Tim Ball

There has been a lot of talk recently about giving the Police more powers for stop and search and I wonder whether or not they really need more powers.

I was under the impression that the Police already had the powers to stop and search people who they suspected of committing a crime.

In our local area they have been using them successfully over the last few weeks. So why now are we hearing senior politicians talking of yet more powers, I wonder if they really know what they are talking about or are they just trying to make themselves look clever.

The one thing that residents keep telling me is that they want to see more police on the beat and that they want politicians to allow the police to get on with their job.

So Just a simple message let the Police do the Job that they have been trained for and make sure that there are enough of them to do the Job.

A developer has submitted a planning application to build 4 studio flats on the corner of Twerton High Street & Shophouse Road by 147 High Street.

This section of land has fallen into disrepair over the last few years and needs to be cleared up. I am not sure if this is the right application for this site but would like to hear resident's views on this matter.

The application registration number is 07/03671/FUL and I have added a hyper link to the on line application on this registration number.

The announcement that the Council will be moving towards same-day collections and food waste collections is being welcomed by the Liberal Democrats on the Council.

Councillor Gerry Curran (Lib Dem, Twerton), who was the Executive member responsible for waste from 2005 to 2007 said:

"The Liberal Democrats welcome the proposed introduction of food waste collection and the same day collection of waste and recycling. These are proposals which I initiated during my time as Executive member for waste, so I am pleased to see them moving towards implementation, albeit with some delay - the plans I was working on would have brought in these new arrangements this Spring.

"It's ironic that the Cabinet are now implementing these policies given that the Conservative Group called-in the decision I took in 2006 to change to ‘edge of property' collection. It would not have been possible to make further progress on waste collections without this difficult decision being taken and implemented.

"On the whole, same day collection will simplify things for residents who may currently have three different collection days. However there is also the downside that in some places it clutter on busy pavements or in important visitor areas could be a problem - we will be asking the Cabinet how they plan to address this potential problem.

"We will also be asking the Cabinet to reveal more details about of the timescale of the implementation or the details of how the food waste will be collected - for example, we will be wanting to know what type of vehicles will be used, where the food waste will be taken for composting (our waste should not be being transported long distances) and what will happen to the compost produced! We also want to know what equipment will be provided to residents - the Liberal Democrats believe that biodegradable liners for food bins and counter-top caddies would help ensure that the food waste collection is convenient and hygienic."

The first of the Twerton PACT meetings will take place Monday 28^th January 2008 at St Michaels Junior School Newton Road 6pm, and many residents have been asking me what do I think about this and is it worth going along.

My advice to people is to go along and see what happens for if we do not go then it will be those who shout loudest who will be the only ones heard.

I am sceptical about anything that promises what it can not deliver as we have had so many false dawns in Twerton before and I have spoken to the Police who are organising this meeting that I only wish to hear about matters that can be achieved and do not want to hear promises that can not be kept. I have also made similar comments to both Somer Housing and Bath & North East Somerset Council officers.

But in the end although I am sceptical about what can be achieved I feel on balance that it is one that I am going to give a go and I would encourage all Twerton residents to turn up on 28^th Jan and make their own minds up on what they hear and see.

The planning application for 105 high street has now been registered at Bath & North East Somerset Councils planning office under application number 07/03748/FUL with an expiry date of 16^th April 2008 by which time the council are required to make a decision on the application.

The Proposals are for the

Erection of a four storey development, following demolition of existing two storey retail accommodations, consisting of retail at ground level and 14no. flats above; parking for new flats located on new parking deck constructed over existing parking behind 106-110 High Street and accessed via service road off of Dominion Road.

This means the demolition of Blockbusters and of the Chinese Take Away shop. I have now written to the planning department asking that this matter is considered by the planning committee due to its controversial nature the effects that it will have on local employment and the current streetscape also its close proximity to a grade two listed building at Rose cottage.

The application can be viewed online by following this link.  Planning 105 High Street.

