Health professionals had stated the child required “required increased and close supervision” but they were left on their own

A children’s home where a vulnerable child attempted to harm themselves has been rated inadequate. “Serious and widespread failures” were highlighted after an OFSTED inspection at Clare Lodge Secure Children’s Home in Peterborough.

OFSTED inspected the children’s home over February 10 and 11 and a report was published on Tuesday, March 18. The report said children often “do not feel valued or respected” by staff.

In one instance, a vulnerable child with a history of self-harm was left alone in a lounge area for an extended period of time, almost entirely out of view of CCTV. The child became unresponsive after tying a ligature around their neck, according to the OFSTED report.

After staff checked on the child, emergency services were called to the home and the child was taken to hospital. The centre manager was aware of the incident as he had walked past the room on two occasions but did not take any action. The child had a safety plan in place and health professionals had said she “required increased and close supervision”.

Not all the children have clear strategies to help them in their risk assessment reports to help guide staff in “effectively supporting and safeguarding” them, according to the report.

The report added: “Placing social workers said that they are not always informed about incidents or concerns about the children promptly. They say that incident reports that are sent to them are not always sufficiently detailed and leave them having to contact the home for further information and clarifications. Some family members also shared concerns about the lack of communication from staff.”

The home has had three different centre managers since February 2025. The report stated that the centre managers have failed to “develop a good-quality service” for its children and have “not established effective and collaborative working relationships” with the heads of departments.

Councillor Katy Cole, PCC Cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “We acknowledge receipt of the report and accept responsibility for the concerns raised regarding Clare Lodge. We are taking Ofsted’s feedback extremely seriously, and steps are already being taken to make the necessary improvements to the facility.

“As Cabinet Member, I want to emphasise that we are all corporate parents and I take that responsibility seriously. We remain dedicated to further developing Clare Lodge and delivering a high standard of care for the vulnerable young girls who reside there, ensuring they are supported, protected, and given a voice.

“I am committed to ensuring that every child in this city is treated with the respect and care that I would want for my own children.”

My home city has so much heritage that should have shone through for the city of culture bid

When I found out that my home city had missed out on the chance to be named city of culture, I felt disappointed. I live in Peterborough, and I think it has so much more going for it than people realise.

Peterborough announced last month it would bid for the city of culture in 2029. I thought it was a great idea, and I was looking forward to the city being highlighted for all the good things it had to offer, as it is usually overlooked for having a bad reputation.

Once the expression of interest was made, the campaign began to highlight what this amazing city has to offer. Unfortunately, on Tuesday ( March 17), it was confirmed Peterborough didn’t make the final list – being beaten by nine other cities including Milton Keynes and Ipswich.

I’m not sure what these other cities had on offer that beat Peterborough, but it made me think about how much my home city does have.

Any place attempting to bid for the city of culture has to meet specific criteria. The first thing the judges are looking at is heritage, which Peterborough has bursting at the seams.

It’s a city full of history, which dates back as far as the Romans and Iron Age. Flag Fen is a great spot to visit to learn about Peterborough’s important role in the Iron Age. Anybody who went to school in Peterborough will tell you that it’s almost guaranteed that you visited Flag Fen on a school trip.

There are many places across the city that were significant areas for the Romans, including in Bretton, where Roman houses once stood. There’s also Durobrivae in the Nene Valley region which was an important walled Roman town.

The most historic sight is of course Peterborough Cathedral, a central part of the city. I sound like a broken record, but I’m proud Peterborough has this magnificent cathedral. It’s a 900-year old building that has stood the test of time, with notable figures such as Katharine of Aragon being buried there. It’s definitely a piece of architecture the city celebrates.

Another part of the criteria is based on leadership, which should “demonstrate a strong, collaborative leadership approach with clear commitment” and involvement from local authorities and community organisations.

While everyone may not know about them, there are many great organisations that bring out the best of the city. One group is Up the Garden Bath, run by Dave Poulton and Kez Hayes-Palmer.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Dave and Kez and learn about the work they are doing to support independent makers in Peterborough. The community interest company started from upcycling baths into planters, and they later opened a shop to showcase goods made by local people.

Another group that comes to mind is the Industrial Hub, a group that provides training opportunities and work experience for people with learning disabilities and autism. I also had the pleasure of meeting those who run the group, as well as those using it. The group showcases the kindness of people in the city, and helps people with learning disabilities to reach the best of their abilities.

One thing I love about the city is its investment in arts and sport. Vivacity, overseen by Peterborough City Council, runs sports and arts facilities across Peterborough. It celebrates and promotes arts with the Key Theatre and New Theatre. I’ve always been a supporter of the arts, and this is a part of the city that should be celebrated.

Personally, Vivacity has also been a big part of my life while growing up and also now, as I learnt to swim through Vivacity and also continue to keep fit at one of its gyms. Vivacity is an integral part of the city for both arts and sport.

