From 'council merger' update to community hero celebration

News in The Fenlander this month ranges from options for changes to local government in Fenland to details of our latest community hero event.

We have details of £1m awarded so far in grants to Fenland businesses, creating 125 jobs - and how businesses can apply. Also available are grants for community projects.

New free social and fitness sessions in Fenland include beginner hockey and cricket, a 'couch to 5k' running course and family fun.

We have details of Chatteris Midsummer Festival and our latest information and advice event for over 60s.

March's Broad Street improvements have been shortlisted for a National Transport Award.

A new Fenland arts and culture project has launched thanks to £420,000 in funding.

There's free chances to discover new places and new faces and build confidence using public transport with Fenland's new Travel Buddies project; and to get your bike checked over with Dr Bike events.

A stunning sunflower mosaic crafted by students has found a home at March Station. And there's news of free art boxes and workshops in Whittlesey to support mental health.

There's an update on a free support service for people who are struggling to work due to their mental or physical health.

Plus, a spotlight on community safety, including an upcoming health, wellbeing and personal safety advice event; scam email and text advice; summer safety tips; banned vapes warning and firefighter recruitment campaign.

Read on for further details of all this and more!

Have your say on plans for the future of local councils

Communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are being given an opportunity to have their say on a once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of local government.

An engagement survey runs until Sunday, July 20, so people can help inform the biggest shake-up of local government since the 1970s. 

See more: Have your say on plans for the future of local councils

Three options announced for council reorganisation plans

Council leaders have identified three preferred options for creating new unitary councils across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The announcement was made in response to a national government requirement to replace the current district, county and city councils with simpler unitary councils, instead of two tiers of local government.  

See more: Three options announced for council reorganisation plans

Firms urged to bid for grants after more than £1million awarded

Businesses across Fenland have been awarded grants totalling more than £1 million to create jobs and grow - and more funds are now available.

A total of 79 awards have already been made and it is estimated they have supported the creation of 125 jobs.

Now, additional funding has been awarded to Fenland to enable further business support grant awards — and firms are being encouraged to bid for it.

The deadline for 'expressions of interest' in Investment in Business grants of up to £25,000 is Monday, July 14.

The deadline for completing an expression of interest for the Fenland Rural England Prosperity Fund grants of up to £10,000 is Monday, August 4.

Apply now through: Fenland for Business grants page

Discover more, including comments from successful applicants at:

• Firms urged to bid for grants after more than £1million awarded
• Fenland businesses reminded to bid for grants of up to £25,000

Community funds remain open for applications

Community groups and parish councils are encouraged to apply for grants to support  projects with environmental benefits.

Deadlines for applications are in July, August and September.

Discover what can be supported and how to apply at:

• Grants of up to £10,000 for community projects
• Net Zero Villages Grant

New free social and fitness sessions in Fenland 

New free sessions added to a programme of social and activity classes in Fenland include beginner hockey and cricket, a 'couch to 5k' running course and family fun.

The latest classes are part of a packed free and low-cost programme offered by Fenland District Council’s Active Fenland.

The full Active Fenland programme includes classes for people with specific health conditions such as diabetes and cardiac problems, facing mobility issues or dementia and lots of general social and fitness classes for all.

Family fun sessions include free events in the beautiful grounds of the the National Trust's Peckover House. There's also free adult yoga there.

See more: New free social and fitness sessions in Fenland 

Community heroes of all ages celebrated at Pride in Fenland 2025

The community heroes of Fenland were recognised at the latest Pride in Fenland awards ceremony.

The awards saw 87 nominations for individuals and groups that positively impact lives in the district.

Opening the event, at Wisbech St Mary Sports and Community Centre, the district's Cllr Susan Wallwork said: "With every year that goes by, I become increasingly humbled by the voluntary community in Fenland.

"Individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds are regularly making a meaningful difference to Fenland residents in a multitude of ways.

"These awards shine a spotlight on you. It's also important that we acknowledge the huge numbers of volunteers not in this room who may not have received a nomination, but are no less deserving, and also make a difference to lives every day.

"We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to these people as well as to those of you here tonight."

See more: Community heroes of all ages celebrated at Pride in Fenland 2025

Thousands turned out for Chatteris Midsummer Festival 2025



Photo above: Chatteris Midsummer Festival 2025 parade and crowds. Image: F-Stop Camera Club

Thousands of visitors enjoyed Chatteris Midsummer Festival 2025.

The Fenland Four Seasons event included entertainment across the last weekend in June kicking off with a TV cartoon character themed parade.

See more: Thousands turned out for Chatteris Midsummer Festival 2025

Record breaking turnout at Golden Age event for over 60s

A record-breaking number of visitors attended the latest Fenland Golden Age event, and the date for the next event is already set.

A total of 213 people attended the Golden Age event at Whittlesey's Manor Leisure Centre on June 20 to discover opportunities, services and support for over 60s by strolling stands staffed by service providers and volunteers.

See more: Record breaking turnout at Golden Age event for over 60s

March's Broad Street improvements shortlisted for National Transport Award

A collaborative project to improve transport in the market town of March has been shortlisted for 'Exemplary Approach to Active Travel & Public Space' at the National Transport Awards 2025.

The 'Broad Street Road Transformation Project' was delivered through partnership working with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, Fenland District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council. The Combined Authority supported the scheme with £4.2 million through the March Area Transport Study (MATS), while Fenland District Council contributed £3.6 million from the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF).

See more: March's Broad Street Improvements Shortlisted For National Transport Award

New Fenland arts and culture project launches thanks to £420,000 in Arts Council funding

The Fenland Place Partnership, a consortium of local arts and cultural organisations, has announced that it has secured more than £400,000 in funding from Arts Council England to launch a new £1m cultural programme across Fenland.

