From fallen trees to flooding, knowing who to call when things go wrong in the village is the first step to getting them put right. Denis Payne lists the most common incidents – and what to do about them.
Knowing who has the authority to sort out problems that arise in public places is a useful starting point for resolving them, but with four levels of ‘local’ government and several other bodies involved, it’s difficult working out who does what and who to speak to if things need fixing.
Local government
Some of the issues are dealt with by ‘local’ government and other bodies paid for from our Council Tax, so here are some clues:
The Parish Council – closest to us, 19 Councillors elected from Histon and Impington, and with offices in the village. They have few duties (i.e. things they have to do), but for us, among other things they provide the civic cemetery, recreation and play areas, and look after various areas of the village, including the Green. They’re our voice to higher authorities – particularly on planning.
The District Council – based at Cambourne, with 3 Councillors for us to vote in. They collect refuse, manage most of the planning decisions, provide and manage housing, are responsible for the key drains, and other environmental issues (noise, pollution).
The County Council – now based at Alconbury, with just one Councillor representing the village, Orchard Park and King’s Meadows. They provide essential social services for vulnerable adults and children. Schools and education (but not academies), maintain highways (but not the A14, M11) and dispose of waste (collected by the District Council).
The Combined Authority are based in Huntingdon, and the Mayor is elected by everyone in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Other members of the Board are appointed by Unitary (Peterborough), County and District (& City) Councils. They have funding from the Government, and our Council Tax. They support public transport, and are responsible for top level transport planning. They support and deliver a range of projects focusing on economic growth and helping to improve lives.
Other key players
Also funded by Council Tax are some emergency services:
Cambridgeshire Constabulary – there’s a single elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough. On more day-to-day issues there’s a Chief, Deputy Chief and Assistant Chief Constable.
Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue – is run by a Board of 17 Councillors appointed by the County Council and Peterborough City Council.
And finally:
Greater Cambridge Partnership – has members appointed by City, District and County Councils and also business and university representatives. It’s funding comes from Government grants. Most times it is unable to act without the support of one or more of the Councils – who are therefore the final decision maker.
Dealing with a problem
As always, if it is an emergency, as someone is hurt or lives may be at risk, call 999. Most Councils only work office hours (and not weekends) so outside those hours you’ll only be able to report something – and it will take time to fix.
Several problems could require police action but aren’t life threatening. In that case 101 is the number, but in Cambridgeshire you can jump the inevitable phone queue by using their new online reporting system at www.cambs.police.uk/ro/report/. Just click ‘Report’ on the left hand side of the home screen. Reports are dealt with in exactly the same way as 101 calls.
What to do if…
Here are some of the most common incidents that arise in the village – and what to do about them.
Anti-social behaviour – is always a Police issue, so call 101 (or 999 in an emergency) or www.cambs.police.uk/ro/report/. Even if you think nothing will happen, do report it. The total amount of ASB influences policing patterns.
Bin not collected – needs to be reported online after 3:30pm on the day of the missed collection, at https://forms.scambs.gov.uk/MISSEDBIN/launch
Broken glass in play areas – the Parish Council has a ranger who will clear this (during work hours). Call 01223 235906.
Fallen tree – if it’s blocking a road, it’s a highways emergency so call the County Council on 0345 045 5212 during office hours, or Police on 101 or www.cambs.police.uk/ro/report/ outside of those hours. Otherwise, it will be the owner who will need to deal with it. The Parish Council may be able to help find out who that is, so call them on 01223 235906.
Flooding (roads) – it’s a highways emergency if the road is impassable so call the County Council on 0345 045 5212 during office hours, or Police 101 or www.cambs.police.uk/ro/report/ outside of those hours.
Overflowing bin – on the High Street, report to a nearby shop. Elsewhere, report to the Parish Council on 01223 233577. Because these are cleared by the District Council it may take a while to get sorted.
Potholes (and all non-emergency road faults) – have to be reported online at highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/
Power cut –going online is the quickest way to report a power cut and get updates. www.powercut105.com/en/report-a-power-cut, or call 105.
Seen something suspicious? – tell the Police on 101 or online at www.cambs.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/
Sewage issues – Anglian Water deals with these so call them on 03457 145 145
Smell gas – call 0800 111 999. This is the National Gas Emergency Line and is staffed 24/7.
Street light out – call 0800 783 8247 or report online at www.lightingcambridgeshire.com/contact-us/report-fault.htm
Traffic lights – if all the lights are out, that’s an emergency so call the County Council on 0345 045 5212 during office hours, or Police 101 or www.cambs.police.uk/ro/report/ outside of those hours.
Water leak (road or path) – Cambridge Water supplies water to the village, so call 0800 316 76 76.