Click on the downward arrow to see the answers for any particular candidate. See Index, below, for links to specific answers by Candidate.
In this election there’s a real prospect of Liberal Democrats taking control of the County Council, ushering in a greener and fairer Cambridgeshire and putting into practice a Liberal Democrat commitment to local communities.
For Petersfield, this means being responsive to people’s needs — hopefully — working with a Liberal Democrat City Council and Mayor to enable change.
We face big challenges — climate change, transport, house prices, mistrust in government, inequality and social exclusion.
The County Council can do its part on each of these. If we get transport right we help with CO2 emissions and congestion, and ease some of the pressures driving house prices. If we respond well to the problems highlighted by the pandemic, we can improve our social care system.
One big issue in Petersfield is the closure of Mill Road. The idea has been around for ages so I was shocked to see it suddenly pushed through with minimal discussion on the pretext of Covid. We need proper consultation before a final decision is made, to test the level of support, and both to come to a vision for a changed Mill Rd and to minimise the problems for people who do lose out.
I live in Romsey division, a short distance from Mill Rd.
Living a few minutes over the bridge, I am in a very similar part of Cambridge. Over the years my office has been at three different addresses in Petersfield — for a while over the Cho Mee supermarket, and then in two different parts of the Newtown area.
Ensuring that there’s proper consultation about the closure of Mill Rd before a final decision is made. This has to take into account the experiences of people living nearby, people running shops on Mill Rd and the effect on traffic flows. If the closure is to be permanent then there needs to be co-operation with the City Council and consultation so that the Mill Rd area continues to be a thriving community, and we minimise harm to any who lose out from the change.
We need to see improvements to public transport and encourage cycling, both to reduce CO2 emissions and to reduce congestion. Petersfield is sufficiently central in Cambridge to mean that many people already cycle or walk to work, but we need these changes to reduce the need for people to drive into the area.
The proposals for East-West rail include an expansion of Cambridge Station. While this is a valuable addition to the rail network and economic growth along the “Oxford-Cambridge Arc”, I’m keen to ensure that people living near the station don’t lose out.
Regular surgeries — hopefully run jointly with Liberal Democrat city councillors for Petersfield;
Being involved in consultation around Mill Rd. I don’t see this is primarily a party-political issue, but it is one where we need to come to a solution that works for the whole community;
Ensuring that the relocation of the County Council offices to Alconbury doesn’t mean that it is experienced as remote, and to do my part to ensure that it deserves the trust of the people of Petersfield.
Democracy does need co-operation between people who have been elected, rather than have a sense that “the 52%” can trample on “the 48%”. This means co-operation across the agenda. But the most pressing issue on which I look forward to co-operating is in addressing climate change. This is bigger than any one political party and something where we will need to work.
I am standing as I love the Petersfield community, where I have lived for nearly 20 years and been active in local community initiatives including Mill Road Winter Fair, the Street Child World Cup at St Paul’s, Cambridge Street Aid tackling homelessness and Petersfield Mutual Aid during the Covid pandemic. As former Member of the European Parliament for Cambridgeshire for 17 years, I demonstrated by dedication to public service, as well as gaining the deep experience to really make a difference at the County for the benefit of local people. My professional work experience has been in charities for people with disabilities and on the climate emergency, where I would hope to bring my specialist knowledge to bring real change in the County Council. I would strive to be an active local representative, accessible to and consulting local people and working together with local groups. Brought up in a council house, in a single parent family and the product of comprehensive education, I will always seek to pursue Labour values to support good public services, promote diversity and to combat poverty and inequality.
I live in Mawson Road off Mill Road and believe I am the only County Council candidate for Petersfield from any party, to live in the Petersfield division where I would be elected.
I have lived in Petersfield since 2003, sent my children to St Paul’s and Parkside schools, have been part of the St Paul’s community and use our shops and local amenities on a daily basis. I represented Petersfield and the whole of Cambridge as part of my wider constituency, when I served as Member of the European Parliament.
Social Services. Petersfield has a growing population amongst elderly and vulnerable people, who are dependent on social care, and are suffering the creeping cuts and rationing of access. I will campaign for more funding for elderly people to be able to stay at home where they choose to do so, for decent wages and training to recognise the invaluable work undertaken by care staff, and for personal budgets to maximise independent living for people with disabilities.