The final part the bid looks at is transformation, and looks at what transformation would mean for the city and how it will be delivered.

One great thing about Peterborough is its convenient location which makes it a perfect commuter city for people working in places like Cambridge and London. While I think the railway station is too small for a commuter destination, it is getting a much-needed £50 million upgrade in the next few years.

The station quarter development will see the railway station grow, with an improved pick up area, creating a new gateway to the city. It’s an investment that will bring more people into the city and give people living here already, a chance to venture out in the world and go for those higher paid jobs.

Sometimes I feel that people forget that Peterborough is part of Cambridgeshire, and I am gutted that my city won’t get the opportunity to showcase all it has to offer. Yes, you could say Cambridge has a richer history with the university and notable figures, but Peterborough is an equally important city and shouldn’t be pushed aside or forgotten.

While Peterborough may not get the best reputation, the title would have finally give it the spotlight it deserves.

Firefighters found the moped alight when they arrived

A moped was deliberately set on fire in a Cambridgeshire suburb. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue were called to the fire in Jury Road, Hampton Vale, Peterborough at around 2am today (Wednesday, March 18).

Firefighters found a moped alight on arrival. A fire spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.11am this morning to reports of a fire in the open on Jury Road in Peterborough.

“A crew from Stanground attended and found a moped on fire. They extinguished the fire and returned to their station by 2.50am.”

The fire was determined to have been started deliberate. Cambridgeshire Police has been contacted for more information.

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Peterborough has lost out on its bid to be named the UK City of Culture for 2029

A Cambridgeshire city has missed out on being named the UK City of Culture for 2029 after the longlist was revealed. Peterborough confirmed it was putting in a bid for the title at the start of February to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The bid was backed by the Leader of Peterborough City Council, Councillor Shabina Qayyum, who, at the time of the bid going through, said: “To be ambitious and successful, you have to put ambition into action. When I was first elected as Leader, I was determined to put Peterborough properly on the map and to stop our city being overlooked.

“We are a city with extraordinary heritage and depth. From our 900-year-old Cathedral and its place in national history, to our rich archaeology, diverse communities and the landscapes that surround us, Peterborough has a story that deserves to be better known.”

The bid was being led by Peterborough City Council with help from a range of groups including Peterborough Tourist Board, Inspire Education Group, Peterborough Positive, and Peterborough Cultural Alliance. If the city had been longlisted it would’ve received £60,000 to prepare a full application.

Peterborough lost out on a spot alongside other areas including Bristol, Reading, and Exeter. Here is the full list of cities that were successfully longlisted:

• Blackpool
• Inverness-Highland
• Ipswich
• Middlesbrough
• Milton Keynes
• Portsmouth
• Sheffield
• Swindon
• Wrexham

The council has previously bought fencing for part of the land, which remains in storage

A long-running dispute over a school field which raised safeguarding concerns could be settled. Peterborough City Council’s cabinet will be asked to consider a way forward in a dispute about land forming part of the Ken Stimpson Academy site in Werrington on Tuesday, March 24.

The land in question remains open for community use, but due to safeguarding concerns the school is not using it for physical education and other outdoor activities. It is the only school in Peterborough without a fence around its playing fields.

Locals have argued that the land should remain unfenced and accessible to the public. The 4Cs Academy Trust, which runs the school, says the land needs to be fenced for reasons including safeguarding concerns.

The land in question is designated for education. The Department for Education has confirmed that this designation cannot be changed.

The council has previously bought fencing for part of the land, which remains in storage. At the upcoming Cabinet meeting, members will be asked to agree the following recommendations:

• For the council to enter a lease of the playing fields (known as Area C) with the 4Cs Academy Trust, excluding areas of land to be retained by the council for continued community use.
• For the council to enter into a new Community Use Agreement with the 4Cs Academy Trust governing the community use of the playing fields known as Area C.

A cabinet meeting last October saw members ask council officers to seek an adjournment of judicial proceedings brought against the council by the 4Cs Academy Trust. This related to a full council decision from March 2025 which tried to demise a smaller area of land than the area designated as education land to the school.

Cabinet members also asked council officers to negotiate with the Academy Trust on a lease which excluded a strip of land which could remain available for public recreational use. Following discussion between the council and the 4Cs Trust, cabinet will now be asked to make a decision which aims to bring the dispute to an end.

Councillor Katy Cole, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “After many years of procrastination we are close to being able to agree a way forward. It is so important, for the children of the school, that we do not allow any further delay.

“I would like to thank officers for taking Cabinet members’ instructions last October and finding a way forward with the academy trust. The proposed approach will allow pupils to once again access the outdoor space, whilst also attempting to balance the needs of residents by allowing a sizeable strip of land to remain in community use for dog walking and other activities.

“This would be in addition to other areas of open space in this part of Werrington and a Community Use Agreement which will allow the community to use the land known as Area C at specified times after school and at weekends.

