The villages are within walking distance of one another

People living in two neighbouring Cambridgeshire villages say they “wouldn’t want to live anywhere else” and that living there feels like “being on holiday”. Melbourn and Meldreth are both in the south of Cambridgeshire and are roughly a four minute drive from each other, or around 20-minutes on foot.

Melbourn is the larger of the two, and is home to more than 4,600 people, whilst Meldreth has around 2,000 residents. In Melbourn, there are a variety of amenities including shops, two pubs, barbershops, and even a stunning wedding venue. Meldreth has a train station which is ideal for commuters, a shop, and a village pub called The British Queen.

As part of our Exploring Cambridgeshire series, we visited both villages and spoke to people about what it is like to live here.

Vicky Deville, 73, has lived in Melbourn for 40 years. She said that the village is “a nice place” and she “wouldn’t want to live anywhere else”. She added: “We have got all the amenities we need. There is lots and lots of groups going on for all ages.”

Vicky feels “very lucky” to live here, especially because she enjoys visiting the Melbourn Hub, which has a café with an integrated library, and hosts lots of local events. She added: “There is lots of things that go on in there. There’s all sorts of advice you can get in there and help from people.”

Hannah Trinder, a manager at one of Melbourn’s local pubs, The Dolphin, grew up in a nearby town, but later moved to Melbourn. She said: “It is nice because despite this being a village, you still have that town feel. Plus, what is really nice about living here is that the locals are all really friendly and fun.”

She said that she has made friends with a lot of locals, and that “there is such a community in this village – everyone just wants to help each other”.

Melbourn Greenway, one of 12 Greater Cambridge greenways being constructed in South Cambridgeshire, aims to provide better and safer walking and cycling routes into the city of Cambridge.

Hannah said that this is something she would definitely use because she enjoys a long walk, especially because of “the very nice countryside” that surrounds the village. Hannah sees the neighbouring village, Meldreth, as a similar style village with “nice little houses and cottages”.

A couple, Nicole and Edward, who moved from London to Meldreth, chose the “perfect village” so that they were still able to commute into London. Edward, 49, said: “It has got a pub, corner shop, post office, and butchers.” Nicole, who is 37, said that after living in London, coming to Meldreth feels like “being on holiday”.

The couple love that it is a “lived in village, so it has a sense of community” and the locals “are very friendly”. The couple say Melbourn is useful for its amenities such as the dentist but they consider each village to “have two different personalities”.

David Eldred, 84, said that he has lived in Melbourn for “the longest period of living anywhere” in his life. He added: “I’ve moved 28 times in my life because I was in the army, and now I live by myself so it is a place I should always stay.”

David lives down a remote lane, surrounded by the countryside and he enjoys walking through the fields. He said the Melbourn Greenway “would be ideal” and help to connect the surrounding areas. David moved to Melbourn because of its close proximity to Cambridge, so the village was an “ideal” solution for him.

A lady, who only gave her name as Mirka, has lived in Melbourn for around 10 years. She said that she enjoys the park to walk her dog. She said “a lot of people [from Meldreth] come here” and “my children went to Meldreth Primary School”.

Locals say the area is ‘overcrowded’ and they wish there were better parking and more shops

People living in a 10-year old housing development say its becoming too overcrowded as ‘too many houses are being built’. The first residents of Alconbury Weald in Huntingdonshire first moved in around 2016, with new houses still being built at present.

While residents like the neighbourhood, some think some things could be improved. Sandra, who wished for her surname to not be included, moved to the area around three years ago with her partner Brian.

She said it was a “very nice neighbourhood”, but added how she wishes parking was better. She said: “The only downside is the parking. I don’t think they [developers] thought about parking properly.” Sandra also believes there are too many houses being built in the area now.

She added: “We are seeing too many houses built. It’s becoming overcrowded.” Currently, Alconbury Weald only has one shop, which is a Co-op.

Some people hope to see more shops soon to offer them more variety. Tereza Mistolerova, who moved to Alconbury Weald with her husband in September, hopes for this.

She said: “We would like a big shop because in the little Co-op, by 8am all of the pastries are gone! Also there is a gym, but it’s more like a hotel gym. We’re just praying there will be a big leisure centre at some point.”

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, also wants more shops. She said: “We need more shops rather than just one Co-op.

“I understand there will be plans for others, so I am hopeful we will have some more, then it will be the perfect place to live.” Developers of Alconbury Weald, Urban&Civic, said the first phase development of the area is “well underway”.

