Broxtowe Enews 23rd June 2012

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

1.       Boots

The biggest news this week was clearly the news that Boots are to merge with American firm Walgreen. In a letter sent to myself and other councillors Boots Chief Executive was keen to stress that this will open new markets to Boots whilst protecting jobs and investment at their Beeston site. It really does seem to be a win-win situation for Nottingham.

2.       Armed Forces Day

Notts County Council is holding a flag raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces day this coming Monday at County Hall, to mark their support for military personnel past and present. I’ve looked at their web site to see if I can find what time it starts but I can’t see anything. It is an open event for the public to attend.

3.       Beeston Bus Station

There have been some concerns expressed about information and seating in the bus station at the moment whilst work is undertaken to demolish the multi-storey car park.  The council have now agreed with NET a series of improvements, namely:

·         Large poster showing bus stop locations to be placed on nearest vacant shop unit window, poster showing way to the Foster Avenue taxi rank also to be placed

·         Small section of fencing to be erected to better control pedestrian crossing movements and to allow signs saying "Nottingham buses" and "outbound buses" to be put up

·         2 seats to be placed on Styring Street

·         Canopies to be investigated alongside B&M's

Discussions are continuing about how buses will be looked after during the main construction works on Styring Street.

4.       Latest NET Schedule

The latest six week schedule of works from NET over the construction of the new tram system is now available on the Broxtowe Lib-Dem web site at www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk and on my own web site at www.davidwatts.org.uk.

5.       Community Action Team play

In a departure from the path taken by other Community Action Teams members of the Chilwell CAT are to perform a play. Their chosen work is “Bombshells,” a series of stories about four ladies. It takes place at Chilwell Arts Theatre  this Thursday and Friday, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 or £7 and can be booked by ringing 07447 234327.

6.       Hall Park Football Tournament

A six a side football tournament for children aged from 7-15 takes place at Hall Park in Eastwood on 30^th June and 1^st July. 150 teams from as far away as Kent are taking part. Further information is available on 0115 917 3643.

7.       Whispers in the Wood

Also on 1^st July is the “Whispers in the Wood” is performed as part of the Eastwood Arts Festival at Colliers Wood in Moorgreen. This will feature the Nottingham Concert Band and Chinese Whispers. It is a free concert and will be on between 1pm and 4pm. Other events for the arts festival take place through the next few weeks, including a family fun day at Coronation park on 14^th July.

8.       Open Cast Mining

May I give a quick reminder to people that the closing date for making representations about the proposed open cast mining at Shortwood Farm is rapidly approaching. A week ago the County Council had received 120 letters, nearly all against the scheme, but I hope that many more people will send in comments this week so that they can know the full strength of feeling against it.

9.       South Nottingham College Name Change

South Nottingham College (previously Castle College, previously Broxtowe College) is to change it’s name for the new academic year. The college will now be known as Central College (Nottingham). The new name was supported in a public consultation and comes into force from 1^st September.

10.   DH Lawrence Heritage Centre

Congratulations to all the staff at the DH Lawrence Heritage Centre which has been named as Nottinghamshire’s best tourist attraction in the County’s annual awards.  The centre is owned and run by Broxtowe Borough Council in partnership with Nottingham University. Part of the Centre, the birthplace museum, now has a new tour about the writers childhood as well.

11.   East Midlands Trains

It was good news for commuters this week to hear that drivers at East Midlands Trains have called off a series of strikes. Having had to travel to London on the train during one of the strikes I know how difficult they made things for people and I warmly welcome this decision.

12.   Theft Prevention Scheme For Bikes

This is too late for me as my bike was stolen a fortnight ago, but a Biker Shepherd scheme has been launched to enable cyclists to register the details of their bike on line and to display a special sticker to show that these details have been recorded. The website for this is at www.thebih-wheel.org.uk/bikesecurity.

13.   Children’s Care

Notts County Council has announced a series of measures to improve the way that it deals with children in care. This is after Ofsted found significant weaknesses in their previous performance. Teams will now be based in areas offering more consistent care for children who are being supported or monitored.

14.   Olympic Torch relay

Don’t forget that the Olympic Torch is carried through Nottingham on 28^th and 29^th June. Hopefully loads of people will turn out to see it and good luck to everyone who is carrying it. I know that at least one reader of this newsletter has been selected. There will unfortunately be disruption to roads and public transport during the procession but hopefully people will make allowances for this.

15.   Kimberley Town Council

Kimberley Town Council has a new leader. Jim McDonald, 61, of Troon Close, Kimberley takes over from Roy Plumb, and the new vice-chairman will be Dave Dunn. Best wishes to them both in their new roles.

