Read Letters to the Editor in this week's Hunts Post

Realisation was like bolt out of the blue!

I was at a supermarket in St Neots recently where there is a petrol station there.

The forecourt was literally packed and you couldn't get any more cars on it. I would guess there were about 50 cars waiting to fill up.

Then it struck me, if these where electric cars wanting a charge, even say 25 per cent of them, how long would it take to charge them all?

Not only that, but presuming the whole country was doing the same thing, how much extra electricity would need to be generated to meet requirements, particularly if it was a day with no sun or wind?

The trouble with so many of the suggestions to meet net zero, no one seems to look at the problems it will cause before there is a solution up and running.

Remember it is only just over five years until all new cars will be electric!

Bill Hodges

Eynesbury

St Neots

Don't miss the gardening show this weekend

St Neots Gardening Club is holding its annual show on Saturday, August 12 at the  Jubilee Hall in Eaton Socon.

Judging of the exhibits takes place earlier in the day, and then at 2pm, the hall is open to the public to view the exhibits and enjoy light refreshments.

Members and non members are welcome to enter exhibits in the show, entry details from Peter Walker at: peter.walker@stneotsgardenclub.org.uk.
For further information check the club website www.stneotsgardenclub.org.uk

Peter Walker

St Neots Gardening Club

Some exhibits from last year's gardening show. (Image: PETER WALKER)

What is happening to HDC Planning Dept?

Whilst all other council departments are working under pressure and financial constraints, the planning department at Huntingdonshire District Council continues to decline in its performance of not meeting the statutory eight-week period for decisions, non-determination of applications, and representation of its service.

For over four years the service can only be classed as less than third world as some applications remain underdetermined after 12 months.

An application for a single dwelling has taken 72 weeks for a decision, only being looked at after 70 weeks without providing any reason for the long delay. Small sites of five dwellings have still not been determined.

Are planners working to approve criteria or are they working on individual preferences. 

Why is it taking so long for a 'yes' or 'no' for an application within the eight-week period?

When an applicant submits and pays the relevant fees to planners this constitutes a contract between the two parties for a decision within the statuary period and if not adhered could be classed as representation by false pretence.

The delays by planners is a major problem for small local builders and developers who are greatly affected long delays as they have invested in small plots but are put to the bottom of the pile.

Communication with planning dept is almost non-existent.

Even our local MP does not receive replies to enquiries he makes on behalf of his constituents

The planning dept is not fit for purpose and its present performance is letting the remaining council department applicants and council tax payers down.

No more excuses. Please perform as you are employed to do and make HDC planning dept great again

B Jones

Eaton Socon