I am standing as a Green Party candidate in the Central Bedfordshire elections on 5th May 2011. This is because I believe they are the only political party which is really serious about our long term future. The others are more interested in short term policies which will give them access to power but which lead to boom and bust and long term chronic problems. One example of this dear to my heart being the looming energy crisis as existing nuclear and coal power stations literally run out of steam, with no clear policy on how they are to be replaced with a sustainable alternative.
Locally I am keen to see more emphasis on job creation - building on the opportunities we have here in Bedfordshire for developing the low carbon economy. This includes energy efficiency, renewables, waste reduction and recycling. Our local colleges and Universities are leading in these areas and we also have some fantastic examples of local companies creating sustainable profits and jobs from this crucial sector.
For more info on the Green Party see the current election broadcast at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BKo_NlwZOQ
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Monday, 25 April 2011
Job seekers in Westoning and Tingrith
"Youth on Dole in Leafy Villages" - Front page news for the Times and Citizen http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/news/digital-editions/bedford-times-citizen Thursday April 21st in the Mid Beds version. The GMB Union provided figures highlighting a large percentage of job seekers (57.1%) being aged 18 to 24 in Westoning and Tingrith, whereas in Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill the proportion is 15%. The statistics an be found on the Nomis Official Labour Market Statistics website https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/ward/1308622892/report.aspx?#wab
The high percentage is alarming, however the actual numbers are less so. A dozen 18 to 24 year olds in March 2011 are signed on for jobseekers allowance out of of around 238 (this population statistic is from 2009) 18 to 24 year olds in Westoning and Tingrith. The point being made in the paper is that there are 12 jobseekers aged between 18 and 24 out of 21 jobseekers in total. But the total jobseekers are 1.3% of the working population. These are small numbers by National (3.8%) or even Mid Beds (2%)standards.
However looking deeper into the statistics it can be seen there is a steady upwards trend in total jobseekers starting in mid 2009 with a doubling of jobseekers in the period after compared with the year or two before. This can also be seen in the statistics for Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill, where incidentally the numbers are almost identical with 19 jobseekers (1.2% of the working population). Over the same period the percentage of job seekers who are aged between 18 and 24 fluctuates considerably month on month but seems to be on average around 40% in Westoning and Tingrith and around 20% in Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill.
So what can be concluded from all this? Well firstly there does seem to be an issue with youth unemployment in Westoning and Tingrith at least when compared with other wards in Central Beds - for example Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill. Secondly it is clear that unemployment whilst not at national levels is on the increase locally and looking back over recent statistics it does seem to be increasing more quickly.
Why is this and what can done? It is difficult to work out why Westoning youth should be hardest hit. Transport may be an issue although I can vouch that public transport is much worse in Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill. Perhaps the issue is more to do with the very local economy in Flitwick where there are also high percentages of youth jobseekers. Education or lack of the right kind of education may also be an issue but again it is difficult see why that would affect Westoning and not Flitton as both areas are in the same school system.
Given the recession perhaps it is no surprise that unemployment is on the increase, but why is it happening more quickly here? Perhaps one answer is that we have had it good in the past with minimal levels of people claiming jobseekers allowance, so any increase becomes significant. However it may also be that we are too dependent on the sectors of the economy which did well previously but which are now hardest hit by this recession. In which case what is needed is a more balanced local economy and one which is more sustainable - without boom and bust!
The high percentage is alarming, however the actual numbers are less so. A dozen 18 to 24 year olds in March 2011 are signed on for jobseekers allowance out of of around 238 (this population statistic is from 2009) 18 to 24 year olds in Westoning and Tingrith. The point being made in the paper is that there are 12 jobseekers aged between 18 and 24 out of 21 jobseekers in total. But the total jobseekers are 1.3% of the working population. These are small numbers by National (3.8%) or even Mid Beds (2%)standards.
However looking deeper into the statistics it can be seen there is a steady upwards trend in total jobseekers starting in mid 2009 with a doubling of jobseekers in the period after compared with the year or two before. This can also be seen in the statistics for Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill, where incidentally the numbers are almost identical with 19 jobseekers (1.2% of the working population). Over the same period the percentage of job seekers who are aged between 18 and 24 fluctuates considerably month on month but seems to be on average around 40% in Westoning and Tingrith and around 20% in Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill.
