Offers in excess of £450,000, freehold.
HMO registered property. Entrance hallway, open plan kitchen / dining and living room. Five bedrooms, each with en-suite shower room.
(Reduced from £475,000 on 26/03/2025)
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Author: chris
‘Urgent food safety’ alert issued for Barkers Bakery
Local food operators stocking products from Barkers Bakery, including shops and cafes in Histon & Impington, have received an “urgent food safety alert” requiring them to take immediate action.
In a letter from the Waste and Environment team at South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC), dated 26 March, business operators were informed of ,“an urgent food safety matter concerning products supplied by Barkers Bakery of Broad Lane Industrial Estate, Cottenham” – relating to “serious hygiene issues at their premises”.
The letter continued: “As a precautionary measure we advise all businesses that have received products from Barkers Bakery to cease use of all products immediately and remove and dispose of all stock, including those that may have been frozen.”
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The company’s premises in Broad Lane Cottenham serves as both its bakehouse and business headquarters.
Local businesses who sell Barkers products have also been warned that “failure to take appropriate action may pose a risk to public health.”
Barkers Bakery provides goods for both wholesale and retail customers in five stores across Cambridgeshire, including branches on Histon High Street and in Cottenham.
The advice from the council’s Waste and Environment team could also apply to members of the public who may have purchased and frozen items produced by the bakery. Based on its warning to food business operators, these should be disposed of.
Business as usual
As of this morning (27 March), the Barkers’ outlet in Histon remains open to the public. Customers can continue to buy sandwiches, savouries and wrapped produce, but the bread shelves are bare.
A handwritten notice on the shop door states: “Due to lack of delivery, we have no bread. Sorry.” HI HUB has been informed by a source close to the company that they “think the bakehouse is being refurbished.”
Barkers’ goods are stocked by local businesses including Co-op stores but today an empty shelf remained where Barkers’ bread would normally be stocked.
A spokesperson for South Cambridgeshire District Council said: “We’re investigating hygiene issues we found during a routine inspection of Barkers Bakery in Cottenham on Wednesday 19 March. During that inspection, the bakery chose to voluntarily close, so they could carry out work to rectify the issues”.
HI HUB has reached out to Barkers Bakery for comment but, at time of publication, no response has yet been received.
Anyone with concerns should email commercial.envhealth@scambs.gov.uk
Updated 28 March 2025 – SCDC Waste and Environment team have issued further advice concerning affected products as follows:
“In our initial alert, we advised businesses to dispose of all Barkers Bakery products due to possible contamination issues during production. We are now extending this precaution to include all Kings Cliffe Bakery products as well.
“It has come to our attention that these two businesses, which previously operated separately, have now merged and are operating from Barkers Bakery, Broad Lane, Cottenham while continuing to use both brand names. Due to a lack of full traceability, and possible contamination of products, all products under both brands should be disposed of immediately”.
A café at the heart of a community – 14 years of d:licious
Vision Park coffee and sandwich bar, d:licious, is celebrating its 14th birthday. Amanda Borrill talks to owner Musa Nafi about their dream, the nightmare of COVID and how the support of a community has kept them strong.
It all began with a vision – a desire for a business that would fit comfortably around family life.
Rewind to March 2011 and founder of long-established Vision Park sandwich shop, Nadia’s, was preparing to retire. An opportunity to buy this popular and well frequented lunch stop, situated amidst an abundance of thriving businesses here in the heart of Histon & Impington, was too good to miss and, most importantly, its Monday to Friday opening hours fitted perfectly with husband and wife team Musa and Louise Nafi’s dream; a family focused business which would allow them to achieve a happy work-life balance as parents to three young daughters.
AdvertA weekend of redecorating, new menus and the introduction of customer seating followed – and brand new coffee & sandwich bar d:licious was launched to a hungry public.
Loyalty and friendship
Breakfast like a king. Photo d:licious. I asked Musa what he enjoys the most about life as a business on the Vision Park. “The shop has been great for us”, he tells me. “We have always been fortunate to have an amazing team behind us, it has fit in well with our lifestyle and we have made some genuine friendships with customers over the years. Plus”, he smiles, “very many are repeat, loyal customers. We know them by name, know all about their families, and even where and when they are off on their holidays!
