Cuts in Services??

Tories in ESBC have already cut Pest Control service.  In response to a question in Full Council meeting yesterday they could not confirm that there will be no more cuts in Services next year.  This means more pain and misery for the residents in ESBC.
They have sold Bretby Crematorium, they are selling car parks and pocketing millions of pounds.  On the other hand they have paid nearly £250,000 to employ 2 directors for 3 months.  But they cannot afford £30,000 for Pest Control.  Incidentally they are forecasting an underspend of over £100,000 in current financial year. 
So they are not short of money!
For the Tories high unemployment is price worth paying.  But its the poor & vulnerable people who will suffer.

Pest Control Service CUT

Tories say No Cuts in Service but they have just cut Pest Control.  This will hit the most deprived areas such as Anglesey, Shobnall, Stapenhill and Winshill.

Lack of Pest Control will lead to serious health risks.

Full details of decision to cut Pest Control are given here:
http://www1.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/DecisionDetails.aspx?decisionID=338

Tories say No Cuts in Services but ...

£1.2M cut in ESBC budget and many redundancies read this shocking story on Julian Mott's blog.

http://julianmott.blogspot.com/2011/10/mobile-phone-mast-appears-in-harper.html

Someone (apparently the computer) has made this mistake.  Why are decisions made so late? Is this incompetence by the Council?  Who is responsible?

We were told that: moving the office to Malsters with open plan office will improve communications; new computers are installed; the council will operate more efficiently.  And the Tories have cut the Council Tax by 2%.
It seems that the Tories have Cut much more than Council Tax. Who is responsible?

Why is this error not published in ES News and on Council Website for the benefit of residents in Harpur Avenue and surrounding area?

How Can Public Documents be Confidential?

We have received some documents from the East Staffordshire Borough Council in relation to agenda for Scrutiny Programme Meeting on Monday.  But we are told to treat them as confidential although they are public documents.
How can this be right?
and
Is the Council above the Law?

Tories say No Cuts in Services but ....

After a long wait I was told that floodlights in Anglesey Park had been replaced.  However I reported to ESBC that floodlights in Anglesey Park are not working on 5th October 2011.  But yesterday on patrol with Neighbourhood Warden & PCSO I found that the lights had not been fixed and it was pitch black.

Tories say no cuts in services despite £1.2 Million cut in budget.  But why it took 9 days to check if the light was faulty?  How long does it take to fix a couple of lights or change the bulb?

Or is it the case that there is no staff to deal with it?

Young people in Anglesey simply want to know when will the lights be fixed?

Who can attend Scrutiny Programme Board Meeting?

I hear there in confusion over who is allowed to attend Scrutiny Programme Board (SPB) meeting.

The ESBC Constitution Part 3I states:

RIGHT TO ATTEND

3.7 Meetings of the Committee shall be open to the press and public except for confidential business.
3.8 All Councillors formally appointed to the Board by the Council have the right to attend and to vote at meetings of the Board.
3.9 Other Councillors who are not formal members of the Board may attend any meeting and, with the consent of the Chairman, may address the Board.
The constitution appears to be quite clear and from item 3.9 above all members of the Council can attend the SPB meeting. 
 
Why is there so much confusion?

Tories say no Cuts in Services but ...

This evening Anglesey Parish Council was very scathing of ESBC for dragging its heels to grant a Wayleave to lay services for changing rooms in Anglesey Park.
According to Parish Council the ESBC is granting a temporary Wayleave as opposed to permanent Wayleave. Apparently this causes problems with Electricity company and they cannot install their apparatus (cable) without permanent Wayleave.

This has been going on for months.  The Tories are saying they are not cutting services but is this delay due to massive cuts in budget and lack of staff?

Tories say no Cuts in Service but ....

When Tory Councillor David Brookes resigned last week, we as Councillors were not informed by the Council until the day after.  Although we heard the rumour, crucially we had the confirmation of the resignation through Burton Mail.
Surely it's a matter of sending out a short email which eventually happened when it was too late. Obviously it was important enough that the Council felt the Councillors should know about. 
The Tories say no Cuts in services but is the Council so short staffed that we could not be notified of this important news before the press? 
Is communication and timely information important for public service provider?  If not, then why doesn't ESBC scrap ES News and save taxpayer around £65,000 in this austerity climate.

Deputy Leader confirms 5 year Housing supply

Councillor Hardwick has confirmed in the Council Meeting this week that Council has deliverable site for 5 year housing supply.

I shall discuss the implication of this statement in the next few days.

Are we allowed to fulfill our Role as Councillors?

In respect of Councillors' role, the Constitution of East Staffordhire Borough Council states:

"To contribute actively to the formation and scrutiny of the authority’s policies, budget, strategies and service delivery....

To participate in the scrutiny or performance review of the services of the Council including the scrutiny of policies and the budget and their effectiveness to achieving the strategic objectives of the Council."

In the last Scrutiny Programme Board Meeting, I was told that I am only allowed to ask one question with one supplementary relevant to the answer for each agenda item.  You can't scrutinise performance of the Council by 1 question.

In the full Council meeting, I was denied my right to speak and participate in the debate.

