Category: Cambridgeshire

Lieutenant Commander Greg Liddy RNZN salues as Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick and board member Chris Minneé reflect.

Wider call for respect

Today’s Anzac Day dawn service in Cambridge put out a call for to people to appreciate and respect first responders alongside the traditional honouring of defence force personnel. Hundreds gathered outside the Cambridge Town Hall at 6am today to mark the solemn occasion.  – Viv Posselt

More than 600 people gathered outside Cambridge’s Town Hall later for the civic service three hours later to remember those who served and reflect on the values of courage, service and peace.

A strong community turnout, student voices and quiet moments of reflection marked the service held under a clear autumn sky. – Mary Anne Gill

More on the day will be in our April 30 issue.

Cambridge RSA president, Sgt Graham Johns, accompanied by Staff Sgt Richie Plas, laying the first wreath at the dawn service, one on behalf of those who served and their families. Photo: Viv Posselt

Piper Bryan Mitchell playing the lament ‘Flowers of the Forest’ at the end of the dawn ceremony. Photo: Viv Posselt

The Cambridge and Districts Pipe Band leads the parade to the Cambridge Town Hall for the Anzac Day Civic Service. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Waipa mayor Mike Pettit lays a wreath during the Anzac Day Civic service outside Cambridge Town Hall. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Lieutenant Commander Greg Liddy RNZN salues as Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick and board member Chris Minneé reflect. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

One person said the high street had ‘nothing’ to offer

Residents in a rural town say their hometown is relaxing, but most are disappointed with its “dying” high street. The rural market town of Ramsey is home to around 8,800 people, according to the 2021 census.

It’s a town full of history and beautiful surrounding countryside, but some of its residents have mixed views on their hometown. As part of our Exploring Cambridgeshire series, we spoke to people about what it’s like to live there.

Jeff Kinpton, who lives in Ramsey Forty Foot with wife Jane, thinks Ramsey is “lovely”, but “that was about it”. Jeff described the town’s high street as “crap”.

He added: “It’s full of barbers. We had a fruit shop which was lovely, but it went within a few months. There is a coffee shop which is brilliant, but other than that, we don’t use anything because you walk down the high street and there is nothing. There is nothing to come here for.”

Jane believes there isn’t “enough footfall” to bring people to Ramsey’s high street. She added: “They are on about taking away parking, which is going to kill the shops. The footfall is going to be worse and we are going to lose more shops. There is not a lot of reason to come into town.”

Elaine Baxter lives in Scotland, but regularly visits Ramsey to visit her elderly parents. She likes Ramsey, describing it as a “calm and nice” place. She believes the high street has a “reasonable amount of shops”, but finds it a “shame” that the town has “lost a lot of banks”.

She added: “There used to be a few nice ladies’ clothes shops, but that was about 20 years ago. Do they really need as many tanning shops? But, then if they want to attract younger people, maybe they do.”

Debbie Lowther is a long-term resident of Ramsey, but also volunteers at the Sue Ryder charity shop in the high street. On the state of the high street, she said: “It’s always a shame because any new shop tends to come and go very quickly, just because they don’t have the customers. You would think with all these houses it would bring more people in?

“Shops only last a few months. I think people need to research more, some shops aren’t going to work in Ramsey.”

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, described Ramsey as a “relaxing place”, but it is better for people who want a “quiet life”. She said: “I wouldn’t scream about Ramsey, it’s just average.

“If you want a quiet life, then this is the place. But if you want somewhere that has a bit more happening and more on offer, this isn’t the place.”

The woman described the high street as “dying”. She added: “It pulls down the town. It’s made up of mostly barbers and vape shops, but then I think a lot of places are now.

“There is the odd nice café, and we do have big shops like B&M and Tesco, but that’s about it. The high street needs a good boost if they want more people to come here, but that is never going to happen.”

Despite some shops only opening for a few months at a time, Martin Law has proven how to run a long-running business in the town. He has run Crafty Ideas for around 35 years. On running his business in Ramsey, he said: “It’s ok, considering I get no help. The high street could be better.”

Martin believes he has made his business work as he “turns up everyday”. He added: “You can’t just show up one day and not turn up the next. If you support the people, they will support you. If you have time for people, then they are going to be there for you.

“It is difficult though when you are up against online. If someone came to me now and said they wanted to open a shop here, I would say don’t.”

