The Barton Blog

Hughes report on cost of higher education

2011-07-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

The government decision taken last December to increase from 2012 the maximum amount universities can charge for tuition could deter people from going into higher education. It is now the duty of all of us - government, politicians of all colours and the public - to make sure that nobody makes a decision about going to university without knowing exactly how it will be paid for and the support available.

The facts, figures and costs of a degree for future graduates are: nothing at all for those earning less than £21,000 and £7.50 a month for those earning £22,000.

It might be possible with big effort, the right language and the commitment of all involved in advising future graduates to prevent the new policy on higher education deterring people from going to university.

The Hughes report contains over 30 recommendations directed towards schools and colleges, universities, government and regulators on what they can do to encourage participation in higher education. You can download a copy of the report from the Cabinet Office website here: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/hughes-report

Pensions: ensure the young do NOT cop for a double whammy

2011-06-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

This is my letter to Ms Dorries, my MP:

I am emailing as one of your constituents, regarding the issue of the State Pension Age.

I am asking you NOT to vote against the Pensions Bill at its Second Reading on Monday.

While these proposals do not give those affected much notice to plan for their retirement, it's a darned sight more that the student 2012 intake whose tuition fees are being hiked.

While they hit women much harder than men, as no men will have to wait over a year longer for their pension, we women have to admit we've had it cushy compared with men for a long time on pension age. Do we want equality? Yes!

They will also hit those with the smallest savings and no occupational pensions hardest, as they are most reliant on the State Pensio. Some will have been feckless; others will be people who need help and that is society's/HMG's job to provide for at base level.

Of concern to me, is how you communicate equivalence: the plans break a clear commitment in the Coalition Agreement.

In the Coalition Agreement, the government said they would "hold a review to set the date at which the state pension age starts to rise to 66, although it will not be sooner than 2016 for men and 2020 for women". The proposals in the Pensions Bill mean the state pension age for men and women will now be starting to rise to 66 in 2018, so fine, bite the bullet but keep pointing out that silver surfers are not the worst hit. The half of young people who aspire to go on to higher education will be, as pensions have always been paid for by the current young, not by what past generations put in.

So the young cop a double whammy: pay up to £9k p.a. for their higher education AND therafter be hit by higher taxes to pay for the oldies not wanting to take a share of the pain.

These plans break the government’s own promise, but then much else has had to be broken, not least the start for our young people. Please vote for the Bill on Monday.

Local election results for Barton-le-Clay, May 2011

2011-05-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you, fellow Bartonians, for voting on Thursday and in particular for those 456 of you who voted for me, your local Lib Dem candidate.

Sadly for me, it wasn't enough. I came in second after Ian Shingler, a former Lib Dem councillor and Bartonian, who is now your independent representative on the council.

I have enjoyed my two years on Central Beds Council enormously. It gave me a good insight into and understanding of public service in general and the internal workings of this unitary authority in particular. The work to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness will continue and I shall follow its progress and continue my blog.

As for the casework I have been privileged to be involved with, I shall hand it over to Ian openly and with my best wishes for the next four years of his tenure.

Election results were:

Ian Shingler Independent 615
Janet Nunn Lib Dem 456
Martin Hawkins Con 406
Lyndon Davison-Williams Independent 225
Michael Wingrove Labour 137
Mr Wildman UKIP 88

Stephen Fry worth a one minute watch on AV

2011-05-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J31QkzWmmUc because it's worth it:-)

Plannng application for marquee at the Grove

2011-05-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Central Beds Council received a planning application for the erection of a marquee for weddings and corporate events on land to the rear of The Grove, Barton Road, Pulloxhill, Reference: CB/11/00235/FULL. The application was registered on 28th January and is now under consideration, having been through a formal consultation period. In line with the relevant legislation a notice detailing the application was erected close to the site.

All planning applications are published on the Council's website. The links to the application in question are as follows:
Planning application: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/portal/showimage.asp?j=The%20Grove,%20Barton%20Road,%20Pulloxhill&index=373786.
Design and access statement: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/portal/showimage.asp?j=The%20Grove,%20Barton%20Road,%20Pulloxhill&index=373798
Site plans: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/portal/showimage.asp?j=The%20Grove,%20Barton%20Road,%20Pulloxhill&index=373795

CBC say that, "All relevant planning issues will be taken into account in making a final decision."

CBC say that both Pulloxhill and Barton Parish Councils were consulted, although the site is wholly within Pulloxhill Parish. Barton Parish Council claim they were not consulted; I expect this will be discussed at their next meeting on Monday 9 May.

PwC blagging for Central Beds Tories

2011-04-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

The mid-Beds Tory glossy distributed in my ward has had serious money thrown at it and not just for the printing.

No less a source than Pricewaterhouse Cooper's (PwC) has been quoted as saying that Central Beds gave better "Value for Money" service delivery in 2010/11 than Bedford, MK and Luton (while curiously calling only Luton "our geographical neighbours").

Anyone who has ever worked with PwC will know precisely what happened here. As business consultants, PwC would have been paid to devise a methodology that would spit out the desired answer first thought of. And they'll have charged through the nose for it.

Good luck to PwC, say I, for fleecing the Tories. But you don't fool me and I hope it won't fool most of the voters on 5 May.

The best indicator on value for money is how we each, as constituents, feel about the Council tax we pay. Mine is two-fifths, getting on for half, of my mortgage (which has less than 10 years to run), and is the third biggest outlay in our household budget.

Do take a look at my blog 10 April to see how Central Beds Council tax is dearer than that of our three neighbours, like for like (Band D charges).

The old adage, "All fur coat and no knickers" springs to mind for how the Tories have chosen to spend their money at this time on this PR spin-piece. It would be funny if I weren't a Central Beds tax payer.

Central Beds Council tax 2010-11: no excuse

2011-04-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

These are Band D Council Tax figures for 2010-11:

Central Bedfordshire (Tory) £1615
Bedford (Lib Dem) £1538*
Aylesbury Vale (Tory) £1492
South Northants (Tory) £1448
Northampton (Lib Dem Borough Council) £1445

Most Councils will be levying a zero percent increase for 2011-12, since they get 2.5% more from the government if they do.

*Lib Dem Bedford are reducing their Council Tax this year. Both Bedford and Central Bedfordshire took over from the expensive Tory-run County Council.

Message for Tory-run Central Bedfordshire Council: it needs to try harder to cut costs.

Can we please get an energyshare project going near me?

2011-04-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of this project and just had to respond positively and share it with you. I've signed up as Janet.Nunn with post code here in Barton-le-Clay and hope to get a group going. I plan on doing the energy audit over one of the upcoming bank holiday weekends.

"Please could you help us let people in your area know about the energyshare grant fund which has just launched with up to £500,000 for community renewable energy projects? We’re calling for communities across the UK to register their interest . It would be great if you could you help us spread the word by forwarding this on to any contacts you have or putting us in touch with the most appropriate team in your local authority.

energyshare is a 100% renewable energy community giving everyone in the UK the opportunity to get involved in sourcing, using, and generating your own renewable energy.

This is just the beginning. energyshare’s founding partners, River Cottage and British Gas are committed to finding more funding. As a start British Gas are committed to distributing a further £3m to community renewable projects through the energyshare fund over the next 3 years. By getting involved in energyshare you can help decide which projects get funded.

We’ve got lots of other features on the site for households and communities, including case studies on the site of really successful community projects like Woolsery Community Hall who have cut their running costs by 90%, and MOZES where each household is saving an estimated 20% / year on their energy bills!

Please forward this on to anyone you think might be interested. We hope to see you on www.energyshare.com soon!"

For any more information please contact: Emily.oliver@keofilms.com / t: +44 (0) 20 7490 3580 / m: +44 (0) 7970 658 682

Highway repair plans in Barton ward 2011-14

2011-04-10T03:36:00.000-07:00

Residents and frequent users of Manor Road in Barton-le-Clay will send a cheer up at the news that the road is due for re-surfacing this next year. Two years ago, I was told by an elderly neighbour that it hadn't been done in 20 years (I can corroborate the 17 years I've lived here), so run up the flag!

STREATLEY ROAD (RURAL) STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE Non-Principal Roads Surface Dressing Barton Sundon 7 X £13,700 2011-12

COMMON LANE STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE Non-Principal Roads Resurfacing Barton Sundon 7 X £23,166 2011-12

HARLINGTON ROAD & CHURCH ROAD (URBAN AREA) STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE B & C Roads Resurfacing Sundon £77,077 2011-12

SHARPENHOE ROAD (SERVICE ROAD) STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE Non-Principal Roads Resurfacing Barton £16,445 2011-12

MANOR ROAD STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE Non-Principal Roads Resurfacing
Barton £121,550 2011-12

OLD ROAD STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE Non-Principal Roads Resurfacing Barton £70,642 2013-14

Streatley Rd DRAINAGE Drainage Drainage
Barton £70,642 date t.b.c.

CBC bureaucrats also party poopers

2011-04-10T03:07:00.000-07:00

With one hand, Central Beds Council (CBC) is giving: it has made a traffic order to cover the whole district, which means charges for road closures that would usually be paid by organisers will instead be "covered by the council" (meaning foregone, as to charge would have been seen as freeloading on the back of the royal wedding).

But with the other hand, it takes away: while all 'agreed' road closures will be free of charge, applications for road closures have to be made by Tuesday 12 April (this deadline was announced only on 1 April by CBC) and Public Liability insurance will cost £60 (£63.60 including insurance premium tax), and an 'All Risks' cover for public property and people being injured will be an optional addition of £25.00 (£26.50 including insurance premium tax).

Organisers should complete an application form available from: www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/streetpartyguide

Can you club together with your neighbours and do something on private property instead? I'm lucky enough to have lovely neighbours with open frontage who are willing to set up tables and seating across their driveways and host the party like that without tapping us up for cash. We'll just bring food, drink and good cheer! No cash; no paperwork. Sorted.

Election day 5 May: deadline 14 April for new registrations and postal vote requests

2011-04-10T02:54:00.000-07:00

With both local elections and a UK-wide referendum taking place on Thursday 5 May, you need to make sure you are registered in time to vote. With several bank holidays coming up, residents who are going to be away on 5 May can also apply to vote by post or by proxy.

New voters and postal voters must be registered by Thursday 14 April. 197,000 poll cards have already been issued.To apply for a postal or proxy vote, either register online via www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk website or for more information, phone the Electoral Service Team on 0300 300 8008.

The elections will decide who sits on Central Bedfordshire Council for the next four years and also establish who will make up town and parish councils across the district.

The referendum is on the voting system used for elections to the UK Parliament. The question being put to voters on 5 May is, "At present, the UK uses the 'first past the post' system to elect MPs to the House of Commons. Should the 'alternative vote' system be used instead?"

The Electoral Commission, the independent elections watchdog, is sending a booklet to every household in the UK with information about how to have your say on 5 May.

How would you like the new music service to operate?

2011-03-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

A consultation has been launched at virtually the 12th hour seeking views on the future provision of music in Central Bedfordshire.

Bedfordshire Music is currently managed for the whole of Bedfordshire by Central Bedfordshire Council. From July 2011, Central Bedfordshire Council will be delivering a new music service.

The consultation, which ran until 9am on Monday 28 March, and provided an opportunity for parents, pupils, schools and other interested parties to contribute to the planning for the future provision of music services in Central Bedfordshire.

Through the recently announced Henley Review, the Government has given its commitment to support music education. The Government has advised that, from 2012 onwards, local music services should be provided in line with the National Plan for Music Education and music hubs based on local authority areas will be introduced.

The music hubs will deliver music services at a local level from April 2012 and will place partnership at the centre of a larger aspiration to provide all children with the music education they deserve. Feedback from the consultation will be used by Central Bedfordshire Council to support the bidding process for these music hubs.

To have your say on this consultation, please respond to the online consultation questionnaire at http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/surveys/Music/service.htm

Hard copies of the consultation questionnaire are available on request from the Customer Service team on 0300 300 8102 and from the reception of the Council Offices in Dunstable and Chicksands.

While CBC asked for responses to this consultation to be received by 9am on Monday 28 March 2011, this was thoroughly unreasonable given that they didn't press release the launch until 20 March, so I urge anyone with a view to submit it ASAP, regardless.

Private Fostering Awareness Week

2011-03-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

Private Fostering Awareness Week ran from 21 to 27 March. This year named "Somebody Else's Child', the campaign aimed to raise awareness of the issues around private fostering and change people's response.

Private fostering is when a young person under the age of 16, or under 18 if disabled, lives with somebody who is not their immediate family for a period of longer than 28 days.

Examples of private fostering arrangements might include an older teenager who is living with their friend's parents due to a family breakdown or a child living with a family friend whilst a parent is recovering from an operation. Other examples could be a young teenager attending school in this country and living with a family cousin whilst their family live abroad or a child staying with a host family previously not known to them whilst they complete their education.

Sometimes parents will arrange for their children to live elsewhere and sometimes teenagers decide themselves to live with a friend or friend's parents. The Fostering Service needs to be made aware and has a responsibility to offer advice and support to all parties involved in these kind of arrangements.

There are an estimated 10,000 children living in private fostering arrangements in England and Wales, yet last year only around 1,500 notifications of these arrangements were made to local authorities. While most of these children will be safe, others may be at risk of abuse and neglect at the hands of their private foster carers. Without children's services intervention, this could go on for years.

Although the legal responsibility lies with the parent and the carer, the campaign is also urging anyone who works with children - teachers, childcare and health care professionals - to play their part. Those who come into regular contact with children can help identify these potentially vulnerable children and help by either speaking to the child's carer, if appropriate, or informing children's services. Help us keep children safe and support families.

