29/04/2010 by Steve Barclay.

Do you think 25% of buses are unsafe?  Do you expect 20% to fail their MOT.  That is the assumption being made by this Government, who have given the Vehicle Operating Service Agency a prohibition target of failing 25% of the buses they inspect.  The result is yet more interference for local firms who are already paying the high cost of fuel and a significant hike in business rates.

A visit today to one of our local bus firms who provide buses for schools and short breaks.  One was recently stopped and inspected, but nothing could be found.  So a second inspection was undertaken, and a prohibition applied for a so called side movement of the handbrake, helping the inspectors hit their target. Is it any wonder that local firms feel that this Government is out to hinder rather than help them.  The Government’s stance is also causing problems for our firms in Europe. The high failure rate here has resulted in other countries targeting British coaches.  A coach driving in Belgium which does not have the drivers reflector jacket on display will get an on the spot fine.  We need to get our economy moving and protect local jobs, not hinder firms with interference from top down targets. 

One success story locally is the golf club and holiday homes at Tydd St Giles  where I met up with manager Adrian Hurst.  It shows what can happen when Government gets out of the way and entrepreneurs drive forward business.  The very competitive membership price and high quality facilities mean the car park is constantly busy, and this week was no exception. 

Steve with Adrian Hurst, manager of Tydd St Gyles Golf Club

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29/07/2009 by Steve Barclay.

A chance to visit the Tydd St Giles Community Centre today where the award winning Golden Age Fair team set up stall.  As with the last such event at Friday Bridge it is good to see plenty of familiar faces, not least Sylvia Mansfield who is able to update me on the work of the Breathe Easy Fenland group which now has over 50 members (see previous blog).  Parish Chairman Rex Mallett and deputy Marcus Johnson made me feel at home straight away, and the event as ever was smoothly run by the Golden Age team of Cllrs Mack Cotterell, Bernard Keane, and Ken Mayor.

Listening to those attending a number of issues of concern came up.  Key amongst them is the changes to the bus timetable which is causing some disquiet.  At the moment people travelling from Tydd St Giles can catch the 9am bus into Wisbech and pop to the shops or for a prescription at the chemist, and catch the return at 10.45 which works well.  Instead the service home is due to change in August, which will mean being delayed until 12.30 causing extra time waiting.  The times are due to change again in September.  All in all it seems like unnecessary confusion when the current times are working well.

Other issues are the lack of police visibility in rural areas, although it is fair to see this is not a new issue and a tough one to solve.  Chatting with PC Julie Coales it is clear officers locally are working hard and juggling many different challenges.  It is frustrating however to keep seeing cars illegally on the fields by the community centre with the offenders getting away with it.

A good bit of news was that the County Council is responding to requests to act on pot holes, with reports that the pot holes on Hanneth Road are being sorted out.  Well done to Cllr Jill Tuck and her team.  There is also some need for playground equipment - also an issue in Leverington - which would make a valuable addition for young families.

Despite the poor weather the turnout is good, and feedback continues to show the valuable contribution being made to older people by the Golden Age team.

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