David Watts

Open Cast Mining

As I‘ve mentioned previously UK Coal have applied to the County Council for permission to create an open cast mine between Cossall and Trowell. All three local political parties are firmly opposed to this and there are two public meetings planned for people to express their views. These will take place in Trowell Parish Hall tomorrow, Sunday 13^th May, from 3.00pm to 4.30pm, and then at Awsworth Parish Hall on 25^th May from 7pm. Both meetings have been organised by the Parish Councils and our MP, Anna Soubry, will be attending both.

Housing Strategy

On Wednesday the council will be determining its housing strategy for the next 15 years. I truly believe that this is the most important meeting that I will ever have taken part in as a councillor. The issues and conflicts in the meeting are huge. I was hoping to produce a briefing sheet to go with this newsletter but I’m afraid that time defeated me. In summary the main issues are that Greater Nottingham is growing and needs homes for the projected population growth until 2028. The growth is because people are living longer and in smaller households. However we only have a limited amount of land and cannot build enough houses without taking some land out of the green belt (about 0.5% of the total green belt in Broxtowe). This is the conundrum that councillors face. The worst situation however would be if we do nothing, because if that happens it would be a free for all for developers.

The meeting on Wednesday is an open meeting and I hope that as many residents as possible will attend. It starts at 7pm at Beeston Town Hall, and I suspect that many people will attend and so I recommend getting there early. Many people have been emailing councillors putting forward their points of view over the last few days, and I’m grateful for every one of them. I can promise you that everyone’s views are going to be taken into account. However there are no easy options for us to take.

Diversions from the M1

The County Council have asked the Highways Agency , who manage the M1, to look at the diversion routes used if the road is closed between junction 25 and 26. At the moment the diversion is to come up the A52 then the A6002 (Coventry Lane) and this causes massive congestion on surrounding roads. I strongly hope that the Highways Agency do look at alternatives, and not just because the current route goes straight past my house.

Christian Aid ride

Stapleford resident John Hindson (aged 69) will be taking part in a coast to coast cycle ride from Morecambe to Bridlington to raise money for Christian Aid. His group will be setting off on Monday and hope to complete the crossing in four days. If you would like to donate to John’s appeal visit www.justgiving.com/John-Hindson.

Kimberley Miners Welfare Site

Local residents in Kimberley are gathering signatures on a petition opposed to plans for a shop and flats to be built on the site of the old miners welfare site in the town. They are concerned about the addition traffic that the shop may generate.

Kimberley Triathlon

Bookings are now closed for the Kimberley triathlon on the 20^th May. This year the event includes a taster triathlon, where contestants will do a 200 metre swim, a seven kilometre bike ride and a two kilometre run. To my mind that still seems absolutely exhausting and I‘ve always been amazed at the fitness of triathletes. Good luck to everyone who is taking part.

Academy Move considered

The White Hills Park federation of schools is, as I have mentioned before, considering a move to academy status. The anti-academy alliance is organising meetings in opposition to the proposal, and have organised a meeting at Beeston Library on Monday at 7pm. The Executive Head of the school, Kevin Dean, will be present to take part.

Castle College Building, Chewton Street, Eastwood.

On Tuesday the councils development control committee will consider an application to demolish the old Castle College building in Chewton Street, Eastwood, and replace it with 40 homes. If this is given permission extra places will need to be found at the local junior school because of the expected increase in pupils, and the developers would have to contribute towards this. However if we do give permission that is 40 less homes which will need to be built elsewhere, and so the pressure on the green belt is reduced.

Ambulance Targets

East Midlands Ambulance Service has announced that it achieves the Governments performance targets for responding to emergencies. They have reached more than 75% of emergencies within 8 minutes.

Tram Designs

NET have unveiled the new designs for their trams this week, which will serve the line coming through Beeston and Chilwell. You can see an image of them at the NET phase two website at http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/netphase2/index.aspx?articleid=7487.

Poetry Publication

Songs for the Nids, Stapleford poet Dave Wood’s fourth, vibrant collection of poetry is now available for sale at 75p (minimum). The fifteen poems, including a variation on his cultish, ‘on being sold hoops instead of alphabetti spaghetti’ will be launched at Two4Tea, 92 Derby Road, Stapleford at 7.30pm on 30^th May. Dave will launch the collection in his own active and inimitable style of performance. Admission is £2 per person to include a copy of the broadsheet. If you’ve bought a copy already, bring it on the night and entrance is £1.25.

