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Forests and Woodlands/ Privacy
for arrested persons/Stapleford Walk In Centre
1st February 2011
Hello again,
This is a mixed bag of news, views and dates for your diary.
If you have been following the news you will know I have been
particularly busy in the last few weeks, as my Private Member's
Bill is set to be debated in Parliament on Friday (see below).
The future of our forests and woodlands
I would like to start by thanking everyone who has emailed me
to express their concerns about the future of our forests and
woodlands. Parliament is set to debate the matter tomorrow (Wednesday)
after the opposition tabled a motion condemning the Government's
plans for the future of our publicly owned forests. In fact, only
18% of our Forests are owned by the Government via the Forestry
Commission, which both fells and sells wood and regulates our
woodland areas.
Residents of Toton know the important role of the Forestry Commission
which issued a re-stocking notice to the owners of land at Toton
Sidings after they decimated many thousands of trees on the site.
I have spoken with Caroline Spelman, the Secretary of State, about
this part of the Forestry Commission's work and she assures me
it will continue.
I have to say I think it’s a little rich of the opposition
to criticise the Government's plans given the last Government
sold 25,000 acres of forest and woodland.
However, I have been struck by the number of emails I have received
and the genuine concerns of many people on the issue; I can assure
you I will raise all the concerns with Ministers and leave them
in no doubt about the strength of feeling in Broxtowe.
The proposals regarding the woodlands are at a consultation stage
and the consultation document can be found on the Defra website
http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/01/27/englands-forests/. I would
urge people please to take part in the consultation.
Wednesday’s debate is not a final decision but a call for
a re think which I think is premature at this stage as the consultation
has only just begun, so I am not inclined to support the motion.
What I think is important to remember is that Heritage Forests,
like Sherwood Forest (which is currently owned and run by a charitable
trust), the Forest of Dean and New Forest will not be sold to
the private sector. The Government plans would mean voluntary,
charitable and private sectors would have a greater role in the
management and ownership of forests and woodlands currently owned
by the Forestry Commission. Rights of way and public footpaths
would continue to be protected and as most woods and forests form
part of the green belt they will continue to be protected from
development. I will post more on the subject on my web site www.anna4broxtowe.com
Arrested people are entitled to their privacy – Private
Members Bill.
My Private Member's Bill receives its Second Reading on Friday
(February 4th). You may remember I was drawn in sixth place last
May and chose my subject at the time - as it happens recent events
have made it highly topical.
Towards the end of last year the media reported the arrest of
a former teacher in Bristol following the murder of Joanna Yeates;
I believe there was a disgraceful media “feeding frenzy”
that divulged details of his private life which destroyed his
reputation.
In the past, when I worked as a journalist, the reporting of this
man's personal life, the slurs and innuendos would not have been
published and neither would his name and his address. Unfortunately,
the media will not self regulate and so I propose it should be
a criminal offence to publish the name or address of an arrested
person until such time as he or she is charged. But, my Bill would
allow the police, the arrested person or the press to apply to
a Judge for leave to print the name and address if it was in the
interests of justice or the public interest.
There’s been a healthy interest from the media with reports
in most of the national papers and the Nottingham Evening Post.
I was also live on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme and did a recorded
interview with Radio Nottingham.
I am pleased that The Independent newspaper is backing my bill
and I have had emails and phone calls of support including journalists
throughout the media. For more details about my Bill please check
out my web site www.anna4broxtowe.com and Parliaments web site
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmbills/009/11009.i-i.html
Stapleford Walk In Centre
On January 13th, I went to the first meeting as part of the consultation
about the future of the Walk In Centre which is highly valued
by people in Stapleford and other parts of Broxtowe . I have written
to the PCT about a number of matters that are causing considerable
frustration to campaigners, notably our desire to obtain a full
breakdown of the £860,000 a year the PCT pays for the service.
On a more positive note it seems local GP’s are now making
a concerted effort to improve the service they offer to people
in the event of the walk-in centre closing. However, I remain
opposed to the closure of the walk-in centre.
As residents of Stapleford will know the Care Centre, or LIFT
building, was built a few years ago at a cost of £11.4 million
and was intended to house various organisations and services.
Unfortunately the building is one third empty and to compound
matters, the building was constructed as a result of a PFI agreement
which will run for at least another twenty years at considerable
cost to the tax payer - full or empty. In relation to the future
of the Care Centre building we need a radical approach to make
full use of it, to include not just the borough and county council
but the police, local businesses, charity and voluntary organisations.
I have discussed the future of the Centre with the PCT and others;
my aim now is to bring everyone together and make the building
work for the benefit of the people who have to pay for it!
Anthony Giles
Thank you to everyone who helped bring Anthony back from Thailand.
Anthony has now been discharged from the QMC and is back home
in Stapleford.