The meetings are chaired by the Tories.

Under these unjustified restrictions it is not possible to meet the requirements of the Constitution and represent the ineterest of my constituents.

I think the Tories are giving me special treatment.  Is it fair or unfair though??

Shocking waste of Money - who can we blame?

The taxpayers of East Staffordshire have paid £246,000 for 2 Directors of the Council who worked for the Council for around 4 months.  The Council's response is published in Burton Mail titled "Council chief and leader hit back at payout critics".

http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Council-chief-and-leader-hit-back-at-payout-critics-28092011.htm

Since when Leader of Opposition is running the Council and hiring and firing officers?

This is shocking waste of money under Tory administration.

The Council's argument sounds like...
You buy a very expensive Ferrari then scrap it soon after.  But you justify the loss by saying that it is cheaper option because running the Ferrari would have cost more than the purchase price over 20 years period. In the meantime you walk to everywhere. 
Lost the Ferrari and money; and enduring the suffering but it is a good decision because ultimately it will save money!!

Tory Councillor resigns

I heared a rumour Cllr David Brooks has resigned. I saw him on Monday and having seen his motion to the Council, I asked who was he trying to please.  Obviously I did not suspect and he did not indicate that he will be resigning.
However upon reflection it was strange to see Mr Brooks in Members' Room when all his Tory colleagues were in a meeting downstairs.  Was he excluded from the meeting?  Were they discussing his exit or strategy to stifle debate & gag Labour members in the Council meeting?
I have no confirmation of this news yet.  If this is correct then, as Councillors, why have we not received any communication from the Council?  
There is no press release on the Council website either!

Is this lack of communication due to budget cuts??

Rights, Fairness, Equality, Democracy and freedom of Speech??

As a Councillor of ESBC, I thought I had a right to participate in a debate like all other Councillors.
A day after the full Council meeting I still find myself asking the following questions after I was stopped from speaking in a debate.

Fairness - I thought we live in a fair society and as an elected representative I will enjoy a fair approach from my fellow Councillors and ESBC.  From my experience yesterday I am wondering why I have not been treated fairly.
Equality - We advocate fairness and equality.  Certainly I thought the principle of treating everyone equally was promoted by the ESBC.  All the other Tory speakers in last night's debate were allowed to speak and make comments, blame and criticise Labour Party.  Yet when it came to my turn, I was not even allowed to express my views, correct the record and respond to the comments/issues raised in the debate. I am left pondering why I did not receive equal treatment.
Democracy - The fundamental principle of democracy is "allowing people to express their views".  Last night I was not allowed to express my views and hence denied to represent my constituents.
Freedom of Speech is anyone's basic human right.  I feel that I was denied this basic right last night in the Council meeting.

I had a similar experience in another Council meeting (Scrutiny Programme Board) last week where I was prevented from asking searching questions and scrutinising the Council's performance.

Was I treated fairly, equally and democratically?

I leave it for the readers to make up their own mind.

Who knows the rules of the Council Meetings??

Today we had a situation where no one was clear about the rules for dealing with the motions at the Full Council meeting.  Motions at the Council is nothing new.  Why was the Mayor, CE and the Deputy Monitoring Officer so unclear about the rules?
In my 12 years at the Council I have not heard that making an amendment to a motion, which occurs commonly, is itself a motion i.e. to make an amendment you'll take a vote if an amendment should be allowed before the amendment is read out.  How strange??
Today was utter shambles.  What is clear that Full Council meetings should not be conducted in this manner and full debate should be allowed in the interest of democracy.
What happened afterwards when I stood up to speak was totally unbelieveable.  I shall post detail in separate blog. 

£15,500 relocation costs

This evening in full Council Meeting, I asked the Tory Leader why the Chief Executive has been paid over £15,500 relocation costs when he has been working for a few years before  being elevated to the CE post.  So it was essentially an internal appointment.
The answer I received was about recruitment process and suitability of the CE which was not my question.
Perhaps the Leader would clarify why this money has been paid?  I think public would want to know.

£245,000 for around 3 months work

Finally we know the Council has paid wacky £245,000 to employ 2 directors for around 3 months.
The Tories say they have saved money to the tax payer by cutting council tax by 2%.  Yes this saves around 3p per week for band A property.
But the Tories have cost residents of East Staffordshire £245,000.  No wonder they have not told us this figure despite numerous previous attempts.
Apparently this is good value for money!  I can't work it out.
Oh according to Tories somehow previous Labour Government is to blame for this blunder.  Can the Tories in ESBC explain how or will they own up to their mistakes?

What is going on at ESBC?

