Who misled the Residents of East Street?

While delivering campaign leaflets last week Ken and I met Elizabeth Dalrymple, a young working Mum living in East Street. Curious about the impact the controversial cinema development has had, I asked if I could see the view from her back garden. What I saw shocked me. This is what she had to say...

Ground floor

"I came to St Neots ten years ago. I like the town, it has character, it's an old market town. These cottages are part of that, they are it's history. This is supposed to be a conservation area, for goodness sake! Have you seen that? It's even worse upstairs." 

Elizabeth, shaking with suppressed rage, points toward her full length dining room window, which should be flooding light into her pretty cottage interior. Instead, all that can be seen is a monstrous web of steel girders forming the bulk of the new cinema blotting out the light and her view.  From the first floor window I can immediately see what she means, the entire skyline is dominated. From higher up, there is nothing to see but building!

First floor

"For ten years I have been able to see out of my son's bedroom window to overlook the park. Now all I see is that monstrosity! It may not have been pretty before, but it was never that! There are young families living here, our children used to play in that park. They promised us they were going to keep it. They promised us a lot of things. Can you imagine what that is going to look like when it's clad? What colour are they going to cover it? Grey... Black? Why? Why did they build it here? It has spoilt the town. St Neots does not need that monster!"

According to the plans trees will be planted along the wall at the back of Elizabeth's garden to 'hide' the new development.

Second floor

"Great! Three new trees will be planted to replace the two which were destroyed! Right up against my wall and growing underneath it!"

"People are being told that the building only 'looks taller' because it is a 'little' closer to us... That we can't tell. It hasn't got a roof on yet. Look at the size of it! They are wrong - it is taller and it is closer - it does matter!"

"That is not the entire issue, which concerns us... When the building was moved everything else was moved as well. As a result the plaza is narrower. There is no wide open concourse, there will be no ambience, there won't be space for dinning outside. There is only one entrance and exit - through the old tip access - NOT through Lidl. It's awful."

"Can you imagine what will happen in an emergency? A packed six screen cinema emptying? 600 to 800 people! Only one entrance and exit! Anyone who used the old tip will remember how bad it was with all the traffic blocking the road. Just imagine this 'plaza' filled with people. Where are they going to go? If that were not enough... What about the noise? The refuse collection? The servicing of the units? The constant smells from the four restaurants? What time will the place be closing at night? Where are the 600 people going to park?"

To further illustrate the point Elizabeth guides us a few doors down to meet Alison.

In and out?

"Apart from the obvious." Alison says. "The difficulty with this development is the narrow rather limited access. There is no turning circle. Vehicles can only enter and exit onto Huntingdon Street. That is going to cause untold havoc with the traffic at peak times."

The residents of East Street were supposed to be 'consul-tees' on the development. They have discovered a number of areas, which they believe are cause for concern.

Ken surveying the Huntingdon Street traffic.

"There were a number of discrepancies within the documentation, they were flawed." Alison explains. "First off the town council rejected the development, for a number of reasons, Residents were there. Then a further planning meeting was arranged, there were only three of us that were able to make it, but an entire quorum of developers turned up to greet us! The Town council passed the plans and then, when we challenged their 180 degree turnaround, they tried to make out they had never rejected it!"

"Today there are a number of issues with this development aside from the relocated building and the altered narrow layout of the plaza. Water and highway access are two but there are others. Most developments these days incorporate a percentage of the jobs to be carried out by local trades people - there was no such agreement here. This monster is not even being built by local people - there has been no 'jobs for St Neots' because of this. The public Arts facility will be built by a company based in West Midlands!"

"What I don't understand is why our District Councillor did nothing to help us and why Peter Rowleys' money has been used in a way which has caused so much distress to the people of St Neots - I am sure it is the last thing he would have wanted. No one thinks a cinema in St Neots is a bad thing. But no one thinks this is the right place for it."

Residents have until Friday May 3rd to raise any comments on the development with Huntingdon District Council - Currently the planning portal is 'experiencing difficulties'.
All images and text © cg-photography
Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Campaign contributions... A word from the photographer...

Been there... seen that.

I've never been this involved with an election campaign before. In the past I have had posters and signs, I have delivered leaflets. I have even campaigned for Ken Churchill. But this year, I became a lot more involved...

There are the usual things, like leaflets and posters that need designing, printing, folding and delivering. Then of course there is the blog, something completely different for this election campaign. It has been an interesting experience, both rewarding and time consuming! Meeting and talking to so many residents has certainly changed my perspective of what St Neots is thinking.

