LIFE in village communities in Cambridgeshire, just as in other parts of the country, is suffering from the top-down policies of central government. Village shops and schools are closing and facilities, particularly those for the elderly, are deterioratin
LIFE in village communities in Cambridgeshire, just as in other parts of the country, is suffering from the top-down policies of central government. Village shops and schools are closing and facilities, particularly those for the elderly, are deteriorating.
Many speak of needing more "resources", meaning more money, but so much could be done if existing money were allocated by those closest to the problems.
Our county, district and parish councils may not be perfect, but they have local knowledge that Westminster cannot possibly have, and are far more accessible to the general public. This is the thinking behind the Sustainable Communities Bill, which has written support from over 270 MPs. All major parties are represented, and our own MP Jonathan Djanogly is included.
Hundreds of parish councils have officially recorded their support. Local examples include, Bury, Chatteris, Houghton and Wyton, Kings Ripton, Sawtry and Warboys. The campaign is being led by Local Works, based at 94 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF. They are very happy to provide more information by mail, phone (020-7833-9898) or their website (www.localworks.org).
Understandably, this campaign is not particularly popular with central Government. After all, whoever heard of a minister voluntarily giving up powers to spend our money?
So what can ordinary people do? First, ask if your local council has signed up to the Sustainable Communities Bill and, if not, why not? Second, write to Jonathan Djanogly asking him to commit to adopting this Bill if he is successful in the Private Members' Ballot in November/December this year.
ALAN WILLIAMS, Huntingdon Road, Wyton
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