Paul Murfin, communications and partnerships manager for Alconbury Weald said: “[There is] over 75% of the homes delivered alongside a nursery, primary school and special educational needs school, with the new secondary school due to open in September 2027.

“Really importantly, we know that what makes a place come to life is the shops and cafes for meeting friends and neighbours. Alongside The Watch Office Bar and Kitchen, Co-op and our regular food trucks, we are pleased that Swynford Coffee will be added to the mix next month.

“Work has also started on the parade of shops at The Glade (which will open next year) and the health centre (which will open later this year). We continue to work with residents through formal consultations as well as regular meetings with them and with Alconbury Weald Community Association.

“This helps ensure the facilities that come forward are shaped by them and meet their needs. The design and layout of future spaces also respond directly to feedback from them through these discussions as well as regular independent Quality of Life surveys.”

Some people would like another big supermarket in the town for ‘more variety’

People in a Cambridgeshire town feel there are “too many houses”, and that the town could use more shops. Soham has been described as a “friendly community” by many who live there.

However, like many other places across Cambridgeshire, the locals feel there is improvement that could be made to their hometown. The feeling among people in Soham is that the town is becoming overrun with houses, with a negative impact on local infrastructure such as GP surgeries.

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said the town has “too many houses”. She added: “It’s having an effect on doctors. We don’t have the infrastructure.”

The woman’s partner, who wished to not be named, also said it is having an effect on schools. He said: “We know someone who lives right opposite a school and she has to send her kids to the other side of town.”

The woman also thought there are “not enough shops” in Soham. She added: “When I was a child, there were shops for everything. You could do your weekly shop without going into town.”

Jean Alljood, who finds Soham to be a “friendly” place, also thought the shops could be improved. Jean said: “The shops are ok. You can get food from the Co-op or petrol station, but I think we need another supermarket that stocks everything.

“That would be really nice. Sometimes you have to travel further. I can drive but others might not be able to. There are also not a lot of pubs anymore.”

Another man, who wished to remain anonymous, said the town’s shops need a “bit of TLC”. He added: “We have some good convenience shops, but it’d be good to have another big supermarket for variety.”

Locals have said they are “happy” in their hometown, praising it for its “friendly community” and “gorgeous” walks. Conveniently located between Ely, Cambridge, and Newmarket is the town of Soham.

Home to over 12,000 people, Soham is the second largest town in East Cambridgeshire, after Ely. The town has a significant history, dating back to the Bronze Age. It also had a significant Roman and Saxon occupation.

As part of our Exploring Cambridgeshire series, we visited the town and spoke to people about what it is like to live in Soham. After the death of Ian Huntley, who killed 10-year-olds Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells in 2002, locals hope the town will no longer be known for only its darkest days.

Jean Alljood has lived in Soham since 2006, and she said she is “happy” living in the town. She added: “It’s a friendly community. It has what you need for everyday stuff. I like it where I live.” Jean’s two sisters also live in Soham, and she looks after them.

She added: “I have a few friends but I don’t socialise much, I just like to walk my dog. This time of year isn’t as good, but in the summer we can go places like by the river.

“For people who like socialising, you can go to cafes – there are plenty of them! There are also some nice Portuguese places. There are also some good children’s play parks.”

One man, who asked to remain anonymous, also said Soham has “everything you need”. He added: “People are nice and helpful. There are some lovely walks.”

Emily Mills said it is a “lovely town” with a “good character to it”. She said: “I only moved here three years ago, but I am definitely not moving away now. It’s got everything so close like the Co-op and also a big Asda.

“We have some lovely buildings like the church. Most people will say hello to you, and it has some cute walks by the river.”

One woman, who wished to not be named, said it’s a “good town to be close to other places”. She praised its location, saying: “You are not far away from places like Cambridge for tourist spots, or even Ely for the cathedral. We’re even close to Newmarket for racing.”

She ecohed other residents who said that locals are friendly, creating a strong sense of community. The woman added that a “lot of people greet you, even when you don’t know them”.

One person said it would be “nice to have non-charity shops” in the high street

Locals say a Cambridgeshire town’s high street could “use a little more love”, as some feel it is “lacking” a variety of shops. Huntingdon is praised by those who live there as being a “safe” place and a “nice” place to bring up a family.

Like many others across the country, some people feel the high street could be improved. Sarah Gosling, who thinks the town has a “nice family feel” to it, said it would be “nice to have non-charity shops”.

