Improving the green area on Cambridge Road/ Roman Hill

/in News /by Shelley Arora-Tailby

As those of you who follow the parish council’s minutes will remember, a speculative application was made in August for a grant from the Shared Prosperity Fund for monies to improve the green area at the Roman Hill end of Cambridge Road, with a view to improving the sound and pollution barrier whilst creating an attractive area for residents (and wildlife) to enjoy. We make many such applications a year and are sadly rarely successful but this time, our application worked.

A representative from South Cambridgeshire District Council visited the site last week with two landscape professionals to review the existing plants and trees and to see what improvements could be made. It is their intention to preserve and tidy all healthy trees and to add to the existing planting to enhance its screening properties, with the hope of a creating a community area benefitting the houses nearby and indeed the wider village.

The team are busily drawing up proposals as we speak and will kindly present these plans to the residents at 6.30pm on 7 January 2025 at the village hall (prior to the parish council public meeting at 7.30pm) – you are all most welcome to attend and to share your thoughts.

Thank you from the Barton residents and Parish Council

/in News, Urgent /by Shelley Arora-Tailby

Five years ago, during the first frightening and lonely Christmas of the Covid 19 pandemic, four kind and community-spirited volunteers planned a safe and law-abiding Christmas celebration, outside of course, to bring Barton together and to bring light and Christmas magic into those dark days.

Organised entirely independently of any organisation, these people donated a huge tree, lights, decorations, many batteries and the refreshments for the eventual tree-lighting ceremony. They also put the tree up and decorated it- no mean feat given its size  –  and bought, prepared and served the refreshments on the night. And so a village tradition was born – whilst the parish council now donates the money for the tree, all remaining costs in time and money are met by volunteers and their families. Residents’ voluntary contributions during the tree lighting ceremony have all been donated to the playground equipment fund, Barton Primary School, and East Anglian Children’s Hospices (EACH), raising over £400 in the past two years.

A true mark of success is others following suit, something which this Christmas has spread to Comberton. Whilst their professionally installed and decorated tree might shine brighter (for a rumoured 4 figure sum), we believe ours, donated, decorated and celebrated by the people of our village, means considerably more.

So thank you, on behalf of Barton Parish Council, for the selfless efforts of those few to bring Christmas joy to us all. It is sincerely and deeply appreciated.

The Hoops – an asset of community value

/in News /by Shelley Arora-Tailby

We are delighted to inform you that our application to register the Hoops as an asset of community value has been approved. Too few traditional pubs have survived these past few years and we are very proud to have positively taken steps to protect not one but both of the pubs in Barton.

Landlord, Neil Kirkland, has put our community at the heart of his plans since taking over the pub and its successful registration is thanks to him and his enthusiastic and imaginative endeavours.

Our thanks go also to all who signed petitions, shared posts and wrote testimonials in support of the application: it has been a privilege to read the stories of the role that the Hoops has played in our residents’ lives. The engagement of the village in protecting the pub was specifically mentioned in the decision.

Police and Crime Plan for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

/in News /by Andrew Martin

Following a period of extensive consultation, Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston has launched a new Police and Crime Plan for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The Plan sets strategic policing objectives for the next three years and focuses on four key areas of priority under an overarching banner of safe communities.

A copy of the Plan is available on the Commissioner’s website: opcc-police-and-crime-plan—2025-2028—final.pdf and anyone requesting a printed copy can do so by contacting the Commissioner’s office: ku.ecilop.sbmac@ccp-sbmac or telephone 0300 333 3456.

I would be grateful if you could share the Plan with your local residents.

Keep your home safe from burglars this Christmas

/in News /by Andrew Martin

Following recent reports of burglaries, we are urging you to make sure your property is secure.

 

Here’s a few ways to keep your home protected:

 

  • Consider installing CCTV or a ring doorbell, this can act as a deterrent for anyone trying their luck!
  • Ensure your garden gates are secure and locked when you are away
  • Install sensor lighting outside in a yard or garden allowing someone to be clearly seen.
  • Use indoor timers for lights and lamps inside your home at pre-set times when you’re away
  • Consider installing an accredited burglar alarm system

Make sure to check in with your neighbours and look out for each other over the next few weeks.

 

If something doesn’t seem right, then it probably isn’t, call the police on 101 or if you believe a crime is taking place, always call 999.

