Work to Start on Haslingfield/Wimpole Road Pavement

/in News /by Andrew Martin

Good Morning,

We’ll be starting the Barton LHI works with de-vegetation on the Haslingfield Road Junction on the 15th March. This will be only for 1 day and with minimal disruption to traffic.

Following this the preliminary dates to start the Signs and Lining is the 23/03 and to start the Civil’s Footpath works is the 28/03, these 2 days are dependent on road space however and I will send out a letter and further email as soon as I have confirmation.

Kind Regards,

 

James Chapman

Assistant Engineer

Highway Projects and Road Safety

Cambridge City and South Team

Cambridgeshire Highways

Warning as Vans Targeted by Thieves

/in News /by Andrew Martin

Warning As Vans Targeted By Thieves Across The County

Dear subscriber,

We have issued a warning and appeal for information following 26 instances where tools have been stolen from vans across Cambridgeshire.

The incidents have all taken place within the last two weeks since 21 February, mostly in Peterborough but spanning the whole county – March, Whittlesey, Somersham, Needingworth, St Ives, Buckden, Warboys, Grafham, Ely, Trumpington, Cambridge, Cottenham, Histon and Grantchester.

We understand the impact these thefts have on people’s livelihoods when tools they need to do their job are stolen, which is why we are working hard to identify those responsible.

Where possible, it is advised tools are not left in vehicles which are unoccupied or consider using a lockable cabinet within your van to store tools.

We’re asking our communities to report any suspicious activity to us, including any CCTV footage which captures potential offenders.

, including specific advice around tool theft from vans.

Information can be passed to us online either through our reporting form or via our .

Those without internet access should call 101. Always dial 999 if a crime is in action.

Kind regards,

East West Rail Update

/in News /by Andrew Martin

Parish News

Local Representatives Groups have been set up by East West Rail EWR). There are 17 altogether. Barton is in a group with Barrington, Haslingfield, Harlton and Coton. Councillor Andy Martin is representing Barton on this group. Meetings will be held quarterly with two or three topics discussed at each meeting. The first one was on Monday 28th February. This was just to set up the meetings. However, EWR did provide some update. The consultation last year had 9800 responses with 160,000 matters raised. EWR are ploughing through all of this feedback which is taking them longer than expected. They hope to provide a report during the summer. Their next step in the process will be to submit more detailed plans for a statuary public consultation later in the year. In the meantime if any one wants to raise any questions then please contact Andy Martin directly or through the clerk.

Assistance for those affected by the war in Ukraine – 3 March 2022

/in News /by Andrew Martin

Assistance for those affected by the war in Ukraine – 3 March 2022

Dear volunteer coordinators, parish councillors and Members

 

As we watch the terrible events in Ukraine unfold, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine. The horrors of war, as shown in the photographs and videos on the news media, is impossible to overstate. The Council has pledged to support people fleeing the Ukraine and is calling for a national resettlement programme to be set up by the Government so that this can happen. Councillors have said that the Council will play their part and work to identify local homes for refugees leaving the warzone if needed. You can read the Council’s position in full here: pledge to support people fleeing Ukraine.

 

We hear and empathise with the anxiety and concern of residents who want to do something to help those affected and we want to help by signposting people who wish to offer support in response to the humanitarian crisis.

Donations

Local organisation Cambridge Convoy Refugee Action – which ordinarily works to take regular convoys of donated items to refugees in Calais – has advised that it is NOT currently collecting items for Ukraine. They suggest instead that donations of money is a much more effective way of helping the aid organisations that are working in the region.

 

In line with this recommendation, the Local Government Association (LGA) has provided Councils with this link to BBC News online where it suggests people should direct their support to organisations including:

  • The British Red Cross, which has launched an appeal to help the Ukrainian Red Cross to provide food, medicine, clothing and shelter, as well as first aid training in bomb shelters, and drinking water to villages in eastern Ukraine
  • The UNHCR refugee agency, which is funding emergency shelters, repairs for homes damaged by shelling, emergency cash assistance, psychological support and warm clothing
  • UNICEF, the UN’s children’s charity, which is helping to ensure families have clean water and food and that child health and protection services continue
  • Save the Children, which is providing cash assistance, food and other support to refugees crossing into Romanian and Lithuania, as well as in Ukraine itself.

 

Additionally, the Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, has suggested donating money through the Ukrainian Embassy’s With Ukraine fund. The money will be spent on providing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population and to purchase medical and military supplies for Ukraine’s army.

