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,

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,

A press statement from the District Council:

Update on refuse and recycling collections - Saturday 9 January

Due to the road and weather conditions only the main roads in the south and east of Shipston have been able to be collected.

Crews have worked in Alcester and completed between 65% - 75% of the collection, despite the icy roads including Alcester Town and some of the outer lying properties.

Extra recycling side waste will be taken, but this must be in a box or other suitable container not in a black sack.

Please check the new revised schedule -

http://www.stratford.gov.uk/news/news.cfm/current/1/item/705

for your updated collection as this has now replaced the Christmas schedule because of the disruption caused by the weather conditions.

All,

As you can see from their poster, the District Council is planning a consultation about next year’s budget.  I’m probably a little too cynical about how meaningful consultation from the Conservative run District Council is, particularly after their decision to close the Telegraph Street area office - but if we all turn up, they might just listen.

See you there!

Regards,

Philip

All,

Here’s the details of the next Shipston & Stour Community Forum. If you have any questions about it, feel free to give me a ring.

Regards,

Philip

Thursday 19th November 2009Newbold-on-Stour Village Hall

Local 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.

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

* Young People Have Their Say

* 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

www.warwickshire.gov.uk/communityforums

All,

Liberal Democrats, including Cllr. Richard Cheney, recently asked the District Council to look again at plans to shut the Telegraph Street area office.

Tonight the ruling Conservatives voted against Lib Dem proposals to assess the impact of the closure.

The area office supports many of the services the District Council provides, and means that local residents don’t have to travel to Stratford when they want to deal with the Council face to face. It is very well used, not just by residents of Shipston on Stour - but also people from nearby villages.

This only goes to show how little the Conservatives care about Shipston and the surrounding villages, and there is now little that can be done to change their minds.

Regards,

Philip

Liberal Democrats have called for fundamental review of the plan to build a new giant incinerator for waste near Coventry.

Not only is the cost prohibitive, but the environmental impact will be enormous and harmful. Amazingly, those behind the scheme (a joint project with Warwickshire County Council, Coventry and Solihull Councils) seem to be ignoring the fact that increases in recycling rates would make the scheme pointless.

The economic argument for the scheme says that the recycling rate in 2020 (11 years time!) will be 51% so we will need a scheme of this size to dispose of much of the rest of the waste. However, at the moment recycling has reached 47% and there is no reason to assume that we won’t be doing much better in 2020, making the scheme as it is a giant waste of money.

We would be building it to burn our council tax payments!

Please - write to your local County Councillor to oppose the envrinmental and economic disaster.

Philip

All,

It’s been a busier than usual month for Shipston on Stour’s Town Councillors. Apart from the usual full council meeting, there has been a strategy and review of the working groups meeting, and we will also (hopefully) be signing off the accounts later this month. On top of that, there will also have been two meetings of the Mayo Road Trustees (all of the Town Councillors are automatically Trustees).

What with my job, it doesn’t seem like I’ve been home much!

Regards,

Philip

All,

I was reminded this morning that my site’s graph was now a little out of date, so I’ve updated it (see right).

As the graph shows, the Liberal Democrats in the Stratford on Avon constituency remain well placed to beat the Conservatives at the next General Election - with the results from this week’s County Council results putting us in a strong second place. If enough Greens and Labour supporters voted tactically, John Maples would no longer be our MP.

Embarrassingly for Labour, they came a poor fourth across the constituency, with the Greens easily outstripping their vote.

Regards,

Philip

All,

I’d like to start off by congratulating Councillor Chris Saint, who successfully defended the Shipston Division for the Conservatives. The Division - which includes many of Shipston’s surrounding villages, was always going to be a tough one for the Liberal Democrats to win, and so it proved - although we believe we did well in the Town itself.

I’d also like to thanks all those members and supporters who delivered Focus, put up posters or just generally helped the campaign. Without you we would not have done as well as we did.

Regardless of whether you voted for me, Chris or either of the minor Parties I’d also like to thank those who went out to vote. Turnout was relatively high (just under 50%) - and it is important that people get out to decide what kind of administration they want, even at a local level.

I’ve given up counting how many Labour Ministers have resigned this week - but I’m guessing we will all be back to the ballot boxes for a General Election soon enough!

To end on a positive note, Liberal Democrats took the former Conservative seats of Wellesbourne, Studley, and two seats in Stratford South, whilst losing Alcester and Kineton - a net gain of two councillors.

