A 'Heart for the Town' - St Neots Town Council
A 'Heart for the Town' - St Neots Town Council
A 'Heart for the Town' - St Neots Town Council
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Prioritie s<br />
March 07<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> Centre Initiative<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
www.stneots-tc.gov.uk<br />
Newsletter of <strong>the</strong> <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> Centre Initiative and <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong> working toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
The Rowley Gift -<br />
Have your say!<br />
The <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong> is<br />
hosting a meeting at<br />
<strong>the</strong> priory centre so that<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Town</strong> can debate<br />
<strong>the</strong> use of <strong>the</strong> £1<br />
million gift offered by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Lord of <strong>the</strong> Manor<br />
Mr. Peter Rowley. This<br />
fantastic gesture has<br />
been made by Mr. Rowley in memory of his<br />
two half bro<strong>the</strong>rs George and John Rowley.<br />
The meeting is scheduled to take place on<br />
Monday 2nd April at 7.30 pm in <strong>the</strong> Great Hall<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Priory Centre.<br />
All are welcome. The meeting will be<br />
interactive and Mr. Rowley and your local<br />
councillors will be <strong>the</strong>re to hear what you<br />
have to say.<br />
A ‘Heart <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Town</strong>’<br />
With <strong>the</strong> death of Wally Wren last month, ano<strong>the</strong>r link with <strong>the</strong> past has<br />
been broken. He and Cyril Childs, who also died recently, were both mayors<br />
and long-serving councillors <strong>for</strong> whom service to <strong>the</strong> public mattered a<br />
great deal. Wally was also <strong>the</strong> last chairman of <strong>the</strong> urban district council<br />
be<strong>for</strong>e reorganisation. That change brought about a sense loss to <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong><br />
from which it has never fully recovered. From having substantial control<br />
over its own affairs <strong>the</strong> town’s council became an amenity body, able to be<br />
consulted but without decision-making powers.<br />
That change of status matters very much now, since <strong>the</strong> town is changing<br />
very fast. It has been clear <strong>for</strong> some time that public provision in <strong>the</strong> town<br />
centre needs to be rethought. The Civic Trust report of 2004 made some<br />
recommendations, among <strong>the</strong>m <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> redevelopment of <strong>the</strong> Priory<br />
Quarter, as <strong>the</strong>y called it. They called <strong>for</strong> new shops, a waterfront leisure<br />
venue with arts, cultural and educational components, ‘set in an enhanced<br />
realm appropriate to <strong>the</strong> area’s history’. However, <strong>the</strong> amounts of money<br />
involved are far greater even than Peter Rowley’s generous gift to <strong>the</strong> town<br />
and building waterfront houses would make more money. <strong>Council</strong>s who<br />
mind <strong>the</strong> public purse must be careful in <strong>the</strong>ir use of council tax money.<br />
Reports are only made of paper; <strong>the</strong> vision contained in <strong>the</strong>m has to be<br />
costed and ideas necessarily revised. That process is now taking place.<br />
Proposals are being discussed. We look <strong>for</strong>ward to seeing <strong>the</strong>m. For if it<br />
were proposed that our modest amenities in <strong>the</strong> town centre should be<br />
largely replaced by private housing, it should not happen without <strong>the</strong><br />
fullest discussion. Once lost, <strong>the</strong> space <strong>for</strong> leisure facilities can never be<br />
recovered. Wally Wren, who nearly died on <strong>the</strong> Burma railway, fought <strong>for</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> preservation of representative democracy. We owe it to him and his like<br />
to ensure that changes which will have a very long term affect on <strong>the</strong> town<br />
centre are ones of which <strong>the</strong> townspeople approve. Roger Arguile<br />
Special Issue Your Local Police Special Issue Your Local Police Special Issue Your Local Police
2<br />
Priorities<br />
Chairman of <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Town</strong> Centre Initiative<br />
John Davies<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> Mayor<br />
Cllr Paul Ursell<br />
Editors<br />
Roger Arguile and Philip Devonald<br />
Imagery and articles submitted in this publication are subject to<br />
Copyright from various sources and no reproduction of any part<br />
of this publication is permissible without <strong>the</strong> prior consent of<br />
<strong>St</strong>.. <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> Centre Initiative, <strong>St</strong>.. <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong> and<br />
TSGcs as a whole. Part <strong>the</strong>reof does not give permission <strong>for</strong> its use.<br />
Tel: 01480 213555<br />
Fax: 01480 218887<br />
email: sales@tsgcs.co.uk<br />
web: www.tsgcs.co.uk<br />
Design, Repro, Print and Web Design,<br />
105 Great North Road, Eaton Socon, <strong>St</strong>.. <strong>Neots</strong>,<br />
Cambs PE19 8EL<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
www.stneots-tc.gov.uk<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> Centre Initiative<br />
An Audience with<br />
Arthur Smith<br />
For fur<strong>the</strong>r in<strong>for</strong>mation on this and o<strong>the</strong>r shows please visit<br />
www.celebrityproductions.info<br />
The Priory Centre. Priory Lane, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong>.<br />
Friday 23rd March 2007 at 8.00pm<br />
“Arthur Smith” - Comedian<br />
Tickets: £15.00 Adult - £14.00 Concession<br />
Contact Priory Centre Box Office: 01480 388922<br />
The Chairman’s<br />
Column<br />
a message from John Davies,<br />
