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Welcome to Broxtowe Enews, brought to you by the Liberal Democrats and edited
by David Watts, the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Broxtowe Borough
Council.

18th February 2012

1. Toton and Chilwell By Elections
Nominations are now closed for the by elections in Toton and Chilwell, for the
Borough and County Councils. The full list of nominations will be published on
Tuesday, but I know that we and the Conservatives are fighting both seats, as
are UKIP. I haven’t heard about the Greens yet, but the big news is that the
Labour Party have confirmed that they were unable to find a candidate for the
County Council seat.

2. Lorry Weight Schemes
Residents in Greasley and Nuthall have joined the Lorry Watch scheme, which
sees volunteers reporting any HGVs exceeding weight restrictions. The scheme is
run by Nottinghamshire County Council, who say that the scheme had already had
a positive impact in several villages. Drivers found to be breaching
restrictions could face prosecution. Under the scheme, volunteers feed
information to trading standards officers who then investigate the reports with
the Vehicle Operating Standards Agency. The volunteers are given basic training
by the council on weight restrictions in their area and are taught how to spot
lorries which exceed the limit. A 7.5 tonne weight restriction applies to
Nuthall, Greasley and Kimberley.

3. Jamaican Challenge
Staff at Marie Curie Cancer Care in Kimberley are calling on people to sign up
to this year’s Jamaican Cycle Challenge. Fitness icon Mr Motivator will lead
a group of cyclists in September, on the route from east to west along the
island’s northern shore, exploring the Caribbean culture. The eight day
challenge, which involves five days cycling, will cover a distance of 380km in
total. Visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/overseas or call 08700 340 040 for full
details.

4. Sports Village Consultation
The owners of the Decathlon store on the Ikea Retail Park are about to apply
for planning permission to build a sports village alongside junction 26 of the
M1. Before they do they have holding an exhibition at the store to demonstrate
their plans. This has now closed and I expect them to submit the plans very
shortly. As soon as the plans are submitted I will notify people using the
newsletter as it is bound to be a controversial project.

5. Toton Housing Meeting
Peverill Properties, who are wanting to build 800 houses in Toton, will be
holding a public exhibition of their plans at the Japanese Water Gardens on
Stapleford Lane on Tuesday 21st February from 2pm to 8pm. Anyone interested is
welcome to attend. Peverill have also delivered leaflets around the Toton area
advertising their proposals, and they have a website with details at
http://www.totonproposals.co.uk/. Incidentally, I read claims by our MP last
week that she had sent a copy of a letter from Greg Clark MP, Minister of
State, to every councillor. Ten days on I’m still waiting to receive my copy.

6. Prayers at Council Meetings
There has been a lot of discussion in the last few days after the High Court
ruled that prayers at council meetings were illegal (not because of any human
rights issues, as has been suggested in some quarters, but because of a very
literal interpretation of a piece of legislation). Whilst the Government have
said that they will bring forward legislation to change the ruling we have in
the meantime decided that we will commence council meetings five minutes
earlier and hold the prayers then, followed by a formal announcement of the
commencement of meetings at 7pm as usual.

7. Tory’s Using Lib-Dem Slogans
I was very surprised to read a Conservative leaflet for the by elections that
declared they offered “A Record of Action, a Promise of More.” This is a
slogan that the Lib-Dems have used for many years, which our local Tories seem
to have pinched. May I mention to them though that actually it’s not the
words that are important, it’s the actions.

8. New deliverers
Many thanks to those people who have come forward to volunteer to deliver
leaflets for us in the forthcoming elections. We’ve had a record number of
new deliverers, but are always grateful to receive any other offers. If you
would like to help either email me or visit our website at
www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk.

9. Wilkinsons Petition
A petition calling for action to ensure that Wilkinsons can return to Beeston
as soon as possible is to be presented to the next meeting of the full council
on 29th February. I assume that this is the one organised by Matt Goode, who
edits the Beestonia Blog. It has collected more than 1,000 signatures and
therefore automatically triggers a debate at the council.

10. Courses For Young Swimmers
Youngsters aged between 6 and 15 are invited to participate in a new range of
swimming courses at Bramcote Leisure Centre, starting on 20th February. If they
take a friend they will get an 11 week course for the price of a six week one.
Details are available on 0115 917 3000.

