Category: Cambridgeshire

A landlord who failed to tackle serious safety hazards and operated rental properties without the required licences is set to be added to the Rogue Landlord Database following a successful prosecution by Peterborough City Council.
Zahid Hussain was ordered to pay £13,936 after being convicted of housing offences involving a number of properties in Peterborough.
The prosecution followed inspections at a property in Stone Lane, where council officers found damp and mould, electrical and fire safety hazards, and a home that was excessively cold.
They were also unable to find any evidence that the property’s gas appliances, boiler or electrical installations met current safety requirements.
Improvement notice
Despite being served with improvement notices requiring the defects to be addressed, Hussain failed to carry out the work.
In addition, the council found Hussain was managing properties in St Paul’s Road that required licences under Peterborough’s Selective Licensing scheme but had not obtained them.
Hussain did not attend a hearing at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court and was convicted in his absence. He was fined £2,000 for failing to comply with improvement notices and £3,000 for each licensing offence, along with a £3,200 victim surcharge and costs.
I hope that this successful prosecution serves as a warning.”
Councillor Christian Hogg, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and Enforcement, Peterborough
Councillor Christian Hogg, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and Enforcement, says: “I hope that this successful prosecution serves as a warning to the small minority of landlords who put their tenants at risk.
“We are fully committed to maintaining safe and well managed housing for residents and will take appropriate enforcement action under the range of powers available to us if we discover landlords or companies who flagrantly disregard the law.”
The council says it will now seek to have him included on the Rogue Landlord Database, which is used to record landlords and property agents who have committed serious housing offences.

The works are part of a major redevelopment in the city centreDarren Calpin, Local Democracy Reporter18:00, 14 Jun 2026Signage warning of ‘Major works’ at Peterborough’s Queensgate roundabout(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)Motorists have been warned of impending “major works” likely to cause significant traffic issues. Drivers heading into work in Peterborough recently will have seen signs on main roads warning that delays are expected.The signage also confirms that the work is scheduled to begin on July 6 and last until summer 2027. The Queensgate roundabout is one of the busiest interchanges in the city.The works are likely to cause significant disruption as much of the traffic using the roundabout and surrounding area is drawn to the car parks which serve both the railway station and Queensgate Shopping Centre.The works are part of a £1.5 million overhaul which will see two of the roundabout’s three subways filled in and then replaced with a pedestrian crossing into Cowgate. This initiative – known as ‘City Link’ – will allow people and cyclists to make use of a realigned path on raised ground level to reach the city centre.The transformation of the Queensgate roundabout is the first phase of the £65 million Station Quarter regeneration. It aims to turn Peterborough railway station into a double-sided gateway with a new western entrance, commercial space, and enhanced cycle and pedestrian links into the city centre.

BBC confirms David Mitchell will return this summer with series two of LudwigAbbie Bray Deputy Editor for Screen Time22:00, 13 Jun 2026Ludwig returns in season two teaser from The BBC The BBC has announced thrilling news for fans of the detective series that viewers have hailed as “better than Death in Paradise and Vera” — confirming that Series 2 of Ludwig will land later this year.The broadcaster revealed the show’s return, widely celebrated as a “masterpiece”, in an official statement: “The UK’s most-watched new comedy title since 2018 returns for a second series on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this summer and will pick up with master puzzle-setter and Crime Scene Consultant John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor (David Mitchell) solving ‘impossible’ crimes for the Cambridge Police Authority.”Anna Maxwell Martin returns as Lucy, John’s sister-in-law and wife of his missing brother James – another puzzle that needs solving and a husband and father that needs to be brought home.”Crime drama devotees were thrilled by the news, taking to social media in droves to share their enthusiasm, with one Instagram user simply writing, “The best news”.David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin will be reprising their roles(Image: BBC)”I AM SO READY,” wrote another, while a third commented, “Oh so so so SO good,” reports the Express.One particularly enthusiastic fan added, “Woot! If I could quit my job today and become a puzzle consultant, I absolutely would.”Since the first series aired, viewers have been effusive in their praise online, drawing comparisons with other beloved detective programmes. Many have gone so far as to argue that it eclipses the likes of Vera, Midsomer Murders, and Death in Paradise.One Reddit user remarked, “Hello. Just want to say I really enjoyed this TV show im a big fan of David Mitchell, although I’m not sure we’d agree politically on everything, but this show was great.”Sure, it’s a little contrived, but it’s fun and so much better than Midsomer Murders. Loved the music too, really hope they do a second series.”Series two of Ludwig will be back later this year(Image: BBC)In a separate Reddit thread, one viewer drew parallels with Death in Paradise and Professor T, commenting: “The revealing of the murderer is the same as Death in Paradise and its spin-offs. I was so confused about how DCI Taylor cracked the case with its complex method. It is so intriguing with the whole puzzle-style of crime solving. The background case involving his twin brother’s disappearance is a mystery as well. The whole series is like a combination of Professor T and Numbers (US series).”Another contributor noted: “I got the vibe that the lead detective(both twins) is similar to Professor T, Richard Poole in DIP, and DI Mackenzie Clarke in Return to Paradise(Australia Spin-off).”A third viewer added: “I think it is actually better than Death in Paradise.”One viewer enquired: “Similar to Vera?” to which another swiftly responded: “Better!”Series one of Ludwig is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Cambridgeshire Live readers have debated a local report about motorists using residential streets that led to a collision. Contributors expressed firm opinions on speeding, enforcement, and the consequences for emergency services and cyclists.