The Tories have responded to this article in the press in relation to litter picking in Anglesey.  The response is made using Council's website under the tiltle Council Hits Back Following 'Draconian' Claims.
I would like to address some of the points raised in the press release especially for the benefit of Cllr Jessell as she may not be aware of all the facts.
1.  McDonalds are not seeking help with street cleaning resources from the Borough Council to undertake litter picking. They merely want to co-ordinate time and specific area which is a litter hot spot.  Surely the Council should provide this information to a willing organisation.
2.  The McDonalds branch which has offered this litter pick is based in Centrum 100.  The Council staff has real problem with establishing contact with a local organisation.  I found out that it was taking weeks for the Council to obtain contact number.  So I did a google search and provided the branch phone number to the Council.  It took me a few minutes to find the number.
3.  I am amazed that according to press release this contact has still not been established.  The question Deputy Leader should be addresseing is:  Why is it so difficult to make contact with local firm?  Surely someone can pop into the McDonalds branch to speak with relevant person. 
4.  Councillor Jessel says "we are constantly looking for new opportunities to work flexibly with our partners, businesses, residents and community groups in the interests of the Borough. In this case it is a business-led initiative and we will endeavour to work with McDonalds."  Really??  Councillor Jessell please convince us!!  When did the council contact McDonalds?  How many times did the Council try to contact them?  Why is it taking nearly 2 months to establish contact and meaningful dialogue?

Councillor Jessel should be asking some pertinent questions of the officers and tell us all why after two months there is no firm date for litter pick event in Anglesey?

5.  Has Councillor Jessel asked any questions or feedback about this press release?

Finally Councillor Jessell is right cleanliness is an important factor how people feel about the borough.  Well, I can say residents in Anglesey are not too impressed with amount of litter in our Streets.

Tories say No Cuts in Services but ...

The Schools are breaking up next week for Summer Holiday.

During the holiday the Council provides sports activities for young people.  However I noticed that the Council's website is out of date.  Actually it still shows details of Easter Holiday activities.

http://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/Services/SportEastStaffs/Pages/SportintheHood.aspx

The Tories say that they are not cutting services but it appears that after £1.2M cut in budget there is no one to update Council's website.  Is communication and up to date information important for ESBC? How do people access and benefit from services if they don't know about them?

Tories say No Cuts in Services but ...

I requested refurbishment/relocation of Cricket pitch in Anglesey Park in May.

Over 2 months later I am still awaiting details from the Council.  The last communication I received regarding this issue was over a month ago advising me that the Council is obtaining quotes.

How long does it take to get quotes?
When will the work be undertaken?

Tories say they are not cutting services but presumably there is lack of staff to deal with the workload. 

Is this a result of over £1 Million cut in the budget?
 

Tories say No Cuts in services but ....

In May this year part of Anglesey Ward was designated Alcohol Free Zone (AFZ).  This was a planned event and has taken a long time to gather evidence required to obtain a legal order.  Obviously signs are required to distinguish and inform people that they are entering or within AFZ.  The Council provided some signs which are quite small in size and have been mounted such that they don't catch one's attention and certainly there are not enough of them.
I have requested additional signs located at least at the both ends of the streets within AFZ and areas where there are hotspots such as Uxbridge Street.
After over a month since this request was made there is still no confirmation if and when these signs will be provided.  The estimated cost of additional signs is circa £500.
The Tory controlled Council is prevaricating because they apparently can't afford a few hundred pounds for additional signs.
The question is why is there no money for these signs in the budget?
According to this report the Council under spent by £200,000 last year.
The Tories say No Cuts in Services but can't afford a few hunderd pounds for extra signs.
Is this adequate level of service?  Make your own mind!!

Tories say No Cuts in Services but ....

I have requested a floor mounted bin.  However I have been advised that this is not possible due to lack of money.

Litter cleaned at last

After over 3 months of chasing, I am advised that the litter shown below has been cleared.  If there are no cuts in Services as the Tories tell us then why has it taken so long?  Surely people should not endure this mess for months.  The people can see and feel deterioration or cuts in Council Services.

Over 3 months ...

Tories can deny that they are not cutting services but they must explain why after 3 months this litter is not cleaned?

Is it really possible to cut over a million pound in budget and maintain same level and quality of services?

Tory Cuts or not??

I have learned that the Council provided broadband for some of the Councillors has been terminated.  We were told that the Council will not longer provide broadband for Councillors after December 2011.  However it appears that broadband service has been terminated much earlier.  Moreover apparently the Councillors were not notified either.
Without broadband access the Councillors are unable to access documents on the website and crucially the vital communication link is broken.  When we receive all of our Council communication electronically it means the Councillors are practically unable to send and receive information.
We know the local Tory administration is in denail about the cuts but who is responsible for this fiasco??

Why is the Council consulting on behalf of Developer??

We were told by ESBC last night in a meeting that no tax payers' money has been spent on this Development Brief for land South of Branston. Indeed it was confirmed that this is not ESBC document as it is produced and paid for by the Developer.
If this is the case then can the Council's Tory Leadership explain:
a) who is paying for publishing the consultation on ESBC website?
b) why are responses sent to ESBC?
c) who pays for the officer time dealing with queries and responses?
d) is the Council website free for all public consultations?

Land South of Branston

Attended a public meeting at Riverside Hotel, Branston in relation to development of land known as South of Branston.  This site had an industrial use and is heavily contaminated.

The meeting was attended by nearly 200 people so much so that the meeting room did not seem big enough as many people were standing and spilling over into corridors.

The main concerns were traffic especially in Main Street, contamination and flooding.  The character of village feel will also be compromised by hundreds of new houses.

