The Liberal Democrats today confirmed their commitment to scrapping student tuition fees.
Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg has announced that scrapping tuition fees would remain one of the party’s most important policies.
Today he set out a timetable to scrap fees, including those for part-time courses, over the six years following the General Election.
He said: “This is good news for students and for everyone who wants a fairer Britain.
“Students want to be treated like grown ups. They know money doesn’t grow on trees and that big spending commitments like this are only affordable over time.
“We’ve developed a plan to phase out tuition fees over the course of the next six years, to ensure this vital policy is affordable even during this time of economic crisis.
“You should decide whether going to university makes sense for you and you shouldn’t have to make the decision based on your bank balance.
“Labour and the Conservatives refuse to address the issue of fees and there is a real danger that both of them would lift the cap on fees which could mean even more debt for students when they leave university.”
View a copy of the letter Nick Clegg sent out to party members today here.
Friday, 18 December 2009
£1M WILL SEE 22 PLAY AREAS UPGRADED: SUTHERLAND PARK IN THE EAST MARSH WILL BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO BENEFIT
Today the Grimsby Telegraph reported that twenty play areas across North East Lincolnshire are set for a major refurbishment.
It is a question of waiting until you "see-saw" what will be appearing in your local area, and on this occasion nearly all parts of the borough will benefit.
A £1-million pound Government grant will see 22 of the region's outdoor areas upgraded, enhanced and improved over the next two years.
The grant is part of the Government's Playbuilder scheme and will see the renovation and replacement of existing equipment or the building of completely new play areas.
Project manager for North East Lincolnshire Council Barbara Walker said: "The Government see good quality play as an essential way of enriching young people's lives.
"To that end, we have come up with some fantastically innovative ideas for play and creativity in our local area.
"These play areas are well-used by children and parents and will provide an excellent social focus for the community.
"These sites will be placed at the heart of our communities and will fulfil the needs of residents and their children."
Councillor Steve Hocknell, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and healthier communities said: “The contractors are currently on site to install the first new play facility in Grimsby.
“We have consulted with young people on what play equipment they would like to see in their parks and all of the designs have been developed with their ideas in mind.
“We are keen to ensure children, young people and their families understand these are their play areas and therefore it is important they have an input in what they will feature.”
One of the first open spaces to benefit from Playbuilder Scheme is Sutherland Park, which is due to receive a £50,000 makeover.
Above is an artist’s impression of the new pay equipment which will be installed at Sutherland Park.
JO SWINSON SLAMS UNFAIR TAX RISES
Liberal Democrat MP for East Dunbartonshire, Jo Swinson has criticised the Government for raising tax revenue from lower paid workers while failing to tackle bankers' bonuses.
In the House of Commons this week, Jo asked Chancellor Alistair Darling to justify raising National Insurance (NI) contributions for ordinary workers, while levying only an easily-avoidable 10% tax on bankers' bonuses.
In his pre-budget report last week, the Chancellor announced that employees' NI contributions would rise by 0.5%, in addition to the 0.5% announced in April. A 1% increase in NI contributions for employees means that by 2011/12 people earning over £7,000 will pay 32% tax on their income.
Meanwhile, the report shows that the new tax on bankers' bonuses is expected to raise just £500 million from the £5 billion that will be paid in bonuses this year - a total of just 10%. The Liberal Democrats described it as a "gift wrapped invitation to tax avoidance."
Commenting, Jo Swinson said: "The Labour Government has long claimed that it puts fairness at the heart of its policies, but there is nothing fair about Alistair Darling's plans for raising tax revenue. This latest rise in National Insurance contributions will come as bad news to everyone, but most of all to people on lower incomes.
"Meanwhile, the tax on bankers' bonuses is nothing but an empty gesture, as it is very clear that there are many ways in which it can easily be avoided. The tax system is already deeply unfair, and this pre-budget report shows that it is heading further in the wrong direction."
The text of Jo's question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer appears below:
Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): Will the Chancellor explain how it is fair that after the national insurance rise, people on low incomes will be paying 32 per cent. tax on their income, while he is letting bankers off the hook with a tax that will be easy to avoid, is full of holes and will raise just 10 per cent. of the £5 billion expected to be paid in bank bonuses this year?
Mr. Darling: In relation to the bank payroll tax, we are trying to change the behaviour of some banks that still want to pay out very large sums in bonuses when we believe that the money would be better applied to building up their capital position. Of course, from next April, people earning more than £150,000 a year-that will include many recipients of these bonuses-will pay tax at the top rate of 50p. In addition, the hon. Lady asked about national insurance. I made the position clear last week. In particular, I made the point that people earning less than £20,000 would not be paying more as a result of the measures that I introduced.
In the House of Commons this week, Jo asked Chancellor Alistair Darling to justify raising National Insurance (NI) contributions for ordinary workers, while levying only an easily-avoidable 10% tax on bankers' bonuses.
In his pre-budget report last week, the Chancellor announced that employees' NI contributions would rise by 0.5%, in addition to the 0.5% announced in April. A 1% increase in NI contributions for employees means that by 2011/12 people earning over £7,000 will pay 32% tax on their income.
Meanwhile, the report shows that the new tax on bankers' bonuses is expected to raise just £500 million from the £5 billion that will be paid in bonuses this year - a total of just 10%. The Liberal Democrats described it as a "gift wrapped invitation to tax avoidance."
Commenting, Jo Swinson said: "The Labour Government has long claimed that it puts fairness at the heart of its policies, but there is nothing fair about Alistair Darling's plans for raising tax revenue. This latest rise in National Insurance contributions will come as bad news to everyone, but most of all to people on lower incomes.
"Meanwhile, the tax on bankers' bonuses is nothing but an empty gesture, as it is very clear that there are many ways in which it can easily be avoided. The tax system is already deeply unfair, and this pre-budget report shows that it is heading further in the wrong direction."
The text of Jo's question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer appears below:
Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): Will the Chancellor explain how it is fair that after the national insurance rise, people on low incomes will be paying 32 per cent. tax on their income, while he is letting bankers off the hook with a tax that will be easy to avoid, is full of holes and will raise just 10 per cent. of the £5 billion expected to be paid in bank bonuses this year?
Mr. Darling: In relation to the bank payroll tax, we are trying to change the behaviour of some banks that still want to pay out very large sums in bonuses when we believe that the money would be better applied to building up their capital position. Of course, from next April, people earning more than £150,000 a year-that will include many recipients of these bonuses-will pay tax at the top rate of 50p. In addition, the hon. Lady asked about national insurance. I made the position clear last week. In particular, I made the point that people earning less than £20,000 would not be paying more as a result of the measures that I introduced.
IT’S A SCANDAL THAT EACH NIGHT THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN ARE HAVING TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES ON STREETS WITHOUT A LOVING HOME TO GO SAYS NICK CLEGG
The leading charity for the welfare of street children, Railway Children is today launching a hard-hitting campaign designed to highlight the plight of thousands of children surviving on Britain’s streets without care.
Using London’s streets as a backdrop, the “Nine Beds” campaign will run over the Christmas period, starting with nine nativity cribs being placed in high profile locations across the capital.
The nine cribs represent the fact that there are just nine beds available nationwide, for the estimated 100,000 children who end up living rough each year, 30,000 of which are 12 or younger.
London commuters will encounter abandoned nativity cribs at major locations including Trafalgar Square and Liverpool Street.
Railway Children will use the campaign to call for Government to create a network of emergency safe houses for children exposed to violence, crime, drug abuse, gang culture and sexual exploitation on the streets.
Advertising carrying the message: “This Christmas thousands of children will sleep on the streets because they are too afraid to go home” will support the Nine Beds campaign during the Christmas period.
Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg said of the campaign: “It is a scandal that each night thousands of children are having to fend for themselves on the streets without a loving home to go to.
“There are many reasons why children feel they can’t go home, they may have suffered from physical violence, intimidation or have serious emotional and mental health problems.
“Central government, local authorities and the charities who already do so much good work in this area must all redouble our efforts and work together to remove this moral stain on our society.”
The Nine Beds initiative follows the recent publication by Railway Children of a major investigation into the lives of the UK’s street children. The “Off the Radar” study involved researchers following the lives of more than a hundred children exposed to street life across the country, over a three year period.
To survive, street children are forced into situations involving drugs and sexual exploitation. The majority of children interviewed for the report did not seek help from support agencies as they believed their lives were normal.
Terina Keene, Chief Executive of Railway Children, said: “The nativity scene epitomizes the innocence of childhood and at the same time the threat of a life detached from the safety that most children in the UK take for granted.
“This campaign highlights the fact that this Christmas thousands of children in Britain are left to survive a life of violence and crime because our support services are failing to reach them.”
Using London’s streets as a backdrop, the “Nine Beds” campaign will run over the Christmas period, starting with nine nativity cribs being placed in high profile locations across the capital.
The nine cribs represent the fact that there are just nine beds available nationwide, for the estimated 100,000 children who end up living rough each year, 30,000 of which are 12 or younger.
London commuters will encounter abandoned nativity cribs at major locations including Trafalgar Square and Liverpool Street.
Railway Children will use the campaign to call for Government to create a network of emergency safe houses for children exposed to violence, crime, drug abuse, gang culture and sexual exploitation on the streets.
Advertising carrying the message: “This Christmas thousands of children will sleep on the streets because they are too afraid to go home” will support the Nine Beds campaign during the Christmas period.
Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg said of the campaign: “It is a scandal that each night thousands of children are having to fend for themselves on the streets without a loving home to go to.
“There are many reasons why children feel they can’t go home, they may have suffered from physical violence, intimidation or have serious emotional and mental health problems.
“Central government, local authorities and the charities who already do so much good work in this area must all redouble our efforts and work together to remove this moral stain on our society.”
The Nine Beds initiative follows the recent publication by Railway Children of a major investigation into the lives of the UK’s street children. The “Off the Radar” study involved researchers following the lives of more than a hundred children exposed to street life across the country, over a three year period.
To survive, street children are forced into situations involving drugs and sexual exploitation. The majority of children interviewed for the report did not seek help from support agencies as they believed their lives were normal.
Terina Keene, Chief Executive of Railway Children, said: “The nativity scene epitomizes the innocence of childhood and at the same time the threat of a life detached from the safety that most children in the UK take for granted.
“This campaign highlights the fact that this Christmas thousands of children in Britain are left to survive a life of violence and crime because our support services are failing to reach them.”
