Whittlesey North Blog

The annual undeliverable alternative budget

2012-02-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Cambridgeshire Lib Dems published their alternative budget yesterday. It was, as ever, an attempt to be all things to all people. It takes money from the Northstowe development - which it also vaguely claims the Lib Dems support, and then does the usual thing of trying to deliver all things to all people. Yet, it doesn't. Interestingly I have real doubts about whether whether the Lib Dems are able to do what they want to do - and more importantly, I suspect there would be a huge legal challenge from developers if they did.

In terms of my Cabinet portrfolio, there are just two references to the Adult Services budget that I can find. The first is this quote

"We would implement a plan to responsibly manage Adult Care,instead of helter skelter budgeting that has demoralised staff andservice-users alike and resulted in a 25% to cut in care levels mid-year."

Yet - they make no mention of what that plan is or how they would cost it - and offer no new money to the overall budget. It ignores the vision that myself and Officers have been discussing over recent months - often quite publicly, including on radio interviews and elsewhere and simply makes a statement that is, at best, a stretch of reality. The 25% cut they mention, was planned well in advance, but much of it was implemented mid-year so we could ensure it was properly planned and managed so that it minimised impact - which is why, to date, we have had little complaint about it. And it was for only part of the Adult Services budget. The statement about staff morale is fatuous rubbish. I have been astonished by how well staff in Adult Services have reacted to the challenge that has been put to them about delivering change.

Adult Services faces big problems, such as a forecast 37% increase in the number of over 65s in the County over the next ten years. Of course, that is a good thing because it comes about largely because people are living longer, but it creates big pressures on our future budget. This statement from the Lib Dems is irresponsible because it is not coupled with any sort of articulation of how they would solve the issues. In contrast, I have been clear at scrutiny meetings and elsewhere that we have to change - to be more integrated, do prevention better to stop people needing our services and to transform the way we work.

The second statement is this (which is contained in a section called communities and the elderly):

"Line50 enabling better dementia care (£830 thousand over 5 years)

At present the Lead Mental HealthGP's current business case for training dementia care staff in homes cannot getpassed because there is no ring-fenced budget for training. This means thatessential training cannot get done despite the CCC's supposed commitment to ourdementia review and to the mental health strategy paper, where training wasemphasised. If you have trainedpersonnel rather than untrained you are likely to get better clinical andtherefore cost outcomes."

The first point on this is to highlight that the Lib Dems are so desperate for credibility that they have claimed that a dementia report from one of the County Council's independent, all-party scrutiny committees as theirs (they didn't like me raising this at scrutiny today!!). One of the people that has been most committed to mental health issues is one of our Labour Councillors, he deserves credit for his commitment and challenge in this area is due an apology. Secondly, we have absolutely endorsed the recommendations in both the scrutiny report and the NHS paper. Indeed at the Cabinet meeting where we provided that support, I made the point that it was improved knowledge and training for dementia across the board that was needed and not just amongst one section of people. So their statement is much more limited in ambition than what we have already endorsed. Thirdly, whilst dementia is more prevalent amongst older people, it is certainly not just an older people's illness, the fact that they have clearly labelled it as such is yet another indicator of their total lack of understanding of the adult services arena (probably because they sacked the Lib Dem with the most knowledge of Health issues from their front bench).

No doubt the Lib Dems will criticise the Adult Services budget and claim we won't deliver it - when they do they need to explain why it is that they have not offered any alternative or additional funding when they have chosen to spray unavailable money like confetti around almost every other area of council spend.

The Adult Services budget is about 40% of the Councils total spend - this year's budget is about £157m. In the past it has proven very difficult to balance - which is one of the reasons we are focusing on transormation. The Lib Dems have made just two references to it in their proposals; one is a generic catch-all statement that lacks detail, vision or credibility, and the other lacks the ambition of the Conservatives and shows severe shortcomings in their knowledge of the Adult Services function.

Which do you prefer..?

2012-02-07T13:20:00.000-08:00

So, who do you think is best to make decisions about what is best for patients:

1. GPs who are seeing patients day-in day-out
2. Bureaucrats

What is the best option for a failing NHS service:

1. Keep NHS doctors and nurses and bring in some proven commercial management with a record of providing innovative dynamic management to turn the service around.
2. Closure and end of provision.
3. Keep throwing good money after bad.

Of course the answer to both questions from the vast majority of people would be option 1 for both questions. So why all the fuss about Andrew Lansley's NHS changes?

I accept this is very simplistic. But it does give some necessary down to earth focus on what the proposed changes mean.

Why a 2.95% Council Tax rise?

2012-01-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

I am sure a debate is likely to rage over the next few days about the County Council's proposal to increase council tax by 2.95% this year - including some who consider that a Council is not properly Conservative if they choose not to accept central Government's one-off payment of 2.5% this year if they choose to freeze council tax (known as the Pickles promise).

Last year we did choose to freeze council tax and accept Eric Pickles' offer - because the funding was for 2.5% each year over a period of four years. This year it was a one-off offer. That makes a difference because any council tax increase this year carries forward into next (in simple terms if you add 2.5% onto a base of £100 it becomes £102.50 - and that figure carries over to next year and any increase is added on to £102.50 and not the original £200). In fact, the cumulative impact of not having that 2.5% on our council tax over ten years amounts to some £30m. The other option would, of course, be to take the Pickles' money and make a bigger increase next year - which would trigger a local referendum. There are two issues here that cause problems:

In order to deal with the the financial issues the council faces we have a medium term plan that includes investing in prevention. How on earth can anyone embark on that sort of medium term thinking when there is a huge question mark over your plans at the end of year one?
A local referendum would cost money to deliver, money that could be spent on services

That last point is an important one, it is not that anyone is scared of listening to local people, rather that we have already consulted as part of our consideration for the current budget proposals. That (statistically valid) consultation showed that there was appetite around the County for a small council tax rise - provided that the money was spent on residents' priorities; we have done this. As an example by investing more in Adult Social Care in order to slow down the reductions and allow us to make the long term savings we need in a much more measured and joined up way, and by investing an extra £90m in roads (which means roads, pavements and cycle paths). Both of these areas were shown to be priorities in our consultation.

One other very important factor here is that Cambridgeshire is not and never has been a wasteful and high taxing council. We have a reputation for sound financial management and as this graph shows, we are the seventh lowest taxing shire county in England.

This highlights yet another flaw with the Pickles' promise; we faced years of a Labour Government diverting funding to its own local councils to the detriment of Cambridgeshire. We, as a County, also suffered much lower grant increases than our neighbouring counties year on year, yet every authority, however efficient, has an increase of 2.5%. It is much easier to take 2.5% off your base and take the Pickles promise if you are a council that has been wasteful and bloated in the past, Cambridgeshire never has been.

That does not mean we have been complacent. We continue to eradicate waste and find better ways of working. The cost of our senior officer team has reduced, and we have already identified other management costs that can be taken next year.

One other argument that has been used is that we should be working closer with other councils in order to reduce overheads. We have done this by combining many of our back office functions (legal and HR services for example) with Northamptonshire through creating an organisation called LGSS. This is already making savings and we are looking to make more by involving other councils.

Before I come to a conclusion on this I want to cover one more issue. I am sure the naysayers will point at the review of members allowances as an example of us being wasteful. I, and others, keep making the point that this review is something we are legally required to do. It is a poor system and, as a Council, we have asked Government to change it - but as things stand now we have to do it (and actually the sums involved in member allowances are a tiny part of our overall budget). It is wrong for MPs to recognise the flaws in voting on their own remuneration and then to have a system that makes councillors vote on theirs.

I have a great deal of time for much of what Eric Pickles and the DCLG are doing. Their ideas on housing are very challenging but are headed in the right direction, many of the planning reforms are much needed and the localism agenda is a breath of fresh air. Indeed, on balance, last year's Pickles' promise was right. But this year's proposal of one-off funding is flawed and the suggestion that it is both immoral and not Conservative to take a local decision on council tax, based on local circumstances is also flawed.

Sponsor us for the Gold Challenge

2012-01-21T07:54:00.000-08:00

(please dont' watch this video if you are

offended by bad language but it is funny)

I am currently training with Angela (my wife) to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon. As part of our training we are raising money for a great charity called Get Kids Going which provides specialist wheelchairs for disabled youngster to enable them to get involved in sport. We are doing this by taking part in the Gold Challenge. Along with our son Adam we are attempting to run, walk and cycle 2012km as a team in the period up to the start of the Olympics.

This is quite a task, which involves constant effort, but we are doing very well at the moment. It would be appreciated if you would consider sponsoring us.

BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Interviews

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have taken part in two radio interviews with the Peterborough edition of the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Breakfast Show over the last two days. I quite enjoy doing them; they are a good test and a good way of getting a message across.

Yesterday's interview was about the Joint Commissioning Strategy for Older People's Mental Health; a joint document between us and the NHS which was approved by the County Council's Cabinet on Tuesday. The interview was quite philosophical and moved into some of the wider aspects of Adult Social Care. I am glad it was covered by the BBC, this is a serious issue with the number of over 65s in Cambridgeshire expected to increase by 37% over the next ten years. Whilst the fact that people are living longer is a great thing, an older population means more pressure on the services we provide - something that is made even more difficult given the tough financial times we are facing; so the only way forward is change. The aim of the Mental Health Strategy is to provide a basis for that change, as an example emphasising the need for more comprehensive training so that there is a much better understanding of the early signs of illnesses such as dementia and then doing more to delay and prevent the symptoms getting worse. The strategy requires much more joined up thinking between us, the organisations we contract to provide care and with the health sector - the latter is being helped immeasurably by the Government's health reforms. Pretty much all of what we are saying about mental health is true of all of our services for older people - we need to be much, much more preventative; making sure people can live healthy active lives for as long as possible is the right thing to do in human terms but it is also good for the public purse

The interview today was a bit more light-hearted. It was part of an outside broadcast from the new Cambourne Fitness and Sports Centre (which is a great facility) to promote Sport Relief. Normally I go to an interview with a good idea of the sort of messages I want to get across - today was no different in that respect, expect that I never managed that at all - but then chatting to Jeremy Sallis whilst we were pedaling on exercise bikes was a new experience for me. Not that I care too much, if I did just a tiny bit to help make Sport Relief a success and to get people more active, then I'm happy.

I did manage to talk about my training for the Edinburgh Marathon in May and my latest attempts to lose weight, which moved onto a short chat about trying to walk the talk in respect of managing a political portfolio that has huge health implications. There are other things I didn't get across which I will probably blog abut in the next few weeks - such as the Olympics, Gold Challenge and the Sport Relief event I am taking part in at Sir Harry Smith Community College.

200 Days to go

2012-01-09T10:40:00.000-08:00

Today marks 200 days to go until the start of the London2012 Olympics (633 until the Paralympics). To mark this occasion I was invited to go and visit Spearmark Ltd with Francis Maude, Cabinet Office Minister. Spearmark are a Cambridgeshire Company based in Eaton Socon who have won a contract to provide a number of items of Olympics memorabilia (lunch boxes, water bottles, plastic plates etc.)

The visit was really useful for me, it clarified a number of messages I have heard about the potential of the Olympics to help businesses during the current tough times. Spearmark were quite clear that winning this contract meant that 2012 gave them a platform to invest in their business and plan for future growth in a way that would not otherwise have been possible.

With Alex Bloom MD of Spearmark -London 2012 products behind

This is very important for Cambridgeshire because we have had 34 companies win Olympics contracts; in the East of England we are second only to Essex in terms of the number of contracts that have been won, which means that our economy will get a bigger boost than others. That, alongside plans such as the Enterprise Zone on the old Alconbury site and superfast broadband, show that Cambridgeshire is very much looking forwards.

Finally, a thanks to Spearmark for their hospitality today.

National Review of Adult Social Care

2012-01-03T00:52:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely delighted that the New Year has started with so much media comment about the need to review our Social Care system. Articles like this from the BBC are absolutely spot on.

What is most important is that words like "urgent" are being used, and the suggestion is that proposals will be published in spring.

What none of these articles do is correctly sum up the problem, which is huge concerns from some people as they get older about how the need to fund Social Care will impact on them financially, alongside an extremely difficult financial situation in local Government at a time when our population is aging and therefore demand for social care services is increasing.

In truth the previous Government should have dealt with the issue, but instead chose to put it in the too difficult pile and tried to blame Andrew Lansley when they were exposed. It is an area where the Coalition has not been found wanting - having commissioned for the Dilnott review, the conclusions of which I believe identify much of what is needed to move forwards.

