REACHING a decision on where to site the newly merged Isle College and College of West Anglia is proving a bit of a headache for the Wisbech contingent on Fenland District Council. For the less-than-unanimous, but nonetheless agreed line within the ruling

REACHING a decision on where to site the newly merged Isle College and College of West Anglia is proving a bit of a headache for the Wisbech contingent on Fenland District Council.

For the less-than-unanimous, but nonetheless agreed line within the ruling Conservative group is that the combined college should go to March.

Wisbech councillors tempted to speak out on the issue have been forced to do so circumspectly so as not to appear to be taking anything other than the agreed, and official, party line.

The angst shown by Councillor Roger Green of Wisbech over the issue is understandable but although his head is near the parapet, it's not quite aligned with it - a wonderful achievement of collegiate decision making.

DIVERTING from its forthcoming prosecution for allegedly allowing effluent into a Whittlesey river, Anglian Water offers Brakespeare some new year advice with a press release headed ' Tinkle . . . tinkle . . '

Anglian Water media manager Collette Nicholls wants us to take time out to "look at the colour of your urine - it could tell you a lot about your state of health.

"If it's dark yellow, it is likely is that you are dehydrated and not drinking enough water."

This is the latest message from Anglian Water in raising awareness about the difference water can make to your health.

"You should be drinking between six and eight glasses of water a day," says Collette.

"Drinking plenty of water helps you to concentrate, tackle tiredness and perform better at work and study.

"And don't forget to drink more if you are hot, exercising or hung over. A New Year can mean a New You."

She adds: "Our tap water is fresh, convenient and costs less than a penny for two litres. Compare that to the water you buy in the shops. We challenge you to taste the difference"

Such prose, Collette. Enough to drive a man to drink.

IN the Fenlander's Diary Awards on December 23 I used a picture purpporting to be Angela Towell; outside Fenland Magistrates' Court. In fact is was her daughter, Kelly Barford. I apologise for the mix-up.

NOMINATIONS close today so we can expect to learn how many candidates will contest the Manea seat on Fenland District Council, unexpectedly vacated by the resignation of former deputy leader Pop Jolley.

The Tories will field Robert Sears, currently chairman of North-East Cambs Conservative Association, while the Lib Dems have Chatteris town councillor Chris Howes providing a degree of colour to the proceedings.

Neither candidate actually lives in the village although Mr Sears was born and bred there and his family have farmed in the area for several generations.

Illuminating the Manea proceedings further could be at least two independent candidates, so expect a flurry of active campaigning as the community embraces the February 2 poll.

MOST definitely not standing for the Manea seat is veteran councillor Florence Newell, despite considering it and despite requests by friends to do so.

Councillor Newell, chairman of Chatteris Town Council, lost her seat on Fenland at the last election and many expected her to contest the vacancy.

But she said this week she had considered it "very deeply" but had decided that if she was to return to Fenland it would be as a councillor for Chatteris.

"I don't honestly want to do anything that might suggest I condone what happened to Cllr Jolley," she said. "It was a despicable thing what happened and I one of the most disreputable things I can recall in local politics.