It is a legal duty for parents or the private foster carer to notify Central Bedfordshire's Fostering Service if a child is staying with somebody who is not an immediate family member for more than 28 days. An immediate family member is defined as a grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt, or step-parent.

If you are part of, or aware of, any Private Fostering arrangements please contact the Private Fostering Coordinator on 0300 300 8090 for more information and advice.

The Bedfordshire Adoption Service is a shared service that covers both Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council areas. We strive to find families for children who cannot live with their birth families and who have a plan for adoption.

New Transport Policy for 16 to 19 year olds approved

2011-03-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

Central Bedfordshire Council has approved a new policy on the provision of free or subsidised transport for students in further education. The new Post 16 Transport Policy is being introduced following a public consultation with students, parents, carers and other interested parties that was completed in December 2010.

While Central Bedfordshire is not legally obliged to provide free or subsidised transport for students aged 16 to 19, it must consider how it will help learners access further education. A key element of this in what is a very rural area is the provision of transport.

The new policy replaces existing guidelines which were carried over from Bedfordshire County Council. It brings transport for 16 to 19 year olds in line with that for school aged children and meets the standards within the Department for Education guidance issued in June 2010.

The new policy provides a clear set of criteria to assess the eligibility of students enabling a fairer and more consistent assessment process. Under the new policy eligible students will be able to access the most suitable education, training or work based learning provision available.

Central to the new policy is a change to the maximum distance for which a student can receive free or subsidised travel. Subsidised travel will now only be available to students who live more than three miles but less than 20 miles from the school or college they wish to attend. It will mean that students who wish to take advantage of subsidised travel will be required to study at the nearest school or college to their home address that offers the qualification they are studying for. It will also include new criteria for those on low income, with medical and special educational needs and looked after young people.

The new policy supports Central Bedfordshire's key priority of educating, protecting and providing opportunities for children and young people and will be implemented from September 2011. The council is required to keep its policy under regular review.

PCSOs at your service

2011-03-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Did you know there is now a dedicated PCSO in the Barton Parish Council Building once a week (details below)? They will be in the office between 09:00 – 11:00 hrs and then will be out patrolling the area for the rest of the day.

Date Officer

Thursday 31st March 2011 PCSO 4829 Walker

Monday 4th April 2011 PCSO 4828 Young
Monday 11th April 2011 PCSO 4937 Glen
Tuesday 19th April 2011 PCSO 4825 Bell
Tuesday 26th April 2011 PCSO 4829 Walker

Wednesday 4th May 2011 PCSO 4825 Bell
Thursday 12th May 2011 PCSO 4937 Glen
Monday 16th May 2011 PCSO 4828 Young

The Safer Neighbourhood Team can be contacted on 01234 473418 or SNT.LeightonRural@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk.

If you wish to speak to them in person, they will be holding 'Let's Talk Together Community Meeting' events, where your Safer Neighbourhood Team and their partners meet with people from your neighbourhood, listen to everyone's views and make the decision about the new set of Neighbourhood Priorities. The Let's Talk Together Meetings are an enhancement of the previous Community Safety Forums that were held in Central Bedfordshire. They will bring together a wider number of partners and communities than has previously seen.

Date: Tuesday 22 March
Time: 19:00 - 21:00
Location: Toddington Fire Station, Dunstable Rd, Toddington, Dunstable, Beds. LU5 6DR

If you have any issues or concerns that you would like to discuss or you would just like to pop by and meet your local Safer Neighbourhood Team please feel free to drop in at Safer Neighbourhood Team surgeries, to be held on 19th April 2011.

Time: 10:00 – 12:00 hrs
Location: Barton Library

Or meet them at Barton Parish Council Meetings:
Monday 11th April 2011 at 19:30 hrs
Monday 9th May 2011 at 19:30 hrs
Monday 13th June 2011 at 19:30 hrs
Location: Barton Village Hall

If you would like to get in contact or report anything to the Police please call 01234 841212 or in an Emergency call 999. If you would like to speak to your local Officers please call in on the general number and you will be put through, and provided with a direct dial number for the Officers in your specific area.

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Budget 2011-12

2011-03-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

Feathers flew and tempers frayed at the last Council meeting where Members adopted the budget for 2011-12. In a marathon session lasting some four hours, there were numerous challenges, prompting reference to the Constitution for points of order and a recorded vote taken on Councillor allowances. These are to be cut by 2%, in line with a cut in staff earnings over £21k, although a Lib Dem proposal for a cut in the generous Special Responsibility Allowances of 10% was not supported by the Tory majority.

Council tax rates in the former South Beds Council area still remain marginally higher than those in the former Mid-Beds area, despite promises at the inception of Central Beds to align them within three years. But a Council tax freeze was the price to be paid by tax payers in order for the Council to receive a 2.5% increase in handout from central government, which Central Beds can ill afford to pass over. The aim is to align the Council taxes in a year's time, provided nothing else gets in the way, of course.

For more details, read on.
The average (Band D) household in the north of Central Bedfordshire will pay £1308.33 and a household in the south will pay £1344.15 for Central Bedfordshire Council services, which include roads, libraries, support for schools, social care, planning and environmental services. They will pay a further £144.77 for Police and £82.44 for Fire and Rescue services bringing the total bill to £1535.54 in the north and £1571.36 in the south. Town or parish councils may make a small additional charge for their services on top of the basic rates.

More than £180 million will be spent on public services, including additional investment in both Adult Social Care and Children’s Services to meet increasing pressures.
There will also be a council tax freeze and £20M savings.
The savings come on top of the fact that the Council:
• delivered £10M budget savings and addressed transitionary issues in its first full year (2009/10)
• is on track to deliver a further £12M savings in 2010/11.
In response to comments and representations made during the budget consultation process the Council decided to adjust some of the proposals that had been made in the draft budget:
• no reduction in school crossing patrols from 1 April 2011 but that contributions be sought from communities and partners during the course of the year, with a view to securing the patrols beyond 2011/12;
• the creation of a fund to facilitate the transfer of services to partners and communities and that the costs of public conveniences be a first charge on this fund during 2011/12; and
• a reduction in the proposed increases in car parking charges.

Bedfordshire Police – Budget Cuts
The Government has announced details of police funding for the two financial years from April 2011 and indicative figures for the following two years.
In total, the reductions equate to approximately £19M over the next four years, with £6.3M of this needing to be found in 2011/12 and £5.5M in 2012/13.
For more information about the Police Authority’s reaction to the cuts and proposed actions see http://www.bedfordshirepoliceauthority.co.uk/Funding-and-Finance.html

Transparency
The Council is committed to being open and transparent about the way it delivers its services. It has a duty to ensure that residents are informed about how it is spending public money by providing financial information about the delivery of services.

The Council has now published on its website:
• what it pays the Chief Executive, Directors and Assistant Directors;
• the job role of the Chief Executive and Directors;
• the number of staff employed by the Council;
• details of spending over £500; and
• a register of all its contracts.
The details can be found at http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/Council_departments/default.aspx

Local Authorities and Public Health
As part of its fundamental reform of the national health service the Government has set out its ambition for the future of public health, including:
• the establishment of a new body – Public Health England;
• the return to local government of public health leadership and responsibility, with key roles in improving, promoting and protecting the health of their local communities; and
• a ring-fenced public health grant and a new ‘payment by results’ system to reward councils for making progress in improving health outcomes and reducing health inequalities.
See below for more about the features of the health service reforms.

Let’s Talk Together
Central Bedfordshire Council and its local partners are running a series of meetings at each of the seven Safer Neighbourhood Areas in Central Bedfordshire. They are chaired by a Ward Councillor.
These Let’s Talk Together meetings will give residents and community groups the chance to:
• find out more about volunteering, community safety, health services and business support as well as a range of council services such as roads and transport;
• discuss any issues that residents are concerned about within their community; and
• engage with representatives from all key agencies and organisations, such as the police, fire, health, the council and many others who will be at the meetings.
More information about times and venues of meetings can be found at http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/news/news/january-2011-press-releases/talktogether.aspx

Local Enterprise Partnerships
Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are sub-regional partnerships which bring together businesses, universities and colleges, community groups, social enterprises and local government. Together these partners work closely with government to support inward investment, innovation, economic growth, new enterprise and job creation. LEPs are eligible to make bids to the Government’s £1.4bn regional growth fund.
Central Bedfordshire is part of the South East Midlands LEP which also includes the local authority areas of Bedford Borough, Luton Borough, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury Vale, Cherwell, South Northamptonshire, Northampton, Corby, Kettering, Daventry and Dacorum. The LEP area has a population of over 1.8 million people and 75,000 businesses and accounts for 3.7% of the English economy.
More details can be found on the South East Midlands LEP website http://www.southeastmidlands.org.uk/

The Council’s new Website
The Council has been developing the Central Bedfordshire Council website as part of its overall customer management programme. The objectives of the website are to:
1. save money by switching customers to the web from telephone and face to face contact;
2. give better customer service by enabling self-service through the web; and
3. better community engagement through the use of social media.
When the website goes live in the spring of this year residents will find:
• information is easier to find;
• information that is clearer and easier to understand;
• more opportunities to request services and pay for them online (instead of needing to phone or visit the council); and
• they can get involved in council consultations and decision making through social media.

Nirah
The Nirah concept is to create a world leading research centre, science park and visitor attraction. Central Bedfordshire Council's Executive are supportive of the Nirah vision, in anticipation of its potential to support economic growth and job creation in line with our economic aspirations and will signal a clear step change in our prospects. An estimate of job creation both directly and indirectly is in the order of 5000 jobs.
Nirah Holdings Ltd. is the private company that leads the project. Nirah has secured outline planning permission and the land option for Quest Pit from Hanson’s.
The next stages for the development of this project are:
• to secure the seed capital funding of £41.5M;
• to take the project into full design and gain full planning permission; and
• to secure next stage development capital funding of approximately £500-600M.
Nirah Holdings Ltd is engaged in active negotiations with prospective investors and hopes to secure the investment agreement to proceed with the project in 2011. Those negotiations remain commercially confidential.

Local authorities and public health, contd. (see above)
As part of its fundamental reform of the national health service the Government has set out its ambition for the future of public health, including the establishment of a new body – Public Health England – and the return to local Government of public health leadership and responsibility.

In its public health white paper (Healthy Lives, Healthy People) the Government intends to give back to councils a leading role in improving, promoting and protecting the health of their local communities.

The White Paper is wide ranging and further details on a number of issues are still outstanding including details of public health funding and a further 10 consultation documents on specific aspects of health improvement and health protection. At this stage it is difficult to have a completely clear picture of the proposed new landscape for public health and the role of councils within it.

The main features of the proposals are:
A focus on outcomes - A national outcomes framework for public health will set the broad public health and health inequalities outcomes for all areas and organisations to address. The Government is currently consulting on the outcomes framework.
Transferring public health - From 2013, public health responsibilities currently undertaken by Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) will be divided between Public Health England (PHE) and local councils. The Directors of Public Health (DsPH) will move to local authorities and will be jointly appointed by councils and PHE.
Funding and rewards - From 2013, upper-tier and unitary councils will receive a ring-fenced public health grant to improve the health of the population and to reduce health inequalities. A new ‘payment by results’ system will reward Councils for making progress in improving health outcomes and reducing health inequalities.
Public Health England - PHE is charged with “bringing together a fragmented system, it will do nationally what needs to be done; it will have a new protected public health budget; and it will support local action through funding and the provision of evidence, data and professional leadership” It will also allocate ring-fenced funding to local government and rewarding them for progress made against elements of the proposed public health outcomes framework.
Director of Public Health and transfer of public health staff - All upper-tier and unitary authorities will be required to have a DPH, though they can be shared with other councils. DsPH will be employed by local government and jointly appointed with PHE, and will be “the strategic leader for public health in local communities, deploying the local ring-fenced budget to achieve the best possible public health outcomes across the whole local population”. A critical task for DsPH will be to promote health and wellbeing within local government and advise on health inequalities and develop local strategies to reduce them.

Council saves early morning concessionary bus travel

2011-03-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

Twirlies can still use their passes before 9.30am after Central Bedfordshire Council reached a significant agreement with local bus companies.

At a meeting in December, members of the Council's Executive decided to make savings on the cost of the Council's concessionary fare scheme by prohibiting free travel for elderly pass holders before 9.30am between Mondays and Fridays.

This wasn't well received by users and after pressure from the Lib Dems and others, the Council went back to the drawing board. A cut of 4.5% in the sum paid to Beds bus service providers for the concessionary service was agreed, to ensure that concessionary bus travellers can continue to use their passes before 9.30 a.m. for the next year.

Are you an early bird? Which bus services do you appreciate? On what days of the week do you use the line? How would it affect you if you had to pay full whack? Do please call phone me to let me know, tel: 0300 300 8550

More regulation at EU level will bring savings

2011-02-27T06:57:00.000-08:00

Government and regulation should be carried out at the level best fitted for the task in hand.

Let me give an example. While it is usual and right for the provision and management of waste collection and road maintenance to be at local level, the safety of medicines is of equal interest and importance to us all, regardless of nationality, so there is a European Medicines Agency to regulate the medicines market centrally, saving the need for and cost of 27 agencies at member state level, each doing their own thing.

There are yet more efficiencies to be achieved by passing other regulatory work from national to EU level. Telecommunications are such an example, now regulated by bodies in each of the 27 member states, quite cumbersome for this global, fast moving and highly innovative market. A private sector company operating with multi-national offices would long since have streamlined the structure.

