The cabinet of the Conservative run County Council has voted to increase residents parking permit fees by 46.5% across the city.  The ruling group voted for an increase above not only the recommendation of local councillors, but also council staff, who suggested a more modest increase.

Previously the fees were set by a committee of local councillors from Cambridge, but at yesterdays full council meeting the Conservatives at the County Council voted that all on street parking charges should be set by the County cabinet.  Cllr Sarah Whitebread, who spoke at the council meeting against the move, commented “This is outrageous.  The council’s new leader has talked about the importance of localism, but is at the same time taking key powers away from local councillors.  That the cabinet should impose charges so much above what local councillors were recommending shows a complete disregard for residents views.  Parking in the city centre is already a major problem – particularly in the Kite and Park Street areas.  For the County to hike fees by 46.5%, when residents often struggle to find a suitable space, is simply unacceptable.”

Any local residents wishing to write in objection to the decision should contact Graham Lowe, Head of Parking Services, Cambridgeshire Parking Services, 3rd Floor, Cambridge Central Library, 7 Lion Yard, Cambridge, CB2 3QD by no later than 31 May 2011 quoting  “THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE (CIVIL ENFORCEMENT AREA) (WAITING RESTRICTIONS AND STREET PARKING PLACES) ORDER 2008 (AMENDMENT NO. 37) ORDER 201#”

Cllr Andrea Reiner

On Thursday Andrea Reiner was elected as one of our three City Councillors for Market Ward for the next 4 years. Andrea joins fellow Lib Dems Colin Rosenstiel and Tim Bick in representing the City Centre at the Guildhall and Sarah Whitebread, our champion on the County Council.

The new Councillor Reiner commented: “I’m really looking forward to my new role. I regard it as a great privilege to represent such a wonderful area, which I personally love. I feel a strong sense of mission to keep it a place where people can thrive and enjoy its unique character. With the help of residents, I want to contribute to developing workable, even-handed solutions to the problems that we collectively face.”

Andrea and husband David have 3-year old twins and she works as a lecturer in law. She can be contacted at andreareiner23@gmail.com or on 07596 364 825.

Cllr Mike Dixon to stand down in May

Retiring councillor Mike Dixon (right) with Lib Dem candidate for the City Council, Andrea Reiner

Andrea Reiner will be the Liberal Democrat candidate to succeed Mike Dixon who retires from the City Council next month.

Andrea hopes to join the team of Lib Dem councillors for the city centre area, Colin Rosenstiel, Tim Bick and Sarah Whitebread. She has been working alongside the team over the past year.

“I will fight hard for the residents of the city centre.” said Andrea.

“I want to thank Mike Dixon for his impressive record of service to the city – including recently as mayor – and to wish him well in retirement.” A mother of 3-year old twins, Andrea is a part-time lecturer in law and has been a volunteer supporter of the human rights organisation Liberty. She is a member of the Park Street Residents Association committee.

“Andrea would make an excellent councillor for the city centre and is already proving her commitment and energy,” said  Mike Dixon.

Andrea recently ran a residents survey in the city centre, from which nearly 200 responses have been received. We will be reporting back on that in the future.