Soham Town Council
The Bus Situation
- At my latest meeting of the CPCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee, I followed up on bus franchising. The alterations to routes are intended to come later, seeing as franchising is taking place in a phased approach. There are lots of infrastructure hurdles to jump. However, existing routes remain identical until then. I will send a follow-up email this week
- Officers are compiling the data for me regarding use of ToD in Soham
Local Updates
- A pole and wire coming down in Soham parish left Wicken and Upware without broadband again, and I have contacted Openreach saying ‘I told you so’ and asking for improvements to be made using the underground trench which already exists there
- I have reported the state of the Lode once again, as last year, to the EA, on the basis of it being a threat to wildlife. This has resulted in them clearing it in the past.
- Ian and I have been offered a meeting with the planning officer for the application at the Soham Nurseries site to discuss the details of the application.
- I understand finishing works for the cycle path are imminent. This is something I’m keen to see before the weather turns again. I hope to have more news at the meeting – County tell me nothing!!
- The state of the cut-through near Orchard Row remains unacceptable. The developer has once again provided clear evidence to me that they applied to Highways for permission, and have not yet received it. I contacted Highways once again to ensure this was progressed quickly. They replied: “Vistry have confirmed that they will be carrying out the repairs to the road and are currently working with Highways to provide additional information so as they can undertake the works.”
- I have requested a repainting of the faded lines both at the junction of Mill Corner with Clay Street, and Centre Road with Military Road, as well as at the Downfields Roundabout.
- I put two residents in touch with Housing and Community Advice over urgent matters. Please do refer residents to the team who will be very happy to assist.
- On the waste collection service, numerous improvements have been made in Soham by contacting and working directly with residents and businesses, which I and the team have been working very hard on. There is still well over a 90% take-up rate. So I disagree with those who have told us we are doing nothing. There is more to do, but good progress has been made.
Matters Further Afield
- Shockingly, Local Government Reorganisation will not go ahead in 2027/28. The details becoming clear are as follows:
o Government legal advice has indicated that the current arrangements for LGR are not legally defensible (ie: I suspect they’re in trouble for trying to select options which abandon their own population criteria, etc.)
o No option has yet been selected for LGR in Cambridgeshire
o The Government are intending to revise their approach in some way or another, but on a rapid scale, concluding by November 2026 (approx.)
o The proposed Shadow Unitary Elections will be pushed back to 2028, with the authorities ‘going live’ after a handover year in 2029
o A full election to East Cambridgeshire District Council will be held on 6th May 2027
- The District Public Spaces Protection Order against antisocial driving is now live and reports made to the Police can be considered on the basis of the fines and penalties set by ECDC. One of the rare powers Councils have to make an actual difference!
- There is currently a vacancy for an Independent Lay Member of our Audit Committee. Please be in touch if there is anyone you think should apply.
- I notified the Clerk that Government changes to planning categorisations (ie: what can go to committee vs what no longer can) come into force on 31 October. If there are live applications you wish me to consider calling in which are in Soham South ward, please notify me no later than 30 September.
