Hunni Haynes

Philip Evans, 46, ran out of a flat in Lowick Gardens, Westwood, Peterborough, at around 5 p.m. on Christmas Day carrying a kitchen knife. He was arrested the following day and later acquitted of wounding with intent but convicted of possessing a knife in a public place at Cambridge Crown Court. He was sentenced to two years in prison.

Former Detective Constable Joseph Passby crashed an unmarked police vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit on June 15, 2026. He pleaded guilty at Luton Magistrates' Court, was disqualified from driving for 12 months, and will face a misconduct hearing on August 25 over alleged breaches relating to fitness for duty and discreditable conduct.

Plans submitted by the Church Commissioners for England could deliver up to 1,607 homes on 85.21 hectares at High Flyer Farm in Ely, alongside two primary schools, local centres, business-park expansion, allotments or an orchard, and an extension to Ely Country Park. The scheme forms part of the wider Ely1 allocation, which allows for up to 3,000 homes. Network Rail has raised significant safety concerns about increased pedestrian, cyclist and equestrian use of nearby level crossings and recommends a grade-separated bridleway bridge to replace the Clayway and Second Drove crossings. Public objections focus on pressure on infrastructure, loss of arable land, insufficient green space and the risk of urban sprawl affecting Chettisham.

Capital & Centric is developing plans for up to 120 homes on the site of St Ives’ cattle market square and car park, alongside green space, resident amenities, pedestrian routes and a potential area for bars, cafés and restaurants. Many residents oppose the scale and location, citing the loss of parking, traffic congestion, pressure on schools and services, disruption during construction, and possible harm to the high street. Some acknowledge that St Ives needs newer and more affordable housing but question whether this central site is appropriate. Huntingdonshire District Council says the process is currently community engagement rather than a formal consultation. Capital & Centric is seeking feedback before potentially submitting a planning application later in the year.

Cambridgeshire County Council has confirmed that a permanent mandatory 15mph speed limit applies to cyclists and other active-travel users on the shared-use maintenance track alongside the Cambridge Guided Busway. The measure is intended to reduce accidental conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians, while motorcycles and electric bikes capable of exceeding 15mph are prohibited. The council is monitoring the limit and working with Cambridgeshire Police on enforcement. The report also notes that the council was fined £6 million after health and safety breaches linked to the deaths of three people in separate guided busway incidents.

Office for National Statistics figures show that Cambridge had a net loss of 3,151 residents through internal migration in 2025, while Peterborough lost 935. Cambridgeshire as a whole gained 1,829 residents, with Huntingdonshire and South Cambridgeshire recording the largest local gains. The figures exclude international immigration but indicate a broader movement away from cities toward rural, coastal and shire areas, potentially driven by housing costs and the rise of flexible working. Young adults, particularly 19- and 22-year-olds, were the most mobile groups, and women moved location more frequently than men.

The former 19th-century Kennett Primary School building on Station Road, Kennett, has received planning permission to become a Colourbox Montessori pre-school. The facility is expected to accommodate up to 64 children, create 15 jobs and operate weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The plans retain the existing buildings, landscaping and playground while adding 10 parking spaces and cycle storage. The original school was built in 1865 by rector William Godfrey, and Kennett Primary School moved to a modern site in late 2025.

The Pheasant in Keyston has been named the most loved local pub in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk by Muddy Stilettos. The restored thatched pub serves as the village’s only local amenity and community meeting point, offering seasonal dishes, local ales, cocktails, wines and a south-facing garden described as a hidden gem. Its menu includes fish, duck, desserts and a cheese plate, while Google reviewers rate it 4.6 out of five and praise its hospitality, food and countryside setting.

Beechwoods Nature Reserve in Great Shelford, about four miles from Cambridge, is a 10-hectare woodland planted in the 1840s and known for its impressive beech trees and white helleborine orchids. Visitors describe it as a peaceful hidden gem with winding paths, picnic clearings and opportunities for children and dog walkers to explore. Parking is limited at the reserve, but free parking is available in a large layby on Worts Causeway.