Thursday, 10 December 2009
RESIDENTS HAVE HAD THEIR SAY; DURING THE ‘BIG CONVERSATION’ ON THE DEVELOPMENT BRIEF FOR GUILDFORD STREET
Residents were to today given the chance to shape of a multi-million pound regeneration of an area of Grimsby’s East Marsh; a consultation event was held at the Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre as part of the Community Engagement Week.
Local residents were asked to express their views on three options which have now been put forward for the future of Guildford Street.
As reported, 100 homes will be demolished as part of the £7.9-million revamp of one of Grimsby’s most deprived areas.
The redevelopment of Guildford Street is part of a 10-year plan to regenerate the area.
Members of North East Lincolnshire Council’s cabinet have now supported a draft development plan for the council-owned site, listing the three options.
Councillor Geoff Lowis, portfolio holder for regeneration and strategic housing, said: “We want our residents to be involved throughout each stage of the Guildford Street development and we are pleased that they have been giving feedback on this latest phase.”
All three options for Guildford Street propose demolition of 100 homes to be replaced with between 70 to 80 new ones.
Option One: Maintains the existing alignment of the street and includes a pedestrian access from Castle Street and amenity areas.
Option Two: Would see four and a half blocks of houses divided by pedestrian zones.
Option Three: Is similar and provides space to expand the SureStart community facility on the western side of Guildford Street.
Councillor Steve Beasant. (East Marsh Ward) who attended the event, said: “It is great that we are moving forward with this project; early in the New Year things should really begin to develop. However, there is still a long way to go, but hopefully in a few years time this area will be radically transformed.”
Thursday, 3 December 2009
GUILDFORD STREET DEVELOPMENT BRIEF IS THE BEGINNING OF A FRESH START FOR THE EAST MARSH
A draft Development Brief has been prepared that considers the potential to redevelop the section of Guildford Street between Wellington Street and Cope Street. Following this consultation exercise, the Council intends to adopt the Brief as a Supplementary Planning Document that will form part of the North East Lincolnshire Local Development Framework. The Adopted Brief will then provide a basis for assessing future planning applications for the Guildford Street site. The Brief will not provide a prescriptive solution for the site’s redevelopment; it will set out a series of design principles which should be followed when more detailed proposals are being prepared.
This consultation invites comments on the content of the draft Brief. The preparation of the draft Brief has been informed by consultation, but the design principles and potential options have not been subject to public ocnsultation previously. This is your opportunity to shape the future development of the site by commenting on the draft Brief.
Consultation
Copies of the draft Brief are available for inspection at the following locations, during their normal opening hours:
- The Customer Access Reception, Civic Offices, Knoll Street, Cleethorpes
- The Customer Access Reception, Municipal Offices, Town Hall Square, Grimsby
- Grant Thorold Library, Durban Road, Grimsby
- Renaissance Shop, 33 Victoria Street, Grimsby
The Council will be holding a drop-in event where you can come along and see the draft Brief
The event will take place at:
The Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre, Weelsby Street, Grimsby on Thursday 10th December 2009 from 12 Noon to 7pm
The draft Brief can also be downloaded by clicking on the following link: Guildford Street Draft Development Brief (5820KB PDF file) (You will need Adobe Acrobat Viewer to view this document; this can be downloaded from the Downloads page.) You can also comment on the document via the online Consultation Portal. To find out more about the Consultation Portal click on the following link: Getting Involved To go directly to the Consultation Portal click on the following link:
Comments can also be sent to:
Donna Riley, Project Manager, Fresh Start East Marsh, St James House, St James Square, Grimsby, DN31 1EP, or via email to donna.riley@nelincs.gov.uk
All comments should be received by the Council by 5pm on Monday 18th January 2010.
DON’T BE FOOLED BY AN OFFER THAT LOOKS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
Residents are being warned of a home-working scam after a North East Lincolnshire woman received an offer of work which sounded too good to be true.
In a letter received through the post, Cleethorpes resident Anne Elvin was offered payment of £550 for filling just 500 envelopes with leaflets, or £480 for producing 60 pages of copy typing.
With such high rates for relatively little work, the offer seemed an attractive one – but Mrs Elvin became suspicious when she read she was required to pay the company an up-front fee of £30 to register. Consequently she reported the matter to local Trading Standards officers.
Mrs Elvin said: “I’ve heard about things like this before, things which promise high returns for work at home.
“You have to send £30 for the initial stationary, and that’s what they do.
“I looked this company up on the internet, and it appears that there are quite a few people who had sent in the money and received nothing in return.
“In these times of the recession when people are desperate for money, people need to be aware of the risks. There must be lots of people who can’t afford that £30.”
The company offering such services has appeared in the national press alongside numerous complaints from people who had paid their registration fee and received no work or payment afterwards.
Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for safer communities and public protection, said: “Mrs Elvin was right to be cautious about this work offer.
“This firm demanded money in exchange of a promise of work, and as it turns out there have been complaints about them across the country.
“It is important that people like Mrs Elvin contact us about such scams; this allows us to make other people aware.”
Andy Foster, trading standards manager at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “If you are approached by someone offering a lucrative income – but only after you pay them an up-front fee – you should be very cautious.
“Companies quite simply don’t make money by paying over the odds for basic services such as copy typing, and it is easy to see how some scams really make their money – by duping innocent people who are simply looking for an honest income.
“Anyone who is suspicious of an offer of work such as this should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.”
In a letter received through the post, Cleethorpes resident Anne Elvin was offered payment of £550 for filling just 500 envelopes with leaflets, or £480 for producing 60 pages of copy typing.
With such high rates for relatively little work, the offer seemed an attractive one – but Mrs Elvin became suspicious when she read she was required to pay the company an up-front fee of £30 to register. Consequently she reported the matter to local Trading Standards officers.
Mrs Elvin said: “I’ve heard about things like this before, things which promise high returns for work at home.
“You have to send £30 for the initial stationary, and that’s what they do.
“I looked this company up on the internet, and it appears that there are quite a few people who had sent in the money and received nothing in return.
“In these times of the recession when people are desperate for money, people need to be aware of the risks. There must be lots of people who can’t afford that £30.”
The company offering such services has appeared in the national press alongside numerous complaints from people who had paid their registration fee and received no work or payment afterwards.
Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for safer communities and public protection, said: “Mrs Elvin was right to be cautious about this work offer.
“This firm demanded money in exchange of a promise of work, and as it turns out there have been complaints about them across the country.
“It is important that people like Mrs Elvin contact us about such scams; this allows us to make other people aware.”
Andy Foster, trading standards manager at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “If you are approached by someone offering a lucrative income – but only after you pay them an up-front fee – you should be very cautious.
“Companies quite simply don’t make money by paying over the odds for basic services such as copy typing, and it is easy to see how some scams really make their money – by duping innocent people who are simply looking for an honest income.
“Anyone who is suspicious of an offer of work such as this should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.”
EAST MARSH INVOLVE (EMI) WILL BE REACHING FOR THE STARS DURING THE BIG CONVERSATION
Next Week in the Fiveways Neighbourhood is Community Engagement Week; the neighbourhood incorporates the three wards of Heneage, Sidney Sussex and the East Marsh.
There are a number of events which are planned to take place across the whole of the Neighbourhood, and some of them have already been advertised on this website. One event that deserves star billing; is a showcase event which is the East Marsh Involve (EMI) “Awards Night” – Reaching for the Stars!
Yes, it’s true the OSCARS are coming to the East Marsh, and we’ll be giving out five well deserving “gongs”. It will be a great night, and the event will be held at the Casablanca Club on Oxford Street of Friday 11th December starting at 7.00pm. Admission for this event is FREE but I am assured that if you don’t turn up; you will be charged £5 just to “stay away”.
Surely, this is an offer you cannot refuse! Why not come down and enjoy the Big Conversation which is part of Community Engagement Week; and find out about all the good work that’s going on in the East Marsh.
EAST MARSH CHILDREN’S CENTRE IS GETTING READY FOR THE BIG CONVERSATION
Community Engagement Week is back in the East Marsh next week with a bang, and East Marsh Children’s Centre will be working flat between now and Monday to make sure that the Big Conversation will be a massive success.
On each of the six days the Children’s Centre will be playing a vital part in the community events, and they include:
Monday 7 – Consultation – This is an opportunity to gather information on issues in the area. The meeting will be held at 9.30am at the Children’s Centre and tea and toast will be provided.
Tuesday 8 – Green Day – An event to be held at ‘Your Place’ on Wellington Street and will include outside activities, recycling and making links with parks and green spaces.
Wednesday 9 – New Opportunities Day – Promotion of opportunities available including training, volunteering and jobs.
Thursday 10 – Cultural Day – A Celebration of different cultures.
Friday 11 – Community Day – A Christmas Fayre will be held at Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre, Weelsby Street (1.00pm).
Saturday 12 – Community Day – An event has been organised on Freeman Street Market – it will be great day out. A good opportunity to talk to officers, look around the market and also buy some fresh fruit and vegetables.
On each of the six days the Children’s Centre will be playing a vital part in the community events, and they include:
Monday 7 – Consultation – This is an opportunity to gather information on issues in the area. The meeting will be held at 9.30am at the Children’s Centre and tea and toast will be provided.
Tuesday 8 – Green Day – An event to be held at ‘Your Place’ on Wellington Street and will include outside activities, recycling and making links with parks and green spaces.
Wednesday 9 – New Opportunities Day – Promotion of opportunities available including training, volunteering and jobs.
Thursday 10 – Cultural Day – A Celebration of different cultures.
Friday 11 – Community Day – A Christmas Fayre will be held at Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre, Weelsby Street (1.00pm).
Saturday 12 – Community Day – An event has been organised on Freeman Street Market – it will be great day out. A good opportunity to talk to officers, look around the market and also buy some fresh fruit and vegetables.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION; WHAT ISSUES CONCERN YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR NEIGHBOURS?
East Marsh Ward is one of three electoral wards which are included in the Fiveways Neighbourhood of North East Lincolnshire. The Partnership Agencies that work within the area need to have an understanding of the issues that are important to the people who live here, in order to target activity.
East Marsh Involve is the local Forum for residents within the area, and identifies priorities within the East Marsh; it meets on the last Tuesday of every month 6.00pm at the Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre. We do however recognise that not everybody is able to or indeed wants to attend such meetings.
To ensure that as many residents have the opportunity to influence the priority setting for the area that directs the work of North East Lincolnshire organisations in the area. East Marsh is launching a Priorities Referral Form.
