Broxtowe Enews 2nd June 2013

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.

1. Hemlock Happening
The 12th Annual Hemlock Happening will take place this Saturday at Bramcote Hills Park. This free event is one of the main highlights of the year and it is beginning to look like the weather might play ball as well. A full programme of entertainment is in place and everyone is invited to come and have a great time. The opening ceremony, attended by our MP, the Mayor of Broxtowe and the Mayor of Stapleford is at 1pm in the Walled Garden.  Staged events continue in the Walled Garden throughout the day ending with a fabulous firework display at 10:30pm. There are many additional field activities in Bramcote Hills Park from 1pm to 5pm. The event is organised in association with the Arts and Events Team at Broxtowe Borough Council.

2. Chilwell and Toton Liberal Democrats
I’m delighted to announce that we are launching a new Lib-Dem branch to cover Chilwell and Toton. The initial meeting will be this Friday at 71 Penrhyn Crescent in Chilwell, starting at 7.30pm. This will be an evening of “Coffee, Cake and Conversation” and if you’re a supporter of the Liberal Democrats we would be delighted to see you there.

3. Independent Person
Broxtowe Borough Council is looking to appoint an Independent Person to assist the Council’s Monitoring Officer to assess allegations of misconduct against either a Member of this Council or of a Parish/Town Council in the area and to decide on a course of action.  The Independent Person may also be consulted by and need to consult with the member about whom an allegation has been made. The successful candidate will be committed to achieving a high standard of behaviour in public affairs, be able to understand complicated facts, be able to express views clearly and ask relevant questions, have no obvious political affiliation and no recent political activity.  Experience of adjudication or investigation of complaints, an appreciation of the pressure on councillors and public services generally or experience of dealing with standards investigations would be an advantage.
The Localism Act 2011 prevents members and officers of the Council, their relatives and close friends from being an Independent Person. However this is circulated as it is recognised that Councillors and Parish Councils are likely to be aware of individuals who would be interested in this role The Independent Person may be required to attend hearing meetings, which are usually held in the early evening.  Full training will be provided for the successful applicant and a small allowance will be paid.
An application pack is available at http://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1622 If you are interested in this role and would like an informal conversation then please contact, Phillip Horsfield, Head of Legal Services, Broxtowe Borough Council, Council Offices, Foster Avenue, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1AB on 0115 9173230. Closing date for applications is 7th June 2013.

4. Primary Schools
News this week affects two primary schools in Broxtowe. Bramcote Hills Primary School has been given funds by the county council to build two new classrooms, and they hope that these will be completed in time for the new school year in September 2014. At Round Hill Primary School in Beeston the county council have approved plans to increase the size of admissions by 25%.

5. Toton HS2 Station
Notts County Council and Nottingham City Council are working together to commission independent research on the economic benefits of having the HS2 station in Toton. This will be part of the process of determining whether the currently proposed plans are eventually confirmed by HS2 as their chosen route. Derby City Council want the station to be built there instead and this new research should help us counter their arguments.

6. Advice for Landlords
The Broxtowe and Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Landlords Forum event will take place at Broxtowe Town Hall, Foster Avenue, Beeston on 11th June between 6.30 and 9.00pm. The forum seeks to offer free help and advice to landlords on a range of issues. Tickets can be booked by emailing Deborah.bloomfield@broxtowe.gov.uk or ringing 0115 917 3554.

7. Eastwood Book Town
Eastwood Book Club are trying to get Eastwood designated as a Book Town. This would mean that new books in Nottinghamshire could be launched in Eastwood, drawing on the towns heritage as the home of DH Lawrence. My colleague Keith Longdon is the patron of the Eastwood Book Town campaign and I wish them every success.

8. No to Late Night Levy
Proposals were discussed by the borough council’s Alcohol and Entertainment committee this week about charging a late night levy on local pubs and cubs to contribute towards the costs of policing and CCTV. Having explored the issues at length the committee voted not to proceed with the proposals.

9. Stapleford Local History Society
The next meeting of Stapleford and District Local History Society will take place at Maycliffe Hall, Stapleford, on 12th June at 7.30pm, and will be a talk on the history of Toton Marshalling Yard. Admission costs £2.50.

As ever thank you for your support for this newsletter. Any feedback is gratefully received.

Best wishes

David
www.davidwatts.org.uk
www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk
Follow me on Twitter @davidwatts12.