John and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote in the Council Elections on May 1st.
The result in Bricknell Ward was truly phenomenal for the Conservatives. We managed to achieve not only the highest turnout in the City but also achieved the biggest majority of the night and gained a record 67% share of the vote.
As a result of the kindness of the people of Bricknell, John and I are able to continue our fight for standards locally.
Many thanks for your support.
Friday, 9 May 2008
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Bishop Alcock Road Shops
At last we have a demolition date for the Bishop Alcock Road shops. The utilities have been in an disconnected everything and it looks as though the building could be down by the end of May. The only outstanding issue is a dispute over the boundary wall with the brewery who own the Barrowman.
We are assured that this wont delay the demolition of the buildings and we shall certainly do all we can to make sure it does not. The demolition will remove the appalling eyesore and improve the area substantially. Needless to say, John and I had to push hard to get a demolition date!
We are assured that this wont delay the demolition of the buildings and we shall certainly do all we can to make sure it does not. The demolition will remove the appalling eyesore and improve the area substantially. Needless to say, John and I had to push hard to get a demolition date!
Horses William Gee Site
John and I became aware of the horses on the William Gee site last Thursday. We reported it immediately but as usual, Council action has been slow.
Last year I met with officers to demand that they secure the playing fields as I did worry that the site could be occupied illegally. Alas, they decided not to listen to my concerns! Rest assured, if the site is now illegally occupied we shall waste no time in demanding a tough and swift response from the Council.
Last year I met with officers to demand that they secure the playing fields as I did worry that the site could be occupied illegally. Alas, they decided not to listen to my concerns! Rest assured, if the site is now illegally occupied we shall waste no time in demanding a tough and swift response from the Council.
Goodfellowship Planning Application Withdrawn
Residents will know how concerned I was about the planning application which had been lodged for building on the Goodfellowship car park. I am pleased to report that the application has now been withdrawn.
This does not mean it will not return but at least the immediate threat has gone. We have already produced a street newsletter for nearby properties and will produce another should the application be re-submitted.
This does not mean it will not return but at least the immediate threat has gone. We have already produced a street newsletter for nearby properties and will produce another should the application be re-submitted.
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Updates Updates Updates
John and I have been hitting the campaign trail fairly hard that we have not had chance to update the blog as much as we would like. We are receiving the best reception on the doorstep I can remember. So many residents have mentioned how we keep residents informed all year round, not just at election time. Thanks for all the positive feedback we have received, it really is appreciated.
Local updates are as follows
Commonwealth Homes
The new gardens in the middle we promised residents have now been completed. There will be a presentation for residents this week so that they can see how the gardens will look once in full bloom. The Commonwealth theme should look really good, with a different area of the Commonwealth represented in each bed.
John and I have also agreed to re-plant the gardens to the front of the Homes too and this work should start once we have both signed off on the funding.
Langdale Lighting
Given the Council's inability to act, we have set aside £30 k for improved lighting locally. In particular we are looking at Langdale and another street with a hope of getting them both re-lighted soon. It is annoying we have to use our local funds for this but unless we do it could be some time until they are done!
Cardboard Recycling
Those with brown bins will now know that the collection of cardboard has been suspended for the next year. This is because of Government changes and demonstrates how little Labour understand the needs of local residents.
John and I argued that an alternative should be put in place and we have succeeded in getting agreement for a cardboard recycling bin to be added to the recycling centre at Bricknell Primary. It is not a perfect solution but it at least means those residents who wish to continue recycling cardboard can do so.
The collection of cardboard from the kerbside will hopefully resume next year!
Potholes
Due to neglect from both the 'old parties' who have run the City in recent years, our roads continue to crumble. Burniston, Hotham Road North, Barrington and Bricknell Ave are all among the roads we are pressing for action on.
Huntley Drive One Way System
The consultation is now complete and the matter will come before the Wyke Area Committee shortly for a final decision. Subject to a few small adjustments I expect the scheme to be passed. We will then begin consulting on Linkfield.
Tesco - Bricknell Avenue
I have put in a formal objection to the hour extension sought by Tesco. The matter is now with a Government Inspector who will decide whether or not Tesco's appeal against the Council's refusal of the extra hour will be granted or not.
William Gee Site
We have asked for the field to be cleaned up and we remain appalled at the general lack of care by the Council of this site. Residents will be aware that following touch negotiations by John and I, we have now agreed that half of the site can be used as sports fields for the new Kelvin, although this is subject to residents having access to the site and to a new community facility also being constructed on the site.
There will be no classrooms here, the daft idea of a split school site was roundly beaten! Many thanks to the huge number of local residents who responded to my survey on the matter and supported my fight against the split site option.
And Finally,
Please remember to Vote on May 1st in the Council Elections.
Local updates are as follows
Commonwealth Homes
The new gardens in the middle we promised residents have now been completed. There will be a presentation for residents this week so that they can see how the gardens will look once in full bloom. The Commonwealth theme should look really good, with a different area of the Commonwealth represented in each bed.
John and I have also agreed to re-plant the gardens to the front of the Homes too and this work should start once we have both signed off on the funding.