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

Best wishes

David

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Witnesses Sought

Posted May 2, 2012

Broxtowe Enews 28th April 2012

I have received this message tonight from the police which I am happy to pass on:

PC2882 Barlow
Beat Manager – Bramcote and Stapleford Southeast
Stapleford Neighbourhood Policing Team
Tel: – 101 ext 8555760
Mobile: – 07525989423

Did you help elderly robbery victim?

Police are trying to trace good Samaritans who helped an elderly woman whose bag was snatched in Bramcote yesterday (Tuesday 1 May).

The 79-year-old woman was targeted by a man, in his early twenties, near to the bus stop in Town Street at around 2.15pm.

He dragged the pensioner to the floor and fled in the direction of Cow Lane with her handbag, which contained a small amount of cash and other personal items.

The woman, who was injured in the attack, was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police believe a number of people stopped to help the victim. They are appealing to them to get in touch as they may have information that could prove vital to the investigation.

Detective Inspector Andy Bateman said: “This was an attack on an elderly woman in the middle of the day. We are treating it very seriously, both in terms of our investigation and reassurance to the local community. Extra patrols are being undertaken in the area.

“It was raining at the time of the incident and we believe there was a bus due along the road at that time. Were you on that bus or waiting at the bus stop? Did you see the robbery? Did you see a man matching the description of the offender running up the hill towards Cow Lane?

“If so, call us.”

The robber is described as white, in his early twenties, and around 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall. He was of average build, clean shaven, and wore light-coloured trousers with a light-coloured bomber-style jacket with a white hood.

Witnesses, or anyone with any information, should contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Posted April 28, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Broxtowe Enews 21st April 2012

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Posted April 21, 2012

I didn’t produce a newsletter last week so there are quite a few things to cover but I’ve tried to be selective about what I’m including to make sure that things are relevant and interesting for readers.

Housing Numbers

I’ve grown very tired over the past year or so of reading wholly incorrect announcements from the Conservatives about the level of new housing that will be required in the borough. The truth is, as I have reported here in the past, that no decisions have been made about where any new housing will be built, or indeed if new housing will be built here at all. However we are moving now to the point where these decisions will be made. Papers will be issued this week by the council setting out all the options which councillors need to decide on. The first issue will be to ascertain the vision that we have for the long term for the borough, and then based on this to determine what level of development will be needed in the future. All the research that exists shows that Greater Nottingham will need 52,000 more houses over the next 15 years, and it is a major point of debate about where they should be located, or indeed whether a smaller number of houses should be built, but if so we need to recognise that this could be a significant barrier to growth in the area. The council are still engaged in a consultation process but I would really like to hear people’s ideas personally as well. Please let me have your comments.

New Lord Lieutenant

Nottinghamshire has a new Lord Lieutenant, Sir John Pearce. The Lord Lieutenant is the Queens official representative in the county, and Sir John is the founder and former head of Experian.

Beeston Maltings

Heineken, who own the Maltings building in Beeston, want to demolish it. Legally the council have very few options to prevent this happening, although the Beeston civic Society are working to explore every avenue. I am very grateful for all their efforts, and also for those of the local councillors who have been assisting. A meeting took place with the owners this week, although I understand that no agreements were reached. However that does not mean for one moment that people are giving up the fight.

Wilkinsons To Return

The Wilkinsons store in Beeston has now closed but I was delighted to read a statement from the chain this week to say that they were committed to Beeston and wanted to return. I am extremely disappointed that the store has closed without replacement being ready, but it is encouraging to hear an unequivocal commitment from the company.

Wildflower Planting

Broxtowe Mayor JackyWilliams will join pre-school children in Watnall on Tuesday to plant wild flowers at Watnall Green, to mark the three new local nature reserves that we have declared in the borough this year.

Calls for Rail Line Improvements

A debate took place in parliament last week involving MP’s from across the East Midlands calling for improved investment in the Midland Main line. The Transport Secretary conceded that there was a good case for improved investment, which is encouraging, but there is still a long way to go.

Drought Notice

You may have failed to notice this with the appalling weather over the past few weeks but he East Midlands is now officially in a drought. However the good news is that Severn Trent Water assure us that there are no plans to introduce any sort of hosepipe bans, although hopefully we will all take care to preserve water where we can.

Eastwood Town Council

One of the most bizarre news stories over the past few days was the decision of Labour run Eastwood Town Council to throw a local resident off his allotment simply because he was a pensioner with a hip replacement. This clearly breached all sorts of equalities rules, and was taken by a completely Labour run committee without any reference to the full council. After the story appeared in the national media my Lib-Dem colleagues on the council were able to force an emergency meeting and discussion on the issue and the council reversed their decision. My colleagues Josie Forrest and Keith Longdon deserve considerable credit for forcing some common sense on the council, and the whole affair reflects extremely badly on Labour councillor David Bagshaw, the leader of the Town Council, who should frankly be considering his position as a result of this farce.