UK's telecomms regulator Ofcom employs some 800 people; the proposed EU-wide telecomms regulator would start with a staff of 300. And in matters of defence, member states have 90 procurement programmes compared with just 23 in the US. Deeper co-operation in EU defence procurement could save up to 20% in national procurement budgets. It might have also saved the UK being the last to rescue stranded nationals in Libya, if we'd been co-operating on an EU basis.

EU governments are set to agree an increase in the EU budget of 2.9%. They should, at the same time, task the EU with regulation and procurement in areas of global activity, starting with telecommunications and defence procurement, to deliver even greater efficiency savings for us all.

Now is the time to invest in the EU and central regulation where it makes sense and see the investment pay dividends.

On the performance of Central Beds' Upper Schools

2011-02-27T06:15:00.000-08:00

Central Beds Council ducked out of conceding recently that our upper schools under-perform when measured against the new English Baccalaureate standard.

At the latest six-monthly meeting of Central Beds Council with town and parish councils, delegates were encouraged to leave on the tables any questions that they were unable to raise and have answered during the conference. I can understand why this question found its way to the bottom of the pile on the night, but I'm glad it was asked and that Central Beds will be addressing the issue.

"Q: The outcomes achieved by our Upper Schools in CBC – published today – are not encouraging. Does CBC accept that there is a problem? If so, what is being done, what should be done?

A: The Local Authority is always striving to improve performance in all of our schools.
This year we carried out some focused work with some of our Upper Schools, as well as schools in other phases. We are pleased that there is evidence of real improvement this year in the results achieved by our Upper Schools.

Overall results in Central Bedfordshire were above the national average in 2010 and increased by 4.5% using the commonly used measure of the proportion achieving five or more GCSE grades at C or above, including English and mathematics. Nine out of the ten schools improved their performance. Some by as much as 10 or 11%. We feel sure that this improvement trend can continue this year, although it will be difficult for schools to increase at quite the same rate.

This year the Government has introduced a new measure of performance. This is called the English Baccalaureate. It measures the proportion of students who achieve English, maths, two sciences, a language and a humanities subject (history and geography). Schools have been evaluated using this indicator even though the measure was not planned two years ago when the students started their courses. It is therefore too early to evaluate performance against this indicator, although we will be working with our schools to continue to improve performance further against all indicators.

To see the full report from the conference, visit: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/councillors/parish/default.aspx

End pendulum politics: vote Yes to AV on 5 May

2011-02-26T14:20:00.000-08:00

We'll have a once in a generation chance to improve our voting system on 5 May, when I urge you to vote yes to the Alternative Vote (AV) system for national elections.

For those of us who've had enough of the years of pendulum politics that the current first past the post system (FPTP) gives us, AV is a vast improvement. Not as good as full proportional representation in my view, but it's the best that the Liberal Democrats could squeeze out of the Tories in the coalition government and certainly better than the zippo, carry-on-with-the old-ways that would have been served up had the Tories got enough votes at the last election to rule alone.

AV is simple: it just means swapping the ‘X’ on your ballot paper for numbers. You can rate the candidates how you see fit and vote for as many or as few candidates as you like. If you only want to support one candidate, you can: just mark an ‘X’ as you did before. AV gives you the freedom to vote sincerely for any number of candidates you feel are up to the job.

With First Past the Post ('FPTP'), you get just one choice. And that has meant that most MPs – 2 out of 3 of those elected in 2010 - get to parliament with less than half of voters on their side.

What will it mean for our MP? We will still have one MP in our area, but they will have to speak for the majority of our community. They will have to work harder and try to represent more of their constituents’ interests. And they won’t be able to take the people for granted any more. Too many MPs have got used to ‘jobs for life’ in the safe seats the current system has created. AV gives these complacent MPs a wake up call.

To see a video of people saying why they will vote for AV, visit: http://www.yestofairervotes.org/people-say-yes

To sign up to the petition letter urging the Advertising Standards Authority to stop the anti AV campaign's misleading advertising, visit: http://www.yestofairervotes.org/demandmore-demandbetter

Central Beds' bus service changes from 28 March

2011-02-20T00:52:00.000-08:00

On 28 March, 28 bus routes will be changed in some way, mostly curtailed as part of the cost savings exercise.

Two of these relate to the Barton-le-Clay ward:
79 (Centrebus): Luton, Barton Le Clay, Shillington, Meppershall, Shefford, Upper Gravenhurst
Revised timetable. Service via Hexton and Pegsdon withdrawn.

223 (Red Rose): Luton, Upper Sundon, Chalton, Toddington, Harlington, Westoning
This evening service is to be withdrawn.

For the full picture, visit the Council's website at http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/winter-weather/bus-service-changes.aspx

Will this affect you, your life, your loved ones? I'd like to hear from you, tel: 0300 300 8550 or by e-mail janet.nunn@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Rovers' Riders: a BMX skatepark for Barton-le-Clay?

2011-02-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

What does Barton-le-Clay (and surrounding villages come to that) offer our teenage young people? The hills are great for picnics, walking and cycling in good weather but not for our many short, dark winter days.

The Youth Club is closed, but do young people want anything organised for them?

Would drama facilities be most in demand (think Glee Club?) or a BMX skatepark? or perhaps just an outdoor youth shelter for friends to hang out without disturbing anyone or having to spend money?

Please let me know what you think by completing the on-line survey by 28 February at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W3BSDW7

You can also offer to help out with the project, whatever your skills.
Many thanks for your time and support.

What fate for Maulden Woods?

2011-01-28T12:59:00.000-08:00

Forestry Commission land for sale: comment by 21 April

Government's rural affairs department, Defra opened a consultation yesterday about the future ownership and management of the public forest estate in England – land managed by the Forestry Commission on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. A copy of the consultation document is available through the DEFRA website (www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/index.htm) and the Forestry Commission website (www.forestry.gov.uk/england-pfe-consultation)

It sets out the rationale for a move away from the Government owning and managing significant areas of woodlands in England and the principles which will guide the Government in deciding the way forward. The consultation proposes a mixed model approach to reforming the ownership and management of the public forest estate to create a far greater role for civil society, businesses and individuals.

They invite views on the mixed model approach, the criteria for deciding which parts of the estate fit within each model, the principles guiding each model, the safeguards for providing public benefits, and alternative approaches. They also invite views on the implications for the future role of the Forestry Commission in England.

Ministers have previously announced that a further 40,000 hectares would be sold over the four years period 2011/12 to 2014/15. The sales criteria for the 2011/12 period are also published now. More information on these sales can be found at:
www.forestry.gov.uk/england-woodlandsales

This consultation will be of interest to individuals, communities, businesses and others working or using the public forest estate. It will also be of interest to potential investors and the partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

It has been prepared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Forestry Commission.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks and will close on 21st April 2011 and includes:
* Consultation letter (PDF 120 KB)
* Consultation document (PDF 380 KB)
* List of consultees (PDF 30 KB)
* Map (PDF 2.7 MB, large file size)
* Impact Assessment (PDF 1 MB)
* Equality Impact Assessment (PDF 300 KB)
* Sales criteria (PDF 200 KB)

How to respond

Name: Public Forest Estate - Consultation co-ordinator

Address: Forestry Commission England, 620 Bristol Business Park, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1EJ

Email: publicconsultation@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

This is a joint Forestry Commission/Defra consultation and responses can either be submitted online or by post.

If you need this publication in an alternative format, for example in large print or in another language, please contact

The Diversity Team
Forestry Commission
Silvan House
231 Corstophine Road
Edinburgh
EH12 7AT

Telephone: 0131 314 6575
Email: diversity@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Help the police prioritise the pennies

2011-01-25T13:51:00.000-08:00

Bedfordshire Police Authority needs to know what you think so that they can set the right priorities and invest in services that are important to you. By completing their 10-15 minute survey you are helping with this.

You may be aware that many areas of the public sector are being asked to make significant savings. Bedfordshire Police Authority will see its budget of £104m reduced by £19 million over the next four years. Most of the savings need to be found in the first two years, £6.3m in 2011/12 and an additional reduction of £5.6m in 2012/13.

Please click on link to an online survey that will take 10-15 minutes
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3P8SCX6

Unfortunately they only wrote out on 11 January and the completion date for the survey was Monday 24th January 2011, but I have been assured that the results will feed into a seminar of Police Authority Members at the end of January and a Police Authority Meeting in late February. Also, any comments left after February will still be of value as the Police Authority will start work on budget issues for 2012/13 in April.

Any residents who would like to complete the survey but do not have access to the internet can obtain a paper copy from Sam, see below. Police Authority Members will also be attending some of the ‘Let’s Talk Together’ meetings that are taking place across Central Bedfordshire every quarter.

Sam Orcheston-Findlay
Community Engagement Officer
Bedfordshire Police Authority
Woburn Road
Kempston
Bedfordshire

01234 842208

Books on wheels: are you being served?

2011-01-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

Both Streatley and now Sundon Parish Councils have asked for support in saving their mobile libraries; neither have said how many people rely on this service, only that some people do and the alternatives of getting into Barton-le-Clay or Luton are not feasible for those people.

The outgoing chair of Streatley PC, Geoffrey Farr, spoke at their last meeting of his willingness to be a voluntary driver for a new initiative being set up there a la Big Society to drive people to local places for such things as medical appointments. I suspect the need to visit a library would be eligible for such trips if the mobile library is axed.

I'm trying to find out how much the mobile library is used in the various areas in Central Beds and how vital it is to the lives of those who use it; how much it costs and whether one person runs each van or if it is over-staffed?

Some people with longer experience of local politics than me say it is the seasoned middle-brow campaigners who fight for such things, not those who use the service. I'm all ears to hear your views about what you value.

Local Transport Plan 3 - have your say

2011-01-25T13:33:00.001-08:00

Want the footpath between Sharpenhoe and Barton-le-Clay finishing? Want the car parking provision improved near your shops? Write in now before 11 February to have your say.

Central Bedfordshire Council is asking residents for their views on a draft Local Transport Plan 3 (LTP3), mapping provision over the next 15 years, which is available online.

The plan outlines a long term framework for investment in roads, railways, buses and car parking as well as looking at accommodating cyclists and pedestrians across the whole of Central Bedfordshire. The council is also working with surrounding authorities such as Luton, Bedford, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes, to ensure that all journeys across the borders are looked at within the plan.

Central Beds Council is now asking for further comments about the draft document which will be presented to Executive on February 15 before being formally adopted in April.

LTP3 also contains a shorter term implementation plan which will be updated on an annual basis, as well as a programme of schemes to be delivered over a three year period.

The draft LTP3 is available to view online at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/policy/LTP/what-it-says.aspx and in hard copies at Central Bedfordshire Council's customer service centres and all libraries including the mobile library. The deadline for comments is Friday 11 February.

National parks: assets for sweating

2011-01-05T12:14:00.000-08:00

The Department for Environment and Rural Affairs, Defra, is inviting views on the governance of the 10 English national parks and the Broads, which are assets being considered for sweating by the government.

Fair do, you may think, since everything is being looked at, but we leave such matters to those in Whitehall and Westminster at our peril. These glorious beauty spots are our national heritage and we owe it to generations to come to assure their survival in pristine form.

I’m pleased to read that the proposal is to retain an independent National Park Authority (NPA) for each of the national parks and the Broads. Good governance of national parks is essential. The current governance system ensures local input via the local authority (LA) appointee route and the parish council (PC) appointee route and should be maintained subject to improvement.

I offer four suggestions for improvement of the governance process:

1. Insist that the PC appointee must have been elected onto the PC, to ensure the appointee has a real mandate from people living within the local area.

2. Remove the cap on the length of time the LA appointee may serve on the NPA, making it equivalent to the system for PC appointees and allow prolonged access to local expertise.

3. Make the draft advertisement for national members available on the Defra website to invite ideas for improvement and maximise confidence in the appointment process.

4. Oblige declarations of interest at the outset and at regular intervals not only by those on the governing bodies of the NPAs, but also by the officials working at the NPAs.

I appreciate that this last is a new departure, but it is one that would demonstrate openness and would address in part the fear picked up in media coverage that England may sell off some of these natural assets to help with the nation’s current fiscal difficulties, without due care and consideration for the longer term implications for our national heritage. Those involved in this work need to show at all times that they remain squeaky clean and are not benefiting in any way from any subsequent sale or change of status of the assets in question.

Good governance is vital and your views are sought now, by 31 January, on this by Jeff Coast, follow link http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/nationalpark-governance/index.htm

I've already given my views as a hiker, cyclist and YHA family member, and am keen to hear the views of constituents so I may also submit views as a Councillor; please pop into my surgery at Barton library on Saturday 8th or let me have your views by 21 January on tel: 0300 300 8550 or janet.nunn@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Housing consultation to close 1 April 2011

2010-12-30T06:36:00.000-08:00

Central Bedfordshire Council is inviting residents and businesses to help shape a new Housing Strategy that will guide provision for the five years between 2011-2016.

The strategy, which sets out the vision and aims for housing in Central Bedfordshire, places housing matters in context with other social affairs such as crime reduction, bringing communities together, enhancing neighbourhoods and improving health.

It is an over-arching document that encompasses plans such as the Homelessness Strategy, housing for older people and the new Empty Homes Strategy, which was published in November.

The strategy also explains how the council works, and will work, in partnership with other organisations to deliver its housing plans.

Public consultation on the Housing Strategy will start on Tuesday 4 January 2011 and last for 12 weeks until Friday 1 April 2011.

