Local Elections 2026: Peterborough has plenty to offer

We keep reading on the literature provided by one party that ‘Peterborough is broken’. It seems a defeatist outlook. Like all towns and cities, Peterborough has its issues and of course is far from perfect. However, to call the city broken feels like an inappropriately all-encompassing description.

Peterborough has so much to offer. We have a magnificent Norman cathedral which is one of the most architecturally spectacular buildings in the country, and attracts visitors from far and wide. Just down the road from there is Flag Fen Archaeology Park, a magnificently well preserved Bronze Age site.

The Nene Valley Railway is nationally renowned among train enthusiasts, and Peterborough Lido, a 90 year old Art Deco structure is regarded as one of the finest remaining examples of this architecture in Britain.

There is, of course, plenty more to be proud of. Nene Park, encompassing Ferry Meadows. It’s a massive country park stretching from Castor to the city centre. As well as being a haven for wildlife, it hosts events and activities all year round. How many other cities of a similar size have a corridor where you can walk right to the city centre surrounded by relative countryside? In Peterborough you can do this on either side of the River Nene.

From a sporting point of view we have two senior football teams in Peterborough United and Peterborough Sports. Admittedly neither have enjoyed a successful season, but both clubs have provided fans with plenty of excitement over the past few years. There are other clubs such as Peterborough City and Netherton FC who are knocking on the door.

Peterborough Town Cricket Club have won the Northants League five times since 2012, and the hockey club are also hugely successful.

The rowing Club competes at local, national and international levels, and both Fenland Clarion and Peterborough Cycle Clubs have big memberships.

There are a number of Boxing Clubs in the city, and City of Peterborough Swimming Club has a thriving membership. Sadly the city centre doesn't currently have an indoor pool, which is problematic.

Peterborough & Nene Valley AC are hugely successful all the way through from their youngsters to their veterans, though the dilapidated state of the running track and associated facilities is becoming a cause for concern. There are a further six running clubs in and around Peterborough, possibly a record for a city of its size.

Political parties are right to be concerned about the problems Peterborough has, and any genuine help residents can be given is of course a big step in the right direction.

At the Green party we are aware that Peterborough has many problems and will do everything in our power to help residents and improve their standard of living, and take measures to reduce crime and fly tipping etc. What we won't do is write Peterborough off as a broken city. It has far too much to offer for that description to be justified.