Blog Posts

  • Broad backing for broadband and charities

    Today I chaired a productive meeting which brought together the leaders and chief officers of Cambridgeshire councils to discuss, among other things, the distribution of £4.5 million pounds. Originally Government were holding onto this money which had been gained by local public services meeting tough targets. But after campaigning we managed to get the Government… Read more

  • Alconbury visit

    This morning I joined Mark Lloyd on a visit to meet with the owners of Alconbury, which was recently announced as our new Enterprise Zone. The owners, Urban & Civic, were clearly excited about the EZ status for part of the massive former airbase. We had an interesting tour of the site and a chance… Read more

  • Economic Growth

    And then there were two. Northstowe and Alconbury both development sites, meeting a need and yet complimentary. Northstowe will provide much needed housing relief for Cambridge to help stimulate research within Cambridge and now Alconbury leading as an enterprise zone. This could be a match made in heaven if Alconbury could pick up the Development… Read more

  • Meeting with leader of Lincolnshire County Council

    On Thursday 25th August I had the pleasure to meet with Cllr Martin Hill. He is my opposite number in Lincolnshire County Council. As you would expect we have a number of similar concerns and issues to deal with. Of course, at the top of our list was the challenge of providing effective services against… Read more

  • Super fast broadband

    Building on my Cabinets recent decision to press ahead with super fast broadband for the county yesterday I chaired the first meeting of the delivery group. Note the name of the group DELIVERY, not steering, planning, review, or consultation. This is so important we all need to get on with it. The group included county… Read more

  • Arbury – how can we help?

    A few weeks ago, after a visit to the excellent Manor school, I asked officers some searching questions about Arbury. I want to know why the reputation is poor, yet when I walk through the area it feels like a great place, lots of open space, clean and non of the obvious signs of deprivation… Read more