As we build up to the big day, I was excited to be invited to Cambourne to switch on their Christmas lights. This had a rather unexpected twist – as I was sawn in half on stage! I’m pleased to report that both parts of me were put back together in time for me to make it to the Fen Drayton “Call my wine bluff” fundraiser later that evening – well done to the organisers of both events, and a special mention to the surgeon on standby!
Staying with Cambourne, I continue to pay very close attention to the developing proposals for the Cambourne to Cambridge busway and park and ride. The Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership’s (GCP) consultation on the proposed sites for the park and ride and busway routes is now live. The consultation closes on the 29th January 2018, so please do feed in your views here- https://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/transport/transport-projects/cambourne-to-cambridge/cambourne-to-cambridge-consultation-2017/18/
As part of my promise to listen to residents, I went along to the GCP’s roadshow in Coton, so I could gauge residents’ views on the latest options first hand. This is a really important consultation as the outcome will shape how we deal with congestion issues and improve the transport links so desperately missing in Cambourne.
On the 10th/11th/12th November, I joined commemoration services at the Cambridge American Cemetery in Coton, in Sawston and my home village of Elsworth. These services are such an important date in the calendar as we came together to recognise the service of our Armed Forces past and present. We must never forget.
Last month’s Budget contained big news for our local area with a number of key measures:
•A new East West Rail company will be set up to deliver a rail link between Oxford and Cambridge.
•Addenbrooke's station - The Government committed £5 million to develop our proposals for a station on the Biomedical campus.
• Construction will begin on key elements of the Oxford to Cambridge road expressway.
•£1.7 billion will go towards improving transport for English cities with our Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority receiving £74 million.
South Cambridgeshire is a great place to live and work and I will continue to keep a very sharp focus on all the local infrastructure improvements needed to ensure we stay that way. I’m also in conversation with Highways England, Network Rail and our local authorities regarding the Foxton crossing and Girton Interchange. I have slowly but surely pushed these long overdue projects up the agenda and will keep you posted. Initial meetings are promising!
It is always such a pleasure to visit local schools and I continue on my mission to get round them all sixty six of them!
I have in the last few weeks opened the new library at Bellbird Primary in Sawston and visited Perse Upper School (pictured right) in Cambridge. Students remain a source of the most difficult questions!
I was also pleased to visit Orwell Brownies and Melbourn Rainbows during Parliament week. Two budding bunches of Parliamentarians without a doubt!
On 1st December, I was pleased to be invited to support FareShare and Tesco at their Christmas food collection at the Bar Hill store.
Local people were so generous with their donations of food. Tesco also add an additional 20% as well as providing FareShare with food from their distribution centres. To ensure this good food does not go to waste, Fareshare then distribute it to organisations such as hostels, children’s breakfast clubs and meals for older people. If you are involved in a group who could benefit from such a donation, or are a food manufacturer looking to donate your “waste”, please do get in touch with Michael Barrett, our local contact on 01473 717676 or fseastanglia@fareshare.org.uk
My next surgeries will be on 16th December 10am–12noon at Gamlingay Village College, Station Road, Gamlingay, SG19 3HD and 6th January 2018 10am-12noon at the David Rayner Centre, Scotsdales Garden Centre, 120 Cambridge Rd, Great Shelford, CB22 5JT.
These are drop-in surgeries with no appointment necessary. Details of all the upcoming surgeries can be found on my website www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk. You’ll also find further information about my work and news stories there. To contact me, please email heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk. You can also phone my Westminster office on 020 7219 5091 about national issues or my constituency office on 01223 830 037 to raise local concerns.
All that remains is to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Cheers!