|
August
Cambridge Airport
As local Council Member I took part in two important meetings concerning
the future of Marshalls Airport. The first was about the future prospects
for the relocation of the Airport and the subsequent use of the airfield
for housing development (up to 6,500 dwellings). There seems to be a rough
time scale of 8 10 years.
One has to acknowledge at once that Marshalls wish to work closely with
the other organisations involved and that they would only be prepared to
move if there was a suitable alternative site within reach of its
workforce and customers. This is an important consideration to me as we
have villagers who work at Marshalls and I have their interests very much
in mind.
Possible alternative sites were discussed and I suspect nobody would be
unduly surprised to find other ex airfields from the last war in the
picture. None would seem to be on our doorstep judging from a report
prepared by ARUP as consultants. This subject will run and run and I'll
keep people informed of any news that comes to me via County or District.
The second meeting was about the proposed new air terminal for Marshalls
opposite the vehicle showrooms on Newmarket Road. This time officers and
councillors from East Cambs were present and put forward our views. I had
a lot to say about potential noise, working hours and extra traffic on the
airport approach roads. As we are on the flight path we need to be
reassured that if the terminal gets planning permission from South Cambs
District Council that proper consideration of the above three anxieties is
taken into account.
Given proper controls and limits on size and numbers of movements there is
a good case for replacing the present outdated building. South Cambs have
deferred the current application pending the presenting of an
environmental statement and public consultation. The purpose of tire
meeting was to ensure that all the major issues will be covered. I'll
report again in the autumn.
Can I take this opportunity to remind people that there will be a Public
Inquiry into the Draft Structure Plan starting in October. Further details
later. The main matter of interest will be where homes and businesses will
be located over the next 15 years. r I expect to be back from holiday by
10 September: I hope you all had an enjoyable and relaxing break this
summer.
September
Soham Tragedy
After the ghastly events in Soham last month I join with everyone else
round here in sending our sympathies to the bereaved families and friends
. Pray God it never happens again:
With that in mind you may like to know how Shire Hall has reacted to the
situation so far.
The County Council's involvement has been extensive including support for
the police, the schools and the people of Soham itself. At the last count
the web site for Holly and Jessica had received well over 45.000 messages.
Each message is read and adults and children in need of support are helped
as best we can.
Professional counselling and support services are giving the children,
teachers and other staff advice and guidance as appropriate.
Clearly, all appointment procedures throughout Cambridgeshire are being
reviewed and tightened up where necessary. Never the less, we are
satisfied that our existing system is good in line with best practice.
There have been delay in securing clearance of new appointees since the
formation of the country wide Criminal Records Bureau. This body has been
unable to respond adequately to requests for vetting and clearance but the
delays are now believed to be down to six weeks and the Government:
Minister responsible is pushing for improvement.
Cambridgeshire County has tried to overcome these problems by use of risk
assessment and ensuring that no new appointees work unsupervised with
children before receipt of a clear criminal record check.
It is important to remember there is more to child protection than just
vetting of staff. Once staff are appointed the managers are responsible
for induction, training, monitoring their performance and the dealing
swiftly and decisively with any complaints that should arise.
James Fitch
|
