CONCERTED efforts are being made in Whittlesey next week to canvass people’s opinions on proposals aimed at improving transport in and around the town.

They will be followed later in the month by a “Meet the Station Manager” session in Manea to discuss suggested improvements to the village’s station and rail service.

The events have been organised by Fenland District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council as part of the current public consultations on the Whittlesey Market Town Transport Strategy (MTTS) and the Getting on Track Rail Consultation.

Councillor Kit Owen, FDC’s portfolio holder responsible for transport, said: “Developing a more efficient, sustainable transport system is vital for Fenland’s economic future. Various proposals have been put forward and now we need to hear what people think of them.”

Events in Whittlesey include a drop-in exhibition at the library next Wednesday, from 10am-7pm, and on November 12, from 10am-5pm. Officers from both councils will be there to answer any questions about all the proposals.

Next Friday council officers will also be in the market place handing out questionnaires on both consultations.

Two focus groups are also taking place on Friday. Both are in the library. The first (2-3pm) is for keen walkers or cyclists. That will be followed later (5-6pm) by one for businesses.

Anyone keen to attend either group needs to reserve a place by calling Helen Marshall at Cambridgeshire County Council on 01223 699974 or e-mailing Helen.marshall@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

The “Meet the Manager” event at Manea has been arranged in partnership with National Express to enable residents to ask questions about the Getting on Track proposals and their impact on Manea station. It will be at Manea village hall on November 16, from 1.30-6pm.

People can also drop in to meet the manager of Fenland Association for Community Transport (FACT) and find out more about the community car scheme and the Fenland Youth Bus.

• The questionnaire for the Getting on Track rail consultation is on FDC’s website at http://www.fenland.gov.uk/article/3489/Fenland-Rail-Development-Strategy-Consultation

• The questionnaire for the Whittlesey MTTS will be available online from November 9 at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/transport/whittlesey and www.fenland.gov.uk

• Paper copies of the Getting on Track document are already in the Whittlesey Fenland@ your service shop. Copies of the MTTS questionnaire will be available there from November 9.