A former Methodist chapel on Main Street in Ailsworth, unused since 2022, will be converted into the village’s first shop under approved plans. The community shop is expected to sell food and household necessities and provide post office and laundry services, operating seven days a week with three part-time staff. The proposal also includes a rear flat and five cycle spaces but no dedicated car parking. While planning documents cite strong public support and the need to revive a valued community asset, Ailsworth Parish Council and residents remain concerned that customer parking could worsen existing congestion and road-safety problems.

Hunni Haynes tests the local legend surrounding Bogmoor Road near Royston and Great Chishill by leaving a car in neutral. The vehicle appears to roll uphill twice, creating the impression that the road defies gravity. The phenomenon is likely a gravity hill, where the surrounding landscape creates an optical illusion that makes a slight downhill slope appear to rise.

Reduced speed limits of 40mph and 50mph on the M11 around Junction 14 in Cambridgeshire could remain until the end of 2027. National Highways is repairing a southbound embankment and carrying out central-barrier safety works using narrow lanes and reduced speeds, with the measures intended to keep the motorway safe while minimising disruption.

Firefighters are expected to remain at Holme Fen Nature Reserve for several more days as they continue battling a wildfire that began on August 8. The Environment Agency has temporarily closed navigation on part of the River Nene near Peterborough because Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service needs to abstract water from the river, which has unusually low levels after a prolonged dry period. The blaze is the second fire at the reserve within two weeks; the earlier fire was deliberate, while the cause of the current fire remains undetermined.

Capital & Centric is consulting residents on plans to redevelop St Ives’s old cattle market square and gatehouse in partnership with Huntingdonshire District Council. The proposal could deliver up to 120 homes, a gym, co-working space, green areas, walking routes, and a public area with bars, cafés and restaurants. The site currently contains a bus station and car park, and the developer hopes to submit a planning application by the end of 2026. Residents can submit feedback until September 4. The developer is also proposing housing-led redevelopments in Huntingdon and St Neots.

A free public event at Lumo in Eddington, Cambridge, will allow residents to watch the partial solar eclipse on August 12, when more than 90% of the Sun is expected to be obscured between 6:17pm and 8:06pm. Attendees will have access to a camera obscura, observing equipment and eclipse glasses, with refreshments provided by Durkan Homes. A separate meteor-watching session will take place from 10pm to 11pm during the peak of the Perseids Meteor Shower, including telescope viewing of the Andromeda galaxy.

Grant Pattenden, 29, from Weeting near Brandon, died after his vehicle left the B1166 near Wisbech and crashed into a ditch on August 4. He was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital but died from his injuries the following day. His family described him as a wonderful, caring and loving son, brother, uncle, boyfriend and friend who enjoyed new experiences and will be deeply missed.

Cambridgeshire Live pays tribute to local residents remembered in recent death and funeral notices, highlighting John Charles Galley, a former Addenbrooke's Hospital volunteer, along with Lynne Hammond, Betty O'Brien, Tony Shipp and Colin Arthur Tait. The notices provide details of their families, deaths, funeral services and, where applicable, charities receiving donations.

A restored Victorian former vicarage in Little Ouse, near the Cambridgeshire–Norfolk border, is being marketed for £1.35 million. The seven-bedroom property sits on approximately 1.5 acres and retains features including original tiled floors, timber shutters, cast-iron radiators, internal doors and Bakelite light switches, alongside updated family accommodation and landscaped grounds.

A man discovered a suspected unexploded World War II device while visiting Fen Drayton Lakes with his family. After realizing it might be explosive, Will Rixon contacted emergency services, prompting police to close the site and the nearby guided busway between Swavesey and St Ives. Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts attended, and the busway later reopened.