11. Award For Council Website
Broxtowe Borough Councils website has won a “Plus Accessibility award from
the Shaw Trust, the fund which campaigns to ensure that web sites are
accessible to people with disabilities. Broxtowe are the first council in the
county to gain this accreditation.

12. New Anti-Violence Campaign
The Nottingham Post have launched a new campaign targeting violence against
women. They are asking 10,000 men in the county to sign a pledge that they will
not commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women. Broxtowe
Borough Council is supporting the scheme and I’ve signed the pledge. If you
would like to do so as well then you can visit the website at
www.man-enough.org.

13. Kimberley School
Governors at Kimberley School have decided not to apply for academy status for
the school. They have been debating whether to do so for some time, but decided
last week not to proceed with an application. Academy Schools are
self-governing, removed from local authority control and answerable solely to
the Government and parents.

14. Budget Shortfall at County Hall
New figures released by the County Council show that they have a shortfall in
their budgets of £100 million. This is despite the massive cuts that they have
already imposed on services. Worryingly the council may well now impose further
cuts rather than finding efficiency savings. In Broxtowe we have also had to
cut our budgets, but have done this without cutting services. We’ve got more
efficient at what we do. The County Council seems to have struggled to follow
this lead.

15. Changed Dates For CAT Meetings
Broxtowe Borough Council have announced that the dates of two CAT meetings have
changed. CAT meetings are chances for local residents to raise any issues that
they wish, and are chaired by local councillors. The Nuthall West CAT will now
take place on 29th March, 7.30pm at The Spinney, Watnall road, Nuthall, and the
Brinsley CAT will be on 23rd February at 7pm at Brinsley Parish Hall.

16. Garden Waste Collections
Just a quick reminder that the council will resume garden waste collections
next month following the winter break. Now that the snow has gone many people
are getting back out to tackle their gardens, and the waste collected is all
counted in the total amounts that the council recycles.

17. Super fast Broadband
The County Council have now submitted their plans to the Government for a super
fast broadband network in Notts. This is clearly a good idea but the scheme has
been beset by difficulties with funding so far, after the County asked the
district councils to pay a very significant amount of the cost, spending
resources that we simply did not have.

As ever thank you for your support for this newsletter, and any feedback is
gratefully received.

Best wishes

David

11th February 2012

1. Borough Council Leader
Milan Radulovic has stepped down as the leader of Broxtowe Borough Council.
Milan is currently facing a criminal trial over an allegation of fraud, and has
not been in good health recently. As a result he has stepped aside until
everything is sorted out. The new leader will be Beeston Central councillor Pat
Lally.

2. Beeston Hindu Temple
A public meeting last week where plan were being displayed for opening a new
Hindu Temple in Beeson Rylands was disrupted by racists, and since then the
Temple has been the subject of a number of vandalism attacks. Matt Goode, who
edits the Beestonia Blog, has suggested a really good response to this by
sending welcome cards to the temple. The whole story is available on the
Beestonia blog at
http://beestonia.wordpress.com/2012/02/06/beeston-reichlands-nein-danke/ and I
think that this is an excellent idea which I’m delighted to pass on.

3. Toton By Election
I’m delighted to announce that my running mate for the borough council by
election in Toton will be Barbara Carr. Barbara was formerly a borough
councillor and will be an excellent candidate. We have lots of leaflets to
deliver so if you can help please drop me a line. Even an hour donated will
make a big difference.

4. Toton Green Belt Development
Although the Borough Council have deleted it as a preferred location for
development, the developers wanting to building on the green belt north of
Toton are proceeding with their plans. They will be holding an exhibition of
their plans on Tuesday 21st February at the Japanese Water Gardens from 2pm
until 8pm. This exhibition is a result of new legislation brought in by the
coalition, which requires developers proposing major schemes to consult with
the public first. The council cannot stop developers applying for planning
permission (anyone can apply for permission to build anything that they want)
but this does not mean that permission will be granted. The site is no longer a
preferred site for development and as a result I don’t think that they have
any chance of getting permission, but they must be planning to appeal after we
refuse permission and try and persuade an inspector to grant permission over
the head of the local councillors.

