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It's time to stop crying out about council housing lists and start lobbying Ashford Borough Council to bring empty homes up to standard.
In recent weeks, I have been contacted by a number of residents in Ashford complaining of overcrowding in Council Accommodation. One woman, a widow of a Gurkha Veteran, resides with her two children in a house with 8 other people.This is a four bedroom house.
I know a couple in a neighbouring ward who live in a one bed flat with their child who is over a year old.
Yet opposite me, there is a two bedroom house which stands empty and has done for the three years I have resided here.
Ashford Borough Council consider that housing is overcrowded if there are children present over the age of 1 year without a bedroom.
Yet these people are living in overcrowded conditions due to insufficient housing resources in Ashford. This is in spite of Ashford having a large portfolio of 5000 homes. Unfortunately, the large borough indicates they also have around 2 years of waiting lists for accommodations.
Yet figures from government's Communities and Local Government Department show Ashford has 1160 properties which are empty because of disrepair.
This is unbelievable when we have a huge population of 112,000. In light of job cuts and austerity measures, it is now more important than ever to get these 1160 properties up to scratch for those in dire housing.
I welcome Communities Minister Andrew Stunell's news showing more money is now available for bringing these properties into use again.
Ashford Borough Council can no longer claim financial hardship as an excuse for poor housing maintenance and to justify empty properties around the borough.
Showing posts with label ABC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ABC. Show all posts
Monday, 10 January 2011
Monday, 3 January 2011
Open Letter: Political Quote of the Year
Dear Sirs,
The Kentish Express (30th December 2010) provides a political review of the year, but they appear to leave out a significant quote from Ashford Borough Council. Paul Carter had the temerity to call Ashford's rating as the worst council in the country for recycling “a good thing”.
We are in an age where our carbon foot prints are growing, the damage to the environment is striking, and every school child is educated on fuel conservation, yet Ashford's current administration consider recycling to be a non-essential part of borough services, and that, when rated the most abysmal council in the country, respond with smirks and a lack of seriousness.
I would like to see a stronger commitment to recycling services in the future, especially as this is the second time Ashford Borough Council have let us down; first by opting out of the free recycling service that Shepway and Canterbury use, and now through failing to reassure residents recycling and rubbish collection is a priority.
Kind regards,
Kelly-Marie Blundell
The Kentish Express (30th December 2010) provides a political review of the year, but they appear to leave out a significant quote from Ashford Borough Council. Paul Carter had the temerity to call Ashford's rating as the worst council in the country for recycling “a good thing”.
We are in an age where our carbon foot prints are growing, the damage to the environment is striking, and every school child is educated on fuel conservation, yet Ashford's current administration consider recycling to be a non-essential part of borough services, and that, when rated the most abysmal council in the country, respond with smirks and a lack of seriousness.
I would like to see a stronger commitment to recycling services in the future, especially as this is the second time Ashford Borough Council have let us down; first by opting out of the free recycling service that Shepway and Canterbury use, and now through failing to reassure residents recycling and rubbish collection is a priority.
Kind regards,
Kelly-Marie Blundell
The Cost of Church Protest
Campaigning Campanologist Chris Cooper, I do adore that alliteration, is back in the press this Christmas with the results from a Freedom of Information Request on the cost of Church Protest.
The figure, an alarming £52,000 does make one wonder where our council tax goes in Ashford.
The majority of public bodies have their own legal department, as Ashford Borough Council do. Therefore the justification of an additional solicitor's annual salary is nothing short of bizarre.
The revelations of figures on the redevelopment alone are concerning. Working Lunches have been denounced by the central government as wastes of money in the face of austerity. However, those involved in the redevelopment need not show such parsimony, with £161 for a sandwich lunch. How many people did this feed, one asks?
The cost of cutting down a tree is an unfortunate addition to the figures at £1200 is a shocking introduction into the allegedly cost effective commissioning of outside agencies to conduct the work.
Of course, the bonus for councils in the commissioning of outside bodies, is those bodies are not covered by the Freedom of Information Act and such contracts cannot be scrutinised by the Public to ascertain cost effective and legitimate spending.
Let us hope that with a move towards Mutualism with the current national government, we will not see such squandering of resources in the future.
The figure, an alarming £52,000 does make one wonder where our council tax goes in Ashford.
The majority of public bodies have their own legal department, as Ashford Borough Council do. Therefore the justification of an additional solicitor's annual salary is nothing short of bizarre.
The revelations of figures on the redevelopment alone are concerning. Working Lunches have been denounced by the central government as wastes of money in the face of austerity. However, those involved in the redevelopment need not show such parsimony, with £161 for a sandwich lunch. How many people did this feed, one asks?
The cost of cutting down a tree is an unfortunate addition to the figures at £1200 is a shocking introduction into the allegedly cost effective commissioning of outside agencies to conduct the work.
Of course, the bonus for councils in the commissioning of outside bodies, is those bodies are not covered by the Freedom of Information Act and such contracts cannot be scrutinised by the Public to ascertain cost effective and legitimate spending.
Let us hope that with a move towards Mutualism with the current national government, we will not see such squandering of resources in the future.
Ashford Borough Council Accountancy Errors 2010
Ashford Borough Council seems unable to clarify what they spent in 2010.
The Kentish Express reports that figures provided by Ashford Borough Council are extraordinarily inaccurate as to account for their spending.
Not only did they list £5,000 spent on Homoeopathy, but they miscalculated train fare expenses by a staggering £945,179.
I have to admit, it gives me little faith in accounting for where my council tax is going.
Considering the Council is looking to inherit some of the public health schemes from the dissolution of the Primary Care Trust, £5,000 on homoeopathy could be seen as a sweetener and forward thinking. Of course, if Homoeopathy was real health care and not just a placebo. But to discover that the Council's record keeping is so inaccurate as to misrepresent a landlord for a private health business is nothing short of shocking.
One has to wonder what else they may have misrepresented when listing incomings and outgoings.
The misrepresentation of travel expenses is far more concerning. By making such an error, Ashford Borough Council is insinuating that £960,000 is an acceptable amount to spend on trains for their staff.
That this money is, in fact, going towards the station forecourt is an interesting revelation. At Council Meetings in 2010, the Conservative Party refuted claims they would be able to have any input in the design and renovation of the station forecourt. Even when faced with breaches of Hackney Carriage Licence Law, breaches of the Equality Act and accessibility regulations, the leading party asserted they had no say in the matter.
So we can deduce they either (a) have willingly given £945,179 to South Eastern as a gift and not a contract, thereby the council have no say, (b) they do not consider that the equivalent council tax for three wards in the borough is enough money to have a say in such a project they are co-funding, or, (c) they denied responsibility when it did in fact exist.
None of which are particularly positive reflection of the current administration.
The Kentish Express reports that figures provided by Ashford Borough Council are extraordinarily inaccurate as to account for their spending.
Not only did they list £5,000 spent on Homoeopathy, but they miscalculated train fare expenses by a staggering £945,179.
I have to admit, it gives me little faith in accounting for where my council tax is going.
Considering the Council is looking to inherit some of the public health schemes from the dissolution of the Primary Care Trust, £5,000 on homoeopathy could be seen as a sweetener and forward thinking. Of course, if Homoeopathy was real health care and not just a placebo. But to discover that the Council's record keeping is so inaccurate as to misrepresent a landlord for a private health business is nothing short of shocking.
One has to wonder what else they may have misrepresented when listing incomings and outgoings.
The misrepresentation of travel expenses is far more concerning. By making such an error, Ashford Borough Council is insinuating that £960,000 is an acceptable amount to spend on trains for their staff.
That this money is, in fact, going towards the station forecourt is an interesting revelation. At Council Meetings in 2010, the Conservative Party refuted claims they would be able to have any input in the design and renovation of the station forecourt. Even when faced with breaches of Hackney Carriage Licence Law, breaches of the Equality Act and accessibility regulations, the leading party asserted they had no say in the matter.