16.   Low Wood Road, Nuthall

An application to build 139 homes built in Nuthall close to the A610 island has been withdrawn by the developers. The new estate which was planned to be built off Low Wood Road in front of the old Hempshill Hall Farm sparked opposition from Nuthall parish councillors. In a letter to Broxtowe Borough Council Leicestershire-based developers Langham Park said they were hoping to return with a new plan ‘in the next few months

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

Best wishes

David

www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk

www.davidwatts.org.uk

Follow me on Twitter at @DavidWatts12. 

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Broxtowe Enews 16th June 2012

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

1.       Wind Turbine at Chilwell School

The Greening Beeston scheme have announced plans to install a community wind turbine at Chilwell School. They received a grant from the Notts Energy Partnership to fund this and have been seeking people’s views about which of a number of options was preferred. The wind turbine at the school was the clear winner. A planning application has been submitted to the council and will be decided on in due course.

2.       Notts Police

Nottinghamshire Police have announced that they have lifted a two year ban on new recruitment. This is good news, but does come very shortly after the end of a period where they have forced 100 experienced officers to retire, and it looks like they are replacing experienced officers with inexperienced (and cheaper) replacements. On the bright side though they intend to recruit 151 news officers this summer.

3.       Open Cast Mining

May I take this opportunity to remind everyone that the deadline for submitting comments on UK Coals proposals to build an open cast mine in Cossall and Trowell is fast approaching. You can submit comments on the County Council website at http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/planningsearch/plandisp.aspx?AppNo=ES/2569. I hope as many people as possible will submit objections to this scheme.

4.       Outstanding Young People

Nominations are open (and have been extended) for the County Council Outstanding Achievement 4Uth Awards. Nominations now close on the 6^th July, and the awards are for young people who have pushed their personal boundaries. Nomination forms can be obtained at www.Nottinghamshire.gov.uk/4Uth.

5.       Kimberley School

Teachers at Kimberley School staged a strike on Wednesday over the fact that Governors are considering converting to an academy. Whatever the rights and wrongs of academy status (and I’m personally not a huge fan of them) I believe that it is wholly wrong for teachers to strike at a time when many students are dealing with very important exams.

6.       Council Underspends

The County Council have announced that they underspent their budget by £34 million this year. They say that this is due to good housekeeping and that they will reinvest the savings in capital projects. At the same time the borough council have underspent by about £500,000. Again we will be looking at schemes that we had to shelve previously to see if some of them can now be taken forward.

7.       New Bench on Bramcote Ridge

To thank Bramcote resident Walter Grauberg for his untiring work on behalf of Bramcote Hills Community Association (BHCA), The Friends of Bramcote Ridge and the people of Bramcote a bench has been installed by the BHCA on the Ridge.   The Bench has a dedicated plaque and is sited at the top view point of the Bramcote Ridge. May I pass my congratulations on to Walter, who I have had the pleasure to know for many years.

8.       Get Involved in Local Democracy

Broxtowe Borough Council are currently running a survey on how it can encourage more people to be involved in local democracy. I’d encourage as many people as possible to participate in this. The survey can be found at www.broxtowe.gov.uk.

9.       Choosing Health Funding

The council is making grants of up to £2,500 available to groups running schemes to improve the health of local residents. The successful projects will be “fresh, creative and help to make a difference.” Groups wishing to apply can contact Jill Burn on jill.burn@nottspct.nhs.uk for details. Applications need to be received by 29^th June.

10.   Arsonist In Kimberley

A number of fires targeting trees have been deliberately started in Kimberley recently. The latest was earlier this week when Conifer Trees in Aintree Close were set alight. If anyone sees people acting suspiciously then please contact the police or Crimestoppers.

11.   Stapleford Storytelling Event

On 21st June 2012 there will be a “Storytelling, Poetry and Skittles” night at The Old Cross, Church Street, Stapleford, starting at 7pm. You can come as a team or as an individual. There is a £1 entrance fee and attendees may bring a poem or story or just come to listen and play. Drinks can be bought at the bar.  Details are available from Dave Wood on O77O9977684.

12.   Help With Fuel Debts

Real help is now available to those who haven’t been able to pay their heating bills. Advisors are available to help householders get grants to get their energy debts reduced or written off. The same advisors can also help with further advice on energy efficiency measures. There is information about the scheme and a self-referral form that the householder should fill in and return as directed. The scheme is run by Advice Nottingham and financed by the major energy companies. If you need help of this kind, please do make an application. Help and funding is available right now.  This scheme is run through St. Anns Advice Centre Telephone  (0115 908 1532) but it is available to residents in the whole of Nottinghamshire. 

13.   Red Lion Pottery

Alan Birchall invites you to ‘POTS PLUS 6’ at Red Lion Pottery Summer Open Studio on  Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July 2012 from 11.30am until 4.30pm at Red Lion Cottage, 228 High Road, Chilwell, Nottingham NG9 5DB. There will be lots of pots, either to buy or just to look at and handle in the showroom and in a marquee. Enjoy a drink, nibbles and a lovely garden. The studio is on the Indigo bus route. If coming by car please park at 230 High Road or on The Close.  Details are available from doc.albirchall@ntlworld.com or on the website at www.redlionpottery.co.uk. The Pottery will also be open as part of Broxtowe Open Studios Saturday-Monday 23-25th June 2012 10am to 6pm, with daily demonstration of hand building slabbed dishes.

