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Cambridgeshire Public Health Confirms Saxon Pit Operations Safe but Calls for Further Monitoring

A recent Public Health report by Cambridgeshire County Council has concluded that current operations at Saxon Pit in Whittlesey do not pose any immediate risks to public health, while also recommending further monitoring and engagement to assess cumulative impacts.

The assessment, commissioned in response to public concerns about activities at the industrial site off Peterborough Road, reviewed emissions and other potential health risks from the three businesses operating on or near the site: Johnsons Aggregate Recycling, which treats incinerator bottom ash; Forterra, a house brick manufacturer; and East Midlands Waste Management, which imports waste to stabilise the pit face and has permission to recycle metal.

All operations are regulated through Environment Agency permits, and the report confirmed that the site is generally operating in line with these requirements. The risk assessment considered potential risks from emissions to air, land, and water, and was compiled with input from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Environmental Health at Fenland District Council, the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA), and advice from the Environment Agency and the council’s Waste Planning Authority.

The report specifically found no public health risks associated with the use of water from King’s Dyke for livestock, emissions from land such as gas from the site, or air quality in the Hallcroft Road area, where monitoring data indicates good air quality. Nonetheless, the report identified areas requiring further evidence, including air quality at the Saxon Pit boundary, potential ongoing noise or odour issues, and cumulative health impacts, including those affecting mental health.

Sally Cartwright, Director of Public Health at Cambridgeshire County Council, said:

“We are pleased to have carried out this work with our partners, which brings together all the available relevant data on the potential health impacts of these operations in the community.

“The assessment shows that the regulatory arrangements for the site with multiple activities is complex, and that understanding the combined effects on health can be challenging.

“The cumulative impacts on health and wellbeing need to be better understood and assessed, and we’re proposing further work to address that.

“We’re also keen to gather further evidence and data and a plan is in place to do that. We recognise that recommending further analysis, particularly around air quality, may cause concern. Our intention is the opposite. We want to strengthen the evidence base to provide further reassurance.

“Positively, the most verified data we have on air quality in Whittlesey from Hallcroft Road shows it to be in compliance with national air quality objectives. It’s important to note that overall air quality is not just impacted by industrial activity, it is also affected by other local sources including transport and domestic open fires and solid fuel stoves.

“We’d like to involve the community as we move forward, with plans to hold quarterly regulator meetings with residents and to establish a new larger group, including community representatives, to oversee the delivery and implementation of the recommendations arising from this assessment.”

The report recommends that regulators hold quarterly meetings with residents to provide updates and foster collaboration between the community, operators, and regulators. Public Health will work with residents on a cumulative community health impact assessment, while the Environment Agency, supported by Fenland District Council, will increase monitoring to ensure water emissions remain safe. Multi-agency partners will also develop an air quality monitoring strategy and maintain regular review of dust emission management plans. Additionally, Public Health will explore ways to strengthen policies and practices relating to waste and human health.

An information event for the wider community is planned, with ongoing meetings to be scheduled in line with the report’s recommendations, ensuring continued engagement and transparency.

Peterborough Council to Appoint Gavin Milnthorpe as Monitoring Officer

Peterborough City Council will be asked to appoint a new Monitoring Officer at next week’s Full Council meeting, with Gavin Milnthorpe, currently Monitoring Officer and Deputy Director of Legal and Governance at Havering Borough Council, proposed for the role of Director of Legal and Governance and Monitoring Officer.

The Director of Legal and Governance acts as the council’s principal legal adviser and, in a statutory capacity as Monitoring Officer, ensures that both officers and councillors act lawfully and uphold high standards of conduct and governance. Monitoring Officers have a legal duty to investigate and report on any actions that may be illegal or constitute maladministration, and they provide guidance to the council’s Chief Executive, Section 151 Officer, and other officials on legal, ethical, and procedural matters.

In addition to statutory oversight, the Monitoring Officer role includes responsibility for the council’s constitution, management of Legal, Elections, Information Governance, Complaints and Democratic Services teams, and advising on allegations of misconduct or breaches of ethical standards. While the statutory duties are set out under section 5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, Monitoring Officers often also oversee practical matters such as complaints handling, standards training and ensuring that council operations comply with codes of conduct.