There are other areas which do help in this area, one of which is to be more preventative in our outlook. In particular making sure older people have networks of friends and good social circles is known to have a positive effect on life expectancy and this is an area of work I hope to move further forwards with in Cambridgeshire this year in my role as Lead Member for Adult Services.

NHS Confederation gets it right

2011-12-29T04:27:00.000-08:00

The comments by the NHS Confederation today are absolutely spot on, and I will be extremely impressed if 2012 starts with a genuine debate about how we change the NHS to make it a genuine Health system rather than the treatment system which we largely have today. This is a debate I have been having in political circles since May when my cabinet role moved to Health and Wellbeing and later Adult Services

There are huge issues involved in getting more care carried out at home - one of which is hospitals recognising that incessant growth on their part is no longer the answer. In fact, part of their thinking needs to move towards working out how to reduce hospital admissions by funding preventative work. As an example, people are, of course, extremely protective and precious about the need for excellent stroke recovery in the UK, but we need to ask ourselves whether we should be more demanding about better stroke prevention services - which are more beneficial in human and financial terms.

The latter part of this is the role of the media. They (as well as opposition politicians of whatever colour) seem to use the number of hospital beds as a prime measure of NHS funding. Too many hospital beds is as much a sign of failure as it is of adequate funding; we need to change this. As well as measuring how well patients recover, the media needs to focus on how well we prevent people becoming patients in the first place.

It is interesting that part of the debate today has been around the suggestion that the current NHS changes are taking up too much time and therefore are distracting from the ability to make this sort of change. I strongly challenge this. Making Health provision revolve more around GPS has real potential to make our system much more preventative and much more people focused. We need to be looking at how prevention and more care at home fits in with the current reform instead of using it as a reason not to listen to the wise words of the NHS Confederation.

Farewell to Margaret Sargent at Alderman Jacobs School

2011-12-17T02:55:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a sad week for me, having attended four different events at Alderman Jacobs School to say farewell to Margaret Sargent who has been headteacher there for 16 years. I have been a Governor for 15 years at AJS and for most of that time I have been Chairman, so I have seen first hand the great work Margaret has done over this period.

Alderman Jacobs School has always delivered for our children, Margaret took that to a whole new level, delivering a school for Whittlesey that has high results, high aspirations and a great team of staff. It is easy to point to an inspection rating and say a school is outstanding, my belief is that AJS is outstanding in every sense and not just in the more limited view that OfStEd takes of education - and Margaret Sargent is the main reason for that.

I am pleased to say that the school did a great job in saying farewell, on Monday we unveiled a plaque which names the new extension to the dining hall after Margaret (and whoever thought of "Sargent's Mess" it was a stroke of genius). Yesterday the staff put on a special assembly for Margaret (and I shall not say what my role was in that!!). I know Margaret enjoyed the assembly and the children absolutely loved it.

I cannot say enough how much Margaret has done for AJS and indeed for Whittlesey, and I wish her many happy travel filled days in the future.

Has David Cameron rescued his Eurosceptic credentials?

2011-12-10T06:07:00.001-08:00

David Cameron's decision to veto the proposed changes to the EU Treaty has been widely applauded, and rightly so. The EU has become a bureaucratic monster that eats our money and our ideology to feed its own belief that it should take over the world. The unwillingness of some of our EU partners to compromise meant that he had little choice but to stand up for our rights and walk away.

Where it gets interesting is in how we move on from here. There is an argument that because this has isolated Britain, David Cameron should try and build bridges. I hope that is not where we go. Isolation is not always a bad thing - especially when the thing you are isolating yourself from is going to damage you and your future. If bridges are to be built, the first moves have to come from the likes of Sarkozy and Merkel - who need to recognise the monster the EU has become and accept the need to reinvent based on a less predatory ideology.

If that compromise doesn't happen, I hope and believe the writing is on the wall for our membership of the EU. And,quite probably, for the coalition Government too. What I see as something we need to be wary about is the potential for a Labour win, or a Lib-Lab coalition after General Election 2015 - which would see Britain leaping straight back into bed with the EU and giving up yet more powers. That means we have to act now. David Cameron should set the EU a timetable, outlining what it needs to do and by when to repatriate powers, tidy up its act and abandon its plans to create a Europe wide state. If they fail to meet that deadline, then he should call a referendum on Britain's membership.

I believe the EU knows it needs us more than we need it. The stupid arguments that exports would be harmed as a result of us leaving the EU have never held weight. Businesses will deal with whoever offers them the right product at the right price. If the ludicrous sums of money we invest in the EU were there for us to use on Britain we could cut the deficit, reduce taxes and/or invest in high quality innovative manufacturing - all of which would make us more competitive, not less. It would enable us to trade better with EU member states and, more importantly, with the rest of the world.

I have always said that my preference is that I would prefer Britain to stay in the EU, but only on the basis that it reverted to the organisation which my parents signed up for, which was about trading co-operation, and was nothing to do with a bureaucratic superstate. My view that a referendum is needed is because I don't think the EU is capable of reinventing itself. I suspect we are about to find out.

So, would we harm the Euro by taking this step? To be honest, the Euro is doomed anyway - it is not fixable because it was never viable within the huge mass of cultures and ideological differences that exist across Europe. If there is a financial hit for Britain as a consequence of the Euro collapsing, then we are going to have to take it - whether we are in the EU, in the process of leaving, or have left. Why not be in a better financial position when it happens through not paying out huge sums of money to the EU?

The next General Election is going to be fascinating. I don't think the Labour Party, as it currently stands, is electable - but exploitation of the tough financia s ituation might lead to a Lib-Lab coalition. I hope not - but I can see it happening, and it would be disastrous for Britain, not least because of the EU issue. If David Cameron deals with the EU in this Parliament that issue is sorted. In any case it would probably see him achieve a second term as Prime Minister - but this time with an overall majority.

Must Farm - Putting Whittlesey on the Map

2011-12-10T03:25:00.001-08:00

A month or so ago I was privileged to be invited along with my fellow Whittlesey County Councillor Ralph Butcher to visit the Must Farm archeological dig that is currently taking place. Before I go into detail about the dig itself, I want to say that we should be grateful to Hanson Brick for their role in this - whilst it is true that they have legal responsibilities to allow archeology, it is also quite clear from what the archeologists were saying to us that they are going above and beyond what is required to support Cambridge Archeological Unit in doing this work.

As a bit of an avid Time Team watcher, I have to say I was a bit like a kid in a sweet shop at this site - obviously helped by the fantastic stuff they have found. But I would suggest you read some of the links at the end of this post, to read more about that - I am nowhere near expert enough, but I have been aching to blog this ever since my visit. I apologise for not doing so - but we were asked to keep it quiet for a while and I only got the go ahead last week.

Part of the excavation is a series of 6 hollowed out log boats, some of which are so well preserved you can still see the axe marks where they were carved and also areas where repairs have been carried out. There was also an extremely well preserved wicker eel trap. The fact that something like that has managed to be preserved over thousands of years says a huge amount about why this site is important - and indeed it is - with the archeologists who were there repeating a number of times that the finds here are of international importance.

There is still alot of work to be done on this site - years worth, and these latest discoveries are certainly not the first. I had some discussions on the day of our visit about the opportunities for Whittlesey and about how we could do something for our museum and schools - I hope to follow that up shortly, especially as I have had a discussion today with the proprietor of Whittlesey museum.

Nothing more to say - except this is not a site that is suitable to walk to - it is very, very slippy and potentially dangerous, so please, please don't try. Meanwhile enjoy my photos and a few National and local links to media stories which say a bit more about the site. The "Shape Your Place" link includes a video which has me rambling (and I did!!) about the need to seek benefits for Whittlesey from this.

I would like to also thank Cambridge Archeological Unit for hosting us on our visit. It was a real privilege to see this.

LINKS:

Whittlesey Shape Your Place

Cambs Times

Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Humour in times of trouble

2011-11-20T14:33:00.001-08:00

Well now we all have running water and can reasonably go to the toilet, I thought I would comment on Sunday in Whittlesey.

Actually - it was a pain in the neck, and it does force to remind you how reliant we are on simple things like running water. I normally do a long run on Sundays and had to cancel because I really couldn't force those I love to suffer me after 11miles and no shower!

Twitter and Facebook come into their own with incidents like this - great for passing out information, but also a place for gallows humour. Here are a few examples of the Tweets that made me smile:

Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Lol jks they lived in Whittlesey.
Guinness world record attempt TMO. Biggest ever communal bath. Manor Leisure Centre. (This was mine!!)
11 hours without water in Whitltesey and it still smells better than XXXX (the XXXX represents an area in Peterborough - location deleted so as not to cause offence).
I hear bob geldof and midge ure are heading to Whittlesey as we speak

When it comes down to it, we suffered a while without water. It all got sorted, we all got washed, shaved and ate and, for most, it was just an inconvenience. Yes there are questions to be asked about Anglian Water and the advice they gave out, but nothing seriousand they did work through the night to get it sorted.

It seems everyone is entitled to a £20 rebate from Anglian Water as a result of the water outage. The link to their code of conduct is here. Let's use it for a good cause - can I suggest we all claim what is due to us and donate it to Water Aid and help people that really, really do need water - where the issue is one of life or death rather than just inconvenience.

Fenland Discussions at County Council

2011-11-15T03:10:00.001-08:00

At Cambs County Council Cabinet meeting this morning we had some very serious discussions about Fenland. The first one was to agree to underwriting some of Fenland District Council's cost for the proposed new College of West Anglia facility. The County Council's approach to this is really important, not least because it proves its commitment to education in Fenland. Something that is also shown by the way we fought to keep Building Schools for the Future in Fenland and have supported Thomas Clarkson Community College on its journey of improvement, both of which I was actively involved in as Lead Member for Children in the years running up to May 2011.

The next debate was about the issues highlighted by the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (which is, largely, a set of data that highlights Helath and Wellbeing outcomes across the County) and shows Fenland to be the area of highest Multiple Deprivation in the County. Cllr Sales, a Labour Councillor for whom I have huge respect, chose to use the opportunity to suggest that the evidence shows a County Council failing.

I think his approach is misguided and, actually, a shame. Whilst it is wrong to deny the existence of deprivation, and wrong to deny there is much more to do, the truth is that turning round areas of multiple deprivation takes a considerable amount of time, not least because it needs cultural change from deep within communities. It is already clear that we have made a start. Nationally, the Government have made huge changes to the way Public Health and Health and Wellbeing works, which allow us to take the sort of holistic preventative approach to communities that is needed at ground level, they have also introduce the Pupil Premium, which means additional funding for students from deprived backgrounds. The County have taken a real proactive approach to schools and our Superfast Broadband policy has potential to benefit rural Fenland more than any other area of the County. The investment in COWA (as already discussed) is the County Council investing its own money when the previous Labour Government chose to unilaterally withdraw from its commitment to fund the proposed March premises. We invest in parenting support in Fenland to stop children going into care by working proactively with difficult families and have set priorities for the new County Wide Health and Wellbeing board that are directly related to the issues Fenland faces.

The truth is, turning around areas of deprivation takes time, but as long as I have been a County Councillor, the issues in Fenland have been a priority, there is also no doubt that the top down methodology of the previous 13 years of Labour Government have inhibited our ability to deliver, in a way that is a direct contrast to the localism agenda and an exciting new approach to managing the way Health and Wellbeing works. We are further aided in this in Cambridgeshire by having GPs who are striving to work with us on this sort of thinking.

I want to give Paul Sales something to think about. Where were his Fenland colleagues when the Labour Government were denying us funding? They almost completely vanished when times were tough for Labour in Fenland, only to reappear when they thought there was potential for rich electoral pickings after the change in Government; some of them re-emerging as independent candidates to maximise their electoral opportunities. As Conservatives we are lobbying this Government to get the case for Fenland across; his Labour colleagues should have been showing genuine support for the communities they want to serve, by lobbying and striving for a better deal from their Government.

Let's not also forget, Fenland is still a great place to live. Core services are good, the countryside around us is magnificent, it is full of people with real heart and there are some real signs of good stuff happening. So whilst there are serious struggles to overcome some real problems, we should not let anyone portray a total sense of gloom - but I suspect that might be Labour's latest strategy for the area.

Charlie and Marie - A Tale of Ageing

2011-11-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

I really like this video. It is quite touching and covers many of the issues people face as they age.
I could make all sorts of comments about it, but better just leave it here for you to see. It's a really good piece of work and is, at times, quite touching:

Charlie and Marie: A tale of ageing from The Young Foundation on Vimeo.

