Five Peterborough stories you might have missed this week

A new "long-awaited" café and play area opened in Thorpe Meadows, while a man was banned from entering the county after shoplifting in the city.

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

A "long-awaited" riverside cafe and play area in Thorpe Meadows has been hailed as a "welcome addition" to the country park.

The Nene Park Trust says it has further upgrades planned to attract more people to the area.

Peterborough City Council has given calls for the Flag of the Fens to be officially recognised a "huge boost".

The authority agreed to write to the Flag Institute to ask that it be added to its registry.

With a Fen tiger on a striped background, the flag is already the unofficial symbol of the Fens.

A man who admitted stealing Cadbury Creme Eggs worth more than £220 in Peterborough has been banned from entering Cambridgeshire for three months.

Deon De Groot, 26, of no fixed address, was also sentenced to 12 weeks in prison - suspended for a year - after the theft at Tesco Express in Welland Road, Dogsthorpe.

The Dean of the city's cathedral said he remained hopeful after more than 1,000 people donated to a fundraising appeal.

In January, Peterborough Cathedral said it needed to raise £300,000 by the end of March to remain open seven days a week and avoid having to consider entrance fees.

The Very Reverend Chris Dalliston confirmed £200,000 had been raised so far but warned financial challenges remained.

People struggling with the cost of living will continue to be supported through local hubs and food vouchers.

The Household Support Fund (HSF) has been extended, with £3.2m allocated to Peterborough.

Peterborough United extended their unbeaten run in League One to seven matches with a 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic at London Road.

Sam Hughes, Abraham Odoh and Malik Mothersille got the goals for the Posh.

Darren Ferguson's side are up to 15th position, nine points above the relegation zone.

Peterborough Sports lost 2-1 at Marine in the National League North.

The Turbines are 12th in the table, having won just one in their last five matches.

Peterborough Phantoms ended their regular season in style with a 19-goal thriller against the Berkshire Bees.

Slava Kouilkov's side won 12-7 at the Bretton Rink, having beaten league winners Leeds Knights 2-1 the day before.

Phantoms will now face Hull Seahawks, Telford Tigers and Leeds Knights in the group stage of the National League Play-offs.

The public are being asked for their views on plans to bring in a protection order at Pleasure Fair Meadow car park.

Peterborough City Council said it was a "hotspot" for unauthorised car meets and car cruising events. Residents have until the end of Friday to share their views, external.

The council has, moreover, asked councillors to return unused community funds to support its financial position.

Each of the 60 Peterborough city councillors receives £3,000 yearly as part of a Community Leadership Fund (CLF) to support resident projects in their wards.

Finally, plans to build a new mobile phone mast close to a children's playground were approved.

The council backed the application, submitted by telecoms provider Cornerstone, for a 20m-high (66ft) pole and associated green equipment cabinets on land between Mayor's Walk and Bourges Boulevard.

The new Virgin Media O2 pole, offering 5G signal, is being built due to a current one nearby being non-upgradable.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.