If councillors approve the appointment, Gavin will take up the role from 13 April 2026. In the meantime, Satinder Sahota, the council’s Interim Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer, will serve as the interim Monitoring Officer until Gavin assumes the post. The current Acting Director of Legal and Governance and Monitoring Officer, Graham Kitchen, will leave the council on 25 January.

Gavin said:

“I’m delighted to be joining Peterborough City Council as Director of Legal and Governance. The council faces huge challenges in the next few years and I believe my background and experience will benefit the organisation as it looks to improve life across the city, both for its residents and businesses. I’m excited to get involved in many of those projects I have seen reported on in local media in recent times.”

With 17 years of experience in local government law, Gavin has held positions including Monitoring Officer, Deputy Monitoring Officer, and Head of Commercial and Property. At Havering, he also leads the management and strategic direction of the shared service One Source, which provides back-office support for Havering, Newham, and Bexley Councils.

Matthew Gladstone, Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council, said: “The role of Monitoring Officer is one of the most important for any council, supporting officers and councillors to navigate many complex areas of the law. I am delighted to recommend to councillors that we appoint Gavin and I look forward to working with him. I would also like to pay tribute to Graham Kitchen who has done a fantastic job leading our Legal and Governance services in the past three months.”

The appointment of a Monitoring Officer is a statutory requirement for all local authorities. Monitoring Officers are charged with ensuring legal compliance, maintaining ethical standards, and preventing maladministration. They are distinct from Section 151 Officers, who focus on financial management, but the two roles often collaborate closely to safeguard the council’s corporate governance. While there is currently no legal requirement for Monitoring Officers to hold formal legal qualifications, their role relies heavily on legal expertise and practical experience in governance.

Councillors are scheduled to confirm the appointment at the Full Council meeting on Wednesday 21 January 2026, following agreement from the council’s Employment Committee on 15 December.

Norwich Council Appoints Lovell for Mile Cross Affordable Housing Development

Norwich City Council has appointed Lovell Partnership Ltd as the main contractor for the Mile Cross housing development.

The project will deliver 67 new energy-efficient council homes for rent, designed to meet local housing needs and support sustainable, high-quality living. This forms the latest chapter in over a century of providing affordable homes for the city’s residents.

Councillor Beth Jones, cabinet member for housing, said:

“I am incredibly pleased to see us moving forward with the appointment of Lovell Partnership Ltd. This continues our commitment as a council to delivering more sustainable, high-quality, affordable housing for our communities.”

The development will be delivered under industry-standard agreements to ensure quality and value for money. Pre-construction work is already underway, with Ovamill, appointed in September as ground works contractor, completing essential utilities and road infrastructure.

The total budget for the Mile Cross scheme is £20.5 million, funded by the housing revenue account. With the main contractor now appointed, detailed design and build preparations will begin immediately, and construction is expected to start next year.

This first phase is part of a three-part regeneration programme anticipated to deliver approximately 170 homes in total. The new houses will feature air source heat pumps, solar panels, and thoughtful interior design to help address fuel and furniture poverty. The development will also include green spaces, a play area, and improved connectivity via Marriot’s Way.

Norwich City Council will continue to prioritise awarding contracts to local suppliers, supporting jobs and strengthening the local economy.

Sasha Bainbridge, Regional Partnerships Director for Lovell, said:

“Lovell is proud to be working in partnership with Norwich City Council to deliver high‑quality homes that meet local needs in supporting the wider community.”

The Mile Cross development is a key part of the council’s community-led plan, ‘We are Norwich’, supporting the fairer Norwich priority to provide more affordable, energy-efficient homes. The council aims to work closely with partners and residents to create a vibrant new neighbourhood.

Essex Build Expo 2026 Returns to Chelmsford for Construction Industry Growth

The Essex Build Expo is set to return in 2026, confirming the continuation of one of the county’s leading construction industry events.

The event, organised by Essex Construction Alliance in partnership with the Essex Growth Agency, will be held at Hylands House in Chelmsford on Friday 6 March.

Following the success of its inaugural edition last year, the Expo provides a platform for local businesses to explore new networks, partnerships and growth opportunities within the construction sector.

The previous event attracted over 425 attendees, 53 exhibitors and featured presentations from more than 25 industry professionals.

In 2026, the Expo will introduce a dedicated Women in Construction zone, alongside a range of opportunities for learning and engagement. Attendees can participate in Meet the Buyer sessions to connect with organisations delivering major projects, join free workshops and seminars on procurement, safety, sustainability and winning work in Essex, and network with industry leaders and decision-makers.