Lib Dems, Hypocrits? More Proof

2011-10-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

The Lib Dems contributed a mere 40 seconds to the debate at Full Council on allowances. A debate that ended in a free vote and where an argument needed to be won. They could have spoken as much as they liked, but adopted a group policy to stay silent, so they could make as much political capital as possible afterwards.

Someone has just reminded me that they complained back in May about being silenced. Total hypocrites.

Be in no doubt that the current bluster is about votes not principle.

Cabinet Meeting this morning

2011-10-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

Today's Cabinet Meeting was definitely one of the better ones. We approved two excellent papers to do with preventative work with vulnerable children and families, we agreed an extension to the Babraham Park and Ride. I personally dealt with some very helpful but challenging comment from the Leader of the Labour Group, Tariq Sadiq about Adult Social Care overspending and reform, giving my initial views about the direction we need to take.

The contrast between the Labour Group Leader being active in the meeting and making some helpful, challenging comment and the Leader of the Lib Dem group who had decided to say nothing and actually sat at the back of the room appearing totally uninterested and playing with his laptop was pretty stark.

Politics in the Pub - 31st October Letter B

2011-10-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

I have promised to try to do more about the boundary commission report. Well here is news about my first politics in the pub event in Whittlesey, next Monday at 19.30 in the Letter B:

Parking Outside Alderman Jacobs School

2011-10-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

Since the decision to give planning permission for 460 houses on Bassenhally Farm with one of the accesses coming off Drybread Road (which I opposed), I have been working hard to try and get some thinking about how to improve the horrendous parking problem outside Alderman Jacobs School - which I believe will get worse with the new development. This has involved lobbying and working with Fenland District Council and the County Council (don't tell me there is no benefit to being a dual-hatted Councillor).

This week I have at last heard that there is a recognition that I have a point and some work is going to be done to investigate ways to improve it. One of the options being considered is extending the dropping off zone just outside the school.

I don't think this will solve the problem, but I hope it will deliver improvements, at the very least it should stop things getting worse. There isn't any more to say at the moment, but rest assured I will try and update on progress when there is something to report.

The Art of Hypocrisy - Cambridgeshire Lib Dems

2011-10-22T05:14:00.000-07:00

We are having quite a spat in Cambridgeshire about Councillors' allowances. Not helped by some issues with how the setting up of our independent panel was managed.

The rules (Nationally) state that our allowances have to be looked at every four years by an independent panel. This is not to deal with inflation - that is normally linked to staff pay rises - and, like others, we have not had an inflationary rise for at least two years. This change is to revisit the role of Councillors, to examine workloads and structures, marry it up against other circumstances and make recommendations.

The difficult bit is that Councillors have to then vote to agree the results of the panel, something I am deeply uncomfortable about. My view is that this is flawed and creates the sort of controversy we are seeing at the moment, I believe the recommendations of these panels should be implemented automatically - councils should not be voting on their own allowances. Because of this view, I have always said I would support the recommendations of any panel, whether it raised or lowered allowances, that is what I said during the debate and why I voted for an increase in allowances. This is my speech:

What really disappointed me is that Cambridgeshire Lib Dems said virtually nothing during the debate leading up to that vote. Their Leader spoke for about 40 seconds, but the rest said nothing. I tweeted at the time that it smacked of cowardice and I stand by that. When I put that feeling to a couple of Lib Dem Councillors after the meeting, they told me that they had an agreed group policy to say nothing. They have now put out some sort of press release that says they "firmly opposed" a rise in allowances. That claim is utter balderdash.

Why does this matter? Well, the vote last week was a free vote. That meant that the party politics was taken out of the debate and therefore there was an argument to be won in the chamber, so those who opposed a rise had a responsibility to make their case. Indeed Councillor Nichola Harrison, an independent Councillor, said that she had been persuaded to vote for the increase based on what was said in the chamber. I suspect if a strong case had been made against the rise, some of those who supported it might have voted the other way. Given that two people switching votes would have tied the result. It is easily argued that the weak, cowardly and opportunistic approach taken by the Lib Dems during the debate contributed to the Yes vote winning, So to now kick up a fuss and claim they "firmly opposed" is utter hypocrisy. Just to reinforce the point, the Lib Dem group leader at the time agreed to the panel being set up and, as of last night, Cambridgeshire Lib Dems website had absolutely no comment or press releases about the issue.

The debate and vote about allowances, including the decision to go along with an independent panel and raise allowances is not what damages politics, what really does harm are the sort of duplicitous games the Lib Dems are playing. I want to make it plain, I am happy with the result - I believe accepting the outcome of the independent panel's deliberations (whether it recommends increases or otherwise) is the right thing to do.

Incidentally - the report of the independent panel can be found here

Thanks to Richard Taylor for the video.

Liam Fox resignation

2011-10-15T04:29:00.000-07:00

As soon as it became clear that xxx Werrity was being funded by business to be an advisor to Liam Fox (if that is what he was?!), it was clear that Liam Fox would have to resign. I have no issue with that.

However, it still disgusts me that the press rounded on Liam Fox and left Chris Huhne alone.

I also think this is yet another reminder that the way senior politicians use political advisors needs a rethink. We need a move back to making better use of the voices of wisdom that exist within elected politics - i.e. using MPs with appropriate experience or time in office.

Political advisors distort politics and create a separation from the Government and the backbench MPs that are supposed to support them, less of them and better use of backbenchers would be a good thing.

Sportmakers Launch - Cambridge Park Run

2011-10-15T04:11:00.000-07:00

This morning I went to the launch of Living Sport's Sportmakers initiative in Cambridgeshire. It was held at Milton Country Park, coinciding with the Cambridge Parkrun.

Sportmakers is an initiative aimed at getting more people involved in running sports events. The aim in Cambridgeshrie is to get 600 people to commit 10hours to organising an event of some sort - even if it is someone encouraging and getting some of their mates to run once a week. The programme runs until September 2013, giving ample opportunity to capture the enthusiasm that the Olympics will generate.

Cambridge Parkrun is a perfect example of the sorts of project that Sportmakers will hope to create. Started by Heidi and still largely run by her and a team of volunteers, it involves something like 250 runners each week running a 5km circuit around Milton Country Park. As ever with any running event, at least one of the active volunteers is also a member of Fetcheveryone, which is a phenomenal online running community. My parting comment to Heidi today was that she should be immensely proud of what she has achieved (in fact I think I actually said I would come back and run one day!!).

Thanks to Peterborough

2011-10-10T00:22:00.000-07:00

I had a busy day yesterday. Great Eastern Run in the morning and Whittlesey Civic Service in the afternoon. I ran one and hobbled to the other!!

The Great Eastern Run was, as ever, a great event. Peterborough always does itself proud at this event with supporters cheering runners on right along the route. Good support really does keep you going when you're struggling on these runs - so thanks to each and every one of you.

Dr Liam Fox vs. Chris Huhne

2011-10-09T23:52:00.000-07:00

I am not an apologist for Dr Liam Fox - I am not sure his behaviour is that you would expect of a Defence Secretary when you consider the security implications.

However, at the same time as he was exposed for having someone as an unpaid employee with access to the MoD, Chris Huhne MP has also, apparently, admitted trying to slur Theresa May privately to journalists The Guardian - surprise, surprise). But, furthermore, it seems he may have lied about it.

In my view it is the sort of conduct that Chris Huhne has admitted guilt to that is destroying trust in politics - it feeds journalists in the Westminster bubble with bile and gossip that makes twant more, it contributes to our political system becoming distant and remote from the people it serves. In my opinion, Chris Huhne has proven himself far less worthy of holding political office than Dr Liam Fox. However, I cannot see there being a campaign against Chris Huhne - the press love the vile politicians that like to sneak and brief their way to the top - they are the ones that create their headlines, irrespective of morality.

My Friends Cambridgeshire Lib Dems Again

2011-09-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I despair.

Today during a discussion on the use of LPSA funding - for which an agreement has been reached with every District in Cambridgeshire with the exception of the City Council (again), the Leader of the Lib Dem group at the County Council made a plea to the Cabinet to rethink our position or face the decision being called in - making the point that he didn't want to create "unnecessary work."

If he recognises that the call-in would be unnecessary work - then don't call it in, otherwise it would be a blatant waste of public money.

There was some really good stuff at Cabinet today, including an excellent interim report on Domestic Violence presented by Cllr Samantha Hoy. It was also the first time I had spoken at Cabinet in my new capacity as Cabinet Member for Adult Services, talking about progress since the last CQC assessment (completed in 2010) . It was a good news story because the assessment judged us as performing well with excellent features, and the action plan created after the inspection has been delivered pretty well.

Fingertips - Online Database of Health and Wellbeing Indicators

2011-09-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

There are a number of ways of finding out information about the population of Cambridgeshire on the internet. Fingertips is the most user-friendly one I have seen to date.

It doesn't yet drill below County level. But, given how easy it is to use, I hope that will happen.

All change at the County Council as well

2011-09-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was advised that Catherine Hutton, the current Cabinet Member for Adult Services was standing down because of work commitments (a seriosu issue for some Councillors) and was asked if I would take over that portfolio. One which is, arguably, the most challenging in the Council.

As someone that relishes a challenge, I have accepted. I could say more, but it is probably best to link to the news release from Shire Hall.

Even on the first day, the enormity of the task that I face is becoming very, very apparent.

New Responsibilities at Fenland District Council

2011-09-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

I was recently offered and have accepted the post of Vice-Chairman of Planning by Alan Melton, the Leader at Fenland District Council.

I am delighted to be coming back into planning, it is an extremely demanding area but one that I enjoy working in. It is going to become even more challenging as Fenland's Development Framework, the Government White Paper and Neighbourhood Planning all start to have their influence.

Britain's Membership of the EU

2011-09-19T01:07:00.000-07:00

The case for a referendum on membership of the European Union is being raised almost daily now, including a suggestion that the PM is coming under pressure to acceded to demands from within the Conservative Party. I don't know how much of it is just rhetoric as we head towards the Party Conference, but some articles related to it are here and here.

My view on the EU has always been that I would prefer a renegotiation of our membership, a return to what we signed up for - a union of trading nations rather than the costly political monstrosity we currently suffer. However, over the last few years it has become obvious that the EU is not an organisation that can deliver this sort of radical retrenchment. I have come to the conclusion that we need an in or out referendum, where I would vote to leave.

However, whatever the current rhetoric, I cannot see how this can happen whilst we remain in a coalition with the proudly pro-European Liberal Democrats. My instinct is that the Conservatives will go into the next General Election with the promise of a referendum. I'd like it earlier, but I'd go along with that strategy.

Boundary Commission Review of Constituencies

2011-09-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

At midnight last night the Boundary Commission's review of parliamentary constituency boundaries was published - although it was leaked and was available on line way before that. The implications for Whittlesey and Fenland are huge.

Basically, North East Cambridgeshire will be no more. It is proposed that; Whittlesey will move into Peterborough South; March and Wisbech will move into a new Wisbech and Downham Market constituency and; Chatteris and surrounding area will move into Huntingdonshire.

Of course these are just proposals at the moment and, indeed, only affect Parliamentary Constituencies - but it is important that people respond to the consultation. One serious issue that comes from this is that any subsequent review of Council Boundaries could lead to Whittlesey moving out of Fenland and into Peterborough City Council.

Whilst I have huge concerns about what this means for the people I serve, I am adamant that the reasons behind the review are absolutely right - that the sizes of constituencies need to be evened out so that we end the ludicrous situation where the Conservatives need to poll loads more votes than the Labour Party in order to get a majority in Parliament. Largely because inner city parliamentary seats are smaller than rural ones - despite the fact that geography means that rural Constituencies are much harder to manage.

I could talk and type about this for hours - certainly there are lots of questions that need to be answered - such as how much future housing growth has been taken into account and how much of this has been the Boundary Commission simply playing with numbers without understand or asking questions about the implications for the tax payers who fund politicians and, indeed, the Boundary Commission itself.

The truth about the Health and Wellbeing Board

2011-09-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

One of the decisions I guided through Cabinet today was the approval of the structure, terms of reference and make up of the Shadow Health and Well Being Board in Cambridgeshire, which is being created as part of the changes being made to Health delivery in England through Andrew Lansley's changes to the NHS.

A number of factors went into our thinking about the Board; we wanted it to be small enough to be an efficient vehicle for delivery and for everyone involved in Health to be able to have their voice heard, whilst recognising that not everyone could have a seat on the Board without it becoming too cumbersome.

