Press Room Archive
Car parking - top of priority list - [Friday, April 13 2007]
Car parking in Huntingdonshire is currently being addressed by Huntingdonshire District Council. A series of consultation meetings took place in late 2006 to discuss the issues of car parking in all four market towns. The results are now being considered. For Huntingdon, an example of the issues is the impact of parking at the railway station where commuters currently pay £4.80 a day. The daily charge at Peterborough railway station is £10 a day so commuters have gravitated to Huntingdon adding to the pressure. To protect Huntingdon car parks for shoppers and workers the balance will have to be addressed. More details when they become available in the next few months.
Huntingdonshire's first Food & Drink Festival - [Friday, April 13 2007]
September 8-16 sees Huntingdonshire’s first Food and Drink Festival take place. The main aims are to promote local food and local producers; encourage healthy eating and reduced ‘food miles’; stage an exciting Festival with something to interest the whole community and encourage more visitors to the four market towns. If you would like to be involved in the Food and Drink Festival, contact Deni Darke, Economic Development Project Officer on 01480 388074 or email deni.darke@huntsdc.gov.uk or visit www.huntsfoodfestival.co.uk
The Huntingdonshire Food and Drink Festival is sponsored by Huntingdonshire District Council, Wood Green Animal Shelter and Waitrose, and supported by Big Barn, Q103FM, Archant Press, Huntsbridge and FAB! The Festival is managed by the Economic Development team at the District Council.
Walden Road bus lane road works - [Friday, April 13 2007]
The new contra-flow bus lane on Walden Road from George Street to the bus station is undergoing major improvements.
When it is completed, the new bus lane will produce a maximum time saving of nearly 10 minutes, which will reduce the bus journey time by 76% compared with the journey around the ring road.
The diversion of statutory services, for example British Telecom and EDF Energy cables, is well underway and the main works to build the bus lane are due to start in early 2007. The majority of statutory services in the affected area will have been successfully diverted by utility companies by January 2007. However, a gas main that runs across Saint John's Street (near to the George Street junction) needs to be replaced, which is a major job that will require a series of temporary traffic layouts.
The changes that will be taking place to the current layout are:
The kerbing around the junction of George Street/Walden Road/St John Street will be realigned.
The existing island in St John Street will be removed.
The lay-by in George Street West (in front of the furniture shop) will be closed to motor vehicles.
A temporary zebra crossing in George Street West will be installed. It is anticipated that the temporary zebra crossing will be in place for two months.
The programme
January/February • The main works to build the bus lane begin.
April 2007 • National Grid start relocating the gas pipe on Saint John's Street (near to the George Street junction).
June 2007 • Temporary layout in and around George Street/Walden Road/Saint John's Street ends.
The new bus lane is due to be completed by the end of June 2007.
If you would like any more information on the project, or if you have any questions or comments, please contact the Project Team: Tel 01223 712110, Email capital.programme@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Web address: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/waldenroad
Huntingdon in Bloom goes for Gold - [Friday, April 13 2007]
Work together to brighten up Huntingdon Town Centre! The first week of July is the week that the judges from Anglia in Bloom come to town. Shops and businesses can make a huge difference by simply putting a bunch of flowers or a small container in the shop window or outside. Give Huntingdon in Bloom the best chance yet to gain the Gold Award in the Anglia in Bloom competition.
With three Silver Awards in the bag, this is the year to go for gold, but everyone needs to join in. You can also support the event by displaying the winning poster prepared by pupils from the town schools and a Huntingdon in Bloom sticker. Sponsorship of hanging baskets and containers is also available.
For more information, or to join the regular entrants of the Commercial Competition with either flower displays or your environmental or recycling projects, then contact the numbers below. The floral container competition with judging in June is open to all - contact Peter Jackson for more details by 30 April.
Peter Jackson - anncolbert@clara.net or Tel 01487 822591.
Businesses try out shopmobility facilities - [Friday, April 13 2007]
Representatives from Huntingdon businesses took to the streets of Huntingdon on the new Shopmobility scooters recently. The Open Day, arranged by Debbie Drew, Shopmobility manager, aimed to introduce businesses to Shopmobility and give them the chance to try out the scooters to test accessibility to shops and to see how improvements can be made.
People who find a long shopping trip a struggle are returning to Huntingdon to shop now that Shopmobility is available. The mainly flat, pedestrianised streets lend themselves to scooters and wheelchairs.
Contact Debbie Drew 01480 432793 from Wed to Sat 9am to 4.30pm. Shopmobility is located in the Princes Street car park, in Malthouse Close, at the back of the Commemoration Hall.
New Town Centre Manager for Huntingdon - [Tuesday, February 13 2007]
In January Katy Sismore was appointed the new Town Centre Manager for Huntingdon.
After studying a management degree at the University of Manchester, Katy spent two years working for a firm of chartered accountants, but the office environment was to be replaced by the retail world of C&A. Twelve years as a C&A manager followed in Reading, Southampton, Brighton, Ayr, Crawley, Worthing, Marble Arch (London) and Cambridge. As a result of the C&A experience,Katy has a strong empathy with the retail and business sector and relocating every two years has provided a wide knowledge of different towns and cities across the UK, which will prove invaluable in the role of Town Centre Manager.
After a short break to start a family, Katy worked for Cambridgeshire Countryside Watch addressing crime reduction for rural businesses in the Huntingdonshire area. Four years later this was followed by a natural move to set up the now,well established, Huntingdonshire Business Against Crime, focusing on the issues facing businesses in the market towns of Huntingdon, St Ives and St Neots.
