I was appalled to see the huge amount of graffiti which has appeared on Cottingham Road and Newland Park in the past day or two. Not only has the brickwork entrance to Newland Park been tagged, so have a number of the trees on Cottingham Road.
Graffiti has also sprang up on the concrete barriers on the County Road North flyover again. I had this cleaned a couple of months back and will ensure it is cleared away. The best way to defeat these vandals is to ensure that their 'works of art' are removed as quickly as possible.
I rang straight through to the Wyke Area Team on Thursday to ensure that our graffiti removal team are made aware of the graffiti. I hope that we will see it removed in the next week or so.
Graffiti has been a growing problem in the Wyke Area which is why John and I took a motion to Council on the issue. We have also agreed to fund some community graffiti removal kits from our CIB budget which will be made available to local residents who wish to make a stand themselves.
You can certainly rest assured that John and I will continue to act on graffiti, although we would be helped if the courts took a more serious view on graffiti than they do at present. Simple community sentences clearly do not work for graffiti artists and it is time we got tougher, they do afterall do thousands of pounds worth of damage to public and private property.
Saturday, 29 December 2007
Saturday, 22 December 2007
December Council meeting
Prospects of what political web site of the year Gary Watch are pleased to call my Tough questions were diminished when a councillor left the chamber before I could ask one!
Andrew and I "batted for Bricknell", pinning down the housing portfolio Holder on the subject of Bishop Alcock flats, and moving a motion to ensure greater emphasis on the area agenda (the motion was passed unanimously, now it needs implementing). As ever we continued to speak out for individual rights, for keeping the council subservient to the individual, and traditional values. It is important to remember that politics is nothing without values, it is those values which underpin everything we say and do for the ward. They are your values, they are our values, and that is why we never tire to stand up and speak out.
If you want to see us in action remember the council meetings are broadcast on the web, and archived as well. Access via the council's website.
Andrew and I "batted for Bricknell", pinning down the housing portfolio Holder on the subject of Bishop Alcock flats, and moving a motion to ensure greater emphasis on the area agenda (the motion was passed unanimously, now it needs implementing). As ever we continued to speak out for individual rights, for keeping the council subservient to the individual, and traditional values. It is important to remember that politics is nothing without values, it is those values which underpin everything we say and do for the ward. They are your values, they are our values, and that is why we never tire to stand up and speak out.
If you want to see us in action remember the council meetings are broadcast on the web, and archived as well. Access via the council's website.
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Bricknell tops for recycling
As Andrew says, problems with a few children from Kelvin (I am not sure the "respect agenda" is wholly effective).
However, it is this ward that tops the league for recycling. Many expected it would be "The Avenues" an area where many like to talk loudly of their support for green issues.
As ever in our Ward we don't talk we just do!
The new garden waste trial results are out and show that presentation has gone up a staggering 63.17% leading to a reduction in waste that would have gone to landfill of 12.64%.
Staggeringly effective and we are pushing for this trial to be rolled out to all who want it.
At Wyke Area committee today I persuaded colleagues to accept we should review all bin routes to ensure they were fit for purpose. If we are to ha a waste service tailored to your needs it is important the routes reflect house/lifestyle/occupancy factors not what happens to suit the council.
Not for the first time Andrew and i were successful, but this is because in Wyke we are mature enough to support good ideas wherever they originate and not do silly partisan point scoring. The planet belongs to us all, the first step towards saving the planet is a local one. Andrew and I act locally thinking globally.
However, it is this ward that tops the league for recycling. Many expected it would be "The Avenues" an area where many like to talk loudly of their support for green issues.
As ever in our Ward we don't talk we just do!
The new garden waste trial results are out and show that presentation has gone up a staggering 63.17% leading to a reduction in waste that would have gone to landfill of 12.64%.
Staggeringly effective and we are pushing for this trial to be rolled out to all who want it.
At Wyke Area committee today I persuaded colleagues to accept we should review all bin routes to ensure they were fit for purpose. If we are to ha a waste service tailored to your needs it is important the routes reflect house/lifestyle/occupancy factors not what happens to suit the council.
Not for the first time Andrew and i were successful, but this is because in Wyke we are mature enough to support good ideas wherever they originate and not do silly partisan point scoring. The planet belongs to us all, the first step towards saving the planet is a local one. Andrew and I act locally thinking globally.
