Philip Vial

All,

 The latest Focus is currently being delivered and can be download here.  As usual it contains lots of information about what your local Liberal Democrat District Councillor, Richard Cheney, has been up to - and news from the Liberal Democrats in the area.

Apologies if you have not received your copy yet - please remember it is delivered by local volunteers.  If you can deliver future Focus leaflets to your street or area, please give me a ring and let me know!

 Regards,

 Philip

All,

Last year Stratford District Council introduced it’s proposals for new development in Shipston. Included were about 250 homes, many on the Campden road - and a proposal for a foodstore (likely to be a supermarket but restricted to selling food items) on the Norgren site.

The Town Council, and Lib Dem District Councillor Richard Cheney, opposed the moves - feeling that further development would put a strain on services within the Town. Many local traders fear that a foodstore would put them out of business, threatening the character of the Town. Without an increase in local jobs, new housing would lead to an increase in commuting - and the lack of public transport in the area will mean more pollution.

The Conservative-run cabinet has decided to leave their proposals largely unaltered, and they are now going out to a second round of consultation.

The Town Council are waiting for the official announcement from the District, but the consultation is due to finish at the end of March. I’ve started a poll (on the left hand side of the page) - let me know what you think. You can also email, write or ring me. Let me know your views and I will take them to the Town Council, and pass them on to Richard Cheney.

Regards,

Philip

 All,

 The BBC are reporting http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8493248.stm that the number of people with Alzheimer’s Disease in the UK is now over 800,000.  What is even more shocking is that the amount speant on research into the disease is only £50 million (the amount speanty on cancer research is around £600 million).

Many local people are affected by this illness, either as carers or sufferers.  There are, however, local resources to help, such as the Dementia Cafe in Shipston on Stour publicised in the Cotswold Journal.

As many of you know I’m a nurse - and while good care can help, what we need urgently is more research into the causes of dementia, and better treatments for those that have developed it.

Why not take a few minutes and visit the Alzheimer’s Society website, where you can learn more about the disease - and find out ways of supporting research, those with the disease and their families?

Regards,

Philip

All,

With the news this morning that energy bills are expected to rise by 15-20% in the next few years, the need for us to discuss how we use energy in Shipston has never been greater.

Transition Shipston & Surrounding Communities are holding an event for local people to discuss local solutions to our rising energy crisis.

Everyone is welcome, either to learn about energy saving ideas or to contribute to new initiatives.

This might be one of the most important things you go to this year!

I reprint their advert below.

Regards,

Philip

Powering Shipston

How can we work together to power our community beyond cheap energy?

St. Edmund’s Church meeting room on Saturday 13th February, 10.00 – 1.00 (doors open 9.30)

With the Earth’s climate changing as a result of carbon emissions, we need to find ways to reduce the demand for energy and our reliance on fossil fuels as energy sources. Rising energy prices pose a challenge for those on low incomes, as well as for businesses which have taken low energy costs for granted.

You can help decide the key issues for group discussions when everyone will be able to contribute their ideas… no lectures, no presentations – just your ideas and planning for local energy initiatives

Refreshments available throughout the morning and FREE ENTRY!

For more details about Transition Shipston, visit the website:

http://transitionshipston.blogspot.com/

or ring Helen Winnifrith 661244 / Dave Passingham 661816

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

All,

Another meeting to advertise:

Thursday 25th February 2010

Shipston High School

Drop-in surgery 6.30pm

Community Forum starts at 7.00pm

Community Forums give YOU the opportunity to raise issues of local concern and keep up to date with what is happening in YOUR community.

Local surgery

If you have a specific concern or problem then come along to the local surgery from 6.30pm – 7.00pm where you will be able to speak to officers from your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team, Councillors and Officers from Warwickshire County and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils

Topics for discussion at the next forum

• What’s Going on to Make Your Community Safer?
• Working Together to Tackle Flooding
• Improving Health in Your Community
• And Lots More………………..

If you would like to suggest an issue for a future Community Forum meeting, or find out more please contact Lizzie Price on 01789 290784 or email: stratford@warwickshire.gov.uk

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

All,

Just a reminder that the next Shipston Town Council meeting is on Monday, 8th of May from 7pm.

It’s an open meeting - and all members of the public can come along. There’s even an opportunity for local residents to speak if there’s something you want to ask or suggest.

Come along, see how we spend your money, and tell us if we’re getting it right!

Regards,

Philip