This form (see below) is available from any of the community venues listed on it and can be returned to any of them from where they will be collected and the views contained will then be brought to the attention of the East Marsh Involve meetings where the local priorities are set in order to help shape those priorities.
East Marsh Involve are also giving residents the opportunity to text in their concerns to us on 07855112474. Your views and concerns are vital to us so please get in touch.
To view the East Marsh Priories Referral Form, view
IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WEEK THERE WILL BE FREE TEA, COFFEE, MINCE PIES AND GIVEAWAYS; BUT AS A PRECAUTION THE CARE PLUS TRUST WILL OFFER FREE BLOOD P
As part of the Fiveways week of community engagement, North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus (CTP) and the LINK (Local Involvement Network) will have a stall at Freeman Street market on Friday, December 11 offering free blood pressure checks and lots of information about how people can get involved in local health services.
Members of the public are being encouraged to come along and see how health and social care has evolved over the years with local pictures and stories depicting how things have changed. There will also be free tea, coffee and mince pies, a raffle and giveaways.
The community engagement team will be available to answer questions about how people can get involved by joining Accord, a new community membership body for North East Lincolnshire that lets members have a say in how NHS money is spent. Accord was launched in June by the CTP to offer members the chance to shape health and social care services now and in the future. It now has over 2000 members.
Jeremy Baskett, assistant director for community involvement and engagement at the CTP, said: “We’re holding this stall to encourage local people to get involved in being at the forefront of current changes in the way health and social care is provided locally.”
Members of the public are being encouraged to come along and see how health and social care has evolved over the years with local pictures and stories depicting how things have changed. There will also be free tea, coffee and mince pies, a raffle and giveaways.
The community engagement team will be available to answer questions about how people can get involved by joining Accord, a new community membership body for North East Lincolnshire that lets members have a say in how NHS money is spent. Accord was launched in June by the CTP to offer members the chance to shape health and social care services now and in the future. It now has over 2000 members.
Jeremy Baskett, assistant director for community involvement and engagement at the CTP, said: “We’re holding this stall to encourage local people to get involved in being at the forefront of current changes in the way health and social care is provided locally.”
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE COULD BE HASSLE FREE; IF YOU DROP THE CHILDREN OFF AT GRIMSBY’S FISHING HERITAGE CENTRE
Take the hassle out of the Christmas shopping by dropping the children off at Grimsby’s Fishing Heritage Centre for a host of free festive activities.
Children can enjoy art and crafts, gift making and can watch traditional Christmas movies, allowing parents to finish their Christmas shopping in peace and without any prying events.
Councillor Steve Hocknell, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and healthier communities, said: “Christmas shopping can be a stressful time for parents, so these activities will hopefully ease the pressure.
“Activities will be running every Thursday during late night shopping and on Saturdays in the run up to Christmas. There’s even the chance for children to make their own home-made gift for mum or grandma and get creative with their own Christmas tree decorations.”
Parents can drop off their children for the two-hour workshops if they are aged seven and over. Younger children can attend, but must be accompanied during the workshop by an adult.
Activities run from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday and from 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm on Saturdays. To book, call the centre on (01472) 323345.
What’s on at the Heritage Centre
- Make your own advent calendar and tree decorations - Thursday, November 26 and Saturday, November 28
- Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG) and enjoy a Christmas activity - Thursday, December 3 and Saturday, December 5
- Make your own bath salts and gift bags, a perfect gift for mum or grandma - Thursday, December 10 and Saturday, December 12
EAST MARSH MUM’S MISSION IS TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT EMPLOYABILITY
Lisa Cox is the employability champion for the East Marsh.
The 34-year-old mother of two has been given the task of spreading the word about training and job opportunities to fellow parents at the East Marsh Children’s Centre.
Her main role will be to refer unemployed parents to the North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus (CTP) Employability Scheme, which offers work placements for up to 26 weeks.
The role of employability champion is the result of a new partnership between the East Marsh Children’s Centre and the CTP.
The partnership was forged during a meeting of the ward’s Worklessness Collaborative – a group of organisations and individuals aiming to improve employability within the area.
Lisa said: “I speak to parents and ask them if they want to get back into work, and if so I refer them to the CTP.
“A lot of people have been out of work for such a long time that they have got stuck in a rut. They have low self-esteem and are unsure about getting back into work.
“But I have referred four people already and one has got a job. I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Lisa is hoping to use her experience in her new role as a springboard to a career as a care worker.
She is currently taking her maths and English GCSEs at the children’s centre. The centre offers a range of learning opportunities, from courses such as aromatherapy and cooking, to GCSE maths and English and computer skills.
Another part of Lisa’s role will be to make parents aware of these opportunities.
Lisa Gregory, the co-ordinator of the East Marsh Children’s centre, said: “We have approached parents at the centre who have shown an interest in getting some education or getting back into work.
“What Lisa has really picked up on since she started her role is that there is already a lot of help and information out there – we just need to make people aware of it.”
For more information, call into the East Marsh Children’s Centre on Victor Street, Grimsby, or call (01472) 326860.
The 34-year-old mother of two has been given the task of spreading the word about training and job opportunities to fellow parents at the East Marsh Children’s Centre.
Her main role will be to refer unemployed parents to the North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus (CTP) Employability Scheme, which offers work placements for up to 26 weeks.
The role of employability champion is the result of a new partnership between the East Marsh Children’s Centre and the CTP.
The partnership was forged during a meeting of the ward’s Worklessness Collaborative – a group of organisations and individuals aiming to improve employability within the area.
Lisa said: “I speak to parents and ask them if they want to get back into work, and if so I refer them to the CTP.
“A lot of people have been out of work for such a long time that they have got stuck in a rut. They have low self-esteem and are unsure about getting back into work.
“But I have referred four people already and one has got a job. I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Lisa is hoping to use her experience in her new role as a springboard to a career as a care worker.
She is currently taking her maths and English GCSEs at the children’s centre. The centre offers a range of learning opportunities, from courses such as aromatherapy and cooking, to GCSE maths and English and computer skills.
Another part of Lisa’s role will be to make parents aware of these opportunities.
Lisa Gregory, the co-ordinator of the East Marsh Children’s centre, said: “We have approached parents at the centre who have shown an interest in getting some education or getting back into work.
“What Lisa has really picked up on since she started her role is that there is already a lot of help and information out there – we just need to make people aware of it.”
For more information, call into the East Marsh Children’s Centre on Victor Street, Grimsby, or call (01472) 326860.
YOUNGSTERS WHO “GET HOOKED ON FISHING”; ARE LESS LIKELY TO COMMIT ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Over the past few months the “Get Hooked on Fishing (GHOF)” Project has gone from strength to strength.
The Project is one of the most powerful young person’s development programmes in the region.
The past few months have seen the project the busiest ever with over 300 young people and families attending sessions. The project has also supported Operation Python, a Humberside Police initiative to tackle youth crime.
The programme now has a 16 year old apprentice who was on the verge of receiving an ASBO. Since his employment his ABC and potential ASBO have been withdrawn.
Mark Fenty, GHOF coordinator said “It is still early days in his apprenticeship, but the signs for him and his long term future are much brighter and more positive than ever, which demonstrates the power of the Get Hooked on Fishing Project.”
Mark adds “Personally my work colleagues within North East Lincolnshire Council and at Safer and Stronger Communities have been incredibly supportive of me and GHOF. One person however who deserves to be singled out is PC Gary Starkie. Gary is the Chairman of the GHOF Management Board and the main driver who brought the programme to the North East Lincolnshire in 2007.”
Sunday, 29 November 2009
CLEETHORPES MAN FINDS CRIME DOESN’T PAY; CROWN COURT ORDERS HIM TO PAY £171,345 WHICH WILL GO TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
A Cleethorpes man found out the hard way that crime doesn’t pay when he was ordered to pay a hefty confiscation order after financially benefiting from his criminal activity.
Stephen Robert WARD (54) of Bolingbroke Road in Cleethorpes was ordered to pay a total of £171,345.15 under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 at Grimsby Crown Court on Thursday 12 November 2009.
This came after police were called to an address in Grimsby following an incident in which Mr Ward was assaulted.
When officers went into a bedroom to find some clothing for Mr Ward, they also found over £600 in cash, 33½ bars of cannabis resin and 335g of amphetamine with a street value thought to be around £27,000.
He was convicted of possession with intent to supply cannabis and amphetamine and sentenced to 30 months imprisonment and refused to make a complaint in relation to the assault he had suffered.
As this was not the first time Mr Ward had been investigated and charged with a drugs related offence, Humberside Police conducted a confiscation investigation and found that despite not declaring any income to Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs and claiming benefits to which he was not entitled Mr Ward purchased a house for himself with his proceeds from crime and had significant savings in bank accounts.
The investigation found that Mr Ward had benefited from his criminal lifestyle netting himself over £200,000 over a six year period.
He now has to sell all of his assets and pay the confiscation order within six months or serve an additional 30 months imprisonment when his house can be forcibly sold.
Senior Financial Investigator Lorraine Baines said: “Stephen WARD has made a significant amount of money from his life of crime, from drug dealing to benefit fraud, and has invested these profits in a house and savings accounts. The message from Humberside Police to all those who commit any crime for financial gain is that they will be actively pursued and the profits taken from them.
“Marcus Czarnecki, North East Lincolnshire Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Co-ordinator said: “Criminals who adorn themselves with luxury goods at the expense of our young people’s lives, at the expense of the values of the law abiding majority and at the expense of common human integrity have to payback to the community from whom they pilfered and deceived. Humberside Police have done a great job bringing this man to very visible justice. This justice being seen to be done and from which our community will eventually benefit.”
PAYBACK
Recently a number of local community groups and organisations benefited from the “proceeds of crime”, they were:
1. Grimsby in Bloom - Combined Courts, Town Hall Square, Grimsby - £6,000
2. The Roundabout - St James House, St James Square, Grimsby - £7,000
3. East Marsh Gating Scheme - East Marsh Ward - Grimsby - £40,000
4. Sport Lincs – North East Lincolnshire - £32,000
Stephen Robert WARD (54) of Bolingbroke Road in Cleethorpes was ordered to pay a total of £171,345.15 under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 at Grimsby Crown Court on Thursday 12 November 2009.
This came after police were called to an address in Grimsby following an incident in which Mr Ward was assaulted.
When officers went into a bedroom to find some clothing for Mr Ward, they also found over £600 in cash, 33½ bars of cannabis resin and 335g of amphetamine with a street value thought to be around £27,000.