Education. We have three schools and a state nursery school in the division, who are an important heart of our community and who can benefit from professional support from the County and practical support from their County Councillor. I will campaign for fairer funding for our schools, to broaden access to school places, support for special needs children and for our schools to benefit from a Covid recovery package to give every child the opportunity to catch up from lost learning.
Safe streets. It is important to maintain Petersfield’s character, sustaining our open spaces; ensuring safe, fully maintained and well-lit streets; and transport which meets people’s needs whilst protecting our environment. I will campaign to reverse the Conservative decision to stop new residents’ parking schemes, where local people want them; to restore funding for Bikeability training in our schools and for the introduction of a Fair Fares policy for local buses.
I would be a champion for good social services, be a voice for elderly, disabled people and vulnerable families in our division, to make sure those in most need get the help that they need.
Press for a Covid recovery plan from the County which builds on the lessons of Petersfield Mutual Aid, providing practical help to people and businesses, respecting our local environment and strengthening the community links between faith organisations, local groups, shops and residents, which make Petersfield so special.
Work closely with our schools, to campaign against the chronic under-funding they have suffered, to benefit from the County’s specialist support and to find ways of supporting them as hubs for families and for the wider community.
All issues. We have had a big majority controlled Conservative County Council where active scrutiny from Cambridge’s Labour county councillors has played a vital role in holding the administration to account and providing constructive alternative views to shape how the services can develop. If elected, in whichever role I serve, I would seek to uphold that.
Looking back over the years and remembering buildings and shops which have been demolished and replaced by homes and new businesses, Petersfield has changed so much, and it is becoming a huge ward.
We all want the best for Petersfield and understandably, we all have differing opinions on how that can be achieved. A better, cleaner and safer environment for us and future generations is an issue that strikes a chord with all of us, as it should, and as a member of this community, I am doing my best to reduce my own carbon foot print.
Like everyone, I would like to see a reduction in traffic pollution and make the roads safer, but the way to achieve this is by education, discussion and providing viable, workable alternatives. Mill Road should not be divided by a physical barrier that prevents large sections of that community from accessing all of that road; the current solution is negatively affecting businesses and residents alike. Transport and safety considerations are vitally important of course, but not to the exclusion of the community itself.
Covid-19 has greatly impacted on all of us and I am determined to do what I can to help residents and businesses to recover and see them flourish again.
I have been running my business in Mill Road for over 26 years; during this time, I have developed friendships and associations which are extremely important to me and ensure I have a strong sense of belonging to this community.
I am proud to be part of the diversity of Mill Road, which links two communities together.
My shop has become a place where people, not always customers, feel comfortable enough to come and talk to me about a range of issues; some personal, but more often than not, regarding things that directly affect them, such as anti-social behaviour, personal safety and transport. I do my best to listen and try to help as much as possible, but I know there is more I could offer in an official capacity.
My answer to this question is based on current issues.
Helping people to resume their normal lives as we emerge from lockdown following the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on businesses and people’s health and well-being, by assisting them in accessing the services and support packages that arenavailable to them.
Community safety; everyone has a right to feel safe both inside and outside their homes. We need to ensure the authorities have the funding and tools they need in order to achieve this; a focus on drug related crime, which is increasing, and more visible policing is essential to its success.
Tackling loneliness among the elderly.
Reuniting the two communities by re-opening Mill Road Bridge and making it safer for everyone.
Promote respect, tolerance and cohesion within the community, by focusing on the rights and beliefs of all.
Tackling the issue of drugs and anti-social behaviour.
I think co-operation across all parties is the key to success, wherever possible. Compromises inevitably have to be made, but delivering on those issues which promote and develop the community for the benefit all is paramount.
I’m standing for a seat on the City Council because I want to support the Liberal Democrat vision for a cleaner, greener, fairer society in Cambridge. Residents should have a stronger voice in shaping the future of our area and how it looks in 10, 20 or 30 years time. I want to work with residents to protect and enhance our local environment and heritage.
I moved to Cambridge in 2010, choosing to live as close as I could afford to Mill Road. Even before I moved here from a South Cambs village, I already loved this road more than any other part of Cambridge. Working on Hills Road I used to see Hills Road as my work street and Mill Road as my home street. I’m still working on the task of eating in every restaurant and cafe on the road at least once.
