Soham councillor Lucius Vellacott writes for Ely Standard

Lucius Vellacott serves on East Cambridgeshire District Council. (Image: ECDC)

This unique part of the world deserves to be championed enthusiastically. Ian Bovingdon and I are very grateful to residents for electing us to the district council to do this – in my case, at the age of 18.

Full council met to discuss the congestion charging consultation results, with 58 per cent of respondents opposed to a charge. After a maze of proposed amendments, support among members of the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) that put the proposals forward is dwindling.

I recently wrote to them to demand a return to the drawing board; rural buses and city light rail are the way forward if East Cambs are to get the benefit we deserve.

As East Cambs heritage champion, I am looking to work more closely with local organisations to highlight the importance of our heritage sites and projects, and the challenges they face for the future.

If residents know of a project or concern about our local historic environment, they are encouraged to get in touch.

I am joining residents in campaigning for the scout hut in Soham to become a recognised youth centre. I am hoping to work with Soham town councillors to make the most of this valuable community resource.

A parish conference is taking place in November, and we can be inspired by recent success in Littleport.

Soham proudly hosted the first ever Youth Fusion event in July.

I am committed to the council, helping local young people to seek impartial advice and develop a sense of fulfilment locally.

I am excited that there will be a Soham to Ely cycle study commissioned as part of our new Corporate Plan, as well as future waste service reforms. An innovative new parking enforcement scheme will commence soon, and free town centre car parking will continue.

I remain contactable for any local issues at: lucius.vellacott@eastcambs.gov.uk.