He was convicted of possession with intent to supply cannabis and amphetamine and sentenced to 30 months imprisonment and refused to make a complaint in relation to the assault he had suffered.
As this was not the first time Mr Ward had been investigated and charged with a drugs related offence, Humberside Police conducted a confiscation investigation and found that despite not declaring any income to Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs and claiming benefits to which he was not entitled Mr Ward purchased a house for himself with his proceeds from crime and had significant savings in bank accounts.
The investigation found that Mr Ward had benefited from his criminal lifestyle netting himself over £200,000 over a six year period.
He now has to sell all of his assets and pay the confiscation order within six months or serve an additional 30 months imprisonment when his house can be forcibly sold.
Senior Financial Investigator Lorraine Baines said: “Stephen WARD has made a significant amount of money from his life of crime, from drug dealing to benefit fraud, and has invested these profits in a house and savings accounts. The message from Humberside Police to all those who commit any crime for financial gain is that they will be actively pursued and the profits taken from them.
“Marcus Czarnecki, North East Lincolnshire Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Co-ordinator said: “Criminals who adorn themselves with luxury goods at the expense of our young people’s lives, at the expense of the values of the law abiding majority and at the expense of common human integrity have to payback to the community from whom they pilfered and deceived. Humberside Police have done a great job bringing this man to very visible justice. This justice being seen to be done and from which our community will eventually benefit.”
PAYBACK
Recently a number of local community groups and organisations benefited from the “proceeds of crime”, they were:
1. Grimsby in Bloom - Combined Courts, Town Hall Square, Grimsby - £6,000
2. The Roundabout - St James House, St James Square, Grimsby - £7,000
3. East Marsh Gating Scheme - East Marsh Ward - Grimsby - £40,000
4. Sport Lincs – North East Lincolnshire - £32,000
SUPPORTERS, ACTIVISTS AND LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE CAN DISCOVER NEW WAYS TO CONNECT THROUGH ACT
Last week, the Liberal Democrats launched a new website; it is the second new website that the party has launched this month. This time it is a social network site called Act. Already Act, which was launched on Wednesday as well over 1,000 registered members, and the numbers are growing daily.
Act is a new way for people who identify with the
Liberal Democrats and engage with party actions to get directly involved in campaigns. By harnessing a more focused social network, supporters, activists and like-minded people can discover new ways to connect, organise and campaign for issues that matter to them.Act is open to all Liberal Democrat supporters, members and non-members. Users are able to join groups, organise events, watch videos, talk politics and join in campaigns.
Together with the new libdems.org.uk website – launched on November 2 – and a Members’ only site set to go live shortly, Act is the centrepiece of a comprehensive digital overhaul for the Lib Dems. Each site caters for specific audiences and offers different levels of engagement.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Chief Executive Chris Fox said: “The Liberal Democrats have long been at the forefront of the social web. Act helps online activists, campaigners and opinion formers to take us forward in the next stage of our development online.
“Based on this exciting platform, we plan to release a number of bespoke campaigning and fundraising tools over the coming months to enhance our network and extend our reach.
“Our strategy has taken on board advances witnessed by activists and party staff who spent time in the US working with the Democrats during the Presidential election campaign.”
CELEBRATE SAFELY THIS CHRISTMAS; DON’T DROWN IN TOXIC SMOKE SAYS HUMBERSIDE FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE
People often get distracted by the hustle and bustle of Christmas and are unaware of the potential fire hazards and toxic threats that can lurk in fairy lights, candles and flammable decorations. Latest figures from the Fire Kills campaign show a rise in the number of accidental fire deaths and injuries over the festive period.
In 2008 there were 33,000 accidental house fires, 10% of which occurred in the run up to Christmas Day Humberside Fire & Rescue Service wants everyone to have a happy and safe Christmas this year and is urging the public to take fire safety seriously - plan escape routes, install smoke alarms and test them weekly. The ‘Don’t Drown in Toxic Smoke’ advertising campaign will be running over the Christmas period and dramatically shows how quickly toxic smoke can effect the human body. A sleeping couple are shown being overcome by the drowning sensation of toxic smoke when a fire breaks out in their home at night. Actress Jill Halfpenny is supporting the ‘Don’t Drown in Toxic’ smoke campaign and says, “As a mum I am very conscious of trying to keep my home as safe as possible to reduce the risks from fire.
The fact is that fires can and do happen so it’s important to check your smoke alarm weekly and to be aware of the dangers. Ignorance is definitely not bliss when it comes to keeping your family safe”. Community Safety Manager Geoff Allen says, ‘The risk of fire in the home is an all year round issue – however people are particularly vulnerable at Christmas for many reasons ranging from unsafe electrical decorations, unattended candles through to cooking whilst drunk. People also vastly underestimate the deadly strength of toxic smoke and overestimate how long they have to escape should a fire break out. The reality is that just two to three breaths of smoke in a fire can render a person unconscious. Christmas should be a time for celebration rather than tragedy and for this reason I’m urging people to be fire aware and stay fire safe.”
Here are Humberside Fire & Rescue Services top tips to stay safe from fire this Christmas:
1. Ensure you have a working smoke alarm installed on all levels of your home. Test your smoke alarms weekly and never remove batteries to power presents!
2. Never leave cooking unattended and avoid cooking whilst drunk. The majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high risk area. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
3. Never leave candles unattended. Keep decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, fires, lights and heaters.
4. Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed, or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).
5. Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment (a safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault).
6. Don’t overload sockets – ensure only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.
7. Make sure cigarettes are extinguished properly and never smoke in bed. Put it out, right out.
8. Check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas, as they are at greater risk from fire.
9. Ask the experts – Fire and Rescue Services in England offer free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. This may even include the free installation of a smoke alarm – the ideal gift for keeping your family safe
10. And finally, in the event of fire: get out, stay out and call 999.
For more information on fire safety in the home, or Home Fire Risk Checks, go to www.direct.gov.uk/firekills or contact Community Safety, Peaks Lane Fire Station, Grimsby, 01472 372500.
In 2008 there were 33,000 accidental house fires, 10% of which occurred in the run up to Christmas Day Humberside Fire & Rescue Service wants everyone to have a happy and safe Christmas this year and is urging the public to take fire safety seriously - plan escape routes, install smoke alarms and test them weekly. The ‘Don’t Drown in Toxic Smoke’ advertising campaign will be running over the Christmas period and dramatically shows how quickly toxic smoke can effect the human body. A sleeping couple are shown being overcome by the drowning sensation of toxic smoke when a fire breaks out in their home at night. Actress Jill Halfpenny is supporting the ‘Don’t Drown in Toxic’ smoke campaign and says, “As a mum I am very conscious of trying to keep my home as safe as possible to reduce the risks from fire.
The fact is that fires can and do happen so it’s important to check your smoke alarm weekly and to be aware of the dangers. Ignorance is definitely not bliss when it comes to keeping your family safe”. Community Safety Manager Geoff Allen says, ‘The risk of fire in the home is an all year round issue – however people are particularly vulnerable at Christmas for many reasons ranging from unsafe electrical decorations, unattended candles through to cooking whilst drunk. People also vastly underestimate the deadly strength of toxic smoke and overestimate how long they have to escape should a fire break out. The reality is that just two to three breaths of smoke in a fire can render a person unconscious. Christmas should be a time for celebration rather than tragedy and for this reason I’m urging people to be fire aware and stay fire safe.”
Here are Humberside Fire & Rescue Services top tips to stay safe from fire this Christmas:
1. Ensure you have a working smoke alarm installed on all levels of your home. Test your smoke alarms weekly and never remove batteries to power presents!
2. Never leave cooking unattended and avoid cooking whilst drunk. The majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high risk area. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
3. Never leave candles unattended. Keep decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, fires, lights and heaters.
4. Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed, or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).
5. Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment (a safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault).
6. Don’t overload sockets – ensure only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.
7. Make sure cigarettes are extinguished properly and never smoke in bed. Put it out, right out.
8. Check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas, as they are at greater risk from fire.
9. Ask the experts – Fire and Rescue Services in England offer free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. This may even include the free installation of a smoke alarm – the ideal gift for keeping your family safe
10. And finally, in the event of fire: get out, stay out and call 999.
For more information on fire safety in the home, or Home Fire Risk Checks, go to www.direct.gov.uk/firekills or contact Community Safety, Peaks Lane Fire Station, Grimsby, 01472 372500.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
HARBOUR PLACE WAS “IN IT TO WIN IT”, THEY WERE VICTORIOUS; AND NOW THEY JUST WANT TO SAY THANKS
On September 5, this year Harbour Place Day centre won the National Lottery Award for Best/Charity project 2009 in Association with Woman magazine an as an East Marsh Ward Councillor I was literally “over the moon”.
There are many worthwhile organisations within the East Marsh, but Harbour Place work with some of most vulnerable individuals within our society – they are a great credit to East Marsh and the whole Borough.
Today, along with Councillor Jon-Paul Howarth we called in to see Allen Young and Dave Carlisle who work tirelessly on behalf of East Marsh and the individuals who attend the Day Centre – they both deserve a great deal of credit for their hard work.
Accepting the award on September 5, at a star studded show which was broadcast live to millions of people, Project Director, Allen Young said: “It is an absolute honour to have won this ward. Our Lottery funding has enabled us to make a real difference to the lives of the most disadvantaged people in North East Lincolnshire, and being part of this year’s Awards has enabled our centre to be recognised on the national platform.”
In his acceptance on the show Allen also thanked the people of Grimsby, Cleethorpes and across Lincolnshire for their votes and support.
The competition began early in the year when all entries/case studies were reviewed independently by the Christian Aid Foundation. The entries were then assessed by an independent judging panel, which selected 10 semi-finalists in each category.
Allen also said: “We have received tremendous support throughout all stages of the competition from our local staff and volunteers, and on behalf of everyone involved in Harbour Place Day Centre we wish to say a very big thank you”.
There are many worthwhile organisations within the East Marsh, but Harbour Place work with some of most vulnerable individuals within our society – they are a great credit to East Marsh and the whole Borough.
Today, along with Councillor Jon-Paul Howarth we called in to see Allen Young and Dave Carlisle who work tirelessly on behalf of East Marsh and the individuals who attend the Day Centre – they both deserve a great deal of credit for their hard work.