14.   Broxtowe Community Celebration

This years Broxtowe Community Celebration, which celebrates the diversity of different cultures within the borough, takes place on Saturday 7th July at Round Hill School, Foster Ave, Beeston. I’ll post fuller details about this next week

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

Best wishes

David

www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk

www.davidwatts.org.uk

Follow me on Twitter at @DavidWatts12. 

Visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Broxtowe-Liberal-Democrats/78471665107

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Broxtowe Enews 9th June 2012

Welcome to Broxtowe Enews, brought to you by the Liberal Democrats and edited by David Watts, the leader of the Lib-Dems on Broxtowe Borough Council. May I give a special welcome to the new readers that we have this week. It’s been a bad week for me as someone forced the gate at the side of my house and stole my bike, which I really liked and used most days.

1.       Borough Housing Plans

May I remind everyone that the public consultation on the borough’s core strategy, which sets out the councils housing plans for the next 15 years along with a range of other policies, begins its public consultation on Monday. I would strongly encourage everyone to take the opportunity to comment on this, even if you have submitted comments before. Everything that is said in this round of consultation will go to the independent inspector who will pass judgement on the plans, so he needs to know what you think, whether you agree with our proposals or not. The details and response forms are available on www.broxtowe.gov.uk/corestrategy. Bramcote residents are invited to a meeting being held by the village Conservation Society on Tuesday at 8pm at the Memorial Hall to discuss the plans.

2.       Tram Works

NET have published details of their work programme for the next six weeks, setting out all the likely disruption. I have put a copy of this on the Broxtowe Lib-Dem web site at www.broxtowelibdems.org.uk and also on my personal web site at www.davidwatts.org.uk. This is on the front page of both sites so just keep scrolling down and you’ll come to it.

3.       Big Health Check Day

The NHS are holding a “Big Health Check Day” for people with learning disabilities, their family members and family carers and professionals. It takes place on Thursday 21^st June from 10am to 3.30pm at Rumbletums Café in Kimberley. A flyer advertising it is on the Broxtowe Lib-Dem web site at www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk.

4.       Gambling Act Review of Principles

The Borough Council, as the licensing authority for the area, is required to review its policies each three years. This process is now beginning and the council have published draft principles. I’ve put a copy of these on the Broxtowe Lib-Dem web site.

5.       Improved Children’s Play Areas

This is the first of several good news stories today, which makes a change to the stories of cutbacks and recession that dominate the national media. At the cabinet meeting last week the borough council agreed to fund two significant upgrades to children’s play areas. £28,000 will be spent improving the Chetwynd Road play area in Toton and £104,500 will be spent improving the Manor Farm Recreation ground, also in Toton.

6.       Improvements To Parks

The council have also agreed to fund improvements to a number of parks and open spaces. Some of these will be funded immediately and some will occur later in the financial year. These are the Basil Russell Playing Fields in Nuthall, the Manor Road Recreation Ground in Eastwood, Coronation Park in Eastwood, the Stag Recreation Ground in Kimberley, Greenhills Road Recreation Ground in Greasley, and Beauvale Park in Greasley.  The Basil Russell and Coronation Park schemes are both for new skate parks, and have both been promoted by local young people. When I was the leader of the council County Councillor Keith Longdon arranged for a group of students from Eastwood Comprehensive to come and see me to discuss the poor state of the existing skate parks and they have been the driving force ever since behind the fund raising and design of the new park. Instances like this are examples of the real difference that people can make to their communities, and I’m delighted that young people are taking the opportunities available.

7.       Public Transport Improvements

The final area of significant expenditure agreed by the cabinet last week is in improvements to public transport schemes. £110,000 is going towards improvements to the Nottingham canal towpath, £20,000 for improvements to cycling infrastructure in Beeston and £10,000 towards improvements to the coach pick up point in Beeston. These were all suggestions that came from the survey that I ran last year into suggestions that people had for improvements to public transport.

The biggest number of suggestions in that survey however were around improvements to bus services. Basically here the problem is that whilst the council are willing to look at these the county council, who have the final say on bus schemes, are extremely reluctant and are looking to make cuts not to encourage fresh investment. However there is cross party support in the borough council to try and implement improvements and we are continuing to look at ways that we can help.

8.       Citizens Advice Bureaux

The County Council cut funding for the CAB a couple of years ago, but since then the borough Council have been able to provide some financial support for them. We have agreed to carry on doing so for next year, and the council will be funding them to the tune of nearly £75,000 this year.