So we can deduce they either (a) have willingly given £945,179 to South Eastern as a gift and not a contract, thereby the council have no say, (b) they do not consider that the equivalent council tax for three wards in the borough is enough money to have a say in such a project they are co-funding, or, (c) they denied responsibility when it did in fact exist.
None of which are particularly positive reflection of the current administration.
Friday, 12 November 2010
Saddening News
I was saddened to hear of the death of Cllr John Kemp of Kennington Ward today.
Cllr John Kemp was a good councillor who was highly regarded in the ward and borough as a whole.
Cllr John Kemp was a good councillor who was highly regarded in the ward and borough as a whole.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Open Letter: Introduction of Charges For Local Businesses
Dear Sirs,
I was absolutely appalled to read the introduction of charges for local businesses to display an A board on the high street outside their premises. It seems that this is Ashford Borough Council's answer to their inability to raise council tax next year.
To quote the economic deficit as a reason for an introduction of such a charge, and to mention removing the clutter in the high street, when local businesses are failing, is simply an atrocious misunderstanding of the situation.
Or perhaps the true reason is some ludicrous health and safety policy incase someone is injured. In which case, local businesses are covered by employee liability, and there is no need for funding to be added to this pot by the council.
In addition to the 50%-100% rise for market stall rents, and the ongoing reduction of services that residents see in Ashford, I do wonder where all of this "stealth" funding is going.
Campanologist Chris Cooper raised some serious questions in his protest at St Mary's Church about local government spending and the allocation of finances. As I'm sure most residents would agree, we would prefer to maintain levels of crime prevention, rubbish services and court services than invest in design schemes such as forecourt stations, shared space and converted churches.
Sadly, with the removal of the State of the Borough Debate, one of the last few remaining democratic processes in the area, means this question cannot be raised easily.
With empty premises in Ashford, the greatly reducing footfall since the isolation of the town centre and numerous empty business premises around the borough, I would think the Ashford Borough Council would be more inclined to promote local community rather than ban them from increasing trade.
Yours faithfully,
Kelly-Marie Blundell
I was absolutely appalled to read the introduction of charges for local businesses to display an A board on the high street outside their premises. It seems that this is Ashford Borough Council's answer to their inability to raise council tax next year.
To quote the economic deficit as a reason for an introduction of such a charge, and to mention removing the clutter in the high street, when local businesses are failing, is simply an atrocious misunderstanding of the situation.
Or perhaps the true reason is some ludicrous health and safety policy incase someone is injured. In which case, local businesses are covered by employee liability, and there is no need for funding to be added to this pot by the council.
In addition to the 50%-100% rise for market stall rents, and the ongoing reduction of services that residents see in Ashford, I do wonder where all of this "stealth" funding is going.
Campanologist Chris Cooper raised some serious questions in his protest at St Mary's Church about local government spending and the allocation of finances. As I'm sure most residents would agree, we would prefer to maintain levels of crime prevention, rubbish services and court services than invest in design schemes such as forecourt stations, shared space and converted churches.
Sadly, with the removal of the State of the Borough Debate, one of the last few remaining democratic processes in the area, means this question cannot be raised easily.
With empty premises in Ashford, the greatly reducing footfall since the isolation of the town centre and numerous empty business premises around the borough, I would think the Ashford Borough Council would be more inclined to promote local community rather than ban them from increasing trade.
Yours faithfully,
Kelly-Marie Blundell
Ashford's "Stealth Taxes" For Local Businesses
I was absolutely horrified to read the Ashford Borough Council intends to charge businesses for putting a board in the street.
This appears to be another stealth tax introduction by the borough council, alongside increasing market rental by 50% (per hour), charging for leafleting and advertising and a significant increase in parking charges.
I do intend to conduct a Freedom of Information request to find out exactly where all this new revenue accrued is going.
We do not see it in the provision of services as residents, I can assure you of that.
I am an Ashfordian born and ,and in the last three years have seen my council tax rise, the allocation of police community resource officers changed from one ward to one to four wards, the loss of the custody suite and subsequent jobs within the police station, the introduction of significantly higher parking prices, the destruction of buildings to build car parks and further isolate the town centre, the introduction of an expensive high-speed rail service but no investment in local services.
We have had the wonderful stories of people making their own warning signs about potholes within the borough, we have had green waste collection removed, I regularly support residents whose wardens have been removed from their housing, I am now campaigning against the introduction of charges for the Lifeline system for elderly residents which has replaced the wardens.
I have watched the market be forced from Elwick Road to Bank Street, then away from the bandstand and down to the lower area of the high Street where is reduced often to three or four stalls on a week day and five or six at a weekend.
There were rumours of local community centre at Bybrook being closed, buses do not provide disability access, and more land is being used for more houses when there is no community infrastructures as a supporter let alone council services.
I'm terrified of the day when Ashford Borough Council will decide to follow in the footsteps of Barnett and provide an "EasyJet" no-frills council service for seemingly more money than we had paid before.
This appears to be another stealth tax introduction by the borough council, alongside increasing market rental by 50% (per hour), charging for leafleting and advertising and a significant increase in parking charges.
I do intend to conduct a Freedom of Information request to find out exactly where all this new revenue accrued is going.
We do not see it in the provision of services as residents, I can assure you of that.
I am an Ashfordian born and ,and in the last three years have seen my council tax rise, the allocation of police community resource officers changed from one ward to one to four wards, the loss of the custody suite and subsequent jobs within the police station, the introduction of significantly higher parking prices, the destruction of buildings to build car parks and further isolate the town centre, the introduction of an expensive high-speed rail service but no investment in local services.
We have had the wonderful stories of people making their own warning signs about potholes within the borough, we have had green waste collection removed, I regularly support residents whose wardens have been removed from their housing, I am now campaigning against the introduction of charges for the Lifeline system for elderly residents which has replaced the wardens.
I have watched the market be forced from Elwick Road to Bank Street, then away from the bandstand and down to the lower area of the high Street where is reduced often to three or four stalls on a week day and five or six at a weekend.
There were rumours of local community centre at Bybrook being closed, buses do not provide disability access, and more land is being used for more houses when there is no community infrastructures as a supporter let alone council services.
I'm terrified of the day when Ashford Borough Council will decide to follow in the footsteps of Barnett and provide an "EasyJet" no-frills council service for seemingly more money than we had paid before.
One Passionate Campanologist (Pun Intended) and Ashford's Public Sector Finances
Following the national press interest process of bellringer Chris Cooper in his tent at St Mary's Church, I feel that such passion and dedication to the cause merits comment.
I went round to the churchyard on Friday to see if I could get the opportunity to speak to him. However, having been round three times, I realised that he must have indeed been moved on.
Given that the front page on the Kentish Express identified he will impending him on a hunger strike, I was naturally concerned.
It seems that Mr Cooper was moved on on Thursday following the groundbreaking ceremony (no pun intended).
There are a lot of pertinent points to be raised from about the redevelopment of St Mary's Church.
Firstly, the development has an integral selling point to The Church, as it will mean that any damage to the 12th century property will be repaired by money from the grants and Ashford Borough Council rather than the Dioceses having to foot the bill. After all, they've just hosted the Pope coming to the UK, they couldn't possibly have the money to make minor structural repairs.
Secondly, it is worth noting that the money allocated to the churchyard is ring fenced for creative arts development. Therefore, in spite of Mr Cooper's valiant protest, the money could not be used to save the magistrates and county courts within the town. Nor could it be used to install CCTV camera or fund extra presence roles of the churchyard to help mitigate antisocial behaviour levels. This is the legacy you may or may not agree, with but ultimately it is hard to overthrow.
Thirdly as fellow Liberal Democrat campaigner Jeremy Adby points out, the redevelopment of St Mary's Church is already costed a terrifying £191,000 and that was without the ground being broken.
