Boat, and caravans stuffed with waste, dumped in Fenland

The district council is calling for information after a large boat and, in separate incidents, two caravans stuffed with waste, were dumped in Fenland.

A Fenland District Council spokesperson said: “We received a report on Monday (June 8) that a boat had been dumped in High Side, Gorefield. We removed it that afternoon.

“In recent weeks two caravans stuffed with rubbish have also been dumped in March and Wisbech.

“We’d like to appeal for information about any of these incidents. Information can be reported through the fly-tipping form on our website or by calling us on 01354 654321.

“Fly-tipping of any nature is illegal. Fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles cost the taxpayer significant amounts of money to clear away.

“We take reports of fly-tipping very seriously and aim to prosecute the people responsible. Fly-tipping can lead to a prison sentence and unlimited fine.

“Householders and businesses must also be aware that it is an offence to allow fly-tipping by not taking proper precautions to ensure anyone they engage to dispose of waste on their behalf does so correctly and is properly registered.

“There’s information on our website on how to find a registered waste carrier and how to report fly-tipping to us.

“We ask anyone who sees fly-tipping to make a note of its exact location, the day, date and time you saw it and, if you see a vehicle or individuals involved, the registration and any other identifiable features.

“Fly-tipped waste should not be disturbed by the public. Fly-tipped waste can be dangerous – it might include syringes, broken glass, asbestos, toxic chemicals or other dangerous items. It may also contain evidence that could help find those responsible and lead to prosecution.

“Fenland District Council offers a household bulky waste removal service to help people to get rid of household waste responsibly.”

A dumped caravan in Oldfield Lane, Wisbech, was reported to and removed by the council in May. Another was dumped in Flagrasshill Road, March, and, as it was stuffed with asbestos sheeting, the council is working with a specialist contractor to clear it gradually and safely before removing the caravan from the site. The

Food (HAF) Programme to families programme operates between 21 July to 28 August across Cambridgeshire.

Children eligible for benefits-related free school meals can access a funded place at a HAF holiday scheme for up to 64 hours. Families experiencing financial hardship can also qualify.

Further details are available via the following links:

• Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme | Cambridgeshire County Council
• HAF Provider Directory | Cambridgeshire County Council

Created to celebrate all things fish and chips and unite all those in the industry, recognising the importance and impact of the sector they are part of. Read more …

Lots of good chippies in March to choose from!

Inspired by Fenland birdlife, local pupils from Burrowmoor Primary School and All Saints Interchurch Academy have worked with artist Rebecca Cahill Roots to create their own bird artworks.

The installation is on display at March Library until 3 July. Find out more about the wider programme: Fenland Folk programme

See the March Town Council events calendar page for details of talks in June.

Fenland District Council has relaunched its consultation on the new Fenland 50 Local Plan, giving residents, businesses and community groups a further chance to help shape the future of the district.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

The survey is inviting residents to share their views on life in Cambridgeshire and the issues that matter most to them and their communities, and supports the council’s vision of a healthy, fair and sustainable Cambridgeshire, where everyone can thrive now and in the future.

The survey helps the council and its partners understand residents’ experiences and priorities across the county.

By gathering feedback from a large and representative cross‑section of communities, the findings provide valuable insight to support business planning, policy development, and decision‑making, as well as helping to understand how changes to public services are affecting people’s lives.

This insight is used to help shape the council’s Business Plan and Budget, tracking progress against the council’s Strategic Framework ambitions over time.

The online and telephone survey will capture the views of around 5,500 residents and is being delivered in partnership with Cambridge Ahead and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

The 20‑minute survey is being carried out by independent market research company Thinks Insight, which aims to speak to a representative sample of approximately 1,100 residents aged 18 and over in each of Cambridgeshire’s five district areas, ensuring a broad and balanced range of perspectives.

Residents will be asked about a range of topics, including life and community, transport, health and wellbeing, children and young people, and perceptions of the council and its services.

Previous survey findings have shown that many residents feel happy, safe and have a strong sense of belonging, with Cambridgeshire widely seen as a good place to raise children.

They have also highlighted areas where residents would like to see improvement, such as road and pavement maintenance, the cost of living, and mental health and loneliness.

Councillor Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council said: “This is an important opportunity for residents to have their say on what quality of life means to them and to help shape the decisions we make as a county. Their views will play a vital role in informing how we set priorities and plan for the future.

“Listening to people’s lived experiences is central to our vision of a healthy, fair and sustainable Cambridgeshire. By sharing what matters most in their day‑to‑day lives, from health and wellbeing to transport, housing, the environment and the cost of living.

“Residents can help ensure our policies and services reflect the needs of communities across Cambridgeshire, now and for the long term.”

Alongside the random sample, all residents are encouraged to take part via the council’s website at: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/quality-of-life-survey

The survey will remain open into the summer and close on 5 August 2026, after which responses will be analysed and shared with councillors and the public in the autumn.

The results will help inform council discussions and priorities for the years ahead.

Residents who are contacted directly will be approached by the council’s commissioned research service, Field Locker, who will identify themselves as working on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council and provide contact details for verification.

Participants will not be asked for identifying personal details or any financial information.

What are you doing this Saturday 16th May?
On March Market Place for one night only before the big festival — bringing you entertainment, food, and good vibes ahead of the March Summer Festival! 

There’ll be a mini stage for those of you that fancy being a future MSF star  — but also perfect for anyone who wants to warm up their vocals ahead of the Eurovision final  or show off those BGT semi finalist worthy acts .

An evening with a bit of a difference, supporting March Summer Festival  – plus raffle tickets  with some fab prizes.

Come along, get involved, and help March Summer Festival celebrate the countdown to summer! 

Residents are being urged to give feedback on Fenland District Council proposals to spend £1.5million Government funding on improving and creating play areas across the district.

Specific sites have been identified to host play equipment for the first time, whilst others are earmarked for improvements.

Results of the consultation will help inform the projects that are taken forward, with plans for work to begin as soon as possible.

Cllr Jan Franch, Fenland’s portfolio holder for parks and open spaces, said: Local elected members have helped develop these plans to create a proposal list that offers widespread improvements for the district.

“We’re excited to see this investment improve play areas and opportunities across the district and to hear the views of residents on whether the proposals are what they want.”

It’s proposed to spend around £250,000 in each of Fenland’s four towns, with the remaining £500,000 spent in villages.

The proposals and survey

Take part: Fenland Inspire! Play Areas Consultation

March proposals

In March, there are proposals to invest in new or improved equipment at locations, to potentially include, Alberts Drive, Gaul Road, North Drive, Peas Hill Road, Robingoodfellows Lane, Southwell Close, The Avenue and West End Park.

Drop-in Workshop:
Friday 22 May 2026
March Town Hall
11am –2pm
Come and meet people from the teams at NIE, Gorilla Circus and the Angles Theatre to share your experiences, ideas & images of life in Fenland.

Anything is welcome: funny moments, local history, family stories, what makes Fenlanders tick, and what creates a sense of belonging in the Fens. No experience needed – just come as you are!