Oldfield Liberal Democrats

New web site for Oldfield Ward

2008-08-02T17:07:00.001Z

Cllr Will Sandry and I now have a new web site.

As well as our normal posts and links there are a number of other pages including information about local services. We are happy to add to this local directory. The new web address is www.oldfield.mycouncillor.org.uk

Planning Applications in Oldfield Ward w/c 22nd May 2008

2008-05-27T20:43:00.005Z

All representation must arrive no later than the 12th June 2008.

App Ref: 08/01612/AR
Registered: 6th May 2008
Expiry Date: 1st July 2008
Location: 26A Shaftesbury Road, Oldfield Park, Bath. BA2 3LJ
Grid Ref: (E)373764 - (N)164232
Proposal: Display of externally illuminated no 1 fascia sign and no 1 projecting sign
Planning Case Officer: Rebecca Roberts
Applicant: Consol Suncenter (UK) Ltd, 42 Old Market Street, Bristol. BS2 0EZ
Agent: Hurst Associates, 22 Newbridge Road, Bath. BA1 3JZ

To find out more about this application click here.

All representation must arrive no later than the 12th June 2008.

App Ref: 08/01673/FUL
Registered: 6th May 2008
Expiry Date: 1st July 2008
Location: 26A Shaftesbury Road, Oldfield Park, Bath. BA2 3LJ
Grid Ref: (E)373764 - (N)164232
Proposal: Change of use of ground floor from kitchen showroom to hair salon and solarium (Use Class A1)
Officer: Rebecca Roberts
Applicant: Consol Suncenter (UK) Ltd, 42 Old Market Street, Bristol. BS2 0EZ
Agent: Hurst Associates, 22 Newbridge Road, Bath. BA1 3JZ

To find out more about this application click here.

Planning Applications in Oldfield Ward w/c 15th May 2008

2008-05-12T13:01:00.004Z

All representation must arrive no later than the 7th June 2008.

App Ref: 08/01564/FUL
Registered: 30th April 2008
Expiry Date: 25th June 2008
Location: Preston Cottage, Second Avenue, Oldfield Park, Bath. BA2 3NL
Grid Ref: (E)374005 - (N)164126
Proposal: Erection of a conservatory
Planning Case Officer: Richard Dale
Applicant: Mr J Whittingham, Preston Cottage, Second Avenue, Oldfield Park, Bath. BA2 3NL
Agent: Peter Rouse Design, 26 Clarence Street, Bath. BA1 5NS

To find out more about this application click here.

Council administration ignores concerns over care charges

2008-05-05T20:48:00.002Z

The Cabinet member for Adult Social Services and Housing for on the Council has announced that he will not alter his original decision to implement new charges for home care services despite the call-in of the decision having been upheld.

It is extremely disappointing that the Cabinet member has decided to ignore the recommendations of the call-in panel to phase in care cost increases and allow people who use this service the time to adapt. The Lib Dems have expressed our opposition to these steep increases time and time again at O&S, Cabinet and Council and the Cabinet member has taken no notice.

The Cabinet member will no doubt face criticism for his unwillingness to listen to the call-in panel and indeed for his announcement to the press before the call-in even took place that he did not plan to change his decision no matter what might be said. We are disgusted by his dismissive attitude to the democratically-expressed concerns raised by not only the Liberal Democrat and Labour Groups but also service users and Action for Pensioners. These charges are fundamentally unfair and will hit vulnerable people hard.

Will Sandry said “I have grave concerns about the consultation process that took place before the original decision was made. At the call-in I was unable to find any evidence that the consultation had influenced the proposals on which the decision was made. I am angry that Cllr Pritchard has implemented these huge increases in home care charges, which I think are cruel.”

It concerns us that the Cabinet member has not taken into account the volume of opposition from residents who use these services in this decision, nor the plea from groups such as Action for Pensioners, who asked that a phased introduction of the proposed increases be considered.

Those whom the Cabinet member has deemed able to pay the biggest increases, are likely to be people who have carefully saved for this stage of their lives, and now they will not have any time to prepare for such a steep increase, and may well decide to cut back on services, in order to make ends meet.

We have not been given the detailed facts to support his argument that the proposal of the panel would be more detrimental than the original decision. Local Lib Dems have asked the Cabinet Member last week to furnish us with the actual situation with vacancies at present, but have not received a reply to date.

