Cllr Mark A Kirk

Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of the Labour group regaining control of North Lincolnshire Council and 12 months since I became the leader of the local authority. We spent a long, hard four years in opposition and we watched and learned from mistakes the Conservatives made. We are determined not to treat the electorate in the same way they did - we must listen carefully and we must ask for, and respect, their opinions.

On election night the Labour group promised to re-build the Baths Hall and to sort out problems Tory recycling policies had created. I am delighted the Baths Hall is progressing. We have a clear vision and business plan and a lot of work is going on behind the scenes.  We have met with partners and we are now looking at how it can be delivered. We are on track to deliver a multi-functional venue for all.  We have also introduced plastic and cardboard household recycling and rates continue to improve and I would like to thank all residents for their efforts in helping us become one of the best recycling authorities in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

And then came the floods, our first real challenge. I don't think anyone could have predicted what happened that day and I wonder if we will see anything like it again in our lifetime. We have since set up a flood forum and we now regularly meet with town and parish councils to discuss issues on a local level. We have even had commendation from Sir Michael Pitt for all of the work we have done and my thanks go to Cllr Len Foster and a number of officers who have worked tirelessly to learn lessons and ensure we are better prepared if we face the same problems in the future.

The Labour-led council has introduced free bus travel for all pensioners, thanks to this Labour government. As an authority we only need to allow it during off-peak hours but in North Lincolnshire the elderly can travel whenever they like for free. We've also re-instated bus routes in Hilton Avenue, Bottesford and Barton and there has also been record investment in education with £80-million earmarked for secondary schools via BSF and the recent announcement of an £18-million investment in primary schools. Added to this there has been recent investment at schools in Brigg, Worlaby and Kirton with new school kitchens due in Winterton.

There has also been significant investment in the region's leisure facilities.  The council has carried out a manifesto commitment to keep Riddings Pool open after the Tories pledged to shut it.  Not only that, but Cllr Christine O'Sullivan, cabinet member for leisure, approved plans to refurbish the gym at the leisure centre.  Baysgarth leisure centre is being re-built and will be open this summer.  There is also a lot of hard work going on with CHAMP in Barton and Cllr Trevor Barker is excelling behind the scenes with work on Crowle renaissance.

And the good news stories are set to continue into 2008/9.  The council is hosting a National Chemical Conference arranged for Forest Pines on June 4 as part of Yorkshire and Humber Business week. The Tour of Britain will visit North Lincolnshire later in the summer, bringing top athletes to the region.  And around 5,000 people are expected to attend the prestigious Normanby Food Festival later this year, which will include demonstrations, family entertainment and stalls from a number of local producers.  These events are expected to further boost tourism figures, which show that during 2007 there were 2.03-million day visits to the area.  The overall value of tourism to the North Lincolnshire economy is now estimated to be £140.1-million, compared to £112.9-million for 2006.

We are also working hard on a multi-million pound investment in Scunthorpe town centre, a huge development on the South Bank and are campaigning to abolish the Humber Bridge tolls. The news Polish firm Can Pack are to create hundreds of new jobs in North Lincolnshire also shows the area is thriving and shows internationally renowned businesses have great faith in the local workforce.

We must look at North Lincolnshire as a whole and forget the urban/rural divide the Tories forced on us. Our four years in opposition taught us to consult with residents and listen to what they tell us - we must not be as arrogant as they were.