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Buckden Roundabout
August 2017
FROM YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR
In common with all involved in local government, Cambridgeshire County Council is facing a period of unprecedent-
ed financial uncertainty. After significant reductions in central government grant over the last five years and capping
on the level of tax increase permitted, we had been expecting some relief in the form of business rates retention,
but the Queen’s Speech made no reference to a Local Government Finance Bill which had been expected.
This means that we must assume even greater financial pressure in the short term. What makes things worse is that
demand for services is increasing. For example, we have recently been debating reducing Children’s Centres to save
£1 million out of a previous annual budget of £5 million. However skilfully officers re-structure the service, we can-
not escape the harsh reality that some families in need will not get the support they need. The absurdity of this is
that failure to provide help the early years actually increases costs later on in a child’s life, when, for example, they
may need extra support during their school life.
A well-researched study in the USA demonstrated that every dollar invested in a child under the age of three saved
the country 7 dollars by the time they reached 27, compared with children in similar social circumstances who re-
ceived no help.
On the more immediate local level, I continue to work closely with District Councillor Terry Hayward and the Parish
Council. We have been looking through the suggestions that many of you made in response to my April 1 in 4 sam-
ple survey and wherever we can, we will be trying to respond to your ideas. Re-routing the A1 and building a new
bridge over the railway line at The Offord may take a little longer!
If you wish to raise any matters with me personally, I always come to the Village Hall at 7 p.m. on the evening of the
parish council meeting, the 2
nd
Tuesday in the month. At other times, please ring me on 07665 833 486 or write to
me at peter.downes@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
In the meantime, I wish you and your families a restful summer holiday.
Peter Downes, County Councillor for the Brampton and Buckden division
FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
It was marvellous to see so many people enjoying the Buckden Village Festival especially as the weather gods were
very kind to us this year. Once again congratulations are due to the organisers. Our next big social event will be
Buckfest which I understand is already sold out. No doubt the music will be a little too loud for this elderly listener’s
ears!
CONDITION OF PAVEMENTS
I continue to be worried and very concerned about the condition of many of the pavements in the village. I know
that our County Councillor has joined me in my pleas to the County Council but to date nothing has been done.
A1
I have received many complaints about the vegetation on the central reservation of the A1 in particularly where it
obstructs the access turns in and out at Southoe and the right turn into Silver Street. Hopefully by the time this is
read Highways England will have responded to our requests to have it cut.
FLY TIPPING AND RUBBISH IN GENERAL
There has been an increase in fly tipping in the local area and a proliferation of rubbish thrown from cars or discard-
ed by walkers on local roads and footpaths. Please do not use rogue traders to take your unwanted goods away and
please take your and your children’s wrappers and other rubbish home with you.
Please do not hesitate to contact me about these issues or any others that you would like to discuss. I am available
on 01480 810974 and terry.hayward@huntingdonshire.gov.uk
With best wishes
Terry Hayward, District Councillor for Buckden, Stirtloe, Diddington, Southoe and Midloe
From Your Councillors