As a result, we created a board of eleven members, including; the Leader of the County Council, myself and a representative from the District Councils as democratic representatives along with a number of Council Officers and representatives of the Health Sector. But we also agreed to create a number of networks underneath this, including Local Health Partnerships which will ensure some of the thinking is done in a more localist way. We also agreed for the District Councils to be able to create their own network so that their representative on the board could speak for all.

I believe this is an excellent structure - but of course the Lib Dems claim it is undemocratic. So let me explain where the democracy is in this structure. Firstly, our overview and scrutiny function will be continuously overseeing the function of the board; that committee includes District Councillors and Liberal Democrats. The Local Health Partnerships will have councillors on them (including in some places Liberal Democrats) and the Board itself has three Councillors. So, whilst maintaining an efficient top level structure, we have managed to make the overall structure localist and democratic.

The Lib Dem position is, of course, about headlines rather than reality. Some things never change.

County Council Changes Wind Farm Policy

2011-09-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

At today's County Council meeting the Cabinet decided to change it's position and no longer pursue wind famrs on its County Farms estate. It is a position I absolutely endorse, despite the fact that it will cost the Council significant sums of money,not least because it is about putting people above money.

I spoke at the meeting about the fact that Fenland residents feel they have done enough in terms of generating Wind energy and that these developments would have a significant impact on the Fenland landscape (even if they wouldn't be strictly be located here).

The Liberal Democrats spoke in opposition to the change, wanting to impose more Wind Farms on Fenland and elsewhere, against the wishes of residents. As I pointed out, their stance is neither Liberal nor Democratic.

Progress in Campaign for Improved Whittlesey Rail Services

2011-09-01T00:39:00.000-07:00

Local MP Steve Barclay deserves our thanks for the work he is doing to get improved rail services in Fenland, including Whittlesey. His progress is being reported in the Cambs Times.

I have reported on this before. I am convinced that with the right sort of timetable, there is the potential for the operators to benefit from a significant increase in passenger numbers from Whittlesea. There is evidence to back this up, with an increase of 8,000 passengers the year that Car Parking charges for users of Peterborough Station were hiked up.

Visit of Chris Holmes to Ferry Meadows

2011-08-24T06:13:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, in my capacity as Nations and Regions East representative for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough I had the pleasure of an early morning trip to Ferry Meadows to meet Chris Holmes - winner of paralympic gold medals - on his visit to Ferry Meadows. The Peterborough Evening Telegraph story about the visit is here.

The visit was memorable for a number of reasons. Of course meeting someone as successful as Chris Holmes was a privilege, but that is also true of meeting some of the young local disabled paralympic hopefuls. Chatting to them about their regular very early morning training sessions and the level of commitment they have to make was a real eye opener for me.

I also had a chat with a couple of the guys involved with the Peterborough Adapted Cycling Scheme who provide handbikes and facilities for the disabled around Peterborough. The scheme is, apparently, highly successful, with regular sessions at Peterborough Athletics track as well as providing equipment at Ferry Meadows. As someone who does a bit of cycling, I was extremely impressed with the hand bike I was shown around and somewhat surprised to be told it was ten years old and that the modern ones are much more high tech.

Both Sailability, which provides sailing experience for the disabled, and the adapted cycling scheme are very accessible to Whittlesey people -so please recommend them to anyone you know who could benefit.

Not fit to do the job

2011-08-19T05:58:00.000-07:00

Labour MP for Glasgow South, Tom Harris MP has just tweeted this:

Grateful that there were no British victims of this mornng's terrorist attack in Kabul.

It has sparked something of a storm and quite rightly so. Here is a quick screen print of immediate responses:

This is the story. Nine people, presumably working in support of the British cause were killed in that attack. It smacks of the same attitude adopted by Harold Wilson when he pulled British troops out of Aden in the 60s and left behind a slaughter of those who had supported them. He is currently justifying his comments - he should just apologise.

£20m contribution to superfast broadband

2011-08-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

We had a special Cabinet Meeting at the County Council today, to agree a contribution of up to £20m towards superfast broadband in Cambridgeshire.

I fully support this and spoke in favour of it today. Broadband is as much of an infrastructure issue as Highways and Schools and getting ahead of the game across the County will significantly benefit our economy. As such, the investment should easily pay for itself.

I look forward to seeing how the project progresses.

Tidy Fenland

2011-08-12T05:40:00.000-07:00

This is the text of a press release from Fenland District Council:

Litterbugs to be hit with £75 penalty

Most people don't drop litter but the small minority who do could be in for a nasty shock.

Anyone caught in the act is likely to be hit with a hefty fine as Fenland District Council steps up its “Tidy Fenland” campaign.

Council officers will be patrolling the streets and open spaces in all four market towns over the next two weeks, ready to punish any litterbugs with instant fixed penalty notices of up to £75.

The enforcement move is the latest stage in the campaign, which was launched earlier this year. Until now it has concentrated on raising people’s awareness of the problem and drawing attention to the costs of clearing up.

Every kind of throwaway rubbish is being targeted, with a particular focus on “food on the go” litter, such as takeaway cartons and sweet wrappers, and cigarette butts, which are the most widespread problem.

Councillor Peter Murphy, FDC’s portfolio holder responsible for the environment, said: “Eight out of 10 people don’t drop litter but we all suffer from the thoughtless minority who do. It’s not just the fact that they create a horrible mess which spoils our towns and villages; it’s also that it costs us £1,000 a day to clear it all up. That money could be much better spent on other things.

“So we’re asking everyone to take a pride in their local environment and to either put their litter in a bin or take it home with them. And we’re warning those who just chuck it on the ground that they’re liable to be hit in the pocket with a £75 penalty.”

FDC has been working with town councils and local communities to identify the main problem areas. The Chambers of Commerce are also involved, as are the various Street Pride groups, and many local businesses have signed up to a voluntary code of practice supporting the campaign’s aims.

“Tidy Fenland” is one strand of a wider “It’s your Fenland – be proud of it” initiative designed to engage local communities in looking after their environment.

The riots, what they mean and what they don't

2011-08-12T04:16:00.000-07:00

I have had loads of discussions online and offline about events across the country last week (if you talk politics with just politicians you become islolated). Monday night in particular was horrific - I was actually at the quiz in The George in Whittlesey whilst events were unwinding on the television there, and it was quite surreal how the quiz slowly started to take second place to what we were seeing on the screen.

My first comment is about policing. It is quite clear to me that initially the police failed us as members of the public. The response was feeble and only improved after, it seems, David Cameron got involved and gave them what for. That's not about the officers on the ground it is about the leadership.

The police do not lack the tools to crack down on protestors and looters, they lacked the leadership to make it happen. When people blame Tory cuts etc. they need to recognise that the failed leadership derives from the culture of 13 years of Labour rule which will take time to drive out of our system. The issue was not about police numbers, the issue was about leadership and direction. When Labour pretend the police issue is about cuts, it is an argument of convenience.

Similar can be said about many (not all) Labour politicians rants about the causes of the riots. Riots in modern, free countries are not caused by EMA or tuition fees. They are caused by irresponsibility, bad parenting and a lack of respect. Nothing more, nothing less. Those politicians like Ken Livingstone and Harriet Harman who try to blame cuts are not explaining the reasons, they are excusing criminality.

There are plenty of families in difficult circumstances who will have kept their children in, will not have allowed them to take part in this activity and who would have been horrified to discover they had. The difference between the dos and do nots in these circumstances is not about material possession, nor is it about education - it is about respect, a sense of responsibility and good parenting.

Anyone that knows me and my politics knows that I am passionate about the issue of deprivation. I recognise how tough deprivation is - I saw it in Nottingham as a parliamentary candidate and I saw the dire housing estates that people are being asked to live in - and yet were paying rent to a Housing Provider with a recent history of corrupt practice; I know that deprived communities need support. But the evidence of the last week also proves something that people like Iain Duncan Smith have been saying for years - that improvement has to be driven from the bottom-up not from the top down - for many individuals one handout leads to an expectation of more, it is not a recognition of the need to improve your circumstances. In this respect we need to nurture the spirit that came out of the cleanup campaigns to drive change. We also need a ramping up of parenting programmes - with an expectation that any parent who is labelled as "failing" or in danger of failing will attend, at the same time making sure that our law is changed so that failed parents take legal responsibility for the crimes committed by the children that they are failing - helping parents by giving them the skills whilst making them personally accountable for their failures has huge potential and it enforces responsibility in two directions - but it has to be got right and the intervention has to be early. Sure Start Children's Centres have huge potential here and local Authorities have a responsibility to ensure they are a priority (note the word Local Authorities here - that's the age we live in - it's down to them not Government - and down to you to hold them to account if they don't do it).

One other thing people need to recognise is that jobs will only come to a community or a location if those communities prove they are ready for them and will respond positively to them. The rioters who use lack of jobs as an excuse (excuse not reason), have done a huge amount to ensure that employers won't move into their area.

I want to finish by talking about the economy. We need to make people aware of the danger of the Ken Livingstone's of this world who cannot see beyond their nose economically. We live in difficult times - the same week riots were taking place in England world stock markets were in turmoil, largely because of a sovereign debt crisis in the EU (i.e. Governments in the EU have borrowed too much money). In Britain we stand almost alone in our recognition of what this means and have a Government with the foresight to deal with it. The US recently raised the limit on the amount they could borrow, the result was a lowering in confidence in their ability to pay the debt back and a reduction in their credit rating - which could result in higher interest payments on their debt. Similar is being predicted by some for France and Germany. The same company that lowered the US credit rating made a clear statement that Britain was safe whilst it remained committed to dealing with its problems. What does that mean - and why is that relevant to the riots of last week? Because a lower credit rating means higher interest rates and higher repayments - which means more taxation and even less money to spend on state infrastructure. Ignoring the problem now will mean greater cost down the line and even greater cuts.

Could we tax the rich more? Possibly, but it raises very little additional tax and the evidence suggests that overdoing it stifles investment.

I also want to make the point that responsibility has to come from every direction. The incessant and irresponsible marketing, the obsession with the bottom line, despite the consequences, which we are seeing in business also has to change. Business growth has to come from beating the competition, from being innovative and leading edge and from expanding your business base, not from using subtle or not-so-subtle marketing techniques that squeeze more and more money out of the same people. Businesses need to be responsible as much as individuals do.

More about an elected Mayor

2011-08-11T13:11:00.001-07:00

This article in the Cambs Times is a good one, and quotes some of my Twitter posts to the person desirous of wasting more of your money on another fruitless Mayoral referendum in Fenland.

He has now been advised that the idea is off the agenda for at least four years because there has to be a gap of 10 years between such referenda.

So what is the response?. To raise his sights to wasting even more money on an even more fruitless idea - a Mayor for the whole of Cambridgeshire. This is about ego not fact - please don't sign a petition to support this idea.

More comment from ECOPS

2011-08-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

This also from ECops:

We are urging social media users not to believe everything they read on Twitter or Facebook – unless it’s an official feed.

We have been receiving a number of calls and Tweets, following rumours and speculation circulating on social media sites.

There is no truth in these rumours, and we have been working hard to reassure the public through their official Twitter feeds @cambscops and @suptpaul.

We would urge people not to believe everything they read on social media sites – unless it from an official police feed. There are a number of unhelpful postings and rumours that are simply untrue.

We are also actively pursuing anyone we believe to be using social networking sites to incite violence and disorder.

Young people are particularly reminded of the risks of committing serious criminal offences with items they post on social networking sites.

We continue to monitor the situation across the county – as well as other parts of the country, and are committed to keeping the people of Cambridgeshire as informed
as possible through our official channels.

Anyone concerned about issues in their area can keep an eye on our Twitter feeds @cambscops and @suptpaul

ECops comment on disorder

2011-08-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

I got this via Ecops and thought it worth cutting and pasting:

Dear Resident,
We are urging residents to remain calm amid untrue rumours of disorder across the county.

We are receiving a number of calls regarding rumours of incidents across Peterborough and the rest of the county. Several false rumours are also circulating on social media sites

There is no truth in these rumours and no incidents have been reported in Cambridgeshire.
We would stress there have been no incidents of violence and disorder reported in the county. Businesses and residents should continue with their lives as usual.

We are monitoring the situation in London and other parts of the country. However there is no information to suggest there is any threat to this county.

We urge people to not pass on these rumours via email, text or via social media and to follow us on Twitter @cambscops or @suptpaul to get the most up-to-date information.
Our officers have been assisting the Metropolitan Police to deal with incidents of violence and disorder in London.

We have sent two Police Support Unit’s of 25 officers to the capital yesterday and today.
We are monitoring the situation in London and other parts of the country. At this time there is no information to suggest there is any threat to Cambridgeshire but we have contingency plans in place.