Chairman of <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> Centre Initiative<br />
Working on what we consider are long term strategies we have had some valuable partners in<br />
our <strong>for</strong>mative years.<br />
J.J. GALLAGER ESTATES<br />
Several years ago we met this Company who were going to develop <strong>the</strong> site east of <strong>the</strong><br />
Railway Line, later to be called Love’s Farm, where <strong>the</strong>re will be a start next year to build<br />
<strong>the</strong> 1,200 houses. They agreed to put <strong>the</strong>ir Development Planner, David Keyse, on our<br />
Redevelopment and Environment Group and we went out and found, within our own<br />
community, architects, social housing specialists, biodiversity experts, etc and interested<br />
residents. We were not negotiating as we have no <strong>for</strong>mal role in <strong>the</strong> planning process. What<br />
we were able to do was to have a long term positive, well-in<strong>for</strong>med debate at every stage<br />
and we can only hope that this made some difference to <strong>the</strong> outcome. We have all learned<br />
a great deal from <strong>the</strong> experience and will continue with this approach in <strong>the</strong> future if o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
developers are as open to debate as this Company. They also appointed a traffic engineer to<br />
our Transport Group so that <strong>the</strong> developer’s investment in <strong>the</strong> <strong>St</strong>ation etc. could be discussed<br />
with <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r actions arising from <strong>the</strong> Five Year Market <strong>Town</strong> Transport <strong>St</strong>rategy with its<br />
investment in pedestrian/cycle routes, new bus stops and services and <strong>the</strong> new pedestrian/<br />
cycle bridge which Gallaghers will part-finance as well as <strong>the</strong> recent announcement about<br />
£3 million being invested in our <strong>St</strong>ation . Gallaghers also helped fund <strong>the</strong> Wildlife Trust Audit<br />
Report <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Green Corridor Project. Our thanks to David Keyse and his colleagues <strong>for</strong> being<br />
so open with us over recent years. They also paid <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> archaeological dig at Loves Farm that<br />
featured in our October 14th History Matters Exhibition.<br />
HSBC Bank<br />
HSBC has always helped The Initiative. The Manager has changed several times since I took<br />
over as Chairman but <strong>the</strong> help has always been <strong>the</strong>re. In 2001 I had <strong>the</strong> opportunity to involve<br />
Leeds University’s Institute of Transport <strong>St</strong>udies in <strong>the</strong> start up of <strong>the</strong> Five Year Market <strong>Town</strong><br />
Transport <strong>St</strong>rategy, working with a local team, plus <strong>the</strong> County and District <strong>Council</strong>s and<br />
Professor May, from <strong>the</strong> ITS. The ITS waived <strong>the</strong>ir usual consultancy fee, as we were a voluntary<br />
organisation, but we still had to pay <strong>the</strong>ir expenses, accommodation and report printing costs.<br />
HSBC funded this work <strong>for</strong> two years which was a huge step up <strong>for</strong> The Initiative in terms<br />
of it creditability to work with <strong>the</strong> big players. In early 2004 we wanted <strong>the</strong> Wildlife Trust to<br />
do a through <strong>the</strong> seasons biodiversity audit in <strong>the</strong> Green Corridor and we raised <strong>the</strong> money<br />
from our partners and local businesses over several months. Crucially we needed a fast down<br />
payment to get <strong>the</strong> project started, to avoid losing a year. HSBC agreed and funded that<br />
down payment within one week so we were able to get off to a flying start. You can now see<br />
why we are happy to welcome <strong>the</strong> new HSBC Manager, Becky Morris to <strong>the</strong> <strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong> Branch.<br />
‘HISTORY MATTERS’ – BBC NATIONAL AWARD<br />
On October 14th 2006 we held an exhibition in <strong>the</strong> Priory Centre with <strong>the</strong> help of our<br />
partners, <strong>the</strong> Cambridgeshire Archaeology Field Unit and <strong>the</strong> <strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong> Historical Society. It was<br />
a very successful event with about 700 people attending, following which a programme of<br />
school visits was organised. All this was paid <strong>for</strong> by a grant from <strong>the</strong> Heritage Lottery Fund. It<br />
all went so well that we entered <strong>the</strong> BBC’s national competition <strong>for</strong> Local History Champions.<br />
We were amazed and very pleased to be a runner-up in this competition. The press took a<br />
great deal of interest and I was interviewed on an afternoon BBC Cambridge Radio chat show<br />
which was a new experience.<br />
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FESTIVAL<br />
Congratulations to everyone concerned on ano<strong>the</strong>r superb lights display, enhanced this year<br />
by <strong>the</strong> new lights on <strong>the</strong> Bridge. The <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong> fund <strong>the</strong> main cost of <strong>the</strong> lights which has<br />
given us one of <strong>the</strong> best displays in any market town. The Initiative pay <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> entertainment<br />
package and our Vice-Chairman, Roger Arguile, again did <strong>the</strong> MC job with panache thanks<br />
also to Chris. Glenton, who organised <strong>the</strong> acts and provide <strong>the</strong> sound and light. . We were<br />
also grateful <strong>for</strong> financial support from <strong>the</strong> Power <strong>St</strong>ation (RWE Npower plc) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong><br />
Chamber of Commerce and Industry.<br />
Regards<br />
John Davies
The Mayors’<br />
Column<br />
a message from Paul Ursell,<br />
Mayor of <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong><br />
Dear all,<br />
It has been a busy year <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong>. We have major projects at various stages of<br />
