Melbourn Parish Council April 2017, County Councillor Report

Narrow pavement, entrance to Back Lane: Thanks to residents who have raised a concern about an overgrown stretch of pavement at a key point for pedestrians. The pavement has narrowed to 70 cm and can’t accommodate a pushchair. The suggestion was made that if sided out, helpful extra width could be gained.

My response is that I would of course notify Highways, because it’s important that all issues of Highways responsibility be logged. Being practical, I’d suggest we should look at what other communities are doing in similar situations, given the collapse of the Highways budget. Meldreth, which out of its Parish Plan some years ago set up a network of pavement wardens, is one parish that has signed up to the Highways volunteer scheme. One of these volunteers has done some siding out work on key pavements. Highways provides the permissions and cover needed. I’ve spoken to the resident concerned, who was very willing to side out this bit of pavement. Would the parish council like to pursue the Highways volunteer scheme?

Cherry Park site entrance: A collision occurred earlier this week involving a commuting cyclist and a lorry. Fortunately there was no injury. I met on site with a representative from Melbourn Science Park and the County Cycling team, who will discuss appropriate measures with the owners of the site. New assets bring new problems and junctions are an obvious priority.

May 7 Annual A10 Awareness Cycle Ride: All welcome – Set off from Trumpington Park and Ride and head to Phillimore. The ride will be marshalled at all junctions, as usual. After refreshments, people will be welcome to join a ride to the Royston Road end of Melbourn to inspect the start of the Melbourn-Royston path, to see first-hand what is proposed for a safe link to Royston.

26 Bus: Resumption of an hourly service will commence at the end of the July school term. Off-peak journeys only will terminate at Park and Ride. Sadly, the 27 bus will be withdrawn. The consultation feedback indicated that of people who actually ride these services, greatest support was to upgrade the 26. Strong ridership means make or break.

New Bus User Group: Cam Vale BUGs – In response to changing fortunes of commercial and subsidized bus services, a new group has been set up. An inaugural meeting last week saw 20 people attending, and a follow-up will be held in late June, when the plan is to become properly constituted. This meeting was attended by Royston and District Community Transport and the Chair of Whaddon Parish Council, who provided very helpful advice. I’ve posted the minutes on my website for now, but the group will need to establish its own platform.

Network Rail proposal to close C04 level crossing, south of Meldreth Railway Bridge. I’ve met on site with County Rights of Way officers who will be strenuously objecting to this proposal, and also a local farmer and a representative of the NFU. I have logged my consultation response (posted on my website) arguing that the proposed alternative route is inappropriate on safety grounds.

As this is my last report for this County Council term, under the current boundaries, I would like to say thank you to Melbourn Parish Council and residents for making me so welcome in this wonderful village, and for working cooperatively in support of all corners of the community.

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