Langdale Lighting
Given the Council's inability to act, we have set aside £30 k for improved lighting locally. In particular we are looking at Langdale and another street with a hope of getting them both re-lighted soon. It is annoying we have to use our local funds for this but unless we do it could be some time until they are done!
Cardboard Recycling
Those with brown bins will now know that the collection of cardboard has been suspended for the next year. This is because of Government changes and demonstrates how little Labour understand the needs of local residents.
John and I argued that an alternative should be put in place and we have succeeded in getting agreement for a cardboard recycling bin to be added to the recycling centre at Bricknell Primary. It is not a perfect solution but it at least means those residents who wish to continue recycling cardboard can do so.
The collection of cardboard from the kerbside will hopefully resume next year!
Potholes
Due to neglect from both the 'old parties' who have run the City in recent years, our roads continue to crumble. Burniston, Hotham Road North, Barrington and Bricknell Ave are all among the roads we are pressing for action on.
Huntley Drive One Way System
The consultation is now complete and the matter will come before the Wyke Area Committee shortly for a final decision. Subject to a few small adjustments I expect the scheme to be passed. We will then begin consulting on Linkfield.
Tesco - Bricknell Avenue
I have put in a formal objection to the hour extension sought by Tesco. The matter is now with a Government Inspector who will decide whether or not Tesco's appeal against the Council's refusal of the extra hour will be granted or not.
William Gee Site
We have asked for the field to be cleaned up and we remain appalled at the general lack of care by the Council of this site. Residents will be aware that following touch negotiations by John and I, we have now agreed that half of the site can be used as sports fields for the new Kelvin, although this is subject to residents having access to the site and to a new community facility also being constructed on the site.
There will be no classrooms here, the daft idea of a split school site was roundly beaten! Many thanks to the huge number of local residents who responded to my survey on the matter and supported my fight against the split site option.
And Finally,
Please remember to Vote on May 1st in the Council Elections.
Saturday, 1 March 2008
County Road North Parking
I attended a meeting with representatives from Hull City who now occupy the Ideal Standard site to discuss the problems their usage of the site is having on parking for local residents.
I have to say that John and I support Hull City using the site for the benefit of sport in the city but we want a solution to the parking problems. Local residents rightly expect their own amenity to protected and we are with them in trying to strike a balance between the needs of residents and Hull City.
The meeting was most useful with the representatives of Hull City approaching the issue in a positive way. As a result they have agreed to -
We are clearly most keen to see the car park extended but this will depend on funding. Hull City will now look into that option and report back to us.Credit must go to the club for pursuing the issue so positively.
I have to say that John and I support Hull City using the site for the benefit of sport in the city but we want a solution to the parking problems. Local residents rightly expect their own amenity to protected and we are with them in trying to strike a balance between the needs of residents and Hull City.
The meeting was most useful with the representatives of Hull City approaching the issue in a positive way. As a result they have agreed to -
1. Encourage more sensible parking by people using the site, preferably by parking up the flyover
2. Mark out their car park properly once they have finished working on the drains, this should mean more cars can park on site
3. More importantly, investigate the possibility of extending their car park area, possibly in a strip along the side of the pitches.
We are clearly most keen to see the car park extended but this will depend on funding. Hull City will now look into that option and report back to us.Credit must go to the club for pursuing the issue so positively.
Friday, 18 January 2008
Good fellowship
Tremendous blow for people power!
By the time we turned up, armed to the teeth with good reasons to support the four grounds for objection Marston's brewers had refined their application to take out just about everything you objected to!
I was consideraby relieved to see widely respected former chairman Andrew Percy was chairing the tribunal (there was a chance he would be on hence he could not speak and prejudge the application) and he was assisted by two of the able Liberal democrats Cllrs Robinson and Williams.
It soon became clear that outside seating and wholesale extensions were not the topic and finally i was called to speak. Fortunately I had followed the complex twists and turns in this ludicrously complex procedure inflicted on us by the Labour Government and was able to make representations for you on the only matter they were seeking to change...the smoking outside policy.
With the smoking ban (again from this government) one of the problems glossed over was the fact that drinkers would go outside and probably cause nuisance and disturbance. To be totally fair, as we always are, the brewers did not ask for ANY beverages to be consumed outside after the cut-off time , merely that there should be permission to smoke outside around the sensitive time of post 11.30.
I made what I hope was a strong case (all my carefully thought out arguments and hours of preparation by now being so much wasted effort) and winged an argument that this activity carried out by people exuberant on alcohol may lead to loud noise and disturbance. I asked the tribunal to consoder a designated smoking spot away from local residents (the weakness of that being people could go and smoke on the pavements and we could not control it) or to see if they would consider some sort of controlled scheme with the landlord.
There was a bit of good natured sparring between Andrew and the brewer's lawyer about the pros and cons and i declined the opportunity to put some of my famous (apparently. I am told some obsess on this point!) tough questions.
Local residents spoke with passion and sincerity protecting their neighbourhoods, and it was good to see so many there. I certainly appreciated seeing the Chief Executive of Ferens and Pickering homes coming to be there for the residents of his housing scheme.