Rumbletums Community Café, Kimberley
I am more than happy to give a plug for a really excellent idea
that is getting off the ground. The idea came from parents at
the Foxwood Foundation School and Technology College in Bramcote
which is a special school for children aged from 3 to 19 who have
moderate to severe learning difficulties and, in some cases, additional
physical disabilities. The difficulty is that there is shortage
of post 19 training opportunities so, in the words of Jeff Buck
who is working hard on the project, “we decided to set up
a not-for-profit community café project to offer supported
training and employment opportunities for those young people who
wanted them.” Rumbletums is the result and they have started
the project at The Hub in Kimberley on the corner of Victoria
and Newdigate Street. Notts County and Broxtowe Borough Councils
have offered help and support and other organisations are interested.
If you want any more info or feel you could help in some way please
let me know and I will put you in touch with Jeff and the team.
Chinese New Year Celebrations – Beeston, Saturday February
5th
The celebrations begin in Beeston Square from 10am on Saturday
February 5th and continue throughout the day ending at Bartons
from 1pm until 4pm where there will be all manner of events including
performances, artwork and stalls. Beeston is rightly proud of
its Chinese community and I am looking forward to visiting the
Chinese School having met the head Dr Yi Wang. I will be attending
the start of the celebrations before my advice surgery in Nuthall
on Saturday.
Chetwynd Barracks Development / Chilwell Meadows
The work on making good the roads and pavements is (finally) underway
and I am hopeful the tarmac will soon be laid. I have had a few
complaints and requests from residents in relation to aspects
of the work and am liaising with the lead builder to try and resolve
them.
Advice Surgery details.
If you would like to attend one of my advice surgeries then please
contact me by email (anna.soubry.mp@parliament.uk) or by ringing
Rebecca at the constituency office (0115 9436507)
Feb 5 Nuthall
Feb 12 Stapleford
Feb 26 Kimberley - this will be a drop in surgery. More details
nearer the time.
March 4 Toton
March 19 Beeston
Meetings
Many thanks to everyone I’ve met up with in the last few
week, notably my sincere thanks to all the soldiers , service
personnel and families I met on my visit to Chetwynd Barracks.
Chetwynd is right to be proud of its support and training for
TA and Reservists going out to serve with 49 Brigade and the rest
of our troops in Afghanistan.
I met with staff at Boots and inevitably talked about the need
to improve the A453 and the work place parking levy – I
continue to campaign for the former and against the latter!
In the next few weeks I am meeting with traders on Beeston/Chilwell
High Road in particular to talk about compensation as a result
of the planned tram works. I have met with a representative of
Beeston's BID who have my support in their efforts to make the
town a great place to shop, work and live.
Cossall and Trowelll Open Cast Mining
I am delighted that Kimberley Town Council has agreed to make
money available to fight UK Coal’s plans for open cast mining
at Cossall/Trowell and hope other parish councils will follow
suit. I’m arranging another meeting with elected representatives
from parish, town, Borough and County Councils in the next few
weeks. As soon as we have fixed a date for a public meeting I
will let you know.
Cuts in public expenditure and our Library service
Notts County Council have announced a stepping back from the
proposed cuts in Library opening hours and I would like to think
that my representations on the subject have had some bearing on
the decision. Toton Library was set to have its hours reduced
to just over eight a week and that has now been doubled.
I try to make my email newsletters non partisan but I think there
is a need to remind us all of a few facts. In the run up to last
year’s General Election all three political parties agreed
the deficit had to be reduced as a matter of priority and that
public spending would accordingly have to be cut. Labour would
have made cuts of 20% and would have included the NHS, Education,
the police and defence in their cuts programme.
You may remember Alistair Darling's predictions that Labour would
make cuts greater than "Thatcher" and that we faced
severe economic times on a scale not seen in 70 years. The deficit
is Labour’s legacy and was caused not just by a worldwide
economic crisis but significantly, by massive overspending by
the then Government fuelled by debt. That’s why our deficit
is the largest of any of the countries in the G20.
The Colaition Government has been forced to make cuts in public
expenditure, however spending on the NHS will rise, spending on
schools has been ring fenced and defence has been cut by 8% over
four years.
Nationally and locally Labour are suffering from a huge dose of
amnesia! Bizarrely, in Broxtowe Labour activists give publicity
and support to organisations opposed to all cuts in public expenditure.
Nottinghamshire has 61 Libraries compared to Derbyshire and Leicestershire
which have 42 each. Notts is not closing any Libraries and whilst
I remain concerned about the proposed cuts in opening hours at
Toton, Inham Nook and Stapleford - Beeston is set to lose five
hours a week leaving a total of over 50 hours.
Prisoner voting rights
There is widespread opposition to prisoners being given the vote.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR, which is nothing to
do with the European Union or the Human Rights Act) made a ruling
five years ago that the longstanding principle was illegal. The
last Government put the issue not so much on the back burner as
off the hob. In the meantime solicitors signed up clients in custody
to pursue compensation from the Government for being denied the
vote. Any such actions could cost us many millions of pounds so
the Coalition Government has decided to sort out the matter once
and for all.
