I spent some time last weekend and time before that working with residents at Sandhills to set up either an association, a homewatch scheme or both. Last Saturday we delivered around 400 leaflets and by the time we had got back, we already had forms returned offering support!
People that replied are being contacted now by residents to set up the scheme and we aim to have everything in place in the next 4 to 5 weeks.
There is a small homewatch scheme already in the area and we hope to grow that to cover the whole estate. I am keen to set up more residents associations like this across the whole of our ward to represent the feelings and needs of our neighbours.
It is much easier for a small body to represent the views of their community to Councillors and the Council than it is to ask 6,000 people for their views on an issue so joining one is very beneficial.
If you do not have one and want one where you live please let me know.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Monday, March 13, 2006
Narrow Guage Railway
Yesterday, I was invited to take the second train journey of the season out of Pages Park Station up to the Stonehenge Works end of the track.The Narrow Guage Railway is run by a very dedicated group of professional and knowledgable volunteers but the most interesting point of the NGR is the number of people that travel from all over the country and even the world to visit the railway.
You can visit the railway's website at www.buzzrail.co.uk
As the issues with Arnold White Estates develop, I and other ward councillors will be supporting the railway. There have been quite a few people that have contacted the railway directly as well as through me to offer support and this appreciated by all.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Still Conservative
If you have read the Leighton Buzzard on Sunday today, I am NOT A LIBERAL DEMOCRAT, whilst there is nothing to be ashamed about if I was a Lib Dem, I am not, and Lui Straccia, the author, must have just got a bit confused!
I guess when deadlines are fast approaching mistakes can happen.
I guess when deadlines are fast approaching mistakes can happen.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Another group wins
Another group who came out winners at the District Planning meeting was the Billington Park Residents Association.
They were opposing the Town Council's decision to build a temporary car park on the site of the current running track at Astral Park.
I had a very hard decision over this application. I really wanted to sit on the fence. While I agreed we need the car park space, I was unhappy with its location and the damage it would cause to those living on the estate in its proposed location.
I was lucky to be taken on a tour of the estate meeting with a number of residents who all were opposed to the car park and I was more convinced of the effects it would cause.
I didn't publically support the objections due to the other campaigns I was involved in (but I do hope my conversations with members of the committee was of some use) but also as I thought it would be given permission despite its obvious drawbacks. However, thanks to the community working as a team, the residents got the result they wanted and the car park will not be built.
In September when the football pitches are laid out I am sure we will have parking problems and I hope we can find a solution nearer the time.
They were opposing the Town Council's decision to build a temporary car park on the site of the current running track at Astral Park.
I had a very hard decision over this application. I really wanted to sit on the fence. While I agreed we need the car park space, I was unhappy with its location and the damage it would cause to those living on the estate in its proposed location.
I was lucky to be taken on a tour of the estate meeting with a number of residents who all were opposed to the car park and I was more convinced of the effects it would cause.
I didn't publically support the objections due to the other campaigns I was involved in (but I do hope my conversations with members of the committee was of some use) but also as I thought it would be given permission despite its obvious drawbacks. However, thanks to the community working as a team, the residents got the result they wanted and the car park will not be built.
In September when the football pitches are laid out I am sure we will have parking problems and I hope we can find a solution nearer the time.
Pages Field is SAFE...
... for now.
I got back from the District Planning Committee meeting at 23:40 tonight (well yesterday now) and I left early!!
After about 60 people turned up in the rain holding banners outside the council offices we all squeezed in to the council chamber.
Pages Field was the first application to be discussed. 3 local residents spoke against it after hearing Pat Kingsnorth (Town Clerk), Barry Wardle (Assistant Clerk) and "the town's" consultant speak in favour.
After all the objections were raised, I too spoke, but only briefly, as the resident's had already spoken perfectly on the issue and had raised all the important points.
After much discussion amongst the District Councillors the application to grant outline planning permission on Pages Field was rejected!
Reading between the lines, I don't think the Council will appeal, although the committe reminded everyone present that it was an option, and it was also suggested by certain members that if the council did decide to try the same trick on other pieces of green space in the town, they could expect a similar outcome.
In late September, early October 2005, I produced a leaflet for all the residents in this ward. In it I promised to help save Pages Field. 5 months later and the promise has been kept.
However, I strongly believe that while what I did helped, it was YOU the residents that got this result. So many people pulled together to make this happen. The argument was researched, well presented and crucially well supported. If it wasn't for the massive shows of support by normal residents, I could well be writing a very different articles now.
Community can be forgotten a lot with the pressures of life but I sincerely hope the community spirit that was shown over the past months continues. There will always be another fight that has to fought and as long as I am a Town Councillor I will support community groups to stand up for what they believe to be right.
It may be the market (see below) or it may be Pages Park (see this weeks papers or my blog over the next few days) but together people can get what they want.
Sorry, it went a bit corny at the end but I saw more than a few tears of joy when the decision was made so I'm not the only one getting emotional.
I got back from the District Planning Committee meeting at 23:40 tonight (well yesterday now) and I left early!!
After about 60 people turned up in the rain holding banners outside the council offices we all squeezed in to the council chamber.
Pages Field was the first application to be discussed. 3 local residents spoke against it after hearing Pat Kingsnorth (Town Clerk), Barry Wardle (Assistant Clerk) and "the town's" consultant speak in favour.
After all the objections were raised, I too spoke, but only briefly, as the resident's had already spoken perfectly on the issue and had raised all the important points.
After much discussion amongst the District Councillors the application to grant outline planning permission on Pages Field was rejected!
Reading between the lines, I don't think the Council will appeal, although the committe reminded everyone present that it was an option, and it was also suggested by certain members that if the council did decide to try the same trick on other pieces of green space in the town, they could expect a similar outcome.
In late September, early October 2005, I produced a leaflet for all the residents in this ward. In it I promised to help save Pages Field. 5 months later and the promise has been kept.
However, I strongly believe that while what I did helped, it was YOU the residents that got this result. So many people pulled together to make this happen. The argument was researched, well presented and crucially well supported. If it wasn't for the massive shows of support by normal residents, I could well be writing a very different articles now.
Community can be forgotten a lot with the pressures of life but I sincerely hope the community spirit that was shown over the past months continues. There will always be another fight that has to fought and as long as I am a Town Councillor I will support community groups to stand up for what they believe to be right.
It may be the market (see below) or it may be Pages Park (see this weeks papers or my blog over the next few days) but together people can get what they want.
Sorry, it went a bit corny at the end but I saw more than a few tears of joy when the decision was made so I'm not the only one getting emotional.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Save the market
I have been talking to market traders over the past few days about the District Council passing control of the Tuesday and Saturday market over to either the Town Council or a private operator.There is a lot of opposition from the traders to a private operator taking over and I will support them in working not only for their best interests but the interests of the town too.
Our market is over 1,000 years old and it would be terrible if it suffered as a result of a bad decision.
The Town Council will be making an offer to take the markets over and I will assist traders and council officers where I can. There is a lot more work to do but not much time so everyone with an interest in keeping the market Council controlled should come forward.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Pages Field NEXT WEEK
Next week, March 8th at 19:00 the application for planning permission on Pages Field will be decided at the District Council Offices in Dunstable.
Supporters of the field and open spaces will be meeting outside from 6:15.
I must stress that I and the organisers of the past events want this to be democratic! The meeting is purely a show of strength and there will be representatives speaking at the meeting to put the case forward.
Supporters of the field and open spaces will be meeting outside from 6:15.
I must stress that I and the organisers of the past events want this to be democratic! The meeting is purely a show of strength and there will be representatives speaking at the meeting to put the case forward.
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