News

Post Office switch

The 'old' Post Office at High Green Great Shelford closed on Thursday 2nd March. The 'new' Post Office at the Kash Stores, Hinton Way opened on 7th March.

Repair Cafes report

Singers wanted

Stapleford Chesnut singers need you

Do you enjoy singing? We are a friendly group of men and women who meet weekly in Stapleford to sing popular songs from days gone by.

Interested? Ring Joyce Churchill on 845227

Stapleford armed robbery

Two men - one armed with a tyre iron and the other wearing a skeleton face mask – robbed the Spar shop in Stapleford and escaped with £500.

The robbers entered the shop on London Road at about 8pm on Saturday, January 14, and told the cashier to empty the till.

About £500 was placed into a bag before the men ran off along London Road towards the Rose Public House.

One of the men man was as described as stocky and 6ft or taller. He was wearing blue jeans, dark trainers, a grey hooded jacket and leather gloves with a scarf partially covering his face.

The other man was wearing a skeleton face mask and gloves, dark trousers, black trainers and a dark hooded jacket with white pull cords on the hood.

Detective Constable Andrew McKeane said: “I would like to speak to anyone who may have seen these two men hanging around Church Street at about 7.45pm or running away from the scene.”

Anyone with information is asked to call DC McKeane on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Stapleford Parish Council December headlines

• • An application has been made to change the speed limit from 30 to 20mph along Mingle Lane and Church Street.

  • The Council is going to approach the Spare shop to see if they would be would be happy to have a defibrillator attached to the outside wall

  • Two two speed signs and poles are being purchased for the village.

  • Shelford Cricket Club will have 3 junior Shelford and Stapleford teams (the under 11, 12 and 13’s) playing on Saturdays in the summer Stapleford.

Read the full minutes of the December Stapleford Parish Council meeting here.

Car theft update

In the latter half of 2016 Police investigated a spree of thefts from motor vehicles and attempted thefts from vehicles in the five villages of Great and Little Shelford, Harston, Hauxton and Stapleford.

Beginning in April 2016 and over a period of around 7 weeks, there were 41 recorded offences of either theft from a motor vehicle or attempted theft from a motor vehicle.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of these offences when looked at individually, yielded no lines of enquiry as the offences had occurred overnight. However CCTV from one of the offences gave us a suspect and this person was identified and arrested.

Following the arrest of the suspect and a lengthy investigation process, the male was summonsed to court for the offence of vehicle interference. The man pleaded guilty in November 2016 and was fined significantly.

After the suspect was arrested in June, there was a significant decline in the number of thefts from motor vehicle offences in the 5 villages. There were only 14 recorded offences over the next 4 months.

You can take simple steps to reduce your vulnerability to acquisitive crime. The good news is that you can do something about this by making your vehicles and homes less of a target to a criminal and by reducing the opportunities available for them to commit crime against your property.

Lock your car! It may seem obvious but a large number of reported thefts involve unlocked vehicles. Recently, cars have become very difficult to break into. Simply locking the doors drastically reduces the ability of an opportunistic criminal to target your vehicle. Ensure all doors, windows and sunroofs are shut and locked. Make sure that the electronic locking has worked by manually checking the doors.

Remove all valuables from the vehicle overnight. Don’t leave items on display. Don’t make your vehicle a target! If you have parked away from home, at least ensure the valuables are not on display. Remove sat-nav or phone cradles and try not to leave marks on the windscreen showing that they have been in the vehicle.

Don’t keep unnecessary documentation in the car, registration documents, insurance certificates etc.

Try and park in a garage or public car park if you can, if not, at least in a well-lit area.

If your car does not already have one, consider an alarm. Also consider a sticker showing that the vehicle is protected by one.

Never leave house keys unattended inside your vehicle. Even if parked away from home, if keys and ID documents are discovered you may find your home could be targeted.

PC Alex Dopadlik

Sawston cycleway

Regarding the cycle Path Stapleford to Sawston, Mike Davies has looked into cycle safety on A1301 in December. It is an ongoing problem. The crossing from Sawston to the cyclepath was improved in 2014 and there have been no accidents since the scheme came into effect.

However the number of cyclists has grown since then and there are now capacity issues. Mike is working up a system of Greenways or cyclepaths from the city to the near villages which will be funded from the Citydeal, S106 and DfT. It would look to widen the pathway and resurface it.

