Conservation and craft day

The chief executive of Peterborough City Council andCambridgeshireCounty Council believes her position in charge of both authorities has helped to fashion the current proposals for devolution. A consultation is ongoing on whether Peterborough and Cambridgeshire should have a combined authority with an elected mayorinchargeofabudget worthhundredsofmillions of pounds. Councillors are more positive about the current proposals than the first ones which they rejected. It proposed an authority encompassingPeterborough, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Butgettingtothis stage has not been easy. “The words I would use are challenging, fast-paced, frustrating. I’ve learnt a lot about the workings of government through it,” said Mrs Beasley. “I’ve triedtoworkwiththepoliticians to secure the best deal forCambridgeshireandPeterborough, but it’s up to politicians to workoutifit’s the best deal for residents.” Mrs Beasley said there have been benefits to her working at both councils, with the sharing of best practices of work benefitting the areas of transport, adult social care and health commissioning. The councils are also looking to join up trading standards. Mrs Beasley also believes the Government is more likely to takeseriousrequestsforgreater train capacity between PeterboroughandCambridgeifa chief executive of twocouncils insteadofoneismakingrepresentations. And as someone who has struggled to get a seat while travelling between both cities, she acknowledged: “If you look at therail line fromPeterboroughtoCambridge, it’s not brilliant.” Enjoy a free Woodland Heritage Conservation and Craft Day on Saturday. The drop-in event, organised by Nene Coppicing and Crafts, is from 10am-4pm at Pocock’s Wood, accessed from Peterborough Crematorium car park, Bretton, PE6 7JE. For more information, call Matthew on 07736 308475.