So what can be concluded from all this? Well firstly there does seem to be an issue with youth unemployment in Westoning and Tingrith at least when compared with other wards in Central Beds - for example Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill. Secondly it is clear that unemployment whilst not at national levels is on the increase locally and looking back over recent statistics it does seem to be increasing more quickly.
Why is this and what can done? It is difficult to work out why Westoning youth should be hardest hit. Transport may be an issue although I can vouch that public transport is much worse in Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill. Perhaps the issue is more to do with the very local economy in Flitwick where there are also high percentages of youth jobseekers. Education or lack of the right kind of education may also be an issue but again it is difficult see why that would affect Westoning and not Flitton as both areas are in the same school system.
Given the recession perhaps it is no surprise that unemployment is on the increase, but why is it happening more quickly here? Perhaps one answer is that we have had it good in the past with minimal levels of people claiming jobseekers allowance, so any increase becomes significant. However it may also be that we are too dependent on the sectors of the economy which did well previously but which are now hardest hit by this recession. In which case what is needed is a more balanced local economy and one which is more sustainable - without boom and bust!
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Final week
It has been a hectic final week before the local election. A part from all the canvassing and leafleting a number other things have happened this week.
Firstly the solar photovoltaic panels are finally being installed on Greenfield School roof. They should be working by the end of the week. I am now planning a community event to give everyone the opportunity to see them and learn more about them, probably in the first week of July.
I attended a meeting between the Parish Council and Highways on Monday to confirm the details for traffic calming at the bottom of Pulloxhill Road and High Street Greenfield on the approaches to the school. We should be seeing two roundabouts at the end of Mill Lane and the end of Pulloxhill Road with other "tabletop" type traffic calming following on after consultation.
On Tuesday I had a meeting with the planning department regarding a possible new school to determine criteria for acceptable sites. This follows on from a recent Governors meeting where a new school was discussed with the new Director of Children's Services at Central Bedfordshire Council.
On Tuesday evening I had a meeting with RATS (see earlier blog) to review investigations and actions which have been taken over the last couple of years to find a solution to the lorry problem in Greenfield. One of the main stumbling blocks has been discovering that whilst the original planning permission for Pulloxhill Industrial Estate in 1986 did limit the hours of operation of the site this was lifted in 1987 by a supplementary planning application. I am now asking Highways to investigate whether night time restrictions for loading and unloading can be imposed on top of the 7.5 tonne limit. Note the 7.5 tonne limit only applies to through traffic and not to lorries loading or unloading at the Industrial Estate.
Feedback from canvassing has been interesting with many people indicating that they will vote. With many keen to vote on local issues we are finding a lot of support. The backlash against the main political parties seems to be affecting the voting intentions for the Euro election with some voters even saying they will vote Green or UKIP i.e anyone other that the main three parties.
Firstly the solar photovoltaic panels are finally being installed on Greenfield School roof. They should be working by the end of the week. I am now planning a community event to give everyone the opportunity to see them and learn more about them, probably in the first week of July.
I attended a meeting between the Parish Council and Highways on Monday to confirm the details for traffic calming at the bottom of Pulloxhill Road and High Street Greenfield on the approaches to the school. We should be seeing two roundabouts at the end of Mill Lane and the end of Pulloxhill Road with other "tabletop" type traffic calming following on after consultation.
On Tuesday I had a meeting with the planning department regarding a possible new school to determine criteria for acceptable sites. This follows on from a recent Governors meeting where a new school was discussed with the new Director of Children's Services at Central Bedfordshire Council.
On Tuesday evening I had a meeting with RATS (see earlier blog) to review investigations and actions which have been taken over the last couple of years to find a solution to the lorry problem in Greenfield. One of the main stumbling blocks has been discovering that whilst the original planning permission for Pulloxhill Industrial Estate in 1986 did limit the hours of operation of the site this was lifted in 1987 by a supplementary planning application. I am now asking Highways to investigate whether night time restrictions for loading and unloading can be imposed on top of the 7.5 tonne limit. Note the 7.5 tonne limit only applies to through traffic and not to lorries loading or unloading at the Industrial Estate.
