Bad news for bus users

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There’s bad news for bus users in Cottenham and Rampton, Histon and Impington. Residents of Oakington are thankfully spared. And those who live in Orchard Park get a strange temporary arrangement whilst we all wait for the guided bus.

It’s been a double whammy. First off the Tory run County Council has announced that it is cutting all bus subsidies. That’s right: all subsidies. This means that over the next year or so all subsidised routes will be withdrawn unless the operator opts to continue running them on a 100% commercial basis. This means that Histon will lose its Thursday service, the 110, to Ely; and Rampton will lose its three times daily service, the 106, to Ely. And of course people who live on the routes in Cottenham and beyond will lose their service as well. It’s an especially cruel blow for Rampton because the 106 provides a connection to the Stagecoach service which runs into Cambridge. (more…)

Library service review

Details have been announced of Cambridgeshire County Council’s library service review consultation timetable. There will be a series of public meetings including two at the Over conference and community centre on 12 Aug 10 and 14 Sep 10 between 1830 and 2030.

Click here  for information about the Over conference and community centre.

Click here to access the on-line questionnaire.

Cambridge transport debated at Westminster Hall

Cambridge City MP spoke at the recent adjournment debate. He began:

‘I am delighted to have secured this crucial debate, especially as it is the last Westminster Hall debate before the long recess. I apologise, Mr Sheridan, for detaining you and the Minister from the break. Transport affects all my constituents daily, in one way or another, and it is a major concern that is raised constantly by residents and employers. Having spent almost my whole life in Cambridge, and having chaired the Cambridge traffic management committee for many years, I know the problems all too well. However, I am enthusiastic about the opportunities to make transport in Cambridge better for all-for businesses using important freight routes, for commuters who make the daily journey to work, and for tourists who come to enjoy the region’s historical and cultural attractions.’

Click hereto read Julian’s speech in full and the subsequent response from the (Lib Dem) minister.

Small victory for common sense

It was a small victory for common sense this month; and a big benefit for local people.

Residents of High Street, Cottenham are often disturbed by night-time HCV movements. That’s no fun on parts of the street where the road runs literally feet from residents’ front doors. But a little light detective work revealed that the HCVs (lorries to you and me) are coming from Spalding in Lincolnshire to deliver fresh produce to Premier Foods in Histon. Read the rest of this entry.

HCV route consultation

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The County Council has just completed a review of its route network from the point of view of its use by HCVs. The review differentiates between ‘strategic’ and ‘local’ routes. Click here to visit the CCC web-site and view it on line. Alternatively click here for direct access to the map. Note that the consultation runs until 5 Feb 10. Read the rest of this entry.