A city councillor is demanding action to address speeding and reckless driving on a Peterborough road after two teenagers sustained serious injuries in a crash.

Dogsthorpe Councillor Katy Cole is scheduled to meet with residents, police, Peterborough City Council officers, ward councillors and Cabinet colleagues on Tuesday, 9 June, to explore measures that could tackle speeding and road safety issues.

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“The reason I’ve put this meeting together is so that the [council] officers, the police and Angus Ellis (Cabinet Member for Transport) can come up with a plan,” Cllr Cole said.
The residential streets surrounding Sycamore Avenue are recognised as an area where drivers regularly travel erratically at excessive speeds. Earlier this month, two teenagers suffered serious injuries after the vehicle they were driving collided with three parked cars.

One reader, Garyblowpants comments: “Looks like it needs more speed bumps and cameras. Speed bumps and also potholes give drivers a much-needed massage in the lower region from their long hours of sitting in queues of their own causing. They should be thankful!”

Freddly writes: “I’m equally concerned about the ‘respectable’ drivers in Dogsthorpe who routinely drive at 45 in a 30 zone. We will not solve this problem until the fines are commensurate with the danger to life. There is very little speeding in Aus / NZ towns and cities because the fines are many hundreds, every time.”

Skipper says: “Problem is, 99.999% of drivers drive sensibly, but all of us are penalised rather than tackling persistent offenders. Of course, the anti-car councils use it to make life even more unpleasant for drivers.”

Tyrannosaurus adds: “Elected in 2023 and not many months without concerns from residents. It’s nearly halfway through 2026, so why has she ignored her residents’ concerns for 3 years? And let me get this straight, she can ask for meetings with the police, and they attend, yet if you’re a normal citizen of this dump, the only time you get to see a police clown is when they are watching football, watching whatever fun run is going on or if there is a new Greggs opening. Perhaps if they weren’t sitting around in meetings, they could possibly do their job and actually deal with crime, but no, they only have the resources for the 3 things mentioned above and sitting around in 3 years to late meetings.”

While over on our Facebook page, Katie R B comments: “It won’t change, they’re like it everywhere in Borough, Paston, Dogthorpe, Westwood. There’s a long road or ring road; they’ve always done it.”
Janie M mentions: “Thought it was King’s Hedges road, Cambridge, as that’s a rat race too. Ballacarva idiots doing wheelies, speeding on those stolen motorbikes. Seems it’s the same.”
Will more speed bumps/cameras solve this issue? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

