Elections

Cambridgeshire County Council elections, May 2021: Littleport

Summary: Cambridgeshire County Council elections, May 2021
Polling date: Thursday 6th May 2021
Division:
Candidates
(by surname):
  • David Ian AMBROSE SMITH  (Conservative Party)
  • Adam Daniel COOLEY  (Labour Party)
  • Lee Charles PHILLIPS  (Green Party)
  • Paul James SPEED  (Liberal Democrat)

Questions for Littleport division candidates (6 questions)

Jump to question:  1   2   3   4   5   6 

# Question 1

What challenges do people face in your area that prevent them from cycling, especially children and those using cycling as a mobility aid? How should cycling and walking infrastructure in your area be improved so that people of all ages and abilities would feel safe cycling there?

David Ian AMBROSE SMITH
(Conservative Party)

As one might expect from a small community which has developed over the course of two or three centuries into what is now a small town, the old part of Littleport is not particularly cycle friendly with no major cycle routes except those now built into the new developments during the last 15 years or so. It is encouraging that the new developments include cycling provision. Routes to the two primary schools and the schools campus should be a priority, Walking & cycling from the town centre out to the rail station could be enhanced by developing Back Lane into a more formal road & path to accommodate safe cycling and walking. Developing some streets & roads into a carefully considered one way system might be possible although this would not be seen as a popular move by some residents.

Adam Daniel COOLEY
(Labour Party)

I strongly believe that in towns and villages priority should be given to the lowest impact modes of transport, and cycling is possibly the most sustainable mode available. Littleport has very little in the way of cycling infrastructure, and I can understand why people may feel very reluctant to cycle in the village. Motor vehicles dominate the roads, which are often narrow, have parked cars, and feature fast, often speeding traffic. Whilst I acknowledge the benefits of shared street spaces, I would love to see dedicated cycle lanes in Littleport, to provide a safe induction to cycling for all, particularly the young and those who are less confident on two wheels.

Lee Charles PHILLIPS
(Green Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Paul James SPEED
(Liberal Democrat)

Heavy traffic and poor quality road surfaces

# Question 2

Safe and responsible use of the roads is a major issue. Our view is that traffic policing, of all groups of road users (cyclists, drivers, etc.), should become a greater police priority, and that this should be evidence-based, namely based on the relative levels of danger presented by each such group. What are your thoughts, and where would your priorities be?

David Ian AMBROSE SMITH
(Conservative Party)

While I have read the report and agree in principle, Policing is currently stretched and with the problems around anti social behaviour within our town and the activities of known drug dealers I feel that any enhanced police presence should be concentrated within the built up area with foot patrols.

Adam Daniel COOLEY
(Labour Party)

Transport matters can become very polarised and tribal, with resentments over 'road tax', insurance and which modes are policed most (and most easily). However, nothing is this simple, and very few people occupy any single particular 'camp', if such a thing exists. I would like to see enforcement directed on a risk-assessed basis (so those modes posing the greatest risk being policed more, such as HGVs and commercial vehicles). At the same time I do feel that irresponsible cycling should be acted upon, with educational interventions (stopping cyclists without lights, giving warnings to red-light jumpers). This demands a delicate balance, but the evidence is clear that when a critical mass take up cycling, everyone is safer off.

Lee Charles PHILLIPS
(Green Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Paul James SPEED
(Liberal Democrat)

There should be safe routes for cyclists including special lanes and ways qhere possible

Where cyclists share roads there should be adequate signage, plenty of space with good quality surface, with communication to local drivers reminding them of the presence of cyclists

# Question 3

What do you think should be done to enable more children to walk and cycle safely to school? How can the county support more school communities to implement School Street schemes?

David Ian AMBROSE SMITH
(Conservative Party)

In many areas of the country, school 'walking buses' work well. However ECDC did sponsor an outreach worker to encourage 'Playing Out' activities, buggy walks and a walking bus. In Littleport this attracted little or no interest from young families and indeed complaints from some residents who objected strongly to the idea that their street might be 'closed' for children to play safely, if only for an hour or two a week. I think that families may have a different mindset if living in a larger town or city to those living in smaller communities, regarding children walking to school or indeed, playing in the street. In the past CCC has not shown enthusiasm for supporting local suggestions. With the advent of 'Think Communities' ethos, I would think that this may change. In a nearby hamlet which is one long road which comes to an end, our local Parish Council have battled for some years to get a 20 or 30 mph speed limit imposed to make this small community a safer place for children. Unhappily this is always turned down on the basis that support would not be forthcoming from either Highways or the Police.

