HOODIE WEARING KIDS RUN AMOK AT NIGHT TERRORIZING OLD FOLK – MYTH OR REALITY?

East Marsh Ward Councillor Jon-Paul Howarth and North East Lincolnshire Council’s youngest elected member writes a regular article for VOX Magazine, which is a magazine for the young people of this area. Each edition contains the VOXX blog; which is either the views or rants of my fellow colleague – depending on if you agree with his views?

Hello and welcome to the third edition of my blog.

Are young people being made to like criminals by the media?

I you read newspapers or watch the news it is quite often that you will see young people being blamed for some problem, or being shown in bad light.

‘Only young people binge drink.’

‘Hoodie wearing kids run amok at night terrorizing old folk.’

These are just some of the things that I heard since becoming a local councillor, and I am becoming increasingly aware of older people’s opinions on young people are becoming worse. They see young people, especially in my ward, as hoodie-wearing asbos, who take drugs, abuse everyone, and respect nothing. However the majority of young people however are – shock horror – decent! They don’t commit crime and are themselves worried about crime.

Young people being treated unfairly is not a new problem: ‘What is happening to our children? They disrespect their elders, they disobey their parents. They ignore the law. They riot in the streets.’ That wasn’t a quote from a newspaper today – it was said by a philosopher called Plato who was born before Jesus.

So maybe the problem is that children are now becoming too educated, learning that they have rights and are to stand up and speak for themselves, looking for reasons to complain? However, I think that something needs to be done and instead of focussing on the negative minority we should be rewarding positive behaviour in young people. This is something I stated to the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel and I am going to be pushing for even more.

TRADE IN SEAL FUR PRODUCTS - LOCAL EURO MP WANTS INTENSE DEBATE

Local Euro MP Diana Wallis MEP’s report on the trade in seal fur products has now been published and the Liberal Democrat MEP is urging a period of intense debate.

“I have now put my report on the table and this should be the beginning of a period of intense debate both amongst my parliamentary colleagues and with the wider public we represent.

Already in fact I have had very many letters and emails from people right across Yorkshire & the Humber and I expect many, many more!

“My report sets out an alternative option to that proposed by the European Commission by using robust labelling requirements for seal products sold in the EU. I’ve done this largely with the intention of provoking thought and debate about what we are doing. I am only too well aware of the deeply held concerns many have over animal welfare and the treatment of these beautiful wild animals. Equally, we should have respect for small rural communities, whose fragile traditional cultures and way of life we have limited right to challenge. It will be a difficult balancing act to satisfy all sides.”

On Wednesday 21st January, the European Parliament’s Internal Market Committee held a hearing on a possible ban on imports of products derived from seals.

Diana Wallis MEP’s report will again be considered by the Internal Market Committee on 12th February, with a vote in the full Plenary of the European Parliament expected in April.

LOCAL COMMUNITIES ARE PLANNING NEIGHBOURHOOD BONFIRES

COME the fifth of November, North East Lincolnshire’s skyline could be completely dominated by fireworks – more than ever before – if some leading community figures get their way.

The Forum of Forums has approached Councillor Steve Beasant, North East Lincolnshire Council’s portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, with the idea of having separate bonfire displays in different communities in the area.

It is in response to our call for you to get involved in bringing a public bonfire party back to the area.

As reported, plans to mark bonfire night with at least one professionally organised display are being formed, with councillors backing Cleethorpes for the showpiece.

In 2001 a bonfire on the beach – which attracted up to 45,000 visitors each year – was axed because of safety fears.

Councillor Les Bonner, of the forums, said: “We can be instrumental in organising the type of bonfire experience that the different communities want to see.

Alan Burley, of the forum, added: “The question from us is ‘do you want a Bonfire Night,’ and if you do, we will support it.”

Councillor Beasant said: “We have to make sure that any planning is done properly and is safe, but I will push for a bare minimum of five in different communities.”

“It is very important that our local communities get involved in this project; they need to take ownership of it and drive it forward with the support of the council and other partner agencies.”

“We will be looking forward to working with the community in the coming weeks and months ahead – this is a great opprtunity.”

Any communities wanting to know more can contact Councillor Les Bonner at leslie.bonner@ntlworld.com

“COOL BRITANNIA”; NO IT’S SUPER COOL COUNCILLOR BEASANT!

Last night I read a few articles in the latest edition of Total Politics, and enjoyed reading Sarah Mackinlay’s “Cool Britannia”. In some ways I found it a little spooky; because it appears that I am not very different to many of our Liberal Democrat MPs.

Apparently our MPs prefer to listen to either Pop or Rock according to some recent surveys; while on the other hand the Tories much prefer to listen to Classical – I have one or two Classical CDs but not many, and it must be some years back since I last played one on my CD.