Based in Huntingdon, and working closely with Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership for the last three years, Katy has already many established contacts with local businesses, local authorities and developers.
Katy said, “This is an exciting time for Huntingdon and the residents of the town. We have a vibrant, historical market town and the prospect of several current and future developments due for completion, within the town centre and on the edge of town, in the next 3 to 5 years.
I am keen to build on the strong legacy of my predecessor and work with businesses, residents and the local authorities in the town to ensure that we realise the future vision for Huntingdon”
Katy is working on a variety of projects for 2007 including dates for the annual Continental Market and Christmas; the first Inland Waterways Festival and the first Huntingdonshire Food and Drink Festival!
Shopmobility now in Huntingdon - [Thursday, December 28 2006]
The new shopmobility scheme opened its doors in Huntingdon on Wednesday 1 November. Debbie Drew is the new scheme Manager and is delighted to be involved in launching this new service. Debbie can be contacted on the main Shopmobility number below.
The shopmobility unit will have 12 mobility scooters with manual wheel chairs also being available. The unit will be manned between 9-5 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and will have a disabled toilet on site with mobility ramped access. To find out more information on the new shopmobility service contact Debbie Drew on 01480 432793.
New Shopping Guide now available - [Thursday, December 28 2006]
The new pocket size Guide to Shops and Services, which includes a detailed map showing all the businesses within the town centre and how to find them, is now widely available throughout the town centre. You will be able to pick up copies in most businesses but in particular from the following: Card Gallery, Malcolms Estate Agents, Parsley Pot, 1st Choice Recruitment, The Post Office, Cambridge Interiors, Krafty Kats, Huntingdon Community Church, the Luminus Group, Leeds Day, The Flower Patch and Hodson's Fish Bar & Restaurant.
Email Katy Sismore katy@huntingdontcm.com for more information.
BASE training a resounding success for local businesses - [Thursday, December 28 2006]
Thanks to a successful bid from Huntingdonshire District Council and the Huntingdonshire Town Centre Partnerships, a new programme called Base has proved extremely popular with local businesses. Over 6 weeks, a series of FREE short business training courses, seminars and workshops were delivered in a relaxed environment. The Base programme follows on from the successful Pride programme which was delivered last year.
Lisa Warman, Economic Development Project Officer said "Huntingdonshire District Council and Action for Market Towns are pleased with the success of the programme. We know how difficult times are for the smaller independent business and this programme offered support, advice and really useful information to anyone who owns or works in an independent business in Huntingdonshire."
Huntingdonshire's first Food & Drink Festival - [Thursday, December 28 2006]
Plans are well in hand for the first Huntingdonshire Food and Drink Festival in 2007. For nine days, from 8-16 September, 2007, the market towns of Huntingdonshire will be taking part in a foodie extravaganza, with all manner of events designed to celebrate local food producers and suppliers, local cooking and a healthy approach to eating and drinking.
During the Festival Huntingdon, St Ives, St Neots and Ramsey will all play their part with special Farmers’ Markets standing alongside high quality craft markets offering a variety of goods, all with a food and drink theme.
Throughout the Festival, there will be food trails, (with a competition for the best Festival sandwich recipe), farm visits, chef demonstrations and a Young Chef of the Year competition designed to encourage local children to be creative in the kitchen.
Local restaurants will offer special Festival menus and there will be a Festival ‘Passport’ enabling visitors to the market towns of Huntingdonshire to take advantage of a wide range of special offers and discounted prices.
To be involved and for more information contact (TCM) or Deni Darke, Project Manager on 01480 388074, deni.darke@huntsdc.gov.uk
Emma moves on to new pastures - [Thursday, December 28 2006]
Emma reports... "As some of you may have read in the local press, I am moving on to take up a new role as City Centre Manager in Cambridge on 4 December.
This has been a difficult decision for me to make, not least because I have been very happy and fulfilled in my role here in Huntingdon. I feel a tremendous sense of ownership for what we have developed and I know it will be very hard for me to leave this behind. Collectively over the past 5 years, the Town Centre Partnership team, with our members, has developed a thriving Town Centre Management scheme, which is held up as best practise both regionally and nationally. Huntingdon really does have an exciting future and I feel confident the town will continue to go from strength to strength.
The Partnership has appointed a new Manager, whom many of you will know. Katy Sismore is currently the HBAC manager and will begin her role as Town Centre Manager in January. My warmest congratulations to Katy! I will continue to live in Godmanchester and I will always see Huntingdon as "my town" and will keep a close and watchful eye over it as it continues to flourish, as I’m sure it will."
THIS WEEK - Continental Market - [Tuesday, October 10 2006]
This Thursday, Friday and Saturday sees the return of the hugely successful Huntingdon Continental Market. This year sees some new stalls including charming cuckoo clocks from Switzerland as well as the tried and tested cheeses, wines, olives, gifts, flowers & bulbs and a veritable variety of other stalls.
Shopmobility comes to Huntingdon - [Tuesday, October 10 2006]
The new shopmobility facility, based at Princess Street car park, opens mid-end October. The service will benefit people who need mobility scooters (and other selected equipment) to enjoy town centre shopping. Dan Smith, Community Initiative Manager said, "The mobility equipment will ensure that access to Huntingdon town centre is possible, so that users may enjoy shopping and leisure activities it has to offer."
