Kidsgrove Youth Parliament is the brainwave of Kidsgrove Town Council and recently received a visit by The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.  The Speaker’s visit to Kidsgrove Town Hall was warmly welcomed by the media, especially The Sentinel newspaper and your can read how The Sentinel reported this historic visit here.

Hmm, I hear you say, what is Kidsgrove Youth Parliament and how was this achieved?

Essentially, the birth of Kidsgrove Youth Parliament was created by Kidsgrove Town Council, from parties of all political persuasion.  The idea to create Kidsgrove Youth Parliament and interact with local schools was initiated by Labour Councillor, Dave Stringer.  It must be said that Councillor Dave Stringer is the driving force behind this new intiative.  Councillor Dave Stringer is a former school teacher and he is gifted in the art of foreign languages and he easily converses with students of all ages.

Councillor Dave Stringer liaised with Joan Walley MP and ALL Kidsgrove Town Councillors and it was unanimously agreed that Maryhill High School and Clough Hall Technology School would benefit by partaking in the creation of this new and exciting venture.  Councillor Margaret Astle, Councillor Matthew Banner, Councillor Pat Harrison, Councillor Reg Bailey and Councillor Kyle Robinson  agreed to form a Kidsgrove Youth Parliament sub-committee at Kidsgrove Town Council.  The sub-committee was chaired by Councillor Dave Stringer.

The job of the sub-committee was to help Councillor Dave Stringer liaise with Newcastle Youth Parliament and the local schools.  This did not appear by magic and it took nearly twelve months of liaising with the local schools and other bodies before the Kidsgrove Youth Parliament elections could be held.

I’ll write more about the Kidsgrove Youth Parliament elections later.

Now that the Kidsgrove Youth Parliament has received local and national acclaim an element of sheer, vindictive jealousy is now beginning to  emerge from a  member of the Liberal Democrat Party.

Green rage is an ugly factor and is most unbecoming.

It’s spiteful!”

It’s childish!

It’s senseless!

To be continued  . . .

Who is Aidan Burley?

Aidan Burley is the Tory MP for Cannock Chase in Staffordshire.

Aidan Burley MP appears in an article in the Daily Mail today and I have to say that I find his behaviour incredibly offensive and is an insult to all whom perished in the Holocaust.  A Holocaust that has been denied by certain members of the BNP.

Let us not forget that we owe our freedom to all who perished in World War I and World War II.  The brave heroes of the past, whom gave so much for their country and granted us the freedom that we enjoy today.

You can read the article here and view the disturbing video of Aidan Burley MP  and some of his associates dressed in a Nazi costume and chanting:  Hitler, Hitler, Hitler whilst celebrating a stag do!  Bearing in mind that wearing a Nazi costume can be a criminal offence under French law.

Why do I find this video and article highly offensive?

Please take a look at the following photograph . . .

Some of the Polish people in the above photograph were subjected to horrific acts of violence  and systematic torturing carried out by the Nazis.  Indeed, some of the people in the above photograph were slaughtered at the bloody hands of the Nazis.

One of my family members was forced to dance and sing whist the Nazis brutally killed his father!

Aidan Burley MP should resign immediately.

Are you aware that Aidan Burley MP has a twitter account?

You can view Aidan Burley’s Twitter account here.

Councillor Stringer thanked everyone for attending and also the 3,000 people who signed had the petition.   The Town Council does not wish Kidsgrove Police Station on its present site to close and therefore wanted to receive the views of the people, results have shown that the majority of the people wish the Police Station, to remain at its current location.

Arguments have been put forward and promises made to the effect that the Police will retain the same level of policing in 5 or 10 years time, given the figures provided it was questioned whether this could happen.

In August 2011, Councillor Stringer along with representatives of the Police and Police Authority visited Rickmansworth in order to view an existing partnership working system and the way forward to promote crime prevention.

It was Councillor Stringers opinion that the lay-out and working arrangements at Rickmansworth would not be a viable proposition for Kidsgrove Town Hall.

Since April of this year three meetings had taken place between Kidsgrove Town Council and the Police.  Kidsgrove Town Council felt that it was not being kept fully informed about updated figures which appeared to be changing on a daily basis.

It was also highlighted that some correspondence forwarded over the period of three meetings had not been responded to and that Joan Walley M.P. had waited  a period of months before a reply had been received.

The figures were eventually revealed last week, and do not correspond to those received at tonight’s meeting and have again changed.   At the end of the meeting, which took place last week, Kidsgrove Town Council feet that the views of the Council had not been given full consideration.

The long term view of Kidsgrove Town Council is that money will be spent on moving into the Town Hall.  There is no guarantee that by 2015 the situation would remain the same and that more savings will be required.  This could result in the Police moving out before the 10 year period and leaving Kidsgrove without a Police presence at at all.

Chief Superintendent Jon Drake introduced Inspector Neil Hulme, LPT Commander for Newcastle and Mr Frank Chapman, local Police Authority Representative.

Ch. Supt Jon Drake gave an overview of the forces intention to save 38 million pounds by 2015 and the necessity to identify where savings could be made, especially on buildings, such savings could keep more police on the ground.

All Response Officers have been briefed since April at Newcastle covering 24/7 and will also call into Kidsgrove Police Station to do paper work.   Neighbourhood policing remains with the PCSO’s and Neighbourhood Police Officers working from Kidsgrove.

Staffordshire Police are looking to share buildings with partners with a similar approach to that being made at Newcastle Borough Council where the Police work from within the Civic Offices.

Ch. Supt Drake highlighted that Kidsgrove Town Hall is a public facing building, housing Kidsgrove Customer Service Centre, Citizen Advice Bureau, Social Care and Health and Kidsgrove Town Council.

The Police are looking at relocation as a long term solution which will be a ten year site.  It will provide a facility 24/7 for Police Officers and staff to work from, it would have a Police Station sign outside. Spring 2012 being the target, although a huge amount of work has to be done and if a decision is made a considerable amount of consultation will take place regarding the design of the front counter.