Monday, 17 December 2007
Litter Problems
I had a discussion with one of the members of our local policing team about litter in the Bricknell Avenue area. He agreed with me that much of this was caused by the schools children from Kelvin but he informed me that they were unable to issue tickets to anyone under the age of 16.
We know that the majority of kids do behave and it is unfortunate that a minority give the majority a bad name. The Principal of Wyke has been far more pro-active in his approach to his students who litter and we are grateful for his support on this issue.
John and I have agreed to fund the provision of some more bins in the area which is really all we can do. We can provide more bins, but sadly we can't make people use them!
We know that the majority of kids do behave and it is unfortunate that a minority give the majority a bad name. The Principal of Wyke has been far more pro-active in his approach to his students who litter and we are grateful for his support on this issue.
John and I have agreed to fund the provision of some more bins in the area which is really all we can do. We can provide more bins, but sadly we can't make people use them!
National Avenue/Country Road planting
Work has started today renovating the flower beds on the National/County junction. I had a sight meeting here last week to discuss what John and I wanted to see happen.
We want to see an oasis of green created in what is a sea of concrete. The works at the moment are only to tidy up and add in a few more of the same plants. We do not think this is enough and I have asked for a scheme to be drawn up that incorporates more substantial plants and shrubs that will give this an all round appeal.
We want to see an oasis of green created in what is a sea of concrete. The works at the moment are only to tidy up and add in a few more of the same plants. We do not think this is enough and I have asked for a scheme to be drawn up that incorporates more substantial plants and shrubs that will give this an all round appeal.
Sunday, 16 December 2007
The National
New developments proposed here.
Check them out on the council website for further details
Check them out on the council website for further details
Goddard Avenue Playing Fields
These have been fenced off as is the owner's right subject to meeting planning regulations if appropriate.
We are aware of the rumour Barratt have bought it and plan to gain access via two houses on Goddard Avenue they intend to demolish. However this was what they tried in the late eighties/early nineties (off-hand I can't remember when I successfully led that campaign). More recent concepts have revolved access from the roundabout or St Mary's, and have included a Morrisons as well as a housing development.
As of this moment the facts are that neither Andrew and I are aware of firm plans to develop here, but that could change any moment. If so we will go public.
A year ago I tasked Andrew with developing plans for this area since, if a planning application came in I would be compromised. As a result, should there be an application to build, it is Andrew who will take the lead on this matter. Any further postings on this will come from him
We are aware of the rumour Barratt have bought it and plan to gain access via two houses on Goddard Avenue they intend to demolish. However this was what they tried in the late eighties/early nineties (off-hand I can't remember when I successfully led that campaign). More recent concepts have revolved access from the roundabout or St Mary's, and have included a Morrisons as well as a housing development.
As of this moment the facts are that neither Andrew and I are aware of firm plans to develop here, but that could change any moment. If so we will go public.
A year ago I tasked Andrew with developing plans for this area since, if a planning application came in I would be compromised. As a result, should there be an application to build, it is Andrew who will take the lead on this matter. Any further postings on this will come from him
Good Fellowship
More developments here.
Plans to extend and redefine the outside smoking area, plans to extend licensing hours.
Andrew has doubts about the planning point, and I have them about licensing. We both, as members of planning (me) and licencing (Andrew) are not allowed to comment in advance on applications that will come before us.
For more details go to the council's website and look them up under "planning" and the "licensing" parts
Plans to extend and redefine the outside smoking area, plans to extend licensing hours.
Andrew has doubts about the planning point, and I have them about licensing. We both, as members of planning (me) and licencing (Andrew) are not allowed to comment in advance on applications that will come before us.
For more details go to the council's website and look them up under "planning" and the "licensing" parts
Blog Wars
Attempts to ban this blog from being worked on have been reversed.
IT at the Guildhall said access to this site could be harmful and contrary to council policy.
I foiled these dastardly attempts to stifle public accountability and deny you access to this site, with the devastatingly effective argument that it told the truth as a site, was not partisan, and all in all was a bit dull...............so where was the harm?
In all honesty it was probably just too broadly drawn censorship parameters catching the site and nothing at all specific, but it does prove we have to be ever vigilant to defend freedoms.
