Wednesday 11 October 2023
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The Fenlander is a regular bulletin from Fenland District Council updating on council news, events and services.
Grants for businesses and to support
arts and culture

Two grant schemes have been launched in Fenland - one to help businesses with up to £5,000, the other to support arts, culture and heritage in the district.


Business grants


Small Fenland businesses and farmers can now apply for a Government grant of up to £5,000 to help them thrive.

Businesses have until 5pm on Friday, October 20, to lodge an expression of interest. And must be able to invest the funds by the end of February next year.

The 'Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)' grants can support up to half the cost of capital projects and purchases - that is investments into assets, like tools, equipment, computers and machinery.

Arts and culture grants


Fenland District Council has launched a new grant scheme to support arts, culture and heritage activity across the district.

The first round of the new Fenland Culture Fund is now open for local creatives and community arts organisations to apply for grants of up to £2,000.

Discover more and apply:

Outstanding Fenland volunteers honoured at annual celebration event

Volunteers gathered at Fenland's annual Celebration Evening

Volunteers honoured at Fenland's annual Celebration Evening


Dedicated volunteers who have helped to nurture and transform Fenland over the past 12 months have been honoured by Fenland District Council.

The Council held its annual Celebration Evening to recognise the positive impact the work of volunteers has on our communities, and to say a huge, well-deserved 'thank you!' for everything they do.

There are now 17 Street Pride groups in the district, and a number of In Bloom and Friends groups all working hard to improve the local street scene, our open spaces and heritage sites and promote environmental education.

See more: Outstanding Fenland volunteers honoured at annual celebration event

Tributes paid to former councillor with 'heart of gold'


Fenland councillors and council officers paid tribute on news of the death of former member Paul (Pop) Jolley whose goal was to always "get things done".

Speaking at Full Council, Chairman Nick Meekins said: "He is remembered as someone who was always willing to help, who enjoyed supporting good causes and who had a heart of gold."

See more: Tributes paid to former councillor with 'heart of gold'

Excellence award for Fenland planning team member

Danielle Brooke receives the RTPI Awards for Research Excellence 2023 'student award'.

Danielle Brooke receives the RTPI Awards for Research Excellence 2023 'student award'

Support from her team was instrumental in securing a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) excellence award, a member of Fenland District Council's planning team has said.

Danielle Brooke was named a RTPI Awards for Research Excellence 2023 winner.

Danielle was recognised for the dissertation that formed part of her MSc in Town Planning with Anglia Ruskin University.

See more: Excellence award for Fenland planning team member

Improving access to mental health services for rough sleepers in Fenland


Rough sleepers in Fenland are benefitting from better access to specialist mental health support thanks to a new partnership between Fenland District Council and the NHS.

The Council has agreed a new contract with the NHS for a full-time mental health practitioner, to boost existing outreach, accommodation, drug and alcohol, and mental and physical healthcare services in the district.

See more: Improving access to mental health services for rough sleepers in Fenland
 
Active Fenland promotes and provides informal and fun sport and physical activity sessions in community settings in Fenland.

Free fitness classes in Fenland


Free fitness classes, including circuits for beginners, novice netball and slow-paced football, are on offer to Fenland adults.

The courses, which are being run by Fenland District Council's 'Active Fenland' team, are open to anyone who is over 18 that:
  • considers themselves to be overweight or has a BMI over 25
  • OR is currently undertaking less than 30 minutes of exercise a week.
The sessions offer the chance to get more active through fitness alongside weekly healthy eating and wellbeing resources and challenges.

See more: Free fitness classes in Fenland

Anti-social behaviour injunction following harassment and distress
A man who a court heard had caused significant harassment and distress to others in the local community faces jail if he continues.

Michael Bloy, of no fixed abode, was banned from begging, rough sleeping, urinating and being aggressive in Fenland after a County Court judge granted an injunction sought by Fenland District Council.

Bloy had repeatedly been offered help and support from multiple partner agencies before enforcement action was taken but he had not engaged, the court heard.
Bloy was also been banned from loitering or begging at any cash point, service station or supermarket/convenience store across the district.

A two-year Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction (ASBI) was granted by Peterborough County Court. If the terms of the injunction are breached, Bloy will be liable to arrest and could face up to two years in prison.

See more: Council secures injunction against Wisbech beggar
 
Jobs
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Got a question about our services you'd like to see covered in The Fenlander? Send it to fenlander@fenland.gov.uk

Return of Whittlesey Festival hailed a great success


Whittlesey welcomed the return of its much-loved Whittlesey Festival after a three-year break.

Due to the impact and after-effects of Covid, the traditional event was last held in 2019.

But the event returned with a bang on Sunday, September 10, when large crowds enjoyed a packed programme of fun in the late summer sunshine.

See photos: Return of Whittlesey Festival hailed a great success

Help shape Fenland's major celebration events


It feels only a few short weeks since Fenland's major summer events - and, for many, too early to think about Christmas, yet planning for the festive season and beyond is already well under way.

Volunteers and traders are being invited to get involved now to help make the Fenland Four Seasons events in Chatteris, March, Whittlesey and Wisbech, which thousands of people enjoy, a continued success.

See more: Help shape Fenland's major celebration events
Consultations
Have your say to help us improve our services and make more informed decisions. 
Have your say on where you cast your vote

Fenland residents are being invited to have their say on where they vote in elections by taking part in Fenland District Council's review of polling districts, places and stations.

A public consultation is running until 10 November.

See: Have your say on where you cast your vote

Council agrees motion against County Council weed spraying decision


Members of Fenland District Council will be writing to Cambridgeshire County Council to call for the re-introduction of weed spraying alongside roads and pavements, following a motion at Full Council on Monday (2 October).

See more: Council agrees motion against County Council weed spraying decision
Business Premises
Starting or expanding your business? Looking for affordable offices or factory units? We can help! Our Business Premises and Industrial Units are ideal for small and start-up businesses.
  • The Boathouse Business Centre
    The Boathouse overlooks the marina in the vibrant market town of Wisbech in Cambridgeshire. It is just a short walk from the town centre and is easily accessible from the A47.

  • South Fens Business Centre
    South Fens is located in the small market town of Chatteris. It is next to the A141 and A142 - offering easy access to Ely, March, Huntingdon, Cambridge and beyond.

Call for revised local transport plan


Fenland District Council agreed a motion to call on Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) for a revised long-term strategy to improve transport in the county.

See more: Call for revised local transport plan
Looking to start, grow or relocate your business? Our Fenland for Business team can offer free and impartial advice.

Council speaks out against 'war on motorists'


Fenland councillors have vowed to reject proposals to introduce "anti-motorist" schemes in the district that are "deliberately designed to force people out of their cars"

See more: Council speaks out against 'war on motorists'
Don’t forget to Do It Online
The quickest and easiest way to apply, report, find or pay via Fenland District Council is usually our website. Available 24 hours a day whenever it’s most convenient for you.

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