Expressions of Interest invited for next Grasscutting and Grounds Maintenance contract 

Contact Clerk by 12 December 2022 for further details and schedule.

Closing date for submission tender noon Tuesday 3 January 2023

Making Connections 2022 – Consultation - ends mid-day Friday 23 December 2022

The Greater Cambridge Partnership invites comments on proposals which includes transforming the bus network and access into Cambridge including Addenbrookes and extensive area surrounding the centre.  New bus services effective from mid 2023.  How does this affect you - work, leisure, shopping, education, healthcare, protecting the environment - find out more now

http://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/mc-2022

The Sustainable Travel Zone includes a road user charge. Vehicles would be charged for driving within the zone between 7am and 7pm on weekdays, and money raised would fund improvements to the bus network and other sustainable travel schemes. The Zone would be fully operational in 2027/28 but only once the first bus improvements are introduced.

For further information/queries email consultations@greatercambridge.org.uk

Regular updates www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk and social media @UKPowerNetworks.

UKPN say that their electricity network is built to be resilient but high winds and rain can damage overhead power lines resulting in some customers losing their electricity supply. Where this happens they will work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. They do organise for additional staff in their contact centre to help customers whose electricity supply might be affected by the predicted weather, and call-up additional engineers to carry out repairs to the electricity network.

Anyone experiencing a power cut can:

· Call 105 to report power cuts and damage to the electricity network, or 0800 3163 105 (from a corded phone or mobile phone if you have no power)

· Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk for the latest updates

· Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut and type in their postcode to view our live power cut map

· Tweet @ukpowernetworks to report power cuts or to receive updates

The public are urged to stay well clear from power lines and anyone spotting a damaged power line needs to report it immediately by calling 105 from a landline or mobile phone.

If they see electricity lines that are down or causing significant risk to the public they should call 999.

Households with older or disabled people, those with children under five, or where someone uses medical or mobility equipment that requires electricity as well as other reasons can join the Priority Register. You can find out more information about the Priority Service at their website:ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority .

You are invited to call in for hot drink and guidance for your concerns on 27 October 2022, from 9.30am until 2.00pm at Ely Library, the Cost of Living Drop In Event

Organisations present:  East Cambs Community Advice Service, East Cambs District Council Home Energy Adviser, PECT (warm homes energy advice charity), Cambridgeshire Skills, Anglian Water, P3 (advice on housing, debt and well being), AgeUK, NHS - Stay Well This Winter, Scam Awareness, Job Centre (coach), How Are You (well being) and more...

ECDC normally delivers the black sacks for the ensuing year around October.  They are experiencing a delay of two or three weeks getting the order from their supplier.  If residents need extra sacks to tide them over to delivery of the 2022/23 batch, please contact the Council

Next meeting of the Neighbourhood Plan Working Party scheduled for 

Tuesday 25^th October 2022 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

Cambridgeshire County Council has developed three transport strategies and would like your thoughts

Two district based transport strategies for Fenland and Huntingdonshire, and the Active Travel Strategy for Cambridgeshire - setting out approach for improvements for active travel across the county

https://consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/.

https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/transport-plans-and-policies/cambridgeshire-transport-strategies

see village noticeboard

Consultation events planned across the County.  Coming to Ely Market on Thursday 27 October 2022 from 10am to 3pm

Closing date to complete survey is 7 November 2022

Invitation to tender for design and build of children's play area and outdoor fitness equipment Witcham Recreation Ground

WITCHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Meeting of the Witcham Neighbourhood Plan Working Party

Tuesday 26 July 2022

at 7.30pm

in the Village Hall, Witcham

Do drop in to find out more and share ideas, skills and interests

We shall also be at the Village Hall Afternoon Tea on Sunday 24 July 2022.  Come along for a chat with members of the working party to find out more about the project

LOVE YOUR LOCAL HERITAGE?

