The Fenlander is a regular bulletin from Fenland District Council updating on council news, events and services. |
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This month don't miss:
- Formal response on local government reorganisation
- Details of March's St George's Fayre 2026
- Sale of former Barclays Bank site, in March town
- £50,000 refresh of Chatteris Leisure Centre
- Official ceremony at transformed Wisbech site
- New Local Plan, Fenland 50, progresses under updated national system
- Cost of living event next week
- Community safety events and advice
Photo above: Crowds in March town centre for St George's Fayre 2025, photo: Amy Fox Photography |
Fenland District Council submits formal response to Government consultation on local government reorganisation
Fenland District Council gave measured backing to an option that would see Fenland join with East Cambridgeshire and part of Huntingdonshire to make a new unitary authority, in the Government's statutory consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). While the Council remained clear that the Government's approach to reorganisation is "unduly rushed" and "restricted in scope", it confirmed its support for Option D (proposal 4) and concluded it was the only viable model to protect local communities, reflect real economic geographies and avoid creating an unsustainable new authority. Option D (proposal 4) would see Fenland join with East Cambridgeshire and part of Huntingdonshire to make a new unitary authority. See more: Fenland District Council submits formal response to Government consultation on local government reorganisation |
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St George’s Fayre returns on Sunday, April 26
March town centre will fill with fun, activity and visitors on Sunday, April 26, for the annual free-to-attend St George’s Fayre. The Fenland Four Seasons event, supported by Fenland District Council, takes place 10am to 4pm, and will see Market Place, Broad Street and West End Park filled with attractions, street food, live entertainment and more than 100 stalls. Discover more: St George's Fayre |
Former Barclays Bank site moves to next stage of regeneration, as Council agrees sale
Fenland District Council has agreed to progress the sale of the former Barclays Bank site in March, marking a key milestone in the town's regeneration programme. At a Cabinet meeting last month (March), members confirmed their preferred bidder for the Broad Street site and agreed to proceed to legal contract stage. To ensure timely redevelopment and avoid land banking, the successful purchaser will be required to submit a full planning application within six months of completion and begin work within six months of gaining planning consent. Discover more: Former Barclays Bank site moves to next stage of regeneration, as Council agrees sale |
£50,000 refresh of Chatteris Leisure Centre
Photo above: In the refreshed dance studio, from left, Freedom area technical manager Sam Fabela, Cllr Susan Wallwork, Fenland's head of leisure services Phil Hughes.
The final stages of a £50,000 refresh of Chatteris Leisure Centre, were nearing completion last month (March). The works are part of Fenland District Council Cabinet's capital investment programme 'Fenland Inspire!' The project, which began on site in November last year, has seen renovation of the changing rooms, including replacement of showers, flooring and painting. Solar panels at the centre have been given an intensive clean to optimise efficiency. See more: £50,000 refresh of Chatteris Leisure Centre |
Official ceremony at transformed Wisbech site
Photo above (after): Opening ceremony at 24 High Street, Wisbech.
Photo above (before): The site before transformational works.
An official completion ceremony was held at a Wisbech High Street site transformed from eyesore to shop with flats above by Fenland District Council. The site known as 'The Gap' had been a problem for more than 40 years after the former Cook's Butchers collapsed. Discover more: Official ceremony at transformed Wisbech site |
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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 Business Centre, in Chatteris, is next to the A141 and A142 - offering easy access to Ely, March, Huntingdon, Cambridge and beyond.
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New Local Plan, Fenland 50, progresses under updated national system
Fenland District Council is pressing ahead with the development of its new Local Plan, Fenland 50, in line with the Government's new local plan making system. As part of the updated national regulations, which came into force on March 25, the Council has formally reissued its Notice of Commencement. This ensures the emerging Local Plan is developed in line with the latest rules and benefits from the clearer, faster approach introduced by the new system. Residents, landowners, and businesses can continue to play an active role at this stage. The 'Call for Sites' remains open for suggestions on land that could support homes, jobs, services, green spaces or other uses. The updated Local Plan Timetable is also available online, offering a simple overview of what will happen next and when. Discover more: New Local Plan, Fenland 50, progresses |
Cost of living event next week
Don't forget, you're welcome at an information and advice session next week offering practical guidance on managing the rising cost of living. Hosted by Fenland District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council, the event is open to anyone needing support, tips or information on available services. There's no need to book in advance, drop in at any time between 10am and noon, Thursday, April 16, at the Oasis Centre, St Michael's Avenue, Wisbech, PE13 3NR. For further support, see: Cost of living support in Fenland |
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Community Safety Events and Advice
In our role as a member of Fenland Community Safety Partnership we highlight below some current key messages and events |
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Spot the signs of child criminal exploitation
You can help protect children by being aware of signs of child criminal exploitation. Organised criminal groups use ‘county lines’ networks to move drugs from cities into smaller towns and rural areas, exploiting vulnerable people, including children in the process. Signs that may indicate a child is involved, include going missing from school or home, secrecy around phone use, a decline in school performance or noticeable changes in their wellbeing. Further information and support and guidance on recognising exploitation, understanding risks and supporting children and young people are available from:
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Help for children suffering cyberbullying
When a child is targeted online, they can feel isolated and misunderstood, but support is available to help children who are experiencing cyberbullying. Guidance includes encouraging children to not retaliate to cyberbullying of any kind, saving evidence such as screenshots or messages and making use of security and privacy tools. Further information can be found at:
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Reporting child abuse
If you have experienced or witnessed child abuse, help is available. Cambridgeshire Constabulary offers advice and information on spotting the signs of child abuse, how to report it and where to get support. Discover more at: Advice about child abuse | Cambridgeshire Constabulary |
Keep parks clear of motorised vehicles
It’s illegal to ride motorised vehicles including quad bikes and trail bikes in public parks. If you spot someone doing this and causing a nuisance please see the Cambridgeshire Police website for advice and to report it: Vehicle nuisance involving cars, bikes and mopeds |
Life skills webinars
Connecting Cambridgeshire has partnered with Family Action to deliver a series of four webinars showcasing the 'life skills offering' from Family Action. The webinars are designed for residents, volunteers, community organisers, and representatives from public and third sector organisations. Book at:
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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
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