Nominate community heroes for recognition

If you know a community hero, you're being asked to nominate them for recognition in the Pride in Fenland Awards 2026.

The Fenland District Council awards recognise the people of Fenland who make a difference.

In most cases, awards are for community champions whose efforts benefit an organisation, community, village or town, but in some cases the impact may be more specific such as a courageous young carer.

Discover more and nominate: Pride in Fenland Awards 2026

Deadline extended for Fenland 50 Call for Sites consultation

Fenland District Council has extended the deadline for its Call for Sites, giving everyone with a potential development opportunity more time to help shape Fenland's future.

The consultation is now remaining open until Sunday, May 31.

The Call for Sites is a statutory early stage in creating the new Fenland 50 Local Plan, which will guide where homes, jobs, services and infrastructure could go in Fenland up to 2050.

It invites submissions for land that could help meet future needs, including but not limited to:

• Housing
• Employment and commercial uses
• Retail and leisure
• Renewable energy
• Public open space, biodiversity and green infrastructure
• Mixed‑use development
• Any other land use that may support sustainable growth

See more: Deadline extended for Fenland 50 Call for Sites consultation

Play area plans consultation

Residents can now give feedback on Fenland District Council proposals to spend £1.5million Government funding on improving and creating play areas across the district.

Specific sites have been identified to host play equipment for the first time, whilst others are earmarked for improvements.

Results of the consultation will help inform the projects that are taken forward, with plans for work to begin as soon as possible.

Discover more: Play area plans consultation

Have your say on Wimblington and Stonea Neighbourhood Plan

Residents in Wimblington and Stonea still have a few days to influence future development in their villages, in a consultation on the area's Neighbourhood Plan.

Fenland District Council is running the Regulation 16 consultation on the Wimblington & Stonea Neighbourhood Plan, following its formal submission by Wimblington and Stonea Parish Council last month.

The consultation runs until Friday, May 22, giving residents, businesses and local organisations the chance to review the submitted plan and share their views.

See more: Have your say on Wimblington and Stonea Neighbourhood Plan

People warned to dispose of waste responsibly following fly-tipping prosecution

A man who dumped a trolley full of rubbish in Wisbech has been prosecuted for the offence.

Fenland District Council, which brought the prosecution, has warned others to dispose of waste responsibly or risk a criminal record and fine.

Cllr Steve Tierney, the council's portfolio holder with responsibility for street cleaning, said: "We share the public's disgust at people who disrespect our communities and environment by dumping waste.

"We'll always take it seriously and we make every effort to find those responsible and deal with them appropriately.

"We offer a very low-cost collection service for waste that is too bulky to go in your bin. There's no excuse for dumping waste or using an unregistered waste collector who may dispose of waste negligently. People must be aware that if they use an unregistered collector who fly-tips rubbish, they could be fined too."

See more: People warned to dispose of waste responsibly following fly-tipping prosecution

Wisbech play area to get overhaul

A Wisbech play area is to have a complete overhaul with new equipment and surfacing.

Fenland District Council is funding the redevelopment of Westmead Avenue play area, which will grow to host around 25 features aimed at children aged two to eight.

Planned features include a small floor-level trampoline, balance rope and beam, climbing frame with slides, swings and sensory and roleplay panels.

See more: Wisbech play area to get overhaul

Funfair coming to Whittlesey

Whittlesey Market will be in Station Road car park, behind Wetherspoon's George Hotel, on Friday (May 29), due to the funfair being in town.

Motorists will still have access to Station Road car park for parking too.

The fair will be in Market Place in the area around the Buttercross from Wednesday (May 27) and is expected to be open to the public Friday (March 29), to Sunday (May 31). Opening times are at the discretion of the funfair operators. Please check before travelling.

Discover more about regular Fenland funfairs at: Funfairs web page

Family fun fills March at the St George's Fayre

Thousands of visitors came together in March town centre to enjoy the 2026 St George's Fayre.

The event saw more than 100 stalls, a vibrant parade, live entertainment and activities for the whole family.

St George's Fayre is one of Fenland District Council's annual Fenland Four Seasons events, delivered with the support of community partners.

Stall bookings are open for the remaining 2026 Fenland Four Seasons events, (please note, catering pitches have already been allocated). The next event is Chatteris Midsummer Festival, in June.

