Public consultation
 -an update from the team

One of the main priorities for the Project team for this year has been finding out what residents think about the Bridge of Reeds proposals. The aim was to keep residents and stakeholders informed about all aspects of the project, providing more information about how the project will be paid for and when work is likely to start. The team has been asking to hear your thoughts and opinions about the proposed project, including thoughts on the impact of the bridge and associated leisure development. Your views are greatly valued as they help the team to form plans for the future with the aim of making them match more closely with what matters to the residents.

The public consultation process has taken several forms.

We launched the project website www.bridgeofreeds.org.uk at the beginning of April. The site contains more information about the project and provides an opportunity to give feedback. Following the launch we ran a deliberative poll aimed at encouraging participants to consider all aspects of the project by putting forward a series of arguments supporting or opposing the proposals then quizzing them on their views. The results of this poll were encouraging with 77% stating support for the project.

More than 3,300 surveys were sent to residents in the Greater Cambridge area and results from 850 people indicated that 67% supported the project and over a quarter strongly support it.

As well as the survey, workshops were held with residents of Stow-cum-Quy, Fen Ditton and Cambridge back in January. These were very successful and participants were generally very supportive of the project. Comments at the workshops included; ;

“I think the bridge looks stunning”

“Aesthetically it’s incredible”

“There’s so much more to it than just the bridge”

“I think the proposal is very good. At the moment the A14 is cutting off the pedestrians and cyclists, especially the cyclists, from the countryside.”

“It’s fentastic!”

Leaflets were also delivered to residents within an eight-mile radius of the centre of the project site – an area covering Cambridge to the south, Stretham to the north, Girton to the west and Newmarket to the east providing more information about the proposals. See the leaflet here. 

If you would like any more information about the public consultation process and findings email landmarkeast@eeda.org.uk.