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Five Peterborough stories you might have missed

Joanna Taylor
BBC News, Peterborough
BBC Olly and Mandy are standing next to each other with the river in the background.BBC
Olly and Mandy are among the people objecting to plans which could see a riverside path and woodland built on in future

There are concerns from residents that a "majestic" view of the Fens could be blocked by a new development, while a very famous tank engine was spotted at a local heritage railway station.

Here are five stories from Peterborough you might have missed this week.

Residents fear for future of 'majestic' Fen view

A sign says 'Save Drysides' in red writing with a description of the area below. In the background is the old River Nene, with long grass either side and a field and copse in the backdrop.
Signs have been put up urging local people to have their say on the development

People living near a riverside path and woodland have said building industrial units on land overlooking the area "shouldn't be allowed".

There are proposals to build on 115.5 hectares (285 acres) north of the old River Nene in Stanground.

The project was mentioned in the city's draft local plan, used by developers as a blueprint for planning. Public consultation on the document ended this week.

Railway trip marks 80 years of steam engine Thomas

NENE VALLEY RAILWAY A steam engine with a blue engine cap and a black front with a black chimney billowing smoke. It has a painted face and above the face it says Thomas's big adventure. In front of the engine are men women and children, standing on a platform. NENE VALLEY RAILWAY
The event marked the 80th anniversary of the publication of the first Thomas book in 1945

A heritage railway charity celebrated the 80th anniversary of Thomas with a 14-mile "big birthday adventure" train trip.

The famous talking steam engine character was created by the Reverend W Awdry, who wrote the first book in The Railway Series in 1945.

In 1971, he named a steam engine Thomas after his lead character and it has been in service at the Nene Valley Railway, near Peterborough, since 1973. Thomas ran on its main line on Friday.

New 50-metre pool vital for young athletes, says coach

BEN NEGUS Ben Negus wearing a black suit and a white shirt- holding a brown trophy - standing in front of a black and red national swim awards poster. BEN NEGUS
Ben Negus said a new competition pool would enable the city to host competitions and attract visitors

The head of a swimming club said a city council's plan to build a 50-metre swimming pool was "vital" to the athletes of the future.

Peterborough's Regional Pool has begun to be bulldozed after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete was discovered in the building, which left City of Peterborough Swimming Club (Cops) without a home.

Ben Negus, from Cops, said plans to build a replacement facility "would mean Peterborough can do what it deserves [for] its swimming community".

Charity blown away with donated football kits

DAVE POULTON About 30 football shirts, of various bright colours, can be seen laid out and folded in rows inside.DAVE POULTON
The Goal2Grow project wants to "break down financial barriers" by providing the football shirts

A charity best known for upcycling used bath tubs has launched a scheme to recycle football kits to on to low-income families.

Peterborough-based Up The Garden Bath said it had asked people to donate kits, including shirts and boots, that it could sell on at an "affordable cost".

Charity founder Dave Poulton said he had been "blown away" by the 35 shirts so far donated.

'Angel of Yaxley' social media speculation solved

JOHN DEVINE/BBC A carved wooden angel made from the stump of a tree. The angel has an orange coloured tan caused by preserving oil. Around the angel are various gravestones with more trees in the background.JOHN DEVINE/BBC
Yaxley Parish Council said it paid £1,500 to have the tree turned into a praying angel and was "very pleased" with the result

The mystery surrounding the appearance of a wooden angel in a cemetery that sparked social media speculation of a divine intervention has been solved.

Residents of Yaxley, near Peterborough, were mystified by the sight of a 6ft (1.8 metre) tall angel that "appeared from nowhere" in their village.

The parish council later announced it had appointed an artist to carve the figure out of a giant redwood tree, or Wellingtonia, that was felled due to it causing subsidence to a nearby 1880s chapel.

The week in politics

It was revealed that a football stadium, shopping centre and farmland were among Peterborough City Council's most lucrative sales as it tried to repay its debts.

The authority made £50m from asset sales over the past decade, including Peterborough United's Weston Homes Stadium and land at the Hereward Cross Shopping Centre.

Meanwhile, Paul Bristow, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's newly elected mayor, said he would fight to save the only direct bus service between March and Peterborough.

Stagecoach said the 33 route was due to be shortened on 31 August, due to "extremely low enger numbers", and would start and finish in Whittlesey instead.

Finally, plans for nine new homes within the grounds of Manor House, a Grade II listed building on Glinton High Street, were approved by the council. They will be built within the property's former farmyard area.

The week in sport

Getty Images Kyrell Lisbie celebrates with teammate at a previous FA Cup game. He is wearing a green football shirt with black stripes. Getty Images
Kyrell Lisbie (left) has been signed to Peterborough United

Peterborough United have made their first g of the summer with forward Kyrell Lisbie ing from Braintree.

The 21-year-old has agreed a three-year contract, which includes the option of an additional year.

He scored 13 times in the National League last season.

Former Peterborough Phantoms coach Slava Koulikov said he received "consistently excellent backing" from the owners and directors.

Koulikov's 11-year stay with the Phantoms came to an end earlier this month.

He has opted to National League rivals Sheffield Steeldogs.

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