Comments on: Taming Guerrillas Could Save Cambridge City Council Money

By: Richard Taylor

Richard Taylor — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 02:31:50 +0000

On the fund being scrapped - I followed this up and was told that the current budget for it is coming to an end. It may or may not be replaced but as it hasn’t been replaced yet the working assumption has to be its not going to renewed or if it is its form might change.

By: Amy Ellis

Amy Ellis — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:30:10 +0000

Many of the plants planted by the council died from lack of watering. I remember feeling frustrated that money was spent on planting them but not on caring for them until established. I thought about watering them myself, and even getting the local pet and plant shop involved to see if they might water them but never managed to. The pink roses the other end of Akeman street have lasted for years and look very attractive as well as offering their own form of protection with their thorns.

By: Dan Woodford

Dan Woodford — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:31:53 +0000

It’s also worth noting that mature shrubs were removed from these beds after an accident. Or near accident.

By: Richard

Richard — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:09:55 +0000

Dan,

According to the information presented to councillors the money is to be spent just on plants. See section 4.4 in the report at:

http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/public/councillors/agenda/2009/1112arean/09.pdf

There were wooden rails there previously, they have now been removed. On the opposite side of the junction the “Darwin Drive” signpost has been demolished. Clearly there are vehicles crashing through rather than driving round the traffic calming system there.

By: David Hollingsbee

David Hollingsbee — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:09:03 +0000

I believe that the Romsey Garden Club have been carrying out “environmental improvements” in my area with the blessing of the City Council.

I do hope I haven’t got mixed up here or, worse, outed Richard’s anonymous example!

By: Richard

Richard — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:05:49 +0000

Martin,

This was the first I’d heard about plans to scrap the Environmental Improvements funding and process. I presume it is currently something the Liberal Democrats have decided in their secret group meetings. It hasn’t been debated at full council, or at the scrutiny committees.

By: Martin

Martin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:35:17 +0000

When and by whom was it decided to scrap this fund? It does some useful things, though in my view should be managed centrally.

By: Dan Woodford

Dan Woodford — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:24:33 +0000

I find it hard to believe that the money will be spent on plants (and labour) alone. If they are spending that much money then they should be spending some of it on a fence around the flower beds. I belive that the plants were not stolen but merely trampled on by kids taking shortcuts across the flower beds.

By: Dave Briggs

Dave Briggs — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:10:09 +0000

Even better - why doesn’t the council give the money to the guerrillas and let them get on with it!