5. Solar Power Consultation
The Government, through new Secretary of State for the Environment Ed Davey,
has announced a public consultation on feed in tariffs for solar power. A copy
of the consultation is available on our website at
www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk. Please take a minute to read this and
submit your views.

6. Enterprise Zone
I’ve been involved in discussions, along with Pat Lally, about plans for the
Beeston Enterprise Zone for the past few weeks. These have now been made
public, and the exciting thing is that the plans envisage some 4,000 new jobs
being created, along with the development of a new college and a centre of
excellence for beauty products. Boots, who own the site, are also talking about
developing an area for housing which could create several hundred new homes,
and would help to take the pressure off other sites.

7. Rumbletums Vacancy
Rumbletums café in Kimberley is seeking its first paid manager, to be
responsible for the effective management of an established community café
which offers work experience opportunities to young people with learning
disabilities. The role will entail all aspects of café and kitchen management
in order to maintain already established high standards and quality and to
further develop the café to realise its full potential. The role will be
primarily a management role, but we are seeking someone with experience as a
chef/cook and who can be hands-on when appropriate. Please send letter of
application and CV to Rumbletums (Kimberley) Ltd, 2a Victoria Street,
Kimberley, Nottingham, NG16 1DX, marking the envelope ’Job Application.’
The closing date for applications is Friday 24th February 2012. The café
hasn’t been trading long and it is great achievement to have reached this
point already.

8. Protecting Hedgehogs
The County Council has launched a new initiative asking people to make their
gardens hedgehog friendly. They are asking people to leave a pile of
decomposing leaves in one corner of their gardens, as this forms perfect
bedding for hedgehogs.

9. School Holiday Consultation
Nottinghamshire County Council is consulting upon proposals to agree the school
term dates and holiday pattern for the school year 2012-13 for community and
voluntary controlled schools. They are inviting comments on the suggested
dates until the close of the consultation period on Friday 15 April 2012. For
further details of the consultation and how to respond, please visit the
Council's website at
http://www3.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/thecouncil/democracy/consultation/current-consultations/school-terms/.

10. County Council Pension Fund
There was an interesting story in the paper this week, especially in light of
the frequent and repeatedly false claims from the Tories over the council’s
alleged plans to build on the green belt. The pension fund of the Tory run
County Council has purchased a large swathe of green belt land in Essex, for
several million pounds, causing great fears there that they want to build on
the green belt. Essex County Council are apparently up in arms about it.

11. Beeston Soldiers 2012 mile run
A Beeston based soldier, Gavin Brown, is running 2,012 miles this year to raise
funds for the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association. If you would
like to donate you can ring to pledge support on
www.bemycharity.com/gavindbrown2012 or ring on 01923 955467.

12. Money for Good Causes
The Co-Op have announced that they have £55,000 to spend on good causes is
Nottinghamshire. If you know a group who may want to apply for a grant please
make them aware of this and ask them to contact the Co-Op for further details.

13. Barn Owl Adoption Gift
If you want to buy your loved one a different type of gift for Valentine’s
Day who not adopt a barn owl on their behalf. If you sponsor a barn owl through
the Wildlife Trust you receive a special gift box, cuddly barn owl toy, special
Valentine's card and envelope, Valentine's badge, adoption certificate, fun
pop-up figure and more. The cost is £20 and you can purchase them from
Attenborough Visitors Centre.

14. DH Lawrence Heritage on Facebook
2012 promised to be a busy and exciting year for D.H. Lawrence Heritage. For
the latest information on what's happening be sure to join their Facebook page
-http://www.facebook.com/dhlawrenceheritage
Recent updates have included:
• The installation of a unique soil painting of D.H. Lawrence at the D.H.
Lawrence Heritage Centre,
• Details of the upcoming episode of BBC's Antiques Road Trip to be
screened on the 17th February (5.15pm) filmed at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace
Museum
• Plus details of our extensive 2012 events and exhibition programme with
more details to follow soon

15. Margaret Colley Memorial Service
A memorial service for former Bramcote GP Margaret Colley, who died late last
year, will be at Bramcote church on Saturday 3rd of March 2012 at 3:30 PM. It
will be followed by a Memorial event in the church centre on church Street,
Bramcote. The Memorial event will have representation from the various
interests in my mother's life. The Bramcote history society will be having an
exhibition. There will also be stands from the RNLI, the RNIB ,the Cambrian
archaeological Society, the Nottingham Welsh society, the Aberystwyth old
students Association and a few others as well. All her old patients and friends
are invited to the event.