You can view a copy of the Housing Strategy and have your say on the consultation through one of the following ways:

Visit the consultations section of Central Bedfordshire Council’s website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/consultations/default.aspx ; or
Pick up a paper copy from either the Council Offices at either Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, SG17 5TQ or Central Bedfordshire Council, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable, LU6 1LF.

If you would prefer a copy to be sent to you, or for further information, please contact John Goody, either by telephone on 0300 300 4449 or at Central Bedfordshire Council, Technology House, 239 Ampthill Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK42 9QQ.

Identity cards to go; school finger-printing next?

2010-12-24T09:53:00.000-08:00

Identity cards were officially scrapped on Tuesday 21 December when the Identity Documents Bill was granted Royal Assent. Liberal Democrats have consistently campaigned against ID cards, a scheme introduced by the previous Labour Government. All existing ID cards will be cancelled within one month, and the National Identity Register will be destroyed within two months. The move has saved £845m in planned future investment over the next ten years.

But what about the various finger-printing systems ushered in by schools to help them go cash-less for school meals or card-less for borrowing from the school library? They're still alive and well here in Central Bedfordshire, much to my chagrin.

When will they go? Indeed, how many other schools have introduced ID systems for our minors and when will they be outlawed?
What are your views and experience of this abuse of personal data? I'd like to hear from you.

Street Traders braced for scalping

2010-12-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

You have until 9 January to let Central Bedfordshire Council know your views on their new draft licensing policy for street traders, which proposes to designate all streets within the authority as 'consent streets' for which a licence must be obtained for trading.

The proposed fee is £280 one-off or £750 for an annual fee.

Local resident and former guides' leader, Madeleine Burr, thought the one-off fee would be enough to kill-off the generations-old initiative of fund-raising from cake stalls and such in the community if they had to buy a licence at these prices.

For further details see www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/licensingconsultation

Please send any comments to licensing.section@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk by 9 January or write to:

Licensing Team,
Public Protection,
Central Bedfordshire Council,
The Council Offices,
High Street North,
Dunstable LU6 1LF.

Barton-le-Clay ward boundary change afoot

2010-12-10T13:30:00.000-08:00

Barton-le-Clay is due to lose Bushmead, Sharpenhoe, Streatley and Sundon as it shrinks to become a one Member ward with effect from May 2011, serving the residents of Barton-le-Clay alone.

This is not what the Liberal Democrats had proposed; we'd suggested adding Pulloxhill, most of whose children attend the Barton-le-Clay schools, in order to make the small adjustment needed to keep the ward a two-member one. But the Boundary Commission ruled otherwise, ignoring our views and those of Streatley Parish Council that had also written to the Boundary Commission asking to remain within the Barton-le-Clay ward owing to shared services and resources, again not least the schools.

Overall, new arrangements are that newly recommended electoral arrangements for Central Bedfordshire will see a reduction in the number of councillors from 66 to 59 and ward boundaries redrawn.Other planned changes include:

Central Bedfordshire Council will consist of 31 electoral wards.
These will be made up of 9 three-member wards, 10 two-member wards and 12 single-member wards. This contrasts with the current arrangement of 5 four-member wards and 23 two-member wards.
The final recommendations contain revisions not only to the council’s ward arrangements but consequently to parish ward arrangements for the parishes of Biggleswade, Dunstable, Houghton Regis and Leighton-Linslade.
The number of councillors in the newly drawn ward boundaries has been based on the size of the electorate in 2008 and the projected electorate size in 2015.

Parliament must now implement the proposed new arrangements and an Order – the legal document which brings into force the recommendations – will be laid in Parliament in the coming weeks.
The draft Order allows for the new electoral arrangements to come into force for the next council elections in May 2011.

Gypsy and Traveller site consultation

2010-12-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

Residents in Central Bedfordshire are being asked for their comments on a Draft Submission version of the Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document by 5pm on Wednesday 2nd February.

The document sets out Central Bedfordshire Council’s chosen sites for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation (23 pitches plus 4 pitches for Travelling Showpeople) for the former Mid Bedfordshire area. It also contains policies against which the determination of future planning applications for Gypsy and Traveller related proposals will be made.

The sites selected are:
eight pitches at Old Acres, Barton Road, Pulloxhill;
two pitches on land off Westoning Road, Greenfield;
ten pitches on land at the rear of Hitchin Road, Arlesey;
three pitches at Oak Tree Nursery & Magpie Farm, Upper Caldecote; and
four pitches to be placed at Kennel Farm in Biggleswade for Travelling Showpeople.

A permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitch is the space required to accommodate one household and their caravans, parking space and enough room for the turning of vehicles.

Documents which include maps of the locations and the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal are available to view and download at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/GTLDFNorth and residents are urged to make comments online. Once registered as a user, residents will be able to comment online on all of the future LDF documents.

If you wish to make comments by email or in writing, you can download a comments form from the CBC website. Paper copies of the document and comment forms will also be available at the council offices in Dunstable and Chicksands, customer service centres and libraries around Central Bedfordshire.

All comments received will be passed on to an Independent Planning Inspector who will assess the documents in a public examination. Only those residents who make objections at this stage will be able to participate in the examination.

For further information you can contact the LDF North Team on 0300 300 8000 or email ldf@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

Do give your views on the CBC budget 2011

2010-11-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

Central Beds Council has recently endorsed a budget strategy that includes a range of proposals to deliver the 28% savings that will be necessary next year and for the following three years. The coalition government wants the savings front loaded, rather than evenly spread over the four years, which makes economic sense, although it's painful.

To some extent, the Council is fortunate that we take a relatively low sum from central government, so the cut is not as deep as that in other local authorities.

My thanks to all the constituents who have contacted me already to share their concerns and thoughts. Do please keep you views coming. As I'm on the customer Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, that is the area where I can make the most insightful comment, although I shall have my say on the full range of issues under debate. What do you like, and what should we stop doing to save effort and cost in your view?

You can view the strategy at our website http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/modgov/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=577&MId=3344&Ver=4. You can also comment on any of the proposals by visiting www.letstalkcentral.com and joining in with the online discussion or by writing to us at FREEPOST RSJS-GBBZ –SRZT, Budget Strategy, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, SG17 5TQ. Councillors will also be discussing the many of the proposals within the draft strategy through Overview and Scrutiny Committee during November . All of the feedback will be presented to the Executive before considering the final budget in February.

Please e-mail me your views at janet.nunn@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or come along to my monthly surgery at Barton-le-Clay library, 10-12am on the second Saturday monthly for a chat.

Consultation on school transport for 16-18 year olds closes 17 December

2010-11-20T14:34:00.000-08:00

Central Bedfordshire Council is asking all residents to give their views on transport for students in further education to help shape future provision.

The consultation, which runs until 17 December, is on proposals to alter the provision for students aged 16 to 18, bringing it more into line with that for school aged children as well as new legislation and government guidance.

Proposed revisions to the existing Post 16 Transport Policy include changes to the maximum distance for which a student can receive free or subsidised travel. It also suggests new criteria for low income, medical and special educational needs and looked after young people, that are compatible with the current Home to School Transport Policy agreed by the Council in March 2010.

While it is not legally obliged to provide free transport for students aged 16 to 18, the Council does have to consider how it will help learners access further education and to have a Post 16 Transport Policy that reflects this.

You can find out more and respond to the consultation through Central Bedfordshire Council’s website: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/surveys/transport/post16.htm

Copies of the papers can be obtained from Customer Services on 0300 300 8133.

For the academic year 2009/10 and 2010/11 Central Bedfordshire Council adopted the Post 16 Transport Policy previously operated by Bedfordshire County Council. This is now being re-evaluated and a new ‘Post 16 Transport Policy Statement’ for the 2011/12 academic year must be in place by 31 May 2011.

The Council will consider responses to the consultation at the meeting of the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 25 January 2011 and at its Executive on 8 February 2011.

Sharpenhoe Road resurfacing and pavement repairs end Nov

2010-11-20T14:22:00.000-08:00

Road closures imminent:
1) Sharpenhoe Road, Barton Le Clay which extends from the roundabout with Bedford Road, Barton to Barton Road, Sharpenhoe
2) Barton Road, Sharpenhoe which extends from Sharpenhoe Road, Barton Le Clay to Sharpenhoe Road, Sharpenhoe to Streatley.
These temporary closures are required to enable surfacing works to take place and shall apply to such extent as may from time to time be indicated by the appropriate traffic signs. Where possible access will be maintained to property and premises but may be restricted from time to time according to local signing.
It is expected that the works will take place on Monday 29 November and Tuesday 30 November 2010 between 8.00am and 6.00pm.
The alternative routes available for vehicles affected by the proposed Order are:-
From roundabout proceed south on Bedford Road then Luton Road joining A6 and continue on A6 to roundabout with Church Road, Streatley. Take 2nd exit and continue on Church Road turning right on Sharpenhoe Road to junction with Sundon Road. Turn left and continue on Sundon Road, Streatley then Manor Road to junction with Church Road, Sundon. Turn right and continue to junction with Common Lane. Turn right on Common Lane, Harlington Road, Sundon and then Sundon Road, Harlington to crossroads with Station Road/Westoning Road, Harlington. Proceed on Westoning Road to junction with Goswell End Road. Turn right and continue on Goswell End Road to junction with Harlington Road and site and vice versa except from A6 roundabout, continue on A6 to off slip road to Barton. Turn left and continue on Luton Road, Barton rejoining the diversion route.

The proposed Order will come into operation on 29 November 2010 for a period of four months or until the proposed works have been completed, as detailed above, whichever is the earlier.
For further information please contact Central Bedfordshire Highways, Tel: 0300 300 8049

On Polish spirit

2010-11-20T13:41:00.000-08:00

I do like and admire Polish people, their great resilience and character.

So I was pleased to learn recently that the Polish British Integration Centre project has scooped the young innovators award held by the East of England Development Agency (I thought they were being shut down?) and Government Office – East co.

I love the part of 'The Battle of Britain' film, where the Polish pilots keep saying 'Repeat please', then disobey their flight leader and enter battle with the German stukas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXf1bhEEXd0&feature=related
Life enhancing:-) just as my friendship with Polish people has been.

And by the way, I recommend Barbara Porajska's book, 'From the Steppes to the Savannah' of her real life experience as a child then teenager of her life being overrun by the Germans, then she was shipped out on cattle trucks with her mother, sister and others, to the Russian Steppes to eke out a near starvation living for two years until the Russians turned coat to work with the Allies. After that, their trip through Persia (now Iran) led to Uganda, where they lived out the war. Thereafter, family members went to Canada, Australia and Britain, never to return to Poland as their home had been appropriated by others who knew nothing of the history of its owners.

Barbara's husband Andrew died just a few years ago. A furniture designer and carpenter who made pieces for pop stars of the 1960s in swinging London, on retirement he volunteered at the Sikorsky museum in Kensington, London. Each year, he and other Poles who had fought in the Monte Casino campaign would meet up.

Ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives in those times. We are lucky to be in a peaceful Europe now.

Get well soon, Tony!

2010-11-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

My fellow Lib Dem Councillor for this ward, Tony Northwood, has been ill and while home from hospital now, is not expected to be able to resume duties until the new year.

Tony has been a long serving Councillor, having been on the South Beds District Council before it amalgamated with the mid-Beds one in 2009 to create Central Beds. His particular expertise is in planning matters, where I very much appreciate his experience and guidance.

Many of you will also know of Tony's great knowledge of local history and and interest in local sites of historic significance. He's been a stalwart of the Barton District Conservation Group for many years, whose work and walks I commend to you.

I'm sure you'll join me in wishing Tony a full and speedy recovery.

European week for waste reduction

2010-11-07T18:15:00.000-08:00

Waste Services at Central Bedfordshire Council are marking European Week for Waste Reduction from Saturday 14 Nov to Sat 27 Nov. During this time they are hosting a number of swap shops events, which will include two evening swap shop events for adults, six mums and babies swap shops and two school swap shops, to highlight two of the campaign themes 'A longer life for products' and 'Less waste thrown away'.

Swap shops promote reuse, helps save money and ultimately stops unnecessary waste going to landfill. CBC is also emailing parish councils asking for support in terms of displaying the poster on any noticeboards they have as well as contacting the editors of parish newsletters/ magazines with the press release as well as a copy of the advert.

If you have any queries regarding the campaign, contact Jennifer Sawford, Waste Awareness Officer,Central Bedfordshire Council
Technology House
239 Ampthill Road
Bedford
MK42 9QQ

Mobile: 07884 118262
DD: 0300 300 6587

Think budget - should we be doing this? Or is this one for people to organise themselves, Big Society style? Let me know your views please.

What are your budgetary priorities?

2010-11-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

Central Beds Council needs to cut its cloth by 28% following the spending review. We'd been expecting to make cuts of the order of 20% and the merger between South and mid-Beds was originally driven with efficiency savings in mind. Luckily for it, Council tax accounts for a higher proportion of income than the average local authority, so it's less dependent on money from central government than other authorities.

The Council's Executive has issued a first proposal of service reductions to include:

1. Reshaping the youth services with a greater emphasis on volunteering.
2. Halting funding to the music service so that schools and parents meet costs.
3. Discontinuing mobile library services, whilst retaining the Library Link service for house-bound users and those in sheltered accommodation.
4. Turning off street lighting between midnight and 6am.
5. Closing a supported employment workshop.

The budget setting process will conclude in February next year. During the coming months, people need to give views on what they view as priorities for keeping and for cutting.

To find out more about the budget strategy, log onto letstalkcentral.com and look out for the council’s magazine, News Central later this month.

I've heard from people concerned about possible cuts to budgets for children needing special support for their education; from those concerned about cuts to our music service; from people vehemently opposed to lights being turned out after midnight. So what are your priorities? Keep your views coming, please.