completion and un<strong>for</strong>tunately initiatives that have been, <strong>for</strong> financial reasons, deferred.<br />
The pre-construction phase of <strong>the</strong> Eatons Community Centre is progressing well. Planning approval<br />
was granted just be<strong>for</strong>e Christmas and a consultant has been employed to assist with <strong>the</strong> cost<br />
plan and we hope to commence <strong>the</strong> construction phase later this year. The improvements to <strong>the</strong><br />
Priory Centre have been completed which, along with <strong>the</strong> excellent and varied programme of<br />
entertainment, makes <strong>the</strong> centre well worth visiting.<br />
A welcome surprise came when Mr Peter Rowley, Lord of The Manor of <strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong>, generously offered<br />
to give <strong>the</strong> town £1m. The <strong>Council</strong> is currently engaged in an extensive consultation process with<br />
<strong>the</strong> residents of <strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong> to identify a project which would benefit as many people as possible. To<br />
have your say I would encourage you to come along to <strong>the</strong> public meeting which will be held in <strong>the</strong><br />
Priory Centre on 2nd April 2007 at 7.30pm<br />
In May <strong>the</strong> people of <strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong> will elect a new <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong> <strong>for</strong> a four year term. The councillors<br />
elected, many of <strong>the</strong>m new to local government, face difficult challenges ahead. Not only will <strong>the</strong>y<br />
be responsible <strong>for</strong> completing <strong>the</strong> outstanding projects of <strong>the</strong> current <strong>Council</strong> <strong>the</strong>y must deal with<br />
<strong>the</strong> impact on <strong>the</strong> town as a result of <strong>the</strong> planned increase in <strong>the</strong> population, from approximately<br />
28,000 at present to over 40,000 by 2021. In addition <strong>the</strong> new <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong> will see major changes<br />
to <strong>the</strong> built environment of <strong>the</strong> town with <strong>the</strong> proposed redevelopment of <strong>the</strong> Priory Quarter and <strong>St</strong><br />
Mary’s Urban Village, which is <strong>the</strong> area between Brook <strong>St</strong>reet and High <strong>St</strong>reet.<br />
Finally, as I near <strong>the</strong> end of my year in office, I would like to thank you all <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> wonderful support<br />
that you have given to me and my Mayoress Lorraine throughout <strong>the</strong> year. It has been an honour<br />
and a privilege to represent and serve you as Mayor of <strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong>.<br />
Paul Ursell Mayor of <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong><br />
3<br />
Four Days of live Music<br />
including<br />
<strong>the</strong> Magical Magginis<br />
Every year since 2000 <strong>the</strong><br />
town has run an arts festival in<br />
its parish church around <strong>the</strong><br />
feast of <strong>the</strong> Ascension. It falls<br />
on <strong>the</strong> weekend of <strong>the</strong> oldest<br />
fair in <strong>the</strong> life of <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong>, <strong>the</strong><br />
so-called Holy Thursday Fair.<br />
Whereas this was once a weeklong<br />
market with much buying<br />
and selling and a lot of drinking,<br />
after a big service in church,<br />
we shall leave <strong>the</strong> market and<br />
<strong>the</strong> pubs to do <strong>the</strong>ir bit. We<br />
concentrate on <strong>the</strong> music.<br />
Over time <strong>the</strong> organising group has become a little more<br />
adventurous. This year <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> first time we are showcasing<br />
a fully professional music group. On Saturday night <strong>the</strong><br />
splendid Maggini Quartet will be playing in town <strong>for</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> first time. For <strong>the</strong>m it will make a change from <strong>the</strong><br />
Wigmore Hall in London or Classic FM. For <strong>the</strong> town <strong>the</strong>re<br />
will an unrivalled opportunity to listen to live music of <strong>the</strong><br />
highest quality.<br />
Live music <strong>for</strong> a variety of tastes and all ages is what <strong>the</strong><br />
festival is about. Thursday, Ascension Day itself, begins<br />
with a service, set to <strong>the</strong> music of Tomas Luis de Victoria<br />
<strong>the</strong> sixteenth century Spanish composer. Friday brings<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r our two secondary schools who will per<strong>for</strong>m<br />
in a joint concert with contributions from several of our<br />
primary schools. Saturday is <strong>the</strong> Magginis and Sunday<br />
night is, as usual <strong>the</strong> Last Night of <strong>the</strong> Proms. Please bring<br />
your union flags!<br />
This year we are also having an exhibition of photographs<br />
put on <strong>the</strong> by local Camera club, which can be seen all day<br />
Saturday in church.<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> & District Camera Club Annual Photographic Exhibition<br />
to be held in The Priory Centre on 28th April, 2007. 10am – 4pm<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> Camera Club, in conjunction with The<br />
<strong>Town</strong> Crier newspaper and <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> Museum, is<br />
organising a photographic competition. The<br />
aim is to collect images depicting <strong>the</strong> town and<br />
district as <strong>the</strong> residents see it in 2007.<br />
The project is entitled <strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong> ‘As I See It’<br />
Following <strong>the</strong> exhibition <strong>the</strong> entire collection will<br />
be presented to <strong>the</strong> <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> Museum to be kept<br />
