wall insulation
Building with an environmental conscience
For more information contact us on: Tel: 01638 781007 or Mob: 07966 450353 6 The Pits, Isleham, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5QS
www.greenhatco.co.uk
Waste Waste&&Recycling Recycling
South Cambs Magazine
Collection dates Green bin
Black bin
Monday A - Babraham, Balsham,
Gt Abington, Gt Shelford, Harston, Hauxton, Hildersham, Hinxton, Ickleton, Lt Abington, Lt Shelford, Pampisford, Stapleford
Reminder: green bin collections move to monthly from the end of November, returning to fortnightly in March Bins must be out by 6am at the latest on your collection day
Blue bin
Later collection day
December 7 7
January
14 21 29
Tue
5 5
Tue
December
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
7
Hinton (South of the railway), Girton, Milton, Oakington, Stow-cum-Quy, Westwick
Wednesday A - Bar Hill, Childerley,
Chittering, Dry Drayton, Knapwell, Landbeach, Longstanton, Swavesey, Waterbeach
8
Thursday A - Cambourne, Comberton,
Croxton, Eltisley, Graveley, Hardwick, Papworth Everard, Papworth St Agnes, Toft
Thursday B - Abington Pigotts, Arrington, Bassingbourn, Bourn, Croydon, Gamlingay, Guilden Morden, Hatley, Litlington, Longstowe, Lt Gransden, Shingay-cum-Wendy, Steeple Morden, Tadlow Friday A - Barton, Foxton, Grantchester,
Gt Eversden, Harlton, Haslingfield, Kingston, Lt Eversden, Newton, Orwell, Shepreth, Thriplow & Heathfield, Whittlesford, Whaddon, Wimpole
Friday B - Barrington, Caldecote, Duxford,
Fowlmere, Gt Chishill, Heydon, Lt Chishill, Melbourn, Meldreth
24 ď Ž www.scambs.gov.uk
5
Tue
9 9
15 22 30
Wed
6 6
16 23 31
Thu
6
Wed
2
Sat
7 7
2
Sat
2
Thu
7
Thu
13 20 27 13
8 8
14 21 28
Fri
8
Fri
14 21 28 14
4
Mon
9 9
15 22 29
Sat
3 3
9
Mon Sat
15 22 29 15
8 8
15 22 29
9
16 23
9 9
16 23
10 17 24
3
10 17 24 10
11 18 25
1 1
11 18 25 11
1
12 19 26
2 2
12 19 26 12
March
April
7 7
21 29 21 Tue
14
8
2
15 30 22 15 30
8 8
22 30 22 Wed
15
9
16 31 23 16 31
16
10
23 31 23 Thu
6
13 13
6 6
13
April
17 24 17
1 1
7
Fri
14 14
April 1
Fri
7 7
14
April
18 26 18 Sat
2 2
8
Sat
March 4
12
April
10 24 17 10 24
11
12 12
April
March 4 4
5 5
Thu
9 9
11
April
March 3
5
Wed
March 3 3
4 4
11 11
April
March
February 5
4
March
February 5 5
14 29 21 14 29
March
February 4
April
March
February 4 4
March
Tue
February
January 4
7
February
January
December 18 23 18 Wed
13 20 27
29 29
February
January
December
11
2 2
January
December
11 18 24 11 Thu
12 19 26 12
15 22
February
January
16 23 31 16 Thu
17 24 17
1
January
December
10
12 19 26
8
February
January
15 22 30 15 Wed
10 17 24 10
11 18 25 11
Wed
December 9
1 1
January
December
Wednesday B - Boxworth, Caxton,
Conington, Cottenham, Elsworth, Fen Drayton, Lolworth, Over, Rampton, Willingham
14 21 29 14 Tue
December
Tuesday B - Fen Ditton, Fulbourn/Cherry
February
January
December 8 8
11 18 25
Earlier collection day
15 15
April
11 26 18 11 26
Sat
2
Sat
8 8
15
Winter 2015
Waste & Recycling
South Cambs Magazine
What goes where? Blue bin
Reminder: green bin collections move to monthly from the end of November, returning to fortnightly in March Bins must be out by 6am on your collection day Close lids firmly.
Extra blue bin recycling will be collected if left alongside your 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 your 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
Put in a battery bag or clear plastic bag and attach it to your blue bin lid
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 including 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 putting in the paper only caddy
Extra green bin recycling 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 Extra 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 Winter 2015
TEA OUT R ME & ME T STICK O YO UR FRID GE
www.scambs.gov.uk
25
Free clean with all new orders Your bin(s) beautifully cleaned, disinfected and deodorised every 4 weeks. Nothing to pay until your bin has been cleaned for the first time.
