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Buckden Roundabout
April 2018
FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
Buckden/Offords Main Line Level Crossing
There have been some very worrying rumours circulating which have suggested
that the level crossing will be closed but with no bridge to replace it. This has never been officially mooted but both Buckden
and Offord Parish Councils have written to the Secretary of State expressing their concerns and I have been assured that both
the District Council and the Combined Authority Mayor will also write endorsing our fears and asking for an early definitive an-
swer.
A1 Matters:
We still await the promised report on the future plans for the A1. It now appears that this may not be published
until the Summer. There have been numerous complaints about the confusing traffic management signs on the A1. Two firms
are concerned; one with the work being carried out by TCI on the Southoe wind farm
and the other for necessary road closures
during the construction of the A14. I have written to both TCI and the A14 project managers asking them to sort out the prob-
lems.
Pot Holes:
The number of potholes not only in Buckden but in all local villages and roads is increasing and with that increase so
does the likelihood of damage and accidents. Both our County Councillor and I are doing our best to ensure that some of the
money recently made available for repairs is allocated to this area.
Council Tax and Councillors’ Allowances:
HDC has agreed to set a 2% increase for its part of the Council Tax for the year
2018/19. This will mean that the HDC part of the tax for a band D property will be £138.56, an increase of £2.72. The National
Joint Council recommended that allowances for Councillors should be increased by 2%. The Council voted unanimously not to
accept this recommendation and there will be no increase in Councillors’ allowances.
Waste Disposal:
I have raised the issue of fly tipping previously but would remind residents not to have their rubbish taken
away by contractors who do not possess the necessary licence. If you do this it may well end up being ‘fly-tipped’ and if traced
back to you could result in you being prosecuted.
With all best wishes,
Terry Hayward, District Councillor for Buckden, Stirtloe, Diddington, Southoe and Midloe.
If you have any queries about the above or would like to talk to me about any other matter please don’t hesitate to contact me
on either 01480 810974 or
terry.hayward@huntingdonshire.gov.uk
From Your Councillor & School News
Buckden School Aspirations Day
On Friday 9th February Buckden CE Primary Academy held an Aspirations Day for their Key Stage 2 children
with the help of parents, the local community and friends of the school. The aim of the day was to raise and
widen the aspirations of its pupils and to help them make a link between what they learn at school and their
aspirations for the future.
The day was an amazing success due to over forty professions coming in to share with the children the many different and inter-
esting aspects of their jobs. We began the day with an assembly where the children were told about the role of a facilities man-
ager, a professional storyteller, and even a magician who had both the adults and the children baffled.
The professions represented from the NHS were nurses from both Hinchingbrooke and Addenbrookes hospitals, diagnostic im-
agers, our local GP Dr Fargonoli and even a perfusionist. Ibraheem was fascinated, 'It is most surprising that you can repair
hearts with tubes!'
Engineers were well represented by Roxroth Engineering, which even included a former pupil of the school, and some great
graduate engineers involved in the A14 construction. Many of the displays were interactive and the children had the opportuni-
ty to try out lots of different equipment.
The RAF, Navy and Army put on a fantastic display of equipment for the children to try and lots of questions were asked about
life in the services. Franki said ‘I now know I would love to join the army and see the world'. Also involved were the local priest,
Jes Salt, PCSO Richard Braddick, graphic designers, a leisure centre manager, accountants, software engineers, a plant scientist,
local farmers and even a representative from Berryworld who had lots of samples for the children. Berryworld said, “It's been a
pleasure talking to the children about Berryworld and how we source sustainable fruit, the children have had some interesting
questions.”
Many of the children were surprised by the wide range of professions. Megan said, 'I really liked today because you get to see
all the different jobs out there. It's been helpful as I have more of an idea about what I would like to do.'
Deputy Headteacher Mrs Heather said, “The day was an amazing success, which is all down to the goodwill of all the people
involved. We hope to make this a bi-annual event.'“