When facing a significant public sector deficit, ludicrous introductions of charges for advertising on the high street and regularly soaring council tax, it is shocking that so much money could be invested into something that hasn't happened yet.
Chris Cooper is quite right to question where our public finances go, our council tax has been rising above inflation levels for a significant number of years, and in addition to localise "stealth taxes", we do not seem to be reaping many benefits in Ashford.
In the last two years we have lost our custody suites, we may soon lose police station, our PCSO budgets have been halved so the number of community support officers on the street has been affected accordingly, potholes have worsened, our green waste collection has been withdrawn,wardens have been removed from older people's accommodation and the council are now charging for Lifeline and high street notice boards. If all of this is going to fund the development of the church, I would rather they paid more attention to the fundamentals of society.
We may have low expectations of what Borough councils are meant to provide, but it has to be agreed that rubbish collection, community safety, housing, and care for older and younger people is integral to the services they have. I would prefer to see the council concentrating on fulfilling these services to the highest quality before investing vast amounts of money in something that has raised so much controversy, passion and debate, especially when other services are so greatly needed.
I went round to the churchyard on Friday to see if I could get the opportunity to speak to him. However, having been round three times, I realised that he must have indeed been moved on.
Given that the front page on the Kentish Express identified he will impending him on a hunger strike, I was naturally concerned.
It seems that Mr Cooper was moved on on Thursday following the groundbreaking ceremony (no pun intended).
There are a lot of pertinent points to be raised from about the redevelopment of St Mary's Church.
Firstly, the development has an integral selling point to The Church, as it will mean that any damage to the 12th century property will be repaired by money from the grants and Ashford Borough Council rather than the Dioceses having to foot the bill. After all, they've just hosted the Pope coming to the UK, they couldn't possibly have the money to make minor structural repairs.
Secondly, it is worth noting that the money allocated to the churchyard is ring fenced for creative arts development. Therefore, in spite of Mr Cooper's valiant protest, the money could not be used to save the magistrates and county courts within the town. Nor could it be used to install CCTV camera or fund extra presence roles of the churchyard to help mitigate antisocial behaviour levels. This is the legacy you may or may not agree, with but ultimately it is hard to overthrow.
Thirdly as fellow Liberal Democrat campaigner Jeremy Adby points out, the redevelopment of St Mary's Church is already costed a terrifying £191,000 and that was without the ground being broken.
When facing a significant public sector deficit, ludicrous introductions of charges for advertising on the high street and regularly soaring council tax, it is shocking that so much money could be invested into something that hasn't happened yet.
Chris Cooper is quite right to question where our public finances go, our council tax has been rising above inflation levels for a significant number of years, and in addition to localise "stealth taxes", we do not seem to be reaping many benefits in Ashford.
In the last two years we have lost our custody suites, we may soon lose police station, our PCSO budgets have been halved so the number of community support officers on the street has been affected accordingly, potholes have worsened, our green waste collection has been withdrawn,wardens have been removed from older people's accommodation and the council are now charging for Lifeline and high street notice boards. If all of this is going to fund the development of the church, I would rather they paid more attention to the fundamentals of society.
We may have low expectations of what Borough councils are meant to provide, but it has to be agreed that rubbish collection, community safety, housing, and care for older and younger people is integral to the services they have. I would prefer to see the council concentrating on fulfilling these services to the highest quality before investing vast amounts of money in something that has raised so much controversy, passion and debate, especially when other services are so greatly needed.
Saturday, 2 October 2010
Kennington Community Forum Update
I became an executive committee member of the Kennington Community Forum at the Annual General Meeting in July 2010.
Our last meeting was held on Tuesday 28th September 2010 at St Mary's Church, Kennington.
Local Crime and Community Issues
PC Mandy Surgeoner identified a rise in motor vehicle theft. Please be aware of what you leave on display in your car and notify your neighbours of the impending risks.
"No Trick or Treat" signs are now available from Kent Police to protect people during the Halloween season. KCF will be posting one on their website for people to print off.
Following complaints of speeding on Faversham Road, Trinity Road and Canterbury Road, police have carried out covert average speed checks.
Canterbury Road identified average speed checks of 33.3mph AM, 33.7mph at noon and 35mph PM
Trinity Road identifies an average speed of 34mph AM, 35mph noon and 34mph PM
Faversham Road identifies an average speed of 31mph AM, 31mph noon and 32mph PM.
While this does not seem excessive,top speeds were recorded at 47mph on all three roads at various times.
As a resident of Faversham Road myself, I hear vehicles speeding a lot, and I am aware of the constant flow of young and older people that are most at risk. I look forward to the return of speed check camera and an increase in visits from the Hawkeye Police Vehicle.
Members of the public raised issues with traffic on Ball Lane, going the wrong way in the evenings. Kent Police are to send vehicles down there periodically to prevent this happening.
Health Walks Initiative
Natural England and NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent are working in partnership to promote the positive health benefits of regular walks.
Martin Jordan is coordinating the project for Ashford and wishes to draw residents attention to walks leaving from the Sure Start Centre in boxing and from New Hayesbank Surgery on a regular basis. Further information can be found on the Kennington website and they are actively seeking volunteer walk coordinator and leaders.
Kennington Hockey Club
Much debate has been found over potential developments at the hockey club. The hockey club desperately need to relocate to expand and develop their premises, and the proposed selling their property to Provis developers who would then put 600 houses on the site.
Regular readers of the Kentish express will be aware of the issues surrounding this development, including the lateral effect that such development will lead to the reintroduction of the Link Road and Kennington North Proposals.
Residents in Kennington are presented with a catch 22.
The development of the hockey club would have significant benefits for sports in Kent, including rehousing cricket, football and hockey teams in more suitable facilities away from residential accommodation.
However, there is an indication that the majority of residents are against the development of the link road, which cannot be built without housing in Kennington North to justify the cost.
Bovis homes and Hockey Club will be hosting an exhibition on Friday the 1st October and Saturday on 2nd October for residents to visit and comment.
Planning Applications
Objections have been raised regarding the demolition of a property and replacing with six bungalows on Grovesnor Road.
Following the rejection of the application for 11 houses on The Street, a new application has been proposed for six houses and the rejection is being appealed.
There is a proposal for Warren Lane to build 66 sheltered houses and an office block by Pentland homes
Further information can be found on the Ashford Borough Council website.
Public Consultation
Ashford Borough Council has finally agreed to open public consultation on the licensing of "lapdancing" premises in the borough. Currently, there is no requirement to these premises to be licensed but there is the option to the council to consider licensing by the magistrates courts. I will post a link as soon as this is available.
Our last meeting was held on Tuesday 28th September 2010 at St Mary's Church, Kennington.
Local Crime and Community Issues
PC Mandy Surgeoner identified a rise in motor vehicle theft. Please be aware of what you leave on display in your car and notify your neighbours of the impending risks.
"No Trick or Treat" signs are now available from Kent Police to protect people during the Halloween season. KCF will be posting one on their website for people to print off.
Following complaints of speeding on Faversham Road, Trinity Road and Canterbury Road, police have carried out covert average speed checks.
Canterbury Road identified average speed checks of 33.3mph AM, 33.7mph at noon and 35mph PM
Trinity Road identifies an average speed of 34mph AM, 35mph noon and 34mph PM
Faversham Road identifies an average speed of 31mph AM, 31mph noon and 32mph PM.
While this does not seem excessive,top speeds were recorded at 47mph on all three roads at various times.
As a resident of Faversham Road myself, I hear vehicles speeding a lot, and I am aware of the constant flow of young and older people that are most at risk. I look forward to the return of speed check camera and an increase in visits from the Hawkeye Police Vehicle.
Members of the public raised issues with traffic on Ball Lane, going the wrong way in the evenings. Kent Police are to send vehicles down there periodically to prevent this happening.
Health Walks Initiative
Natural England and NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent are working in partnership to promote the positive health benefits of regular walks.