Tel: 01223 277747 Book online at www.wheeliefreshbins.com
South Cambs Magazine
Waste & Recycling
Take the New Year Pledge We’re calling on local communities and businesses to take the New Year recycling pledge and help us win the war on waste.
As a district, we’ve made fantastic progress on our recycling rate over recent years which means more of the items you are putting in your blue and green bins are being turned into new products. Great things can come of recycling, and by pledging to do more this New Year, you can help decrease the need for raw materials - saving energy, reducing landfill and slashing disposal costs to help contribute toward budget savings local councils need to make. Take the pledge and you could be in with a chance of winning a prize, see page 29.
Over Primary School children are taking the pledge When paper is separated from your other dry recycling, it is worth far more. If you need a new paper caddy, you can request one at www.scambs.gov.uk/content/report-missingdamagedpaper-caddy
Zoë Loughlin from Haslingfield is taking the pledge Food and garden waste can be turned into compost when put in your green bin. Kitchen caddies are available for free and caddy liners can be purchased from our Cambourne office.
Lindsay Foster of Swavesey, and her family, are taking the pledge When the festive fun is over, your waste packaging can be recycled into new items to be used again in 2016.
Winter 2015
Turn over to find out how you can take the pledge and be in with a chance of winning a stylish new bed worth £349 www.scambs.gov.uk
27
Waste & Recycling
What will be your New Year pledge?
South Cambs Magazine
Businesses and organisations could make significant savings by pledging to recycle more.
The quickest and easiest way to take the pledge is to visit www.scambs.gov.uk, click 'Apply for it' and select 'Recycling Pledge'. By taking the pledge, you could be in with a chance of winning a stylish new bed worth £349.
Recycled trade waste costs 20% less to collect than general waste so businesses and organisations separating their dry recycling and paper are reaping not only the environmental but the financial rewards too. Find out more at www.scambs.gov.uk/content/trade-waste-services, email john.caulkett@scambs.gov.uk or call 01954 713496.
If you don’t have internet access, you can complete and return the slip below:
I pledge to recycle from every room in the house I pledge to recycle all my plastic packaging, glass, foil, cardboard, cans, aerosols and wrapping paper in my blue bin I pledge to keep my paper separate and recycle it in my paper caddy or other returnable container I pledge to recycle all my food and garden waste in my green bin I pledge to recycle all my batteries by putting them in a clear bag and attaching it to my blue bin lid I pledge to take clothes to textile banks or charity shops and small electrical items to a household recycling centre I pledge to only use my black bin for waste that I cannot recycle Name:
Email:
Address:
Phone:
Post Code:
Clean for the Queen
To celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday, Keep Britain Tidy is encouraging communities to carry out litter picks in their area over the weekend of 4 to 6 March. We have supported local litter picks for a number of years and are keen to continue to do so. If you would like to join the Queen’s birthday celebrations and see your local area free of litter, why not organise your own event? We provide litter grabbers, gloves and sacks, all you have to do is rally volunteers. Community groups as well as schools and parish councils are usually happy to get involved. We then return for the gear and to collect the bagged litter. One area to benefit greatly from litter picking is Histon and Impington, thanks to local resident Cedric Foster who organises quarterly events. Cedric said: “Residents of all ages, businesses and groups from within the community come together, with the support of the parish council which helps with equipment, insurance and costs, to pool their resources and clear our public spaces. We take pride in our patch and want to keep it safe and clean.” To request a litter pick kit, email julian.ayres@scambs.gov.uk or call 01954 713478. For more information,visit www.scambs.gov.uk/content/litter-pickingcommunity-clear-ups
28 www.scambs.gov.uk
Winter 2015
Competition
South Cambs Magazine
Win a new bed Take the New Year recycling pledge and you could be sleeping easy in 2016. Our brilliant prize this issue is a stylish brown leather double bed frame with mattress worth £349 from the good night's sleep experts at Bedstore, Royston. With clean lines, sprung slats and a padded headboard, the Oslo bedframe looks good and is comfortable to sleep on. Choose either a soft or firm mattress depending on which you prefer, and this prize is a real dream. Bedstore's husband and wife team Kevin and Abby have more than doubled the range of products on display in the two years since opening their spacious showroom on the Royston Industrial Estate. Mattresses, divan sets, bed frames, headboards and children’s beds are available to suit every budget and requirement. Brands on offer include Hypnos and Sealy plus memory foam mattresses from Dormeo. Open 9am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday, Bedstore also offers a delivery, collection and disposal service.