“The recommendations to Cabinet look to meet the needs of all parties – the school, its pupils and the residents – but it is also the best option for taxpayers as a whole as it avoids what we know could have been a very costly Judicial Review process running into tens of thousands.”

Once a decision is made, the fencing currently in storage will be used. It is expected additional fencing will be needed to secure the entire proposed area.

Police have launched an investigation

Four suspects fled the scene of a burglary at a high street shop. Cambridgeshire Police were called to a burglary at a shop in High Street, Fletton in Peterborough at around 3.10am on Sunday (March 15).

When officers arrived, four suspects fled the scene with an unknown amount of cash from an ATM. Officers have launched an investigation into the burglary.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called at about 3.10am yesterday with reports of a burglary in process at a shop in the High Street, Fletton. On attendance, four suspects had fled the scene after stealing an unknown amount of cash from a ATM. An investigation has begun.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or report it online and quote incident 35/19138/26.

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Artur was “deeply loved” by his family

The family of a cyclist who died after a collision in Peterborough have described him as a “kind, cheerful and caring man”. Artur Ciesielski, 49, was involved in a crash at Rhubarb Bridge, near Lincoln Road, at around 6.45pm on February 21.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition following the incident. He died on Monday, March 9. No other vehicles were involved.

Artur’s family said he “loved animals, spending time outdoors, fishing and cycling”. He was described as a “devoted father” who had also recently become a grandfather to his first grandchild.

Artur’s family released the following tribute to him: “Artur was a kind, cheerful and caring man who was deeply loved by his family. Originally from Poland, he had been living in the UK for 23 years and had built his life here.

“Artur loved animals, spending time outdoors, fishing and cycling. He was an experienced cyclist and travelled by bike everywhere. On the day of the incident, he had gone to the shop by bicycle to buy food for the family cats because they had run out and were hungry.

“He had recently married his wife on 13 February this year and was very happy about the future ahead. Artur was a trained carpenter who loved working with his hands. He was always fixing something, helping others, working in the garden or cooking for the people he cared about.

“He was a devoted father who taught his daughter many things in life from DIY to cooking. He had also recently become a grandfather to his first grandchild, a 14-month-old boy, and he was incredibly proud and excited to be a grandad.

“We hope that anyone who may have been in the area or who may have seen anything will come forward, as even the smallest piece of information could help understand what happened. He was a wonderful man and father.”

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

Anyone who saw Artur in the lead up to the collision should report it through the Cambridgeshire Police website by quoting the reference incident 444 of 21 February. Anyone without internet access should call 101.

People in the city have around 55 ‘healthy years’ on average, according to a report

A report set to be presented to Peterborough City Council shows average life expectancy in the city is the lowest in Cambridgeshire.

The Annual Public Health Report – which contains data compiled by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) – was presented to members of the Prevention Independence & Resilience Scrutiny Committee on March 10. Peterborough City Council’s Director of Public Health, Raj Lakshman, authored the report.

“In Peterborough, the average life expectancy at birth is 77.8 years for men and 81.9 years for women,” he stated. “Both are slightly lower than the averages for our local region, the East of England, and for England as a whole.”

The report also highlights how city residents can expect to enjoy significantly fewer healthy years of life – a trend which is declining sharply.

Mr Lakshman: “When we look at healthy life expectancy – the years people can expect to live in good health – the most recent figures for Peterborough show men can expect 55.6 healthy years, and women 55.2 healthy years.

“This is about five to six years lower than the average of other local authorities and, worryingly, has been declining sharply since 2014.”

The report is being presented as part of the council’s ‘Peterborough Get Moving’ initiative, a year-long campaign which aims to increase levels of health and fitness participation across the city.

“At Peterborough City Council, we are determined to add healthy years to every life and physical activity is one of the most powerful tools we have,” Mr Lakshman said. “Physical activity reduces our risk of the six most common preventable conditions that cause ill health and increase our chances of dying early.”

According to the Department of Health & Social Care, these six conditions are: cancers, cardiovascular disease (including stroke and diabetes), musculoskeletal disorders, mental ill health, dementia, and chronic respiratory disease.

The report noted that now is an especially good time for Peterborough residents to reconsider their individual health and fitness goals. It said: “With all the investment coming into Peterborough through Pride in Place, new swimming pool and sports facilities, the opportunities to get active are increasing.”

Mr Lakshman added: “Peterborough offers easy access to nature reserves, while the city offers a vibrant community – perfect for partaking in physical activity. Together, we can make Peterborough a city where everyone has the chance to live healthier, happier, and more active lives.”

Schools in the south of the city are predicted to be those most affected

A report set to go before Peterborough City Council has outlined how school admissions are likely to become oversubscribed in the city’s growing southern townships in the near future.

Residents are being encouraged to share their thoughts

Residents of Hampton Beach in Peterborough are being encouraged to have their say on council proposals to establish parking restrictions across the neighbourhood.

Peterborough City Council has announced it intends to install parking restrictions along 15 roads located around the area.