If I were to be honest, I must admit that I am a genuine 60’s child. I was born in 1953, and I can remember listening week in and week out to Radio Caroline and other radio stations. All I wanted to do was to listen to my present day heroes: the Beatles; Sonny and Cher; Gerry and the Pacemakers; the Rolling Stones; Donovan; Bob Dylan; the Beach Boys; the Who; Cream; Pink Floyd; Dusty Springfield and Simon and Garfunkel – they were all number ones for me.

However, I am definitely not a Cliff Richard fan like my fellow Liberal Democrat Councillor Doug Pickett: he not only likes Cliff he is perhaps Cliff’s Number One Fan!

I am now just wondering what I have let myself in for, because I know within a few hours of posting this article I am going to take some stick from my fellow East Marsh Councillor, Jon-Paul Howarth, but at least we will find out what music these up and coming politicians like. I am sure Jon-Paul’s taste could be very similar to Jo Swinson, Liberal Democrat MP or other MP of a younger generation, but we will just have to wait and see!

GOVERNMENT MUST NOT USE OBAMA’S INAUGURATION TO BURY BAD NEWS - WILLOTT

The Liberal Democrats today [Monday] called on the Government not to use the wall-to-wall media coverage of Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 20 to release all of its ‘bad news’ stories. In a letter written to the Minster for the Cabinet Office, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, Jenny Willott called on the Government to ensure that there was no repeat performance of the ‘good day to bury bad news’ memo sent by a Government spin doctor on September 11 2001.

Commenting, Jenny Willott said: "The media mania over Barack Obama’s inauguration must not be used as a smokescreen for the Government to hide its bad news stories.

"This Government has got into the cynical habit of taking out its political trash on the busiest media days. The appalling ‘good day to bury bad news’ memo sent on September 11th is an extreme but illuminating example.

"This strategy erodes public faith in the transparency and honesty of our democracy.

"The public have the right to expect their Government to be open and honest about its failures as well as its successes. The Government should start to repair the damage done by its handling of bad news in the past by ensuring that Obama’s inauguration is treated like any other media day."

NEW BAILOUT IS ANOTHER BLANK CHEQUE - CABLE

Commenting on the latest bank bailout announced today, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said: "This is potentially another blank cheque for Britain’s banks."

“The Government is now proposing to underwrite billions of pounds worth of debt which could leave taxpayers open to vast losses.

“Ministers are offering hardly any details about the terms of this underwriting. Taxpayers are being signed up to yet another bank bailout, when it is clear the Government hasn’t done its homework. The £100bn insurance of bad debts owned by the banks could result in enormous losses for taxpayers, since these assets are being insured in a falling market and there are still further big losses to come in the property market.

“I was staggered to hear the Prime Minister announcing that he is putting in place proper controls to monitor the use of taxpayers’ money. They should already be there. Why weren’t the banks required to make a full declaration of their bad loans when the £37bn was invested?

“With RBS now 70% publicly owned, there can be no more excuses for it not to start lending at reasonable levels to viable businesses and individuals.”

Commenting on the announcement that Northern Rock will no longer be required to shrink its lending business, Vince Cable said: “This is welcome but belated news. The financial system is in a very different state from when the terms of the nationalisation of Northern Rock were agreed.

“The Liberal Democrats have been calling for several months for Northern Rock to concentrate on lending to solvent businesses and individuals.”

CLARKE HAD POOR RECORD AS CHANCELLOR - BRUCE

Commenting on the re-appointment of Ken Clarke to the Conservative Shadow Cabinet, former Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson, Malcolm Bruce said: "It is extraordinary that Ken Clarke is being hailed as an asset to the Conservative party considering his record as Chancellor.

"His tenure at the Treasury included the abolition of student grants, the introduction of VAT on fuel, the doubling of national debt and his refusal to support an independent Bank of England.

"He planned the spending cuts which the incoming new Labour Government implemented with corresponding damage to health and education services."

SAD LOSS OF A HARD WORKING LIBERAL DEMOCRAT

Yesterday we heard of the tragic loss of an extremely effectively Community Councillor; Councillor Mary Little – Mary worked closely alongside Councillors Les Bonner and Sarah Leak the other Yarborough Ward Councillors.

Councillor Mary Little was elected to the Yarborough ward in May, 2003 – the same year that I was elected to represent the East Marsh Ward. I have many fond memories of Mary, and she was well respected by all Councillors, Officers, and in particular the residents of the Yarborough Ward.

She was a true Community Leader, well respected, worked extremely hard, and was always a willing volunteer. Mary very rarely missed a Council Meeting, and if she did you knew something was wrong, she attended many partnership meetings, and never missed elected member training sessions.

Within the community she was well respected and worked tirelessly on behalf of all residents – she was a great ambassador for the Yarborough and North East Lincolnshire.

Prior to being elected in May, 2003; Mary always played an active role in local politics and for many years was tireless campaigner for Liberal Democrats, and the Liberal Party before the new party was created.

