Cllr Adam Zerny, Kosti (2026)

17/09/2026

WHAT’S GOING ON WITH THE FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS ON SANDY ROAD?

A week ago, heras fencing and wooden posts started appearing near to the bridleway and footpath on the north side of Sandy Road, Potton. I have been in touch with those responsible, to get it resolved.

When we first started getting reports from residents, Cllr Tracey Wye went out to take a look, and In recent days, I’ve been on to the housebuilder who will be constructing 125 houses at the site, and they have answered some of the concerns I know have been troubling local residents in recent days.

There are three areas to this:

1. Wooden posts close to the bridleway - The bridleway heads west-east from Old Bedford Road to Deepdale (green, in the attached map). The housebuilder, Miller Homes, says it owns the land up to 2 metres from the bridleway but will not be building any closer than 20 metres. It will ensure the posts are where they should be.
2. Diversion of the footpath - There is a footpath which runs north-south from the bridleway (purple, in the attached map). This was enclosed by the heras fencing, with a new north-south route made available some distance away. The house builder acknowledges this fencing was put in the wrong place and will get it moved today. If it ever does wish to try and move the footpath, Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) would have to approve this. No such request has been made of the council.
3. Heras fencing near to Nursery Close - Some residents have stated the fencing is too close to Nursery Close to allow them to maintain their property. The housebuilder is now in touch with residents to resolve any issues, and will ensure the fence is definitely in the right place.

I have also kept CBC in the picture and they will be visiting the site to make sure footpaths and bridle ways are open to the public, as they should be.

14/09/2026

GOOD NEWS FOR LOCAL ROADS - STRETCH BETWEEN POTTON AND WRESTLINGWORTH TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST FOR RESURFACING

Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) Highways, has just announced further resurfacing, this time for the road between Wrestlingworth and Potton.

Back in April, we mentioned that all of the major concerns raised locally, were going to be included in the Highways Plan for the year ahead:
https://www.facebook.com/adamzerny/posts/pfbid023JN1NLsrxHXRUHoRj1frUChJTA1K46Zh7ePFQ5uwAd4os18KsmbBuk1GBxsubZorl

However, based on requests from you, we've continued to push for work to take place at some of the other locations where winter weather has left roads looking in need of a bit of TLC.

One of these sites is the main road between Potton and Wrestlingworth. As can be seen in the attached photos, there are sections which have become quite rutted, and Highways agree with us that some patching will be necessary or these will break up further in the next winter.

It's booked in for later this year, and if all goes to plan should take place between 22nd and 23rd October. Look out for road closures at the time as the whole section of road will likely be closed in the middle of the day.

Why don't Highways resurface fully, when potholes first happen?
People often ask why Highways don't patch/resurface to start with. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, when potholes first come about in the middle of winter, fills are less likely to last in the ice, snow and cold. they are much more likely to last when they take place later in the year. Also, major work requires road closures and these have to be booked in months ahead. Highways are only allowed to work on the road for 20 minutes without a closure, hence emergency fills.

Why does it take so long?
Central Beds covers a huge area from Leighton Buzzard in the south west, to Potton in the north east. The warmer months (as above) are when such work on the roads takes place and the contractors will diarise the work to ensure the greatest amount of resurfacing can take place.

08/09/2026

WHAT ARE 'QUIET LANES' AND MIGHT WE GET SOME IN OUR AREA?

Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) is asking you to consider where good places might be, for so-called 'Quiet Lanes' in our area. Read on, to find out what might qualify.

Earlier this year, Oxfordshire County Council launched a trial closure of 10 rural roads [1] whereby only pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders would be able to use them. These were to be known as 'Quiet Lanes.'

It's not hard to see the appeal to some groups; discouraging motor vehicles arguably makes it safer for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, encourages exercise, and might even reduce local authorities' road upkeep, but it's important that by doing so, local authorities are not shutting important roads which make a valuable difference to people's lives. There needs to be a clear alternative for motorists which does not make a material difference to people's lives.

Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) acknowledges there is still some work to be done on the ground rules, but this is what we know so far:
- Motor vehicles would still be allowed but discouraged
- Delivery vehicles would not be affected
- No 'physical measures' e.g. barriers, are intended to be used
- 20mph speed limits would be likely and there would be extra signage to alert motorists

Some have raised the risk that introducing such a system risks friction between motorists and other road users, where there is an expectation from the latter that motorists are not permitted.

It won't be appropriate everywhere, but local residents have already suggested Sutton Hill (marked on the map) might be worthy of consideration.