 

You may also have seen overnight that the UK Government has committed to matching the donations made by people in the UK to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which similarly provides food, water, shelter, healthcare and protection to people fleeing Ukraine.

Misinformation

In addition to donating, another practical thing that we can all do is to be careful not to unwittingly distribute misinformation or propaganda about the situation by sharing articles, images or videos that we see online which are fake or misleading. The Full Fact organisation has some useful tips on how to spot false information online and sharing these tips within our communities can help. Here are links to their posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Please note that this information was collated on Thursday 3 March 2022. Due to the fast-changing nature of the situation, it is clearly not possible to create an exhaustive list of the organisations supporting the local and national effort. If there are significant changes, we will share the information via social media or with another Community Update.

Bill Handley

Lead Cabinet Member for Community Resilience, Health and Wellbeing

South Cambridgeshire District Council

Zero Carbon Initiative

/in News /by Andrew Martin

Dear All,

 

I am very pleased to be able to share the Spring 2022 issue of the Zero Carbon Communities Newsletter. This edition features a spotlight on Biodiversity, including the Local Nature Recovery Toolkit, the Biodiversity SPD and sharing funding available. It provides information on funding for Community Led planning so that you can plan for the green future of your local area, as well as a mention on Air Quality monitoring. The newsletter takes a look at alternative energy, including sharing news of the Council’s solar farm plans, as well as the Solar Together Cambridgeshire and Action on Energy schemes.

 

You can view the newsletter here, or on our website. Please share with anyone who might be interested, or if you know anyone who would like to receive our Newsletter and information about our Zero Carbon Communities programme, they can email us at ku.vog.sbmacs@CCZ.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Eleanor

GCP Parking Issues

/in News /by Andrew Martin

Parking issues in Cambridge

Reminder and corrected email address

Good morning,

The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) has launched a period of public engagement on parking issues in Cambridge.

The engagement period will close at midday on Monday 21 March 2022.

If you have any questions about the process, please contact us at (please note corrected email address): ku.gro.egdirbmacretaerg@snoitatlusnoc

Details, including an interactive map where you can drop pins and add your comments, can be found on the web page at http://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/ParkingSpring22

The kind of on-street parking issues and problems we would like to hear about include:

  • where it causes delays and obstruction or affects the safety of road users
  • local residents having difficulty finding on-street parking
  • commuter parking affecting local parking needs
  • where there is a lack of cycle parking
  • where the provision of car club spaces could help reduce on-street parking
  • lack of blue badge parking spaces
  • where parking for access to public buildings and services/local shops is inadequate
  • where loading/unloading bays are required

However, there may be other parking issues in your area that you may wish to comment on.

The GCP was asked by Cambridgeshire County Council to investigate on-street parking problems in Cambridge with a view to implementing further residents’ parking schemes as part of its wider City Access programme.

As well as addressing the need for further residents parking schemes, the GCP is also seeking to address wider parking issues across the city which would be tackled through the implementation of parking controls introduced on an area wide basis to help avoid displacing parking to neighbouring streets.

This work forms part of an integrated parking strategy that the GCP is developing with the County and City Councils which will cover both on- and off-street parking to ensure a joined-up approach in the way we provide and operate parking across the city.

Follow us on Twitter – @GreaterCambs

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Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by Greater Cambridge Partnership.

Please note: the email address from which you have received this message is not monitored.  Please do not reply to this email.
If you wish to contact the Greater Cambridge Partnership, please email: ku.gro.egdirbmacretaerg@sutcatnoc

Jubilee Bunting

/in News /by Andrew Martin

Barton Jubilee

Hi all, get your crafty hats on and decorate an A4 piece of material (supplied with suggestions) which will be made up into bunting for our village Jubilee celebrations on 4th June 2022.

For material, email: moc.liamg@22ynnejteragram, or collect from Barton Village Stores (Post Office).

Please return all decorated pennants by Saturday 7th May at the latest, to Margaret (47 Kings Grove) or Jenny (26 Kings Grove), to give time to make up the bunting.

Save the date: Barton village is hosting a ‘Party on the Rec’ in celebration of the Queens Platinum Jubilee on the 4th June 2022

/in News /by Shelley Arora-Tailby

As the summertime begins to draw closer, there is a lot to look forward to in Barton as we look to marking the celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this coming June. All villagers are warmly invited to come and join with friends to celebrate the occasion on the village recreation ground from 1pm on the 4th June.