16. Nuthall Temple Post Office
The Post Office wrote to the council this week to say that they have been
unable to find a new post master to take over this post office, which has now
been shut for a year. They are continuing to look but I’m afraid that the
tone of the letter was fairly pessimistic.

I think that concludes the news for this week. I’m aware that I’m behind
with my correspondence and that there are several people who are waiting for
replies to messages from last week. Sorry about that and I will try and reply
to everyone by the end of this week.

As ever thank you for your support for this newsletter, and any feedback is
gratefully received.
Best wishes
David

4th February 2012

Before moving on to the news may I express my condolences to the family and
friends of Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty who died suddenly today.

1. Council Tax
Papers published by the borough council today show that Broxtowe are not
proposing to increase council tax for the forthcoming year. This represents a
significant victory for the Liberal Democrats who had been pressing for this
approach. This will need to be approved by the cabinet on 13th February and
then by the full council on 29th, but I hope that everyone will support it.

2. By elections
Both the Chilwell and Toton County Council seat and the Toton and Chilwell
Meadows borough council seats will be contested on 15th March. I’m pleased to
announce that I will be the Lib-Dem candidate for the County Council seat, and
we’ll announce our candidate for the borough council next week. If you live
in either of the areas and want a postal vote you need to register by 29th
February. If you need a postal vote let me know with your name and address and
I’ll let you have a copy of the application form. To be able to stand I need
to be nominated by ten local residents and I thought it would be nice to ask
readers from this newsletter if they would do the honours. If you live in
Chilwell or Toton and would be happy to nominate me to stand please let me know
and I’ll be round with the form. Given that the Lib-Dems won seats from the
Tories and Labour this week I’m looking forward to the election.

3. Next Tram Works
The tram will be demolishing properties on Chilwell Road starting on 13th
February. Utility works start on Chilwell Road in mid-April. The good news is
that it looks like the spaces created will be used as car parks rather than
site compounds. Utility works in the Fletcher Road, Humber Road and Lower Road
areas also start on 13th February. Utility works on Bramcote Lane start on 20th
February.

4. Stapleford Job Club
A new programme of meetings for Stapleford Job Club commences on 15th February.
It meets from 1.30pm to 4pm at the Carnegie Centre on Warren Avenue. For
details contact Richard Mayer on 0115 9178080 or email richardm1@vcb.org.uk.

5. Hickings Lane Recreation Park
At the cabinet meeting this week the council approved plans to install a new
skateboard park at Hickings Lane rec in Stapleford. This has been designed in
conjunction with young users and my congratulations go to everyone involved in
this scheme, which was put together by my colleagues Brian Wombwell and David
Grindell.

6. Long Stay parking
Also in cabinet on Tuesday night the council agreed to reduce charges for long
stay parking in Stapleford, Kimberley and Eastwood. The council is still
reviewing what changes they will be making in Beeston.

7. Lets Beat Obesity Campaign
Slimming World in Chilwell will be holding their lets beat obesity together
campaign launch party on 16th February, at 7pm at the St Barnabas Church,
Barncroft Chilwell, NG9 4HU. There is no obligation for people to join, just
merely to come and learn more. For details ring Kerry Hughes on 07870 409422.

8. Telephone Number Correction
A couple of weeks ago I included details of a phone advice line for benefits
advice for pensioners, run by Age UK. Unfortunately the phone number was
incorrect. Apologies for this, and the correct number should have been 0115 844
0011.

9. Rumbletums Arts Project
Rumbletums is developing its partnership with Space Inclusive and they are
currently looking at the feasibility of starting some joint arts-based
activities for young people and adults (18+) with a learning disability. These
will most probably be delivered at Rumbletums in Kimberley. Because of the need
to make such activities commercially viable, they are targeting young people
and adults who currently have a personal budget that they may choose to fund
their participation in such activities with. In order to assess demand and get
an idea of the types of activities people may want to do, Space Inclusive has
put together a short questionnaire. They are now distributing this to
interested parties and potential participants to get their views. If you would
like a copy please contact Jeff at Rumbletums via jeff.buck2768@btinternet.com.
Rumbletums have also been awarded £2,000 as a grant from Eon, which will help
support their work.

