At last there is real progress on the CYCLE WAY / FOOTPATH SECTOR. Since 1985 I have campaigned for paths among and between our villages and Cambridge. Now we are getting results.

Anyone using Bell Road, Bottisham, will be aware of the new high quality cycle/footpath which will keep cyclists and people on foot out of the path of motor vehicles. Just one plea, in passing, please do not park over the new path - it is inconsiderate and illegal.

Moving on, the County and District have now agreed to plan and construct the cycle/footpath Lode-Longmeadow -Swaffham Bulbeck as a first priority in this area.

The key to this is additional funds from East Cambs. District Council which are to be matched by the County Council. High quality paths cost up to £100.000/mile, so these decisions by both Councils were critical.

The good news continues - South Cambs. District Council are now much more receptive to the plan to construct continuations to cycle/footpaths from the McKay motor sales firm at the top of Bell Road to Quy and also from just west of Anglesey Abbey to Quy. As the territory crosses in S. Cambs. their agreement is vital.

Returning to, East Cambs. the new path Lode to Bulbeck will leave a gap between Swaffham Prior and Swaffham Bulbeck. This along with Burwell to Exning via Newmarket Road, Burwell, will then become my personal priorities for future years as money permits.

Last in line is a proposal to link Reach with Swaffham Prior (and Reach to Burwell). This route is proposed by SUSTRANS, the national cycle route body which aims to produce a UK-wide cycle network over the next decade or so.

Turning to BUS SERVICES I am using the County Public Transport Officer, John Holmes, as a strong advocate for some concessions on the recent time table changes which particularly inconvenience those of Burwell.who want to get to Ely and those people of Reach who want to get an early bus to Cambridge.

On the EDUCATION front there is good news all round coming from Burwell and Bottisham Village Colleges. Burwell V.C. has had an excellent OFSTED report, with particular reference to high quality leadership. Bottisham V.C. is to be a "beacon school" which means that it is considered to be one of the top half dozen schools in Cambridgeshire to the extent that it will be able to pass on examples of 

good practice to other schools nearby. There will be money to back this new status which will be particularly welcome. In addition we have secured £4m. to refurbish the college laboratories which are currently in a delapidated state.

Lastly our COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Has- again received compliments from the Audit Commission. I'm sure you agree it is efficient, fast, low cost and popular: Burwell Fire Station is due to get some refurbishment and painting soon.

The County Social Services Dept has launched a new freephone information service to coincide with a change of name for its fostering and adoption service.

Previously known as Homefinding, the new name is Fostering and Adoption Services and for those people interested in caring for a child. the telephone no, is 0800 0520078. This telephone number will allow people to make initial enquiries and request an information pack.

There is a great need for more carers in this field, so you will be very welcome if you would like to explore the possibilities.

Whilst on the subject of child care, I was shocked to learn that around four out of five child car seats and restraints in cars are fitted incorrectly. Often this is because they are not suitable for the vehicle in which they are fitted. In a collision badly fitted car seats could throw a child from the car still strapped in the car seat.

The County Road Safety Officers have just recently organised expert training at Marshall's Car Centre for staff from local shops selling child car seats about how they should be fitted and used. Any reader who is concerned about the safety of their child car seat can get it checked FREE by a trained member of staff at Marshalls, Newmarket Road, Cambridge.

There is good news about the extensions to the PARK & RIDE site in Newmarket Road. The number of spaces will double and work has already started. At the same time Newmarket Road will be widened from the Airport Way roundabout to the Park & Ride entrance to allow a central third lane to be used solely as a car access.

Further, the existing westbound bus lane from the Park & Ride park will be lengthened to a new junction controlled by traffic lights at Marshall's showroom and citybound buses will receive priority.

The existing footpaths on both sides of Newmarket Road along this section will be widened and cycles will be allowed on them.

I give early warning that in October the County starts work on improvements in Bridge Street and Magdalen Street. The work will be spread over 12 months and will involve some road closures in the area, starting now because TRANSCO has started to replace the gas main along Bridge Street. Detailed enquiries to Sue Hewitt on 01223-712428.

The six FIRE BRIGADES in East Anglia have joined together in a scheme to work together where there are common problems and other matters of interest. This is unlikely to affect our local stations at Swaffham Bulbeck and Burwell to any great extent. However, I have been to an Equal Opportunities seminar already and I foresee a push to employ a few more female and ethnic minority fire fighters. We are always looking for more retained (part-time) fire fighters round here, so do ask if you are interested.