as an historical record both in <strong>the</strong> Museum archive<br />
and <strong>the</strong> new, online Cambridgeshire Community<br />
Archive (www.ccan.co.uk).<br />
Closing date: Easter 2007<br />
Prizes will be awarded <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> best pictures – but<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is no need to be a great photographer to<br />
take part. Just think about what matters to you<br />
/ is attractive / is your favourite spot or place of<br />
work /leisure etc. in <strong>the</strong> town or local area.<br />
The categories: business: people: transport:<br />
sport and leisure: open spaces: buildings: most<br />
attractive scene: spirit of <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong>: education: best<br />
technical photograph.<br />
The junior schools in <strong>the</strong> area have been invited<br />
to present a photographic display depicting <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
own school – a ‘birds-eye’ look from <strong>the</strong> pupils’<br />
perspective.<br />
In addition to <strong>the</strong> above, it is hoped to find<br />
couples that were married in <strong>the</strong> area in 1947 and<br />
to display images of <strong>the</strong>ir wedding along with<br />
photographs of <strong>the</strong> couples celebrating in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
Diamond Wedding Anniversary year (60th).<br />
All <strong>the</strong> prints will be exhibited alongside <strong>the</strong><br />
exhibition of work by <strong>the</strong> Camera Club.<br />
To take part: e.mail photographs or 6” x 4” prints<br />
to be sent to The <strong>Town</strong> Crier, Priory House,<br />
Priory Lane, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong>. PE19 2BH. Full details<br />
from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Town</strong> Crier 01480 402100
Special 4 Issue Your Local Police Special Issue Your Local Police Special Issue Your Local Police Speci<br />
Your local Police<br />
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are<br />
uni<strong>for</strong>med staff whose role is to support <strong>the</strong> work<br />
of police officers. They also play a vital role in<br />
neighbourhood policing teams.<br />
Creating a safer<br />
Huntingdonshire<br />
The role of a Police Community<br />
Support Officer<br />
PCSOs work to reassure <strong>the</strong> public and to<br />
tackle anti-social behaviour. They also regularly<br />
attend community and Neighbourhood or<br />
Countryside Watch meetings, visit nearby<br />
schools and colleges and organise days to<br />
meet local residents. PCSOs are able to give<br />
more time to engaging with people in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
community.<br />
What is <strong>the</strong> difference between a<br />
PCSO and a Police Officer?<br />
PCSOs deal with issues of local concern such as<br />
anti-social behaviour and vandalism – leaving<br />
police officers free to deal with more urgent or<br />
serious incidents and crimes requiring wider<br />
powers.They are well trained and highly skilled,<br />
but <strong>the</strong>y do not need <strong>the</strong> full powers that<br />
police officers have.<br />
For example, PCSOs do not have <strong>the</strong> same<br />
powers of arrest as police officers, but <strong>the</strong>y<br />
do have <strong>the</strong> right to require a suspect to<br />
remain with <strong>the</strong>m <strong>for</strong> up to 30 minutes until<br />
a police officer arrives. Failure to comply with<br />
this request may result in an offence being<br />
committed.<br />
PCSOs are not a substitute <strong>for</strong> police officers<br />
but are an additional constabulary resource<br />
who work alongside neighbourhood officers.<br />
What do PCSOs do?<br />
• Regularly carry out highly visible,<br />
accessible, uni<strong>for</strong>med foot patrols<br />
• Deal with nuisance offences such as<br />
street drinking or begging<br />
• Support Neighbourhood Constables<br />
to solve problems of anti-social<br />
behaviour in your neighbourhood<br />
• Regularly engage with key<br />
stakeholders in <strong>the</strong> community such<br />
as community, religious and business<br />
leaders<br />
• Provide crime prevention and<br />
personal safety advice<br />
• Ga<strong>the</strong>r in<strong>for</strong>mation and intelligence<br />
which is passed to police officers to<br />
action<br />
• Assist with house-to-house enquiries<br />
• Help to direct traffic at roadblocks or<br />
scenes of accidents<br />
• Support victims and witnesses<br />
PCSOs in your neighbourhood<br />
PCSOs have been introduced to improve<br />
satisfaction with local policing. Your<br />
local PCSOs will know your community<br />
inside out and will be able to identify and<br />
promote local issues. As a vital part of<br />
neighbourhood policing teams <strong>the</strong>y will<br />
work closely with partners such as <strong>the</strong><br />
local council to find long term solutions to<br />
problems in your area.<br />
To find out what your neighbourhood<br />
policing team is doing visit<br />
www.cambs.police.uk and click<br />
on My Neighbourhood.
al Issue Your Local Police Special Issue Your Local Police<br />
5<br />
The local police service is headed up by Inspector<br />
Mark Woolner who works with Sgt. Rachel Gourlay.<br />
Anglia In<br />
Bloom<br />
In <strong>the</strong> villages PC Russell Simpson is<br />
assisted by PCSO Carol Corn, who toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
cover Kimbolton beat, including Tillbrook,<br />
<strong>St</strong>oneley, Covington, Southoe, Hail Weston,<br />
Gt. <strong>St</strong>aughton, Diddington and Little<br />
Paxton. PCSO Alan Newman covers<br />
Buckden beat including <strong>the</strong> Of<strong>for</strong>ds, Great<br />
Paxton, Toseland, Yelling, Great Gransden,<br />
Waresley, Diddington and Abbotsley.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> town, PC Dan Riley, works with<br />
PCSO Lauren Bachman and PCSO Martin<br />
Swain to cover Eaton Socon and Eaton<br />
Ford.<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> centre and <strong>the</strong> Priory is covered<br />
by PC Russell Figgis, PCSO Carol List and,<br />
PCSO Kersten Cruickshank<br />