Eleven skeletons have been discovered beneath Peterborough’s Queensgate roundabout during construction work for the City Link project. The remains belong to a Victorian cemetery established in 1805 after the city’s original burial ground became full, and the site was later cleared during subway construction in the 1970s. Police confirmed that the discovery is not connected to a crime, and the remains will be reburied in Church of England burial grounds elsewhere in the city. The project will remove two subways and create a more direct pedestrian and cycling route between Peterborough Railway Station and the city centre.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust has received government funding for four new mental health facilities: two emergency departments and two community-based centres. The facilities are part of a £343 million national programme involving 159 sites and are intended to provide earlier support, specialist crisis care and services closer to home. Their locations have not yet been announced, with detailed plans to be developed alongside local partners, voluntary organisations, service users and communities.

Firefighters worked overnight to contain a major blaze involving hedges, undergrowth and deep peat at Holme Fen nature reserve in Cambridgeshire. Crews from across the region used beaters, specialist vehicles and water equipment, but warned that the fire would take time to extinguish. The public was told to stay away while crews continued monitoring hotspots on August 9. The incident followed another fire at the reserve in July that was confirmed to have been started deliberately.

Reuben Parker, 23, of Peterborough, was arrested after a crash on the southbound M1 and found with cannabis and cannabis gummies worth almost £50,000, some packaged to resemble popular children's sweets. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply and was also charged with driving without insurance and on an invalid licence. Parker will be sentenced in September. Bedfordshire Police warned parents to watch for counterfeit logos, altered product names and potency information on illicit cannabis edibles.

A former post office in Alconbury Weston, Cambridgeshire, has been listed for offers over £450,000. The four-bedroom property, which includes a playroom that could become a fifth bedroom, retains its former shop front and offers nearly 2,700 square feet of living and business space, a garden, parking and a detached double garage with an electric-vehicle charging point. Its asking price is below Alconbury Weston's reported average sale price of £478,900 over the previous year.

Cambridge City Council has approved McDonald’s plans to convert a vacant former Frankie and Benny’s site at Cambridge Retail Park into a restaurant and takeaway. The new venue will provide 112 seats, upgraded outdoor space, a children’s play area and more than 120 full- and part-time jobs. It will be less than a mile from an existing McDonald’s on Newmarket Road, with another location in Rose Crescent. McDonald’s says its operations have contributed £3.18 million to Cambridge’s economy.

Peterborough Lido will host a poolside movie night on Saturday, August 8, with screenings of Finding Nemo, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants and The Meg at different times throughout the day. Tickets cost £12 for adults and £8 for children, while snacks, drinks, deckchairs and inflatable chairs will be available.

Three nights of disorder linked to anti-immigration protests in Thetford resulted in damage to homes and property, attempted break-ins, and assaults on police officers, including one officer who was seriously bitten and another who was struck with a rock. Six people were arrested, with charges or other action ranging from offensive-weapon possession and public-order offences to suspected incitement of racial hatred and assaulting an emergency worker. Norfolk Constabulary, supported by officers from neighboring forces, issued dispersal orders and retained powers to remove face coverings and direct people to leave the area in an effort to prevent further violence.

Ofsted judged Little Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School in Huntingdon as needing attention in achievement, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance, while rating it at the expected standard in three other areas. Inspectors found that children were happy and settled and had positive relationships with staff, but that younger children were sometimes left without meaningful activities and did not consistently receive effective learning support. The nursery said it is addressing the weaknesses under new management through staffing, training and improved procedures.

A new inflatable aquapark has opened at Hinchingbrooke Country Park in Cambridgeshire for the summer holidays. The attraction includes slides, climbing walls, balance beams and splash zones, is open to children aged six and over, and costs £19 per person including safety equipment and wetsuit hire where applicable. Huntingdonshire District Council expects strong demand and views the facility as part of continued investment to increase visitors and improve leisure opportunities at the 150-acre park.