There’s been talk of allowing prisoners sentenced to less
than four years the vote but denying it to ones serving over four
years. There appears to be no logic to determining four years
as the “cut off” as the previous distinction between
prisoners who received under or over four years was abolished
some time ago.
With considerable reluctance I accept we are bound by the judgment
– though I believe it is wrong that the ECHR can, in effect,
determine the matter and not Parliament. I am currently working
with colleagues to find a solution to the problem and at the moment
very much favour a proposal from fellow barrister Robert Buckland
MP that anyone sentenced to a custodial sentence in the Crown
Court would lose their right to vote. I would greatly appreciate
your views on the issue – and your ideas as to how this
tricky matter might be solved.
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
Thank you again to everyone who has emailed me on this subject.
The scheme cost over half a billion pounds a year and was available
to 16-18 year olds in households with incomes up to 30,800 a year.
The last Government commissioned a survey of youngsters who received
EMA and discovered that 9 out of 10 of those young people would
have gone into further education with or without EMA. So there
were real concerns that EMA was an expensive scheme that wasn’t
targeting young people from the poorest of households. The Coalition
will abolish the scheme and replace it with a scheme that makes
sure those youngsters who face genuine barriers to participation
in education get the financial support they need. Please email
if you would like to know why I support the Government's policy
on EMA and please tell me your views on the subject. I would particularly
like to hear from youngsters and their families who currently
receive EMA.
The future of the NHS
Yesterday saw the second reading of the health and Social Care
Bill, which I supported. It was an interesting debate and especially
as the majority of MP’s who spoke with a background of working
in the NHS were from the Government benches. I do believe the
NHS needs reform and that transferring the power and responsibility
for decisions about NHS services into the hands of doctors and
nurses at the frontline will deliver considerably improvements
and reduce costly bureaucracy. It means that in Broxtowe the well
established North West Notts GP consortium will manage and control
the money and decisions to deliver the very best care and treatment
their patients need and want throughout Broxtowe. Please let me
know if you would like more details as to why I support the reform
of the NHS.
If you have an issue of concern, a point of view, or I can help
in any way then please contact me.
As ever,
Anna
Citizens Advice Bureau/ Chetwynd
Barracks Development/ Toton Trees December 17th deadline
29th November 2010
Hello again,
I would like to thank everyone who has contacted me with invitations
to meetings and events. I enjoy “getting out and about”
meeting, listening and talking with constituents as it’s
one of the most enjoyable and important roles of an MP. Please
call the constituency office or email me if you have an invitation.
I appreciate the “festive season” seems to arrive
earlier every year but the various Christmas lights switch on’s
at Kimberley and Beeston, this weekend don’t seem a day
too early given the snow and frost!
As ever,
Anna
Broxtowe Citizens Advice Bureau
I have added my name to the long list of people very concerned
about the future of the Citizens Advice Bureau in Broxtowe and
accordingly appeared on yesterdays (Sundays) BBC East Midlands
Politics Show. This outstanding organisation is part of a nationwide
service that has been helping people with a variety of problems
for over seventy years; the vast majority of its advisors are
volunteers with a small and dedicated staff who provide invaluable
training and support.
Notts County Council , like all Councils, is having to make
huge savings, some of which will be ploughed back into the protection
of children. However, Notts have proposed a two third cut in the
contribution they make to CAB’s throughout the County. This
will have a profound effect on Broxtowe’s CAB which heavily
relies on the County Council for funding .
I have made a submission in support of the CAB as part of the
“consultation” process and have written to, and have
met with, the Justice Secretary, Ken Clarke MP who spoke in Parliament
the other week about the need to retain the services provided
by the CAB. I have also spoken to Francis Maude about whether
the £100 million transition fund the Government has established,
can be used to help the CAB should their budget be radically reduced.
Toton trees – December 17th deadline to fight the appeal
I do a separate email newsletter to constituents who are particularly
keen to protect land at Toton Sidings/Fields , especially after
the trees at the Sidings were decimated earlier this year, so
scroll on if you have already read the following. The Forestry
Commission (FC) has appointed the appeal committee to consider
the owners appeal against the re-stocking notice and people can
make their submissions. The FC has said
"All correspondence, anecdotal evidence and photographs that
we have received to date will be forwarded onto the committee.
If however you wish to make further representations to the committee,
I would ask that you do so either by letter and send to the address
(below) or by email and send to the email address (below). All
details must be received by Friday 17th December, to be sure that
they can be passed to the committee in time for them to read,
prior to the date they are due to hear the appeal.”
the postal address is
The Forestry Commission East Midlands Region, Edwinstowe, Mansfield,
Notts
the email address is
eastmidlands.fce@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
If you would like to receive my Toton Trees email newsletter
please let me know.
I am very pleased that TEPS has agreed to apply for Village Green
status; they are asking people to help them in the process and
need to establish the land has been used by members of the community
for all manner of activities over the last twenty years.
If you can help in any way or want more information then please
let me know.