The state of roads and paths in Barton ward

2010-10-31T14:58:00.001-07:00

I'm pleased I completed the AA Street Watch this week, a survey over one hour (about two miles' walk), covering roads main, minor, residential and footpaths.

It forced me to consider in detail the precise state of our by-ways over a number of categories including potholes, kerb stones, iron inspection covers (all needing to be over 2" to be noteworthy by the AA's rules), uneven footpath, faded or not visible road signs, worn/faded road markings (not yellow or white lines), parked vehicle blocking footpath, litter and dog fouling.

The route I chose went along Manor Road past Ramsey Manor Lower School, down Hexton Road, then Sharpenhoe Road to the public footpath at the end and back on the other side of the road, along the main road to cut up the footpath past the Indian restaurant along Bradshaw's, left round Arnold Road, then along the final alleyway back to Manor Road.

Before I completed the walk, I'd have guessed that potholes and uneven footpaths to have been the greatest offenders; in the event, it was litter (no sweet wrapper sized items allowed; only larger ones such as beer cans, cigarette packs), faded road marking for schools and parts of potholes as our large potholes are usually only 1" deep, I was intrigued to note. No evidence of dog fouling, no illegally parked vehicles, blocked drains, roadworks. I was surprised and impressed.

As for what we need to do to ward off some of this a la Big Society: install a litter bin outside Ramsey school and one along Hexton Road towards Old Road, ditto another near the children's playground behind the Co-op.

But this was just my snapshot in time. Did you complete your own AA survey? Or have views on our by-ways? I'd appreciate your views if so.

Covanta waste - have your say by 19 Nov

2010-10-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Residents in Central Bedfordshire who are keen to comment on Covanta Energy’s plans for a Resource Recovery Facility at Rookery South Pit near Stewartby, can now register their interest with the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).

In August the IPC accepted for examination purposes, Covanta’s planning submission, but now the public and interested parties have until 19 November to ensure that their views are heard during the examination hearings – the next phase of the IPC’s planning process.

People can register their details by visiting the IPC website (http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/) or by requesting a registration form by calling the IPC on 0303 444 5000.

The Rookery South RRF planning submission documents and plans, are available to view on the IPC website http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/projects/eastern/rookery-south-energy-from-waste-generating-station/ or by visiting any of the following locations during normal opening hours:

Bedford Central Library (Harpur Street in Bedford);
Ampthill Library (1 Dunstable Street in Ampthill);
Wootton Library (Lorraine Road in Wootton);
Bedford Borough Council’s office at the Town Hall (St Paul's Square in Bedford)
Central Bedfordshire Council’s offices at Priory House (Monks Walk, Chicksands, near Shefford);
Marston Vale Forest Centre (Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine) ; and
Covanta Energy Bedfordshire office (Water End Barns, Eversholt).

The IPC will have an officer as well as a member of Planning Aid available at council offices and a local library on 22 October to assist members of the public who are unable to register their interest online electronically. They will be at Bedford Town Hall between 10am and 12pm, Priory House in Chicksands between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, and Ampthill library from 3.30pm until 5.00pm.

Copies of the application forms and the accompanying plans, maps and other documents can be inspected free of charge at the following locations and times:

Bedford Central Library Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1PG
Ampthill Library, 1 Dunstable Street, Ampthill, Bedford MK45 2NL
Wootton Library, Lorraine Road, Wootton MK43 9LH

Monday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
2:00 - 6:00

Tuesday
9:00 - 6:00
Closed
Closed

Wednesday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 1:00 and 2:00 - 6:00

Thursday
9:00 - 1:00
2:00 - 6:00
Closed

Friday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
2:00 - 6:00

Saturday
9:00 - 5:00
10:00 - 1:00
10:00 - 1:00

Sunday
Closed
Closed
Closed

Bedford Borough Council, Town Hall, St Paul's Square, Bedford, MK40 1SJ
Central Bedforshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ
Marston Vale Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road
Marston Moretaine, Bedford MK43 0PR

Monday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00

Tuesday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00

Wednesday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00

Thursday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00

Friday
8:45 - 4:45
8:30 - 4:00
10:00 - 5:00

Saturday
9:00 - 1:00
Closed
10:00 - 5:00

Sunday
Closed
Closed
10:00 - 5:00

In addition, the planning submission documents are available for inspection by appointment only at the Covanta Energy Bedfordshire offices in Eversholt (Unit 7, Water End Barns, Eversholt, Milton Keynes, MK17 9EA). To book an appointment, please email rookerysouth@covantaenergy.co.uk or call 0844 967 1101. Office opening hours are from Monday to Friday between 9:30am to 4:30pm.

And do please let me know your views too! Thank you.
janet.nunn@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Poetry competition on subject of 'Home'

2010-10-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

Libraries in Central Bedfordshire are inviting poetry lovers to submit their entries for Bedfordshire Libraries’ Poetry Competition 2010.

The competition is a joint promotion between Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Libraries and has the theme of ‘Home’ this year. The closing date for entries is Saturday, 23 October.

The adult competition is for everyone over 14 years with, for the first time, a separate category for younger writers. The best poems will be published on the Virtual Library’s Post-a-Poem page over the coming year.

You can email your poem to librarieswriteon@bedford.gov.uk, hand your entry in at your local library or send it to either Sally Heard at Bedford Central or Jill Napper at Biggleswade Library. Please include full contact details, including an email address if possible.

Proposed Temporary Road Closure – B655 Hexton Rd., Barton le Clay

2010-10-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

There's a request been lodged with Hazel Potter at CBC for a Temporary Road Closure at the above location to enable patching and surface dressing work to be carried out in safety. See details below; also for alternative route for diverted traffic.

The restrictions are to be in operation only when the necessary signs are erected on site. The Legal Order will be made to cover a twelve month period, however the closure is expected to take place on 3 periods of 2 days during November/December 2010, April/May/June and June/July/August 2011 between 0900 and 1530hrs. Specific dates will be advertised locally closer to the time. Access may be allowed from time to time according to local signing.
If you have any observation, contact her quoting reference CBC4179RC
tel 0300 300 4857
fax 0300 300 8212
Hazel.Potter@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

……………………………………………………………………………………

Road: B655 Hexton Rd., Barton le Clay

Application from: Amey for CBC – Contact – Silv Chelaru – 0300 300 8049

Reason: To enable patching and surface dressing work to be carried out in safety.

Length affected: From junction with Manor Rd to county boundary.

Date: Closure is expected to take place on 3 periods of 2 days during November/December 2010, April/May/June and June/July/August 2011 between 0900 and 1530hrs. Access may be allowed from time to time according to local signing.
Specific dates will be advertised locally closer to the time.

Alternative Route:- Proceed on B655 through Hexton and Pegsdon to roundabout with A505. Take 1st exit and continue north on A505 to next roundabout with A600. Continue on A600 to roundabout with A507. Take 1st exit and continue on A507 to roundabout with A6. Take 1st exit and continue on A6 to roundabout with Bedford Rd., Barton le Clay. Take 2nd exit and continue on Bedford Rd to junction with Hexton Rd. Turn left onto Hexton Rd and continue to junction with Manor Rd and site and vice versa.

No Mayor, more leader, proposed for Central Beds

2010-10-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

Central Bedfordshire Council has agreed in principle to keep the current executive model which sees a council leader and a cabinet in place rather than a directly elected mayor.

At the last Full Council Meeting, members agreed with an Executive recommendation to pass a resolution by 31 December 2010 to adopt the ‘new style’ arrangements that have been in place at Central Bedfordshire Council since its inception in April 2009.

Under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 the council is required to set out its executive arrangements which will come into effect three days after the local elections in May 2011.

When the adaption is complete the council’s constitution will be amended to reflect an extension of the leader’s term in office to four years.

Residents can still pass on their views about executive arrangements by emailing consultations@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or writing to Freepost RSJS GBBZ SRZT, Consultation, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, SG17 5TQ, by Monday 15 November.

Beware: Call for new legal freedoms for Councils

2010-09-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

Please make sure you're sitting down before you read this.

Giving councils clear legal freedom is the only way to ensure the Government’s new General Power of Competence for local authorities will work successfully, according to the New Local Government Network. It is urging the abolition of the ultra vires principle, which exists to prevent councils going beyond their powers, and instead to allow councils to take actions unless they are expressly forbidden by law.

The NLGN report has been produced as Parliament is about to consider a General Power of Competence for local authorities.The report details innovative activities councils could consider adopting and recommends how the reform should be enacted.

With councils losing a third of central government funding over the next four years, the research argues that they should be free to develop new income streams and be allowed to work more innovatively in partnership with the private sector, community groups and other public bodies to make savings and redesign services.

Possible new ventures and activities in the report include offering banking, insurance and credit services, trading and selling a wider range of products and expertise such as recruitment services, energy, communication and business services to the private sector and other public agencies and adjusting tax rates and reliefs to incentivise behaviour on recycling, business development or property use.

The report’s author, Nigel Keohane, who is NLGN’s head of research, said: “In the difficult financial landscape ahead, local authorities need full discretion to engage in new ways with their community, to save money through efficiencies and to develop income to safeguard frontline services.

Comment: Even central government is subject to control by this principle of ultra vires. Parliament can pass whatever legislation it wishes, but if it delegates powers, those powers are subject to control by the Courts under that principle.

If Councils truly think that they should not be subject to any control, then we have an even bigger challenge on our hands than just reviving the economy.

Town & Parish Council conference: worthwhile?

2010-08-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

Peter Fraser, Head of Partnerships & Insight in the Chief Executive's office at CBC has announced the date of the next Town & Parish Council Conference for Central Bedfordshire: 13th January 2011 at Priory House, Chicksands.

A post conference report that summarises the event on 9th June 2010, together with a response to all of the questions that were received, and the results from the feedback questionnaire, plus a copy of the presentations can be found on the Council's website using the following link:

http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/councillors/parish/default.aspx

Did you go? What did you think of it? What would you want out of such an event? What form should it take? Please share your views.

Renewable electricity: a revenue stream for CBC?

2010-08-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

The ban on councils selling renewable electricity ended on 18 August 2010. This will open new sources of income including the full benefit of the feed in tariff which incentivises renewable electricity. It could mean up to £100 million a year in income for local authorities across England and Wales.

Currently councils are able to put any renewable electricity they generate to local use, and to benefit from the associated feed in tariff for projects smaller than 5MW. But they are restricted from selling any excess renewable electricity into the grid and also from benefiting from the additional export component of the feed in tariff. This restriction was put in place at the time of electricity privatisation to ensure the transfer of the electricity industry to the private sector.

At present only 0.01% of electricity in England is generated by local authority-owned renewables, despite the scope that exists to install projects on their land and buildings. In Germany the equivalent figure is 100 times higher.

Lifting the ban is considered a vital step to making community renewable projects commercially viable, to bring in long-term income to benefit local areas, and to secure local acceptance for low carbon energy projects.

Councils such as Woking have made strenuous efforts over the years to produce energy locally. It is at the forefront of local authorities already investing in clean energy projects, and will be able to benefit from the change in the law. Through Thameswey Limited, a company wholly owned by the council, green electricity is generated across the Borough and provided to local customers by way of private wires.

The Government is committed to encouraging community-owned renewable energy schemes where local people benefit from the power produced. It is actively working on proposals to allow communities that host renewable energy projects to keep the additional business rates they generate. An online portal, Community Energy Online, will be launched in the autumn to support the development and deployment of low carbon community-scale energy infrastructure.

What are your views on this? We have lots of school fields and other public sector sites that could well host wind turbines or similar, surely.

Deals for wheels to work, school or college

2010-08-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

Central Bedfordshire Council is backing Wheels2Work, an initiative to help people without their own vehicle get to-and from work and college. The scheme was launched earlier this year and has proved a great success so far. So register now, take the basic training and start benefiting from this scheme for the new term.

Wheels2Work provides transport advice and support to individuals without access to alternative transport for up to a nine-month period until they can find a longer-term solution. Users are offered a 50cc Yamaha scooter loan, which is provided complete with comprehensive vehicle insurance, road tax, safety equipment and service costs.

The scheme, which is led by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, is open to people who meet the following criteria:
of working age (16– 64) with priority given to those aged 16–24
living in the Central Bedfordshire area (excluding Luton)
having limited or no access to transport to their place of employment, education or training
have a provisional or full driving licence
Clients meeting all the criteria must then take the Compulsory Basic Training course and rural ride training, both of which are free. A small monthly wear and tear fee is also paid for the scooter loan.

Wheels2Work can also help businesses and employers who are struggling to recruit or keep employees because of their location or transport difficulties.

The Wheels2Work registration process begins with an interview for which applicants under 18 need to have a parent or guardian at hand, and is followed by the Co-ordinator taking up references and seeking confirmation that a clean driving licence is held.

For further information please contact Bob Hughes, Wheels2Work coordinator at Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity on 01234 832646, text 07903 272626, e-mail bobh@bedsrcc.org.uk or visit www.bedsrcc.org.uk/Wheels2Work/wheels1.html

Had your say on the Local Transport Plan?

2010-08-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

I wish to apologise on behalf of Central Beds Council for the inept way it conducted its recent consultation on transport: very little and last minute.

A press release issued on 3 August gave a range of dates when an 'exhibition' would be touring the constituency, none of which were within the Barton-le-Clay, Bushmead, Sharpenhoe, Streatley, Sundon ward and the latest of which was 21 August.

Or you may e-mail comments to myjourney@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Meanwhile, please come along to our CBC Councillor next surgery in Barton-le-Clay library, 10-12am on the second Saturday of the month: 11 September to have your say.

