Wishlist for Chatteris includes a pedestrian crossing, better internet, and drainage

Councillors have created a wishlist of projects for their town as part of a consultation process with Fenland District Council.

Fenland’s infrastructure plan is currently being drawn up and councils are being asked to determine their priorities covering everything from highway projects to arts and culture.

Chatteris Town Council discussed their priorities at their meeting last night and rated topics from low priority to critical.

Coming under the critical banner was a pedestrian crossing for Bridge Street/Doddington Road.

Also top of the list was sorting out the town’s drainage including dykes to try to solve flooding issues in areas like The Elms.

Better internet, improved electricity supply, and the creation of more sports facilities including a swimming pool and additional football pitches were also rated as critical.

There was some debate about health provision with some councillors arguing it should be on the critical list, however, it eventually was set at high priority after it was accepted there had been some improvements at the surgery, but more was needed.

Arts and culture were also the subject of debate with calls from Cllr Sue Elam for a theatre-type venue.

However, Cllr Linda Ashley pointed out they had to be realistic and the town was unlikely to get everything it wanted.

But it was also pointed out that “if you don’t ask, you don’t get”.

There was also discussion around the town’s market with some arguing it too should be made a priority, but it was pointed out that other market towns were equally struggling to provide a proper market.

Cllr Pete Murphy pointed out the town did not have the space to encourage a large market, while Cllr Ian Benney said many stall holders had given up because there was no money in it especially as they found it difficult to compete with supermarket prices and the fact they deliver.

As for services such as fire, refuse collection, and education councillors felt the town was already well served and made them low priority.

They said the new primary school at Cromwell and the North Cambridgeshire Training Centre meant it was well-served educationally.

The list will now go to Fenland Council to be included in its plan for the district.