The result of the national count of rough sleeping published today shows it increased in Cambridge for the second year running.

Photo: Lib Dem Group Leader Cllr Tim Bick and County Cllr Nichola Harrison.

Local Market Ward councillors, Katie Porrer, Tim Bick and Anthony Martinelli recently put forward a bid for "succession tree planting" on Parker's Piece, as part of their budget amendment to Council. The plan would have seen funding allocated to ensure that semi-mature trees are in place at the Piece's perimeter before older trees die and that consideration would be given to planting extra trees where appropriate. Cllr Martinelli and Cllr Porrer had attended a recent community meeting about trees on the Piece, where it was clear that there was considerable support for proper planning for replacement trees and for investigating means of improving biodiversity, whilst protecting the iconic character of the area and its use for recreation and sport.

Liberal Democrat councillors have offered an amendment to the City Council’s annual budget which would see the council establish the role of Civic Beekeeper and the installation of beehives on top of the Cambridge Guildhall and other civic buildings.

Photo: Cllr Colin McGerty hopes to place beehives on top of Cambridge Guildhall

Read on for details of when the works will happen, and an FAQ on the works.

The latest schedule, which will be refreshed regularly: timetable

(we had a Public meeting at The Waterman pub, rear shed, 1800-2000 on 2020-01-30 (6pm-8pm on the 30th January) with representatives from City Fibre present, and potentially could organise another if needed). 

The Labour City Council has come under pressure from groups across Cambridge this week following the introduction of a controversial barrier across King’s Parade.

The Cambridge Liberal Democrats are demanding that the Council now takes urgent action to replace the metal barricade with a better option that does not endanger local cyclists, better addresses the security concerns in the area and which is more sympathetic to the important heritage site.  Residents are encouraged to sign the petition calling for this action by going to the following link http://chng.it/jZWT5857

A cycle chicane installed on the guided busway bridge entrance to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus only last week is to be removed after widespread public outcry and strong support for a petition started by Liberal Democrat councillors, which attracted over 1,500 signatures.

Liberal Democrat Candidate Rod Cantrill has underlined the impact of aspects of his party’s manifesto proposals in Cambridge.

“Stopping Brexit is my absolute priority, so we can tackle the big issues we face like the climate crisis and making Cambridge a fairer city.” 

Cambridge Lib Dem councillors are this week launching a campaign to stop the closure of public toilets on Park Street in the city centre. Cambridge City Council is proposing to scrap the public loos – and not replace them – as part of its multi-million pound redevelopment of its own Park Street car park.

Since my last update https://www.cambridgelibdems.org.uk/sewage_works_development_update_the_necaap_forum we've had two further meetings of the forum, and a draft of the framework was due for presentation to Councillors at the end of November, however this has now been delayed due to the General Election.

This has also impacted on the timescale for this planning phase.  More details when we have them.

I've attempted to summarise what is being discussed in this blog post - this is very high level and brief.