A6 to close Barton to Silsoe one night this week

2010-08-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

Central Bedfordshire Council have made an Order the effect of which will be to prohibit any vehicle, except a vehicle being used for fire, police or ambulance purposes in an emergency, from proceeding along that length of A6 Silsoe to Barton which extends from the roundabout with Barton Road, Silsoe to the junction with Barton Road, Pulloxhill.
This temporary closure is required to enable carriageway patching work to be carried out in safety and shall apply to such extent as may from time to time be indicated by the appropriate traffic signs. Where possible access will be maintained to property and premises but may be restricted from time to time according to local signing.
It is expected that the works will take place for ONE NIGHT during the period between Monday 23rd and Thursday 26th August 2010 from 8:00pm to 6:00am.
The alternative routes available for vehicles affected by the Order are:-
Proceed south on the A6 and continue through Luton to the roundabout with the A505. Take the second exit and continue on the A505 through Dunstable to the junction with the A5. Turn right and continue on the A5 to the junction with the A5120. Turn right and continue on the A5120 through Houghton Regis and continuing through Toddington and Flitwick to the roundabout with the A507. Take the third exit and continue on the A507 to the roundabout with the A6. Take the third exit and continue on the A6 to site and vice versa.
The Order will come into operation on 23 August 2010 for a period of four months or until the proposed works have been completed, as detailed above, whichever is the earlier.
For further information please contact Central Bedfordshire Highways, Tel: 0300 300 8049
DATED 18 August 2010
Central Bedfordshire Council Basil Jackson
Technology House Assistant Director for Highways
239 Ampthill Road
Bedford MK42 9QQ

A word for Austria: guat!

2010-08-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

I do like Austria. It offers a super lifestyle for outdoor types, both winter and summer, with hiking, sight-seeing and swimming in lakes, my summer favourite. Plus the beer is good.

Life seems amazingly relaxed, with a high level of trust that their people will gauge any risk in their lives at the right level. There are no lifeguards keeping watch on high perches at their swimming lakes, and large slabs of cheese sit alongside salami, kaesekrainer and raw meat in the local butchers. It's all rather fun and works well and apparently very safely.

The landlords we have known have been pro European Union (EU). This year,while Pepi (a long-distance HGV driver) spoke appreciatively of how Schengen had made his job easier over the years, his wife Eva urged that Austria should group with Switzerland and Lichtenstein and pull out of the EU, to make their money by charging tolls on through traffic, for example, rather like in days of yore on the Munich-Venice trek.

How many of their 20 million people think like this? I don't know, but meeting and getting to know this kind couple gave me an interesting insight into a side of the Austrian psyche that I'd not yet had through business contacts.

I do recommend it.

safer-beds thanks to Ringmaster?

2010-07-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

What do you think of this service? Have you used it? Let me know!
Here is what the police say:

"Ringmaster is a computerised crime messaging system run by Bedfordshire Police, which offers local residents, Neighbourhood Watch members, businesses, farms, and Bedfordshire Police’s partners, throughout Bedfordshire, details about crime and community events in their local area.
• The service is free to everyone.
• You don’t need to be involved in Neighbourhood Watch to join Ringmaster.
• You can receive information via email direct to your computer, view your messages online, or receive messages via phone at a time to suit you.
• Receive crime reduction advice and help tackle crime in your local area.
• Currently we have 12,000 members of the public and other partner agencies registered on the system.
You can join Ringmaster by applying online at www.safer-beds.org or alternatively you can phone 01234 275288, or 01582 394023 if you live in Luton, and an application form can be sent through the post."

www.letstalkcentral.com at your disposal

2010-07-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

Central Beds Council says:

"Let's Talk Central is a new interactive website for Central Bedfordshire residents that forms one of the objectives from the recently approved Web Development Strategy.
As this strategy takes shape, the benefits for the Council of using new media will be to enhance its communication with the public.

The site enables residents to share their thoughts with each other and us. In our first three weeks over 800 individuals have visited www.letstalkcentral.com and we have had over 100 comments on the site.

Why are we doing this?

As a local authority we have both a responsibility and a desire to actively engage with our local residents so that the Council can take policy and services decisions that are genuinely informed by public preferences and aspirations.

The web offers individuals and organisations free, quick and easy to use mechanisms to connect with lots of people, listening to their views, answering their questions and explaining the work that we are doing.

Some surprising facts:
• 70% of UK households have access to the internet
• More people are using online networks than are reading local newspapers
• Facebook has almost 24 million user accounts in the UK
• It not just for kids - the average age of Facebook users is 38 years old

Vibrant discussions concerning local issues, including the Council, are already taking place online. Residents are using online networks to talk about us, the area and community issues and we want to add our own voice to these conversations.

Residents expect us to engage with them on their terms via their channels, and to be openly available online. This is why Let’s Talk Central makes use of free online networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

What you can do?

We need your help to make Let’s Talk Central a success. There are several things you can do:

Join in the discussions on www.letstalkcentral.com or follow us on facebook or twitter (links are provided on the Let’s Talk Central site) and invite your friends and family to do the same.

• If you know of existing online groups let them know about www.letstalkcentral.com

• If you are organising community events don’t forget we can reach a wide audience quickly and free via these online tools.

• You can post video footage on the site, outlining your views on our area and your hopes for its future.

• Keep checking out the comments and feedback on Let’s Talk Central to see what residents are saying about your area.

If you would like support with any of the above or have any questions please contact Karen Aspinall, Consultation Manager on Tel. 0300 300 6286 or Alan Ferguson, Web Manager on Tel. 0300 300 6580"

Please also let me know what you think; I am your elected representative, an independent thinker who is keen to use our resources to best effect.

Janet Nunn

Future Customer Forum Dates and Venues

2010-07-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

Want to have your say about your local leisure centre or theatre? Then make a note in your diary of the following dates and make sure you get along to have your say:

Leisure Connections –
Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, Leighton Linslade, 14 September at 19.00 pm
Houghton Regis Leisure Centre, 22 September at 11.00 am
Dunstable Leisure Centre, 24 September at 13.00 pm
Grove Theatre, Dunstable, 29 September at 11.00 am
Stevenage Leisure sites -
Saxon Pool, Biggleswade, 13 October at 19.00 pm
Sandy Sport and Recreation Centre, 20 October at 19.00 pm
Flitwick Leisure Centre, 27 October at 19.00 pm

The Customer Forums are for Leisure Centre and The Grove Theatre users to be given an opportunity to raise issues of centre management with the contractors directly.

Can't go? Then please let me know your views and I'll pass them on and make sure they're heard.

19 to 23 July Sharpenhoe Rd to close

2010-07-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

The following order is being made by CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1)
(SHARPENHOE ROAD, SHARPENHOE)
(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) ORDER 2010
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Central Bedfordshire Council have made an Order the effect of which will be to prohibit any vehicle, except a vehicle being used for fire, police or ambulance purposes in an emergency, from proceeding along that length of Sharpenhoe Road, Sharpenhoe which extends for 400 metres south from Barton Road.
This temporary closure is required to enable patching works to take place and shall apply to such extent as may from time to time be indicated by the appropriate traffic signs. Where possible access will be maintained to property and premises but may be restricted from time to time according to local signing.
It is expected that the works will take place DURING ONE WEEK from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd July 2010 between 7:30am and 6:00pm.
The alternative routes available for vehicles affected by the Order are:-
Proceed south on Sharpenhoe Road and then on Church Road to the junction with the A6 roundabout. Take the first exit from the roundabout and continue to the slip road off to Barton. Continue on the B655 Luton Road, Barton and then Bedford Road to the junction with Sharpenhoe Road, Barton and then Barton Road, Sharpenhoe to the junction with Sharpenhoe Road and site and vice versa.
The Order will come into operation on 19 July 2010 for a period of four months or until the proposed works have been completed, as detailed above, whichever is the earlier.
For further information please contact Central Bedfordshire Highways, Tel: 0300 300 8049
DATED 14 July 2010
Central Bedfordshire Council Basil Jackson
PO Box 1395 Assistant Director for Highways
Bedford MK42 5AN

New Education Policies - short, easy to understand videos

2010-07-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

Teachers TV are producing a series of short 10 minutes videos explaining the implications of the new coalition education policies. For those that don't care to wade through pages of explanation - you might like to take a look at the multimedia version. http://www.teachers.tv/videos/need-to-know-coalition-plans-for-education

Alumni of yesteryear can help today's students

2010-07-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

I just attended my first school reunion on 10 July, well strictly speaking my sixth form college reunion, since my old grammar school in Eccles was rased to the ground some years ago to make way for a housing estate.

It was big fun and will be the start of an alumni network, thanks to the foresight of the principal, Dr Savvas, who wants to create a web of people of goodwill to help young students as they move beyond teenage life into adult life and careers.

Why did it take 38 years for a principal to do that? Why did it take us 38 years to get the Reunion going? Interesting questions, but the important thing is they're happening now.

Do our local schools in Central Beds have such networks? They should.

This county-part gave birth among others to Alan Bruce, who attended Arnold School for his secondary education and later sailed in the Whitbread Round the World race and now has his own yacht boat building company. How many people do you know who can sail single handed across the Atlantic, like falling off a log? The very idea is thrilling and that Alan came from this land-locked county is astounding.

Now let's see what can be done round here.

Would you buy CBC's News Central if it weren't free?

2010-06-28T23:36:00.000-07:00

The Guardian newspaper ran a piece this last week criticising local authority publications as being propaganda organs for the incumbent party running the local council, which also take valued revenue away from local papers.

They are quite right of course. That said, I'd feel more sympathetic to local papers if ever they were to field a reporter to attend the odd Council meeting or some Overview and Scrutiny ones. There's never been one at the press desk in my year in office, which is a pity as there have been a couple of humdingers this year.

Firstly, when we Liberal Democrats voted against the Tory proposals to freeze Councillor allowances, as we wanted to support the recommendation of the independent panel for a cut, and secondly, only last week when a number of Tories broke ranks to vote against the Council proposals on a number of proposals including proposed boundary changes.

The News Central issue was taken up by Beds on Sunday, although the CBC answers were less than fulsome, for while publication costs are now covered by News Central taking ads, overheads including staff time apparently are not.

When asked, constituents say they appreciate News Central, but that is not the way to get at the truth of how much people value it, of course. A much better test would be to make it available to buy at cost.

Would you buy CBC's News Central if it weren't free? Do share your views.

In case you missed it, here is the exchange between CBC and Beds on Sunday:

Bedfordshire on Sunday, Can I have a break down on how much News Central Costs please?

Cllr Richard Stay, Deputy Leader at Central Bedfordshire Council said: "Making sure our residents are fully informed about the services the Council provides and the way we spend their money is vitally important and News Central magazine is a convenient and very cost effective way of doing this. There was a set up cost for News Central in the first year, but this publication now carries no financial burden to the tax payer as costs are offset by advertising."

Figures:
Costs for April 2009/April 2010: £220,000
For April 2010/11: The first edition cost £14,000 but this cost is now offset by advertising and so the rest of the editions will be cost neutral.

Enjoy our outdoor water

2010-06-26T01:15:00.000-07:00

We do live in a lovely part of the country, with a fair smattering of outdoor water to enjoy sports such as rowing (two rowing clubs on the river Ouse at Bedford), kayaking (one club on the Ouse at Bedford), windsurfing (on the lake towards Wootton), the lido at Hitchin. And I just recently learned of a lake near Clophill where people go on a hot summer day to swim: fantastic.

Now Bedford is hosting a consultation for building around Willington lake just outside Bedford to enable use and enjoyment by a wide range of activities and people (care homes, sports groups, hotel and leisure complexes). But the one aspect I'm not convinced about is the 'science and technology park'.

Too often, this is a blueprint for the busy-ness of cars and office workers, barren wastes of buildings not used outside of Monday-Friday office hours, all taking up space that would be more 24x7 appreciated by green space fans. Visit http://www.bedford-rowing-lake.com/ to say what you think.

It's your county, your lake.

Thank you Focus from Linda Jack

2010-06-26T01:05:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to the kind helpers who deliver Focus leaflets for us (more always welcome!). We've recently been busy on these lovely summer nights delivering a thank you Focus from Linda Jack, another nice touch from a woman of high emotional intelligence.

Linda may not have won, but she takes the time to thank people.

Don't worry folks, Bedfordshire Mid may have got it wrong overall this time, but we can get it right next time.

CBC consult Parish Councils on CCTV

2010-05-31T04:43:00.000-07:00

A consultation exercise is taking place with parish councils in early June 2010, in relation to Central Bedfordshire Council’s public space CCTV system.

The Council is currently reviewing its CCTV provision – the review will consider various options including out-sourcing to another provider, scaling back the current facility, monitoring all authority cameras from Dunstable, and maintaining the status quo. On completion a report will be submitted to Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 7 September and then Executive Committee on 28 September 2010.

Should you wish to know more please contact:
Steve Barrett
Community Safety Operations Manager
Community Safety Team
Sustainable Communities
0300 300 5639
steve.barrett@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

I'd be interested in your views.

Personally, I've never knowingly had my life enhanced by CCTV and the one time it could have been useful, security alleged that the footage had been erased (Harlington station car park, when my car door lock was broken; the grovelling letter didn't go far towards the £156 bill for lock repair).

Bedfordshire Mid remains Blue

2010-05-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

Here in Bedfordshire Mid we had a good turnout of voters yesterday. It's been a pleasure to work with Lib Dem PPC Linda Jack these last few months in the run up to the general election.

While we grew our Lib Dem share of vote, the Tory incumbent remains firmly seated, for now.

