Cambridge skaters have been enjoying the new features at the Jesus Green skate park that was opened by the Mayor on Saturday 24 September 2011.

The new park was built by Wheelscape Skateparks who worked with a group of skate park users and the city council on the design which includes new features like an ollie bump and a tombstone that add varying levels of difficulty and technicality. The park is also specifically designed with traffic flow lines to reduce the chances of people crossing over each other. Earth mounds around the skate park create a softening effect and help the skate park blend into the historic open space.

Andrea Reiner said: “We have worked with stakeholders to be sure that we incorporated their wishes, while making sure that the skate park does not detract from the natural beauty of Jesus Green. I think the final result is excellent.”

This is a recent update from County Council about Residents’ Parking Passes:

“As you are no doubt aware Resident Permit Fees increase from this coming Monday. As part of the change we have had to amend our application forms and web pages.

“We have also taken the opportunity of reviewing the documentation required from residents to support their permit application. From Monday we will no longer require sight of the vehicle registration document but will require the Certificate of Motor Insurance in the name of the resident applying for the permit. The usual temporary arrangements will apply for those who need to amend documents or, say, for lease cars need further proofs.”

For more information click here.

The Jesus Green Association is holding a special general meeting on Wednesday the 27th of July at 1930 in Wesley Methodist Church. Outline proposals for a new bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund are to be discussed.

Cambridge City Councillors teamed up with a new police patrol unit on the city centre’s streets to see first hand how they are cracking down on alcohol-fuelled crime.

Liberal Democrats Tim Bick, Andrea Reiner and Colin Rosenstiel joined the officers after pushing for more police action on the large number of incidents in the city centre.

They were worried about the level of crime late at night and in the early hours of the morning when drinkers leave pubs and restaurants.

But since the new 15-strong city centre police unit was set up three months ago crime has reduced by 12.4 per cent over the same period last year. Violent crime has fallen by 19.2 per cent, anti-social behaviour is down 25.5 per cent and alcohol-related incidents fell by 12.4 per cent. There have also been reductions in cycle theft (29.2 per cent) and shoplifting (14.2 per cent).

“It was very clear that the visibility of the police on foot patrol is an invaluable deterrent and a sign of security,” said Cllr Bick, Cambridge City Executive Councillor for Community Safety. “To have a team dedicated 24 hours a day to the city centre means that relationships get built and knowledge accumulates.

“Early signs that the unit is having a real impact on crime figures are extremely encouraging. We will be reporting back to the city and county council on several ideas we picked up to improve the situation such as providing better positioned bins to avoid the build up of litter in some places.”

Cllr Rosenstiel said: “We saw the officers dealing with people who had been excluded from licensed premises, first trying to talk them away from further trouble, sometimes having to resort to a dispersal order.”

Cllr Andrea Reiner said: “We were able to get a real understanding of what the police are facing and how they deal with incidents.”