Positive solution on composting 

 

Mr Dunford (Hunts Post August 23) is wrong in his assertion about rats because they can be prevented from invading compost bins quite easily.  

Either create a hard standing with paving slabs, or put several layers of wire netting underneath the compost bin/container. It is important also not to put cooked food in the bin. 

I'm afraid that composting is not really suitable for all types of green waste. Hedge clippings and the like are far too woody, and pernicious weeds must be avoided, so Cllr Ferguson is also misleading people. 

I offer one positive solution to those with fairly large lawns who are disinclined to pay the charge. Buy or borrow a mulching mower.  

Unfortunately, they have to be used at the slowest possible speed so mowing a lawn will take longer than mowers that discharge into a container.  

A mulching mower has been used on Holt Island for very many years without any problems. 

Those who are new to composting should know that lawn mowings need to be mixed up with kitchen waste and shredded paper otherwise a sludgy mess will result.  

I wear rubber gloves and turn my compost over fairly regularly. That speeds up the composting process as does a quantity of guinea pig bedding. 

People who have a second green bin are invoiced each year so that is probably how the new charge will be made. 

My worry is the amount of fly tipping is likely to increase significantly and the cost to the council of clearing that up will diminish the amount of income from the charge. 

 

Colin Saunderson 

Cedar Rd St Ives 

 

Village show this weekend  

 

The Alconbury and District Show will take place on Saturday, September 9 at the Memorial Hall in the village. 

Doors open at 2.15pm and there will be fruit and vegetables, flowers and flower arrangements, home produce, children's classes, handicrafts and photography. 

We will also be holding a raffle, a few small competitions and serving cream teas. 

People bring their exhibits from 9am and judging starts at 11am. 

 

Liz Gabriolek 

 

Lack of will among many politicans 

 

If rumours that the Liberal Democrats have decided to pull their support for sustainable travel are true then the situation for Cambridge city and its surrounding communities is dire.  

We face increasing congestion, poorer health, a climate emergency and an unfair, unaffordable transport system with poor choices, especially for disabled people and those on lower incomes.  

We are particularly disappointed at the lack of willingness amongst too many of our political representatives to confront misinformation from the no campaign and make a confident, positive case for change.  

There also has to be a question on whether the structure of local democracy in Cambridgeshire is fit for purpose given the challenges of a fast-growing city in the south of the county. 

Now we still have the same problems, they are getting worse, and we may have no plan. Cambs Parents for Sustainable Transport will continue to campaign for change, to win hearts and minds and finally ensure that all have attractive, affordable, green transport options wherever they are travelling. 

Cambs Parents for Sustainable Travel. 

 

Plans to close ticket offices must be scrapped

 

I am writing to highlight the proposed closure of rail ticket offices that will have a devastating impact on blind and partially sighted people’s ability to travel independently: stopping people getting to work, attending health appointments and seeing friends.

Ticket offices are not just about selling tickets. They provide a reliable first point of contact for many kinds of staff assistance such as arranging sighted guidance through the station and getting people safely onto the train and also advising on any changes to journeys.

Modernisation of our railways doesn’t just mean apps and touchscreens; modernisation means inclusivity and not leaving anyone behind. These proposals must be scrapped.


Rebekah Cornthwaite

Via Email