We were asked to leave and after an agonising wait called back in. I think the tribunal had to use the judgement of Solomon, both a designated spot and a controlled scheme had great strengths and great weaknesses in equal measure.
Andrew announced they had unanimously decided on:
The Licensee shall produce in agreement with Public Protection a smoking policy to manage smoking outside after 11.30pm. The policy will designate preferred smoking areas which will be provided with bins / ashtrays in order to minimise any public nuisance or crime and disorder.
Not quite verbatim, Andrew can speak faster than me at times, but no doubt he will post the precise words as soon as he can.
Personally I think this was agreeable as a basis, and there are some statutory provisions for enforcement under other legislation should they be needed. Smoking itself is not a licensable activity and it was important not to drive the smokers closer to the homes of local residents.
There were other provisions relating to dance floors and internal matters which were not controversial so I will not report on them here, and we did specify no metal/tubular chairs to stop noise late at night too, but that is the key point.
I think we should thank the tribunal, the brewers who saw sense and the civilised non confrontational way their lawyer put the case. Most of all I am grateful to local residents who turned up and followed the tortuous process the council is obliged to execute. The CONTACT team and local residents put out good quality and timely information to empower you....but you embraced the opportunity and chose to rise and speak for your community. I was proud to be able to represent you, to speak for decency and moderation, all you were asking for.
In the spirit of partnership (the pub has been there 80 years and they have certain rights too) we will of course work with all parties to try and ensure all works as it should.
Once again my very sincere thanks for not "leaving me to go naked into the conference chamber", and showing that you do care about your community
By the time we turned up, armed to the teeth with good reasons to support the four grounds for objection Marston's brewers had refined their application to take out just about everything you objected to!
I was consideraby relieved to see widely respected former chairman Andrew Percy was chairing the tribunal (there was a chance he would be on hence he could not speak and prejudge the application) and he was assisted by two of the able Liberal democrats Cllrs Robinson and Williams.
It soon became clear that outside seating and wholesale extensions were not the topic and finally i was called to speak. Fortunately I had followed the complex twists and turns in this ludicrously complex procedure inflicted on us by the Labour Government and was able to make representations for you on the only matter they were seeking to change...the smoking outside policy.
With the smoking ban (again from this government) one of the problems glossed over was the fact that drinkers would go outside and probably cause nuisance and disturbance. To be totally fair, as we always are, the brewers did not ask for ANY beverages to be consumed outside after the cut-off time , merely that there should be permission to smoke outside around the sensitive time of post 11.30.
I made what I hope was a strong case (all my carefully thought out arguments and hours of preparation by now being so much wasted effort) and winged an argument that this activity carried out by people exuberant on alcohol may lead to loud noise and disturbance. I asked the tribunal to consoder a designated smoking spot away from local residents (the weakness of that being people could go and smoke on the pavements and we could not control it) or to see if they would consider some sort of controlled scheme with the landlord.
There was a bit of good natured sparring between Andrew and the brewer's lawyer about the pros and cons and i declined the opportunity to put some of my famous (apparently. I am told some obsess on this point!) tough questions.
Local residents spoke with passion and sincerity protecting their neighbourhoods, and it was good to see so many there. I certainly appreciated seeing the Chief Executive of Ferens and Pickering homes coming to be there for the residents of his housing scheme.
We were asked to leave and after an agonising wait called back in. I think the tribunal had to use the judgement of Solomon, both a designated spot and a controlled scheme had great strengths and great weaknesses in equal measure.
Andrew announced they had unanimously decided on:
The Licensee shall produce in agreement with Public Protection a smoking policy to manage smoking outside after 11.30pm. The policy will designate preferred smoking areas which will be provided with bins / ashtrays in order to minimise any public nuisance or crime and disorder.
Not quite verbatim, Andrew can speak faster than me at times, but no doubt he will post the precise words as soon as he can.
Personally I think this was agreeable as a basis, and there are some statutory provisions for enforcement under other legislation should they be needed. Smoking itself is not a licensable activity and it was important not to drive the smokers closer to the homes of local residents.
There were other provisions relating to dance floors and internal matters which were not controversial so I will not report on them here, and we did specify no metal/tubular chairs to stop noise late at night too, but that is the key point.
I think we should thank the tribunal, the brewers who saw sense and the civilised non confrontational way their lawyer put the case. Most of all I am grateful to local residents who turned up and followed the tortuous process the council is obliged to execute. The CONTACT team and local residents put out good quality and timely information to empower you....but you embraced the opportunity and chose to rise and speak for your community. I was proud to be able to represent you, to speak for decency and moderation, all you were asking for.
In the spirit of partnership (the pub has been there 80 years and they have certain rights too) we will of course work with all parties to try and ensure all works as it should.
Once again my very sincere thanks for not "leaving me to go naked into the conference chamber", and showing that you do care about your community
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Windsor Road gating scheme
We have been approached about a possible gating scheme in this area by a local resident.
