A new toilet block in March town centre is expected to be open for use in the New Year.
Completion of the toilets was delayed by an unforeseeable issue with a collapsed sewer.
Fenland District Council’s Cllr Chris Seaton, lead member of the March Future High Streets steering group, said: “It’s frustrating and unfortunate that this unforeseeable issue delayed completion. The new toilet block will be a long-term asset to the town and a further enhancement of the redeveloped Broad Street area and we look forward to it being open and operational in the New Year.”
The new toilet block, retaining characterful features of the old block, provides a male, female and disabled facility which will be accessed with contactless card payment of 20p.
The old toilet block was removed to allow the riverside to be opened up and enhanced, complementing the new Broad Street layout.
The demolition of the former Barclays Bank building in Broad Street, next to the toilet block site, is also part of the regeneration project. Demolition got under way this week.
The toilets can be finished and opened once demolition is complete. Construction safety rules mean two sets of contractors cannot be working on the two projects at the same time due to their proximity.
Grays Lane is expected to remain closed until both projects are complete. It is hoped that will be early in the New Year.
The toilets are being funded jointly by Fenland District Council and with funding from the £8.4million March Future High Streets investment programme, funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund (£6.4million) and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Market Town’s Fund (£2million). March Future High Streets investment came alongside transformational road layout changes to Broad Street delivered by Cambridgeshire County Council.
Fenland District Council bought the Barclays Bank building with Government Future High Street Fund funding to prevent it remaining empty and being a long-standing eyesore. The site is to be sold for redevelopment.
Christmas Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme to families between 20 December to 4 January.
Children eligible for benefits-related free school meals can access a funded place at a HAF holiday scheme, which includes family experiences for up to 16 hours. Families experiencing financial hardship may also qualify.
Further details are available via the following links:
Free, weekly food waste collections coming to Fenland in 2026
National food waste changes designed to help residents recycle more and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill are coming to Fenland next summer.
Fenland District Council is launching free, weekly food waste collections in June 2026 to meet new Government legislation, which requires all councils to introduce separate food waste collections next year.
The new service will allow people in Fenland to recycle their food waste for the first time, turning leftovers, peelings, and other food scraps into renewable energy and fertiliser for farmers. It will also free up space in household green bins and, with weekly collections, there’ll be less smell from rotting food too!
Recycling food waste also reduces the environmental impact of sending waste to landfill, where food breaks down and produces harmful greenhouse gases.
The Government has provided full funding for the service – including for new collection vehicles and food waste bins – so there will be no strain on local taxpayers as a result.
Cllr Steve Tierney, Fenland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for waste and recycling, said the new food waste collections are a win-win, and hopes residents will embrace the service.
“We have a fantastic waste and recycling service here in Fenland, and these new food waste collections will make it even better,” he said. “Around a third of the waste currently in our green bins is food waste – much of which can be recycled. By introducing free weekly collections, we’re not only meeting national requirements, but helping people recycle their food waste in an environmentally friendly way while freeing up space in their green bins.” “The service is completely optional too,” he added. “Residents can decide whether to take part, but we’re confident that once people try it, they’ll see how simple and beneficial it is.”
In preparation for the new service, households will receive two new food waste containers: a five-litre indoor caddy to collect food waste in the kitchen and a small 23-litre outdoor food waste bin, plus a roll of caddy liners. The outdoor bin will be emptied every week on the same day as current blue and green bin collections.
The roll-out of the service will be in two phases, with food waste collections for flats and other communal properties launching later, in winter 2026.
Further information will be provided in the coming months to help residents get ready for the new service. In the meantime, answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the Council’s website at: fenland.gov.uk/foodwaste
The Cambridgeshire Libraries mobile library is visiting Tuesday 4th November.
Wide range of books for all ages.
Also distribute free NHS hearing aid batteries and walking stick ferrules.
Copies of the new The Library Presents brochure for you to collect.
Bring along your Cambridgeshire Libraries card, or join up on board.
If you (or someone you know?) are struggling with increasing food costs, please collect a free Dinnerize kit from your local Mobile Library. They contain everything you need to make a family meal. These kits have been donated by Re-imagine Resource Centre.