David Smith

This week I visited the Lichfield Garrick on two occasions, both were involving young people and in there own way both moving and inspiring.

The first was to join over 400 parents of Burntwood Primary School children who performed dance routines linked to opposing anti social behavior. The young people were in most cases standing on a theatre stage for the first time in their lives and I am sure the experience will stay with them for a long time. 

The second was to see the Lichfield School of art end of term student art art exhibition held in the Garrick Studio. It never ceases to amaze me how creative our young people can be and both events convince me of the value the Garrick has become to our community.

Inevitably providing leisure services whether our parks, leisure centres or many of the other services we provide cost money but I hope as leader of the Council I keep costs in proportion and we continue to value the many things that we support and provide at affordable prices to our residents.

Councillor David S Smith, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said: “As Leader of the council I am sorry to lose one of our dedicated and hard working district councillors. Over his ten years as a local councillor, Colin worked tirelessly on behalf of residents living in the Whittington ward, and I am sure they will miss him.

“Colin held a number of important roles in the council – not least as cabinet member for Community, Communications and Culture. He was kept extremely busy, overseeing the opening of both Burntwood’s new leisure centre and the Lichfield Garrick. His passion for the arts ensured the Lichfield Garrick opened its curtains to local and national acclaim.

“Colin has also lent his considerable talents to local events, such as comparing for our Proms in the Park outdoor concert at Beacon Park many times, getting involved in the Lichfield Real Ale, Jazz and Blues Festival, and holding mock council meetings to introduce the idea of local democracy to children of the district. He was also a member of the Arts Council.

“I am sure I can speak on behalf of Lichfield District Council in wishing him the very best of luck in the future.”

In the light of all the the present exposures over MPs expenses I thought it was important to explain what I am able to claim.

1. I claim mileage to attend meetings at an agreed rate per mile.

2. I attend the LGA Conference (last year in Bournemouth) for this we have a set allowance for Hotel and out of pocket expenses. Last year the cost of Hotels exceeded the allowance and I met the extra cost.

3. As leader of Lichfield District Council I sit on a number of Local Government Boards and working groups, most of these meet in London these average around 2/3 each Month, for these I recover the actual cost against receipts, in almost all cases I travel by Tube and not Taxies.

3. Where I receive entertainment I pay for any tickets personally to avoid any conflict of interest. 

4 I do not benefit from any living allowances and my special responsibility allowance is a matter of public record on the Councils web site.

5. I have renounced my right to receive any increase in special responsibility allowances for the next financial year.       

Lichfield District Council's planning department has not received a planning application or had any discussions with Mr Salam about his ideas for a mosque.

It is not the council's responsibility to provide places of worship for our residents. The only time we would hold a public consultation (in this case) is if somebody formally applied to the council to build a new place of worship within the district.

Councillor David S. Smith, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said: "Lichfield District gains great strength from its cultural diversity, and welcomes people from all faiths. Our residents should be free to live and work peacefully in the district - In the spirit of harmony and understanding."