9.       Drink Drive Campaign

Notts police have launched a campaign to target drink driving over the summer months. This is a time of year when the number of people driving under the influence of alcohol increases, and with a whole summer of sport the problem is likely to be more acute this year than usual.

10.   Volunteer Community Drivers Needed

The County Council is currently looking to recruit new volunteer drivers for their community transport schemes. If you are interested please ring Robin Riley on 0115 977 4520.

11.   Bramcote Hills ICT Award

Bramcote Hills Primary School has been awarded a national ICT Mark for its strategic use of ICT both for teaching and administration. As a parent governor at that school I’m delighted that the efforts of our staff and in particular the senior team there are being recognised.

12.   Portas Money

As you may know the Government invited towns to bid for cash grants to help revive high streets, as part of its response to the Mary Portas review of town centres. Two bids were submitted from Broxtowe, one for Beeston and the other taking in the three other town centres. Sadly neither of these were successful.

13.   Olympic Party Packs

Notts County Council are offering free Olympic Party Packs, including pens, balls, flags, water bottles and bunting, to sports teams who can show that they would be able to use it to promote participation in their sport. The number of packs are limited and enquiries should be addressed to sports@nottscc.gov.uk.

14.   Stapleford Storytelling Evening

Local poet and writer Dave Wood will be hosting a storytelling evening at the Old Cross, Church Street, Stapleford on Thursday 21^st June starting at 7pm. Details can be obtained from Dave on 07709 977684.

  

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

Best wishes

David

www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk

www.davidwatts.org.uk

Follow me on Twitter at @DavidWatts12. 

Visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Broxtowe-Liberal-Democrats/78471665107

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Broxtowe Enews 26th May 2012

Welcome to Broxtowe Enews, brought to you by the Liberal Democrats and edited by David Watts, the leader of the Lib-Dems on Broxtowe Borough Council. May I start with a quick apology to people still waiting to receive replies to correspondence over the past week or so. I’ve been snowed under at work but I will get back to you next week.

1.       New Mayor

At the council meeting on Wednesday evening councillor Margaret Handley from Greasley was elected as the new mayor of Broxtowe. The new deputy mayor is Stapleford councillor Iris White, so congratulations to them both. It was my privilege at the meeting to propose the vote of thanks for the outgoing mayor Cllr Jacky Williams, who has been absolutely excellent in the role.

2.       Possible new Leader

Cllr Milan Radulovic, the leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, was present at the meeting on Wednesday. Due to poor health and personal issues Cllr Radulovic has been off work since the turn of the year. It was good to see him on Wednesday but, with a voice heavy with emotion, he did say that if his health did not improve considerably in the near future it would be time to find a new leader of the council.

3.       Hickings Lane Rec

A number of poplar trees have been removed from Hickings Lane recreation ground, Stapleford, in the last few days. This is because the condition of the trees had deteriorated and they had become a safety hazard. Replacement trees will be planted in the autumn.

4.       Beeston Enterprise Zone

The creation of a new enterprise zone at the Boots site in Beeston is a step closer this week after the Notts and Derbyshire Local Enterprise Partnership announced that they would use a significant part of a £26million grant from the government to fund infrastructure development on the site. This is extremely good news and hopefully the enterprise zone will be up and running in the next few months.

5.       Field Farm Submissions

Some readers will have seen an email from Anna Soubry asking for people to send objections to the council’s core strategy, in particularly the likelihood of Field Farm being removed from the green belt and allocated for housing, as soon as possible. Please do not follow this advice. The council are currently considering a planning application for Field Farm as well as the site being included within the Core Strategy, soon to be subject to consultation. An objection (or support) for the Field Farm planning application cannot be used as a representation to the Core Strategy process as Anna suggested.

 The Core Strategy has reached a formal stage and it is important that the correct procedures are followed to make representations to that. There will be specific forms that need to be completed as this includes references to the "soundness" of the Core Strategy that any inspector will need to consider. The timescale for the consultation period will be from June 11th - 5.00pm 23rd July 2012. Representations outside that period are unlikely to be valid. Forms for representation will be available on the council’s website from that date with paper copies available at Council offices at Beeston & Eastwood and in local libraries in the Borough. I have also just approved the design of a leaflet to be sent out to every house in the Borough to advise people of the details and invite comments.

6.       School Meals Survey

A survey published this week by Notts County Council shows that 80% of parents whose kids have school meals rate them as good or very good. ‘d concur with that, my children have school meals and they have a varied and healthy menu.

7.       South Nottingham College

South Notts College have announced a number of changes to sites for the next few years. The Arthur Mee Site in Stapleford is probably going to close, which is extremely bad news for the town, and the Beeston campus is likely to receive a significant makeover. They also plan to change the name to Central College. The college have not finalised these plans yet but they are in an options document that the college have just released. I am sure that all the Stapleford Councillors will try and persuade the college not to go down this route as it is a very important element of life in the town.