Any representations on this application should be made in writing to Development Control, Trimbridge House, Trim Street, Bath BA1 2DP.  Alternatively representations can be made using the Planning Service pages of the Council's website http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/. 

If you have a comment on this matter then please write to the councils planning office at the above address and let me also have a copy of your comments.

I attended a meeting for the Bath Recreation ground trust committee last week and was astounded at what I heard.

I was always under the impression that the Rec was given to the people of Bath for their use and recreation but after what I heard last week I begin to wonder. The very name recreation ground gives the impression that is exactly what it is for but apparently according to the Conservative members on that committee I am wrong.

They passed recommendations that would mean that the recreation ground would be locked at night and one of their members even said that no one had a right to cross the Recreation Ground "excuse me I thought it belonged to the residents". Then to be told if I am with a group of more that 4 people then I would need to book before I go on the Recreation ground. Sorry but when family visits it has always been nice to take them on the recreation ground and there are always more that 4 of us.

I for one object to the conditions that are now being applied without full public consultation and would ask that the Bath Recreation Trust Committee Trust to reconsider what they have done at their next meeting and do not implement these measures before that time.

The Liberal Democrat members of the Healthier Communities and older people Overview & Scrutiny panel have raised concerns about the conservatives increasing home care charges by a whopping 74%. I am concerned that the Conservative, administration on Bath & North East Somerset Council seem not to have a clue as to the devastating effect that they are having on many people's lives by their reckless actions.

A Statement by the Liberal Democrat Members of the Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel following the meeting of the panel this on 22^nd January is printed below.

"During today's meeting we questioned the proposed 74% increase in Home Care charges. We accept that service users should pay the actual cost of the care they receive, providing that they are in a position to pay for it. However we have grave concerns that this proposed immediate increase of 74% will place up to 90 service users in a difficult financial position.

"We wanted to instruct Conservative Cabinet Member, Cllr Vic Prichard, not to increase the charges by 74%, but unfortunately the Overview and Scrutiny panel does not have that authority. The Liberal Democrat Group was unable to support the draft recommendations and as a result of this the Overview and Scrutiny panel did not move to a vote and will therefore formally "express concerns" over the proposed increase.

Local Liberal Democrats are welcoming a change of heart by the Conservative-run Cabinet on Bath and North East Somerset Council regarding the proposal to build an incinerator for non-recyclable waste in the West.

Liberal Democrats from across the former Avon area have been campaigning against the incinerator plans, being considered by the West of England Waste Partnership following a public consultation which has been described as ‘flawed'. Liberal Democrats called on the Cabinet member responsible for waste to oppose the incinerator, in line with the Council's policy on zero waste, but the Cabinet member refused to make his position known. In a statement today the Cabinet member confirmed that the Council opposes mass-burn incineration and that the other members of the Waste Partnership had been informed that this Council could not participate in such a scheme.

"This statement from the Cabinet member signals a victory for the Liberal Democrat and Friends of the Earth campaign against the proposal for mass burn incineration. I very much welcome this u-turn by the Tories and I am pleased that Councillor Charles Gerrish has acknowledged our part in the effective campaign against this expensive, unsustainable proposal. Mass burn incineration is now 'dead in the water'."

 "The recent Zero Waste Week showed what achievements are possible for waste reduction. We must now start working with the commercial sector to ensure that these waste streams are minimised as well. It would be fantastic if all our pubs, restaurants and shops could sign up to Zero Waste. The less total waste heading for landfill from all sources the less chance we have of anyone considering incineration in the West."

Local residents will be aware of the Anti Social behaviour that we have recently had at Highland Road. Many issues have been brought to our attention on this matter including the amount of litter and Rubbish that had been left lying around.

I have complained to both Somer Housing the landlords of many of the houses and Bath & North East Somerset Council about the problem and have asked that a full deep clean of the area is carried out.