Chetwynd Barrack Development/Chilwell Meadows/Kings Lodge
I chaired a meeting between the builders, officers from Broxtowe
Borough Council and Councillor David Watts; the result was a pledge
from the builders to start work on the pavements and general “street
scene” on December 6th (a letter to this effect from the
builders is being delivered to homes throughout the development).
The all important work on completing the spine roads and other
unadopted roads is due to start in the New Year and, on the basis
the weather we are currently experiencing eases up (!) , will
be finished at the end of February.
I have already informed residents in detail in a separate email
newsletter (please let me know if you would like to receive it),
that there are still a number of matters to be finalised, but
it really does seem this is the beginning of the end of this unfortunate
saga.
My thanks to Ruth Hyde, the Chief Executive at Broxtowe Borough
Council and to Cllr. David Watts for arranging the meeting and
for their support.
Surgeries
My remaining surgeries for this year are pretty much fully booked
but there is always room for an emergency and I continue to do
home visits. I am in Nuthall this Friday and in Beeston on December
18th. Please email or call the constituency office if you would
like to attend an advice surgery.
St Mary’s Church, Greasley
Saturdays Victorian Market was a great success and I also enjoyed
the exhibition of mining photographs in the Church. All the lead
was stolen from the roof and water is beginning to seep into the
fabric of the building. The Church has decided there is little
point in replacing the roof with lead as the fear is it will be
stolen again; they are left trying to raise around £20,000
– all and any contributions much appreciated.
FYI The Christmas Carol Concert is on Thursday December 9th which
I plan to attend
Speed dating/ Award ceremony George Spencer Academy
Along with a number of other MP’s and Peers I took part,
last week, in a political “speed dating” event. Groups
of sixth formers had 7 minutes or so to fire questions at a politician
and then move on to the next table. George Spencer Academy had
provided one of the biggest groups for the event which was organised
through the Parliamentary Education Service. PES offers a wide
range of excellent services to schools providing tours of the
House of Commons and first class educational “packs”
(they can also help with transport costs). Bramcote Hills has
already visited the House of Commons and I very much hope all
schools throughout the constituency will use the service. Visit
http://www.parliament.uk/education/ or drop me an email if you
would like your school
Finally, just a quick congratulations to George Spencer on their
excellent awards ceremony. It was a great evening with the photographs
of the staff and award givers (including the MP) when we were
considerably younger, taking second place to the achievements
of the pupils!
Tram – Neville Sadler Court/ Sandby Court
I have attended residents meetings at both Neville Sadler Court
and Sandby Court in Chilwell.
Neville Sadler has faced the prospect of being partly demolished
to make way for the tram for many years now and Sandby Court will
view the tram at very close quarters.
Nottingham City Council anticipate a contractor will be in place
sometime next year but as yet there is no meaningful timetable
as to when we can anticipate the work will begin. This of course
presupposes the current administration retains power in the Council
House and they can either reduce the costs and/or raise more money
locally to fund it!
I appreciate that many people welcome the tram, but, we shouldn’t
forget those who stand to lose their home or have it changed in
some way.
As your MP I am determined to do all I can to make sure the adverse
effects of the building of the tram are properly and fully mitigated.
Today I continued that process with a meeting with the Housing
Association that runs Neville Sadler Court.
Bramcote Sunken Church/Honorary Freeman and an Alderman.
My thanks to everyone who gave me a fascinating guided tour of
the Old Church Tower and grounds on a freezing Friday morning!
I am particularly looking forward to next December when it will
form part of the villages plans to stage a “living Nativity”.
The chill helped wake me up after the previous nights celebrations
in Beeston. The Borough Council admitted as Honorary Freeman of
the Borough, Paddy Farrell, Ghulam Mayauddin, Roy Plumb, Brian
Sanders, Colin Slater MBE, Peggy Wainwright and Bill Wheatley
MBE. Bob Lilley was made an Alderman. Each, in their own way,
has served their local communities or the Borough at large for
many years and my congratulations to them all.
Source: www.anna4broxtowe.com
Toton Library/Stapleford walk
in centre/Car Park Charges/Cossall open cast
Friday November 12th
Hello again,
I have quite a lot of information and news so I thought I’d
get straight down to business!
Remembrance Sunday
I will be attending the civic ceremony in Beeston on Sunday
morning and am grateful to various Councillors and other constituents
who have kindly agreed to lay a wreath on my behalf at some of
the other services taking place throughout the constituency.
I do hope everyone will pause at 11 am and remember all those
who have, over the years made the ultimate sacrifice in our name
and for our freedom.
We will also remember all the men and women who have been injured
in the service of our country in the various wars and conflicts.
Royal Legion in Beeston
I am pleased the sign to the Legion has been restored and thanks
to County Councillors Jackson and Carr for getting the job done.
The Frankie Martin (Jock) Help For Heroes Tour
I want to congratulate Kimberley’s first rate crooner, Frankie
Martin ( aka Jock) who is touring the pubs of Britain and raising
tens of thousands of pounds for Help For Heroes.
