Lucius Vellacott, Soham South councillor for East Cambs District Council, writes his monthly column.

The variety and bustle of Soham’s High Street is what makes our town feel like home, but it is at risk of declining.

It is therefore great news that businesses can now apply to East Cambridgeshire District Council for a Rural Prosperity Grant of up to £30k for start-ups, employment or product improvement purposes.

Please see the council’s website for details or get in touch below.

Ely Standard: Soham High Street.Soham High Street. (Image: Lucius Vellacott)

Soham is also looking at a new and improved medical centre, and the planning application is now out for consultation.

The need for housing on the scale of the Eastern Gateway is rightly disputed by local people.

But, alongside Lucy Frazer MP, I will support efforts to improve our healthcare infrastructure, whilst working for the best possible deal for Soham.

The council has introduced black wheelie bins into our budget (hooray!). We are dealing with the new Environment Act, which will also mean a weekly food waste service in 2026.

The service pattern to be used is still under consideration. The council is also proudly changing its vehicles over to the more sustainable hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel.

Soham Village College have obtained Planning Permission for their 3G Sports Pitch. I am delighted that this project was awarded £125k of funding by East Cambs District Council, and look forward to seeing it built and in use.

Soham was pleased to open our Changing Places bathroom which now sits in the Fountain Lane car park. Both remain free to us. 

My family and I are very excited for the 71st Soham Carnival on Sunday, May 5. Please do attend and support this highlight of Soham’s calendar year.

ECDC’s Annual Council Meeting will take place on May 23 in Ely – all are welcome to attend. I am always available for a chat via: lucius.vellacott@eastcambs.gov.uk.