Due to Andrew's obvious links to the street, he really cannot get involved in this issue but we have an invariable approach to these matters. If a local resident can secure the agreement of the property owners who have the passageway we will support the scheme. If people want to argue, it is a civil matter in which we will not interfere. If people do not want it that's fine by us. Personally I loathe the things, we are turning into a defensive inward looking society, it being one thing protecting personal property but communally owned alleys is a step too far.
However we always fund half the costs through the Community Safety Fund if asked, as long as it exists and we have balances, and we shall do on this one too.
Proof again that Andrew and I are not in this for our own selfish reasons but we respect and understand the community who we work with all year round.
Due to Andrew's obvious links to the street, he really cannot get involved in this issue but we have an invariable approach to these matters. If a local resident can secure the agreement of the property owners who have the passageway we will support the scheme. If people want to argue, it is a civil matter in which we will not interfere. If people do not want it that's fine by us. Personally I loathe the things, we are turning into a defensive inward looking society, it being one thing protecting personal property but communally owned alleys is a step too far.
However we always fund half the costs through the Community Safety Fund if asked, as long as it exists and we have balances, and we shall do on this one too.
Proof again that Andrew and I are not in this for our own selfish reasons but we respect and understand the community who we work with all year round.
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Hotham Road Update
John highlighted the problems on Hotham Road in earlier post. I met the officers on site last week and discussed a number of possible solutions for this road. We have agreed to some new markings to make it easier for residents turning out of the tenfoots onto Hotham Road itself and we are going to look at imposing a weight limit on the street.
The carriageway surface is a disgrace and this will also be inspected shortly. If we get another chunk of highways budget given to the ward members as we did last year, this will certainly be one of the streets we consider resurfacing. Last year we intervened with that money to resurface National Avenue to a much higher noise reducing standard than was being proposed.
Yet again, proof that we simply get on with working hard for you.
The carriageway surface is a disgrace and this will also be inspected shortly. If we get another chunk of highways budget given to the ward members as we did last year, this will certainly be one of the streets we consider resurfacing. Last year we intervened with that money to resurface National Avenue to a much higher noise reducing standard than was being proposed.
Yet again, proof that we simply get on with working hard for you.
Chants Ave North Depot
I had a site meeting up here last week to discuss the on-going screening issues at the depot on Chants Ave North. Despite a number of promises from Council officers over the years, the site still has not been screened to the satisfaction of local residents.
Tired with the lack of action I organised a site meeting to make clear what John and I expect from the Council by way of screening. I hope this time to have secured the screening that was originally asked for and we will keep local residents updated.
As residents in Bricknell know, John and I prefer local action to fancy words and flashy promises.
Tired with the lack of action I organised a site meeting to make clear what John and I expect from the Council by way of screening. I hope this time to have secured the screening that was originally asked for and we will keep local residents updated.
As residents in Bricknell know, John and I prefer local action to fancy words and flashy promises.
Thursday, 10 January 2008
Blog of the year campaign 1
As regular readers will know in widely respected Daily Mail political journalist Angus Young's Annual Awards he gave blog of the year to Gary Watch, the life and times of former Cllr and current train driver Gary Wareing . (Available to view on http://www.wareingwatch.blogspot.com/).
Many of you are kind enough to think we were robbed. I asked Angus if he had read our blog and if he had did he think it was as dull and worthy as thought it should be?! (Gary Watch is not wholly serious!). He agreed it was so I hope we may be in with a shout for winning this coveted Award next year as we stay true to our market niche: conscientious and diligent ward councillors!
Of course we do this for the reward of knowing we are keeping in touch with you, not the award of recognition by top political journalists (shameless plugging here now, since Angus lives in the Ward, reads this, and we think the number of votes in his house is increasing soon!) but recognition is always welcome! So please, don't write to us: write to Angus at the Daily Mail buildings and nominate us! No Gary, just John and Andrew!
Many of you are kind enough to think we were robbed. I asked Angus if he had read our blog and if he had did he think it was as dull and worthy as thought it should be?! (Gary Watch is not wholly serious!). He agreed it was so I hope we may be in with a shout for winning this coveted Award next year as we stay true to our market niche: conscientious and diligent ward councillors!
Of course we do this for the reward of knowing we are keeping in touch with you, not the award of recognition by top political journalists (shameless plugging here now, since Angus lives in the Ward, reads this, and we think the number of votes in his house is increasing soon!) but recognition is always welcome! So please, don't write to us: write to Angus at the Daily Mail buildings and nominate us! No Gary, just John and Andrew!
Kelvin Hall School - the William Gee site
Kelvin Hall school is going to need part of this site under the new scheme but the good news is we have secured political support for your wishes (which we fully backed) not to have classrooms there.
As you know Andrew and I were opposed to a split school site on sound education grounds also and, despite the Governors of Kelvin initially wanting a split site (it's not for us to comment but most of the Governors do not live in Bricknell Ward), they now seem to have come on board.
Following our power meeting today with senior staff involved in developing the new schools fit for the new century we believe we are heading in the right direction. We agreed there was no harm to a few sports pitches, as Andrew and I prove healthy bodies lead to healthy minds, and a modest building to allow changing facilities.