Personally, I like delivering, perhaps it's the 'playing postman' for a few days or the opportunity to get out and walk for hours around the neighborhood, I'm not sure, but it's always been my favourite 'political' activity, although truthfully, I'm not certain I would like to do it full time. My hat goes off to postmen & women everywhere...

We have all walked the three areas of Little Paxton, Priory Park and Eaton Ford, which this election covers. Some of the things we have seen have given us joy, one or two - cause for concern. 

We have discovered that some of the gardens are absolutely stunning. For each of us there are one's that really stand out.

Personally I have two favourites: Both are in Eaton Ford. One was just a silver birch in a patch of lawn, which was filled with cyclamen in every shade of pink - there were hundreds of them! Another was a winter garden packed with Heathers, grasses, low growing shrubs and conifers in every shade of green, set against a red brick terraced house with a shiny red front door. It was a delight to see. As the last leaflet goes out I might knock on a door or two and ask to take some pictures to share with our readers - after the event on Thursday though!

We also talk about things we have seen, the good and the not so good. I went to one house and became quite concerned. A set of keys were hanging in the lock. I knocked and waited for ages before a rather frantic looking lady answered. I asked her if she knew her door key was in the lock and she gave me the biggest smile I have ever seen... 'I've been going mad for two days looking for the ruddy things', she said.

In the older part of St Neots, around the Avenue Road area I've been enjoying the architectural features. As a photographer I appreciate the old front doors, beautiful stain glass windows and highly polished letter boxes - there are just so many different things to see when you have a leaflet in your hand!

All images and text © cg-photography

Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Doorstep issues... The Council's role?

What does a council do?

Bob says: "It's quite surprising the number of residents who know there is a council but don't know what it's actual purpose is."

Local councils are a body of people, elected by local residents to conduct the business of the council. District councils are responsible for a range of services, including: environmental services, town planning, housing, benefits, education, libraries, transport, and others.

The County council provides another range of services on top of those looked after by parish and district councils, they cover a larger geographical area and provide services such as schools, social services, and some public transport.

Ken explains: "In Little Paxton we have an excellent Parish Council. It's run by a small dedicated number of volunteers who get together to decide on things which are necessary for the benefit of all who reside within the village. The St Neots Town Council is a similar body with similar responsibilities."

Bob takes up the matter. "When I first became a town councillor it was more informal than it is now, we got just as much done, in fact I think we got more done, because it was all for the good of the town and the people living here, we certainly didn't argue over politics, we got the job done! We used to have a couple of ladies that brought flasks of tea, one even had her knitting with her. We would sit and discuss the issues which needed to be sorted and make decisions. I don't think she ever dropped a stitch!"

At County level Council tax also pays for essential services such as street lighting & highway maintenance. It also pays for the nicer things which benefit the community. 

Councillors don't work for the council and are not paid a salary for their role. However, district and county councillors usually receive expenses to cover the cost of attending meetings and other duties - these are referred to as 'Allowances'. There has been considerable debate about the cost to residents regarding councillors allowances - following the Saturday Essay - published this week in the 'Daily Mail'. Allowances claimed by Councillors are a matter of public record and they make very interesting reading!

Bob says: "The County role can be demanding, many local councillors have their council duties on top of work and family commitments."

Ken agrees: "Being an effective councillor requires both commitment and hard work but it can be really rewarding, especially when an issue has been resolved or you have contributed to change something for the good."

All images and text © cg-photography
Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Doorstep issues... Right to park - UPDATE

Right to park?
Ken revisited Longsands Road Residents today to update them on the progression of his efforts to sort out their safer parking issue.

Safe parking on Longsands Road.

Ken explains: "All too often a resident raises an issue, which is important to them, and they remain in the dark until either the matter is resolved or they get fed up with waiting. That's not how I like to work."

Neither Ken nor Bob believe this is a very effective process for Residents.

Bob says: "It takes two minutes to pick up a phone and let a person know what you have done on their behalf. If you can't call them, its a matter of courtesy to call round. People appreciate if you go that little it further for them in their time of need. I know I would."

The parking situation is not going to go away but steps are being taken to ensure that as soon as possible the Residents of Longsands Road will be able to enter and exit their cul-de-sacs without fear of accident.