CBC is encouraging residents to submit a proposal, by Friday 25th September 2026.

You can email [email protected] and feel free to copy me in.

The council has suggested that when submitting a location, please include any local information that supports the proposal, such as existing walking, cycling or equestrian use, road conditions, traffic concerns or links to local destinations.

What happens next?

Council officers will appraise all suggested locations against the Council's Quiet Lane site selection criteria which includes factors such as:
- Road characteristics and suitability
- Existing traffic conditions
- Connectivity to local destinations and active travel routes
- Potential benefits for walking, cycling and horse riding
- Financial costs and budgets

Appendix
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxdzyg6914o

03/09/2026

CENTRAL BEDS COUNCILLORS OFFER 'SUPPORT IN PRINCIPLE' FOR DEVOLUTION, BUT MUCH STILL TO BE CONFIRMED

Central Beds councillors have voted to offer 'support in principle' for the government's Devolution plans, but have made it very clear the exact geography is still to be determined, and a final decision can only be made when all details are confirmed.

Councillors agreed:
- There are clear benefits both in terms of funding and powers [1], in adopting a mayoral, rather than non-mayoral approach.
- The larger the Strategic Authority, the greater the funding and power, and agreed one which covers a large part of the Ox-Cam region, is likely to be far more powerful than purely Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.
- With all of this, councillors will need to see the full details before making a final decision.
- That there should be a Government-funded public vote in the region, before a final go ahead

At last night's (2nd September) meeting, 36 councillors voted to agree with the points above (one voted against), and now the next step will be to feed this back to the government. Meanwhile conversations will continue with surrounding local authorities in order to achieve consensus over the most suitable geography/footprint for such a zone.

Labour councillors failed in a last-ditch amendment which would have committed the council to move ahead right now, into Devolution as just Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes. The Labour amendment also sought to do this without a public vote.

So what is Devolution and why are councillors open to the principle of it?

Under government policy, most areas of England (see map) are now moving towards becoming so-called 'devolved' authorities. This won't mean the end of existing councils, but it will create a new Mayoral Authority sitting above the council. with extra powers such as the ability to co-ordinate transport across a region, and more support for businesses.

The government is now pledging tens of millions of pounds of public money per year to these new authorities [1], and while questions still remain about the exact details, councillors are eager for our region not to play second fiddle to others when it comes to funding for local services.

And what isn't so clear is what will happen to the funding of the local councils who will continue to provide most of the public services they do today; the roads, the bins, adult social care, children's services and many others. Without any guarantees of funding, there are suspicions national funding may be diverted to Mayoral Authorities. And this might look like robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Of course, the devil will be in the detail, and no decision will be made until we know the finer points, in particular, what this will mean for residents and the local councils who provide services across our area. Councillors are acutely aware that if it all goes wrong, questions will rightly be asked by the public, so it's important we know all the answers before there is any agreement.

At the moment, I believe it's the right thing to engage with the government. Extra funding for our region is very important, but we must know for certain there are no strings attached. I am always suspicious of what looks like free (public) money.

We also believe there should also be a public vote across the region, on going ahead, but this will be down to the government to decide.

The annual funding mentioned above rises, the bigger the area, and I am a firm believer that a large geographic region would give it the power to compete with the likes of Manchester, Birmingham and London. This is why we are not supportive of it being just Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.

Our area has much going for it, we have a strong hand, and I am determined we play it well.

Appendix

[1] The government has confirmed an annual fund of no less than £25million would be provided to a Mayoral Authority if it contained the Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes local authorities. if it was larger the funding would increase proportionately based upon population.
In terms of powers, the government is handing over controls of extra powers which can be used to provide more support for local businesses e.g. adult skills funding.

01/09/2026

PARTY ON POTTON - A HUGE THANK YOU!

Every two years, a team of remarkable volunteers put on an incredible event in Potton. Four days of live music, fun and games, sports, shows, comedy, quizzes, train rides, and even a sauna. I've never seen anything like it, anywhere else in the world.

- The committee works for two years to put it together, they plan, they give up their weekends, they run bars and barbecues, and they work flat out off in the build-up to the main event, and in the days in takes place. Despite being exhausted for most of it, they retain constant good humour even when put to the test!
- The Big Band travels from Germany, it takes Sound Express about 17 hours to get here, via long waits at the border with all their equipment. They spend all of Saturday performing, and then are straight on the bus home for another 17 hours back (no August bank holiday in Germany!)
- A small army of supporters step in whenever required, selling tickets, moving furniture, helping visitors and manning stalls.
- We get fantastic live music and brilliant comedy in our community.
- And for four days, we are reminded of quite what an incredible community we have in Potton (even if all the visitors still call it a village).

