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.
First, many apologies that there hasn’t been a newsletter for the past couple of weeks. I’ve actually been away on holiday and didn’t want to broadcast that fact beforehand. Second can I apologise to Beeston Hockey Club. I meant to mention their great success this season a few weeks ago but forgot to do so. Sorry folks and well done.
1. Riots
The events of the past week or so have been truly shocking. I was horrified to hear that they spread to Nottingham and the police did receive intelligence that Beeston was to be targeted for an attack one night. Extensive police activity including targeting those known to be involved in the planning meant that the threat failed to materialise. I have tabled a motion to be debated at the next council expressing criticism of the rioters and support for the police. I know that some people say that there were complex reasons for the riots but frankly, crime is crime and the sort of behaviour that has been demonstrated over the past few days is inexcusable. That doesn’t mean however that I would support a knee jerk reaction with new laws or restrictions, but hopefully there will be a frank and dispassionate look at the situation afterwards.
2. Future Broxtowe Development
The consultation period on where new housing in Broxtowe will be built over the next 20 years is now underway and I would encourage as many people as possible to respond. The consultation information is all available on the councils website at http://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=9265. I have insisted that the council looks at the best ways to ensure that all local communities are consulted as well and we will be taking various options forward over the next few weeks.
I have been very disappointed by some blatant political gamesmanship from the Conservatives over this. A Conservative Secretary of State insists that every council must look to allow new building and yet the local Conservatives have refused to say where they would support this happening in Broxtowe. I’m afraid that they can’t have it both ways, the Tories either support building or they don’t.
3. Walking in Broxtowe
A walking festival is being held in the borough at the beginning of next month to explore some of its delights. More than 35 different walks have been organised to suit all ages in the “Broxtowe Footsteps Festival.” The first walk is on 3rd September starting at 11.30 at Bramcote Hills Park and walking to Stapleford Carnival.
4. Stapleford Carnival
As mentioned above, the next Stapleford Carnival will be on 3rd September. There will be a parade through the town before the rest of the festivities at the Washington Drive field. The Lib-Dems will have a stall so please do drop in and say hello.
5. Community Action Meetings
The borough council currently holds Community Action Team meetings acros the borough. However attendance varies tremendously between different areas. In Bramcotee we will regularly get close to 100 people attending but in some other areas they have single figure attendances. As a result the council has agreed to switch from a “one-size-fits-all” approach to giving each local councillor discretion as to what happens in their own areas. At the same time the council will be exploring other ways of keeping in touch with people.
6. Sainsburys in Wollaton
Although this is outside of the borough the plans by Sainsbury’s to open a new store in Wollaton will affect many of our residents, especially those in Bramcote. The plans were rejected a couple of years ago but now they are back. Any comments on these should be sent to the city council.
7. Creative writing for teachers
A creative writing course aimed at teachers is being held at Durban House in Eastwood on 22nd April from 10.30pm. It is organised by the British Library and the National Association of Writers in Education. The course is free and places are allocated on a first come first served basis. Details are available on 0115 917 3824.
8. Worlds Longest Names
I like to draw attention to the achievements of local residents, but the latest entry into the Guinness Book of Records by local residents is simply bizarre. Two Beeston residents have changed their names by deed poll to reflect their love of comic book super heroes, and are now apparently known as ‘Emperor Spiderman Gandalf Wolverine Skywalker Optimus Prime Goku Sonic Xavier Ryu Cloud Superman HeMan Batman Thrash’ and ‘Baron Venom Bairog Sabretooth Vader Megatron Vegeta Robotnik Magneto Bison Sephiroth Lex Luthor Skeletor Joker Grind.’ It will be interesting canvassing them in the next elections!
As ever thank you for your support for this newsletter and any feedback will be gratefully received.
David
