The Fenlander is a regular bulletin from Fenland District Council updating on council news, events and services. |
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Incinerator pledge
plus elections, events & more
The newsletter this month includes Fenland District Council members' pledge to continue to represent residents' views on the Wisbech incinerator, despite the loss of the council's legal battle to halt the development. There's also news of major investments into Whittlesey and Wisbech. |
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The general election and two local by-elections have been the focus of much effort and resource in recent weeks. The district council was responsible for conducting and announcing results of the Whittlesey by-elections and general election in the North East Cambridgeshire constituency. We've also seen the appointment of Cllr Nick Meekins, pictured above, to a second consecutive year as Fenland District Council chariman. In addition this month we feature a deaf-led firm that benefited from our business support - and details of how you can too , free summer wellbeing and exercise activities, another successful Chatteris Midsummer Festival, advice on being prepared for emergencies and...a miniature church in Benwick! |
Council reaffirms commitment to residents despite Wisbech incinerator legal battle loss
Fenland District Council Members have reaffirmed their commitment to representing residents' views on the Wisbech incinerator, despite the Council losing its legal battle to halt the development. Following expert legal advice, and in keeping with the Council's pledge to challenge the incinerator at every turn, the authority applied for judicial review of the Secretary of State's decision to award planning permission for the Medworth Energy from Waste Combined Heat and Power Facility at Algores Way, Wisbech. However, a High Court judge last week sadly refused the judicial review application. Read more: Council reaffirms commitment to residents despite Wisbech incinerator legal battle loss |
Chatteris Midsummer Festival Brings Together Performers, Stalls, and Community Fun
Image above: Chatteris Midsummer Festival Parade 2024, photo courtesy of F-Stop Camera Club
Residents, retailers and community groups came together for 2024's Chatteris Midsummer Festival. Across two days, there was live music and performances, a stunt show, stalls, amusements, inflatables, archery and fairground rides, Party in the Park in the evening. Then, a colour fun run, tug of war and disco with foam cannon, as well as a cream tea tent and dog show. A vibrant movie-themed parade through the town opened the festival. Photos at: Chatteris Midsummer Festival 2024 photosLet us know what you thought of the festival in this two minute survey: Four Seasons Event FeedbackDiscover how to get involved with September's Whittlesey Festival at: Fenland Four Seasons Events |
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Looking to start, grow or relocate your business? Our Fenland for Business team can offer free and impartial advice. |
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Deaf-led business benefits from grant to increase inclusive employment opportunities
Image above: Rai and Rai Bathrooms opening event. Fenland District Council leader Cllr Chris Boden, far left, and, in the bath, former Whittlesey mayor and Fenland councillor Kay Mayor, with back, from left, Daniel Allen, Steve Swalow, Cllr Simon Black, Cllr Dee Laws, Raimonds Epners. Centre, from left – Raivis Tidemanis, Daniel McMillan, Ruth Godden and dog Bella.
A company that offers a unique employment environment for deaf people and is deaf-led is using the support of a Fenland business grant to help it continue to thrive. Of the firm's nine-strong staff, six are deaf and the firm's directors plan to keep providing inclusive employment opportunities. Rai and Rai Bathrooms was supported in its successful grant application by Fenland District Council's Fenland for Business team. The firm's director and sign language interpreter encouraged local businesses to use Fenland for Business for free advice and support. See more: Deaf-led business benefits from grant to increase inclusive employment opportunities |
Whittlesea Railway Station £3m investment moves forward
The delivery of a £3million programme of enhancements at Whittlesea railway station has been approved by Fenland District Council's Cabinet. The enhancements will form part of the Council's ongoing Railway Station Masterplans project, delivering improvements to Whittlesea, March and Manea stations with a total funding package of £9.5million from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. See more: Whittlesea Railway Station £3m investment moves forward |
Chairman reappointed for second year
Cllr Nick Meekins has been appointed Chairman of Fenland District Council for a second consecutive year.
The ward member for Wisbech Riverside was unanimously elected by fellow councillors during the council's annual meeting.
Cllr Brenda Barber, ward member for Leverington and Wisbech Rural, was also appointed as Vice Chair of the Council for a second term, following a majority vote.
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Active Fenland promotes and provides informal and fun sport and physical activity sessions in community settings in Fenland. |
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New Active Fenland timetable includes free summer holiday fun
Free summer holiday family running and outdoor yoga sessions have been added to a packed programme of exercise and wellbeing sessions in Fenland. Fenland District Council's Active Fenland is offering the summer holiday activities as part of its programme of free and low-cost sessions, which cater for all ages and abilities. Find all this month's Active Fenland sessions at: Active Fenland's July sessions |
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Benwick volunteers preserve memory of historic village landmark
Volunteers in Benwick have completed yet another community project in the village, with the unveiling of a miniature replica of St Mary's Church - nearly 40 years after landmark's demolition. The church, originally built in 1854, held significant historical value until its unfortunate demolition in 1985 due to ground stability issues. Determined to preserve the memory of the beloved landmark, Benwick In Bloom / Street Pride group took up the challenge of recreating the church in meticulous detail. Volunteers run Street Pride and In Bloom groups across the district, carrying out all kinds of environment enhancement from litter picking to major planting projects. Volunteers can give lots of regular time or turn up occasionally to help. You'll love the church replica: Benwick volunteers preserve memory of historic village landmark |
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Consultations
Have your say to help us improve our services and make more informed decisions.
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£20million investment for Wisbech is a real opportunity
"Twenty million pounds under local control to achieve many of the things that I'm sure local residents in Wisbech want to see achieved." Those were the words of Fenland District Council's leader Cllr Chris Boden as he introduced an item about Long-Term Plan for Towns funding from the Government's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), to the council's cabinet. Cllr Boden said: "It's a real opportunity." Wisbech Town Board has now been established to generate the plans. The board was a government requirement and is comprised of elected members, community leaders, business representatives, the Police and Crime Commissioner or their representative and the local MP. The Town Board must consult with local people on the plans. See more: £20million investment for Wisbech is a real opportunity. |
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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.
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- 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.
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Are you prepared if an emergency were to strike?
A new government website encourages people to take some simple steps to be prepared in case of emergencies such as floods, fires or power cuts. Advice includes, five simple things you can do now. Get tips at: Are you prepared if an emergency were to strike? |
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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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Subscribe to The Fenlander
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