Some bikeability training has been instituted in the primary schools. Steps are underway to “sideout” the path where it is most narrow and create as much width as possible. However residents are still complaining about the state of the pathway which is slippery with mud and leaves.. I have suggested that the capacity of the pathway is relooked at for school children safety until the new pathway is built. Contact mike davies@ cambridgeshire.gov.uk

County Councillor Gail Kenney

Stapleford Community Archaeology week-end

After three exciting and successful community digs, plans are taking shape to explore more locations in 2017. Put the weekend 20 – 21 May in your diaries now!

Children and adults: all are welcome. Prior experience isn’t required; training and equipment are provided.

The aim is to investigate at least 30 sites, so as to build up a picture of how our village has developed. With 27 already done, we hope to complete the survey in 2017.

We've found prehistoric flint, modern plastic pipe, Roman and Tudor pot, and everything in between. Collecting more evidence will help us to tell a clearer story of how people have lived here over the centuries.

It all depends on volunteers: willing local residents to host archaeological test-pits in their gardens, and curious children and adults who can contribute a couple of hours to do the digging and record what we unearth. It’s not heavy work. About 60 people enjoyed the experience in 2016.

If you’ve not been involved before, and would like to join the team in 2017 as a digger or a host (or both!), contact John Street on 842627 or john@streetfam.co.uk.

DVD warning

Villagers have been advised NOT to try to use DVDs that have mysteriously been posted through some letterboxes in adjoining villages.

Little Shelford Parish Councillor David Jones said: "We have been advised that the mystery DVD delivered through letter boxes in the Village last night is a scam and contains viruses.

"So it would be best not to try to open and read the DVD. Apparently the same DVD was distributed in Harston recently and caused many problems."

Double village burglary

Two burglaries have taken place in Stapleford over one week-end.

The first break-in took place in Aylesford Way, Stapleford. This occurred between Friday 2nd December and Sunday 4th December. The burglar broke in through a patio door. However nothing appears to have been stolen at this time.

A second burglary was reported in Joscelynes, Stapleford. This occurred during the afternoon of Sunday 4th December. The thief broke in via the kitchen window at the rear of the property and items of jewellery were taken.

Posted Dec 5

Parish Council actions and decisions

Actions and decisions by the Parish Council at their November meeting included:

The green space outside of the Spar should be protected and the signs removed – the Highways department will be asked to act

The Parish Council have suggested a new home in Haverhill Road should be rejected after a resident pointed out that the area has had previous flooding problems.

The Council has sent another letter to Balfour Beatty regarding the health and safety issues from areas where the streetlights have been removed.

There is consideration of removing the land near the Nature Reserve of Nine Wells from the green belt to enlarge the biomedical campus at Addenbrooke’s. The Parish Council is concerned about the encroachment through the green belt towards Shelford and Stapleford and agreed to send comments about their views.

A finger post is to be erected in memory of Robert Heap.

Councillor Janet Howe has resigned from the Parish Council. The process of advertising a Casual Vacancy will now be started.

Read the full minutes of the Parish Council meeting here.

Posted Dec 15

New Stapleford cycle route?

A new cycle routes been proposed between Stapleford and Cambridge.

The route is one option in a Greenways report which is an investigation of potential cycle routes between Cambridge and surrounding villages / towns.

Appendix 8 of the Greenways report sets out proposals focussed on cycling between Cambridge and Sawston. These proposals including a route through Stapleford and Great Shelford, upgrading the existing Sawston – Stapleford cycleway and creating new routes. Possible funding sources for such proposals include section 106 monies, City Deal funding and bids to national government when it announces specific amounts of money targeted at improving cycling.

See the full report here.

The Tree update

The Save the Tree group are looking to use a Compulsory Purchase Order to save the village pub.

Mr Bill French gave an update from the Save The Tree Group to the Parish Council meeting in October their business plan has been well received and more financial pledges are being received.

The group are talking to the Plunkett Foundation about support and are looking into a Compulsory Purchase Order.

A planning application has been submitted to demolish the pub and build two homes on the site. The Parish Council voted to oppose the proposals. See the plans here.

Read about the other actions and decisions at the October Parish Council meeting.

Power tools stolen

A range of power tools have been stolen from a garage in Stapleford. The break-in in Bar Lane took place between 5pm on November 11 and 12.30pm on November 13. The burglars forced open a side window to a garage attached to the house. The tools taken included;

Hedge Trimmer Make:ECHO

Hedge Trimmer Make:STIHL Model:HEDGE CUTTERS Quantity:2

Battery Drill Make:MAKITA Description:24 volt in case with two batteries and charger

Chainsaw Make:ECHO Model:POLE PRUNER Description:with hedge cutter and chainsaw attachments

Chainsaw Make:STIHL

Chainsaw Make:ECHO Model:TOPPING SAW

Chainsaw Make:HUSQVARNA Model:550XP

Nail Gun Make:PASLODE Description:gas fired nail gun in orange case

Make:DEWALT Model:RECIPROCATING SAW Description:in black box with blades. One larger blade with set

Make:STIHL Model:CHOP SAW

Make:ECHO Model:KOMBI UNIT Description:hedge cutter and chainsaw attachment and streamer.

