Fenland
Fenland is a
local government district in
Cambridgeshire,
England. Its council is based in
March, and covers the neighbouring market towns of
Chatteris,
Whittlesey, and
Wisbech (often called the "capital of the fens"). The district covers around 500 square kilometers of mostly agricultural land in the extremely flat
Fens.
It was formed in
April 1,
1974, with the merger of the Borough of
Wisbech,
Chatteris Urban District,
March Urban District,
Whittlesey Urban District,
North Witchford Rural District and
Wisbech Rural District.
The Fenland economy has for years been built upon farming and food related industry. The food industry is now well established, and related processing, storage, packaging and distribution has become more sophisticated and diverse. The predominantly rural economy of the area has also included a strong industrial tradition, including brick making, printing and engineering, but many Fenland residents already travel outside the area to work.
As growth of the local economy from
Cambridge continues, the pressure for outsourcing of industry, housing and jobs will move northwards. Chatteris will be given priority for economic regeneration in the Cambridge Sub-Region and further housing allocations will be dependent on improving job prospects.
Please also see
The Fens.
