Allan Smith

After a fantastic performance from Clare Teal at the Plowright Theatre, I want to thank all of those involved in bringing such a unique talent to North Lincolnshire. More than 300 people were there to witness a great evening and the entertainment was first class. Janice Oliver and her team of voluntary workers from the Wilton Productions staff also deserve praise for making sure everything ran smoothly on the night.  Clare herself said on stage how wonderful the theatre is and I hope she will come back and perform again in the future.

Last week Pat Wells wrote in the local paper to criticise me stating she is not a member of the Conservative Party and that I must ‘get my facts right'. I don't mind the criticism - coming from her it's actually praise!  I find this strange seeing as though she stood in the 2007 council elections in the Ashby ward - on behalf of the Conservative party!  I can only assume that as Mrs Wells wishes to distance herself from the party in light of recent sleaze from George Osbourne and the lack of forward thinking from David Cameron. 

And if anyone needs reminding of the result of the 2007 Ashby election, Mrs Wells was not even close to being elected. Maybe not surprising when she doesn't know who she stands for or what she even represents.

In May I wrote on my blog to express my dismay at a policy announced by David Cameron and the Tories whereby he would reduce fuel duty when petrol prices rise and then raise it when the cost of it falls.  Of course that plan sounded brilliant when the price of fuel rocketed earlier this year and reached the heady heights of £1.20 a litre.

However, with prices falling and now as low as 97.9p a litre - or even lower if you use a voucher from a supermarket chain - those prices would be on the way up again if Mr Cameron and the Tories had their way. Under the proposals he announced earlier this year we would have to add at least 5 pence a litre to the price of petrol!  That's hardly helping the hard-pressed motorist at a time when they need it is it?

There's also been silence from the Tories on the issue of high costs of electricity and gas. Mr Cameron has hardly offered up any thoughts on what to do to lower prices. Could this be because the Tories privatised the energy firms and so got us in this mess?  I believe MPs, of all political parties, with shares in energy firms should be made to disclose them.

Policies such as these prove the Tories are clueless and all spin and no substance. Gordon Brown was right - this really is no time for a novice, is it Mr Cameron?

I am chairing a council scrutiny panel which is seeking views on what people think about markets, and if they can be improved. People have until 31 October to tell us what they think.  There are currently three market venues in North Lincolnshire covering Scunthorpe town, Ashby and Brigg. In total there are 282 market stalls at the moment.

A survey for residents is included in this month's Direct magazine, being distributed from 22 September. It can also be completed online on the council website. The survey wants to know what you think are the best things about using a market.

Suggestions include:

• Price
• Good quality and mix of products
• Friendly stall holders
• Cultural mix and vibrant atmosphere

All residents who complete their surveys and return them before 31 October 2008 stand the chance to win vouchers to use at any North Lincolnshire market. The first prize is £100 of vouchers, second prize is £50 of vouchers.

This survey is a positive step towards making sure the markets are serving the needs of the community.  We look forward to hearing the views of the public so that the markets in North Lincolnshire can adapt to modern needs. Markets are a cheaper alternative to supermarkets and they support local produce. By taking on board the views from these surveys we can work together for the benefit of North Lincolnshire.

It is hoped the review will be completed at some point in November 2008, and will recommend key actions to address.

A week is a long time in politics and finally the public has been able to witness what the Tories will bring to government - nothing.  After watching the Conservative party conference this week I have to say no-one will be fooled by the hot air delivered by George Osborne and David Cameron.  Osborne in particular looked particularly clueless and his promise to cut services will hit the most vulnerable - and won't reduce any family's bills.  It certainly is not the time for a novice.

The Tories promise to peg council tax increases to 2.5 per cent but haven't we heard all that before? I seem to remember in 2003 a local Tory promise to refund taxpayers by £40 but five years on I certainly haven't received it.  Slashing a billion pounds from council budgets will put vital programmes at risk at a time when our communities need councils to work on their side.

When pressed for answers the Tories just leave more questions and I'm certain the public is starting to see through Cameron's PR charade. Will they help those who need it the most?  The answer is a resounding no.

Over the weekend I attended the Scarborough Jazz festival and was wowed by Clare Teale and the BBC big band.  Clare is one of the best vocal talents in the UK for big ballads and swing music and she was absolutely fantastic.  She is a real talent and after four sell-out nights at Ronnie Scott's in London I was delighted to discover she is soon to perform in North Lincolnshire.

Clare is due to perform at the Plowright Theatre on October 29 and I would urge anyone who likes swing music or the likes of Johnny Mercer and Cole Porter to book their ticket. She is the premier singer of her type in the UK and it's not every day we get such fantastic artists on our doorstep.