A428 project – HGV ID cards/magnets

We have been aware that many of you have been concerned about HGVs working on the A428 Project travelling through Abbotsley. This has never been allowed, but has been an on going issue.

We have been working with the A428 Project Team to stop this and we are pleased that the Team have just let us know about new measures that have been put in place to hopefully resolve this issue.

Mick George lorries are required to display ID papers:

ID to be displayed in drivers cab of HGVs on A428 project

 

Mick George HGVs required to display this logo in HGVs on A428 project

As a clear reminder to drivers, on the reverse is a list of villages that they are not allowed to travel through, Abbotsley being one of them.

 

G Webb have magnets for the sides of the cab:

HGV showing magnet on cab side reading Skanska A428

Mick George and G Webb do have other business, and drivers are still allowed to travel in HGVs through Abbotsley. However, if you see HGVs with this signage in the village, you will know that they are breaching the agreement and this can be reported to the Parish Council and/or National Highways.

Phone – 0300 123 5000 – National Highways Customer Contact Centre

Email: info@A428.co.uk

Postal Vote Changes

Expiry of postal votes and reapplication process

Following a change to the law, postal votes can no longer apply indefinitely. They now expire after a maximum period of three years.

Postal voters can still register to vote by post for a particular poll, but they can no longer hold a postal vote for longer than three years without reapplying.

Existing postal voters are being contacted by the Elections Team whose postal votes are due to expire at the end of January 2026. Electors will be contacted via email, post or text message (or via a combination of means) to ensure they have sufficient time to make a new application.

Affected electors who do not reapply for a postal vote by 31 January 2026 will have their postal vote cancelled. Electors will still be eligible to vote at their local polling station and can reapply for a postal vote again at any time after this date.

What you need to do to reapply

You can reapply online or contact us to request a paper form.

If you no longer wish to vote by post, please contact us and we can cancel your postal vote. This will stop any reminder letters being sent to you.

Two new websites showcasing the best of our region!

From HDC:

Exciting News for Huntingdonshire!

The Economic Development Team are proud to launch two fantastic new websites that showcase the best of our region:

Invest Huntingdonshire — Your gateway to business growth and investment opportunities. Whether you’re starting, growing, or relocating a business, find valuable resources and support to help your success here: www.investhuntingdonshire.co.uk

Discover Huntingdonshire — Your guide to exploring the rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities across Huntingdonshire. Perfect for residents, visitors, and staycation planners: www.discoverhuntingdonshire.co.uk

Together, these sites highlight the unique potential and charm of Huntingdonshire — from thriving business prospects to incredible local experiences.

Below, you can take a look at a short video clip showcasing visitor, tourism and business opportunities in Huntingdonshire:

Green Flag Awards!

From HDC:

Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, St Neots Riverside Park, and Priory Park have all been Awarded the Green Flag Award!

We’re proud to announce that Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, St Neots Riverside Park, and Priory Park have all been awarded the Green Flag Award!

This recognition celebrates the incredible work of our teams who care for these parks all year round, ensuring they remain welcoming, and accessible for everyone to enjoy.

Digital screens rolled out across Huntingdonshire Towns

HDC have asked us to share their press release:

 

Huntingdonshire District Council is delighted to announce the rollout of eight new Digital Information Screens across the district’s four market towns, St Neots, St Ives, Huntingdon and Ramsey.

This initiative, delivered in partnership with local town councils, Huntingdon BID, and Connecting Cambridgeshire, and funded by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, supports the ongoing revitalisation of town centres and encourages greater community engagement.

Each town will receive two interactive digital touchscreens, delivering engaging, real-time information for both residents and visitors. The screens will feature:

·         Local event listings

·         A searchable business directory

·         Highlights of local tourism and heritage

Live bus and train departure information will soon be added, making them even more helpful for everyday travel and visits.The screens have been installed at the following key locations:

·         Huntingdon: High Street / St Benedicts Court and Chequers Shopping Centre

·         St Ives: Sheepmarket and The Waits

·         Ramsey: Rivermill and Great Whyte

·         St Neots: Market Square and outside the Library

Executive Councillor for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, Cllr Sam Wakeford, said: “This project is a great opportunity to support and engage with our market towns. These screens will not only help residents stay informed and connected but also support local businesses and showcase the rich heritage we have across Huntingdonshire. It’s a brilliant example of what partnership working can achieve.”

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Paul Bristow, said: “The Market Towns Programme is bringing digital screens to Huntingdonshire, which we hope will be a new way of engaging that people find useful.

“Residents will be able to see what’s happening in each place and get up-to-date information. The screens will even tell us when the bus is coming. I’m glad that we could support the district council and make this happen.”

BID Huntingdon Town Centre Manager, Paul Sweeney, said: “I’m delighted to have the screens installed in both the town centre and a smaller version by our Visitor Centre. It’s the perfect way to engage visitors to our town, highlight some of our incredible shops and services and events. It’s also a great way for our local residents to re-discover Huntingdon, interactive boards have long been seen as the go to for information so BID Huntingdon were very grateful to both HDC and CPCA for their support. Working with HBAC (Huntingdonshire Businesses Against Crime) the screens also offer evening and night economy safety messaging for visitors to our bars, pubs, restaurants and event venues taking the safety of visitors seriously.”