They work <strong>the</strong>ir own beats, but when <strong>the</strong><br />
need arises <strong>the</strong>n we combine to tackle<br />
particular issues.<br />
There is a team of a sergeant and two<br />
constables and two PCSO’s who cover<br />
Eynesbury. Again we all combine if and<br />
when <strong>the</strong> need arises.<br />
(Left) Sgt. Rachel Gourlay<br />
(Right) PC Russell Simpson<br />
(Left) PCSO Lauren Bachman<br />
(Right) PSCO Carol Corn<br />
(Left) PCSO Martin Swain<br />
(Right) PSCO Alan Newman<br />
Great news! <strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong> has<br />
been invited to enter <strong>the</strong><br />
town <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> 2007 “Anglia in<br />
Bloom” competition.<br />
This will bring toge<strong>the</strong>r all<br />
sections of <strong>the</strong> community with<br />
<strong>the</strong> sole purpose of making our<br />
town a better place to live.<br />
We need <strong>the</strong> support of <strong>the</strong> local<br />
community to help with this<br />
competition and to that end we<br />
are launching <strong>the</strong> “<strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong> Best<br />
Kept Front Garden Competition” in<br />
which local gardeners can enter.<br />
If you would like to be considered<br />
to enter, please could you fill in<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>for</strong>m below and return to <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong> Offices by 1st June<br />
2007 (Judging will be <strong>the</strong> end of<br />
June.<br />
Getting in Touch<br />
In an emergency<br />
When a life is in danger<br />
or a serious crime is being<br />
committed, always call. 999<br />
For all non-emergencies<br />
For calls not requiring immediate<br />
police attendance, or any o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
enquiry.<br />
0845 456 456 4<br />
Crimestoppers<br />
To give in<strong>for</strong>mation anonymously<br />
about crime. 0800 555 111<br />
Online<br />
Visit <strong>the</strong> Cambridgeshire<br />
Constabulary website.<br />
Click on My Neighbourhood to<br />
find out about your local team.<br />
www.cambs.police.uk<br />
If you or anyone you know is<br />
interested in finding out more<br />
about becoming a PCSO in<br />
Cambridgeshire please visit our<br />
website or call our recruitment<br />
team on 01480 42 27 97.<br />
Anglia In Bloom<br />
Best Kept Front Garden<br />
Competition 2007<br />
Name .........................................................<br />
Address.....................................................<br />
......................................................................<br />
......................................................................<br />
Contact No (daytime) ..........................<br />
Please return to:<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong>,<br />
The Priory,<br />
Priory Lane,<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong>,<br />
Cambs, PE19 2BH
6<br />
Easter<br />
Once again <strong>the</strong> churches will be<br />
celebrating Holy Week and Easter, both<br />
indoors and out. Palm crosses will be<br />
distributed to congregations in many<br />
churches on Palm Sunday which, this<br />
year, falls on April 1st. The traditional<br />
procession of witness on Good Friday<br />
will begin at Lidl’s car park at 10.30 am<br />
and will end with a service in <strong>the</strong> Market<br />
Square at 11.00 am. Easter begins late<br />
on Easter Eve in some churches with a<br />
vigil of prayer ending with fireworks (just<br />
be<strong>for</strong>e <strong>the</strong> deadline of 11.00 pm !) and<br />
Easter services (with eggs, no doubt)<br />
will take place on <strong>the</strong> day itself, April 8th.<br />
Details of all services can be obtained<br />
from www.stneots.org<br />
Faches Thumisnil<br />
The town twining association has been in existence<br />
<strong>for</strong> 16 years. Our aims are to foster better relations<br />
between our two towns, and we do this in a<br />
number of ways. Each year we take it in turns to<br />
visit each o<strong>the</strong>r. This year it is our turn to visit France.<br />
We would like to hear from anyone who would be<br />
interested in joining our Association or from anyone<br />
who thinks <strong>the</strong>ir club or association would benefit<br />
from sharing ideas with a similar group in France.<br />
Its great fun and helps improve on improving ones<br />
French.<br />
For fur<strong>the</strong>r in<strong>for</strong>mation contact Ian Taylor on<br />
217754 or ianpeletaylor@talktalk.net<br />
New Tourism<br />
Computer Kiosk<br />
The Initiative’s Promotion and<br />
Tourism Group has recently<br />
made a successful grant<br />
application <strong>for</strong> a Tourism<br />
computer kiosk to supplement <strong>the</strong> work of <strong>the</strong><br />
Tourism In<strong>for</strong>mation Centre(TIC). The Group<br />
applies <strong>for</strong> a ‘Quality of Place’ Grant which will<br />
provide 24/7 in<strong>for</strong>mation and complement<br />
<strong>the</strong> services of <strong>the</strong> TIC. The award of 75% of<br />
<strong>the</strong> cost(£22,500) will be supplemented by<br />
support from Huntingdonshire District <strong>Council</strong><br />
which has agreed to organise <strong>the</strong> purchase and<br />
installation around May/June time. TCMI will<br />
work with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong> to select a suitable<br />
<strong>Town</strong> Centre site <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> installation.<br />
Three Million Investment<br />
In Our Railway <strong>St</strong>ation<br />
The Initiative has a Transport Group that includes local<br />
people with an interest in <strong>the</strong> transport needs of our<br />
fast growing <strong>Town</strong>. This Group regularly meets <strong>the</strong><br />
transport policymakers from <strong>the</strong> Local Authorities<br />
plus representatives of <strong>the</strong> Highways Agency and <strong>the</strong><br />
railway operator, First Capital Connect and previously<br />
with WAGN. With <strong>the</strong> building of Loves’ Farm we have<br />
had also had representation <strong>for</strong> about 5 years from <strong>the</strong><br />
master developer of <strong>the</strong> site, Gallagher Estates. This has<br />
