A10 road safety
James has advocated for A10 road safety for over 20 years! First as a Councillor in Waterbeach and then as an Enfield Councillor.
In Enfield led the community campaign for average speed cameras. The London Mayor relented and now have cameras of part of the stretch – and have reduced injury incidents. Still petition campaigning for the rest of the corridor. In addition secured extra
Policing provision known as ‘Operation Ghost freak’ to tackle dangerous driving in the Borough. With the emerging technology of ‘noise cameras’ – has begun the call for these.
In Waterbeach successfully campaigned for traffic and street lights at the dangerous Denny End Junction and secured a reduced 50mph speed limit.
Enfield Borough Skatepark
The main skatepark was in a neglected state for many years. Part of the tarmac was completely ripped up and causing a safety issues with stones strewn across the space. Everywhere was overgrown, graffiti and broken/unemptied bins.
Over the course of two years James firmly pressed the Council for action. This included onsite meetings, emails, telephone calls, social media campaign posts. All this work was worthwhile with the tarmac resurfaced, new bins, new artwork on ramps, trees / bushes cut back – a much nicer space for all.
Shop Local campaign – following Barracks Closure
When Waterbeach Barracks closed there was a real fear for the local economy. James launched the Shop Local campaign, convened business group meetings and a Chaired a summit at the Council (pictured right) to establish what extra support could be provided. Through this difficult time the community managed to maintain all the local shops.
Saving the Village Post Office
When the Post Office model changed for provision of services it meant that the existing Post Office was no longer viable in Waterbeach.
James worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the Post Office was not lost – and instead that it merged into the local Village Stores.
Pictured right: James is guest of honour at the opening of the new Post Office – and made the rare exception of wearing a red tie that day!
Local Connection Housing
James campaigns for what is known as ‘local connection housing’. He successfully secured the first scheme in Waterbeach and backed a second scheme in Landbeach. Giving the dream of a home to many. Pictured at the Waterbeach scheme with Lucy Frazer MP.
This includes having written about the issue on the ‘Conservative Home’ website and serving on the board of a social housing provider.
Schemes like this mean those on the Council Housing waiting list that have a local connection are pushed to the front of the queue.
Saving Tudor Tithe Barn
James led efforts to save a listed Tudor Tithe Barn from conversion. It is the only one in the UK with the original floor in place. Pictured right: Taking part in a community clean up of the barn.
James used his experience of serving on previous boards / trust and law degree knowledge to assist with setting up a Trust – that has led on restoring the building.
To learn more about the Tithe Barn visit www.facebook.com/FriendsofLandbeachTitheBarn
Bringing the Council Contact Centre in house
For many years James was critical of the South Cambs Council Contact Centre being located many miles away. He made the case both from a financial cost standpoint and the common sense benefits of having the team in house. When James was elevated to Cabinet the Council Leader put him in charge of bringing the Contact Centre in house. This was done successfully; on time, on budget and delivered a yearly saving of £250k per year. Pictured above: Cutting the ribbon at the launch event with the Leader and Chief Executive of the Council.
