A councillor is calling for bosses to let staff take time off on the day the Tour de France comes to Cambridgeshire.
Lib Dem councillor Ian Manning is proposing a motion to the county council on Wednesday urging the county council to “allow staff and managers flexibility in operational arrangements to enable attendance by staff at this event”.
Mr Manning goes further in asking that the county council endorses his motion which will “publically encourage Cambridgeshire businesses to do the same”.
Councillors will debate his motion which also recognises, he says, the “excellent working relationship” which enabled Cambridge City Council and the county council to secure the third stage of the 2014 Tour de France in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire.
Mr Manning’s motion notes the “overwhelming positive event” for the city and region but says the date of the tour, July 7, is a Monday and “therefore it will be difficult for those who work full time to witness it at first hand”.
When the tour date was announced earlier this year Martin Curtis, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “It is awe inspiring to think of Cambridge being taken over by the greatest cycle race in the world with the spirit, glamour and sheer wonder it will bring. It is not every day the best cyclists on the planet come to your country, let alone county and we have a duty to make it a fantastic experience for everyone.
“There is much work to do and many challenges ahead of us but Le Tour’s visit is a great opportunity to create a long lasting legacy for cycling not just in Cambridge but throughout the county.
“I don’t think anyone can fail to be inspired by seeing the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome or Mark Cavendish ride and our challenge is to use this unique opportunity to encourage people onto their bikes.
“By working together, all those involved with Stage 3 of Le Tour promise to make the most of a day which I am sure will live long in all our memories.”
In the build up to the arrival of the Tour, detailed information will be given to residents, businesses and visitors regarding the impact of the race on Cambridge and the county. This will be made available online at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/letourstage3 and www.cambridge.gov.uk/le-tour-cambridge as well as through leaflets, road shows and events.
Information will also be made available via Facebook: www.facebook.com/LeTourCambridge or Twitter: www.twitter.com/LeTourCambridge
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