“We see familiar faces from nearby offices but we also see lots of lovely village locals who come and visit for a coffee and cake treat”.
Five years ago, however, things were considerably less rosy. The COVID pandemic and its enforced lockdowns left this family business teetering on the edge. Being a business located amidst a collection of, now mostly empty, office buildings could have ended its relatively short life there and then but, against all the odds, d:licious survived. So, how did they do it?
“COVID was tough”, says Musa. “Things were going so well up to that point, we were getting busier and busier, the team had been settled for about five years and then, boom, overnight everything fell off a cliff. That first lockdown in March 2020 saw us forced to close for three months. When we returned, the working landscape had changed beyond recognition”.
Thinking outside the lunch box
The business was forced to reconsider its entire existence. The menu was increased with things like pizza and waffles added, trials with food delivery partners like Just Eat and Deliveroo were experimented with and, once gatherings were allowed again, outdoor pizza nights were hosted. Their delightful outdoor area would, in fact, prove to be a huge asset as social distancing, along with government incentives such as ‘eat out to help out’, came and went over the months ahead.
Uncertain pandemic days for d:licious. Photo their own. Reflecting on that time, Musa tells me, “the biggest help for us all was, without doubt, the support of the local community. Even though the cafe had been here on the Vision Park since 1991, there were still many villagers unaware of d:licious or where we were located. We worked hard to change that and, through village social media and leafleting, managed to stay afloat during a period that saw around 95% of our previous customer base taken away from us”. And there is no doubt that very many of us were immensely grateful for that opportunity to sit on their decking or collect a take-away coffee during our daily walks; a welcome reminder of a life we were all missing through those pandemic days.
Lunch in the sun on the terrace. Photo Musa Nafi. The care of a community
So, how are things now for this family café “Things are better than they were,” says Musa, “but still nowhere near pre-pandemic levels. We dug in, diversified, realised we couldn’t get by with just Vision Park office trade and made a conscious effort to reach out to residents in the village. Fortunately they responded and helped see us through. Had we not had such support I’m not sure we would still be here”.
A lunch stop with a view. Photo d:licious. And that local support has seen a real swing in the d:licious customer base. “Where office staff would have once made up 90-95% of our customer base”, explains Musa “it’s probably now more like a 50/50 split between Vision Park custom and locals who stop by and continue to support us. We are lucky to own a lovely outdoor area. The decking has just recently all been relaid with the addition of new and extra benches. it really is a great spot to relax, particularly in the kinder weather.”
With 14 years behind them, what delights lay ahead for d:licious? Can the community look forward to more sundowner events on the decking? “We’ll always run at least one pizza night during the summer. I’ll have to as everyone always keep asking when the next one is”, laughs Musa. “Weather permitting we will try and run a couple extra this year. It’s difficult to make too many plans. Post COVID my confidence around making concrete plans was knocked somewhat and now we prefer to make sure plans are flexible enough to adapt to situations as they arise”.
Triumph through adversity
The Feast – a panini league topper. Besides mentioning the very warm welcome that always awaits a visit to this family-run café, a feature like this wouldn’t be complete without talking food! Personally, they had me at carrot cake, but I couldn’t resist asking Musa what sits atop the d:licious lunchtime league? “Our most popular panini”, says Musa, “has to be ‘The Feast’. This is one we introduced many years ago, before COVID, where we donated 10% of sales to the Histon Feast. Customers kept asking for it after it was discontinued so we’ve since made it a permanent fixture to our menu! It consists of chicken tikka, mixed in yoghurt and mint dressing with mozzarella, onions and jalapeños, toasted in a crisp panini.
“In terms of cakes, the carrot cake has always been a good seller”, he smiles, “but top sellers remain the oat & almond tart and millionaire’s shortbread”.
Xmas 2024. Musa (left) and a few of the d:licious team. Photo their own. There is no question that 14 years of this family-run cafe here in Histon & Impington deserves commemorating and their resilience through adversity reflects the strength of the entire d:licious team. And, from Musa to the community of H&I he has this message: “A massive thank you from us all. Thank you for the last 14 years and, in particular, the last 5! You’ll never truly know how much your custom meant.
“And, to those of you who haven’t tried us out yet, please do. New faces are always welcome and we can’t wait to meet you”.
Find out more about d:licious by visiting their website. You can also follow all their latest news on Facebook.
