Thank you from the Barton residents and Parish Council

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.

Burglary on Wimpole Road Saturday Evening

There was a burglary on Wimpole Road on Saturday evening (14th). Residents were away at the time.

Please ensure you leave lights on in your property, have a neighbour draw curtains etc if you are going to be away for and don’t leave valuable items on show. In the run up to Christmas there may well be increased activity and opportunistic crime.

Let’s look out for each other and report any crime or suspicious activity to the police.

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

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

Green Bins Emptied?

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.

Green Bin Not Emptied?

Many green bins in Barton have not been emptied today and left with a “sorry” notice stating that some of the contents are frozen and stuck inside. However, no attempt has been made to try and empty some bins. (One example has loose leaves and plant stems. Another has loose twigs and small branches.) If you wish to complain to South Cambridgeshire district council please do so on their website.

Trick or treating advice

Ahead of Halloween this week, we ask that you consider the advice below to help you, your friends and family stay safe whilst trick or treating.

  • Don’t knock on the doors of strangers and look for signs that trick or treaters are welcome such as Halloween decorations
  • Never go trick or treating alone, always take someone with you
  • Keep to the paths and remember road safety rules after dark
  • Wear something bright and colourful so that drivers can see you
  • Remember damage to a property or hurting someone is a crime, so keep your tricks to yourself!
  • Finally, enjoy goblin all the treats!

Whilst it’s an exciting night for some, please bear in mind that there are members of the public who do not wish to take part. We ask that you respect people’s wishes and try not to disturb those who chose not to celebrate.

Indecent Exposure In Comberton

News of an incident on The Drift in Comberton at about 4:12 pm this afternoon was posted on the Nextdoor Neighbour App. The police are aware of the incident.

This involved a man dropping his trousers and pants in front of a Female. The man ran off towards Barton Road when she called the Police.

The man was described as Asian, about 5ft 10in dressed in black.

Please be aware of this incident and report to the police with any additional information.

Road Works on New Road

Temporary traffics lights will be in operation on New Road today for installation of fibre-optic cable. The Temporary Traffic Regulation Order is from 9:30 to 3:30 (8th to 9th October 2024). Likely that there will be some disruption at the end of the school day.

License reference: KG079-D1-CB25-PN7-03-01

Utility Works: City Fibre

Beware “Police” Scams

From a Barton Resident:

I was phoned this morning, 11.52 am, from a withheld number. 

” This is the Hammersmith Police Station, I am DC Peter Andrews, we have received reports that your Visa Debit card has been used at an Apple store in Covent Garden. Have you got your card with you? Please check your cards. *** 18 elderly people in the Cambridge area have been targeted in this way. Please write down my details:- DC Peter Andrews, epaulette number DC 9255, have you got all that, please read it back to me. Now ring 101, you know that number, don’t you? Tell them what has happened then ring me back, my number is 0203 ####.”

 

I was suspicious from *** above. I did ring 0203####, but from a DIFFERENT  phone; it was a Chemist in Carshalton. I had already suspected that he would play with fake dialing tones, never actually clearing the line. 

I have phoned Cambridge Police, (it goes to Huntingdon). We agreed that “DC Peter Andrews” was a complete idiot, presented himself in a way that the Met Police just don’t use and that he had targeted the wrong person!!”

Often these types of scams, people pretending to be the police, happen in the middle of the night when you are tired and not thinking straight. Always report these to the local police. Check your bank records on line. Do not call back on the same phone line as often the caller does not hang up and an accomplice will take over. Never give out bank or credit card details such as passwords and PINs. Always be suspicious.

 

Car Theft in Kings Grove

Just a reminder to keep cars locked and valuables hidden from sight and locked away. A resident in Kings Grove had money stolen from their car last night that was left unlocked.