What is going on at ESBC??

In February the Council decided to cut Pest Control service.  However the Council has certain duties and it stated in this report "...the Council will need to reserve some monies to match-fund and deliver the sewer baiting activities in ‘hot spot’ areas across the borough to control rat populations; plus some monies to tackle both rats and mice on council owned land and action works in default for rodent control..."
However I have found out that the Council has not got anyone to deal with it's statutory duty since cutting the Pest Control Service.

I have been informed that the Council is still in a process of  appointing an external Contractor.  This is extremely poor and irresponsibe planning by the Tory controlled Council that has left the Borough without this vital service which could affect the health and well being of residents.

This is the true impact of cost cutting exercise. 

Chestnut Grange Opens

Chestnut Grange development (over 55 care home) has opened.  Councillor Carruthers and I visited the new development this week and were very impressed with the layout, quality and services provided from this site.
The accommodation consists of 67 Units of 1 & 2 bedroom flats.  There is a restaurant and cafe' within the complex which also boasts hairdressing salon and IT suite.  It even has guest room where guests can stay overnight when visiting their family.
There is a true community feel and it is evident that a lot of attention has been given to cater the needs of the residents.
We thoroughly enjoyed the visit!

Briefing Meeting

Attended a briefing meeting today in respect of Uttoxeter Leisure Centre.  An update was given on the 2 preferred options which are quite a distance apart.  However there was no map available showing location of the proposed options.  So I felt we had a stab in the dark.  I am not convinced that this is the best way to decide such an important matter which is intended to improve the recreation, health & well being of the residents.
Incidentally we are compelled to attend these briefing meetings where no decisions are taken but one Councillor traveled all the way from Uttoxeter but had to leave the meeting whilst this item was discussed.  Why can't he participate in the briefing session where no decisions are taken and listen to what the Council is proposing?

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?