We are now engaged in talks to see if we can mutually "piggyback" (a biological impossibility of course but it gets across this is a meeting of equals!) our desire for the community library and community rooms with their desire for changing rooms. More importantly it's putting together funds we have secured for this with their funds: the sum total being infinitely greater than the sum of the individual parts.
Proof again, if proof were ever needed that unlike others with their so called blogs we work for you all year round.
As you know Andrew and I were opposed to a split school site on sound education grounds also and, despite the Governors of Kelvin initially wanting a split site (it's not for us to comment but most of the Governors do not live in Bricknell Ward), they now seem to have come on board.
Following our power meeting today with senior staff involved in developing the new schools fit for the new century we believe we are heading in the right direction. We agreed there was no harm to a few sports pitches, as Andrew and I prove healthy bodies lead to healthy minds, and a modest building to allow changing facilities.
We are now engaged in talks to see if we can mutually "piggyback" (a biological impossibility of course but it gets across this is a meeting of equals!) our desire for the community library and community rooms with their desire for changing rooms. More importantly it's putting together funds we have secured for this with their funds: the sum total being infinitely greater than the sum of the individual parts.
Proof again, if proof were ever needed that unlike others with their so called blogs we work for you all year round.
Kelvin hall school the Bricknell Avenue site
As you know Andrew and I are passionate about education and have called for this school to be amongst the first to be modernised since we know the premium you place on education.
We seem to have won the battle to be modernised sooner than later with all classrooms on the one site. We are not so sure we are winning the admissions battle.
Realising this was imminent Andrew and I had a power meeting with the most senior figures in the schools modernisation programme. We made clear that buildings should not be near existing homes, trees on site should be retained, we did not mind the building coming forward and we wanted screening around car parks. We also pushed for better site access to try and cut down on the problem of people driving to school.
I am happy to say our ideas had a certain resonance with the thinking of the senior team. Their sensitivity to local needs was highly commendable and the meeting was far from fraught with no need for the tough questions we often have to ask.
There are no designs yet available simply because Andrew and I as ever were early on your behalf. Once there are some we will ensure there is ample opportunity for you to comment but this could be some months away yet.
We seem to have won the battle to be modernised sooner than later with all classrooms on the one site. We are not so sure we are winning the admissions battle.
Realising this was imminent Andrew and I had a power meeting with the most senior figures in the schools modernisation programme. We made clear that buildings should not be near existing homes, trees on site should be retained, we did not mind the building coming forward and we wanted screening around car parks. We also pushed for better site access to try and cut down on the problem of people driving to school.
I am happy to say our ideas had a certain resonance with the thinking of the senior team. Their sensitivity to local needs was highly commendable and the meeting was far from fraught with no need for the tough questions we often have to ask.
There are no designs yet available simply because Andrew and I as ever were early on your behalf. Once there are some we will ensure there is ample opportunity for you to comment but this could be some months away yet.
Tuesday, 8 January 2008
Hotham Road North
Renewed complaints about potholes saw the team swing into action.
After a day involving tough negotiations on planning matters I swung by to see the situation for myself.
I have contacted the appropriate officers and indicated we need remedial action. Andrew and I touched base tonight in one of our "campfire" chats (sessions where we talk about ward issues rather than politics in general and the fevered Guildhall rumours) amd agreed the road is getting worse. Should the Liberal Democrats again devolve some highway maintenance budget to the local councillors we agreed we would have this road as one of those optioned for appraisal and action if funding allowed.
Reported complaints of litter have also been the subject of action by your hardworking local team. In other postings you will have read about our frustration with certain staff memenrs but I received an e mail on this matter from one of the local team at quarter to ten tonight! Naturally I have replied.
When we say we work all year round we do mean it!
After a day involving tough negotiations on planning matters I swung by to see the situation for myself.
I have contacted the appropriate officers and indicated we need remedial action. Andrew and I touched base tonight in one of our "campfire" chats (sessions where we talk about ward issues rather than politics in general and the fevered Guildhall rumours) amd agreed the road is getting worse. Should the Liberal Democrats again devolve some highway maintenance budget to the local councillors we agreed we would have this road as one of those optioned for appraisal and action if funding allowed.
Reported complaints of litter have also been the subject of action by your hardworking local team. In other postings you will have read about our frustration with certain staff memenrs but I received an e mail on this matter from one of the local team at quarter to ten tonight! Naturally I have replied.
When we say we work all year round we do mean it!
National Pub Part 2.
As John has posted below, the application from the National Pub seeking a change to their licence allowing them to put on live music until midnight every day of the week was rejected by a Licensing Panel which I sat on yesterday.
Whilst we allowed them permission to alter the internal layout of the pub we only granted them permission to put on live entertainment on a Friday and Saturday night until 11pm. They will however be allowed to offer live entertainment for longer on certain 'notable' days such as Christmas Eve, New Years Eve etc.
The panel was unanimous in its decision and we felt that this decision strikes a reasonable balance for local residents. John turned up to speak on behalf of local residents and made a powerful submission containing some important points.
Under Labour's new Licencing Act it can be very difficult for us to reject an application as we have to judge it on very tightly drawn grounds. However, John was able to persuade the panel that there would be an increase in public nuisance if the application for live entertainment every day of the week was granted.
