Cambs.com

Cambridgeshire County Councillor leader Nick Clarke

UNION bosses have called for a mass picket of Shire Hall, Cambridge, on Tuesday as county councillors arrive to vote on a 25 per cent pay increase in their allowances.

Terry Parr, branch secretary of local government workers’ union Unison, accused the council of being “incredibly insensitive to suggest these increases now” at a time when his members were losing their jobs.

Pay for his members were being frozen whilst for others it was case of “probably having to work longer and pay more for a smaller pension. To then go on and justify this in recognition of councillors doing more with less is doubly insulting because employees are being expected to do more for less every day.”

Mr Parr found some support from Tory county councillor Steve Tierney who had said earlier this year he had “no desire to increase the allowance amount. I did not get involved in politics for financial reasons.”

On Twitter this morning he said his views had not changed “and I will be making my case to group and at council as I have been up until now.”

Councillor Samantha Hoy, also on Twitter, re-iterated the pay review had been recommended by an independent panel.

She said people needed to remember “it’s a nine year deal as we haven’t had a rise for five years and a review won’t happen again for four years”.

Councillor Martin Curtis, Cabinet member for adult services, said: “I have always previously supported independent allowances review – it is the right way of settling allowances.”

Unison, however, says the £1,890 a year increase in allowances is too much and they remain unhappy with the new pay package of around £38,000 for leader Nick Clarke.

Mr Parr said: “Why are councillors proposing an increase in their allowances when everyone else is constantly being told ‘we are all in this together’”?

He said councillors have been offered a free vote allowance increase “and it is important that they are aware of the strength of feeling of Unison members and their constituents prior to the vote.”

Paramedics at the scene of Phoenix Door Panels in Somersham where a chemical incident had led to two people being taken to hospital.

AN investigation is being conducted into a chemical incident which left 35 people needing medical attention and three in hospital in Somersham today (Friday).

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said officers were making enquiries and would be conducting an investigation into the incident at Phoenix Door Panels Limited in the West Newlands Industrial Estate.

Workers were left feeling nauseous, light headed and weak after inhaling a chemical sprayed on an adjacent field.

All staff were told to leave the premises – around 70 were thought to be at the site. They were allowed to return to work around 12.30pm.

A spokesman for Huntingdonshire District Council said: “We received reports that members of staff [at Phoenix] were feeling nauseous, light headed and weak, and that staff could taste chemicals.”

The ambulance service was called at 9.40am to reports of several people being taken ill. Because of the nature of calls being received, the service deployed a hazardous area response team (HART), an ambulance and three operational managers to the incident.

Three people have been taken to Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

Ambulance service spokesman Gary Sanderson said: “A total of 35 casualties have been assessed by HART and land paramedics at the scene, three of which have been taken to Hinchingbrooke Hospital for further assessments.”

Three crews from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended. The Health and Safety Executive have been notified, as has the local doctor’s surgery.

Mr Sanderson added: “This was an excellent team effort including the paramedics who arrived first at the scene, our trust’s HART team and the police and fire service. Throughout the incident, the three emergency services worked very closely together to treat the casualties and ascertain the cause of their sudden illnesses this morning.”

A spokesman for Phoenix Door Panels said he could not comment at this time.

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longsands

NEW forums are being set up to address the long-standing problem of commuter parking in the roads close to St Neots station.

The areas around Longsands Road, Bean Close and Child’s Pond Road – as well as other nearby streets – have been used as a free car park by rail commuters for years.

Residents have campaigned unsuccessfully for restrictions that would force commuters to find alternative parking spaces, and now claim that the situation is worse than ever before.

While Cambridgeshire County Council has introduced lunchtime parking restriction on the Scholars Avenue estate west of the railway station, Longsands Road has been left without any such restriction and residents want to see that changed.

Bean Close resident Denis Gail said: “I’ve lived here for 40 years and things have never been this bad. It’s so bad I can’t even get in and out of my drive. The bin men have trouble driving down Longsands Road and have been known to send a special van to pick up rubbish.

