If there is one thing I hear more than anything else, it’s how hard it’s becoming to get around locally.

Let us not pretend otherwise – the condition of our roads in Newmarket is simply not good enough. Potholes are a constant issue, and they are not just frustrating – they affect people’s daily lives.

First impressions matter in a town, especially on race days, but more importantly, this is about the people who live here day to day. We are the ones driving these roads every morning, taking our children to school, getting to work, and simply getting on with our lives. So, while appearances count, residents should come first – and right now, it does not feel like that has been the case.

I know how frustrating this is, because I hear about it constantly – damaged tyres, avoidable repair costs, and people having to swerve around the same problem spots week after week. It is not just an inconvenience, it is a genuine cost to residents, and it should not be something people simply have to put up with.

When it comes to buses, we all know public transport in Newmarket has not always been where it needs to be.

That said, one real success story is the community bus – the Newmarket Circular, run by the Voluntary Network – linking areas like Exning and Studlands, which we fought to to establish after Stagecoach withdrew the number 11 service.

I have had great feedback from residents who are now using it regularly.

We do need to go further, but this is a good example of something that’s working and helping to keep Newmarket moving.

Looking ahead to the future, one thing I will be pushing for is the completion of the cycle and walking path between Burwell and Exning.

The potential is huge. How wonderful to create a continuous route from Newmarket through to Cambridge, linking our communities and connecting us into a wider cycle network.

It would make it easier to travel between Exning and Burwell, and encourage more visitors into Newmarket without relying on the car.

It is also the kind of project that benefits both our environment and our local economy – so there is a compelling case for it to be prioritised.

It is farcical that this has been incomplete for so long. It’s time to get the cheque book out and finish the job.

I must admit, I really enjoy being a councillor. Well, almost all of the time! I do like getting stuck in, solving problems, and standing up for what is right.

As always, if something is affecting you locally, please do feel free to get in touch.

There has been much talk recently about grandiose ideas and future visions for the area. Personally, I would like to see the same urgency focused on the things that affect people day to day in Newmarket-like a recycling centre, a sixth form college, and a rejuvenated high street and market.

I am not sure we need to be building the Emerald City just yet.

Now with spring arriving, I hope you get the chance to get out, enjoy Newmarket, and spend time in the sunshine with friends and family.

Until next time, take care,

Janne Jarvis

District Councillor,

Newmarket North

Town Councillor, Studlands Ward