Creating a healthier environment by encouraging less polluting traffic and developing more open spaces.
Better public transport to assist those who can’t easily walk or cycle in our city.
Better and more affordable housing and social services for the less well off.
Listen to and work with local residents and businesses to achieve the best solutions to local problems. Most immediately this would involve working together to provide the best solution to congestion on Mill Road that would enable businesses there to thrive as we emerge from the pandemic.
Active involvement in planning applications to achieve the goals of a healthier environment, better and greener open spaces and affordable housing for more people.
Be well briefed on county and national initiatives to ensure Petersfield benefits from available resources.
As a Liberal Democrat I believe in the principals of discussion and collaboration. I do not believe there is any subject that I would not be able to work together with members of other parties so long as our agreed objective was the benefit of the people of Petersfield.
I am so proud of our community and our diversity and I feel lucky to live and work in Petersfield. I am running for city council because I want to contribute to improve and protect our area and to preserve our community.
I have been working hard for our community with the Lib Dem team, checking in on vulnerable residents by phone over the pandemic, and working with people locally to address much-needed repairs, reporting graffiti, anti-social behaviours, and to protect St Matthew’s Piece. I feel much more needs to be done in Petersfield to reinforce the social links in
our community, listen to residents and fix local issues. My priorities would be to listen and help residents solve the daily local issues and contribute locally to tackle climate change, pollution, and lack of affordable housing. I believe Petersfield deserves councillors who are not only really keen to engage with the community, but also would involve local associations to encourage and nurture local initiatives.
I have been living and working in Petersfield for the past 12 years and I have always felt a very special connection to Mill Road, the local shops, pubs and cafés. After finishing my graduate studies at Hughes Hall, I decided to settle in here and became a tech entrepreneur, mentor and guest lecturer at the Cambridge University. I appreciate Petersfield exceptional cultural diversity, the strength of our local community and the mutual aid and support among neighbours.
Get the basics right for all residents: improving day to day council services and maintain and repair our streets, the lighting, the public spaces, the green spaces and the children’s playgrounds.
Tackle traffic and pollution issues: Petersfield needs an ambitious and affordable public transport offer, more electric vehicle charging points, more cycle stands and a more consistent and fairer resident parking scheme.
Better and more affordable housing for all: the city council needs to provide more affordable, carbon-neutral homes and to take actions to end the tragedy of rough sleeping.
Listen to all residents and local associations: I feel that to listen and to engage with the community is the key to make the right decisions and to get things done for all residents. My door will always be open to each resident to discuss and fix local issues.
Champion the local initiatives for the community: Petersfield is an amazing place to live. It has a great local community and a strong mutual aid and support among neighbours. However, we have also a lot of inequalities and some residents feel excluded. I will champion and encourage local initiatives from the residents and the community associations to organise inclusive events such as cultural, music, sports and business events for people of all ages. I will also make sure that the new community centre on Mill Road will engage with all residents and local initiatives.
Promote cultural diversity and cultural links with our universities and international communities: Petersfield is an incredibly diverse community with residents from many different countries, from all cultural and religious background. However, I feel that many residents are not fully taking advantage of the cultural diversity of our communities and they don’t benefit from the proximity with our great universities in Petersfield (Anglia Ruskin University and Hughes Hall, Cambridge University). As a councillor, I would like to act as a cultural ambassador to bring together people from different cultures to engage with our diverse communities. I would also like to promote open doors to cultural events with both Universities.
I would be keen to work cross-party in the interests of Petersfield and our city. Locally in Petersfield, I would like to work with everyone keen to nurture our local community and promote our cultural diversity. On a city scale, I would like to work with everyone to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergency with affordable, carbon-neutral homes.
My politics are rooted in working with and for communities. I was first elected for Petersfield in 2019 and it’s been a rewarding challenging and exciting two years. My
work background was in the Probation Service, primarily in Sunderland. I moved to Cambridge in 1999, based at the County Council, in Children’s Services and Community Development, and I was also responsible for setting up the Connexions Service. When I left the County Council in 2013, I became immersed in local voluntary work. I was Treasurer with Abbey People, Chair of Governors at Abbey Meadows Primary (now the Galfrid) and spent five years on the board of Centre 33, a charity working for young people.