Planning Applications in Oldfield Ward w/c 1st May 2008

2008-04-28T20:20:00.002Z

All representation must arrive no later than the 24th May 2008.

App Ref: 08/01428/FUL
Registered: 17th April 2008
Expiry Date: 12th June 2008
Location: 9 Moorfields Road, Moorlands, Bath. BA2 2HW
Grid Ref: (E)373753 - (N)163558
Proposal: Erection of a two storey extension
Planning Case Officer: Rebecca Roberts
Applicant: Mrs Karen Box, 9 Moorfields Road, Moorlands, Bath. BA2 2HW
Agent: No Agent

To find out more about this application click here.

All representation must arrive no later than the 24th May 2008.

Planning Applications in Oldfield Ward w/c 24th April 2008

2008-04-27T18:32:00.002Z

All representation must arrive no later than the 18th May 2008.

App Ref: 08/01155/FUL
Registered: 14th April 2008
Expiry Date: 9th June 2008
Location: 133 The Oval, Bath. BA2 2HF
Grid Ref: (E)373532 - (N)163434
Proposal: Erection of pair of semi-detached dwellings on land adjacent to 133 The Oval
Planning Case Officer: Mark Reynolds
Applicant: Mr B & K Stokes, 1 Westfield House, Bloomfield Road, Bath. BA2 2AT
Agent: Gordon Popplewell, 63 Frome Road, Odd Down, Bath. BA2 2PW

To find out more about this application click here.

All representation must arrive no later than the 18th May 2008.

App Ref: 08/01377/FUL
Registered: 14th April 2008
Expiry Date: 9th June 2008
Location: 6 Second Avenue, Oldfield Park, Bath. BA2 3NN
Grid Ref: (E)373909 - (N)164026
Proposal: Installation of rear dormer
Planning Case Officer: David Cox
Applicant: Mr Charlie Ward, 6 Second Avenue, Oldfield Park, Bath. BA2 3NN
Agent: Hetreed Ross, Attika Workspace, Bath Brewery, Toll Bridge Road, Bath. BA1 7DE

To find out more about this application click here.

All representation must arrive no later than the 18th May 2008.

App Ref: 08/01402/FUL
Registered: 16th April 2008
Expiry Date: 11th June 2008
Location: 25 Third Avenue, Oldfield Park, Bath. BA2 3NY
Grid Ref: (E)373877 - (N)164172
Proposal: Erection of a detached garage to the rear and demolition of rear boundary wall
Planning Case Officer: Alice Barnes
Applicant: Mrs Christine M Jones, 20 Eastbourne Avenue, Fairfield, Park, Bath. BA1 6EN
Agent: Mr S F Cruse, 91 Ivy Avenue, Oldfield Park, Bath. BA2 1AW

To find out more about this application click here.

All representation must arrive no later than the 18th May 2008.

Planning Applications in Oldfield Ward w/c 3rd April 2008

2008-04-27T18:23:00.002Z

All representation must arrive no later than the 26th April 2008.

App Ref: 08/00847/FUL
Registered: 26th March 2008
Expiry Date: 21st May 2008
Location: 10 Stirtingale Avenue, Bath. BA2 2NQ
Grid Ref: (E)373356 - (N)163274
Proposal: Erection of a conservatory to rear
Planning Case Officer: Richard Dale
Applicant: Mr Rossi, 10 Stirtingale Avenue, Bath. BA2 2NQ
Agent: Alan Joy Windows Ltd, 541 Outmarsh, Seminton Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire. BA14 6JX

To find out more about this application click here.

All representation must arrive no later than the 26th April 2008.

App Ref: 08/01076/FUL
Registered: 19th March 2008
Expiry Date: 14th May 2008
Location: 29 Englishcombe Lane, Bath. BA2 2EE
Grid Ref: (E)374096 - (N)163205
Proposal: Provision of side and rear dormer windows
Planning Case Officer: Tessa Hampden
Applicant: Mr P Self, 29 Englishcombe Lane, Bath. BA2 2EE
Agent: Western Building Consultants Ltd, Unit 2, Wansdyke Business Centre, Oldfield Lane, Bath. BA2 3LY

To find out more about this application click here.

All representation must arrive no later than the 26th April 2008.

Disappointment as parking call-in dismissed

2008-04-27T18:16:00.000Z

Lib Dem Councillors have expressed their disappointment that the scrutiny call-in, which had been organised to look into the increases in parking costs in Bath, has been dismissed.

