The political crisis sparked by controversial plans to build homes on car parks in three towns has deepened. Just two days after the Green Party quit Huntingdonshire District Council, a vote of no confidence has been called in Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Sarah Conboy. Conservative opposition leader Cllr Ross Martin called for an extraordinary meeting to vote on the motion of no confidence in a letter to Cllr Stephen Ferguson. Cllr Ferguson and Cllr Lara Davenport-Ray revealed they had withdrawn from the coalition in a statement on Monday (August 17). The local authority has been left without a majority following the move. Read more Waste firm issues update on building fire as locals report 'feeling unwell' IN PICTURES: Aerial photos show destruction as Holme Fen fire burns on Two arrests ...

The operator of a waste management building which caught fire earlier this month has issued an update on the incident. Firefighters from across the county raced to the Biffa Waste Management Transfer Station on Marston Road, Eynesbury, St Neots, at 10.52am on August 11. Crews from Wisbech, March, Chatteris, Yaxley, Cambridge, Sawtry, Littleport and St Neots alongside a crew from Bedfordshire attended. Firefighters remained at the scene for several days (Image: Emily Stevens) Biffa has issued a statement after residents living close to the site reported "feeling unwell", with symptoms including "headaches" and "sore throats". Members of the public were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke in the area. An eyewitness at the scene described the blaze as "a tower of smoke", whi...

Aerial photos show the extent of the destruction at a Cambridgeshire nature reserve as a fire burns on. A blaze broke out at Holme Fen nature reserve near Peterborough on August 8, and continues to burn 11 days later. It has been burning up to six metres below the surface in parts, within a perimeter of approximately four kilometres. New aerial photos from the nature reserve show destruction as firefighters continue to tackle the blaze. Firefighters continue to tackle a fire which is still burning after starting on August 8 (Image: PA Wire) On August 9, Cambridgeshire Police confirmed it had closed the junction of Hod Fen Drove and Holme Lode and all of Holme Road. The junction of Long Drove and New Long Drove was also shut while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. The fire at the...

A popular pub on a Huntingdonshire high street is on the market for tenants. The Coach House in St Neots, located on the high street, is available under a new five-year tenancy agreement through pub company Greene King. Entry costs start at £38,688, with an annual rent of £53,750 under a machine supply concession, or £62,450 without. The pub operates on a 70/30 wet-led split and is described as well-managed and maintained throughout. There are opportunities to expand the pub’s entertainment and sports offering, and to introduce a breakfast trade. A statement from Greene King reads: "This town-centre pub occupies a prominent position on the main high street. Read more WATCH: 'Disgusting' car park plans slammed by St Neots residents at consultation Photos show large turnout at first Capital ...

Reported update via Google News (Ramsey): Further details and background regarding town pulls together to feed fire crews at holme fen - bbc.

Roads are expected to remain closed for the rest of the week as crews continue tackling a Cambridgeshire nature reserve fire. A fire has been burning at Holme Fen for more than a week now, with smoke still rising from the ground. It has been burning up to six metres below the surface in parts, within a perimeter of approximately four kilometres. On August 9, Cambridgeshire Police confirmed it had closed the junction of Hod Fen Drove and Holme Lode and all of Holme Road. The junction of Long Drove and New Long Drove was also shut while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. Surface smoke has decreased, according to the fire service (Image: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue) In a statement released today, the fire service confirmed road closures are likely to remain for the rest of this w...

A Huntingdon centenarian celebrated her milestone birthday with a lively party. Joan Smith, who turned 100 on August 9, was surrounded by family, friends, and special guests, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Huntingdon. Cromwell House Care Home organised the celebration, which featured a performance by singer Mr Cash and a birthday cake. Joan celebrates 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends (Image: Supplied) Mrs Smith was born in Little Munden, Hertfordshire, in 1926. Due to her father's army career, the family moved around the UK, living at various locations, including Abbey Farm Sawtry, Werrington Farm in Woodwalton, and Manor Farm Barham. During her youth, she resided on the Ramsey Estate, where her father worked for Lord de Ramsey, before settling in Huntingdon in the 1960...

Firefighters are continuing to tackle a blaze at a Cambridgeshire nature reserve that has now been burning for more than a week. Crews were first called to the blaze at Holme Fen Nature Reserve, in Holme, at 10.24am on August 8. Crews from Dogsthorpe, Stanground, the north roaming fire engine, Whittlesey, Huntingdon, Thorney, St Neots, Ramsey and Sawston attended. The fire has now been burning for more than a week, but Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue said that crews are expected to remain at the scene "for the foreseeable future". In a statement from today (August 17), the fire service said crews are still working to extinguish the fire. Wayne Swales, area commander at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Although temperatures have reduced from during the week, it has still been h...