BED
For more information visit www.roystonbedstore.co.uk, email info@roystonbedstore.co.uk or call 01763 247490. To be in with a chance of winning, simply take our recycling pledge. Visit www.scambs.gov.uk, click on ‘Apply for it’ then select ‘Recycling Pledge’ to complete the entry form. Don’t have internet access? You can also enter by post. Send your completed pledge on the opposite page to: Recycling Pledge South Cambs Magazine South Cambridgeshire District Council Cambourne Business Park Cambourne Cambridgeshire, CB23 6EA Completed pledge forms must be received by midday on Friday 8 January 2016. The winner will be notified after 8 February and announced in the spring edition of South Cambs Magazine. Terms and Conditions are available at www.scambs.gov.uk/t-c or can be requested by calling 03450 450 063.
Winner’s spotlight Congratulations to James Sheard of Histon who scooped the Keeper for the Day prize for two people at Shepreth Wildlife Park in our autumn competition. James took part in our readers’ survey (see results on pages 10 and 11). James said: “It only took a few minutes to fill in the survey online – I’m delighted to have won!”
The Oslo bed frame comes with either a soft or firm mattress
Winter 2015
www.scambs.gov.uk
29
Young People
South Cambs Magazine
Youth Council makes its mark Our Youth Council recently led the coordination of the UK Youth Parliament’s national Make Your Mark Campaign in Cambridgeshire. The Youth Council joined the Youth Parliament this year. The organisation provides opportunities for 11-18 year olds to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning. The Make Your Mark campaign is their annual public ballot to determine what is debated by MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament) in the House of Commons. The ballot showed the top three issues for young people in our county were:
1) The Living Wage
2) Transport
3) Mental Health
These are some of the issues that our new and existing youth council will be exploring for the remainder of 2015 and in 2016. They will also be involved in a number of Council initiatives, from influencing our five year plan, to helping judge the Community Awards, and helping plan our annual Parklife event. yCllr Eleanor Harris, who led the campaign, said: “The Youth Council offers young people lots of opportunities to improve their personal skills and their communities. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved this year and I’m looking forward to next year. I hope lots of new youth yCllr Tom Mayer, yCllr Eleanor Harris councillors will join us.” MYP and yCllr Helen Grant If you would like to contact the Youth Council, or get involved, contact us via: @southcambsyc
www.facebook.com/SCYouthCouncil
Youthcouncil@scambs.gov.uk
LOVING TRUSTING SHARING
Elsworth C.E. (A) Primary School is a friendly village school set in an attractive rural village about 10 miles north-west of Cambridge. Our catchment area serves the villages of Elsworth, Boxworth, Knapwell and Conington, as well as attracting many families from further afield. Our school is committed to providing an excellent standard of education and we constantly strive to provide a rich school environment which values, supports and encourages all the achievements of our children. For more information about our School please visit our website http://www.elsworthprimaryschool.org If you would like to enquire about vacancies or arrange a visit please contact the School office – we look forward to meeting you. Telephone 01954 267272 Email office@elsworth.cambs.sch.uk
I THOUGHT I NEEDED
A NEW KITCHEN UNTIL I DISCOVERED...
THE WORKTOP THAT FITS ON TOP Over 50 colours to choose from all fully fitted by us!
We also fit new kitchen doors! Visit our showroom, or call to book a free home consultation, and we’ll show you how easy it is to transform your kitchen with our granite, quartz, recycled glass and porcelain worktops.
Call now 01223 915 899 At Granite Transformations we offer a complete package for updating your surfaces, splashbacks, doors and appliances. Fitting a new worktop is fast and effective with each top custom made to your exact requirements. There is no need to remove old worktops, we simply fit directly over your existing surfaces, guaranteeing complete peace of mind from start to finish. To complete the look, we also supply and install made-to-measure kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts, in a wide choice of colours, finishes and styles. Cambridge Showroom: 01223 915 899 53 High Street, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9HZ Open 10am - 5pm Mon to Sat, Closed Sun
www.granitetransformations.co.uk/cambridge
South Cambs Magazine
Community
Winter BikeBus changes The timetable may have changed for winter, but the BikeBus Explorer is still a great way to get out and enjoy our beautiful countryside, or nip into Cambridge for the day.
If you’re travelling from villages towards Cambridge, you’ll have the same access to both the countryside and the City centre as before. You’ll have plenty of time to get out and explore woodlands, footpaths and cycleways, or to shop, browse a market or take in a museum. In Cambridge the BikeBus stops within a five minute walk of Kings Parade, so you won’t need to worry about parking. The £2.50 Day Explorer for under 18s may mean that parents can be let off taxi duties too! For passengers catching the bus from Cambridge out into the villages, a reduced service reflects the shorter winter opening hours for Wimpole Estate. For more news and information visit www.scambs.gov.uk/bikebus-explorer or follow our BikeBus Explorer Cambridgeshire Facebook page.