Once again - thanks to everyone involved (and I’d better get on writing the next Focus - when we promise to keep in touch, we mean it!).

Regards,

Philip

All,

The electioneering has come to an end, and all that counts today are your votes.

There is one message I want to get across before you get to the ballot box. At the last election it was neck and neck between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives, the Greens came a distant third and the Labour Party didn’t stand. At the last District Council election in Shipston, Labour polled just 64 votes.

The Conservatives offer increased council tax, reduction in services and a failure to adopt green policies for Warwickshire. The Liberal Democrats offer regular contact through Focus leaflets and this website, efficient spending of your taxes and services that meet the needs of Shipston and the surrounding villages now and for the future.

Whichever Party you decide to vote for, remember to get out to vote today. It is important that local people vote for the services and policies they want for Shipston, Brailes, Long Compton and the other villages that go to make up the division.

Regards,

Philip

All,

You can see the latest Liberal Democrat Focus here.

Remember, the race in Shipston and the surrounding villages is between Philip Vial and the Conservatives.

Regards,

Philip

The graph on the right hand side of this page says a lot. At the last election the Greens came a distant third, almost 2000 votes behind the Liberal Democrat candidate.

Since then, the Conservatives on the District Council have abolished the Council’s Environment and Climate Change Panel. In Shipston it is clear that the only person who can realistically oppose the Conservative short-sighted attitude to environmental issues is Philip Vial.

The Labour Party didn’t stand last time, but in the last election in Shipston the Labour candidate received just 64 votes.

If you would like a progressive councillor for Shipston and the surrounding villages, Philip Vial is the only person who can beat the discredited Conservatives.

All,

The County Council has published the list of all councillors and the allowences and expences they received last year.

Shockingly, it shows that the current Conservative County Councillor for Shipston is the third highest recipient of our council tax money - £26,104.04!

I believe strongly that at a time of economic hardship for many in our current economic climate, and with recent rises in council tax, that this level of payment is obscene.  He has even received an additional £5,699 from the District Council in allowances as he also a District Councillor!

If elected on June 4th, I promise that I will publish all of my expenses claims here and in Focus.

Liberal Democrats have recently proposed savings in allowances and expenses for District and County Councillors.  On the District Council, Liberal Democrats proposed moves that intended to restrict the level of earnings of councillors who sit on outside bodies and also reduce the mileage rates paid.  This was opposed by the Conservatives.

It is time that Conservatives started recognising the realities of both public service and the economic situation.

Regards,

Philip

The full list of District Council expenses can be seen here.  County Council allowances can be seen here.

All,

Jerry Roodhouse, the leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on the County Council, has been provided with the recent expense claims by councillors, by Party:

I think the figures speak for themselves, but I’ll return to the thorny subject of what councillors can get from our council tax tomorrow.

Regards,

Philip

All,

Those of you who haven’t yet seen my first election leaflet can find it in the Focus archive.

Sorry that the newspaper isn’t yet up - the file’s a little too large for my server. I’ll try and sort it out soon. If you’d like to help with delivering the Liberal Democrat election material, please get in touch!

Regards,

Philip

All,

I know that you, like me, rely on having first class local public services. We pay for them just like everyone else, but we often feel like we get a second class service in rural areas like ours. I believe that simply isn’t good enough.

Firstly, good public transport is essential. But decades of under-investment by the Conservatives and then Labour has left our transport system creaking to a halt. Without good public transport, local people aren’t able to do what they want with their lives. Young people can’t enter post-16 education and pensioners are cut off from the services they rely upon.

I believe that Shipston on Stour and, just as importantly, surrounding villages such as Brailes, Treddington and Stretton, deserve better and I am going to fight for better transport links around our community.

But it’s not only transport that keep our community alive. We need good local health care, schools and shops - things people take for granted in towns and cities.

But not only better links - we need to move local services nearer to local people - that is why I believe the Conservatives’ move to abandon a one stop shop for Shipston is short sighted and unhelpful. With only a skeleton service proposed when the District Council’s offices in Telegraph Street close at the end of the summer more people will be forced to travel to Stratford.

This has to stop. I think that rural communities like ours deserve better and I will be leading the fight to protect our vital local services, so often ignored by local Conservatives.

If you support the Liberal Democrat campaign to protect our vital local services, please contact me here.

