County Councillor Report for Parishes – June 2026 – Cllr Anna Bradnam
County Report 2026-06 PDF Version
County Council
At the Annual meeting of the County Council on 19 May we agreed two motions, reaffirming its
commitment to the Armed Forces community and taking steps to address the growing pressures of
freight development across the county.
The Council has restated its long-standing commitment to ensuring that serving personnel, veterans
and their families are treated fairly and face no disadvantage when accessing public services.
There are over 22,500 veterans living in Cambridgeshire and a strong Armed Forces presence across
the region – this motion sets out a renewed programme of support, including:
Signing a refreshed Armed Forces Covenant at the Communities, Social Mobility and
Inclusion Committee meeting on 25 June 2026.
Increasing awareness of support available through Council services, libraries, the Forces
Connect app and local networks.
Publishing an annual report on delivery of the Covenant across Council services.
Supporting continued funding for the Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Coordinator role
into 2027–28.
Writing to the Minister for Veterans and People in support of the Royal British Legion’s
‘Keep the Covenant Promise’ campaign, calling for clearer guidance, sustainable funding,
greater public awareness and stronger monitoring of the Covenant Duty.
A second motion was passed to take a coordinated approach to better understanding and managing
countywide freight impacts. To support this, the Council has resolved to request that the
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority commission a county-wide strategic
freight study to assess the long-term impacts on highway capacity, road safety and congestion,
surface water and flood risk, air quality, noise and public health, and community wellbeing.
The study will also look at opportunities to shift freight from road-only transport to rail and other
options, supported by collaboration with Network Rail, National Highways, district councils, and
other key partners.
The Council will contribute officer expertise, data, and local evidence, and ensure the findings are
reported to its Highways and Transport Committee and the constituent authorities.
The Full Council meeting was live streamed on ourƀYouTube channel,
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqkJNraVXNq2oF5JBx2_Afw where you can now watch it
back, and the papers discussed are available toƀread on our website.
Vandalism on traffic lights
Around 200 traffic light detector units were vandalised in Cambridge and across Cambridgeshire
during May. Around 50 sites were targeted, resulting in damage to approximately 200 detector
units. In one week alone, 20 junctions and crossings were vandalised, including nine damaged within
a 50-minute period on 4 May. Cables were cut and sometimes whole units needed to be replaced,
costing between £250 and £1500.
The equipment plays a vital role in keeping traffic moving safely and efficiently. Detectors identify
vehicles and pedestrians waiting at junctions, allowing traffic lights to respond to real-time demand.
When the technology is damaged, traffic lights revert to a fixed-time setting, leading to increased
congestion and delays for everyone, as well as potential safety issues.
The council worked with the police, social media and used CCTV footage to identify and apprehend
the culprit.
1Be Water Smart
A new campaign – “Be Water Smart” – has been launched by Cambridgeshire County Council to
support families to enjoy water safely this summer.
Designed to equip parents with important lifesaving knowledge, “Be Water Smart” aims to raise
awareness of the potential risks of swimming in open water, like lakes and rivers, and the simple,
proactive steps parents can take to ensure children have the right skills and knowledge they need to
stay safe around water.
With large areas of Cambridgeshire covered by inland water, there are some great opportunities for
fun and safe experiences on the county’s waterways – however unseen hazards, such as cold water
shock, strong currents, and hidden rubbish and debris, can cause difficulties for even strong
swimmers.
The campaign will remind families how they can stay safe in, on and around water. This will include
encouraging parents to familiarise themselves with the Water Safety Code (stop and think, stay
together, float and call 999 in the UK or 112 if abroad) and how to teach this to children to ensure
they know what to do if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly.
The council’s “Be Water Smart” campaign will focus on:
How families can stay safe together in and around water.
What to do if you or your child gets into difficulties in the water or comes across someone
else who is in trouble.
Raising awareness of the risks associated with swimming in open water, such as cold water
shock and hidden dangers under the water.
Helpful tips for enjoying the water safely this summer, including places where families can
have fun in the water in a safe and controlled environment.
Water safety activities and resources families can complete together.