Accepting the award on September 5, at a star studded show which was broadcast live to millions of people, Project Director, Allen Young said: “It is an absolute honour to have won this ward. Our Lottery funding has enabled us to make a real difference to the lives of the most disadvantaged people in North East Lincolnshire, and being part of this year’s Awards has enabled our centre to be recognised on the national platform.”
In his acceptance on the show Allen also thanked the people of Grimsby, Cleethorpes and across Lincolnshire for their votes and support.
The competition began early in the year when all entries/case studies were reviewed independently by the Christian Aid Foundation. The entries were then assessed by an independent judging panel, which selected 10 semi-finalists in each category.
Allen also said: “We have received tremendous support throughout all stages of the competition from our local staff and volunteers, and on behalf of everyone involved in Harbour Place Day Centre we wish to say a very big thank you”.
COMMUNITY TIP-OFFS LEAD TO SUCCESSFUL RAIDS ON FAKE ALCOHOL AND CIGARETTES
TIP-OFFS from the public have helped a multi-agency operation seize nearly 2,000 fake cigarettes and more than 30 litres of vodka from the streets of North East Lincolnshire.
The operation saw trading standards officers and licensing teams from North East Lincolnshire Council team up with Humberside Police and HM Revenue & Customs in two successful raids across the borough.
The operation took place this October and is the first of many planned over the coming months. It is hoped that its success will send a clear message to those involved in the supply of counterfeit goods: those found guilty of selling fakes could be liable to an unlimited fine or up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Fake cigarettes and alcohol often contain very low-grade materials which have a detrimental affect on one’s health. Fake cigarettes have in the past been found to contain high levels of heavy metals including cadmium, lead and arsenic, which can cause kidney and lung damage, heart problems, fertility problems, dementia and a much greater risk of cancers.
Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for community safety and public protection, said: "I hope this shows that community tip-offs will be followed through by the council and I hope it encourages others to come forward with more information. Anyone who suspects someone to be selling fake cigarettes or alcohol should report the matter to the council’s trading standards officers, and it is important to realise that all matters will be dealt with in the strictest confidence."
Cllr Steve Hocknell, portfolio holder for health, said: "We know young people can become addicted to nicotine after just two or three cigarettes, which can lead them to becoming life-long smokers of a product that could cause the death of half the people who use it.
"By removing cheap and illicit cigarettes from the marketplace we can maybe ensure that fewer young people take up this habit."
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Clark, of Humberside Police, said: "It is vital that members of public report any suspicious activity in order for us to take relevant action against those who may be committing crime or be involved in the distribution of counterfeit items.
"In this instance, a number of counterfeit cigarettes as well as alcohol was removed from our streets following information received from the public which led to the successful multi agency operation which just goes to show that we will take positive action when the information comes our way."
Steve Hazell, spokesman for HM Revenue & Customs, said: "Cigarette and alcohol smuggling is not an innocent or victimless crime but one that encourages otherwise honest people to trade with criminals. The illicit trade has a devastating impact on legitimate traders who have to compete against these cheap and unregulated goods. People need to be aware that the majority of smuggled cigarettes are usually counterfeit and because they are unregulated you have no idea what they contain. Smugglers are criminals and they will sell cigarettes and alcohol to anyone, including children."
Anybody who knows of anyone selling counterfeit tobacco or alcohol should report the matter to the HMRC Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or Consumer Direct on 0845 4040506
The operation saw trading standards officers and licensing teams from North East Lincolnshire Council team up with Humberside Police and HM Revenue & Customs in two successful raids across the borough.
The operation took place this October and is the first of many planned over the coming months. It is hoped that its success will send a clear message to those involved in the supply of counterfeit goods: those found guilty of selling fakes could be liable to an unlimited fine or up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Fake cigarettes and alcohol often contain very low-grade materials which have a detrimental affect on one’s health. Fake cigarettes have in the past been found to contain high levels of heavy metals including cadmium, lead and arsenic, which can cause kidney and lung damage, heart problems, fertility problems, dementia and a much greater risk of cancers.
Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for community safety and public protection, said: "I hope this shows that community tip-offs will be followed through by the council and I hope it encourages others to come forward with more information. Anyone who suspects someone to be selling fake cigarettes or alcohol should report the matter to the council’s trading standards officers, and it is important to realise that all matters will be dealt with in the strictest confidence."
Cllr Steve Hocknell, portfolio holder for health, said: "We know young people can become addicted to nicotine after just two or three cigarettes, which can lead them to becoming life-long smokers of a product that could cause the death of half the people who use it.
"By removing cheap and illicit cigarettes from the marketplace we can maybe ensure that fewer young people take up this habit."
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Clark, of Humberside Police, said: "It is vital that members of public report any suspicious activity in order for us to take relevant action against those who may be committing crime or be involved in the distribution of counterfeit items.
"In this instance, a number of counterfeit cigarettes as well as alcohol was removed from our streets following information received from the public which led to the successful multi agency operation which just goes to show that we will take positive action when the information comes our way."
Steve Hazell, spokesman for HM Revenue & Customs, said: "Cigarette and alcohol smuggling is not an innocent or victimless crime but one that encourages otherwise honest people to trade with criminals. The illicit trade has a devastating impact on legitimate traders who have to compete against these cheap and unregulated goods. People need to be aware that the majority of smuggled cigarettes are usually counterfeit and because they are unregulated you have no idea what they contain. Smugglers are criminals and they will sell cigarettes and alcohol to anyone, including children."
Anybody who knows of anyone selling counterfeit tobacco or alcohol should report the matter to the HMRC Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or Consumer Direct on 0845 4040506
SUPPORT WORLD DIABETES DAY; AND LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR GORDON
A Message from Steve Hitchins
It’s all about finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is contracted early in life and is an auto-immune disease which means your body’s own immune system attacks the pancreas and destroys the insulin producing cells. It has nothing to do with lifestyle or diet unlike the more common type 2 diabetes.
As many of you know, I have had type 1 diabetes for 40 years. Because it doesn’t kill you when you contract it, many people seem to think that the discovery of insulin injections in 1922 was a cure. It isn’t. It’s a treatment for a lifelong chronic disease which reduces life expectancy (now by 12-15 years on average) and produces serious and damaging complications later in life including blindness, kidney disease and significantly increased threat of coronary heart disease. In addition living with four or more injections a day and half a dozen blood sugar tests is a challenge for any adult let alone very young children. This treatment is a life sentence as well as a life saver! It's a lifestyle I've endured personally for those 40 years.
For three years now I have been involved in raising money to research a cure, chairing the UK branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. I sit on the International Board also. This year JDRF intends to raise and spend over $170 million on medical research around the world to find a cure. We are also increasingly successful in persuading governments to contribute from their own medical research budgets. The financial case is unchallengeable. Finding a cure to diabetes will have a dramatic and permanent reduction for NHS budgets. Type 1 with its length of sentence and its difficult complications is an expensive disease for the NHS. We believe more cash is pent on type 1 than on the more common type 2. Now many respected and senior scientists believe a cure is a very realisable ambition.
World Diabetes Day is November 14th which this year is a Saturday and for much of the week before there will be events around the country marking the day. You may see a number of prominent public buildings (including the European Parliament, the UN building and the London Eye) highlighted with blue lights – our colour!
And this is where I want your help! On Monday November 9th with around twenty young children all with type 1 diabetes I shall be delivering a giant syringe filled with e-mail messages addressed to the Prime Minister asking the government to increase research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. We are aiming to collect at least 10,000 messages. Will you click on this link and spend ten seconds doing your bit? I need these all soon so please respond as soon as possible!!
http://www.jdrfaware.com/remindGordon.aspx?dm_i=4UH,22S4,AW9UO,6N6X,1
Thank you very much and, if you have another 30 seconds, please consider forwarding this message to your e-mail address book so that they can contribute too. It will make a tremendous difference.
Steve Hitchins, Former Leader of Islington Council
It’s all about finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is contracted early in life and is an auto-immune disease which means your body’s own immune system attacks the pancreas and destroys the insulin producing cells. It has nothing to do with lifestyle or diet unlike the more common type 2 diabetes.
As many of you know, I have had type 1 diabetes for 40 years. Because it doesn’t kill you when you contract it, many people seem to think that the discovery of insulin injections in 1922 was a cure. It isn’t. It’s a treatment for a lifelong chronic disease which reduces life expectancy (now by 12-15 years on average) and produces serious and damaging complications later in life including blindness, kidney disease and significantly increased threat of coronary heart disease. In addition living with four or more injections a day and half a dozen blood sugar tests is a challenge for any adult let alone very young children. This treatment is a life sentence as well as a life saver! It's a lifestyle I've endured personally for those 40 years.
For three years now I have been involved in raising money to research a cure, chairing the UK branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. I sit on the International Board also. This year JDRF intends to raise and spend over $170 million on medical research around the world to find a cure. We are also increasingly successful in persuading governments to contribute from their own medical research budgets. The financial case is unchallengeable. Finding a cure to diabetes will have a dramatic and permanent reduction for NHS budgets. Type 1 with its length of sentence and its difficult complications is an expensive disease for the NHS. We believe more cash is pent on type 1 than on the more common type 2. Now many respected and senior scientists believe a cure is a very realisable ambition.
World Diabetes Day is November 14th which this year is a Saturday and for much of the week before there will be events around the country marking the day. You may see a number of prominent public buildings (including the European Parliament, the UN building and the London Eye) highlighted with blue lights – our colour!
And this is where I want your help! On Monday November 9th with around twenty young children all with type 1 diabetes I shall be delivering a giant syringe filled with e-mail messages addressed to the Prime Minister asking the government to increase research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. We are aiming to collect at least 10,000 messages. Will you click on this link and spend ten seconds doing your bit? I need these all soon so please respond as soon as possible!!
http://www.jdrfaware.com/remindGordon.aspx?dm_i=4UH,22S4,AW9UO,6N6X,1
Thank you very much and, if you have another 30 seconds, please consider forwarding this message to your e-mail address book so that they can contribute too. It will make a tremendous difference.
Steve Hitchins, Former Leader of Islington Council
Thursday, 22 October 2009
LABOUR HAS FAILED YET AGAIN TO MATCH CLIMATE RHETORIC WITH REAL ACTION - HUGHES
“Britain needs a Government which sets an example and delivers immediate and ambitious carbon reductions in the UK,” said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Simon Hughes.
Commenting after the defeat of a Liberal Democrat Opposition day motion calling for Government, Parliament, and all public sector bodies to cut their carbon pollution by 10% by the end of 2010, Simon Hughes said: “This is a bad day for Parliament, Labour and the planet.