 

For more advice on how to keep your home safe, head to our website here.

Cybercrime Survey

/in News /by Andrew Martin

Along with our Cyberhood Watch partner, Avast, we are launching the latest Cybercrime Survey which will help us understand the impact of online crime and scams on our members. There’s also the opportunity of winning some very useful M&S vouchers!

 

Enter now

 

The findings of the survey will be used to inform the ongoing Cyberhood Watch awareness initiatives and help our Cyberhood Watch Ambassadors. It will also draw attention to important topics which will help everyone protect themselves – and their loved ones – from cyber criminals.

 

The survey will close on Friday 15 December – we’d really love to hear your views and of course, we will load the report onto our website once it is available so you can take a look for yourself!

 

Thanks in advance for your support in the fight against cybercrime in the UK.

Barton’s 2024 Advent Calendar: A Daily Surprise Awaits!

/in News, Urgent /by Shelley Arora-Tailby

Join Us in Celebrating the Countdown to Christmas!

Starting December 1st, Barton kick’s off it’s 24-Day Countdown to Christmas! Each day until December 24th, a new enchanting window, garden, or hedge will be unveiled around the village, showcasing a unique Christmas or winter scene. Once unveiled, these festive displays will remain on view throughout the entire month of December for everyone to enjoy. Gather your family and friends to marvel at the creativity of your wonderful neighbours as we celebrate the season together!

Where to find the advent displays: The festive displays will be located at the following locations around the village:

  1. Post Office, New Road
  2. New Road
  3. Church Lane
  4. New Road
  5. Kings Grove
  6. High Street
  7. Comberton Road
  8. Comberton Road
  9. Kings Grove
  10. Kings Grove
  11. Comberton Road
  12. Cambridge Road
  13. Comberton Road
  14. School Lane
  15. New Road
  16. Comberton Road
  17. Kings Grove
  18. Ivy Field
  19. Wimpole Road
  20. Ivy Field
  21. St. Peters Church
  22. Comberton Road
  23. Mailes Close
  24. High Street

Additional Festive Activities in Barton

/in News /by Andrew Martin

December 16th at 3.30pm Children’s Christmas Crafts & Activities Event at Barton Baptist Church.

December 22nd at 10.30 am Christmas Crib/Nativity Service at Barton Baptist Church followed by mince pies & refreshments.

All welcome.

Many thanks, Revd. Sally

Barton Village 2024 Christmas Festivities

/in News /by Shelley Arora-Tailby

JOIN US – Sunday 1st December, 4-6pm: The lights go ‘on’

The Barton Christmas Spirit Committee is delighted to invite you all to the annual Christmas tree lighting and carols by Barton Primary School.

Date & Time: Sunday, December 1st, 4 PM to 6 PM
Location: By the village pond

Come and enjoy mulled wine, mince pies, and a visit from Father Christmas himself. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share in the festive cheer and celebrate with our community.

We hope you can join us!

 

December dates for your diary

30th November – 1st December, 10am-4pm: Christmas begins at Burwash.

1st December 4-6pm: Official lighting of the Village Christmas tree on the village green by the pond. Everyone is welcome to join for mulled wine, mince pies and wonderful Christmas cheer. Barton Primary School Choir will be singing and Father Christmas will be stopping by for a visit.

The first advent display will be illuminated to mark the start of the advent trail around the village.

6th December, 5-7pm: Barton Primary School will be hosting their annual Christmas fair. All are welcome.

7th December, 7pm: St Peter’s Church Quiz Night. Tickets are required in advance. Please refer to the Parish magazine for further details.

10th December, 2pm: Barton Primary School choir will be singing at Burwash Manor.

17th December: Barton Primary School choir will be a-carolling around the village from 2pm. This is weather dependent, and we will keep you informed of changes via the website.

22nd December, 6.30pm: Christmas Carol Service St. Peter’s Church.

Green Bins Emptied?

/in News, Urgent /by Andrew Martin

Having complained to SCDC, my Green Bin was emptied today. I spoke to the crew and it seems that some bins were not emptied because there should be a permit displayed for a second bin. It also seems that they have some issues with shared drives and recognizing houses and bins. I suggest that bins are clearly labelled with house numbers and that second bins display the permits. Please pass this on to neighbours.