Local companies Ben Hayward Cycles and the Cambridge Raincoat Company recently showed just how stylish using the BikeBus Explorer can be thanks to the loan of the Pashley bicycles, clothing and models
Winter 2015
www.scambs.gov.uk
33
Community
South Cambs Magazine
Keep warm this winter
Winter weather increases ill health amongst older people, and higher energy bills stretch many household’s incomes. A little planning could help you stay warm and save money: call your energy provider to check you’re on their cheapest tariff tell them if you’re of pensionable age, disabled or have a long-term illness - you may qualify for extra help check rates using a comparison website like the ones below, then call your provider to ask if they’ll match the best deal:
gas and electricity: www.energycompare.citizensadvice.org.uk or www.goenergyshopping.co.uk
heating oil: www.oil-club.co.uk or www.boilerjuice.co.uk
if you don’t have internet access, call the Citizens Advice Consumer line on 03454 04 05 06 for help improve your home’s insulation, visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/domestic or call 0300 123 1234 for advice If you need more help or are worried about money, contact your local Citizens Advice who can support you and may identify other help you’re entitled to as well.
Help with heating costs Winter fuel payment: an
annual £100 to £300. Paid in November or December to older people who have previously claimed, receive a state pension or other benefits Cold weather payment: for eligible households on meanstested benefits in areas where ‘exceptionally cold weather’ is forecast or has occurred Warm home discount: reduction on electricity bills - £140 in 2015-16. You will be eligible if you receive the guarantee credit element of pension credit on the qualifying day.
Drop-in locations Limes Community Centre Girton Community Centre
Bassingbourn
Second Thursday each month
2pm to 3.30pm
Girton
Wednesday
1pm to 4pm
Melbourn
first and third Thursday each month
9.30am to midday
Royston
Monday and Wednesday 9.30am to midday
Town Hall
Sawston
Friday
John Huntingdon Charity
9.30am to 12.30pm
Community Hub
Call or make an appointment Cambridge City
03448 487 979
Monday to Friday
2pm to 4pm
North Herts
03444 111444
Monday to Friday
10am to 4pm
01440 762194
Thursday and Friday
1.30pm to 3pm
01799 618840
Monday to Friday
9.30am to 3.30pm
Suffolk West in Haverhill Uttlesford in Saffron Walden
One visitor to North Herts Citizens Advice tells us how she made a significant saving on her oil bills:
“Whilst talking to Citizens Advice, I mentioned being worried about the amount of heating oil I was going to use this winter. The lady I was speaking to asked if I had ever checked the price I was paying. I know it sounds silly, but it had never crossed my mind. Within five minutes she checked a comparison site and called my normal provider who agreed to match the best rate. I was shocked to find out that I would have paid 16p more a litre if I hadn't got it checked.”
34 www.scambs.gov.uk
Winter 2015
BATHROOM
Shelford Heating is one of the largest privately owned companies in Cambridgeshire undertaking around 10000 jobs annually within a 30 mile radius – we are proud of our immediate attention 7 days a week - all year round. Specialising in service and maintenance of all types of heating whether this is fuelled by Gas, Oil, LPG, Electric and Biomass all by directly employed, manufacturer trained and Gas Safe/ OFTEC registered technicians. We also undertake general plumbing and are pleased to offer a full design and installation service for your new bathroom from start to finish. We are fully conversant with the design and installation of heating systems, using the latest heating controls and modern condensing boilers as well as heat pumps and biomass boilers.
HEATING
PLUMBING
RENEWABLE
Our Commercial Gas Technicians can service and repair your heating appliances in your Business/Commercial/School premises and several of our staff have full CRB disclosure. Our in house design team can cater for any design or application within the commercial and domestic markets for your plumbing and heating requirements including renewable systems. We believe in quality, reliability and our reputation as market leaders is important to our business - and letters of praise from happy clients is what we strive for. If you are a School, College, Business,Letting Agents, Commercial Premise or Private Homeowner we can help you. As we say – More Than Just a Service.
Call 01223 833 426 • sales@shelfordheating.co.uk • shelfordheating.co.uk
Shop at Emmaus and you can help change lives! Emmaus Cambridge provides a home for people who are working their way out of homelessness. Every time you buy from Emmaus or donate items for us to sell, you’re helping to give someone a fresh start. Find us just off the A10 at Landbeach.
Discounts available for those in need.
