More Tories in trouble.

Tory Councillors Barry Yates and Jim Marsh (again!) appeared before the Council's Standards Committee recently to answer charges of misconduct. The charges related to a Grant Application which was considered by the Eastern Area Committee from a local cricket club. Both Councillors were found guilty of failing to declare an interest in the item, as they had connections with the Cricket Club, and then taking part in the vote which ensured that the grant was approved. This is the second time this year that Cllr Marsh has been found guilty of misconduct by the Standards Committee. His punishment? To undergo further training (again)! Cllr Yates, who has been a Councillor for 20 years and is a member of the Standards Committee himself, was ordered to undertake extra training as well. Perhaps he was away when the Standards Committee did their original training?

An Apology

It has been brought to our attention that Cllr Jim Hothersall didn’t say Kingsfold was like Beirut in his ill fated radio interview with Jeremy Vine on Radio 2. What he actually said was that one of the Councillors for Beirut, oops sorry Kingsfold, had made that comparison. We hope that it wasn’t the always sensible Cllr Best, so presumably it was Cllr Renee Blow. The very same councillor who admitted causing a breach of the peace following an altercation with some children in possession of a dangerous football! Our sincere apologies to Cllr Hothersall!

Councillor fluffs interview on national radio

Tory spokesman on Streetscene issues, Cllr Jim Hothersall, dropped a huge gaffe when he appeared on BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show. When asked to explain the controversial 'No Carol Singing' scheme, he offered an opinion that living in Kingsfold was like living in Beirut!!! He also claimed that pensioners had been threatened on their doorsteps by Carol singing teenagers. According to Cllr Hothersall, these alleged youngsters, (no doubt wearing hoodies!), have been singing a couple of lines from a Christmas Carol and then demanding money with menaces. That may or may not be true, as yet there is no evidence to say, but that hardly reflects what life has been like in the Lebanese capital for the last 25 years. Nor does it do much to reassure the residents of Kingsfold that, whilst it may have its problems, it is a relatively safe place to live. Nice one Cllr Hothersall.....

Christmas Carols? Humbug!!

Top Tories at South Ribble have been struggling to justify a scheme in Penwortham to discourage the tradition of Carol singing. Residents have been issued with notices which they can stick in their windows advising doorstep carolers that they are not welcome. This despite being able to produce any evidence that any crimes where committed last year that were 'Christmas Carol related'. What next, an anti Valentines campaign!

Tory Councillor admits 'breach of the peace'

Tory Councillor admits 'breach of the peace'. Penwortham Tory Renee Blow certainly hit the headlines this month. Despite having a reputation as being an advocate for law and order and being known as someone who regularly challenges local police on the need to do more in her patch, it was Cllr Blow who found herself on the wrong side of the long arm of the law. Cllr Blow admitted a breach of the peace and was bound over for six months at the Magistrates Court following an incident involving children playing in the street. Cllr Matthew Tomlinson, Leader of the Labour Group at South Ribble said 'I am sure that residents expect better behaviour from their elected representatives. However, it seems the Tory Group on the Council are still happy to retain her as a member.'

Don't mention the Waste Plant!

South Ribble's Tory Cabinet will this week announce big changes to the way recyclable waste will be collected from next summer. Claiming that the changes are as a result of listening to residents Cllr Molyneux, South Ribble Councils Cabinet member for Environmental Issues, failed to mention that these 'significant improvements' are only possible because of the development of the Farington Waste Plant. A development he and fellow Tories were so opposed to that they offered £40,000 of taxpayers money to support a judicial review of the County Council's decision to build it.

Supporting Local Residents

Councillor Caleb Tomlinson and Cheryl Ledward Lee from our Leyland Central team have been out and about talking to residents concerned about proposed development on Bretherton Terrace in the town. After spending Saturday morning knocking on doors in the area, Caleb and Cheryl were able to arrange for over 30 letters of objection to be handed in at the Civic Centre. Caleb was also able to boost publicity for the locals campaign by arranging for some coverage in the Leyland Guardian.

Labour vote UP, Tory vote DOWN.

As results were announced for the recent by-election in Leyland St Mary's ward, Labour candidate Peter Holker reflected on a 'job well done'. Although the seat is a traditional Tory stronghold, Labour saw a small increase on the vote in 2007 and the Tory vote was down. Peter said "There is no doubt that the longer this Tory administration is in power, the less popular they become. I am grateful to all those people who took the trouble to go out and Vote Labour." The Lib Dems failed to even field a candidate.

Council is told to start “writing off” money invested in Iceland

The effects of having £5million invested in Icelandic banks are about to start hitting the finances of the Borough Council. Up until now, Government advice has been for Councils to assume they would get the money back at some stage. However, that advice has now changed and the Council has been told to start writing the money off in order to balance the books. Labour Councillors have been asking for months for the Tory Cabinet member to share his ideas for how this will affect Council Tax payers. As yet, we have received no answer.

New Councillor hits the ground running

New Labour Councillor Caleb Tomlinson has been showing the residents of Leyland Central how a really active Councillor can make a difference.