Regards,

Philip

P.S. Remember, Labour and the Conservatives have ignored rural areas. Only the Lib Dems are fighting to get a better deal for communities like ours.

Council tax has now been set for the coming year by local councils. And figures show that most of the biggest rises were made by Conservative run councils. A whopping 30 of the top 40 rises were made by the Conservatives!

One of the highest in the country was West Oxfordshire – where David Cameron is the MP!

Last year the Conservatives said there should be a freeze on council tax. But Conservative Councillors then do the opposite – even in David Cameron’s backyard. In Stratford the Conservatives increased our tax by 3.5%, and on the Tory controlled County Council (where elections are due in June), by 3.89% - and both councils are reducing services! As many will know, I sit on Shipston Town Council, where we have maintained essential services and not increased the tax.

Conservatives say one thing when in opposition. And then they do the opposite when they are in power.

Philip

Many of you have already replied to the supermarket survey in recent Focus leaflets.

Richard Cheney has promised that he will let planners know all of the views of the residents of Shipston, whether for or against so keep the replies coming. As of a week ago 71% of replies opposed the idea of a supermarket of any sort at the site, and most of the rest were in favour.

Some of the comments were:

The shopping centre of Shipston would die

I agree it would damage the town centre

A supermarket in Shipston would kill off all the excellent food shops

And some of the reasons for included:

A large supermarket would provide a petrol station

We need opposition to keep the prices down

There is no prospect of a supermarket coming to Shipston on Stour soon. The proposal comes from the District Council’s Draft Core Strategy, which can be read here This sets out the plans for potential development for the next 10-20 years, and has not yet been agreed. Although the consultation period has finished Richard will let planners know what everyone in the town thinks.

Regards,

Philip

At some point there had to be a technology post on this site - many of you will know how much I like gadgets and new ways of keeping in touch with local people.

For a change I have to give a positive story about the District Council - it is using Twitter (a sort of social networking site, like Facebook except much simpler) to give people up to date information about Council services.

If you are interested in seeing what Twitter is like, and want to know what the District Council is doing, click here.

Twitter has received a lot of publicity recently, particularly as a number of high profile celebrities such as Stephen Fry and Jonathon Ross regularly use it. A story from the Daily Telegraph can be found here.

Needless to say, I’m on there - if you join just type in my name and you’ll find me!

Regards,

Philip

The Conservative-led District Council has reneged on its promise to provide half size wheelie bins for those residents that requested them when the refuse collection system changed.

This was also discussed at the last Town Council meeting - and a news story about this, and the recent Council Tax rises by the District and County Councils can be read in the Cotswold Journal.

If you would like any other information - please contact us using the links on the left.

Philip

So what does a Councillor get up to at the weekends you may ask? Or possibly not, not even my friends wonder about it that much.

If you’ve got this far, you may want to know - so here is a typical weekend morning.

District Councillor Richard Cheney and I met mid morning for a meeting with one of his constituents. Following that both of us went to join a group of volunteers finishing the delivery of our latest Focus leaflet, including delivering areas where we had not taken enough leaflets with us last time (and there’s a comment about this on the Shipston Blog)! That took a couple of hours, and following that Richard and I were out taking photographs. Unlike the normal holiday snaps you might be taking on the first sunny (and warmish) day of the year - these were ones of problems around the town that have been reported to Richard and he has taken up. I’ve included a couple below for those that are interested:

Richard outside of the old workhouse, a possible site for more affordable housing

Richard by an overgrown hedge on Darlingscote Road

Uneven footpath by the Telegraph Street car park

Now you know some of what we get up to, feel free to contact any of us using the links on the left and we will do our best to help.

Regards.

Philip

Labour and Conservatives support each other but not the hard pressed families of Warwickshire; Liberal Democrats Vote Against Cuts in Vital Services whilst still Proposing a Lower Council Tax.

Conservative and Labour Councillors voted:

* to cut spending on new library books by £150,000, and introduce charges for the use of computers in libraries for the first time;
* in favour of spending £ 1.5 million on council offices in Warwick, when our schools are in dire need of refurbishment and repair.
* voted for cuts in grants to the voluntary sector and charities of up to £600,000. In a recession and with increasing numbers of people facing hardship, many of these voluntary and charitable organisations offer vital help and support.