The panel voted, by four votes to three, to dismiss the call-in, with Conservative Councillors from outside of Bath backing the original decision taken by their Conservative Cabinet colleague. The Cabinet member will now be free to go ahead and implement the decision to apply increases of up to 60% to residents’ permit costs across the city, as well as a number of other changes to parking costs and arrangements.

The call-in panel raised a number of issues around poor consultation and excessive increases to permit costs. Although all Councillors agreed that consultation on this decision had been inadequate, Conservative Councillors appeared more concerned with the state of the Council’s finances than the issue of engaging with those who will be affected.

Councillor Ian Gilchrist (Widcombe), who led the call-in signatories commented:

“I am disappointed that the Conservative and Independent members of the panel did not recognise the merits of the case made to uphold the call-in.

“I thought that the arguments outlining the damaging effects of extending charged times in the city centre to 8pm were pretty compelling, and if they don’t listen to Nod Knowles (Director of Bath Festivals) who will they listen to?

“I am slightly mollified by the apparent concession that Cllr Gerrish has made in the direction of Sunday evening parking, but this still has to be confirmed. If we have achieved even this small bit of good then that is a good thing. Residents will not be pleased at a 60% increase in their annual charges, but I do draw comfort from the thought that we at least did our best to oppose this.”

Cllr Steve Hedges (Odd Down), who sat on the panel, said:

“This really is a kick in the teeth for the democratic process; this decision has been made with complete disregard for best practice in decision-making such as engaging with hard-to-reach groups and the elderly who are often on fixed incomes. The Cabinet member also refused to address the issues raised in the call-in notice, including my concerns around costs of permits for traders, most of whom are small independent businesses who can not afford such huge increases.”

Concerns raised by Nod Knowles as to the impact on the night time economy, were supported by Cllr Roger Symonds (Combe Down), who said:

“Extending car park charging from 6pm to 8pm will have a knock-on effect for all evening and night time businesses in the city centre. How long before this money grabbing administration extends charging until 8pm for kerbside parking as well? It is significant that none of the four councillors who voted to dismiss the call-in live in Bath.”

Secondary Schools Council Debate: Lib Dem Reaction

2008-04-27T18:11:00.003Z

The Council met on the 27th March to discuss issues relating to the forthcoming review of secondary school provision. The Cabinet will have to make a decision on schools in May, and last night’s meeting was a chance for issues to be aired and discussed in public by parents, school governors and Councillors. However, as was made clear at the start of the meeting, no decision was taken at this Council meeting.

The motion which was voted upon was not the one published in the Council papers on 17 March, and the unanimous adoption of the motion did not represent a specific endorsement of any particular strategy or plan for secondary school provision in Bath and North East Somerset. The vote served to officially thank the O&S panel for the preparatory work which had already been done and to formally request that Cabinet take account of the points of view raised at Council when making its decision.

Speaking after the Council meeting, Councillor Paul Crossley said: “I was very pleased that the Cabinet member for children gave a commitment to go over the recording of the meeting and ensure that all the points which had been raised will be dealt with. We will be looking closely at the forthcoming consultation and decision process to ensure this is the case”.

A number of Liberal Democrat Councillors spoke in the debate to raise issues which should be considered by the Cabinet. Several spoke of the importance of ensuring the consultation on changes was honest, open and thorough.

Councillor Marian McNeir called for the consultations to be done “in a sensitive way”. Councillor Nigel Roberts called on the Cabinet to make an effort to contact groups “we don’t traditionally get in touch with” and to consider co-location of community facilities, such as libraries, in new schools.

Councillor David Dixon has been involved in a campaign run by parents for better travel to school provision in the area. He spoke of the need to consider transport and that schools provision should be “underpinned by a sound, effective school transport system”.

Councillor Andy Furse focussed on the issue of co-educational schools in Bath, and welcomed an expression of willingness on the part of Oldfield school to go co-ed given that co-ed schools are preferred by 60% of families. He called on the Cabinet to “reconsider its view on Oldfield school in light of the commitment on co-ed given tonight [by the Chair of Governors]”.

Councillor Caroline Roberts also spoke about Oldfield school and the dozens of communications she, and Councillor Loraine Brinkhurst, had received from parents who were worried and confused about the decision making process. She said “many parents feel the decision has already been made and they have missed their chance to speak out”; she also called on the Cabinet to reach out to parents during the consultations and “don’t just expect them to come to you”.