Councillor Mrs Deborah Reynolds said, "I am delighted that we have been able to work with partners to bring this scheme about. The number of people with a disability or mobility problem in Huntingdon Town is higher than the national average, this scheme will hopefully benefit these people."
The shopmobility unit will have 12 mobility scooters with manual wheel chairs also being available. The unit will be manned between 9-5 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and will have a disabled toilet on site with mobility ramped access. To find out more information on the new shopmobility service contact Dan Smith on 01480 388377.
Huntingdon 'felons' raise bail bounty of £8,000 - [Tuesday, October 10 2006]
Handcuffs and prison cells were the order of the day on 19 September! The Partnership cornered the likes of Jonathan Djanogly MP, Jeff Dutton, Huntingdon's Mayor, John Hoskins from The Old Bridge Hotel and a host of other key Huntingdon players, who found themselves arrested, handcuffed and in jail!
John Nunn of The Card Gallery gamely took on the role of magistrate and 'charged' each of the felons with their 'crimes'. Each felon raised bail money to get out of jail and the total raised topped over £8,000. The money will go to the 2006 Huntingdon Christmas Lights appeal and was the brainchild of Town Centre Co-ordinator, Pauline Lutman. "Far from being criminals, these 'felons' are really the heroes and heroines as they have raised more money than we have ever achieved for the Christmas Lights appeal," said Emma Thornton.
Other unlikely felons were: Keith Nancekievill, Head Teacher Hinchingbrooke School; Kevin James, Cambs Fire Service; John Newton, Clegg Developments; John Bridge, Huntingdon Chamber of Commerce; Giles Tinkler, Lloyds Bank; Sharon Lee, New Look; Tim Cobley, Waitrose, Ray Brighton and Terry Downing, Wisdom Communications. And last but not least, Emma Thornton, Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership Manager! Thanks go to each and every one, including police officers from Huntingdon Police, who all played their part in making this a successful and fun event
Huntingdon's Markets take to the buses - [Tuesday, October 10 2006]
Huntingdon's Weekly & Farmers’ Market have launched a novel promotion, in what is thought to be a national first, by advertising on the back of buses.
Ollie Walters, Sales Manager at Viacom Outdoor who arranged the bus promotion for the market, said, "Markets capture the true spirit of local communities and we believe this campaign will really capture people's attention and encourage new visitors."
Continental Market - [Tuesday, September 12 2006]
The date for this year's Continental Market is 12 -14 October, so start planning now in order to take advantage of the significant increase in visitors to the town. This year sees some new stalls including charming cuckoo clocks from Switzerland! Check this website and the Hunts Post for more information nearer the time. Posters and publicity will be with you soon.
Annual Report 2006 - [Monday, July 24 2006]
The latest Annual Report is now available to view online.
Please click here for the full report.
http://www.huntingdontowncentrepartnership.co.uk/pdf/annualreport2006.pdf
Arrested, handcuffed and jailed! - [Thursday, July 13 2006]
Be very, very cautious on 19 September! The Partnership has identified 15 likely suspects who could find themselves arrested, handcuffed and in jail!
All in a good cause though! In order to raise money for the 2006 Christmas Lights appeal, a number of prominent Huntingdon people could find themselves 'Jailed & Bailed'!
Each 'felon' will either be arrested at a central point or at their workplace, handcuffed and taken to jail by real police. There, they will be fingerprinted, fed and watered and detained until they can raise the bail money to buy their freedom. And all this so that Huntingdon isn't in the dark this Christmas!
Watch this space - and over your shoulder!
Spicy fundraising for Christmas Lights - [Wednesday, July 12 2006]
Spice up your life and help raise funds for the 2006 Christmas Lights appeal! Wednesday, 4 October, 7.15pm, sees the Spice Inn, Huntingdon, host a Charity Dinner for Partnership members, partners and friends to enjoy. Make a date in your diary now! At just £20pp including a complimentary glass of wine (sponsored by Waitrose) this will be a great evening and help raise the much-needed funds to keep Huntingdon bright this Christmas!
Email Emma Thornton emma@huntingdontcm.com for more information.
Get seen on new Town Maps/Shopping Guide - 20% members' discount - [Wednesday, July 12 2006]
The Town Maps are undergoing their annual update, so now is the time to contact the Partnership and book your advertising. This year, the Shopping Guide will be in a new, larger format folded to A6 pocket size, making the information much clearer.
But act now as the deadline is looming! If you haven't already been approached, then call Sears Publishing on 01480 455123 or email sales@searsweb.com
Members receive a 20% discount!
Important dates for networking - [Wednesday, July 12 2006]
The Partnership has recently surveyed its members to find out what the 'hot topics' are for the forthcoming informal networking meetings. The results were conclusive and members are keen to find out more about Christmas trading and the various car parking issues that are affecting our town at present. The Partnership has set up a networking meeting for members:
Wednesday 13 September, 8am-9am,
Venue The Marriot Hotel, Huntingdon
In response to members preferring to have meetings quarterly in the early morning and to last no more than one hour, the Partnership has arranged a second Networking Meeting to focus on the topical issue of car parking. There will be a presentation from Huntingdonshire District Council on the future transport strategy, including car parking!
Zone Reps working well! - [Wednesday, July 12 2006]
Zone Reps are now in post and working very hard to get to know their respective 'zone' businesses. All are incredibly enthusiastic and busily promoting and distributing Hunntingdon LIVE, which has been well received.