created a good working group to look at <strong>the</strong> issues<br />
involving <strong>the</strong> needs of <strong>the</strong> new development, <strong>the</strong><br />
need to upgrade our mainline station which is a major<br />
gateway into <strong>the</strong> <strong>Town</strong> and <strong>for</strong> reaching big centres<br />
like London. We have discussed access generally and<br />
<strong>for</strong> those with impaired mobility. A high priority was <strong>for</strong><br />
a bus services to have a proper access as well so <strong>the</strong>re<br />
could be an integration of train and bus services. The<br />
various and serious parking issues have been regularly<br />
discussed and <strong>the</strong> extra parking provided, on <strong>the</strong> west<br />
side, by WAGN was welcomed as was <strong>the</strong> commitment<br />
by <strong>the</strong> new operator ( First Capital Connect) to also<br />
invest in this urgent need and relieve <strong>the</strong> problems of<br />
street parking around <strong>the</strong> <strong>St</strong>ation.<br />
With all <strong>the</strong> work mentioned above The Initiative welcome<br />
<strong>the</strong> successful outcome of <strong>the</strong> long and complex<br />
negotiations between Gallagher Estates, Network<br />
Rail, First Capital Connect and <strong>the</strong> Local Authorities<br />
(Huntingdonshire District <strong>Council</strong> and Cambridgeshire<br />
County <strong>Council</strong>. The result is a £3 million pound<br />
investment in our <strong>St</strong>ation. There will be a new footbridge<br />
with access from both sides, gated <strong>for</strong> those using <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>ation and open <strong>for</strong> those just walking across. There will<br />
be lifts <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> disabled. With <strong>the</strong> new access from <strong>the</strong><br />
new development <strong>the</strong>re will be good provision <strong>for</strong> buses<br />
to pull into <strong>the</strong> station and provide a better link with <strong>the</strong><br />
train timetables. There will be extra parking, though we<br />
wanted more, but <strong>the</strong> planners wanted to encourage<br />
<strong>the</strong> use of <strong>the</strong> improved bus/ rail links, hopefully <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Cambourne users as well. A new bus service will link <strong>the</strong><br />
new development with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Town</strong> Centre. The design work<br />
has already started and <strong>the</strong>re will be a feedback later to<br />
get <strong>the</strong> views of <strong>the</strong> local community. Additional to all this<br />
investment will be <strong>the</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r Gallagher contribution to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Pedestrian/Cycle Bridge that will link Eaton Socon and<br />
Eynesbury in <strong>the</strong> next few years.<br />
If you are interested in finding out more about <strong>the</strong> scheme, call Gary Spackman on 07770343238<br />
or email gary.spackman@cambridgeshire.gov.uk<br />
Priory Centre – Something <strong>for</strong> Everyone<br />
My name is Helen<br />
King; I am <strong>the</strong> new<br />
Priory Centre Manager.<br />
I was born in <strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong><br />
and have been a<br />
customer of <strong>the</strong> centre<br />
all my life. You may be<br />
surprised at what goes<br />
on here!<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong> has given <strong>the</strong> Priory Centre<br />
a new lease of life. Over <strong>the</strong> last few months <strong>the</strong><br />
centre has under gone a major refurbishment. We<br />
have a reception area, which is more welcoming<br />
and provides com<strong>for</strong>table seats to meet friends and<br />
relax with a drink. The centre has been trans<strong>for</strong>med<br />
into an entertainment venue that our town can now<br />
appreciate and hopefully grow to love.<br />
The Priory Centre provides a wide range of<br />
entertainment that includes local and international<br />
artistes. Our spring programme has some new ideas<br />
of entertainment <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> town, which caters <strong>for</strong> all age<br />
groups. Joe Brown started <strong>the</strong> programme off with<br />
his new tour, which sold over 300 tickets and was well<br />
received. One of our <strong>for</strong>thcoming attractions is <strong>the</strong><br />
well known TV and radio star, comedian Arthur Smith,<br />
who is appearing here on 23 March. The tickets will<br />
be on sale soon.<br />
We have a variety of community projects, blood<br />
donation sessions and dance classes <strong>for</strong> children and<br />
adults. These groups hold regular meetings at <strong>the</strong><br />
centre <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> community to participate in. A brochure<br />
of events can be obtained from <strong>the</strong> box office at <strong>the</strong><br />
Priory Centre or you can email <strong>the</strong> centre with your<br />
name and address to be included on our mailing list.
ST. NEOTS JUNIOR<br />
Priorities<br />
The Junior version of Priorities has run <strong>for</strong> four years now<br />
with volunteers delivering to 13 junior schools. Having<br />
encouraged children to provide material plus <strong>the</strong>ir jokes<br />
and cartoons, <strong>the</strong> editorial term contacted all <strong>the</strong> schools<br />
to ensure that <strong>the</strong>y wanted us to continue. We got a 100%<br />
yes plus some insight into how it was used e.g as reading<br />
material in golden hour reading classes. To get material in by<br />
<strong>the</strong> copy deadline, schools will now be supplied with posters asking <strong>for</strong> articles etc. and giving<br />
<strong>the</strong> copy deadline <strong>for</strong> each terms issue. After 4 years <strong>the</strong>re had been a number of staff changes<br />
so that this interesting and encouraging exercise has rebuilt our network and will hopefully<br />