Martin Jordan is coordinating the project for Ashford and wishes to draw residents attention to walks leaving from the Sure Start Centre in boxing and from New Hayesbank Surgery on a regular basis. Further information can be found on the Kennington website and they are actively seeking volunteer walk coordinator and leaders.
Kennington Hockey Club
Much debate has been found over potential developments at the hockey club. The hockey club desperately need to relocate to expand and develop their premises, and the proposed selling their property to Provis developers who would then put 600 houses on the site.
Regular readers of the Kentish express will be aware of the issues surrounding this development, including the lateral effect that such development will lead to the reintroduction of the Link Road and Kennington North Proposals.
Residents in Kennington are presented with a catch 22.
The development of the hockey club would have significant benefits for sports in Kent, including rehousing cricket, football and hockey teams in more suitable facilities away from residential accommodation.
However, there is an indication that the majority of residents are against the development of the link road, which cannot be built without housing in Kennington North to justify the cost.
Bovis homes and Hockey Club will be hosting an exhibition on Friday the 1st October and Saturday on 2nd October for residents to visit and comment.
Planning Applications
Objections have been raised regarding the demolition of a property and replacing with six bungalows on Grovesnor Road.
Following the rejection of the application for 11 houses on The Street, a new application has been proposed for six houses and the rejection is being appealed.
There is a proposal for Warren Lane to build 66 sheltered houses and an office block by Pentland homes
Further information can be found on the Ashford Borough Council website.
Public Consultation
Ashford Borough Council has finally agreed to open public consultation on the licensing of "lapdancing" premises in the borough. Currently, there is no requirement to these premises to be licensed but there is the option to the council to consider licensing by the magistrates courts. I will post a link as soon as this is available.
Monday, 27 September 2010
Tea and Coffee FOI is Farcical in Light of Other ABC Spends
Labour Campaigner Brendan Chitton is aghast at money spent by Ashford Borough Council on Tea and Coffee in the last three years.
I suggest he applied his Freedom of Information Act Legislation more vigourouslly to his own party and makes a note of Liam Byrne's letter left in the Treasury at the end of the Labour Government.
However, it is prudent to point out that Ashford Borough Council has circa 500 employees, working circa 350 days per year. Therefore the response provided identifies Ashford Borough Councill only spent 2p per employee per day in the three year period.
Perhaps Mr Chitton has only covered Local Government in his Politics studies so far, and would greatly benefit from full investigation into the remits of excessive spending in local government before launching such a meagre campaign again.
May I suggest he begins with the Audit Commission, Commercial Sensitivity and Local Enterprise Partnerships?
I suggest he applied his Freedom of Information Act Legislation more vigourouslly to his own party and makes a note of Liam Byrne's letter left in the Treasury at the end of the Labour Government.
However, it is prudent to point out that Ashford Borough Council has circa 500 employees, working circa 350 days per year. Therefore the response provided identifies Ashford Borough Councill only spent 2p per employee per day in the three year period.
Perhaps Mr Chitton has only covered Local Government in his Politics studies so far, and would greatly benefit from full investigation into the remits of excessive spending in local government before launching such a meagre campaign again.
May I suggest he begins with the Audit Commission, Commercial Sensitivity and Local Enterprise Partnerships?
Open Letter: Ashford Herald 23.9.10
Dear Sirs
While it is wonderful that Ashford's Future is investing in the Skate Park at last, it is regrettable and indicative of a lack of foresight that this decision comes after the summer holidays.
The school children were therefore presented with inferior replacements and a lack of discussion for the duration of the summer.
Teenagers I spoke to at Ashford Skate Park in July were prepared to fund raise themselves to help repair and maintain the park. This perhaps would have helped empower the community more and contributed to national agendas on Big Society.
We ought to be engaging with communities, not just swooping in and out and dictating behaviour.
Kind regards,
Kelly-Marie Blundell
Ashford Liberal Democrats
Kennington
While it is wonderful that Ashford's Future is investing in the Skate Park at last, it is regrettable and indicative of a lack of foresight that this decision comes after the summer holidays.
The school children were therefore presented with inferior replacements and a lack of discussion for the duration of the summer.
Teenagers I spoke to at Ashford Skate Park in July were prepared to fund raise themselves to help repair and maintain the park. This perhaps would have helped empower the community more and contributed to national agendas on Big Society.
We ought to be engaging with communities, not just swooping in and out and dictating behaviour.
Kind regards,
Kelly-Marie Blundell
Ashford Liberal Democrats
Kennington
Saturday, 7 August 2010
Response on Skate Park Letter
Further to Cllr Jim Wedgebury's letter in the Kentish Express (5th August 2010), I decided to test his theories and speak to a number of skateboarders at the skate park on Tannery Lane.
Those of you who didn't see the letter, Councillor Wedgebury implies that he has a great knowledge of skateboarding, apparently gained from YouTube, that is far superior to my own experience.
He then goes on to insinuate that skateboarders simply use designated sites to “train and home” their skills before indulging on dangerous and new sites.
Playing on Dangerous Sites
It is a rather strange response to my letter,, and given that I raised the issues of the danger of alternative sites now that the skate park is closed rather than the skate park directly contributing to this behaviour.
The teenagers were quick to inform me today that they have nowhere else to go and they come to skate at the designated site, because they genuinely enjoy skating. They prefer to do this than at other sites, and while a small minority will always choose to be heedless of the dangers of other areas, the majority simply want their skate park back.
Further to my warning in my letter, the manager of Wreckless informed me that she'd had two boys in with broken bones due to finding other locations which are not elected Skating areas.
Illogic al Strategic Planning
Seeing as I also pointed out the illogical strategic planning of Ashford Borough Council by removing the facilities at the beginning of the summer holidays and the importance of community engagement for all ages, I resent the comment that my argument is both populist and undermines the situation. Ashford Borough Council are quick to promote their “Saved A Million”, the need for community funding and maintenance of facilities, it seems strange they would chose such a time to change the Skate Park.
The Ashford Borough Council Website Is quick to announce that they “co-ordinate the Ashford Youth Forum Trust [to] better understand the needs of young people”.
Perhaps instead of wasting resources on a variety of “strategies” and “websites” for the young people, they should start by actually talking to them.
Gathering Users Opinion
Those present at the skate park today, all teenage males, were quick to point out that when the skate park was closed off they had nothing to do and nowhere to go. Short of spending vast amounts of money travelling to one of the nearby towns where the facilities are present, they have felt victimised without any explanation is why their facilities were withdrawn.
The frequent users of the Skate Park have been informed that they will only be without resources for three months and that the structures were unsafe.
Instead, those on skateboards, BMX's, scooters and rollerblades, have been provided with plywood structures that are full of the splinters, and, it appears, will have to wait until Christmas for any more facilities.
Although, according to Councillor Wedgebury's letter, they may not receive these facilities at all, if people don't vote for the money to be spent on this.
Danger to Local businesses
There is also a lateral effect of the closures skate park facilities.
Instead of being the thriving skate park it once was, a lot of residents have already moved to other towns. As Wreckless business owner Jacqueline said to me today, she has been unable to organise the annual skate competition and is already losing business as the skaters go to other towns.
And Finally
In view of the National government's proposals on Big Society, we can only hope that funding can be found to replace the facilities that have now gone.
Genuine community facilities are integral to the sustainability of any town, whether they serve the old, the young or the elected, they still ought to reflect the needs and desires of that community.
PS: As a disabled person, I am unable to partake in Skateboarding, but am keen to support all physical sports in spite of my inability to perform in them.
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Open Letter: Protecting the Churchyard
Dear Sirs,
Ashford Borough Council's proposal to invest in bouncers to monitor the churchyard passageways nothing short of ludicrous (Kentish Express July 29, 2010).
As I wrote in the letters page in September 2009, the Conservative administration of Ashford Borough Council failed to support proposals for further street lighting or CCTV and furthermore have failed to respond fully to a petition submitted for better security measures in the churchyard in 2008.