Garden Waste Recycling

Broxtowe Borough Council have announced that we have signed a new agreement with Wastecycle to recycle the garden waste that we collect. Wastecycle are a local company and I’m delighted that we were able to place this contract locally.

Beeston Hindu Temple

The new Hindu temple in Beeston Rylands officially opened last week. After some negative actions by BNP supporters in the run up to the launch I’m delighted that local residents went out of their way to welcome the temple to the area and to show those who practice race hate that their views are not welcome here.

Queens Jubilee Parties

Notts County Council have announced that they have received 108 applications to close streets in the county to hold street parties to celebrate the Queens diamond jubilee. Twelve of these are planned to be in Broxtowe.

Reporting Water Leaks

Severn Trent Water have launched a new service for reporting water leaks. The web site is designed to work with smart phones and to use GPS to locate the leak immediately. If you need to use this visit www.stwater.co.uk and click on the “Report a Leak” button.

Demolishing The Multi Storey

The face of Beeston will change for ever from the 8^th May when work begins to demolish the multi storey car park. This has been closed since the end of March and needs to go to make way for the tram. The Shopmobility team, which was based in the car park, has moved to 17 The Square and continues to operate.

Raleigh Take Over Talks

One of Nottinghams most famous firms, Raleigh Bikes, who are based in Eastwood, have confirmed they are discussing a possible take over by Dutch firm Accell. If this happens there must then be considerable doubt over how much work would continue in Eastwood, but I hope that they will and the Economic Development team at the borough council are looking at what we can do to help.

Lost The Plot Writing Sessions

On 16th April 2012, supported by Stapleford Town Council, Dave Wood’s performance, ‘Lost the Plot’ launched a series of creative writing sessions at The Carnegie Centre, Warren Avenue, Stapleford; the sessions will be 23rd April, May 14th, May 28th and June 11th. Cost is £16 for the full course. For those interested in being creative with words, they can contact Dave on O77O9977684 or email him on davewrite2002 @ yahoo.com.

As ever thank you for your support for this newsletter, and any feedback is gratefully received. I’ll just end with this little anecdote from today. It’s my birthday tomorrow and my five year old daughter decided to demonstrate her maths ability to me this afternoon. “Daddy, how old are you now?” “I’m 45 darling.” “So tomorrow you’ll be 46.” “Yes darling, well done.” “Gosh, that’s really old!” As they say, from the mouths of babes and sucklings…

Best wishes

David

Broxtowe Enews 31st March 2012

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Posted March 31, 2012

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Broxtowe Enews 24th March 2012

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Posted March 24, 2012

Revamp of the Square

I was delighted to read a statement this week from Henry Boot, who own the lease on Beeston Town Square, to say that they hope to complete the first stage of redeveloping the Square by early 2014. This is what councillors had always worked for and wanted, and it has been a real benefit in negotiations that the council has always acted unanimously over this. I hope that the necessary contracts can be signed as quickly as possible to that work can proceed.

School Places

The County Council have announced the creation of a new school admissions forum to oversee the process of allocating children to school. The aim is to ensure that any vulnerable children are placed quickly and also to ensure that the system works as well as possible. This is something that I think every parent will welcome.

New Books For Libraries

The County Council have announced a new tie up with the City Council and Derby City Council to purchase books for their libraries. The new consortium will be able to negotiate cheaper prices given their larger purchasing power, which again is some good news to welcome.

The Budget

As ever with a coalition there will be some things that I like and some that I don’t. However I‘m delighted that the personal allowance for income tax will be going up so much, which was a key Lib-Dem policy. The impact in Broxtowe is that 47,900 people will pay less tax than previously, and 3,600 local residents will no longer have to pay tax at all. If you are a higher rate tax payer (as I am) then the benefit will be significantly less because of the change in the point that higher rates kick in, but I firmly believe that those who earn more should pay more (and so yes, I would have preferred to keep the 50p rate but the big winners in the budget are millions of ordinary workers, not a few of the ultra-rich). I’m disappointed that the media have referred to a granny tax, which is a complete misreporting of the change to allowances and will cause considerable worry for some people. The position is that until now pensioners were able to earn more before paying tax than people of working age. This anomaly has been removed so that everyone starts to pay tax at the same point. Pensioners will still benefit from a huge increase in pensions next month, the biggest increase ever in pensions, and this was another key Lib-Dem policy implemented by the coalition.