8.       1^st Nuthall Scouts

The first Nuthall Scouts have received a grant of £500 from the County Council towards refurbishing their headquarters a facelift as a way of marking the Queens diamond jubilee.

9.       Greasley Multi-Use Games Area

This facility continues to cause problems unfortunately. It is owned by the parish council but used by a wide range of groups, and sadly sometimes the noise levels generated became a real problem for near neighbours. When I was the leader of the borough council we felt that we had no option but to take the matter to court and the magistrates issued a noise abatement order. Unfortunately the borough council have now had to take the parish council to court again for breach of that order. The case will resume on 30^th May.

10.   Bus Service Changes

Premier Buses have made alterations to their number 17 service from Beeston to Stapleford, so that the morning service now runs five minutes earlier and the early evening service has a new timetable. These changes start tomorrow. Whilst on the subject of buses may I mention that the borough council’s cabinet will be looking at the next meeting about steps that we can take to improve bus services in Broxtowe. This is a direct result of responses from readers of this newsletter. You may recall I asked for views last year because the council still have a significant amount of money to spend on public transport, and improving bus services was the most common response that I received. We’ve been exploring all the options over the past few months and are now ready for the council to make some decisions.

11.   Mobility Aids

Notts County Council’s Trading Standards Department are researching the sale of mobility scooters. If you have purchased any mobility aids, either for yourself or a relative, they are hoping that you will take a few minutes to fill in a questionnaire. You can access this at www.surveymonkey.com/s/ncc-mobility. Apparently this can be done anonymously.

12.   New School Buildings

As you may have heard on the national news the Government have announced a £17 billion nationwide investment in new school buildings. Amongst the successful applicants is Lynncroft Primary School in Eastwood. In addition to this the County Council is putting in £100 million investment into schools across the county.

13.   High Visibility Back Packs

The police station in Beeston has a number of high visibility back packs to give away free to local cyclists. If you want one just pop into the police station on Chilwell Road and ask. I’m mentioning this because a cyclist was killed on the road close to my house on Wednesday morning and so I hope that all cyclists will consider their safety anew. If they run out of supplies there will be a further promotion in September.

14.   Report from Bill Newton Dunn MEP

The latest news report from Bill Newton-Dunn MEP is available to read at our website – www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk

15.   Funding Available For Health Projects in Broxtowe

Groups and organisations in Broxtowe are being encouraged by NHS Nottinghamshire County and the Broxtowe Borough Partnership to apply for up to £2,500 of funding to help tackle health inequalities in the area. ‘Choosing Health’ funding will support healthy initiatives run by voluntary, community and partnership groups in the Borough of Broxtowe.  Successful projects will be fresh, creative and help to make a difference to the health of local people.  This is a great way for local residents to be involved in improving the health and wellbeing of their local community. For more information and an application form, please contact Jill Burn on 0115 8835544 or email jill.burn@nottspct.nhs.uk. The deadline for applications will be 29 June 2012 for projects running from July 2012 to July 2013.                       

16.   Beeston and Chilwell Garden Trail

The annual Beeston and Chilwell Garden Trail is taking place on Saturday 9th June and Sunday 10th June. There are 14 gardens open this year, including some new ones to the trail. Further details can be found at www.beestonandchilwellgardentrail.org.uk

17.   Sharnford Way Estate

Can I end with a message solely for those who live, as I do, on the Sharnford Way estate in Bramcote. Does anyone know who owns the big black male cat without a collar that wanders round the estate. I’m getting fed up chasing him out of my kitchen and I was seriously unimpressed when he was sat outside my bedroom door at 4am this morning caterwauling for my cat, who was asleep on the bed. He’s also broken my cat flap five times now! I’d like to know where to frogmarch him back to when I eventually catch him.

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

Best wishes

David

www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk

www.davidwatts.org.uk

Follow me on Twitter at @DavidWatts12. 

Visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Broxtowe-Liberal-Democrats/78471665107

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Broxtowe Enews 28th April 2012

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

1.       Future Building Plans

Thank you for all the comments that I have received following my extra email during the week. We had a meeting of the Lib-Dem council group last night and I was able to relay these comments on to everyone else. I do believe that the decisions we take over the next couple of weeks will be the most important that we ever take as councillors as they will fundamentally affect the whole future of Broxtowe. I hope that next week I will be able to attach a briefing sheet to the newsletter setting out the issues as I see them, in a non-partisan way.  May I also stress that the report by the officers which I circulated during the week is the starting point for discussion and this does not mean that their proposals are those that the council will adopt. I’ve had a letter, as all councillors have, this week from our MP asking us to reject the whole of the proposals. Unfortunately not only I it misspelt but she gets the law wrong about the consequences of us doing so. What I do promise everyone is that not one councillor of any party will take the decision lightly. The issues have been discussed at great length already and will be during the cabinet and council meetings.