This ongoing saga may make good news fodder, but the suffering of Jeremy Adby and co-residents is beyond a joke. As the Kentish Express states, residents had a meeting in March and only at the end of July to the Council decide to put into new street lights.
Employing bouncers is simply ridiculous when a quarter of our council tax money goes to policing the Borough. When the council can spend vast amounts of money on street lighting, consultants to discuss parking in a shared space and swimming facilities that are not usable for residents, one has to wonder how the budget is managed.
Kind regards,
Kelly-Marie Blundell
Ashford Liberal Democrats
Kennington
Ashford Borough Council's proposal to invest in bouncers to monitor the churchyard passageways nothing short of ludicrous (Kentish Express July 29, 2010).
As I wrote in the letters page in September 2009, the Conservative administration of Ashford Borough Council failed to support proposals for further street lighting or CCTV and furthermore have failed to respond fully to a petition submitted for better security measures in the churchyard in 2008.
This ongoing saga may make good news fodder, but the suffering of Jeremy Adby and co-residents is beyond a joke. As the Kentish Express states, residents had a meeting in March and only at the end of July to the Council decide to put into new street lights.
Employing bouncers is simply ridiculous when a quarter of our council tax money goes to policing the Borough. When the council can spend vast amounts of money on street lighting, consultants to discuss parking in a shared space and swimming facilities that are not usable for residents, one has to wonder how the budget is managed.
Kind regards,
Kelly-Marie Blundell
Ashford Liberal Democrats
Kennington
Now Notorious rather than Famous: Ashford's Shared Space
The shared space has become a laughing stock with the introduction of parking restrictions on Bank Street (Kentish Express 29 July 2010).
The shared space, where people are meant to be able to walk, drive and cycle is now subject to (a) pedestrian crossings, (b) parking spaces, (c) pedestrian walkway allocation, (d) bus lanes and (e) cycle lanes, The only thing that it appears to be lacking to make it a road is dividing lines at the centre.
Far from being a famous landmark, residents of Ashford now considered a shared space to be a notorious waste of money, time and resources by the borough council.
Perhaps with Sir Terry Farrell's desired implementation of an entire ring-road of “shared space”, we can fully embrace the renaming of public spaces to do exactly what the previous public spaces did in the first place. Alongside, of course, designed superseding functionality.
The shared space, where people are meant to be able to walk, drive and cycle is now subject to (a) pedestrian crossings, (b) parking spaces, (c) pedestrian walkway allocation, (d) bus lanes and (e) cycle lanes, The only thing that it appears to be lacking to make it a road is dividing lines at the centre.
Far from being a famous landmark, residents of Ashford now considered a shared space to be a notorious waste of money, time and resources by the borough council.
Perhaps with Sir Terry Farrell's desired implementation of an entire ring-road of “shared space”, we can fully embrace the renaming of public spaces to do exactly what the previous public spaces did in the first place. Alongside, of course, designed superseding functionality.
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Open Letter: Removal of Skating Facilities
Dear Sirs,
The closing down of the skateboarding site on Tannery Lane must come as a disappointment to many young residents.
The site forms part of core activities for youth engagement in Ashford that do not involve paying to enter, and has played a significant part in reducing perceived youth antisocial behaviour In the town.
It is clear that the closing down is due to some form of health and safety issue, and I hope that such a descision does not form part of the over-zealous health and safety culture seen nationwide. Alongside issues with restoring Victoria Park playing facilities, we are in danger of telling children they must not run in case they hurt themselves.
Ashford are seeing a significant reduction in recreational facilities for residents for the summer as it is, with the Stour Centre on limited availablity.
The far larger risk with the the reduction of access to free resources is the young people will utilise other, potentially dangerous sights to skate and experiement with parkour such as the town centre.
Yours faithfully
Kelly-Marie Blundell
Ashford Liberal Democrats
The closing down of the skateboarding site on Tannery Lane must come as a disappointment to many young residents.
The site forms part of core activities for youth engagement in Ashford that do not involve paying to enter, and has played a significant part in reducing perceived youth antisocial behaviour In the town.
It is clear that the closing down is due to some form of health and safety issue, and I hope that such a descision does not form part of the over-zealous health and safety culture seen nationwide. Alongside issues with restoring Victoria Park playing facilities, we are in danger of telling children they must not run in case they hurt themselves.
Ashford are seeing a significant reduction in recreational facilities for residents for the summer as it is, with the Stour Centre on limited availablity.
The far larger risk with the the reduction of access to free resources is the young people will utilise other, potentially dangerous sights to skate and experiement with parkour such as the town centre.
Yours faithfully
Kelly-Marie Blundell
Ashford Liberal Democrats
Open Letter: State of the Borough Debate
Dear Sirs,
I was concerned to read that the Ashford Borough Council Executive have decided that the “State of the Borough Debate” is no longer needed (Kentish Express, 22nd July 2010).
At a time when residents are so concerned about potential planning developments that additional seating needs to be provided at council meetings, the comments that not enough people attend seems invalid.
While only 40 people were able to attend last year, Ashford Borough Council cannot deny that they received so many submissions for questions, they were forced to limit the number heard to 25.
In spite of the decision to remove the debate, it is still currently listed on the council website. I find it saddening that the local government do not have the same faith in democracy that their national counterparts hold, and as a result they are not prepared to listen to genuine concerns and encourage debate and community engagement.
Planning is not the only issue that residents in Ashford are concerned about, but the decision to delay Ashford Futures proposed development plans until September would ensure a good attendance at the November debate, not to mention the ongoing dispute with antisocial behaviour, fly tipping and inadequate waste collection and appropriate allocation of public funded resources.
I hope that the Kentish Express will campaign to return this debate to Ashford Borough Council as my local party will be.
Yours faithfully
Kelly-Marie Blundell
Ashford Liberal Democrats
I was concerned to read that the Ashford Borough Council Executive have decided that the “State of the Borough Debate” is no longer needed (Kentish Express, 22nd July 2010).
At a time when residents are so concerned about potential planning developments that additional seating needs to be provided at council meetings, the comments that not enough people attend seems invalid.
While only 40 people were able to attend last year, Ashford Borough Council cannot deny that they received so many submissions for questions, they were forced to limit the number heard to 25.
In spite of the decision to remove the debate, it is still currently listed on the council website. I find it saddening that the local government do not have the same faith in democracy that their national counterparts hold, and as a result they are not prepared to listen to genuine concerns and encourage debate and community engagement.
Planning is not the only issue that residents in Ashford are concerned about, but the decision to delay Ashford Futures proposed development plans until September would ensure a good attendance at the November debate, not to mention the ongoing dispute with antisocial behaviour, fly tipping and inadequate waste collection and appropriate allocation of public funded resources.
I hope that the Kentish Express will campaign to return this debate to Ashford Borough Council as my local party will be.
Yours faithfully
Kelly-Marie Blundell
Ashford Liberal Democrats
Sunday, 20 June 2010
Bybrook Barn's Response to Planning
Following the decision to allow Tescos Planning permission to build a Dobbies Garden Centre, there has been much public and private debate.
The MD of Bybrook Garden Centre, Terry Burch, contacted me with the letter that the newspapers refused to print:
Bybrook Barn Garden Centre’s response to Tesco/Dobbies Planning Approval
By Mr T.B.Burch Owner and MD
I was not completely surprised at the council’s decision on May 26th to vote in favour of Tesco/Dobbies it was never going to be a level playing field. Ashford Borough Council planning officers were determined to push in favour of Tescos/Dobbies.
But by how far?
For years they have been in discussion regarding this site yet we were never informed of the proposal or given the chance to comment although we were the principle people to be affected.
We were not even given the normal courtesy of notification that a planning application had been received. Even when the plans had been approved by Ashford Planners we were never notified and were only made aware of it in a Council magazine as an already agreed project, with the site already mapped out, as a done deal, before a planning meeting had even taken place. To add insult to injury we did not even warrant being officially notified as we were informed as being outside the normal notification area. Something here certainly didn’t seem right.