The government has confirmed that roughly 15 million people — half of the entire workforce — are set to benefit from the Employment Rights Act 2025Change to law ‘now in force’ for people taking sick day(Image: Catherine Falls Commercial via Getty Images)Major reforms affecting all workers have now taken effect – with the Government confirming that approximately 15 million people, representing half of the entire workforce, stand to benefit. Seven crucial measures within the Employment Rights Act are now legally enforceable and will have implications for anyone feeling unwell before going into work.One notable new change will affect anybody who calls in sick. Further employment law updates include ‘day one’ rights for parental and bereavement leave, as well as an end to exploitative fire and rehire practices.Officials say the reforms will eradicate insecure work, unfair pay and poor working conditions, putting more money in workers’ pockets and raising living standards. These include extending sick pay to up to 1.3 million of the lowest-paid employees.In a recent parliamentary question, Labour’s Dr Beccy Cooper asked Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden: “What assessment they have made of the adequacy of Statutory Sick Pay in meeting essential living costs for low-income workers.”In response, Dame Diana Johnson, Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, highlighted the new laws which are now in force. She said: “Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is designed to provide a minimum level of support and financial security for employees when they are unable to work due to sickness whilst also balancing the cost to employers.”, reports the Mirror.”The government has made key changes to SSP, which came into force last month. Through the Employment Rights Act, we have removed the Lower Earnings Limit for SSP. Previously, employees had to earn at least £125 per week to be eligible to receive SSP from their employer. The removal of the Lower Earnings Limit has meant this threshold no longer applies.”This means up to 1.3 million more employees will be covered, supporting low-income workers and those who work for more than one employer. We have also removed the waiting period, so people can access sick pay from their first day of sickness absence.”These changes will mean that employees receive around an extra £400 million a year in sick pay.”The changes include:Statutory sick pay is paid from the first day of absence, instead of the fourth day. The lower earnings limit has also been removed.Parental leave is more readily available – including paternity leave and ordinary parental leave, or unpaid parental leave, which became a day one right, and bereaved partner’s paternity leave.Disclosure of sexual harassment has become a ‘qualifying disclosure’, giving protections from dismissal and detriment.Fines for employers who do not consult in collective redundancy situations have doubled to 180 days’ pay for each employee affected.Trade unions can use a simplified statutory recognition process to gain the right to negotiate with employers over pay and conditions.Employers must keep records of annual leave and holiday pay.At Work and Pensions questions following the introduction of the plans, Labour MP Yuan Yang put it to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden: “What assessment he has made of the adequacy of rates of statutory sick pay.”For further details on rule changes, click here. Mr McFadden outlined the changes: “I believe my hon. Friend will welcome the changes the Government have made to statutory sick pay, which came into force earlier this month. For the first time ever, we have removed the lower earnings limit for statutory sick pay, as well as the waiting period so that people can access sick pay as soon as they need it. These changes will mean that up to 1.3 million more people will be covered, helping the low paid and those who work for more than one employer in particular.”Ms Yang emphasised a crucial element was the immediate payments: “I am indeed very proud of this Labour Government’s historic Employment Rights Act 2025, which, from this month, means that workers will get statutory sick pay from the first day they are ill, rather than having to wait till the fourth. Too many people in Reading-even those working in health and care settings-are working through their illnesses; this measure will protect them, their clients and patients and improve the productivity of their workplaces.”While the ERA is an important step forward, does the Secretary of State accept that the current flat rate of statutory sick pay-at four fifths of average earnings-remains a barrier to those on low incomes, and thus remains a barrier to tackling illness in the workplace?” Mr McFadden added: “I believe that removing the three-day limit and giving access to statutory sick pay from day one, as well as making it available to those who work for multiple employers, should decrease the pressure on workers to have to work through illness.”My hon. Friend will be aware that the “Keep Britain Working” review led by Charlie Mayfield also aims to work with employers to help keep people in jobs while they cope with some of the long-term sickness issues that can develop as workers get older.”The TUC has stated that the new Act will bring significant advantages for the nation, including enhanced health, wellbeing and job satisfaction, together with reduced workplace disputes, resulting in higher economic output and employment rates.TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “The Employment Rights Act will deliver vital common sense reforms for millions of people across the country, including sick pay for all workers from day one, banning exploitative zero hours contracts and protecting workers from harassment.”Too often in this debate the facts are ignored, but stronger rights at work are good for workers and employers – driving up labour market participation, improving health, raising productivity and boosting demand.”The Employment Rights Act will deliver an estimated £10 billion boost to the economy – gains that far outstrip any costs. Britain will now be brought into line with other countries where workers already have better protections and, crucially, the legislation will give working people the higher living standards and secure incomes that are needed to build a decent life.”Good employers will also welcome these changes: the Act protects them from competitors whose business models are built on low-paid, insecure employment.”Research suggests that new sick pay entitlements are set to carry the greatest significance for both employees and businesses alike.Fred Jerrome, Head of Workplace Policy at Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), cautioned that employers could face considerable financial penalties. He said: “6 April marked more than the new tax year – it saw the roll out of the first major employment law changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025.”But bringing new laws into force is just the first step. At Acas, we’re working on how these reforms can be successful in practice. As well as training managers and communicating with staff about individual rights, Acas encourages employers to take a proactive approach to dealings with trade unions. Our collective conciliation service is on hand to assist with emerging disputes. It will be employers and unions who are ready to work well together who see the most benefits from the changes in April and beyond.”A study commissioned by conciliation service Acas examining the Employment Rights Act’s reforms revealed that new protections against unfair dismissal were also recognised as significantly impactful.Firms identified new paternity leave entitlements as their third most pressing concern, while workers attached greater significance to the revised flexible working provisions. Acas stated the research would enable it to target support for employees and employers where it is most required.Niall Mackenzie, Acas chief executive, said: “The Employment Rights Act is a major shake-up in employment law and will impact businesses and workers across the country.”It’s crucial that both employers and employees get to grips with the new rules, and Acas remains best placed as independent experts helping everyone at work throughout this period of change.”Acas will be working with employers, workers and their representatives on the implementation of the Employment Rights Act and we will be updating our advice and training.”