The matter of the youths causing problems is an issue that we are dealing with the Police and Somer Housing on and can report that the Police have taken some positive action with regards to this issue over the past week.

The long term solution to these problems is in the hands of the local residents who often know who the trouble makers are but do not report matters until it is too late.

The Police Somer Housing and I are determined to stamp out the mindless vandalism that has been taking place and ensure that this area is brought back into the pleasant area that it once was. Please contact any of us with any information that you may have on who may be causing the problems.

Beat Manager PC Brendan Keegan & his team can be contacted on 08454567000, Somer Housing is 01225 366000 and in case you have forgotten mine 01225400834 or email me if that is easier.

It has been brought to my attention of a potential planning application on Twerton High Street that would have far reaching effects on how the High Street is now.

An application for conservation area consent to demolish 105 High Street Twerton has been submitted by Bayleigh Estates ltd. The demolition of 105 High Street would mean the loss of Blockbuster Video and a very popular Chinese takeaway shop.

The application number is 07/03747/CA

Any representations on this application should be made in writing to Development Control, Trimbridge House, Trim Street, Bath BA1 2DP.  Alternatively representations can be made using the Planning Service pages of the Council's website http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/.  All representation must arrive no later than the 24th January 2008.

And a Planning application to build residential accommodation and retail units similar to those at 106 to 110 is expected shortly on the site of 105 High Street and I will keep you informed of this as soon as it is submitted.

I would appreciate hearing residents comments on these proposals as soon as possible.

The Former Elderly Persons home on Twerton High Street has been sold to Aster (Sarsen) Housing association. Early indications are that the purchaser will apply to demolish the building and build affordable homes on the site.

The site has been left empty for several months after the residents moved into the new Home at Cleeve Court. The former EPH has been subjected to vandalism on more than one occasion. On Wednesday Night it was again vandalised but this time the Police were able to catch the culprits I would hope that the local youths have got the message and will now stay away from this building.

I will keep an eye open for the development brief from the new owners and keep residents informed when a planning application arrives of which I hope will help enhance the local area.  

We are pleased that edge of property recycling will again resume at Woodhouse Road, Carr Close and Walwyn Close houses.

For a long period residents have had to use the communal recycling units by Cadby House and & Walwyn Close flats. We have persuaded the council that these facilities are inadequate for the amount of properties that have been using them and have persuaded them to reintroduce edge of property collections to the above roads.

It is important to remember that the council recycling rates are at 47% but need to increase further to avoid expensive land fill taxes and to keep away the prospect of our Tories introducing an incinerator in the area.

The Liberal Democrats locally are against incineration of waste and want to see recycling and reuse of items increased. If you are like us and against incineration please sign the petition on the link below.

http://www.ourcampaign.org.uk/noincinerator

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg has set out his plans for new entitlements for parents, pupils, and patients, creating new freedoms for grassroots organisations to provide innovation in public services.     

In his first major speech to the party since being elected Leader, Nick Clegg declared that empowerment must be an everyday thing not just reserved for the moment a vote is cast in the ballot box.

He said he wants 2008 to be a year of ‘thinking daringly' for the Liberal Democrats.

Nick Clegg said:

"I stand for the following principles: the state must intervene to allocate money on a fair basis in our health and education systems; to guarantee equality of access in our schools and hospitals; and to oversee core standards and entitlements.

"But once those building blocks are in place, the state must back off and allow the genius of grassroots innovation, diversity and experimentation to take off in providing an array of top class schools and hospitals. 

"Freedom. Innovation. Diversity. Yes, choice too. These are liberal words. Let us take them back."

Speaking about driving up standards in failing schools, he said:

"When it comes to public services, I will never accept that wealthy Britain should be the sick man of Europe.

"I don't think it should be acceptable for any school to have over half of young people leaving without five good grades.

"It shouldn't be acceptable that we have such low standards for GCSE pass scores that the Government reports as ‘passes' some grades which we know are in reality of no value in today's labour market.