Our message is clear, there is no threat to the people of Cambridgeshire or local businesses and people should carry on with business as usual.

We understand there may be concerns and feelings of vulnerability within a number of communities and are working closely with our partners and community leaders to address those concerns.

Patrols in the county have been increased as a precaution.

Violence, disorder and any other criminality will not be tolerated in Cambridgeshire and we will deal swiftly and robustly with anyone who uses the emerging issues in London as an excuse to break the law in this county.

Kind Regards,

Your Neighbourhood Policing Team.

It's more than just walking

2011-08-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

Sunset near Goswick

I have just got back from 5 days of walking the Northumberland Coast Path. A sixty mile walk from Cresswell in Northumberland to Berwick Upon Tweed. It was an intriguing few days, helped by the fact that we decided to camp along the walk (something that is a bit difficult for the first half!!).

I can’t say enough about the beauty of the Northumberland Coast. Magnificent beaches, castles, rocks and cliffs make it a spectacular journey - I described Northumberland as Britain’s best kept secret and I really do think that’s appropriate. But we also met some fascinating people and received some amazing hospitality.

Bamburgh Castle

On the second night we stayed at the Camping and Caravan Club site at Beadnell Bay. We got there at the end of our longest day and were absolutely shattered. The managers at the site recognised this and were kind enough to let us stay in an already erected frame tent that was empty for the night rather than put our own tent up. It didn’t save us much time, but it was a lovely gesture that they did not have to make. The next day’s walking, from Beadnell to Belford was pretty wet and we got to Bluebell Farm campsite at Belford pretty soaked (being wet doesn’t have to stop you enjoying yourself by the way - it was a great day’s walking), as a result we asked the owners of the site if we could use their bunkhouse instead. It would have been really easy for them to say no - we were the only guests at the bunkhouse and it was probably not worth the few extra pounds they made to open it up for us. But they did, and indeed put the heating on so we could get everything dry overnight. Again, we would have coped without this, but it was a nice gesture that made life easier for us.

On another night we reached a remote campsite and I mentioned to Angela (my amazing wife) that I would love a beer, although we had no chance of finding a shop, ten minutes later we bumped in to someone we had briefly bumped into a few days earlier and he immediately offered me a beer.

Aaron

On our final night we met Aaron who originates from Wexford in Ireland. He was getting somewhat frustrated with life and so sold everything he owned, bought some camping gear and went walking around Britain. When we met him he had been walking for four months, wild camping most nights. We ended up walking the final stretch of the Coast path with him and I have to say I totally admire what he has chosen to do. How many of us would have the courage to do something like that?

Long walks like these are great experiences. It is the second one Angela and I have completed and it certainly won’t be the last. They are great for meeting people, learning about life and a great way of seeing our marvellous country.

Don't sign a petition for an elected Mayor in Fenland

2011-07-31T14:21:00.000-07:00

There have been a few people posting on Twitter suggesting that the campaign for an elected Mayor is going to be resurrected in Fenland. I am writing to urge you not to support this campaign. A referendum will be kicked off following submission of a petition signed by 5% of the electorate of Fenland. So, the first thing people will do is organise such a petition. Please don't sign it.

Last time, the cost of the referendum equated to more than a 1% increase in Council Tax and it was rejected overwhelmingly (17,296 against, 5509 for). There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the result would be any different (there is a good reason for that - an elected Mayor for Fenland makes absolutely no sense).

The people organising this petition seem to be people who were rejected by the electorate in the Fenland elections in May. Apparently, they don't like the result and the fact that it gave the Conservatives the right to elect a Leader for Fenland - despite the fact that we have 34 out of 40 Councillors. Don't let them waste your money on a campaign that makes little sense and has little chance of success.

Will Chilcott deliver Blair's legacy?

2011-07-31T04:21:00.000-07:00

The news that Tony Blair is, apparently, going to get a hard time from the Chilcott inquiry because of his conduct over Iraq comes as no surprise to me.

If Chilcott is going to have the courage to do this, I absolutely welcome it. I have said time and again that I believe Blair lied to us in order to justify a war, something that is totally unacceptable conduct from a Prime Minister. Being held up as the liar he was will be a fitting legacy.

Steve Barclay MP - Activities in Whittlesey

2011-07-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Thought I would link to a couple of posts from our local MP Steve Barclay's blog. Both involve some of his activities in Whittlesey.

The first is his visit and commitment to Whittlesea railway station. I totally applaud and support his ambitions here, as I suspect do most of the people in Whittlesey.

The second is the opening of the Enhanced Provision Centre at Sir Harry Smith. The work going on to support some of our more difficult students in Whittlesey is excellent and it is good to see Steve recognising this (and indeed Cllr Kay Mayor).

Benwick Harvest Supper

2011-07-30T05:51:00.000-07:00

Supermarket Applications for Whittlesey

2011-07-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

Today's Evening Telegraph highlights the two competing Supermarket Applications for Whittlesey.

This is a very complex situation, two supermarkets would surely not be sustainable, therefore it almost seems a choice of one or the other, it is also true that either of the proposals have potential serious implications, mostly the impact on the A605 and the Town Centre.

It is also true that there is huge demand for a supermarket amongst residents - something that also cannot be ignored.

I received a PDF from Whiteacres about their scheme which can be found here. Whilst it does not cover the most important issues sufficiently, it does provide some useful information (the important detail should be included with the application).

I would appreciate any feedback and thoughts you might have.

Who is the culprit?

2011-07-25T01:40:00.000-07:00

The leaked email highlighting Andrew Lansley's concerns about Public Sector pensions is interesting. From what I can see it can only have been leaked by someone wanting to do harm to him and, as such, there is absolutely no public interest in its publication. In fact, if you read the contents, it is quite clear that he was fulfilling his role as Health Secretary in writing it - but also keeping his concerns private, as one would expect of a Minister.

When leaks like this happen, we as members of the public need to focus more on who is leaking rather than on the content.

If it was a genuine public interest story - such as the exposure of wrongdoing, it would be a different story, but this is not.

Surreal trips abroad

2011-07-24T04:35:00.000-07:00

Tolmin and Metalcamp from the 11th Century fort at Kozlov Rob

Earlier this week I got back from a trip to a hard rock festival called metalcamp in Slovenia. Of course, I had a great time, but it was also somewhat surreal. The festival describes itself as "Hell over Paradise". I am not sure the Hell bit is appropriate, but you can see why they use the word paradise.

The idea of waking up in the morning, strolling to the nearby river, swimming, washing and relaxing whilst watching the eagles soar above the valley is not something normally associated with a festival. Of course there was always the pleasure of a few beers and excellent music in the evenings and afternoons just to bring a bit of normality to proceedings. I have been to many festivals, but this is the only one where I could honestly say that I would have willingly spent the entry fee just to camp there at any other time of the year. Slovenia is a country with a very proud history and it is great to see the country using that, and its magnificent alpine environment to drive it forwards.

At least Slovenia's supermarkets can see the EU for what it is!

So why have I written this article in what is largely a political blog. Well, it is also pretty clear that Slovenia is receiving a large amount of EU money. Whilst expanding the EU outwards has created huge immigration issues, given the history of the Balkan states, moving closer towards them and helping them move forwards to prevent a repeat of what was seen a few decades ago has to be a good thing. I say that as a Eurosceptic and would add that I am sure there are probably more efficient, more cost effective ways of achieving the same objective without the monolithic monstrosity that is the EU, but at least in Slovenia you can see some benefit.

I also learned that the worst white knuckle rides are not found in theme parks, but in camper vans on winding roads in Alpine mountains.

Councillor Roger Green

2011-07-20T05:13:00.000-07:00

I returned from my holiday to Slovenia to read the sad news of the passing of Councillor Roger Green, Town and District Councillor in Wisbech.

I worked with Roger for many years whilst I was Chairman of Planning and he was vice-Chairman. Roger was a man who spoke authoritatively and passionately about Wisbech and Fenland and was extremely well respected because of that. His passing will leave a big gap in Fenland that will be tough to fill.

My sympathies go out to his family.

Congratulations to Steve Count

2011-07-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

It was announced today that my fellow Fenland County Councillor Steve Count has been appointed to the Cabinet at the County Council to take on the Resources and Performance portfolio.

I am really pleased for Steve, he has proven to be a a real asset to the County Council since his election and his promotion is well earned. I am really looking forward to working with him on the Cabinet.

P.S. Please give me credit for not using a "Count on Steve" headline - trust me I was tempted.

Launch of Kick Ash Sir Harry Smith

2011-07-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the launch of Kick Ash at Sir Harry Smith Community College. Kick Ash is a program that uses young mentors to try and prevent and reduce smoking in schools. There is real evidence that the program is really successful in other schools. The mentors who were involved in the launch yesterday were great - a few weeks ago they were involved in creating a radio advert, which they played yesterday with some accompanied comedy acting. You can find the advert here.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

Who else?

2011-07-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

Lots of focus and pressure on the News of the World and News International over the phone hacking scandal. And quite rightly so, anyone that feels that they have the right to hack into a missing person's email simply for the sake of a news story and a few quid is nothing short of despicable.

But, it surprises me that this scandal has not moved and looked beyond News International. Someone at a senior level needs to start asking editors and journalists across the whole of the National media whether they have been guilty of this practice or whether they know of other newspapers who may be guilty.

My suspicion is that this is a practice that goes beyond the Murdoch press. John Elworthy, Editor of the Cambs Times did a great interview about this on BBC Radio Cambs - the link is here - the interview is 2hrs 15mins in.

Vote Early - Vote Often - Let's Get Young Lives Afloat

2011-06-29T02:24:00.000-07:00

I blogged recently about Young Lives' ambitious Get Creative - Get Afloat Project which they are bidding for support from in the Jubilee People's Millions competition. This is an extremely important and exciting project for Cambridgeshire - but it will only win support if people vote for it. Today is the day, so please call 0871 626 88 08 to support the project. Did you get that?: 0871 626 88 08.

The Waterways are important to this area - especially the Fens - it would be great to have a young people's project in the area that used such an important part of our history. If you agree call: 0871 626 88 08

Also tune into ITV Anglia at 6PM to see how it gets on. But while you are waiting call: 0871 626 88 08

The voting phone line opens at 9am and will be open until midnight

A maximum of 10 calls will be accepted from any one phone number. Calls cost no more than 11p from a landline but will be higher from a mobile

Calls can be made from anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Request for Speedwatch Volunteers

2011-06-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

This is another message I got via E-Cops, requesting for volunteers for Speedwatch:

"Whittlesey and District residents have raised the concern of Speeding in the area making it one of your local neighbourhood policings priorities. Police officers are already going to these locations but more can be done with your help using Speedwatch.

Speedwatch is a community based initiative designed to harness public support of Neighbourhood Policing by volunteers monitoring speeds of vehicle in concern areas with PCSOs from your local Policing team. It provides the opportunity for the public to safely influence and contribute to the education of drivers and assist the police in any enforcement activity thereafter.

The equipment used is a free-standing Speed Detector Unit marketed by Radarlux. We do not use hand held radar devices (a "speed gun") for Speedwatch

Speedwatch is not an enforcement activity. The aim of Speedwatch is to provide advice to speeding motorists to improve driver behaviour and to prevent collisions by encouraging drivers in Speedwatch areas to slow down. The results of Speedwatch operations will be monitored by the neighbourhood policing teams to inform enforcement action by officers.
If anyone is interested in getting involved with Speedwatch then please get in touch with me. A meeting will take place with the group at Whittlesey Police Station at the beginning of July."

The contact point for this is PCSO Melanie Bull who is available via:

melanie.bull@cambs.pnn.police.uk or
0345 456 456 4 extension 6517

E-Cops Message about non-Rape in Whittlesey

2011-06-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

You may have seen on this blog an article about an alleged rape in Whittlesey. I did update that message to reflect a change in position which suggested this may not have happened. Today I got this message via E-Cops:

Dear resident,
You may have seen or heard recent media coverage of a police investigation into a rape in a park off Station Road in Whittlesey, on Thursday night (June 16).
As with all reports of serious crime, we set up a crime scene and have been carrying out investigations in the area, including door-to-door enquiries.
As a result of our detailed investigations, I can reassure you that no rape, or any other crime, took place that night in the circumstances reported.
Two men who were arrested will have no action taken against them.

Whilst I am disappointed that I put out information about something that never happened - I was responding to a genuine request for information at that time. Moreover, the fact that it turns out that such a hideous crime was not committed is good news because I know the concern that this would have created, particularly among women in Whittlesey.