Candidates
Name Party Votes % +/-
Nadine Dorries Conservative 28,815 (52.5%) +5.9%
Linda Jack Liberal Democrat 13,663 (24.9%) +1.4%
David Reeves Labour 8,108 (14.8%) -7.7%
Bill Hall UK Independence Party 2,826 (5.1%) +2.4%
Malcolm Bailey Green 773 (1.4%) -1.2%
John Cooper English Democrats 712 (1.3%) +1.3%
Majority 15,152 (27.6%)
Turnout 54,897 (72.2%) +3.5%

Linda Jack is....

2010-04-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

...the Youth Policy Adviser for the Financial Services Authority;

...not afraid of commuting to London every day; she does it for her job and knows all about First Capital Connect first hand;

...a resident of Bushmead, not far from her brother, the local postie:-)

...mid Beds born and raised;

...ex services; she started her career with Army Special Intelligence at Chicksands;

...a former teacher (Harlington Upper School) and youth worker in Bedfordshire, during which time she was Beds County Branch Secretary for Unison;

...a grandmother

...a nice person

...the Liberal Democrat candidate to fight mid-Bedfordshire at the general election on 6 May.

...the best candidate for the job of MP representing mid-Bedfordshire.

Back Jack!

Expenses, expenses, expenses - there, I've said it!

2010-04-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

I just watched the party leaders' debate. Nick Clegg gave another great performance.

Interestingly, the need to clean up politics came up again and had all three leaders in agreement.

Clearly David Cameron's views haven't percolated down to former mid-Beds MP Nadine Dorries (Con.). I heard her tell the hustings in Streatley (which she quaintly pronounced as 'street-ly') Village Hall on the evening of Monday 12 April about how she had been advised "not to mention expenses" in the run-up to the election, that it had died down and was a non issue.

Nadine is wrong about MPs' expenses; they are important.

We the voters need to know that the people who want to be our MPs are honest. Our money is hard earned and MPs must be accountable for their expenses' claims.

Linda Jack, the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate here in Mid-Beds, is a local woman who's had a career that spanned army intelligence at Chicksands through teaching at Harlington Upper School and now works at the Financial Services Authority in London. She is a woman of integrity. She's the right choice for mid Beds.

Back Jack!

Dare to agree with Nick

2010-04-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

I'm not (yet?) a social media bunny, but I do love the way things go viral and want to share this little gem with you.
Enjoy!
Janet:-)

The Clegg effect

2010-04-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Nick Clegg's sterling performance in last Thursday night's live debate with the other two contenders for premiership had a tangible and positive effect on havering and disillusioned voters, as I found this morning while canvassing in Barton-le-Clay. They now know there is a viable alternative to the unappetising Brown or Cameron fare proffered unimaginatively by much of the media until now.

By sharing the stage and glare of questioning live on TV, Clegg stepped into the limelight and came to the proper attention of many for the first time. He seized the opportunity and did not disappoint.

Of course, Clegg also has a strong team around him and it helped that the Lib Dem manifesto is fully costed, which makes the competitors' unsubstantiated versions look shady by comparison.

It's a very good start, and so with two more such live debates to go, and our own policy leaflet poised for printing in support of Mid Beds prospective parliamentary candidate Linda Jack (a woman of pedigree and integrity, I'm proud to say), I'm feeling very chipper.

Lib Dem manifesto to build a fairer Britain

2010-04-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

Today's unveiling of the Lib Dem manifesto 2010 was long awaited and most welcome.

Strap lined as 'change that works for you', I've enjoyed pulling out the things that get me really excited about what a Lib Dem government would do for us.

My top 10 are (cheating slightly by grouping same topic initiatives together):

1. First £10k earnings to be tax free: because it will cut most of our tax bills by £700 p.a. and increase pensioner revenue by £100 (and reduce the army of officials needed to manage income support monies as fewer people will need them); set the minimum wage for all people over 16 at the same level (except those on apprenticeships)

2. Break up monolithic banks and get them lending to business, which needs support to get the economy moving; cut red tape for putting on live music by allowing licensed venues for up to 200 people to host live music without the need for a licence and remove the requirement for hospitals and schools to have a licence

3. clean up politics and protect civil liberties with a Freedom Bill that would regulate CCTV; stop unfair extradition to USA; defend trial by jury; stop children being finger printed at school; scrap ID cards; scrap passports with additional biometric data; remove innocent people from the police's DNA database and stop them adding innocent and children in future; scrap the Contact Point database that intends to hold details of every child in Britain

4. Introduce a written constitution

5. Introduce the right to vote from 16 (why not, as one can join the forces and work and pay taxes then?)

6. Introduce the single transferable vote system, fixed term parliaments; reduce the number of MPs by 150; scrap the government offices for the regions unless there is strong local support for them and devolve power to local councils including making police authorities and health boards electable

7. A green economic stimulus plan in year one that will create 100k jobs

8. Scrap the government's plans to criminalise those who leave education between the ages of 16 and 18; scrap tuition fees for all students taking a first degree, including part time, saving them over £10k in fees each

9. require name blind job applications to reduce sex and race discrimination, initially for every company with 100+ employees; introduce pay audits for such companies to combat discrimination

10. support public investment in superfast broadband

View the full document on-line at:
http://issuu.com/libdems/docs/manifesto?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&proShowMenu=true

Enjoy!

Cool hand Cable for Chancellor !

2010-03-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Britain's answer to the three tenors, the Chancellor Debate, was televised on Channel 4 at 8pm tonight, and was must-see viewing.

I urge you to make time to watch the highlights, and to watch them again if you saw the broadcast already. It will give you a real feel for the difference between the three parties' fiscal policies and their vision for taking Britain forward from recession over 5-10 years.

It was fascinating and very worthwhile viewing: even our 15 year old son sat down to watch as he wandered in half-way through en route from computer to fridge via the TV room, then stayed.

http://www.channel4.com/microsites/A/askthechancellors/live.html

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid74425226001?bclid=74070457001&bctid=74487230001

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8593969.stm

EU parliament saves us from our own folly

2010-03-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

At last, a part of the UK government has opened its eyes and read the spirit levels.

According to a report on today's BBC news website, the Commons Foreign Affairs committee said the phrase "the special relationship" did not reflect the "modern" Anglo-American relationship and could raise unrealistic expectations about the benefits it can deliver to the UK.

That the UK is too deferential to the US government was witnessed by it passing the SWIFT proposals through parliament recently, in effect giving EU citizens’ data to the USA and not securing the same rights in return. Fortunately as we're a member of the EU, our European parliamentarians were more savvy and stopped it happening.

The term 'special' is much overused and therefore devalued in many walks of modern life and the UK's relationship with the USA is yet another example.

My own personal relationship with America is special owing to family ties (my Dad's favourite sister was a GI bride post WWII, who gave me five cousins) and to dear friends in Los Gatos, Rock Island and Catonsville, Baltimore.

But please, let's say what we mean, mean what we say and keep "special" truly special. And keep reading those spirit levels.

What do you think? Not seen the BBC story yet? visit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/haveyoursay/2010/03/is_the_us_and_uk_relationship.html

Rural issues in the Lib Dem sights

2010-03-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

Some of the issues challenging Barton-le-Clay and surrounding villages are replicated across the country. Here are some I discussed with colleagues at the Lib Dem spring conference earlier this month, with proposed solutions for us to try:

1. Speeding through villages - campaigning with police
Many local police forces now have vans equipped with speeding and automatic number plate recognition, which they could deploy in rural areas. They are bound to take action if there is public concern, therefore a useful way to raise a village's concerns is to raise the issue at a Parish Council, who then notify the Local Authority, who are bound to raise it with the Police, who in turn are bound to take action.
If anyone has an example of this, please let me know.

2. HGVs in rural villages
This is an ongoing issue raised in the Commons including: 27/01/09 - David Heath http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090127/debtext/90127-0002.htm#column_155 20/04/09 – Mark Hunter http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090420/text/90420w0091.htm#0904226000024
If there are any examples of community action regarding HGVs or speeding please let me know ASAP.

3. Bus passes not valid when crossing borders – Wales/England/Scotland and not valid for community transport schemes

The cross border issue already on the agenda, it was addressed on last week in a debate in the Lords - http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200910/ldhansrd/text/100315-gc0001.htm#1003155000119.
What is your experience and what your preferred solution in Central Beds?

I look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks.

Pupil Premium: without hypothecation it's for the birds

2010-03-21T01:32:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I've not posted for a while: I went to the Lib Dem spring conference last weekend, then my husband was away working for three days, leaving me home alone with our two teenage children in the taxi years, plus a full-time job. It made me think and commiserate, as I do from time to time, of how a single parent manages.

The spring conference was very good value: fun and thought provoking in equal measure and a chance to meet lots of thoughtful, caring people who I look forward to seeing again. Back in the saddle now, I do want to share some reflections over the next few days.

One of the Lib Dem ideas for governing that Nick Clegg spoke about was the pupil premium, a sum to be entrusted to schools for spending on helping struggling children as the staff judge fit. He was adamant that it was not to be ring-fenced, that head teachers should be trusted to spend it well.

My deep and abiding fear is that without having to show extra, focussed initiatives (accountability), the money would go into a general pot with no overview on how it is spent. While a parent governor 2002-06 at Arnold Middle School here in Central Bedfordshire, I saw how it spent £4,000 from memory on library finger-printing equipment to replace cards and book-stamping, rather than books. I only found out about this after it was under way and was not impressed.

Then last year Harlington Upper School installed finger-print recognition equipment so that the catering staff didn’t have to handle small sums in cash, and instead made students aged 14-18 give finger prints to credit and debit sums from their lunch accounts. When pressed, HUS said that alternative arrangements could be made where parents objected, but these were never made explicit in writing, and certainly not to my then 14-year old who did what all his mates did and gave his fingerprint, but not telling me for several months because he knew I'd be annoyed at the coercion. He thinks that it could be handy if he went to other schools using the same system, because he could access his account there - aargh!!!

Who else can access these accounts? What is the data protection in place to ensure the system is not abused and such personal information used, maybe sold, for illegal use, fitting innocent children up for a criminal record? I must press HUS to be assured - it's on my To Do list

Perhaps Central Bedfordshire schools are in the vanguard with such initiatives. I'd certainly like to know. Please share your views and experience with me.
Must go now, the sun is shining and the water is beckoning so I'm off to row with my Star Club recreational rowers on the Ouse at Bedford.

Barton Players audition call

2010-03-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

Keith Badham sent me the following information and would be happy to take queries on tel: 07595 053251

War to War Variety Show – Performance Dates – May 8th & 9th:
Director Ann Holloway – Producer Keith Badham
Rehearsals – Barton Methodist Church – 8.00pm onwards
Tuesday 30th March, Tuesday 20th April & Tuesday 4th May

The Importance of Being Earnest – Show Week – 23rd – 30th October 2010
Director – Keith Badham
Initial Meeting and Read Through & Visit to Pub Afterwards
Barton Methodist Church
Thursday March 4th – 7.30

Auditions
Barton Methodist Church
Thursday March 11th & Thursday March 18th from 7.30 till 10.00 please.

Full Scripts are available for download from www.bartonplayers.co.uk in the members' area. Please contact Keith you need the general log-in information.

Cherish the green, green grass near home

2010-03-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but one of the reasons we moved to this area was for the rural aspect, the easy access to green spaces on our doorstep to exercise ourselves, then our children, and by the time our elder one was six, our family dog too.

Our green spaces are to be cherished, and new building should prioritise regeneration of brown field sites such as the Vauxhall plant in Luton, which has been an issue taking up column inches in the Luton press of late.

Everyone needs green space close to home. We often take it for granted, but natural places are crucial to our quality of life, whether it’s to get some fresh air, to walk the dog, to connect us with nature, or to meet friends.

Next weekend, I'll be attending the spring conference of the Liberal Democrats in Birmingham and look forward to building this view into a policy statement to safeguard our green spaces.

Is there a green space near you that may be at risk? Perhaps owned by the financially challenged Central Beds Council that may wish to sell it for development? If so, I'd like to hear from you.

Gypsy and traveller site allocations consultation ends Monday 15 March

2010-03-03T13:49:00.000-08:00

Central Bedfordshire Council's recent IT failure has meant that online comments for the the Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) could not be delivered. Comments will now be accepted up to 5pm on Monday 15 March 2010.

Councillor Tom Nicols, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development at Central Bedfordshire Council has said: "We are encouraging local people to take part in the consultation as their views are critical to the whole process, residents can take part by visiting www.talktocentralbedfordshire.co.uk to post comments, or people can pick up hard copies of the consultation questionnaires from all Central Bedfordshire Council's customer contact centres, local libraries, or by calling the LDF team (0300 300 8000) who will either post or email hard copies out."

The plans seem reasonable to me and do not include the mooted site at the southern entrance to Barton-le-Clay on the Luton road, blocking the view to the Sharpenhoe Clappers, for example. Please let me know your views.

Central Beds budget 2010-11: shameful proof of Tory inadequacy

2010-02-25T23:08:00.000-08:00

Council tax in Central Beds will rise an average of 2.95% in April as a result of last night's vote. This wanton act ignores the promises made by predecessor bodies that the creation of the new Central Beds Council would bring savings in the first year.

Even before the budget discussion opened, the scene had been set by discussion of members' allowances, which we Lib Dems wanted cut in line with the recommendation of an independent panel. In the first recorded vote since the election last June, there were 11 votes for cutting the allowances (Lib Dems), one abstention (the independent Councillor) and the rest (Cons.) were in favour of maintaining them at current levels. The sound of snouts in trough was deafening.