Since my election my priority has been to be a good ward Councillor, representing residents be it with regard to casework such as tackling anti-social behaviour on Vicarage Terrace, challenging licensing applications or campaigning against outrageous developments e.g. on St Matthews Piece or the Flying Pig. If re-elected I would bring my experience of local government both as Officer and Councillor to bear. I understand how it works. I want to put my knowledge to effect to serve this community that I know and love.
The family has lived on Riverside since 2009, which as people will know used to be part of the Petersfield ward. My daughter attended St Matthews Primary (she is now at Parkside), my doctor’s surgery is York Street. Over the last ten years I have spent most days of my life in the ward, be it having coffee or a beer in or around Mill Rd, seeing friends or simply taking my daughter to school.
Integration of the Ironworks development … this development will have a major impact on the life of the ward and completing the building is just the start. How the Community Centre and space is used by the whole ward will be a vital part of that process.
Protecting green space and minimising harmful development … Petersfield has less Green space than anywhere else in the city and so we must be vigilant in protection of that space and in ensuring any development that is permitted enhances both the community and our way of life.
Ensuring the City Council plays a full role in returning life to the new “normal’ after the pandemic. This must include working closely with the traders (In Mill Rd and beyond) and the hospitality providers who play such a key role in ensuring the vibrancy of our ward.
My first priority is simply to be a good ward Councillor. I think that’s our most important responsibility as Councillors … to listen and advocate on our residents’ behalf be that big or small issues… but also to take responsibility and explain when things don’t go as planned
Secondly enable us to emerge from the pandemic relatively unscathed … picking up on and maintaining support to mutual aid networks and local community groups. To get through to the other side of the pandemic local Councillors will need to be there for our people particularly the most vulnerable.
I think the work on the future of St Matthews Piece is only half done and we need to carry on. Because the work against the planning application was successful means impetus might be lost. That mustn’t happen.
Being honest I think that most things can foster cross party working but being realistic it would depend on the issue concerned and then depending on the stance of the other parties involved. The St Matthew’s Piece campaign has demonstrated that come the issue, it is possible to work collaboratively across party lines.
More generally, and city wide, I think Green and biodiversity issues and Planning are areas that should enable cross party working where appropriate. This already happens on the Greater Cambridge Partnership whereby Tory, Labour and the LibDem parties can and do work together.
I'm running for city council because I think people feel too isolated and cut off from decision making round here, especially the most vulnerable.
I’ve worked hard for our community: whether it be supporting rough sleepers to access bereavement and housing services, checking in on vulnerable residents by phone over the pandemic, or working with people locally to address issues ranging from much needed repairs to anti social behaviour.
From these experiences it has become clear to me that we must do better on building an inclusive city that supports the most marginalised and that we get a council which really listens to people. Our city would be so much stronger if more people felt they had a seat at the table, and more control over their lives and communities, and that their hopes for our city were matched by what local government delivers (climate change and pollution particularly comes to mind!). I’m running because I believe local councillors can do a huge amount to help make that happen.
Living nearby, I've enjoyed the fabulous independent businesses on Mill Road, pubs and cafes across the ward, and spending time with friends here.
More importantly I've worked with residents on issues across the area: from broken pavements, to anti social behaviour issues, to vandalism, to congestion-to help deliver solutions.
Getting the basics right: such as enriching open spaces and improving day to day council services, which have seen precipitous falls in satisfaction.
Air pollution and congestion
rebuilding unity and trust in the community with local government. Not just over Mill Road, but over housing, over access to (and quality of) council services and so much else.
I want people here, of all backgrounds, to have a real say over the decisions that affect them and their lives. People feel too far from the levers of power at the moment. This is what underpins my three top priorities for Petersfield…
Listen to residents all year round: particularly by continuing to knock on doors and have face to face conversations, so that they can hold me accountable and raise problems to work on together. By doing so I would want to work with residents on finding solutions to area specific problems. I would have the same approach for businesses: who I think know better than any local politician what they need to thrive as we emerge at the pandemic. In concrete terms this would mean for instance, consulting on the idea of a business improvement district in Mill Road, which would enable local traders to determine what kind of improvements they might want and then vote up or down on any proposals . I am also keen to engage with youngsters in our community, who I think often feel ignored. As a young person myself I know how important spaces for young people to socialise and have fun (in an affordable way!) are, how rare good quality ones can be, and I would want to work with young people on determining what kind of things would be the best fit.