How much do we pay for this stuff?

2011-06-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

This was published on the BBC website today:

"Too much alcohol, drugs, and sex, coupled with poor hygiene, can be a health risk at festivals, an expert is warning."

I never could have worked that out for myself!!

Change of heart over sentencing

2011-06-21T00:07:00.000-07:00

I am very, very happy about this change of heart from the Conservatives.

I wonder if Ken Clarke can now remain in post? If he does he needs to be more Conservative in his outlook.

ConHome's Analysis of Michael Gove's comments

2011-06-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

Conservative Home have done an analysis of our exam systems and Michael Gove's recent comments. I broadly agree with it.

There can be little doubt that the credibility of GCSEs and A Levels has diminished. That is in no way a slight on students. We have some remarkable students who will deal with whatever exam system is put in front of them, but the best of them are not stretched sufficiently. I can use a personal example here. My daughter achieved remarkable GCSE (11 A*, 2 A and 1B) and A level results (2 A* 1A). Obviously I was and am delighted with those - and she is an amazing academic. But with hindsight you have to reflect on whether she could have been stretched and tested a little more. Not because of the school she went to (Sir Harry Smith Community College did a grand job) but because they were working to an exam system that doesn't stretch sufficiently.

I remember taking my daughter around Cambridge when she was applying and hearing someone talk about the weight they give to the International Baccalaureate - because its standards have been maintained over the years. Again, that is not the fault of Cambridge University - but it does perhaps highlight one of the reasons why state schools students do not get places in top Universities. (my daughter is now very, very happy at Edinburgh University - so I have no gripes here!!).

It is not because of our students that our system has to change, it is FOR our students. They deserve to be tested in a system that has international and academic credibility and the best of our students deserve to be stretched and tested more than they are at present.

Police request for information following rape in Whittlesey

2011-06-18T03:50:00.000-07:00

News of a rape in Station Road rec was emerging yesterday and the story has now appeared on the Cambs Times website.

Rape is a devastating crime, it is dreadful to think that something like this has happened in Whittlesey.

Please, please, please if you think you may know something about this horrific incident, know someone else that might or if you know someone that may have been around Station Road rec at 10pm on Thursday evening please call Cambs Police on 0345 456 456 4 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

UPDATE: It seems that this may never have happened.

Go to Shape Your Place and Comment on Whittlesey Transport

2011-06-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

See this thread on Shape your Place.

Public transport is an area that needs challenge and the more people that make their views know the better - so please head over there and comment

Support Young Lives "Get Creative Get Afloat" Bid on 29th June

2011-06-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

See more at the Young Lives Website

Cambridgeshire's Preparedness for a Zombie Invasion

2011-06-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I saw this rather strange article on the BBC News website.

Part of my Cabinet Portfolio at the County Council is Emergency Planning so, in jest, I sent an email to our officers asking about our preparedness for a Zombie attack. The response made me laugh:

"Cambridgeshire County Council has no specific response plan covering a zombie invasion. The Community Risk Management Group has assessed the risk and has opted to deal with all supernatural phenomena under a single heading. As such, any invasion of the living dead would be dealt with under our generic response plan that covers all emanations from the Legions of Hell.

Essentially, in the event of a zombie invasion we suggest that staff work from home. Any member of staff who is bitten and therefore becomes a zombie themselves should contact their line manager as soon as possible to arrange suitable leave arrangements.

Sadly I see no reference to actions that elected members should take…."

Serious business this Council work.

Cabinet and Gamlingay Village College

2011-06-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Full Cabinet today was enthralling. The decision we had to make over the future of Gamlingay Village College meant that it was one of those meetings where there was a clear feeling that there was extremely important. It wasn't helped by the fact that I had dreadful toothache today.

The history of this is extremely important to the decision. After 18 months of the Local Authority trying to get the school to change its ways and failing because of a lack of co-operation from the leadership in the school, the County Council issued the school with a warning notice which was copied to OFSTED and resulted in a devastating inspection. Often described as one of the worst inspection reports that our very experienced officers could remember.

One of the options in front of us was to close Gamlingay Village College and move the students to nearby Bassingbourn,whilst also expanding the lower school into a traditional (for Cambridgeshire) 4-11 Primary school. The other serious option was to keep the school open as a Middle School and to federate it with nearby Bedfordshire School, Stratton Upper (which is the school most Gamlingay students move on to).

There was an extremely vociferous campaign from parents to keep the Village College open. An interesting one that seemed (to me) to include a strong element of denial about the circumstances of the school and which seemed to pay insufficient detail about the need for a rapid turnaround in standards. It made the decision all the more difficult; it is OK to listen to a voice of protest - but that voice has to accept where things are, and in my view there was not sufficient acceptance of that. Indeed if I had made a decision solely on the quality of the campaigning (as opposed to numbers) I would have voted for closure. In the end however, I did agree with the option of keeping GVC open - not because of the protests but because I was convinced by a number of speakers that the Federation with Stratton could turn the school around quickly. Given that I felt this was possible I agreed that it was the best long term education and community solution. This was supported by all but one of the Cabinet, but - the arguments were extremely close and, if things don't turn out as I hope and believe they will, then I will be amongst the first to ask for a rethink.

I would urge all of the parents who have supported the campaign to keep the school open to switch their focus onto making sure the solution they have supported creates the first class education that their children deserve. If their enthusiasm can be harnessed towards improving education it could make a huge difference. But I have to say I found myself supporting their wishes despite of their campaign, not because if it.

We spent two and a half hours on this issue this morning - the longest discussion we have ever had on a single issue. It deserved that sort of airing and our Leader Nick Clarke deserves credit for the way he has handled this, as do our Officers and the Cabinet Member David Harty.

Appropriate or Not?

2011-06-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

I have a number of Conservative Councillors in Peterborough whom I would count amongst my friends. I don't always agree with what Peterborough City Council do (but most of the time I do) - I also recognise the opposition's right to oppose. But sometimes that can go too far.

Take Lib Dem Peterborough City Councillor Darren Fower for example. At about 8.14 this evening he tweeted:

"Replace the word NAZIs - with "Peterborough Tories" + this would be an enjoyable trailer! Click: http://ow.ly/5gJmM "

I have taken out the link, because it is not appropriate for some. Basically it is for a trailer for a rather gruesome Quentin Tarantino film called Inglorious B******s" in which Brad Pitt leads a team of extremely nasty insurgents behind enemy lines in France to torture and murder Nazis.

I am not easily offended - as an example I have watched and enjoyed the above mentioned film - but taking the context and applying it to politicians and friends in Peterborough is not appropriate. That tweet is, at best, a very poor and very sick joke.

Of course he is a Lib Dem. My views about Lib Dems are clearly laid out in previous posts on this blog - but I'm sure most people will find my comments here absolutely spot on - if you disagree - feel free to comment. I would like to know whether the Leader of Peterborough Liberal Democrats supports Cllr Fower's comments?

I'll email him later to find out.

Guided Busway - why is it important to the North of the County

2011-06-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

This week we received the good news that the Guided Busway is to open on 7th August - and about time too.

Many to the North of the County have said the Guided Bus is irrelevant to them, I am not convinced that is the case. We do have a fair number from the North of the County who work in Cambridge, it will be great for them - I intend to use it when I can to get into Shire Hall by parking at St Ives.

But the news that the buses will run to Huntingdon makes it even more important. As a real lover of live rock music, one of my few issues with Peterborough is that it does not have the sort of music venue that befits a city of its size. Many, like me, like to go to a Gig and have a few beers and the only option to do this is a trip to London. Access to Huntingdon from Cambridge after midnight could change this (and this is included in the timetable). The guided bus to Huntingdon and the late train to Peterborough opens up Cambridge City to me and many others, meaning I can make better use of the Corn Exchange and the Junction as an alternative to London.

Rod Craig

2011-05-31T02:45:00.000-07:00

Cambridegeshire County Council have released the news that Rod Craig, the County Council's Director of Community and Adult Services passed away last week.

It is very sad news. I had alot of time for Rod and he achieved a great deal for Cambridgeshire.

My sympathies go out to his family.

David Campbell Bannerman comes home

2011-05-24T06:24:00.000-07:00

David Campbell Bannerman was a UKIP MEP for the Eastern Region. I am pleased to say that he has left UKIP and has come back home to the Conservative Party.

It is quite an interesting turn of events, and comes as evidence is emerging of huge dissastisfaction within UKIP. Only last week I was sent links to a couple of blogs that highlight massive discontent within their ranks - with a couple of names at the heart that will be familiar to those with an interest in Cambridgeshire political matters.

New Leader of Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats

2011-05-24T05:35:00.000-07:00

Never let it be said that Cambridgeshrie Liberal Democrats stand united. Their current Leader, Fiona Whelan is stepping down on June 19th, which means, I beleive, they are now embarking on their 3rd leader in a little over 3 years.

My congratulations to Killian Bourke who is the new leader elect. He has set his stall out early with the following quote:

"I look forward to continuing the group’s role as a powerful and effective opposition, challenging decisions made by the Conservative administration"

Maybe the first thing he ought to learn is that effective opposition is not just about "challenging decisions" - it is about challenging where things are wrong and supporting where they are right. The quote just about sums up the Lib Dem approach; they think effective opposition means opposing everything - because they think that is the line of maximum political advantage.

Seriously, I wish Killian well.

The Justice Secretary should bow out

2011-05-21T05:14:00.000-07:00

I have been concerned about Justice Secretary, Ken Clarke ever since the election. His unwise comments of last week are not the only issue, they are an indicator of a much bigger problem - which is that his whole stance on criminal justice seems to challenge a fundamental belief of most Conservatives.

Some crimes justify nothing else other than long sentences. Repeated crime justifies nothing other than long jail sentences. That is my view and, I suspect, that of most of my Conservative colleagues. Punishment should be hard, but so should rehabilitation. A Justice Secretary that fundamentally undermines this core principle, doesn't just do us damage as a Government, he undermines the values of the party. If the Conservative Party loses its reputation as THE party of law and order, it will take a long sustained effort to wrestle it back.

I have massive respect for what Ken Clarke achieved as Chancellor, but I am increasingly of the view that in the interests of the Conservative Party he needs to stand down.

Another one of the good days

2011-05-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Early start today, for a radio interview next to the River Cam in Chesterton. This coincided with the announcement that both Peterborough and Cambridge are to get overnight stops as part of the torch relay.

These sorts of good news stories are great for politicians - but the most important thing is this is really good news for the County. The closer and closer we get to the Olympics the more the excitement is going to ramp up; the overnight stops will create local events that will bring the Olympics out of London and to Cambridgeshire.

Also with me first thing this morning was Ben Hicks, a prospective Olympic rower, all 6'7" of him!! I then went to Trinity College and did the Launch of the Moment to Shine campaign where Goldie Sayers, Olympic Javelin thrower was on hand to help. I have to say both our Olympians were a pleasure to chat to - as was Goldie's proud mum. Moment to Shine is the first of a few campaigns to get people nominated to be torch bearers. We need people to nominate inspirational people to be bearers for the relay, to give people that really deserve it the opportunity for an experience that will live with them forever. If you know someone - go here and nominate them.

My final set of interviews were in another location with some young people. Doing lots of television and press filming. The young people came from Hinchinbrooke school, and local school sports partnerships. I heve to say they were excellent, working with Goldie, being filmed with Hinchinbrooke's own version of the Olympic torch and also putting up with being interviewed by me - basically doing everything that was asked of them in a manner that was a real credit to them. I did ask at one point what they would remember most - being interviewed by a politician or meeting an olympian (don't worry -I know the answer!!)

About that Caricature

2011-05-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

I have always sort of wanted a caaricature of myself. I have mulled over using one on my website and in letterheads for a few years. My own view about a good charicature is that it says more about your personality than a photo ever can.

So I bit the bullet and got friend and fellow KISS fan (and talented spray paint artist) Nick Smith, to do one for me. I love it - I think it captures me really well, So, I am now thinking of doing a redesign of my website so it gets featured.

A few friends of mine have seen it and have commented quite positively - including one who suggested the horns are missing!!

Just a final big up for Nick. I am a big fan. I have a couple of his spray paint t-shirts, including the Gene Simmons one you can see him painting here. Nick's website is here.

Quiz Night at the Conservative Club

2011-05-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

Whittlesey branch of North East Cambridgeshire Conservatives are holding a fund-raising quiz night this Friday. Tickets are £8.00 per person and include a fish and chip supper. The event is being held at the Conservative Club, with the fun starting at 7.30. Maximum team size is 6.

