EAST MARSH INVOLVE – APRIL MEETING

The April Meeting of East Marsh Involve will be held tomorrow night, which is the last Tuesday of the month (as usual), April 28 and will be held at the Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre and will start at 6 pm.

The meeting as usual is open to all members of the East Marsh Community and the aim of this community meeting is to discuss community issues; with the purpose of overcoming ongoing problems, improve service and report regularly on all issues raised at previous meetings.

Guest speaker: Marcus Czarnecki will be present at this meeting to talk about the newly launched Community Payback Scheme.

AGENDA FOR EAST MARSH INVOLVE:

Councillors Ward Funding

Other Funding Requests

Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Co-ordinator Marcus Czarnecki

Priority Action Team Meeting

Ward Councillor’s Update

Neighbourhood Development Worker’s Update

Any Other Business

SUSAN BOYLE: NEW INTERNET PHENOMENA – MORE HITS IN ONE DAY THAN IAIN DALE GETS IN A WHOLE YEAR

Unusually yesterday I had the chance to watch the BBC News at 1 pm, and of course there were the usual political stories – to feed my daily appetite.

But, then I heard about the new “Internet Phenomena” – Susan Boyle! Susan appeared on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday night - and was an instant hit. The moment she walked on stage we knew something spectacular was going to happen – she was going to be hit or a flop!

Susan is a 47-year-old church volunteer from West Lothian who has become an overnight singing sensation with millions watching her perform not only on TV but now on the YouTube Channel and yesterday at 1 pm there had been 5 and half million views of her Saturday night performance, and what a performance.

On Saturday, Susan Boyle literally stunned the judges with her performance of I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables – even Simon Cowell was lost for words – he was stunned.

Ms Boyle has now become the bookies’ favourite to win the talent show.

In less than 24 hours Susan popularity ratings are shooting way beyond she could ever imagine – there have been millions of other internet viewers, and now the video footage of her appearance on Britain’s Got Talent has been viewed by an amazing 12,336,268 views and received a grand total of 69,782 comments. I posted this article on my other site earlier today, and only a few hours later the number of hits has increased by a further 600,000 – surely this must be a “record breaker – it proves “Britain’s Truly Got Talent”.

If, this carries on at this rate; there could be a danger of an “Internet Meltdown” and the death of the political blogger – we now have new phenomena – is it a cunning plot by Gordon Brown to save the world?

Watch out Iain Dale, your total yearly hits have been surpassed in just one day – you have now lost your “Internet Crown”.

NEW ONLINE POLL – WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE A NEW LIBRARY BUILT IN GRANT THOROLD PARK?

Today, I am launching a online poll: you have a simple choice. Would you like to see a new Library built in Grant Thorold Park?

All three East Marsh Ward Councillors have campaigned for a new Library for the East Marsh Ward – the present Library is in urgent need of replacement – it is presently subsiding.

North East Lincolnshire Council is committed to rebuilding a new Library, but members of the Planning Committee voted against the Planning Officer’s recommendation, which appears a little unusual.

The present Library is well used by children, young people, adults, and the elderly – it is one of the most popular Community libraries in the whole of the Borough. Some residents have argued that the new Library would create anti-social behaviour; however many young people presently use the Library as a safe haven and a meeting place – they just meet to have a chat. What is wrong with that, they respect the building and we are sure that they will respect the new building.

The computers are well used, and they are a vital facility for the local residents; in particular local children who often do not have access to a home PC.

If you would like to view the proposed plans for the new and the reasons why the Councillors turned it down

>>>>CLICK HERE

Don’t forget to make sure you vote in this online poll; this poll will close on April 21, 2009.

Tonight’s Grimsby Evening Telegraph leads with a story on page four that North East Lincolnshire Council Planning Committee rejected the application from the council’s own library services – the committee voted eight to three against the proposals for the futuristic building. On this occasion elected members overturned the recommendations of the Planning Officers who believed that the proposals were perfectly acceptable.

Agents NELC architectural Consultancy, had hoped the state-of-the-art project on Durban Road would replace the current library facilities – which have been earmarked for demolition and were described as “out-of-date”.

Unfortunately, 16 residents who live opposite the proposed development had signed a petition objecting to the plans – which included nine parking spaces – saying they were concerned about the impact on their lives, access and potential anti-social behaviour.