3 bedroom semi-detached house to rent in Nuns Orchard
Available 09/04/2025 for £1,650pcm, unfurnished.
Downstairs: Entrance hall, lounge, kitchen with dining area, conservatory.
Upstairs: Three bedrooms, family bathroom.
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(Reduced from £1,695pcm on 26/03/2025)
Park Primary parking improvements “not considered necessary”
Residents’ calls for additional onsite parking at Park Primary school have been rejected by Cambridgeshire County Council. The decision follows a site visit by the Council’s Road Safety Manager and their Assistant Director of Transport Strategy and Network Management.
Residents have been told “there is no further recourse within the planning framework to revisit the original decisions regarding the design and layout of the school site.”
Frank Jordan, Executive Director of Place and Sustainability, added that the road may become congested at times – something that is “common in locations of this nature” – but it is “not considered necessary to make any changes to the highway.”
He says the school’s travel plan, which encourages sustainable travel options, is the most effective way of tackling the problems, and that this approach “best aligns with our sustainable travel ambition.”
This view has been endorsed by Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of the Council, who has told residents she is “not willing to suggest that the County Council investigate a car park on this site.”
She said: “There are many many primary schools in Cambridgeshire which have issues with parking, and if we were to start improving car access for schools it would cost a vast amount and go against our policies of trying to encourage walking and cycling to school.”
An “exceptional” site
Alan Jones has responded to the Council on behalf of the campaign group pressing for action. He explained that Park Primary school has a catchment where active travel is already very popular, but the safety of the many pedestrians and cyclists who use Narrow Close and Narrow Lane has been compromised by the number of vehicles manoeuvring in the street at school drop-off times.
“The site really is exceptional because of the [school’s] location on a main road and the geography of the sustainable transport routes that converge into Narrow Close”, he said.
“The school was planned to accommodate motor vehicle drop-off for 120+ vehicles entirely on-site, so we are not asking for a change of policy, just an implementation of what was promised.”
He estimates that up to 60 vehicles currently have no choice but to park on residential streets near the school, saying “those who drop off by car that I have spoken to are doing so out of necessity because they have no other viable option…
“20 vehicles (and up to 30 in the winter) are reversing into the flow of vulnerable road users [in Narrow Close]” he said, “at a time when all may be distracted, with car doors opening on both sides or children running across the road to their friends…”
Flat out rejection
The Council sees the school’s travel plan, which promotes and encourages sustainable travel, as the most effective route for addressing the problems. But Cllr Ros Hathorn has been putting pressure on officers to take further action.
Norfolk Street, Cambridge: vehicle access is prohibited at school drop-off and pick-up times. She is frustrated at their refusal to introduce signage that restricts access to Narrow Close to pedestrians and cyclists during school drop off and pick-up times.
“This is a solution that would be brilliant for Narrow Close and I have asked for [it] until I am blue in the face, and received flat out rejection at every turn”, she said. “Please can we understand why Narrow Close is not able to have that signage and such a scheme in Norfolk Street [in Cambridge] is?
Her comments have now been taken on board by Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, who has asked for more information about the signage issues, saying “this seems a good option”.
READ ALSO: Pressure grows to resolve Park Primary traffic issues and Residents step up Park Primary parking campaign
The campaign group leading on the Park Primary parking issues are Alan Jones, Hilary Knightley, Paula Potter, Norman Gentry and Edd Stonham.
To read more about the Park Primary parking campaign, see their website at parkparking.exospan.com
Village Society welcomes new chair
Histon & Impington Village Society (HIVSoc) has announced the election of Linda Holland who will replace long-time Chair, Max Parish. Max will continue at the Society as a committee member whilst Linda steps up as Chair with immediate effect.
Linda joined the Village Society committee after being inspired by the Chiver’s exhibition and, since then, has been involved in organising coffee mornings as well as leading the CALH Conference hosted by HIVSoc last April.
Talking to HI HUB, she said: “The role gives me an opportunity to be more involved with activities in the village and to get to know more people.
‘”It also allows me to use skills developed during many years working in the third sector as well as keeping the ‘grey cells’ working!”
Professional experience
Professionally, Linda has over 25 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector, working at a national level with charities in social justice, disability, and retail.