2.       Open Cast Mining proposal

I didn’t know whether this should be the first or second story this week because it is probably almost equally important. UK Coal have now applied for permission to create an open cast mine at Shortwood Farm, between Trowell and Cossall. This is an issue which will unite all three parties as we are all opposed to it. It will wreck an important part of the green belt and of the DH Lawrence Heritage. I was surprised though to hear that a Labour councillor thought a campaign group might spring up – it has already been in existence for a while. Mining is an issue dealt with by the county council and so it will be up to Notts CC to decide this. Broxtowe will have our say but we don’t get to make the decision. I did meet the applicants last year, as many local residents did, and I asked them if they could produce any residents from other sites who had opposed schemes but were willing to say that they had then changed their minds because of the good way that UK Coal dealt with the site. They couldn’t produce anyone. That speaks volumes to me.

3.       Beeston Bus Stations

Changes will be made to the layout of Beeston Bus Station next week in preparation for the demolition of the multi-storey car park next week. All buses will use a one way system coming in via Styring Street and out onto Station Road, with some of the stops being moved onto Styring Street. A leaflet has been prepared about this and you can download it from our website at www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk.

4.       Mick Atherton

Some very sad news to report is that Mick Atherton, husband of councillor Eileen Atherton and a long standing stalwart of the Beeston Civic Society, sadly passed away this week. May I send my deepest condolences to Eileen and her family. The funeral will take place next Friday at Bramcote Crematorium at 11am.

5.       Toton Petition

Toton Environmental Protection Society have been collecting signatures over the past few weeks from local residents opposed to  the plans by Peverill builders to develop an 800 house estate at the edge of Toton.  This is part of the housing proposals that will  be discussed by the council on 16^th May. The petition now numbers well over 2,000 signatures and they have done me the honour of asking me to present it on their behalf at the next full council meeting, which I am delighted to do.

6.       White Hills Park School

White Hills Park School (which comprises Bramcote Park and Alderman White schools) is currently considering whether or not to convert to an academy. As part of the process they have organised two consultation meetings with prospective parents, which will be at the Bramcote Park school on 17^th May and at Alderman White school on 24^th May. Both will begin at 6.30pm. If you are a prospective parent who wishes to attend please contact Karen Sims on 0115 907 8111 or ksims@whpfederation.org.

7.       Early Days Nursery

The Early Days nursery, currently based at Wadsworth Field Primary School in Stapleford, have been told by the school that they will need to find a new home by September. The school say that they now need to the rooms for school children as they are taking children at an earlier age.

8.       Super Fast Broadband

The Government have announced that they will be providing a grant of £4.25 million towards the costs of improving the speed of broadband in Nottinghamshire. The various councils whose residents will benefit from this, including Broxtowe, are providing a further £3.25 million. In a competitive business market having access to super fast broadband will be essential for our local businesses and will ensure that we have every advantage when trying to attract new businesses to the area.

9.       Nottingham Mayor Referendum

As you may be aware there is a referendum taking place next week in Nottingham about whether to have an elected mayor or not. This is only for residents of Nottingham City and so as Broxtowe residents we don’t get a vote. Equally the mayor, if appointed, would have no power here. However the Nottingham Post have already started discussing whether or not the city boundaries should be extended to include large parts of Broxtowe. I am totally opposed to this. We’re not getting a say on whether or not to have a mayor and so why should we then have to put up with having one? More generally, I don’t want to be part of Nottingham City. I live in Broxtowe and am proud to do so.

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

Best wishes

David

www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk

www.davidwatts.org.uk

Follow me on Twitter at @DavidWatts12. 

Visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Broxtowe-Liberal-Democrats/78471665107

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Broxtowe Enews 31st March 2012

Welcome to Broxtowe Enews, brought to you by the Liberal Democrats and edited by David Watts, the leader of the Lib-Dems on Broxtowe Borough Council. May I give a special welcome to the new readers that we have this week.

1. Beeston Multi-Storey Car Park

The multi-storey car park in Beeston closes tonight for the last time, prior to being demolished over the next few weeks to make way for the tram. Even if the tram hadn’t been coming the car park would have needed substantial work on it to bring it up to modern standards. Alternative parking can be found at the following locations:

Short Stay Car Parks
Foster Avenue
City Road (North)
City Road (South)
Regent Street

Long Stay Car Parks
Albion Street
Middle Street and Middle Central
Derby Street (Middle)
Derby Street (South)

Pre-paid season tickets will only be accepted at long stay car parks. Beeston Shopmobility will be moving to 17, The Square, Beeston on 31st March. For full details of all the parking in Broxtowe Borough visit www.broxtowe.gov.uk or contact Broxtowe Borough Council on 0115 917 7777.

