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It is hoped that the suggestions will be withdrawn, but we urge local residents to return their slip in Focus, use the survey on this site, or contact the council directly to voice their opposition.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