As a result of the deal done between Conservative and Labour Cllrs, the County Council tax increase for next year will be 3.9%.
Only the Liberal Democrats opposed the Conservative budget cuts. Labour councillors sat on their hands and let it happen!

Cllr Sarah Boad said “The Liberal Democrats were the only group to vote consistently against the Conservatives throughout the budget. Our own budget proposals would have meant the smallest council tax increase of the three groups, while protecting front line services, cutting bureaucracy and avoiding raising charges that will hit those least able to afford them. Sadly neither Labour or Conservative Cllrs were willing to support us.”

Local residents will be hit badly by this budget, both in their pockets and in the services they receive. In June’s elections I hope that Shipston’s Conservative County Councillor doesn’t pretend that his Party’s actions have been good for the people of Shipston.

Philip

All,

Now that the weather has improved, local volunteers are delivering the latest Liberal Democrat Focus. If you’ve not received yours yet, I’ve uploaded it to the Focus Archive

If you have any comments or suggestions, would like to join the Liberal Democrats or deliver Focus, then please contact me.

Philip

All,

The Conservatives at County Hall have done a deal with the Labour Party and voted to charge for computer use and reduce the amount of money spent on books in our libraries. So, in this time of economic difficulty our ‘representatives’ at County Hall vote to hit those who can least afford it. I am appalled.

Philip

All,

The County Council is going through its budget setting proposals at the moment. The Liberal Democrat budget proposes:

- Reducing the milage rate paid to councillors and officers
- Freezing members’ allowances (the money counciloors receive for carrying out their duties)
- Opposing the reduction in new library books proposed by the Conservatives
- Opposing charges for the use of computers in libraries, again suggested by the Conservatives
- Continuing to support the voluntary sector

The Liberal Democrat group recognise that in these dire financial times the County Council needs to keep the council tax down by cutting bureaucracy, but also needs to support local people through the recession.

The Liberal Democrat budget is the smallest of the three main parties, to keep the council tax down. Now there will be more negotiations between the groups to come up with a final budget. Watch this space!

Regards,

Philip

All,

Richard Cheney and the Liberal Democrats on the District Council are opposing the Conservatives’ proposed Council Tax increase. Here is a statement from the group:

“The 4.9% increase in the District Council’s Council Tax proposed by the Conservatives is totally
unacceptable, say local Liberal Democrats, who have promised to do all they can to get the increase
reduced.

Cllr Hazel Wright, Leader of the Lib Dems on the District Council, said, ‘it’s outrageous that the
Conservatives are even thinking about this sort of rise at a time when many people are hard pressed
financially and when inflation is dropping rapidly.

The Conservatives should not try to take advantage of the fact there are no District Council elections this
year. We are looking at ways in which we can keep the Council tax rise down and we are also working
with our colleagues on the County Council, who are equally determined not to allow rises at this level’.”

Philip

This year is Shipston’s third chance to go to the polls in three years!  Following the District Council elections after the past two years, it’s the turn of the County Council and the European Elections on June 4th.

Four years ago the Liberal Democrats came second, but only a few votes separated the Conservatives and our candidate at the time, the now newly elected District Councillor Richard Cheney.  A third candidate stood, but as you can see from my new bar chart -it really will be a straight choice between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives this time.

 Philip

Stratford District Council’s planning committee tonight approved the affordable housing scheme by 8 votes to 2.

On a related note, at the last Town Council meeting a request from the developers of the site for the Town Council to fund the play area for the proposed scheme was turned down, but it was agreed that the Council would maintain the area once built.

If you have any comments, please feel free to contact us using the link on the left.

Philip

This will be posted to the Shipston Blog in the next day or two. I have spoken to the Town Clerk and he agrees that the letter is in the public domain and is not confidential. I post it here, without comment, for information - but I, Richard and Bob would clearly welcome your comments. Please use the ‘report a problem ‘button on the left, or contact us directly, click on a name for contact details.

Philip

Reference to: Local Development Framework
Your Reference:
Date Prepared: 16 September 2008

Karen Johnston
Stratford On Avon District Council
Elizabeth House
Church Street
Stratford Upon Avon
CV37 6HX

Dear Ms.Johnstone,
This is Shipston On Stour Town Council’s response to LDF document.