Co-ed is also an important issue for Culverhay school and this was brought to the Cabinet’s attention by Councillor Gerry Curran, who spoke of the length of time for which this had been an aspiration for the school. He asked the Cabinet to “bring forward a package of support for the school to enable a smooth transition to co-ed status”.

Have your say on the "Review of Private Rented Housing" by the Government

2008-03-25T17:27:00.005Z

Following the recent Councillors Campaign for Balanced Communities Annual Conference in Nottingham, we heard from Roberta Blackman-Woods MP (Durham) who is Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Balanced Communities.

Roberta explained how valuable it was that the previous Minister for Local Government, Phil Woolas, was supportive of new legislation on HMOs, and what a loss it was that he moved elsewhere with the government re-shuffle last year. She identified institutional resistance to new legislation within the Department for Communities & Local Government. She sees the current review of the Private Rented Sector therefore as especially significant in changing attitudes - and lobbying of this Review as especially valuable.

So we are asking all local residents who want to voice there opinions about the situation in Oldfield Park to lobby the PRS Review.

Write to Dr Julie Rugg (Centre for Housing Policy, University of York), who is one of the academics carrying out the Review (see http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/chp/Projects/PRSreview.htm)

I think there are three important points to be made:-

1) HMOs are the problem, not particularly students - it's the transience of HMO occupants which causes problems, whether these are students in university cities like Bath, or benefit claimants in seaside towns, or migrant workers in market towns, etc;

2) One side of these problems is the disruption HMOs cause to community cohesion - communities become unsustainable when a significant proportion of the population is perpetually changing.

3) Another side, equally important, is the fact that HMOs take away family homes at a time of acute housing shortage - to be used instead as seasonal second homes by students (or as temporary accommodation by others).

Write to Dr Julie Rugg at:

Dr Julie Rugg,

The Centre for Housing Policy,

The University of York,

Heslington,

York.

YO10 5DD

Or email her at jr10@york.ac.uk

We would appreciate you copying in Cllr McGall on: shaun_mcgall@bathnes.gov.uk

Bath Blitz: Memorial Service - 25th April 2008

2008-03-25T16:46:00.002Z

There will be a memorial service to remember the 400+ citizens killed in the Bath Blitz.

On 2 nights in April 1942 the Luftwaffe bombed Bath. These "Baedekker raids', so called because legend has it that Hitler in anger at Allied bombing raids on German cities, grabbed the Baedekker guide book and flicked through the pages picking out Britain's most beautiful cities for reprisal bombing - Bath was one of those.

2008 will be the 66th anniversary of this event. The service will be conducted at the Memorial Gardens, Shatesbury Road at 7.00 p.m. on Friday 25th april 2008. The gardens, where there was a shelter which suffered a 'direct hit' with much loss of life. Our MP, Don Foster will be attedning. We hope many of you will be able to attend.

Forthcoming Roadworks in Oldfield Park

2008-03-25T15:58:00.002Z

To find out more about forthcoming roadworks in the Oldfield Ward please click here.

Planning Applications in Oldfield Ward w/c 27th March 2008

2008-03-25T15:51:00.002Z

All representation must arrive no later than the 18th April 2008.

App Ref: 08/00776/FUL
Registered: 20th March 2008
Expiry Date: 15th May 2008
Location: First Floor 28 Stanley Road West, Oldfield Park, Bath. BA2 3HU
Grid Ref: (E)373781 - (N)164445
Proposal: Provision of rear dormer window extension
Planning Case Officer: Alice Barnes
Applicant: Mr J Hook, First Floor,28 Stanley Road West, Oldfield Park,Bath. BA2 3HU
Agent: No Agent

To find out more about this application click here.

All representation must arrive no later than the 18th April 2008.

App Ref: 08/00820/FUL
Registered: 18th March 2008
Expiry Date: 13th May 2008
Location: 143 Monksdale Road Moorlands Bath BA2 2JD
Grid Ref: (E)373557 - (N)163711
Proposal: Erection of single-storey rear extension
Planning Case Officer: Rebecca Roberts
Applicant: Mr & Mrs A Orchard, 143 Monksdale Road, Moorlands, Bath. BA2 2JD
Agent: Mr David Minnett, Quarry Rise, Wolfridge Lane, Alveston, Gloucestershire. BS35 3PG

To find out more about this application click here.