The Old School, a semi-detached former village school in Longstanton dating from 1845, has been listed for £750,000. The three-bedroom property retains historic features including an iconic bell tower, Victorian façade, original entrance door and exposed beams, while offering modern family accommodation, gardens and commuter links via the Guided Busway, A14 and M11.

Cambridge City Council reports that nine boats on the River Cam are still believed to be mooring without permission or breaching licence conditions, the same number as earlier in the year. Officers continue regular inspections and river patrols as the council considers possible enforcement but must first ensure adequate evidence and legal backing. The waiting list for permanent residential moorings, closed since 2022, is expected to reopen in early August as part of the annual renewal cycle.

A developer has submitted plans for a major employment park called Cambridge 25 near Junction 25 of the A14, proposing 240,000 square metres of industrial, logistics and research space. The project aims to create around 2,900 jobs, add significant GVA to the local economy and address a shortage of high‑quality industrial and logistics units. Plans include a nature park, improved walking and cycling links and large HGV areas. A local resident has raised concerns about the scale of the development and its potential impact on nearby communities.

Funding from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has been approved to launch a free parking scheme at four Peterborough city centre car parks from August 3. The initiative, pledged by Mayor Paul Bristow, will offer free parking after 3pm on weekdays and aims to boost city centre footfall and support local businesses. The trial will run until March 2028, with councillors noting that charges would return if future funding is not secured.

Five people have been charged in connection with the attempted murder of a man shot in Gorefield near Wisbech, who remains in critical but stable condition. Charges include attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, firearm possession and perverting the course of justice. All five suspects have been remanded and are scheduled to appear at Luton Magistrates’ Court, while another man previously arrested has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Cambridgeshire Police was identified as the most trusted force in England and Wales in an annual report by Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston, despite increases in homicide and residential burglary rates. The report noted improvements in police visibility, communication and response times, including faster handling of emergency calls and attending urgent incidents within 15 minutes. Knife crime rose by more than 12 percent but remained below the national average, supported by £600,000 in Home Office funding. The force also ranked fifth nationally for addressing local concerns and overall public confidence, though concerns about police funding persist.

A man was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital after being stabbed on Welbourne in Werrington. Police arrested a 22‑year‑old man on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and sexual activity with a minor, and a 16‑year‑old girl on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker. Both suspects were released on bail to return to Thorpe Wood police station in October, and the victim's injuries were confirmed not to be life‑threatening.

Huntingdonshire District Council approved Newlands Property Developments’ plan for a large industrial and logistics complex at Hinchingbrooke Logistics Park, including high warehouse buildings, a bus depot, and major A141 road changes. The project is promoted as economically beneficial but has drawn strong objections from residents concerned about visual impact, noise, traffic, and effects on access to Hinchingbrooke Hospital. A decision notice was issued on July 15.

A fire involving a boat and shed closed the A1 in both directions between the A121 at Black Cat and the A603 at Sandy, causing delays of around 10 minutes. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue deployed multiple engines and specialist vehicles, while Bedfordshire Police advised the public to avoid the area. National Highways reported congestion and outlined diversion routes for northbound and southbound drivers as emergency services managed the incident.

Emergency services recovered the body of a man from the River Nene near Town Bridge in Peterborough after reports it was seen in the water. Police and fire crews responded shortly after 8am, with firefighters assisting before returning to their stations just over an hour later.

A request has been submitted for screening a proposal to build up to 180 homes at Hampton East near Broadway Business Park in Peterborough. Stantec UK, on behalf of O&H Properties, is seeking confirmation that the scheme does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment, following earlier guidance from Peterborough City Council. The development would include open spaces, infrastructure and access from the B1091, with design plans intended to fit the surrounding area and integrate green network connections. The land is classified as low flood risk, and construction would follow standard working hours, though some extended work may be required.

A four-bedroom home with a two-bedroom annexe and an 1828 Grade II listed windmill in Willingham, Cambridgeshire, has been listed for £1.75 million. The property blends historic features with modern design, reflecting extensive restoration and bespoke construction by its long‑term owners. Positioned in a desirable village with good transport links and local amenities, the home includes exposed beams, modern fittings and potential for holiday‑let use in the annexe.