Mr M commented. "It's the first time I have met Ken. He told it straight, I appreciate that. We know there is not going to be a quick fix on this, but at least he is trying."
All images and text © cg-photography
Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Interview with a campaign member... The Phil Moore Interview

The Phil Moore interview...

For those of you new to Little Paxton to Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer or if you are just new to local politics 'independent style', we present an interview with Phil Moore.

"I came here in 1968. I chose the very plot my house is built on. I chose this one because it had the largest plot of all the houses. We used to come up and watch it being built."

You must have seen many changes in that time?

"Oh yes, many, many changes. All of Sweeting Avenue. The houses in the village have grown and grown it's expanded over my lifetime."

What encouraged you to become involved in local politics?

"I always talked a lot of politics. It is something which has always interested me, locally and nationally. I have always been a Conservative at heart. When I retired, I decided it was about time I did more than talk. I decided to get involved and make a difference in what ever way I could..."

How did you start?

"I started by delivering leaflets and putting up the display boards and canvassing for Robert Clarke. I became his 'mail man'. I enjoy it, I feel I make a difference in contributing something to the village. I like action, not words. Before Clarke we had a Liberal councillor but we never saw him in the village. I fear the same thing could happen. It will not help Little Paxton if it does."

How do you feel about things nationally?

"I feel the conservatives are not doing what they said they would. I know they are hampered by being in partnership, but they seem too liberal. They had such a big task to acomplish after 13 years of 'mis-everything'. Things are still coming to light while Blair in particular goes around with an 'I didn't do it' expression."

If you had to pick an area which concerns you nationally, what would it be?

"Immigration. We don't object to people wanting to come and live here, but to let us be 'invaded' and everything that goes with it. We don't want it, we are being forgotten."

What do you think will be gained from having Independent Councillors?

"I think it will bring people into the council that have never had the chance, people that might be disappointed because they have been outnumbered."
All images and text © cg-photography
Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Did you know... Where was everybody?

Did you know...

The annual town meeting, took place at the Guest Hall at the Priory Centre on Thursday night... For the presentation of the Chairmans Annual Report and Mayors charities...

Not a single member of the public turned up!
Dare we ask... Why?

All images and text © cg-photography

Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Campaign Literature... Ours, not theirs!

Leaflet, leaflet, leaflet!
I wonder if any of our readers have any idea what actually goes into producing an election leaflet? I don't know and can't comment about any body else's but for Ken and Bob, the answer would be, surprisingly... Quite a lot! For this campaign it started with a whole lot of coffee, three bodies sat around a table and a pad full of clean white paper.

Ken explains: 

"There were a number of issues which Bob and I feel really strongly about, it's equally important to both of us to have residents know how we feel because there would be no point in anyone voting for us otherwise."

Bob continues:

"We wanted to be honest with people. Neither Ken nor I are known for anything other than straight talking. That is never going to change. We have achieved a lot over the years, but that was before. As independent candidates we wanted to be just that, INDEPENDENT!"

So... Out with the old and in with the new, a list of issues & ideas - Progress!

The finished articles!

Next came getting some historical facts and current thoughts down onto paper. What had they done? What would Residents get in voting? What was in their minds? Perhaps, more importantly, why the change in direction and stand as Independent?

Ken explains: "Both Bob and I thought that our reasons for leaving the Conservative Party would be a question people would want an answer to, after all a great many Residents have voted for us in different elections over the years."

Bob says: "Do you know, not one person has asked me! Not a single one!"

The first leaflet, designed to introduce both Bob and Ken to Residents, covered all of the above and more... What of the second? Which direction could we take for that one?

"That." Says Ken. "Was easy."

"We asked residents." Replies Bob.
All images and text © cg-photography
Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Out and about with Ken & Bob...

Out and about...
This afternoon Ken and Bob took some time out from their election campaign to support the St Neots Rugby Club and their festival in aid of MAGPAS.

Meeting Debbie Florence
Magpas Fundraising Manager

Bob explains: "MAGPAS is a charity, made up of volunteers from the medical profession such as Doctors, Paramedics and medical volunteers. Every penny they get is from donations and fundraising or organised events like these."

MAGPAS is despatched through the 999 service and delivers specialist A&E level treatment to patients at the scene of very serious road accidents and life threatening medical emergencies.

Ken continues: "Both Bob and I are very happy to support this charity in anyway we can. The running costs for this year alone will be in the region of £2.5 million! This is not about making ourselves popular to residents, it's something we both want to raise awareness of through the blog. The more people that know about the fantastic work MAGPAS do - the better!"

