Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments

‘War criminal and sexist bigot’ gets away with depocuting himself as Jesus, reader says

I can’t believe that there isn’t a huge backlash in the US to Donald Trump depicting himself as Jesus – sorry, as a ‘doctor’ – in an AI image he posted.

When John Lennon came out with the harmless ‘Beatles are bigger than Jesus’ comment in 1966, there was an outcry, with public burnings of records, paraphernalia etc and death threats, yet this war criminal and sexist bigot gets away with it. Where’s the justice? Get him out, now.John Coyne, Leeds.

I found myself at odds with Stuart Dew, who praised Pablo O’Hana’s column in support of Pope Leo XIV (MetroTalk, Fri).

O’Hana wrote in support of the pontiff’s calls for peace in the face of Trump’s war on Iran. I’m nominally a Catholic, so take a natural interest in what Pope Leo says.

The first task of a Christian leader should be to defend the faith and its followers. Christianity is under vicious attack on many fronts, globally. And yet neither the Pope – nor Anglican Archbishop Sarah Mullally – show much enthusiasm for acting as vigorous ‘defenders of the faith’.

Regarding the conduct of armed conflicts, including the Iran War, I would certainly expect informed comment and moral guidance from all religious leaders.

But this should also reflect the context of the conflict. While I oppose Trump’s disastrous path, I also note the vile nature of the Iranian regime, its unceasing threats against Israel and the wider West, and its murderous treatment of its own citizens. Stuart Dew writes of Christian leaders as ‘our chaps’. I don’t feel quite so chummy, but I do respect them.

However, they need to be more circumspect and reflect the wider global picture. Simon Goddard, Solihull

Why hasn’t Trump been clear about his intentions?

John (MetroTalk, Mon) says the reason for Trump’s war on Iran is its nuclear ambitions. Wasn’t its nuclear capability obliterated a few months ago? Why hasn’t Trump been clear about his intentions? Pedro, Hammersmith

‘How on earth can Sir Keir Starmer say he had no idea what Mandelson was like?’

With regards to the vetting and overall scuttlebutt over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US despite his friendship to the late paeodophile Jeffrey Epstein, how on earth can Sir Keir Starmer say he had no idea what Mandelson was like?

There are undiscovered tribes in the Amazonian rainforest who knew Mandelson was a wrong ’un. Martin Lawrence, South Croydon

Stop ‘fuss’ over Prince Harry, says reader

So Prince Harry and his wife are not considered as ‘working royals’ but as ‘private citizens’. So why all the fuss and reporting of their Australian trip? After all, nothing was reported of my two trips to Australia and New Zealand as a ‘private citizen’. Keep ’em out of it! Rob, York

Tube strikes are ‘regaular’

This year’s annual RMT industrial action is here (Metro, Mon). It’s so regular it’s surprising it doesn’t appear on calendars.

Each Tube strike and the way they are metered out appears specifically designed to create the upmost disruption for the fare-paying public. Isn’t it about time the RMT changed their stance to the model of industrial action used by the Japanese, whereby rather than close the service on strike days they run a full service but open all barriers, making transport free?

I’m fed up with being held over a barrel because the staff running the service have a grievance with their management. Mark Longman, London

Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments

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A total of 42 proposals to change existing traffic regulation orders (TROs), including double yellow lines and residential parking (ResPark) restrictions, are set to be considered for approval.

A City of York Council report stated the proposals had been drawn up in response to issues including parking on footpaths, obstructing bus routes and other safety concerns.

It added there was a risk that some of the proposals would create issues for other residents if they are approved.

It comes after the council advertised a total of 85 proposed restriction changes in October.

The 43 proposals that did not receive any objections are set to be enacted, with the remaining 42 set to be decided at a transport hearing on Tuesday, April 28.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Streets where restrictions are proposed by ward:

The listed restrictions are for no waiting at any time (double yellow lines) unless otherwise stated.

Acomb

• Ouseburn Avenue between Wheatlands Grove and Boroughbridge Road.
• Danebury Drive at the junction with Wetherby Road.

Bishopthorpe

• Copmanthorpe Lane, at the junction with Appleton Court.

Clifton

• Bede Avenue.
• Field View, between Burton Stone Lane and Tennyson Avenue.
• Tennyson Avenue.

Dringhouses and Woodthorpe

• Nelson’s Lane.
• Nidd Grove.
• Wain’s Road between the junction with Chaloners Road and Trent Way.
• Hunters Way at the junction with Middlethorpe Grove.