Access is now assured so do read on!
IT at the Guildhall said access to this site could be harmful and contrary to council policy.
I foiled these dastardly attempts to stifle public accountability and deny you access to this site, with the devastatingly effective argument that it told the truth as a site, was not partisan, and all in all was a bit dull...............so where was the harm?
In all honesty it was probably just too broadly drawn censorship parameters catching the site and nothing at all specific, but it does prove we have to be ever vigilant to defend freedoms.
Access is now assured so do read on!
Monday, 10 December 2007
Wyke area Housing Board
Andrew and i were fortunate enough to be at the first meeting of this today.
We are delighted that respected local campaigner Gill Moore was elected Chairman (proposed by John and seconded by Andrew). John and Andrew, once again demonstrating no grudges are held, moved and seconded former labour and Lib Dem Councillor Barry Dibnah as deputy.
The Board has got off to a cracking start, the representatives from Bricknell area challenging the sloth and lethargy of the housing function. They are making a difference already to the Housing Department, reinforcing our message as councillors that Bricknell Estate will not be forgotten.
Andrew and I were vocal in our attempts to remove trendy "right on" ideas about quotas from those not in the top priority for housing. We have enough difficulty getting deserving eligible residents into this estate without removing their chances for "quota quickies".
I took great pleasure in showing that Andrew and I knew about community engagement and were the real advocates of it. Not impressed by attempts to "promote" the meetings by well paid staff meaning putting the dates in Hull in Print I pointed out that we "get down and dirty" by putting out monthly newsletters, plus street newsletters, plus area specials all through doors - delivered and paid for at no cost to you. Now this blog!
Yes, when it comes down to who really wants to work with people its Andrew and I who do; not the staff you employ, who talk the talk but cannot walk the walk. I was amused to be told the Council could not afford it! I can assure you Andrew and I do not have budgets anywhere near the £22o million of the council!
For the record the meeting finished at 8.20 tonight. My day started at 7.20 with the Radio Humberside Radio car and a freezing journalist talking in a cold wet street about the Beverley Road Vapour baths and was non-stop council meetings/work for just over 13 hours. I make no complaints, I am a lucky man to be able to serve, but its a point to think when people criticise councillors or their commitment.
Andrew arrived from one meeting and he went on to a political meeting afterwards - it really is true, we work for you all year round (and love doing it!)
We are delighted that respected local campaigner Gill Moore was elected Chairman (proposed by John and seconded by Andrew). John and Andrew, once again demonstrating no grudges are held, moved and seconded former labour and Lib Dem Councillor Barry Dibnah as deputy.
The Board has got off to a cracking start, the representatives from Bricknell area challenging the sloth and lethargy of the housing function. They are making a difference already to the Housing Department, reinforcing our message as councillors that Bricknell Estate will not be forgotten.
Andrew and I were vocal in our attempts to remove trendy "right on" ideas about quotas from those not in the top priority for housing. We have enough difficulty getting deserving eligible residents into this estate without removing their chances for "quota quickies".
I took great pleasure in showing that Andrew and I knew about community engagement and were the real advocates of it. Not impressed by attempts to "promote" the meetings by well paid staff meaning putting the dates in Hull in Print I pointed out that we "get down and dirty" by putting out monthly newsletters, plus street newsletters, plus area specials all through doors - delivered and paid for at no cost to you. Now this blog!
Yes, when it comes down to who really wants to work with people its Andrew and I who do; not the staff you employ, who talk the talk but cannot walk the walk. I was amused to be told the Council could not afford it! I can assure you Andrew and I do not have budgets anywhere near the £22o million of the council!
For the record the meeting finished at 8.20 tonight. My day started at 7.20 with the Radio Humberside Radio car and a freezing journalist talking in a cold wet street about the Beverley Road Vapour baths and was non-stop council meetings/work for just over 13 hours. I make no complaints, I am a lucky man to be able to serve, but its a point to think when people criticise councillors or their commitment.
Andrew arrived from one meeting and he went on to a political meeting afterwards - it really is true, we work for you all year round (and love doing it!)
