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Five stories you might have missed in Peterborough

Katy Prickett
News imageJohn Devine/BBC Kathleen Dabbs has long dark hair parted to the right. She has black-framed glasses on and a purple and black top on. She is on a sofa surrounded by lots of colourful blankets.John Devine/BBC
Kathleen Dabbs has more than 20 volunteers making squares for hospital blankets but would love to recruit more

Free parking is coming to Peterborough, the city has a new mayor and more knitters are needed to make blankets for hospital patients.

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

Knitters needed to make colourful hospital blankets

News imageFenland Woolly Hub Colourful handmade woollen blankets hang from washing lines in a field.Fenland Woolly Hub
The NHS trust which runs Peterborough City Hospital said the blankets provided comfort, sensory stimulation and reassurance for patients

Last year, a group of Cambridgeshire knitters made 23 blankets for Peterborough City Hospital, which used them for patients with dementia.

Now the Fenland Woolly Hub, which was set up last year, is looking for more volunteers to make 20cm-wide (8in) woollen squares, which will be sewn together into the blankets.

Free parking trial aims to boost the city's economy

News imageA parking sign – a white board with a large "P" on it and the words "Pay here" in black writing. There are cars blurred out in the background.
The trial will offer free parking after 15:00, Monday to Friday, in four city council-owned car parks

Free parking is to be introduced at some city car parks in a bid to boost retail and the night-time economy.

The trial will take place later this year at car parks in Bishop's Road, Car Haven, Riverside and Pleasure Fair Meadow and will be funded by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

New city mayor says 'it's a great honour'

News imageChris Harper with a beard and glasses wearing a grey suit. He is touching his purple and white rosette with his name on it. A Peterborough City Council sign saying "Declaration Results" is in the background.
Chris Harper said it was a great honour to be elected to the largely ceremonial role

Chris Harper, a Peterborough First councillor representing Stanground South, has been elected the city's mayor by his fellow councillors.

The council also has a new leader, Labour's Shabina Qayyum, who was chosen to continue in the position after no party secured an overall majority in the local elections.

Teachers demand facilities for children on estate

News imageDarren Calpin/LDRS Laura Owen and Fern Rowe looking at the camera, while in a small playground on the Manor Drive estate. Laura has long blonde hair and is wearing a dark green coat over a turquoise blouse. Fern also has long blonde hair and is wearing glasses, and a yellow coat over a black top.Darren Calpin/LDRS
A lack of active areas on the Manor Drive estate affected children's ability to lead healthy lifestyles, said Laura Owen and Fern Rowe

Laura Owen and Fern Rowe, from Manor Drive Primary School, have called for more outdoor sports and play facilities on the Manor Drive estate.

Owen said land earmarked for a playground and football pitch had not been developed yet. The city council said it took the concerns "extremely seriously".

City's 'cultural cornerstone' reopens after £2.2m revamp

News imageEmma Baugh/BBC A head and shoulders image of Natalie Phillips. She is smiling and looking into the camera. She is standing in what appears to be an auditorium. She is wearing a blue top and there are seats behind her.Emma Baugh/BBC
Natalie Phillips said it was "tough" when the theatre had to close to audiences

The Key Theatre is back! It has reopened after a £2.2m project to address reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in its roof, which had put it at risk of collapse.

Natalie Phillips of Landmark Theatres, which runs the venue, said it was "a cultural cornerstone for the community here".

The week in sport

Former Peterborough United striker Ivan Toney has been included in England's World Cup squad. Toney joined Posh in 2018 and was sold to Brentford after two seasons at London Road. The 30-year-old has spent the past two seasons playing in the Saudi Pro League.

Attacking midfielder Patryk Sykut is the latest Peterborough United player to receive international recognition. Sykut, who made nine appearances for Posh last season, has been named in Poland's under-18 squad for a training camp at the start of next month.

Peterborough Sports have a new manager. Former Stamford boss Graham Drury replaces Michael Gash.

Drury joined Matlock Town earlier this month, but asked to be released from his contract to take over at The Turbines. Sports will be competing in the Southern Premier Central next season, having been demoted from the National League North.

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