10. Community Theatre Group
A new community theatre group has been set up in Chilwell. Chilwell Community
Arts Society is looking for new recruits and meets on a Wednesday night at
Chilwell school from 7.30 to 9.30pm. Details are available from
www.chilwellcats.co.uk.

11. Severn Trent Water
Severn Trent water will be putting their bills up from 1st April by 5%. This is
actually less than the average rise across the country, but is still
disappointing news for customers.

12. Rural Bike Rides
A PROGRAMME of rural bike rides has been launched at Giltbrook Retail Park.
Organised by Broxtowe Borough Council, Rural Rides will take place twice a
month on Saturdays and Tuesdays and will leave from the retail park’s Pets at
Home store. Rural Rides is a programme of guided scenic cycle rides on quiet
lanes and off-road routes. There are frequent stops to take in points of
interest and admire the views. Each guided cycle ride is free with no need to
book, although under 16s must be supervised by an adult. High-visibility
comfortable clothing, trainers, a cycling helmet and a drink are recommended.
The next bike ride will leave on Tuesday February 14 at 10am. For information
on future rides visit www.broxtowe.gov.uk/wow.

13. School Governors
Notts County Council are trying to recruit more governors for local schools.
Apparently there are 58 vacancies across Broxtowe at the moment, so there are
probably vacancies near you. A governor’s role includes monitoring budgets,
appointing senior staff, including head teachers and making decisions on the
future of the school. I’m a governor at my local school and find it very
rewarding, so this is something I would heartily commend to people. Anybody
interested should call 0115 8546054.

14. The Snow
As I’m writing this snow is falling heavily. My kids think that this is
great, but despite the fact that everyone had been warned to expect this all
buses through Beeston were withdrawn because of the weather at about 8.30pm.
Given that the County Council have been telling us for months that they have
plenty of salt supplies to keep the roads open through the winter this is a
pretty poor start.

15. Emergency Response Times
It was very disappointing to see two separate reports this week showing that
both Notts Police and the NHS Ambulance Trust have fallen short of their
targets for responding to emergency calls. The police say that they believe the
figures are wrong but I’ve not seen any explanation from the ambulance
service.

As ever thank you for your support for this newsletter, and any feedback is
gratefully received.

Best wishes
David

28th January 2012

1. Councillors
The only place really to start this week is with the developments on the
borough council itself. On Monday Toton Conservative borough councillor Craig
Cox resigned from the council, triggering a by election. Mr Cos has obtained a
new job in London and so is moving away. I fully understand that but it is
disappointing that someone who has been elected has served less than twelve
months, especially when the Tories dumped their sitting councillor in favour of
Mr Cox at the last election.

However that news was overshadowed on Thursday when it was reported that
Council leader and Labour leader Milan Radulovic has been charged with a fraud
worth £45,000. When the news broke I issued a statement on behalf of, and with
the agreement of, the Lib-Dem group, saying that we were aware of the
allegations and we believe in the concept of innocent until proved guilty, and
we won’t make any further statement until the court proceedings are
concluded. You can see the full statement on our website at
www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk.

2. Nest Box Event at Attenborough
There will be two events at the nature reserve during half term. They have
declared it nest box week and there will be opportunities to help wildlife by
making a bird or bat box, and some bird feeders to take home. The events are
suitable for children aged six and over, accompanied by an adult - please bring
a saw and hammer if possible. Adults can come along on their own too! Two dates
are available, on Thursday February 16th it is a free event for members of the
wildlife trust only, so to book please ring the Membership Team on: 0115 958
8242 or email: membership@nottswt.co.uk. You can come along from 10.15am. On
Tuesday February 14th it is open to all. Drop in between 10.15am and 12.15pm.
Bird boxes £6 each, subject to availability. Contact: Attenborough Nature
Centre on 0115 972 1777 for more details. It's a good time to visit the nature
reserve at the moment, I saw a Bittern there this afternoon, a bird I have
never seen before.