This year long tour, will finish next spring in Kimberley and
I’ll not hesitate to plug it nearer the time. Jock has a
fabulous voice and it was a pleasure to watch him perform the
other week in the Queens Head as part of British Pub Week.
Toton Library
Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about the planned
reduction in hours. I have already contacted Notts County Council.
I want to know on what basis the hours have been reduced from
34 a week to 10 and whether users have been properly and fully
consulted. Please contact me if you are a user of the Library
and share the concerns of others.
Open Cast plans at Cossall/Trowell
My thanks to all the Parish, Village and Town Councillors who
came along last Sunday morning for a meeting about the anticipated
application by UK Coal for an open cast mine on the edge of Cossall
and Trowell.
I also invited the Borough and County Councillors from all the
wards which will be affected should UK Coal be successful. We
agreed to attack the plans on various levels and that we should
work together.
We also agreed to hold a public meeting in Trowell if an application
is made. I will of course keep people informed via this email
newsletter and my web site.
This issue does not just effect the people of Cossall and Trowell
because the planned route for the 8 coal truck movements an hour,
is up to Nuthall on the A6002 then on to the M1 and then to the
Radcliffe on Soar Power Station on the A453.
This is why I have already spoken to the MP for Nottingham South
and North West Leicestershire and have contacted the various Councils
on the route.
Stapleford Walk-In Centre
The consultation process has begun in relation to the future
of the Walk-In Centre in Stapleford. The electronic method is
via the Nottinghamshire PCT web site via this link.
http://www.nottspct.nhs.uk/component/content/article/78-news/682-launch-of-review-into-nottinghamshires-walk-in-centres.html
I have asked for a meeting with the PCT and am particularly keen
to discuss the issue of funding. I am really not convinced this
is an argument about money but more an argument about how to provide
great services that patients want.
I cannot urge people strongly enough to make their voice heard
directly to the PCT, I will certainly represent the views of constituents
the PCT need to know just how many and how much people appreciate
and want the Walk-In centre.
Chetwynd Barracks Development/ Chilwell Meadows
The preliminary work appears to have begun!
Builders William Davis have put up the money to survey the sewers
and the drains and I had a report today (Friday) that the CCTV
cameras and other equipment is on the development.
I am meeting with interested parties next week with a view to
getting a commitment as to when the completion work will begin
and when it will finish.
Meanwhile, I supported a Bill in Parliament which would go a long
way to making sure builders construct roads and pavements as a
large develop is built as opposed to waiting until the last house
is sold.
Would anyone with a gripe/complaint/moan which they wish me to
raise with the builders please email at anna.soubry.mp@parliament.uk
Car Park Charges
I have little doubt this issue is far from going away as a number
of Borough Councillors might prefer! I am collecting a dossier
of complaints from people fed up with their residential roads
being used as an extension of the Borough Council car park and
people who have been penalised for not buying a ticket for the
first free hour!
I will send your complaints to the leader of the Borough Council
and ask him, please, to review the policy and let us know if the
money being raised by this bad idea, is on or off target.
I ‘m sorry this is a party political issue in the constituency
but the policy was proposed by Labour and Lib Dem Councillors
who control the Council and was opposed by Conservative Councillors.
Notice Board
Drop In Advice Surgery
I am holding a “walk in” advice surgery on Saturday
November 20th at Chilwell Community Centre between 10 am and midday.
You don’t need an appointment to come and see me for advice.
I am holding surgeries around the constituency so if you live
in the Chilwell area and need some help I look forward to seeing
you.
Happy Birthday to the Rycroft Judo Club who celebrate their 50th
Birthday on Saturday 20th November. I’m looking forward
to the celebrations.
Have you a property available to Let?
St John’s College Nottingham regularly requires 3-4 bed
properties in good repair and decorative condition to rent to
our students in commuting distance to the Bramcote area, mainly
to accommodate couples or families with school age children. There
is an introduction charge and a cost associated with our managed
housing scheme. If you have or know of quality housing available
for rent in our area from September 2011 (particularly Bramcote,
Beeston, Chilwell, Long Eaton, Toton, Stapleford), please send
details to Paul Stuttle - email bursar@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk or
contact him on 0115 968 3206.
And finally
There has been an amount of what can at best be called “nonsense”
about what I did or did not say in Parliament about how many letters
I did or did not receive from postal workers at the Beeston sorting
office.
If you would like to know the accurate version please contact
me!
I think matters can be best summed up in this way. Today, over
two weeks after a debate about the future of our postal services
and post offices I received a letter posted by the Communications
Workers Union and written on behalf of one of their members which
had been sent to me instead of to their Lincolnshire MP who has
an NG post code.
When I was a shop steward if I had run a campaign as inefficiently
as the CWU’s effort not only would my members have wanted
some of their subs back I don’t think I would have lasted
long in the role.
Most importantly it’s unfortunate the debate about the future
of Royal Mail has been forgotten. Having heard Vince Cable on
the subject I am in no doubt the Postal Services Bill, which was
first put forward by the last Government is indeed the best way
to secure the future of the workforce at the Beeston office, their
pensions and the universal service they currently provides.
