Angry residents storm the Parish Council Meeting

Many local residents attended the Anglesey Parish Council meeting yesterday evening to register their protest and deep anger against massive hike in the precept and potential loan.

The meeting was packed by the local residents and there was not even standing room as some of the residents had to stand in the corridor.

A petition signed by 311 residents was also presented to the Parish Council.  The residents are totally horrified by the increase in precept which represents nearly 3 times the amount levied last year.

Residents protested that they were not consulted and were unaware of this increase which they cannot afford.

The Anglesey Parish Council should take notice of comments and strength of the feeling by the public. The local residents are rasing numerous question particulary the way the Parish Council is run and its arrogant and dismissive attitude towards local residents.  The residents are treated with utter contempt.

Cancer waiting time comparison

Here is a difference between Tory & Labour.  This is an interesting & informative comparison of waiting times for Cancer patients.

http://www.votenhs.com/

Anglesey Parish Council - Why is the increase in precept so high?

The Anglesey Parish Council has decided to increase the Council tax by a massive 276% from £11000 to £30400. I feel that before embarking on this major project at the expense of local residents in one of the most deprived areas, the Parish Council should undertake a comprehensive consultation. Furthermore such massive increase in the present climate when people are worried about their jobs, houses, bills and feeding their family is totally unjustified.


The reason given for this increase is that Parish Council wishes to take out a loan for £80000 to pay for construction of changing rooms at Anglesey Park. We support changing rooms but believe that, like other Parish Councils in Burton, the money should be raised through grant aid.

There are number of crucial questions which the Anglesey Parish Council must address:

We are also told that repayment for the loan will be around £10,000. At this rate the residents of Anglesey will be paying for the loan for the next 10 to 15 years.

If the tax increase is to fund changing rooms and loan repayment is £10,000 per year then why has the tax increased by nearly £20,000? Is there another reason for the tax increase which the Parish Council has not stated? The numbers simply don’t add up!!

Who will use the changing rooms? As the residents of Anglesey are paying for them, will they have exclusive use?

What will be the charging policy? How will the financial contribution of Anglesey residents be recognised? Will Anglesey residents be able to use them free or at discounted rate?

Alma Street Development

The work at the old Keepmere Engineering site in Alma Street/Uxbridge Street is progressing at a brisk pace.  The buildings are taking shape with roofs going up for building fronting Alma Street.

There are works undertaken on the road/footpath in Uxbridge Street but temporary footpath diversion is a bit precarious at busy Evesrshed Way junction.  I hope this work is completed quickly and footpath reinstated.

New Street Lights in Wood Street

New street lights and lamp posts have been installed in Wood Street.  This has come about after long campaign by our County Councillor Peter Davies.

It shows that Labour team is working in Anglesey.

ESBC response to massive tax hike

ESBC has responded hrough a letter in Burton Mail to the claim by the Anglesey Parish Council that reason for 276% increase in council tax is due to non co-operation of ESBC.

Apparently ESBC are still awaiting full cost estimate for the changing rooms.  If this is the case, then how can Anglesey Parish Council justify such a massive increase in the Council Tax.

The Parish Council needs to explain the situation to its residents why they are made to pay such increase in the current economic climate.

176% increase in Council Tax

Anglesey Parish Council has decided in its meeting last Thursday to increase the Parish precept by 176%.

This decision is utterly unjustified in the current economic climate and in one of the most impovrished wards in the Country.  People are really concerned about their jobs, bills and livelihoods.  No one needs extra tax burden and certainly not to such a ridiculous extent.

There was strong public opposition to this decision after Burton Mail highlighted the issue after last months meeting.  However public out cry went unnoticed as Parish Councillors had no intention to change their mind.