Congestion Charge is back door taxation

All vehicle owners pay road tax which itself is quite a burden. The proposal for a congestion charge in Cambridge will cost hard working people further expense to be able to drive to their homes after a working day, and to go to work.

Surely as the country switches to electric vehicles arguments for a charge hold no real weight.

As a former bus driver in Portsmouth, the only time a bus didn’t arrive was usually down to driver sickness and not enough sick cover provided by the privately-owned bus company.

I am confident that the responses to the consultation will be thoroughly considered, and I am confident that the views and opinions of local people will be totally ignored as they usually are! 

Money talks and this is taxation through the back door.

As a homeowner in Cambridge, I find there is no major congestion at 7am in the morning, in fact the main congestion in Cambridge city occurs on the weekend, especially when the Cambridge United football team is playing at home.

Other major congestion on the Newmarket Road on a weekend is exacerbated by McDonalds restaurant. I cannot comment on other areas of Cambridge, but I am assured by other Cambridge residents that similar situations exist.

I also note that the Park & Ride areas are within the congestion zone, so how does that work then? So, you have to pay to get to the bus and then pay further for a bus ride.

As for Cambridge itself, there is no doubt that the commercial centre is dying with more and more retail outlets closing.

I would also suggest that the majority of people in Cambridge at the weekend would be tourists visiting the outdated and ‘not fit for purpose’ old university buildings.

If we really want a modern, efficient and reliable public transport system then we need to provide that system with a modern 21st century city which we do not have.

As a veteran and pensioner, the thought of walking half a mile to the nearest bus stop and standing in the cold does not fill me full of joy.

I suggest the Cambridge City Council think again and I would expect my MP to be supporting that!  

I’m afraid that I find the MP's views on this matter rather appalling for a Labour politician, a view that takes money from the pockets of hard-working voters.

Andrew Tritton

Cambridge

 

Talk at library to feature local author

The Friends of Ely Library are delighted to announce our next speaker is local novelist Guinevere Glasfurd.

Her talk will take place on Saturday, March 4, starting at 2pm in the Ely Library meeting room.

Tickets are £3 per person (including tea/coffee and biscuits) and are now available from the library reception. 

Guinevere will talk about her latest book Privilege. It is a historical novel that centres on the freedom to publish books in pre-revolutionary France and considers issues of privilege that still concern us today. 

You can learn more about Guinevere at guinevereglasfurd.com 

We look forward to seeing you there.

Friends of Ely Library 

 

Help to set up support group

Please can someone help me to set up a support group for Pulmonary Fibrosis.

There are some groups available, but I would like to set one up here in Ely.

Please contact me via telephone. There is an answerphone. Tel: 01353 667691.

May

Ely

 

Praise for our wonderful NHS

I recently attended my local surgery with a problem that had irritated me for some time. 

I was sent to Peterborough City Hospital immediately.

The surgeon there agreed to see me at Hinchingbrooke as the journey via public transport and the various strikes was making life difficult.

Exactly one month after the doctors suspected diagnosis, I attended Hinchingbrooke Hospital and left 30 minutes later with my problem sorted.

All this within a month and I am 90 years old!

Name and details supplied

 

The Latest news from across Soham

Soham Community Group

On the morning of Monday, February 13, members of the Monday Club got together once again in the Causeway Community Centre.

Tea, coffee, sausage rolls and cakes, all made by the volunteers, were served when everyone had arrived at the centre. The entertainment was provided by Sue and Peter with Claire and Peter White.

Everyone joined in for a good sing-along of many old songs and words were available. Some members enjoyed a dance to old music and songs and those unable to dance could tap along while sitting in their chairs.

They finished the entertainment with a rousing rendition with actions of YMCA. Everyone enjoyed a lunch of fish and chips followed by lemon meringue pie, provided by The Cherry Tree.

Birthday greetings were sung to Eric Peacock. Claire White organised the raffle of prizes donated by Andrew Fleet, and she was assisted by Jean Gammon.

Claire was also the caller for the bingo assisted by Jean checking the books. Further refreshment was served before everyone made their way home.

Community Care Coffee Morning

Due to illness, numbers attending the coffee morning in The Pavilion on the morning of Tuesday, February 14 were depleted.

However, those attending enjoyed meeting friends and catching up on the latest news.

Coffee, tea and biscuits were served, and a selection of books were available to buy. Diane Wheeling organised the raffle.

Anyone wishing to join this friendly group can meet in The Pavilion from 9am to 11am each Tuesday.

Comrades Club

It was eyes down at 7.45pm for the bingo enthusiasts who met in the Comrades Club on the evening of Tuesday, February 14.

During the break for refreshment, the raffle was organised.

New members are always welcome, doors open at 7pm.

Soham Community Touchpoint

The Soham Pavilion is the venue for the meeting of Touchpoint every Tuesday from midday to 3pm.

Complementary tea, coffee and hot soup is served in a welcome warm environment.

Board games, keep-fit and other activities are also organised. Once a month the group welcomes a speaker and there is a raffle.

Touchpoint is open to everyone, and the next meeting is on Tuesday, February 28, from midday.

Over 60s Club

Members of the club met in The Pavilion on the afternoon of February 17.

Ruth Ginn welcomed everyone before introducing Michael Anthony, a Rat Pack and swing soloist.

He sung some lovely old songs accompanied by excellent backing music.

He sang songs by Nat King Cole and many popular artists. Ruth thanked Michael for an excellent afternoon's entertainment enjoyed by everyone.

Shirley Sizer, Jenny Killick, Pam Hall and Richard Badcock prepared and served refreshments.

Richard organised the raffle before everyone joined in the singing of the club hymn. 

Yvonne Long

Soham