dorisenglish

My thanks to all who attended the DPP meeting yesterday. It was a very positive and constructive meeting. So many areas were covered.  Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Trust, are making plans that will enable people with mobility problems to enjoy the new Borrowcop park area, alongside the canal. Planting of bulbs has taken place. One or two members of the panel offered some advice regarding access. Thanks to Mike Battison.

We also heard from Brian Langston about the Nuffield Centre. This gives employment to people with disabilities.  We also heard about Improving Support for Carers. If you wish to know more please contact me at Lichfield District Council. 

Time approaching for the dreaded Council Tax decisions to be announced. The District council gets a lot of flack because it is the collecting agent for Parish, District, County, Police, and Fire Service. Please take the trouble to read the papers that will come with the next round of the Council Tax for 2008/9.  I will be pleased to have your comments. Not rude ones please.

Under Labour council tax has soared across the country. From 1997/98 to 2007/08 bills have risen by 92% across England, taking the average Band D bill from £688 to £1,321.  Council tax revenues across Britain have risen from £11 billion in 1997/98 to £23,5 billion in 2007/008. This is an increase of 114per cent.

Most importantly the percentage of income paid by those less well off can be as much as 10% of income. Would those on high incomes wish to pay 10% of their incomes ? I don't think so.

More road chaos for Lichfield. Having just had several road closures for work by utilities, we now have major works by the County Council. Western by-pass A51 and Eastern Avenue will be affected. If your journey is towards Rugeley or Stafford plan your journey is the advice from County.Work starts Monday February 18th. Cabinet member for County John Wakefield said "It's a case of minimum short-term pain for maximum gain." Well yes at the end we will have a brand new POLICE station. Let us hope this will be the benefit we all hope for. The disruption will go on for 15 weeks. For information you can contact Staffordshire Highways information line on 0800 232323,( Better know as Clarence.) Ask for the Hedgehog Team. Why Hedgehog? well it is the site of the Hotel/Restaurant.