"You can get a G, in some cases, for a mark of about 20%. It's time to call a fail a fail, and raise expectations by abolishing the two lowest pass grades for GCSEs."

Advocating establishing a new model of schools, Nick Clegg said:

"I want us to look at establishing a new liberal model of schools - let us call them Free Schools - that are non-selective, under local government strategic oversight but not run by the council, and free to innovate to drive up standards for all our children.

"They could be established by any suitable sponsor, including parents, educational charities, voluntary and private organisations with the right credentials."

Talking about how to give patients clear individual entitlements, Nick will say:

"I am totally committed to the National Health Service. It must always remain free at the point of use, accessible to all.

"But people need to be able to take more control both of its management, and their own healthcare.

"So every patient should have a guarantee of treatment within a specified waiting time - and to drive the NHS to deliver that, everyone should have the right to private treatment, paid for by the NHS if the waiting time's not met.

"And patients should have more control over their care - where possible with budgets devolved to individuals for long term and chronic conditions.

"In particular, these rights are crucial for people with mental health problems. Mental illness affects one in four British families: it can no longer be neglected just because it doesn't make a good photo opportunity."

You can read the full speech here.

The speech has received widespread media coverage, including:

• BBC: Lib Dems want parent run schools
• ePolitix: Clegg backs 'diversity and choice'
• Independent: Clegg to call for smaller state
• Press Assocation: Clegg in call to scrap low grades

Have I totally missed the point or did I not hear the weather forecast for today for Wales and the South west say that it would be mainly dry with a few heavy showers late in the day.

Well it rained all day the sky went dark as if at night and it poured with rain all day and then after that on the way home tonight it started to Snow.  

I wonder as I sit here quietly typing away if this is not a glimpse of a Nuclear Winter if Gordon Brown gets it wrong with his Nuclear Power Plants.

We have been going through a period of anti social behaviour by groups of youths in several areas of Twerton over the past few weeks and we are determined to stamp it out.

The latest area's to experience the problems are Twerton High Street and in Particular the Highland road area. If you see and incident of Anti social behaviour let the Police know on 0845456700 as they are best placed to deal with an ongoing problem. It is also helpful to let Somer Housing know on 01225366000 what is going on as they are the biggest social landlord in the area and can often deal with minor issues quickly.

A New Year message from us all should be that we all wish to live in peace in our own homes and not have to fear going out, and only by all working together can we deal with the problem of anti social behaviour. As one of the Twerton Councillors I would also like to be kept informed of what is going on and I can be contacted on 01225 400834.

A PACT meeting has been arranged for Monday 28th January 2008 at 1800hrs, in St Michaels C of E school, Newton Road, Twerton.

These meetings are inter agency meetings of Police, Housing Associations, The Council, residents and your local Councillors where we will look at how to tackle some of the areas problems. All residents of the Twerton area are invited to attend.

Avery happy NEW YEAR to all that read this page and also to those that don't and they don't know what they are missing or do they?

I wonder if you are like me and getting back to normal after the festive season and trying to get those emails done and the letters that you have not written but should have by now done. Never mind it is now 2008 and I hope that we can all have a prosperous new year and take some time to look out for each other and finish those tasks that we have not done.

Have I made a New Year resolution I hear you ask well not really because I never keep them and nor do the majority who play on the fact that they have made one.

I have been out and about pounding the streets again delivering the Lib Dem Newspaper through doors of people who I know are home and have plenty of time to read it at this time of year. With Nick Clegg firmly at our helm then I feel that we can make great strides over the next few years and really challenge the other two worn out old parties.

One thing that I did manage to achieve over the festive season is to write and E: newsletter that I have now sent out and will be doing one each month. If you would like a copy then please email me at tball@blueyonder.co.uk.

Any way enough from me for now I can smell the roast Pork for dinner down stairs and will be in trouble if I do not do it justice. Happy New Year lets make it a good one.