Welcome to Broxtowe Enews, brought to you by the Liberal Democrats and edited by David Watts, the leader of the Lib-Dems on Broxtowe Borough Council. May I give a special welcome to the new readers that we have this week.
Before moving on to the news may I express my condolences to the family and friends of Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty who died suddenly today.
1. Council Tax
Papers published by the borough council today show that Broxtowe are not proposing to increase council tax for the forthcoming year. This represents a significant victory for the Liberal Democrats who had been pressing for this approach. This will need to be approved by the cabinet on 13th February and then by the full council on 29th, but I hope that everyone will support it.
2. By elections
Both the Chilwell and Toton County Council seat and the Toton and Chilwell Meadows borough council seats will be contested on 15th March. I’m pleased to announce that I will be the Lib-Dem candidate for the County Council seat, and we’ll announce our candidate for the borough council next week. If you live in either of the areas and want a postal vote you need to register by 29th February. If you need a postal vote let me know with your name and address and I’ll let you have a copy of the application form. To be able to stand I need to be nominated by ten local residents and I thought it would be nice to ask readers from this newsletter if they would do the honours. If you live in Chilwell or Toton and would be happy to nominate me to stand please let me know and I’ll be round with the form. Given that the Lib-Dems won seats from the Tories and Labour this week I’m looking forward to the election.
3. Next Tram Works
The tram will be demolishing properties on Chilwell Road starting on 13th February. Utility works start on Chilwell Road in mid-April. The good news is that it looks like the spaces created will be used as car parks rather than site compounds. Utility works in the Fletcher Road, Humber Road and Lower Road areas also start on 13th February. Utility works on Bramcote Lane start on 20th February.
4. Stapleford Job Club
A new programme of meetings for Stapleford Job Club commences on 15th February. It meets from 1.30pm to 4pm at the Carnegie Centre on Warren Avenue. For details contact Richard Mayer on 0115 9178080 or email richardm1@vcb.org.uk.
5. Hickings Lane Recreation Park
At the cabinet meeting this week the council approved plans to install a new skateboard park at Hickings Lane rec in Stapleford. This has been designed in conjunction with young users and my congratulations go to everyone involved in this scheme, which was put together by my colleagues Brian Wombwell and David Grindell.
6. Long Stay parking
Also in cabinet on Tuesday night the council agreed to reduce charges for long stay parking in Stapleford, Kimberley and Eastwood. The council is still reviewing what changes they will be making in Beeston.
7. Lets Beat Obesity Campaign
Slimming World in Chilwell will be holding their lets beat obesity together campaign launch party on 16th February, at 7pm at the St Barnabas Church, Barncroft Chilwell, NG9 4HU. There is no obligation for people to join, just merely to come and learn more. For details ring Kerry Hughes on 07870 409422.
8. Telephone Number Correction
A couple of weeks ago I included details of a phone advice line for benefits advice for pensioners, run by Age UK. Unfortunately the phone number was incorrect. Apologies for this, and the correct number should have been 0115 844 0011.
9. Rumbletums Arts Project
Rumbletums is developing its partnership with Space Inclusive and they are currently looking at the feasibility of starting some joint arts-based activities for young people and adults (18+) with a learning disability. These will most probably be delivered at Rumbletums in Kimberley. Because of the need to make such activities commercially viable, they are targeting young people and adults who currently have a personal budget that they may choose to fund their participation in such activities with. In order to assess demand and get an idea of the types of activities people may want to do, Space Inclusive has put together a short questionnaire. They are now distributing this to interested parties and potential participants to get their views. If you would like a copy please contact Jeff at Rumbletums via jeff.buck2768@btinternet.com. Rumbletums have also been awarded £2,000 as a grant from Eon, which will help support their work.
10. Community Theatre Group
A new community theatre group has been set up in Chilwell. Chilwell Community Arts Society is looking for new recruits and meets on a Wednesday night at Chilwell school from 7.30 to 9.30pm. Details are available from www.chilwellcats.co.uk.
11. Severn Trent Water
Severn Trent water will be putting their bills up from 1st April by 5%. This is actually less than the average rise across the country, but is still disappointing news for customers.
12. Rural Bike Rides
A PROGRAMME of rural bike rides has been launched at Giltbrook Retail Park. Organised by Broxtowe Borough Council, Rural Rides will take place twice a month on Saturdays and Tuesdays and will leave from the retail park’s Pets at Home store. Rural Rides is a programme of guided scenic cycle rides on quiet lanes and off-road routes. There are frequent stops to take in points of interest and admire the views. Each guided cycle ride is free with no need to book, although under 16s must be supervised by an adult. High-visibility comfortable clothing, trainers, a cycling helmet and a drink are recommended. The next bike ride will leave on Tuesday February 14 at 10am. For information on future rides visit www.broxtowe.gov.uk/wow.
13. School Governors
Notts County Council are trying to recruit more governors for local schools. Apparently there are 58 vacancies across Broxtowe at the moment, so there are probably vacancies near you. A governor’s role includes monitoring budgets, appointing senior staff, including head teachers and making decisions on the future of the school. I’m a governor at my local school and find it very rewarding, so this is something I would heartily commend to people. Anybody interested should call 0115 8546054.
14. The Snow
As I’m writing this snow is falling heavily. My kids think that this is great, but despite the fact that everyone had been warned to expect this all buses through Beeston were withdrawn because of the weather at about 8.30pm. Given that the County Council have been telling us for months that they have plenty of salt supplies to keep the roads open through the winter this is a pretty poor start.
15. Emergency Response Times
It was very disappointing to see two separate reports this week showing that both Notts Police and the NHS Ambulance Trust have fallen short of their targets for responding to emergency calls. The police say that they believe the figures are wrong but I’ve not seen any explanation from the ambulance service.
As ever thank you for your support for this newsletter, and any feedback is gratefully received.
Best wishes
David
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