“Parents have nowhere to park when they pick up children from Longsands Academy or Priory Road Junior School. The roads get gridlocked on a daily basis and something needs to be done.

“Sooner or later there is going to be an accident. The residents have all paid their taxes and deserve better.”

Last year an investigation was carried out following a 178-signature petition calling for parking restrictions of 30-minutes on “all roads within reasonable walking distance to the station”.

But CCC’s highways authority concluded that “parking should only be prohibited where there is a safety or access problem to be addressed”.

Mr Gail is also concerned that the cost of parking at St Neots station – £7.25 a day – is just making matters worse.

St Neots town councillor Brian Allen, who lives on Child’s Pond Road, said: “We’re fully aware of what’s happening and the effect it’s having on people. I would encourage people to come forward and express concerns.”

CCC highways engineer Sharon Piper said that any scheme would have to be “third-party funded” because no money was available at Shire Hall. But added she would work with the town council and listen to suggestions.

■ What is the solution to commuter parking in St Neots streets? Send your views to editor@huntspost.co.uk or write to The Hunts Post, 30 High Street, Huntingdon PE29 3TB.

Deputy chief fire officer Chris Strickland.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE and Peterborough Fire Authority has agreed to defer decisions on frontline cuts until next year.

Members of the authority unanimously accepted proposals from the senior fire service managers to put off deciding the future of major cuts projects, including the downgrading of Huntingdon fire station, until February 2012, when the financial picture is clearer.

The fire authority met at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service headquarters in Huntingdon today (Thursday) to hear how fire chiefs propose to meet budgetary pressures.

Deputy chief fire officer Chris Strickland, overseeing the redesign project, once again warned that the anticipated £4.2m of cuts could be met without the front line suffering, but that if further cuts were required it would mean a deterioration in service.

Up to 70 jobs, including 25 full-time firefighters posts, will be lost under the arrangements.

The financial picture is unclear because of uncertainty over levels of Government funding, but other factors include inflation and Council Tax base growth rate – the number of taxpayers moving to the county. The Government completes its annual spending review in November, when more will be known of the service’s budgets.

Members were also told that measures they approved in May – including the removal of the service’s operational support unit, two turntable ladders, and the hazardous materials unit – had progressed.

A business case on Huntingdon’s downgrading is being researched, to be voted on in February, and the future of St Ives and Ramsey’s second appliances will be decided in May 2012.

But questions were once again raised about the suitability of the combined aerial rescue appliances (CARAs) chosen the replace turntable ladder vehicles in Cambridge and Peterborough.

Cllr Fred Brown received a round of applause from firefighters in the public gallery for his suggestion that the CARAs were “not up to spec” and that legal action should be considered should they be found to not be fit for purpose.

His doubts were echoed by Cllr Sue Gymer, who requested that a full report on the capabilities of the CARAs be prepared and presented to the authority.

Decisions on the status of St Neots, Ely and Wisbech fire stations, the merger of the two Peterborough stations and the downgrading of Cambridge’s second pump were also deferred until February 2012.

Kevin Napier, secretary of the Fire Brigades Union in Cambridgeshire, welcomed the recommendations.

He said: “It was an encouraging meeting, and we are pleased to see the fire authority challenging and closely scrutinising the business case and proposals that are being put forward.

“We are happy with the deferral and being given more time to explore all areas before attention is given to cuts to the front line.

“The Fire Brigades Union will continue to oppose those, and will offer alternative methods to ensure the frontline service is maintained to the people of Cambridgeshire.”

Roy Pegram, chairman of the fire authority said: “The fire authority has agreed to postpone decisions that could impact on the level of service CFRS provides to the public until more is known about the financial situation the service is facing.”

Nick Clarke, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council

COUNTY councillors will be offered a free vote on Tuesday when they meet to discuss a proposed 25 per cent pay rise.

The move- which would see basic allowances for the 69 Cambridgeshire councillors rise from £7,610 a year to £9,500- has been recommended by an independent review panel.