Martin believes Huntingdonshire District Council don’t help local businesses in Ramsey. He added: “The people at HDC are not business people. They don’t know how to run a business or help with the issues of running a business. They seem to make decisions that are not good for Ramsey.”

A spokesperson for HDC said supporting towns such as Ramsey remains a “key priority” for the council. They added: “We are working with partners to strengthen the town centre and increase footfall.

“Through our Market Towns Programme, we are developing plans to enhance the Great Whyte area, including improvements to public spaces, a proposed timed pedestrianised area (subject to consultation), and potential retail pods to diversify the town centre offer and support independent businesses.

“We have already delivered improvements such as upgrades to Mews Close car park and supported enhancements to the Rivermill area, including better accessibility and environmental works. Our Economic Development team continues to support local businesses through initiatives like the Ramsey Business Booster, offering one-to-one advice, access to funding and wider networks to help businesses grow.

“We are also working to boost footfall through events, including festive activities in December 2025 and the recent Mother’s Day Market, which recorded the highest footfall day in March. In addition, Ramsey is promoted through the Discover Huntingdonshire platform to help attract more visitors. We will continue to work with residents, businesses and stakeholders to shape future improvements and support a more vibrant and resilient town centre.”

The DWP has confirmed early state pension and benefit payment dates for May 2026 as the UK prepares for two Bank Holidays

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced the dates when millions of people across Britain should anticipate receiving their benefit and pension payments during the forthcoming bank holidays. Next month sees two bank holidays in the UK: the early May Bank Holiday, falling on Monday, May 4, and the spring Bank Holiday on Monday, May 25.

Because of these bank holidays, the DWP has confirmed that any payments scheduled for either date will be issued earlier than usual. GOV.UK states: “Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account. If your payment date is on a weekend or a Bank Holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.”

Anyone expecting a payment on Monday, May 4, will receive their funds on Friday, May 1 instead.

Those awaiting their payment on Monday, May 25 should anticipate it arriving on Friday, May 22.

Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payments, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, and Attendance Allowance will all be distributed ahead of schedule, reports the Express.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to understand that these early Bank Holiday payments will not affect subsequent payment dates. These will continue to be issued on their regular schedule.

Should a payment fail to arrive on the anticipated date, claimants are encouraged to verify their bank account and online DWP account before getting in touch with the department.

Those needing to contact Universal Credit can ring their helpline on 0800 328 5644 from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, excluding public holidays. The same applies to state pension payments, with anyone expecting theirs on Monday, May 4 receiving it on Friday, May 1 instead. Those anticipating payment on May 25will get it on May 22.

The day pensioners typically receive their payment is determined by the final two digits of their National Insurance number.

Those with numbers ending 00 to 19 are paid on Mondays, 20 to 39 on Tuesdays, 40 to 59 on Wednesdays, 60 to 79 on Thursdays and 80 to 99 on Fridays.

The teenager failed to turn up to his first court appearance, but was caught three days later for similar offences

A teenager has been handed a driving ban after leading police officers on two dangerous pursuits in two months. Vjaceslavs Perunovs, of Sorrel Avenue, Whittlesey, who was 17 at the time of the offence, was arrested on February 14 by the Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) after a short pursuit through Wisbech.

The teenager was caught after overtaking them in a black Renault Modus that was missing a number plate, had a smashed rear windows, and the exhaust hanging off. Police officers tried to stop the car after checks revealed it was not taxed or insured.

The car made off at speed before police could stop the car. The Renault reached speeds of up to 60mph in a 30mph zone and overtook vehicles dangerously before the driver got out of the car while it was still moving.

Officers were able to detain the driver and found cannabis on him. He refused to co-operate with a roadside drugs test. Perunovs was charged with offences and was due to appear in court but failed to attend. Three days after his court date on March 30, he failed to stop for traffic officers in March. He led them on a short pursuit through town before fleeing the area. He was chased down by officers.

Perunovs, who has since turned 18, appeared at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 15. He pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving, two counts of driving without insurance, two counts of driving without a licence, two counts of possession of cannabis, two counts of failing to stop for police, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, and failing to co-operate with a preliminary test.

He was given an 18-month driving ban. He was also given a 12-month referral to a Youth Offender Panel.

PC Brady Slack, who investigated, said: “During these pursuits the driver reached high speeds in residential areas and put himself and other road users at risk.”

