Cllr Mark A Kirk

Humber bridge toll freeze fantastic news, Now the campain to see abolision or real reduction begins will be seeking a meeting with MP Ian Cawsey who has been leading this campaign who has said all along that the tolls were having a inpact on holding back the Humber, the four councils along with the MP and chamber of commerce will be seeking a meeting with Ministers.

Another day another meeting but todays meeting is in relation to south humber bank and creating new jobs that we desperately need

Yesterday I went to 10 Downing Street to meet with the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.  I have been looking to take the case for North Lincolnshire and in fact both banks of the Humber to the Prime Minister for some time.   My view is you don't leave anything for chance.  So when the chance came up with less than 24 hours notice, I dropped everything and went down.  

I raised the position at Corus and the job losses, something the town can ill-afford.  I raised the massive potential of the South Humber Gateway and the major planning application we are currently handling, which could create 5,000 jobs over the next year.  And I raised the Humber Bridge Tolls and the fact that the Government is sitting on the Inspector's report from the March Public Inquiry looking at another toll increase.   " made it clear that another increase is the last thing we need and not only that but if we are to have a prosperous North Lincolnshire and prosperity on both banks of the Humber then the Government has to act on the tolls, be it abolition or a toll reduction say to £1 for a car.  

Understandably, he didn't commit himself one way or the other, but I have left him with a lot to think  about.  I have no doubt that he's committed to helping the Humber area. Whatever anyone thinks, this is a serious politician.   He said we must never again see mass youth unemployment with a whole generation placed on the scrap heap as happened in the 1980s and early 1990s - and that the Government was working day and night to address this issue.  

I am satisfied that the points that needed to be made were made - and that he knows what it is that is important to us in North Lincolnshire and on both banks of the Humber.

At the weekend I attended Crosby Fun Day and despite the rain had a great time. Plenty of people turned up to Sheffield Park to join in the fun.

.

As you can see from these photos I joined in the fun by playing dominos!  There was also a Morris Minor display, majorettes, martial arts, belly dancers, street theatre, judo demonstrations and singers.  A big thank you and well done should go to all of those involved in making the event a success.

Today not a good day going to see a good freind and neighbour of 30 years, Denise lost her fight to cancer and goes to join Wally God Bless.

Later today i will be attending the market traders meeting Denise was a true markets supporter both work wise and shopping she loved a bargain

After attending the Local Government Association (LGA) conference in Harrogate this week I have decided to join social networking sites to try and engage with even more local people.  You can now follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/markantonkirk or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/markakirk

Local residents have the chance to ask me a question as the leader of the council at the full council meeting on Wednesday 8 July at 6pm.  More details and a meeting agenda is available on this website.  If you'd like to ask a question, please contact Mel Holmes on 01724 296230 or email: mel.holmes@northlincs.gov.uk by 9am on Tuesday 7 July. The meeting will take place in the council chamber at Pittwood House, Ashby Road in Scunthorpe. You are most welcome to attend.