Clopton, a medieval Cambridgeshire village mentioned in the Domesday Book, gradually declined after the 13th century and was ultimately abandoned in the early 16th century when London lawyer John Fisher evicted residents to create enclosures. Archaeologists have identified remnants including Saint Mary’s Church, moated sites and a probable mill. The church fell into disrepair by 1561, the same year Clopton merged with nearby Croydon, and the site was later converted to agricultural land. It now survives only as earthworks and is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

A free family attraction in Cambridge, the Museum of Zoology displays thousands of animal specimens including contributions from Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. Its whale hall, featuring a 21‑metre fin whale skeleton, serves as a major highlight. Conveniently located in the city centre, it offers accessible transport links, a shop, and the well‑reviewed Whale Café. Visitors frequently praise the museum and café for providing an engaging and family‑friendly day out.

An Ofsted inspection of Clare Lodge children’s home in Peterborough found that although some progress has been made since an inadequate rating in February, significant weaknesses in care management remain. Inspectors reported ongoing safety risks, including delayed intervention during incidents of self-harm and failure to follow risk assessments. While leadership in education and health support was praised, the home was assessed as requiring improvement in several areas. Peterborough City Council acknowledged the findings and said work continues to strengthen standards and safeguarding practices.

A man who fatally punched a stranger in Peterborough was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter. Ashley McMillan followed and struck John McGarry, who had attempted to protect another man from an earlier assault. McGarry suffered a severe head injury and died three months later. His family described him as selfless and said the sentence cannot reflect their loss. Police called the act senseless and highlighted the tragic consequences of a single punch.

Police are investigating a report that a man exposed himself to another man in woodland near the Old North Road in Royston on July 10. A man in his 20s was arrested on July 16 and remains in custody. Authorities are seeking additional information and have provided contact options for witnesses, including anonymous reporting through Crimestoppers.

Police requested a licence review for Westgate News in Peterborough after repeated intelligence and evidence indicated systemic underage sales of alcohol, vapes and nicotine products, including incidents involving children as young as 10. A compliance visit revealed additional licensing breaches, and authorities report the shop has gained a reputation among school-age children as a reliable source of restricted products. Peterborough City Council will respond to the concerns raised.

A proposal by Endurance Estates to build up to 100 homes south of Horseheath Road in Linton was rejected by South Cambridgeshire District Council, which cited inadequate provision for services and infrastructure, including outdoor sport facilities. The council said the development would increase pressure on local amenities, encroach on the countryside and harm the rural landscape. Local residents raised similar concerns about insufficient facilities to meet additional demand. The developers have the option to appeal within six months.

A planning inspector overturned North Herts Council’s refusal of permission for a 280‑home development on Barkway Road in Royston, concluding that the project’s benefits, including market and affordable housing, outweigh minor harms. The inspector judged that the scheme would not severely impact the local highway network and noted that 40 percent of the homes will be affordable. The development, first submitted in 2021 and rejected by the council in 2025, is now approved, though the inspector declined a request for the council to cover legal costs.

Bourn in south Cambridgeshire is highlighted as an attractive commuter village with road links and access to rail stations in Royston and Cambridge for travel to London. It offers amenities including a country club, primary school, local restaurants and historic features such as one of England’s oldest windmills. The village was recently named among the best places to live by Muddy Stilettos, though property prices are higher than the regional average, with detached homes commanding the highest prices according to Rightmove and official statistics.

New RSPCA figures show a 17 percent rise in animal cruelty reports in Cambridgeshire and a 64 percent national increase over five years, with the charity handling over 6,000 cruelty calls last summer. Local cases include severe abuse of kittens leading to prosecutions and lifetime animal ownership bans. The RSPCA has launched its ‘Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues’ campaign and warns of potential cruelty spikes during major football tournaments, citing research linking domestic abuse trends to increased harm to pets. A rescued kitten named Chester has fully recovered and been reunited with his owner after intervention by vets and the RSPCA.

