Welcome to another packed month in The Fenlander, with news of how you can input to help shape how the district develops in coming years, updates on major projects and new protections for our heritage.

There's also career opportunities not to be missed, details of community events and a community grant.

In this month's The Fenlander:

• Have your say on new Local Plan
• March town centre redevelopment update – and how the demolition of the former Barclay's Bank marks the final phase of the regeneration
• New protection for historic mud walls in Whittlesey
• Have your say on the draft Doddington Neighbourhood Plan
• Career opportunities with Fenland District Council
• Free event for over 60s
• Small grants fund open for applications
• Community safety updates and messages

Have your say on Fenland's future as new Local Plan gets under way

Residents, businesses and community groups are invited to help shape the future of Fenland by taking part in a simple survey.

The survey forms an initial step in the development of a new Local Plan.

The plan, known as Fenland 50, will guide how Fenland grows and changes up to 2050, influencing where new homes and jobs go, how towns and villages develop, how flood risk is managed, and the quality of new development.

The survey, or scoping consultation, will run until 9am on Monday, 16 March.

See more: Have your say on Fenland's future as new Local Plan gets under way

March town centre redevelopment update

The opening of a new toilet block in March town centre is now expected by April due to a delay in finalisation of demolition of the neighbouring former Barclays Bank building.

The toilets, near to the Broad Street junction with Grays Lane, could not be opened before demolition started due to an unforeseeable issue with a collapsed sewer.

The sewer has now been repaired but final connection works on the toilets cannot be done until demolition of the old Barclays building is complete. Construction safety rules mean two sets of contractors cannot be working on the two projects at the same time due to their proximity.

Grays Lane is expected to remain closed until both projects are complete.

The demolition has been slowed by an unforeseeable issue with the party wall which was identified as complex and has had to be judged and assessed on an ongoing basis as work progressed.

See more: March town centre redevelopment update

Former Barclays Bank site marks final phase of March town centre regeneration

The purchase and demolition of the former Barclays Bank in March marks the final phase of the town's wider regeneration scheme, helping to unlock a key town centre site for future redevelopment.

The cleared site in Broad Street, which is already attracting interest from the development market, is the last in a series of investments that have transformed the town centre and created huge positives for the town.

In recent weeks, there has been public and media interest in the cost of acquiring the former Barclays building and clearing the site for development. But the Council has emphasised that the project must be understood within the wider redevelopment of the whole town, rather than a standalone commercial investment.

Cllr Chris Seaton said: "The development of this site is not a commercial investment, and it was never about generating a profit or income for the Council. It is a regeneration intervention, fully funded by the Government, designed to address what residents had called an "eyesore" of a building and to unlock a key town centre site where the market had previously failed."

Discover more: Former Barclays Bank site marks final phase of March town centre regeneration

New protection for historic mud walls in Whittlesey

New protections have been given to an irreplaceable element of Whittlesey's heritage — traditional mud walls.

Specific planning permission is now required to demolish, remove or alter any traditional mud wall in Whittlesey.

See more: New protection for historic mud walls

Have your say on the draft Doddington Neighbourhood Plan

Residents, businesses, and local organisations are being encouraged to get involved in shaping the future of Doddington.

A consultation being carried out by Doddington Parish Council gives people the opportunity to comment on the proposed planning policies as part of the Regulation 14 (pre‑submission) consultation.

Discover more: Have your say on the draft Doddington Neighbourhood Plan

Environmental services supervisor opportunity

• £36,363 - £40,777
• 4-day working week (Mon- Fri 9.25 hours with a rolling day off)
• Application closing date: Monday, February 23

An opportunity has arisen to join Fenland District Council in a role directing and coordinating the work and resources of our cleansing, refuse, food waste and workshop teams.

Make a difference to your community providing safe, efficient and effective vital services.

Discover more and apply: Environmental Services Supervisor

Community Support Officer opportunity

• £36,363 - £40,777
• Application closing date: Monday, February 23

Start a career that makes a real change and join Fenland District Council as a Community Support Officer. 

Be part of the team that provides:

• vital support to people in need of emergency temporary accommodation
• support and management of Gypsy Traveller sites
• amazing community events for older people and to celebrate community heroes.

See more: Community support officer

Small grants fund open for applications

Groups in Whittlesey and nearby villages are being invited to put in bids to support projects with environmental benefits.

Glassmoor Local Environment Fund can support projects in Whittlesey, Coates, Eastrea, Pondersbridge and Ramsey Mereside and the surrounding area.

The next deadline for applications is Sunday, March 29.

Discover more at: Glassmoor Local Environment Fund
Look back at how the fund supported Park Lane Nursery School.

Free event for over 60s

People aged over 60 and those with an interest in opportunities, services and support for over 60s are invited to a free event.

The latest Fenland District Council Golden Age event will, as always, be free to attend, include information stands to stroll around, free refreshments and a goodie bag to take home.

The next Golden Age event is on Friday, March 6, 10am to 1pm, in Chatteris, at King Edward Community Centre, 3 King Edward Road, PE16 6NG. 

See more: Chatteris Golden Age event

Coffee with community safety team

Members of Fenland's Community Safety Team will offer a listening ear, advice and information on crime, neighbourhood issues and antisocial behaviour on two upcoming dates.

Join them:

• Monday, February 16, 10am to 11am, at a coffee morning at Oasis Centre Saint Michael's Ave, Wisbech PE13 3NR.
• Thursday, February 26, 10am to noon, at Bricstan Cafe within Chatteris Parish Church, Market Hill, Chatteris, PE16 6BA.

Community Safety Partnerships are made up of the police, local authorities, fire and rescue services, health and probation services. Not all partners are present at all events.

Discover more about the Community Safety Partnership at: Community Safety Partnership (CSP)

Beware romance fraud

With Valentine's Day almost upon us, beware the risks of romance fraud — anyone can be caught out.

'Report Fraud', the new name for the former 'Action Fraud' police-led organisation, says dating and romance fraud involves deceiving someone into a fictitious romantic relationship, often this happens online, to gain their trust and exploit them financially.

Victims are manipulated through emotional connections, leading to significant financial loss and emotional distress.

It says, protect yourself by:

• Never sending money to someone you've only met online
• Get to know the person, not the profile
• talk to friends and family for advice.

Discover more: Romance fraud

STOP Suicide training workshops

Mind Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire (Mind CPSL) is offering several online training courses as well as a range of information and resources designed to raise awareness and prevent suicide.

Mind CPSL said: "An estimated 1 in 5 of us experiences suicidal thoughts in our lifetime.

"STOP Suicide is an award-winning suicide prevention campaign that seeks to empower communities and individuals across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to help stop suicides by being alert to the warning signs, asking directly about suicide and helping those who are feeling suicidal to stay safe."

It adds: "In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the suicide rate was highest for men aged 50-54."

Discover more: Mind CPSL STOP Suicide

Heating and open fire safety message

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service offers advice and reminders about heating and open fire safety.

Its website offers reminders and tips on how to keep safe whatever kind of heating you use.

Discover more at: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service website, heating and open fire safety