In November and December 2005 we collected signatures from throughout the village, over 500 people signed from an adult population of approx 750. 

The petition was addressed to Alistair Darling and is worded as follows:

We the undersigned (both Hilton village residents and those concerned for the welfare of the village) object strongly to the Highways Agency proposals for the redevelopment of the A14 between Fen Ditton and Brampton.   As the proposal has limited advantages for the village and a huge adverse effect we demand the following;

1)    that the Highways Agency  follows its original CHUMMS Route of 2001;

2)    that whatever measures are necessary to protect Hilton from any increased noise, light and visual pollution are taken;

3    that the impact on the local environment and wildlife will be properly established and will be kept to an absolute minimum with protective measures taken;

4)    that whatever measures are necessary to protect Hilton from any increased risk of flooding are taken;

5)    that measures will be taken to prevent additional traffic travelling through the village on the B1040.

It will also be copied to Jonathan Djanogly MP, Ian Bates our District and County Councillor, the Highways Agency, and Cambridgeshire County Council.

Public meeting

On Friday 10 March 2006 the Methodist Chapel was packed for an open meeting with Jonathon Djanogly MP and Ian Bates organised by the Parish Council and the Action Group.

With standing room only, residents heard local MP Jonathan Djanogly and Councillor Ian Bates, promise to take up their concerns about the current proposals to improve the A14.

Jon Dooley, Chairman of Hilton A14 Action Group, called on Jonathan Djanogly MP and Councillor Ian Bates, to “take a  proactive role” in representing Hilton’s interests, after resident after resident expressed dissatisfaction with the consultation process and the Highways Agency attitude.

The impact of a raised, six lane road, tantamount to a motorway, less than a kilometre from the currently tranquil settlement has horrified the village.  Residents felt dismissed as “Nimbys” for wanting to protect this historic landscape and “patronised” by the authorities’ response to concerns raised.  Jon Dooley said “we have become increasingly alarmed at the lack of communication, representation and democracy in the processes.”

Residents expressed fears of increased flooding in Hilton, and elsewhere, resulting from the new carriageway cutting across the floodplain, as well as noise and light pollution. 

After the meeting Chairman of Hilton Parish Council, Graham Barradell, commented that, “relatively minor adjustments to the route west of Fenstanton, more in line with the original route, could greatly improve Hilton’s position without  major detriment to other communities”.  He also pointed out that other villages along the route will be similarly affected by noise pollution and visual intrusion and asked for much more attention to be paid to environmental amelioration such as screening of the new road. 

The initial response from Mr Djanogly was that he enjoyed the meeting and minutes are being sent to him in order that he can take forward, as promised, the points that came up.  He has undertaken to press for a Public Enquiry on our behalf once the preferred route is announced, and in the meantime, to write to the Highways Agency taking forward points raised at the meeting.

 Ian Bates has also confirmed that he will press for a Public Enquiry.

One point he has made is that if there are any other points that were not brought up at the meeting and you would like him to consider then we should pass those on. If you have any such issues then please let Peter Balicki know by e-mail at :-

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