Council leader Alan Melton

WE HAVE done well this year but we are not out of the woods yet, Fenland’s council leader has warned in his annual speech.

Addressing a full Fenland District Council yesterday (Thursday), Cllr Alan Melton said the Tory-run council had made some tough and “unpopular” decisions “but we are winning through”.

He added: “Of course, I am not complacent; there is still a lot to do and some more tough decisions to take.”

Leader Melton said “despite the national scene, we in the Fenland have a lot to commend” before listing his council’s achievements over the past year.

Among them, he noted delivering a balanced budget amid Government cuts, the opening of the third phase of the South Fens Business Park and hosting a 2020 vision strategy day for Wisbech.

Commenting on a 10 per cent cut in money allocated to the council from the Government as council tax benefit schemes are “localised”, Cllr Melton said the council would have to devise its own scheme by January next year or risk penalties.

He cited superfast broadband across the region, a commitment to horticulture in the area and a clampdown on council tax evasion as other projects the council were focusing on.

“As you can see, there is a lot of activity going on behind the scenes, as these projects and initiatives evolve and progress, I will continue to keep you all informed,” he said.

“The next few months are not going to be easy but I believe we have the capacity, the leadership and political will to see this through.”