Donate or buy pre-loved Books, CDs, DVDs • Bric-a-brac • Clothing • Electrical items • Furniture Household goods • Retro/vintage items • Shabby Chic To donate items ring 01223 863657 ext 225
Bri adve ng this r and t with y rec ou off y eive 10% our purc total hase (one ! us e on
ly)
Delivery service • Free collections • Coffee Shop Shop open: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm
Emmaus Cambridge, Green End, Landbeach, Cambridge CB25 9FD Telephone: 01223 863657 • www.emmauscambridge.org Registered charity 1064473 Company 3422363 VAT no. 70 2092 00 Member of
South Cambs Magazine
Community
Who is your community superhero? We’re calling on local people to nominate the unsung heroes who go the extra mile to make your village a fantastic community.
The call comes as nominations for our annual community awards open - our way of saying thank you to the amazing individuals, groups, and businesses that make our district one of the best places to live and work in the country. The community awards have been a huge success in previous years, and thanks to our generous sponsor Hill, next year will be even bigger and better. Cllr Mick Martin, the cabinet member who oversees the awards, said: “Local people and businesses are what The awards categories for the event in March 2016 are: make a community, and it’s important that we celebrate Village Hero all their dedication and hard work. Please make sure Parish Councillor of the Year you nominate the deserving people, organisations and Outstanding Youth Initiative (voted for by the Youth Council) businesses in your area.” Outstanding Local Service/Amenity The deadline for nominations is Friday 15 January. Environment Award Wellbeing Award Further information: visit www.scambs.gov.uk/community-awards email kirstin.donaldson@scambs.gov.uk Sponsored by call 01954 712908
Parklife 2016
Parklife, our annual free family fun day at Milton Country Park, will be back by popular demand on Sunday 17 July. Organised in partnership with Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust, Parklife is our biggest event of the year, attracting crowds of over 5,000. Visitors have the opportunity to try a range of sports as well as to explore a variety of other ways to improve their health and wellbeing. There is always a lot to see and do, so save the date now. Last year’s event saw visitors taking to the lake on paddleboards, canoes and kayaks as well as trying their hand at archery, climbing and rugby on dry land. Little ones enjoyed den building, inflatables and crafts. In the Entertainment Zone we showcased local talent and visitors could join in with dance demonstrations. We also had a Cycling Zone with a wide range of bikes for visitors to jump on board, from multi-person, recumbent, balance Last year Ben Hayward Cycles sponsored the Cycling and all-ability bikes to pedal-powered Scalextric and Zone and saw people visit the shop wanting to take up smoothie makers. cycling on the basis of what they experienced on the day
Sponsorship opportunities
Parklife has grown over the years to become an established brand and with next year’s event in the planning, details of our sponsorship packages are now available. There is something for every budget. For more information visit www.scambs.gov.uk/parklife or contact Clare Gibbons on clare.gibbons@scambs.gov.uk or 01954 713290
Winter 2015
www.scambs.gov.uk
37
South Cambs Magazine
Community
Commemorating 70th anniversary of VJ Day Veterans and councillors paid a permanent tribute to those who served in the UK Armed Forces in the Far East at a special ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day. At our event, veterans from around the district, led by the Royal British Legion and Burma Star standard bearers, and Bury St Edmunds’ Boy’s Brigade Band, marched around the civic square outside our Cambourne offices. This was followed by a moving service led by Reverend Alan F Jesson TD, Cambridgeshire County Chaplain for the Royal British Legion, and the official unveiling of a permanent commemorative plaque in the atrium of South Cambridgeshire Hall. VJ Day, on Wednesday 15 August 1945, marked the end of WWII. The war in Europe ended in early May, but continued in the Far East until the Japanese surrendered on 14 August 1945, following the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Chairman, Cllr Sue Ellington, said: “The event gave us all a great opportunity to pay a lasting tribute to all those who fought and were affected by the war. It was a very moving day that gave the veterans an opportunity to meet and share their memories and stories with each other.” Peter Tilbury, Bomber Command Veteran from Cottenham, said: “The event was a good social occasion and a great chance to meet and talk to the other veterans, most of which I had never met before the day. The bands were very good, the sun shone and we were very well looked after.” A programme of events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of WWII is taking place across the county coordinated by Cambridgeshire County Council. More information can be found by visiting www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ww2.
