20 YEARS AGO

THE go-ahead was given for the development of the Melbourn bypass – but work was not expected to begin for about 12 months. And residents were upset that a 3.3-mile route to the west of Melbourn was chosen rather than one to the east which has been sugges

THE go-ahead was given for the development of the Melbourn bypass - but work was not expected to begin for about 12 months.

And residents were upset that a 3.3-mile route to the west of Melbourn was chosen rather than one to the east which has been suggested during a public inquiry a year earlier.

Peter Bottomley, the Road Minister at the time, said he was aware about the difference of opinion over the route, but the one chosen would be more effective.

He said that the need for a bypass was not "seriously disputed" and he understood that a route to the east did, indeed, have "considerable advantages".

The then South Cambridgeshire MP, Sir Anthony Grant, said: "It was inevitable that some people would be disappointed, but at least the suspense is now over."

He said, however, it was not an "unexpected decision" although the district council supported the eastern route at the public inquiry.

- There were still problems surrounding the building of the Coombes Community Centre in Burns Road, Royston.

But it was hoped that work on the £275,000 project could begin later in the summer.

North Herts District Council's housing services committee had given the go-ahead for the scheme a week earlier, but there was still a question over which budget would be used for the project.

However, the policy and resources were due to meet to resolve the situation.

- Ashwell, Braughing and Cottered were involved in a battle in the Herts Village Ventures competition.

The competition - organised by the Community Council for Herts - aimed to encourage voluntary initiatives throughout the county.