Challenge to Anna Soubry

You may have seen on the national news a group of doctors have announced plans to challenge a group of coalition MP’s over the NHS reforms. Amongst the seats that they have identified to challenge is Broxtowe. I have to say that, whilst I think that there were some significant flaws with the bill, the 1,000 amendments that the lib-Dems made to the bill have made it far better than it was originally. Issues like greater democratic accountability are to be welcomed, but I am aware that many people retain concerns over the bill.

Tram jobs

Some 40 new jobs are being advertised by the tram consortium at the moment. One of the things that we have sought to ensure with the tram is that jobs go to local people where possible, and so I’m delighted that the consortium are honouring their commitments to recruit locally. Details are available at the Borough Council web site at www.broxtowe.gov.uk.

Retained Firefighters

Notts Fire Brigade are seeking to recruit new retained firefighters for a number of locations in the County, including Stapleford. You need to live or work within 5 minutes of the station on Pinfold Lane to be eligible. Retained firefighters receive an annual allowance and an hourly rate for being on call. Details are available at www.notts-fire.gov.uk. I also saw this week that the fire service has received a share of a £5.4 million grant from the government to upgrade its control centre. This is a big improvement on the system under the previous government where they decided to merge all the regional control centres into one, and took out a very long and expensive lease on a building to do this, which was never ever used.

Work on the A453

It is likely that the rebuilding of the A453 will start in the early part of next year. In the short term this is likely to lead to more traffic on the A52 as drivers come up to junction 25 to avoid the works. However in the long term the benefits of having an improved A453 are massive.

Crime Threat in Beeston?

Residents in Clifford Avenue and Dennis Avenue in Beeston have been left very concerned after a number of houses were marked with an X during the week, and are worried that this may be thieves identifying potential targets. If anyone has any information about these please contact the police or, if you do not want to contact them directly, speak to myself or Cllr Steve Carr and we will pass any messages on.

Wind Turbine Proposals

The Borough Council, along with the City Council, are currently considering an application from Nottingham University to install three large wind turbines alongside the Trent in Beeston Rylands. Now East Midlands Airport has submitted a formal objection to the proposals as they are worried that it would interfere with the airport radar system. This would appear to be a very significant factor for the councils to take into account.

New Role For Chief Constable

Notts Police’s Chief Constable Julia Hodson, who is due to retire next year, is to stand aside early to take up a role with ACPO, the Association of Chief Police Officers. The Deputy Chief Constable Chris Eyre will become the Acting Chief Constable in her place.

Tram Survey

I was interested to read this week that 88 per cent of Hucknall residents gave the tram a positive rating when surveyed by the Nottingham Post. Hucknall is the terminus for Line One, and having such a positive response is very encouraging and offers considerable comfort to residents in Chilwell and Beeston who will have to put up with disruption whilst the new line in built. The council have a significant responsibility to ensure that people are kept informed with what is going on during the next couple of years.

Round Hill Primary School

Congratulations to the pupils of Round Hill Primary school who have been shortlisted for the top prize in the Climate Week Challenge, the biggest environmental competition in the UK. They are in the 7-9 year old group, for their efforts creating a vegetable garden and also an area for chickens on the roof. The results will be announced on Monday.

East Midlands Trains

A Which? survey on train overcrowding reported that in 37% of East Midlands Trains journeys all the seats were taken and people had to stand. Whilst this is a very large figure it is probably a distortion of the figures as passengers who had problems are more likely to fill in the survey than those who don’t. Nevertheless it is a figure that should concern the company management.

GRO Business Event

The GRO Business event promoted by the borough council on 29^th March has unfortunately been cancelled. A new date will be announced shortly.

Bramcote CAT Meeting

If you live in Bramcote you will be very welcome to attend the next CAT meeting on Monday, starting at 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall.

Stanton Island Master Plan

The owners of Stanton Ironworks have published a new master plan for the development of the site. This is in Erewash but almost adjoining Broxtowe, and so will have a significant impact on us. The new proposals include 1,950 homes, a care village, a new primary school and public open spaces, but have no new roads whatsoever. I really don’t think that this will work as the existing roads couldn’t cope with the new levels of traffic. The plans can be seen at www.erewashcouncil.com/stanton.

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

Best wishes

David

Broxtowe Enews 18th March 2012

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Posted March 19, 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. Many apologies that this newsletter is a day later than I said but when we got back from a weekend camping trip yesterday I was too tired to put it together.