Sarah Marsh, Connecting Cambridgeshire Programme Director, said: “Drawing on our experience in digital infrastructure deployment, we’ve been really pleased to support Huntingdonshire District Council in deploying their new digital screens. This is a great example of how smart technology and digital connectivity, including free public access CambWifi, can enhance public spaces, support local businesses, and make it easier for residents and visitors to access useful local information every day.”Photo showing new digital screen in Market Square, St Neots.

The digital screens are just one of several projects under the Market Towns Programme, find out more here: Market Towns Programme – Huntingdonshire.gov.uk

Information and Advice Survey for Individuals with Hearing Loss

CCC have asked us to share this with you:

June 2025

As part of our review of Information and Advice Services, Cambridgeshire County Council welcomes feedback from you if you or a family member you care for lives with hearing loss.

Cambridgeshire County Council have a contract with Cambridgeshire Deaf Association to provide an Information and Advice Service to people with hearing loss. The current contract is due to end in March 2027, so the County Council are keen to talk to people that have contacted Cambridgeshire Deaf Association for information and advice.

The County Council would like to know what is important to you, your family member, or the person you care for when looking for information and advice.

Your responses will help us to understand if there are any gaps in provision when the new contract starts in April 2027.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey, we really value your feedback. Please return your completed survey by 20th July 2025 to care.together@cambridgeshire.gov.uk. or to your local Cambridgeshire Library.

Data Protection Statement. This survey is about Cambridgeshire Deaf Information and Advice Services contracted by Cambridgeshire County Council. You do not have to give us any personal information. We will keep your information confidential and safe in line with the Data Protection Act 2018.

 

 

Information and Advice Survey for individuals with Sight Loss

CCC have asked us to share this with you:

June 2025

As part of our review of information and advice services, Cambridgeshire County Council will welcome feedback from you, a family member, or if you care for someone with sight loss.

Cambridgeshire County Council have a contract with Cam Sight to provide an information and advice service to people with sight loss. The current contract is due to end in March 2027, so the County Council are keen to talk to people that have contacted Cam Sight for information and advice.

The County Council would like to know what is important to you, your family member or person you care for when you are looking for information and advice. Your responses will help us to understand if there are any gaps in provision when the new contract starts in April 2027.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey, we really value your feedback. Please return your completed survey by 20th July 2025, to care.together@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or hand to your local Cambridgeshire library where it will be collected. Alternatively, you can contact our team via, Care.together@cambridgeshire.gov.uk and we will help you complete the form in the best way for you.

Data Protection statement. This survey is about Cambridgeshire Deaf Information and Advice Services contracted by Cambridgeshire County Council. You do not have to give us any personal information. We will keep your information confidential and safe in line with the Data Protection Act 2018.

Electrical Recycling Bin

From HDC:

Our Waste Minimisation team have been working hard to make it easier than ever to recycle your small electrical items. With 28 new street bins installed across the district, you can now responsibly dispose of small electrical items.

What can I put in the recycle bins?

You can put items smaller than a microwave in the bins, including:

• chargers and cables

• adaptors and extension leads

• laptops and tablets

• electric razors

• electric toothbrushes

• hairdryers, curlers and straighteners

• kitchen appliances

• anything with a plug, battery or cable.

What can’t I put in the recycle bins?

Please do not put any of the following items in the bins:

• vapes

• loose batteries

• lightbulbs

• plastic bags or black bags

• general waste

• recyclables.

The nearest electrical recycling bins to Abbotsley can be found at:

  • One Leisure, St Barford Road, Eynesbury, St Neots, PE19 2SA (Small Bin)
  • Tebbuts Road Car Park, St Neots, PE27 4TU (Large Bin)

Advice from the Police on the national campaign launched on phishing

A national phishing campaign was launched by Action Fraud on the 2nd June 2025.

This is a police led campaign that we have been asked to publicise.

 

Ever received a suspicious email?

ℹ️ As of April 2025, over 41 million suspicious emails have been reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service, resulting in the removal of 393,395 scam websites.

Find out more: actionfraud.police.uk/reportthephish

#ReportThePhish

 

⚠️Received a call that doesn’t feel right?

❌STOP! Hang up!

✅Report it by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘call’ followed by the scam caller’s number

Find out how to spot phone fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/how-to-spot-fraud/how-to-spot-phone-fraud/

#ReportThePhish

 

⚠️ Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 7726 (it’s free of charge)

ℹ️27,000 scams have been removed as a result of suspicious text messages reported by the public.

#ReportThePhish

East West Rail – Slides from Presentation at Annual Parish Meeting 24th April 2025

We were delighted to welcome Sarah Jacobs, Senior Engagement Manager, Local Representative Groups, East West Rail to speak at Abbotsley’s Annual Parish Meeting on 24th April 2025.

Please find the slides from her presentation attached for your information.

Detailed views of location maps can be found by copying and pasting the following into your browser:

https://eastwestrail-production.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/public/2024-con-docs-/Route-section-maps/EWR-PP-5-Roxton-to-east-of-St-Neots.pdf

Sarah is happy to help with any questions on this and can be contacted on: localrepresentativesgroups@eastwestrail.co.uk