The commemorative plaque was unveiled by Captain Victor Lucas, High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire
Winter 2015
www.scambs.gov.uk
39
Community
South Cambs Magazine
Stay safe this festive season It's the time of year when many people are enjoying a tipple with friends, visiting elderly relatives, cooking heaps of delicious food and decking the halls. Although the vast majority of people have an enjoyable festive season, for some the festive cheer can go up in smoke. To make sure you have a safe season the fire service have some top tips:
take care of the elderly and vulnerable this Christmas; make sure they have working smoke alarms on each floor and know what to do if a fire were to break out kitchens are a fire hotspot, so take care while cooking festive fancies. Never leave cooking unattended and turn off appliances when not in use switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you leave the house or go to bed. Make sure they confirm to the British Standard and never overload plug sockets be careful when drinking alcohol while smoking or cooking finally, make sure you have a working smoke alarm which is correctly fitted and works. And never take the batteries out to power presents! To find out if you are eligible for a free home fire safety check, call 0800 917 99 94. You can also find the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service on Facebook and @cambsfrs on Twitter and Instagram
Stay well this winter
In the past year as many as one in four residents in Cambridgeshire visited A&E when they could have used an alternative service or looked after themselves at home. Each visit to A&E costs the local NHS £87, and that’s before any treatment is given. When you look at the figures, this costs the local NHS over £4million a year. In turn this is the equivalent cost of 677 hip replacements, 287 liver transplants or 115 more dementia nurses. Using A&E when you don’t need to can also have a knock-on effect on the rest of a hospital. Busy A&E departments resulted in 500 cancelled operations and procedures because a bed was no longer available, extending waiting and referral times. But you can help stay healthy - get a flu vaccination if you are eligible look after others - check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbours especially in spells of cold weather, help them to keep warm and have the medication they might need be prepared - get your prescriptions in early before the holidays and see your pharmacist or GP for any issues you might be putting off choose the right service - your local pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without having to wait for a GP appointment. For help with finding local NHS services visit www.cambsandpeterboroughchoosewell.co.uk
40 www.scambs.gov.uk
Winter 2015
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. RHI tariffs The tariff levels are 7.42 p/kWh for air-to-water heat pumps and 19.51 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.
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. Daikin UK’s RHI Ready Renewable Heating Solutions Daikin UK has a range of RHI-ready
Elliotts Unit 44 Viking Way Bar Hill Cambridge CB23 8EL 01954 202 020 0781 089 7715 email: sales@tcrec.co.uk www.tcrec.co.uk
This is all subject to government review.
C: £1,925
C: £1,925
C: £1,925 B: £2,300 A: £3,120
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 is taken from your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), although its design efficiency (seasonal performance factor) is also used to calculate payments.
renewable heating systems. All Daikin Altherma air-to-water heat pumps and solar thermal systems are MCS accredited. You can choose from highefficiency Low Temperature Split, Low Temperature Monobloc, Hybrid, High Temperature Split (max 50°C space heating design flow temperature) and Solar Thermal DHW systems, to get the most efficient solution for your home. Elliotts – Your local specialist heat pump installer • Daikin specialist heating partner • Fully working renewable energy centre in Bar Hill • Ground and air source heat pumps • Air conditioning • Underfloor heating • Full plumbing and electrical services • Free estimates
B: £4,600
B: £3,450 A: £4,680
A: £6,240
*Please refer to the Homeowner Guide on www.daikin.co.uk/rhi for further details on the technical assumptions
Community
South Cambs Magazine
Community Transport on the rise Community car schemes offer local people a vital service, helping them get to appointments, the shops or to see friends when other means of transport may not be an option.
These schemes rely on scores of volunteer drivers who use their own cars to offer lifts to those who need them. Passengers pay a small cost towards the cost of the journey which is then topped up by Cambridgeshire County Council to make sure the driver is not out of pocket. For drivers, the motivation for getting involved is all about the sense of fulfilment gained from providing a service that is so highly valued. We know that in the last year alone, car schemes in our district made 30,000 journeys possible for local people, clocking up over 215,000 miles. Since 2012, the number of journeys made by community car schemes has increased by 20 per cent. The extent to which these services are used in South Cambridgeshire is clearer following a recent survey undertaken by Care Network - a charity working to develop and support car schemes across the district. The aim of the survey was to understand how passengers are using these services, the pressures experienced by community car schemes, and what help is needed if demand continues to grow. The survey results show that there are currently 55 car scheme coordinators running 28 schemes across the district and 337 volunteer drivers. Hazel Swindells, of Hardwick, said: “I know that the lifts I provide make a huge difference to people. Making it possible for them to go to the doctor or to nip to the shops, helping them to stay independent and remain in their own homes. As drivers, we get to know our regular clients and they often become friends too.” Jean Perkins, of Hardwick, said: “I just wouldn’t be able to get out and about without my local community transport scheme. The driver is ever so friendly and always helps bring my shopping indoors for me. I don’t imagine I could continue to live in the village without the support of the scheme.”
For the details of your nearest community car scheme, you can view the South Cambridgeshire Transport Directory at www.scambs.gov.uk/community-transport To join the army of volunteers, contact Jane Johannessen at CareNetwork on jane.j@care-network.org.uk or 01954 211919.
