Barton Bowls Club Finals Day
/in News /by Andrew MartinBarton Bowls Club are holding their finals day on Saturday 3rd September. The car park may be busy.
Wonder of Wood
/in News /by Andrew MartinWonder of Wood will take place again during 10th and 11th September at Burwash Manor.
Ideas for the Pond
/in News /by Andrew MartinWe had an emergency Parish Council meeting last Monday evening (15th August). During the meeting there was a suggestion that the area of the pond closest to the post box and notice board could be enhanced. One suggestion was to put a board-walk close to the water’s edge. We would like thoughts, views, ideas and suggestions on improvements that could be made. Please forward these to the Parish Clerk.
A further update on the village pond
/in News, Urgent /by Andrew MartinThe Parish Council has had the preliminary results from tests conducted on silt samples taken from the pond. These show that the silt in the base of the pond contains a number of heavy metals and hydrocarbons from the road runoff that feeds into the pond. We are in the process of having the contamination levels reviewed to understand where the silt can be lawfully disposed of.
From a human health perspective, this silt should remain in the pond whilst still being investigated.
At this time, we would kindly ask you not to remove any silt from the pond. The risk to your health and of potentially breaking the law is real and serious.
Support for eligible pensioners who are struggling with food and fuel bills
/in News /by Andrew MartinAge UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and Cambridgeshire County
Council are working together to provide support for eligible pensioners
who are struggling with food and fuel bills. We can provide financial
support within a few days and help you find longer-term support if needed.
This isn’t charity – we are using the Government-funded Household Support
Fund to provide this help.
Born before 30 September 1956? We can help
Struggling with your bills?
To apply call 01223 221929
or visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/household-support-fund
Bus Times
/in News /by Andrew MartinThere are two ways to access real time information via a mobile app MyBusTrip or via the website www.cambridgeshirebus.info
EWR LGM & Haslingfield Drop-in
/in News /by Andrew MartinCouncillor Martin attended the EWR Local Representative Group meeting Tuesday 26 July 2022. These groups have been setup by EWR to meet every quarter to discuss the project and any local concerns.
Major points
- EWR are still going through 160,000 points raised from the last consulation
- EWR are still working on the business case to present to Government
- No decision from Secretary of State likely until 2025 (Development Consent Order)
Many of our communities are in limbo until either the project is formally cancelled or the DCO approved. This results in some uncertainty over house sales either by properties being close to proposed routes of EWR or scare mongering create by campaign groups. If you are facing difficulties with mortgages or house sales, please contact EWR for help and advice.
The postponed Haslingfield drop-in has been rescheduled for Friday September 9th at the village hall in Haslingfield between 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm. This is open to all members of the public and is an opportunity to meet the EWR team and review plans that were presented last summer.
Burglary in South Cambridgeshire
/in News /by Andrew MartinBurglary in South Cambs this summer
Over the past four weeks we’ve recorded 10 burglaries or attempted burglaries in South Cambridgeshire.
We’re sure you will agree that is 10 too many.
The incidents include people entering through open or unlocked windows and doors.
We’re also seeing burglars distracting their victims by pretending they are someone they are not to enter homes.
Be alert to suspicious vehicles or unfamiliar faces and remember that if in doubt, keep them out of your homes.
Keep an eye out for elderly neighbours and work with others in your street to keep a look out for each other’s properties when you are away this summer.
Kind Regards,
Detective Sergeant James Rabbett
Southern Acquisitive Crime Team
Update on Village Pond
/in News /by Andrew MartinThe Parish Council has taken further expert advice, and having initially considered leaving the silt (the muddy layer now visible at the bottom of the pond) as it performs the function of a filter, we have been advised that this is a good window of opportunity to remove some of the silt that has built up over time, and therefore both clean and increase the depth of the pond. With greater depth we would have a greater volume of water, which would hopefully fare better during future heatwaves. The pond will then be left to naturally re-fill with rain and run-off water when the weather decides to change. Some villagers may remember the last time de-silting happened in 1995!
A first step in this process is the testing of the silt to ensure it does not contain contaminants (e.g. oils, heavy metals) and, once the Parish Council has the results, we will be able to determine when and by whom the de-silting process can be conducted, and to where we can dispose of it.
By way of an update on the pond wildlife we are pleased to confirm that we didn’t lose all our fish! Sadly a few of the carp did succumb to the high water temperatures, however a team of local volunteers have managed to save around 700 fish and they have been relocated to a temporary rescue tank and seem to be doing well. The ducks, newts, moorhens, toads etc. that have also been inhabiting the pond will find their way to other ponds, of which we know there are many not far from the central village one.
By taking the actions outlined above (and other potential steps to be determined) we hope to be able to mitigate against such extreme water loss in future. Further updates will be released as information is known.
Barton Parish Council