Discover more photos and details of St George's Fayre 2026 on our social media and via: Family fun fills March at the St George's Fayre

Council chairman presents donation to dementia support charity

A dementia support group has been presented with more than £1,700 thanks to fundraising efforts championed by Fenland District Council chairman Cllr Brenda Barber.

Cllr Barber selected Damsons - a community group supporting people living with mild to moderate dementia and their carers, run by the National Trust at Peckover House in Wisbech - as her chosen charity.

Most recently, she presented a cheque for £938, raised through an afternoon tea held in the Council Chamber at Fenland Hall, in March town.

See more: Council chairman presents donation to dementia support charity

Photo: Cllr Brenda Barber, left, presents cheque to Clare Rowell of Damsons

Renters’ Rights Act: Changes to private renting

The Renters’ Rights Act came into effect on May 1, introducing changes for both landlords and tenants. It’s important to understand what these changes could mean for you.

For more information, see: Renters' Rights Act: Changes to private renting

Further details can also be found on: The Government website 'private renting is changing' 

Council Tax ebilling - join the change

This year, 12,600 more Fenland residents received Council Tax bills by email, compared to 2025.

Paperless bills are secure, quick and convenient — and switching helps reduce printing and postage costs.

Join the 47% of Fenland residents already receiving their Council Tax bill by email.

Sign up today via our Council Tax billing partner: Anglia Revenues Partnership

Fenland District Council achieves prestigious gold accreditation for "exemplary" work on domestic abuse

Fenland District Council has been awarded a nationally recognised mark of excellence for its commitment to supporting residents affected by domestic abuse.

The Council has received Gold Accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA), the UK benchmark which recognises how housing services respond to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

DAHA awarded the accreditation following an in-depth, rigorous assessment process, which found the Council demonstrated passion, dedication and commitment to adopting and embedding the standards of the DAHA framework.

Discover more: Gold accreditation for "exemplary" work on domestic abuse

Help to stay safe this National Stop Loan Sharks Week

Understanding how illegal lenders operate can help you protect yourself and others.

Loan sharks trap and manipulate their borrowers, making them think it is their fault they are in this situation. No one should be made to feel ashamed of the position someone else has put them in.  

This National Stop Loan Sharks Week (which runs until Friday, May 15), take the first step to keep you and your loved ones safe, or get help at: Stop Loan Sharks 

Watch out for scam holiday offers

Get Safe Online has pulled together tips to help you avoid losing your holiday and money to fraudsters.

Fraudsters set up fake websites, listings, emails, ads, social media posts and texts and even make phone calls, all designed to trick you into paying for a holiday, flight or other trip that simply doesn’t exist, Get Safe Online warns. Sometimes, they’re made even more convincing with the use of AI, it adds.

Discover 'stay safe' tips at: Get Safe Online

Be alert to social media phishing

Social media is a favourite method used by criminals to deceive their victims, Get Safe Online warns.

For top tips to spot a social media scammer, see: Social media phishing

Warn loved ones of the dangers of open water

With the warmer weather arriving, it’s important to stay safe in and around open water.

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service has shared vital advice and safety information.

Discover it at: Fire service urges public to ‘Be Water Aware’ as warmer weather arrives

More safety news from our partners

Experts in community safety have shared further vital tips, information and cautionary tales, this month.

Take a look:

• "Now I can say my life has changed - I am free" - stalking victim speaks
• Cambridgeshire Neighbourhood Watch Association - crime prevention
• Information on rural crime from Cambridgeshire police
• Warm weather highlights dangers of outdoor fires  

Office space, conference and meeting rooms in Chatteris

South Fens Business Centre has a range of modern office spaces, as well as fully equipped conference and meeting rooms available.

Perfect for local small businesses, start-ups, sole traders and community groups, South Fens Business Centre offers a flexible workspace at a competitive price and is ideally located next to the A141 and A142 in Chatteris.

It offers:

• A variety of office sizes to suit different needs
• Flexible leases, with no long-term tie-ins, and competitive rates
• Free on‑site parking and excellent links to Ely, Huntingdon, Cambridge and beyond
• Conference and meeting rooms
• 24-hour access and staffed reception during business hours

Viewings can be arranged and questions answered.

For further information visit: South Fens Business Centre page on the Fenland District Council website