Five Peterborough stories you might have missed

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.

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.

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.

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

A charity best known for upcycling used bath tubs has launched a scheme to recycle football kits to pass 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.

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.

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 passenger 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.

Peterborough United have made their first signing of the summer with forward Kyrell Lisbie joining 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 join National League rivals Sheffield Steeldogs.

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