The project will invest in current and future cultural leaders of Fenland through a three-year programme including a multi-arts festival in the summer of 2027. The six-week festival will feature a diverse mix of productions, exhibitions, and events aimed at bringing local people together with professional artists and creative activity to enjoy the thriving cultural heritage of the area.  

See more: New Fenland arts and culture project launches thanks to £420,000 in Arts Council funding

Discover new places and new faces - for free - with Fenland's new Travel Buddies project

Fenland District Council is encouraging older residents to take advantage of an exciting opportunity to explore the local area, meet new people, and gain confidence using public transport - all completely free of charge.

The Council's new Travel Buddies project, funded by the Cambridgeshire County Council Care Together team through the Older Adult Social Inclusion grants, offers days out aimed at helping people to confidently and independently use local transport, especially when driving is no longer an easy option.

See more: Travel Buddies

Free bike health checks

Free bicycle health checks are on offer across Fenland in the coming weeks.

The 'Dr Bike' events will take place from 10am to 4pm on:

• Friday, July 18 - Market Place, Wisbech
• Monday, July 21 - Aldi, Chatteris
• Wednesday, July 23 - Market Place, March
• Saturday, August 9 - Market Place, Whittlesey

The checks will be performed by a qualified mechanic with any minor repairs being carried out on the spot and expert advice offered for any work your bike might need beyond the event.

You can book a time slot online and a limited number of drop-in bike checks may also be available on the day. For more information, email activetravel@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Book at: Dr Bike booking

Giant sunflower mosaic blossoms at March Station thanks to community rail partnership with charity



Picture above: Students and staff from FACET join Hereward Community Rail Partnership representatives, Greater Anglia representatives and the Chairman of Fenland District Council, Cllr Brenda Barber, at the official unveiling of the FACET sunflower mosaic at March Station.

A stunning sunflower mosaic crafted by students from charity FACET has found a new home at March Station, thanks to the Hereward Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and Greater Anglia.

The eye-catching artwork is now proudly displayed in the station's ticket hall for all to see, following an official unveiling.

See more: Giant sunflower mosaic blossoms at March Station thanks to community rail partnership with charity

Creative wellbeing for Whittlesey - free art boxes and workshops launch to support mental health

A new community wellbeing initiative has launched in Whittlesey to help residents experiencing isolation, anxiety, or mental health challenges to express themselves

Spearheaded by 20Twenty Productions CIC and supported by the Fenland Cultural Partnership, Express Yourself: Art In A Box offers free, artist-designed activity kits and inclusive creative workshops.

For more details and workshop dates see: Creative wellbeing for Whittlesey - free art boxes and workshops launch to support mental health

Fenland residents getting well for work with WorkWell

More than 350 people have now accessed a free Fenland support service for people who are struggling to work due to their mental or physical health.

Individuals who contact WorkWell Fenland are assigned a coach who listens to the problems they're facing and helps them access the support they need.

One man described how the support he received helped him return to work from anxiety-related sick leave; and a young woman told how, after six-months on sick leave, she is now actively seeking new work to support herself through a nursing course.

Discover more: Fenland residents getting well for work with WorkWell

Community wellbeing event

Health, wellbeing and personal safety organisation representatives will be available to answer questions and offer expert advice at an event in Elm.

Fenland District Council officers, representing the district's Community Safety Partnership of police, local authorities, fire and rescue services, health and probation services, will be in attendance.

Also available will be cyber crime and fraud advice, health checks, fire safety & more.

The event is at All Saints' Church, Elm, 11.30am to 2.30pm, on Monday, July 28.

Event updates at: All Saints Elm news

Beware scam emails and texts

Beware of scam texts and emails claiming to be from Government departments or local authorities.

Recent reported scams have included scam texts claiming to be from ‘DWP Energy Support’ and scam emails asking for payments to process Household Support Fund payments.

• Get tips to avoid being a victim of fraud at: Stop! Think Fraud - Government website
• Ticket fraud is also a big issue. Top tips to stay safe at: Action Fraud website
• Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of phishing at: Phishing: Spot and report scam emails, texts, websites and calls

Summer safety tips

Whilst the warm summer weather brings lots of opportunities for fun in the sun there are also additional hazards for children, the Child Accident Prevention Trust says.

Its summer safety tips include advice on swim safety, burns, toy dangers and dogs.

Take a look at: Summer safety tips 

Beware banned vapes

Disposable vapes are now banned in the UK, but unethical retailers will still attempt to sell illegal products.

Know where illicit vapes are being sold? Contact Crimestoppers and stay 100% anonymous. Always. 

Visit: CrimeStoppers vape dangers

Find out about being a firefighter

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting!

It has limited spaces left on upcoming information sessions.

Discover more about applying on the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service careers page.

Changes to landlines and telecare devices

The UK’s telephone network is changing. Traditional landlines are being replaced by digital technology.

This change is known as the Digital Switchover.

For most people, the change will be simple. But if you rely on a landline or use a telecare device (like a fall monitor or lifeline), you may need to take action.

The switchover will mainly affect:

• People who do not have an internet connection at home
• People who rely on a traditional landline (not already using a digital phone service)
• Users of telecare and personal alarm systems, such as fall monitors or lifelines.

The Digital Switchover won’t affect everyone. If you don’t have a landline or if you have already upgraded to full fibre broadband and your landline is already digital, you don’t need to do anything. 

If you’re unsure whether the Digital Switchover affects you, call your phone provider and find out.

Discover more at: Connecting Cambridgeshire