Cambridgeshire County Council Local Heritage List Project

                                                            Tell us which

· Buildings and structures

· Archaeological remains

· Parks and gardens

· Landmarks and public art

are important to the character of YOUR local area

Get involved and have your say to help protect your local heritage. Nominate buildings and archaeological sites 

  www.local-heritage-list.org.uk/cambridgeshire

Witcham What's On in the Community. Contact editor whatsoninwitcham@gmail.com

Items of news for the village required by 20th of the month preceding publication

Sign up for digital copy

WITCHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Meeting of the Witcham Neighbourhood Plan Working Party

Tuesday 28 June 2022

at 7.30pm

in the Village Hall, Witcham

Agenda to include appointment of lead for the group, review consultants available to help, fix programme of meetings and plan timeline with next stages - All welcome

Due to staff shortages, some collections have not been completed in some areas of the District.

Please leave your waste presented ready for collection.  ECDC will be working on clearing the outstanding areas as quickly as possible.  Thank you for your patience.

https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/east-cambs-street-scene/waste-service-disruptions 

https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/east-cambs-street-scene/waste-collections-and-street-cleansing  

Greater Cambridge Partnership

A New Road Classification for Cambridge

Consultation 2022 (on-line survey, phone or email)

We are consulting on a new road classification for Cambridge that would change the categorisation of roads in the city, and we want to hear your views to help shape it.

A new road classification for the city gives us an opportunity to make a major change to the way that traffic and people use roads and streets to move around the city. Space on the roads could be freed up for more frequent and reliable public transport. It could also create a safer and more attractive environment for people walking, cycling or using other methods of active travel.

There are six proposed classifications of road. Different means of transport, whether motorised or active, would have different degrees of access to these. You are invited to give your views on the overall approach and the proposed classifications.

See the Brochure and Plan

https://consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/road-network-hierarchy-2022

Find out more at GCP Public Meetings on Zoom on 15 June 2022 5-7pm or 29 June 6-8pm. Or public meeting in person on 4 July 2022 6.30-7.30 at Fenners Gallery, Kelsey Kerridge Sports Hall

CLOSING DATE MONDAY 18 JULY 2022

Inaugural Meeting 7 June 2022 7.30pm Village Hall

The monthly village newsletter is back.  Delivered to each household.  Electronic copy available.

Email whatsoninwitcham@gmail.com if you have events or information to disseminate to residents.

FOR THE ATTENTION OF ALL RESIDENTS

It’s time to think about future DEVELOPMENT for Witcham

Annual Parish Meeting

27 April 2022 Witcham Village Hall 7.30pm

Agenda attached - the future of Witcham

As a result of#StormEunice, heavy rain and high winds are due to arrive on Fri 18^th Feb.@UKPowerNetworks has extra field engineers and call centre staff on hand to support any customers affected. Call 105 to report a powercut or visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut #ukpnnews

Do you, or someone you know, need extra support during a power cut? @UKPowerNetworks provides free services to customers in vulnerable circumstances during a power cut. Visit ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priorityfor more information. #StormEunice #ukpnnews

Proposals and options for changes to 06:52 Ely Zipper service for Witcham.  See attached

Proposals for 3 options for play and outdoor fitness equipment at recreation ground displayed at village hall.

Contact Parish Clerk - clerk@witchamparishcouncil.gov.uk  to obtain questionnaire for your preferred option - Nos. 1, 2 or 3 to feedback your comments - by 9am on 8 February 2022.  Comments will be reviewed at the Council meeting on Wednesday 9 February 2022

Complaints about antisocial behaviour late at night/early hours of the morning on the Elean Business Park  received at January meeting.  Residents had reported on the Cambridgeshire Police 101 live webchat which proved quick and easy, with good response 

Link to Cambs Police online webchat

https://bchpolicesupport.imsupporting.com/welcome3/index.php?id=726201605932&dept=Cambs_101

Recreation Ground/Village Green Works

If you were unable to attend to view and comment on proposals for revamping the children's play areas and outdoor fitness facilities and works at the recreation ground on Friday or Saturday (21 and 22 January) information will be left displayed in the window at the front of the village hall for a few more days or contact the Clerk. Any comments can be sent to clerk@witchamparishcouncil.gov.uk   by 8 February 2022.

The Council aims to submit applications for grants for the development of these projects to meet application deadlines at the of end February/beginning March.

Young people are given the opportunity to have their say

Young people are being asked to share their views on how they spend their leisure time and talk about the impact of COVID-19.