Deliver better and more affordable housing. Few things rob people of their independence and security than poor housing, homelessness and insecure housing. And few things are more important for one to have a sense of control over. One of the things I love about Petersfield is its strong social conscience, and so I know this is particularly important to many of you. As your councillor I would therefore want to work relentlessly on combatting homelessness and poor housing in our city. For rough sleeping: I would work with the Lib Dem team to radically improve the safety net by guaranteeing a bed for every rough sleeper over winter, support the creation of a multidisciplinary task force between the council, the NHS and other agencies to provide focused support to those with complex needs, and complement this with diverse forms of accommodation. For homelessness more broadly, I would support the building of new affordable homes (a Liberal Democrat council would demand a minimum 40% affordable on new developments) and new social housing: especially sheltered accommodation to improve provision for our growing elderly population and those in need of care. We also need to improve the quality of housing: both privately and in council homes (a report early last year found 1 in 9 Cambridge council homes are not decent to live in, this cannot stand). I would work with the team to invest in improvements to council homes and back this with a turn-around plan for maintenance services for council homes: measuring my success in the degree to which we increase satisfaction with the housing service and reduce wait times in Petersfield and across the city. I'd be excited to support our team in setting the lead in retrofitting council homes. For private housing a crucial first step is to review the council's decision to scrap the landlord accreditation scheme, which I think can be a useful tool to crack down on bad landlords.
Get the basics right. I know a lot of people feel ignored by politicians because persistent problems are left undealt with. Formal complaints about council services have tripled. Whilst I can't promise to fix everything I and the Lib Dem team will take some simple steps to improve performance and transparency: for instance delivering a register of play parks and the state of equipment to ensure they get the investment they need, when they need it; tackling litter by looking at seasonal surges so that we can target investment in the most effective way possible to clean up our streets; and draw up a plan for refurbishing our public toilets. These may sound simple and perhaps technical, but I know it will have a real impact on people's daily lives.
I'd be keen to always work cross party in the interests of Petersfield and this city. I'm running as a Liberal Democrat because I'm a liberal, but party labels matter less for me than what we can deliver for people. However if it has to be one thing: combatting poverty in our city. I will work with anyone and everyone to tackle this burning injustice.
Looking back over the years and remembering buildings and shops which have been demolished and replaced by homes and new businesses, Petersfield has changed so much, and it is becoming a huge ward.
We all want the best for Petersfield and understandably, we all have differing opinions on how that can be achieved. A better, cleaner and safer environment for us and future generations is an issue that strikes a chord with all of us, as it should, and as a member of this community, I am doing my best to reduce my own carbon foot print.
Like everyone, I would like to see a reduction in traffic pollution and make the roads safer, but the way to achieve this is by education, discussion and providing viable, workable alternatives. Mill Road should not be divided by a physical barrier that prevents large sections of that community from accessing all of that road; the current solution is negatively affecting businesses and residents alike. Transport and safety considerations are vitally important of course, but not to the exclusion of the community itself.
Covid-19 has greatly impacted on all of us and I am determined to do what I can to help residents and businesses to recover and see them flourish again.
I have been running my business in Mill Road for over 26 years; during this time, I have developed friendships and associations which are extremely important to me and ensure I have a strong sense of belonging to this community.
I am proud to be part of the diversity of Mill Road, which links two communities together.
My shop has become a place where people, not always customers, feel comfortable enough to come and talk to me about a range of issues; some personal, but more often than not, regarding things that directly affect them, such as anti-social behaviour, personal safety and transport. I do my best to listen and try to help as much as possible, but I know there is more I could offer in an official capacity.
My answer to this question is based on current issues.
Helping people to resume their normal lives as we emerge from lockdown following the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on businesses and people’s health and well-being, by assisting them in accessing the services and support packages that are available to them.
To support the new Community Centre at the Depot (Ironworks) site.
Tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. We need to provide more accommodation and support for people who often through no fault of their own, find themselves with no other alternative. By offering education, shelter and financial help, we can help to turn some of these lives around.