All representation must arrive no later than the 18th April 2008.

Proposals for Secondary schools in Bath and North East Somerset

2008-03-25T15:43:00.002Z

A strategy to transform Secondary education in Bath and North East Somerset is to be considered by the Council.

The Council will meet on 27th March to discuss proposals which aim to further improve standards in Secondary education and to provide the best possible opportunities for children and young people.

The proposals affect the district’s 13 Secondary schools. They are being put forward following extensive work which has seen the Council engage with schools, governors, parents, pupils and the wider community, to investigate the challenges and achievements experienced by the schools and to then plan for the best possible pattern of Secondary schooling for the future.

A key part of this work was undertaken by the Council’s Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel through its Secondary School Review, published last year.

This report to Council is the result of a thorough review led by Councillor Andy Furse (Kingsmead Ward, Lib Dem) the previous Chair of the Children's Overview and Scrutiny Panel. The recommendations are challenging as no one likes to close schools. However, if we are to give our children the best education that we can we need to persuade the Government to invest in our schools and that means removing excess capacity and focusing on the needs of our own children. The new schools proposed here will enable our children to excel in faciltities fit for the 21st century.

The Strategy sets out options for the future for each of the areas of Bath and North East Somerset.

Proposals for the City of Bath are as follows:

Retain Beechen Cliff School and Hayesfield Technology College as single sex boys and girls 11-18 schools with co-educational post 16 provision.

Retain St. Gregory’s Catholic College as an 11-16 co-educational Catholic school.

Retain Ralph Allen as a co-educational 11-18 school.

Consult on closing Culverhay and re-opening the school as a new 11-18 co-educational Community school or Academy on the current site. This would address the issue of parental demand for a higher number of coeducational places.

Consult on the closure of St Mark’s Church of England and Oldfield schools and opening a new 11-18 co-educational Church of England school in the north of the city. The consultation should determine the site for the school. This would address the issue of parental demand, and also factors including the high number of places at Oldfield School which are currently filled by South Gloucestershire students.

Other proposals have been made for Keynsham and Chew Valley, and Midsomer Norton and Radstock.

Leaflets providing further details about the Strategy and the options have been issued to schools.
The Council will continue to engage with members of the school communities, parents, pupils and the wider community.

Anyone wishing to find out more can also view a copy of the report due to be presented to the Council on March 27 at the Council’s committee papers online

Lib Dems call-in parking hike decision

2008-03-25T15:36:00.003Z

Fellow members of the Lib Dem Group on the Council have submitted a call-in on the decision to raise and extend parking charges, including the cost of residents’ permits. The call-in has been verified and the hearing will be held early in April.

Among the changes to be introduced is an increase in the cost of residents’ permit charges in Zones 1-12 of Bath (all except the city centre) from £55 to £88 for a first permit, and from £82 to £130 for a second permit. Councillors in affected wards have been inundated with objections from residents. Apart from the inflation-busting increase of approximately 65%, residents complain that they have seen no justification for this increase and that they have not been consulted about it.

Lib Dem Councillor for Widcombe, Ian Gilchrist, said:

"I have received a huge number of emails complaining about this increase. I am very pleased to be supporting the call-in to try to get the decision reversed. There are parts in these recommendations which are extremely unpopular, but a common complaint is that residents don't feel anyone has asked them about this. I notice that the council claims it has consulted through the Federation of Bath Residents Associations (FedBRA), but that even Alan Morgan, the chair of FedBRA, thinks the decision needs to be rethought. What does consultation mean if you don't listen to what you are told?!"

Lib Dem Councillor Andy Furse, whose Kingsmead ward includes the some of the city centre and various churches added:

"One of the recommendations is to extend car park charging times to 8.00 p.m., including on Sundays! This will have a negative impact on people who want to go to the theatre, cinema or a church service; suddenly they will find they have to have pay for parking on top of the other expenses involved and Bath’s night-time economy is likely to suffer. Also residents’ parking areas close to the city centre will come under increased pressure".

Liberal Democrat Group leader, Cllr Paul Crossley has condemned the proposed changes:

"This is yet another example of how this Conservative-led administration is trying to make up for its budget deficiencies in some areas by hiking fees and charges in other areas. They try to claim credit for a headline low Council Tax rise, and then pile on the pain to residents and visitors through these exorbitant and unwarranted charges which will unfairly affect Bath residents and visitors compared to other parts of the Council area. We hope that this call-in will persuade the Cabinet member responsible to change his mind on these charges – and it will give residents, who feel they have not been consulted, a chance to make their views felt."

