As I write this column, I am bleary eyed like most residents following England’s thrilling win over Mexico.
Come on England, for the quarter final game with Norway on Saturday!
We’ll continue to light the city centre in striking red and white, creating a vibrant, united atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.
Moving on, in last week’s column I spoke about the £40m Pride in Place investment in our city to share details of the new small grants scheme which is open until the end of July. Please apply if you have an idea for a project in either of the areas awarded funding!
I also mentioned the £1.5m Pride in Place investment in our city centre and said to watch this space for news of how we plan to spend it.
I can now tell you that we have outline plans in place to spend the money on accessible toilets, more greenery, movable market stalls and other new features to encourage residents and visitors to spend more time in our city centre.
You may have also seen the new hanging baskets in Cathedral Square which have been paid for using this funding. People told us that they missed seeing flowers in Cathedral Square and we listened. I’ve had so many positive comments since their arrival and I can see why as they really do add to our central square.
The city centre is the beating heart of Peterborough and this Pride in Place funding is just part of the investment we want to attract into the city centre to create a healthier, more attractive, and inclusive environment for everyone. Our Administration is getting things done for the city and it feels rewarding reading all the positive feedback.
With the warmer weather staying with us and the school summer holidays just a week away it’s great news that Central Park paddling pool is now open. It’ll be open daily (except Mondays) until 30 August, 10am to 6pm. The opening of Bretton Water Park is due to follow on Saturday 18 July, although I am working very hard to see if we can open this earlier. Watch this space!
We know how popular these attractions are for families across the city, so it's fantastic news that they are opening in time for the school summer holidays and whilst we are enjoying sunny weather.
With our summers becoming hotter we are also looking at opening the facilities earlier next year, where possible, so that more families and children can enjoy them for even longer.
Remember, both Central Park and Bretton Park have much more than the water attractions to offer families, but best of all they offer free activities to keep the children entertained. And of course, don’t forget our fantastic Lido!
At last week’s Full Council meeting I was asked a question by residents of the Roman Fields housing estate in the north of the city who are at their wit’s end trying to resolve long-running issues related to a lack of facilities.
I can completely understand the frustrations of residents and that is why I apologised and made it clear that we will resolve this. This is yet another issue not of my administration’s making, but we are getting the job done.
This is a complex issue that has arisen because of a combination of historical planning issues dating back to the 90s, but these issues are not insurmountable and by working together, I promised the residents we will deliver for this site. A meeting has been arranged to sit down and meet councillors, residents and stakeholders next week.
Finally, last week I had a wonderful young student called Emmanuel with me on work experience. It was heartwarming to see his enthusiasm, and I was delighted to be able to give him the chance to find out more about a career in local government and politics. I wish Emmanuel the very best in his future.