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The 2026 Waikato regional debate team includes Pippa Owsley (Cambridge High School)

Waipā students make up two thirds of the 2026 Waikato regional debate team.

St Peter’s School Cambridge’s Anjana Kanchi has been named as a reserve. Photo: New Zealand Schools’ Debating

Eva Walton (Te Awamutu College) and Pippa Owsley (Cambridge High School) have been named alongside Kanu Millward of Hamilton Boys’ High School.

Read more

The 2026 Waikato regional debate team Pippa Owsley (Cambridge High School), Kanu Millward (Hamilton Boys’ High School) and Eva Walton (Te Awamutu College).

Firefighters are tackling a blaze at a landfill site.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to Pools Road, Wilburton, just after 15:00 BST.

It said six crews were in attendance along with a water carrier.

The fire service warned people to avoid the area and encouraged nearby residents to close doors and windows, due to the amount of smoke.

A pilot involved in the near-crash was praised for their ‘proactive airmanship’

Three aircraft nearly collided over Cambridgeshire skies last year, a report has revealed. Airprox has carried out a report into the incident which happened over the south of Cambridge Airport on September 5, 2025.

On this day, the pilot of an Antare, a type of glider, was flying north of Cambridge. As it was going on its route, the pilot said they “preferred not to route through Cambridge”, as “incoming traffic was intended to route through the overhead”.

Instead, the pilot decided to fly on the southern edge of the Cambridge zone until they could go directly to their destination. While flying straight and level, there was a “late sighting of two low-wing single-engine aircraft in close formation” around 250m to the right of the aircraft, and around 250ft below it.

The pilot described the risk of collision as “medium”. The YAK-18T pilot was leading the two planes seen by the Antares pilot.

The pilot said that during descent, the lead pilot and wingman “both saw a glider to the right and above”. The report stated that the lead pilot was “happy that the rate of descent and forward speed provided sufficient clearance to the orbiting glider”.

After seeing a glider orbiting in the area, the lead pilot admitted it was “somewhat of a surprise”, and assessed the risk of crash as “none”. In its report, Airprox raised concerns over how close together the aircrafts were.

It said: “Despite the significant vertical separation, the lack of barrier effectiveness had resulted in a situation where safety had not been assured.” The Antares pilot was praised for their “proactive use” of an SSR responder and their “establishing a FIS whilst transiting in the vicinity of Cambridge Airport”.

Airprox added that the pilot’s actions stood as a “template of consideration and proactive airmanship for the gliding community”.

Weather maps predict temperatures will surge to 26C across parts of the UK at the start of May, with 74 counties including Cambridgeshire expected to see highs of 20C or above

Weather forecasting maps indicate that temperatures could climb to as high as 26C in certain parts of the UK in the coming days.

The data reveals that up to 74 counties across England, Scotland and Wales are set to experience temperatures of 20C or above at the beginning of May. Northern Ireland is forecast to reach a slightly lower peak of 19C.

According to the GFS weather model, the temperature rise will begin on 4 May, with 21C and 22C expected across much of southern and central England. North Wales could also enjoy highs of 21C at around 6pm.

The mercury is forecast to continue climbing throughout the week, reaching 24C in the south-east on 5 May, with London benefiting most from the warmth. Parts of Scotland could touch 20C at 6pm, while Wales may see highs of 23C.

The GFS model data suggests 6 May will be the hottest day, with temperatures of up to 26C in and around London. The Midlands, Yorkshire and East Anglia could all record highs of between 24C and 25C, though Northern Ireland and Scotland are expected to remain considerably cooler, reports the Mirror.

Across this three-day period, the maps indicate that 74 counties or county boroughs could reach 20C or above, with the south-east of England experiencing the most intense heat.

UK regions facing 20C or above in May

England

• Bedfordshire
• Berkshire
• Bristol
• Buckinghamshire
• Cambridgeshire
• Cheshire
• City of London
• Cornwall
• County Durham
• Cumbria
• Derbyshire
• Devon
• Dorset
• East Riding of Yorkshire
• East Sussex
• Essex
• Gloucestershire
• Greater London
• Greater Manchester
• Hampshire
• Herefordshire
• Hertfordshire
• Isle of Wight
• Kent
• Lancashire
• Leicestershire
• Lincolnshire
• Merseyside
• Norfolk
• North Yorkshire
• Northamptonshire
• Northumberland
• Nottinghamshire
• Oxfordshire
• Rutland
• Shropshire
• Somerset
• South Yorkshire
• Staffordshire
• Suffolk
• Surrey
• Tyne and Wear
• Warwickshire
• West Midlands
• West Sussex
• West Yorkshire
• Wiltshire
• Worcestershire