Fulford and Heslington

• Crosslands Road.
• Fordlands Road between the Germany Lane and Main Street junctions.
• Heslington Lane between the junction with Fulfordgate and existing zebra crossing and school keep clear restrictions.
• Heslington Lane between the footpath after Barmby Avenue up to and including the junctions of Nevison Grove and Stirling Grove on the north side and between Heslington Croft and Heath Moor Drive on the south side and at the junction with Wilsthorpe Grove.
• Fulfordgate opposite the junction with Eastward Avenue

Guildhall

• Maplehurst Avenue.
• Huntington Mews south side.
• Thomas Street west side.
• Lansdowne Terrace west side.

Haxby and Wigginton

• Hall Rise and no waiting between 8.30am and 9.30am and 3pm and 4pm Monday to Friday (single yellow lines) in Station Road.
• Headland Close.
• Mill Lane from the junctions with Wigginton Drive and Windsor Drive.
• Moor Lane between The Village and Oaken Grove junctions.
• Oaken Grove at the entrance to Haxby and Wigginton Cemetery.

Heworth Without

• Straylands Grove and Woodlands Grove bend.
• Whitby Avenue between the Whitby Drive junctions.

Holgate

• Acomb Road south side between the New Lane and Murray Street junctions.
• Berkley Terrace’s junctions with Linton Street and Amberley Street, Garland Street’s junctions with Linton Street and Winchester Avenue and Chatsworth Terrace’s junctions with Linton Street and Amberley Street.
• Barlow Street’s junctions with Inman Terrace and Dodgson Street.
• Martins Court south side by bin access.

Huntington and New Earswick 

• Avon Drive between Strensall Road and Crinan Road.
• Strensall Road and Linton Close junction.

Micklegate

• Knavesmire Road at Knavesmire Crescent junction and Campleshon Road from Knavesmire Crescent to Albemarle Road.
• Queens Staith.

Rawcliffe and Clifton Without

• Eastholme Drive between and including Grasmere Grove and Shelley Grove junctions.
• Arlington Road junction with Tatton Close and bend opposite.

Rural West

Strensall

Westfield

• Chapelfields Road and Barkston Avenue junction.
• Wetherby Road north side between Bland Lane and Briar Avenue.

Wheldrake

• Church Lane in Elvington, bend by Holy Trinity Church.
• River View junction with York Road in Naburn.

Channel 4’s 24 Hours in Police Custody: The Cold Case Murder has been exploring the brutal killing of 86-year-old retired postmistress in Cambridgeshire

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Viewers of 24 Hours in Police Custody: The Cold Case Murder have been left devastated by a recent investigation.

The two-part Channel 4 documentary examined an unsolved case surrounding the death of an 86-year-old woman.

Retired postmistress Una Crown was killed in 2013, with a neighbour discovering her body at her Cambridgeshire bungalow.

The widow had been found with stab wounds to her neck and chest, and her clothing had been set on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence and conceal the full severity of her injuries.

The distressing case is being examined in 24 Hours in Police Custody, after the investigation was reopened with DNA evidence and new forensic techniques uncovering male DNA beneath her fingernails, reports the Mirror.

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The Channel 4 synopsis teases: “The unsolved case of the brutal murder of 86-year-old Una Crown in 2013 is re-opened.

“Police think they know the identity of the killer but will the science back them up?”

It continues: “Forensics get a partial DNA match to a previous suspect, and the police decide to arrest him. But after 13 years of denial will he finally confess?”

Viewers were moved to tears by the two-part documentary, with one sharing on Reddit: “I watched part 1 last week and then just finished part 2 on my lunch break at work, which I severely regret as it made me ball my eyes out at the end. This is up there as one of the worst for me. That poor woman and her family.”

They later responded to another user’s comment: “Absolutely outrageous they tried to say it was accidental given the state she was found in. Horrific.”

One user remarked: “I’ll be honest, a lot of episodes of that show have reduced me to tears,” while another wrote: “I agree, it was just so awful.”

A further commenter added: “yes, it was and is an awful travesty of justice.”

Another wrote: “That episode will haunt me. The idea that she was just watching TV with her cosy blanket when she heard him enter the house with a key.. Which he had kept since he helped with her broken lock. And that he went to the house drunk and it was sexually motivated. Then he thought he’d got away with it for a decade, still living in the same neighborhood. Terrifying.”

