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!!

Read full story here

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.