Adam Daniel COOLEY
(Labour Party)

I'd love Littleport to boast a network of well-maintained cycle lanes and pathways that are truly centred on walkers and cyclists, that make using them enjoyable,
safe and rewarding. Schools need to be well served and connected with key residential centres by these. I feel that a cycle safety net could be built to support children taking up cycling (such as bike doctors visiting schools and providing free repairs and servicing), repair pillars installed at all schools, and a coordinated scheme to ensure all children have access to a cycle if they want one (such as refurbished cycles that are found abandoned by the council).

Lee Charles PHILLIPS
(Green Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Paul James SPEED
(Liberal Democrat)

Again good quality routes with sufficient space for pedestrian and cycle traffic where they share space.

20 zones near schools and increased signage

# Question 4

How important is it for every rural village to have at least one safe and accessible off-road path for people walking and cycling, connecting to the growing network of such routes in the county? What action should be taken to enable everyone in the county to have access to the cycling network?

David Ian AMBROSE SMITH
(Conservative Party)

ECDC commissioned a residents survey to get views around walking and cycling throughout the district. The responses received although small was in the main, positive. As a result of the responses received throughout the district a working party has been set up to consider the options.
A priority for the corporate plan is to link the larger settlements (Ely/Soham/Littleport/Burwell) and cycle ways within the towns. Sustrans are to be commissioned to consider possible safe cycling routes and to bring forward costings ahead of funding being identified.

Adam Daniel COOLEY
(Labour Party)

I think it is critical that Littleport has at least one off-road path connecting to a key centre (Ely, for example) to link in with the national network, which is safe and user-friendly. Local government must join residents in working to make this network a reality, and leverage all possible tools to bring this about (the planning system, developer levies, utilising any local authority owned land).

Lee Charles PHILLIPS
(Green Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Paul James SPEED
(Liberal Democrat)

Better linkup with existing national network and tarmac surfaces where possible

Increased signage aimed at cyclists including direction signs, distances and route options, with communication via various media channels regarding the provision of routes

# Question 5

LTN 1/20 is the government's new cycling design manual, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility for all. How would you support our call for the county to affirm that they will use LTN 1/20 (and its successor documents) in all current and future schemes related to cycling?

David Ian AMBROSE SMITH
(Conservative Party)

In theory this is excellent however within narrow street and roads this might mean that rows of properties would need to be demolished. On new developments this should be included within SPD's to ensure that this will happen.

Adam Daniel COOLEY
(Labour Party)

I would strongly support the adoption of the LTN 1/20 design manual, and press for a cross-departmental assessment of all local authority areas that can contribute to its effective implementation.

Lee Charles PHILLIPS
(Green Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Paul James SPEED
(Liberal Democrat)

By including in discussions with county district and parish councils and use of media

# Question 6

How would you help bring a safe and more direct active travel route between Ely and Littleport?

David Ian AMBROSE SMITH
(Conservative Party)

This route was the most popular and requested within the whole ECDC survey. I am sure that Sustrans will overcome the perceived difficulties when they have the opportunity to carry out a realistic & costed survey. As a member of the working party and a resident of Littleport I will continue to promote and encourage this project towards completion. I look to central government and the tiers below to fund this much needed cycle path to benefit both residents and business.

Adam Daniel COOLEY
(Labour Party)

I would be keen for the Great River Ouse towpath route to be improved and made more accessible for all types of users, from improved surfaces, signage and infrastructure to better promotion of this route as an active alternative (for example promoting this route to rail and bus users who already travel between Littleport and Ely).

Lee Charles PHILLIPS
(Green Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Paul James SPEED
(Liberal Democrat)

By looking for the new administration to put this in place, getting the thoughts of local residents and working with councils and government at all levels to increase options and obtain funding

Camcycle is a non-partisan body. All candidates are given an equal opportunity to submit their views. Information published by Camcycle (Cambridge Cycling Campaign), The Bike Depot, 140 Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0DL.