In the days before the Planning Committee I worked closely with fellow ward Councillor; Jon-Paul Howarth with the aim of making sure the application was approved. Unfortunately, I was unable to speak at the meeting; therefore Jon-Paul spoke on behalf of all three East Marsh Ward Councillors, he said: the library would be monitored by CCTV.

He also said the building had green credentials thanks to its planned “living wall” which would have a hedge growing in it.

He said: “It is long overdue and the building is aspirational.”

In the last few hours I have heard from many residents that they are concerned that the Library may not built - they want action NOW!

They have called a meeting of local residents at Grant Thorold Library on Tuesday, 14 April at 12 noon; the local media have been invited along with local Councillors, East Marsh Action Group, Friends of Grant Thorold Park and members of East Marsh Involve.

If you want to make sure that Grant Thorold Library is re-built don’t forget to be in the park next Tuesday, 14 April.

EASTER EGG PACKAGING SLASHED BY A THIRD

Liberal Democrat MP for East Dunbartonshire, Jo Swinson in her annual report on Easter egg packaging, she claims: packaging has been cut drastically this year, but recyclability is also a concern.

The report compares the packaging of ten Easter eggs with measurements from 2008 and 2007, and concludes that several manufacturers have reduced their packaging, although more could be done to cut it back even further. Companies reduced the weight of their packaging by an average of 33.5% on last year. Significant improvements have also been made in the amount of environmental information provided on the packaging. However, in some cases packaging has been reduced at the expense of keeping it recyclable.

The Lindt Easter egg was the worst performer for the third year running, having made no significant changes to its packaging at all, with the egg still taking up on 9% of its box. The company who showed the most improvement since 2008 was Nestlé, while the packaging for Terry's eggs actually increased. Eggs produced by Sainsbury's, Terry's, Cadbury and Green & Black's eggs all produce no landfill waste.

Commenting, Jo Swinson said: "While it is encouraging that the amount of packaging used for Easter eggs has gone down, they remain one of the most excessively packaged and wasteful products available.

"On average the Easter eggs still take up only 40% of their packaging, so there is still more that can be done to reduce it even more. It is also important to make sure not just that packaging is reduced, but that it is recyclable and that is made clear to consumers.

"The progress that has been made in the past year is encouraging, but manufacturers must go much further."
To read Jo Swinsons Annual Report >>>>>CLICK HERE

SHOCK HORROR – COUNCILLOR PLAYS GAMES ON CBEEBIES WEBSITE – BUT WILL THE STATE BE WATCHING

Today, and yesterday my two young grandchildren and myself have been playing games on the CBeebies Website – yet again! But from tomorrow I will have to be careful; because the State may be watching our every move.

Yes, believe or not the State could be watching “SHOCK HORROR – COUNCILLOR PLAYS GAMES ON CBEEBIES WEBSITE”; they could be watching “Tommy Zoom”, “Boo”, “The Roly Mo Show”, “Underground Ernie”, and much much more!!!! But today, it was “Finlay the Fire Engine”, “LazyTown”, “Lunar Jim”, “Fimbles”, and “Pingu” amongst others – I will have to careful, or I will be accused radicalising my lovely little grandchildren.

Seriously, tomorrow a European Union directive, which Britain was instrumental in devising, comes into force which will require all internet service providers to retain information on email traffic, visits to web sites and telephone calls made over the internet, for 12 months.

Police and the security services will be able to access the information to combat crime and terrorism.

Simon Davies, director of Privacy International, said: “I don’t think people are aware of the implications of this move. It means that everything we do online or on the phone will be known to the authorities.

“They are using this to produce probably the world’s most comprehensive surveillance system.
“This is a disgraceful example of the covert influence that Brussels has across our freedoms and liberties. The entire episode has been marked by a litany of secret dealings, vicious political games and a complete absence of transparency.”

Phil Noble of privacy group NO2ID, said: “This is the kind of technology that the Stasi would have dreamed of.

“We are facing a co-ordinated strategy to track everyone’s communications, creating a dossier on every person’s relationships and transactions.

“It is clearly preparatory work for the as-yet un-revealed plans for intercept modernisation.”

At the North East Lincolnshire Council’s Community Consultation Event residents were asked whether they were in favour of 100 Guildford Street homes being razed to the ground as part of a proposed £7.9-million redevelopment.