The Reps are meeting on Tuesday 5 September to update the Partnership on how the initiative is going and to offer help and support to each other to ensure everyone gets the most from this networking opportunity.
A reminder that the following areas have their own Zone Rep:
All Saints Passage
Benedicts Court
Chequers Court
High Street
Newtons Court
Huntingdon LIVE - New look print newsletter! - [Wednesday, July 12 2006]
By now, you should all have received your copy of the new magazine, Huntingdon LIVE. This takes over from our previous newsletter, PartnershipWorks, which was sent to Huntingdon businesses.
The main purpose of the Partnership is to make sure that our town provides a convenient, vibrant, quality shopping experience and HuntingdonLIVE will be the magazine for everyone in the town, both shoppers and businesses alike. Distributed free of charge bi-monthly, Huntingdon LIVE aims to give you the latest news on what's happening in Huntingdon Town Centre, as well as 'showcasing' the fantastic range of businesses we have, many of which are hidden gems!
If you haven't received your copy yet, email me at emma@huntingdontcm.com and I will make sure you get a copy.
Enjoy the read!
Emma Thornton, Huntingdon Town Centre Manager
New members-only area of website - [Thursday, June 1 2006]
Members of HTCP now have their own exclusive area where they can find the latest news and views.
Complete with their own Forum for exchanging ideas, the area also carries the latest business priorities and development plans for Huntingdon.
Join the Partnership and enjoy some exclusive benefits!
Contact Emma Thornton at emma@huntingdontcm.com or call on 01480 450250.
Huntingdon, St Ives and St Neots united in banning crime - [Wednesday, April 12 2006]
Introduced by Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership in 2004, HBAC comprises retailers and businesses working closely with key partners including Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Huntingdonshire Community Safety Partnership to combat crime in Huntingdon, St Ives and St Neots.
Persistent offenders who regularly commit thefts or make a nuisance of themselves in shops will now be banned from not only Huntingdon, but also St Ives and St Neots.
Working as a team, businesses in the three towns who are members of Huntingdonshire Business Against Crime (HBAC), can serve Exclusion Notices on persistent repeat offenders, banning them from entering ALL shops and business premises of HBAC members in all three towns.
"This is a major step forward. Before St Ives and St Neots joined HBAC, many offenders excluded from Huntingdon simply transferred their activities to surrounding towns,” said Mike Fowler, Chairman of HBAC. “If these Notices are breached, then criminal or civil proceedings could follow or even the issue of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order. However, these people will still be free to enter shops that do not belong to HBAC.”
HBAC introduced the first Exclusion Notices in 2004. Details of its members’ reports are recorded on a dedicated crime database, the only one of its kind in Cambridgeshire. Using this information and strict criteria the HBAC Board of Management then decides whether Exclusion Notices should be issued.
Since HBAC was formed in 2004, eight Exclusion Notices have been served and have been highly effective in identifying prolific offenders and helping to reduce the amount of crime and fear of crime in Huntingdon.
Good news stories can result from the exclusion process as demonstrated by Michael’s story (surname withheld). Michael was excluded for two years and, after making detailed representations to HBAC, has had his Exclusion Notice recently suspended having adopted a new lifestyle, and having not offended since 2004. “I now realise how wrong it is to turn to crime and being served the Exclusion Notice made me take stock. I have adhered to the Notice which has been in place for 18 months already and I am starting a counselling course next month in a bid to live a proper life and contribute to society”
Zone Reps - helping to make your business voice heard - [Friday, March 10 2006]
At a recent Business Planning Focus meeting, the Partnership's business priorities for the next two years were top of the agenda. As well as a planned restructure on how the Partnership can work even more effectively, one of the main improvements will be on communication with businesses throughout the town.
And this is where Zone Reps step into action! Each of the following areas will have its own Zone Rep:
All Saints Passage
Benedicts Court
Chequers Court
High Street
Newtons Court
Each Zone Rep will work closely with the businesses in their 'zone' and with Emma Thornton, Huntingdon's Town Centre Manager, to improve the communication network and to feedback relevant information to each other.
One of the first jobs of the Zone Reps will be to take a questionnaire to businesses in order to get their feedback on the work of the Town Centre Management and to help shape the Business Plan for the next two years.
Your Zone Rep will be visiting you in the next six weeks and asking you to help in steering the future of Huntingdon. More details in our next newslette.
More funding for Huntingdon town centre as Partnership wins £20,000 - [Friday, March 10 2006]
Once again, Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership has won a significant investment to improve Huntingdon town centre.
Two years ago, the Partnership was awarded £45,000 from Go East’s Community Safety Fund, to set up Huntingdon Business Against Crime, now Huntingdonshire Business Against Crime, a nationally recognised, ground-breaking initiative.
And last week, the Partnership was successful in winning an award of just under £20,000 from the East of England Development Agency’s (EEDA) ‘Quality of Place Fund’, managed by Action for Market Towns, to enhance the St Benedict’s Court area of Huntingdon.
The money will be used to enhance improvements planned for this area, specifically a water feature, lighting and entrance signage.
Thanks also to the award, much-needed signage will be placed at the opening to All Saints Passage in order to promote this as a shopping area and to alleviate the need for A-boards on the High Street.
“The award was only open to town centre partnerships and the money would never have been granted had the town not had Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership,” explained Emma Thornton, Huntingdon Town Centre Manager, who works directly for the Partnership.