The exhibition will display products and services from leading suppliers, contractors and innovators across the county.

Essex’s construction industry contributes around £5.6 billion each year to the UK economy and supports approximately 65,000 jobs. Major projects such as the Lower Thames Crossing continue to create significant employment and supply chain opportunities, while Essex remains at the forefront of implementing Garden Communities for housebuilding.

Councillor Louise McKinlay said: “Essex Build is about more than celebrating the success of the building industry – it’s about unlocking opportunities for local businesses in the sector, creating more jobs and driving growth across Essex.

“With projects like the Lower Thames Crossing and several Garden Community developments on the horizon, this event is a must-attend for businesses in construction looking to play a part in shaping Essex’s future.”

Essex County Council Roads Programme Receives Top ‘Green’ Rating

Essex County Council’s road maintenance and repair efforts have been awarded a ‘green’ rating by the Government, reflecting the county’s extensive work on more than 5,000 miles of roads.

Since 2024, the council has invested an additional £49 million on top of its highways maintenance budget. It has also secured further funding from the Department for Transport, ensuring £168 million will be available for road repairs up to 2029/30.

The council has delivered its repair programme through several initiatives. The Priority One programme focuses on proactive maintenance, including resurfacing, vegetation clearance and replacing broken signs. The Members’ Highway Initiative enables County Councillors to address issues raised by local residents.

Winter maintenance is also underway, with crews operating gritters and carrying out weather-related repairs to keep roads safe during colder months. Larger-scale resurfacing and repair works are planned to resume in spring.

Councillor Mark Platt, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said:

“We’re delighted to see that Essex has achieved a top-level green rating, demonstrating that we are investing in proactive and preventative maintenance to ensure our roads are fixed across our great county.

“Our investment into maintaining our network through regular maintenance, our £25m Priority One campaign, and the Members’ Highway Initiative demonstrates our commitment to keeping road users and pedestrians alike safe.

“I am proud of the hard work our Highways crews have shown in tackling the issues that residents see and care about the most, helping us build a safer, greener and healthier Essex.”

The green rating highlights the council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the county’s highways and supporting road safety for both motorists and pedestrians.

Suffolk Council Calls for Correction to Red Highways Rating

Suffolk County Council has written to the Department for Transport (DfT) requesting a correction to its recently published Local Highway Maintenance Ratings, arguing that the county’s Red status for capital spending is based on inaccurate figures.

Councillor Paul West, Cabinet Member for Operational Highways, explained in a letter to Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Transport, that Suffolk’s highways spending has consistently met or exceeded its allocation, and that the published Red rating does not reflect the facts.

The letter follows a meeting between council officers and DfT officials, where the council highlighted errors in the Department’s methodology that contributed to Suffolk being assessed as Red.

Councillor West noted that two main factors led to the incorrect rating. Firstly, the council did not include a 25% incentive uplift in its June 2025 submission because confirmation of this funding had not yet been received. The Department confirmed the availability of the uplift in December 2025, and plans are in place for the funds to be fully spent within the current financial year.

Secondly, £10 million of the 2025/26 allocation was brought forward and invested in 2024/25, a decision taken in line with longer-term planning under the DfT’s Network North mechanism. This investment was fully reflected in the council’s Transparency Report submitted in June 2025.

Councillor West’s letter states that Suffolk’s capital expenditure on highways was £36.398 million in 2025/26 and £47.885 million in 2024/25, compared with DfT allocations of £40.833 million and £34.428 million respectively. Taking into account the brought-forward investment and the incentive uplift, total spending across the two years would amount to £87.038 million against an allocated total of £78.196 million. Using the Department’s own scoring system, this would place Suffolk in the Amber band rather than Red.

The council emphasised that transparency in highway maintenance reporting is vital, but only meaningful if the published data is accurate. Councillor West requested that the factual correction be reflected as soon as possible in the Department’s assessment.

In his letter, Councillor West wrote:

“Suffolk has been rated Red for capital spend. This assessment is based on factually incorrect figures. Over the last two financial years, and consistently over the past five years, every pound received by Suffolk County Council through the Highway Maintenance Grant has been fully invested in the highway service.”