For more information visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/be-water-smart or follow the campaign on
social media, using the hashtag #BeWaterSmart.
Climate Change and Environment Strategy 2026-2028
The Council adopted a new Climate Change & Environment Strategy, which explains how we plan to
tackle two major challenges facing Cambridgeshire: climate change and the loss of nature and
wildlife. Building on the progress we’ve already made, the strategy sets out how we will cut
emissions, improve our resilience to extreme weather, and protect and restore nature across the
county. It also shows how we will support communities and businesses who want to take action
themselves.
Our previous strategy delivered several important achievements, including earning a CDP ‘A’ rating
for climate action – placing the Council among global leaders in this area. This new strategy
continues that work. Our long-term goal remains the same:
To deliver net zero carbon emissions for Cambridgeshire by 2045 while supporting our communities
and nature to adapt and thrive as the climate changes.
Communities across Cambridgeshire regularly tell us that climate change and the environment are
important local issues. The 2025 Quality of Life survey | Cambridgeshire County
Council https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/council/quality-of-life-survey confirmed this,
highlighting a clear expectation that the Council should take practical and effective action.
This strategy shows how climate and environmental work can bring wide-ranging benefits, including:
Improved health and wellbeing: By reducing climate-related risks and helping communities
cope with extreme weather.
Reducing inequalities: By supporting households most affected by climate impacts, including
those facing fuel poverty.
New local opportunities: By helping grow green skills, jobs, and innovation across the
county.
2Climate change, energy and environment | Cambridgeshire County Council
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/climate-change-energy-and-environment
Local Highways Update
Locally we have a new Highways Maintenance Officer (David) following the promotion of George, who
now manages the southern area. I recently met David and I alerted him to a number of issues, about
which he gave me the following updates:
A10 Cambridge to Ely – the white lining is due to be replaced and all the vegetation is due to be cut
back (not just around signs). This will include the north side of the A14/A10 interchange and the slip
road into Milton. I await a timeframe.
Milton – Cambridge Road/High Street – the worst holes have been marked up to be patched (I’m
told w/c 26/05). This is a temporary measure, in preparation for design work (October 2026) prior to
resurfacing, which be done before the end of March 2027. Fingers crossed.
I have asked for the pedestrian crossing near Tesco to be re-painted as a matter of urgency.
Horse Chestnut tree – Ely Rd/High Street, near the College of West Anglia – is on highway land and
has shed branches in summer 2025 and winter 25/26, hence being taped off. I have requested a
report on the health of the tree, which I await.
Trees at 3 Ely Road (Kia Dealership) – I’ll report on this planning issue in the District Councillor
Report.
Landbeach – Green End – north section potholes have been marked up for repair. I have requested
resurfacing of the church bends both northbound and southbound carriageways.
High Street – I have requested repairs at the sides, near the Baptist Church and southbound towards
the de-restriction.
Waterbeach – Cambridge Road – I have requested resurfacing of the section near the Beach Social
Club and the section from the junction with Car Dyke to Coronation Close.
Bannold Road – I have requested resurfacing and attention to the junction with Bannold Drove and
the bridge over the ditch.
I note Coronation Close has been resurfaced. It is not obvious to me why this was deemed necessary
or how it has been triggered but I’m happy for the residents.
Culvert jetting
Landbeach crossroads – I have requested a report on the outcomes of the camera investigation and
jetting.
Milton – Fen Road and Old School Lane – considering the work residents and volunteers have done
over the years, whilst County Highways has failed to do this work, I have requested a report from the
County Council. I note the parish council is considering getting quotes for jetting the culverts.
Entrance to The Sycamores Recreation Ground – Job 448835 (repeat – still chasing)
I know the Community Centre Manager has been requesting updates for this for some time.
Works for a new gully have been ordered under Reactive Highways Maintenance: 28522.
Apparently everything is primed to go, but the contractor is struggling to provide a date at the
moment with the number of urgent works that are occurring on the network. The Highway
Maintenance Officer is following up for a date.
Cllr Anna Bradnam anna.bradnam@cambridgeshire.gov.uk 25/05/2026
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