“ Since I was elected on June 4th, I have attended Two meetings of the Full Council and I asked questions of the Tory leadership at both meetings. I have also attended two Leyland East Area Committees, three Pact (Police and Communities Together) meetings, two Scrutiny meetings, one licensing committee and one meeting of the Leyland Working Group.” In fact, by our reckoning, Caleb has already attended more meetings in three months, than former Tory councillor Ray Woodburn (“Leyland’s Worst Ever Councillor”) attended in the last two years.

Council ‘loses’ £100k of taxpayers money

South Ribble Borough Councils planning committee seems to be making decisions that contravene planning law. The Planning Inspector has accused the Council of “acting unreasonably” as it turned down a series of planning applications for new housing in the borough. Of six applications which were originally rejected by the Planning Committee, the Planning Inspector found, after an appeal, that FIVE of them should in fact have been granted. Furthermore the Council was ordered to pay, not only for its own legal fees, but also for the costs of the applicants. The total cost of all this to the taxpayer of South Ribble? Around £100,000!!! Which seems a bit rich when we cant afford to support the Women’s Refuge to the tune of £9,000.

What now for Hulmes Mill land?

Following the withdrawal of the plans to build houses and a restaurant on the empty plot in front of Body Logic, it seems the Council have no new ideas for the use of the derelict site. However, they seem intent on selling off the green space on West Paddock. Labour Candidate Peter Holker is against the sale of the field on West Paddock. “Surely, the Council should be concentrating on developing a derelict Town Centre site rather than disposing of valuable green space?”

Shock as Tory comes up with “new solution”

The Tories new County Councillor for the Area has had his thinking cap on as he tries to solve the problem of student parking on the Mayfield Estate. “Lets make the estate ‘Access Only’ he says. He obviously hasn’t spoken to local police who have said “ Access Only restrictions are incredibly difficult to police and frankly are not high on our list of priorities.” Time to think again Councillor!!!

Money down the drain?

The Tory Cabinet recently spent £85 000 on consultants to draw up a bid for a Lottery Grant to spend on Worden Park. Unfortunately the bid was turned down, FOR THE THIRD TIME. Peter Holker says “ Just think what could have been done on the Park with £85,000. Why spend money on consultants when you could be spending it on our Park?”

Free Swimming for under 16’s? Not in Leyland there isn’t

The Labour Government announced a scheme last year to promote healthy activities for young people. They offered Councils across the country financial support if they would throw open the doors of their Leisure Centres to under 16’s. Local Councils in Preston and Chorley have done this willingly and now offer this concession to their residents. South Ribble Tories response ? “Thanks, but No Thanks!”

Joined up thinking?

Tory Councillor Geoff Demack seemed to take pleasure in complaining to the press about the numbers of young people congregating outside Tesco’s. He even used the tired old phrase “Something must be done!” The response of his Tory colleagues……..Suspend all new investment in Playgrounds in Leyland for the foreseeable future. Peter said “ It’s no coincidence that the Tories can find money for playgrounds in Higher Walton and Longton whilst Leyland gets neglected.”

Labours Choice for By Election

The Leyland Labour Party has chosen its candidate for the forthcoming by election in the Leyland Central ward. Caleb Tomlinson, a local man, is the brother of the current Leader of South Ribble Labour Councillors, Matthew Tomlinson.

Caleb said " I am delighted to have been chosen to fight this seat as the Labour candidate. I have seen, first hand, some of the things Matthew has been able to do for people and I would love the chance to do the same. If elected, I would campaign against the Council's planned sale of the green space at West Paddock and would seek to reinstate the Tories cut in investment in children's playgrounds."

The election has been caused by the resignation of the man dubbed 'Leyland's worst ever Councillor', Ray Woodburn. Mr Woodburn, a Conservative, had been criticised by the Labour Group for his poor attendance record.

The by-election will be held on June 4th, the same day as elections for the European Parliament and for Lancashire County Council.

Leading Tory in shock outburst

Cllr Jim Breakell, South Ribble's spokesman for 'Streetscene' issues shocked Councillors and members of the public at a meeting of the Full Council this week. In response to a question from the floor about the increase in Car Parking charges in Leyland (up from 20p to 50p)Councillor Breakell said

"What is wrong with Leyland people? I just don't understand them! Leyland is just as cheap as anywhere else to park, but all people do is moan.."

Hmmm, perhaps Jim doesn't understand Leyland people because he is one of the infamous 'Western Parishes Mafia'!

Health Minister visits Buckshaw Village

Alan Johnson MP, Secretary of State for Health paid a visit to Buckshaw Village on Weds 8th of April. Following a visit to Chorley and South Ribble hospital, he called in to officially open the new, state of the art, retirement village at Buckshaw. He also took time to talk to County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson about the new medical facilities (a GP and a Dental surgery) which are being planned for the residents of Buckshaw Village. Mr Johnson said "I have been very impressed by the whole set up at Buckshaw Village and I know how hard Matthew has been working to promote the area. I am sure the new facilities the Government are providing will be well received."

Leyland's Worst Ever Councillor?