The council is now awaiting a response from the Department for Transport regarding the requested correction, which would amend the published highway rating for Suffolk and reflect the county’s actual investment in road maintenance.

Essex Medtech Firm Europlaz Reports 20% Growth and Plans Expansion in 2026

Europlaz, an Essex-based contract manufacturer for medical devices, has reported strong revenue growth and outlined plans to capitalise on emerging sector opportunities in 2026.

The firm, which employs 120 staff, recorded a 20 per cent rise in revenues in 2025, bringing total domestic and international sales to £15.5 million. The company attributes this growth to rising NHS demand for sustainable supply chains, as well as opportunities arising from new market entrants and global trade dynamics.

Rory O’Keeffe, commercial director at Europlaz, said:

“Whilst we appreciate the current trading conditions are testing, we prefer to look at where we can take advantage of changes in the global marketplace – and, in my opinion, there’s plenty for us to go after.

“The NHS is prioritising taking carbon out of its supply chain, so for them it makes sense to move production of products closer to home. This is perfect for Europlaz.

“Progressive new NHS initiatives, such as NICE’s Early Value Assessment (EVA) programme, and a renewed national focus on compliance by design is also a big opportunity for the UK. EVA addresses some of the traditional bottlenecks faced by the NHS and should provide a structured pathway for technologies that meet national unmet needs to gain conditional NHS recommendations while further evidence is generated.”

The company has also benefited from US tariffs, which have diverted work away from international competitors, and from an increasing number of new medtech entrants who develop products and markets before selling the technology to contract manufacturers with existing regulatory approvals.

Technical director Ian Goodacre highlighted the importance of automation in meeting global demand:

“Automation used to be there to deliver complexity and, whilst that is sometimes still the case, we are now seeing it employed globally to deliver high volumes, faster and more cost effectively. It’s a lesson the UK should heed.

“Other trends we are noticing include the integration of 3D printing from design through to scaled production, changes in funding for pharmaceuticals and weight loss treatments, and a growing interest in biopolymers to support sustainable single-use devices – we are already running trials in this area.”

Europlaz completed a £4 million investment programme in 2025, upgrading cleanroom facilities and expanding its commercial team to strengthen capacity and capability. The company is also investing in talent development, with plans for up to five industrial placements and a similar number of apprenticeships.

O’Keeffe added:

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to grow people in the culture of our business, and we believe it gives us the best possible way of scaling up to cope with demand. More firms should consider it, as we need to flood the domestic market with new talent.”

With a combination of strategic investment, skilled staff, and a focus on sustainability and innovation, Europlaz aims to capitalise on evolving trends in the UK and global medtech sector throughout 2026.

Suffolk County Council Invests £350k to Resurface Northgate Sports Centre Track

Suffolk County Council has confirmed a £350,000 investment to resurface the athletics track at Northgate Sports Centre in Ipswich, securing its use for the next two decades. Funded through the Ipswich Investment Fund, the project forms part of a wider strategy to maintain and enhance the centre as a key regional sporting facility.

The athletics track, originally re-laid in 1999, has reached the end of its operational life. Work is expected to take place in summer 2026 and will bring the surface up to accreditation standards, allowing long-term use for schools, clubs and community groups.

From 1 April 2026, Northgate High School will take on operational and financial responsibility for the site under a new management model. The school will manage day-to-day operations while ensuring that community and club use continues during evenings, weekends and school holidays. A transitional revenue contribution of £30,000 from the county council will support the early years of the new model.

Councillor Paul West, Cabinet Member for Ipswich at Suffolk County Council, said:
“This £350,000 investment is about protecting a strategically important sports facility for Suffolk. Resurfacing the athletics track secures long-term use for the school, numerous running clubs and the wider community, while the new operating model with Northgate High School ensures the site can be run sustainably and continues to thrive.”

Northgate Sports Centre serves tens of thousands of visitors each year and hosts around 20,000 athletics track users. Clubs based at the site include Ipswich Harriers Athletics Club, Orwell Panthers Disabled Athletics Club and Ipswich Jaffa Running Club. The venue also attracts competitors from outside the county, underlining its regional significance.

Since 2023, Suffolk County Council has overseen the centre, with operations managed by Vivify following Ipswich Borough Council’s withdrawal. In recent years, the site has seen substantial upgrades, including a refurbished Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), tennis and netball courts, energy-efficient lighting, and essential fire safety works. These improvements have enhanced long-term viability and reduced running costs.