At the first planning meeting on 31st March, Councillors on the planning committee voted to refuse the Planning Application, and a measure of confidence returned. However it would appear the planners had other views and waved this decision to give councillors the opportunity to change their minds, how convenient. We all were under the elusion that a refusal meant a refusal. Minutes from this meeting are almost non-existent.
Two months later at the second planning meeting on 26th May 2010 the situation had radically changed. The entire local councillors on the planning committee, now unanimously approved Tesco/Dobbies application. Not one had the courage of their previous conviction. Not one councillor, stuck to their original decision with the exception of councillor Claughton, a ward member, and therefore, not eligible to vote, He could not understand why every councillor had changed their original decision, even though no additional information had been provided, stating he wanted no part of it.
Was I disappointed, yes, but this was always a possibility, In a conflict with a tank and a mini, don’t be surprised at the outcome, but disappointed because the local planning councillors, who I had expected would have given us just a little support and backing did a complete U turn and melted away like snow in the desert. Not one was prepared to uphold their previous conviction and stand their ground, using feeble reasons for their reversal and putting a local business in jeopardy.
Many of the reasons Ashford planners had used in the past to refuse us planning applications, no longer seemed to apply.
Planner’s could have redirected Tesco/Dobbies elsewhere in Ashford and kept the site for its original planned use as Leisure, not retail. Tesco/Dobbies will be the only retailer on the site.
This reveals a surprising lack of support to long-standing local businesses, or public opinion, which they felt warranted little or no consideration. How easy it is to hide behind, and fit planning regulations to suit the occasion.
ABC Planner’s lack of being forthright and upfront over these negotiations adequately prove the point.
During the second meeting a pink paper was circulated to all those on the planning committee. Members were told that if they wished to discuss anything in this paper, the public and press would have to leave the chamber in order for this discussion to take place.
I have since been reliably informed that the pink paper from the planners, warned the councillors that if they voted for a refusal, to this application the council could be liable for costs of up to £100,000 should Tesco/Dobbies appeal. Why I wonder?
It would appear that money determines what is passed, or not
In view of the above, the planning committee’s position becomes understandable they were virtually told how to vote.
Is this what our democracy has come to? Don’t vote according to your views as it might cost the council money, this is surely not what the public expect, from councillors they have voted for, to represent their views? We would have accepted losing had it been decided in a fair and democratic manner, and all the issues fairly debated, but this has a very unhealthy odour about it. How many other planning decisions have been conducted in this manner.
These matters surely warrant a more explicit explanation.
We are not adverse to competition, fair competition.
But if one thinks a ten million (£10,000,000) development on our doorstep will have no effect on us, you’re not living in the real world, just take a good look at the strangling effect the same organisation has on the high Streets. An organisation retailing the same products as the Garden Centre, on our doorstep, will be a massive blow, especially when you consider the power and size of the parent company. (Read the book Tescopoly by Andrew Simms) and you may agree with us.
Tesco the parent Company takes £1 for every £8 spent by the British shopper and its share is rising, and we take seriously the comment by the companies chief executive, that he’s not joking, when he says, that still leaves the other seven to go for. They are Britain’s biggest retailer, not just the country’s biggest supermarket, but it’s biggest for everything that’s non food as well.
Having dominated almost every town’s high street in the country, Tesco/Dobbies are now eyeing Garden Centres, with 25 already and seeking a further 100.
You independent friends in the garden centre business need to watch out. Tesco/Dobbies are coming, but if your local council is anything like ours don’t rely on it for support.
It seems preference is given to a multi national retailer, so close to an existing 35 year old loyal Ashford business jeopardising it’s existence with little or no consideration. A Multi-national who have no real commitment to Ashford.
As seems inevitable, when all the small independent businesses disappear the powers that be might, just might, regret being led up the garden path.
Readers can make up their own minds what constitutes fair. Maybe fair in planning terms no longer exists or counts for much.
I finish by saying how extremely proud I am of my staff for their help and loyal support, and know they will face this next challenge with vigour and determination.
I also thank all of our customer friends for their continuing support
There are too many to thank individually but please take this as my personal Thank you!
Terry Burch
Managing Director
Bybrook Barn Garden Centre
The MD of Bybrook Garden Centre, Terry Burch, contacted me with the letter that the newspapers refused to print:
Bybrook Barn Garden Centre’s response to Tesco/Dobbies Planning Approval
By Mr T.B.Burch Owner and MD
I was not completely surprised at the council’s decision on May 26th to vote in favour of Tesco/Dobbies it was never going to be a level playing field. Ashford Borough Council planning officers were determined to push in favour of Tescos/Dobbies.
But by how far?
For years they have been in discussion regarding this site yet we were never informed of the proposal or given the chance to comment although we were the principle people to be affected.
We were not even given the normal courtesy of notification that a planning application had been received. Even when the plans had been approved by Ashford Planners we were never notified and were only made aware of it in a Council magazine as an already agreed project, with the site already mapped out, as a done deal, before a planning meeting had even taken place. To add insult to injury we did not even warrant being officially notified as we were informed as being outside the normal notification area. Something here certainly didn’t seem right.
At the first planning meeting on 31st March, Councillors on the planning committee voted to refuse the Planning Application, and a measure of confidence returned. However it would appear the planners had other views and waved this decision to give councillors the opportunity to change their minds, how convenient. We all were under the elusion that a refusal meant a refusal. Minutes from this meeting are almost non-existent.
Two months later at the second planning meeting on 26th May 2010 the situation had radically changed. The entire local councillors on the planning committee, now unanimously approved Tesco/Dobbies application. Not one had the courage of their previous conviction. Not one councillor, stuck to their original decision with the exception of councillor Claughton, a ward member, and therefore, not eligible to vote, He could not understand why every councillor had changed their original decision, even though no additional information had been provided, stating he wanted no part of it.
Was I disappointed, yes, but this was always a possibility, In a conflict with a tank and a mini, don’t be surprised at the outcome, but disappointed because the local planning councillors, who I had expected would have given us just a little support and backing did a complete U turn and melted away like snow in the desert. Not one was prepared to uphold their previous conviction and stand their ground, using feeble reasons for their reversal and putting a local business in jeopardy.
Many of the reasons Ashford planners had used in the past to refuse us planning applications, no longer seemed to apply.
Planner’s could have redirected Tesco/Dobbies elsewhere in Ashford and kept the site for its original planned use as Leisure, not retail. Tesco/Dobbies will be the only retailer on the site.
This reveals a surprising lack of support to long-standing local businesses, or public opinion, which they felt warranted little or no consideration. How easy it is to hide behind, and fit planning regulations to suit the occasion.
ABC Planner’s lack of being forthright and upfront over these negotiations adequately prove the point.
During the second meeting a pink paper was circulated to all those on the planning committee. Members were told that if they wished to discuss anything in this paper, the public and press would have to leave the chamber in order for this discussion to take place.
I have since been reliably informed that the pink paper from the planners, warned the councillors that if they voted for a refusal, to this application the council could be liable for costs of up to £100,000 should Tesco/Dobbies appeal. Why I wonder?
It would appear that money determines what is passed, or not
In view of the above, the planning committee’s position becomes understandable they were virtually told how to vote.
Is this what our democracy has come to? Don’t vote according to your views as it might cost the council money, this is surely not what the public expect, from councillors they have voted for, to represent their views? We would have accepted losing had it been decided in a fair and democratic manner, and all the issues fairly debated, but this has a very unhealthy odour about it. How many other planning decisions have been conducted in this manner.
These matters surely warrant a more explicit explanation.
We are not adverse to competition, fair competition.
But if one thinks a ten million (£10,000,000) development on our doorstep will have no effect on us, you’re not living in the real world, just take a good look at the strangling effect the same organisation has on the high Streets. An organisation retailing the same products as the Garden Centre, on our doorstep, will be a massive blow, especially when you consider the power and size of the parent company. (Read the book Tescopoly by Andrew Simms) and you may agree with us.