One more user stated: “I am in shock how much they screwed it up. that poor lady and her family, heartbreaking.”

24 Hours in Police Custody: The Cold Case Murder is available to watch on Channel 4.

The applicant describes the site as a ‘very accessible’ location

More than 30 new flats could be built near a Cambridgeshire village railway station. GCR Camprop Fifteen Ltd has proposed to change an office building into 32 flats on Station Road in Shepreth.

The buildings have been used as offices for a “significant period of time”. If approved, the flats would be a mix of studios and one-bedroom flats.

They would also be in “close proximity to Shepreth Railway Station”. The applicant described it as a “highly suitable location”.

The applicant added: “The site is located adjacent to Shepreth Train Station. The site is therefore very accessible from London and Cambridge. Cambridge to Shepreth typically takes 13 to 16 minutes which makes travel by rail a very desirable option.

“The new Cambridge South Station will also make the site more accessible from south Cambridge, southern fringe development areas and connect the site with Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. It is expected that residents would choose the location for its excellent rail links and would not be reliant on car travel.”

There are several mature trees near Station Road, as well as mature hedging which separates neighbouring properties. The applicant said these will keep the flats “well shielded and enclosed”.

It is believed that the development will not have an impact on the local highway network, according to a transport technical note produced by the applicant. It will also not result in any significant change to traffic. The site is also within flood zone one, meaning there is a very low flood risk.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has taken a giant step towards a mouth-watering second round match against fellow 50-year-old John Higgins with a highly impressive start to his quest for an eighth world snooker title.

Despite initially heading for the wrong table on his return to the Crucible, O’Sullivan looked instantly back at home following a mixed season spent largely outside of England that has contained recent hints of a return to form.

O’Sullivan raced to a 5-0 lead before sharing the final four frames of the opening session of his first round match against China’s He Guoqiang to lead 7-2 ahead of the conclusion on Wednesday afternoon. 

Although O’Sullivan did reach the semi-final last year, he looked bereft of confidence with what was a new cue before being comprehensively outplayed by the eventual winner Zhao Xintong.

Despite another year and a few more grey hairs, it was instantly obvious that O’Sullivan arrives in Sheffield this year rather happier with both his form and chances of moving clear of Stephen Hendry to become the only eight-times world champion in the modern era.

It helped that Guoqiang missed a series of early chances in what was a wide open match, but O’Sullivan’s usual break building fluency was crucially also matched by some well struck long pots and clearances when the balls were not always invitingly placed. 

The early burst of frames included breaks of  72, 97 and 113 before Guoqiang’s brief fightback was halted by further runs of 52 and 86.

Should O’Sullivan complete the expected victory, the second round will be a rerun of the final against Higgins exactly 25 years ago, which he won 18-14 to win his first world title.

Higgins and Mark Williams, the third 50-plus member of the Class ‘92, are respectively going for their fifth and fourth world title.

Although O’Sullivan has now slipped furthest down the rankings, that is largely explained by his much more limited tournament schedule. There have been encouraging signs in recent months, however, with O’Sullivan following up his 153 total clearance in the International Open in China with a resounding victory against Higgins in the final of the invitational John Virgo Trophy in Ireland last week.

While it’s still more expensive than it was before the price hike, Xbox fans sound pleased with Game Pass’s recent adjustments.

Just a week ago, Xbox boss Asha Sharma, who took over from Phil Spencer back in February, admitted in an internal memo to employees that the Xbox Game Pass service had grown too expensive, suggesting that Sharma was looking into bringing the price back down.

As a reminder, Microsoft bumped the price of Game Pass last October, with Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions becoming over 50% more expensive at £22.99 a month.

The move was unsurprisingly unpopular with fans and sparked widespread outrage, but that price hike has now been reverted, at least partially.

Game Pass subscription prices haven’t completely returned to how they were previously. In fact, the Essential and Premium tiers, which have limited offerings, are unchanged and remain £6.99 a month and £10.99 a month respectively.

However, Game Pass Ultimate, which includes access to new Xbox published games as soon as they launch, is now £6 cheaper at £16.99 a month. For the record, before October’s price hike, it was £14.99 a month.

PC Game Pass, meanwhile, has also been reduced from £13.49 a month to £10.99 a month.

In addition, new Call Of Duty games will no longer be day one additions to the service. This was something Microsoft touted as part of its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, but it’s clearly not been as beneficial for the company as it hoped.