“The Government has failed to understand the level of public support for the 10:10 campaign or to get the message that people want real political action now to tackle dangerous climate change.
“Britain needs a Government which sets an example and delivers immediate and ambitious carbon reductions in the UK. Today the Government has stopped a clear message from going to the rest of the world that Britain will take action on climate change now.
“Last year Liberal Democrats successfully added an 80% emission reduction target to the Climate Change Act.
“We will continue to show political leadership in dealing with the climate crisis and we will continue to give the strongest backing to the 10:10 campaign.”
Commenting after the defeat of a Liberal Democrat Opposition day motion calling for Government, Parliament, and all public sector bodies to cut their carbon pollution by 10% by the end of 2010, Simon Hughes said: “This is a bad day for Parliament, Labour and the planet.
“The Government has failed to understand the level of public support for the 10:10 campaign or to get the message that people want real political action now to tackle dangerous climate change.
“Britain needs a Government which sets an example and delivers immediate and ambitious carbon reductions in the UK. Today the Government has stopped a clear message from going to the rest of the world that Britain will take action on climate change now.
“Last year Liberal Democrats successfully added an 80% emission reduction target to the Climate Change Act.
“We will continue to show political leadership in dealing with the climate crisis and we will continue to give the strongest backing to the 10:10 campaign.”
RISE IN 24 HOUR ALCOHOL LICENCES FUELLING BINGE DRINKING - FOSTER
“Pocket money priced alcohol in supermarkets is a key factor in making many town centres ‘no go’ areas," said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster.
Licensing statistics released today by the Government reveal:
- There are now more than 170,000 alcohol licences in England and Wales
- 14% increase in 24 hour alcohol licences since last year
- 17% increase in supermarkets with 24 hour licences and a 19% increase in pubs bars and nightclubs with 24 hour licences
- A decline in the number of pubs and bars and an increase in off-licences
- Only 150 licences were revoked last year - less than 0.1% of the total
Commenting on the figures,
Don Foster said: “While the Government fails to get to grips with the problems caused by binge drinking, the number of licensed premises is soaring.“Pocket money priced alcohol in supermarkets is a key factor in making many town centres ‘no go’ areas. It is therefore worrying to see a rise in off licences and in supermarkets licensed to sell alcohol 24 hours a day.
“Allowing round-the-clock sales of cheap alcohol will only make the situation worse.
“We urgently need to bring in a minimum price for alcohol and crack down on irresponsible retailers to tackle Britain’s binge drinking culture.”
TORIES OUTRAGEOUS PLAN WOULD INCREASE STUDENT DEBT SAY LIB DEM MPs
Two Liberal Democrat MPs have claimed that students risk huge increases in university tuition fees in eight months time if the Conservatives regain power.
Sandra Gidley, MP for Romsey & Southampton North, and Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington have warned that young people will face a rise in tuition fees after the Conservatives suggested they will increase tuition fees to £7,000 if they take power at the next general election, which has to be held by next June.
That would see tuition fees for undergraduates more than double. Currently there is a cap of £3,300 in England and Wales.
Sandra Gidley says such a rise would leave Southampton's youngsters graduating with more than £30,000 worth of debt, over a third higher than current levels.
Labour also plans to allow universities to charge more than at present if re-elected, according to Peter Mandelson, leaving students and their families with the Liberal Democrats as the only party who have made a commitment to scrapping tuition fees.
Commenting yesterday in Westminster, Sandra said: "I look around Southampton, and more and more I see young people returning from university with no job and a bank balance tens of thousands of pounds in the red. What sort of future is that?
"Labour and the Tories are showing their true colours. They don't care about young people - they just want to saddle them with staggering amounts of debt.
"University education should be free and everyone who has the ability should be able to go - and not put off by the cost.
"The Tories plan is deeply irresponsible in this current recession, when money is tight and jobs are scarce. We need to be getting more young people in to university, apprenticeships and training not fewer, which is exactly what will happen with the Conservatives' outrageous plan."
Tom Brake said: after this announcement “Currently in Carshalton and Wallington just over 20% of adults have a degree, that’s nearly half the London average. I want to see more local people able to attend university if they want to, but an increase in tuition fees is likely to deter many.”
Tom continued: “I believe that University education should be free. Labour and Conservative plans will burden a generation of young people with an enormous debt. The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to giving young people the best start by freeing them from beginning their working life thousands of pounds in debt.”
Sandra Gidley, MP for Romsey & Southampton North, and Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington have warned that young people will face a rise in tuition fees after the Conservatives suggested they will increase tuition fees to £7,000 if they take power at the next general election, which has to be held by next June.
That would see tuition fees for undergraduates more than double. Currently there is a cap of £3,300 in England and Wales.
Sandra Gidley says such a rise would leave Southampton's youngsters graduating with more than £30,000 worth of debt, over a third higher than current levels.
Labour also plans to allow universities to charge more than at present if re-elected, according to Peter Mandelson, leaving students and their families with the Liberal Democrats as the only party who have made a commitment to scrapping tuition fees.
Commenting yesterday in Westminster, Sandra said: "I look around Southampton, and more and more I see young people returning from university with no job and a bank balance tens of thousands of pounds in the red. What sort of future is that?
"Labour and the Tories are showing their true colours. They don't care about young people - they just want to saddle them with staggering amounts of debt.
"University education should be free and everyone who has the ability should be able to go - and not put off by the cost.
"The Tories plan is deeply irresponsible in this current recession, when money is tight and jobs are scarce. We need to be getting more young people in to university, apprenticeships and training not fewer, which is exactly what will happen with the Conservatives' outrageous plan."
Tom Brake said: after this announcement “Currently in Carshalton and Wallington just over 20% of adults have a degree, that’s nearly half the London average. I want to see more local people able to attend university if they want to, but an increase in tuition fees is likely to deter many.”
Tom continued: “I believe that University education should be free. Labour and Conservative plans will burden a generation of young people with an enormous debt. The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to giving young people the best start by freeing them from beginning their working life thousands of pounds in debt.”
Monday, 19 October 2009
ACT NOW FOR THE ENVIRONMENT SAYS SIMON HUGHES
The Liberal Democrat Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Simon Hughes calls upon the public to help to support the Liberal Democrat motion on 10:10 this Wednesday.
This Wednesday, the Liberal Democrats have secured a debate in the House of Commons on climate change. The motion calls for Parliament and the Government to sign up to the 10:10 campaign and commit to achieving a 10% reduction in emissions by the end of 2010.
You can get involved by asking your MP to vote in favour of this motion, if enough MPs join us then we can make a huge change to Britain's future. Political activism organisation 38 Degrees is working hard to make sure that MPs sign up to the 1010 campaign and if you don't know your MP's contact details, you can quickly email them through their website - here.
We endorsed the 10:10 campaign at our recent federal conference and many Liberal Democrat run councils have shown the way. Now we are calling for the whole public sector to sign up. Once again, the Liberal Democrats are demonstrating leadership on the environment.
Commenting on Gordon Brown’s warning of climate catastrophe if there is no agreement at UN talks in Copenhagen in 50 days time, Simon Hughes said: “Gordon Brown’s warning today to the most heavily polluting nations would be more credible if Labour’s policies were consistent with the Prime Minister’s words.
“Expansion of the UK’s largest airport and continued plans for dirty coal power stations are not the policies of a government with the authority to lecture the world on averting the climate crisis.
“A vote in Parliament this Wednesday to back Liberal Democrat proposals to make 10% cuts in public sector emissions by 2010 will be a much stronger sign that Labour understands the urgency of the climate crisis.”
This is a big opportunity for Liberal Democrats and for the environment. Under this government there has been a shameful lack of action on climate change.
Liberal Democrats have the power to make a real change. Leadership now is what Britain needs. So please take a moment to email your MP and call on them to support the environment this Wednesday.
This Wednesday, the Liberal Democrats have secured a debate in the House of Commons on climate change. The motion calls for Parliament and the Government to sign up to the 10:10 campaign and commit to achieving a 10% reduction in emissions by the end of 2010.
You can get involved by asking your MP to vote in favour of this motion, if enough MPs join us then we can make a huge change to Britain's future. Political activism organisation 38 Degrees is working hard to make sure that MPs sign up to the 1010 campaign and if you don't know your MP's contact details, you can quickly email them through their website - here.
We endorsed the 10:10 campaign at our recent federal conference and many Liberal Democrat run councils have shown the way. Now we are calling for the whole public sector to sign up. Once again, the Liberal Democrats are demonstrating leadership on the environment.
Commenting on Gordon Brown’s warning of climate catastrophe if there is no agreement at UN talks in Copenhagen in 50 days time, Simon Hughes said: “Gordon Brown’s warning today to the most heavily polluting nations would be more credible if Labour’s policies were consistent with the Prime Minister’s words.
“Expansion of the UK’s largest airport and continued plans for dirty coal power stations are not the policies of a government with the authority to lecture the world on averting the climate crisis.
“A vote in Parliament this Wednesday to back Liberal Democrat proposals to make 10% cuts in public sector emissions by 2010 will be a much stronger sign that Labour understands the urgency of the climate crisis.”
This is a big opportunity for Liberal Democrats and for the environment. Under this government there has been a shameful lack of action on climate change.
Liberal Democrats have the power to make a real change. Leadership now is what Britain needs. So please take a moment to email your MP and call on them to support the environment this Wednesday.
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
WHERE ARE YOUR KIDS TONIGHT? KEEP THEM SAFE, AND OUT OF TROUBLE
On June 4, this year Humberside Fire and Rescue Service wrote an article for this website, titled: ‘Where are Your Kids Tonight?’
The article had the desired outcome, because arson attacks in the Guildford Street area decreased dramatically; unfortunately there was an unfortunate incidence last Friday night which engulfed five derelict properties. The consequences could have been tragic, if anyone had been living next door.
It is important that you know where your children are playing tonight, tomorrow, and everyday. Guildford Street is not area for young people and children to be playing – it will soon be a demolition site.
Please take time to read the article below which was written by Humberside Fire Service on June 4, and look at the photograph to see the damage caused to the properties concerned.
In the past weeks (late May) there has been a massive increase in the number of fire calls to properties in and around the East Marsh area, which not only pose a danger to local residents and attending fire crews, but also to the perpetrators of this anti – social behaviour. Humberside Fire & Rescue Service are working with agencies throughout North East Lincolnshire in an effort to reduce the number of calls to arson attacks on derelict properties within East Marsh by engaging with youth groups, youth offending teams, police, Shoreline Housing and local ward councillors to reduce this anti social behaviour.