mean an even more interesting publication <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> future. From what I hear quite a few parents<br />
like Junior Priorities and part of <strong>the</strong> reason must be <strong>the</strong> superbly designed and colourful<br />
product produced by our long-term partners, TSG Creative Solutions in Eaton Socon.<br />
The Manufacturing Club<br />
Keeps Growing<br />
We had a good and unusual week recently<br />
when we had three new members join <strong>the</strong><br />
Initiative and <strong>the</strong> Manufacturing Club. Many<br />
people in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Town</strong> will remember <strong>the</strong> name<br />
of W R Grace in Cromwell Road. Most of this<br />
Companies local operation became Sealed<br />
Air Ltd, several years ago, but one part of<br />
W R Grace remains and this is Darex UK Ltd<br />
(next to what was Collins And Aikman). We<br />
were happy to welcome this Company to<br />
our organisation and <strong>the</strong>ir Plant Manager to<br />
our Management Group They make sealing<br />
compounds <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> canning industry that<br />
cover <strong>the</strong> welded seams and a wide range<br />
of closure caps etc. <strong>for</strong> bottles and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
containers.<br />
The second new member was Impulse Point<br />
of Sale Ltd, a small Company in Levellers Lane,<br />
<br />
March 07<br />
<br />
Yo u r Schools<br />
YOUR<br />
NEWSLETTER<br />
that makes point of sale display material,<br />
mostly <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> retail sector, and where special<br />
metal <strong>for</strong>ming skills are needed. There<br />
Director, Mark McKeown joins us as well.<br />
Thirdly we have a new Company, Skycat<br />
Group, that make Hybrid Air Vehicles(HAV)<br />
ie <strong>the</strong> successors to airships. They operate<br />
nearby at Cardington on <strong>the</strong> historical<br />
airships site and use one of <strong>the</strong> giant hangers;<br />
<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r is used by Warner Bro<strong>the</strong>rs to make<br />
films like Batman. The HAV’s are a fascinating<br />
<strong>for</strong>m of transport with <strong>the</strong>ir vertical lift off<br />
capability, with safe non-inflameable helium<br />
used and very green propulsion. With<br />
<strong>the</strong> needs <strong>for</strong> greener air transport HAVs<br />
should have a great future. We look <strong>for</strong>ward<br />
to working with <strong>the</strong>m and spreading <strong>the</strong><br />
message.<br />
Little Paxton<br />
Primary School<br />
newsletter from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Town</strong> Centre Management Initiative<br />
My new artistic friend<br />
Callum from <strong>St</strong>. Mary’s<br />
Deadline <strong>for</strong><br />
14th Issue<br />
May 20th 2007<br />
Deadline <strong>for</strong><br />
15th Issue<br />
Octoer 20th 2007<br />
Please make sure that a l your<br />
letters and views have been<br />
sent by your teacher be<strong>for</strong>e<br />
<strong>the</strong> above date.<br />
I do enjoy reading everything!<br />
Please send anything that you<br />
would like to be included to<br />
Ollie <strong>the</strong> Otter,<br />
Care of TSGcs, 105 Great<br />
North Road, Eaton Socon,<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong>, Cambs, PE19 8EL or<br />
email: ollie@stneots.com<br />
PROUD TO<br />
BE LOUD!<br />
The Proud to<br />
be Loud (P2BL)<br />
holiday scheme<br />
<strong>for</strong> children<br />
aged 10 to 14,<br />
which runs<br />
every holiday,<br />
is an open<br />
access scheme,<br />
meaning you<br />
have to book up<br />
on a ‘first come<br />
first serve’ basis,<br />
but it also aims to offer places to those families<br />
who most need support.. There<strong>for</strong>e, organisers<br />
will be looking to offer places <strong>for</strong> children and<br />
young people who are not occupied during <strong>the</strong><br />
day. If you find yourself worrying about where<br />
your children can go where <strong>the</strong>y will enjoy <strong>the</strong><br />
school holidays, without spending and arm and<br />
a leg, get in touch to book your place.<br />
The scheme is funded from a variety of<br />
sources and benefits from <strong>the</strong> support of<br />
key organisations such as Huntingdonshire<br />
District <strong>Council</strong>, Cambridgeshire County<br />
<strong>Council</strong>, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong>, Luminus<br />
and Cambridgeshire Constabulary. <strong>St</strong>aff or<br />
money from <strong>the</strong>se organisations is provided<br />
in recognition of <strong>the</strong> importance of providing<br />
holiday activities <strong>for</strong> this age group.<br />
7<br />
A Helping Hand<br />
What is a dial-a-ride service or a voluntary car scheme and<br />
am I eligible? If you’ve ever thought this <strong>the</strong>n help is at hand.<br />
Cambridgeshire County <strong>Council</strong> has just published <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
indispensable Community Transport Guide <strong>for</strong> 2006 / 2007.<br />
And it’s completely FREE.<br />
The guide explains exactly what community transport is<br />
and who can use it; how it works alongside conventional<br />
public transport; and lists by district details of all community<br />
transport schemes operating throughout Cambridgeshire.<br />
Laid out in an accessible reference <strong>for</strong>mat <strong>the</strong> guide is easy<br />
to read and understand. Three sections provide clear and<br />
concise in<strong>for</strong>mation.<br />
A FREE easy to use guide<br />
to community transport<br />
The first section describes <strong>the</strong> various types of community<br />
transport schemes throughout Cambridgeshire. Covering<br />
how <strong>the</strong>y meet <strong>the</strong> needs of <strong>the</strong> communities <strong>the</strong>y serve,<br />
how <strong>the</strong>y operate and who can use such schemes. The<br />
section also has useful in<strong>for</strong>mation on o<strong>the</strong>r modes of<br />
transport throughout Cambridgeshire. For example how to<br />
get in<strong>for</strong>mation on bus and rail services and how to obtain<br />