3. Volunteer Wanted for Wildlife Trust
Do you have a few hours to spare each fortnight? Based at their Nottingham
office, Notts Wildlife Trust are currently looking for volunteers to help
maintain their pool cars: ensure oil, screen wash, anti-freeze and water are
all topped up; generally check the condition of the cars, including
cleanliness; make sure tyre conditions are good; and clean the cars when
required. Also, they need help with minor building maintenance and repairs. If
you think you can help, please get in touch with Julie Reed, Volunteering
Officer, on: 0115 958 8242 or email:jreed@nottswt.co.uk.

4. Asbestos at Toton Sidings
There was some asbestos dumped at Toton sidings this week. This is of course
totally illegal and I’m very grateful to the members of the Toton
Environmental Protection Society who contacted me about it so that we could
make arrangements to have it cleared up and investigate whether we could prove
who dumped it in the first place.

5. Home Wanted For Local Film
A local filmmaker is looking for a house in Beeston to use as a location in a
short film. The advert reads:
The film is set in a modestly furnished semi or detached house. The 2/3 min
film will be shot over a weekend at the end of Feb. We need to film in the
dining room, sitting room, kitchen and a double bedroom. I will pay some
inconvenience money. The film will be for submission to all the major film
festivals. Contact Steve by email: steve.deery@ntlworld.com, or call on 07985
199 054
If this is of interest to you please give him a ring.

6. Stapleford Poems In Action
The 30th January 2012 Perambulatory Poems in Action at Stapleford - 2 - 3pm
has no spaces left. But come back/stay for 3.30pm – 4.30pm; join in or sit
back and enjoy the quirky world of Instant Theatre. No British Sign Language
provided. Supported by Stapleford Town Council. Refreshments too! These are
performed by local poet Dave Woods. For those still wanting to see poems in
action, books for the following performances...
13th February. 6.30pm - 7.30pm Edwinstowe Library, Edwinstowe.
25th February - 11am - 12noon - Friends' Meeting House, Clarendon Street,
Nottingham
All poetry performances are free, suitable for all ages and include British
Sign Language interpretation. Phone O77O9 977684

7. Notts Police Budgets
Lindsay Donnelly (Police, Administrator, Nottinghamshire) writes on behalf of
Nottinghamshire Police Authority:
During 2011/12 Nottinghamshire Police with the help of partner organisations
has continued to deliver improvements in reducing crime and at the same time
achieved significant financial savings through reducing back office costs,
collaboration with other Police Forces across the region, voluntary redundancy
of police staff and the compulsory retirement of Police Officers after 30 years
service. For the year to date the Force has delivered a 7.7% reduction in total
crime and achieved the £10.3m savings required for 2011/12.
The Police Authority is considering increasing the Police precept to allow
investment in Police officers and Police Community Support Officers to maintain
the improvements and achieve further reductions in crime and anti-social
behaviour.
I invite your comments ahead of the formal budget setting process at the Police
Authority meeting at 10 am on 22nd February 2012 at County Hall. The
information is available on the Police Authority website www.nottspa.org.
Any comments on the budget proposal should be sent to the Police Authority by
close of business on 10 February 2012.
Feedback can be made to the Police Authority either by post to:
Nottinghamshire Police Authority
County Hall
West Bridgford
Nottingham
Via our website www.nottspa.org, or by email on
npa@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk

8. Housing Numbers in Broxtowe
The borough council has delayed plans to determine which, if any, sites will be
nominated for new housing in the borough. The decision was due to be made at a
special council meeting in Mid-March, but when I went to meet Andrew Stunnel,
the Minister in the Department of Communities and Local government, he gave a
commitment that the final version of the new Government rules on planning will
be published by the end of March. It seems stupid to agree plans just two weeks
before the rules change, and so the decision will be taken later in the spring.

9. Sale of DH Lawrence School
The disused Greasley Beauvale DH Lawrence School, which the author attended as
a pupil, has been sold this week at auction for £200,000. He building is a
Grade 2 listed building, which means that the new owners will need to apply for
permission from the council before doing any alterations to it.

