May I say that my opinions about the National Trust's parking problems at Anglesey Abbey and in Lode are separate from those of their Wicken Fen Vision in general.

I am broadly a supporter of the trust's work, but also sometimes a critic.

As a district councillor, I should consider what the benefit is to East Cambridgeshire's 78,000 residents as a whole.

Of course, I have to pay attention to my own ward of Bottisham, which includes Lode. I should also consider the Swaffhams, Reach and Burwell.

It seems to me that the vast majority of these 78,000, or even 12,000, residents are either in favour of the Wicken Vision, content with it, or really do not mind.

I do feel that the trust's plans could include some productive habitats for food and fuel, and for employment during the transition period.
Maybe there could be some sustainable mixed farming.

The trust could work with the farming community to their mutual benefit. Some farmers may like to sell their land to the trust but continue as tenants, farming it differently.

Over 100 residents live in the Fen itself. The Drainage Board and trust have stated that they have to protect any houses or farms from the effects of any new pools or areas of wetted peat.

Residents do have an understandable fear of a danger to their villages from visitors' cars, despite the trust wishing them to come by foot, bike, horse, boat, train, bus or coach.

The trust has engaged some consultants to look at this. They held a workshop a few months ago with local councillors and their report is due soon.

I am confident that these problems will be overcome and I will do my best to work to represent the interests of residents, their children and grandchildren.

Cllr Dr Robert Stevens
Bottisham Ward