We need to do this before somebody is killed in an arson attack.
This area is without doubt one of the worse areas in the town.
The question I am asking you is:
Where are your kids tonight?
Are they out playing with matches and lighters? Having a laugh with their mates?
The question we need to ask is when does having a laugh with your mates become anti-social behaviour?
When your children arrive home in the evening do they smell of petrol, or do they have scorch marks on their clothes, do they smell of smoke? These are tell tale signs that you can spot. You can help us to bring down these figures and help make your community safer for all.
Your local fire station is on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year, they are ready to respond to any emergency call, and will arrive within minutes ready to put their lives in danger to save others. You can save a life quite easily by being aware of what your children are doing, and putting a stop to this.
You can contact us confidentially by calling or texting 07940 737141 and leaving us information relating to deliberately lit fires in your area.
Thursday, 8 October 2009
COUNCILLOR URGES BARS TO BAN GLASS BOTTLES AND GLASSES, AND SUPPORT POLYCARBONATES THIS COULD SAVE THE NHS £1.7 BILLION A YEAR
Following my fact finding visit, out on patrol with Inspector Tom Shaw and Grimsby Telegraph to the nightclubs and bars in Cleethorpes Town Centre I have now completed some research into injuries caused glass and bottle attacks and the effects are staggering.
According to the website, www.pop-campaign.co.uk/ they claim that:
- There are 1.2 million incidents of alcohol-related violence per year.
- 40% of A&E admissions are alcohol-related.
- Rising to 70% between the hours of midnight and 5AM.
- This costs the NHS £1.7 billion per year.
Yesterday, the Grimsby Telegraph reported on my visit to the Cleethorpes to see how alcohol affects the behaviour of the local public.
According to the newspaper, Councillor Steve Beasant was pleased he discovered Amishi only served alcohol in plastic bottles and “glasses”.
He said: “I wanted to find out first-hand in my role as portfolio holder; if people are safe when they are drinking in the area.
“I was really pleased with what I saw at Amishi. In there they are thinking about things seriously with polycarbonate bottles and ‘glasses’.
“Hopefully, this will cut down on some serious injuries involving glass that we have seen in the past.
“There is an enormous cost to the NHS, as well as the police who have to take numerous witness statements and collate evidence, and don’t forget the premises themselves who can potentially loss trade if they get a bad name because of any bad publicity.
“I will be taking this to the full council to see if can be implemented in all of the bars.”
Insp Shaw, Humberside Police’s alcohol violence reduction officer would also like to see plastic bottles used in all of the bars of Cleethorpes.
“We are trying to get all of the bars to purchase these polycarbonate bottles to make it safer for the public.
“People are not tempted to use them as weapons and there will be no glass about for people who take their shoes off and cut their feet.
“I hope all of the bars take on polycarbonate bottles and ‘glasses’ as we have had, in the past, a couple of incidents where people have used glasses as weapons.”
COCAINE TREATMENT DOUBLING SHOWS LABOUR’S DRUG APPROACH NOT WORKING - LAMB
“We need to target resources into cracking down on dealers while making sure treatment and rehabilitation facilities are available to those who need them," said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb.
Commenting on today’s statistics from the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse that reveal the number of 18-24 year olds seeking help for cocaine abuse has doubled in the last year, Norman Lamb said: “It is welcome news that more and more people are getting access to treatment for their drug problems but the sharp increase in the number of young people taking cocaine is a serious cause for concern.
“This Government has been obsessed with trying to look tough on drugs while failing to deal effectively with the drug-taking culture in this country.
“We need to target resources into cracking down on dealers while making sure treatment and rehabilitation facilities are available to those who need them.
“Ministers must do a lot more to make people aware of the serious damage that drug use can do to your long-term health.”
Commenting on today’s statistics from the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse that reveal the number of 18-24 year olds seeking help for cocaine abuse has doubled in the last year, Norman Lamb said: “It is welcome news that more and more people are getting access to treatment for their drug problems but the sharp increase in the number of young people taking cocaine is a serious cause for concern.
“This Government has been obsessed with trying to look tough on drugs while failing to deal effectively with the drug-taking culture in this country.
“We need to target resources into cracking down on dealers while making sure treatment and rehabilitation facilities are available to those who need them.
“Ministers must do a lot more to make people aware of the serious damage that drug use can do to your long-term health.”
NORMAN BAKER BACKS PLANS POWER BACK TO THE COMNSUMER
Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, Norman Baker has backed the Liberal Democrat proposals which were approved at the recent party conference; he says they will help to give power back to the consumers.
The plans include a 'universal service code' for organisations which provide a service to the public.
This will commit them to, among other things, making one of the first options in a telephone response system to speak to a human being.
It will also require firms to make their customer service phone number free to call from both mobiles and landlines, train staff to deal quickly and effectively with customer enquiries and make and keep appointments for visits, installations and phone calls within a one-hour timeframe.
Other proposals include the immediate clearing of bank payments and fees, a duty on energy companies to publish information on all available tariffs on their bills, measures to prevent supermarkets building up local monopolies and a beefed-up consumer watchdog to name and shame companies involved in bad practice.
Norman Baker said, "I am pleased to back these proposals, which stand to help many of my constituents.
"In the past, I have received many complaints from people who feel that their relationships with companies and public bodies are skewed against them.
"When they have a problem or an enquiry about a service they have paid for, people deserve to be treated fairly, and it is reasonable that they should be able to talk to a person and not a machine.
"Customers must have the power to make fair and informed choices without the fear of being taken for a ride and bewildered by mindless bureaucracy."
The plans include a 'universal service code' for organisations which provide a service to the public.
This will commit them to, among other things, making one of the first options in a telephone response system to speak to a human being.
It will also require firms to make their customer service phone number free to call from both mobiles and landlines, train staff to deal quickly and effectively with customer enquiries and make and keep appointments for visits, installations and phone calls within a one-hour timeframe.
Other proposals include the immediate clearing of bank payments and fees, a duty on energy companies to publish information on all available tariffs on their bills, measures to prevent supermarkets building up local monopolies and a beefed-up consumer watchdog to name and shame companies involved in bad practice.
Norman Baker said, "I am pleased to back these proposals, which stand to help many of my constituents.
"In the past, I have received many complaints from people who feel that their relationships with companies and public bodies are skewed against them.
"When they have a problem or an enquiry about a service they have paid for, people deserve to be treated fairly, and it is reasonable that they should be able to talk to a person and not a machine.
"Customers must have the power to make fair and informed choices without the fear of being taken for a ride and bewildered by mindless bureaucracy."
KINGSNORTH DECISION A VICTORY FOR CAMPAIGNERS - HUGHES
“Liberal Democrats will only support new coal if carbon capture and storage technology is ready from day one," said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Simon Hughes.
Commenting on E.On’s decision to delay plans for a new dirty coal power station at Kingsnorth in Kent, Simon Hughes said: “This is a deserved victory for environmental campaigners across the UK.
“We are facing the very real threat of catastrophic climate change that will impact all of our lives. If the Government takes this seriously it cannot build new dirty coal power stations.
“E.On’s decision exposes the Tories’ irresponsible scaremongering about the lights going out.
“There are solutions other than dirty coal and nuclear power which can maintain energy security, make bills fairer and protect the environment.
“Liberal Democrats will only support new coal if carbon capture and storage technology is ready from day one. Funding for CCS demonstration must be focussed on retrofitting existing power stations.”
Commenting on E.On’s decision to delay plans for a new dirty coal power station at Kingsnorth in Kent, Simon Hughes said: “This is a deserved victory for environmental campaigners across the UK.
“We are facing the very real threat of catastrophic climate change that will impact all of our lives. If the Government takes this seriously it cannot build new dirty coal power stations.
“E.On’s decision exposes the Tories’ irresponsible scaremongering about the lights going out.
“There are solutions other than dirty coal and nuclear power which can maintain energy security, make bills fairer and protect the environment.
“Liberal Democrats will only support new coal if carbon capture and storage technology is ready from day one. Funding for CCS demonstration must be focussed on retrofitting existing power stations.”
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
EUROPHOBES WHO SECURED CAMERON’S JOB WILL NOT BE HAPPY WITH LISBON SHIFT - DAVEY
“David Cameron sold out to hardline Europhobic Tories in order to secure his leadership," said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey.
Commenting on David Cameron’s hint that the Tories would not hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty were it to be ratified, Edward Davey said: “David Cameron sold out to hardline Europhobic Tories in order to secure his leadership.
“He is now struggling to square this with his own guiding principle of political expediency.
“If this is the start of a gradual realisation by Cameron that his position on the Lisbon Treaty is not only hopelessly unrealistic, but also dangerous for Britain, then we can expect the knives to be out at Tory Conference next week.
“Europhobic Tories secured Cameron’s job for him - they will not be happy if he lets them down now.”
Commenting on David Cameron’s hint that the Tories would not hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty were it to be ratified, Edward Davey said: “David Cameron sold out to hardline Europhobic Tories in order to secure his leadership.
“He is now struggling to square this with his own guiding principle of political expediency.
“If this is the start of a gradual realisation by Cameron that his position on the Lisbon Treaty is not only hopelessly unrealistic, but also dangerous for Britain, then we can expect the knives to be out at Tory Conference next week.
“Europhobic Tories secured Cameron’s job for him - they will not be happy if he lets them down now.”
BURNHAM MAKING VAGUE COMMITMENTS ON HOSPITAL PARKING - LAMB
"Andy Burnham would be better off making sure that all hospitals actually comply with the current rules," said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb.
Commenting on Andy Burnham’s announcement of free car parking for in-patients at NHS hospitals, Norman Lamb said: “The amount of money the NHS is making from car-parking charges is staggering. Many hospitals are essentially operating a tax on the sick.
“But it’s difficult to take Andy Burnham’s pledge seriously when he has completely failed to say where any of the money needed to pay for this would come from.
“This announcement hasn’t been thought through. The sad reality is that many Trusts will simply increase car parking charges for outpatients and hard-working doctors and nurses to cover their shortfalls.
“Rather than making vague unfunded commitments, Andy Burnham would be better off making sure that all hospitals actually comply with the current rules by offering discounts to staff and free parking to patients with chronic illnesses.”
