Aimee Dexter

Firefighters tackling a major peatland blaze at Holme Fen near Peterborough say they are in a better position and making steady progress, despite continued heat on the fireground. About half of the nature reserve has been affected since the fire began on 8 August, with crews from across the country and support from Natural England assisting the response. Peat fires can spread underground and remain difficult to extinguish. A separate fire at Holme on 27 July is being investigated as suspected arson, while authorities have warned the public against activities that could spark wildfires.

Hazel Brown has volunteered at East Anglia's Children's Hospices charity shop in Ely since 2018, following the death of her 12-year-old granddaughter Lucy. Lucy received care at EACH's Milton hospice for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and during her final weeks. Brown says volunteering is her way of thanking the charity and helping support future families, while EACH highlights her contribution and appeals for more volunteers.

Signs of life have been observed among the burned remains of Dunwich Heath in Suffolk after a wind-driven wildfire damaged about 371 acres of heathland, wetland and woodland. More than 100 firefighters responded to the blaze, which was declared a major incident. National Trust chief operating officer Andy Beer said the site had suffered extensive damage but expressed hope that some wildlife survived and that the habitat could recover. The area supports scarce species including Dartford warblers, nightjars, woodlarks, antlions and adders. The National Trust has launched a fundraiser to support recovery and is reviewing land-management practices amid concerns that warmer, drier conditions linked to climate change may increase the risk of similar fires.

A wildfire at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk burned about 371 acres of heathland, wetland and woodland and required more than 100 firefighters to contain. National Trust chief operating officer Andy Beer said signs of surviving wildlife had been seen, although the site suffered extensive damage and its recovery will not be clear until next spring. The area supports species including Dartford warblers, nightjars and woodlarks. The National Trust launched a fundraiser to help restore the habitat and is considering how to manage the land against future incidents, while Beer linked the broader risk of such fires to human-caused climate change.

A public space protection order has been introduced at Cambridge’s Babraham Park and Ride after 22 complaints about reckless driving and anti-social behaviour, including speeding, racing, loud music, stunts and organised car meets. Automatic number plate recognition cameras and CCTV will support enforcement, with offenders facing fines or prosecution. The measure was backed by 88% of 160 consultation respondents, and the nearby Arthur Rank Hospice said the disruption had caused distress and anxiety for patients and families.

Chocolat Chocolat owner Isabelle Chappelle has halted some afternoon production near Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire, because heat and humidity are disrupting chocolate-making, storage and deliveries. The business has used freezer packs and concentrated stock in an air-conditioned room, but melting has delayed seasonal products and affected sales for events such as birthdays and graduations. It is considering additional air conditioning, earlier production and increased stockpiling.

Cambridgeshire County Council will spend £5m between August 2026 and March 2027 on preventative maintenance for more than 30km of roads. The work will include resurfacing, road patching, crack sealing and a pothole innovation trial, with major projects planned for roads including the A1307, A142 and A605. The investment comes as the council faces an £800m maintenance backlog attributed to decades of underfunding and has allocated £78m for highways maintenance in 2026–27, including £31.3m from central government.

Construction of a £4.68m household recycling centre on Hundred Road in March is due to begin in mid-August 2026 and take about nine months, with opening planned for April 2027. The facility will provide improved access, more parking, pedestrian and cycling routes, and canopies to protect rainwater from contamination. The existing centre will close before the end of June 2027 for restoration, while residents are advised to use recycling centres in Whittlesey and Wisbech during the transition. Cambridgeshire County Council expects increased traffic from construction vehicles.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 20 fires across the county within a few hours during hot weather, including major farmland blazes in Peakirk and Whittlesey. About 35 firefighters tackled the Peakirk fire and 50 attended the Whittlesey incident, where police are investigating suspected arson. The service warned that dry conditions make farm fires spread quickly and complicate access and water supply, advising farmers to prepare evacuation plans and residents to avoid bonfires, garden fires and unsafe barbecues.

Repairs have restarted on a car-sized sinkhole that opened on Milton Road in Cambridge on 22 June. The work was delayed by a damaged sewer, which Anglian Water says has now been fixed, while a specialist assesses the cause of the collapse. The road, a key route between Cambridge city centre and the A14, is expected to reopen on 5 August, with the hole to be gradually filled with concrete.

A new study by University of Cambridge literature professor Sarah Dillon examines Alan Turing’s previously unpublished six-page story, “Pryce’s Buoy.” The fictional work, written around 1952–53, portrays sexuality, humour and creativity, challenging the stereotype of Turing as an isolated, purely logical genius. Dillon believes it fictionalised a sexual encounter connected to Turing’s 1952 conviction for gross indecency and argues that its literary style was influenced by Angus Wilson’s novel “Hemlock and After.”