Planning Applications in Oldfield Ward w/c 20th March 2008

2008-03-19T21:51:00.003Z

All representation must arrive no later than the 12th April 2008.

App Ref: 08/00643/AR
Registered: 7th March 2008
Expiry Date: 2nd May 2008
Location: St Bartholemews Church King Edward Road Oldfield Park Bath BA2 3PB
Grid Ref: (E)374020 - (N)164074
Proposal: Display of 2no. non-illuminated signs
Planning Case Officer: Alice Barnes
Applicant: Mr Christopher Stillman, St Bartholemews Church, 1 King Edward Road, Oldfield Park, Bath. BA2 3PB
Agent: No Agent

To find out more about this application click here.

All representation must arrive no later than the 12th April 2008.

App Ref: 08/00774/FUL
Registered: 13th March 2008
Expiry Date: 8th May 2008
Location: 147 Englishcombe Lane, Bath. BA2 2EL
Grid Ref: (E)373360 - (N)163349
Proposal: Conversion and change of use from retail/flat to create 4no.self-contained flats to include erection of two-storey rear extension after removal of existing extensions (Resubmission)
Planning Case Officer: David Audsley
Applicant: Mr M Cassidy, CMC Property Ltd, 158A Eden Vale Road, Westbury, Wilts. BA13 3QG
Agent: P Grist, Eversfield House, Station Road, Warminster, Wilts. BA12 9PB

To find out more about this application click here.

All representation must arrive no later than the 12th April 2008.

App Ref: 08/00811/FUL
Registered: 27th February 2008
Expiry Date: 23rd April 2008
Location: Stokes Masonry The Smallholdings, Claude Avenue, Bath BA2 1AF
Grid Ref: (E)373535 - (N)163870
Proposal: Erection of saw shed
Planning Case Officer: David Audsley
Applicant: Stokes Masonry, The Smallholdings, Claude Avenue, Bath. BA2 1AF
Agent: Mr Michael Swinton, 11 Kingsmead Close, Holcombe, Bath. BA3 5DR

To find out more about this application click here.

All representation must arrive no later than the 12th April 2008.

HMOs and Use Class Orders

2008-03-19T21:44:00.003Z

On 15 January, Iain Wright MP, Minister for Planning, gave a written answer in the House of Commons: "We propose to consult on possible amendments to the Use Classes Order in relation to HMOs later in the year." Preliminaries to this consultation are now under way. CLG says, "Communities and Local Government have commissioned a short evidence-gathering exercise, being carried out by ECOTEC consultants, which will identify good practice and determine what levers, in addition to planning policy, might be suitable in tackling [HMO] problems."

The first step is a series of telephone interviews by ECOTEC of officers in local authorities, universities and elsewhere including the National HMO Lobby (to which Downstream South and the Bath Federation of Residents Associations are affilated).

These interviews will feed into a series of focus groups in Leeds, Loughborough and Nottingham (and perhaps elsewhere), bringing together council departments, universities, landlords - and community representatives.

In turn the focus groups will inform a HMO Seminar to be held at the CLG on 9 April. A range of stakeholders have been invited to send representatives - local authorities, universities, residents groups, the National HMO Lobby, landlords, the government itself. I understand representatives from Leeds, Loughborough and Nottingham have been invited, and the Chair of the HMO Lobby.
We'll keep everyone posted on progress. We do seem to be making headway at last!

Clegg: Treatment of Gurkhas a national disgrace

2008-03-19T21:23:00.002Z

Lib Dem Leader, Nick Clegg today received medals handed to him from Gurkhas who served in the British Army before 1997 and are being denied a full pension and the right to British Citizenship.

Speaking at a protest outside Parliament, Nick Clegg said: "When I told people what you get from the Government in return for the years of brave, loyal, uncomplaining success people simply don't believe it.

"It is quite simply a national disgrace. I am simply saying you should be treated with the respect and honour you deserve as brave soldiers

"I will do everything I can to end this unacceptable and immoral discrimination."

Nick Clegg later tackled Gordon Brown over the issue at Prime Minister's Questions. He said:"Two hours ago a retired Gurkha soldier handed over this medal to me in protest at the Government's refusal to grant him British citizenship.