More recently, she was a management consultant helping organisations strengthen governance and grow their capacity. She also serves on the boards of two other Cambridgeshire charities.
Involvement
Originally from London, Linda spent nearly 20 years living on the Norfolk/Suffolk borders before moving to Impington in 1996. “What drew me here was the house and its proximity to Cambridge”, she said “but, since retiring, I’ve come to truly appreciate all the wonderful facilities and activities our village has to offer.”
A keen gardener, Linda is involved with the Histon & Impington Garden Club and is also a member of the University of the Third Age (U3AC) in Cambridge. Her daughters currently live locally and she has a grandson at Impington Village College.
Keep up-to-date with Histon & Impington Village Society news and events here.
READ ALSO: Full steam ahead as Village Society launches new local history book and Local history treasure trove now accessible to all
Councils say more time is needed to explore devolution
The councils that serve H&I are among a group of local authorities that have told the Government more time is needed to explore options for local government restructuring.
Before Christmas, the Government announced ambitious plans that will involve changing the way local government is organised. It will essentially see two-tier councils abolished and replaced with unitary councils. Cambridgeshire’s local authorities were invited to think through their new structure last month, and had until last Friday (21 March) to present their interim plans to the Government.
In response to that deadline, six out of Cambridgeshire’s seven councils signed a joint letter outlining where they all stand with the process. While it does not set out exactly what the Government asks for, it states the authorities are “working closely and effectively together” on proposals but more time is needed. The leaders of South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge City Council are included as signatories.
Approaching ‘with an open mind’
The letter, addressed to Jim McMahon OBE, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, said: “A working group of officers from all our authorities is also meeting regularly to develop a shared evidence base that can inform subsequent proposals.
“We are entering into Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) with an open mind and spirit of wanting the best for all our residents and for the local area as a whole. Not all of us would have chosen this path but we accept that it is the path we are on.”
It added: “We are not currently in a position to respond to all the points raised in your [invitation] in the time available.
“Our councils have been focused on setting legal budgets, driving efficiencies and improving services. Pre-election period begins on 25 March and local attention is now turning to Mayoral and County Council elections which may have a bearing on the development of our LGR plans.”
The Councils say further work will take place “at pace” after the local elections. A statement released alongside the letter adds “when the time is right” further discussions will also be held with residents, Members of Parliament and other partners including the police, NHS, fire service and town and parish councils.
Idea ‘really stinks’
Cllr Ros Hathorn speaking at Cambridgeshire County Council’s debate about Local Government Reorganisation, also referred to as devolution. Councils across Cambridgeshire held meetings last week to debate the concept of devolution and their responses to the Government. At Cambridgeshire County Council’s meeting, Cllr Ros Hathorn said the plan “really stinks” and likened it to “putting a bomb under the local authority” at a time when it is facing many challenges.
She said: “We have so many challenges we face as a council, fixing the roads, adult social care, children’s social care, special educational needs, getting children to school, it is so difficult. This is not unique to Cambridgeshire, this is across the entire country.”
“And what has the Government done? The Government’s idea of the best way to fix this is just to put a bomb under local authority, so that all we are going to talk about is ourselves for the next three years, it is just ridiculous.”
The County Council’s chief executive has previously said that the estimated cost of local government reorganisations across all of the councils is anticipated to be “at least £18.6million”.
However, Councillor Richard Howitt (Labour) said this was a “once in a generation chance” to affect local government in the area, adding that it was important to “get it right”.
He said: “The idea that we live in one of the most centralised states in Europe and that we should try and devolve power locally is a powerful and good idea and therefore we must seize the opportunity in my view in order to do it.”
4-day week query
Cllr Bridget Smith raised concens about devolution plans with MPs at a select committee hearing. During South Cambridgeshire District Council’s debate, the leadership were asked what would happen if the 4-day week becomes a permanent fixture as the Council will be abolished and replaced under the plans. A public consultation on the trial working arrangement closed on Sunday night (23 March), and the analysis is expected to be made public in the summer.
The Council’s leader Bridget Smith explained the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations (TUPE) would deal with how staff transfer to a new organisation, no matter what their terms of employment are.
She said: “These are processes we have used before, I think we used it with the waste service, with the shared planning service, so I think we have got considerable expertise within the council for managing these situations.”
Additional reporting from the Local Democracy Reporting service.
