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Wednesday, October 9, 2024
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The Fenlander is a regular bulletin from Fenland District Council updating on council news, events and services. |
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Town centre overhaul nears completion, penalties for fly-tippers rise and entrepreneurs offered funding
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It's an exciting time in Fenland as completion of the major multi-million pound once-in-a-generation overhaul of March town centre nears completion.
The March town centre regeneration enhances and elevates the town centre environment. In the spirit of promoting a positive environment in Fenland, this month the district council's cabinet agreed tougher penalties for people who fly-tip or litter.
Another project intended to improve the area, is the grant funding available to entrepreneurs creating new businesses, employment and prospects in Fenland.
All this and much more is covered below in this month's The Fenlander. Don't miss the various opportunities to feed into current consultations and help shape future plans for services and infrastructure.
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March town centre regeneration enters final phase
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Image above: An impression of how March town centre will look following the almost complete regeneration work
An ambitious, multi-million pound scheme to support and revitalise March town centre is nearing completion, with works due to be complete by the end of October. More than £8.4million has been invested to help the town adapt to the changing retail environment and meet the needs of current and future generations as the town continues to grow. The once-in-a-generation scheme has included the revamp of March Market Place, riverside enhancement works, improvement grants for businesses and the major transformation of Broad Street to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and create a more open, social, and pedestrian-friendly town centre. Read more: March town centre regeneration enters final phase |
Tougher penalties for littering, flyposting, fly-tipping — and handing waste to unauthorised carriers who dump it
Littering, fly-tipping and handing waste to unauthorised carriers who go on to dump it, will all attract much tougher financial penalties in Fenland. Fenland District Council's cabinet agreed to use new powers to increase, and, in some cases, more than double, the penalties it can impose for the 'environmental crimes'. It also introduced a new fixed penalty for graffitiing and fly-posting. See more: Tougher penalties for littering, flyposting, fly-tipping — and handing waste to unauthorised carriers who dump it |
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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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Get your new business off the ground with a grant of up to £10,000
Entrepreneurs have a second chance to get a grant of up to £10,000 to help get their new business off the ground in Fenland. The grants are available to people who have a plan but have not yet launched their business and to those who have been operating for less than 12 months. The grants come with a package of free support for start-up businesses under the Fenland Start-Up Business Support Programme. The programme is open to applications until Sunday (October 13). In a separate scheme, applications are also open until Sunday for grants of £10,000 for more established businesses in much of Fenland through Fenland Rural England Prosperity Fund. See more: Get your new business off the ground with a grant of up to £10,000 |
Customer Service Excellence quality mark maintained by Fenland District Council
Image above: Cllr Steve Tierney, left, and Fenland District Council Chairman Cllr Nick Meekins with the Customer Service Excellence certificate.
Fenland District Council has successfully achieved the prestigious Customer Service Excellence (CSE) Standard for another year. The achievement underscores the Council's commitment to continuous improvement and providing the highest quality service to customers. Receiving the CSE certificate, at a meeting of full council, Cllr Steve Tierney, the Council's Portfolio Holder for Customer Services, said retaining the award for another year is a true testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire council team. The CSE is a national government benchmark for excellence in customer service, awarded to public service organisations that demonstrate excellent customer service standards and a truly customer-focused culture. See more: Customer Service Excellence quality mark maintained by Fenland District Council
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Consultations
Have your say to help us improve our services and make more informed decisions.