Other MAGPAS facts...
£66,000 to fully fund one training Doctor
£17 per minute to fly.
£2,500 to purchase 5 flame and chemical retardant uniforms and boots for Doctors & Paramedics.
£600 (average) per medical emergency mission
All images and text © cg-photography
Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Did you know...

Did you know...

It cost's £80,000 to keep the MAGPAS Helicopter flying for a month!

Did you know???

Did you know???

You have 2 votes... please remember to use them!
All images and text © cg-photography
Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

An interview with Bob Farrer...

An interview with Bob Farrer...

Bob Farrer is a popular, well known and much respected local figure. Famous for speaking his mind and telling things as they are. But for anyone who knows Bob it will come as no surprise to read that his first words on being asked by me for information and comment on his view of being a councillor was 'What do you wanna know?" In a change of style from other interviews we have brought to you, here is Bob...

"I've lived here all my life. I'm born and bread St Neots." He says first off. "I ran Alan Smith builders for 30 years, I have always employed local people and have worked in the local area."

Why did you become a Councillor?

"I wanted to give something back to the town and to the people of Eaton Ford where Julie and I live. It was a proud day for me when I was asked to run for council back in 1997. I've been on all three councils. I believe there's no good complaining about the decisions, which are made for the town if people are not prepared to roll their sleeves up and get involved."

Why continue?
"I like it. I've got the time and energy to give it. There's more to being a Councillor than people think. It gets me into a bit of hot water now and then because I speak my mind but that's me - people know where they are with me. I won't make promises I can't deliver. If I can do something I will. If I can't deal with an issue I will pass it onto the right person for the job. Thanks something I believe - you have to have the right people with the right skills in the right job, otherwise you get no-where."

What are the rewards of being a Councillor?
"I like sorting things out. When a resident comes to me with a problem I want to be able to help them get it sorted, I like getting results." 

What about things you are not so keen on?
"I don't like it when things go wrong or bad decisions are made for people - that I don't like. Take the cinema for instance. We all agree its a great thing for St Neots! Every one of us, me Ken, you, everybody. But not there! It should never have been on that site. There was another location, much bigger than the current site and far better suited to the development. There was no need to upset so many people in the town - it's all people are talking about. Everywhere Ken and I have been it's what we are being told. Certain Councillors just would not listen. That upsets me. If you have someone with building knowledge and experience and he tells you not to put a building in a certain place, the expertise he brings to the table should be acknowledged. The right man for the right job!"

What's a typical Bob Farrer day?
"There's no such thing as a typical day really. I'm like Ken in some ways, I like to have a look at my emails first thing, often before breakfast. That pretty much determines how my day will shape up. I may have meetings or appointments in my diary or I may have received something from a resident with a problem which will need my time immediately."

What does Bob do in his spare time?
"I'm the sort of person that likes to keep busy, I can turn my hand to most things, anything practical. I was a local Rotarian for many years, and a Governor at both Longsands and Ernulf schools, I like the occasional round of golf."

And finally... What about representing residents across St Neots.

  "We are all a part of St Neots, whether we live in the town or one of the surrounding villages. People need a Councillor from their own area or village. If they don't I am concerned, problems will not be attended to, Residents will loose out. The question I think voters should ask is, if the Councillor does not live here, will I ever see him again?
All images and text © cg-photography
Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Doorstep issues... A residents thoughts...

This note was received from a Little Paxton Resident this afternoon...

Phil's history with local politics is an interesting one. As a result he has been asked by me, the blog writer, for an interview. The Phil Moore interview will be posted tomorrow. These were his thoughts yesterday...

Interview with a Resident - one on one

An interview with a Little Paxton Resident.

Seven days from election day and today has been the strangest days of all so far during Ken and Bob's campaign... The official side has rolled on with various forms being completed and handed in to the relevant officers, boards being prepared for displaying our election posters and an unusual event taking place in the village... Why? 

Ken explains: "While collecting my granddaughter from the Little Paxton school this afternoon, I was approached by a village resident and asked about an election poster, then another joined us to offer her comment about the blog. Before I knew it there were quite a number of people gathered around and sharing some of their very favourable comments about some of the pieces we have covered. I had no idea we had such a following! As a result I asked one lady if she would be willing to provide her comment and views on what's happening locally."

To get a completely different perspective this is one Residents perspective. Watch out, there may be another before the election draws to a conclusion...