Chilwell and Toton By Elections

As I mentioned in my brief email on Thursday night the Conservatives won both the County and Borough by elections in Chilwell and Toton. In the County Council election Dr John Doddy polled 1,958 votes, I polled 1,375 votes and UKIP polled 682 votes. There are different ways of calculating percentage changes because it is a multi-member ward when full elections take place, and so for consistency I will use the percentages shown by the County Council. This puts the Conservatives on 48% (up 5%), me on 34% (up 20.6%) and UIP on 17% (up 7%). Whilst the absence of a Labour candidate affects these percentages we had a huge swing to us and to get within 600 votes from an electorate of 16,000 is a very narrow margin. I read a sour grapes email from Labour today trying to claim that we were miles behind, possibly inspired because I had threatened to sue after another recent Labour email until they printed an apology, which they did the same day. Make your own minds up.) May I thank everyone who supported me in the election, and especially those who helped in any way. I’m now looking forward to the rematch next year.

Cllr Milan Radulovic

As regular readers will recall, the leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, Cllr Milan Radulovic, stepped aside at the start of this year following him being charged with an offence of fraud. He appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Friday where he indicated that he would be pleading not guilty and the case has been sent to the Crown Court because of the amount of money involved. He will appear there for a preliminary hearing at the end of this month but his trial is unlikely to take place before the summer.

Alderman Pounder School

Alderman Pounder school in Chilwell has received a grant of £50,000 from the Ministry of Defence to help it provide specialist support for children of service personnel. The school currently has 33 children of service personnel on its books and the money will be very welcome. A new sensory room will be amongst the new facilities built as a result.

Portas High Streets

As you may be aware the Government is looking at funding redevelopment of 11 high streets in the UK following recommendations by Mary Portas. Broxtowe will be submitting two bids for this, one for Beeston, put together by the Beeston BID team, and the other a combined bid for Stapleford, Eastwood and Kimberley. Bids are going in this month and the Government will make a decision by the summer.

Cycling the Tram Route

Cycling group Pedals have organised a ride along the route of the new tram line as part of it’s campaign for a new cycle route to be installed along the track. Pedals also want to ensure that proper provision is made for cyclists along the route. The ride will take place on 29^th March, leaving the South Nottingham College site in Chilwell at 11am.

Good news on jobs front

A new survey by Manpower UK has suggested that the East Midlands has the highest percentage of firms in the country intending to create new jobs in the next year. As a result the regions job market could expand by 10%. In the gloom and doom of most media reports it’s good to have such encouraging news.

No hosepipe ban

Severn Trent Water have issued a statement this week saying that there will not be a hose pipe ban in Nottinghamshire despite the fact that we are at high risk of drought. It is important obviously that we seek to preserve water stocks and not waste water, but at the same time I think back to my childhood in Africa when we knew it wouldn’t rain for ten months each year yet we coped, and I wonder at why we in Britain handle water so badly. A little more planning by consumers and a huge degree of more planning by the water companies would make a massive difference. The Environment Agency publishes suggestions on how to save water on their web site at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/drought/31755.aspx.

Waste Consultation

The county council has teamed up with the city council to launch a public consultation on how the county’s waste is handled. Their new strategy includes proposals to recycle 70% of waste by 2025, increasing the amount of waste converted to energy and reducing the amount sent to landfill. The consultation is available at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/wastehaveyoursay.

County Council Savings

The County Council have announced that they have saved more than £90,000 on it’s fuel costs for it’s vehicles. Most of this has been achieved through running a smaller fleet of vehicles. The council aims to save more than £900,000 overall from it’s travel budget this year, and savings such as this are to be welcomed.

Retained Firefighters Needed in Eastwood

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is on the look-out for firefighters in Eastwood. The service needs ‘on call’ firefighters who live within five minutes of the station in Nottingham Road. They need to be available for at least 12 hours in a 24-hour period, and be able to attend weekly training and some weekend courses. A pager will alert them to an emergency call and they could find themselves responding to fires, road traffic collisions, trapped people and animals, flooding and other water rescue incidents. Firefighters also get involved in fire prevention activities, helping to promote fire safety. To find out more, call 0115 967 5842 or visit notts-fire.gov.uk or jobs.eastmidlandsfire-recruitment.gov.uk. The closing date is April 15.

Free Leisure Centre Trials

Broxtowe Borough Council is inviting Vitality Health and Fitness members to bring a friend to its Bramcote, Chilwell Olympia and Kimberley Leisure Centres for a free taste of their fitness suites, classes, swimming pools and health suites all weekend on March 24 and 25. Members will then be rewarded with one month’s free membership if their friend joins. Ring Kimberley Leisure Centre on 9173366 or email kimberleylc@broxtowe.gov.uk for details.