A long‑established family‑run restaurant and art gallery in a Georgian house near Ely Cathedral is highlighted for its traditional English cuisine, use of local ingredients and strong customer reviews. Sample menu items feature classic dishes, and visitors consistently praise the food, service and setting, contributing to its reputation as a sought‑after dining destination.

A proposal has been submitted to add six timber‑clad, solar‑powered holiday cabins made from converted shipping containers at Three Lakes Nurseries in Emneth near Wisbech. The cabins aim to provide modest, off‑grid accommodation for visitors seeking rural activities such as walking, fishing and birdwatching, helping the business diversify and generate winter income. While the applicant argues the site is ideal for a peaceful retreat, at least one objector has questioned whether the cabins would be used strictly for short‑term holiday stays.

Craig Easton was arrested after assaulting another driver with metal pliers during a road rage incident in Cambridge, leaving the victim with head injuries. Identified later the same day, he admitted affray and dangerous driving and received a 10‑month jail sentence along with a driving disqualification. Police described the attack as an unnecessary and shocking display of violence.

Three men pleaded guilty to manslaughter after chasing 30-year-old Conor Kinlan into the River Nene in Peterborough, where he drowned after being threatened and cornered with knives. Emergency services were unable to save him, and his body was recovered the next day. The case was linked to a local drug dealing line. All three defendants also admitted to weapons offences, and two admitted to drug supply charges. Sentencing is scheduled for October 15.

A teenager was found with non‑life‑threatening stab wounds in Downham Market after police received multiple reports of an incident involving weapons on Sage Avenue. Officers located the victim elsewhere in the town and arrested five teenagers following a vehicle stop on the A10 and further inquiries. A police cordon was established and later lifted, and authorities are appealing for information.

An inspection by the Care Quality Commission found Regional Care Peterborough still in breach of regulations on governance and safe care, citing issues in medicines management, risk assessment, and quality assurance. Although no harm was identified, the service was rated as requiring improvement in the safe and well‑led categories. The provider noted progress since the previous inspection, including improved ratings in three areas and updated governance systems, but acknowledged remaining work to meet standards. A formal complaint was filed regarding concerns about the inspection process. Clients and families generally reported feeling safe and satisfied with staff, and the service is undertaking a three‑month improvement programme while awaiting the CQC’s response.

Police have stepped up patrols in Cottenham following reports of anti-social behaviour, including damage to village facilities and reckless vehicle use on a recreation ground. Cottenham Parish Council and Cambridgeshire Police said they are working closely together to address residents’ concerns, urging the public to report incidents to help guide further action.

Emergency crews responded to a collision involving a car and motorbike in Denver, Norfolk, where a man was airlifted by the East Anglian Air Ambulance to Addenbrooke's Hospital after the incident on Ely Road.

Police are investigating an assault on a woman in Market Street, Ely, reported shortly before midnight on July 4. A crime of actual bodily harm has been recorded, and no arrests have been made. Officers are appealing for information from the public, asking witnesses to contact police and reference case number 35/50509/26.

A proposal submitted by Shaz Nawaz seeks permission from Peterborough City Council to convert Blenheim Court, consisting of two office units, into 20 residential apartments. The plan outlines ten studios and ten one‑bedroom flats with sufficient parking and no identified flood risk. The site is close to major retail parks and amenities, and the council will decide whether to approve the change of use from commercial to residential.

Ofsted rated St Peter’s School in Huntingdon at the expected standard across seven key areas, noting significant improvements including a calmer learning environment and strong staff–pupil relationships. Inspectors highlighted the school’s inclusive ethos and found pupils confident and well prepared for future education or employment. Principal Emma Butler and CAM Academy Trust CEO Claire Heald praised the report, emphasising the commitment of staff and the strength of leadership supporting continued improvement.