Whereas Shipston On Stour Town Council would look to support the national need for additional housing stock, particularly affordable housing, the Council has identified 4 major issues relating to any large scale housing development for the town, as identified specifically within the draft LDF proposals put before the Council on the 20 August 2008. The issues identified are as follows:

Issue 1: Employment and access

Shipston on Stour is not particularly attractive to new employers due to it’s geographical location and the access difficulties that exist. Indeed, rather than attract new employment, the town has seen in recent times the exit of major employers, particularly emphasised by the relocation of the Norgren works.

The lack of principal transport links to the town makes it an unattractive to new potential employers, given that there are no local rail links to Shipston, and access to major road arteries are an hour away for heavy vehicles.

The recent housing development within the town has led to an influx of commuter workers who are forced to travel vast distances to their places of employment. It is not uncommon for commuters to travel to Birmingham, London and Bristol. This has led to the increased in use of private motor vehicles as the main form of transport for work, aggravating the use of the rural road network and adding to the adverse impacts on congestion and global warming.

Issue 2: Impact on the Natural Environment – Visual Impact

Shipston on Stour borders The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and could be seen as one of the gateways to it. Indeed, the open countryside surrounding the town could be seen to augment this and could in itself be considered an Area of natural beauty. The current setting of the town does not encroach on such natural settings, it being nestled in a natural hollow formed by the Stour Valley which does not detract from the natural vistas of the surrounding country side. It is felt that any proposed development on the Camden Road would detract from the distinctive rural setting of the town, especially when encroaching the 80m contour line, and would fundamentally alter the sharp contrast between town and countryside readily apparent in views when approaching and leaving the town from the East and West.

This view was supported by Inspector Sheppard in the 2005 Local Plan Review, where he thought that the site would be harmful in visual terms.

Issue 3: Support infrastructure

The Council feels that recent large scale housing developments in the town have already stretched the support infrastructure, and although section 106 provisions had been sought from developers, this money has either not been used or used ineffectively to improve local services in support of the increased population. In particular, the council is concerned about the needs to improve current services, including: Heath Services, Education services, social care services, leisure services, policing and emergency services.

The Council is also aware of the issue that despite it’s rural location, Shipston does not present many opportunities for it’s residents to enjoy green space.

Issue 4: Environmental Impact

The recent floods of July 2007 have provided a timely reminder of the devastating impact that flooding can have on the town. Localised flooding has occurred on numerous occasions before and after the July floods, and although the environment agency are taking some measures in an attempt to reduce future risk, part of the reason for the July 07 floods has been attributed to local drain off water. The council is therefore obviously concerned about the impact any new developments would have on aggravating potential flooding risk.

There is also concern regarding the Natural Springs that are evident on the proposed site, both with regard to the effect these might have on the development, and the effect that might be caused by altering their natural flow.

The Town Council would fully support small scale housing development within the parish to satisfy local demands, and has identified the Renault site off Tilemans Lane and the Robinson Goss building on Camden Road as possible locations for such future developments.

This all being said, the Town Council is aware of the national housing needs, and if the District Council through the LDF is of a mind to allow for large scale housing development either on the Camden Road site, or indeed any other identified site within the town, the Council feels that there are areas of support infrastructure that are already stretched, and would need to be addressed to support any additional development. These include:

- Medical centre to be either enlarged or relocated to a larger site
- The local schools would need to be enhanced
- More affordable housing would need to be included within developments. These to be managed by a local housing association with a local link as a requirement to access these dwellings. This local link to be confirmed by the Town Council.
- Where development is to be sited the Town Council preference would be to utilise brownfield sites in preference to greenfield sites.
- All road infrastructure within the town and its immediate environment would need to be improved should further development take place
- Problems of water run off to be fully addressed and the Town Council to be a full partner in this process
- Where the solution is deemed to be holding tanks, then the Town Council would need to be made aware of other areas where the tanks have been the successful solution, and the maintenance processes of these tanks.
- The Town Council to be fully involved in all maintenance proposals.
- All remedial flooding actions to be completed before construction commences.
- There should be open spaces for recreation within the development.
- There should be additional leisure facilities.
- More public transport within the town, and also between other local centres.
- A further major food store to be encouraged adjacent to the development.

Yours sincerely

W.J.Robinson.

With the county council elections coming up in June, several people have asked me how to get a postal vote, as they will be away and unable to vote in person.

It’s easy to apply, the application form is here (the address for return is on the form).

Philip

A decision on whether to go ahead with increased car parking charges in Shipston will be taken at a meeting of Stratford District Council on Monday.  Cllr. Richard Cheney, the Town Council and local business organisations have already opposed the proposed changes.