Broxtowe Warm Zone

Full loft and cavity wall insulation is now FREE* to ALL home owners & private tenants until 31st March 2012. (*subject to survey) Contact the team for a free home energy survey on (0845) 539 0390. Broxtowe Warm Zone is a home insulation scheme designed for home owners and private tenants to make homes in the Borough of Broxtowe affordably warm and energy efficient. The scheme aims to help residents cut their fuel bills by providing free or discounted grants for cavity wall and loft insulation to help save money and reduce the effects of climate change. I used it last year and although I didn’t qualify for free insulation it still provided massively reduced rates and a first rate service.

Rainbow Charity Ball

The Mayor’s Rainbow Charity Ball will take place at the Belfrey Hotel, Nuthall, on 21^st April. Tickets cost £32 and are available from the Council’s civic office on (0115) 917 3210.

Jubilee Beacons

To mark the Queens diamond jubilee this summer 2,012 beacons will be lit across the country at 10.00pm on Monday 4th June including those at the following events in Broxtowe Borough:

The Gate Inn, Awsworth
Sandy Lane Open Space, Bramcote
Common Lane, Bramcote
Coaltip near Cockerhouse Farm, Brinsley

Dog Microchipping

Broxtowe Borough Council will host the Low Cost Microchip event on the Beeston Fields Recreation Ground, Central Avenue, Beeston on Wednesday 21at March between 12.30pm and 2.30pm. The drop-in event will invite borough residents to microchip their dogs for just £5.00. Non-borough residents are also able to microchip their animals at the event for just £15.00. For further details please contact the Neighbourhood Wardens on (0115) 917 3142.

Open Word Night

On the 28th March 2012 at Two for Tea, 92 Derby Rd, Stapleford; there is an Open Word Night with Poetry and storytelling. Doors open at 7pm to start at 7.30pm. Members of the audience are invited to bring things to read or perform, be the audience or both. Admission is free and there will be a break for cakes. Places can be booked via davewrite2002@yahoo.com.

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

Best wishes

David

Broxtowe Enews 10th March 2012

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Posted March 10, 2012

Chilwell Action Week

I mentioned last week that I’d asked the council to tackle the dog fouling in Chilwell and Toton. Since then several people have asked that other areas be looked at as well and I’ll take those forward. However in the meantime the initiative in Chilwell has expanded, and we have now arranged the first of several action weeks there. As well as the dog fouling we have arranged for the removal of rubbish and cleaning up graffiti. Much of the work will be done by offenders on the Community Payback scheme, and the action week will commence on 16^th April.

Chilwell and Toton By Election

Talking of Chilwell leads me to mention that the by elections for the Chilwell and Toton County Council seat, and also for the Toton and Chilwell Meadows Borough Council seat, take place this coming Thursday, 15^th March. I am our candidate for the County Council and Barbara Carr is our candidate for the Borough Council. May I thank everyone who has given my team and I such a good reception during this campaign. Our canvassing suggests that the result is too close to call, and interestingly it may come down to the Labour and Green voters, even though their party’s aren’t standing. If their supporters simply stay at home and don’t vote then that will help the Tories, but if they turn out and vote for me then we have a far better chance of winning. I’ve been out campaigning every day but whilst I’ve seen some Tory activists out and about I haven’t seen their candidate at all. I guess that as he is a GP he must be extremely busy. Even though Labour do have a candidate in the borough council election I don’t think that they have done anything whatsoever during the election. They can’t win but they can stop Barbara from winning if people switch their borough votes to Labour for any reason. If anyone in Toton or Chilwell would like to display a Lib-Dem poster please let me know and I’ll get one to you.

Super Fast Broadband

The Borough Council agreed at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday to put funding into establishing a super fast broadband network on Broxtowe. This is part of a countywide project being funded by the County Council and the district councils. This should be a big boost for local businesses in particular, giving them the fastest possible connection speeds.

Potential Development Sites

As part of the continuing process of developing a borough wide development plan for the next twenty years the council is now seeking suggestions for any further possible development sites that have not yet been looked at. This is a process which was supported by all three parties on the borough council. Full details are available on this link:
http://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=4222.

Village Ventures Production

On Thursday 29th March Village Ventures present Coope, Boyes & Simpson in concert at Chilwell Arts Theatre, Chilwell School, Queens Road West NG9 5AL. Tickets cost £8 (£6 conc) from the school on 0115 9252698 or 0758 426 3893 or on the door. The concert starts at 7.30pm and is suitable for all the family.