Stapleford Village Weekend 2017

Put the dates in your diary now – Thursday 22 June through to Sunday 25 June

A bumper series of events is being planned to include the show, cycling tour, cricket match, music evening with wine, bar and ceilidh with sumptuous food.

Watch out for more details including a winter wine tasting evening to add to the momentum.

See the village web site and social media but if you want your organisation to be involved then please attend the next planning meeting on Tuesday 29 November at 7pm in the Three Horseshoes.

SSYI update

In the past year, SSYI has delivered 416.5 hours of face to face delivery with young people. They engage with 97 young people regularly with very positive feedback from the young people about how much they appreciate belonging to SSYI.

They have been investing in 13 young leaders who been giving their time and energy in youth clubs, committee meetings and advisory boards.

SSYI have provided 8 trips throughout the year with young people, challenging, giving new experiences and growing their confidence.

The Friday Youth Club remains the flagship activity. It attracts young people from across the area providing an alternative to engaging with negative and anti social behaviour.

They run an after school football project called Mix It Up which is a non competitive, fun and social way for young people to come together. They also deliver a youth café style club called RED for those aged 14+, which was born out of a need for the older young people to relieve the pressures and stress of exams. This space allows them to engage socially, in a relaxed, calm and chat room atmosphere where we often go deeper in conversations on those bigger questions and issues of life. Alongside these open access projects they deliver a Youth Action Committee, One to One support sessions, detached work, residentials and trips.

SSYI has a new member on our team called Zac Britton. SSYI has partnered with St. Andrew’s in Stapleford to employ Zac in a joint role to build on the existing youth work in SSYI and to develop the youth work in St. Andrews. They are really excited to have him on board as the work of SSYI is growing and so we need to grow our capacity to deliver quality youth work.

As Zac has a passion for skating they have an exciting plan to start up a new open access project called Shred It Up. This is a skating project, where they will take a bunch of young people in a mini bus, with their gear, and visit Cambridge based skate sites to ride their skateboards, scooters, BMXs or blades. Additionally, the Youth Action Committee recently agreed that they wanted to give something back to the community and, as a result, they have been working alongside the Playscape Committee to see how together, they can support and help with the development of the Great Shelford recreational ground.

For further information and contact details, please visit their website: www.ssyi.club

Stapleford burglary

A house has been burgled during the day in Stapleford.

The thieves struck on Friday October 21st. The householder left home by taxi at 10 am and was back by 12 noon. By then, all their jewellery had been taken.

A grey truck registration beginning ES62 was seen acting suspiciously in the area at the time.

Energy savings

Cambridgeshire County Council has partnered with a company called ICHOOSR to deliver collective switching for residents. This is the opportunity to secure a good rate for your energy bill for the year ahead.

A recent energy auction was run in October by ICHOOSR and the winning energy companies are Scottish and Southern Electric (SSE) and Robin Hood Energy. To access the competitive deals sign up on the link www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/cambsenergyswitch or via the Cambridgeshire County Council website. There is a helpline 0800 048 8285 if you have problems registering your interest. The SSE tariffs are exclusive to residents signing up via the link and are not available directly from the suppliers or via price comparison sites.

This deal is open until 29th November 2016. There is no obligation to accept an offer. A further auction is planned for February 2017 if you don’t get round to signing up for this before the deadline.

Please find attached a flier with the information about the scheme. I will be grateful if you can promote this web link to your community to help them save money. During the last 18 months, Cambridgeshire residents saved £230,000 from collective switching deals saving on average £224 per household. Please contact the Energy Investment Unit on 01223 728552 if you have any questions on the above or difficulties with the helpline.

Streakers in Stapleford

Two young men have been seen streaking around a car in a cul-de-sac in Stapleford.

Alicia posted on the Streelife website on October 12 that she "was disturbed watching television by voices outside the lounge windows.

"Imagine my surprise when I looked out to see one or two young men streaking around my car! They jumped into a small purple Nissan and drove off at speed. My cul-de-sac in Stapleford is usually a very quiet safe place so was wondering if anyone else had had a similar experience?

Read the full story on Streetlife.