Many people made numerous valid points and some of the residents have quite in depth knowledge of the site and history of previous attempts to develop the site.

The overwhelming message from the residents is "We don't want this development".  I guess it is up to the Council to make the decision to allow development on this site or not.

I suspect if the access to the site is not permitted from Main Road and the Council insists on grade separated junction on A38 along with flooding and contamination risks then the site will be dead as the cost of infrastruture and clean up will be prohibitive.
 

What is a cut??

This evening we had a full Council meeting.  The Leader of the Council presented a motion suggesting that I tried to seek political advantage for exposing the fact that popular youth sessions have been stopped.  These sessions were delivered through Streets Ahead programme which was part of "Active East Staffs" programme. 

The issue is very straight forward.  The Tories said they will not cut front line services.  Actually 5 youth sessions per week covering Anglesey, Eton, Horninglow and Shobnall wards have been stopped. 
Furthermore they were very keen to claim the credit when the Labour Government provided the money.  Actually it is a matter of choice; The Tories have chosen to spend over £80,000 on ES News rather than continue with youth club sessions at a fraction of the cost.

The simple fact is the young people are really interested in politics but they simply know that their youth club is no longer available.  The Tories failed to respond and explain this reduction in youth service.

The debate was quite interesting and quite personal at times.  But ultimately the Tories are good at slogans but not really interested in delivering on their promises.

The Labour government provided many grants including Growth Point money & Street Ahead grant.  What extra funding has our local Tory Leadership received from coalition Government?





 

Blocked Drain

The Conservative controlled County Council says that the pond of water shown in the photo below is not due to blocked gully.  Apparently these gullues were cleaned in March this year.
Furthermore I have learnt today that County Council will clean the gullies when they are in this area again.  But they cannot tell when they will be in Anglesey again.
This is a result of savage cost cutting as no one knows what is going on.  In the meantime, County Council comes up with various and creative ways of delaying tactitcs.

Who is responsible for destroying our Heritage??

The Goat Malting building is rotting and decaying.  It should have been refurbished by now.  But the Tory Council appears unable to persuade the developer, Cameron homes, to bring this building into use. Cameron Homes have built new flats along the Anglesey Road frontage. Yet when it comes to redeveloping this historic building, we are told that there is no market for the flats.  It's a pathetic excuse.

Labour wins County Council By-election

Ron Clarke has won the County Council seat for the Labour Party with an increased majority.  This is a fantastic result after this seat was vacated by Peter Beresford who sadly passed away.

Well done Ron!!

Ron Clarke - Labour 1233


Ahmet Orta - Conservative 884

Michael Rodgers – Liberal Democrat 525

Peter McGuiggan – UKIP 182

http://www.burtonlabour.org.uk/county.html

Tory Cuts in Anglesey

The Tories have cut 2 youth sessions in Anglesey.  These sessions were really popular with yougsters and were well attended.
However despite Tory promises that front line services will not be cut, they have targeted young people.  There is very little youth provision and we urge the Council to provide activities for the young people in Anglesey.

Election 2011

Labour has gained 4 seats in the Council cutting Tory majority to just 5. 

The summary of the composition of the Council is shown here

For full details on individual ward click of the link below.

http://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/Services/Elections/Pages/BoroughResults11.aspx

Thank You

We have retained our 2 council seats in Anglesey with increased majority.

We had a great campaign and fantastic support from our residents.  People voted for Labour with a smile on their faces.

We are extremely greatful for all the support, encouragement and positive comments we have received on the door step.  

We are truly thankful to all the poeple who supppored and helped us and for voting for us.

For the work start now on many issues raised during our campaign and we have started today to deal with them.

Gullies Cleaned in Oak Street

Today all but 3 gullies were cleaned in Oak Street.  These gullies needed a clean badly as they were full of rubbish with restricted water flow which cause flooding every time it rained.  After gully cleaning the road was swept so the whole of the street received a deep clean.

Potholes repairs

After a couple of severe winters the roads are peppered with potholes.  Some the potholes are quite dangerous.  As local Councillors, we have been trying to get these potholes repaired.  The potholes and large patch repairs have been carried out in Branston Road.  The Contractors have now moved to Anglesey Road and repair work is presently ongoing.  This work should be completed in a few days.

Update on Alcohol Free Zone in Anglesey

The legal notice for Alcohol free zone in Anglesey was published in Burton Mail today.  The order will take effect on 1 May 2011.
We are already receiving positive comments from the local residents.

Never Again

During canvassing I have met many people who have said that they voted Tories last year but never again.  We are not surprised by this response given the cuts in:

• Police numbers
• Winter fuel allowance
• Child benefit
• Child trust fund
• bus services

and increase in:

• Tuition fees
• VAT

These changes are profoundly hurting people across East Staffordshire.

Are Tories Flouting Affordable Housing Policy?

In December last year the Tory Cabinet at ESBC approved a Supplementary Planning Document for housing choice in the Borough. Copy of the report can be found here.

In this document the Council stated 30% affordable housing is required to meet the Borough's requirements.  The purpose of this document was to use this as a planning tool to secure the afforable housing requirements from new developments.

