Drop in number of city police

In a public meeting on Thursday, Insp Martin Gregory informed residents that the number of officers on patrol and those ready to respond to emergency calls had fallen to just twelve, approximately half the usual level. The shortage was caused by a major drugs bust requiring 100 officers. Cllr Geoffrey Heathcock told press that “Twelve isn’t good enough, not by any stretch of the imagination… I’m not impressed.”
Nikki Burton

Cambridge bus operator Stagecoach has decided to extend its discounted travel scheme for University staff and students until the end of June 2007. This initiative allows members of the University to travel for 50p on major ‘Citi’ bus services. The announcement coincides with criticism from local businesses of Cambridge’s public transport. Terry Holloway, Chief Executive of the Marshall group, described the city’s transport system as “appalling”, saying congestion is bound to get worse.
Parisa Razaz

Decline in HE course subjects
Recent national publications have shown a vast decrease in the availability of science and language higher education courses. The sharpest fall is in chemistry courses, 31 per cent of which have been dropped. Alan Malcolm, Chief Executive of the Institute of Biology, said that a lack of science subjects at university level could affect Britain’s ability to tackle issues such as global warming and pandemic diseases. He suggested the shortage of science and maths teachers at secondary schools may have contributed to the decline.
Esther Lousada

Cannabis factory at Hill’s home
Stephen Hill, 56, owner of the Natural Store on Mill Road, has been arrested following the discovery of a cannabis factory at his home. The detached house in Swaffham Bulbeck contained nearly 200 plants, totalling almost one and a half kilos of cannabis. Hill was absent at the time of the raid, but was arrested at his shop later that day.  Hill pleaded guilty to charges of producing cannabis and possession with intent to supply.
Ada Gokay

Letter bombs had Cambridge stamp
Seven letter bombs have injured nine people in the past three weeks, some carrying a Cambridge postmark. Three were sent to forensic science laboratories and a further three were addressed to organisations associated with motoring fines and fees. These incidents recall the spate of attacks in August 2006, in which a letter bomb was sent to the Cambridge Labour Party offices.
Tom McGee

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