The total cash set aside for members’ allowances will rise from £763,000 to £929,000 and will include big increases for the leader, Cabinet members, opposition leaders and spokesmen, and committee chairmen.

It could mean, for example, that the leader Councillor Nick Clarke will be on a package worth £38,000 a year compared to the present £29,246. His deputy will be on £26,600 a year and nine others on packages worth over £20,000 a year each.

The review panel, which has only met five times since 1998, was chaired by Dr Declan Hall, an independent consultant specialising in members’ allowances. It included Penny Kingham JP, Anne Constantine, principal of Cambridge Regional College, and Paul Richardson, editorial director of Archant Herts and Cambs.

“If local democracy is to prosper people must have choice,” said Dr Hall. “Choice means having candidates for council membership who have different backgrounds and life experiences.

“Remuneration of elected members is one means to achieve that end.”

Average Cambridgeshire salaries of £105 a day were used as one barometer to determine how much councillors should be awarded.

Dr Hall believes the demands made upon councillors’ means that those who are elected “cannot reasonably expect to pursue a career or make progress in their chosen employment in the accepted sense.

“Whilst they may make that sacrifice knowingly and explicitly the implications need to be understood and acted upon.”

There was a need for a balance between voluntary effort and financial sacrifice but proper allowances were needed, he said, for the council to be able to attract representative cross sections of the communities they represent.

If approved there will be pressure put on councillors who attend less than three quarters of possible meetings to forgo part of their allowances.

They also pointed out that “it is important to recognise that elected members are in different financial circumstances and for those who can afford to forgo allowances the opportunity is there.” There is no obligation to take any cash.

The panel warns that “being an elected member will not get easier” and that Cambridgeshire’s allowances are at the lower end when compared to other councils.

“The panel felt this undervalued not only elected members but also the county and its citizens,” the panel noted.

I

Fire engine

A BONFIRE spread to trees at a home in St Neots yesterday.

A fire crew from St Neots was called to the fire on The Crescent at 10.50am.

Firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish the fire and returned to their station by 11.20am.

A crew from St Neots returned to the scene later to re-inspect the incident and carry out a home fire safety check at the property. The cause of the fire was accidental.

Jon Paul Jones, watch commander at St Neots, said: “This bonfire was too big for the garden. Where possible residents should use recycling to get rid of garden waste.

“If you are having a bonfire, make sure it is an appropriate size, well away from anything flammable and keep a bucket of water or hosepipe handy at all times.”

A Magpas air ambulance crew attended the scene of a two lorry crash on the M11.

A MEMBER of staff at Huntingdonshrie Regional College had to be taken to hospital after suffering a form of seizure yesterday.

The man in his 40s was described as being in an “acute state of confusion” by medical staff who attended the scene at 9am. He was said to be agitated and moving erratically.

The casualty was anaesthetised by Magpas medics and taken by land ambulance to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where his condition was described as serious but stable. Police were also called to the scene.

A college spokesman told the Hunts Post: “A member of staff appeared to have some kind of seizure at around 8.30am. The area was isolated by staff members. The emergency services were called and responded quickly, and dealt appropriately with the situation.

“He was taken to hospital where he is still receiving treatment.”

Magpas volunteer paramedic Simon Standen said: “This was a challenging job. We’d like to thank all the staff at the college and the ambulance crew for their assistance.”

RIGHT STEP: Julia Prichard and Tony Green of Luminus speak to employers at HMP/YOI Littlehey.

EMPLOYERS went behind the scenes at HMP Littlehey’s young offender institution to find out how they can help offenders back into work.

The visit, part of the Prince of Wales’s Seeing is Believing scheme, was organised by Business in the Community to promote the Right Step Project, which links employers with prison and probation services to benefit both.

Hosted by Luminus, delegates heard presentations from Danny Spencer, governor of HMP/YOI Littlehey and Nigel Finney, executive director of operations at Luminus, the host of the event last Wednesday (October 5).

