I VE been taken to task by a lady who recently moved into town. Apparently I have given the impression that I don t think it s a good idea for people to come to Soham, indeed that I don t really want them here. Actually, nothing could be further from the

I'VE been taken to task by a lady who recently moved into town. Apparently I have given the impression that I don't think it's a good idea for people to come to Soham, indeed that I don't really want them here.

Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. Most of our immediate circle of friends moved to Soham from such exotic places as Leighton Buzzard, Manchester, Teeside, Burnham on Crouch and even Folkestone. No town can possibly prosper if it relies exclusively on "locals".

But no town can thrive if most of the population lives behind closed doors and works and shops elsewhere. That's the problem as I see it; by building houses almost exclusively for the commuter market (which provide more profit than can be realised on homes that our kids can afford) the planners and developers appear to be more interested in pleasing Mr. Prescott and making money than helping Soham.

If you look at the clubs and organisations in town you will probably find that the majority of active members moved to Soham at one time or another but are now firmly embedded in the community.

There are roads into Soham from the north, south, east and west, and there isn't a barrier on any one of them (although the East Fen crossroads is a bit iffy) so, if you want to become part of the town, hurry along. But if all you want is a "cheap" house and to spend your time locked behind closed doors laughing at the "carrot-crunchers", best you go elsewhere; we've got a bypass for blokes like you.