42 www.scambs.gov.uk
Winter 2015
Community
South Cambs Magazine
More South Cambs residents will get better broadband South Cambridgeshire residents waiting for better broadband can be reassured that they have not been left out of the roll-out programme. The first phase of the superfast broadband roll-out is on track to reach more than 100 parish areas by the end of this year, which means over 27,000 premises can upgrade to high speed fibre packages. However, more work is needed to connect those that are harder to reach, or where coverage and speed is not as good as anticipated after cabinets have gone live. Cambridgeshire County Council’s Connecting Cambridgeshire programme is using additional Government funding to extend the roll-out to improve broadband coverage and speeds during follow-on phases in 2016-2017. The programme is working with BT to find the best solutions to connect as many places as possible with fibre. New combined copper and fibre cabinets will be used to connect premises in the parish areas of Carlton, Conington, Hatley, Kingston, Knapwell, Little Wilbraham, and West Wickham by the end of 2016. Additional fibre broadband is also being planned to improve coverage and fill gaps in 20 South Cambs parish areas during follow on phases.
Look out for this sticker showing when a new cabinet is live with fibre broadband
Check the map and ‘my area’ pages at www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk for the latest updates and advice on getting superfast broadband.
Accountants
Small Businesses Self Assessment Personal Taxation
Accounts • Bookkeeping • VAT • Payroll • CIS Tax Returns • Tax Calculations Lettings • Higher-rate Tax Payers
TPaccounts.co.uk
Housing
South Cambs Magazine
Keeping our building programme on site
We’re taking stock of plans to build thousands of new council houses across the district after a Government budget announcement in the summer meant the money we have to invest is set to be cut.
The Government announced this summer that rents for Council tenants will be cut by 1% from April – good news on the face of it for people living in one of our homes. However, the small cut in rent has a big impact on our 30 year business plan as the cumulative effect means we will collect £134 million less in rent. This money had been earmarked to help us deliver the biggest building programme of new council houses in two generations.
We are still on site
We are currently on site building 20 new council homes at Swavesey, and a further four in Linton. In addition, we have a 15 home scheme in Foxton that we are aiming to start early in 2016 along with a site in Gamlingay that we are looking to redevelop. We are also pursuing a site opportunity with a local developer that would add a further 14 new council homes to this total, starting on site in 2016 and completing in 2017. Future plans beyond these are difficult to finance and at this stage are unlikely to progress as planned. Cllr Mark Howell, cabinet member for housing said: “The cut in rent is a backward step for our communities as the money we would have collected was due to be invested in building much-needed high quality new social homes. We have been to see the Government’s housing minister with our local MP, Heidi Allen, to state the special case we have in the area due to the growth taking place, the high cost of housing and new jobs being created. We will continue to fight for the freedom and funding to do what is best locally and are also looking at other more innovative ways to fund the continued building of affordable housing.” What the homes we’re planning in Foxton could look like
44
www.scambs.gov.uk
Our 20 home development in Swavesey is well on the way
A new way of working - the Housing Development Agency In a bid to find new ways of delivering more affordable housing we have teamed up with Cambridge City and Cambridgeshire County Councils. This partnership is looking to bring together land in public ownership, expertise in delivering and managing housing and the skills needed to secure investment. The partnership is part of the work the councils are involved in through the Greater Cambridge City Deal which also includes the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership and Cambridge University. The ambition is for the partnership to find suitable sites and take them through every step from planning and consultation, to delivery and handing over the keys.
Winter 2015
Housing
South Cambs Magazine
Tenant honoured for being brave lifesaver One of our tenants has been recognised for bravery by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service after pulling a woman from a burning caravan.
Nelson Smith, who lives on the Blackwell traveller site off the A14 near Milton, picked up the Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation after seeing thick smoke billowing from a nearby caravan and jumping into action to help. Without thinking of his own life, he selflessly leapt toward the caravan and banged on the door before heading inside and ushering a woman to safety. He then ran back to get a fire extinguisher, but by the time he returned to the scene of the incident, the roaring flames had enveloped the caravan - the very same caravan he had been inside just seconds earlier. Nelson then pulled two other caravans to safety away from the fire. When the fire service reached the scene the fire had totally ravaged Nelson Smith was presented with his award by the caravan and had severely damaged two adjoining buildings. Chief Fire Officer Graham Stagg and BBC Cllr Mark Howell, cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m so pleased Look East presenter Janine Machin Nelson’s bravery has been recognised by the fire service. Without his quick thinking the consequences would have been unthinkable. He is quite simply a lifesaver.” Nelson was put forward and narrowly missed out on the Adult Hero Award at the fire service’s national awards.