I sat on many committees with Mary, and when I chaired the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel my earlier thought about Mary always being hard working and willing volunteer ran true. She was ever present, attended every additional event within local schools, children’s centres, children’s homes etc – Mary took a great interest in the welfare of children and young people. In particular she was well liked by many young people, and I received good feedback following those visits.

Last night on the Grimsby Evening Telegraph website the North East Lincolnshire Council Leader Andrew De Freitas was said: “It is a shock to all of her colleagues.

“She was a very quiet person, but very hard-working and very conscientious

“It is a sad, sad day.”

Mary will be sadly missed by all her family, friends, the residents of the Yarborough Ward, and her fellow Councillors.

ONE-DAY EVENT OFFERS ADVICE AND INFORMATION ON HOUSING

THE doors are open for an event aimed at giving residents help and support to stay happy on the home front.

Your Housing Options is an all-day event to be held at Grimsby Town Hall on Wednesday, January 21, from 10am to 7pm. The event has been set up to provide a range of advice and information for people with concerns as the housing market continues to dip across North East Lincolnshire, and to highlight services available to any residents in the area who have housing needs or money worries.

Councillor Geoff Lowis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and housing, said: “At a time when housing issues are causing concern for many residents, this event presents an ideal opportunity to give people access to a range of advice, services and support.

“Our message to homeowners and tenants is that we are all in this together and can offer a range of advice to people at all parts of the housing spectrum."

The event will feature representatives from the home options team, the Home Improvement Agency, Supporting People and benefits amongst others.

Residents of the East Marsh will be able to speak to representatives from the area renewal team currently stewarding a major redevelopment of the area.

Together with council teams from a wide range of services, there will also be representatives from local housing advice services and housing associations who can advise on finding a home, money management and renovating and adapting your home.

Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “Organising such an event is an acknowledgment that housing in the borough is a high priority for many residents. This event is open to all and should be able to point the way ahead for many families with concerns about how the economic slowdown is affecting them.

“I would appeal to anyone with concerns or seeking advice to pop in for a few minutes to access a range of expertise.”

Artlandish will be providing a craft corner for children between 10am and 3pm, there is a prize draw for ASDA vouchers and refreshments are available.

For more information about the event, contact (01472) 324877.

For further information click here >>>>> housing_poster.pdf

stevebeasant.mycouncillor.org.uk IS THE TOP LIBERAL DEMOCRAT WEBSITE IN 2008

Again, it was going to be one those days – well that’s what I planned until I tuned into Liberal Democrat Voice for my daily read of the party gossip. I could not believe my eyes, after complaining that I had not received any recognition in the New Year’s Honour’s List – I noticed that I have been awarded a “gong” by Mark Pack.

Mark is Head of Innovations with the Liberal Democrats and contributes regularly to Liberal Democrat Voice. Today, he penned three articles: Nick Clegg, Jo Swinson in the news; Conservatives continue to take money from peer who broke his tax promise; and finally the “good news” The Top Five Liberal Democrat websites in 2008.

Mark penned “Based on the amount of traffic they’ve passed on to http://www.libdems.org.uk/ in 2008, the top five local Liberal Democrat sites (excluding blogs) were (with changes in brackets from last year’s top five:

1. stevebeasant.mycouncillor.org.uk (NEW)
2. vincentcable.org.uk (+2)
3. brentlibdems.org.uk (-2)
4. henleylibdems.org.uk (NEW)
5. gloucester-libdems.co.uk (NEW)

Steve’s new entry at the top of the list is very impressive, particularly as his site is based on his ward, rather than a whole Parliamentary constituency or council area. It’s a bit of a borderline judgement whether or not his site counts as a blog, though if it did, it would still appear in the blog top five.

Vince Cable’s rise has accompanied the rise in his national profile. The level of traffic generated by Brent’s site continues to impress, whilst Henley’s presence in the top five is largely due to the Parliamentary by-election there, just as the Ealing and Sedgefield sites featured in the 2007 list for similar reasons. Finally, congratulations too to Gloucester for their appearance.

Just think, me a mere mortal – I am now ranked above our great Vince, and I only set up the site on 23 July, 2008 – not bad going – just wait till I actually get motoring. However, I will have to concede I definitely have to admit that I do not have his financial credits – but even so, I will still keep on fighting for a fairer society.

Many thanks Mark; hopefully it will encouraged some more of our Liberal Democrat Councillor to brush up on their IT skills.

THE GOVERNMENT IS: SPENDING; SPENDING; SPENDING ON ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS

Daily Telegraph online have released information which shows that government is spending; spending; spending its way out of the credit crunch. However, it is not on new house building, railways or renewable energy – believe it or not they are wasting our money on advertising campaigns.

The Government spent £158m on advertising from January to November and it is understood to have continued spending for the remainder of the year. Apparently the last time they spent more than this was in 2001, an election year. I just wonder if this is a cunning strategy, and will the advertising increase prior to June, but I better not start any election speculation.

While the government has massively increased their advertising budget major companies have drastically cut back on their budgets.