Cambridge Forum Notes – Saturday 17 August

Cambridge Forum Notes – Saturday 17 August 2:00pm – Food and Social; 3:00 – 5:00pm – Business, Prince Regent Pub, 91 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AW

Present: Richard Pill, David Ferguson, Simon Barber, Mike Cockerill, Leonard Lean

1. Chairman’s welcome: Simon chaired the meeting

2. Apologies: Tony Bush, Colin Crawford, Cllr James Palmer, Cllr Ian Murray.

3. Bedford-Sandy-Cambridge: We remain open minded. The new route is expected to be announced in the end of the year but we are working up a number of alternatives with the traditional route being one such candidate, the route to Shepreth another and still a third northern arc via St Neots was discussed. None are problem free. However, all have their own unique selling points. Whoever takes the lead Government-wise needs arcing authority and power to make tough decisions on what gives, moves or takes.

Actions: David to contact RSPB and Wimpole Hall, Simon to contact John O’ Gaunts Golf Course and sound them out whether a cut and cover tunnel could be an option. The old route into Potton is blocked beyond reasonable recovery. Gamlingay on layman’s inspection can be bypassed with a new P&R Station the two towns could share. Richard to do a list on what he needs on Bedford-Cambridge and the principles can be applicable to every rebuild scheme we/others entertain.

4. Cambridge-Haverhill-Sudbury-Colchester: There is a group advocating this, but like some other routes it is being peppered with development and encroachment threats. A new orbital route to the south of Haverhill would be required, ditto new stations for Sheldon and Linton for example. Simon to contact the group and offer collaboration.

5. March-Spalding: It needs more volunteers and there is a view we need to hang in there and be faithful to former route albeit with modest deviations like around sprawling Cowbit. David to notify Simon of a date for his Forum at Peterborough and March now for 2020 listing. Google to find relevant Wetherspoon and go for 2pm start with 3-5 pm business to avoid lunchtime crowds.

6. Cambridge Congestion/what should be done? Park and Ride is well used, new sites further out offering fast and meandering services may be one idea. X5 coach well used, but subject to traffic delays. Rail developments needed like the 3 schemes we discussed today. Soham Station is being progressed and hopefully a new curve onto the Newmarket-Cambridge line for alternative route commute south of Ely for example. Roads alone solutions can’t cope!

7. AOB: Guided Busway collapsing at Dry Drayton due to Fenland Marshes and soft ground with heavy pounding vibrations. Re-railing Cambridge-St Ives/Huntingdon would be a boost.

Meeting finished 4.20pm

richard.erta@gmail.com