I suspect tickets will sell out - but if you want any, get in touch

New Mayor Elected

2011-05-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

Last night was the first Town Council meeting after the election. The first item of business on the agenda was to elect Cllr Kay Mayor as the new Mayor of Whittlesey (yes, Mayor Mayor!!). Kay has been Deputy Mayor for the last two years, so she has worked her way into it and she will do a great job.

I had the privilege of being elected as Deputy Mayor. It is always a privilege to represent Whittlesey in any capacity, but especially so in a role like this. I shall do my best for our great Town in my new role.

Another Lib Dem...

2011-05-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Many, like me, believe Vince Cable is sat at the Cabinet table as a reluctant member of the coalition, biding his time waiting for exactly the right moment to mount his coup. It can be the only reason for his now seemingly regular snipes - they are a way of constantly test the water. Today he has described the Conservatives as "ruthless, calculating and thoroughly tribal".

Can't think why people call politicians two-faced?

Nothing more to be said..

2011-05-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

Nothing more to be said about this guy except that he is a Lib Dem, one they keep putting forward as a candidate. Can it be any surprise that there are those who say the Lib Dems started to get their cum-uppence in yesterday's elections.

I am not going to comment more, except to say, that Lib Dems are free to disown their own candidates in the comments section of my blog - AND I KNOW YOU READ IT!!

Election Counts - The Ultimate Emotional Rollercoaster?

2011-05-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

Elections are a tough time for politicians, intriguing, exciting - but tough. Counts are the same but (normally?) distilled over a period of just a few hours.

Despite not having to go through the grinder, I was at the verification last night and the count today - because, of course, I have a buy-in to those seats that I have helped with and a passionate desire to see both Fenland District and Whittlesey Town Council remain under Conservative control.

The happy news is that Fenland remains a strong Conservative District. We went into the election with 38 out of 40 seats, and leave it with 34 out of 40. It is an astonishing endorsement of the work Conservatives have been doing in Fenland. Those that predicted a wave of Independents flooding the District were disappointed (perhaps very mildly satisfied). Those that predicted 8-12 losses for the Conservatives were also wrong (take a bow Mr Elworthy).

The tough stuff is what lies underneath that, especially some good Councillors losing their seats (especially Ray Griffin and David Wheeler, who I know have worked their socks off for Waterlees Ward ), when exciting and fresh thinking candidates don't succeed (such as Adam Triggs and Steve Tierney). I had quite an interesting chat with the Bucknors who won the day over David Wheeler and Ray Griffin today. My instinct is they are decent people and I hope I can work with them.

But life will go on, and Conservatives will continue to deliver for Fenland. It is also heartening that Conservatives won through in every District seat in Whittlesey. Hats off to Roy Gerstner for a hard fought independent campaign, coming a close second to Ken Peachey. Conservatives will continue to fight for Whittlesey.

I have two final things to say. Firstly, the idea that the stress for Town Council candidates should continue over the weekend is ludicrous,. But, it is true that many Town Council counts have been delayed because of a referendum for which we already know the result.

Finally, election agents are the hidden marvels behind successful election campaigns, the last to take the credit and the first to take the blame. Step forward and take a bow Conservative agent extraordinaire Debbie Clark, she deserves huge plaudits for yet another fantastic Conservative result at Fenland District Council.

Voting Conservative in Fenland and Whittlesey is the only option tomorrow

2011-05-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have had the privilege of working with my Conservative colleagues at Fenland for eight years now and with my Town Council colleagues for twelve. Eight years ago at Fenland we were still struggling to get over the legacy that was inherited from Labour in 1999 - a legacy of atrocious public services and a Council that just was not responsive. As a Town Councillor for the four years before 2003 I was dealing with complaints about basic services in the Council - grass not being cut, litter not dealt with, cemeteries not maintained, bin collections that were erratic and poor. Those are the core services that a District council provides. In 2003 it was clear that Fenland was a poor Council. It is now an excellent Council, and the fact that the election campaign across the District has completely ignored those basic core services can only be for one reason, that is because in transforming the Council, Conservatives have delivered.

That doesn't mean things are perfect, I have dealt with a complaint about dog fouling this week and one about full litter bins along the Bower, but both were dealt with within a day. In the instance of the dog fouling, they didn't just deal with the mess irresponsible owners had left behind, but renewed signs in the area too. You already have a responsive Council that deals with core services, so why vote anything other than Conservative?

But, that does not stop our Council dealing with major strategic issues, just look at the Boat House in Wisbech, Fens Business Centre as examples, or the work that is going in to supporting the Whittlesey Market Town Transport Strategy. It is the combination of being able to deal with basic services and deliver on Fenland's strategic goals that makes it an excellent Council, indeed one that is recognised in the Municipal Journal Awards as the best District in the Country. Why change it?

In Whittlesey, the Labour campaign has said much but offered little vision, indeed they have come forward with the idea that we should ignore the bypass, and focus instead on a link road from the A605 to Station Road. Why not do both? That's what the Conservative Town Council is doing? I am already going to be elected because I have been unopposed for Fenland, but I will make this pledge - I will never give up on my personal commitment for a bypass for Whittlesey, the benefits to our Town and to the rest of Fenland are too great. I will also campaign for improvements to our Town Centre.

Prior to the general election last year the Labour Party tried to oppose the changes to the allotments in Whittlesey. It is interesting that it gets no mention in their local election literature - that is because the improvements have been a resounding success. Conservatives delivering for Whittlesey, Labour moaning. Same old story.

Much has been made of the independent campaign in Fenland. But, really what does it offer? There is no doubt independence offers dangers, I have already highlighted some of that here. But much of their campaign has been about exaggerating the level of debate amongst the Conservative group at Fenland. Well, let me tell you something, group debates are supposed to be robust - that is how you arrive at solutions, the sort of solutions that provide results that have delivered for Fenland over the last eight years - but do not pretend that robust discussion is the same as the divisions that the independents are portraying. Independence does not facilitate good collective debate and decision making, it is why it will not deliver for Fenland in anything like the way the Conservatives have over the last eight years.

I could talk about the Lib Dems here, but I really can't be bothered. My views about the behaviour of local Lib Dems have been well expressed before. You vote Lib Dem at your peril.

The evidence is clear, Conservatives are delivering for Fenland and Whittlesey. Why change a winning team?

Why it is important to turn out and Vote No for AV tomorrow

2011-05-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

There is much in the media about a poll published today that showed a substantial lead for the No to AV campaign. That is great news, the Yes campaign has failed to put a decent message across in my opinion - and for good reason, I am not sure there is a message that is strong enough to counter the arguments in favour of a No vote. Our system of electing MPs is not broken, there is no need to change it and no need to complicate it.

However, it is important to warn against complacency and ensure there is a good turn out. I know the Lib Dems, and I know that however decisive the No vote on Thursday, they will not accept a democratic mandate and will do anything to repeat the referendum until they get there way. The No vote on Thursday needs to win, it needs to win decisively and with as high a turnout as possible. That is the only way the Lib Dems will be without an excuse for electoral reform for a generation (but I suspect even that won't stop them).

Cambridgeshire's Transport Revolution

2011-05-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

This press release was issued by the County Council today. It challenges every comment that has been made about subsidised buses. We have always made plain that our intention is to develop community transport to replace the old and outdated methods.

Conservatives innovate, others whinge.

"BE PART OF CAMBRIDGESHIRE’S TRANSPORT REVOLUTION A new scheme to revolutionise transport in Cambridgeshire could unlock tens of millions in investment, make it easier for people to catch a bus and has the potential to create new businesses. Cambridgeshire County Council is working in a cross authority partnership to see if public services can align their resources to boost local transport and business enterprise. Once agreed, pathfinder projects could be set up in the County by autumn to provide high quality community transport that will meet the needs of residents and statutory services ranging from taking children to school to providing transport to the local doctor. These local transport groups could include franchise agreements were residents are guaranteed a high quality service and which would encourage local enterprise, business and employment opportunities. The Council is looking to set up the first pathfinder projects in areas where bus subsidies are being reduced. Alone the County Council spends more than £20 million on providing statutory transport with extra money available for community schemes. The Council wants to see existing businesses, budding entrepreneurs and charities to step forward and grab this opportunity to take part in the scheme. Cambridgeshire Future Transport is a partnership between the County Council working with district and city council partners as well as other public services and authorities. It also has representatives from community transport and bus operators to help provide business and industry knowledge. The initiative will:
Ensure transport is well managed, easy to use, and delivered at a reasonable price
Handing budgets and power to communities so that they can find local solutions to local transport needs
Looking at an innovation fund to help local entrepreneurs and charities start up and expand local transport services
Drive through savings for public services while providing a seamless transport service
Currently the Council spends millions of pounds on subsidising large buses that are often empty and sometimes buses and even local mini-buses are left idle through the day between pick-ups. This means there is plenty of capacity not only for improvements to be made but to create jobs and increase economic prosperity. The new scheme being developed could plough millions of pounds into the hands of local residents and businesses and co-ordinate transport across organisations to provide a much better service."

Nick Clarke, Leader Elect of the County Council, will be on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire tomorrow morning talking about our transport plans.

The No to AV Ditty

2011-05-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

I love this.

Proud to be British

2011-04-29T05:42:00.000-07:00

Picture linked from BBC: news.bbc.co.uk

Watching the wedding was such a huge reminder that we remain a unique and magnificent country.

Highlights to me were the singing of "Jerusalem" during the service and the massive crowds down the Mall.

When the naysayers start to run our country down and run the royal family down, show them that video,

History was made today, with a future King marrying a commoner, history is what brings tourism into Britain. The Royal Family will continue to do that for generations.

My nomination for the award of misery guts of the day goes to Peter Hain MP, Labour Shadow Cabinet Member, who tweeted this during the service:

"Loads of TV coverage of Cameron and Clegg at wedding but none of Ed. BBC airbrushing Labour like the Palace?"

But, let's finish on a positive note - a great day for a great country.

Ambition AXA Awards

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is a cut and paste job - but no apologies for that. Something that is very important:

"We all dream of being the best at something; here is a helping hand"

‘Do you know of any young achievers aged 11-18 who care deeply about their community and dream of making a significant difference to the people around them? CSV is helping to judge the Ambition AXA Awards. They have been created to recognise outstanding young people involved in The Arts, Community, Enterprise, Science and Sport. The winner in each category receives a bespoke mentoring prize to progress their ambitions to make a difference. It might be someone who has launched a campaign to slow down traffic and protect children, or someone who has dedicated themselves to fundraising for their local hospice, or someone who has tackled bullying at their school or worked to involve disabled children in their activities. Please encourage young people you know to apply by visiting www.ambitionaxaawards.com or www.facebook.com/ambitionaxaawards.’

Leaflet for Kingsmoor Ward

2011-04-26T04:53:00.000-07:00

I am about to deliver this leaflet to residents in Kingsmoor Ward.

Why am I doing that when I'm not fighting an election? Well, it gets the message about being unopposed out to the residents of Kingsmoor Ward and reminds them how to get in touch with me, but it also contains a few messages about AV and my reasons for supporting the "No" campaign. There is a danger that without a District and Town Council election residents will not turn out on May 5th - I want to encourage them to come out and vote "No".

The Trouble with Independents

2011-04-26T02:48:00.000-07:00

Much has been said about Independents in the Fenland elections, much of it positive and much of it about the benefits of being free from party political influence.

But, is that freedom always a good thing? People might disagree with and vote against a candidate because he belongs to a political party they don't like, that is fair enough. But, do you always know what an Independent stands for? Some people will vote for an independent just because they have that tag against their name, but it is possible to stand as an independent and have extreme communist or facist views.

There is another point about belonging to a political party. As a Conservative I know that if I say or do the wrong thing, I will have an agent, or even the party machine or my political group on my back. Actually the example of Lister Wilson at the County Council is a great example.

Compare that to the behaviour of the independent standing in March West by the name of Matt Broadfield. Some people will see that he is an independent and vote for him just because of that. Now look at his profile on the Cambs Times website. This is, I believe, taken from a web page that is now taken down about a political party that Mr Broadfield is, as I understand it, intending to create. My own view is that some of what is expressed there is bordering on the extremist - I am sure Mr Broadfield would disagree, but that is my view. It might also be that his views are not articulated clearly enough and, as a result, they come across poorly.

Now let's look at the issue of behaviour. Mr Broadfield is a user of Twitter. His Twitter name is @fen_councillor . That, in itself, is misleading. To the best of my knowledge Mr Broadfield is not a Councillor - he is a candidate.