It is hoped that the suggestions will be withdrawn, but we urge local residents to return their slip in Focus, use the survey on this site, or contact the council directly to voice their opposition.

Richard’s press release on the subject can be found here.

Philip

The local press carried a report recently that John Maples MP had changed his mind about supporting the Climate Change Bill in the House of Commons.  Liberal Democrat District Councillors, including Richard Cheney and Bob White put forward a motion at the District Council
meeting on 14th July pointing this out and asking Council to re-iterate it’s own support for measures on climate change.  Needless to say the Conservatives put forward an amendment (which was carried, since they have a majority on the Council), which started:

‘Council notes that John Maples MP made a thoughtful and well informed speech in the 2nd reading debate on the Climate Change Bill.  While he did not question the fact that global warming is happening he argued that the predicted consequences have been greatly exaggerated and that many of these can better be met by adaptation than by the Kyoto process of drastic CO2 emission reductions’.

And yet the Conservatives still have the nerve to say, ‘Vote Blue, Go Green!’

Philip

The next meeting of the Town Council is on Monday 14th July at 7pm at Clark House.  There is an opportunity for members of the public to speak at the meeting, and if there is anything you would like me to raise then please use the ‘Report a problem’ link on the left, give me a ring, or use my email address.

Philip

The District Council have given Cllr. Richard Cheney the following information. If you’d like to contact Richard, please click here - we are keen to hear of any problems local residents have. Just as a reminder, Liberal Democrats have campaigned against this botched introduction to the new system.

Philip

Here follows the memo from the Council:

• Firstly all homes are being supplied with two standard size wheeled bins, one grey for general waste and one with a blue lid for dry recycling. They are not to use these bins until August.

• Only where there is absolutely no room will residents remain on sacks and boxes, however their collection frequency will be changed to that of all other residents, one week rubbish and the next week recycling including garden and kitchen waste. Front gardens and drives are regarded as legitimate storage spaces.

• For small households (up to 2 occupants) smaller size wheeled bins will be available and these residents are being asked to register for these by calling the Info Line 01789 260925. They will be delivered once the roll out of all the standard bins has been completed and so we ask that these residents cope as best as possible until the bins are swapped.

• Likewise for larger families, additional capacity can be provided, please ask these residents to contact the Info Line.

• For the elderly or infirm assistance can be provided, any resident not currently getting this service can apply by contacting the Info Line.

• Those residents, who simply refuse to have the bins even though they have room, will receive a letter advising them that they will have to make their own arrangements for their waste disposal including their garden waste as from Monday 4 August 2008. Whatever arrangements they make must of course be lawful. The letter also explains the options as above and encourages the resident to reconsider in the light of this information. 

The Town’s Mayor, Alan Noyce, holds a surgery at Clark House from 10am to noon on the second Saturday of every month.  Cllr. Richard Cheney (one of our Liberal Democrat District Councillors) also attends - so please use this as another way of getting in touch with your District or Town Councils.

 I’m usually at these surgeries - if not it’s because I’m at work.  If you’re wondering, I’m a nurse - working across the border for Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust.

 Philip

In May I became a councillor on Shipston Town Council.  I hope to use this (very) new site to give local residents the opportunity to contact me about any issues that affect them that the Town Council influences, or for me to pass on to our two Liberal Democrat District Councillors - Richard Cheney and Bob White.

It is important to remember that the Town Council does not work on Party political lines, but I feel that it is important that local residents know what their representatives’ beliefs are.  Town Councillors are local people who are committed to doing their best for the Town, regardless of political belief.

 Just as a guide to the site - on the right is the ‘how you can help’ link - which you should click on if you would like to join the Liberal Democrats, deliver our regular Focus newsletter (paid for and delivered by local supporters - not from your council tax) or support any of our campaigns.

If you would like to let me, Richard or Bob know about a local issue - then use the ‘report a problem’ link.  We will ensure you get a response as soon as possible.

There are various links on the right hand side of the page about Liberal Democrat national campaigns.

 I hope the site will develop over the next few months - giving you information on what the Liberal Democrats are doing, and hopefully encouraging people to get involved and help you to let us know what you want us to be doing.  I can’t promise I’ll agree with everything - but I will promise to listen.  Do feel free to email me or ‘phone me if you’d prefer.

 Philip