Saturday, 8 December 2007
Bricknell Avenue Traffic Regulation Orders
Andrew and I long ago had a Minute passed at Wyke Area committee concerning lessening the impact of the TRO. Stripped of jargon and technicalities we said we wanted to support residents who felt there was no need to ban parking on both sides at peak times. We thought on-street parking was not unreasonable on the side of the road where, during peak time, it was the other side of the road that was congested.
You can imagine our surprise when some very many months later this has not been done, and we share the anger of local residents. Apparently officers are waiting to see what the reason was for introducing the TRO, and they cannot find out. As Andrew and I have said, that was then (and it was wrong) , this is now, lets just get on with it.
We will continue to press for staff to act as instructed on behalf of local residents
You can imagine our surprise when some very many months later this has not been done, and we share the anger of local residents. Apparently officers are waiting to see what the reason was for introducing the TRO, and they cannot find out. As Andrew and I have said, that was then (and it was wrong) , this is now, lets just get on with it.
We will continue to press for staff to act as instructed on behalf of local residents
Bricknell Avenue CarriagewayReservations
Andrew and i have asked for plans to be drawn up to refurbish some of these. Some are looking sparse and some tired, so we have decided to explore theming then around various geographical concepts such as continents are countries.
It is an exciting opportunity to improve a principal road into the City and ties in with a theme Andrew and I have in our approach to the Ward. As residents maintain their own properties the least the Council do is maintain the quality of the environment it controls. This is why Andrew and I are so passionate about improving public land, maintaining trees, ensuring enough litter bins and other examples of our common environment. It is common to us all, it is special because this community is special.
It is an exciting opportunity to improve a principal road into the City and ties in with a theme Andrew and I have in our approach to the Ward. As residents maintain their own properties the least the Council do is maintain the quality of the environment it controls. This is why Andrew and I are so passionate about improving public land, maintaining trees, ensuring enough litter bins and other examples of our common environment. It is common to us all, it is special because this community is special.
National Avenue/County Road junction
Regular readers of CONTACT, our pioneering and trail-blazing newsletter, will recall how we have improved the railings and attempted to improve the aesthetics of this junction.
This was necessary because of neglect by the council, however we are having to revisit the planting scheme. It really is a bit stiny and threadbare, my childhood Teddy bear has more covering than this area. We will have plant density increased, and we are still looking to soften the landscaping outside the national.
Long term residents will recall that the then Labour councillor Colin "Chuckles" Challen (now MP for Morley and soon to leave The House for a lucrative non job on a quango so one of Gordon's Gophers can have a safe seat) decided the area needed a few oil drums and wooden boards to improve it. Well we got rid of them, but it is still an oasis of concrete so we will look for planters and similar to make the area look as pleasant as local residents make their gardens.
This was necessary because of neglect by the council, however we are having to revisit the planting scheme. It really is a bit stiny and threadbare, my childhood Teddy bear has more covering than this area. We will have plant density increased, and we are still looking to soften the landscaping outside the national.
Long term residents will recall that the then Labour councillor Colin "Chuckles" Challen (now MP for Morley and soon to leave The House for a lucrative non job on a quango so one of Gordon's Gophers can have a safe seat) decided the area needed a few oil drums and wooden boards to improve it. Well we got rid of them, but it is still an oasis of concrete so we will look for planters and similar to make the area look as pleasant as local residents make their gardens.
Friday, 7 December 2007
Christmas Card
I too am thrilled by the enthusiasm shown and delighted Ellie lives in the Ward, an added bonus.
Alas I am in Wakefield for Regional Planning Board, trying to ensure Hull is a regional centre and resisting odd claims from smaller towns on the south bank which have many merits and attractions but are not regional centres (even if one embraces regionalism as a concept) so I will miss out on the well deserved presentation and Christmas meal.
Andrew and I are very happy there was such a good response for this idea.
Alas I am in Wakefield for Regional Planning Board, trying to ensure Hull is a regional centre and resisting odd claims from smaller towns on the south bank which have many merits and attractions but are not regional centres (even if one embraces regionalism as a concept) so I will miss out on the well deserved presentation and Christmas meal.
Andrew and I are very happy there was such a good response for this idea.
Christmas Card Design Winner
The winner of our competition to design our Christmas Card for Bricknell Ward can now be announced. The winning design (pictured left) was produced by Ellie Riches from Year 2 at Bricknell Primary School.The cards have now been printed and John and I will be delivering them around the ward in the next week or two.