Martin Jackaman

Congratulations to Bramcote resident Martin Jackaman. Until he retired last year Martin was an adult social care manager for Nottingham City Council, and he developed the Changing Places toilet which is now the standard by which all other disabled toilets are judged. As a mark of appreciation the city council have decided to name a day care centre after him.

Bramcote Youth Football Team

Congratulations to one of the Bramcote Youth Football teams, who have completed the double. They are a long way ahead in the league and also won the cup this week, beating Ilkeston Juniors 4-3 last weekend. A match report is available at http://www.bramcotefc.org.uk/bfc/teams/matchreport.asp?id=14433&idTeam=7&idType=0&idlt=107&idlds=40

Roger Helmer

East Midlands Euro MP Roger Helmer has defected from the Conservatives and joined UKIP. This means that the East Midlands now has two UKIP MEP’s, two Labour MEP’s, one Liberal Democrat and one Conservative.

Clay Art At Attenborough

Attenborough Nature reserve is hosting a family event for people to learn how to make clay art tomorrow between 12 and 3pm. This is one of a number of events that the reserve puts on each month, and I’m delighted to be a director of the visitors centre there as it is such a valuable resource for the local community.

Disappointing Performance Figures for Ambulance Service

Figures produced by the Department of Health showed that East Midlands Ambulance Service reached 76% of life-threatening emergencies within 8 minutes during January. This is above the Government target of 75% but below the national average of 77.9%. The trust was also the worst performing in the country for reaching people by ambulance within19 minutes, achieving this in 92.5% of cases against a national average of 97%. The Government target for this is 95%.

Metal Thefts

Notts police have revealed that metal thefts are up by 13% this year in the county. Whilst most crime is falling this is an area of considerable increase, so please be vigilant. The borough council has already established that in appropriate cases it will give planning permission for lead on church roofing to be replaced by modern alternatives.

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

Best wishes

David

Broxtowe Enews 3rd March 2012

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Posted March 3, 2012

Council Tax

The big event this week was the Council Meeting on Wednesday evening when I’m pleased to say that the proposal to freeze council tax at it’s current level met with near unanimous support. This is the first time that I can ever remember all three parties supporting the budget, although three Labour members did vote against as they wanted a rise in council tax.

Wilkinsons Petition

Also at the council meeting on Wednesday a very sizeable petition was submitted calling on the council to act to try and ensure that Wilkinsons remain in Beeston. This had been organised by the Beestonia blog and, although there was no vote on the matter, it was clear that all councillors had taken this on board and were committed to the cause.

Cancer research Pamper Evening

A CHARITY pamper evening is being held in Eastwood to raise money for Cancer Research UK, at Eastwood Comprehensive School on March 7 between 6pm and 9pm. Treatments will include manicures, Indian head massage, mini-facials and nail art from only £3, with taster sessions of reflexology and deep oscillation massage therapy from £5. Beauty products, costume jewellery, books, patchwork presents, fashion accessories, cakes, candles, cards and gifts, will be on sale. Tickets are £2 in advance or £2.50 on the door. Entry includes a glass of wine and nibbles. Tickets are available from Josie Forrest at rex.forrest@ntlworld.com.

Open Meeting at Bramcote Park School

On Monday 12th March at 7pm there will be an open Meeting (in the school library) at Bramcote Park School to discuss school performance with Mr Dean, Executive Head Teacher and the school governors. This has been arranged for parents whose children may attend the school in the future, at the request of a number of them. The aim is to discuss the schools recent academic performance and the steps being taken to improve it, and also what the parents can do to support the school. Further details are available from Cathy Peacock (andy.cathy@ntlworld.com | 07812 955814), Jo Bird (jojomilburn@yahoo.co.uk | 07739 700569) and Katie Dearden (Katie_dearden@hotmail.co.uk | 07503 151 120).

MP’s Engagement

Congratulations to Ashfield MP Gloria del Piero who announced her engagement last weekend. Her partner is James Robinson, an author and journalist.

Tram Information

NET will be holding an information evening about progress on the tram and what is likely to be happening next at Eskdale Junior School, Eskdale Drive, from 5.30pm to 8.00pm on March 6^th. People are welcome to drop in at any point during these hours.

