Cambridge’s first community speedwatch campaign has been launched to identify drivers who break the 20mph limit in the city centre.

Residents in the Brunswick-North Kite area formed the group to raise awareness of the speeding rules on Maids Causeway and Newmarket Road, leading up to the Elizabeth Way roundabout.

According to a report in the Cambridge Evening News, they are using a radar sign to record how fast motorists are going.  Anyone going faster than 24mph will have their registration details logged and will receive a letter from police.

Recently County Councillor Sarah Whitebread attended a site visit at Sidney Street with Highways Officer Jon Clarke to talk through the repair work soon to be carried out there.  The slabs in the road that have become sunken and uneven will be relaid, and all of the broken paving slabs will be replaced.  Where paving slabs have been replaced with concrete, new paving slabs will be added.  Some new bollards will be put in as well to protect the pavement from cars, and the cycle racks will be repainted.

The work will commence shortly to tie in with the end of the University term.  Work will mostly be done overnight to limit disruption for traders and shoppers.

Cllr Whitebread said “It was excellent to talk through the work with Mr Clarke.  I hadn’t realised what a comprehensive job they are planning to do.  This is an area of the city in dire need to some repair work, and I’m confident it will look really smart when it’s done.”

Cambridge Past, Present & Future, FECRA and the University of Cambridge are hosting a Teach-in on Localism and Planning

Where and When: Thursday 14 July at 6.30 for 7 pm Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road Cambridge CB3 0WA

Introductory speakers:

Kelvin MacDonald (University Department of Land Economy)

Patsy Dell (Head of Planning Services, Cambridge City Council)

Sean Traverse-Healy (Cambridgeshire CPRE)

Breakout groups:

How will localism help you to improve the planning of your neighbourhood? What help and support will you need?

Meeting close 9.30 pm

Email planning@cambridgeppf.org to confirm that you are able to come

Alternatively, telephone Nigel Bell 01223 243830 x 205

A limited amount of parking is available on site; please let us know if you need a space or have any other special requirements. Venue access details are available on the web: www.cms.cam.ac.uk/visiting

Soft drinks and nibbles will be served on arrival

Chief Constable Simon Parr has sent out information about  a new initiative.  He says:

“You have the chance to help shape the future of policing in Cambridgeshire using a new online tool.  The ‘Have your say’ section on the force website will feature weekly projects being considered for a more efficient and effective policing model.

Each week a topic under review will be posted on the force website for people to comment on or post questions. All comments, questions and answers will be viewable and the forum will be live for at least the next three months.

The first topic will be the review of all non-frontline duties carried out by police officers. This includes managerial, analytical, training and call handling.”  Follow the link below to participate:

http://www.cambs.police.uk/newpolicingapproach/haveyoursay/