ECDC's Soham South councillor, Lucius Vellacott, writes his monthly column for the Ely Standard.
East Cambs District Council met on February 20 and approved a prudent Council Tax freeze in 2024/25, the eleventh consecutive year, with no external borrowing or reductions in service quality.
No catch! We continue to provide free car parking across the district and this year have included black bins in our budget. We are liaising with HM Government on food waste services.
The Mepal Bereavement Centre was also approved. The council wants to provide comfort and solace to local people in a stunning location, which is also financially viable.
It will protect rich biodiversity and the much-loved history of the site which has fallen into disrepair. It was disappointing to hear highly disrespectful comments from some Liberal Democrat colleagues at the meeting.
I am pushing the combined authority mayor to explore a bus between Soham and Wicken, who has responded positively. The 200 per cent rise in the Mayoral Precept must create improved services for residents in Soham South and Wicken.
It was brilliant to visit The Weatheralls Primary School and Soham Village College recently to discuss how we can support local young people. The council will continue to fund valuable community projects like the 3G Sports Pitch at the college. I very much enjoyed an insightful tour with the Student Council at the Weatheralls too.
Local councillors met with Staploe Medical Centre to discuss provisions for a much-needed new medical centre on land part of the Eastern Gateway. I am fully supportive of an increase in NHS services in our community.
Councillors continue to support the Soham Dementia Focus Group. A big win recently is that the Dementia-Friendly Choir, Sing! Together, will begin in Soham. Interested residents can contact: kathryn@allinsound.co.uk for more information.
Lucy Frazer MP and I were delighted to meet residents at an open meeting on February 17 and hear local and national opinions from everyone. Thank you to all who attended. I am always available for a chat via: lucius.vellacott@eastcambs.gov.uk.
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