10. Exam results In Notts
Last years GCSE results in Nottingham were the best ever achieved, and AS
levels also saw an improvement, according to figures released this week. This
is very good news and my congratulations go out to everyone who has been
involved in achieving this improvement. However, even though the results are
the best ever obtained and the County went up 38 places in the league table,
they are still placed 79th and so there is clearly still room for improvement.

11. Cuts To The Voluntary sector
Long term readers will recall that I was very critical last year of plans by
the County Council to significantly cut the funding it provides to the
voluntary sector, especially at a time when their services are needed more than
ever. I’ve now been supported in this by a very unlikely ally, none other
than Eric Pickles himself. The Secretary of State for Local government has
written to the county questioning whether these cuts provide best value to the
county council and asking them to think again.

12. Police Crime Figures
A report by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabularies has concluded that
Notts police are one of the most accurate forces for recording crime figures in
the country. They concluded that 96% of crimes were correctly recorded. This in
itself may not be very exciting, but given that in the last couple of weeks
figures have been released showing significant drops in crime levels in the
county it means that we can be confident that crime is actually falling here,
which is good news.

13. Online Sports Bookings
Broxtowe Sports online bookings for their calendar of events in 2012 is now
available. Broxtowe Sports' Sports Events are suitable for people who are new
to sport and exercise or for those who are looking to try something new! The
Sports Events calendar includes a 5K Run, a Triathlon and a Duathlon, not to
mention the Kimberley and District Striders 10K and Beeston AC's Trent 5 Mile -
There's something for everyone to try! To book visit the council website at
http://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=5333.

14. Nominations for Community Champions
Local people are being invited to celebrate the achievements of real-life
community champions who help make their community a more pleasant place to live
by submitting their nominations for this year’s Broxtowe Borough Partnership
Community Champion Awards by Wednesday 29th February.
The Broxtowe Borough Partnership is inviting local people to come forward with
their stories of individuals and groups who have carried out good works,
battled adversity or worked selflessly to make their community a better, safer
and more pleasant place to live.
Nominations are being sought across seven categories to recognise those who
work
tirelessly to improve their borough:
• The Safe Borough – For those who work to reduce crime and make our
borough a safer place to live.
• A Growing Borough – For those who have helped businesses improve.
• A Healthy Borough – For those who have helped put better health services
or facilities into their community or help people lead a healthier lifestyle.
• A Clean and Green Borough – For those who have worked to make the borough
cleaner or greener or helped people to become more environmentally friendly.
• Children and Young People – For a child or young person up to the age of
18 years who has made improvements to their community or to the people living
there.
• A Happy Borough – For those who have helped to make their community a
better place to live and help everyone get on and work together.
• Good Neighbour Award – For an individual who has helped people in their
community to live more comfortable or safely in their homes.
The 2012 Broxtowe Borough Partnership Community Champion Awards aim to find
remarkable and inspirational real-life heroes who have volunteered or carried
out work in their own time to improve Broxtowe Borough.

Nominations are open for individual Broxtowe Borough residents and for groups
who provide services within the borough. The deadline for entries is Wednesday
29th February 2012. The eventual winners will be announced at a special awards
evening later this year.
For more information, please contact Broxtowe Borough Council on 0115 917 3395,
email richard.lea@broxtowe.gov.uk or download an application form online at
www.broxtowepartnership.org.uk

As ever thank you for your support for this newsletter. Any feedback is
gratefully received. You can send that using the Lib-Dem website at
www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk, at my personal website at
www.davidwatts.org.uk, or by email at d.k.watts@ntlworld.com.

Best wishes

David

21st January 2012

It’s been a busy week this week. On Wednesday I attended a reception with
Norman Baker, the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, to mark the launch of
NET Line 2. I had a chat there with the chairman of Tramlink, who are building
Line 2, and have invited them to open an office in the Broxtowe Council
building in Beeston, so that local residents have a contact poimnt for any
concerns. The next day I was in London to meet with the Deputy Prime Minister,
discussing a range of issues relevant to local government, and then had a
session with Andrew Stunnell, a Minister at the Department of Communities and
Local Government. It is this department that produces the planning rules that
are causing so much of a problem for Broxtowe, and was there to lobby him for
changes. Effectively I was doing what our MP should have been doing, but she
has decided that it’s more fun to attack the council instead.