Scores of East Marsh homeowners attended a consultation meeting at the Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre on Tuesday afternoon – just before the East Marsh Involve.

Local residents were shown a number of altenatives of how the street layout could be improved, suggestions included: demolition of 100 houses and building a new meandering road; creating open spaces; introducing pedestrianised areas and create thoroughfares to neighbouring Victor and Weelsby Streets.

As reported, North East Lincolnshire Council is in the process of purchasing the 100 run-down properties in the street – and residents are now being consulted on how the area should be redeveloped.

Mike Haynes, NELC’s interim program manager for the redevelopment, said: “We want to find out from the community how they think the street should be changed.

“We have come up with some suggestions of our own based upon the whole or partial demolition of the existing properties, and we hope these will stimulate some interesting views.”

John Harrison (59) lives in the area of Guildford Street where homes will be given improvement grants.

He said: “Our end of the street is pedestrianised already and it causes no end of problems with anti-social behaviour.

“To start with, I thought the only option was to knock all the other homes down, but after hearing some of the council’s ideas I think the regeneration may be a good thing.“

East Marsh Councillors hope the Guildford Street Conultation will inspire residents to provide the council with their vision for the street.

Councillor Jon-Paul Howarth said: “There are some exciting proposals already and this is just a start of the consultation.

“Once the community starts getting a feel for the project, I hope it will inspire them to say how we can make a change in the right direction.”

Councillor Steve Beasant added: ”I’ve always said that two thirds of the housing should be knocked down and the rest should remain – it needs a new lease of life!

“But the whole point of the consultation is that we have to listen to what residents want and find a solution.

“I like what I have seen so far, but I don’t think the right solution is yet on the drawing board. I have confidence in the local residents to come forward with an attractive and inspirational plan.”

The results of the initial consultation will be used to formulate a draft redevelopment brief.
FIND OUT MORE: Contact the redevelopment team on 0845 8492000.

£193 MILLION STATE OF THE ART LIBRARY PLANNED FOR BIRMINGHAM; AND NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL PLANS A NEW COMMUNITY LIBRARY FOR THE EAST MARSH

I have read last week that plans have been unveiled for Britain’s biggest ever public library in Birmingham – this is the clearest sign yet of a national renaissance in the construction of grand civic libraries.

The £193m Library of Birmingham will tower over Centenary Square in the heart of the city with capacity to accommodate more than three million visitors a year, according to the city council, which is backing the project with £159m in public funds. Only the British Library, which operates by appointment only and does not lend, will be larger.

I am also pleased to say that

North East Lincolnshire Council have unveiled plans for their new Grant Thorold Branch Library which will be in the heart of the East Marsh Ward; as well as serving the needs of the East Marsh many residents from the adjoining wards use the facility.

It is a much needed facility, and will go before the full Planning Committee this Wednesday, April 8. It is an exciting new venture incorporating a new meeting and a study support room for use by the local community; even though the project is running behind schedule it is expected that the construction will be completed early next year.

The Library may not be as grand as the proposed the new Birmingham Library; however it will meet the needs of the local community – it will be single storey. And, the elevation to the road and car park will be a green wall - planted cladding system. The elevation on to the park will be mostly glazed, protected by a light tough mesh system to allow view out but to also protect the glazing from damage.

To view the plans for the new Grant Thorold Library click

>>>>>HERE

JOBS LIFELINE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

A Jobs lifeline is being offered to young people in North East Lincolnshire in a new £104,000 scheme – the project will benefit the East Marsh, and will be funded by the Working Neighbourhood’s Fund.

The pilot project – which will be rolled out to more people if successful – is giving 16 to 25-year-olds a taste of what life is like working for a living – in the hope that it will lead them into full-time employment.

The scheme will initially provide a “life package” for 10 unemployed people, individually tailored and able to include: a paid job for 12 weeks; a place to live; and a social life by developing skills through volunteering.

Called Building Skills 4 Life, it has been set up by six key local organisations, which have pooled funding to provide it.

They hope the 12-week initiative will provide the support – and encouragement – some people need to get into work.

The jobs available include revamping a property on Guildford Street, Grimsby, as a “live training area” for experience in the construction industry, and working in an office at CPO Media, a community publishing organisation.