Kidsgrove Police Station currently costs £54,000 to run, this covers heating and lighting for a work force of only 12 people.   The Police are looking at spending £88,000 on the building to cover all maintenance work.   In comparison, Kidsgrove Town Hall would cost £10,000 rent, £18,000 running costs and £40,000 upgrading it over a three year period.  The savings would be in excess of a third of a million pounds on running costs.  The police suggest that this considerable amount of money would help keep people employed.

In conclusion, if a decision is made, this would take place in Spring 2012 with the same officers and PCSO’s working the same hours, the only difference would be that the words ‘Police Station’ would be displayed on a building literally down the road.

QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR

Q1 A lady stated that she had been a member of this community all of her life and was passionate about the issue in question and had spent time looking at the Home Office guidance 2011 where a directive had been issued to a new approach to tackling crime with a radical shift to local communities to hold the Police and Community Safety Partnerships to account.

As a disabled member of the community she wanted the Police Station to be in a building where she did not have to confront any criminals in a “One Stop Shop” whilst paying her council tax and she does not feel it is acceptable for the Police to place her in this position.

R  The building would not be exclusive to the Police, but private rooms would be available on the ground floor to offer a 24/7 service or otherwise the Police could make home visits.   It was stressed by Chief Inspector Pete Owen that visiting people in their homes was part of the service they provide.

2 Another lady informed the meeting that she had lived in Kidsgrove for twenty years and on one occasion in an evening 15 youths were standing outside her house and she was alone.   She rang the Police and after 15 minutes nobody arrived.   She then had a telephone call where she explained the situation, she was then given the option of the police coming to knock on her door.   She did refuse this as she thought it might inflate the situation.

R  Ch. Supt Jon Drake apologised and hoped that it would not happen again.   When ASB situations have been reported, Police should always update the caller.   Ch. Supt Drake asked the lady to come forward after the meeting.

Q3) A question was asked with regard to the new Enquiry Office attached to Kidsgrove Police Station and the waste of money the work on this building had incurred.

R Ch. Supt Drake replied that the Police did spend money on the Enquiry Office facility, however, no-one could foresee the financial crisis we are now facing and that money cannot be retrieved. A decision based on the information given at the time had to be made as a DDA facility was required and it was the right decision at the time.

4) A lady living in Kidsgrove over the shops, reported that at weekends youths are drinking and doing drugs outside her home, they have watched them but have not seen the police on the scene.

R Inspector Neil Hulme explained that the Police are trying to tackle such problems with Staffordshire Youth Service, and are also conducting workshops around alcohol and anti social behaviour.  It is hoped that this will break down barriers and allow them to discourage anti social behaviour and make them aware of the affect such behaviour is having on local residents.   Inspector Hulme requested details of this incident.

5) A lady pensioner highlighted that the pensioners really appreciate Kidsgrove Police Station being where it is.

R It was stressed by the Police that the same officers and staff will still be working from the Police Station which will only be a couple of hundred yards down the road.

6) Councillor Banner referred to a meeting held last week with the Police where it was evident that no set plan had been decided upon.  This was in contradiction to information received from PCSO’s.

R  A decision will be made by the Police Authority and will be tabled for discussion in December.   All its staff are aware that Kidsgrove Town Hall looks a very attractive proposition and offers operational benefits to save money.   The public do have a say, not only with respect to the building, but on what the service will look like.

Mr Frank Chapman – Police Authority, County and Borough Councillor, responded that, ultimately the decision will be made by the Police Authority which must face reality as there is a strong case to move the Police Station to Kidsgrove Town Hall. Mr Chapman commented about police changes over the years, he had been a Superintendent at Newcastle and said that people did rely on visiting the Police Stations more, but today more people use a mobile telephone to make contact.

The Police did have Response Teams at Kidsgrove but since April of this year, they have now been moved to Newcastle.

Councillor Stringer reported that since the Response Teams had been moved to Newcastle Police Station  there was a slot whereby the police response is 15 minutes at certain times of the day no matter what the emergency was.

Inspector Neil Hulme informed the meeting that in the first six months of this new working pattern Anti Social Behaviour has dropped by 45%, with burglary of a dwelling to one burglary every 12 days.   He stressed that Kidsgrove is not a high crime area and is a safe place to go about normal business.   Finance was the initial driver but more importantly it is the joined up service with other partners.

Councillor Robinson said that with regard to response times as Chair of Kidsgrove Town Council he receives complaints at local events, people are informing him that their calls are not being responded to any more quickly since the Response Teams have moved out.  Residents do not see PCSO’s on the street as they did before the move.

Q7) A gentleman from the floor mentioned that on the 7.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. shift that some police are working in Newcastle but are travelling to and fro, two or three times day, and asked if the police report to Kidsgrove.

It is rumoured that Staffordshire Police are considering disbanding the PCSO’s in 2013 to help make a saving.   Can the Police confirm whether or not there is any truth in that rumour?

R Ch. Supt Jon Drake replied that Response Officers get briefed at Newcastle and are then allocated to Kidsgrove to patrol, the reason is that we are a shrinking organisation and efficiencies are made by putting people together but the Neighbourhood Police Team (12 in total) are briefed at Kidsgrove and Response teams come to Kidsgrove to write up their reports.

The Chief Constable had made a commitment until 2013 with regard to PCSO’s but we not sure about finances after this date.

 Councillor Mrs Margaret Astle referred to this issue as being very emotive, Kidsgrove has five wards and although she can understand the points of view made by the local police officers and residents, one simple solution could be that instead of moving, keep the Police Station and ask partner agencies to move into the Police Station.   The new Enquiry Office is suitable for disabled access, could not an approach be made to partner agencies to work in Kidsgrove Police Station.   This proposal was strongly supported by the public.

R Ch. Supt Drake replied to the effect that if there were enough partners who wished to move into the existing Kidsgrove Police Station, this would be a consideration, although some key partners are already working from the Town Hall, i.e. the C.A.B and Social Care & Health.

9) One gentleman made a suggestion that, perhaps Burslem and Tunstall could come to Kidsgrove, the reply given by Ch. Supt Drake was that it is important to have a local base in the community.

10)  A gentleman asked if the Police use video conference facilities.

R  Ch. Supt Drake said that conference facilities are used. By placing staff together in one building we could utilise transport facilities more efficiently and also to get a briefing together on a shift.