While some cuts and efficiencies are undoubtedly being achieved, there is still much flab that needs addressing. I offer the example of £1.5 million 'contingency' in the Business Transformation budget for next year: a whopping slush fund undreamed of by any responsible business. Sure, one needs to play safe and build in some wriggle room, but do it on a risk assessed, line-by-budget-line basis, please.

And we also need to sweat the small stuff. This winter's road safety stunt of putting stakes with bunches of flowers attached, at the side of Central Beds' A-roads near accident spots, caused much bemusement until explanatory posters were erected. By the time the dead flowers were replaced with fresh bouquets, people were feeling annoyed that their well earned money had been spent in a publicity stunt.

Is something bugging you about what is or is not being done in the name of local Council services? Please share your thoughts.

Warning: Closure of Sharpenhoe Road 25 Feb to 12 March; disruption for longer term good

2010-02-19T14:41:00.000-08:00

This is a copy of the Notice being published in the Luton and Dunstable Express by the Central Bedfordshire Council re their intention to make an Order for the temporary closure of the above road to enable surfacing works to take place.

CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1)

(SHARPENHOE ROAD, SHARPENHOE)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) ORDER 2010

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Central Bedfordshire Council intend not less than seven days from the date of this Notice to make an Order the effect of which will be to prohibit any vehicle, except a vehicle being used for fire, police or ambulance purposes in an emergency, from proceeding along that length of Sharpenhoe Road, Sharpenhoe which extends from its junction with Barton Road south for 400m.

This temporary closure is required to enable surfacing works to take place and shall apply to such extent as may from time to time be indicated by the appropriate traffic signs. Where possible access will be maintained to property and premises but may be restricted from time to time according to local signing.
It is expected that the works will take place during the period from Thursday 25 February 2010 until Friday 12 March 2010. Closure times are 7.30am to 6.00pm.

The alternative routes available for vehicles affected by the proposed Order are:-

Proceed south on Sharpenhoe Road and then on Church Road to junction with A6 roundabout. Take 1st exit and continue to slip road to Barton. Continue on B655 Luton Road, Barton and then Bedford Road to junction with Sharpenhoe Road, Barton and then Barton Road, Sharpenhoe to junction with Sharpenhoe Road and site and vice versa.

The proposed Order will come into operation on 26 February 2010 for a period of four months or until the proposed works have been completed, as detailed above, whichever is the earlier.

For further information please contact Central Bedfordshire Highways, Tel: 0300 300 8049

DATED10 February 2010

Central Bedfordshire Council Basil Jackson

PO Box 1395 Assistant Director for Highways

Bedford MK42 5AN

Barton Rovers pro BMX skate park

2010-02-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

A bowl, half-pipes, steps, guiding bars, ramps. These are some of the facilities that local lads want in their BMX skate park, when we get it. And by lads, I mean it in the widest, Irish sense, to mean girls too. (So much more fitting for the sporty sk8ers than the other terms such as kids, youth, young people, don't you think?)

Last night was the first get together of the lads since the St Nick's meeting last May, the delay owed in part to Nicky Busbridge having moved out of the area. Local no-nonsense dynamo Steve Liddle (known to many for his gigs at The Bull) has now taken over the project. Matt, Daniel, Kirsty-Ann, Alex, Luke know what they want and what they don't, leaving mums Tarja and Karen Theobald cheering from the sidelines - for now.

Having been warned off the Recreation Ground by local nimby interests, the project may have found a welcome with Barton Rovers Football Club if terms can be agreed. These include that the BMX project use the current car park in return for tarmac'ing a new area where they'd prefer the car park to be sited. Also, that the skate park be fenced in and accessible to members only at a peppercorn fee, to promote a sense of ownership and reduce the chance of vandalism.

This last point was received less than enthusiastically by one of the lads with direct experience of the Croxton Green skate park where, as a result of pressure from local residents, a fence, then a warden, then rules about helmets and restricted opening hours gradually led to its disuse.

What are your views on this? Have you experience of such matters? Do you want to get involved or lend your support, financial or otherwise to this long awaited project?
Please share your views here or e-mail me at janet.nunn@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk so we can make the Barton BMX skate park project happen. Thank you.

M&S Bedford: a shining example of xenophobia

2010-02-07T13:20:00.000-08:00

European friends of mine from Bedford's Star Rowing Club were understandably indignant when Bedford's M&S refused to sell them alcohol recently on the grounds that they didn't have acceptable UK proof of age.

Neither could in any way be mistaken for under 21 let alone under 18 (and will not mind me saying so), so what was the challenge about? The issues were:

1. Wiebke, a mid-30s German, had her German ID, which allows her passage across all borders throughout the EU, dismissed as if of inferior status, as did Aga, a Polish woman in her late 20s

2. While both women rightly asked for the matter to be referred to the manager, the manager proved as stubborn about the need for the proof of age to be a UK document. The women were not allowed to buy their bottle of alcohol.

I have two questions.

Firstly, to Stewart Rose, M&S's supremo: is this truly company policy?

Secondly, to Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough Council: what can you do to check this kind of xenophobic bureaucracy? I know that you're not in charge of trading standards officers or indeed any other staff at the Council, but perhaps you could use your statesmanhood to check out what's going on within one of the flagship stores on your patch?

P.S. I do mourn the days when M&S had its flagship store opposite Galeries Lafayette in the retail heart of Paris's 8th district and its sandwiches, shipped in daily from UK, were the Parisian office workers' favourite. That made me proud to be British. The above incident does not.

Have you experienced similar discrimination within Bedfordshire? I'd like to hear about it and to challenge it. Thanks for sharing.

Gritty Gothenburgers take snow in their stride

2010-02-02T14:19:00.000-08:00

This has been the snowiest winter for Sweden's second largest city, Gothenburg, since 1987. It normally doesn't get much snow with being on the West of the country, just lots of rain. But the snow couldn't catch them out; they still they did a super job of snowploughing and gritting roads and main thoroughways. (Salt is ineffective at temperatures below -4C, which is what we had there last weekend.)

And for the pavements, they wait for life to quieten down in the evenings, then send someone up and down in a Suzuki Jeep with a mini snow plough on the front.

In fact, we saw a motley collection of vehicles being used from a mini JCB to the full Council liveried jobs; clearly they contract out some of the work, and why not. Farmers can't do much farming in temperatures of -14C, so this type of work is useful to society and keeps the wolf from the door.

There were people pressure-hosing tram points, no doubt with anti-freeze similar to what they spray planes' wings with before take-off. Magic.

People went about their business, taking the snow-over-ice layered conditions in their stride, including the many 70 and 80 year olds we saw zipping around. (One on two sticks who still took the tram to go shopping.) We also admired the bin men who were going about their duty, but I took my hat off, figuratively speaking only you understand, to the people who still cycled around on their trusty bikes, including the Postie with panniers. Now that is the right stuff...in the white stuff:-)

How cool is that man?

2010-01-27T14:46:00.000-08:00

I met Richard Carr today, the still fairly new Chief Executive of Central Beds Council who had invited all Councillors to one of a series of drop-ins on a get-to-know-you basis.

Although I'd voted against his appointment on a matter of principle owing to his mega remuneration package (one of two Councillors so doing), that was six months ago at my first Council meeting. Today, I went to meet him with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised on a number of counts.

1. He grasped at once why I'm concerned about the lack of free sports facilities such as BMX-skate parks for our young people in Barton-le-Clay and in Bushmead. He showed concern about the risk of them becoming disaffected if left to hang around. He's aware that as a society we're becoming less tolerant of young people.

2. He engaged with our issue of poor parking arrangements in the centre of Barton-le-Clay and asked that I give him a few days to approach key people before I take action.

3. He listened to the issues surrounding the Youth Hut, unused for a couple of years now in the centre of Barton-le-Clay and made notes about the ideas being mooted.

4. He undertook to discuss with the Council Chairman my proposal that we should be neutral where matters of faith are concerned and either have no prayers before Council meetings (my preference) or ensure that we are even-handed when inviting spokespeople from other faiths. (Since my arrival last June, only Christian spokespeople have led prayers.)

5. He laughs easily, a cross between a belly laugh and a chortle; most infectious. Sounds just like Tim How (of Majestic Wine Warehouse fame) of whom a work colleague said, on hearing him speak at a conference, "How cool is that man?"

I'll need some more time to see how cool Richard Carr may be. Meanwhile, I look forward to some help in getting resource behind these much needed projects and to hearing more of that laugh.

Other projects for the Barton-le-Clay ward: east-west public transport and cycle routes; more public waste bins; public loos. What else would you like to add to our wish list?

Wannabe BMX biker-park boys

2010-01-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

They're not stupid, the young lads who hang around our streets on their bikes.

Certainly, the ones I met this morning in Bushmead were just the opposite.

Sharp-eyed ("What are you doing, knocking on doors?"; this as I canvassed my way round Chalkdown).

Cocky ("Hello Eileen!", shouted the unofficial leader, as he caught sight of one of the lovely elderly neighbours I'd been speaking to; she ignored the, presumably, over-familiar call in front of others).

But above all bored.

"Do you have a BMX park?", I asked. "Not one for miles", they groaned, "though we have asked Luton Borough Council to put one in Bushmead Park".

It's the same everywhere in my ward. Barton's boys are equally bursting with energy and bored out of their brains at this time of year, when the weather makes it impossible for them to go off over the hills on their bikes, even if their parents allowed them to.

It was great to see the dozen or so 12-14 year olds out and about in Bushmead with their mates, in the fresh air, even on such a sullen January day. Much better than being stuck at home in front of a computer game. They deserve something more than the zippo that Councils and the property developers have provided young people with.

I gave them my contact details and asked them to get a parent to call me if they wanted to help with the project, because that's what I think is needed: a push from the parents and a pull from the public sector, people such as me and those working in youth services in Central Beds and Luton Borough Council.

It's about time that local Councils, starting with Central Bedfordshire Council, and other bodies that claim to have an interest in our communities, earmarked some money to go towards the project. We're letting these young people down; they don't want to hang around the streets any more than locals want to see them hanging around.

After all, the bored young biker lads of Barton and Bushmead are worth it.

Want to help with the Barton-le-Clay BMX-park project? Or indeed get one going for Bushmead? Then please e-mail me at janet.nunn@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk using the heading 'Barton BMX' or 'Bushmead BMX' to get involved. Thank you.

Why do people do what they do?

2010-01-20T15:20:00.000-08:00

On this day, one year after US President Obama's inauguration, I was asked what my motivation was for offering to be on a particular committee. The answer was so obvious (to me) that the question rather threw me. (I hope my eyebrows didn't betray this.)

To make a difference in a positive direction. Wouldn't anyone? Doesn't everyone? Look at Obama.

But of course, motivations are more complex than that. People do things to get them out of the house, for example; to give them status in their community; to give their life meaning; because they think they should; because they've been flattered or coerced into offering or accepting; because they think it would be fun.

So now I want to think about my motivations, to prioritise my ideas and thoughts about the committee, and know the answer to the question, if there's no direction of travel, just a state of being, is that good enough?

Local initiative to keep us safe

2010-01-19T14:33:00.000-08:00

Did you go to the Council offices at Chicksands tonight? Part-ay! Well, nearly.

It was a Central Bedfordshire 'Keeping our communities safe' initiative, open to all from 6pm to 9pm with stalls laid out by the police, NHS, Fire Authority, etc, etc.

Most useful contact: CAN Community Drug workers and their 'space d' programme to offer support and info to family and friends concerned about someone's drug or alcohol use: Linda 07817 313 446 or Gary 07950 301 426
Most timely leaflet: Crown Prosecution Service flyer on 'Householders and the use of force against intruders'
Most cool dudes: the two NHS guys, expert on flu, swine or otherwise
Most helpful helper: police informer Andrew Lane
Most welcoming, smiley face: Sherry Pugh, a local lass working the Pay Back stand, a reassuring initiative that recovers assets from criminals to feed back into local communities.

Sincere thanks to Sharon Glenister at the Barton-le-Clay Perfect Pets pet shop for kindly agreeing to put a large poster up advertising the event in her shop window. Thanks also to the Chemist Shop for offering if only I'd had A5 size ones (fair enough - I'll tell the Council). Not so great from the Co-op, who don't usually put up posters, apparently:-(

Conservation area consultations

2010-01-19T14:17:00.001-08:00

It seems it's time for the Council to consult on conservation areas again. Every three years or so.

The one for Barton-le-Clay is proposing an extension to incorporate the Green at the junction of Manor Road and Bedford Road, with Lime Close cuddling the other two sides. Check it out on the Central Beds website, under Conservation area. (It denies knowing about Barton-le-Clay, but if you ask for Streatley, it pops up on that same page with a pdf attachment. You can complete a short questionnaire on-line, which is handy given that the deadline is looming: 8 Feb.)

There were no changes proposed to the Streatley conservation area, luckily, since I got notification of that less than 10 days before the afternoon exhibition at Streatley; its deadline for comment closed 16 January.

Welcome to Janet Nunn's Barton le Clay blog

2010-01-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

I'm now fulfilling one of my new year's resolutions, as one of Barton le Clay's two Liberal Democrat members of Central Bedfordshire Council. by setting up my blog.

I plan to use the blog to let people in Barton le Clay, Bushmead, Sharpenhoe, Streatley and Sundon, who make up our ward, know what's going in in the area, what the council is doing and what the local issues are that affect them.

The blog will give you a chance to come back to me and let me know what's affecting your life and what you need from your council and, especially, from your councillors.

Thank you for taking the time to read what's on this blog. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.