Latest news with #CambridgeshireCountyCouncil
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Old A14' 40mph speed limit to be gone by summer
A temporary speed limit that some motorists have described as "lethal" is expected to be lifted by the end of the summer, according to officials. The 40mph restriction was applied to several sections of the A1307, locally known as the old A14, in Cambridgeshire in 2020. Problems with barriers and drainage prompted National Highways to impose the limit. Cambridgeshire County Council said some repair work had been delayed by the discovery of asbestos. Restrictions cutting the maximum speed from 70mph to 40mph were applied to three sections of the old A14 between Swavesey and Huntingdon: Between The Hemingfords and St Ives because there were concerns about flooding following the death of a man in a crash in July 2023 Between Godmanchester and Huntingdon because the barriers were thought to be unsafe At Fenstanton where a pipe had collapsed under the road Last year, drivers questioned the need for the limits and suggested they could be dangerous. A Cambridge taxi driver said the 40mph restriction was "lethal and an accident waiting to happen". Another driver described them as "slightly annoying, especially if I'm running late for the kids". Cambridgeshire County Council, which took over responsibility for the A1307 from National Highways last year, said the central barriers had now been repaired following the crash and vegetation had been cleared to improve drainage. The authority said the replacement of safety barriers between Huntingdon and Godmanchester had been delayed by the discovery of asbestos in the old ones, but work was now almost complete. Drains and pipes had been cleaned in Fenstanton and a collapsed pipe had been repaired, and new fencing had been installed to reduce noise pollution. Alex Beckett, who chairs the Highways and Transport Committee at the Liberal Democrat-controlled county council, said: "We've been working hard to remove the speed restrictions on the A1307, so it's fantastic news that it will soon be safe to do so. "It's frustrating that these works have taken longer than initially hoped – a huge amount of work was needed when the road was handed over to us last year but safety must always be our first priority." The authority added the restrictions were "expected to be lifted by the end of the summer" and would be removed in each section as soon as it was safe to do so. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. 'A14' handed back to council with £25m package Drivers warned of delays as 'old A14' repairs start Motorists question temporary speed limit on old A14 Cambridgeshire County Council National Highways
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
'Old A14' 40mph speed limit in Cambridgeshire to end by summer
A temporary speed limit that some motorists have described as "lethal" is expected to be lifted by the end of the summer, according to 40mph restriction was applied to several sections of the A1307, locally known as the old A14, in Cambridgeshire in with barriers and drainage prompted National Highways to impose the County Council said some repair work had been delayed by the discovery of asbestos. Restrictions cutting the maximum speed from 70mph to 40mph were applied to three sections of the old A14 between Swavesey and Huntingdon:Between The Hemingfords and St Ives because there were concerns about flooding following the death of a man in a crash in July 2023Between Godmanchester and Huntingdon because the barriers were thought to be unsafeAt Fenstanton where a pipe had collapsed under the roadLast year, drivers questioned the need for the limits and suggested they could be dangerous. A Cambridge taxi driver said the 40mph restriction was "lethal and an accident waiting to happen".Another driver described them as "slightly annoying, especially if I'm running late for the kids". Cambridgeshire County Council, which took over responsibility for the A1307 from National Highways last year, said the central barriers had now been repaired following the crash and vegetation had been cleared to improve authority said the replacement of safety barriers between Huntingdon and Godmanchester had been delayed by the discovery of asbestos in the old ones, but work was now almost and pipes had been cleaned in Fenstanton and a collapsed pipe had been repaired, and new fencing had been installed to reduce noise pollution. Alex Beckett, who chairs the Highways and Transport Committee at the Liberal Democrat-controlled county council, said: "We've been working hard to remove the speed restrictions on the A1307, so it's fantastic news that it will soon be safe to do so."It's frustrating that these works have taken longer than initially hoped – a huge amount of work was needed when the road was handed over to us last year but safety must always be our first priority."The authority added the restrictions were "expected to be lifted by the end of the summer" and would be removed in each section as soon as it was safe to do so. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Cambridgeshire Send support services told to improve