Not only does the committee put it all together and ensure it is the massive success it is, but they take all the financial risk, if it didn't work out.

I sincerely hope they'll get some rest in the 48 hours after that marquee goes down today, but if you see Richard, Sam, Helen, Steve, Scott, Kathryn, James, Ian, Mitch, Kirsty, James, Simon, Dav, Vicki, Daisy, Emma, Eli, Dennis, and the army of supporters who back them up, in the days and weeks to come, please let them know how much we all appreciate their efforts.

Looking forward to seeing Party on Potton back in two years. Bring on 2028.

Thank you!

P.S. - If you enjoyed the weekend, the committee always need more support to prepare, so if you can give-up time to be a part of it and would like to wear the hallowed orange top, please email [email protected]

Party On Potton Soundexpress Big Band

27/08/2026

HOW TO GET BLOCKED DRAINS CHECKED

Today's much-needed rainfall provides a useful opportunity to get an indication of which road drains might need unblocking; it's well worth keeping an eye on those near where you live, as the council can move quickly to take action. And if we end up with a prolonged spell of rain either now, or this autumn, pre-emptive steps can help avoid flooding.

We've had a lot of rain this morning - in Potton, about 20mm since midnight - which is almost half what you'd expect for the whole of August.

And after a spell of drought such as we have experienced this summer, we need to be watchful. Long dry spells bake soil until it hardens and compacts, stopping water from soaking in as much as it would usually.

Which means we're more at risk of flash floods.

So how can we help?

Most roads have a camber, whereby the highest point is in the middle and the water naturally flows down to the edges where the drains are found. The council has a programme for clearing these drains but long dry spells make it worse, as all the small bits of refuse which would usually be washed away by the rain, start to pile up on the top of a drain.

However, it's not always obvious whether a drain is truly blocked, and sometimes all the mess on top can wash down, at the first real rain.

But not always.

The signs to watch out for are where water is pooling on top of a drain. Even then, a particularly violent downpour can temporarily overwhelm a drainage system. But if today, before the waters start to evaporate, there were big puddles around/over drains on roads near where you live, then please report them to Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) now via the online portal. This gives you the opportunity to highlight the exact spot, and then the council can respond to your directly with an update. Photos are really useful.

I reported three this morning (see attached) and it only took a total of about 5 minutes.

The council can and does get out to investigate quickly, and your reports really do make a difference.

Report via Fix My Street. There is short link here: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/reportit

Don't be tempted to try and lift drain covers, or investigate yourself, especially when roads are flooded and you can't see what it underneath.

26/08/2026

A1 TO CLOSE IN BOTH DIRECTIONS FOR WEEKENDS IN SEPTEMBER

The A1 will be shut in both directions around Black Cat/Tempsford over the first weekend in September, and there will be further closures in the weeks after. This is related to the ongoing works around the Black Cat roundabout conducted by National Highways.

The A1 will be shut northbound between Tempsford and Black Cat, from 9pm on Friday 4th September, until 5am on Monday 7th September.
And the A1 will be shut southbound between Wyboston and Tempsford, from 9pm on Friday 4th September, until 5am on Monday 7th September.

And...

The A1 will be shut northbound between Tempsford and Wyboston, from 9pm on Friday 11th September, until 5am on Monday 14th September.
And the A1 will be shut northbound between Wyboston and Tempsford, from 9pm on Friday 18th September, until 5am on Monday 21st September.

There will also be closures on the A421, and other roads close to Black Cat, and midweek overnight closures on the A1.

The usual diversions will be in place on nearby local roads such as St Neots Road.

See attached details, and there is further information here:
https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/a428-black-cat-to-caxton-gibbet/diversions-closures-and-speed-restrictions/

In the past there have been long delays on diversion routes so if you don’t need to be in the area, it’s best to avoid!

21/08/2026

CAN HOUSING LOOK BETTER? LAYOUT REVEALED FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT NORTH OF SANDY ROAD, POTTON

The developer, Miller Homes, which already has planning approval to build 125 houses north of Sandy Road, Potton, has now applied for Reserved Matters permission. This covers the finer details, such as what the houses will look like, and where the roads and green spaces will go. On this occasion, the developer has given more than a nod to the history of Potton.