11) Councillor Geoff Locke mentioned the quality of service and thought it was difficult to see that any redeployment to Newcastle would improve this.   He did appreciate the financial pressures the Police were under but could not see that the move to Kidsgrove Town Hall would achieve the figures that are being discussed, although he had not actually seen a definitive set of figures in writing.

Councillor Locke referred to the recent proposal for the closure of Butt Lane Sorting Office and the relocation to Knutton, would it not be possible for the Royal Mail to move into the existing Kidsgrove Police Station which would then still keep this facility in Kidsgrove.

Note from Margaret Astle, Royal Mail are looking at streamlining their services and this includes the sale of the Butt Lane sorting office.  Effectively, Royal Mail wish to dispose of some of their assets before part of Royal Mail is sold off to cronies of the Tory/Lib Dem government.

Ch. Supt Drake acknowledged that he was aware of the proposed closure of the Butt Lane Sorting Office and said that it could be looked into.

In terms of figures, he was happy to provide these in writing and highlighted that a large amount of money was tied up in the Police Station and mentioned that only when the property had been sold and contracts exchanged would the exact value be known because of the fluctuating market.

Ch. Supt Drake stated that the service provided so far this year indicated that a 2%  rise in incidents attended on time had taken place compared to the same period last year and since the move had taken place to Newcastle of the Response Team.

Mr Frank Chapman – Police Authority said that, members of the Police Authority manage the budget and suggested that, if there was a strong financial case, the Police would not move, they are the guardians of the public purse.   He informed the meeting that Staffordshire Police are one of the top ranked forces in the country on public satisfaction and services.

12) A gentleman questioned the figures given out by Inspector Neil Hulme and referred to 5 burglaries in Whitehall Avenue last week.

R Inspector Neil Hulme said he would speak with the gentleman after the meeting.

Q13) A gentleman said that the public money had spent on Kidsgrove Police Station and it did not wish to spend more.  He made a suggestion that the Police should spend £70,000 and refurbish the existing building.

14) Councillor Reg Bailey said that residents of Kidsgrove were frightened of mixing with people in the Town Hall who were either on the Sex Offenders List or an ASBO and people who are on bail, coming to report to the Police.

The Police responded that, it depends on  the nature of the offence and where it is reported to.   If it is not appropriate for them to come into the station they can request another venue.   In general terms Kidsgrove Town Hall would be like any other Police Station with some exceptions, and the design of service, i.e. particular categories of clients would have to be discussed and planned in advance.

Councillor Reg Bailey referred to people being arrested in Kidsgrove.

The Police said that Kidsgrove had not had holding cells for a long time and all arrests would be dealt with at Etruria.

Q15) A lady referred to the sale of the existing Kidsgrove Police Station and enquired that if it did become empty what was the possible threat of vandalism and referred to a building that had been totally vandalised.  Would manpower be needed to secure the building and how long would it take to sell it and would another supermarket or take away move in.

Ch. Supt Drake acknowledged the physical security of Police Station but assured that no Police Officers would be standing outside the Police Station before it is sold.

16) A lady referred to some of the leisure activities that are taking place inside the Kidsgrove Town Hall, Victoria Hall and if the building became open 24/7 how safe would it be regarding the possible theft of bags etc. and would there be some form of risk assessment

Mr Frank Chapman – Police Authority stated that they could look into this issue.

17)   Councillor Banner questioned the suitability of the building as various activities take place during the day and evening.  Some meetings encounter hearing difficulties at these times due to noise levels.

R They didn’t see the value of the statement made because we mange to have meetings in the same situations and they will be able to as well.

18) Councillor Richards said that he was a member of the Liberal Democrat Party and in favour of closure to save some of the money that the previous government has wasted. People here tonight want their Council Tax spent on people, and mentioned that, the current problems have been caused by the last Labour Government.   The public showed their dislike of this statement.  The Chairman stopped the item, stating that the remarks were not relevant to the debate.

Note by Margaret Astle, the general public booed and hissed at Councillor Dennis Richards disgraceful remarks and they were shouting for him to sit down and shut up.

19) Councillor Mrs Elsie Bates asked ‘are the Police playing everyone for fools, is the deal signed and sealed?’

Ch. Supt Drake explained that although the move into Kidsgrove Town Hall appeared feasible from a financial point of view, no deal has been signed, it will be a decision made by the Police Authority.

He had been in the Police Force for 22 years, originally at Newcastle, spending some time in Kidsgrove.   The content of the Police Station has changed, there used to be a Custody facility, C.I.D. and a lot of different functions, but although these functions have gone, the Neighbourhood Officers will be the same people who will be moving if a move goes ahead into Kidsgrove Town Hall.

The Town Mayor, announced that the meeting was now closing and would like a show of hands for the following:

1)  Support for moving the Response Teams back into Kidsgrove

There was an overwhelming majority show of hands

2) Support of moving the Police into Kidsgrove Town Hall

There was a show of four hands, including Lib Dem Councillors David Daniels and Dennis Richards.

It was concluded that the overall majority wish to keep the Police Station as it now stands.

Mr Frank Chapman – Police Authority came to the floor and said he wished to reply to the Councillor who asked the question, ‘are the Police taking the public for fools’.

He said that they would not be here tonight to represent the views if that was so.  There is a strong case, but all he would ask of the public was to continue to support the local police officers – it will not be their decision.   If there was to be a reduction in service,  he would like to be the first to know.

The Chairman asked that any further questions be directed to local councillors or the Police who are always available to help.

The meeting closed at 8.35 p.m.

Councillor Kyle Taylor has appeared at a North Staffordshire Magistrates Count on the 4th November after he was accused of subjecting his former girlfriend to “systematic abuse and domestic violence” after he allegedly swung a punch at her face, head-butted her and struck her in the stomach when she thought she was pregnant [as reported in The Sentinel].

You can read the full account of this distressing trial, as reported by our local newspaper,  The Sentinel by clicking on this link.

Councillor Kyle-Noel Taylor again, appeared at a North Staffdordshire Magistrates Court yesterday, [5th November 2011].

