Following the resignation of both the District Councillors for Longstanton, Northstowe and Westwick & Oakington, a by-election is to be held on 3rd November.
But you knew that, of course…
We’ve all been receiving a flurry of election flyers from the candidates involved and in some cases even a knock on the door from a canvasser. We’ve been fascinated and encouraged to see how environmental issues in general, and the groundwater issue in particular have risen in prominence. This is an issue which engages a growing number of local residents, and candidates for office are having to address it. Here’s a selection of quotes from the election literature of the various parties involved in the election.
We will declare an interest in that Debbie Poyser, the Independent Candidate, has been an active campaigner on groundwater issues in Longstanton and has contributed articles to this website and to our associated Facebook page. Also, as it speaks to local knowledge, we have marked with an asterisk (*) candidates who are normally resident in the Longstanton, Northstowe and Westwick & Oakington ward.
Conservatives
Candidates: Tom Bygott*, Khadijeh Zargar
“The local environment is suffering due to mistakes made during the construction of Northstowe. The Lib Dems have constantly failed to protect our trees and wildlife. We will demand immediate action is taken to protect our precious surroundings.
Green Party
Candidates: Silke Scott-Mance*, Colin Coe
“Pause further expansion of Northstowe until the impact on the local water table has been assessed.”
Independent
Candidate: Debbie Poyser*
“Longstanton’s groundwater table has been dramatically lowered by massive construction. I want the groundwater collapse fully investigated and repaired.”
“Dried out ponds and wells must be restored and trees and buildings protected from potentially disastrous effects.”
“I’ll represent all water-related concerns with equal vigour, not only for Longstanton, but also for Oakington & Westwick and Northstowe.”
“Future development must also be prevented from making the situation worse. Should we believe that Northstowe Phase 3 will not ‘significantly’ further reduce groundwater levels, as we are assured?”
“South Cambs District Council did not carry out an updated statutory Impact Advisory Assessment, leaving us unsure what the impact of Phase 3 will be.”
Labour
Candidates: Dan Greef*, Anand Pillai
“As ponds and wells dry out, residents worry for the safety of gardens and buildings as well as wildlife.”
“When water levels drop in one area, there’s an increased flooding risk in nearby villages.”
“It’s time the council stopped paying lip-service to the issue. Things just cannot carry on as they are.”
“This situation is a very sorry tale of poor decisions and a failure to listen to warnings from local residents.”
“We can push the council to listen, to learn and to stop making mistakes with our precious groundwater.”
Liberal Democrats
Candidates: Natalie Warren-Green, Lawrence Zeegen*
“Getting to the bottom of our pond issues. Fighting to make sure developers pay for mistakes.”
“Ensure the Council follows any advice from the Environment Agency and all working groups on dealing with the ongoing groundwater issue.”