Housing Futures - the decision facing tenants of South Cambs

Two weeks back I enjoyed several cups of coffee and lively conversation on whole range of topics at Lettice Martin Croft, meeting the people who live around there, many of whom are tenants of South Cambridgeshire District Council.

We talked about things like gardening, the problems when people park on the Lawn, and some tatty garages nearby which need looking at. And of course we talked about the decision which all tenants will be asked to make, which is vote to support or decline the proposal that the Council transfer the ownership and management of homes to a Housing Association. Some people present thought the move would be a good thing, others opposed it. It isn't an easy decision, will affect the roof over some peoples heads, and it has to be got right. Housing law is pretty detailed stuff, and the procedures around this transfer proposition are complicated.

I've now asked the Council if one of the housing staff can come along in August to answer questions and explain things, and this is being arranged. I hope it helps, and I will continue to do my best to ensure people in Thriplow and Whittlesford who are tenants of council properties are kept informed of the issues so they can make an informed decision. I am on the Housing Futures Shadow Board, and my copy of Morgan on Housing Law is well thumbed!

Whittlesford and Heathfield by night

Last week saw three power cuts lasting over an hour on each occasion affecting the Station Road area of Whittlesford. Local residents are asking what EDF are doing about the Duxford substation, which seems to be the problem. And so am I.
Meanwhile, street lights in the Woburn Place area of Heathfield are out of action, making it awfi' dark down there, and I've been asked to help by someone who tripped over. Having taken a look, I'm not surprised. The county fixes the lights, and I've spoken to the very helpful Rachel in the County Council lighting engineers office, who need the go ahead from Thriplow Parish Council, who have to meet the cost. I'm checking with the Parish Council on what we need to do to bring the lights back on. Fiat lux!

CCTV needed at Whittlesford Station Part II

Bit difficult buying a ticket when the machine has been done over (and the station is not staffed beyond lunchtime). I've spoken to the station staff and to British Transport Police and I have now written to National Express to see what plans they have for CCTV at the station. Perhaps this latest incident will tip the balance. The station is an amenity for the village (and very useful as a link into Cambridge for teenagers) but if your bike isn't safe and it is a target for crime then not so attractive.

If you go down in the woods...

Three bits of activity all about keeping Whittlesford green and looked after. (1) Had a call from a coach driver telling me that driving in Whippletree Road is risky for high vehicles because of the trees and branches that have fallen over and are sticking into the road. It forces buses and lorries into the centre of the road, which is a bit risky for people coming the other way. People riding down there told me the same thing. It is an amazing road to go along because the trees meet overhead about fifty feet up, making it a huge green tunnel. Not sure that it might be a bit spooky at night. Anyway, I spoke to the County roads people who finally agreed there was a problem and are now working with the landowners to get the trees cut back. (2) People living in housing association properties in Maynards had some problems with the standards of the contractors who were supposed to keep the area maintained. I spoke to Cambs Housing Association who overhauled the contract (and maybe the contractor!) and things are being spruced up. (3) Here's an interesting hedge, in the middle of a field at the back of Orchard Terrace. We need to keep an eye on that hedge, because it may become a marker for development on the other side of it, if the County gets to sell off its farmland and someone is allowed to build there.