The next meeting of the Chisholm Trail "local liaison forum" - the public facing meeting about the project is on the 15th May at the Shirley School.

On Tuesday 1st May Cllr Anna Bradnam and I took time out of our election campaigns to talk to Network Rail about Fen Road Level Crossing.  Along with local business owner Ian Litterick we asked them about barrier downtime, the effects of crime and anti-social behaviour on the crossing, and how they see the crossing's future.  They have made some improvements in the area, will be trialling others, and are committed to keeping us informed about changes.

There is a planned workshop, run by Cambridge Hack, on the City deal Local Liason Forums.  It asks attendees to answer a number of questions, and I'm interested in what resident attendees think.

Lib Dems are getting things fixed for you all around the city.  Here a collapsed wall on Mortlock Avenue in East Chesterton that some of you had let us know about is now being repaired. The resident had been trying to get it fixed for several months, but after intervention by local Lib Dem Owen the area has been cleared up and repairs are in progress!

I’m writing to update you on the situation with proposals for parking controls in your streets.

As you’re aware Jamie Dalzell has supported me, Cllr Ian Manning, in two meetings I held recently.

The plans developed by your previous Labour Councillor, are generally regarded as unacceptable, and a number of suggestions came out of those meetings. Read more for what a refresh on what came out of the meetings and the next steps.

We've worked with residents of the Fen Estate (roads off of Fen Road) to collate reports of crime and harassment on Fen Road recently, and with the Police to get some detailed feedback on what happened in each case.  It's important that resident see a reason for reporting to the Police, and we hope this detail will help support that!

Tivoli plans sent back to the drawing board

Unpopular plans to convert the Tivoli on Mitcham’s Corner, former cinema and pub, into luxury apartments overlooking the river have today been rejected by City Council planning officers.

Jamie Dalzell and Cheney Payne, pictured alongside the now derelict cinema with former City Mayor Ian Nimmo-Smith, who they have been working with to campaign for better plans.

Following the research I (Owen Dunn) did late last year into the operation of the Fen Road level crossing I sent a letter to the Rail Minister, Jo Johnson, asking whether anything could be done to improve the situation.  I've now had a reply from the DfT's policy lead on level crossings.

It has emerged that the governors of Shirley School on Nuffield Road were not properly consulted about Labour's revised plans for cycling on Nuffield Road.  The Liberal Democrats had won public support for the City Deal providing a proper segregated cycle path but Labour councillors vetoed that in favour of dangerous on-road advisory lanes.

Parking Update – Public meetings

I wanted to make sure you are up to date on where we are with the proposals to bring in parking controls in the streets bordered by Springfield Road to Hawthorn Way. Hopefully you’ll recall we surveyed you about the plans that were to be imposed
on you.   Read on for the results and the dates of public meetings...