Work has now begun on the footbridge across the River Nene between the Embankment and Fletton Quays – Cygnet Bridge.
For so long now, we have had a jewel in our city that has been overlooked, unused and forgotten about. I’m talking about our wonderful Embankment and its riverside setting.
Even on a summer’s day, I see only a handful of people using it. And in the wintertime, it is all but redundant, apart from a few hardened dog walkers.
Other cities have made the most of their riverside settings with cafes, brightly lit footpaths and plenty of seating to stop and admire the view whatever time of the day. These cities embrace these green spaces and make them a destination for both residents and tourists.
Cygnet Bridge is the first step in achieving this dream in Peterborough.
Again on the water theme, I wanted to say a few words about our Central Park Paddling Pool and Bretton Water Park. Both of these venues have historically opened during school summer holidays to make the most of the increased footfall and good weather.
Therefore, I was surprised when our combined authority mayor posted on social media calling for us to open during an unexpectedly tropical May half term bank holiday. Unfair political point scoring when he could have just picked up the phone to me.
I would have explained that it takes roughly three weeks for the necessary equipment inspections, water quality testing and staffing arrangements to be put in place prior to opening. We need these to ensure the facilities are safe for all. It is not something we can achieve with only one week’s notice of warm weather. We are actively looking to see if we can open these facilities earlier in 2027/28 however.
I also want to say a massive thank you to the organisers of two amazing celebrations in the city centre last weekend – the Lido’s 90th anniversary celebrations and Eid in the Square.
MP Andrew Pakes and I commented that there was a massive buzz around the city and the Lido celebrations truly befitted such a wonderful family focussed venue. It was great to see coverage of the Lido anniversary in national media too!
Eid in the Square was designed as an inclusive cultural festival, for all faiths and none at all – and it certainly delivered in its aim, as well as providing some truly delicious halal food. Many thanks to the Eid in the Park Team for their hard work setting it all up and organising.
Finally, work began last week on installing a fence around the perimeter of the Ken Stimpson Academy as agreed by my Cabinet on 24 March. It will take three to four weeks.
We are also in the process of finalising the Community Use Agreement with solicitors acting on behalf of the council and the academy trust continuing to liaise. This Agreement formalises our commitment to providing opportunities for local community organisations and sports organisations to use the space to participate in sport and physical activity at agreed times.
These times will be extended during weekends and school holidays to ensure the community has maximum benefit. I have received many comments over this issue and some of the postings on social media have been incredibly abusive.
Whilst we have explained how the CUA will be discussed, I have no reservations in making this decision to allow for children of the school to use the green space outside with as much right as the residents do.