Securing more social housing for Petersfield.
Promoting respect, tolerance and cohesion within the community, by focusing on the rights and beliefs of all.
Developing activities and promoting events at the new Community Centre at the Depot (Ironworks) site.
I think co-operation across all parties is the key to success, wherever possible. Compromises inevitably have to be made, but delivering on those issues which promote and develop the community for the benefit all is paramount.
I'm standing in these elections because I believe that Green-minded people deserve the chance to vote for a Green future. We are lacking in Green representation in the council, and that does not tally with the number of people who care deeply about Green issues, both environmental and societal. The pandemic has shown us that we can change our ways for the greater good, and this is what we need to do to protect the planet for current and future generations.
I've been living in Petersfield for 5 years, and enjoy being part of this community very much.
Affordable housing,
Sustainable transport routes,
Protection and enhancement of the environment (including to future-proof the city against greater numbers of inhabitants putting stress on water availability).
To improve the cycling infrastructure,
To improve and protect our green spaces (e.g. St Matthew's Piece), and
To ensure that people are not left homeless as a result of the pandemic taking away their ability to earn and thus pay for expensive privately rented accommodation.
We in the Green party are willing to work with other Parties on any issues to work to improve the lives of people and the planet. The issues that I would be most driven to work on would be environmental issues, including environmental considerations of planning for buildings; transport (to minimise cars in the city); and affordable housing
I am seeking re-election to play my part serving the residents of Petersfield, both through community groups and with individual issues; protecting and improving the environment; and helping the area thrive and develop. These are not just empty words I have 15 years experience as a city councillor for the ward. Years in which I have defended the interests of local residents from predatory developers, obtained funding for environmental and highway improvements, and brought in assistance to help deal with anti-social behaviour. But there is always more of this work to be done and I am ready to take it on.
For Cambridge as a whole, I would continue to help manage the finances of the council using my background as a chartered accountant, and to ensure that the council does as much as possible to tackle poverty, inequality and homelessness in our city. I would also take a specific interest in work to tackle climate change by ensuring that Cambridge moves as quickly as possible to a net-zero carbon position. In particular I would help work to ensure that councils, businesses, education and health sector invest in the conservation and sustainable generation of energy.
I was working in Petersfield when first elected and continued to do so for many years. I maintained my connection with the ward partly through my work as a group leader with the children’s organisation, Woodcraft Folk, at St Matthew’s church hall, and through regular use of the shops, pubs and cafés. My work as a city councillor for the ward has a self-perpetuating aspect to my connections with Petersfield as I am in the ward most days visiting residents and dealing with a variety of issues. This work has involved all parts of the new areas to be added to the ward at this election, as I have been working with residents in those neighbourhoods for over two years since the boundary change was announced.
Planning and licensing applications and enforcement - both for residents’ personal issues and for larger scale developments
Parking and traffic issues, especially controls on vehicles delivering to and passing through the ward
Maintaining and enhancing parks, open spaces, trees and other environmental aspects in the ward
Achieving safer roads and less air pollution, particularly with regard to Mill Road and the streets leading to the station.
Ensuring that plans for over-development of sites in the ward, such as Devonshire Gardens and the Flying Pig and land on Hills Road, are scaled back to levels appropriate to their setting and provide housing rather than offices where possible - given the volume of new offices already being built and the amount of other office accommodation lying empty.
Ensuring that our limited open space which does exist remains protected and well looked after, and in particular that the play parks are well maintained and biodiversity enhanced.
I am aware that some people have the view that party politics should not exist, not at a local level anyway, but in my experience it provides for a clear set of policies to be put forward for consideration by the public, and then put into effect by those who are elected. That is not to say that we should not co-operate as councillors from different parties and there is already a high level of engagement and collaboration across the political parties such as with councillors of the County Council and South Cambs Council, as well as within the City Council.
Climate change is such a big issue and it is essential that we all co-operate together to tackle the climate crisis but in my experience the level of cross-party co-operation is not high enough at present.
On a local level planning and licensing issues need to be dealt with on a non-party political basis as it is a semi-judicial process much of it based on planning laws and regulations.