A big thank you to Ellie and Bricknell Primary School for the card designs.
I will be presenting Ellie with her prize at Bricknell Primary School on Tuesday when I shall also be enjoying a Christmas Dinner with pupils!
Thursday, 6 December 2007
Langdale Avenue
Andrew and I are pushing for this street to be relit and think we have idnetified a pt of money to do it with.
Andrew and I are passionate about reclaiming the streets for decent people and despite the usual neglect of Bricknell Ward by the corporate centre we have found a number of imaginative ways to fund streetlighting throughout the ward.
Of course it took our usual robust e-mails to get some responses, but thankfully the matter has ended up with one of the more co-operative memebrs of staff so we are cautiously optimistic.
More will follow and a CONTACT! is due out shortly on this important topic
Andrew and I are passionate about reclaiming the streets for decent people and despite the usual neglect of Bricknell Ward by the corporate centre we have found a number of imaginative ways to fund streetlighting throughout the ward.
Of course it took our usual robust e-mails to get some responses, but thankfully the matter has ended up with one of the more co-operative memebrs of staff so we are cautiously optimistic.
More will follow and a CONTACT! is due out shortly on this important topic
Kelvin Hall School
We know there are widespread concerns about proposals to expand the school into a new "monster size" with a much wider catchment area drawing people from even further away.
Andrew and I retain as our first concern the quality of the education on offer to the children, and the impact of the school on the wider community.
As you may know there are some who want a split school site, part on the current school , part on the former William Gee School.
There are some who want to expand it to as much as 1700 in size and encourage more drivers to arrive at the school gates!
We both conducted two in-depth surveys locally.
William Gee Area Survey
· 97% stated that they opposed Kelvin building a new and enlarged lower school on the William Gee site.
· 74% supported the creation of sports pitches for use by Kelvin & residents, along with a community facility.
Kelvin Hall Area Survey
· About 95% agreed with John and Andrew that Kelvin should not expand to 1500 or 1350 pupils.
· 98% of respondents felt the current 1000 pupil capacity was sufficient.
On education grounds we actively oppose two sites with classrooms on each, we are not in support of extending the school numbers, and we are not convinced we have seen satisfactory proposals to improve the education on offer.
We do support new buildings and are pressing for better access arrangements to be included as well as good quality facilities and buildings. We will ensure that local residents are consulted early and often on building proposals and will continue to keep residents in touch through our regular CONTACT! newsletter.
We really do believe in working for you all year round
Andrew and I retain as our first concern the quality of the education on offer to the children, and the impact of the school on the wider community.
As you may know there are some who want a split school site, part on the current school , part on the former William Gee School.
There are some who want to expand it to as much as 1700 in size and encourage more drivers to arrive at the school gates!
We both conducted two in-depth surveys locally.
William Gee Area Survey
· 97% stated that they opposed Kelvin building a new and enlarged lower school on the William Gee site.
· 74% supported the creation of sports pitches for use by Kelvin & residents, along with a community facility.
Kelvin Hall Area Survey
· About 95% agreed with John and Andrew that Kelvin should not expand to 1500 or 1350 pupils.
· 98% of respondents felt the current 1000 pupil capacity was sufficient.
On education grounds we actively oppose two sites with classrooms on each, we are not in support of extending the school numbers, and we are not convinced we have seen satisfactory proposals to improve the education on offer.
We do support new buildings and are pressing for better access arrangements to be included as well as good quality facilities and buildings. We will ensure that local residents are consulted early and often on building proposals and will continue to keep residents in touch through our regular CONTACT! newsletter.
We really do believe in working for you all year round
Hotham Road North
Andrew and I have arranged for a meeting to review road safety options along the street. There are no firm proposals yet, but we will report further after we have met with officers.
Monday, 26 November 2007
Welcome to our blog
Welcome to the new blog set up by Cllr John Fareham and I for the Bricknell Ward community. We hope to use this blog to highlight the work we are doing locally and to ensure that we can keep local residents better updated.
Our trail-blazing and pioneering newsletter Contact! will continue to be delivered with the usual regularity but we hope that this blog will complement the newsletters.
Our trail-blazing and pioneering newsletter Contact! will continue to be delivered with the usual regularity but we hope that this blog will complement the newsletters.
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