Rowena Mackie, Headteacher of Northgate High School, said:
“We’re incredibly lucky to have such well-used and popular sports facilities on our school site. We recognise the importance of the centre’s facilities to the wider community and, with support from community user groups, will work to maximise use beyond the school day. The additional investment from the county council will strengthen this offer for our students and the local community and secure its use for generations to come.”

Councillor Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, added:
“Northgate Sports Centre is a vital asset for Ipswich and Suffolk, supporting local clubs, inclusive sport and regional competition. This significant investment will meet growing demand for sports facilities, protect opportunities for future generations and further strengthen this high-achieving school. Without Northgate High School’s support, we would not be in this positive position, and we are grateful that this will secure future community use. Our thanks also go to Vivify for their success in running such a thriving site.”

Ed Hunt, Facilities and Planning Manager at England Athletics, said:
“This investment is fantastic news for the local community and the athletics clubs that call Northgate home. The track is a vital hub for grassroots athletics, supporting thousands of athletes from Ipswich Harriers, Orwell Panthers, Ipswich Jaffa and beyond. Resurfacing will ensure continued access to a safe, high-quality facility for training and competition for years to come. We’re hugely grateful to Suffolk County Council for recognising the value of athletics and safeguarding a venue that plays such an important role in local sport.”

The resurfacing project and new operating arrangements aim to ensure Northgate Sports Centre remains a high-quality venue for local schools, clubs, and the wider Ipswich community for decades to come.

Fred Nicholson School relocation project marked by time capsule ceremony

The burial of a time capsule has highlighted progress in the Fred Nicholson School relocation project, marking a ceremonial moment at the developing campus on Lynn Road in Swaffham. The special school, currently based in Dereham, is preparing to transfer to the larger site as part of a planned expansion designed to meet rising demand for places.

Work on the new premises will provide 27 additional places for early years and Key Stage 1 pupils. The building has been designed across three storeys and will contain 17 principal classrooms together with specialist rooms for life skills teaching, sensory immersion and physical development. Areas for sixth form students have also been included in the layout. The Fred Nicholson School relocation project is scheduled to welcome pupils in the spring term.

Children from the school attended the ceremony with teachers, representatives from construction firm R G Carter, colleagues from design partner NPS and officers from Norfolk County Council. The authority is funding the scheme and overseeing delivery. Each class prepared material for the capsule, creating collages that included handprints, poems and recollections of daily school life.

Councillor Penny Carpenter, cabinet member for Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council said: “As we mark another exciting milestone in the relocation of this much needed school, we move one step closer to completion and the pupils being able to move into this modern and accessible building.

“The new and improved school is part of our commitment to ensure children and young people in Norfolk flourish.”

Heidi Philpott, Headteacher of Fred Nicholson School, said: Our whole school community is energised and preparing for our forthcoming move. Teaching teams are working especially hard ensuring we continue to deliver our purposeful curriculum whilst packing and sorting resources. Everyone is excited and counting down the weeks until we have our new school. Lots of planning is in place to ensure a smooth transition for pupils, families and staff.

The Fred Nicholson School relocation project forms one element of a broader county strategy to increase specialist education capacity. Norfolk County Council has reported that, during the past five years, three new special schools have been built providing 358 places and existing schools have been extended to create a further 289 places. The authority describes this as a 41 percent rise in specialist provision.

Alex Mackay, Director and General Manager at R G Carter said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed our visits to site from the pupils of Fred Nicholson School as their new bespoke educational home has progressed. By presenting them with this time capsule, we hope they can preserve cherished memories of this exciting time and create new ones for the future. We look forward to handing over this new SEND school very soon, ready for pupils to start enjoying and gaining the very best education possible.”

Cllr William Nunn, local member for Swaffham, said: “Burying this time capsule at Fred Nicholson School is an exciting moment in the school’s journey. It’s wonderful to think that future students will one day unearth this piece of the school’s history. We’re getting ever closer to the completed project and I can’t wait to see it all come to life.”

The Local First Inclusion programme underpins the development, aiming to ensure that children can learn in settings suited to their needs, whether in mainstream schools, specialist resource bases or dedicated establishments such as the new facility. Officials state that the Fred Nicholson School relocation project reflects long term planning to help pupils build secure foundations for adult life.