However we understand that this policy may not be implemented in all cases.  Please read about a recent planning application where the amount of affordable housing is reduced to 5%.
http://www.burtonlabour.org.uk/jcb.html

Now why are Tories flouting their own policy?  Is this the way to run the Council?

Tory arrogance over Sale of the Crem

I read the following artticle with interest.
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Vicar-says-no-consultation-over-crematorium-sale.htm

I particularly note comments from Tory Councillor, Len Milner.

He stated "You all think you’re getting a loss from the sale but you’re not."
“You’ll be getting an improved crematorium and I don’t see what this has to do with Stretton."
“A consultation has taken place with the relevant people including clergy, councillors and residents — so it’s nonsense that it hasn’t been made public."
“Profit made from the sale cannot be used to regenerate town or council schemes — it will be ploughed back into the crematorium.”

Lets deal with his comments:
1. No one believes that there will be a loss from the sale.  Indeed everyone knows there will be handsome profit from the sale.
2. Improved Crematorium?  The Crematorium offers an excellent and exceptionally high level of service; and actually 99% of users are satisfied or very satisfied.  Suerly it affects all residents  of East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire including those from Stretton.  This shows the residents of Stretton have no voice over issues which matter to them in the ESBC through their Tory Councillors.
3. There has been no consultation with the residents and Councillors.  The residents have overwhelmingly opposed the sale of the Crem.  The ESBC Councillors were not consulted but instead told in a secret Council meeting that the Council is planning to sell the Crematorium.  The Tories should listen to the public and call off the sale. The Tories only made it public after coverage in Burton Mail.
4. Tory Councillor Milner is getting confused regarding utilisation of profit from the sale.  How can you invest in an assett after you have sold it?  Can someone explain this to me? 
The Councillors were told that the profits will be ring-fenced to invest in Uttoxeter Leisure Centre.  Tory Leader, Cllr Grosvenor has stated "The £8 million, Councillor Grosvenor admitted, could be ploughed back into the community on projects such as Derby Road, Robins Cinema and Bargates where cash is currently not available."

This is called "plugging the hole" in your finances.  It's a pitty Tories have to privatise death to achieve this aim.  They are doing so with complete arrogance.

Green Light for Alcohol Free Zone

The Licensing Committee has approved the Alcohol Free Zone in Anglesey.  The order will now be advertised in the press and appropriate signs will be displayed.  We are hoping the all necessary legal process will be completed by end of April and the order will be in place in May.

The area of Alcohol Free Zone is shown here.

Bulky Waste Collection

Today was bulky Waste Collection day in Anglesey.  The weather was great, sunny and warm.

110 residents requested to collect 400 items.  This amounted to 15 tonnes of waste.  We had a great response from the residents and overall it was a big success.

I am sure in these difficult times such schemes are really appreciated by the residents.  The feedback has been very positive too.

Labour Party Candidates for Elections on 5th May

List of Labour Party Candidates for East Staffordshire Borough Council Elections on 5th May.
http://www.burtonlabour.org.uk/esbccandidates2011.html

Changes to Bus Pass Scheme

For all about Labour's campaign to restore bus pass scheme read here.

Changes at ESBC

Over a dozen staff left ESBC last week.  Some of the officers have been there for years.  We have worked with and helped by many of these officers over the years.  They were committed and hard working people. We are not just losing people but their knowledge and experience.
It's a pitty in the Council meeting last week, the Tories did not even acknowledge their contribution.
The Tories are telling us that we shall not feel the difference in our front line services without these people.   Actually from the feedback on the doorstep, people don't believe Tory rhetoric and are already feeling the pain of the cuts.

Blocked Drains in Oak Street

I have reported blocked drains in Oak Street.  I have been advised by the County council that an inspection has taken place and all the gullies in Oak Street will be cleaned.  However it could take up to 4 weeks.
If anyone wishes to follow up the reference number for report is:
16194.2932011.10

Highways Hotline number is: 0300 111 8000

Road Repairs

The Contractors have been out all week to repair pot holes in Branston Road.  The pot holes were getting really dangerous and we are pleased that proper repairs are being done.
However there are many more pot holes in Anglesey which need repairing too especially in Anglesey Road.

Smelling Drains

There appears to be a major problem with the main drain in Anglesey Ward.  The smell in some of the properties in Ash Street is unbearable.  Similarly the sewer in Anglesey Road is causing blockage and there is raw sewage smell.  One resident in Anglesey Road has told me that main sewer in the road may be broken which is causing the blockage.
Severn Trent have been contacted but they appear to be reluctant to come out and cleanse the main sewer.   This problem needs sorting soon as the smell will only get worse in warm weather.

Bus Services - CUT

I read this article with interest.

http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Passengers-are-left-in-the-lurch-by-bus-routes-axe.htm

In this time of financial hardship people are reliant on the bus service for transport. But it appears that the bus services are not immune to the Tory/Lib Dem Coalition cuts.

It is sad to see these changes and cuts in the bus service especially for elderly people.  The petrol prices are going up due to increased oil prices and increased VAT.  People are losing benefits and jobs which means there is less money coming in.  So everyone is trying to be prudent with their money.