She added: “It’s great to have them [charity shops], but we have a lot of them and it would be nice to have a lot of other stuff. Some of the restaurants are nice, but it would be good to have some more clothes shops.” Sarah’s mum Anne Monkman also thought it would be “good to have more variety of shops.”

Barry Graves said the high street could “use a little more love”. He said: “We have a few down the street that are boarded up or empty. It makes it look sad. It feels like it could be a good opportunity to bring in a few different shops. Maybe some independent places, and then we could support local businesses.”

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said it is “lacking” shops. “There’s a running joke that you go into Huntingdon for a vape or haircut,” she said.

She added: “There is also nothing for younger people to do. They are just going around destroying things because they have nothing to do. It could be a lot better.”

Her friend, who also asked not to be named, said that she is moving away from the area. She said: “We just want a change of scenery. There is too much smoking and drugs, we want a quieter life.”

One man, who didn’t want to be named, said the town centre has become “rundown”. He said: “It’s not what it used to be like. It feels like it’s losing its heart. Especially down the high street. It feels like stuff is starting to disappear and it’s sad to see.”

Linda Hamilton doesn’t like the potential developments that could be built around Huntingdon. She said: “I have no idea what stage they are at or what is happening with them, but it’s going to affect all of the traffic in town. There is enough as it is.”

One person said the high street “isn’t the place it used to be”

Locals say their town’s high street needs to be improved, as it has “no banks” and they have to travel further away for a “big food shop”. People in Chatteris have said their hometown is “charming”.

However, as in many high streets across the UK, they say that their shops are disappearing and places are being left vacant. Like many others, people living in Chatteris wish to see their high street improved.

Andrea Moat, who runs the “busy” Elizabeth’s Florist in Chatteris, said it is a “pity” the high street is looking more empty. She said: “It’s a pity there is not a big supermarket closer. People have to travel further out of town. There are also no banks. It’s harder for older people.”

People are able to use Chatteris post office for banking, which Elizabeth said is “really good”. However, the nearest bank is Lloyds in Ely, which is a 21-minute drive away, or Nationwide in St Ives, which is a 28-minute drive away.

Andrea doesn’t run an online service for her florist. She added: “We have a website, but if you want to order then you have to come into the shop. I think there should be a personal service. We are always busy.”

Joan Bridges said Chatteris is a “really lovely place”, but it “lacks somewhere for a big food shop”. She added: “You tend to have to travel a bit for a supermarket. It isn’t the worst thing, but for someone like me who’s a bit older, it tends to be a bit harder.”

Rob Hudson believes the town “isn’t the place it used to be”. He said: “When I first moved here, it was a great place full of friendly people. Now the high street is more empty. The people are the same and friendly, but the high street isn’t the same.”

One resident believes “bigger cafés are taking over” from independent brands

People have said they find it ‘disappointing’ that some shops have ‘disappeared’ from their Cambridgeshire town’s high street. Over the years, many shops have disappeared from town and city high streets, leaving shoppers sad when some of their favourite brands leave.

This is the feeling for some residents in St Ives. Jackie Smith said St Ives is a “very safe” and “lovely” town, but said that more shops and cafés are leaving the high street.

She said: “The bigger cafés are taking over from the smaller people. We used to have one café down the road that has gone now.

“There’s a big Caffe Nero, but also a Costa opposite. Younger people can afford to go somewhere like Costa now. You couldn’t do that in my day!”

Derek Green said he finds it ‘disappointing’ that more shops are leaving the high street. He added: “That’s the only thing disappointing about St Ives. We used to have a lot more independents, like cafés and shops, but the bigger brands are taking over.”

His thoughts were echoed by another long-term resident, who wished to remain anonymous. They said the “high street is not what it used to be”.

They added: “We used to have a lot more shops than we do now, I mean you can see from how some are left empty. I guess it’s the same everywhere, but it’s a shame to see shops disappearing from the high street.”

Not only do people think there could be more in the high street, but they also think there could be more to the town’s market. Sara Jarlett, who runs a pick and mix stall in the market every Monday and Friday, thinks the market could be bigger.

She added: “Apparently years ago, the market used to be all the way down to the other side of the crossing. It’s a lot smaller now.” Sara thinks more stalls could be on offer at the market. She said: “You could get other stalls here like bric and brac.”

As well as improving the high street, some locals believe there is a problem with traffic in the town. Amelia Phillips said: “The traffic sometimes heading to Cambridge at commuting times is bad.”

Another woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said traffic in the centre has “become a problem”. She added: “There are a lot more cars on the road compared to when I moved here a long time ago. But, I guess that is the same everywhere else.”