Tesco the parent Company takes £1 for every £8 spent by the British shopper and its share is rising, and we take seriously the comment by the companies chief executive, that he’s not joking, when he says, that still leaves the other seven to go for. They are Britain’s biggest retailer, not just the country’s biggest supermarket, but it’s biggest for everything that’s non food as well.
Having dominated almost every town’s high street in the country, Tesco/Dobbies are now eyeing Garden Centres, with 25 already and seeking a further 100.
You independent friends in the garden centre business need to watch out. Tesco/Dobbies are coming, but if your local council is anything like ours don’t rely on it for support.
It seems preference is given to a multi national retailer, so close to an existing 35 year old loyal Ashford business jeopardising it’s existence with little or no consideration. A Multi-national who have no real commitment to Ashford.
As seems inevitable, when all the small independent businesses disappear the powers that be might, just might, regret being led up the garden path.
Readers can make up their own minds what constitutes fair. Maybe fair in planning terms no longer exists or counts for much.
I finish by saying how extremely proud I am of my staff for their help and loyal support, and know they will face this next challenge with vigour and determination.
I also thank all of our customer friends for their continuing support
There are too many to thank individually but please take this as my personal Thank you!
Terry Burch
Managing Director
Bybrook Barn Garden Centre
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Winning in Ashford, Kent
My blogging seems to have depleted rapidly since the beginning of the election campaign.
As the agent for our candidate for Ashford and Tenterden constituency said to me "Vince Cable’s book “Free Radical” describes wild optimism as “candidatitis”."
It's absolutely fantastic to get carried away with the election hype.
With the phenomenal success that the Liberal Democrats are now showing in the polls and the support being referred to by Andrew Marr is the "Clegg Effect", I think that probably every member of the Liberal Democrats is suffering from slight candidatitis.
In the last couple of days, when I've got home from work, I've been canvassing my local ward and getting into wonderful discussions about what the Liberal Democrats can do for Ashford and the local area.
Quite simply, people are sick of more of the same, 65 years of the government, elected by tidal voting, booms and busts in the economy, booms and busts in the job market and something of management of cartels through running public services.
For once, people are genuinely engaged with the political climate in this country.
They are genuinely interested in alternative methods of government, voting, ways of managing the economy, the job market and public services as well as looking to embrace a far more democratic and liberal system than we are currently experiencing.
My weekends have been spent knocking on doors or leafleting the town centre. wonderful discussions I had yesterday, and I had so many positive phrases such as "preaching to the converted", "I was so impressed with Clegg on Thursday" and "don't worry, you've got my vote".
Our opposition, the Conservative candidate Damian Green, had been campaigning in Dover, which is one of the marginal seats in the county. However, our increased efforts in recent weeks, from hosting a major question and answer and meet the people are bent on the town centre bandstand, leafleting, canvassing and placing major advertisement in the local press has brought Damien back into the constituency.
If you are interested in what the Ashford Liberal Democrats are doing in the local town centre, have a look at some of our Borough councillors, County Councillors or local campaigners.
Chris Took, your Liberal Democrat candidate at this election, has pledged five key areas that he would like to improve in Ashford.
A Fair Deal for Older People
Chris and myself, along with our local party and regional party, have been campaigning for some time to reinstate resident wardens in sheltered accommodation, where residents are currently left vulnerable and available in their own homes.
In addition to this, we are campaigning for a fairer care system, better medical support, financial benefits to lift 40% of pensioners out of poverty and the pension system that reflects national earnings.
A Fair Deal for The Economy
By implementing the Liberal Democrat Policy to raise the current tax bracket to a minimum of £10,000, this would benefit the poorest in society. In areas of deprivation in Ashford, people would be able to save more money by working than they would do on benefits, allowing them to get out of the welfare state trap and live their lives to the full.
In addition to this, people across the constituency would be better off by an average of £700. Capital gains tax would be raised to move in line with average earnings to prevent people from moving all of their earnings into capital gains and paying low taxes on it.
A Fair Deal for Communities
As a passionate campaigner for democratic participation in planning and community development, Chris Took will uphold the right for people for participate in the development of their neighbourhood, from The North School Farm to Bybrook Barn.
A Fair Deal in Ashford's Growth
With a vast expansion underway in Ashford, including the recently approved M20 Junction 10A, Chris Took is dedicated to campaigning for resources and sensible expansion, including more schools, jobs and infrastructure to support the
A Fair Deal for Local Charities and Businesses
The red tape and bureaucracy encompassing business and charity in Ashford prevents both the delivery of services and people being valued. With performance targets for volunteers, the very concept is undermined. Chris is campaigning to strip out the wasted administration and focus on what Businesses and Charities do best.
And for All of You Who Think the Lib Dem Vote is a Wasted Vote...
One of the Liberal Democrats' key policies if we support a Coalition is to introduce Proportional Representation. If you vote for us, we will be able to ensure your vote will count every time.
As the agent for our candidate for Ashford and Tenterden constituency said to me "Vince Cable’s book “Free Radical” describes wild optimism as “candidatitis”."
It's absolutely fantastic to get carried away with the election hype.
With the phenomenal success that the Liberal Democrats are now showing in the polls and the support being referred to by Andrew Marr is the "Clegg Effect", I think that probably every member of the Liberal Democrats is suffering from slight candidatitis.
In the last couple of days, when I've got home from work, I've been canvassing my local ward and getting into wonderful discussions about what the Liberal Democrats can do for Ashford and the local area.
Quite simply, people are sick of more of the same, 65 years of the government, elected by tidal voting, booms and busts in the economy, booms and busts in the job market and something of management of cartels through running public services.
For once, people are genuinely engaged with the political climate in this country.
They are genuinely interested in alternative methods of government, voting, ways of managing the economy, the job market and public services as well as looking to embrace a far more democratic and liberal system than we are currently experiencing.
My weekends have been spent knocking on doors or leafleting the town centre. wonderful discussions I had yesterday, and I had so many positive phrases such as "preaching to the converted", "I was so impressed with Clegg on Thursday" and "don't worry, you've got my vote".
Our opposition, the Conservative candidate Damian Green, had been campaigning in Dover, which is one of the marginal seats in the county. However, our increased efforts in recent weeks, from hosting a major question and answer and meet the people are bent on the town centre bandstand, leafleting, canvassing and placing major advertisement in the local press has brought Damien back into the constituency.
If you are interested in what the Ashford Liberal Democrats are doing in the local town centre, have a look at some of our Borough councillors, County Councillors or local campaigners.
Chris Took, your Liberal Democrat candidate at this election, has pledged five key areas that he would like to improve in Ashford.
A Fair Deal for Older People
Chris and myself, along with our local party and regional party, have been campaigning for some time to reinstate resident wardens in sheltered accommodation, where residents are currently left vulnerable and available in their own homes.
In addition to this, we are campaigning for a fairer care system, better medical support, financial benefits to lift 40% of pensioners out of poverty and the pension system that reflects national earnings.
A Fair Deal for The Economy
By implementing the Liberal Democrat Policy to raise the current tax bracket to a minimum of £10,000, this would benefit the poorest in society. In areas of deprivation in Ashford, people would be able to save more money by working than they would do on benefits, allowing them to get out of the welfare state trap and live their lives to the full.
In addition to this, people across the constituency would be better off by an average of £700. Capital gains tax would be raised to move in line with average earnings to prevent people from moving all of their earnings into capital gains and paying low taxes on it.
A Fair Deal for Communities
As a passionate campaigner for democratic participation in planning and community development, Chris Took will uphold the right for people for participate in the development of their neighbourhood, from The North School Farm to Bybrook Barn.