They will learn life skills, including confidence-building, at YMCA and Foresight.

Danny Buckley, head of regeneration at Shoreline Housing Partnership, who is spearheading Building Skills 4 Life, said: “This is a pilot scheme, so we will be working with up to 10 people to begin with, and assessing what skills they need to develop – which could be as simple as cooking.
“All of them will be from challenging backgrounds, or have various issues they need to work with.”

Shoreline has worked on other schemes that have helped to regenerate areas of concern – including the successful Project Horizon.

Project Horizon was launched back in 2007 and resulted in 26 homes on Chester Walk being refurbished by homeless people or those living in temporary accommodation.

Many of those who took part ended up moving into the refurbished homes. Danny Buckley, said: “Shoreline were hoping to carry on the success of renovation on Chester Walk, which had been done by young people who were living there themselves.”

He said the decision to join forces with other organisations, such as the CPO, followed their time working together on Neighbourhood Renewal Funding – special funding from the Government to pay for community projects.

Mr Buckley said: “People who want to get on board can also give us a ring. We will then draw up a shortlist.”

The project will commence on April 20 and carry on for about 16 weeks.

He said the hope was they could find a way to carry this forward after the trial period.

He added: “We hope to make a difference to the lives of the individuals involved, and the programme will be ready to build on this, should it be considered a success.

“We will make sure those in the pilot scheme will not be dropped at the end of the project, and they will be supported by the organisations involved in any way we can.”

PRISON NUMBERS OUT OF CONTROL - HOWARTH

Commenting on today’s announcement that more than 50,000 criminals have been released from prison early under the Government’s scheme aimed at reducing reoffending, Liberal Democrat Shadow Justice Secretary, David Howarth said: “The Government was forced to introduce early release to deal with a prison population they had let get hopelessly out of control."

"Ministers must reduce the sky-high levels of reoffending if they are to regain control of the prison system."

UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS BENEFITING FROM POROUS BORDERS - HUHNE

Commenting on the Government’s plans to crack down on fake colleges set up to help illegal foreign workers get in to Britain, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said: "For too long bogus colleges and unscrupulous employers have been allowed to exploit those who have taken advantage of our porous borders."

"The Government's crackdown is welcome but illegal immigration will only be curbed by a concentrated effort against those who profit from it."

APRIL FOOLS DAY AND DON’T WE KNOW IT; AND OUR MPs MUST BE TAKING US FOR FOOLS EVERYDAY DAY OF THE YEAR

First the poor old taxpayers have to bail out the banks, then it’s the turn of the car industry and now it’s the turn of our MPs. It appears unbelievable, but it is true! I know it is April Fools Day, but this one does actually taking some believing and it’s true.

After months of wrangling over MPs expenses with Smith McNulty and Co; Gordon Brown as at long last said the inquiry into Standards in Public Life will be speeded up.

Yesterday, Liberal Democrat MP, Norman Lamb said: Parliament would "destroy itself" in the public's eyes unless changes to the system of MP's allowances were agreed soon.

"We must show we are capable of reform," he said.

But, still they haven’t learnt they MPs are apparently to receive a pay rise of 2.33% from 1 April (which is today), bringing their annual salary to about £64,766.

The Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg and his deputy, Vince Cable, have said publicly that they will not take up the rise.

Also we have heard that plans unveiled by the Leader of the Commons, Harriet Harman, the Exchequer will increase its contribution from £12.4m to £13.2m a year. MPs will each have to pay an extra £60 a month to help fill a £51m black hole in the parliamentary pension fund.

The package was published after government financial experts found a growing deficit in the pension scheme because former MPs were living longer.

The Government Actuary said that taxpayer contributions to the scheme – already one of the most generous in the country – would have to increase by £2.1m a year to cover the shortfall.

Ms Harman said she wanted MPs to increase their payments into the scheme from 10 per cent to 11.9 per cent – equivalent to £60 a month – to help limit the extra bill for the taxpayer.

Commenting on today’s recommendations from the Government Actuary that taxpayers should contribute more to MPs’ pension schemes, Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Steve Webb said: “If this is allowed to go ahead, it will be a spectacular own-goal for MPs."

"The pensions of MPs and other well-paid public sector workers have to be brought in line with reality.