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Industrial Communities Alliance

This morning I went to a national meeting in Redcar.

The main topic on the agenda was a proposal to close the steelworks in Redcar and the ICA is working hard to help the local authority keep it open. The local effects would be dire with a massive jump in unemployment as ell as as effects on the local community.

The meeting also discussed national issues such as the future jobs fund, the work of the Homes and Communities agency and European  projects .

I feel proud to support the work of this organisation

Current mood: Big-Smiley


combined neighbourhood forum

This evening I went to a combined meeting of the Deal and Dover North neighbourhood forums.

The issue was transportt so I was digusted to lear that representatives from the rail company decided not to attend.

The Bus company and Kent Highways sent representatives to answer questions from the public.

Issues seemed to relate to provision of services to the rural villages and services outside peak times.

I have put in a request to the Environment Highways and waste policy overview committee to look at these issues as well as the integrated transport strategy.

i feel the rail company owes the residents an explanation on why they chose to snub this event.

 

 

Current mood: Angry


religion and politics

This morning at church the sermon was looking at the forthcoming general election and the preacher was posing the question do Religion and politics mix?

I agreed with a  lot of what was said and was glad that we can look at such issues. I always felt that Alistair Campbell did a disservice to Tony Blair when he said "we dont do God"

I often feel that politicians of all persuasions can benefit from  publicly declaring their beliefs. Many view politicians as a group of self serving publicity hungry pond dwellers and I believe that the Christian faith serves public life well, that we serve God and serve our fellow citizens for the common good.

Current mood: inspired


Environment Highways and Waste Policy overview and scrutiny committee

This morning I went to the above meeting.

There was much discussion about the recent snow situation and how the county responded to it.

On the whole the reaction was positive but there are certainly areas where things could be improved.

There was also much discussion about the budget and opportunities for savings.

This is more problematic as it seems some members are against any savings.

Current mood: Sceptical


Midlands Meeting

This morning I chaired a meeting of the Midlands and south region of the industrial communities alliance. The meeting was held at Bolsover District Council offices.

There was discussion on a number of issues and these will be taken forward to the next national meeeting of the organisation to be held in Redcar next week.

There were a number of new members to the group and I look forward to working with them in the coming years.

Current mood: Cool


Aylesham health centre

This morning I went to the official opening of the health centre 

Current mood: Big-Smiley


Aylesham Parish Council

This evening I went to the monthly meeting of the parish council. This meeting had been rescheduled from last week die to the snow.

I was able to brief the council on the response of Kent County council to the conditions.

I also briefed the council on the 2010/11 budget as well as the next neighbourhood forum.

I had also prepared a report on highways works from the Kent highways site. 

I also told the council of latest developments with the Industrial communities alliance.

Current mood: Cool

an invitation to a Joint Meeting of the Deal & Walmer and Dover North Neighbourhood Forums

Re:                  Joint Meeting of the Deal & Walmer and Dover North Neighbourhood Forum on Tuesday 26th January 2010

Time:              Refreshments from 6.00pm with a 6.30pm start

Location:        Walmer Science College , Salisbury Road, Walmer, Deal, Kent, CT14 7QJ

Topic:             Focus on Transport - roads, trains, buses.

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I have great pleasure in extending an invitation for you to attend the next public meeting of the Deal & Walmer and Dover North Neighbourhood Forums on Tuesday 26th January 2010.  As both communities have raised concerns about transport issues within their areas we have decided to hold a joint meeting of both forums to give everyone the opportunity to ask questions of the representatives appearing.

 

Refreshments will be available half an hour before the meeting starts; this provides a chance to meet local councillors from county, district and town. You will also have the opportunity to talk to a representative from the Dover District Community Safety Partnership. The agenda for the meeting will be available on the night.

 

In response to requests from the local communities of Deal & Walmer and Dover North the topic for this meeting is ‘Focus on Transport - road, trains and buses', where we will be giving you the opportunity to question the main service providers. Guest speakers will include representatives from Stagecoach and Kent Highways Services. 

 

The purpose of the Neighbourhood Forum is to provide opportunities:

 

• For elected County, District and Town and Parish Councillors to work more closely with public and together, and with voluntary and private sector partners locally, to meet the aspirations of local people;
• For a regular forum for community consultation and participation that will encourage discussion and debate on matters of particular relevance to their area; 
• To consider the need for services in the local community, and look at the effectiveness of existing services;
• For KCC and DDC’s Cabinet and Cabinet Members to consult on strategic issues affecting a Neighbourhood Forum area; and
• To allow Council Members to consider funding applications made to the Small Community Capital Projects fund.

 

For the first time at a Neighbourhood Forum we will be webcasting the meeting for those who are unable to attend. More details will be sent out nearer the time.

 

 

 

Kind regards

 

 

Emma

 

Current mood: excited


Iain dales speaks

This afternoon conservative members are getting the benefits of Iain Dale's experience on Blogging.

He recounted his own success (or lack of it) in the blogosphere and publicly paid tribute to the blog of Kevin Lynes (of course this blog was conspicuous by his ignorance of it or just damned as too boring to even mention).

Members were interested but some are still wary of online presence. One female member had been put off by a campaign of abuse directed through her blog.

Current mood: Cool

Parish councils

This evening I went to three parish council meetings.

This was because St Margarets parish council had delayed their meting last week due to the adverse weather conditions.

I gave a brief update on the the county council had responded to the situation and listened to the concerns of the parish members.

I also presented a proposal for trafic calming which was not approved by the parish council.

Then I went to Langdon Parish council.

Again the snow situation in the parish has been severe and they were grateful for the work in opening roads.

Finally I made it to Tilmanstone parish council and listened to their concerns as well as with my colleague Nick Kenton, offered a few suggestions about budget reporting.

Current mood: satisfied


a busy evening

with the passing of the snow incident it was back to normal working.

This evening I attended a governor's meeting at Northbourne CEP school and then went on to a parish council meeting at Eastry.

There was discussion on a number of issues and I was able to brief the council on some joint working projects which the district council is involved in. The local pCSO and Community warden also gave updates to the members

Current mood: Cool


waste collections

Helpful Information

If you are a resident in the Dover District ,  the waste collections will not take place today, this is due to several reasons

• Somee roads are inaccessible and collections are unable to be made safely.
• If we collected from the roads that are accessible all the facilities to dispose of the waste are shut and have been since earlier today - Richborough Household Waste Site for recycling and Whitfield transfer station for residual.
• Although the CA side at Whitfield is still open to residents Deal Household Waste and Richborough Household Waste sites were shut around midday.
• Collections due today will now be postponed until the next collection day (1 week for residual and 2 weeks for recycling).

It is too early to say what will happen with the waste collections tomorrow, a decision will be made early tomorrow morning.  

Current mood: concerned


nonington Parish Council

This evening I  managed to attend the parish council meeting .

There was a large audience to hear deliberations on a number of issues including plans to expand the schools accommodation.

The parish council also considered an application from the village hall committee  for a grant towards refurbishment.

I was able to forward concerns of one resident about the state of a salt bin in the village.

Current mood: Cool


Sutton Parish Council

this evening i went to the parish council meeting

I was able to brief the council on a number of issues for both the District and county councils including joint working, The gateway initiative, the work of the health and well being team, the next Neighbourhood forum and the draft county council budget.

Current mood: Cool