Whilst we allowed them permission to alter the internal layout of the pub we only granted them permission to put on live entertainment on a Friday and Saturday night until 11pm. They will however be allowed to offer live entertainment for longer on certain 'notable' days such as Christmas Eve, New Years Eve etc.
The panel was unanimous in its decision and we felt that this decision strikes a reasonable balance for local residents. John turned up to speak on behalf of local residents and made a powerful submission containing some important points.
Under Labour's new Licencing Act it can be very difficult for us to reject an application as we have to judge it on very tightly drawn grounds. However, John was able to persuade the panel that there would be an increase in public nuisance if the application for live entertainment every day of the week was granted.
Monday, 7 January 2008
National Pub
Broke off from the powerful Scrutiny Finance committee to attend and do my duty by the ward. This was my first Licensing hearing in the new world order.
It was reassuring to see widely respected former Chairman Andrew Percy was on the panel as well as two common sense Lib dem cllrs in Elaine Garland and John Robinson.
Matters were conducted by the agreed procedure and I was rather reassured by the tough questions Andrew posed. Mitchell And Butler (the pub owners) had brought probably the leading solicitors in licensing applications in the country with them, but as ever I was undaunted knowing you had charged me with speaking for you. (I am sure Andrew was undaunted too but he has dealt with them before, and of course I had no idea what he was going to say since he is not allowed to discuss matters before the meeting - as I cannot on planning matters).
After the case was put and the applicants had faced Andrew's tough questions (I declined to interrogate the applicants leaving that to Andrew's expertise; I was there as the voice of the people not an expert) I made your case for you. I must have had some effect because the applicant's backtracked on the new branding being really all that significant (I had suggested tat if "cornerstone" was aimed at a local family pub as part of the community with a food "offer", why was all this needed since the current National is just that. I also pointed out the pictures they brought were rather suggestive of increased external noise and more volume sales).
Anyway no need to go into what I said or if it was good, bad or indifferent ("he who speaks of himself speaks false", I will have to hope Andrew does a posting praising me to the heavens!!!), suffice it to say I faced a question from the applicant (!) and then was interrogated by Andrew about local feeling.
We were invited to leave and after what seemed an eternity in a draughty Guildhall passage, and must have been some ten minutes, we were told we had been successful to a considerable point.
THE EXISTING LICENCE WAS CONFIRMED BUT THE LATER HOURS EVERY NIGHT WERE REJECTED EXCEPT FOR A FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.
I have no idea who said what or voted which way behind the closed doors, I am as certain as possible in my own mind Andrew was persuaded and at least one other must have been; but I am grateful to all involved for helping defend this residential area where people choose to live and invest in.
The process, initiated by the Government reforms but successfully introduced and interpreted by Andrew when chairman seemed fair and obviously I am delighted at the result and grateful for the resident support we had. There were letters and at least one concerned young mother attended in person. Thank you to you all.
Watch this space (and of course more of CONTACT the pioneering and trailblazing family of printed newsletters brought t you all year round by your local campaigning team) for more news on The Good Fellowship, and the planning application for The National. Andrew will lead on the latter, I cannot express an opinion before a planning meeting on any application without losing my vote - so do write or contact my fellow hard working local campaigner IF you have any views for or against the planning proposals.
It was reassuring to see widely respected former Chairman Andrew Percy was on the panel as well as two common sense Lib dem cllrs in Elaine Garland and John Robinson.
Matters were conducted by the agreed procedure and I was rather reassured by the tough questions Andrew posed. Mitchell And Butler (the pub owners) had brought probably the leading solicitors in licensing applications in the country with them, but as ever I was undaunted knowing you had charged me with speaking for you. (I am sure Andrew was undaunted too but he has dealt with them before, and of course I had no idea what he was going to say since he is not allowed to discuss matters before the meeting - as I cannot on planning matters).
After the case was put and the applicants had faced Andrew's tough questions (I declined to interrogate the applicants leaving that to Andrew's expertise; I was there as the voice of the people not an expert) I made your case for you. I must have had some effect because the applicant's backtracked on the new branding being really all that significant (I had suggested tat if "cornerstone" was aimed at a local family pub as part of the community with a food "offer", why was all this needed since the current National is just that. I also pointed out the pictures they brought were rather suggestive of increased external noise and more volume sales).
Anyway no need to go into what I said or if it was good, bad or indifferent ("he who speaks of himself speaks false", I will have to hope Andrew does a posting praising me to the heavens!!!), suffice it to say I faced a question from the applicant (!) and then was interrogated by Andrew about local feeling.
We were invited to leave and after what seemed an eternity in a draughty Guildhall passage, and must have been some ten minutes, we were told we had been successful to a considerable point.
THE EXISTING LICENCE WAS CONFIRMED BUT THE LATER HOURS EVERY NIGHT WERE REJECTED EXCEPT FOR A FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.
I have no idea who said what or voted which way behind the closed doors, I am as certain as possible in my own mind Andrew was persuaded and at least one other must have been; but I am grateful to all involved for helping defend this residential area where people choose to live and invest in.
