The latest news from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority:
Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough James Palmer has said Government approval for a scheme to allow eight-car trains to operate on the frequently overcrowded route between King’s Lynn and Cambridge will be a welcome boost to rail users.
With proposals for Soham train station set to be presented to the public this month, a series of clear, budgeted next steps to bring the scheme to delivery have been laid out by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority.
A strategic review into the opportunities to improve the bus network across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has included a recommendation to produce a business case exploring options for radical reform. The Strategic Bus Review report, published today, was commissioned by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and has been welcomed by Mayor James Palmer as an opportunity to inject strategic leadership and a more integrated approach to the bus network across the area. The review has analysed the current network and presents a series of opportunities for improvements.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor James Palmer has vowed to do everything he can to support a bid to allow eight-car trains to run between Cambridge, Ely and King’s Lynn, after Network Rail announced progress with plans to reduce overcrowding on the route at peak periods. The Great Northern service connecting King’s Lynn with London, which includes stops at Littleport, Ely, Waterbeach, Cambridge North and Cambridge stations, is hugely popular with commuters, but current infrastructure limits it to a four-car train between Cambridge and King’s Lynn and so is frequently overcrowded at peak times. Recognising the desire among train users, local representatives and Great Northern to increase capacity, Network Rail has been working on a scheme called the King’s Lynn Service Enhancement Project that will allow eight-car trains to operate between Cambridge and King’s Lynn at peak times.
A Fenland railway station has improved its carbon footprint and boosted passenger safety after having new solar-powered lights installed.
Community land trusts, discounted homes capped at £100,000, and taking a more direct role in housing delivery through its own development company are all part of a bold and innovative new housing strategy to be recommended to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Board on Wednesday, 26th of September.
Mayor James Palmer’s support for a bill to give Metro Mayors powers to deliver more public electric car charging points has been successful.
The inaugural charity ball hosted by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor James Palmer has raised more than £12,000 for an organisation committed to helping emergency services staff suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Around 200 guests enjoyed a night of music and entertainment in the stunning surroundings of The Lady Chapel at Ely Cathedral in aid of Cambridgeshire-based charity PTSD999. Guests of the charity joined leading figures from the county’s business and political worlds for the event, which featured a three course fine-dining menu, charitable auction and live band. Mayor Palmer said: “For my first ball I honestly had no expectations about what could be raised, but I’m really chuffed to be handing over a cheque for more than £12,000. “Big thanks have to go to all those who had a hand in organising this very enjoyable event, those who donated prizes and those who came on the night and took part in our fundraising auctions and raffle. “I’m also really pleased to be able to draw more attention to the good work that PTSD999 does.
Mayor Palmer with the Mayor of Fort Worth, Betsy Price
Following the publication of the A10 report, Mayor Palmer said:
