East Marsh Involve (EMI) is a community led organisation that was set up to represent the residents of the whole of the East Marsh Ward. They hold monthly meetings where matters of mutual concern can be raised with and discussed with your Ward Councillors as well as with representatives from Humberside Police, Shoreline Housing Partnership and many others.
This month’s meeting will be held this coming Tuesday, 24 February 2009 and will start at 6 pm – as usual the venue will be the Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre which is situated on the corner of Wellington Street and Weelsby Street.
As usual the agenda will include a Humberside Police Report, Ward Councillors Report, Development Worker’s Report and other matters of interest relating to the East Marsh.
Prior to the main East Marsh Involve meeting there will be a meeting of the Priority Action Team, which will start at 5 pm and will be held in the sane venue. The aim of this meeting is to discuss Neighbourhood Crime issue, which will then be priotorised by the police prior to the next meeting.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
TORY COUNCIL PLANS COULD HAVE BEEN COPIED FROM THE GOVERNMENT - GOLDSWORTHY
Commenting on today’s Conservative local government proposals, Liberal Democrat Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary, Julia Goldsworthy said: “Rather than being radical, many of these proposals could have been copied straight from the Government’s agenda.”
“The Tories only talk about localism when it suits them, and when they do they think it makes sense to force elected mayors on cities hand picked from Westminster.
CABLE: NO 10 COMMENTS ON LLOYDS NATIONALISATION A U-TURN WAITING TO HAPPEN
Responding to comments made by Number 10 that the total nationalisation of the Lloyds Banking Group is not on the table, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said: “This is a u-turn waiting to happen. With Lloyds continuing to be dragged down by the weight of HBOS’s losses, it is highly irresponsible to not even have nationalisation as an option.”
“It is frankly out of the question that the Lloyds giant will be allowed to go under, so the Government must be honest in its assessment that the total nationalisation of the bank is a distinct possibility.
“It was always clear that the HBOS takeover was a serious problem not only for long-term competition but also for the stability of Lloyds. This is why the Liberal Democrats were the only party to vote against the takeover.
“The Government and the Conservatives must appreciate we are in a new financial world. We must now concentrate on sorting out the British banks, even if this means further nationalisations in the short term.”
“It is frankly out of the question that the Lloyds giant will be allowed to go under, so the Government must be honest in its assessment that the total nationalisation of the bank is a distinct possibility.
“It was always clear that the HBOS takeover was a serious problem not only for long-term competition but also for the stability of Lloyds. This is why the Liberal Democrats were the only party to vote against the takeover.
“The Government and the Conservatives must appreciate we are in a new financial world. We must now concentrate on sorting out the British banks, even if this means further nationalisations in the short term.”
“TWENTY’S PLENTY” - IS MUCH SAFER FOR CHILDREN
A total of 150 streets are to become 20mph zones – in full or in part – throughout North East Lincolnshire. This is a major initiative on behalf of the Council; it sends out a clear message – “Twenty’s Plenty”. It is a well known fact that speed kills and a child will stand a much greater chance of surviving, if this scheme is introduced.
The public consultation will end on March 4. In the meantime, staff and pupils at the schools involved have welcomed the move. It will benefit schools right across the Borough; however two schemes will assist local children attending Weelsby Street Primary and St Mary’s Primary Schools in East Marsh. A number of children from the ward also attend Queen Mar Avenue Infant, William Barcroft and Elliston Street Primary Schools in Cleethorpes – therefore all of these schemes are particularly welcome.
Throughout the Borough there are many other schools that will benefit from the “Twenty’s Plenty” initiative, and it is hoped that motorists will stick rigorously to the speed limits and take extra care.
IT WAS BLACK FRIDAY; AND DIDN’T I KNOW IT!
According to the old proverb anything that can go wrong will obviously go wrong on “Friday the Thirteenth”, and being a politician at times some events can be even more embarrassing than others.
Friday morning, I was up at my usual time; “bright eyed and bushy tailed”, but I had to be out much earlier for an 8am meeting. I left home at about 7.30am on my pedal cycle as usual, but rather nervously; mainly because of last night’s snow – I had totally forgotten what day it was. The date was the last thing on my mind; however upon returning home – it soon dawned upon me! Yes, it was “Black Friday” – but what could go wrong?
Photograph of the Birds Eye Site (which is now nearly cleared) – courtesy of Grimsby Evening Telegraph
As usual, I switched my computer on, and then went through to the kitchen to make a coffee; while the kettle was boiling I started to read the Grimsby Evening Telegraph, which Carol my wife had conveniently left on the computer desk. On the front page was a photograph of myself in front of 105 Roberts Street, but unfortunately the article underneath and on page one was about Birds Eye – not 105 Roberts Street! But to be fair to Paul Smith who had written the article, I must give him credit – it was and excellent article.
Unfortunately it appears as though the curse of “Friday the Thirteenth” had struck Councillor Beasant, and the Grimsby Evening Telegraph – “spooky stuff”! Well, how did it happen; in some respects the explanation is simple. On this occasion I was interviewed for both articles on the same day; however the photographs were taken on different days, but by the same photographer. So, potentially it was either: human error, the gremlins, or the curse of Friday the Thirteenth – I am not really bothered which but I generally get good publicity from the Telegraph, and I have taken it in good faith. The main thing to me is the fact that both stories are “good news” for the East Marsh!
As most people know who live in the area arsonists set fire to the Birds Eye Factory on September 12, 2007 which destroyed the factory. The site is now earmarked for new housing but unfortunately last July the developer went into administration. However, as I said to Paul Smith, I am confident that someone will come forward to develop the, Paul quoted me as saying:
“The site is now nearly clear. There is still a long way to go and still a lot more to do, but we are hoping we are now getting to the stage where the site will begin to be marketable.
“We have seen two sights nearly developed on Ladysmith Road and now we want to see this one developed which would be fantastic news.
“I think there is a good chance that if we get ownership of that land sold on that this can move forward very, very quickly now.”
As I have already said, I was also interviewed about 105 Roberts Street on the same but this article has not yet appeared in the Telegraph. I told Paul Smith that this had been empty for a number of years and was in danger of becoming another hazard like Birds Eye – it had fallen into disrepair. Many people will remember it as a “grand vicarage”, very large; but it was later turned into a residential home and then flats.
Unfortunately, while it was left derelict the building was ransacked – all the copper pipes, radiators, lead flashing, and anything else of value were removed. Young people were often seen in the building, and attempts were made to set the building on fire – fortunately while the building was empty there were no reported accidents.
In recent months, I have worked closely with Environmental Services and the Empty Home’s Officer, and this has lead to a successful Demolition Order. It is hoped that in the near future four new properties will be built on the site.
Friday morning, I was up at my usual time; “bright eyed and bushy tailed”, but I had to be out much earlier for an 8am meeting. I left home at about 7.30am on my pedal cycle as usual, but rather nervously; mainly because of last night’s snow – I had totally forgotten what day it was. The date was the last thing on my mind; however upon returning home – it soon dawned upon me! Yes, it was “Black Friday” – but what could go wrong?
Photograph of the Birds Eye Site (which is now nearly cleared) – courtesy of Grimsby Evening Telegraph
As usual, I switched my computer on, and then went through to the kitchen to make a coffee; while the kettle was boiling I started to read the Grimsby Evening Telegraph, which Carol my wife had conveniently left on the computer desk. On the front page was a photograph of myself in front of 105 Roberts Street, but unfortunately the article underneath and on page one was about Birds Eye – not 105 Roberts Street! But to be fair to Paul Smith who had written the article, I must give him credit – it was and excellent article. Unfortunately it appears as though the curse of “Friday the Thirteenth” had struck Councillor Beasant, and the Grimsby Evening Telegraph – “spooky stuff”! Well, how did it happen; in some respects the explanation is simple. On this occasion I was interviewed for both articles on the same day; however the photographs were taken on different days, but by the same photographer. So, potentially it was either: human error, the gremlins, or the curse of Friday the Thirteenth – I am not really bothered which but I generally get good publicity from the Telegraph, and I have taken it in good faith. The main thing to me is the fact that both stories are “good news” for the East Marsh!
As most people know who live in the area arsonists set fire to the Birds Eye Factory on September 12, 2007 which destroyed the factory. The site is now earmarked for new housing but unfortunately last July the developer went into administration. However, as I said to Paul Smith, I am confident that someone will come forward to develop the, Paul quoted me as saying:
“The site is now nearly clear. There is still a long way to go and still a lot more to do, but we are hoping we are now getting to the stage where the site will begin to be marketable.
“We have seen two sights nearly developed on Ladysmith Road and now we want to see this one developed which would be fantastic news.
“I think there is a good chance that if we get ownership of that land sold on that this can move forward very, very quickly now.”
As I have already said, I was also interviewed about 105 Roberts Street on the same but this article has not yet appeared in the Telegraph. I told Paul Smith that this had been empty for a number of years and was in danger of becoming another hazard like Birds Eye – it had fallen into disrepair. Many people will remember it as a “grand vicarage”, very large; but it was later turned into a residential home and then flats.
Unfortunately, while it was left derelict the building was ransacked – all the copper pipes, radiators, lead flashing, and anything else of value were removed. Young people were often seen in the building, and attempts were made to set the building on fire – fortunately while the building was empty there were no reported accidents.
In recent months, I have worked closely with Environmental Services and the Empty Home’s Officer, and this has lead to a successful Demolition Order. It is hoped that in the near future four new properties will be built on the site.
Photograph of 105 Roberts Street (which is now nearly cleared) – courtesy of Grimsby Evening Telegraph
Monday, 16 February 2009
TORIES WILL CONDEMN FAMILIES TO CRAMP AND DRAFTY HOUSING - TEATHER
Commenting on the Conservatives’ empty homes plans, which would lower social housing standards, Liberal Democrat Shadow Housing Minister, Sarah Teather said: "This shows just how out of touch the Tories are."
"They have no idea of what it’s like for a family living in a social home. Lowering the standards in this way will condemn families to living in cramped or drafty homes for 15 or 20 years as they wait to be re-housed.
"To make a real difference to empty housing, we need to reduce VAT on renovation and rebuilding work to make bringing these homes back in to use much cheaper."
Sunday, 15 February 2009
LABOUR IN TERMINAL DECLINE; CAN THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS NOW OVERTAKE LABOUR?
Two opinion polls showed a dramatic increase in support for the Liberal Democrats, and now a third poll for the Independent on Sunday shows that Liberal Democrats have nearly moved into second place – Labour are now in terminal decline! Over the last month their support as declined substantially and now only one in four of the population say that they will be voting Labour at the next General Election.
The ComRes poll for The Independent on Sunday gives the Tories a 16 point lead.
Conservative 41% (no change)
Labour 25% (down 7%)
Liberal Democrat 22% (up 7%)
Others 12% (no change)
The three-point gap is the narrowest between Labour and the Liberal Democrats across all polls for 22 years, since May 1987, apart from a "freak" poll in September 2003, after the Iraq war and the Hutton inquiry hearings, which put all three parties on 31 per cent. This is a remarkable change of fortune for the Liberal Democrats, but not surprising the Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg as a strong team around him. Vince Cable outshines all other politicians on the economy; Chris Huhne is competent and very capable on the Home Affairs brief; and they also have a youthful team with members such as: Julia Goldsworthy; Sarah Teather; Jeremy Browne; and Jo Swinson.
The poll is extremely bad news for Gordon Brown; he is now quickly running out of options. In many ways he will still wants to go to country this year – but it would be electoral suicide. Obviously there will be a great deal of soul searching in the Labour Party, and I am sure that some members will compare and contrast with those dark old days when Michael Foot was the Labour Party Leader. I am not saying that Gordon is in such a dire position as poor Michael Foot, but the party is haemoraging, and up and down the country members and councillors are leaving in their droves.
Possibly, one of the main reasons for the surge in the Liberal Democrats has been the performance of Vince Cable, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor who was widely praised for his response to the banking crisis. Shortly, he will resume temporary reign of the party which could push the Liberal Democrat poll rating higher. The survey poll will trigger fresh speculation about which party the Liberal Democrats would back in a hung parliament.
In May 1987, a month before the general election, the SDP/Liberal Alliance was on 30 per cent, overtaking Neil Kinnock's Labour Party on 28 per cent. Last month's IoS poll gave the Tories a lead of 9 per cent.
The ComRes poll for The Independent on Sunday gives the Tories a 16 point lead.
Conservative 41% (no change)
Labour 25% (down 7%)
Liberal Democrat 22% (up 7%)
Others 12% (no change)
The three-point gap is the narrowest between Labour and the Liberal Democrats across all polls for 22 years, since May 1987, apart from a "freak" poll in September 2003, after the Iraq war and the Hutton inquiry hearings, which put all three parties on 31 per cent. This is a remarkable change of fortune for the Liberal Democrats, but not surprising the Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg as a strong team around him. Vince Cable outshines all other politicians on the economy; Chris Huhne is competent and very capable on the Home Affairs brief; and they also have a youthful team with members such as: Julia Goldsworthy; Sarah Teather; Jeremy Browne; and Jo Swinson.
The poll is extremely bad news for Gordon Brown; he is now quickly running out of options. In many ways he will still wants to go to country this year – but it would be electoral suicide. Obviously there will be a great deal of soul searching in the Labour Party, and I am sure that some members will compare and contrast with those dark old days when Michael Foot was the Labour Party Leader. I am not saying that Gordon is in such a dire position as poor Michael Foot, but the party is haemoraging, and up and down the country members and councillors are leaving in their droves.
Possibly, one of the main reasons for the surge in the Liberal Democrats has been the performance of Vince Cable, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor who was widely praised for his response to the banking crisis. Shortly, he will resume temporary reign of the party which could push the Liberal Democrat poll rating higher. The survey poll will trigger fresh speculation about which party the Liberal Democrats would back in a hung parliament.
In May 1987, a month before the general election, the SDP/Liberal Alliance was on 30 per cent, overtaking Neil Kinnock's Labour Party on 28 per cent. Last month's IoS poll gave the Tories a lead of 9 per cent.
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