A Fair Deal in Ashford's Growth
With a vast expansion underway in Ashford, including the recently approved M20 Junction 10A, Chris Took is dedicated to campaigning for resources and sensible expansion, including more schools, jobs and infrastructure to support the
A Fair Deal for Local Charities and Businesses
The red tape and bureaucracy encompassing business and charity in Ashford prevents both the delivery of services and people being valued. With performance targets for volunteers, the very concept is undermined. Chris is campaigning to strip out the wasted administration and focus on what Businesses and Charities do best.
And for All of You Who Think the Lib Dem Vote is a Wasted Vote...
One of the Liberal Democrats' key policies if we support a Coalition is to introduce Proportional Representation. If you vote for us, we will be able to ensure your vote will count every time.
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Open Letter: Is the North School Farm Truely Saved?
Dear Sirs,
While it is a delight that the North School has been “saved”, there are real issues with relocating the farm that will have a significant impact and should be addressed.
There is likely to be a negative effect on not only on the animals but also on the day-to-day running of the school. In addition to this, the relocation will lead to a reduction of the sports fields and have a subsequent impact on the school.
This is on top of the destruction that building houses around the front of the school will have. Not only is Essella Road already a congested T-junction, but the increase of traffic will endanger school children and families in the area both at building time and once the houses are resided in.
Ultimately, when weighing up the issues, I cannot see that this has been a campaign success.
It does appear that Kent County Council are attempting to sell the land to build houses in order to plug the deficit in their own accounts caused by contracting a company at risk. This is their own failing and they should not be effectively taking it out on the school. At the very least the proceeds from selling the land for housing should be more than adequate to relocate the farm effectively, if the development must go through.
There are clearly significant issues of the communications of our councils and Local Education Authorities. Given that the two are essentially the same body, it identifies a huge issue with communications that should be addressed sooner rather than later.
Kind regards,
Kelly-Marie Blundell
Ashford Liberal Democrats
Kennington
While it is a delight that the North School has been “saved”, there are real issues with relocating the farm that will have a significant impact and should be addressed.
There is likely to be a negative effect on not only on the animals but also on the day-to-day running of the school. In addition to this, the relocation will lead to a reduction of the sports fields and have a subsequent impact on the school.
This is on top of the destruction that building houses around the front of the school will have. Not only is Essella Road already a congested T-junction, but the increase of traffic will endanger school children and families in the area both at building time and once the houses are resided in.
Ultimately, when weighing up the issues, I cannot see that this has been a campaign success.
It does appear that Kent County Council are attempting to sell the land to build houses in order to plug the deficit in their own accounts caused by contracting a company at risk. This is their own failing and they should not be effectively taking it out on the school. At the very least the proceeds from selling the land for housing should be more than adequate to relocate the farm effectively, if the development must go through.
There are clearly significant issues of the communications of our councils and Local Education Authorities. Given that the two are essentially the same body, it identifies a huge issue with communications that should be addressed sooner rather than later.
Kind regards,
Kelly-Marie Blundell
Ashford Liberal Democrats
Kennington
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Ashford Future's Waste of Money
Yesterday I attended the Kennington Community Forum and the beginning we were given a presentation demonstrating where the council is spending £450,000 of our council tax money.
Ashford Future and Ashford Borough Council have contacted a not-for-profit company to run a pilot project on energy efficiency.
For "Not-for-profit company", please read "a poor excuse for a charity that feeds directly of government money and exploits the targeting system in the civil service as well as using up some of the hundreds of thousands of graduates without any jobs.
They prepared a presentation with a vast array of free stuff and explain how Ashford Future had commissioned them to look into how to make our homes more energy efficient.
To do this they would be giving away free stuff
Kennington and Bybrook wards have been selected in the pilot study which is to run until October 2010.
This pilot study will involve giving away free stuff
The team offering to conduct two surveys on properties to assess whether energy savings can be made.
From this survey you can get free stuff
This includes the Electricity Monitoring device, which retails at the price of £25. But for you, it will be free.
But Wait, There's More
Our council tax will also be used to supply "chimney balloons", "tap implants", "reflecting radiator panels" and much more.
And if that wasn't enough of a waste of our money, they will also have asales team knocking on doors in the local community to book surveys, and, wait for it,the residents know what free stuff they are entitled to.
In addition to the free stuff, residents will also be able to find out about government subsidised cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and much more.
Don't forget the free stuff!
A Little Less Sarcastic Conclusion
The bare bones of the matter are the council tax is being wasted on yet another ludicrous project by Ashford Future's evasive and illogical partnership.
£450,000 is just the cost of the "free stuff". How much more did the project team, surveyors and consultants cost?
And this is only the pilot study. How much will it cost when it is rolled out across all wards in 2011?
Not to mention the fact that the majority of homeowners are entitled to subsidised energy-saving initiatives without such a gratuitous waste of money.
However, I know from talking to residents, that often the "subsidised part" is the small change. The "approved" companies charge consumers through the nose for the rest, and the government will only subsidise if you have the full amount done.
There are not many pensioners who could afford to pay £3000 to get £1000 of subsidiaries to have their radiators replaced.
I think that's the public services deficit for Mr Brown and Mr Darling to locate.
Failings in Future Planning
There is a significant strategic issue here too.
If companies were filling our town with Lego-brick-houses that cost too much and cost even more ecologically, we wouldn't have to have this retrospective funding in the first place.
The level of development in Ashford is one of the highest in the country, and, despite knowing about Climate change, no one is ensuring that this development consists of sustainable materials and with a low carbon footprint.
If the funding for this ludicrous project has to be allocated to ecology, then this is where it should be spent.
And if funding is allocated to ecology then it should be put towards our atrocious potholes!
Ashford Future and Ashford Borough Council have contacted a not-for-profit company to run a pilot project on energy efficiency.
For "Not-for-profit company", please read "a poor excuse for a charity that feeds directly of government money and exploits the targeting system in the civil service as well as using up some of the hundreds of thousands of graduates without any jobs.
They prepared a presentation with a vast array of free stuff and explain how Ashford Future had commissioned them to look into how to make our homes more energy efficient.
To do this they would be giving away free stuff
Kennington and Bybrook wards have been selected in the pilot study which is to run until October 2010.
This pilot study will involve giving away free stuff
The team offering to conduct two surveys on properties to assess whether energy savings can be made.
From this survey you can get free stuff
This includes the Electricity Monitoring device, which retails at the price of £25. But for you, it will be free.
But Wait, There's More
Our council tax will also be used to supply "chimney balloons", "tap implants", "reflecting radiator panels" and much more.
And if that wasn't enough of a waste of our money, they will also have a
In addition to the free stuff, residents will also be able to find out about government subsidised cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and much more.
Don't forget the free stuff!
A Little Less Sarcastic Conclusion
The bare bones of the matter are the council tax is being wasted on yet another ludicrous project by Ashford Future's evasive and illogical partnership.
£450,000 is just the cost of the "free stuff". How much more did the project team, surveyors and consultants cost?
And this is only the pilot study. How much will it cost when it is rolled out across all wards in 2011?
Not to mention the fact that the majority of homeowners are entitled to subsidised energy-saving initiatives without such a gratuitous waste of money.
However, I know from talking to residents, that often the "subsidised part" is the small change. The "approved" companies charge consumers through the nose for the rest, and the government will only subsidise if you have the full amount done.
There are not many pensioners who could afford to pay £3000 to get £1000 of subsidiaries to have their radiators replaced.
I think that's the public services deficit for Mr Brown and Mr Darling to locate.
Failings in Future Planning
There is a significant strategic issue here too.
If companies were filling our town with Lego-brick-houses that cost too much and cost even more ecologically, we wouldn't have to have this retrospective funding in the first place.
The level of development in Ashford is one of the highest in the country, and, despite knowing about Climate change, no one is ensuring that this development consists of sustainable materials and with a low carbon footprint.
If the funding for this ludicrous project has to be allocated to ecology, then this is where it should be spent.
And if funding is allocated to ecology then it should be put towards our atrocious potholes!
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