Leyland Central Tory Councillor Ray Woodburn has attended just FOUR meetings since April 2008. Councillor Woodburn, who was bottom of the attendance league of councillors last year, has an even worse record for this year.

When he was elected to the Council in 2007 Councillor Woodburn promised several things.

• He wanted to bring back the weekly bin collection

• He said we should have free car parking in Leyland

• He promised to SPEAK UP FOR LEYLAND

Considering his shocking attendance record it is hardly surprising that

• There has been no going back to weekly bin collections

• The cheapest charge for parking in Leyland has just increased to 50p

• Councillor Woodburn has failed to speak at all at any of the meetings he has attended

Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Labour leader at South Ribble, says

“It is time for Councillor Woodburn to do the decent thing and resign. He is failing the people of Leyland. Frankly, we believe our residents deserve better.”

Our Environment Matters...

Labour takes action

While our opponents dither, not even sure if there is a problem, the Labour Party acts. As with the threat of climate change, so it is now with the global economic problems. At both national and at local level, Labour is working to protect you from the worst effects of these changes.

Nearly 2 years ago, Lancashire County Council's ruling Labour group decided that it should lead local action to combat climate change. With the news that the large part of South Ribble could find itself under water, unless action was taken, they set out a programme of action which is now well underway.

What has been done so far?

• Switched to the use of sustainable energy to run vehicles and heat buildings
• Reduced the use of energy where possible
• Invested in energy conservation
• Planned the reduction in carbon production. E.g. Wind Turbine at Wellfield Business and Enterprise College
• 43% of the vehicle fleet runs on bio diesel. Home working introduced to reduce car usuage
• More efficient street lighting to reduce energy used by 20%
• Lancashire will only send to landfill 20% of the rubbish previously sent.
• Community groups can apply for grants to help them reduce their carbon footprint
• Also there are plans to respond to climate related disasters in Lancashire
• Given out lots of Hessian bags to remind people of the damage that plastic causes

Waste Management

Lancashire is on course to divert 80% of household waste from landfill.

The whole strategy has been designed to avoid the necessity of building incinerators which are extremely unpopular. Most other councils are now in the process of trying to get planning permission for incinerators.

In Lancashire County and District councils have been more farsighted and whilst the new waste digester at Farington is big, it is not damaging to the environment.

Tory’s deny teenagers chance to swim for free!

Did you know that South Ribble is one of only three areas of Lancashire were young people under 16 still have to pay for the privilege of using Council owned swimming pools? A scheme promoted by the Labour Government offered subsidies to all Councils who were willing to provide this fantastic opportunity. The response from Tory run South Ribble Council…..No Thanks!

LEYLAND LABOUR CHOOSE CANDIDATES FOR COUNTY ELECTIONS

The Leyland Labour Party has announced its candidates for the two Leyland Divisions in forthcoming county elections to be held on the 4th June this year. They are sitting County Councillors Anne Brown and Matthew Tomlinson. Anne Brown will be defending the Leyland South West seat and Matthew Tomlinson Leyland Central. Leyland Labour Spokesperson, Mick Titherington, said

"We are fortunate in Leyland in having two outstanding County Councillors in Anne and Matthew whose abilities have been recognised with their appointments to Key roles in the County Council structure and we are delighted that they will again be standing for Labour this year. We are confident that if the people of Leyland examine their records of service they will see highly capable, talented and committed individuals ideally suited to the task of truly representing their interests.”

Both Cllrs. Mrs.Brown and Tomlinson are currently members of Lancashire County Council’s cabinet, Cllr. Mrs Brown has special responsibility for Adult and Community Services and Cllr. Tomlinson portfolio is Sustainable Development.

County Councillor Mrs. Brown said of her selection

“I have found it an honour to represent the people of Leyland and Lancashire and am grateful to Leyland Labour for once again putting their faith in me by selecting me to fight the Leyland South West Seat. I hope the voters will look at our record in office and see that Labour has been good for Lancashire”

County Councillor Tomlinson commented

“ It has been a privilege for me to serve as a County and District Councillor and I am committed to doing what I can to improve the lives of those I represent and I thank the party for giving me the opportunity of continuing to do that in my role as a County Councillor”

Cllr. Tomlinson is also the Leader of the Labour Group on South Ribble Borough Council County Council Elections will be held on the same day as the European Elections on 4th June 2009.

For Further Information Contact Mick Titherington on 01772 452503 or 07900915722

Tory Cuts Hit Hard

South Ribble Councils Budget for next year is a bitter blow for those most in need. The Tory run council has resorted to desperate measures as it attempts to balance the books

What Tory cuts mean

• No help for homeless

• No help for victim support

• No help for womens refuge

• No grants towards Summer Playschemes

• No jobs for apprentices

• No more investment in playgrounds

And to rub salt in the wound

• £1 to park at the railway station

• Minimum charge on Leyland Car Parks to go from 20p to 50p

• Cuts in money for parks

Labour leader, Matthew Tomlinson said “It is only a few months ago that a Tory Councillor proposed increasing Councillor allowances by a huge 126%! This will come as a real bombshell for many people in the Borough.”