Opinion: ​We should cherish village life

Now despite what some of the opposition councillors here might have you believe. I want to make it clear that in the preparation of the new local plan for Peterborough we as Conservatives have no plans to bring any sites forward for inclusion particularly those that are located in the villages.

However, others may well be thinking of doing this and they are entitled to do so of course.

Local residents should make their views known to the council about any sites which may be proposed wherever they may be located around the city. The consultation on the local plan is ongoing so please do take part.

I recall when starting out as a city councillor back in 1996 I was told firmly that the council intended to build 200 houses in each of the rural villages. Now that was a challenge and I spent much of my time protecting the rural character of the villages in my ward and elsewhere.

The countryside is the “Jewel in Peterborough’s Crown” and it needs to be appreciated. There are footpaths, villages, woodlands and waterways to explore and enjoy.

The whole area is crucial to our well-being. Farms feed us and there are fields full of wheat, sugar beet and, recently, sunflowers and sweet corn. Cows and sheep graze in the fields, added to this, farm shops sell local produce and often provide a cafe rest stop.

Eggs come directly, often from free-range hens. Tourism is increasing and local pubs have become “destination pubs” with rooms and restaurants. Visitors will often look toward Stamford, but we need to encourage them back towards Peterborough.

To help with this public transport needs to be developed and improved. Buses are still too infrequent. I have often suggested mini-buses or even taxis to allow villagers to travel more freely, especially south to Peterborough.

As Conservatives we have been working hard over the last couple of years with the combined authority to re-establish a bus service for the villages and hopefully some of that work will soon start to pay off with the introduction of a new bus service albeit as a trial for Castor, Ailsworth, Wansford and Wittering.

To enrich life further there is an increasing number of popular village activities. I was delighted to organise Christmas trees in each village, and these have become the focal point of vibrant annual celebrations. Villages often have a variety of festivals and events which make newcomers welcome and attract visitors.

Each year I have had funding from the Council to spend on local projects which I have passed onto the Parish Councils to spend on their priorities. Many of you will have seen the results through renewed footpaths and bridleways, oak benches and traffic calming.

However, it will be 28 years in May since I first became the Councillor for Barnack Ward and I have decided now is the time to step down. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the villages and in the Town Hall but on May 2nd this year it will be time to let others have the chance to give a new perspective to the elected role.

I do hope that you will welcome our new candidate for the Barnack ward Irene Walsh with open arms.

In closing I would like to thank all who have supported and befriended me over the years and I do wish them all well.