"Do you know what it means for a loyal British soldier to give up a medal that he won for his long years of service to this country?

"And can you explain to the Gurkhas why on earth you believe that Gurkhas who served in the Army after 1997 are worthy of British citizenship but those who served before that date should be deported?"

Post Offices closurer update...

2008-03-19T21:03:00.004Z

We hope that you saw the front page headline article in the Western Daily Press on Monday of this week. If you didn’t, then see it here. Our MP, Don Foster has called on the Post Office to remove Lower Weston Post Office from the consultation. Up to 4,000 new residents will have Lower Weston as their nearest office; it simply does not make sense to take it away.

Don and the local Lib Dem ccouncillors, Dixon and Darracott went out to collect signatures on our petition to Save Claremont Post Office last Friday, and the local community there is stunned. The nearest office may only be half a mile away, but there is a very steep hill in between. It will be elderly and disabled people who lose out.

You may have seen that today there is a debate on Post Offices in the House of Commons, called for by the Conservatives. The Conservatives’ policy consists of a list of potential additional services that can be offered by or through the Post Office. They have no proposals on the future structure of Royal Mail and Post Office Ltd or where investment funds are going to come from. The Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to this motion outlining our plans for future investment. Don Foster has agreed to give us an update on the debate after the Easter weekend.

Locally we must continue to campaign hard and show the government and the Post Office Ltd how much our Post Offices mean to the local community.

Remember to get your friends to sign the on-line petition at http://ourcampaign.org.uk/savebathspostoffices

Campaigning for a balanced community in Oldfield Park

2008-03-17T21:37:00.003Z

As I said in the previous posting, last week I attended the Councillors Campaign for Balanced Communities annual meeting in Nottingham.

85 delegates registered, including councillors, MPs, Council officers and local resident groups and activists from University town and cities from across the country. I was the only person from Bath!

Local residents groups and community activists came from Leeds, Nottingham, Leicester, Canterbury, Southampton, Manchester, Loughborough, Swansea. Locally another Lib Dem Councillor attended from Bristol. Cllr Mark Wright represents Clifton - another area with many HMOs and students.

The morning was was entitled "Perspectives on Balanced Communities". Maya Fletcher (Chair, Nottingham Action Group, aka NAG) spoke about 'getting upstream of the problem' - ie tackling the original causes, rather than mopping up after the event. This is the approach I wish our Council would take. My effects with the Student Liaison Committee tried to do this, but our strategic issues and plans were continually blocked by councillors from our parties on the Council.

Cllr Alan Clark (Nottingham City Council) spoke about his Council's efforts. Mr Richard Tyler, Chair of the National HMO Lobby, used the opportunity to launch the National HMO Lobby's publication Balanced Communities & Studentification.

Derek Goss (Kent Uni, Canterbury) spoke about addressing effects, but in many ways missed the point about loss of balance.

Finally, Roberta Blackman-Woods MP (Durham) spoke about the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Balanced Communities (which she chairs,) and the need for legislation to address concentrations of HMOs (not only student houses). Don Foster MP is a member of this welcomed additional lobbying group in Parliament.

Between the presentations, there was opportunity for questions and discussion - taken up avidly by community reps and councillors.

After lunch, us councillors met separately, and heard presentations on studentification, accreditation, and managing noise & rubbish.

Meanwhile, the residents HMO Lobby held its own meeting, and had their own presentations on noise and waste (Officers from Nottingham City Council). Andrew Crates (Community Planner, Leeds City Council) spoke about the planning framework within which local authorities can adopt policies on HMOs and other relevant issues.

Then, Darren Smith (Brighton Uni, who invented the term 'studentification') spoke on the politics of studentification, arguing for a much more radical approach to the issues [some of which have been taken up by the Lobby]. Again, there was opportunity for discussion.

Richard Tacagni (LACORS) spoke about the benefits of the Housing Act 2004 (which introduced HMO licensing).

The annual meeting then closed with a few words from Cllr Dave Trimble (Nottingham CC) and from Maya (NAG).

At one level, the conference was invaluable for meeting fellow councillors and colleagues and reinforcing the solidarity of the Councillors Lobby - it gives you strength to persevere knowing you are not alone! Also, it was invaluable for exchanging info on what can be done, and what current developments there are - even though some of these are frustrating.

