Vape Shops in Ely: A Growing Concern

Ely, a picturesque city known for its rich history and cultural heritage, is facing a modern dilemma that threatens its traditional values and the well-being of its younger residents.

The proliferation of vape shops in the city has sparked a wave of concern among local residents, health advocates, and local leaders alike. Critics argue that these establishments are not only out of step with the city's historic character but are also contributing to a troubling trend amongst the youth.

One of the primary concerns raised by the community is the apparent targeting of children and teenagers by vape shops. These establishments often employ bright colours, attractive designs, and flavours that mimic sweets, which can appeal to younger individuals.

This marketing strategy, critics argue, is a deliberate attempt to entice children and adolescents into trying vaping products, which can lead to nicotine addiction at a very young age.

There is also growing apprehension that vape shops could serve as a gateway to other forms of drug use.

Whilst vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, the normalisation of this habit among the youth can potentially lead to experimentation with more harmful substances.

This not only poses a risk to the physical health of young individuals but also to their overall well-being and future prospects.

Apart from health concerns, the presence of vape shops is seen as incongruous with the historic ambience of Ely.

The city, famed for its stunning cathedral and well-preserved mediaeval architecture, attracts tourists from around the globe. Critics argue that the modern, flashy aesthetic of vape shops detracts from the city's historical charm and can potentially harm its reputation as a place of cultural and historical significance.

In response to these concerns, there is a growing call to action amongst Ely's residents.

Community groups, local leaders, and health organisations are urging the city council to implement stricter regulations on the establishment and operation of vape shops.

Proposals include banning the sale of vaping products to minors, restricting the marketing strategies employed by these businesses, and ensuring that the exterior designs of vape shops are in keeping with the city's historic character.

The debate over vape shops in Ely is emblematic of a larger conversation taking place across the country about the role of vaping in society and its impact on public health and local communities.

As this discussion continues, the residents of Ely are left to grapple with how best to protect their children, preserve their city's heritage, and address the challenges posed by this modern phenomenon.

Rod Morrison 

 

Excited about work on 20mph Zone for Ely 

Works to install a 20mph zone covering all of Ely will begin shortly and will take around four weeks.

No roads will be closed, so any disruption should be minimal. Following a unanimous request by City of Ely councillors two years ago, myself and fellow Lib Dem county councillor Alison Whelan (Ely North) worked with officers at county highways to develop this scheme.

A consultation took place last summer, remaining open for four weeks longer than the required period, to give more time for residents to respond.

122 of those responding were in favour, 65 were against and eight were neutral. On December 4, the City of Ely Council once again expressed unanimous support for the scheme.

We are really excited about the benefits this scheme could bring to the lives of everyone within the city.

The campaign group www.20splenty.org has collected a wealth of information from a variety of sources on the benefits in terms of improved road safety and reduced pollution.

To give just one example, in February last year Transport for London (TfL) estimated that since 20mph limits were introduced in 2020, collisions on those streets have fallen by 25 per cent and collisions involving pedestrians have been reduced by 63 per cent.

 Ely is a small city, and many journeys can be completed safely by walking or cycling. Any increase in travel time for cars or should be at most a minute or two, which is a small price to pay when compared to improvements in safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

 

Piers Coutts

County Councillor, Ely South Division