Soham rail plans in jeopardy
PLANS to build on the old Soham train station site could leave the long-standing Soham Railway Campaign and more than 10 year s of hard work in tatters. Proposals have been put forward to develop the site between Station Road and Spencer Drove. On Octo
PLANS to build on the old Soham train station site could leave the long-standing Soham Railway Campaign and more than 10 year's of hard work in tatters.
Proposals have been put forward to develop the site between Station Road and Spencer Drove.
On October 19, East Cambridgeshire District Council will began a six-week public consultation in Ely and Newmarket designed to let the public have their say on the future of development in Ely, Bottisham, and Burwell as well as Soham.
But Soham residents have criticised the council for not organising a public exhibition to allow them to see the Soham plans.
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"Short-term housing instead of leaving us with the option for a train station will stuff up Soham's future permanently", said Donna Martin who supports the rail campaign.
"There are serious drainage issues on the land, and 2,000 houses have already been built in the last three years in Soham.
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"Where is the provision for those people without adequate services and a railway station?"
Mrs Martin did acknowledge that using the site for employment would be better for Soham's future, but said it was vital to improve transport links and encourage more people to be involved in the economic life of Soham.
Katie Childs, forward planning officer for East Cambridgeshire District Council said: "The documents are available online at www.eastcambs.gov.uk and people can request copies of them from Soham Library. We are required by law to consult in three stages.
"At the moment we are only at the second stage in what is a fairly long-winded process.
"Plans will be revised and the public can have their say again next April. We would always like to hear people's views."
East Cambridgeshire District Council will put up a stall in Market Square today (October 25) and at the Saturday Farmers' Market where residents will have a chance to register their opinion.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Let us know what you think about plans to develop the old railway station site? Email editor@elystandard.co.uk or write to us at: The Ely Standard (Soham rail site) 38 Market Street, Ely CB7 4LS.
