ECDC Soham South councillor Lucius Vellacott writes his column for November.

Soham endorsed its Neighbourhood Plan at referendum, which will tell developers what they must do for the town as it grows.

With the recent news that East Cambridgeshire District Council will embark on its own new Local Development Plan shortly, this will help encourage the right kinds of development in our rural area, whatever housing targets the new Government imposes.

Wicken is also undertaking the Neighbourhood Plan process, and I am delighted to support the effort to protect this gorgeous village.

I was disappointed that Cambridgeshire County Council dismissed our petition to reconsider Ely’s 20mph zone. I support 20mph outside schools and in busy areas, but it is clogging up Ely’s roads, only being half-obeyed and prevents ambulances from going as fast as they need to.

But some good news from Highways is the erection of the duck warning signs. Whilst they won’t cure all of our problems, they will warn unfamiliar drivers of a hazard, reducing duck fatalities and speeding offences in the town.

I continue to work with the police to tackle the latter; please do report problem hotspots to them, as well as illegally parked vehicles.

Councillors are encouraging residents to participate in Remembrance Sunday this year and support their local RBL branch by buying a poppy. ECDC is proud to have signed the Armed Forces covenant in a recent ceremony with our local veterans. We must never forget what they fought for.

A final note from me, which is that I am delighted to have been selected to stand for election to Cambridgeshire County Council in Sutton Division (including Little Downham, Mepal, Witchford, Witcham and more.)

The election is on May 1, 2025 alongside a Mayoral election. I have been delighted to work with local people over the last few months to address their concerns, and will have a newsletter coming round shortly. I am always available for a chat via: lucius.vellacott@eastcambs.gov.uk.