The process, initiated by the Government reforms but successfully introduced and interpreted by Andrew when chairman seemed fair and obviously I am delighted at the result and grateful for the resident support we had. There were letters and at least one concerned young mother attended in person. Thank you to you all.
Watch this space (and of course more of CONTACT the pioneering and trailblazing family of printed newsletters brought t you all year round by your local campaigning team) for more news on The Good Fellowship, and the planning application for The National. Andrew will lead on the latter, I cannot express an opinion before a planning meeting on any application without losing my vote - so do write or contact my fellow hard working local campaigner IF you have any views for or against the planning proposals.
Thursday, 3 January 2008
Frustration
Thanks to one of our regular readers who contacted me last night to say how he now understood blogs were good for relieving frustration.
The average councillor serves one four year term then runs for sanity. Andrew has done twice that and I have done about five times that, both of us grateful for the support you give us to enable us to serve you. It is worth showing the "sterner stuff" Andrew and I are made of on your behalf. We are not universally popular in the Guildhall, time-servers and time-wasters get short shrift from us as do "right on " types being "worthy" rather than doing what you expect from local government. however we are unconcerned since we are your voices in the Guildhall and it is you we serve, w e have not "gone native".
However it is an interesting reflection that one of the latest ideas in the Government's barmy "Councillor's Commission" is that Councillor's should be ineligible to stand again beyond a point they set! Yes you will be denied the chance to sack or retain an individual after a short period......while oddly enough no such idea has emerged for our well paid, highly pensioned MP's!
So "welcome to our world" will run as a series so you can see just why it is Andrew and I are made of "the right stuff" and do indeed work for you all year round, be it tough questions, mocking speeches, probing analysis, or sheer exposure to the real world some of the ideas that emerge from within the splendid panelling of the Guildhall. We speak for Bricknell.
The average councillor serves one four year term then runs for sanity. Andrew has done twice that and I have done about five times that, both of us grateful for the support you give us to enable us to serve you. It is worth showing the "sterner stuff" Andrew and I are made of on your behalf. We are not universally popular in the Guildhall, time-servers and time-wasters get short shrift from us as do "right on " types being "worthy" rather than doing what you expect from local government. however we are unconcerned since we are your voices in the Guildhall and it is you we serve, w e have not "gone native".
However it is an interesting reflection that one of the latest ideas in the Government's barmy "Councillor's Commission" is that Councillor's should be ineligible to stand again beyond a point they set! Yes you will be denied the chance to sack or retain an individual after a short period......while oddly enough no such idea has emerged for our well paid, highly pensioned MP's!
So "welcome to our world" will run as a series so you can see just why it is Andrew and I are made of "the right stuff" and do indeed work for you all year round, be it tough questions, mocking speeches, probing analysis, or sheer exposure to the real world some of the ideas that emerge from within the splendid panelling of the Guildhall. We speak for Bricknell.
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
National Avenue Allotments
Our atention has been drawn to issues here by a campaigning local resident.
Informed that someone has been dumping rubbish on the site I swung into action. Not only do i require an immediate tidy up (cardboard boxes and nappies are not a great advert for our society or the allotments) but also that we look at ways to make the site more secure.
Andrew and I will be having another of our regular meetings (especially if he is paying for the coffee!) soon and need to discuss Community safety Fund Expenditure. it may be this could be the answer.
So there you have it. No consultants, no telling how to do our job (after 22 and 8 years we have both put in) just: local resident alerts us to a problem, instantly contact the officer to request immediate action, to be followed by proposals for prevention in the future. Of course how soon the creaking Guildhall machine swings into action remains to be seen, but we will be vigilant
Informed that someone has been dumping rubbish on the site I swung into action. Not only do i require an immediate tidy up (cardboard boxes and nappies are not a great advert for our society or the allotments) but also that we look at ways to make the site more secure.
Andrew and I will be having another of our regular meetings (especially if he is paying for the coffee!) soon and need to discuss Community safety Fund Expenditure. it may be this could be the answer.
So there you have it. No consultants, no telling how to do our job (after 22 and 8 years we have both put in) just: local resident alerts us to a problem, instantly contact the officer to request immediate action, to be followed by proposals for prevention in the future. Of course how soon the creaking Guildhall machine swings into action remains to be seen, but we will be vigilant
Welcome to our world 1
First meeting back after Recess. The usually dependble and only mildly controversial Transport Scrutiny.
I pointed out rather than just stand an item down we could give a sense of direction for what WE wanted in the Report not wait to find out what staff wanted to tell us. This was not about facts but "direction of travel" and "scene setting"
At the end of the next agenda item we were subjected to a long monologue for a consultant on how we needed more information, we needed the bigger picture, we were not getting the information. "Go figure" think I, who spends much time in and out of meetings wanting answers and workign to get them. I was not alone in pointing out I ahd just done that, what did they think we fouhgt to keep our researchers for, and anyway oif we tried to argue with staff we were accused of "bullying" or micro managing by those who cannot cope. (This does not stop Andrew and I, we continue with tough questions on your behalf, we are answerable to you not consultants).
