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 may I thank everyone for your messages of support and
offers of help after our house flooded a few days ago. I have been deeply moved
by the kindness and generosity of people. We have had to move out of our house
for the next few months whilst drying out and building work takes place, and so
we have moved to a property on Seven Oaks Crescent in Bramcote. Second may I
apologise that there was no newsletter last week. With everything that was
going on we decided to have a few days away last weekend.
1.
Free Car Parking
From now until Christmas the borough council car parks will
be available free of charge. Every year since car park charges were introduced
we have provided free parking in December and I am delighted that we have been
able to do this again this year.
2.
Travelright
TravelRight is a new sustainable travel programme funded by
the Borough and County Councils (amongst others) and run by the charity
Ridewise. It aims to provide information to people throughout the borough in making
active travel choices, including walking, cycling, public transport and car
share options, all to make peoples journeys quicker, cheaper and easier. When I
took over chairing the council’s Climate Change Working Group this was one of a
number of initiatives I asked us to look into and I’m delighted that it is now
happening. You can access information about this on their website at www.travelright.org.uk. They also have
a prize survey on their about travel patterns in Broxtowe.
3.
Framework
It was very disappointing to hear this week that Framework,
the Nottinghamshire Homeless Charity, are contemplating closing all of their
hostels due to the cuts imposed on them by the County Council. This is
extremely worrying and we are actively exploring how we can take steps to help
them and to put pressure on the County Council to reverse this decision.
4.
Waste Collections Calendars
When the waste collection calendars were delivered this year
they included a letter to say that this would be the last year that they were
delivered. This was not what was agreed by the Liberal Democrats on the council
and we are not willing to accept it. Until the whole council decides otherwise
then we will ensure that calendars continue to be distributed to all houses.
5.
Parking Outside Kimberley School
Many apologies that there was a typo in the email address
for comments on the parking proposals for Kimberley School in the last
newsletter. The correct address is TMconsultation@nottscc.gov.uk.
Many thanks to a sharp eyed reader for spotting this.
6. Emergency
Gas Repairs
Emergency gas repairs are currently being carried out on
Main Street in Newthorpe. As a result the road will be closed until Wednesday
at least.
7.
Ambulance Response Times
It was disappointing to read again this week that East
Midlands Ambulance Service have missed their targets for responding to
emergencies. This is the fourth month in a row that they have failed to hit
their targets. There is a new senior management team in place at the ambulance
service so I hope that they can get to grips with the problems soon. They have
this week produced an action plan os steps that they are proposing to take so I
wish them success in this.
8.
Improvements to Sports Centre
The council have been able to finance improvements at
Bramcote, Chilwell and Kimberley Sports Centres. In Bramcote and Kimberley new fitness
equipment is being provided at a cost of £230,000, whilst at Chilwell a further
five a side pitch is being developed at a cost of £91,000. The current pitches
are well used and have a waiting list so an extra pitch will be very welcome.
9.
Review of Polling Places
The council have recently been reviewing polling station
locations for the borough. On the whole the view is that polling stations are
in the best locations, but a few are proposed. I am unhappy about a couple of
these and these have been sent back to be further considered. The major change agreed is that the polling
station in Chilwell which has been in Wyndham Court, which is no longer
available, will move instead to Alderman Pounder School. In general we would
prefer not to have polling stations in schools but there are no other suitable
buildings that we have been able to identify in the vicinity. Another change in
Chilwell is that the polling station at Greenwood Court is affected by the tram
works. The working group looking at this had suggested that this should move to
the Masonic Lodge, but I have asked for this to be considered further.
10.
Chilwell Road Exceptional Hardship Fund
The Borough Council has agreed to administer a fund to
provide support for traders on Chilwell Road who are affected by the ongoing
tram works. The closure of Chilwell Road to traffic is now expected to carry on
until April next year and so a hardship fund is being provided, funded jointly
by the City and County Councils. However I am delighted that the borough
council are administering the scheme so that it can be dealt with close to the
area.
11.
Recycling Centre Hours
The recycling centre in Beeston will be operating on shorter
hours over the winter period. It will now be open between 8am and 4pm.
12.
Tree Planting in Bramcote Park
Children from Bramcote Hills Primary School (including my
daughter) this week planted 15 new trees in Bramcote Park as part of National
Tree Week. The £30,000 cost of this and other improvements to the park were
funded by the County Council and the Borough Council.
13.
Flower Arranging
A demonstration of Christmas Flower Arranging will take
place at Trowell Parish Hall on Friday 6th December in aid of
Treetops Hospice and The Helpful Bureau in Stapleford. There will be mulled
wine and mince pies at 2pm and the demonstration starts at 2.15pm. Tickets cost
£7.50 and are obtainable on 0115 917 3210.
As ever thank you for your support for this newsletter. Any
feedback is gratefully received.
Best wishes
David
Follow me on Twitter @davidwatts12.