a bus pass. It also has a full explanation of <strong>the</strong> concessionary<br />
fare scheme.<br />
The second section lists schemes by district and <strong>the</strong> type<br />
of scheme available. The third and final section lists details<br />
of o<strong>the</strong>r agencies involved in community transport. It<br />
also provides advice on transport <strong>for</strong> those with mobility<br />
difficulties.<br />
A community transport scheme may serve your area and<br />
you may be eligible to use it. For instance it can be used to<br />
transport you to a medical appointment, or to <strong>the</strong> nearest post<br />
office or shop. The Community Transport Guide 2006 / 2007 is<br />
designed to provide you with in<strong>for</strong>mation in an easy way.<br />
For a FREE copy of <strong>the</strong> guide contact Gavin Moulton<br />
on 01223 717755. Or write to him at Cambridgeshire<br />
County <strong>Council</strong>, ET1015, Castle Court, Shire Hall,<br />
Cambridge CB3 0AP. Or email him at gavin.moulton@<br />
cambridgeshire.gov.uk
8<br />
Who to Contact at<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
WARD COUNCILLORS<br />
Eynesbury<br />
R E Barnes<br />
14 Chestnut Grove, Eynesbury, PE19 2DW<br />
350848 bob.barnesc14@ntlworld.com<br />
A R Boulton<br />
19 Brampton Gdns, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong>, PE19 2DU<br />
01380 388911<br />
Mrs D E Collins<br />
Bungalow 3, 3 Montagu Court, Eynesbury, PE19 2TJ<br />
395056 Diana.Collins@huntsdc.gov.uk<br />
A Hansard<br />
78 Potton Road, Eynesbury, PE19 2NN<br />
388942/350577 Andrew.Hansard@huntsdc.gov.uk<br />
I P Taylor<br />
19 Ireton Close, Eynesbury, PE19 2JE<br />
217754 ianpeletaylor@btinternet.com<br />
P K Ursell (Mayor)<br />
12 Luke Court, Luke <strong>St</strong>reet, Eynesbury, PE19 2TP<br />
07770 645046 pk.ursell@ntlworld.com<br />
Eaton Socon<br />
D A Giles<br />
6 <strong>St</strong>rat<strong>for</strong>d Place, Eaton Socon, PE19 8HY<br />
388931/392341 Derek.Giles@huntsdc.gov.uk<br />
Mrs S A Giles<br />
6 <strong>St</strong>rat<strong>for</strong>d Place, Eaton Socon, PE19 8HY<br />
388931/392341 Sandra.Giles@cambridgeshire.gov.uk<br />
Mrs I Hart<br />
16 Marchioness Way, Eaton Socon, PE19 8DL<br />
354220 eatonsocon@huntslibdems.org.uk<br />
Mrs J Hayward<br />
11 Collingwood Road, Eaton Socon, PE19 8JQ<br />
210097 julia@ratbag.demon.co.uk<br />
Mrs H J Rozanski<br />
36 Knights Close, Eaton Socon, PE19 8DP<br />
393409<br />
Priory<br />
M A Cooper<br />
c/o <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong>, Priory Centre, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong>,<br />
Cambs PE19 2BH<br />
R S Farrer<br />
151A Crosshall Road, Eaton Ford, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> PE19 7GB<br />
404014/474202<br />
Mrs M A Garner (Deputy Mayor)<br />
13 Ferndale House, Ware Road, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong> PE19 1DR<br />
477390<br />
Mrs S R Lee<br />
22 East <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Neots</strong> PE19 1JU<br />
392065 sharon.lee22@ntlworld.com<br />
Eaton Ford<br />
D A F Cooper<br />
378 Great North Road, Eaton Socon, PE19 8FP<br />
213447 delboy.cooper@virgin.net<br />
D Harty<br />
10 Sambar Close, Eaton Socon, PE19 8QG<br />
477202 david@davidharty.co.uk<br />
<strong>Council</strong> Offices, The Priory, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Neots</strong>, Cambs PE19 2BH<br />
E-mail: mail@stneots-tc.gov.uk www.sntc.co.uk<br />
Fax: 388915<br />
Office Hours: 9am – 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am – 4.30pm Friday<br />
<strong>Town</strong> Clerk: Philip Devonald 388913<br />
Finance Officer/Deputy <strong>Town</strong> Clerk: Margaret Sharp 388914<br />
Priory Centre Manager: Helen King 388944<br />
Operations Manager: Brian Gray 388917<br />
<strong>Town</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
Elections 2007<br />
All eighteen town council seats are up <strong>for</strong><br />
election this year. The elections will be held<br />
on Thursday 3rd May 2007<br />
This is your chance to determine how <strong>the</strong><br />
town will be run <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> next four years.<br />
Issues like <strong>the</strong> Rowley Gift, <strong>the</strong> swimming<br />
pool, town centre redevelopment, road<br />
safety schemes, anti-social behaviour etc etc<br />
will be on <strong>the</strong> agenda. You can have your say<br />
by voting on that day or you can stand as a<br />
candidate if you feel strongly enough about<br />
<strong>the</strong> future of our town.<br />
Remember you can vote and/or stand as a<br />
candidate if you reach 18 years of age by 2nd<br />
May 2007.<br />
Yo ur<br />
vote<br />
is<br />
your<br />
voice<br />
... don’t waste it!<br />
Remember to return your 2007<br />
Electoral Registration Form<br />
If you have not received a registration <strong>for</strong>m or<br />
require fur<strong>the</strong>r in<strong>for</strong>mation, please contact<br />
For fur<strong>the</strong>r in<strong>for</strong>mation contact Phil Devonald <strong>Town</strong> Clerk on 388911<br />
or philip.devonald@stneots-tc.gov.uk.<br />
01480 388017 or 388018<br />
Huntingdonshire<br />
d i s t r i c t c o u n c i l<br />
GRANT AID FOR<br />
LOCAL CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS<br />
MONEY IS AVAILABLE IN 2007/08 BUDGET TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO CULTURAL,<br />
SPORTING AND COMMUNITY GROUPS SERVING ST NEOTS.<br />
SMALL GRANTS MAY BE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST WITH RUNNING COSTS, WITH LARGER<br />
SUMS AVAILABLE TO PART FUND THE PROVISION OR IMPROVEMENT OF FACILITIES.<br />
THERE IS ALSO A SEPARATE BUDGET FOR AWARDS<br />
TO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTS & DRAMA GROUPS.<br />
APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED IN JUNE AND MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 31ST<br />
MARCH 2007.<br />
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE<br />
TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, THE PRIORY, ST NEOTS, CAMBS PE19 2BH,<br />
TELEPHONE 01480 388911 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE<br />
Designed and Produced by TSGcs Tel: 01480 213555 Web: www.tsgcs.co.uk Email: sales@<br />
tsgcs.co.uk