Last year, Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) turned down the original planning application but this was overturned in September 2025, by the government's Planning Inspectorate.
https://www.facebook.com/adamzerny/posts/1179731417312920

Meanwhile, six months before this, we agreed as CBC councillors we would create something called 'Better Looking Housing' which is all about trying to making sure new developments are in keeping with the surrounding history, and to get developers to try and build something in keeping.
https://www.facebook.com/adamzerny/posts/1061296242489772

I've attached a couple of examples of what I mean. Two new-ish developments built near us, where developers have tried to create something in keeping with the history of the area, instead of 100 identical box houses.

We opposed the original application, but once the site was approved, I got on to the developers and asked them to try and build something in keeping with the history of Potton.

It's worth bearing in mind I can't force developers to do this, I have no real powers here, they could have just said no.
(although when the new Local Plan is adopted this should formalise 'Better Looking Housing' into something known as a Design Code [1])

The developer reacted positively, and they sent people over to let me show them around the older areas of Potton, and they met with the town council.

And you can even see in some of the images attached [2] which of the old buildings they have been influenced by. You might even see your house!

I've also included some of the pictures from the developer's planning documents so you can see what the houses will look like.

The Section 106 agreement [3] for the development details where the funds from the developer will go, and includes the following, which should be spent in Potton:
- £159,000 for early years education
- £20,370 for new books at Potton library
- £926,000 for primary education
- £58,000 for SEND
- £125,000 for local healthcare
- £33,000 for Highways
- £32,000 for buses/shelters
- £37,000 for green infrastructure
- Sport: £45,000 to the Hollow

To see more information on this application click here:
https://plantech.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/PLANTECH/DCWebPages/acolnetcgi.gov?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=646757
And to see all the associated documents, click here:
https://cbc.aifusion.io/planning/publicViewer.html?caseID=CB/26/02592/RM

Appendix
[1] https://www.facebook.com/adamzerny/posts/1061296242489772
[2] That documents can be seen here: https://centralbedfordshirecouncil.sharepoint.com/sites/LPPSCasework/_layouts/15/download.aspx?UniqueId=e3a69e48-6672-424a-b208-367c6b9b78b5&Translate=false&tempauth=v1.eyJzaXRlaWQiOiI0M2RhYzQ2NS1hZjU0LTRjZWUtYTA0My1iYjI2NDIwZWZjZDciLCJhcHBfZGlzcGxheW5hbWUiOiJBY29sYWlkIFB1YmxpYyBTZWFyY2giLCJuYW1laWQiOiIxYzBiYWU2Mi1mYTkzLTQ1NDgtOTIxNC1jNGMyMDI3NmY0OGZAMjFkOGExZWUtMDc4Ny00Mzc0LWIyNTktNGU4NzA1OGFmZjE1IiwiYXVkIjoiMDAwMDAwMDMtMDAwMC0wZmYxLWNlMDAtMDAwMDAwMDAwMDAwL2NlbnRyYWxiZWRmb3Jkc2hpcmVjb3VuY2lsLnNoYXJlcG9pbnQuY29tQDIxZDhhMWVlLTA3ODctNDM3NC1iMjU5LTRlODcwNThhZmYxNSIsImV4cCI6IjE3ODczMTE3MjAifQ.CkQKDGVudHJhX2NsYWltcxI0Q0piRG9OUUdFQUFhRmtoSGIxSjBNV1ZUZW10bGRVSnBjRVp4WDBWMlFVRXFBREFBT0FBPQoyCgphY3RvcmFwcGlkEiQwMDAwMDAwMy0wMDAwLTAwMDAtYzAwMC0wMDAwMDAwMDAwMDAKCgoEc25pZBICNjQSCwjylPqAoN6_PxAFGgw0MC4xMjYuNDEuOTgqLCt2dzhzQk13dlB1Z1BxNFdlandqUHVZN0RTYlR1TFdWY3Y2dURvaWF0K2c9MJwBOAFCEKIzYKb3wADghHHBlxCsflxKEGhhc2hlZHByb29mdG9rZW56ATG6AQ1hbGxzaXRlcy5yZWFkyAEB.lr5U658syBi_loCiJMfjQ3JkYblfW-BCqu9zhRrbEUc&ApiVersion=2.0
[2] https://centralbedfordshirecouncil.sharepoint.com/sites/LPPSCasework/_layouts/15/download.aspx?UniqueId=3c4b75c4-8d2f-433f-9208-3328510b6b64&Translate=false&tempauth=v1.eyJzaXRlaWQiOiI0M2RhYzQ2NS1hZjU0LTRjZWUtYTA0My1iYjI2NDIwZWZjZDciLCJhcHBfZGlzcGxheW5hbWUiOiJBY29sYWlkIFB1YmxpYyBTZWFyY2giLCJuYW1laWQiOiIxYzBiYWU2Mi1mYTkzLTQ1NDgtOTIxNC1jNGMyMDI3NmY0OGZAMjFkOGExZWUtMDc4Ny00Mzc0LWIyNTktNGU4NzA1OGFmZjE1IiwiYXVkIjoiMDAwMDAwMDMtMDAwMC0wZmYxLWNlMDAtMDAwMDAwMDAwMDAwL2NlbnRyYWxiZWRmb3Jkc2hpcmVjb3VuY2lsLnNoYXJlcG9pbnQuY29tQDIxZDhhMWVlLTA3ODctNDM3NC1iMjU5LTRlODcwNThhZmYxNSIsImV4cCI6IjE3ODczMTE3ODEifQ.CkQKDGVudHJhX2NsYWltcxI0Q09uSG9OUUdFQUFhRmtoRE5YZFBZa2gxWTJ0VFFuSXhXamhTTmsxdVFVRXFBREFBT0FBPQoyCgphY3RvcmFwcGlkEiQwMDAwMDAwMy0wMDAwLTAwMDAtYzAwMC0wMDAwMDAwMDAwMDAKCgoEc25pZBICNjQSCwjej-DIpN6_PxAFGgw0MC4xMjYuNDEuMjQqLFh3NnRKK08wVDBvVzBGTGhzR252ZUROcjViMlBoMnpuSDVoOVd3dzRQM0E9MJwBOAFCEKIzYLXZEADghHHBz4qz4B5KEGhhc2hlZHByb29mdG9rZW56ATG6AQ1hbGxzaXRlcy5yZWFkyAEB.KB6nLj6_TS56fobij3VsTFxKQ1oktgd-OVsKhkd2zBg&ApiVersion=2.0