Standing in the local elections as a Green Party candidate is an opportunity to drive progressive ideas. Climate effort, and even the phrase designed to be alarming - "climate emergency", has become empty slogans in the mouths of many politicians.
We need to think about climate change as a global challenge but also at the most local level think about leading the fight to minimise it and to reduce its negative impact on our everyday lives. We need to preserve existing greenery and parks, make plans for new ones and start demanding more ambition from new developments. We need to fight to improve walkability and ability to cycle comfortably in Cambridge; not only for its residents but also for all the rail passengers, shoppers and others. I believe that Petersfield can be the ward in Cambridge that leads the way and shows a truly progressive face of the city. The city, which is a university and technology centre with a growing economy, could and should be at the forefront of modern, green development. Cambridge can become a case study that others look up to and get inspired by.
I live in south Petersfield (that used to be northern Trumpington before the boundary changes) - between the CA/CUP offices and Hills Road.
My neighbourhood has technically just joined Petersfield but it has always been functionally connected. I am relatively new to the neighbourhood and have lived here for 3 years (out of a total 6 in Cambridge). Like many other tenants, I was drawn to Petersfield for its multicultural feel and proximity to the train station.
Public green spaces. We need more parks less parking spaces. Petersfield is densely populated with many people having their own gardens to enjoy the greenery, but we also need public green space to meet, to change scenery and for the health benefits that come from walking and being outside.
Public control over private developments. New developments in Cambridge, including Petersfield, are heavy on concrete and rely on design choices from the previous century. The City council can influence the shape of private developments and require highest standards. The Cambridge Green Party will lobby for new homes to be built to Passivhaus standards; the buildings are designed for maximum energy efficient and comfortable. Plans also need to consider Green spaces; the redeveloped station area has many times more parking spaces than it has trees or flowers.
Walkability and connectivity. Much still needs to be done with improving cycling and walking infrastructure across the ward / city. Indeed, there needs to be a coherent, connected and all-encompassing citywide plan for this. I believe that Petersfield could improve connectivity with neighbouring wards by considering new walking / cycling bridges over the rail tracks. The scarcity of ways to cross the tracks is not doing anyone any favours.
Oppose developments that are built, or encroach, on our limited green spaces and push to increase the level of greenery in Petersfield; from curb-side planting to locating areas to create new green space.
Lobby hard to introduce the Passivhaus standard to Cambridge and push for the requirement for any major (re-)developments to include green features - roof gardens, green elevations, using carbon-neutral or carbon-negative materials.
Work with local transport groups and Council to look at walking and cycling options to cross the railway. Three bridges we have is not enough for a central, densely populated area of a modern walkable city.
The Green agenda is progressive and often ahead of its time. At a national level, our ‘radical’ polices have frequently been adopted by other parties. We have experience in co-operation and working with others to get things done. Our aim would be to work with Councillors of other parties on all issues and provide that important perspective of asking how our local decisions will have an impact on the climate and biodiversity emergencies.
I joined Labour to make a difference, and as executive councillor for planning policy and open spaces in Cambridge I've been able to do an enormous amount, improving the planning service, developing our food policy, responding to the climate and biodiversity emergencies, and helping develop our next Cambridge and South Cambs local plan. I've also been part of the team dealing with the current pandemic.
I’ve also been able to be an effective ward councillor, dealing with issues, helping residents, and making sure that the issues that matter to my ward are properly represented. I want to carry on doing that, and I am standing for re-election because I want to make sure that decisions made by local government reflect the interests of everyone, not just a privileged few.
I want to continue to deliver Labour’s promises, particularly around the environment. We must find ways to live that balance people’s needs for a good quality of life with the planet’s need for us to live sustainably, and the city council has a key role to play in this.
I lived in Petersfield from 1987 to 1993, and my first daughter was born here. I’ve moved around since then, and most recently I was living in Trumpington where I am the sole Labour councillor. After the boundary review when 1500 Trumpington residents moved to the expanded Petersfield Ward, I decided to stand here.
I’m an architect, and had an office in the ward for many years. I have worked in five homes in Petersfield, including work to turn a mid-terrace house into a highly sustainable home using recycled rain and grey water. I was a director of a research company based in Petersfield for 17 years. I’m still an associate of that company.
