The Fenlander is a regular bulletin from Fenland District Council updating on council news, events and services. |
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Don't miss in this month's The Fenlander:
- A further opportunity to help shape the future of Fenland by getting involved with the Local Plan.
- Details of the upcoming Chatteris Midsummer Festival, with big plans for its parade (and your chance to be part of it).
- Details of Golden Age events in Whittlesey promoting opportunites, services and support for over 60s.
- Manor Leisure Centre redevelopment update.
- Prosecutions for false claims for Council Tax Support.
- Details of upcoming events on district council land.
- Community safety messages to help protect you and your loved ones.
Scroll down for all the details. |
Photo: Chatteris Midsummer Festival 2026, on June 27 and 28, is promising to be fantastic; in the photo above, crowds enjoy the 2025 event. |
Your Fenland, your say! Further opportunity to help shape the future of the district up to 2050
Fenland District Council has relaunched its consultation on the new Fenland 50 Local Plan, giving residents, businesses and community groups a further chance to help shape the future of the district. Fenland 50 is the new Local Plan for the district, looking ahead to 2050. It will guide how Fenland grows and changes over the coming decades, covering homes, jobs, infrastructure and the places people live, work and spend time. Discover more and get involved: Further opportunity to help shape the future of the district up to 2050 |
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Don't miss Chatteris Midsummer Festival 2026
This year's Chatteris Midsummer Festival is promising to be the best yet with an investment boost to make the parade an eye-catching spectacle. Arts organisation 20Twenty Productions has been working with partners, including parade specialists Mandinga Arts, and the community, to make the parade bigger and better than ever - and there's still time to get involved. This year's theme is "around the world in 80 days," and anyone who is keen to dress up and join in, can apply. There's also chances to view and try on professional costumes before the event weekend and submit artwork to feature in the parade. The two-day festival at Furrowfields Recreation Ground is from 10am to 10.30pm, Saturday, June 27, and 10am to 4pm, Sunday, June 28. On Saturday, June 20, a free-to-attend, open-to-all, drop-in event is planned showcasing some of the Mandinga Arts costumes available for the parade and likely offering the chance to be in line to wear one, and get specialist input into how to make it fun and fabulous. Hot air balloon inspired art is being sought before a deadline of Thursday, June 25, to feature in a parade costume. Discover all the details at: Don't miss Chatteris Midsummer Festival 2026 |
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Is your health making it difficult for you to work? WorkWell Fenland could be the answer. |
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Chance for over 60s to discover opportunities, services and support
Events offering free entry, refreshments and details of opportunities, services and support for over 60s are to be held in Whittlesey. A daytime Fenland District Council Golden Age fair will be held Friday, June 19, 10am to 1pm, at Manor Leisure Centre, Station Road, Whittlesey PE7 1UE. In addition, a smaller scale Golden Age surgery will be held 5pm to 7pm the same day, at Whittlesey Town Council offices, Peel House, 8 Queen Street, Whittlesey PE1 1AY. Golden Age stallholders can include those involved with supporting independent living, wellbeing, finances, law, carers, health, home security, transport, social and volunteering opportunities. Further details at: Golden Age |
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Council presses ahead with proposed Manor Leisure Centre redevelopment
Fenland District Council is continuing to progress plans to redevelop the Manor Leisure Centre, in Whittlesey, following confirmation that the contractor originally intended to deliver the scheme has ceased trading.
The Council has been informed by its project delivery partner, Alliance Leisure, that Curo Construction, which had been undertaking pre‑contract design and development work for the project, has ceased trading.
As soon as Alliance Leisure was notified, they met with Curo and subsequently cancelled all ongoing pre‑contract activity. Fortunately, Alliance works with a number of construction partners and began an immediate review of other suitable firms with the capacity to continue the project without unnecessary delay.
Following this review, and in consultation with the Council, Speller Metcalfe has now been appointed to undertake the final stages of the pre‑contract RIBA Stage 4 work.
The project is subject to both planning permission and Cabinet approval before any construction can begin.
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Jobs
Working for local Government is a chance to make a difference, enjoy flexible working and fantastic career development. Discover our latest opportunities: Fenland District Council jobs |
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Prosecutions for false Council Tax Support claims
Fenland residents are warned not to risk incorrectly claiming Council Tax Support following two recent prosecutions for false claims. Support and benefits are there to help vulnerable and low-income households. Two men from the Wisbech area have separately been prosecuted for falsely claiming a total of more than £15,000 in support. Last year (2025), the council revealed almost £1.5million of false and incorrect Council Tax Support and discounts claims had been uncovered in Fenland between April 2023 and September 2025. The council, jointly with Cambridgeshire County Council, funds its Council Tax partner Anglia Revenues Partnership (ARP) to uncover false claims through Cambridgeshire Fraud Hub. If you're struggling to pay Council Tax and need help, we're here to provide support. For support with Council Tax, to report a change of circumstances or to make changes to your account, such as to sign up to pay by direct debit, visit: Council Tax or Anglia Revenues Partnership. |
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Upcoming events on Fenland District Council land
You can discover upcoming events on Fenland District Council land via our website. The website provides information on confirmed events taking place on Fenland District Council owned or managed land, rather than a comprehensive 'what's on guide' to events in Fenland. It's intended to help as a guide around availability of land and to support residents in understanding when land and car parks are being used for something other than their usual purpose. It includes bookings for circuses, funfairs and community events. Discover more: Upcoming events |
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Community Safety News
Discover the tips, advice and events from community safety leaders to help protect you and your loved ones |
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Expert tips to protect you and your family
In our role as a member of Fenland Community Safety Partnership we highlight some of the current key messages and events. This month, we have details of a raft of upcoming face-to-face Fenland police community meetings; vital open water safety tips; advice on reporting anti-social behaviour; domestic abuse support; how to volunteer to help reduce speeding; awareness and support tips relating to door-to-door and courier fraud. Discover the detail at: Community safety update |
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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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