It had been suggested that Microsoft could do this since Call Of Duty has continued to bleed players even after joining Game Pass. Plus, with new games essentially being free for subscribers, their presence on Game Pass no doubt impacted their sales performances.

Not that Microsoft admits to any of that that, with the Xbox Wire blog post only saying, ‘Beginning this year, future Call Of Duty titles won’t join Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass at launch.’

Instead, the plan is to add them to Game Pass ‘during the following holiday season (about a year later).’ Plus, any Call Of Duty games already on the service will remain where they are and not be pulled off.

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With how many stories there have been of games and consoles raising in price, with the PlayStation 5 shooting up by £90 last month, it’s a welcome change of pace to see prices go down for once.

Granted, there’s no telling if this will spark a resurgence of Game Pass subscriptions, but first impressions over on the Xbox subreddit appear positive.

‘Wow they actually did it, fair play to them,’ says Gameofthrones3058, adding that, ‘People who absolutely love Call Of Duty will have no choice but to pay pretty much full price if they want to have the game at launch.’

Stumpy493 calls it a ‘win for gamers who voiced our displeasure,’ but notes that the price is ‘still higher than it was previously and with Call Of Duty removed day one.’

Some fans, like dustygultch, suggest that if removing Call Of Duty helped bring the price down, then Microsoft should take out other benefits that they don’t care about, such as the Fortnite Crew subscriptions, and drop the price further.

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The band says Shedcember X promises to be ‘the biggest and most celebratory’ yet, and has thanked fans for their support after an incredible response to news of the tour.

Shed Seven frontman Rick Witter performing at York Museum Gardens Image: David Harrison (Image: David Harrison)

It will take in 21 dates across the UK, kicking off at Nottingham Rock City on Friday 13 November 2026 and including Birmingham, Norwich, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leicester, Brighton, Cardiff, Sheffield, Newcastle, Cambridge, Bristol, Stockton, Liverpool, Manchester, Lincoln, Stoke, Bournemouth and London before concluding at Leeds O2 Academy on Saturday 12 December 2026.

First launched in 2007, Shedcember has grown in popularity, and will this year help to toast 30 years of the band’s hits A Maximum High and Chasing Rainbows.

Recommended reads:

How live music made this North Yorkshire ‘ghost town’ a must-visit destination

Why York and North Yorkshire will be one of the top places for music this summer

Sci-Fi fans flock to mingle with intergalactic stars in North Yorkshire

Sharing the news on their social media platforms, band members – whose recent successes include the two UK Number 1 albums with A Matter Of Time and Liquid Gold – said it was a ‘big week’ after an incredible couple of years.

York band Shed Seven announces Shedcember X winter tour – Rick Witter, lead singer, of Shed Seven at the band’s gig at the Tivoli. Image: Newsquest

“Since it began back in 2007, Shedcember has grown into a bit of a cult institution… the unofficial start to the festive season,” said the band, signing off as Rick, Paul, Tom, Maxi, Tim x.

“Each night expect a career-spanning set, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure! If you’ve never been… this is the one to start with. If you have… you already know you’re coming.”

Shed Seven will be joined by Irish band The Academic as their special guests.

Each night of the tour will be packed with anthems including Going for Gold, Disco Down, On Standby and Talk of the Town.

More than 30,000 fans who are signed up to the band’s official mailing list should have received an exclusive pre-sale code today, Tuesday 21 April.

The pre-sale then opens at 10am tomorrow, Wednesday 22 April. Remaining tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday 24 April.

News of the tour promoted several thousand more sign-ups.

“On the last tour, many venues sold out within minutes,” said the band. “We genuinely love playing live, and we really hope you can make one of the dates.”

There is still time to sign up at https://www.shedseven.com/signup

Shed Seven’s UK tour 2026 poster.

Other pre-sales happening are:

O2 pre-sales: Wednesday 22nd April, 10am – Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Leicester, Newcastle, Manchester, Bournemouth, Leeds, London, Liverpool

Venue pre-sales: Thursday 23rd April, 10am – Stockton, Liverpool, Nottingham, Stoke

GIS pre-sale: Thursday 23rd April, 10am – Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh

General sale: Friday 24th April, 10am

Rangers are chasing their first Premiership title in five years as Danny Rohl’s side go all-out for the league flag

Rangers are pursuing their first Premiership crown in five years as Danny Rohl’s squad push hard for the league trophy.