Wales

• Gwynedd
• Conwy
• Denbighshire
• Flintshire
• Wrexham
• Powys
• Ceredigion
• Pembrokeshire
• Carmarthenshire
• Swansea
• Neath Port Talbot
• Bridgend
• Vale of Glamorgan
• Cardiff
• Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Merthyr Tydfil
• Caerphilly
• Blaenau Gwent
• Torfaen
• Monmouthshire
• Newport

Scotland

• Roxburghshire
• Kirkcudbrightshire
• Morayshire
• Banffshire

Despite the scorching conditions, this hot period at the beginning of May is unlikely to be classified as an official heatwave. A heatwave is formally declared when temperatures meet or surpass the heatwave threshold for three days running.

The heatwave threshold ranges from 25C to 28C throughout the UK. It sits at 28C in the south-east of England where conditions tend to be hotter, and falls to 25C the further north you travel.

Millions could be missing out on an average of £3,000 a year in unclaimed DWP benefits — here’s how to check what you may be entitled to

Thousands of pounds in DWP support is at risk of going unclaimed by those who are entitled to it. Benefits specialists have outlined how eligible individuals can access the funds they are owed.

The team at financial support organisation Money Wellness has urged people to check which benefits they may be missing out on. The group estimates that people forgo an average of £3,000 a year in support, equivalent to £250 a month.

Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at Money Wellness, said people frequently fail to apply for what they are entitled to, even when they are aware the support exists. She said: “It’s not just awareness. There are other barriers too.

“Stigma is still a big one. A lot of people feel uncomfortable about claiming benefits, especially if they’ve worked all their lives.”

For instance, those of state pension age on a low income may be eligible to claim Pension Credit. Even if you have always been financially self-sufficient throughout your working life and plan to remain so in retirement, this benefit could make a considerable difference. The average claim is worth over £4,000 a year in support, boosting your weekly income while also unlocking access to additional assistance, reports the Express.

The benefit tops up your income to £238 a week for single claimants and up to £363.25 a week for couples. Additional amounts may be available depending on your personal circumstances, such as having a severe disability or caring for another adult.

Time-consuming process

Ms Lamb cautioned that another risk is people being deterred by the lengthy application procedure. She said: “The process can also put people off. It can feel complicated, it’s definitely time-consuming, and it can be quite overwhelming if you’re already struggling.

“There’s also fear of being rejected, which stops people even trying. And sometimes it’s just life. People are busy, they’re dealing with bills, work, family pressures, and applying for support gets pushed to the bottom of the list.”

A real opportunity

She urged greater efforts to boost awareness. The advocate said: “There’s a real opportunity for more organisations to be more proactive. At the moment, too much relies on people knowing when to check, and in reality, most people don’t.

“If the DWP or local authorities could prompt people when something changes – even just a simple message saying ‘you may want to check what you’re now entitled to’ – that could make a real difference.”

She suggested that service providers including banks and utility companies could also contribute, by directing people towards support if they are defaulting on payments or dipping into their overdraft.

Ms Lamb said: “They’re often in a position to see the early signs first, with things like overdrafts creeping up or missed payments. That’s usually the point where a bit of signposting to benefits checks or debt advice could really help people before things get worse.”

To determine what benefits you may be eligible for, a number of online tools are available, including the Better Off Calculator.

Four people have been arrested after a car crash on a Cambridgeshire road. Cambridgeshire Police were called to reports of suspicious activity on Cromwell Road, Wisbech, at around 10.50pm on Sunday (April 19).

When officers arrived, they found a car crashed on Lerowe Road, Walsoken. No one was injured. Officers arrested four people on suspicion of several offences. These were:

• An 18-year-old man from Wisbech has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, possession of a Class A drug, possession of a Class B/C drug, possession of an offensive weapon, fail to stop and escape from lawful custody;

• An 18-year-old man from Wisbech has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a Class B/C drug;

• A 17-year-old boy from Leverington has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a Class B/C drug;

• An 18-year-old man from Whittlesey has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, possession of an offensive weapon, and dangerous driving.

The three men and one boy are currently in custody at King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre.

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