The second edition of the District newspaper, now named ConneXions, has just been published. We are using a more reliable delivery system and you should all now have received your copy. It is also available on tape for people who have difficulty reading (telephone 01353 668833 ext 281 to request a copy on tape).

As well as giving Council news it also seeks to inform people about community events across East Cambs. Please let me know if there is anything that you would like to see included in future editions.

The computer technology at the Council has been improved, so that all Councillors and staff can now be contacted by e-mail at a standard address: firstname.surname@eastcambs.gov.uk, e.g. charlotte.cane@eastcambs.gov.uk. We hope also to have a web page by this summer. I hope that this will make it easier to contact Councillors and staff.

Farmers’ markets will be introduced with 3 pilot markets this year. The first will be held on a Saturday in July with the next two on the first Saturday of the following months. The markets will be held in Ely, with consideration being given to other locations once the pilots have been evaluated. If you want more details, please contact Suzie Osborn on 01353 668833 ext 312.

The Government has given us powers to introduce 20 mph speed limits in selected streets. We have joined with the County Council to introduce a pilot 20 mph zone in Silver Street in Ely and are looking for a location for the second pilot. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for a local road that could benefit from a 20 mph speed limit. Cars travelling at this speed are less likely to be involved in an accident and even where they are, they are very unlikely to kill a pedestrian.

As part of the Fenland Bridleways Association, I am as concerned about the dumping of rubbish/ refuse on our lovely green verges as many other horse riders. We recently cleared the verges at Swaffham Prior/ Reach/ Upware crossroads, taking a small group of us a considerable amount of time and effort. Last week (beginning 17th April), it was noticed that these same verges have had more rubbish dumped on them! What a cheek!

We found it unsafe to ride on these verges and with traffic using those fen roads as a short cut, it was unsafe to ride on the road itself. What are we to do?! Do people realise how unthoughtful they are?

Please have some consideration for us riders, the verges are a safe refuge for us on many occasions and it would be a shame to lose them. I'm sure many villagers use them to walk on also, so it's in everyone's best interest.

Faithfully,