Finally, I think three valuable lobbying opportunities emerged:

#1 Roberta Blackman-Woods MP took up the HMO Lobbies proposals for tripartite delegations to the Ministers for Planning, and for Universities (comprising APPG, CCBC and Lobby) to lobby for action.

#2 Roberta is convinced that the governments current Private Rented Sector Review is crucial, and that further lobbying here is needed. I'll write separately about this.

#3 The launch of Balanced Communities & Studentification gives local residents not only a position statement from the community's point of view, but also a publication which visually demonstrates that the HMO Lobby (and its members which include Downstream South and the Bath Federation of Residents Associations) is a serious organisation.

What do you think? Please let me know.

Balanced Communities & Studentification

2008-03-17T21:27:00.005Z

I attended the Councillors Campaign for Balanced Communities Conference in Nottingham on 13 March 2008.

At this conference, the National HMO Lobby launched its new publication, "Balanced Communities & Studentification". This booklet follows publications by universities and by students on students and communities - but this time, it puts the community's point of view. It does three things in particular:-

# it explains what a balanced community is (and why it matters);

# it explains what studentification is - and why it is such a problem for communities; and

# it suggests a Ten Point Plan, which should be adopted by local councils and other stakeholders, to tackle the root problem of studentification.

The booklet is available on the Lobby's website at http://hmolobby.org.uk/39articles.pdf Please take a look and let me know your views on this important topic for the future of Oldfield Park and the wider city of Bath.

PACT meeting - Wednesday 5th March 2008

2008-03-17T21:12:00.005Z

Around 20 local residents and owners of business from Moorland Road attended the recent Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting on the 5th March 2008.

These residents and local business leaders spoke about their concerns and issues in Oldfield Park.

The panel members of your local councillors, the local Police team, a representative of Somer Community Housing and an officer from the Council listen to the comments and suggestions for the priorities that should be taken up.

Cllr Shaun McGall had also emailed all Cllr Sandry's and his local residents contacts to ask them for them priorities. Over 20 residents used this opportunity to voice their priorities, which were added to those who were able to attend.

The resulting priorities were:

1) Tackling general misuse of the Shaftesbury Road Memorial Gardens;

2) Reviewing parking and driveways on the Moorfields Estate; and

3) Providing facilities, such as youth clubs for children and teenagers in the area.

The previous public priorities were:

1) Levels of car crime - criminal damage to vehicles in Monksdale Road;

2) Litter - increase road sweeping;

3) Speeding in Third Avenue, Monksdale Road and Hillside Road.

All the partners are now working on how these issues can be tackled and resolved.

Currently no date has been set for the next meeting but it will take place again at 7:00 p.m. at St Alphages Church, Oldfield LaneOldfield Park, Bath.

All members of the public are welcome to attend the next meeting.

Brougham Hayes: Tempoary prohibtition of left turn on to Lower Bristol Road

2008-03-17T21:06:00.003Z

The Council has given notice that it intends to make an order the effect of which will be to prohibit any vehicle to make a left turn manoeuvre into Lower Bristol Road from Brougham Hayes.

This order is required because works are to be executed on or near the road consequent upon gas mains replacement works and will be operative from the 7 April 2008 for a maximum period of two months. However, the restriction may not be effected for the whole of the period but it is anticipated that the road will be closed as and when traffic signs are in position and only for so long as is necessary to execute the works which it is anticipated will be for FOURTEEN DAYS.

PACT meeting - Wednesday 5th March 2008

2008-03-03T23:06:00.001Z

Partners and Communities Together (PACT) gives you a chance to meet the team and influence priorities in your neighbourhood.

Register your prioritiesCurrent public priorities were established on 17th December 2007.

1. Levels of car crime - criminal damage to vehicles in Monksdale Road.

2. Litter - increase road sweeping.

3. Speeding in Third Avenue, Monksdale Road and Hillside Road.

Next public meeting5th March 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at St Alphages Church, Oldfield Lane, Oldfield Park, Bath.

All members of the public are welcome to attend...

All you ever wanted to know about Lib Dem Policy but were afraid to ask!?!

2008-03-03T22:59:00.004Z

Please find below a link to the Liberal Democrats 2008 Pocket Guide to Policy.

This document summarises the party's key policies at a page per portfolio, and would be useful for local residents wanting to find out more about what the Lib Dems stand for nationally.

This is a public document and is now on the party website. Feel free to forward the link to anybody you think would benefit from it.