Wednesday 11th September 2024
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The Fenlander is a regular bulletin from Fenland District Council updating on council news, events and services.

Festival, flood defence call and financing for business

People in costume for Whittlesey Festival parade

Image above: In costume for Whittlesey Festival. Photo courtesy of RWT Photography


This month, The Fenlander marks another successful Fenland Four Seasons festival, features a financing opportunity for businesses and a call for a new funding system for flood defences.

We also call on residents to ensure they're registered to vote and we detail the latest opportunities for free and low-cost wellness and exercise in the district with Active Fenland and for over 60s to find out about services and support through upcoming Golden Age events.

We pay tribute to former member of Fenland District Council Kathleen Brennan.

In addition, we report on the opening of new Changing Places accessible toilets and the council's marine team's latest counter-pollution training exercise. 
  
Discover the detail on all of this and more in the features below.

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Communities at risk of flooding face service cuts


People living in areas at risk of flooding face cuts to local services due to the Government's failure to devise a fair system to fund the rapidly rising cost of flood defences.

The District Councils' Network is calling on the new Government to bring in a new system for funding Internal Drainage Boards, the bodies that oversee flood alleviation in the lowest-lying land areas, so investment can take place to allow housebuilding and economic growth without further penalising local residents. 

See more: Communities at risk of flooding face service cuts

Don't lose your vote! Residents in Fenland urged to check their voter registration details


Fenland residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.

Every year, by law, local authorities must conduct an annual canvass of all residential properties in their area to keep the electoral register up to date, identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register to vote before it's too late.

See more: Don't lose your vote!

Whittlesey Festival goes down a storm

Young child on a children's ride

Image above: Enjoying the rides at Whittlesey Festival. Photo courtesy of RWT Photography


Whittlesey Festival 2024 brought much delight and joy despite downpours early in the day.

Visitors threw themselves into the festival, which, as always, was possible thanks to the huge support of volunteers, sponsors, businesses and the community.

The action took place on Sunday, September 8.

More photos at: Whittlesey Festival photos

We're always keen to hear event feedback: Four Seasons Event Feedback
Looking to start, grow or relocate your business? Our Fenland for Business team can offer free and impartial advice.

Apply now for £10k to help your farm or business

Farms and businesses in much of Fenland have another chance to apply for a grant of up to £10,000 to invest in a capital project.
 
Whether the capital investment is in farm diversification, a building project, new piece of equipment or in many other ways – farms and businesses can secure the easy-to-access Fenland Rural England Prosperity Fund government grant.

See more: Apply now for £10k to help your farm or business
Active Fenland promotes and provides informal and fun sport and physical activity sessions in community settings in Fenland.

Special opportunity for those who want to lose weight in the latest free and low-cost exercise and wellbeing programme


Adults who want to lose weight have the chance to sign up to a free, supportive course this month as part of a no-cost and low-cost exercise and wellbeing programme for all.

Free 'Active for Health' sessions offer the chance for people who aren't currently exercising much to take part in 12 weeks of fitness sessions with others in a similar situation - and get a 90-day leisure centre pass. 

'Active for Health' courses are the latest offer in an ongoing programme of free and low-cost exercise and wellbeing sessions for all ages and abilities enabled by Fenland District Council's Active Fenland.

Session blocks beginning this month include adults' wellbeing dance and stretch - fun choreographed dance classes, kickboxing for wellbeing and free 'couch to 5k' running. Walking football, beginners badminton, dementia-friendly seated exercise and multi-sports social sessions for older people are among the other offers in the broad programme.

See more: Free and low cost exercise and wellbeing - September 2024
Jobs
Our current vacancies include a position for a specialist tree officer in our planning team.
Ask a question
Got a question about our services you'd like to see covered in The Fenlander? Send it to fenlander@fenland.gov.uk

Changing Places toilets improve accessibility in Fenland


People with additional access needs and ability challenges now have more well-equipped toilets in Fenland.

More 'Changing Places' toilets, suitable for people who need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably, are in place in March and Wisbech.

See more: Changing Places toilets improve accessibility in Fenland

Council's marine team's counter-pollution exercise in River Nene


A training exercise designed to test the response in the event of an oil spill was held in the River Nene in Wisbech.

The Marine Services Team from Fenland District Council's Port of Wisbech Harbour Authority conducted a Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) marine oil pollution exercise to test their Oil Spill Contingency Plan.

See more: Council's marine team undertake counter-pollution exercise in River Nene
Have your say to help us improve our services and make more informed decisions. 
Upcoming Events
Find out more about upcoming events and activities across Fenland.

Tributes paid to former Councillor and mayor of Wisbech


Tributes were paid to former member of Fenland District Council Kathleen Brennan, who sadly passed away.

Kathleen represented the Wisbech North ward on Fenland District Council from May 1987 to April 1991. As a member of Fenland District Council, Kathleen sat on the Housing and Health Committee, Finance Sub Committee, Policy and Resources Committee and the Recreation and Public Works Committee.

Cllr Nick Meekins, Chairman of Fenland District Council, said: "On behalf of the council, I extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Kathleen Brennan, a dedicated and loyal public servant."

See more: Tributes paid to former Councillor and mayor of Wisbech
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.

Discover services and support available to the over 60s at free events


Free events for people over 60 and those interested in services and support for over 60s will be held in Tydd St Giles and Eastrea.

The latest Golden Age events are expected to each see representatives from 25-plus service providers staffing stalls offering information about what they offer to over 60s.

See more: Discover services and support available to the over 60s at free events
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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