dorisenglish

Today I was joined by members of the Access group and a representative of the County Council for a  press photo. We were advertising the recent white bands on the bollards to make them more easy to avoid. They are placed to stop cars parking on the pavements. The white bands were first suggested by a member who is partially sighted. Today she approved the work that had been done as it made it easier for her to avoid the bollards. We are pleased to hear from people with disabilities with ideas that we may be able to progress. Those of us with perfect sight and hearing do not always understand others needs.

The Twinning weekend was a  success. The friendship evening in the Kolpenhause where Santa or St Nicholas arrived with a present for everyone. The Christmas markets in Limburg and other towns visited were a wonderful sight. The April visit by our friends from Limburg and St Foy le Lyon is looked forward to with pleasure. More about that nearer the time.

Yes folks the lights are on for the ''Season of Goodwill' in our fair City of Lichfield The children sang well and Santa was welcomed with loud calls of I want Santa. A wonderful sight as the lights were switched on by the by the Mayor and the children who won the competition to join the Mayor. Becky Jordan & Sean Adams.

As a member of the City Council it was my honour to serve as Sheriff in 2000/1 and in 2002/3 as Mayor.

It is a great pleasure to have been part of the Civic life of the City. We hold many Civic events during the year.  Members of the public are always welcome at the Court of Array held each year in the Guildhall before the Bower Procession. When the Bower Queen is crowned at Noon outside the Guildhall. Held on 26th May 2008.

Before that on St Georges Day 23rd April 2008 the St Georges Court is held at noon in the Guildhall, but come early it is a popular event. For more information visit the Lichfield City web page on www.lichfield.gov.uk

Thank you for taking an interest. As Chairman of the Lichfield District Partnership Panel I would like to hear from you.

Are you disabled ? Are you a Carer? Date of our next meeting is 21st February 2008. Time for you to get in touch with your concerns.

At our last meeting the ongoing problem of A boards was discussed. The County Council has a consultation at the moment regarding street furniture and A boards. I will try to keep you updated.

As a Council we have duty under the Disability Equality Scheme with partners to progress an action plan.The annual review of the Scheme is scheduled for January 2008. We are also working in Partnership with the Staffordshire Equalities Network to review the action plans of all the partners (including LDC) and hold a feedback event in the Spring.

We have a number of heavy lorries using our feeder roads through housing estates. Today I attended a meeting with another District Councillor and a County Councillor and members of BADRA. Borrowcops Residents Association.  We had Officers of the County Council where we were able to express our concerns. It appears that plans have to be made well in advance. However we managed to identify a problem with signage that may indeed relieve part of the problem. We were told it may not go into next years programme,  The officers noted the concerns of residents and Councillors. All these things take time but we must start somewhere.

UPDATE It has been brought to my attention the number of Continental lorries visiting Fradley are mistaking Gorse Lane Lichfield for Gorse Lane Fradley. I will contact Highways and ask if they can inform businesses dealing with overseas companies if they can provide a map or correct postal address for Sat Nav use. I will let you know what happens. UPDATE Our County Councillor has been contacted and as I hear more will keep you informed.

 This has been confirmed by Royal Mail. The Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the following scam:

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a premium rate number). DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize.

If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £15 for the phone call.

If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 02072396655 or ICSTIS (the premium rate service regulator) at www.icstis.org.uk

Thanks to Mr Hammond for this information

I was elected to the District Council in 1992 at a by-election. I have served as Chairman of the Employment Committee, a member of several other committees. Currently I am Chairman of the Disability Partnership Panel, also a member of the Strategic Overview and Scrutiny Committee and working group of the Lichfield Garrick Theatre.

In 2005 I was Chairman of the Council

I have been busy delivering 2008 Calendars DOORSTEP to senior citizens in the ward. If I have missed you please let me know as I still have a few available, It contains useful information re; bogus callers and telephone numbers you may find useful. I am a member of the County Watchdog Group and will be posting some information as it becomes available regarding problems in our area to be aware of. The cover picture is of Stafford Royal Brine Baths c1950.

Calendar by Francis Frith Collection

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Under discussion are plans to limit the number of Councillors on the Planning Committee.

This need not worry members of the public as the Councillors who will be on that committee will receive full training in planning matters. This does not mean that we have not received planning training, only that it will be in more detail for those on the committee. Then your local member who is not on the committee will be free to speak and put forward your point of view. Also for example because a member is also a member of say the Hatherton and Lichfield Canal Trust, at present they declare an interest and may have to leave the chamber when any plans regarding the trust are before the committee. This will mean if the committee is reduced members not on planning will be able to speak but not vote.

It has been decided to withdraw the application for the Darwin Hall owing to the number of objections to the plans.

We hope to proceed with the building of a Community Hall after consultations are complete. We do hope it will progress sooner rather that later.

Disability Equality Scheme.

We at the District Council are interested in contacting people with disabilities. We want to have your views on a number of topics. Currently we are focusing on an initiative from the County Council regarding the use of A Boards. These are a problem for people with a visual impairment. Or wheelchair users as well as the fit and able.

We would welcome the input from Organisations or individuals who are interested in the DES. (Disability Equality Scheme)

The next meeting of the DPP is on 21st February 2008. Enough time for you to contact me with your concerns.

Next week we will be advertising one of the benefits from our co-operation with the Access group. It was suggested we make more obvious the posts positioned to prevent cars parking on the pavements by painting white bands around them for those with a visual impairment. It is so important we have input from people who find it difficult when walking in our streets.

This is my first Blog please help me develop communications with you. I would be pleased to have any comments or problems to resolve. Hoping to hear from you.

First question for you. I do not hold a surgery as I have found it quicker to be available when needed. 

By phone on 01543 256415 or by email. Would you agree this is the best way? (I do have an ansaphone)

Would you prefer a weekly or monthly Surgery? 

If indeed at all.