Surveys showed that 45 per cent of employers would be discouraged from hiring a skilled worker with a criminal record, yet 17 per cent of the UK working population has one.

The Right Step Project encourages a level playing field for offenders, in the hope that successful engagement reduces the risk of repeat offending.

A scheme to create work opportunities for ex-offenders has already made a difference at Luminus, where the Future Jobs Fund recruited 34 volunteers, many of whom went on to be employed by the company.

Tony Green was one of those to progress to full-time employment, and told of his difficulty in finding work.

“Because of my previous convictions, employers didn’t want to know. But Luminus has supported me 100 per cent in everything I do,” he said.

“Ex-offenders have more to prove, and if they are going to get on in life then they have got to be given a chance. If you keep closing doors on them then what do you expect to happen? I’m going to work harder to shake off that stigma.”

Mr Spencer, who controls the 1,200-capacity prison and YOI, echoed Mr Green’s comments, calling employment “the holy grail” in avoiding a return to offending and pledging “transparency and trust” with employers willing to engage in the scheme.

He said: “They are not beyond redemption. But they have got to have some stable employment, something to get them out of bed in the morning.”

Employers, including Huntingdonshire District Council, Sue Ryder Care, and the JobCentre, toured the facilities.

They witnessed the morning training workshops that help offenders towards recognised qualifications in bricklaying, IT maintenance, food preparation or music technology.

Businesses can get involved by giving in-prison talks, offering placements, donating funds or equipment, or support and mentoring.

Debbie Longhurst, project officer for Right Step, said: “There are so many ways for companies to get involved, but we are looking at small steps at the moment. If we can find employers willing to take time out, then maybe we can help offenders back into work and make a difference.”

INFORMATION: A Cambridgeshire employers’ forum will be hosted by Luminus on Wednesday, November 16. To find out more about the Right Step Project call Debbie Longhurst on 01638 663272.

CONCERNED: Debbie Green with a photo of her missing cat.

A SERIES of cat disappearances in Huntingdon has sparked fears that the animals are being stolen.

A SERIES of cat disappearances in Huntingdon has sparked fears that the animals are being stolen.

Five have been reported missing from the same area of town, with other pet owners claiming up to eight cats have disappeared in the last six weeks.

The disappearances have been concentrated in the Avenue Road and Sapley Road area of Huntingdon, with one cat reported missing from Bliss Close near Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

Tania Isdale, 28, of Sapley Road, whose male tabby cat, Reece, went missing just over three weeks ago, said: “I’ve had about seven cats go missing in four years and my gut feeling is that people are taking them.

“I know of about eight or nine cats missing recently.”

Debbie Green, 21, of Avenue Road, said her 11-year-old ginger tom, Tekkie, failed to return on September 24. She said: “This is so out of character. He’s a family cat and we’re all devastated. The worst part is not knowing what’s happened to him.”

Other cats to go missing in the area within the last six weeks include Panther, a 14-year-old black domestic short-hair who went missing from Bevan Close, and Zippy, a six-year-old black male who went missing from Bliss Close on September 13.

Zippy’s owner Shirley Hopkins said: “I’ve done everything I can to find him – reported him to Wood Green Animal Shelters, put it on Facebook, knocked on doors in the area, but with no luck. If someone is out there taking cats, they must be cruel, cold-hearted people.”

Laura Conway, 23, alerted The Hunts Post after reading about the series of disappearances on Facebook. The former Huntingdon resident, who lives in Peterborough, said: “There were over 100 comments from people, some saying they’d recently lost cats themselves. I thought it was a bit suspicious, with at least four going missing in such a short space of time.”

Cambridgeshire police said there had been no reported cases of missing cats in Huntingdon since June and, according to Cromwell Vets, in Huntingdon, there had been no significant rise in the number of cats reported missing in recent weeks.

The surgery said it received one call a day about missing cats. Senior practitioner David Farrell said he encouraged owners to contact the clinic.

An RSPCA spokesman said: “We have been made aware of cats being reported missing in the Huntingdon area. If anyone has any information they should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.”