Bring your loved ones, a summary picnic, something comfy to sit on and join with friends to celebrate. There will be live music, a Jezzo magic show, afternoon tea in the Pavilion, a bar, food vans in the evening, party games on the Recreation ground and a fantastic raffle with prizes worth more than £300.

All residents of Barton are welcome to join the celebrations. Even if you are not a royalist, feel welcome to join in the day and have your own celebration of being with community, making the most of summer and enjoying the wonderful sound and feeling that live music brings. Admission will be a voluntary contribution of £1 and will give you a ticket into a golden prize draw.

A programme will be delivered to every Barton resident in May with full details of the day and the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for the prize draw.  If any residents with businesses wish to advertise in the programme, feel free to contact Sarah Pitchford on: gro.egallivnotrab@drofhctip.haras

While we would like residents to enjoy the day with little cost, if any residents would like to contribute to the event beyond the voluntary £1 admission, any donations would be very gratefully accepted. Cheques can be made payable to Barton Parish Council. Any profits from the event will go the Barton Village Charitable Trust.

Barton village hasn’t come together for a long time due to Covid, so we hope you can join us on this date to spend time with your Barton friends. We look forward to seeing there.

Key details:

Where: Barton recreational ground
When: 1pm on the 4th June
What: A celebration of the Queens Jubilee 2022
Who: Everyone welcome

Barton Bowls Club, Come and Try

/in News /by Andrew Martin

Barton Bowls Club

Have you thought about playing bowls? Come along to one of the try out sessions at Barton Bowls Club based at the Barton Recreation Ground (see attached).

Please book in advance:

Open Day* Saturday 23rd April 2022, 10 am to 4 pm

Open Evenings* Thursday 28th April and 5th May 2022 from 6 pm

*Book through moc.liamg@ruomyesjpilihp">Philip Seymour, Welfare Officer and Recruiter for Barton Bowls Club

Cambridge Carbon Footprint News

/in News /by Andrew Martin

Your local climate news and events

Getting ready for spring

Phew! What a busy start to the year. Here at Cambridge Carbon Footprint we’ve been doing all sorts of spadework getting ready for a busy spring full of events. Coming up we’ve got more Net Zero Now training, workshops for SMEs, collaborations with the Cambridge Festival and the Cambridge Library, and we’re looking forward to returning to Arbury for another Swap and Fix Fest.

Dive into the newsletter to find out more about what we’ve got in store.

Best wishes,
Alana & the CCF Team

Balancing energy saving and ventilation
Indoor air quality is important for our health and wellbeing, but leaving our windows open wastes electricity. How much ventilation is enough and how do you know? Nicola Terry explores ventilation on the CCF blog. You can read the full post here.

Should we all be eating mainly plant-based food?

The food we eat plays a massive role in climate change. Is plant-based food the answer? Read Bev Sedley’s reflections on Veganuary and climate friendly diets. Read the full post here.

Net Zero for SMEs Feb 17, 24, 12 – 1pm

Two online expert led sessions introducing the fundamentals of a carbon reduction framework and exploring starting actions that SMEs can take, with a focus on energy efficiency and management.Find out more & book now

Explore more blog posts

Upcoming CCF Events    

Thermal Imaging Training

Feb 16, 7-8.30pm

Learn how to use a thermal imaging camera and how to interpret their images. After the session you’ll be able to borrow one of our cameras to conduct your own surveys. Training and loans are free, but booking is essential.

Find out more & book now

 

Net Zero Skills

Mar 2, 9, 16 & 23, 7-9.00pm

Net Zero Skills training sessions will provide an introduction into climate action, empowering attendees to take a leading role in delivering activities in our local communities and places of work.

Find out more & book now

How to Run a Shrink your Carbon Footprint Workshop

Mar 3, 7-8.30pm

Join this interactive webinar to find out more about the ‘Shrink your Carbon Footprint Workshop’ and get support on running an event in your community or workplace.

Find out more & book now

Arbury Swap & Fix-Fest

Mar 19, 10am-3.30pm

The Arbury Swap & Fix-Fest returns for more waste busting, resource saving and community building. Featuring a Repair Cafe, Clothes Swap, tea, delicious homemade cakes and music.

Find out more

The Human Library at the Central Library

Mar 26, 10am-3.30pm

A skills-fest bringing together experts in sustainability with those keen to learn. Whether you’re just beginning to think about living more sustainably, or advanced and looking for expert advice our human ‘books’ will be able help.

Find out more

The Imaginarium

Apr 2 & 3, 10 am to 4 pm

The first step to building a better future is to imagine it. Unleash your creativity at the Imaginariam, fuelled with ideas from around the world and supplied with paints, pens and modelling equipment.