Last week - he published this tweet to John Elworthy, the editor of the Cambs Times:

"I posted leaflet, emailed policies 4 my profile, non published, incompetence or bias? I treat unfairness with deserved bile."

and today, in a tweet to me, he referred to John Elworthy as "Elfworthy". Now I know that John Elworthy is capable of fighting his own battles, but you do have to question the wisdom of taking that sort of attitude with a local newspaper editor (I think this is because he wants the Cambs Times to publish a different profile than the one currently being used).

Today, when I challenged about the approach he was using, I was described by Matt Broadfield on Twitter as: "typically undemocratic/weak" - I suppose you could argue that is opinion - but there are no facts to back it up and plenty of evidence of me having taken tough decisions in the past. But when challenged he retorted with "the man campaigning for health and wellbeing yet got more chins than a chinese phone book!" Given that I have run four marathons, recently ran a 26.2kilometre road race and last year walked the 84mile Dales Way, that comment is nothing more than an empty insult. Here is the point, if I behaved in this way, I would be dealt with. In fact, I suspect if that was my behaviour, I would not have been allowed to stand as a Conservative in the first place.

So, my message is this - unless you really, really know what you are voting for and who you are voting for, be very cautious about voting Independent, independence may not offer the benefits you think it does.

I am sure Mr Broadfield will not like some of what I have said here. He is free to comment and, provided the language is appropriate and free of insults, I will publish.

In Defence of the Coalition

2011-04-24T03:22:00.000-07:00

It would not surprise anyone to know that I am not a fan of the Lib Dems, and especially of their passion for taking political advantage out of any situation. However, I am also understanding of the reasons for a coalition Government given the outcome of last year's General Election.

One aspect of a coalition that I don't think is understood is the inevitably of tensions and differences, such as we are seeing at the moment over AV. Mature coalition Government and mature media has to recognise this and accept that those tensions are sometimes going to break out in the open. Just because it does, should not continuously lead to commentary about the end of the coalition, it should, instead, be interpreted and accepted as an inevitable part of it how it operates.

I am absolutely clear about the need for a No vote in the referendum. As are almost all of my Conservative colleagues. The one thing that does bother me is that the Lib Dems will use the outcome of the referendum as an excuse to get rid of Nick Clegg and to end the coalition. It will be a mistake in my opinion. Much as I disagree with electoral reform, Nick Clegg has taken the Lib Dems closer to changing the electoral system than any previous Lib Dem leader. To get so close and fail may not be perfect, but it will be better than any of his predecessors managed. That would not have happened without him or the coalition.

Lib Dems also need to understand the implications of such a decision. If it forced a general election, the end result could be to put the deficit denying Labour Party in power again. That would be a disaster for our Country, not least because it would come about because of a collapse in the Lib Dem vote; people don't vote for divided parties (yes, I know they are currently polling at a disastrous 10% - but leaving will potentially make that even worse).

I suspect that latter issue is what will make the difference - Lib Dems will always do what is best for them electorally, rather than what is best for the Country.

Whittlesey Youth Club Sleepover

2011-04-21T01:20:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of helping at the sleepover at the Youth Centre last night. I have to say I had a fantastic time.

The event was held as part of a plan to raise funding for the Youth Centre, to try and make sure our youth provision is maintained in the light of the cuts that are being made, something the Whittlesey Action for Youth group is also trying to do (and which also met last night).

The Young People were excellent, they had great fun, enjoyed each others company and were an absolute credit to themselves. It was a pleasure to spend time with such good kids. And it is a credit to them that they have reacted to the funding issues in the Youth Centre in such a positive way. There are a number of adults who could learn from their attitude.

I also take my hat off to those who helped offered their own time helping out time last night. I did a shift until midnight, but people stayed much, much longer than I did. Lovely, dedicated people who want the best for the Young People in Whittlesey.

So, the question is, should the "soak the youth worker" I have photos be published? I suppose if I do photos of sleeping bag racing might emerge!

Letter of support from Waterlees

2011-04-20T03:08:00.000-07:00

I spotted this letter of support for the current Conservative Councillors from Waterlees in the Cambs Times. I agree wholeheartedly with what it says. Both Ray Griffin and David Wheeler have worked incredibly hard for their residents and, in fact, some of the current mischief about one of the most important investments in the area, the play area in the Spinney, is not about the reality of what is happening and has been done, but an exaggeration of some minor issues. It was interesting canvassing in the area a few days ago (and I'll be back) hearing someone say that their son loves the play area, but she is voting for XXXXXX because he wants to close it because of all the trouble.

What trouble? I keep getting sent images of the park open after hours (which we are dealing with), but they are images of children doing absolutely nothing wrong. The police have confirmed that the site is not an ASB hotspot - and we ignore the fact that there were considerable problems on that land before the play area was put in place.

Ray and David have done an immense amount for Waterlees Ward - more than any previous Councillors and I really do hope, from the perspective of an individual that is passionate about dealing with difficult social problems as much as from a Conservative perspective that they are re-elected.

The canvassing I did, was overall, very positive - which is a good sign and I'll be back helping in a few days.

If you want to know what I mean, I suggest you go to the Cambridgeshire Atlas and do some digging about Waterlees. Looking at Male life expectancy figures is a good start.

New Portfolio at County Council

2011-04-20T02:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it was announced that I will be taking on a new portfolio in the Cabinet being formed by Nick Clarke, the new Leader of the County Council.

The new portfolio is Health and Wellbeing, quite an exciting post with responsibility for delivering on public health, which is to be passed to Local Councils by the Government and will include linking to many organisations around the County, including the emerging GP consortia.

The new portfolio includes Registration and Coroners services (which I have had involvement with before) and emergency planning, which is new to me, but an important role of the Council.

I am really looking forward to the new challenge which will widen my own experience, but will also use a significant amount of what I have learned in my previous Cabinet roles.

It's a tough job..

2011-04-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure to attend the opening of the Lee Valley White Water Centre, which is to be the canoeing venue for next year's Olympics. The venue has been completed on time and on budget and is the only Olympic venue that will be open to the public ahead of the games.

I have spent a lot of time discussing the venue over the last few years in my capacity as Board Member for Nations and Regions East (the Board responsible for Olympic delivery in the Eastern Region). So it was great to be able to see it completed and getting plaudits for being such a challenging canoeing venue.

I also had the privilege of being able to have a go at white water rafting - which is one of the ways the venue will generate revenue. It is something I have always wanted to do, and I now want to do it again. It was an excellent experience. I got very wet, and had a nice swim after falling out the raft on one occasion. But I loved it and would recommend it to anyone!!

Election of Cllr Nick Clarke as Leader of Cambridgeshire Conservative Group

2011-04-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

I would like to offer my congratulations and total support to Nick Clarke who was elected as Leader of our Conservative group today and is set to become the new Leader of the County Council from May 17th.

Nick has great qualities and experience that mean he will make an excellent Leader.

Street Lighting Funding Approved

2011-04-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

The Government has today approved more than £100 million of funding to improve street lighting in Cambridgeshire.

The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme includes the following:

Installation of 37,600 new lighting columns within the first five years;
Replacement of over 4,500 illuminated traffic signs and bollards;
Reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emissions; and,
State of the art technology for early detection of defective lighting

The County Council have spent years getting this project right. It is good, up front investment that will save money in the long term and make our street lighting provision much more adaptable.

Elected Unopposed

2011-04-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

I got this in an email from the Chief Executive at Fenland today:

"Dear Martin, this is just to advise you that as you were the sole nominee for the Kingsmoor Ward (Whittlesey) at the deadline for the closure of nominations for candidates for the forthcoming District Council elections on 5 May, you are automatically elected for uncontested election as Councillor for the Fenland District with effect from 9 May 2011."

Bassenhally Farm application approved

2011-04-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

The outline planning application for Bassenhally Farm was at planning committee today and was approved.

I spoke against the application and raised a number of highways issues, in particular that an access onto Drybread Road would worsen what is already an unacceptable situation outside the school at opening and closing team.

I also made a strong case that we already know and have hard evidence of what happens when the A605 has more cars along it, and that this evidence on the ground should be considered as much as the data.

But the Highways advice that there would be no implications won the day. I have asked for some evidence about those highways considerations, but the decision today means that the principle of development on that site is agreed, and therefore the only consideration is the detail that will come with a reserved matters application. But it looks like it will be impossible to prevent the development taking place.

Unopposed

2011-04-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

I found out yesterday that I am one of only two seats in Fenland that is unopposed for the District Campaign and that Rita Jolley and I are also unopposed for the elections for Whittlesey Town Council.

It is a very strange feeling, I enjoy the challenge of elections; they are what politics is about, so part of me is disappointed. But there is another part of me that is obviously delighted that I can continue to serve the residents of Kingsmoor Ward.

Of course, that does not mean the election campaign is over. I am passionate about the need to reject the proposals for AV and will be putting out literature to Kingsmoor Ward about that, and I will be supporting colleagues who are facing contested elections.

Vote Conservative

Is there an election going on..

2011-04-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

Is there an election going on?

I ask that question because I can't think of any reason why the Lib Dems would want to create a story out of nothing?

This is the story.

There is no suggestion, nor has there ever been that the Government's music grant will be used on anything other than music. What we are looking at is how we can use that grant to make sure every child in Cambridgeshire benefits given that not all schools use Cambridgeshire Music's services. This is not a cause it's an election stunt.

Oh - and there's another one. Last week we put out this press release - bear in mind this is for funding for the whole County. Yesterday Julian Huppert, MP for Cambridge City put out a press release claiming credit for Cambridge City's share. I refuse to link to the press release out of principle.

Lib Dems will do anything for a vote - remember that on May 5th.

Thorney Running Club

2011-04-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

Time and other commitments means that I don't run with these guys enough. But Thorney Running Club are a good, friendly bunch. I have been sent this poster, so thought I would put it on this blog:

If you are a bit of a runner (and I am definitely a bit of a runner) it might be worth checking them out. A warm welcome assured.

More A605 works

2011-03-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

Carriageway resurfacing works programmed to start 11th April 2011 and take 5 days to complete.

Works extend from Funthams Lane to the County Boundary with Peterborough City Council.

Contractor - Cambridgeshire Highways.

During the works the road will remain open to traffic travelling from Peterborough to Whittlesey however traffic signal and or stop / go boards will be used to ensure safety of the workforce.

Traffic travelling towards Peterborough will be diverted via B1040 Church Street and Ramsey Road to Pondersbridge / B1095 Ramsey Road and Milk and Water Drove.

Hours of closure will be 09.15 hrs to 15.45 hrs.

Full Council - Mar 2011

2011-03-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Another meeting that went on too long. But with some interesting debates.

The Lib Dems refuse to accept what we are trying to do on Community Transport, even though it is the sort of project that is getting the support of the Lib Dem Transport Minister Norman Baker. Of course with elections on 5th May, the Lib Dems will focus on cuts rather than the visionary efforts of the County Council to do better with less funding.

The biggest part of this was shown during a debate on the City Centre shuttle, a free bus service which we, as a Council, subsidise to the tune of £80k per year, something that just cannot be a priority given the excellent bus service within Cambridge and with the cuts being made elsewhere (but let's not forget the visionary stuff about creating an excellent Community Transport scheme).

Of course, as ever with the Lib Dems, there is an alternative reason. The motion to retain the subsidy for the City Centre shuttle for a year was their May 5th motion. The Lib Dems are concerned about a massacre in Cambridge City in the local elections on May 5th and this motion presented them with great material for leaflets. "Lib Dems win reprieve for City Shuttle" or a "nasty Tories" line. What they, of course, failed to do, was explain where the money was coming from - which would almost certainly have had to be from the funding set aside for the growth of community transport in rural areas.

Anyway - the whole Lib Dem group voted for this motion - including all of those that represent rural wards where we are looking to provide public transport. Remember this - the Lib Dems priority for these elections is protection of Cambridge City, which is already pretty well served by public transport. That is quite clearly at the expense of rural areas.

There was some good questions to me from both sides of the chamber about adoption services, EOTAS and March Skills Centre, which I think I answered OK. But there were no questions about Academies. Given the criticism I have made of the Lib Dems attitude in this area, this surprised me a bit. Maybe they have realised that their King Canute approach is, indeed, the wrong one.

Alice in Wonderland at Sir Harry Smith Community College

2011-03-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

Sir Harry Smith Community College's latest production is Alice in Wonderland which will be performed on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening (30th March - 1st April). I am always impressed by the quality of the school's productions and I am told this year's is going to be no exception.

Tickets are £3.00 for children and £3.50 for adults. You can contact the school via their website.