Part One: Mrs B.

"I have lived here more than twenty years, I have always worked locally and raised two children, they attended the village school but are grown up now."

What is it about the village that appeals?

"I love Little Paxton and the nature reserve. It amazes me that people come here for the day and we are lucky enough to live here! I like the fact that the postman waves and speaks in the mornings, I like knowing my neighbours and getting on well with people. I like the fact that our village has a good range of facilities, like shops and the doctors surgery. I've been down and used the new facilities in the park - I think they are fantastic. We have more than many other villages."

What of our Councillor?

"Over the years I have had a number of issues which I have taken to Councillor Churchill. Twice it's been about my bins! The most serious issue was flooding. There are a number of houses overlooking the river that were unknown to the Environment Agency! Imagine being advised by them and them not know where the house is! The river flooding is a major issue for the residents all around St Neots, but then all rivers everywhere are issues at times and resolutions cost money! I appreciate the work he and the Parish Council do, they never seem to stop working for everyone."

What was it about this local election that encouraged you to speak up?

"This election is different. I have been always been a party voter, for both local and national elections. This year I'm not. I am concerned that if all three councils are controlled by one party, there won't be any freedom of choice or realistic debate between the Councillors who are elected to work for us! Who will disagree when major decisions are being taken which appear to adversely affect residents - like the Cinema, or like the new housing developments?" 

"Will Councillors have the time to deal with issues on a village or personal basis if they don't live in the village?  Will they be interested? If all councillors come from the same party or the same area who will be able to speak freely for us in disagreement?"

"Locally I think we are quite fortunate but that does not mean people are happy to be continually financially squeezed. But for the first time that I can remember, the cinema, the new developments and the election - with so many people  unhappy, its all anyone is talking about!"
All images and text © cg-photography
Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Did you know...

Did you know...

There is a three day rugby festival taking place on St Neots common at the St Neots Rugby club - starting at 7pm on friday evening and continuing through until Sunday in aid of MAGPAS...

Jim Norton receiving a signed ball from
London Irish Community Coach - Johnny Berwick

More information can be found on this link...

http://www.stneotsminis.co.uk/page-203-Charity_Festival.aspx

Ken and Bob fully support this event and would like to wish all who are taking part their best wishes for very successful fundraising.

All images and text © cg-photography
Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Doorstep issues...Councillors???

What are Councillor's?
Councillors are...
Councillors are people that have been elected by Residents to represent their local community in the running of their local council. They have an important role in the many major decisions, which need to be made, including the provision for the funding and the provision of services.

Residents can raise their specific issues to their council or direct to their local councillor. Issues range from the small to the complex and complicated. It is then the role and responsibility of that Councillor to ensure that the issue is passed on to the relevant body or department within the council for a solution or action and to ensure that the matter is satisfactorily concluded where ever possible.

Bob says: "You can't please all of the people all of the time of course, but you can at least make them aware that you are asking the right people to help them with their difficulty. We are often the first point of contact between a resident and the council."

Councillors say...

Ideally Councillors should manage an issue for a resident, a local area or an entire village, depending on the issue. The councilor should provide the resident or residents with either an update on the situation as it develops or a resolution to the difficulty. Not all issues can be easily sorted out. Many are complex and involve a range of issues which frequently cross over each other and from council to council.

Ken explains his method of working: "I like to keep a resident informed once they have brought a difficulty to my attention. There is nothing worse than feeling as if you are being ignored when you have a problem which needs sorting. If the problem is really involved, or obtaining a solution is likely to be a lengthy process, I like to keep people updated on developments, so they are reassured that I am working on the matter on their behalf. Updates on an issue may be a phone call, an email, letter or a personal visit. Certain situations demand more of a Councillors time. It's time I am happy to dedicate."

One issue which Ken and Bob have been looking into is the problem of verge parking in Hawkesden Road. 

Ken explains: "At first glance to some residents it seems pretty straight forward. Stop vehicles parking up there and make good the land so it's no longer an eyesore. But to other residents they are not bothered by the parking so much as WHY the parking is taking place and WHY there is no enforcement of Highway rules."

Councillors do...

First off is to find out who is responsible for the land - that in itself is a tricky issue! Network rail lease the land up to the boundary with Hawkesden Road, their jurisdiction does not include the 'parking strip', although some residents were under a different impression. Huntingdon District Council claim they have no jurisdiction over the land either, they believe the matter should be dealt with by Cambridgeshire County Council. Having discovered who is 'responsible' for it's management, we then discover the matter is perceived as a highways difficulty.