Feedback from canvassing has been interesting with many people indicating that they will vote. With many keen to vote on local issues we are finding a lot of support. The backlash against the main political parties seems to be affecting the voting intentions for the Euro election with some voters even saying they will vote Green or UKIP i.e anyone other that the main three parties.
Friday, 29 May 2009
FATCRAG Hustings
I attended the Flitwick At The Crossroads Action Group meet the candidates meeting last night. All the parties were represented with candidates for Flitwick West and Flitwick East. There was much debate about the proposed Town Centre Development which has had a number of false starts and a lot of disappointment was expressed regarding the ineffective consultation that has gone on so far.
My view was that Flitwick needs to be aiming a bit higher than the current focus on what can be got out of Tesco. What is needed is a vision for the whole town. I think that Flitwick should put itself forward to become a true "Eco-Town". I was dead against the so called "Eco-Town" proposed for the green fields of the Marston Vale. It makes much more sense to upgrade the eco performance of existing housing, installing more insulation and solar panels for example. This would create local jobs. It would also attract extra Government and other funding. The environment is an area where increasingly funding and investment is being targeted.
Leighton Buzzard has been successful with the help of Beds CC in securing £1 Million for becoming a "Cycle Town" resulting in a number of initiatives to increase cycling in the town. I worked to get funding for Flitton and Greenfield for a major Carbon reduction project and whilst we were aiming again for £1 Million we did at least secure £50,000 for solar panels on the school, and now have the momentum to look for further projects in the villages.
Such an approach for Flitwick could begin to address the traffic congestion by securing funding for cycleways and better public transport. It could secure funding for improving existing buildings and houses. It could create local jobs. It would inform the debate about new developments. It would not be dependent on the likes of Tescos. Above all it would give people a new pride in the Town.
My view was that Flitwick needs to be aiming a bit higher than the current focus on what can be got out of Tesco. What is needed is a vision for the whole town. I think that Flitwick should put itself forward to become a true "Eco-Town". I was dead against the so called "Eco-Town" proposed for the green fields of the Marston Vale. It makes much more sense to upgrade the eco performance of existing housing, installing more insulation and solar panels for example. This would create local jobs. It would also attract extra Government and other funding. The environment is an area where increasingly funding and investment is being targeted.
Leighton Buzzard has been successful with the help of Beds CC in securing £1 Million for becoming a "Cycle Town" resulting in a number of initiatives to increase cycling in the town. I worked to get funding for Flitton and Greenfield for a major Carbon reduction project and whilst we were aiming again for £1 Million we did at least secure £50,000 for solar panels on the school, and now have the momentum to look for further projects in the villages.
Such an approach for Flitwick could begin to address the traffic congestion by securing funding for cycleways and better public transport. It could secure funding for improving existing buildings and houses. It could create local jobs. It would inform the debate about new developments. It would not be dependent on the likes of Tescos. Above all it would give people a new pride in the Town.
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Green Party Video - Think again
The Green Party is not just about the environment. Watch this http://www.rupertread.net/thinkagainvotegreen.html
Thursday, 14 May 2009
RATS
No its not a rodent problem but a new action group set up to do something about traffic in Flitton and Greenfield. Residents Against Traffic Speed RATS are lobbying for measures to stop these villages being used as a "rat run", and in particular to....
• Work to reduce excessive speed of HGV’s (especially through the night)
• Achieve traffic calming measures through the village
• Lobby to have the road resurfaced
They are organising a petition/survey which I will be distributing along with the rest of the Parish Council next week. Traffic has been one of the main issues I have been keen to do something about and having the evidence of the impact it is having locally is so important when arguing the case for something to be done. So please when you get the petition make sure you make you make your feelings known.
For more info on RATS contact me and I will put you in touch with one of the organisers or better still follow their progress on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GreenfieldRATS
or
Create your own report on www.Fixmystreet.com
• Work to reduce excessive speed of HGV’s (especially through the night)
• Achieve traffic calming measures through the village
• Lobby to have the road resurfaced
They are organising a petition/survey which I will be distributing along with the rest of the Parish Council next week. Traffic has been one of the main issues I have been keen to do something about and having the evidence of the impact it is having locally is so important when arguing the case for something to be done. So please when you get the petition make sure you make you make your feelings known.