They’re sitting just one point adrift of table-toppers Hearts with only five post-split fixtures remaining in the season.

The last Ibrox outfit to achieve this feat was Steven Gerrard’s in 2021 – when Rangers prevented Celtic from securing 10-in-a-row and secured their 55th championship.

But how do these two squads compare?

Rohl remains in the opening year of a rebuilding project after succeeding former boss Russell Martin in October.

Gerrard required three campaigns to build a championship-winning side that would subsequently reach a Europa League Final under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

So what would a merged XI look like? Would you opt for a Nasser Djiga ahead of Connor Goldson or Mikey Moore instead of Ryan Kent?

Here, we examine Gerrard’s champions of 2021 versus Rohl’s potential title victors of 2026.

Allan McGregor vs Jack Butland

Butland is an excellent goalkeeper and has been amongst Gers’ standout players this campaign as they compete for silverware.

However, McGregor is an Ibrox legend with iconic standing at the club.

He was famous for crucial saves at critical moments and he’d earn selection ahead of the Englishman.

VERDICT: Allan McGregor

James Tavernier vs Dujon Sterling

The Rangers captain is the sole remaining player at Ibrox from Gerrard’s title-winning squad.

He’s currently facing competition from Sterling who covets his position and is likely now Rohl’s preferred choice at right-back.

When fit, he’s outstanding, but Tavernier’s impact on Rangers throughout the years – particularly during his prime – cannot be overlooked.

VERDICT: James Tavernier

Connor Goldson vs Nasser Djiga

Djiga had a difficult beginning to his Ibrox loan spell from Wolves, though his performances have improved, and should Rangers secure the title, he’ll prove crucial.

However, Goldson was an essential acquisition for Gerrard and a foundation of their 2021 league success.

He provided leadership and netted two Old Firm strikes during their championship run, making him an obvious selection.

VERDICT: Connor Goldson

Filip Helander vs Emmanuel Fernandez

During the championship-winning season, the towering Swedish defender was outstanding. While he lacked speed, he was dependable defensively and dominant aerially.

Yet, injuries plagued his time at Ibrox, and Fernandez shows promise to surpass him.

The imposing centre-half has been a standout this season and is already attracting interest from major clubs looking to take him away from Ibrox.

VERDICT: Emmanuel Fernandez

Borna Barisic vs Tuur Rommens

The Croatian full-back proved an inspired acquisition for Gerrard upon his arrival at Ibrox. Barisic and Tavernier excelled on opposite wings, both contributing with goals.

Yet, he was vulnerable defensively on occasions, notably at Celtic Park, while Rommens appears exceptional under Rohl.

The Belgian has quickly won over supporters and possesses all the qualities to become an elite player – in both defensive and attacking phases.

VERDICT: Tuur Rommens

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Steven Davis vs Tochi Chukwuani

Chukwuani has shown early promise since joining Rangers and appears well-suited to disrupting opposition play with his physical presence while initiating attacking moves.

However, Davis was a Rolls Royce of a player at Ibrox across two separate stints and is rightly considered a club icon by the fanbase.

The young Dane will have his work cut out if he’s to match the Northern Irishman’s achievements in the years ahead.

VERDICT: Steven Davis

Glen Kamara v Nico Raskin

At just £50,000 from Dundee, Kamara proved a shrewd acquisition for Gerrard. The elegant midfielder possessed exceptional ball retention skills and played an integral role in Rangers’ 4-3-3 formation.

However, supporters would contend that Raskin brings more to the table. The Belgian can function as a holding midfielder while also surging forward, influencing proceedings and finding the net – attributes Kamara didn’t possess.

VERDICT: Nico Raskin

Scott Arfield vs Thelo Aasgaard

Arfield’s nous during Gerrard’s title-winning campaign proved invaluable. He could connect midfield with attack, while also popping up with crucial goals.

Aasgaard has disappointed on too many occasions this season following his arrival from Luton Town.

The Norwegian has delivered some significant contributions but his performances lack reliability.

VERDICT: Scott Arfield

Joe Aribo vs Djeidi Gassama

Aribo needed time to find his feet at Rangers following his move from Charlton Athletic but ultimately netted in the 2022 Europa League Final.

His physical attributes proved essential in Gerrard’s side and he demonstrated versatility across multiple positions. Gassama has demonstrated glimpses of his potential in Rohl’s squad with some stunning goals.