“Winning this means we can add some local distinctiveness and character to St Benedict’s Court, which is about to undergo a major facelift by Huntingdonshire District Council. These improvements will add a real focus and sense of place to this area and encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more. It is also hoped it will be used as an informal entertainment area for future events.”
For more information, contact Emma Thornton, Huntingdon Town Centre Manager on 01480 450250 or email emma@huntingdontcm.com
HTCP Meeting Dates - [Thursday, February 23 2006]
All meetings are held at The Old Bridge Hotel, unless otherwise stated. All are welcome, both existing members and businesses who would like to come along and find out more about the extensive work of Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership.
2006:
Thursday 23 March
Thursday 27 April
Thursday 18 May
Thursday 29 June
Thursday 20 July
No meeting in August
Thursday 21 September
No meeting in October
Thursday 23 November
Thursday 14 December
2007:
Thursday 18 January
Thursday 22 February
Thursday 22 March
Email Emma Thornton, Town Centre Manager on info@huntingdontowncentrepartnership.co.uk for full information.
Huntingdon Christmas Lights - [Monday, December 5 2005]
The Mayor, Councillor Helen Mallet, officially switched on Huntingdon’s Christmas Lights on Sunday 27th November.
For the first time, the event was held on a Sunday so that all the family could take part at leisure. The result was a tremendous success with a range of first class performances from local dance drama and music groups, which gave a true festive atmosphere to the town.
“The quality of performances was outstanding,” said Emma Thornton, Huntingdon Town Centre Manager. “Our aim over the last few years has been to encourage a much wider community involvement in the Switch On event, and this year all those involved certainly did the town proud.”
 The celebrations included Little and Large stilt walkers patrolling the town, hot chestnuts and mulled wine and mince pies, Punch & Judy shows. Many shops embraced the Christmas spirit by putting special events and promotions on for Christmas shoppers, with retailers reporting a significant increase in trade on the day.
Sunday 27 November is the day for Huntingdon’s Christmas Lights Switch-on - [Thursday, November 17 2005]
A festive day of Christmas shopping and entertainment is promised for this year’s Huntingdon Christmas Lights Switch-On, which, for the first time, will be held on a Sunday – November 27.
Throughout the day, shops and businesses will be open for Christmas shopping and many are entering into the Yuletide Spirit with seasonal temptations! From mid-day onwards, Little and Large clown stilt walkers will be bringing fun and merriment to the town along with a Punch and Judy stall, a hot chestnut barrow, candy floss, freshly made doughnuts, mulled wine and mince pies and traditional children’s rides.
Boots will be running a fancy dress competition and offering games and entertainment for the children, Marks & Spencer will be tempting shoppers with wine and festive food tastings plus a free prize draw to win a Christmas Hamper. Simply Music will be hosting live music demos and at All Saints Church, carols will be sung, helped along with a warming glass of mulled wine. Waitrose will be injecting some bubbles into the day with an afternoon of champagne tasting and many more businesses will be getting involved, do check for details nearer the time.
The Performance Programme starts in the Market Square and Chequers Court at 4pm with local dance and drama groups, choirs, music groups and strolling jazz bands. Father Christmas, in his specially commissioned ‘Santa Sleigh’, will make his way up the High Street with a host of festive entertainers, not least of all his Elves! At 5pm, the town comes alight as the Mayor, Councillor Helen Mallet, officially switches on the Christmas Lights.
The Christmas Lights Switch-On is organised by the Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership with thanks to Huntingdon Town Council for their generous support of monies and sponsorship of the performance areas in the Market Square and Chequers Court.
For more information, contact Emma Thornton, Town Centre Manager, on 01480 450250.
Subway move to Chequers Court, Huntingdon - [Thursday, November 17 2005]
Churchmanor are pleased to announce that Subway have taken space at 12 Chequers Court, Huntingdon.
Howard White said “ We are delighted that Subway have come to Chequers Court. The space was formerly occupied by the Rising Dragon restaurant, who vacated over the summer months after many years in the Town. The building has been completely stripped out, and will be re-fitted by Subway in their corporate style. We hope that the shop will be open and trading in time for Christmas.”
“Chequers Court is now an established prime retail location in Huntingdon, and with the further works planned to take place shortly on the High Street, we are confident that it will only continue to improve.”
Subway have over 580 stores in the UK and over 24,500 worldwide.
There are 4 subway stores in Cambridge and 2 in Peterborough. This will be their first store in Huntingdon.
Subway are Specialists in hot and cold submarine sandwiches and salads, the SUBWAY® chain has experienced significant growth in recent years as a "healthy alternative" to other fast food options. The chain also offers a range of deli-style sandwiches, salads and wraps, crisps and freshly baked cookies and muffins. For further information see www.subway.co.uk
Chequers Court Consultation Results - [Thursday, November 17 2005]
Results from the Chequers Court News leaflet distributed with the Hunts Post two weeks ago, show clear support for the redevelopment plans proposed by Churchmanor Estates.
71% of the responses received so far are supportive of the plans and offer constructive comments. The most commented on issues were improving the variety of shops, assisting the local economy and improving the parking facilities. The gate inspired only seven comments across all respondents.
Howard White, of Churchmanor Estates, said, “Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to comment on the proposals. It is important to know what people think and feel about their town so that we can ensure that our plans address the concerns and desires.”
“Chequers Court has improved considerably over the last five years and we are looking in detail at plans for the final phase. The plans to demolish Threshers forms part of this continuous improvement scheme, and over the next year further plans will be revealed which will show how we intend to make Chequers Court a safe and accessible shopping experience for all.
