We've received a reminder from UK Powernetworks (responsible for most electrical supply to residents in the UK) on what to do if predicted high winds cause power outages.

Residents of the Woodhead Drive area will have been pleased to note last month that the play ground equipment, which had been removed due to vandalism, is now in the process of being replaced.  

The North area of the City has some beautiful parkland and natural areas.  The Liberal Democrats are keen to ensure this is being used well for the benefit of the whole area.  See below for an opportunity to contribute your ideas for how the Liberal Democrats could develop this in your area.

Residents have been complaining about the barriers on the Fen Road level crossing being down more than they should be, and more than they were before Cambridge North opened.  Working with Cllr Manning and Milton's Cllr Anna Bradnam, I (Alexandra Lanes) have been investigating how much of a problem this is.  The short answer is that in the hour I picked one December morning the barriers were down for 45 minutes.

Highways works planned until the end of the year affecting the wards in the north of the City include Green End Road and Highworth Avenue...

Stagecoach have announced a number of changes to bus services across Cambridgeshire - table attached.

One of the rights Councillors have is to submit written questions to full Council requiring an answer.

I've (Cllr Manning) submitted two to the next full Council on topical matters.

I wanted to add another update on the recent issues around Fen Road, including plans to start a new community group I'm supporting.

A brief update from my survey work with residents of the "triangle" area (Springfield Road to Hawthorn Way, and streets inbetween).

On Tuesday the County Council's Highways committee considered four parking issues (click on the link for the report):  

• the ending of the parking charge at the Park & Ride sites
• on-street parking charges
• residents' parking scheme permit charges for both residents' permits and visitors' permits
• a plan to develop more residents' parking schemes in the city

Up to this point Labour and Conservative Councillors had been pushing upping permit charges and pushing parking schemes, with Lib Dem Councillors more cautions on both fronts, and objecting in principle to the stratospheric 88% rise in visitor permits.

After speaking to residents of the Woodhead Drive and Gladeside area last week, it was brought to my attention that the play area between Woodhead Drive and Gladeside is currently missing some swings.

I have contacted the relevant officer at the City Council, and am pleased to inform you that replacement swings are on the way, and should be installed within the next 3 months.