2. National Planning Policy Framework

The Government this week published the national planning policy framework, the new set of rules for planning in the UK. They published a draft last year which, whilst it had a lot of good things in it, also had some flaws. It was criticised by numerous organisations about the way it threatened the green belt, and I was one of many people who has lobbied the government over this. I’m pleased to say that much of this lobbying has paid off and the new rules are far better. That will have a significant impact here in Broxtowe where the previous government had left our green belt very exposed to development. I was extremely surprised to read in Anna Soubry’s newsletter this week a claim that the council wanted to develop the land north of Toton, when she is fully aware that the council voted unanimously to support a motion that I proposed last year to delete this site from the list of preferred sites.

3. Calling All Retailers

The borough council’s “Calling All Retailers” event which was cancelled earlier this month has now been rescheduled for 25^th April. This is a training event for independent retailers aimed at helping them to improve sales and performance. It takes place at the Belfrey hotel in Nuthall and costs £10. Details are available from the council’s economic development team on (0115) 917 3446.

4. Changes to Recycling Services

The council is currently in the process of changing contractors for plastic bottles, cardboard cartons and paper at 4 of the following recycling sites:

· Sainsbury's, Stoney Street, Beeston NG9 2LA

· Sainsbury's, Green Street, Kimberley NG16 2LY

· Morrison's, Kelham Way, Eastwood NG16 3NT

· Co-op, Victoria Street, Stapleford NG9 7AN

There has been a short break in services at some of the sites but new facilities should be in place at all of them early next week.

5. Easter Football

There is an opportunity for children, both boys and girls, aged 7-10 years old to get involved and play football during the school holidays. The holiday sessions will take place at Manor Farm Recreation Ground in Toton, NG9 6EL on 4^th April from 9.00am for 7 hours.

6. Nuthall Craft Fair

A craft and plant sale will take place at Nuthall Temple Centre, Nottingham Road, Nuthall, in aid of local friendship and luncheon clubs. Stalls cost from £6, and entry is only 50p. Refreshments are available, plenty of parking and all in a good cause. Details are available from sue@nuthallparishcouncil.co.uk

7. Broxtowe 5K and Fun Run

The Broxtowe 5k and fun run will take place at Bramcote Park on 13^th April, starting at 6.30pm. It is billed as an ideal introduction to running for both the young and old. The race is suitable for those who are new to running or those who are looking for an additional race to take part in. Entry for the 5K is £5.50 per person and entry for the1K is £3.00 per person. Enter online for this discounted price (Normal costs are £8.50 for the 5K and £4.00 for the 1K). Minimum age for the 5K is 14yrs. Minimum age for 1K Fun Run is 5yrs. All children must be supervised by an adult. Children under the age of 8yrs must have an adult running with them. Details are available on the councils web site at www.broxtowe.gov.uk or by ringing (0115) 917 3572.

8. Children’s Arts and Crafts Workshops

Spring is in the air this Easter with the council’s have-a-go arts and crafts workshops. Make something special to take home with follow our themed trail around the exhibition area to win a small prize! All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. These run on Tues 3rd, Weds 4th Thurs 5^th, Tues 10th and Weds 11th April 2012, from 10.30am -1.00pm and 1.30pm - 4.00pm at D.H. Lawrence Heritage Centre, Mansfield Road, Eastwood, Nottingham. Admission is £3.00 per child, Broxtowe Leisure Card holders get in for £2.50, D.H. Lawrence Annual Members Free. The first accompanying adult gets in free with a £1.00 charge for additional adults. For more information, please contact or email the D.H. Lawrence Heritage Centre on culture@broxtowe.gov.uk or by ringing 01773 717 353

9. Neville Sadler Court

The owners of Neville Sadler Court in Beeston, part of which was due to be demolished to make way for the tram, have now announced that they intend to close the home altogether. They will need to make arrangements to rehouse all of the residents, some of whom have lived there for a number of years.

10. Herons

I was delighted to read that a record number of heron nests have been identified at Attenborough Nature Reserve. As herons rely on a sufficient supply of food this is an indication that the water quality is also of extremely good quality at the moment.

11. Beeston Maltings

Heineken, who own the building, have applied for planning permission to demolish the Maltings in Beeston. This application will need to be looked at by the Development Control Committee rather than dealt with administratively. I will keep people informed about how this application progresses.

12. Planning Application in Nuthall

A planning application has been submitted to build 139 houses in Nuthall next to the A610 near Nuthall Island. This will also be looked at by the Development Control Committee.

13. The Budget

For some reason the national media seemed to miss reporting on how the vote went on the budget (probably because they were too busy reporting on the complete mishandling of the non-existent fuel crisis) so just in case you missed it when it came to the vote labour voted against raising tax allowances, which will give more than 40,000 people in Broxtowe a cut in tax, but they abstained on the vote to cut the 50p top rate of tax to 45p. In blunt terms, they opposed cutting tax for the poor but not for the rich.