The issue of the gate has been raised and whilst we recognise that the closure of the gate has been an unpopular decision, we are sure that the redevelopment of Chequers Court will transform this part of the Town Centre for the better, both with a larger variety of retail stores and also by addressing many of the issues raised by our respondents. “We care enough about Huntingdon to want to support local retail and to bring life back to this part of the town for future generations.”
Huntingdon’s Continental Market attracts over 14,200 visitors - [Friday, November 11 2005]
Huntingdon hosted its fourth annual Continental Market last week and attracted over 14,200 visitors to the town.
Oliver’s, Huntingdon’s premier night-spot, became the first main sponsor to recognise the benefits of being associated with this year’s Continental Market and was featured in promotional radio campaigns and on banners around the town.
People, not just from the local area but also from across East Anglia, visited the town with the specific purpose of enjoying the three-day market and to soak up the European ambience. Over 30 stalls attended, selling authentic continental produce from olives to fine wines, French bread, cheeses, pates, pastries, Belgian chocolates and vibrantly coloured Dutch flowers. New additions this year were several live continental cooking demonstrations, which filled the town with mouth-watering aromas.
One French market trader commented, “Huntingdon has been the best market for me this year. It’s been very busy, the people are always polite and friendly and I’m already looking forward to coming back next year.”
Local retailers were also very pleased with the increase in customers, many of whom were quite new to the town and, having now seen what the town has to offer, will return in the future.
“Happily, the Market was a success for both visitors and local retailers alike. It’s a great way to showcase Huntingdon and for people to experience the improvements that have been made to the town. Huntingdon continues to improve its retail attractions and offers a wide range of businesses from independents to multi-nationals,” says Emma Thornton, Huntingdon’s Town Centre Manager. “There are also improvements to the town centre with the redevelopment of the town’s Princess Street area between the bus station and George Street.”
Organised by the Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership, its aim is to raise the profile of the town, improve its image and attract more visitors.
Poetry published at Huntingdon Farmers' Market - [Tuesday, August 30 2005]
Huntingdon Farmers’ Market is publishing a poem written in its honour by Poet in Residence, Clare Best.
Clare was resident at the farmers’ market last week, giving away poems with purchases of organic vegetables and getting customers to think about creating their own poems - taking inspiration from the locally-produced, seasonal food sold by the people who produce it.
Rosemary Hoskins from Huntingdon Farmers' Market said
"After the poetry residency we want to keep people thinking about the food they buy, where it comes from and how they enjoy it. We are going to display the poem Clare wrote for us at the market and also include it on our webpages. We are also inviting customers to submit their own poems.”
Clare Best is a poet on an Arts Council funded writing residency with Woodlands Organic Farm, one of the regular farmers' market traders. Her poems are published in journals and magazines and she is a tutor on the creative writing programme at the University of Kent.
The poem she wrote for Huntingdon Farmers’ Market is below.
The Farmers' Market runs from 8am to 2pm every other Friday in Huntingdon Market Square. The next market date is Friday 2nd September.
The kitchen table after market
Here, Pink Fir Apple potatoes,
wine-dark venison steaks,
onion chutney glowing amber,
a stowaway date and walnut loaf,
two thick ropes
of pork and apricot sausages –
mysterious, heavy,
cold in their plastic bag.
Here, fat wedges of rindy cheeses,
stories told over scalding cups of tea,
that soon-back-to-school
tang in the air.
The sun’s trapped
in this pattypan squash, that jar of honey
is bottled summer, and these
are the leaves
of promises farmers grow.
Look, courgettes: plump green babies’ limbs,
a bundled spectrum of rainbow chard,
eggs, smooth and cool
as seawashed pebbles
and homemade apple pies, sugar-dusted,
wrapped, waiting
like secrets to be shared.
Clare Best, Woodlands Organic Farm, 2005
© 2005
New Huntingdon funding sees district-wide expansion in fight against crime - [Monday, August 8 2005]
As an initiative of Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership, Huntingdon Business Against Crime (HBAC) has been upheld as a scheme of ‘best practice’ both regionally and nationally. Its achievements include the Safer Business Award, a reduction in shop theft of 27 per cent, the highlighting of key offenders and the serving of seven Exclusion Notices on local criminals.
HBAC has proved so successful in its bid to reduce crime in Huntingdon, that the scheme will be re-named Huntingdonshire Business Against Crime, with funding of £13,000 coming from Huntingdonshire Community Safety Partnership to facilitate the expansion.
Because of the success of HBAC, which launched in March 2004 and has targeted persistent offenders involved in business crime and anti-social behaviour within the town centre, much of this crime has been displaced to St Ives and St Neots. The aim of the new district-wide scheme is to share best practice and for all involved to gain the proven benefits.
In partnership with the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, HBAC has proved that team working brings significant results in the battle to reduce crime and make the region’s towns a safer and more pleasant environment for people to shop and work.
Huntingdon will now share its sophisticated database system with other towns in order for them to achieve similar success. The long-term goal is to operate a database that will network with towns and cities around the UK, thereby making repeat crime even more difficult through information sharing of persistent offenders.
Huntingdon’s Businesses putting the customer first - [Monday, August 8 2005]
As Huntingdon continues to develop and attract new businesses, more and more people are visiting the town. Providing a warm welcome and sharing knowledge of the town is vital to encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more.
Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership, along with Huntingdonshire District Council, has developed a Town Centre Ambassador Training Course, which is available for free to anyone working in the town centre that deals with the general public. Everyone from retailers to service providers to car park attendants and Police Community Support Officers can attend and learn how to help and advise visitors on Huntingdon’s attractions, shopping, eating and accommodation facilities.
The first course was held on 19 July at The Old Bridge Hotel and proved a great success with over 16 Huntingdon Businesses attending.
“It’s important that we set ourselves apart from neighbouring shopping destinations and not earn the title of ‘clone’ town, where all the high streets look and feel the same. We have to build on our distinctiveness,” explains Emma Thornton, Huntingdon’s Town Centre Manager. “The training is also about providing memorable customer care, which is critical to making sure that visitors leave with a positive image of the town and want to return.”
The Ambassador Course is linked to the Pride Retail Skills Programme, which begins in September and is being run throughout Huntingdonshire and East Cambridgeshire. This programme is a series of free workshops for small to medium businesses that can’t ordinarily access training and covers a range of retail skills, including window and shop displays, active selling, customer service and dealing with disappointed customers. Huntingdon, St Ives, St Neots and Ramsey are all part of the initiative, which is funded by the Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership, the East of England Development Agency, Huntingdonshire District Council and East Cambridgeshire District Council.
Key partners are Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership and other Huntingdonshire and East Cambridgeshire town centre initiatives.
To find out how to book your free places on either the Ambassador or Pride workshops, please contact Emma Thornton on 01480 450250.
New Shopping Guide for Huntingdon - [Monday, August 8 2005]
As Huntingdon continues to attract new retail and commercial business, which, in turn, attracts more visitors and shoppers to the town, a new Shopping Guide leaflet has been produced to help people find their way around.
Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership has produced this comprehensive Guide, which promotes all businesses in the town centre and links in with the Shopping Guide maps located around the town.
The Guide promotes the definitive range of shops and services that Huntingdon has to offer and, as well as acting as a location guide, will also highlight businesses that shoppers might otherwise not have known were there.
“Many major towns have a Shopping Guide to help visitors find there way around. Huntingdon now has an attractive range of shops and services that will benefit from the higher profile this leaflet gives them, whilst shoppers will benefit by seeing immediately what the town has to offer,” explains Emma Thornton, Huntingdon Town Centre Manager. “The Shopping Guide maps have worked well and we had lots of requests for the information on these to be available in a handy ‘pocket’ version.”
The Guide will be widely distributed throughout town centre businesses, so make sure to get your free copy. Alternatively, you can contact Emma Thornton on 01480 450250 and request a copy.
Great- value sponsorship opportunities for Huntingdon businesses - [Friday, March 18 2005]
If you want to hear and see your business in regional and local media and promote your business through The Partnership, all at incredibly good value, then contact Emma Thornton.
The Partnership has put together a range of exciting sponsorship packages for some of our key Town Centre events. Any business with an interest in Huntingdon can become a main sponsor. Without doubt, this is an exceptional opportunity to profile your business through a concentrated media campaign, which includes commercial radio as well as local radio, press advertising and corporate branding on all related Partnership publications, including the website. For more information contact Emma Thornton on 01480 450250, email emmathorntontcm@btconnect.com But hurry as these are a once only for 2005!
Saturday Farmers’ Markets - [Friday, March 18 2005]
The Partnership is investigating the possibility of running Farmers’ Markets on Saturdays when there is a 5-week month.
If this goes ahead the first one will be on 30 April with possible additional dates on 30 July and 29 October. This would be on a trial basis with stalls being placed down the High St.
This is a great opportunity for Friday Farmers’ Market traders, our own regular Saturday Farmers’ Market traders and town centre businesses to attract new customers. It would also add vitality and a reason for more people to visit the town. A co-ordinated advertising campaign to promote these markets will be put in place, so check your local press.
Huntingdon wins coveted Safer Business Award - [Tuesday, December 14 2004]
Huntingdon is considered to be amongst the safest shopping centres in the country, following its recent accolade of winning the ‘Safer Business Award’, sponsored by the British Retail Consortium in recognition of its fight against crime and disorder.
The Award is the culmination of dedicated work by Huntingdon Business Against Crime (HBAC) and Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership. Since HBAC’s launch in March this year, it has built an effective and powerful crime reduction partnership within Huntingdon, Godmanchester and Brampton, which includes Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Huntingdonshire District Council, Huntingdon Town Council, ShopSafe Radio and over 30 business members.
HBAC is involved in many aspects of crime reduction, in particular the tackling of anti-social behaviour. Mike Fowler, HBAC’s Chairman said, "This is a great achievement for Huntingdon and an accolade to the tremendous commitment from the Scheme Manager, local businesses and companies who have joined the Scheme and supported the fight against crime in Huntingdon. The continuous efforts of HBAC and its members have made Huntingdon a safer environment for everyone.”
The prestigious British Retail Consortium's Safer Business Award will be formally received in the New Year when an official launch will be held.
The Safer Business Award also builds on recent initiatives in the Huntingdon, such as the popular introduction of a police community support officer, the issuing of Exclusion Notices and a real-time radio communication scheme linking the HBAC member’s network to Huntingdon Police and Huntingdonshire District Council CCTV.
The Safer Business Award is an accreditation standard and recognises that Huntingdon Business Against Crime has achieved measurable standards of excellence in operation and management, and acknowledges a professional approach to crime reduction and partnership working.
