CONCERNS REMAIN FOR ARBURY COURT TRADERS AFTER WEAKENED MOTION OF SUPPORT - LIB DEMS

At their meeting on Thursday 24th July, Cambridge City Councillors backed a Liberal Democrat motion to protect Arbury Court's vital role as a community shopping hub, but campaigners are warning that Labour amendments have weakened crucial commitments to local businesses.

Councillor Jamie Dalzell's motion, which received cross-party support at Thursday's full council meeting, establishes principles to protect existing shops during any future redevelopment as part of the 'Shaping North Cambridge' consultation process.

However, Labour amendments replaced firm commitments with phrases like "as far as practicable," prompting concerns that businesses still lack the certainty they desperately need.

The motion commits the council to prioritising construction of replacement retail facilities before existing businesses are displaced, and to maintaining business continuity during any redevelopment process.

Councillor Jamie Dalzell (Liberal Democrat, West Chesterton) said:

"I'm pleased we've secured council backing for protecting our local shops, but Labour's amendments have weakened the firm commitments our businesses asked for. Phrases like 'as far as practicable' aren't the certainty our shopkeepers deserve.

"Arbury Court is a vital community hub - we have a greengrocers, library, supermarket, barbers, bike shop, chippy, Chinese takeaway, butchers and bakers. These businesses and their customers need to know they have a secure future, not more consultation.

"If Labour genuinely believe no redevelopment is planned, then they should extend business leases beyond 2030 immediately. You can't have it both ways - either protect businesses through redevelopment or give them long-term security now."

Fionna Tod, a resident on neighbouring Alex Wood Road, said:

"The community remains very concerned about what's happening to our local shops. We need to see clear, unambiguous commitments that these businesses will be protected. Arbury Court is where we do our daily shopping, where our children stop on their way home from school.

"The council talks about consultation, but what we really need is action to secure these shops' future. The uncertainty is already damaging - look at how long the Poochie Parlour has been empty."

The motion was proposed by Councillor Dalzell and seconded by Councillor Bob Illingworth, with Labour Executive Councillor Geri Bird proposing amendments before the measure was passed just before the meeting's time limit.

Local businesses at Arbury Court currently face lease arrangements ending in 2030, creating uncertainty about long-term investment and planning. The 'Shaping North Cambridge' consultation is ongoing, with detailed proposals expected to go to Cabinet in October.