Author Archives: John Hammond

GCP Joint Assembly discusses Greenways

Members debated detailed proposals for better walking, cycling and horse-riding links between Cambridge and the villages of Fulbourn and Haslingfield. 

The routing of the Haslingfield Greenway through Grantchester is proposed to continue whilst recognising the need to ensure the character of the village is protected.    

The Executive Board, the GCP’s decision-making body, will consider the assembly’s discussions when it meets on 4 January to set out the next steps for the schemes. 

The assembly meeting can be watched back on the GCP’s YouTube channel. For more information visit www.greatercambridge.org.uk.

(Information taken from GCP publication on 15 12 2023)

Playground re-opened

The playground on the Recreation Ground has re-opened now that the two replacement units have been installed and safety checked. The is Phase 1 of the refurbishment of the recreation ground. Plans for Phase 2 involving more for younger children and more seating are in hand.

Community gritting volunteers wanted

The Community Gritting Scheme is a scheme where local volunteers can help to keep their community moving in freezing weather. Under this scheme, the parish council decides on specific routes in the area which are important to the local community and agrees them with the county council.  The scheme is operated by the County Council Highways Department.

When do I grit? 

Just like the gritters that clear the roads, the community gritting schedule is determined by the weather. Highways do not notify registered community gritting volunteers when to grit, they rely on the volunteers to grit the footpaths as and when it is required. 

Where do I grit? 

This scheme only applies to footways and footpaths. You are not insured or trained to grit the roads and should never place yourself in conflict with live traffic. You should not put yourself at any further risk from motor vehicles than you would as an untrained pedestrian. 

Each parish decides which footways and paths should be gritted by volunteers and submits them to the County Council for approval. The routes are then discussed and an agreed route map is recorded. You are only covered by the County Council’s insurance for these agreed routes. 

If you feel that a route should be changed or added to the agreed route map then please contact your parish council who can discuss the change and submit it to the County Council if appropriate. 

Only volunteers that have completed the basic training and returned the registration form you will be covered by the County Council’s insurance.  Highways will provide a spreader to enable the grit to be evenly spread on the footpath.

How do I volunteer?

If you would like to volunteer for this winter, please send an email with your details to John, the Parish Clerk at clerk@grantchester.org.uk.  We will only participate if a sufficient number of volunteers register.

For more details of what is involved go to this website