An acclaimed theatre producer has been named as the newest patron of a creative organisation. Rachel Tackley MBE will take up the patronage at Neotists CIC, a champion of the creative industries in St Neots and the wider Huntingdonshire area, bringing extensive experience from a prominent career in UK theatre. Ms Tackley is currently interim creative director and co-chief executive of the Arts Theatre Cambridge, where she has led the venue’s reopening and renewal following major redevelopment. Richard Slade, CEO and co-founder of Neotists CIC, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Rachel as a patron of Neotists CIC. "Her achievements in theatre, from Chichester and Riverside Studios to her leadership at the Arts Theatre Cambridge, speak to exactly the kind of ambition and quality we want to se...

Reported update via Google News (Ramsey): Further details and background regarding holme fen fire: all you need to know about cambridgeshire blaze - bbc.

Police have released CCTV images and details following an investigation into a violent robbery incident involving a weapon at a local public house in the district.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary executed a targeted multi-agency police operation across local villages, addressing community safety concerns and rural crime prevention.

Reported update via Google News (Ramsey): Further details and background regarding investigations into ram raids using stolen telehandlers continue.

From Ramsey Town Council Minutes (Town Council agenda 13 August 2026): Council resolved to submit a formal request to Cambridgeshire County Council Highways for a 20mph speed zone and upgraded zebra crossing along Great Whyte, following resident traffic survey feedback.

From Ramsey Town Council Amenities Committee (Town Council agenda 13 August 2026): Approved £14,500 contract for drainage improvements across Spinningfield recreation ground, alongside installation of replacement inclusive swing sets in September.

From Ramsey Town Council Planning Minutes (Agenda - Planning Meeting 23 July 2026): Unanimously recommended refusal for outline application 26/00142/OUT on grounds of highway safety on Oilmills Road, surface water flood risk, and overdevelopment beyond the settlement boundary.

From Ramsey Town Council Planning Minutes (Agenda - Planning Meeting 23 July 2026): Supported planning application 26/00188/FUL for commercial shopfront renovation and heritage signage in the Ramsey Conservation Area.

From Ramsey Town Council Minutes (Ramsey Town Council Agenda 20260709): Council resolved to submit a formal request to Cambridgeshire County Council Highways for a 20mph speed zone and upgraded zebra crossing along Great Whyte, following resident traffic survey feedback.

From Ramsey Town Council Amenities Committee (Ramsey Town Council Agenda 20260709): Approved £14,500 contract for drainage improvements across Spinningfield recreation ground, alongside installation of replacement inclusive swing sets in September.

From Ramsey Town Council Minutes (Financial Regulations v2.0): Council resolved to submit a formal request to Cambridgeshire County Council Highways for a 20mph speed zone and upgraded zebra crossing along Great Whyte, following resident traffic survey feedback.

From Ramsey Town Council Amenities Committee (Financial Regulations v2.0): Approved £14,500 contract for drainage improvements across Spinningfield recreation ground, alongside installation of replacement inclusive swing sets in September.

From Ramsey Town Council Minutes (Publication Scheme v2.0): Council resolved to submit a formal request to Cambridgeshire County Council Highways for a 20mph speed zone and upgraded zebra crossing along Great Whyte, following resident traffic survey feedback.

From Ramsey Town Council Amenities Committee (Publication Scheme v2.0): Approved £14,500 contract for drainage improvements across Spinningfield recreation ground, alongside installation of replacement inclusive swing sets in September.

From Ramsey Town Council Minutes (Code of Conduct v2.0): Council resolved to submit a formal request to Cambridgeshire County Council Highways for a 20mph speed zone and upgraded zebra crossing along Great Whyte, following resident traffic survey feedback.

From Ramsey Town Council Amenities Committee (Code of Conduct v2.0): Approved £14,500 contract for drainage improvements across Spinningfield recreation ground, alongside installation of replacement inclusive swing sets in September.

From Ramsey Town Council Planning Minutes (Planning Meeting Minutes 25 June 2026): Unanimously recommended refusal for outline application 26/00142/OUT on grounds of highway safety on Oilmills Road, surface water flood risk, and overdevelopment beyond the settlement boundary.

From Ramsey Town Council Planning Minutes (Planning Meeting Minutes 25 June 2026): Supported planning application 26/00188/FUL for commercial shopfront renovation and heritage signage in the Ramsey Conservation Area.