READ MORE: Devolution process begins for Cambridgeshire
Cambridge Road dubbed ‘the fly tipping capital of Impington’
Two large fridges and a pile of other waste were dumped on the road leading up to the B1049 some time around 18 March, causing a potential hazard to drivers as well as an environmental health concern for locals.
Residents living at the southern stretch of Cambridge Road took to social media to comment on what they say is one of the worst incidents of fly tipping in their locality yet.
One described increased incidents of fly tipping in the area recently, saying: “Cambridge Road feels like it is probably the fly tipping capital of Impington and it’s really frustrating.
“We’re used to people just driving into our street and either throwing their rubbish out the window as they drive by, or opening the door and emptying out the contents of their footwell onto the street, just metres from the nearest bin. Also people urinating here is a regular sight.”
The same resident went on to detail how “large lumps of concrete and metal” and “an office chair with a bucket on top” had been dumped there recently, in addition to the “large quantities of general litter” which they say are common place.
The dumped waste on Cambridge Road was subsequently cleared by South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) operatives on Friday (21 March).
The team from SCDC clear the fly tipped waste on Friday 21 March. Following the evidence
White goods such as fridges and freezers need to be disposed of properly as they contain harmful chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) gases. Correct disposal of such items can cost up to £50, leading to many being fly tipped to avoid the fee.
SCDC defines fly tipping as the illegal dumping of items and says anyone caught doing so could face a fixed penalty notice of up to £700.
They say: “all instances of fly tipping should be reported to us using an online web form, whether you witnessed it take place or not. People can be prosecuted even if waste is fly tipped by someone else on their behalf.”
They also urge residents to: “… always use a registered waste carrier to provide a skip and collect your rubbish; and check the register of waste carriers on the Environment Agency website”.
The Council’s environmental crimes officers will act on reports and follow up. If there is any information among the rubbish, such as bills or addresses, they can follow the evidence.
For the upcoming financial year, the Council will be purchasing an extra vehicle and employing another member of staff to support its enviro-crime team as it tackles fly tipping.
READ ALSO: Histon couple deny fly tipping accusation | HI HUB
Fill in the online form here to report fly tipping; and find out more about how to dispose of household items safely here.
When reporting incidents of fly tipping it is useful to include the following details:
- Exact location
- Date and time the fly tipping was discovered
- The contents and size of the fly tip
- Details and photos of the items
- Vehicle registration numbers
Spire Lea retains status as Centre of Excellence for endometriosis care
Impington’s Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital is celebrating five years as an Endometriosis Centre of Excellence.
The hospital’s EndoCare Centre has been accredited, for the 5th consecutive year, by the British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE), establishing it as one of the busiest centres for endometriosis care in the UK.
The hospital’s recognition coincides with Endometriosis Action Month 2025 this March, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and improving education for young people and healthcare practitioners around the condition.
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide and it occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body. These cells can grow and change causing inflammation, pain and scar tissue.
But despite the condition causing women debilitating pain and disruption to their daily lives, careers and fertility, it remains widely misdiagnosed.
The EndoCare centre, on New Road, Impington, is led by world-renowned endometriosis specialist, Professor Mohamed Mabrouk and has treated more than 3,000 patients and operated on more than 500 patients suffering from endometriosis in the last five years.
Multi-disciplinary approach
Prof Mabrouk and theatre team at Spire Lea hospital Management and treatment of severe endometriosis at Spire Cambridge Lea involves a multi-disciplinary approach and brings together consultants and experts in colorectal, urology, radiology and pain management specialties as well as a dedicated specialist nurse.
Professor Mohamed Mabrouk explained: “One of the most crucial aspects of our approach, is listening to the patient. Every woman’s experience with endometriosis is unique. Taking the time to understand each patient’s concerns and symptoms is fundamental in meeting their needs.”
He continued: “I am thrilled that our centre of excellence has retained its BSGE accreditation for the 5th year. Thanks to every member of the team.”
READ ALSO: EU surgery experts visit Spire training hub
Caretaker – East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices
EACH is looking to fill the following role.
Caretaker at Milton Hospice, CB24 6AB.
Permanent. Part time: 22.5 hours per week.
Apply before 09/04/25.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Human Resource Department at hrinbox@each.org.uk who will put you in contact with the Hospice Team.