Cambridgeshire County Council is considering a £5m proposal to carry out 30km of preventative road maintenance ahead of winter, including resurfacing, patching and crack sealing. The plan forms part of a wider £78m highways budget for 2026–2027, partly funded by central government, and aims to address a longstanding £800m maintenance backlog. Works would run from August 2026 to March 2027, with additional maintenance planned on several key roads. Committee vice-chair Robin Wyatt said the investment responds to residents’ concerns about road conditions.

A three-year-old boy severely injured by a crocodile at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo is recovering, with his parents reporting he is talking, playing and smiling again after multiple surgeries including a nerve graft. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but has been released on bail and deemed unfit for interview. Investigations into his care arrangements are under way by the Care Quality Commission and Norfolk County Council, while the boy continues treatment for extensive injuries at Addenbrooke's Hospital.

Alan Florence recalls engineering early Rolling Stones demo sessions at IBC Studios in 1963, when the band recorded eight R&B covers that initially failed to attract industry interest. Producer Andrew Loog Oldham later purchased the recordings for £98 before managing the group as they rose to fame and signed with Decca Records. Florence describes the band’s early lineup as polite and talented and reflects on their enduring success six decades later.

Prolonged hot weather has delayed repair work on the A143 at Stanton, forcing the busy road to remain closed for several more days. Suffolk Highways plans to begin repairs early next week and reopen the road under a temporary speed limit, with further remedial work scheduled for August. Local councillor Christopher Hudson said the initial repairs will target the most significantly damaged areas to allow the route to reopen safely.

Cambridge Water introduced its first hosepipe ban in more than 30 years due to hot weather, low rainfall and reduced river and groundwater levels. The restriction begins on 17 July and aims to protect local water resources and chalk streams as demand reaches record levels. Anglian Water also warned residents in Peterborough of low water pressure amid high usage during the heat.

Stroke survivors and individuals with brain injuries report improved mobility, mood, and independence through music therapy sessions run by Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. The weekly, free rehabilitation clinic, supported by MA Music Therapy students, offers sensory-driven exercises that aid neuro-rehabilitation, building on research by Dr Alex Street demonstrating positive clinical outcomes. Participants describe gains in hand movement, memory, and emotional wellbeing, with ongoing work toward a rehabilitation app to support at-home progress.

An investigation has begun into the care of a Norfolk man with learning disabilities who was arrested after a three‑year‑old boy was seriously injured in a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst. The child has undergone multiple surgeries and remains in stable condition. Authorities are examining whether the man, who was on a supervised trip and deemed unfit for interview, was receiving appropriate support. Norfolk County Council, Cambridgeshire Police and the Care Quality Commission are involved in assessing safeguarding responsibilities and any regulatory implications.

A statutory inquiry has been launched into the care of a Norfolk man arrested after a three-year-old boy was seriously injured in a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire. The child has undergone multiple surgeries and remains in hospital. The arrested man, believed to have learning disabilities, was on a supervised trip and has been deemed unfit for interview. Authorities are investigating safeguarding responsibilities under the Care Act, while regulators review whether further action is necessary.

A 999 call handler with the East of England Ambulance Service, just two weeks into her role, managed the first emergency call during a mass stabbing on an LNER train near Huntingdon that injured 10 people. Nicole Douglas described the call as frightening and rapidly escalating once it became clear there were multiple casualties. She and her control-room team coordinated with emergency services to locate the train and arrange an immediate response. Douglas, supported by a mentor, has since been named a finalist for Call Taker of the Year. The accused attacker, Anthony Williams, faces 13 attempted murder charges, with a trial set for October.

Damaged overhead wires blocked rail lines in and out of Cambridge, halting trains between Letchworth Garden City and Cambridge and affecting services toward King’s Lynn. Network Rail warned of cancellations and delays of up to 40 minutes, with major disruption expected until midday. Services operated by Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Thameslink and CrossCountry were impacted, and passengers were advised to delay travel or check for updates.

Marshland High School in West Walton marked its centenary with celebrations including a time capsule, historical displays and community participation. Headteacher Craig Jensen highlighted the significance of showcasing the school’s evolution since 1926, while students reflected on their pride in taking part. Messages from celebrities, including Manchester United players, were shared as part of the anniversary. The new capsule, containing uniforms, photos and memories, will be visible under a glass panel to ensure it can be found when opened in 2076.

A £515,000 family donation established long-term scholarships and initiatives at Anglia Ruskin University to honour illustrator and graduate Paula Heister, who died of brain cancer at age 40. Funds from her family's foundation and late grandfather will support two annual scholarships and additional programmes celebrating her artistic and academic legacy. Her husband and parents contributed tributes, highlighting her connection to the university and continued charitable efforts.