The South Cambridge Estate Agents. +44 (0) 1223 508050 40 High Street Trumpington Cambridge CB2 9LS www.cookecurtis.co.uk
Environmental Health
South Cambs Magazine
Festive taxi safety tips Always use a licensed taxi
Never share a taxi with a stranger
Check the vehicle has come from the company you booked it with and that the driver is wearing photo ID
Check that the vehicle’s number plate displays its licence number and the logo of the issuing council.
When you book, make sure no one can overhear you giving your name and address to avoid unlicenced drivers turning up and pretending to be your taxi
Agree the fare in advance when you book and make sure you have the means to pay, or your taxi driver can call the police
If you feel threatened or uncomfortable for any reason, ask the driver to stop in a busy area, pay your fare and get out of the car For a full register of licensed operators, vehicles and drivers visit www.scambs.gov.uk/content/taxi-licences
Tipping point
Dumping rubbish in the countryside is illegal. It spoils our villages, annoys local people and costs money to clear up. We investigate every incident of fly tipping, and can prosecute both the people who dump it and anyone who paid for it to be illegally taken away in the first place. Following a spate of incidents at a car park near to Pickering Wood nature reserve in Whaddon, our enforcement officers are working with the Parish Council to make it clear to tippers that dumping rubbish in the village - or any village - isn’t something they’ll get away with. Previous prosecutions include a Guilden Morden resident who had to pay £520 to cover our clearance and court costs, and a fly tipper who was ordered to pay over £1,000 in fines and costs, plus disqualified from driving as they had used their car to transport the rubbish. Cllr Mick Martin, councillor in charge of environmental health, said: “It’s vital that all residents use local recycling centres or authorised waste carriers to get rid of rubbish. There is simply no excuse for junk being fly-tipped in our area.” Licensed waste carriers can be checked at www.environment-agency.gov.uk or by calling 08708 506 506. If you see someone in the act of fly tipping call the Police on 999. To report dumped rubbish visit www.scambs.gov.uk and click on ‘Report It’ or call 03450 450 063.
46
www.scambs.gov.uk
Winter 2015
Advertisement feature
ENTERPRISE PROPERTY GROUP
ROSE LANE GREAT CHESTERFORD SAFFRON WALDEN CB10 1PN
HERITAGE EPGL.CO.UK
Computer generated images
GREAT CHESTERFORD’S BEST KEPT SECRET Four large five bedroom detached houses in Rose Lane, Great Chesterford, built in the Arts and Crafts style of architecture, benefit from superb local amenities and connections, proximity to Cambridge city centre, and an idyllic backdrop of rolling countryside. All have accommodation over three floors incorporating those additional areas that are so desired, but not often found, including snug, study/home office, laundry room, family room, boot room, dressing rooms, store rooms and understairs cupboards, and walk-in larder.
Situated on a private road and approached through electric gates, where the double garages and gravel driveways provide ample parking, each spectacular property has a timeless, elegant façade and private gardens. They also boast energy-efficient features, including solar-powered electricity, spacious interiors, and impeccable specification throughout, designed with modern living in mind. The individually designed kitchens have handlefree cabinets and book-matched doors, Quooker taps, range cookers and an array of Siemens integrated appliances. Sleek white sanitaryware graces the beautiful bathrooms, which also have vanity units, Porcelanosa floor and wall tiling, underfloor heating, and large fixed mirrors. The many finishing touches include underfloor heating to the ground floors, feature open fireplaces in the drawing and dining rooms, oak staircases, and smart technology to provide multi-room entertainment.
Best Residential Development in Essex At Rose Lane, you can have the best of both worlds – a tranquil village setting but with speedy connection to a wider range of amenities. With Great Chesterford Station less than a mile away, there is easy access to an excellent choice of cultural and leisure pursuits in historical Cambridge. Services also run to Stansted Airport, Tottenham Hale and London Liverpool Street. The quaint market town of Saffron Walden, with its many delightful small shops and antique outlets, is also nearby, within a ten-minute drive.
This collection of stunning family homes by Enterprise Property Group Limited (“EPGL”) has recently won a Five-Star Gold Award for Best Residential Development Essex in the UK Property Awards 2015/16. The scheme has also been nominated for Best Residential Development United Kingdom and could go on to the final stage of the competition later this year. Hattie Bacon, Sales and Marketing Director for EPGL, who accepted the award on behalf of the company at a ceremony held at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square in Mayfair said, “We are very proud to have received this prestigious award for our Rose Lane project. It is a major achievement for our company and everyone involved in the scheme.”
FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF THE ROSE LANE PROPERTIES,
CONTACT SAVILLS ON 01223 347000.