Commenting on Andy Burnham’s announcement of free car parking for in-patients at NHS hospitals, Norman Lamb said: “The amount of money the NHS is making from car-parking charges is staggering. Many hospitals are essentially operating a tax on the sick.
“But it’s difficult to take Andy Burnham’s pledge seriously when he has completely failed to say where any of the money needed to pay for this would come from.
“This announcement hasn’t been thought through. The sad reality is that many Trusts will simply increase car parking charges for outpatients and hard-working doctors and nurses to cover their shortfalls.
“Rather than making vague unfunded commitments, Andy Burnham would be better off making sure that all hospitals actually comply with the current rules by offering discounts to staff and free parking to patients with chronic illnesses.”
LABOUR PROMISED SO MUCH BUT, 12 YEARS ON, THEIR LEGACY LIES IN TATTERS AND THE PEOPLE WHO VOTED LABOUR IN 1997 HAVE BEEN BETRAYED - TEATHER
Liberal Democrat Shadow Housing Minister, Sarah Teather has visited Labour party conference to tell Labour supporters that the Liberal Democrats are now the true party of fairness and social justice.
Sarah along with the Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable were invited to speak at an event in Brighton organised by the Fabian Society. Sarah told the audience of Labour delegates that the party had failed in their duty to take care of the poorest and most vulnerable in society.
For the first time in over thirty years, yesterday an opinion poll placed Labour third behind the Liberal Democrats in a national poll. Meanwhile, in Brent this Summer, the Liberal Democrats were the only party to increase their share of the vote at the European elections.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said: “Time and time again, the Labour party have let down the people of Brent. Over the past few years we have seen local services such as post offices or health centres axed, police stations under threat, and local people losing their jobs or even their home.
“Tony Blair and Gordon Brown promised so much but, twelve years on, the Labour legacy lies in tatters and the people who voted Labour in 1997 have been betrayed. On fair taxes, housing, civil liberties or education, it is always the poorest, the vulnerable and the marginalised who have suffered most under Labour.
“Many traditional Labour supporters can see that it is now the Liberal Democrats who represent their hopes for the future and are taking a stand on the issues that matter most to them. Everyone knows that the Conservatives can’t win in Brent. Former Labour members will find a natural home in the Liberal Democrats.”
Sarah along with the Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable were invited to speak at an event in Brighton organised by the Fabian Society. Sarah told the audience of Labour delegates that the party had failed in their duty to take care of the poorest and most vulnerable in society.
For the first time in over thirty years, yesterday an opinion poll placed Labour third behind the Liberal Democrats in a national poll. Meanwhile, in Brent this Summer, the Liberal Democrats were the only party to increase their share of the vote at the European elections.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said: “Time and time again, the Labour party have let down the people of Brent. Over the past few years we have seen local services such as post offices or health centres axed, police stations under threat, and local people losing their jobs or even their home.
“Tony Blair and Gordon Brown promised so much but, twelve years on, the Labour legacy lies in tatters and the people who voted Labour in 1997 have been betrayed. On fair taxes, housing, civil liberties or education, it is always the poorest, the vulnerable and the marginalised who have suffered most under Labour.
“Many traditional Labour supporters can see that it is now the Liberal Democrats who represent their hopes for the future and are taking a stand on the issues that matter most to them. Everyone knows that the Conservatives can’t win in Brent. Former Labour members will find a natural home in the Liberal Democrats.”
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
SEIZE THE MOMENT
Over the last few days there been a number of remarkable opinion polls culminating in an extremely good poll for the Lib Dems, today. Things are beginning to go well for the party; they are beginning to come up with some policies that will move this country out of recession and beyond; they are now winning the ‘battle of the ideas’; Labour have failed, and the Tories have lost the plot.
Today, I received this email from the Leader of the liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg which I though you might want to read – ‘Seize the Moment’.
______________________________________________________
Dear Steve,
Today, a MORI poll puts us ahead of the Labour Government. Yesterday, a ComRes poll in the Independent put us neck and neck. Our internal polling in our key marginals backs this up. The coming months are a golden opportunity for us against a Government that is on the rocks and a Conservative Party bereft of ideas and principles.
Please help us seize the moment by making a donation of £20, or whatever you can afford.
Our General Election campaign will be our best ever - we are ready whenever Gordon Brown calls it with a fantastic team of candidates and staff. We will be seriously contesting more seats than ever before. The only thing that is holding our campaign back is a lack of resources.
I am determined that we succeed in places which have never had a Liberal Democrat MP before. The work we do in those seats this Autumn will make the difference to our chances.
Please make a donation of £20, or whatever you can afford, so that we can win more seats from Labour at the coming General Election. You can make your donation securely, online, here.
This week, Gordon Brown will be passing the government's begging bowl round the trade unions at the Labour conference. Next week, David Cameron will be glad-handing big businessmen and tax exiles with champagne and canapes at the Conservative conference.
We rely on you. So thank you more than ever for your support.
Best wishes,
Nick Clegg MP
Leader of the Liberal Democrats
LIB DEMS - USE VACANT FARM BUILDINGS AS HOMES
Disused farm buildings across the country should be converted into affordable homes in a bid to revitalise rural communities, the Liberal Democrats have said.
Speaking at the annual conference last week, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, Tim Farron said: that government funding and council grants should be used to support schemes to convert disused and underused farm buildings into affordable homes for local people.
Tim Farron said: that such a policy could create more than 50,000 homes in rural communities, which would help reduce the increasing number of families on council housing waiting lists in these areas.
He added that too many local services in rural areas were closing down and that, despite the public spending squeeze, his party would "invest hundreds of millions of pounds" into opening rural post offices and supporting other services that would help "kick-start the rural economy".
Tim Farron said: the party planned to devolve more powers to local authority level to "put rural communities back in charge of their own destinies".
He criticised the Government for carrying out extensive public consultations, but failing to respond to feedback. "Never have we been more consulted on and never have we been less listened to," he said.
Liberal Democrat Communities and Local Government Secretary, Julia Goldsworthy said: the Government had failed to take on board recommendations from a 2008 government-commissioned report by Liberal Democrat MP, Matthew Taylor on affordable housing and the rural economy that highlighted the importance of community-led development.
Speaking at the annual conference last week, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, Tim Farron said: that government funding and council grants should be used to support schemes to convert disused and underused farm buildings into affordable homes for local people.
Tim Farron said: that such a policy could create more than 50,000 homes in rural communities, which would help reduce the increasing number of families on council housing waiting lists in these areas.
He added that too many local services in rural areas were closing down and that, despite the public spending squeeze, his party would "invest hundreds of millions of pounds" into opening rural post offices and supporting other services that would help "kick-start the rural economy".
Tim Farron said: the party planned to devolve more powers to local authority level to "put rural communities back in charge of their own destinies".
He criticised the Government for carrying out extensive public consultations, but failing to respond to feedback. "Never have we been more consulted on and never have we been less listened to," he said.
Liberal Democrat Communities and Local Government Secretary, Julia Goldsworthy said: the Government had failed to take on board recommendations from a 2008 government-commissioned report by Liberal Democrat MP, Matthew Taylor on affordable housing and the rural economy that highlighted the importance of community-led development.
BURN CALORIES, HELP THE PLANET AND BE ENTERTAINED - WALK TO YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY!
Burn calories, save money and help the planet by walking to your local library during North East Lincolnshire Council’s Walk to Libraries Week.
More than 88 per cent of residents in the borough live within one mile of a library and from Monday, September 28 to Sunday, October 4, the library service will be encouraging people to walk to their local library.
Councillor Steve Hocknell, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and healthier communities, said: “Everybody who walks to their library during the week will be entered into a free prize draw to be in with the chance of winning prizes including walking books and free tickets to North East Lincolnshire literature and comedy festival events.
“We would like to get as many of our customers as possible walking to the library this week and welcome new members too. Walking to Library signs have been placed in Grimsby and Cleethorpes indicating the length of time it will take to walk to the nearest library.
“Anyone can enjoy the library for free and members can use the internet, choose from thousands of books, join a readers’ group and discover their family history.”
Shirley Allen, aged 74, walks to Waltham Library about three times a week and feels so much healthier for it. She said: “I was advised by my doctor to walk everyday and it has certainly helped with my back problems.
“I am a long term member of the library and look forward to my regular visits. I help run the library’s reading group and always encourage other members to walk instead of ride to the library.
“It is also so much better for the environment and saves money on fuel.”
The initiative is a partnership project between the council’s library service and the transportation service. Councillor Burgess, portfolio for environment and the green agenda is urging people to stop and think before they get into their car. He said: “This project is about encouraging people to think about how they travel to public services.
“You don’t have to rely on the fact that you have to drive everywhere. People always overestimate walking distances. In North East Lincolnshire over 64,000 households live within one mile of a library.”
For further information about Walk to Libraries Week, including events and activities available in all libraries throughout the week, ring (01472) 323600 or visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/leisure/libraries
More than 88 per cent of residents in the borough live within one mile of a library and from Monday, September 28 to Sunday, October 4, the library service will be encouraging people to walk to their local library.
Councillor Steve Hocknell, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and healthier communities, said: “Everybody who walks to their library during the week will be entered into a free prize draw to be in with the chance of winning prizes including walking books and free tickets to North East Lincolnshire literature and comedy festival events.
“We would like to get as many of our customers as possible walking to the library this week and welcome new members too. Walking to Library signs have been placed in Grimsby and Cleethorpes indicating the length of time it will take to walk to the nearest library.
“Anyone can enjoy the library for free and members can use the internet, choose from thousands of books, join a readers’ group and discover their family history.”
Shirley Allen, aged 74, walks to Waltham Library about three times a week and feels so much healthier for it. She said: “I was advised by my doctor to walk everyday and it has certainly helped with my back problems.
“I am a long term member of the library and look forward to my regular visits. I help run the library’s reading group and always encourage other members to walk instead of ride to the library.
“It is also so much better for the environment and saves money on fuel.”
The initiative is a partnership project between the council’s library service and the transportation service. Councillor Burgess, portfolio for environment and the green agenda is urging people to stop and think before they get into their car. He said: “This project is about encouraging people to think about how they travel to public services.
“You don’t have to rely on the fact that you have to drive everywhere. People always overestimate walking distances. In North East Lincolnshire over 64,000 households live within one mile of a library.”
For further information about Walk to Libraries Week, including events and activities available in all libraries throughout the week, ring (01472) 323600 or visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/leisure/libraries
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