A railway bridge once dubbed the “most bashed” in Britain has claimed another casualty after a van got wedged under it.The roof of the delivery van was ripped off in the collision in Bridge Road in Ely, at about 09:15 BST, Cambridgeshire Police said.Network Rail awarded the dubious accolade of “most bashed” to the structure after 18 incidents were recorded in 2023-24.No-one was injured or arrested in the latest collision and Network Rail said there was no structural damage to the bridge and train services “resumed normal operation at 10:00”.The spokesperson said trains were initially “being cautioned through the area while the bridge was inspected”.While once called the “most bashed bridge”, by 2024-25, it had dropped to third place, external in Network Rail’s annual list of most-struck railway bridges, with 15 recorded incidents.However, just last month a tractor lost its roof after becoming wedged under the structure, and the following day it was hit by a van.There are height restriction warning signs on both approaches to the bridge and there is also a bypass.Network Rail generally publishes its updated lists of the most struck railway bridges in December each year.Do you have a story suggestion for Cambridgeshire? Contact us below.

The opening date for a new primary school and early years facility is not known and is under imminent review, it has been revealed.Saltbrook Primary Academy in Sawtry, Cambridgeshire, will eventually accommodate up to 420 children and was given outline planning consent in 2021, with a proposed opening date of September 2023., externalThe existing junior academy in the village recently put in planning applications, external to keep a mobile classroom until 2031 and add another.Cambridgeshire County Council said: “Opening the new school at the right time is essential to ensuring the established schools in Sawtry remain sustainable in the long-term.”A formal planning application for the school went in last year, and it is being designed for families moving into new housing developments in the northern part of the area.In 2023, the nearby Great Gidding Church of England Primary was closed by the county council – which called it unviable – having had 47 pupils at the time.A county council spokesperson explained that the first phase of construction of Saltbrook was due to happen before the school was required.”The opening date for the new school is being kept under review by the council, the Department for Education and Meridian Trust, to ensure the school opens at a time which prioritises the needs of the children and young people living in the local community.”It said that “sustainability is being safeguarded in this interim period through the provision of high-quality modular classrooms”.Meridian Trust, which would run the new school, said it was “looking forward” to meeting the council “imminently to review timelines” for opening it.”We know how important this new provision will be for local families and are excited about the opportunities it will bring to the community,” said the trust.”The new school will provide additional capacity across the area, removing the need for temporary buildings.”Do you have a story suggestion for Cambridgeshire? Contact us below.