The Bill will also ensure no more Post offices are closed and
my only regret that the Bill has come too late to save the three
Post offices that were shut in Broxtowe in 2008/9.
Contact Anna either at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
or at Barton House, 61 High Road, Chilwell NG9 4AJ
0207 219 7211 or 0115 9436507
Source: www.anna4broxtowe.com
The Tram/Stapleford walk in
centre/Cameron and Clegg/Toton trees/Cossall open cast
October 25th 2010
Hello again,
Thank you to everyone who contacted me with their comments on
the Governments plans to change Child Benefit. Most people agreed
that I could pass on their emails or letters to both the Prime
Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer and I will let you
know of their responses.
We are receiving an unprecedented number of emails at the moment
which means our turn around is not as swift as we had hoped. Personal
emails tend to get a personal reply and people with genuine emergencies
and immediate need get priority.
I do read all my emails and welcome your comments - so keep them
coming!
As ever,
Anna
The tram – Is it a Green or an
Amber?
Last week the Coalition Government gave the green light to the
tram; or was it more amber?
I won't pretend the announcement was not a surprise and tinged
with disappointment as so many people in Broxtowe have campaigned
for a long time against the route through the constituency. Following
my meeting with the minister, Norman Baker I knew the Government
was settled on the route and it was the route I had always opposed.
However, I didn't think the country could afford to fund the tram
and I am opposed to Nottingham City Councils work place parking
levy from which they plan to raise a significant part of their
contribution. I certainly am in favour of using any available
public money to fund the desperately needed dualling and improvement
of the A453.
The Government has approved the funding mechanism for the tram
extensions with the caveat that officials will meet urgently with
the City Council to make sure the project is "delivered affordably".
Given many people are not quite sure what that actually means
and given the real need of people on the route to know when they
will lose their home or business, I have put down a question for
the Secretary of State asking him for clarity.
If I am pulled out of the ballot, I will let you know the answer.
Stapleford walk in centre / meeting with the town council.
It was a pleasure to attend Friday evening’s town council
meeting in Stapleford. We discussed a number of matters notably
the threat to the Walk In Centre in the town.
The public consultation begins on November 1st. Users of the
service can complete a feedback form on line by visiting the PCT
web site at www.nottspct.nhs.ukon
Please also send your comments to me – I am compiling a
“dossier” which will form part of my submission. The
consultation finishes in February and includes a public meeting.
The Lib Dems in Stapleford have started up a facebook campaign
www.facebook.com/sswic?ref=ts&v=wall . They already have over
600 supporters and I would urge people to sign up.
Cameron and Clegg at George Spencer Academy
I got a call last Wednesday from David Cameron’s office
saying that he and the Deputy Prime Minister wanted to hold a
PM and Deputy PM Direct in Broxtowe and could I suggest a venue.
I didn't hesitate in suggesting the George Spencer Academy.
I was then sworn to secrecy and that was pretty much the end
of it until I was told many hours later to get there for 12 on
Thursday - if I could persuade the whips to give me a day "off"
.
These “PM Direct” events are genuine question and
answer sessions from the public - party workers and members are
banned. I got a few minutes with David Cameron considerably less
(quite rightly) than the staff and a small band of pupils. The
schools politics students were in the audience and asked two first
class and tricky questions! It was a great event and everyone
connected in whatever way with George Spencer should be seriously
proud of the staff and pupils. I anticipate a video of the “PM
and DPM Direct” will soon be posted on the No.10 web site.
Toton Trees
I have now heard from the Forestry Commission about the basis
on which the owners of the land are appealing against the restocking
notice. I will send out a more detailed email to residents (please
let me know if you would like to receive it) .
In short the owners objections to the restocking notice is that
it is neither "in the interests of good forestry" nor
in the interest of "local amenities of the district".
I would urge everyone who knows the area or who uses it in any
wayto write or email the Forestry Commission as a matter of some
urgency.
Letters should be sent to;
Richard Barker,
Forestry Commission,
620 Bristol Business Park,
Coldharbour Lane,
Bristol, BS16 1EJ
Or by email to richard.barker@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
My advice is to express how you use the area, what the trees
meant to your enjoyment of the area and to the community and area
at large. To some extent there is a need to address the more technical
side of the appeal – and I will certainly make representations
on those points (as much as I can). As I said if you would like
the full details of the appeal please email me as a matter of
urgency. I will also post the details on my web site.
Cossall Open Cast
I went to the UK Coal Exhibition at Awsworth. I find the prospect
of a 300 acre open cast mine horrifying and the proposed route
for 8 “movements” of HGV’s appalling.
The route is under the M1 across Trowell Moor, up the A6002 to
the Nuthall Roundabout , out to the M1, down the M1 to the junction
with the A453 and onwards to Radcliffe on Soar power station.
There are many fronts on which to attack the plans – the
route being a primary one.
I have invited all Parish, Borough and County Councillors for
the affected areas to a meeting, along with the County Councillor
responsible for Highways and the leader of Broxtowe Borough Council.
