Lucius Vellacott, East Cambs District councillor for Soham South, Wicken and Upware, writes for the Ely Standard. 

Ely Standard: Cllr Lucius Vellacott.Cllr Lucius Vellacott. (Image: ECDC)

Mayor Nik Johnson’s Local Transport Plan, which includes clauses such as ‘road pricing’ and ‘fiscal measures’, was approved by the Combined Authority’s Transport Committee.

The fight against congestion charging in Cambridgeshire is therefore not over. We will continue to call for rural buses and light rail for Cambridge.

The mayor also breached the Code of Conduct relating to ‘disrepute’ and ‘civility’. The hearings process wasted more than £1m of taxpayers’ money. 

I agree with Cllr Anna Bailey that the mayor should resign immediately.

I was delighted to lay a wreath on behalf of the district council at Soham’s Remembrance Sunday service. It was a deeply moving and well-attended morning, and I was honoured to meet our very own D-Day veteran shortly afterwards. It was lovely to chat with lots of residents too.

I met with various officers to discuss our housing requirements for the district. Growth is inevitable, so I am working to ensure that infrastructure comes first and development is community-led. Of particular importance to me is ensuring that first homes are affordable for young people and biodiversity is enhanced.

Soham and Barway’s neighbourhood plan is still undergoing consultation – see the Soham Town Council website. Residents’ views are encouraged.

The Operational Services Committee approved a new matrix for Environmental Crime Penalties, as well as a policy for residents experiencing domestic abuse who approach the council for assistance. Both are available on the ECDC website.

In the background, the Middle Fen Drainage Board do excellent work to mitigate the risks of flooding across the local area. I am pleased to be a member of the board and to learn more about the importance of their work, especially their comments on planning applications.

I am attending a course with the Local Government Association in relation to young councillors, which I am sure will be inspiring.

As always, I am available for a chat via: lucius.vellacott@eastcambs.gov.uk.