Hundreds of Peterborough people tell us of their concerns and priorities ahead of the local elections

Yesterday (April 13), we put a simple question to our readers: ‘What do you think are the most pressing Peterborough issues that the new council will need to tackle following next month’s local elections?’

In less than 24 hours, we received hundreds of replies on social media from people of all ages and backgrounds, eager to share their thoughts and feelings on the subject.

While some issues (like swan welfare) were mentioned only sporadically, other topics were highlighted time and time again, a clear indication that some concerns are clearly weighing heavy on a lot of residents’ minds.

Rundown city centre:

Far and away the most mentioned concern by PT readers was the state of Peterborough city centre.

“I think the city centre has to be one priority,” said Jo Weedon, “It has multiple issues and challenges but should be the heart of our city.”

One of the most prominent of these challenges was, according to Roger Marsh, the issue of begging:

“Can’t go 10 yards without being approached by beggars,” he observed.

“How can we expect people to come to our city to enjoy places like the cathedral, the museum and so on when there’s beggars everywhere!” Sharron Wass added.

Street sleeping was another challenge highlighted by many.

“Help the homeless,” said Paul Stec simply, a sentiment echoed by Vanessa Windsor, who said she would like to see the new council “moving street sleepers on or to a place of safety if they want it.”

Accessible public conveniences were also at the top of many readers’ wish lists.

“[There is] a desperate need for more public toilets in the city centre,” said Brian Bines.

Saphira Lorina was one of many, many readers in agreement: “It’s essential to have somewhere for people to go,” she said, adding, “also there is no need to add charges either as this is a basic essential human need.”

Scores of readers also called for the return of “a decent market” to Cathedral Square, along with the possibility of introducing lower or subsidised rates for independent retailers.

“Long term plans for growth in the city have to be at the top of the list,” Toqeer Sethi suggested. “The city centre needs to be a bustling place where businesses can thrive.”

Poor roads and parking issues

David Jenkins was one of many contributors who drew the parallel that the state of the city centre was directly affected by a lack of free parking.

“Parking costs are ridiculous,” he raged, “and does more to stop people coming [into the city centre].”

Jaon Willbye agreed. “Car parking in the city is a nightmare at present.”

Illegal parking was also a big issue that readers would like to see the new council stamp out.

“Get much firmer on the illegal parking,” Matt Dawson pleaded. “Too many idiots parking on double-yellow lines blocking junctions [and] line of sight.”

Michelle Cassar echoed this view. “People parking on paths makes it impossible to allow buggies/wheelchairs to pass and often they have to go on busy roads to get to where they are going.”

Recently named as the worst area in the country for potholes causing damage to cars, it came as little surprise that Peterborough’s roads were also the focus of a lot of readers’ ire.

“Peterborough roads are shocking,” exclaimed Chewy Rowell.

Saphira Lorina said “Resurfacing the roads” should be a priority come May 8. “There are many that still haven’t been fixed.”

“The roads have big holes,” Shirley Zhang noted. “It is so dangerous for driving at night [because] it is so hard to see it in the dark.”

Crime and anti-social behaviour

Readers were uniform in their concerns regarding how safe they felt on the city’s streets.

Many of those who commented said that an increasingly visible police presence would be the best way for a new council to help deter crime and combat anti-social behaviour.

“Crime needs to be tackled,” Becky Randal insisted, saying she would like the new council to deploy a ”visible police presence on the streets and in the city centre [as] people need to feel safe visiting the city.”

Marion Sharp said she would welcome the sight of “community constables pounding the city streets,” while Paula Edge called for “high police visibility all over Peterborough, especially at night.”

“We need police on foot, not riding around in cars,” Catherine Robinson observed.

“Police on foot permanently walking around should be a must,” agreed Sarah Jane. “We do not live in a safe world anymore.”

Jane Robinson believed that, come May 8, the focus should be on tackling “anti-social behaviour of all kinds,” insisting the new authority should “take some responsibility that young people need something to do away from school/ college and their families.”

“Sort the youth agenda out,” agreed Julia Hamilton-Burke: “give them somewhere to go, to hang out.”

Persistent fly-tipping

Fly-tipping was another heated topic which featured very heavily in readers’ responses. While most contributors simply highlighted it, Kevin Chestney summed up many people’s feelings in one concise comment.

“Fly-tipping is at epidemic proportions,” he said. “More enforcement is needed.”