In the meantime there are already various campaigns springing
up which I hope the group set up after the public meeting we held
earlier this year, will co-ordinate.
I have met with the North West Leicestershire MP to discuss the
application in his constituency and his plans for a Private Members
Bill to create a 500 metre “buffer zone” between any
opencast and residential homes.
We are in the early stages (UKCoal have yet to make the application)
in what I anticipate will be a long hard campaign.
Parliamentary work
At the moment we are debating the Parliamentary Voting System
and Constituencies Bill which has moved into the Committee Stage.
The bill reduces the number of MP’s, which I support and
will allow a referendum on changing our voting system. I am in
favour of the referendum but not in favour of the AV system (which
in my view will not deliver proportional representation in any
event). The Justice Select Committee meets every week and is occasionally
televised.
Tomorrow (Tuesday October 26th) I will be attending a meeting
we have arranged between the leader of Broxtowe Borough Council,
The Cheif executive and Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government.
Contact Anna either at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
or at Barton House, 61 High Road, Chilwell NG9 4AJ
0207 219 7211 or 0115 9436507
Source: www.anna4broxtowe.com
Severn Trent/Toton Trees/Open
Cast Meetings/Stapleford Walk In Centre
16th October 2010
Hello again,
Just a few matters before what is going to be an eventful week.
On Wednesday the Chancellor will announce the results of the Coalition
Governments Comprehensive Spending Review which will no doubt
contain some of the most extensive cuts in public expenditure
for decades. It is to be hoped the announcements will be fair
and I would urge everyone to remember that these difficult decisions
are the result of the deficit the Government inherited rather
created.
Burst water main
Severn Trent have repaired the burst main and water has now been
restored to the many thousands of homes in Bramcote, Chilwell,
Toton and Stapleford many of which were without water for twenty
four hours. Of particular concern is the fact that some homes
on Ilkeston Road were flooded. I’ve had a number of complaints
that Severn Trent’s web site postings were inadequate and
the emergency phone line lacking in updates (I think the first
message said water supplies in Basford and Clifton had been affected
!). I will pass on these complaints to Severn Trent.
Toton Trees
It’s not come as a surprise that the owner of the land who
destroyed the much loved trees by Toton Sidings has appealed against
a Forestry Commission re-stocking notice. The owner has instructed
a barrister who specialises in the law concerning trees, which
is not good news but contrary to some reports we have a month
to make submissions. What is vital is that we concentrate on the
grounds of the appeal. The Forestry Commission will tell us what
they are and they will give us a “steer” as they put
it, on what the appeal committee will be looking to hear in our
submissions (and I will of course forward on this information
to everyone).
My advice is to wait before making any submission for the FC’s
advice. But If, you cannot wait then please write to Richard Barker,
Forestry Commission, 620 Bristol Business Park, Coldharbour Lane,
Bristol, BS16 1EJ.
I will post any updates on my web site. www.anna4broxtowe.com
Cossall open cast mining application/UK Coal meetings tomorrow
and Thursday
Just a reminder that the UK Coal “Public Information and
Consultation Exhibition” will be held tomorrow (Sunday)
at Trowell Parrish Hall (10am -2pm) and on Thursday October 21st
at Awsworth Parish Hall from 4pm until 8pm .
I have spoken with the MP for North West Leicestershire, Andrew
Bridgen where a similar application is still being considered
two years on. I have pledged Andrew my full support for his private
members bill to outlaw open cast mining within 500m of residential
homes.
Again I will post any information or updates on the web site.
Leicester Housing Association
I am very grateful to Councillors Steve and Barbara Carr for
informing me about some long standing problems residents of Leicester
Housing Association have encountered – notably leaseholders
being saddled with what appear to be overly high service charges.
If you have a complaint about LHA or have had similar problems
with service charges I would very much like to hear from you.
Please email me and be assured that unless you indicate to the
contrary, your complaint will be dealt with in confidence.
Stapleford Walk in Centre
Many thanks to everyone who has emailed me thus far with their
comments on the threat to Stapleford Walk-In Centre please keep
them coming. I can assure you this is not a “Tory cut”;
Nottinghamshire PCT has made it quite clear that they are making
savings of £80 million based on changes to their budget
imposed last year.
Many people have expressed their dismay that the LIFT centre
in Stapleford is going to continue to cost a huge amount of money
whether the Walk In centre remains or goes. This is because it
was built using a PFI agreement, something the last Government
was keen to encourage. The PCT believe it would be a better use
of public money to move the Walk-In facility to the QMC even though
the building will continue to cost the tax payer even if it remains
three quarters empty!
From a users perspective the walk-in centre is a great service
and its loss will be acutely felt by people throughout Stapleford,Bramcote,
Toton and Chilwell as I know from the emails I have received.
I will represent your views to the PCT without hesitation and
I am meeting Stapleford Town Council on Friday evening to work
with them in their efforts to save the centre.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend,
Anna
The Kimberley brewery
site, Stapleford Walk-in Centre, Boots Job Losses
7th October 2010
Hello again and apologies for the daily email newsletters
but there is a great deal going on!