20/08/2026

SCHOOLS TRANSPORT FOR SEPTEMBER - IS EVERYTHING IN PLACE FOR YOUR CHILD?

With just a couple of weeks of the summer holidays remaining, for many parents, thoughts now turn to 'Back to School'. Read on, if you have kids going to local schools for the forthcoming academic year. Lots of information, and details of how it may affect you, dependent on the school.

Every year Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) has a huge logistical challenge of ensuring every child eligible for schools transport, has the means to get there.

If you live further than three miles from your nearest school (and you applied for it), and your child is 16 or younger, you'll likely be eligible for free transport to the school you have been allocated. If you've been in touch with CBC to let them know you qualify, you should by now, have received confirmation your child either has a place on a school bus, or have been told you'll get a free bus pass for a scheduled public service.

If you haven't, let CBC know now! Don't leave it until term begins as this may be too late! Contact details for the council, are in the appendix [1].

If your child is going to Edward Peake...some parents have contacted us with a concern that the bus back to Potton leaves a very tight window to get to the bus stop. The council has looked into this and can confirm the bus will now leave the stop opposite the end of Nursery Close, Biggleswade at 3.30pm, which should give enough time (school ends at 3.20) for children to reach the stop. The Council has also spoken to the bus company to ensure bus drivers are aware schoolchildren will be catching this service, and that this is the last one of the day going from this stop to Potton. Children catching this bus back to Potton will not need to cross the main road as the bus will be departing from the same side of the road as the school and will go back to Potton via Biggleswade bus station. For the journey to school, children would need to get the service which leaves Market Square Potton at around 7.49. This is a public bus service and the timetable can be found online [2].

If your child is already attending Stratton (or they have a sibling there), and is not aged over 16, they will be eligible for free transport and hence you'll get a bus pass for the same local public bus services as mentioned above [2]. The 3.18pm bus from Stratton returning to Potton should allow enough time for children to get out of school and catch the bus back to Potton. The Council has spoken to the bus company to ensure bus drivers are aware schoolchildren will be catching this service, and that this is the last one of the day going from this stop to Potton. For the journey to school, children would need to get the service which leaves Market Square Potton at around 7.49. This is a public bus service and the timetable can be found online [2].

The bus passes provided to eligible children, on the routes mentioned above, can be used on all buses on these routes, on school days.