The bus pass is available but there are no buses to use it.  So this was another publicity stunt by the local Tories.

The public is told by local Tories that front line services are protected.  Is Bus Service upon which so many people rely to get around in their daily business not a front line service?  No wonder the people are so frustrated and angry.

Petrol price Up or Down?

George Osbourne cut the fuel duty by 1p earlier this week in his budget speech and try to fool the public that this was a massive concession which will ease the pain of Tory cuts.
In January he raised the VAT by 2.5% to 20%.  This increase in VAT put the price of litre of petrol up by 3p.  So by reducing the duty on fuel by 1p means that the there is a net increase of 2p per litre.
The Cuts are hurting people.
If there was shortage of money, we will not be bombing Libya!!

These are ideological cuts and a matter of choice.

Thousands on the Streets of London

Hundreds of thousands of people, some estimates suggest nearly 500,000 people, took to the streets of London to register their disgust and march against the savage cuts by Conservative/Lib Dem Coalition .
People from all walks of life participated in the protest.
I think the Coalition Government should take note of the depth of feeling and resentment against these cuts.  It is clear that people understand that finacial crisis was caused by the banks and it is they who should bear the bulk of the cost.  But whilst the Con/Dem coalition is allowing the bankers billions of pounds in bonuses, they are penalising pensioners, children, families and hard working citizens.
I hope Cameron & Clegg will realise that the public is too wise and does not agree with their rhetoric.

More Cuts from the Tories...

The Tories have cut winter fuel allowance for the elderly.  In 2008, the Labour Government introduced extra payments between £50 and £100.  This gave the total winter fuel payements of £250 to over 60s and upto £400 for over 80s.
Now the payments will fall to £200 for over 60s and £300 for over 80s.
This is another cut which will affect the elderly profoundly as they will struggle to keep warm while oil prices and energy bills are rising.

Nick Clegg was nodding and cheering whilst these cuts were being announced in the budget.  But later he was struggling to defend it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-12865134
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12865117

Tory Achievements



Tory Claim



Actual Progress - Nothing!!

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Cost of War agaisnt Libya??

Missiles worth over £30 Million were dropped on Libya on day 1 of the war.   We have been repeatedly told by the Tories that they are trying to reduce the debt.
Today we learn that borrowing is going up not down.  So after all the cuts, pain and suffering, it appears that there is no shortage of money if we can blast millions of pounds in one night.

Where is the Money coming from to fight the new War?

David Cameron has been telling us that there is no money and this means there has to be savage cuts:

Cuts in Police
Cuts in Fire Service
Cuts in NHS
Cuts in education
Cuts in Council budgets
Cuts in Voluntary sector

People are losing jobs and thier livelihoods.  Yet in one night 110 missiles are unleashed on Libya.  Each missile apparently costs £300,000.  So where is the money coming from?

David Cameron was not only eager but desperate to bomb Libya.

Where is Lib Dems?? No more opposition to war when in Government!!  What is the difference between Iraq & Libya?? 

Libya - No Fly Zone or Full Scale War Zone

The UN has passed resolution for no fly zone.  But what we are witnessing is full scale war against another Muslim Country.  There are already reports of civilian casualties.

David Cameron was too eager to engage in conflict against Libya.  Why doesn't he enforce other UN resolutions like in Kashmir where innocent people including women and children have been oppressed and killed for the last 60 years.  May be unlike Libya there is no oil in Kashmir.

Muhamad from Tripoli writes on BBC website "I'm sure that if we were not rich in oil you would still come to our rescue! It is like a mob hit by the international mafia that rules the world."

A Tripoli resident, Sami, explained to the BBC why he still supported Col Gaddafi. "We've been living in peace and harmony for 42 years. He changed the situation of Libyan people. We were living in tin huts, we didn't have cars, we couldn't go to school, no hospitals, no education - he brought that all to us. A Libyan can raise his head high and be proud of himself," he said.

FREE Bulky Waste Collection in Anglesey

The Free Bulky waste collection will take place in Anglesey on 6th April 2011.  This is an excellent opportunity to clear out unwanted items.
Each householder can present up to 10 items.  All items for collection should be placed on the pavement by 7.30am on 6th April.

Please contact Claire Keen at ESBC on 01283 508000 to register items for collection.

ESBC Office Move

In December last year, the Conservative controlled East Stafforshire Borough Council (ESBC) agreed to relocate its office to Wetmore Malsters.  As reported widely in the press, the move was due to take place around Easter.
I am trying to get an update on the progress but it is proving more difficult than I envisaged.  Apparently this is because I am an opposition back bench Councillor.
I do not anticipate any delays.  I am sure the Conservatives would have notified the residents of East Staffordshire if there were any difficulties or delays.
Anyway I shall keep pursuing this matter and shall post the update on this blog soon.

New Fencing to control ASB

I am pleased to report that funding has been approved by the Bororugh Council for a new fence outside Kingsway Church in Queen Street.  The Church is located next to Webb Ivory.  This area has been a magnet for ASB and drinking. 
The work will start in a few weeks to install fencing which should prevent people congregating there.  This is an excellent news for local residents.