A service supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) has been told to make Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) raised concerns about Send provision for children and young people in visited the area in January and said improvements were needed in areas such as mental health support and education, health and care plans (EHCP).However, their report acknowledged "early signs of the positive impact" of a new Send strategy introduced in Cambridgeshire last year. 'Confusing and difficult' Send services in the county are planned and commissioned by Cambridgeshire County Council and the NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care said current arrangements led to "inconsistent experiences and outcomes" for children and young people, and urged the two organisations to "work jointly to make improvements".The report said the timeliness and quality of EHCPs was "poor for many children and young people" and "too often" did not reflect an individual's families and professionals told inspectors they found referrals for, and accessing, mental health support was "confusing and difficult to navigate".In November, the county council brought in a new strategy of "inclusion for all" focused on identifying children and young people's report said leaders had put in place a "clear and coherent strategy", adding that oversight of children and young people's health and social care arrangements was "usually robust".Inspectors requested an update and strategic plan based on its recommendations. Martin Purbrick, the council's executive director for children, education and families, said it was a "top priority" to give Send children the best possible support."We are taking positive steps to improve the timeliness and quality of our EHCP provision," he Anderson, the chief nurse at NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: "We are moving towards a truly needs-led model, shaped by the experiences and voices of families, where children and young people receive the right support at the right time." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
UK households urged to apply for new cost of living support worth £300
The money is being distributed by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council as part of the Household Support Fund scheme - we explain who is eligible and how to apply UK households are being urged to check if they can apply for cost of living support worth up to £300. The money is being distributed by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council as part of the Household Support Fund scheme. Each council gets to decide what type of help it offers and it typically comes in the form of one-off payments, or supermarket or energy vouchers. It is up to each local authority to also decide who is eligible for help. If you're a Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole resident, you can receive a voucher to help with energy or food costs worth £300. This is split into two £150 vouchers. In order to be eligible, you must be over the age of 16 and living independently of parents or carers and have no money to cover essential bills. You can apply for the help online through Citizens Advice during the following application windows: 9am on May 12, 2025 to 4.30pm on July 4, 2025 9am on July 21, 2025 to 4.30pm on September 12, 2025 9am on September 29, 2025 to 4.30pm on November 21, 2025 9am on December 8, 2025 to 4.30pm on January 30, 2026 The council is also giving eligible families £15 vouchers per child during the school half terms. Council leader Cllr Millie Earl said: "I'm pleased the HSF has been extended for a seventh round to support people with the cost of living." 'The initiative can provide struggling households with crucial financial support, as well as practical advice and guidance from experts to help residents make their money go further. 'I urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to apply, and to make the most of the practical advice and guidance on offer.' If you're not a Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole resident, it is worth checking what support your local council can offer you. For example, Cambridgeshire County Council is awarding £180 worth of supermarket vouchers over the upcoming half terms and summer holiday to families that are normally in receipt of free school meals. Some vouchers have already been given out over Easter. Another payment of £110 is also being awarded to some Cambridgeshire households that have £16,000 or less in money, savings, and investments, and earn below a certain threshold. City of York Council is crediting £150 to your council tax account, as a direct discount off your bill, through the Household Support Fund. It is also providing a direct bank transfer worth £100. There is also a discretionary scheme, for people who are not identified by the council as receiving a council tax discount. For this, you would need to apply to the council and show that you're in need of financial assistance to help with the rising living costs.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Residents' views sought on 'quality of life'
The views of thousands of people across Cambridgeshire about their quality of life is being sought, to give councillors an insight. Cambridgeshire County Council said the survey would help influence business planning decisions and policies. Residents who live in the five district areas of the county will be asked to take part in the annual review. The authority said previous surveys had highlighted that roads and pavement maintenance, the cost of living, and mental health and loneliness were areas of concern. Data also showed that residents felt happy and safe, and that the county was a good place to raise children, the council said. The online and telephone survey will aim to speak to about 1,100 people in each of the five districts - Cambridge City, East Cambridgeshire, Fenland, Huntingdonshire and South Cambridgeshire. The council added: "This year, for 2025, there are two questions to help introduce the concept of Local Government Reorganisation to residents and provide an early indication of awareness." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Related internet links