For more info on RATS contact me and I will put you in touch with one of the organisers or better still follow their progress on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GreenfieldRATS
or
Create your own report on www.Fixmystreet.com
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Flitwick Town Council
I attended the Town Council Annual Meeting last week. It was well attended with a number of speakers notably from the Flitwick at the Crossroads Group well represented. There are a number of major changes in the pipeline for Flitwick and it is evident that as many people wanted to have a say.
The Town Council seem to have come to an understanding with Mid Beds District Coucnil - now Central Bedfordshire for the location of the new Leisure Centre (adjacent to the present one) with the football pitches moving to the land opposite the One O One Garage next to the A507. At the same time the Town Council will gain land on Maulden Road for a new Burial Ground and Country Park. This raised many questions - such as what the effect of locating all the football pitches (not just those adjacent to the current leisure centre) on the edge of town would be - potentially taking away provision for games areas from the middle of town; also the suitability of the land off Maulden Road either for Burials or for a Country Park was questioned.
The new Town Centre Development raises lots of questions. How much will it be shaped by a vision to benefit people in Flitwick and how much will be it be a magnet for more cars, congestion and parking problems. The prospect of a larger Tescos and a new and enlarged railway station will be welcomed by many but the side effects of increased traffic could be horrific.
I believe that a new vision for Flitwick is needed which puts people first. This would need to focus on the local environment requiring new developments to demonstrate how they are improving the environment rather than further degrading it. Protecting and increasing green space in the town is important as is making the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. A more joined up public transport system linking buses and trains with much better promotion and information would help ease the congestion. Fltiwick also needs to take greater pride in its heritage. One speaker raised the issue of Flitwick Mill, which I am happy to say I voted against being given planning permission as a house, when it came before a planning committee earlier in the year. However it is still vulnerable without funding and action to ensure that the current owner takes greater care of this important local landmark.
A new vision for Flitwick could be the route to levering in further funding for the Town, given the current move by Central Government to increase funding for low Carbon industries. Leighton Buzzard has recently won just over £1 Million in funding to become a "Cycling Town". I myself have been successful in helping to secure funding for a Community Carbon Reduction project in Flitton and Greenfield. A similar initiative to "Green" Flitwick could help to put the town on the map, improve the local environment, lever in funding and create new jobs.
The Town Council seem to have come to an understanding with Mid Beds District Coucnil - now Central Bedfordshire for the location of the new Leisure Centre (adjacent to the present one) with the football pitches moving to the land opposite the One O One Garage next to the A507. At the same time the Town Council will gain land on Maulden Road for a new Burial Ground and Country Park. This raised many questions - such as what the effect of locating all the football pitches (not just those adjacent to the current leisure centre) on the edge of town would be - potentially taking away provision for games areas from the middle of town; also the suitability of the land off Maulden Road either for Burials or for a Country Park was questioned.
The new Town Centre Development raises lots of questions. How much will it be shaped by a vision to benefit people in Flitwick and how much will be it be a magnet for more cars, congestion and parking problems. The prospect of a larger Tescos and a new and enlarged railway station will be welcomed by many but the side effects of increased traffic could be horrific.
I believe that a new vision for Flitwick is needed which puts people first. This would need to focus on the local environment requiring new developments to demonstrate how they are improving the environment rather than further degrading it. Protecting and increasing green space in the town is important as is making the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. A more joined up public transport system linking buses and trains with much better promotion and information would help ease the congestion. Fltiwick also needs to take greater pride in its heritage. One speaker raised the issue of Flitwick Mill, which I am happy to say I voted against being given planning permission as a house, when it came before a planning committee earlier in the year. However it is still vulnerable without funding and action to ensure that the current owner takes greater care of this important local landmark.
A new vision for Flitwick could be the route to levering in further funding for the Town, given the current move by Central Government to increase funding for low Carbon industries. Leighton Buzzard has recently won just over £1 Million in funding to become a "Cycling Town". I myself have been successful in helping to secure funding for a Community Carbon Reduction project in Flitton and Greenfield. A similar initiative to "Green" Flitwick could help to put the town on the map, improve the local environment, lever in funding and create new jobs.
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