This is the headline of our local newspaper:

Councillor guilty of beating up teenage girlfriend vows to quite the Labour Party.

You can read the full story of Kyle-Noel Taylor’s conviction here.

Kyle-Noel Taylor’s Labour Party membership has been suspended whilst the Labour Party carried our its own internal investigation.   However, the internal investigation could not be completed until the verdict was announced by the Magistrates Court.

In the meantime, Councillor Kyle-Noel Taylor was ‘removed’ from attending any committees at Newcastle Borough Council.

Kidsgrove Town Council also adopted the same approach and ‘removed’ Cllr Kyle Tayor from attending any outside bodies and committees upon the Town Council.

Cllr Kyle Taylor was also removed as the Chairman of the Kidsgrove LAPS’e meeting.

Kyle-Noel Taylor should now accept his fate and resign his seat from Newcastle Borough Council and Kidsgrove Town Council immediately.

Should Cllr Kyle Taylor resign?

Above Cllr Kyle Taylor is still entitled to a Councillor’s allowance from the public purse.  Should Cllr Kyle Taylor be allowed to use taxpayers’ funding whilst he has been convicted of domestic violence?

You can add your signature to an online petition, requesting the resignation of  Cllr Kyle Taylor here.

Ukip Councillors please note the above explanation!

Unlike the content of your previous leaflets that you have distributed within the Kidsgrove area . . .

The Labour Party does not harbour criminal activity.

I am delighted to welcome Councillor Silvia Burgess to the Kidsgrove Labour Party.

Councillor Silvia Burgess has represented the people of Butt Lane for a number of years and she is well-liked by the people of Butt Lane and surrounding area’s.  Silvia is a former Mayor of Kidsgrove and during her term of office, Silvia amassed an enormous amount of funding, which she kindly donated to numerous local charities within the Kidsgrove District.

Unsurprisingly, some members of Silvia’s former party [the Lib Dems] were actually quite envious that Silvia had raised such a huge amount of money.  I must say that I was quite astounded to learn that a female member of Silvia’s former Party was discussing Silvia’s successful term as  Mayor in a most derogatory manner.

I have known Silvia Burgess for more year’s than I care to remember.

I have always found Silvia to be an honest and trustworthy person, who actually cares about people within the community.  Silvia Burgess is an upstanding member of the community and she has always refrained from engaging in tittle-tatter and discrediting other people.  It’s a shame that this cannot be said for some members of her former Party.

Above:

Councillor Silvia Burgess, joins Labour’s Councillor Kyle Robinson and Joan Walley in the campaign to save Kidsgrove sorting office from closure.

I am sorry to learn that a vindictive and vicious campaign to TRY and discredit Silvia has commenced by some of her former Lib Dem Councillors.   I have to say that Silvia is ignoring the the barrage of vindictive emails and telephone calls that she is receiving from some of her former colleagues.

Silvia, I would like to add:

You have always been a polite and pleasant person and you have always refrained from indulging in the notorious back-stabbing that has taken place  and I am hugely proud to welcome you to the Kidsgrove Labour Party.  You shall be an asset to us in our time of need, as together, we campaign to fight the Tory/Lib Dem governmemt’s cuts.

 Above

Some members of the Kidsgrove and Newchapel campaign team with Elsie Bates before the announcement of the results of the Newchapel by-election.

On Thursday 27th October a by-election was held in the ward of Newchapel.

Of course, Kidsgrove Labour Party spearheaded two, high profile campaigns in respect of the proposal to close Kidsgrove police station and Kidsgrove Delivery Office [sorting office]

It is interesting to note that one Lib Dem Councillor has previously remarked that “he can’t wait to see the blue light [the police lantern] outside Kidsgrove’s Victoria Hall.  Another Lib Dem Councillor has previously stated that the police station should be located to the first floor within the Victoria Hall.  It’s hardly surprising to learn that the Lib Dem candidate only polled 17 votes in the Newchapel by-election.

Newchapel by-election results 2011

Elsie Bates – Lab – 248 votes   –  Elsie Bates elected to serve Newchapel

Carl Geoffrey Thomson – Con – 160 votes

Tricia Harrison – UKIP – 118 votes

Colin Brown – Lib Dem – 17 votes

Ukip’s share of the poll was very poor and it’s hardly surprising when you consider the misleading information that was printed in Patricia Harrison’s election leaflet.

Patricia Harrison quotes in her leaflet regarding the sell-off of Pennyfield Road land:

Start of Quote

Conservative/Liberal Democrt Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council plan to sell this Pennyfields Road site, Until June, Labour agreed with their proposal.

End of Quote

The imprint on Tricia Harrison’s election leaflet states the following:

Promoted and printed by Patricia A Harrison, 128 Whitehill Road, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs.  ST7  4DS

What is misleading about the above quote is that the following Labour Councillors have never agreed, nor have they voted to sell-off Pennyfields Road land.

David Allport – Councillor David Allport represents the Talke ward.

Margaret Astle – Councillor Margaret Astle represents the Kidsgrove ward.

Ray Astle – Councillor Ray Astle represents the Butt Lane ward.

Reg Bailey – Councillor Reg Bailey represents the Kidsgrove ward.

Elsie Bates – Councillor Elsie Bates represents the Newchapel ward.

Carly Grattage – Councillor Carly Grattage represents the Newchapel ward.

Les Goldspink – Councillor Les Goldspink respresents the Kidsgrove ward.

John Evans – Councillor John Evans represents the Butt Lane ward.

Dave Stringer – Councillor David Stringer represents the Ravenscliffe ward.

Stephanie Burnett – Councillor Stephanie Burnett represents the Ravenscliffe ward.

Gill Burnett – Councillor Gill Burnett represents the Ravenscliffe ward.

Terry Turner – Councillor Terry Turner represents the Kidsgrove ward.

Kyle Robinson – Councillor Kyle Robinson represents the Butt Lane Ward.

John Taylor – Councillor John Taylor represents the Butt Lane ward.

Paul Waring- Councillor Paul Waring represents the Newchapel ward.

Margaret Astle has never voted to sell-off Pennyfields Road land

Ukip’s Tricia Harrison shall be challenged about her misleading statement at the next meeting of Kidsgrove Town Council.   If the need arises legal advice shall be sought regarding the misleading statement.

In my next post I’ll tell you about a most unbecoming incident that transpired at the Newchapel by-election count, an incident that involved the wife of a sitting Ukip Councillor.

The Royal Mail, Kidsgrove Delivery Office, also known as the Royal Mail Sorting Office, which is situated in Congleton Road, Butt Lane, but is titled:

Royal Mail, Kidsgrove Delivery Office/Depot.

Joan Walley MP and my good self attended a meeting in Staffordshire today and the shock proposals to close Royal Mail Kidsgrove’s Delivery Office was announced.

This is  a major blow to Kidsgrove, Butt Lane, Ravenscliffe, Talke, Talke Pits, Whitehill,  Harriseahed, Newchapel and Mow Cop.  In fact, if your postal code includes ‘ ST7′  you shall receive a loss of service in your area.

The shock proposals include, closing the Kidsgrove Delivery Office/Sorting Office within the next financial year, March, April 2012.  This could include the loss of over 70 jobs.

The proposal is to relocate all ST7 parcels and mail to the Church Lane Delivery Office which is based in Knutton.

This means that the elderly, the disabled and the most vulnerable residents within the Kidsgrove community shall be forced to travel to Knutton Delivery Office to collect their mail, parcels etc.

Just imagine, you are out on a shopping trip and you arrive home to find a Royal Mail card on your doorstep informing you that the postman called and there was no-one in to take receipt of a recorded letter or parcel.  You shall then have to travel to Knutton in Newcastle-under-Lyme to collect your mail/parcel.

Kidsgrove is an expanding community and by taking services out of Kidsgrove and re-location them to Knutton is setting a bad example and sends out the incorrect signals that Kidsgrove is closed for business.

As we are an expanding town, I feel that Newcastle Council and Royal Mail should seek to invest in Kidsgrove.  It is truly atrocious that the Royal Mail shall expect all residents to travel to Knutton to collect their mail.

Did you know that there are more residents whom reside in Kidsgrove than Newcastle Town Centre?

Business users within the Kidsgrove District ie, ST postcode shall also have to travel to Royal Mail, Knutton Delivery Office to collect their post and parcels.  This will have a huge impact on their carbon footprint as well as the consequence of adding huge costs to our business owners in a time of austerity measures.

My colleagues and I shall not sit back and let Royal Mail close the Kidsgrove Delivery Office and I understand that our MP is working hard behind the scene  in respect of the same.

Please remember, there shall be a by-election taking place in the Newchapel ward on the 27th October.   Please vote Labour and help us to save Kidsgrove’s Delivery Office and the closure of Kidsgrove Police Station.

Kidsgrove Town Council has received a letter of resignation from Councillor Mary Maxfield.   The letter of resignation was read out to the members of Kidsgrove Town Council by the Clerk, Mrs Jill Waring.

In the letter Mrs Mary Maxfield indicates that she would like to resign from Kidsgrove Town Council.  Kidsgrove Town Council accepted Mrs Mary Maxfield’s resignation with immediate effect.

Without further ado, the 18 Councillors present at Kidsgrove Town Council swiftly moved on to the next item on the agenda.

Mrs Maxfield was elected onto Kidsgrove Town Council in May 2011 –  representing the Liberal Democrat Party.

There is now a vacancy for a Councillor on Kidsgrove Town Council.

I would like to thank Councillor Margaret Astle for making me a member of her weblog and I hope to keep you informed of what’s happening at Kidsgrove Town Council.

Many thanks.

Kidsgrove’s Carnival took place yesterday.

The weather was disastrous!

The parade left Kidsgrove Victorial Hall amid a torrential downpour of rain.

The entourage played a splendid part in the parade and braved the horrid showers.

The parade at the junction of Heathcote Street and Liverpool Road, making their way into The Avenue.

Kidsgrove Carnival arrives once again.

Saturday 16 July 2011.

This years Carnival promises to be bolder, bigger with more charity stalls and local stores taking part in the Carnival.

The Mayor of Kidsgrove, Councillor Kyle Robinson shall be leading the Kidsgrove Carnival Parade from Kidsgrove’s Victoria Hall at approximately 10.00am.  The parade shall march down some of Kidsgrove’s well-know streets and proceed to Clough Hall Park.

Local stores are taking part in this years Carnival and there’s something in store for everyone.

There’s even a fun fair, face painting, competitions and a host of entertainment to ensure that you have a most enjoyable day.

I’ll upload some photographs of Kidsgrove’s Carnival soon.

So, watch this space.

Yesterday there was a by-election held in the ward of Seabridge, Newcastle-Under-Lyme.

Here are the results:

Conservative   557

Labour  497

Ukip 112

Lib Dem 52

Conservative majority of sixty votes.

It’s quite clear that the general public are turning their back on the Tories, Ukip and the Lib Dems.  In fact, the Newcastle-under-Lyme Liberal Democrat Party are facing a meltdown.  Quite frankly, I would be rather embarrassed to poll 52 votes.  Ukip are also facing a meltdown and that’s hardly surprising considering the poor workmanship of their election material.

The Labour Party has made significant gains upon Newcastle Borough Council and quite rightly so, when you consider that the Tory/Lib Dem Cabinet voted in secret to sell-off Pennyfields Road, Coalpit Hill and Newcastle’s green spaces.

Lib Dem Councillor Robin Studd is the deputy leader of Newcastle Borough Council and he voted behind closed doors to sell-off Pennyfields Road, Coalpit Hill and Newcastle’s open green spaces.

It’s not exactly rocket science to deduce why the Lib Dem candidate for the Seabridge  by-election only polled 52 votes!

Last night  Robert Webber gained a seat from the  Tories in the Camborne South town council.   The results were close but they indicate a clear victory for Labour’s Robert Webber.

It’s a clear indication that the general public no longer trust the Tories and their madcap policies.   The cuts are too severe, too soon and the electorate are using their feet to show their contempt for the ConDem coalition.

Here are the Camborne South by-election results:

The Labour  Party 334

The Tory Party  324

MK  Party  197

The Green Party 112

Congratulations to Labour’s Robert Webber.

Councillor Margaret Astle and Councillor Reg Bailey celebrate.

On the 6th May elections were held for Newcastle Borough Council and Kidsgrove Town Council.  Kidsgrove Town Council comprises of five wards within the Kidsgrove District.  A total of 24 seats were contested and below are the results of the five wards.

Butt Lane Election Results 2011

Ray Astle – Labour – 543

Silvia Burgess – Lib Dem 541

John Evans – Labour 557

Lynda Griffiths – Lib Dem 391

John Holdcroft – Ukip 459

Dennis Richards – Lib Dem 382 – defeated

John Taylor – Labour 632

A total of six candidates were elected in Butt Lane, Ray Astle, Silvia Burgess, John Evans, John Holdcroft, Kyle Robinson and John Taylor.  I am very pleased that Silvia Burgess was re-elected onto Kidsgrove Town Council.  I have always found Silvia Burgess to be a polite and pleasant person.  However, I must admit that I unsurprised to learn that Dennis Richards was defeated.  Dennis Richards has been forwarding unpleasant emailsl to Ena Lowe.   Ena Lowe runs the Butt Lane community centre.

Kidsgrove Election Results 2011

Margaret Astle – Labour 905

Reg Bailey – Labour 785

Colin Brown – Lib Dem 488

Ed Chrzanowski – Labour 549

Les Goldspink – Labour 635

Margaret Hagen – Labour 559

Patricia Harrison – Ukip 660

Mary Maxfield – Lib Dem 584

Ian Shephered – Ukip 489

Margaret Astle, Reg Bailey and Les Goldspink received the highest number of votes.  Geoff Hall and John Parsons failed in their bid to gain election upon Newcastle Borough Council, the two Borough seats were won by Reg Bailey and Margaret Astle.

Newchapel Election Results 2011

Elsie Bates – Labour 337

Carly Grattage – Labour 295

Victor Jukes – 381

Michael Prosser – Ukip 281

Paul Waring – Labour 348

Elsie Bates, Carly Grattage, Victor Jukes and Paul Waring are duly elected to Kidsgrove Town Council.  Paul Waring was also successful in being elected to represent the residents of Newchapel upon Newcastle Borough Council.

Talke Election Results 2011

David Allport – Labour 515

Arthur Amos -  Ind 252

Matthew Banner – Ukip 445

David Daniels – Lib Dem 479

Janet Parsons – Lib Dem 315

John Parsons – Lib Dem 289

David Allport, Matthew Banner, David Daniels and Janet Parsons are duly elected to represent the Talke ward on Kidsgrove Town Council.  The current Mayor of Kidsgrove, John Parsons failed to be re-elected.  Also, David Daniels lost his Newcastle Borough seat to Labour’s candidate, David Allport.

Ravensclliffe Election Results 2011

Gill Burnett – Labour 517

Stephanie Burnett – Labour 422

Doris Hall – Lib Dem 313

Geoffrey Hall – Lib Dem 352

Geoffrey Lock – Ukip 466

David Stringer – Labour 418

Gill Burnett, Stephanie Burnett, Geoff Locke and David Stringer are duly elected to represent the Ravenscliff ward upon Kidsgrove Town Council.  Geoffrey Locke, failed to be elected upon Newcastle Borough Council, this seat was won by Labour’s Gill Burnett.

On Thursday the 6th May, the electorate of Kidsgrove, Ravenscliffe, Butt Lane, Talke and Newchapel went to the polls in Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council elections.  Also, on the same day, elections were taking place for the seats that were up for grabs on Kidsgrove Town Council.

Newcastle Borough Council has been controlled by a coalition comprising of Tory and Lib Dem Councillors.  Indeed, Newcastle Borough Council have been in Tory/Lib Dem control since 2006.  When the Labour Party held control there was approximately £49 million in the Council’s coffers.    The coalition inherited a Council which was well-run.  The Council was debt free.

so . . .

Where has Newcastle’s money gone?

Now the story – as taxpayers’ have discovered – is far different.  By this time next year, just £2 million will be left – not even enough money to cover the Council’s legal responsibilities.

This is a result, as we’re now finally finding out, of wasteful, vanity spending on the coalition’s ‘pet projects’.   And as one result, the coalition recently hatched secret plans to sell-off Coalpit Hill, Pennyfields Road, Newcastle green spaces and playing fields across the Borough to refill its coffers.

The Kidsgrove Labour Team has joined local people in protest.  And, unlike the Tory/Lib Dem coalition, we will make your concerns felt over this and the government cuts that are taking 25% from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, yet leaving the likes of Windsor and Buckingham hardly touched.

Is it any wonder that the the people of the five wards in the Kidsgrove District voted to oust the Lib Dems?

Mistakes

The Tories and the Lib Dems won’t admit that growing secrecy has no place at Newcastle Borough Council – but after five years in charge they’ve grown arrogant and simply don’t care to listen.

Money Mismanagement

The Tories and Lib Dems spent over £2 million on Newcastle’s new recycling system, which is the most complicated system in the UK and still not running properly.  Time and time again, Newcastle Council has been the laughing stock in the local and national press, as a result.

Losses

The Tories and Lib Dems have lost £1.1 million of your money by investing in a failed Icelandic bank – against expert advice and all common sense.

Poor Decisions

The Tories and Lib Dems threw away thousands of pounds when they bought out the lease of the Guild Hall in Newcastle town centre.  They also FAILED to enforce it correctly meaning they lost valuable income and also had to PAY to renovate the building.

Waste

The Tories and Lib Dems lost £316.000 through their failed sports village project and then they tried to pass the blame on to Newcastle College.

Taxes

The Tories and Lib Dems have raided the reserves to balance the books – but these are running out, storing up Council Tax rises, and cuts, for the future.

Kidsgrove Town Council Elections 2011

Margaret Astle      The Labour PartyCandidate  905  votes  elected

Reg Bailey             The Labour Party Candidate  785 votes elected

Colin Brown      Lib Dem                                              488 votes NOT elected

Ed Chrzanowski  The Labour Party Candidate  549 votes NOT elected

Les Goldspink   The Labour Party Candidate  635 votes elected

Margaret Hagen The Labour Party Candidate  559 votes NOT elected

Patricia Harrison  Ukip 660 votes elected

Mary Maxfield Lib Dem  584 votes elected

Ian John Shephered Ukip 489 votes NOT elected

At the counting of the votes one Ukip candidate uttered the following words: ” I don’t give a f#ck about the town council [Kidsgrove Town Council]  I want the Borough seat.”

Well folks what to you make of the above comments?

Here is a link to Newcastle Council’s website displaying the voting results of Election 2011 at Newcastle and Kidsgrove.

Below Councillor Margaret Astle and Councillor Reg Bailey at the counting of the ballot papers.

A shopping trolley flung on to railway tracks at Bathpool Park, Kidsgrove has caused substantial damage to a passing train. The incident took play early today and resulted in train cancellations and disruption of train services between Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester.

British Transport Police said: “The train was taken out of service leaving delays and cancellations for passengers for the rest of the day.”

Margaret Astle, chairman of The Friends of Bathpool Park condemns the anti-social behaviour incident and says: ” I do not support any form of attacks upon Kidsgrove’s railway lines and I hope that the culprit is apprehended and severely punished for this atrocious attack.   The scenario could have been quite serious with the derailment of one of the passenger trains from Manchester, to  Stoke-on-Trent. ”

If you have any information regarding this shocking incident, then please contact the British Transport Police.

• £22 million axed from police budget

• Unfair cuts leave Kidsgrove, Ravenscliffe and Butt Lane reeling

• Labour fights threat to Kidsgrove police station

Labour's Reg Bailey and Margaret Astle campaign

JOAN WALLEY MP says:”Labour does not agree with the Conservative/Lib Dem Government’s drastic cut to public spending.

Instead of cutting too much, to fast, Labour would reduce the deficit and make economies over a planned period. Now though we face massive cuts, including the threat to the Kidsgrove police station.

I’ve asked Staffordshire Police to give me their plans for Kidsgrove/Butt Lane and to consult about future services. We need to get assurances about police cover locally.”

LABOUR’S MARGARET ASTLE says: “Many residents tell me they will feel unsafe if  the station shuts and once closed, of course, it may never reopen. That would be a tragedy.  The police have been told that they must cut their budget by £20 million and the blame lies squarely with theTories and Lib Dems, who run the coalition Government.”

LABOUR’S REG BAILEY says: ” you can’t trust the Lib Dems and Tories to safeguard our beloved police force.  There is a freeze on recruiting new police officers and I’m disgusted that some of our loyal police offices will be made redundant.”

LABOUR’S DAVID ALLPORT says: “We will report back to you once the consultation has taken place. So please look out for our next leaflet where will keep you up to date. Please visit: www.kidsgrove.info or Councillor Kyle Robinson’s Blog for current online news and take part in our poll.”

MARGARET ASTLE says: “Please click onto this link to sign the online petition to save Kidsgrove’s police station.”

We’re back onto the subject of recycling in Kidsgrove and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Above is another snapshot of Newcastle Borough Council’s spin newspaper, the Reporter!

The headline proudly boasts:

Recycling is on the right road

Really!

Lib Dem Councillor, David Becket is the cabinet member and portfolio holder for environment and recycling!  Cllr David Becket is partly responsible for inflicting the recycling shamble onto the residents of Kidsgrove and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Guess what?

Councillor David Becket resides in Crewe!

I wonder which system of recycling is adopted by Cheshire East Council?

Let’s take a look at the number of containers that has been inflicted upon us!

Most residents that I spoken to in the Kidsgrove, Butt Lane, Ravenscliffe and Talke wards are of the opinion that nine!  Yes, nine, different containers in which to deposit one’s recyclables is not on the right road to recycling for Kidsgrove and Newcastle, Staffordshire.

Let’s take a look at the interior of my tiny conservatory . . .

Above is a photograph that depicts a corner of my conservatory!

As you can see it’s quite horrid to have my conservatory jumbled-up.  This is the first port of call into my home.

This is what greets my family, guests and visitors!

It’s not a pretty sight is it?

Oh, and don’t forget I also have a blue box to store, as well as a blue bag!  If you can’t remember the total of containers that I use, I’ll remind you that the number is nine.

Do I receive some form of remuneration from Newcastle Council for the extra duties that I carry out each day?

Nope, I don’t!

Now the fiasco of Newcastle Council’s recycling scheme has hit rock bottom my friends.  They now wish to charge me £35.00 per year to deposit my garden waste into an additional green waste bin.

As I stated in my previous post, I reside in a property which consists of three gardens:

The above photograph depicts part of my side garden and as you can see there is quite a huge amount of foliage.

So what does the future hold for Margaret Astle’s green, garden waste?

Newcastle Borough Council shall be visiting me at my home and they shall be removing the second green, garden waste bin.  In the future any residue of garden waste shall be deposited into my general rubbish bin.

So, that is my stance as I refuse to fork out £35.00 per year to recycle my excess garden waste.

Recycle for Newcastle?

Rubbish!

I recently received a copy of the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s spin paper.

It’s also known as ‘Reporter’.

On the front page of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s spin master is the following headline:

Zero Rise in Council Tax

Opposite is a copy of part of the front page of the Reporter.

The photograph on the left of the Reporter features the Tory Leader of Newcastle Borough Council, namely, Councillor Simon Tagg.  The photograph on the right depicts the Deputy Leader of Newcastle Borough Council, namely, Lib Dem Councillor Robin Studd.

Now then what’s so interesting about this soundbite is the Lib Dem/Tory coalition are singing their praises as they both agreed not to increase council tax for one year.

Jolly good!

Well done to the Lib Dem/Tory controlled Newcastle Borough Council!

But let’s take a closer look at the facts!

How many residents whom recycle have taken the time and trouble to peruse the above ‘recycling collection’ flyer that has popped through their letterbox?

Peruse the top, left-hand corner of the flyer!

Ah, ha, what do you see?

Information pointing out that every household is entitled to one free garden waste bin.  However, if you possess two garden waste bins you shall have to fork out an additional £35.00 per year.

