AS A FORMER DIRECTOR AND ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL MAY I RESPECTFULLY PETITION FOR THE UGERNT REPAIR OF THE NEWNHAM ENTRANCE TO THE FOOTPATH BETWEEN CAMBRIDGE AND GRANTCHESTER. I SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE RESIDENTS OF SOUTH NEWNHAM AND THE USERS OF THE FOOTPATH.

THIS IS PROBABLY THE MOST FAMOUS AND THE MOST USED FOOTPATH IN THE COUNTY. CYCLISTS USE IT FOR SCHOOL AND WORK. SCORES OF VISITORS AND LOCAL PEOPLE WALK IT EVERY DAY. I HAVE LIVED BESIDE THE ENTRANCE FOR 50 YEARS AND ITS PRESENT CONDITION IS THE WORST I HAVE EVER SEEN. DEEP POTHOLES ARE A RISK TO USERS AND IT IS ALMOST IMPASSABLE AFTER RAIN.

THE COUNTY COUNCIL USED TO MAINTAIN THE ENTRANCE BEFORE COVID BUT CEASED AFTER SOME RESIDENTS SUGGESTED THAT VEHICLES BE BARRED FROM ENTRY. IT HAS NOW BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT VEHICLES HAVE A LEGAL RIGHT OF ENTRY. 

WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL I HAVE BEEN TALKING TO ALL THE INTERESTED PARTIES ABOUT THE OPTION FOR THE REPAIR AND CAR PARKING. A SOLUTION IS EMERGING WHICH I BELIEVE WILL HAVE PUBLIC SUPPORT. I WILL TEST THIS AT A PUBLIC MEETING IN MARCH 2025. HOWEVER I URGENTLY NEED THE HELP OF A COUNCIL ENGINEER TO EXAMINE THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND DRAINAGE TO ENSURE THAT ANY OPTION PREFERRED IS VIABLE.