“Being a District Councillor is rarely dull and since my last report, there has been plenty to keep me busy on behalf of local residents and the wider district; these are just some of the issues I have been working on.
FLY TIPPING
Incidents seem to have lessened but I continue to check on local hotspots and make report problems to Huntingdonshire District Council
With a view to prosecution, the Council Enforcement Team look for evidence when they receive reports of fly tips, which can be logged via https://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/streets-parking/report-a-street-issue/
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
I attended the meeting in the village hall regarding the application for an anaerobic digester just over the border in Northamptonshire and was interested to listen to the listen to the views expressed. I have commented on the application on the North Northants Council website, including raising my concerns about the possible increase in traffic movements, should this application be passed.
GREAT GIDDING SCHOOL CLOSURE
Although this wasn’t a District Council decision, I was consulted and made my objections to the closure known in writing and along with my County Councillor colleagues, Ian Gardener and Simon Bywater, I spoke at the County Council meeting where the decision to close the school was taken.
Along with my fellow ward District Councillor Marge Beuttell, I attended the meeting in the school; I also attended the subsequent meeting held in the village hall. Thank you to the residents who emailed me or spoke to me in person about the closure, most of whom were against.
GREEN BIN CHARGE
As a member of the District Council Panel, which is scrutinising the plans to introduce a separate charge for collecting garden waste bins, I will continue to monitor the implentation and results of this policy.
For anyone who wants to continue to have their garden bins emptied after 1st April 2024, a charge will be payable – which will be in addition to council tax bills. I didn’t vote to implement this scheme and remain unconvinced it will bring the financial benefits predicted and concerned about possible negative environmental implications.
Initial details about the scheme should be included in the bin hanger, which gives details of the Christmas Refuse Collection date changes.
WORKING TOGETHER
A few weeks ago, Councillor Marge Beuttell and I arranged a liaison meeting for the Chairs and Clerks of the various Parish Councils and Parish Meetings in our district council ward.
The meeting took place at the recently re-opened hotel at Norman Cross; it was well attended and included representatives from Great & Little Gidding and other villages in the ward, which stretches right up to this side of the river at Wandsford.
As well as a chance to share best practice and issues the villages have in common, there was an opportunity to discuss the revision of the Huntingdonshire Local Plan and the implementation of Neighbourhood Plans, with the District Council’s Chief Planning Officer. I am particularly pleased that Great & Little Gidding are one of the Parish Councils in my ward which are working towards a Neighbourhood Plan.
COURTS 4 KIDS @ CHRISTMAS
The District Council’s One Leisure Centres are again set to operate “Courts 4 Kids” during the Christmas school holiday. Details of scheme, which offers discounted rates on hire of courts for and 3G pitches for Under 18s are available via https://www.oneleisure.net/
EMERGENCY HELP OVER CHRISTMAS
Huntingdonshire District Council offices will be closed over Christmas but the Out Of Hours team will still be working and can be contacted on 01480 434167.
With best wishes for a Happy Christmas & New Year.
Tim Alban
District Councillor for Stilton, Folksworth & Washingley Ward
tim.alban@huntingdonshire.gov.uk
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