Now and again I have mentioned the rapid growth of population in our county. Some figures are now available to prove this. It seems that from 1996 to 2006 we can expect Cambridgeshire's population to grow relatively faster than any other county in England and Wales. The estimates vary but only between 8 and 12 percent. This compares with the rest of the country growing 2-2j- percent! So it is not surprising that the question of where are all these people going to live keeps coming up in the press, TV and radio.

The Cambridgeshire Futures group, on which I represent East Cambs., has been exhibiting potential solutions at the Grafton Centre and Guildhall. Well worth a visit. A summing up of the consultations and opinions from elsewhere will be discussed at Churchill College on 18th June and I'll report back to you thereafter. Perhaps appropriately, the Inspector's view of the East Cambs Local Plan is due very shortly. In the long run any plans for the Cambridge area must fit in with the Local Plan. ~

The brisk negotiations with Philip Eden, Director of Stagecoach, carried out by Councillor Valerie Leake and me last month seam to have been reasonably successful. By any other Cambs, village standards we have a good service on offer from June l st but it certainly could be improved - particularly for those wanting to get to and from Newmarket. We are still recording problems you raise with us such as the unbalanced. timing of the Sunday buses. As problems arise, let Stagecoach know and also me if you feel you need extra help.

The County does subsidise part of the service (last night and Sundays) and here we have more pull compared with the wholly commercial and more popular weekday times. I do acknowledge that some people in

Swaffham Bulbeck High Street will feel disadvantaged by the re-route . along the B1102 instead of Tunbridge Lane, but their inconvenience is balanced by a much better service for Longmeadow and Lode. You cannot please everyone, I am afraid.