Channel 4 has confirmed that a hit true crime doc that’s previously left fans feeling “physically sick” will air next week.Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter18:17, 11 Jun 2026Channel 4 Taskmaster stars Greg Davies and Alex Horne. (Image: CHANNEL 4)Taskmaster is drawing to a close and Channel 4 has already revealed what will fill its slot next week.Greg Davies and Alex Horne are presiding over the final instalment of their quirky Channel 4 game show tonight, Thursday, June 11, with the five celebrities keen to claim the coveted golden Taskmaster trophy.At present, comedian Amy Gledhill, writer Armando Iannucci, actor Kumail Nanjiani and Gavin and Stacey’s Joanna Page all remain in contention for victory, though presenter Joel Dommett unfortunately no longer has sufficient points.Channel 4 audiences are keenly anticipating the finale, but many are already curious about what will succeed Taskmaster following its 10-week run in the Thursday evening primetime schedule.It has now been confirmed that Taskmaster series 21’s replacement next week is a “real hidden gem” that has both “captivated” and previously left audiences feeling “physically sick”.Billed as an “eye-opening” true crime documentary series, Channel 4 is scheduled to repeat a popular episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody.DCI Adam Gallop in Channel 4’s 24 Hours in Police Custody.(Image: CHANNEL 4)The critically acclaimed programme follows the daily work of officers investigating serious crimes, documenting the journey from initial arrest through to final charge.Originally broadcast in 2021, this episode, titled The No Body Murder, which follows Cambridgeshire Police, sees “DCI Adam Gallop believe a man declared missing in 2015 has been murdered.”But has so far been unable to locate his body and the more time passes, the less chance there is of new witnesses or forensic evidence turning up.”The official description continues: “The police investigation takes officers from an urgent excavation in the woods where the missing man is believed to have been shot to a journey across Europe in search of clues.”Writing on IMDb, one viewer commented: “Arguably ‘true crime’ has never seen a better documentary.”Another described it as “Gripping, unpredictable, shocking. A fantastic insight into the Police in Beds/Cambs. Unmissable TV.”Channel 4 will be airing 24 Hours in Police Custody’s episode The No Body Murder.(Image: CHANNEL 4)A third viewer observed: “Pure drama that challenges the perception of modern day police work and the modern day accused.”However, before 24 Hours in Police Custody returns to screens next week, viewers must first enjoy tonight’s Taskmaster finale.The official synopsis for this evening’s Taskmaster final reads: “Amy Gledhill literally tears her hair out, Armando Iannucci plays the recorder while riding a trike with a plunger on his head.”Joel Dommett sniffs the contents of a vacuum, Kumail Nanjiani mistreats a beloved resident of the Taskmaster house and Joanna Page lays waste to Little Alex Horne. Plus, the greatest pillow fights of all time.”24 Hours in Police Custody is available to watch on Channel 4.

A farmer said he hoped to be crowned the fittest in Britain at an annual competition.David Wheatley, an arable farmer from Wisbech St Mary in Cambridgeshire, was inspired to enter this year’s Britain’s Fittest Farmer after watching the 2025 contest.He said he did not come from a fitness background, but started running after a fire at his farm in 2019 affected his mental health.He will be competing in the qualifying rounds of the competition at Lincolnshire Showground on 17 June.

Deb Hann

This week I’d like to introduce the new Cambridge Station Support Officer, Lauren Fletcher.
Deb Hann
Lauren joins us from outside police and brings experience from roles centred on caring for and supporting people. A lifelong Cambridge local, she is married with four children. One of her favourite things to do is to head to Mount Maunganui to walk and relax, with a nice dinner out afterwards. As her husband is a high-ranking speedway saloon driver, family summers feature travel to race meetings around the North Island. We welcome Lauren to the team.
Fieldays is now underway at Mystery Creek, bringing an influx of visitors and traffic into Waipā. With winter conditions setting in, please take extra care on the roads. Drive to the conditions, stay alert to what’s happening around you,  be patient and prepared for delays. Allow extra travel time. Even without these traffic pressures, over the seven days to Monday this week  Cambridge police had attended seven traffic crashes, while Te Awamutu staff dealt with four.
There were some good local traffic catches in the last week. Last Friday, Police received reports of a vehicle driving dangerously as it travelled from Tauranga though to Cambridge. It was stopped on Tīrau Rd, where breath alcohol testing of the driver returned a result over four times the legal limit. Te Awamutu Strategic Traffic staff also stopped a second impaired driver in a rural area, who again returned a high reading four times the legal limit. Making a hat trick,  another vehicle was observed travelling at speed on a rural road in wet conditions. The driver’s increasing speed then caused him to lose control, and he now faces driving charges in court.
E-bikes vs E-dirt bike
Finally, police nationwide are seeing increasing numbers of young people illegally riding high-powered e-dirt bikes.
An e-bike is bicycle with a motor that helps you pedal and riders are not required to hold a licence.
It is not a legal e-bike if it has a power output of more than 300W or can move without pedalling.  (limited throttle only start for stability prior to pedalling is permitted). In that case, the rider must hold some form of driving licence.
Electric and petrol dirt bikes and “choppers” without pedals (which are a moped or motorcycle) and pedal assisted mopeds are not classified as e-bikes.
Similarly , if the speed capacity is 50kph or less it’s a moped – over 50kph and it’s a motorbike.
Before purchasing, parents and caregivers should understand the legal requirements and also that many devices being sold today cannot be used in public places such as roads and footpaths. Further information may be found on the NZTA website.