If your child is already attending Sandy Secondary (or they already have a sibling there) you will also be eligible for free transport although the buses here are being privately run by Bartons and Herberts. Children who are not eligible for free bus passes may also be able to buy a concessionary seat, if there are spares, but this will likely be more expensive than using a Young Person's card on the public buses (see below). If you are in this position and would prefer to pay for a more expensive pass (subject to availability), please contact CBC [3].

If your child is not going to your nearest school, and does not have a sibling already at the school, or is aged over 16, then free transport is not automatically provided by the council so you will need to check which public buses are available, or arrange alternative transport. Concessions will be available on most public routes but do not leave it late as numbers may be limited. There are public buses which go to Biggleswade [2] and Sandy [4] and the timetables are linked in the appendix. The details of the likely buses for those going to Biggleswade are mentioned above. For those going to Sandy via public transport, there is a choice of buses in the morning, and in the afternoon, there should be enough time for children to get to Sandy Market Square to catch the 3.16 bus home.

CBC is supporting a national scheme whereby individual journeys will currently be just £1 for those aged 18 and under, who sign up to a Young Person's card. Please click here to find out what to do: https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/transport-roads-and-parking/public-transport/travel-discounts

If you are a low income household there may be concessions, and more information here: https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/schools-and-education/apply-school-transport/apply-transport-low-income-families -guides__title

If your children are going further afield e.g. to schools in Cambridgeshire, then please contact the school directly to find out what services are in place.

Please do not reply to this post with any details about your child's school or journey to school. Any queries, drop me a line directly, via [email protected] .

Appendix
[1] https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/schools-and-education/apply-school-transport
[2]https://www.grantpalmer.com/media/3022/189-190-biggleswade-potton-gamlingay-050126.pdf
[3] Via this page: https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/schools-and-education/apply-school-transport/if-youre-not-entitled-free-school-transport
[4]https://www.grantpalmer.com/media/3018/bedford-biggleswade-potton-010925.pdf

18/08/2026

BEDFORDSHIRE TO GET A NATIONAL FOREST!

Back in May we wrote to the government urging them to bring a new national forest to our area. We now have fantastic news; the government has agreed to this proposal and it will mean an area of woodland the size of the Isle of Wight.

Last autumn, when the government announced more funding for the area between Oxford and Cambridge [1] I said the government needed to be mindful that it's not just about physical infrastructure. We must protect and encourage the wildlife and nature on our doorstep. At the Forest of Marston Vale [2], we have one of only 15 community forests in the UK. While many people would say it's better not to build on our countryside at all, if the government does press ahead with major development in our region, I will continue to push for much more environmental protection.

Whenever I visit the Forest of Marston Vale, just down the road from us, I am always reminded what a great example of conservation it is [3].

We got even more interested when the government said last year, it was setting aside £250 million, to 'give growers financial certainty and help accelerate tree planting. Alongside this, investment in apprenticeships and training will boost rural employment and equip people with skills for green jobs' [4].

We wanted that money spent in our area so in May, I wrote to the government alongside Cllr Tracey Wye.

And the government has new announced via, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of the Government's plans to help protect 30% of England's land for nature by 2030, that the Forest of Marston Vale has been selected as a new National Forest.

The woodland is expected to cover between 50,000 and 150,000 hectares - an area larger than the Isle of Wight. At the moment, the forest covers an area of less than 16,000 hectares.

The decision follows a competitive selection process which we fed into with the attached letter. The Forest of Marston Vale Trust will now work with Defra and the National Forest Company to develop plans for the new national forest.

At present, the detailed plans on the areas into which the forest will expand, are to be confirmed, but rest assure we'll stay involved and make sure it's a success.

Appendix

[1] https://www.facebook.com/adamzerny/posts/pfbid02U7r9d6MLZh4HJRJzfGGUGVaZRTEuBrt6y3G81htvp4oAXP6EE85X5VwtCqBNVDn7l
[2] https://www.marstonvale.org/
[3] https://www.facebook.com/adamzerny/posts/pfbid032Ca1r9XS8SJRg31BbAwtjQRaefn7fHxP3tRB3pWUTTYpTndpApE75FFnwoTM8CbNl
[4] https://www.facebook.com/adamzerny/posts/pfbid0W47Z96rmr32mnzDWsjCG4v9PAmJMVp2qp6W7DxvBQYMqPPcoEH9QYDhsKkMuAC8ml
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nation-to-benefit-from-two-new-national-forests-backed-by-1-billion-investment-in-tree-planting

Cllr Adam Zerny

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