Alcohol Free Zone (AFZ)

The consultation on AFZ in Anglesey has been completed.  There are no negative responses received.  The Licensing Committee will now consider the results of consultation in early April and should approve the order.  So we could have AFZ in place by mid April.
Once the AFZ is in place the Police have the powers to confiscate the alcohol.  This should reduce street drinking.
To see map of AFZ in Anglesey please click here.

Anglesey Smoke Free Event

A smoke Free event will be held in Anglesey Ward at Queen Street Community Center between 1.00 pm and 3.00pm on Saturday 12 March.  Information, advice and help will be available for residents. 
Please come along if you want help to give up smoking.
This event is part of Anglesey Total Place Project and aimed at health improvement.

No Police Commissioners

Our residents are telling us that they DONOT want see reduction in Police numbers and they DONOT support Tory proposals for Police Commissioners at a cost of £150 million.

New Litter Bins

I am pleased to report that new bins have been provided in South Broadway Street and Queen Street.

Councillor Fletcher - 25 Years Service

Councillor Fletcher has notched up 25 years as Councillor for Winshill.

http://www.burtonlabour.org.uk/dennis.html

King Street - Footpath repairs

The footpath in King Street at the entrance for former Thornton works has sunk.  This low spot forms a puddle which is causing pedestrians inconvenience.
After pursuing this matter, the area has been inspected by the Highways Inspector and the path has been referred for remedial works.
We are hoping that County Council will get on with it and fix this footpath soon.

Gully Cleaning

We have received confirmation from the County Council that all gullies in Queen Street will be cleaned.  The drainage gullies are blocked and there is extensive flooding in the Street during wet weather.  We appreciate this response from the County Council and hope these drains will be cleaned soon.

Let's Cut Crime - Not the Police

We have received an excellent response from our residents regarding cuts in Policing.  Our feedback is that people are overwhelmingly against cuts in Policing.  People are concerned that less Police will mean more crime.  We all want to see Police more on our streets not less.

Anglesey Olympics

A very successful Anglesey Olympics event was held in Anglesey Ward on 25 February which we funded from our WASP (Ward Action Service Plan) budget.

The following activities took place on the day in Queen Street Community Centre and Anglesey Park.


Queen Street Community Centre
Climbing Wall

The fire stations TVR van attended the event for children to look at and get to know the local firemen and women,

Home Start were indoors running Arts and Craft activities for children and their parents mainly focusing on the 0-5 age range,

Local artist Vitor Azevedo provided art activities that both children and their parents participated in, activities included drawing and attaching pictures onto a giant Paper Mache wellington boot,

Active East Staffs Team had indoor giant games including snakes and ladders, connect 4, jenga as well as badge making, card making and drawing.

Printed certificates were also handed out to the children that attended the event.

Over at Anglesey Community Park the following activities also took place-

Gladiator Duel, a fun activity for children to participate in to recreate the popular game from the tv show Gladiators,

Sumo Suits, designed for two competitors to compete each against each other,

Magical Mayhem provided circus skills, balloon modelling, and on the spot magic which the children were really entertained by,

The Green Spaces Team attended the event and provided nature activities including bug bingo and nature orienteering.

The Active East Staffs Team provided coaches who organised tennis, cricket and football.

Additionally there was a catering vehicle selling hot food and drinks.

Overall the event was really well attended with around 250 people visiting the two sites and participating in the activities. Feedback from the parents after the event suggested that events like these during the holidays give children something to look forward to and a reason to get out of the house. Other parents stated that their children had had a really good day and liked the activities especially with them being in their local area.

Advance Sign

This the main sign which is supposed to indicate that there rising bollards ahead.  However if you look at the sign it is very confusing for the driver.
1. It shows that the Highway stops to the right of the roundabout
2. Straight ahead from the rounadbout, cars and motor cycles are prohibited
3. If you turn left you will find:
    a) Coopers Square Car Park
    b) Rising Bollards
    c) Pedestrian Zone

It is therefore not surprising that so many people are striking bollards.  Surely we need signs which direct 'All Traffic' to the left with clear destinations.

Bollards Claim another victim

This morning another driver fell victim of the bollards.

The unfortunate driver of the blue BMW was struck by the rising bollard and like many other victims says he did not see it.  Having seen the advance sign which is extremely confusing I have some sympathy with the driver.  These accidents and serious damage to the vehicles cannot be ignored.

Independent Review of Bollard safety

I have finally received a response from the County Council after over 2 months.

I am pleased that the County Council have agreed to an independent Safety audit of the operation of the bollards.  This menas that an independent road safety Consultant will be appointed to look at all aspects of the road layout and accident data to undertake the road safety audit. The Consultant will then make recommendations on the improvements required to the Highway to reduce the accidents.

I am advised that the road safety audit will be undertaken this month or early next month.  This is really good news and at last we have County Council to take positive step towards reducing accidents.

Tories lack credibility

The Tory control East Staffordshire Borough Council approved the budget for next financial year on 21 February 2011.

The Council's grant funding has been cut by 14% (£1.2m approx) compared with last years budget.  Despite this is massive cut by the Conservative Government, the local Conservative controlled Council is pledging to protect front line services.  That is to say that the Council will provide the same services next year as they do now.

