Hunts Post: Letters to the Editor and community reports

The SNI meeting was held on May 25 at the Art and Soul Café in St Neots. The event saw a strong turnout and sparked engaging discussions among attendees.

During this significant meeting, SNI announced its plans to restructure and transition into a Charitable Incorporated Association (CIO), following valuable legal advice.

The decision to propose this change was driven by the challenges associated with the current association structure which limited its potential to scale.

At the annual meeting, a large majority of voting members supported the proposed changes, including the approval of a revised temporary constitution to align with the new structure and to allow the formal transition to a CIO.

These decisions mark a significant milestone for SNI as it continues its journey towards greater impact and effectiveness.

The leadership team also underwent important changes, with Alex Hughes being re-elected as chair and Daniel Dodson elected to the role of vice-chair.

The SNI expressed deep appreciation to Gordon Round, the former vice-chair, for his invaluable contributions throughout the years as both chair and vice-chair.

Additionally, Gordon stepped down from his position as chair of the promotion and tourism group, with Liz Davies taking on the role of chair and Charlie O'Brien appointed as vice-chair.

Reflecting on the achievements of the past year, Alex Hughes stated, "We can all take pride in what we have accomplished.

"From the successful relaunch of SNI in March 2023 to the recognition of outstanding citizens through our awards programme, and most notably, the upcoming opening of the Citizen Hub."

In collaboration with eVolve Your Future, the Citizen Hub will be situated at the former Elsie May's Electric Lounge, a location that holds historical significance as the former Job Centre.

eVolve Your Future, an independent training provider with 17 years of experience supporting individuals in the East Midlands, has expressed its excitement about this collaborative endeavour with St Neots.

The Citizen Hub aims to foster a new era of collaboration in the town, offering a wide range of skills training for both citizens and organisations, thereby enhancing the local job market and employment prospects.

Whilst working with the Initiative, that has operated in the town for almost three decades, all parties hope to see this thrive with the support of the community to become a beacon for how other market towns can be creative with how they support themselves.

Furthermore, SNI announced the launch of its Job Finder, which will operate from the Citizen Hub starting this summer.

This initiative seeks to address the pressing employment crisis faced by the local economy, primarily caused by the lack of infrastructure connecting local businesses with the town's talented citizens.

SNI proudly revealed its sponsorship of the St Neots Festival, scheduled to take place on 23rd and 24th June 2023 at Priory Park in St Neots.

As a sponsor, SNI will be associated with one of the stages, aptly named The Future Stage, adding to the excitement and positive experiences of festival-goers.

Residents interested in becoming citizen members of St Neots Initiative are encouraged to sign up for free via the organisation's website at: www.stneotsinitiative.org.uk

St Neots Initiative

Letters

Box Ticking exercise for 'no mow May'

There appears to be a moral box ticking in following the ‘no mow May’ initiatives without some thought.

I can’t think of any people that would not support initiatives to protect wildlife BUT, where appropriate, public safety must be put first.

The big example of impact of safety is on roadsides and junctions where the grass impairs visibility (especially at junctions).

My home site of B645 and junction turning right into Hail Weston is one but another ‘waiting for a big accident’ is at the B1090-Ramsey Road-Sapley Road in Huntingdon. My wife and family roll the dice there daily.

Please can we have this sorted quickly and ensure that the cutting of roadsides is NOT stopped where safety is at risk.

It’s almost like the decision making process did not do a risk/impact assessment.

If I were to suffer damage or injuries, I would make my compensation case (should I live) against the grass cutting authority.

Anthony Baker

Hail Weston 

Seems like cost cutting to me!

Reference The Hunts Post article of June 7 about why the grass has grown so long.

I fully appreciate all the comments made regarding wildlife, insects and climate strategy etc which were made in the Sara Conboy column.

But, amenity areas in Weston Court, in Eaton Socon, where there is a children’s play area and the grass has not been cut. We are all told to be careful of insects and tics which are not ideal where children are playing.   

And what about the grass, weeds; self seeding in gutters and on pavements causing mess and trip hazards. The gutter is never swept cleaned and when the grass is cut, it is just left to rot. 

Surerly, the dry grass could also be a hazard in very dry hot weather and also the mess left is never cleared up properly and eventually causes blocked drains and weeds everywhere.

We see this happening every year and it has steadily got worse. Some people get frustrated with it and cut it themselves.

Also the long grass at road junctions are causing problems  accidents waiting to happen if not looked at

I feel all of this is down to cost-cutting by the councils and I think the Council Tax payers of Huntingdonshire deserve better.

Also the long grass at road junctions are causing problems  accidents waiting to happen if not looked at.


S R Smith Eaton Socon