The Kimberley brewery
site
I was contacted yesterday (Wednesday) morning by
Greene King who asked me to keep the following to myself until
they had completed their discussions with tenants in houses connected
with the Kimberley Brewery Site.
Greene King have decided to sell the former brewery
site at public auction in December and some of the properties
will be divided into lots. Most notably the homes will be sold
in a separate lot.
Most of the occupants of the houses do not have
protected tenancies and are on six month leases. I have already
been contacted by one householder who like many other tenants
is very concerned about their family’s future. I am aware
that there has been a lot of talk in the past about how tenants
can be protected with speculation about housing associations or
co-operative housing schemes buying the homes and letting them
back. A lot of talk but no results.
What hasn’t been explored is whether the existing
tenants can form themselves into a housing association and be
part of some scheme to buy the houses as a whole or in part. I
have suggested we at least explore this and that work has begun.
The brewery closed almost three years ago and has
lain empty ever since becoming a target of vandals and thieves
, lying unkempt and a rather depressing sight. It needs to be
bought by someone with a vision of a place that will be considerably
more than housing development. I will be campaigning for the site
to be a mix of homes, business and community facilities. It really
could be a very exciting venture bringing much needed jobs back
into Kimberley.
Stapleford Walk-In Centre
Nottinghamshire PCT have announced that their “preferred
option” is to close the
Stapleford Walk-In Centre and move the service to the Accident
and Emergency
Department at the QMC . Under the last Government Notts PCT had
restraints placed on its budget which means they must make savings
of £80 million in the next two years. The PCT believe it
makes monetary and clinical sense to improve services at the QMC
by offering a walk in centre there rather than continue the service
in Stapleford.
It is undoubtedly the case that many people (12,000)
use the Stapleford Walk-In Centre; it is highly appreciated and
with good reason. However , people are using it rather than going
to see their GP with the result that GP’s throughout Stapleford
have empty appointments. People from Derbyshire use the service
in considerable numbers and perhaps understandably, Notts PCT
is concerned that they are providing a service to Derbyshire residents
which they are not funded to do.
My concern is that many thousands of my constituents
believe they are going to lose a
highly valued service “on their doorstep” and I will
certainly represent their views to the PCT.
I have already contacted GP’s in Stapleford
for their views and have had a number of emails from users of
the walk in service telling me in no uncertain terms that they
want it to remain open!
There will be a 100 day consultation period and
I will make a submission representing the views of users of the
walk-in centre and the towns GP’s.
I would be very grateful to hear the views of everyone
who uses the Stapleford Walk-In Centre. Please email me your comments.
I will give an update and more information in my next email newsletter.
Boots job losses
I met with the Chief Executive of the Health and
Beauty division of Boots, Alex Gourlay on Wednesday afternoon.
I thought it was a constructive meeting and I was
reassured about Boots long term
commitment to the Beeston site.
Mr Gourlay explained that the job losses will fall
in three main areas.
1. About 250 jobs will go over a three year period
as the company replaces its current
computer systems. Boots have a number of outdated systems that
amongst other failings require a large team of staff to input
data by hand. This work will go as new £50-100 million system
is installed.
2. Integrating businesses bought by Boots has led
to a number of project management type jobs which will be phased
out as that integration work is concluded. It is however, anticipated
that new similar jobs will be created within Boots as the business
develops.
3. Twenty management levels will be reduced to eight
cutting 200 people in senior
management positions most of whom earn over £100,000 a year.
Some of these people will take early retirement or voluntary redundancy.
The loss of so many jobs remains bad news but a
significant number of people will continue to be employed by Boots.
We talked about the manufacturing plant at the
Beeston site which employs about 2,000 workers and was making
a £20million loss three years ago. It is now set to break
even this year and that is largely due to the change in working
practises agreed with the workforce and the Unions all of whom
should be congratulated on turning round this part of the company.
As for the future Alex Gourlay insisted Boots is
committed to Nottingham and Beeston. His biggest problem? The
“dreadful” transport links to Nottingham. The hours
spent by Boots lorries stuck on the A453; the inadequate train
service to London and the threat of the work place parking levy.
These are problems that can and must be solved by
politicians. I will resist the logical
conclusion that it’s “regrettable” the last
Government didn’t sort out the A453 in the
thirteen years it was in power and will certainly continue to
lobby for the improvements to be given priority.
As for the work place parking levy – if the
City Council insist on imposing it, tram or no tram, it will prove
to be a tax on jobs. Successful businesses like Boots do not have
bottom less pits of money to throw at schemes that bring them
no benefit.
If nothing else I hope this week’s job losses
at Boots will serve as a wake up call to the City Council that
they must make Nottingham a great place to do business.
As ever,
Anna Soubry
source:http://www.anna4broxtowe.com/images/stories/Kimberley_Brewery_Site_Auction.pdf
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