He requires greater consistency but remains in the early stages of his Rangers career.

VERDICT: Joe Aribo

Ryan Kent vs Mikey Moore

This comparison is challenging because Kent was an exceptional talent for Rangers who netted several crucial goals against Celtic at Parkhead.

However, given his £7 million price tag, some might suggest he ought to have produced more remarkable statistics at Ibrox.

Moore remains a youngster but he has thrilled fans so much they’re eager to see him return next season.

For that reason, and his sheer potential, he edges it.

VERDICT: Mikey Moore

Alfredo Morelos v Youssef Chermiti

Both strikers had the ability to exasperate Rangers supporters in equal measure with some of their squandered opportunities.

Simultaneously, they’re also capable of producing moments of brilliance in front of goal.

Chermiti has notched 11 this campaign, the majority of them in significant matches against Celtic and Hearts.

However, Morelos was cherished by fans and remains the club’s all-time leading scorer in Europe which tips the balance in his favour.

VERDICT: Alfredo Morelos

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Plans for Hinchingbrooke Logistics Park include warehouses up to 24m high, as well as a new bus depot and changes to nearby roads

Plans have been approved to build massive warehouses on the edge of a Cambridgeshire town, despite councillors having “no confidence” in the impact on road safety and traffic. Newlands Developments has proposed to build a “substantial industrial and logistics development” at Brookfield Farm in Great Stukeley.

Plans for Hinchingbrooke Logistics Park include warehouses up to 24m high, as well as a new bus depot, and remodelling of the A141 with a new roundabout and underpass.

The planning application was heard at Huntingdonshire District Council’s development management committee on Monday (April 20), after being deferred from a March meeting. A number of concerns were raised by eight speakers, including concerned parish councillors and residents.

Councillor Chip Colquhoun, of Brampton Parish Council, said while there were “clear benefits for investment, business growth and jobs”, the plans could have an impact on nearby roads, including Views Common Roads and Hinchinhbrooke Park Road. He described these roads as already being “heavily congested” and said that even a “small increase” of traffic could have “disproportionate effects”.

Objectors Councillor Liam Beckett and John Greenhalgh – chair of the Hinchingbrooke Park Residents Association – shared the same concerns. Cllr Beckett said no concerns had been raised by the highways authority on the impact of traffic along Views Common Road and Hinchingbrooke Park Road.

He said there was “zero chance” that a development “twice the size of Huntingdon town centre” would have no impact on a road that was already “over capacity”. Mr Greenhalgh told the committee that the “amenity of Huntingdonshire residents must be prioritised over Newlands commercial scheme”.

Speaking to the committee on behalf of Newlands, agent Andrew Fisher said that the development would bring “social economic benefits” to the area, creating more than 2,400 new jobs. He added that there was a “desperate need for this development”, due to a lack of warehouses in the area.

During the debate, several councillors raised concerns over road safety in Hinchingbrooke. Councillor Patricia Jordan agreed that there were a “lot of benefits” to the scheme, but said she had “grave concerns” over safety.

Councillor Steve McAdam shared these concerns, and said that residents have shared pictures of HGVs travelling along this road. He added that there was always “slow moving crawling traffic” along that road. In reference to a transport assessment produced by Cambridgeshire County Council, he said he had “no confidence whatsoever” in the report as he believed it didn’t look at the real safety impact.

Jez Tuttle, of the highways authority, spoke to the committee via video link about the assessment and said that no concerns were raised regarding the impact of traffic and safety. He told the committee that there was “no reason” for the traffic from the development to go to Hinchingbrooke.

During the debate, Councillor Stephen Corney said he was “struggling to find anything” against the plans, and proposed that the plans be approved. In seconding the proposal, Councillor Eric Butler said that the reference to Views Common Road and Hinchingbrooke Park Road was “not part of this application”, and councillors were “getting distracted by that area”.

He added that the development would create something that they “don’t do a lot of in this area”, as well as help to meet the aim of creating 14,000 jobs in the area by 2046 in the local plan.

Councillor Jon Neish agreed that the concerns raised had “nothing to do with the application”, and also approved the plans. Also in agreement, Councillor Kevin Gulson said that councillors needed to base their decision on what was said by experts, and that the roads in question already had traffic.

He suggested that the remodelling of the A141, including adding a new roundabout, could improve these safety concerns in the future. The plans were approved, with six councillors agreeing, five councillors against, and two abstaining from the vote.