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Wednesday 13th November 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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This month saw the ribbon cut on the multi-million pound transformation of March's town centre and the reinstallation of the historic fountain.
Our officers supported in a major crackdown on illegal vapes. We've joined with charity partners to launch an appeal for Christmas presents for older people - some of whom have no-one and may otherwise go without a gift. We've celebrated a partnership project to deliver affordable homes to Wisbech.
We're providing cost of living fairs to help our communities find ways of making their finances go further. We're continuing work on the annual canvass to keep the register of electors current.
Plans for Christmas events that bring festive joy to our towns are shaping up. And, as always, we're not waiting until New Year to think about fitness and wellbeing - our communities can access free and low-cost exercise thanks to the ongoing Active Fenland programme. Speaking of New Year, look out soon for details of how to sign up for discounted garden waste collections in 2025.
More details of all these projects and more are outlined below. Meanwhile, all the hard work on our vital everyday functions to keep Fenland running smoothly, thriving and improving goes on. Remember, our website is the place to report, apply and find information on all the ways we can help you with everything from waste collection to housing support.
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Transformation marks new chapter for historic March town
Image above: MP Steve Barclay, centre, cuts the ribbon with Cllr Jan French, right, and Jamie Harrison, of Octavius, left, with, in the background, project partners and armed forces representatives, who raised the flags.
A major transformation scheme to revitalise the heart of March town centre and ensure it remains thriving and ready for the future is now complete. Once dominated by traffic and heavy congestion, and battling the decline of the UK high street, the town centre has been renewed in a way that drives growth, improves experience and helps ensure long-term economic sustainability. The completion of work in Broad Street was the final step in a programme of inter-related schemes by different partners which attracted a total investment into the town of £12.6million. See more: March transformation marks new chapter for historic market townThe project saw the reinstallation of the town's historic Coronation fountain. The Grade II listed landmark underwent significant repairs and restoration to enhance its historical and aesthetic value to the town and ensure future longevity of the canopy structure. See more: Restored historic fountain returns to Broad Street
Picture above: Restored Coronation fountain in Broad Street, March |
Crackdown on illegal vapes and tobacco continues
As the Tobacco and Vapes Bill begins its route through the legislative process, the crackdown on illegal vapes and illicit tobacco continues across Cambridgeshire, with further seizures made on Wednesday, November 6, from shops in Whittlesey, March and Chatteris. These seizures were made in a multi-agency operation led by Trading Standards in conjunction with Cambridgeshire Police, HMRC and Wagtail tobacco dogs, Fenland District Council officers and Immigration. The operation follows the receipt of intelligence from members of the public. Since January, these joint operations have led to the seizure of over 8,500 illegal vapes and almost 26,000 illicit cigarettes across Cambridgeshire, with Trading Standards sending over three quarters of a tonne of seized illegal vapes to a dedicated recycling facility in July. See more: Crackdown on illegal vapes and Tobacco continues |
Appeal to donate Christmas gifts for Fenland's older people
Collection points have been established to allow people to donate gifts to Fenland's older people. Fenland District Council has teamed with Head to Toe, the official charity of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, which provides district nursing care for older people and those with long-term conditions, and the Trust's How Are You Fenland, which encourages people to get active, learn new skills and be creative. The donations will be given out at the council's Christmas Golden Age event, where visitors can browse stalls about opportunities, services and support for over 60s and enjoy free entry and refreshments. See more: Appeal to donate Christmas gifts for Fenland's older people |
Boost for Fenland as new affordable homes are completed
A new housing development in Wisbech has been celebrated at a special event marking the first time Fenland District Council has worked with one of the Midland's largest housing associations. Platform Housing Group, which manages almost 50,000 homes, has worked with the local authority and builders R G Carter, to produce Skylark, a 137-home site offering much needed housing for the area via 30 shared ownership properties and 97 affordable rented homes. See more: Boost for Fenland as new affordable homes are completed
Image above: Council and Platform Housing Group representatives at the new housing development |
District Council investigates moving headquarters as part of accommodation review
Fenland District Council is looking into the possibility of moving its headquarters in March as part of a review of office space that could bring long-term savings for the taxpayer. The Council's Accommodation Review is assessing the authority's future accommodation needs in order to reduce costs and make savings, without any impact on services to residents and businesses. Moving the Council's civic and democratic headquarters from Fenland Hall in March to nearby Hereward Hall was one of a number of future accommodation options presented in a confidential report to the Council's Cabinet on 30 September. See more: District Council investigates moving headquarters as part of accommodation review |
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Have your say to help us improve our services and make more informed decisions.