I was also astonished to be told, in common with the rest of my colleagues, I was not aware of information on our web site which was germane to our discussion. Such omniscience! I was not asked if I was aware, just told I was not. I patiently explained that not having printed it off did not mean I had not read it (I did not point out as the current Chairman of Planning, and a member for 20 years of one Transport committee or another I had helped produce the policy!)
Blow me down, after the meeting I find the consultant complained I was rude! Let me see. I question officers, and argue with them, exposing the errors in their position if needed; other times we agree! This after a 15 minute session patronising members!
I am told the consultant used to be a social services officer and was retired.
This will be a continuing series I feel, one in which we lift the lid off some of what it is like in the modern climate where retired officers (not set in any ways there or predisposed in any wnay then!) tell us what to do on your behalf. Amazing.
The sad thing is we have some first rate officers, who write good reports, and assist memebrs by giving good advice. Fortunate enough to have been praised in both my chairmanships by external inspectors I know it is because whatever modest talents I may have I put the public first - and am served by good officers who work with me and counsel me against potential errors. Nevertheless we will run this series at times, get the flavour of the battles we fight at times to deliver on what you want; as well as the incredible parallel universe that exists in which the governing elite think
I pointed out rather than just stand an item down we could give a sense of direction for what WE wanted in the Report not wait to find out what staff wanted to tell us. This was not about facts but "direction of travel" and "scene setting"
At the end of the next agenda item we were subjected to a long monologue for a consultant on how we needed more information, we needed the bigger picture, we were not getting the information. "Go figure" think I, who spends much time in and out of meetings wanting answers and workign to get them. I was not alone in pointing out I ahd just done that, what did they think we fouhgt to keep our researchers for, and anyway oif we tried to argue with staff we were accused of "bullying" or micro managing by those who cannot cope. (This does not stop Andrew and I, we continue with tough questions on your behalf, we are answerable to you not consultants).
I was also astonished to be told, in common with the rest of my colleagues, I was not aware of information on our web site which was germane to our discussion. Such omniscience! I was not asked if I was aware, just told I was not. I patiently explained that not having printed it off did not mean I had not read it (I did not point out as the current Chairman of Planning, and a member for 20 years of one Transport committee or another I had helped produce the policy!)
Blow me down, after the meeting I find the consultant complained I was rude! Let me see. I question officers, and argue with them, exposing the errors in their position if needed; other times we agree! This after a 15 minute session patronising members!
I am told the consultant used to be a social services officer and was retired.
This will be a continuing series I feel, one in which we lift the lid off some of what it is like in the modern climate where retired officers (not set in any ways there or predisposed in any wnay then!) tell us what to do on your behalf. Amazing.
The sad thing is we have some first rate officers, who write good reports, and assist memebrs by giving good advice. Fortunate enough to have been praised in both my chairmanships by external inspectors I know it is because whatever modest talents I may have I put the public first - and am served by good officers who work with me and counsel me against potential errors. Nevertheless we will run this series at times, get the flavour of the battles we fight at times to deliver on what you want; as well as the incredible parallel universe that exists in which the governing elite think
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
Angus Young Annual Awards
Thank you to those you who wrote in saying "you were robbed".
We are not too worried here on the Bricknell blog, we are very much the new kids on the blog and feel we have not yet the solid body of work to be found on Gary watch. We are sure we will be in with a shout next year when top political journalist Angus Young reads this site as yet another way to find out how his local community is served!
At the end of the day Andrew and I feel the best reward is service to the community not hoping for awards
We are not too worried here on the Bricknell blog, we are very much the new kids on the blog and feel we have not yet the solid body of work to be found on Gary watch. We are sure we will be in with a shout next year when top political journalist Angus Young reads this site as yet another way to find out how his local community is served!
At the end of the day Andrew and I feel the best reward is service to the community not hoping for awards
Super Forum
These events take a lot of organising which is why they are not held too closely together.
However one is due around March period and this is your chance to tell us who you would like to see there.
In the past we have brought the police, the fire, various council departments, various learning institutions, HANWAG and other crime fighters, the mobile library, and others. Many of those will be invited again. Andrew and ia re always keen to hear the views of the community so please do let us know if there is an organisation you think can benefit by being brought to you. It goes without saying that we will be there anyway, we expect the police, and other crime fighting agencies, but your views really matter to us.
We expect the venue will be on the Bricknell Estate this year, last time was Chanterlands Avenue, and Andrew will be taking a close interest in this. Please write to either of us and let us know your views so we can try to reflect them.
However one is due around March period and this is your chance to tell us who you would like to see there.
In the past we have brought the police, the fire, various council departments, various learning institutions, HANWAG and other crime fighters, the mobile library, and others. Many of those will be invited again. Andrew and ia re always keen to hear the views of the community so please do let us know if there is an organisation you think can benefit by being brought to you. It goes without saying that we will be there anyway, we expect the police, and other crime fighting agencies, but your views really matter to us.
We expect the venue will be on the Bricknell Estate this year, last time was Chanterlands Avenue, and Andrew will be taking a close interest in this. Please write to either of us and let us know your views so we can try to reflect them.
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