It’s worth reporting specific potholes to https://forms.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/customer/servlet/ep.app?ut=X&type=259830. You can also report to http://www.fixmystreet.com/. which makes it public but I’m told that the Council will reply to you personally if you tell them directly rather than via Fixmystreet.

As a cyclist in Coton, I am appalled at the number of drivers who overtake cyclists dangerously. Most do drive sensibly but I have frequently been put in danger by idiot motorists overtaking me close to the High St/Cambridge Rd junction and on the blind corners near The Plough. I suspect most of the latter have no connection with Coton.

Saying that, I am also appalled at the dangerous cycling of many of the irresponsible cyclists in the local area and would support e.g. an increase in on the spot fines for those not sporting lights during times of darkness.

The poor road quality and pot holes on the sides of the Coton roads are another danger to cyclists who have to decide to pursue a seemingly erratic path to avoid these or to maintain a steady line well away from the curb.

1. Speed through the village is unacceptable.

2. Any problems on the A14/M11 result in the village becoming a ‘rat-run’. Any emergency vehicles that may need access to the village during these times would find accessability impossible. Residents are unable to enter or leave their properties. Danger to pedestrians on these occasions is even worse.

3. Madingly Road junction exceedingly dangerous and over the years has got worse with increased volume of traffic.

4. The corner of High St/Cambridge Road is a nightmare. The corner is taken at excessive speeds – there is very pooor visibility – drivers make no allowance for any vehicles that may be parked/stopped on the High Street eg schoool bus and local bus – drivers make no allowance for vehicles leaving driveways which are onn the High St.

Solutions:
YES to flashing speed signs – all other villages in the area have these.
YES to chicanes at either end of the village to slow vehicles.
YES to safer crossing by the recreation ground.
YES to perhaps a mini roundabout being put at High St/Cambridge Road junction.
YES to roundabout or traffice lights at Madingly Road Junction.
NO to any form of speed bumps in the village – we have huge, heavy farm vehicles continually travelling through and this would result in damage to the foundations of properties on either side of the road due to excessive vibration – plus the noise from vehicles continually speeding up and slowing down – One only has to consider the situation in Caldecote to see this just does not work!!

If you would like to further discuss any of these points then please do contact me.
Regards
Val Smethers 01954 – 212352

Several people described problems in the area around the crossroads between Madlingley and Coton leading up Madlingely Rise away from Cambridge. In addition to the recent deaths, there have been many minor accidents and even more near misses. The issues for car drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians were raised. The County council agreed and are looking into what should be done and what can be done within time and financial constraints. In the short term (this financial year) this might include new-style chevrons, and improved road marking. There was a lot of discussion about removing the climber lane to reduce overtaking before the bend. Fixed safety cameras are not a current option owing to central Government policy. Reactive road signs will be considered but the policy is to use these sparingly to maintain their effectiveness. In the longer term a roundabout is a possibility. The Council are keen to hear the views of local residents, and to avoid taking action to fix one problem only to find this has caused a new problem elsewhere e.g. removing the climber lane on Madlingley Road (A1303) could making turning left out of Coton more difficult.

We expect to hear back from the Council on their deliberations in mid-July via Fiona Whelan. In the mean time, contact Fiona if you would like to put your view forward.

Any other ideas for Village Hall Fundraising events – large or small?

On a related issue, I’ve been asked to remind villagers that if you put up notices around the village, please remove them when they become out of date.