1. Beeston Town Square
There was an interesting interview with Henry Boot plc in the Nottingham Post
this week. Henry Boot is the company who own the lease to Beeston Square. They
were blaming years of indecision over the tram for the delays in redeveloping
the square, but say that they are now committed to pressing forward. I don’t
accept this fully as Henry Boot themselves have caused significant delays, but
it does show how the delays around the tram have already had a knock on effect.

2. Tram works
Tramlink have now started to take possession of the properties in Beeston which
they need to demolish to make way for the tram. Fifteen properties have so far
been compulsorily purchased, and more will be needed over the next few weeks.
After the years of delay things are now rushing ahead. Trees are also being
cleared, and these need to be done now before the bird nesting season starts.

3. East Midlands Trains
East Midlands trains, who run through Beeston station, have a 92.5% punctuality
rate, according to Network Rail. This is above the national average which is
91.6%. Well done to them but I hope that they will continue to press to achieve
closer to 100%.

4. Broxtowe Youth Mayor
There is a really interesting piece in yesterday’s Nottingham Post by Tilly
Stone, the Broxtowe Youth Mayor, about her work. This can be accessed here:
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Today-s-teenagers-doing-bit-society-s-future/story-14984604-detail/story.html

5. Notts County Council
The County Council have decided to scrap their cabinet, and return to a system
where decisions are made by a number of different committees. This was the way
that councils used to work but the Labour Government of Tony Blair insisted
that this system was scrapped. The coalition Government have relaxed this ban
and said that councils can choose the method of operation which is best for
them, and the County Council are one of the first in the country to change
back. In Broxtowe the current system seems to work relatively well and we have
no current plans to change.

6. Pensioners Electricity Bills
Age UK Nottingham and Notts have launched a new partnership with Eon to help
pensioners claim fuel rebates that they are entitled to. Pensioners can often
claim a £120 rebate on their fuel bills, and the new partnership is aimed to
help them do this. Anyone who may benefit from this is invited to ring 0115 993
9982 for more details.

7. Road gritting
The County Council have issued a statement this week confirming that they are
ready for any drop in temperatures, and the situation that was faced last year
where they ran out of salt is unlikely to be repeated. So far this winter
gritters have been out 31 times, compared with 72 times by this point last
year.

8. Armed Forces Community Covenant
Broxtowe Borough Council has signed a community covenant with the armed forces,
creating closer links between the borough and the military. I was present at
the signing ceremony, which was presided over by our mayor, Lib-Dem councillor
Jacky Williams. Part of this commitment will be making sure that proper
provision is made for ex-service personnel within the borough. This is a very
important step for the borough and it was very disappointing that not a single
Conservative Councillor attended the ceremony.

9. Barncroft Day Services Centre
Work has started to refurbish the Barncroft Day Services Centre in Chillwell.
This project, which is being carried out by the County Council, is costing
approximately £800,000 and work will be finished by the summer. The centre is
used each week by about 180 local residents, and this will increase after the
work has finished.

10. Early Blooming Flowers
The County Council are asking for copies of photos flowers appearing in parks
across the County because of the recent mild weather. Pictures should be
submitted via the council’s Facebook site at facebook.com/Nottinghamshire.

11. Free swimming
The borough council have now confirmed that they will be offering free swimming
again next summer to children aged under 16, throughout the summer holidays.

12. A453 Roadworks
The A453 will be closed overnight from tomorrow for four weeks. As a result
traffic is likely to divert along the A52 instead, so drivers need to be ready
for a significantly larger amount of night time traffic.

13. Eastwood Youth Centre
The new youth centre in Eastwood, which opened in September, is being credited
with helping to reduce crime in the town. Crime in Eastwood has dropped by 20%
overall, and the £2million spent on the youth centre will be seen as a very
good investment if this continues.

14. Beeston Library
Beeston library has closed for four weeks for refurbishment. It is expected to reopen on 13th February. The County Council says that a number of essential
repairs are needed, and they are taking the opportunity to make some
improvements as well.

As ever thank you for your support for this newsletter. Any feedback will be
very gratefully received.

Best wishes

David

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