Anyone aged five to 18 can take part in the survey, which can be accessed here:    www.eastcambs.gov.uk/consultations/current-consultations.

Please respond by 24 January 2022

https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/council/communities-localism/consultations

Cambridgeshire County Council, the Lead Local Flood Authority for Cambridgeshire, in consultation with its partner organisations, how flood risk will be managed across Cambridgeshire between 2021 and 2027.

For information about events to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year, including the period 2 - 5 June 2022 visit  https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/council/queens-platinum-jubilee

Residents are reminded to check their waste calendar to find out more about festive bin day changes this Christmas and New Year.

All residents will have their waste collected earlier than scheduled ahead of Christmas Day.

Following Christmas Day, collection dates will be later than usual.

The first earlier services will commence on Saturday, 18 December, instead of Monday, 20 December.

These changes are implemented every year to allow for Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

As previously advised, East Cambs Street Scene are under extra pressure to collect waste as they juggle the effects of COVID-19, combined with a national shortage of HGV drivers.

Black sacks and blue bins will continue to be collected under the normal frequency but on slightly different days, however, ECSS has made the tough decision to temporarily suspend green waste collections from Monday, 13 December to Friday, 28 January inclusive.

All residents are asked to support East Cambs Street Scene during this particularly busy and difficult time by keeping an eye on collection dates and minimising waste where possible.

See ECDC website for more details or the noticeboard at village crossroads

What should you do with your waste:

Cardboard and hard plastic packaging from toys and cards can be recycled.

Embellished or sparkly wrapping paper cannot be recycled and including them in blue bins could potentially contaminate the whole truck’s load.

Plastic containers, tins and bottles should all be washed out before being placed into blue bins for recycling.

To minimise food waste, we are encouraging our residents not to over-shop this festive season and buy only what they need.

Uncooked food waste can be composted.

East Cambs Street Scene will also be collecting real Christmas trees when green bin collections return after Friday, 28 January. If the tree is taller than the bin, it should be cut into pieces no higher than the bin and placed next to the green bin.

Bins and black sacks must be outside residents’ properties by 7am on the day of collection and not before 6pm the day before.

Residents can find details of their bin dates using the‘Find your collection day’ tool on East Cambridgeshire District Council’s website.

Young people are given the opportunity to have their say

Young people are being asked to share their views on how they spend their leisure time and talk about the impact of COVID-19.

Anyone aged 5 to 18 can take part in the survey, which can be accessed here:www.eastcambs.gov.uk/consultations/current-consultations.

The team at East Cambridgeshire Street Scene have been juggling the effects of COVID-19 combined with a national shortage of HGV drivers.  Now with the extra pressure of Christmas and the New Year period which sees blue bin and black sack waste increase substantially, we've made the tough decision to temporarily halt the collection of green waste services.  While BLUE recycling bins and BLACK sacks for non-recyclable waste will continue to be collected as planned, GREEN waste will not be collected from

Monday 13 December 2021 to Friday 28 January 2022 inclusive

PLEASE HELP by

   Showing support for waste operatives

   Reducing food and garden waste

   Home composting

Green waste can also be taken to the Waste Recycling Centre at Witchford

Please be careful if disposing of green waste on bonfires!

https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/east-cambs-street-scene/green-wheeled-bins

https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/east-cambs-street-scene/suspended-green-waste-collections

Message from East Cambs District Council 28.11.21

The Middle Level Commissioners and Cambridgeshire ACRE are asking you to keep an eye out for the invasive weed Floating Pennywort in our waterways. It grows very quickly and can block rivers and drainage channels. At present it is not in our waterways, but it is close by and could arrive any time. Identification and reporting details are on the leaflet. Thank you.

Tree Planting

Recreation Ground 

High Street/Martins Lane

Saturday 6 November 2021 at 9.30pm

Do come along 

Covid vaccinations and community activities

Do you need to renew your bus pass - available online - see attached pdf

Covid-19  Face to face Council meetings resumed at the Village Hall following expiry of the Coronavirus Act 2020 s.78 and The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 in May 2021. Future meetings will comply with the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions operating at the time of each monthly Council meeting. See agendas each month for advice on attendance

Covid-19 Help and Assistance – contact links

Have you and your family completed your survey delivered to your door couple of weeks ago