Councillor Steve Swift

The present bus route 11, brought in as a trial to service the Valley View and Leys Farm areas of Bottesford following the axeing of the former services last Summer, is to continue for the next three years following a decision by North Lincolnshire Council.

The controversial withdrawal met with petitions and representations from local residents and as a result the trial service introduced. Surveys conducted on the trial showed the service to be well used and certainly needed with 70% of users being over the age of sixty.

The long term commitment (until March 2011) by awarding a contract following a tendering exercise is welcome and should hopefully give residents some peace of mind. 

I don't usually use my blog to include issues outside of the ward I represent but on this occasion it would be remiss not to mention the present proposals, which are out to consultation, to cut back on fire stations, fire tenders and personnel.

On Wednesday 19th March at an Extaordinary North Lincolnshire Full Council meeting, I had the opportunity to put forward a motion opposing these cutbacks, which eventually gained the unanimous and cross party support of Labour, Liberal Democrat, Independent and Conservative Councillors present.

Such proposals are always and quite understandably emotive issues but if changes are to happen then these need to be for the better, not simply change for changes sake.

Having read the Consultation Document, I was at a total loss as to find any advantages to local residents or communities in the closure of stations, the withdrawal of fire appliances or the reduction of employed, retained fire-fighters.

While North Lincolnshire Council may only a consultee in the process, I sincerely hope that the neighbouring unitary councils follow suit and ultimately the Humberside Fire Authority take cognizance and reject these propsals. 

As one of the ward Councillors for Bottesford, I had an invitation to attend the newly formed Richmond Drive Neighbourhood Watch Group on Monday 17th March.

The event was exceptionally well attended with around twenty residents, ward councillors, local police and representatives from Safer Neighbourhoods coming together to discuss local issues and priorities.

Hopefully with such commitment the Group will succeed and continue from strength to strength.