14. Open Cast Mining

Anna Soubry has reported this week that an application is likely to be submitted by UK Coal to carry out open cast mining between Cossall and Trowell. This is something that all local political parties are opposed to and I hope we will work together to oppose it. Anna Soubry and I have already raised it with Eric Pickles when we met him last year and notified him of the strength of feeling locally in case the decision ends up with him. This application does not come to the borough council but instead is dealt with by the County Council. As soon as an application is submitted I will let people know.

15. Highways

All responsibility for dealing with highways matters passes tonight from the borough council to the county council. However all your Lib-Dem borough councillors will continue to raise highway concern on your behalf should you wish.

Given that next weekend is the Easter weekend there will be no newsletter then, and the next edition will come out on 13^th April.

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

Best wishes

David

www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk

www.davidwatts.org.uk

Follow me on Twitter at @DavidWatts12.

Visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Broxtowe-Liberal-Democrats/78471665107

Email me at davidwatts@broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk

Broxtowe Enews 25th February 2012

Welcome to Broxtowe Enews, brought to you by the Liberal Democrats and edited by David Watts, the leader of the Lib-Dems on Broxtowe Borough Council. May I give a special welcome to the new readers that we have this week. We now have a record number of readers, having just passed another significant milestone in the volume of subscribers we have.

1. Chilwell and Toton By Election

Thank you to everyone for the reception that you have given Barbara Carr, myself and our team as we have been campaigning for the County and Borough Council by elections on 15^th March. We’re delighted with the reception that we have received. I’m not sure how the Tories are finding things as I see that they have decided to attack me personally in their latest leaflet, questioning my integrity and judgement. What a shame that their campaign has leapt straight into the gutter.

2. Dog Mess

One thing that struck Barbara and I as we’ve been campaigning is the sheer amount of dog mess that we’ve seen on some streets. We therefore raised this with the borough council and I’m delighted that they have agreed to take urgent action. A visual inspection has been carried out to identify the worst streets and new signage has been erected encouraging people to clear up any mess that their dogs make. An intensive clean up of the roads will be carried out in the next few weeks. The worst streets appear to be Inham Road, Valley Road and Wheatgrass Road in Chilwell, and Seaburn Road, Bispham Drive and Whitburn Road in Toton, but please let me know if you think that there are other roads that need adding to that list.

3. Mayors Charity Ball

The Mayors charity ball will take place on 21^st April from 7pm, and Funds raised will go towards the Mayors chosen charities, the Rainbows Hospice and the Link Youth Café. Tickets cost £32 and are available from the Borough Council on 0115 917 3210 or on this link: http://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=9892. The Mayor this year is my Lib-Dem colleague Jacky Williams who represents Stapleford South East. Incidentally, I saw an appeal this week from the Link café that they were looking for new volunteers. If you are interested please visit linkyouthcafe@live.co.uk .

4. Beeston Seed Swap

I have been asked to publicise the Beeston Seed Swap, organised by ABC LETS. It takes place on Saturday 3rd March, at Wollaton Rd Methodist Church, Wollaton Road, Beeston, from 9.30-12.30. Entrance is free, with seeds, gardening books and sundries also free. Donations of the same are welcome. The Church coffee shop will be open throughout. For more information contact Mary Venning (0115) 854 2994 or Richard Eddleston: riedd@btopenworld.com or see www.abclets.org.uk.

5. Council Budgets

The County Council set their budget on Thursday last week, following a mammoth 11 hour meeting. They have decided not to raise council tax this year, and a proposal by Labour to increase council tax by 3% was defeated. The budget does include cuts of £37 million to services. This Wednesday the Borough Council will meet to discuss our proposals for next year, and the joint Lib-Dem/Labour administration are proposing no increase in council tax for the second year running. In contrast to the County Council, the Borough Council proposals protect front line services throughout.

6. Toton Housing Proposals

Somewhere between 450 and 600 people attended a display at the Japanese Water Gardens on Tuesday this week when Peverill Securities displayed their proposals for building in Toton. I spoke to one of the PR people there who said that they had received some positive responses, but the overwhelming view of people when I was there was extremely negative. Anna Soubry failed to attend, although she had said that she would be there, but one Tory councillor was there telling people I was personally wholly in favour of the scheme, which is simply not the truth.

7. Beeston Library

Beeston Library has now reopened after a major refit. The children’s library is now downstairs and there is new lighting throughout the building.

8. Basil Russell Park, Nuthall

The Basil Russell Park in Nuthall has reopened after a £60,000 facelift. A significant amount of new play equipment has been installed for children, funded by the county council.

That’s it for this week. It must be the shortest edition of the newsletter for months, but there just doesn’t seem to be much to report this week. As ever thank you for your support for this newsletter, and any feedback is gratefully received. You can send feedback via emails, the web, or Facebook. All the details are below.

Best wishes

David

www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk

www.davidwatts.org.uk

Follow me on Twitter at @DavidWatts12.

Visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Broxtowe-Liberal-Democrats/78471665107

Email me at davidwatts@broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk