Restricting the Council's Own 'Snooping' Powers
You may have read in yesterday's Times and Citizen newspaper, or heard on Heart FM this morning, about my reforms to the...
11 Mar 2011
National News
Figures Show Bedford Borough Council Tax Cut is Biggest in the Country
A survey has shown that the Council tax cut delivered in Bedford Borough by Mayor Dave Hodgson is the largest in England. The survey published yesterday by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) showed that of the 80% of Councils who responded to their survey, Bedford Borough Council's £8.91 cut for band D households is the largest by a significant margin, with only one other council reducing council tax by more than £5. The reduction has been achieved without the widespread cuts to services seen in other areas across the country, with no library closures or reductions in opening hours, weekly bin collections saved and all leisure facilities retained.
11 Mar 2011
Cooperative idea sparks great interest
Gosforth residents interested in starting local community cooperatives have decided to look at three different options: a retail cooperative; a community bakery; and a local skills trading scheme. The retail option would be focused upon ethical and hard to source foods. The skills trading scheme is an innovative idea where residents would offer skills and services to build up credit to receive skills and services in return. The three ideas are being worked up by some keen residents and it is hoped that they will be able to identify resources to develop the ideas further.
11 Mar 2011
Swimming Pool refurbishments
A major refurbishment of Gosforth Swimming Pool in Regent Farm Road is now underway. The programme includes new changing facilities, a refurbished sauna and steam room and a new activities space for a range of purposes including dance, pilates and yoga. The work to install a new air handling system has required planning permission.
11 Mar 2011
Trees work a priority
As part of the work of the Ward Committee, resource has been allocated for a survey of approximately 1,500 street trees in the ward. The purpose of the survey is to collect technical data about the health of the trees for better management of the tree stock, recognising the aesthetic and environmental benefits which trees bring. Sometimes trees have to be replaced and the survey will also assess opportunities for planting new trees.
11 Mar 2011
West Gosforth Ward News
Brackenfield Road: Problems with parking reported by residents are being examined. A site visit has taken place recently.
11 Mar 2011