Alex Britton

Congratulations to the Nottingham Posts Broxtowe reporter Alex Britton who has been promoted to a columnist. As well as covering the Broxtowe news Alex will now be writing a weekly politics column every Friday. I look forward to reading this. I know that the Leverson enquiry is throwing up a lot of stuff about links between politicians and the press at the moment but I don’t think that this is too much of an issue locally, so I think I’m safe to say that Alex is a really nice guy who deserves the new position. A piece by Alex this week which is well worth a read was his preview of the by election in Chilwell and Toton which you can read at http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Pounding-streets-Chilwell-Toton-win-voters/story-15351530-detail/story.html. Be warned though, there is a photo of me at the start of it!

Asbestos Related Cancers

A new report published this week says that there is a higher than average rate of asbestos linked cancers in the Broxtowe Borough. There are 2.8 deaths per 100,000 people in Broxtowe, compared to a national average of 2.5. This seems a fairly small figure but of course each of those is a personal tragedy.

Last Chance For Free Home Insulation

Broxtowe Warm Zone is offering free full loft and cavity wall insulation to all home owners, private landlords and private tenants before Saturday 31st March, subject to survey. Contact Broxtowe Warm Zone on 08455 390 390 to arrange your free home energy survey. As well as insulation they also provide advice on water efficiency. I used them last year and they were excellent.

Broxtowe 5K and fun run

The Broxtowe 5K and fun run will take place on 13^th April this year, around Bramcote Park. It is an ideal introduction to running for both the young and old. Take part and enjoy a run around the beautiful scenery at Bramcote Park. The race is suitable for those who are new to running or those more experienced 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 at http://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=10177 for this discounted price (Normal costs are £8.50 for the 5K and £4.00 for the 1K). The minimum age for the 5K is 14yrs and for the 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.

Take Part Art Programme

Broxtowe Borough Council has pleasure in introducing the new ‘Take Part ART’ programme which will take place between Sat 10th and Sunday 25thMarch 2012 including workshops for adults in locations across the borough, A Family Experience and Family Workshops at Attenborough Nature Centre and a Tabletop Art Exhibition & Sale at the Town Hall In Beeston. This new exciting programme will replace the Indigenous Annual Art Exhibition which took place at the D.H Lawrence Heritage Centre from 2007 – 2011. Due to a decline in exhibitor and visitor numbers over recent years we have reviewed our opportunities for local artists and people within the borough and have devised the new ‘Take Part ART’ programme for 2012, our Twentieth year of providing art & event opportunities for people across the borough to enjoy. Events in the ‘Take Part ART’ Programme include:

More details are available from the borough councils What’s on Where service at www.broxtowe.gov.uk

Wedding Open Day

Tomorrow, 4^th March, the D.H. Lawrence Heritage will welcome couples to find out more about the charming Victorian building, steeped in history with links to Eastwood’s most famous son, the writer D.H. Lawrence, as the centre showcases its intimate and affordable wedding venue. This takes place at Durban House from 11am through to 3pm.

Fairtrade Beeston 6th March – Meet the Producer

Every year, Fairtrade Fortnight is a chance to spread the word about the benefits of Fairtrade, and how you can get involved in making trade fairer by promoting Fairtrade in your area. This year, Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 27 February to 11 March. Moses Renee, a Fairtrade banana producer from St Lucia in the Windward Isles, is coming to Beeston to talk about his experiences of Fairtrade and the benefits it has for his community. Moses has been growing bananas since he was 16, has served as president and vice president of his local Fairtrade farmers group, and has used some of the profits from his Fairtrade sales to open a non-profit pre-school accommodating up to 40 children.

Fairtrade Beeston are delighted to be able to invite you to join us to hear Moses talk and answer your questions. You’ll also be able to sample a range of delicious Fairtrade products (hopefully including a glass of Fairtrade wine!) over informal chatting, visit stalls with a wide range of Fairtrade products (such as food, gifts and toys), and find out more about how we can support Fairtrade in Beeston. This promises to be a fascinating, unique and enjoyable event.

The Meet the Producer event is on Tuesday 6 March, 6pm for a 6.30 start until 8.30, in Beeston Town Hall, Foster Avenue, Beeston. The event is free. To help with planning, if possible please reserve a place by emailing contact@fairtradebeeston.org.uk

Beeston Camera Club Annual Print Exhibition

Beeston Camera Club hold this event every year at the Beeston Library at Foster Avenue which is free and non-profit making to show a cross-section of its members work. It is now on at the Library through to the end of the month. For more information please visit the Club’s website at http://www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk/.

Low Cost Dog Microchipping Event

As ever thank you for your support for this newsletter, and any feedback is gratefully received. May I remind all Chilwell and Toton residents that you have a by election coming up on 15^th March. The Lib-Dem candidates are myself (for the County Council) and Barbara Carr (for the Borough Council). We’ve had a great reception from people so far.

Best wishes

David