BBC ‘Switches-On’ to Huntingdon’s Traditional Christmas Lights - [Monday, November 22 2004]
Traditional festive fun, Christmas cheer, craft stalls and late-night shopping aim to make this year’s Huntingdon Christmas Lights ‘Big Switch-On’ an evening to truly mark the run-up to Christmas.
Starting at 6pm on Thursday 25 November, visitors can enjoy the Ice King and Ice Queen stilt walkers, Punch & Judy show, hot chestnuts, mulled wine and mince pies and a selection of traditional children’s rides.
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire will be linking live to the studio throughout the evening, relaying the festive atmosphere to listeners across the region.
A brand new Santa’s Sleigh, specially-commissioned by Huntingdon Town Council, will lead a procession along the High Street to the Market Square where Huntingdon’s Mayor, Councillor Patricia Leech, will officially switch on the Christmas Lights at 7pm assisted by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s Emma Maclean.
More entertainment comes courtesy of local schools and community dance and drama groups in both the Market Square and Chequers Court.
In the Commemoration Hall, High Street, there will be a ‘Crafts for Christmas’ Fair, which proved so successful last year. From 12 noon to 8pm, over 25 stalls will be selling a range of traditional and contemporary crafts.
The Christmas lights themselves will be enhanced with additional strings enhancing the change to new, clear bulbs throughout the display.
Many town centre shops will remain open until 7pm or 8pm, giving visitors the chance to catch up on some Christmas shopping. Future late night shopping dates to diarise are December 2, 9 and 16 when over 25 shops will be open until 7pm.
The Christmas Lights Switch-on is organised and funded by the Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership. For more information, contact Emma Thornton, Town Centre Manager, on 01480 450250.
Huntingdon Business Against Crime gets things rolling for skateboarders - [Monday, November 22 2004]
Skateboarders in Huntingdon have been a cause for concern for some time now, predominantly in the Chequers Court and St Germain Way area of the town centre. Businesses have raised the issue of the dangers of skateboarding in front of their premises, which makes late night shopping an unattractive prospect, causes customers to feel intimidated and has caused accidents to shoppers who have complained on numerous occasions.
Huntingdon Business Against Crime (HBAC) has not only listened to the concerns of its members, many of whom run businesses in Chequers Court and St Germain Way, but has taken action on behalf of its members and the skateboarders by arranging meetings recently, chaired by HBAC’s Chairman, Mike Fowler, to discuss the issue. Representatives from the District Council, Town Council, Huntingdonshire Community Safety Partnership, Youth Workers, Churchmanor Estates (owners of Chequers Court), Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership and Cambridgeshire Constabulary discussed the possible solutions, which would benefit both the business community and the skateboarders.
Mike Fowler said, “HBAC arranged the meetings in a genuine bid to provide a solution to the problems that businesses in this area are experiencing. We can’t just exclude these skateboarders who are, after all, simply expending their energies in an environment where they feel safe, without giving them an alternative, and hopefully, permanent area where they can feel equally safe but be away from the main shopping area.”
The outcome of the meetings was two-fold: firstly to promote part of the Riverside Park area as an alternative, dedicated skateboarding site. Plans to redevelop this area are now at consultation level with Huntingdonshire District Council and the Council will be urged to include such a site in the plans. Secondly representations will be made to the Council urging them to introduce a by law prohibiting skating in certain areas of the town centre.
Skateboarders, in conjunction with Youth Workers, have arranged a meeting for December 2, 7pm at Pathfinder House, where all interested parties, including skateboarders, will be encouraged to share their views on new skate facilities in Huntingdon.
For further information contact HBAC on 01480 457579
Huntingdon does the Continental and attracts over 14,000 visitors - [Tuesday, October 19 2004]
Huntingdon hosted its third annual Continental Market last week and attracted over 14,000 visitors to the town. The resounding message was that this market was even more successful than previous markets.
Last year’s Continental Market attracted people from all over the region, and Huntingdon was voted third in the top ten list of most successful markets, along with large cities such as York and Edinburgh.
People from across the East Anglian region poured into the town over the three-day market to soak up the European ambience and shop at over 30 stalls selling authentic Continental produce; from olives to fine wines, pates, pastries, Belgian chocolates and Dutch flowers. This year saw new products make an entrance, such as freshly baked French bread, crystallised fruits, clothing and regional food.
Visitor, Helen Dennis, said, “I’ve loved it, it’s super! It made me feel like I was on holiday. I’ve travelled from Great Raveley especially to see it.”
As well as being a huge success for the visitors, the market traders also see Huntingdon as one of their most prosperous venues, attracting customers who appreciate the opportunity to buy products with a difference and happy to pay for the privilege.
“Huntingdon has been the best market for me this year. It’s been very busy and the people have been great,” said one Continental Market Trader from France.
Local retailers reported business was brisk over the three days and many commented on the wonderful atmosphere. Andrew Harris and the staff of Pop Bellies café, Huntingdon, embraced the spirit of the day by donning Continental costumes including a French maid, Dutch girl complete with wired pigtails and a French garlic seller!
“Huntingdon now offers a broad range of retailers from independents to multi-nationals,” explains Emma Thornton, Huntingdon’s Town Centre Manager. “The town is definitely changing for the better. Marks and Spencer has opened, a number of individual shops have opened in Chequers Court and the plan is to encourage even more inward investment into relevant retail units. This market serves as a great way to showcase the improvements in Huntingdon and will hopefully see these same visitors who came to the event return to shop in the town.”
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