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- Whittlesey Relief Road
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.
- Wimblington and Stonea Neighbourhood Plan
Wimbington and Stonea Parish Council is inviting comments on a draft Neighbourhood Plan to help ensure it reflects the community's aspirations for future development of the area.
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Cost of living fairs provide tips and information
Cost of Living fairs are being offered to people in Fenland to pick up advice on financial help they could be entitled to and cost cutting tips. The informal, friendly events provide an opportunity for people to enjoy a free tea or coffee and cake and stroll stands offering relevant information. The fairs are a chance to get tips on things like managing energy costs, grants, benefits and other support available. The drop-in events are 10am to 1pm at:
- Whittlesey on Friday, Nov 15, at Whittlesey Town Council offices, Peel House, 8 Queen Street.
- Wisbech on Monday, Nov 18, at The Oasis Community Centre, St Michael's Avenue.
- Chatteris on Monday, Nov 25, at King Edward Centre, King Edward Road.
Read more: Cost of living fairs provide tips and information |
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Electoral canvassers begin household visits in Fenland
Households in Fenland that have not yet responded to the Annual Canvass - a process which ensures the register of electors is up to date - may soon receive a visit from a council official. Trained electoral canvassers, who are employed by Fenland District Council, will be carrying out household visits from 8 November to 8 December to encourage a response to the canvass. See more: Electoral canvassers to begin household visits in Fenland |
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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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More free and low-cost exercise and wellbeing classes in Fenland for November 2024
Dementia friendly exercise is coming to a new Fenland venue in the latest addition to a broad programme of free and low-cost wellbeing sessions for all. The new chair-based Love to Move session will be in Doddington and begin on Thursday, November 14. The classes are the latest additions to the programme coordinated by Fenland District Council's Active Fenland. Also, back on the programme from this month are additional Wisbech and Chatteris wellbeing walks. The ongoing programme of free and low-cost classes at venues across the district also includes Forever Fit classes, in Whittlesey and Wisbech, where people can enjoy a variety of activities in one session such as new age kurling, table tennis, badminton and mini golf. Plus, 'kickboxing for wellbeing', 'wellbeing dance and stretch' - fun choreographed dance classes, tea dances, walking football and much more. See more: More free and low-cost exercise and wellbeing classes in Fenland for November 2024 |
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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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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 Wisbech. It is just a short walk from the town centre and is easily accessible from the A47.
- South Fens Business Centre
South Fens, in Chatteris, is next to the A141 and A142 - offering easy access to Ely, March, Huntingdon, Cambridge and beyond.
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March and Wisbech will be alive with festive cheer as Christmas events return
Festive stalls, entertainment and fun will fill March and Wisbech again this year as annual free-to-attend Christmas events return. March Christmas Market and Wisbech Christmas Fayre will each include live entertainment, free and low-cost children’s rides and activities, 100 plus stalls offering festive food and gifts, craft markets and a chance to see Santa.
- March Christmas Market is 10am to 4pm on Sunday, December 1.
- Wisbech Christmas Fayre is 10am to 3pm on Sunday, December 8.
Discover more: March and Wisbech will be alive with festive cheer as Christmas events return |
Discounted garden waste subscriptions coming soon
Look out soon for details of how to sign up for garden waste subscriptions for 2025/26, with discounts for those who use direct debit.
As always existing direct debit customers need not worry as their service will continue as normal.
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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
Subscribe now to make sure you get the latest news and updates from Fenland District Council straight to your inbox. |
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