Find out more

Local News & Events

Free support for eligible householders to improve home energy efficiency
If you live in the south east of England, find it hard to heat your home and worry about your energy bills or know someone else who does, a Green Homes Grant might be able to help. Delivered by Warmworks, the scheme can help make improvements for a warmer home that’s kinder to the environment, and will help reduce fuel bills. You could qualify for help if you live in an energy inefficient home, which is owned or privately rented, and you are in receipt of benefits or are on a low income. Find out more.

Food and Climate Programme Manager Role
Cambridge Sustainable Food is seeking a creative, dedicated and experienced communicator who is able to lead, deliver and develop our climate programme as we seek to be a national gold standard city. This is an exciting opportunity to join the CSF team and to make a real difference to climate change through raising awareness, running events and campaigns and in making a major contribution to Cambridge becoming a truly sustainable food city. Applications close Feb 13. Find out more.

Repair Cafes
Repair Cafes are community events where skilled volunteer repairers will help mend your broken items. They can fix all sorts of things, including appliances, phones and laptops, toys, clothes, jewellery and more. There are Repair Cafes coming up Sat Feb 12 at Great Shelford, Mar 19 at Arbury and May 7 at Barrington. Find out more and book your repair.

What is building control?
Interested to better understand building regulations? Join Area Building Control Manager Fred Hedges Feb 16 10-11am at this online workshop to find out more. This workshop is hosted by 3C Shared Services, a strategic partnership between Cambridge City Council, Huntingdonshire District Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council. More information and booking available by emailing gro.secivresderahsc3@stnevebc3.

SCDC Climate and Environment Fortnight
Join the South Cambridgeshire Zero Carbon Communities Team’s series of events, celebrating climate action across the district and making plans for the future. Featuring talks on Community Response to the Climate Emergency (delivered by CCF), Cycling for Sustainability (delivered by Camcyle), Installing EV Charging Points for Public Use and more. Runs 21 Feb to 7 Mar. Find out more and book now.

Making your Business Greener
This case study based webinar will feature a panel of speakers demonstrating ways businesses can operate more sustainably, reducing not only their carbon and waste but also being more efficient and saving money by embracing renewable energy while supporting our local economy and communities. Run by the South Cambridgeshire District Council Business Support and Development Team, the panel will include speakers from Green Blue You, Greater Cambridge Commercial Waste Service and PECT. Online Feb 24. Find out more and book.

Action on Packaging: How the Co-op made all its own brand packaging recyclable
How did the Co-op increase the recyclability of their own brand packaging lines from 46% in 2016 to 100% in 2021? At this online webinar Robert Thompson from the Sustainability and Policy team at Co-op Food will share their journey, including how they worked with over 300 suppliers to ensure the packaging of 3000 own brand products was recyclable, how they became the market for their own recycled material, the system they developed for recycling flexible plastic films in store and what the future holds for responsible material choices and climate change. Online Thur Feb 24 6:30-7:30pm, hosted by the Cambridge IET Engineering Technology Meet up. Find out more about the talk and how to join.

Light-Rechargeable Batteries: A New Tool to Fight Climate Change?
This talk will introduce a new type of battery electrode that can be recharged directly by light, without the need for external solar cells or external power supplies. These devices may change the way we power off-grid devices and provide a tool to fight energy poverty in developing communities. However, this is an emerging technology that still suffers from tremendous challenges that need to be solved before we can dream of commercialising it. This talk will be delivered by Michael De Volder, Professor of Advanced Materials Engineering at the Institute for Manufacturing. 14 March 8:30 – 19:30 at Babbage Lecture Theatre. Find out more and book.

Cambridge Resilience Web – 1 hour of Pecha Kucha talks
An evening of short talks from some of the groups in the Cambridge Resilience Web, hosted online on Zoom and Discord. Presenters will include Cambridge Carbon Footprint, Cambridge Cycling Campaign, Cambridge Community Kitchen, Cambridge Curiosity and Imagination and Resettle Chesterton. Pecha Kucha is a short visual presentation style, taking the form of 20 images for 20 seconds. The slides change automatically so there is no chance of running over time. 24th March from 7:30-8:30pm, with time for questions and chat afterwards. Find out more and book.

Supporting local action on climate change     

For over 15 years Cambridge Carbon Footprint has been working locally to reduce carbon emissions and prevent climate change. For as little as the cost of a piece of a coffee you can donate and help build a stronger, more sustainable future for Cambridgeshire.