Bob explains: "This is a situation where there are different departments in the different councils operating from different perspectives, each believe the other is responsible - none of which helps the residents."

Ken continues: "A number of suggestions about what can be done with the land have been made. Each one of the suggestions could be feasible with the right injection of finance and achieving that will take further negotiations and time, which is fine IF we can work together with the necessary areas of council, the different council's and achieve something which will be affordable and acceptable to all."

Before reaching for utopia however there remains the issue of the notable lack of enforcement. Ken and Bob are happy to take this issue to the relevant authority and will be providing an update on this blog as we have any information to share...

All images and text © cg-photography

Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Did you know?

Did you know?

All of the Cambridgeshire County Council seats are up for grabs in next months election...

21 Councillors are not, for their own reasons, standing for election again...

That's a loss of over 200 years experience!
All images and text © cg-photography
Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Doorstep issues... UPDATE. Planning the right way?

Planning for the future...

Bob has been seeking answers for the residents of East Street & Cambridge Gardens from the powers that be, regarding the St Neots Town Council planning agenda for April 24th 2013 - tonight, which has already been moved a couple of times. There is, it seems a clash of Town and District meetings... 

Previously it was agreed that the Wintringham Park development would be discussed by the whole town council - which it was.

Bob confirms this adding: "That was a good and wise decision, this is a big development being considered and it is only right that everybody on the town council should be able to give it their full consideration and attention, serious questions needed to be asked. It is going to have a huge impact upon all the residents of St Neots after all. If it is good for one it should be good for all."

What concerns both Ken and Bob is that the application for revision of the Cinema application is being viewed by just the planning committee. Bob and Ken believe the correct precedent was set regarding the Wintringham Park application and Loves Farm (Phase Two) in going before full Town council.

Ken agrees: "I believe that it is in the best interest of St Neots to have every councillor on the town Council have a look at this revision and consider the siting issues which have arisen."
This revision is being referred to as a 'minor amendment', that is not the view of the many Residents affected.

http://www.stneots-tc.gov.uk/download/agendas-planning/planning-notice-24.04.13-web.pdf
All images and text © cg-photography
Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU

Doorstep issues... Interview with a Resident - Priory Park

A residents perspective...

Part three of our reporting from the Residents perspective. The comments and remarks, which have been gathered during recent visits to the area are reproduced here with their permission. Ken and Bob would like to thank all our readers for reporting their issues...

Mrs P: "What has happened to the Indian Restaurant in Longsands Road?"

Mr C: "Irresponsible parking during the daytime in Longsands Road is going to cause an accident before too long, it's almost impossible to have a clear line of sight when I pull out of my road. Car's are parking far too close to the junction. The police don't seem to be interested in preventing the vehicles from parking like this."

Miss S: "I think the grass verge up by the station is an eyesore, I wish they would stop cars parking up there, or at least make it look more presentable."

Mr F: "If people are going to park on the verge they should be fined. There are plenty of spaces in the car park - if it were full I could understand."

Mr N: What is going to happen to the old building in the corner of the Market Square? My wife and I think it seems such a shame to leave it like that."

Miss L: It will be nice to be able to walk into town for the cinema, but I can't help feel sorry for those residents backing onto it."

Mrs O: "Years ago we had horse shows and organised events on Priory Park - why can't we have them again, it brings people together. I love the park, its well managed and a lovely area to walk in. We are lucky in this part of St Neots."

Mrs F: "Its much easier and safer getting the kids into school now that people cannot park down by the juniors entrance. I feel sorry for the residents in these streets though, people are always parking down here. I read somewhere that something is going to be done by the Council in 2014. Why do we have to wait? Surely this is a matter for the police?"

Miss J: "My kids walk to school. It's much safer since they put the yellow lines in."

Mrs K: "A swimming pool over this side of St Neots would be nice, especially for these school children. We won't have to pay for buses and coaches to take our kids to the pool for their lessons. But how big is it going to be? My daughter is in the Swans Swimming club and we have to drive her all over the place for her training because there is not enough pool time available from the Ernulf pool."

Mr S: "It's nice to see the trees being maintained in the park. Its a great area for many people to enjoy."

All images and text © cg-photography

Promoted by Carol Gamby on behalf of Ken Churchill and Bob Farrer all of 83 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1DU