The Council is not a profit making organisation.  Its main purpose is to provide services to the public.

How is this possible? 

There are two possible answers.

1.  The grant the Council has been getting in previous years was too generous and they did not need all that money to deliver the current level and standard of services.  If this is the case then the Conservatives have been wasting taxpayers' money for years.
2.  The cut in funding will mean cut in services.  So, the Council may provide a service but the quality and standard of service will be drastically reduced.  If this is the case then effectively this amounts to CUT in services.

Last year we were told that Bus pass scheme before 9.30am will be reviewed.  What actually happened was that the free bus travel before 9.30 was CUT.

This year we are told the front line services will be protected.  We feel that protection means a CUT. 

It is simply not possible to maintain same number of services to the same quality and to same standard with a 14% cut in funding.  Even David Cameron has said spending less means doing less.

The public knows the Tories have broken many promises since coming into power like increase in VAT.

The rhetoric from local Tories is not plausible, they are not cedible and cannot kid the public anymore.

Rising Bollards - Still no response

I am still awaiting response from County Council regarding my query.

http://ali-chaudhry.blogspot.com/2011/02/rising-bollards.html

Privatisation of Crematorium...

Burton Mail has reported potential sale of crematorium to a private operator.
 http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Secret-talks-on-crem-sale.htm

Actually I asked a question in December 2010 in full Council meeting for the Leader to rule out privatisation of the crematorium.  In response he said "an offer" i.e. one bid has been received.  Now we understand 4 bids have been received.  Obviously there was a signal or invitation for bids to sell off the Crematorium otherwise it appears coincidental that in space of 2 months 4 bids have been received.  In response to my question Cllr Grosvenor did not rule out privatisation in December last year.

As member of the Council, I have not received any information about sale of the Crematorium.  There has been no consultation with the public either. 

The disposal of asset is being discussed in secret meetings and as Julian Mott says it does not take a genious to work out what is happening. 

I certainly will not rubber stamp the sale of the Crematorium when it come to the full Council.  However the Conservatives have the majority and are likely to win any vote comfortably.

Council Budget

Conservative controlled East Staffordshire Borough Council has announced 2% reduction in Council Tax for next years budget in addition to £1.2 million (15%) cut in Government grant.

The Conservative Leader, Cllr Grosvenor says " ...we have managed to go even further by becoming more efficient and cost effective but without touching any of our frontline services".

However David Cameron has ackowledged that spending less means doing less. 

I don't think people are so naive to believe that with such massive reduction in the budget the services will not be affected.  Will the Conservatives in ESBC tell us in which service areas, the Council will be doing less?

Be vigilant

There have been a number of burglaries in Anglesey and adjoining Branston. It appears that Asian families are targeted. This has created a real fear amongst the local Community.


People should take precautions regarding their security by locking doors and sheds. Particularly doors and gates for back garden access should be locked at all times. Outside and security lights should be checked to ensure they are working. Do not open doors to strangers.

Generally be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals to the Police immediately. These incidents are rare. We are hoping that the Police, with your support, will catch the perpetrators soon.

Rising Bollards - Why no response?

I am still awaiting response from the Conservative controlled County Council regarding my request to review signage in respect of rising bollards which is causing frequent accidents.

We know the Conservative cuts are having a profound impact on services.  I wonder if there is lack of resource which means that there is no one to respond to such request.

This is a public safety issue which ought to be high on the priority list.  The road signs are provided to direct drivers.  However it appears that the signs are so inadequate that people are driving in and crashing into the bollards.  This is not the purpose of the bollards.

Let's hope we can get a response from the County Council.

Council Tax announcement

The Council has effectively announced its budget already on its website.
http://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/News/Lists/News%20Articles/DispForm.aspx?ID=577&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eeaststaffsbc%2Egov%2Euk%2FNews%2FPages%2FDefault%2Easpx

There is a sentence at the bottom that Councillors will approve the budget on 22 February.  The Conservatives have the majority and ofcourse the expectation is that the budget will be approved.

But I feel a bit agrieved that this announcement was made before we, opposition Labour members, had seen the detailed budget.

Like last year this headline grabbing press release has been issued but no doubt we'll discover which services have been affected in due course.  As a reminder, this is the press release from last year.

Council due to set Zero Percent Council Tax Increase

Where did it say The Bus Pass Scheme will be Cut??  We know the Free Bus Travel was cut and no longer available before 9.30am.

I shall be commenting on the budget and what this means for the services against the backdrop of major cuts by the Conservative Government.

Rising Bollards

We have had numerous accidents recently due to vehicles striking rising bollards in High Street, Burton.

I wrote to the Leader of Conservative controlled Staffordshire County Council on 17th December last year to review signage for the bollards.  I reminded him again on 20th January this year.  Although the Leader of the County Council has passed on my query to the Highways Department but as yet I have not received a response to my request to review road signs.

If the Leader of the Conservative controlled Council is unable to get a response from his officers then what chance do rest of us have?

The bollards are a safety hazard and urgent steps are required to prevent further accidents and injuries.