Yes, folks it’s true!

The Lib Dems and Tories have sneaked in a stealth tax on garden waste bins.  You’ll pay a whopping £35.00 per year to have your garden waste bin emptied.

I have perused the Reporter and I am unable to find any reference to this new garden waste tax.

My property has three gardens!  One to the front elevation, one to the side elevation and one at the rear elevation.  The gardens are quite large.  I’m quite a keen gardener and enjoy the fruits of my intensive labour in my garden.

Now the big question:

Would you pay £35.00 per year to have an additional green garden waste bin collected?

I shall most certainly refuse to fork out an additional £35.00 stealth tax and I’m certain that some of my neighbours shall take a similar stance.

Cllr Robin Studd and his coalition cabinet members should be ashamed of their decision to charge residents £35.00 per year to recycle their garden waste.

I previously wrote about how the Lib Dem/ Tory Cabinet and Councillors voted to approve the sale of Pennyfields Road, Kidsgrove, for an amount of £1.25 million.  I also informed my readers’ that the proceeds of the  £1.25 million would end up in Newcastle-under-Lyme borough council’s coffers.

How the Kidsgrove Lib Dems voted to sell-off Pennyfields Road

It’s interesting to note that NOT ONE LABOUR Councillor voted to approve the sale of Pennyfields Road, Kidsgrove land.

When the Kidsgrove Lib Dems held their ‘secret’ meeting which took place behind closed doors, all the Lib Dem Councillors voted to sell-off Pennyfields Road land.  The Tory Councillors also voted in the same stance with the Kidsgrove and Newcastle Councillors.    The Lib Dems were united with the Tories in the shocking sale of Pennyfields Road.

The leader of the Labour Group, namely Eddie Boden  put forward a motion that he wished for a ‘consultation’ to be carried out before the Lib Dems and the Tories sold off Pennyfields Road land.

Indeed, every single Labour Councillor backed Eddie Boden’s decision to call for a ‘consultation’.  In effect, every Labour Councillor vote unanimously for the ‘consultation’.  The Labour Councillors wanted to consult the residents of Whitehll, The Rookery, Newchapel Road and Kidsgrove areas before Pennyfields Road land was sold off and also for the consultation to take place before planning permission on the same land was granted.

Guess what?

The Kidsgrove and Newcastle Lib Dems remained silent!

No surprise there then, eh!

In fact, the Kidsgrove and Newcastle Lib Dems together with the Tories refused to ‘get back’ and liaise with the Labour Councillors who were against the sell-off of Pennyfields Road.

Yes folks, all the Labour Councillors requested a full consultation before the Kidsgrove Lib Dems voted to sell-off Pennyfields Road, land for £1.25 million.

Well what’s your opinion of the Kidsgrove and Newcastle Lib Dems now?

Please remember, there is an election looming in May and some of the Kidsgrove Lib Dems shall now be resorting to desperate measures to conceal the fact that they voted against the wishes of their constituents.

Now then, whom would you believe?

More revelations to follow . . .

In July 2010 Newcastle Borough Council and the Lib Dem/Tory Cabinet held a ‘secret’ meeting behind closed doors  and agreed to sell of Newcastle’s Green Spaces.

Lib Dem Councillor Robin Studd attended this secret meeting and voted to sell off YOUR land!

Lib Dem Councillor Sandra Bowyer [who represents the Kidsgrove ward] attended this secret meeting  and voted sell off  YOUR land!

Lib Dem Councillor Tina Morrey [who represents the Kidsgrove ward] attended this secret meeting and voted to sell of YOUR land!

Pennyfields Road shall be sold off for an amount of £1.25 million and the proceeds of the sale of the land shall be spent in Newcastle Town Centre.  It appears that Councillor Sandra Bowyer and Councillor Tina Morrey approved the sale of Pennyfields Road without consulting any of the residents whom reside within the vicinity of Pennyfield Road, Lapwing Road, Ian Road and Trubshaw Court.

Here’s a map of Pennyfields Road land:

Kidsgrove Lib Dems voted to sell off Pennyfields Road land

Kidsgrove Lib Dems voted to sell off Pennyfields Road land.

One has to ask the following questions?

Why did Councillor Sandra Bowyer approve the sale of Pennyfields Road without informing her constituents?  The people who voted her into office!

Why did Councillor Tina Morrey approve the sale of Pennyfields Road without consulting with the residents whom  she represents?

Why did the Newcastle/Kidsgrove lib Dems agree to hold the meeting in secret?

Why did the Lib Dem and Tory Cabinet Members hold this secret meeting?

Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffs Save Our Green Spaces

As well as approving the sale of Pennyfields Road the Lib Dems also approved that the following pockets of land in Newcastle should be sold off:

Repton Drive

Winchester Drive

Clayton Road

All the above pockets of land are contained within the Westland’s area of Newcastle Borough Council.

I also believe that an area in the ward of May Bank may have been submitted to the Lib Dem/Tory Cabinet.   The pocket of land was to be included in the above list.  However, someone has removed the May Bank pocket of land from the secret agenda.

Hmm, this is strange!

Hmm, more secret acts from the Lib Dem/Tory controlled Newcastle Council!

It is rumoured that the Lib Dems wish to demolish the Civic Offices in Merrial Street!  With a view of purchasing the former Sainsburys supermarket site.  The strange plan is to re-locate the Civic Offices to the former Sainsburys site!

So, demolish the Civic Offices!

Use the proceeds from the sale of Newcastle Greens!

Spend over £10 million to facilitate this crazy idea to demolish the Civic Offices in a time of great austerity!

Yes, you have read this correctly!

Spend over ten million pounds of taxpayers’ money!

Sell off Pennyfields Road and Newcastle Green Spaces!

When police stations face closure and police officers are being made redundant at a time of huge cutbacks.

Has the world gone crazy?

Who do the Lib Dems’ think they are?

To hell with the stupid schemes to re-locate the Civic Offices!

SAVE PENNYFIELDS ROAD AND NEWCASTLE GREENS from the hand of the vultures . . .

Fight for YOUR land to be retained!

Save Newcastle’s Green Spaces