Month: March 2023

I’m your candidate for Petersfield

I’m pleased to say that the Petersfield ward has chosen me to seek re-election as the city councillor, and I’m standing in the local elections on Thursday May 4.

Katie’s Leafleft

When I was first elected to Cambridge City Council in 2018 I promised people three things: that I would fight fairly for my arguments and always listen to and work with people from all sides of the political arena; that I’d stay in touch, even when I couldn’t sort a problem; and that I’d be here all year round, not just at election times. I believe I’ve fulfilled these promises, and if re-elected in May I will continue to live up to them.

Within the ward that means representing residents when a much-loved tree was threatened, finding funds for benches, bee banks and hedge replacement, and listening carefully to all sides on controversial issues like Mill Road bridge.

I’ve helped limit the number of builders’ lorries moving through our streets, and even got a major planning application near the station revised because it didn’t allow for walking or cycling.

And I’ve worked across the region to highlight the water crisis, helped develop the emerging local plan, and supported the consultation on the sustainable travel zone.

I hope that you’ll support me on May 4, so that I can continue to work with my fellow councillors for everyone in Petersfield, as Labour delivers One Cambridge Fair for All.

A Bus Gate on Mill Road Bridge

The County Council has decided to put a bus gate on Mill Road bridge, following a consultation after the previous restrictions were removed in July 2021.

Cameras will be installed in the next few weeks, and notices put up advising drivers that they will be fined if they drive across the bridge. However the bridge is not being closed to everyone – as well as pedestrians and cycles it will be open to buses, taxis and other authorised vehicles, while blue badge holders can get exemption from the restrictions for two cars.

I was asked to speak at Highways and Transport committee meeting that approved the bus gate, and this is what I said

“I bring the views of those residents who contacted me to support the proposed changes to traffic over the bridge, including the exemptions.

As a ward councillor I have heard real concerns about the congestion, pollution and negative impact to those walking along or over the road particularly parents of children going to local schools.

I’ve also heard from residents who ask that if the proposal are agreed that other opportunities to improve the local streets and communities be improved with real consultation with our residents.

Finally, I have also heard very legitimate concerns about the proposals from small and medium size businesses along the road. These concerns are not from right wing or climate deniers and we must also listen to these concerns.

These are similar concerns to those of local shops across the country

The world we live in now is very changed from 4-5 years ago. Retail and how we shop is changed and continues to change. I would like to ask that we all work to consider a new strategy to support local retail going forward. This is important to the whole community of Mill Road”.

Now that the decision has been made to limit traffic I’m going to talk to the many small businesses in Petersfield about how they can adapt to the new traffic patterns, and will work with my fellow councillors here and in Romsey to make sure that the area does well.

Full details of the bus gate on the CCC website
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/mill-road-bridge-closure-approved

Blue Badge Holders can apply for an exemption here
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/parking-services/mill-road-bus-gate-blue-badge-application-exemption