Council action on cycling route

Local people worry the cycle path used regularly by Sawston Village College children between Sawston and Stapleford is very narrow in parts and will be dark in the winter according to County Councillor Gail Kenney.

The County Council plans to “sideout” the existing path from Sawston to Stapleford and to undertake hedge trimming in November to maximise the width of the path.

The Council has also offered cycle training to the Village College and highlight measures which will assist cycling safety.

Money available for Stapleford groups

The Rotary Club of Cambridge Sawston wants to hear from local charities / organisations that might benefit by a grant from the 2017 Sawston Fun Run.

They donate around £15,000 each year to charities and organisations serving communities in villages like Stapleford. Since 1986 they have donated over £425,000 to local hospitals, hospices, schools, youth organisations and local branches of national charities.

Preference is given to specific projects but the selection is based on the strength of each case. The closing date for applications is 30th November. Application forms are available on the website www.sawstonfunrun.co.uk.

This great local event has expanded over the years and regularly attracts about 1,000 entrants. It has become the largest community event of its type in the area - organised and managed by Rotary club volunteers, with support from local businesses and youth organisations.

Past sponsors and advertisers are already confirming their backing. We would love to hear from any other business or individual who is willing to be involved.

Ian Chamberlain

Tel: 01223 872243, email: enquiries@sawstonfunrun.co.uk

Who makes the biggest difference in Stapleford?

The search is on for the people, organisations and businesses that make a big difference in South Cambridgeshire communities including Stapleford.

Nominations for South Cambridgeshire District Council’s seventh annual Community Awards celebration open on Monday (10 October), and they’re asking residents to put their community heroes forward for some well-deserved recognition.

Six gongs are up for grabs, sponsored by award-winning housebuilders, Hill:, whose CEO Andy Hill lives in Stapleford

- Village Hero – for an outstanding individual’s contributions to community life.

- Parish Councillor of the Year - for great work carried out by parish councillors, giving their time to improve the local community for everyone

- Outstanding Youth Initiative - for excellent work by youth groups and local businesses to support young people in South Cambridgeshire

- Outstanding Local Service/Amenity - for amazing services provided by local shops, pubs, post offices, libraries, and many more besides

- Environment Award - for the valuable contribution made by groups who seek to improve villages for residents in the long and short term.

- Wellbeing Award - for the many groups improving residents’ health and wellbeing, both mental and physical.

Find more information about awards categories, and nominate online, at: www.scambs.gov.uk/community-awards Nominations close on Friday 20 January 2017.

No internet access? Call Siobhan Mellon on 01954 713395 for a paper form. Awards will be presented at a special ceremony at South Cambridgeshire Hall in March 2017.

Car crime

Front and rear registration plates were stolen from a car parked in Gog Magog way between 8pm and 9pm on September 21st.

Village burglary

Jewellery and watches have been stolen in a burglary in Stapleford. The break in happened between 10 am on Sept 4 and 9:50 pm on Sept 5 in Greenfield Close, Stapleford.

The Burglars entered a property by breaking a window on a double glazed French door.

Posted: Sept 6

Stapleford parking problems

Obstructive parking continues to cause problems around the village.

Problem areas include near the church, by the Spar and by the school.

The issue has been highlighted by the Stapleford Environmental Group in their annual report.

"Obstructive parking has formed part of our monitoring activities, but we have been asked not to approach householders," it states.

The groups achievements over the last 12 months also include arranging an extra dog bin on Gog Magog Way and applying for and we applied installing a ‘planter’ bike stand outside the Spar.

Read the full report here.

Posted: Sept 1

Green living event

A special green living event is taking place in Stapleford in September.

The range of activities on September 25th includes:

Learn about solar power and other forms of renewable energy; book a visit to a local ‘eco-home’

Green Food: a produce/preserve swap (bring along your surplus veg/eggs/honey/jam/marmalade/pickles to swap);

Information about local food producers and retailers;

A talk about Cambridge Sustainable Food Hubfrom organic box supplier Duncan Catchpole;

An apple press – bring your surplus apples and some sterilized milk cartons and make yourself some apple juice.

How to find the best cycling routes.

Click here for more details of the Stapleford green event.

Posted: Aug 31st

New holiday camp turned down

Proposals for a new holiday centre in Stapleford have been rejected.

The plans included the change of use of former agricultural buildings to provide 21 self contained holiday accommodation units & 20 camping pitches, 10 serviced caravan pitches and parking at Dernford Farm, Sawston Road, Stapleford.

The proposals have been rejected by South Cambridgeshire planners.