Local shopping
Covid has accelerated the changes in shopping habits, and we see many more delivery services of everything from books to evening meals. The pressures on Petersfield’s distinctive local shops have become much greater, and I think that the council has a role in ensuring that we find ways to support them and help them change to cope with the new environment. This will be an important aspect of finding our way out of the pandemic while preserving what we value in our neighbourhood.
Green spaces and biodiversity
One positive outcome of the recent boundary changes has been that Petersfield has gained more public open space, such as Hobson’s Brook and the Accordia gardens. I will work to protect all our open spaces for our community and families but also to promote biodiversity, as a key council priority. However there is a real need to support and develop all public spaces, and to make sure that Petersfield is given due prominence in future plans.
Planning pressures
Petersfield is in many ways a microcosm of the UK, mixing extensive social housing with UK offices of some of the world’s biggest companies – Apple, Microsoft and Amazon. Councillors have to find ways to balance these competing interests, making sure residents’ voices are heard, and finding ways to ensure that the built environment supports our social needs. It is a challenge I’ve faced as we have worked on the next Greater Cambridge Local Plan, and that equips me to deal with those same issues at ward level.
My first priority is to be a good ward councillor. The last three years have shown me that you can only be effective if you are working for your residents, and I will continue to do this.
Being a good ward councillor means being there, being available, and being willing to work with others. I can’t fix every problem in the world, but when residents get in touch with me raising an issue, they are owed not only my best efforts to sort out their concerns, but also a decent response. I will answer every email, letter, phone call – and follow up on anything raised in person.
It’s also important to be there all year round – It’s easy to only turn up at election time and forget the rest of the year. I will be accessible and work hard, not just at election time
And lastly, it’s important to work collaboratively in the interests of residents. I will work with others, whatever their party affiliation, to resolve issues and support Petersfield.
If elected I will serve and represent the residents of Petersfield. There are no issues which I would not work with other councillors or other Parties to resolve. As a committed environmentalist, and the sponsor of the Council’s declaration of a Biodiversity emergency, I would hope that all parties can come together to protect the natural environment, support species diversity, and help to achieve our targets for net zero carbon and greater biodiversity, and I will work with other parties to achieve those goals.
It is abundantly clear that we are facing an existential threat through the climate and biodiversity emergencies. Local and national government are dragging their feet on the issue; reacting to public pressure when it suits their agenda rather than proactively seeking to address it head on. The Green Party have been raising the issue for years, have developed a vision for a fair and sustainable future and are increasingly making an impact.
By standing, I want to help raise their profile, give people an opportunity to vote against politics as usual and importantly, I believe it vital that we have progressive and environmentally-conscious officials in all decision-making positions to help make the best decisions for our collective future.
We need to think globally, act locally. As an individual resident in Cambridge, we may not be able to halt deforestation but we can stop local trees being cut down frivolously. We may not be able to rid the ocean of plastics but we can rid our streets of plastic litter. Cambridge is a great city to live in but it could be doing more to tackle the biggest issue that faces us all.
I live very much on the border with Petersfield and frequently come into the ward to use the local shops on Mill Road, visit one of the many amazing pubs off Mill Road or meet friends at cafes off East Road or on Hills Road.
I plan to move to Peterfield in 2022.
We need to protect, preserve and enhance our green spaces
We should have the aim to eradicate homelessness. It was telling that when the pandemic began and the first lockdown was enforced, it was almost eradicated overnight. Homelessness is something that can happen to anyone and for any number of reasons. We need to provide support and security to those who find themselves in this situation.
We need to find long-lasting solutions to Cambridge’s traffic problems
To ensure that our green spaces are not built on and look for practical solutions to increase the level of greenery across the ward.
To champion the eradication of homelessness. I want to encourage the Council to improve their use of Empty Dwelling Management Orders and to identify other, non-green, spaces that could be used for additional modular homes across the city.
To push for stricter rules and enforcement relating to engine idling and to accelerate the shift to electric vehicles by rapidly increasing the number of charging points across the ward.
Democracy is about compromise and working together to finding solutions; I would seek to cooperate with councillors of other parties on all issues. Every individual approaches an issue from a personal and different perspective. I would aim to ensure that when issues are being discussed, the environmental perspective is considered and remind that we have a duty to think long term and ensure our actions are actively reducing our impact on the planet.