Papworth Everard Parish Council continues to work on a range of projects and issues affecting the village. This month’s update covers progress on the playing fields, the future of the paddling pool, local planning proposals and improvements to the Village Hall.

Amenities and Playing Fields

Residents will have noticed that the zip line has been closed following a structural failure. Quotes have been obtained, and the original manufacturer has been appointed to carry out the repairs. It is hoped that the zip line will reopen in the near future.

The Playing Fields Committee is also seeking quotes for the installation of footings for removable netball posts on the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). If the work can be completed as planned, netball should be available from next season.

Meanwhile, investigations into repairing the paddling pool are continuing. Over the decades, several layers of fibreglass have been applied over the original concrete, and the fibreglass is now beginning to delaminate. Until a suitable contractor can remove sections of the fibreglass and assess the condition of the concrete beneath, it will be difficult to establish the full scope and cost of the repairs.

As part of its consideration of alternative facilities, two councillors visited the splash park in St Neots and met with its management team. The visit provided a useful insight into the practical and financial implications of operating such a facility.

The operating costs are broadly comparable to those of the existing paddling pool, including the need for water quality checks several times a day and a similarly complex plant room. The initial capital investment in the St Neots facility was approximately £800,000, even with favourable arrangements involving local contractors.

The St Neots splash park is financially sustainable in part because it charges admission and can make use of staff already employed by the neighbouring bowling alley. Having considered these factors, the Parish Council has concluded that a splash park is not a viable option for Papworth Everard for the foreseeable future.

The Parish Council has also been interviewing candidates for the position of Groundsman, an important role in maintaining the village’s outdoor spaces and recreational facilities.

Planning: North Cambourne Local Plan Consultation

The Parish Council has submitted a response to the consultation on the proposed Local Plan relating to North Cambourne.

The document sets out a broad vision for future development rather than providing a detailed delivery plan, with firm responsibilities and timescales for individual projects. It refers to concepts such as “mobility hubs” and “strategic enhancement areas”, but the Parish Council has raised concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding how and when key elements would be delivered.

Among the principal concerns are the wide-ranging timescales, with some aspects potentially being delivered from the mid-2030s while others extend into the mid-2070s.

The Parish Council has also highlighted questions around the availability of water, electricity and transport infrastructure. North Cambourne’s future water supply appears to depend on major infrastructure projects, such as pipelines from Birmingham or the proposed Fen Reservoir. The consultation document also did not address the capacity of the electricity grid in sufficient detail.

The Parish Council believes that these fundamental infrastructure requirements need to be properly considered alongside the development proposals to ensure that growth can be supported sustainably.

Village Hall Improvements

The Village Hall Committee has been working hard to address a number of outstanding issues and improve the facilities available to the community.

A major clean-out of the basement storage area has been completed, filling at least three skips. Work is also progressing on improvements to the hall’s facilities and the restoration of its heating system.

In addition, several existing service contracts are being reviewed, including those covering cleaning and security. These reviews form part of the committee’s ongoing efforts to maintain the hall and ensure it continues to meet the needs of village residents.

Parish Clerk Recruitment

For approximately the past two years, the Parish Council has been operating with the support of a locum Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO), Ben.

The Parish Clerk and RFO plays a central role in the day-to-day running of the council, overseeing administration, financial management and the implementation of council decisions. The role carries significant responsibility and is essential to ensuring that council business progresses effectively.

As Ben is currently only available for one day a week, the limited working hours have affected the pace at which some initiatives can move forward.

Recruitment for a permanent Parish Clerk and RFO has been ongoing, and the Parish Council hopes to make a positive announcement in the coming weeks.

The council remains focused on maintaining village amenities, addressing local concerns and supporting the community through its ongoing work.