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Upcoming Events
Find out more about upcoming events and activities across Fenland. |
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Whittlesey Relief Road consultation: Public invited to share views on proposed options
The long-anticipated Whittlesey Relief Road project is taking a major step forward as the first public consultation on the scheme is announced. Residents, businesses and other stakeholders are being given an opportunity to view and comment on initial options for the project, which aims to address traffic issues and boost future growth and connectivity in the area. Consultation materials will be available to view at Whittlesey Town Council offices throughout the consultation, which runs from Wednesday 23 October to Friday 22 November. See more: Whittlesey Relief Road consultation: Public invited to share views on proposed options |
Consultation launched as district council reviews local validation requirements for planning applications
Fenland District Council, as the local planning authority, is reviewing its local validation requirements checklist for planning applications - and is urging people to share their views. The council's 21-day consultation seeking views on its Draft Local Validation List, closes on Monday, October 14. The National Planning Policy Framework sets out that local planning authorities must publish a local validation list for planning applications and review it frequently. A validation list tells people who are submitting planning applications what supporting information will be needed. See more: Consultation launched as district council reviews local validation requirements for planning applications |
Don't miss the chance to have your say on buses
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is holding a bus franchising consultation and you can have your say to help improve bus services. The consultation is running until November 20, 2024. It will inform a decision by the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on how to reform buses across the area. Everyone is invited to participate and the combined authority is especially keen to hear from families, students and older people. See more: Don't miss the chance to have your say on buses |
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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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Free walking hockey added to free and low-cost exercise and wellbeing classes
Free walking hockey sessions have been added this month (October 2024) to a programme of free and low-cost exercise and wellbeing classes offered in Fenland. The walking hockey sessions are the latest offer in the Fenland District Council's Active Fenland programme, which creates exercise and wellbeing opportunities for all ages and abilities. More dates have also been announced for Active Fenland tea dances. The ongoing programme of free and low-cost classes at venues across the district also includes 'kickboxing for wellbeing', 'wellbeing dance and stretch' - fun choreographed dance classes, wellbeing walks and much more. See more: Free walking hockey added to free and low-cost exercise and wellbeing classes |
Multi-agency training exercise at Crab Marsh Boat Yard in Wisbech
Image above: Crews on board the pilot boat at Crab Marsh Boat Yard in Wisbech
Our Marine Services Team hosted fire and ambulance crews for a multi-agency training exercise at Crab Marsh Boat Yard in Wisbech. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Ambulance Service took part in simulated rescues on board the Marine Team's Pilot Boat to test emergency incident response plans. The exercise involved multiple rescues in confined spaces on board the vessel, with crews using breathing apparatus to locate the 'casualties' and set up of equipment to lift them from the vessel. For more information on Crab Marsh Boat Yard and Wisbech Port and Harbour, visit: Port and Yacht Harbour
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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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Respects paid to former Councillor and Mayor of Wisbech - Fenland District Council
Tributes are being paid to Avis Gilliatt, a former member of Fenland District Council, who has sadly passed away.
Avis served as the representative for the Wisbech (North) ward, which later became Waterlees (Wisbech), on Fenland District Council from May 1999 to May 2007.
During her time on the council, she contributed to several committees, including the Economic Regeneration Committee, Housing Committee, Overview and Scrutiny Panel, and Standards Committee.
Cllr Nick Meekins, Chairman of Fenland District Council, said: "On behalf of the council, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Avis."
Alongside her service with Fenland District Council, Avis also held the position of Mayor of Wisbech from 1999 to 2000.
As a mark of respect, flags at the Fenland District Council offices in Fenland Hall, March, will be lowered until after her funeral.
A minute's silence will also be held before Fenland District Council's next Full Council meeting on Monday, December 16.
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Chance to chat all things rail at latest Meet the Manager event
Another opportunity to meet rail managers and transport representatives and ask questions about services and improvements is being held in Fenland. The Hereward Community Rail Partnership (CRP), which champions the Hereward Line and its stations at Peterborough, Whittlesea, March, Manea and Ely, is hosting its latest 'Meet the Manager' event in Whittlesey on Friday (October 11). The events are often held at local stations, but this time the event is being taken to two locations in the centre of Whittlesey, 9am to noon, at Whittlesey Town Council Chamber, Peel House, 8 Queen Street, and Whittlesey Market Square. See more: Chance to chat all things rail at latest Meet the Manager event |
Brownies get first class rail safety message thanks to the Hereward Community Rail Partnership
Youngsters from 4th March Brownies enjoyed an educational and fun-filled trip to March Station, where they learned all about safety around the railway. The trip was organised by the Hereward Community Rail Partnership (CRP), which works to engage local communities along the Fens' Hereward Line, as part of an ongoing initiative to promote rail safety and build confidence in rail travel. See more: Brownies get first class rail safety message thanks to the Hereward Community Rail Partnership |
Arts and culture activities boost children and young people's health and wellbeing in Fenland
More than 360 children and young people have discovered how arts and culture can improve their health and wellbeing thanks to a project delivered across the Fens. Primary school children, teenagers and young adults aged 18-24 took part in 'Express Yourself', a six-week programme of arts and culture activities held in Chatteris, March, Whittlesey and Wisbech and in ten village schools. The project was delivered by Fenland-based 20Twenty Productions, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, thanks to £50,000 of 'tackling prevention' funding secured by Fenland District Council from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System. See more: Arts and culture activities boost children and young people's health and wellbeing in Fenland |
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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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