March 2010

At last the debate over the 2010/11 budget is completed. The meetings and training courses associated with creating a Countywide partnership for training and development of councillors (for which I was “volunteered”) has also quietened down, so council work has significantly reduced. Now we can return to the thorny issue of agreeing the Local Development Plan (LDP).

As I have reported before, the key decision with the LDP is how many houses should be built in the borough by 2026, and where we should put them. We are part of the Greater Nottingham Housing Area and the Regional Spatial Strategy says we should allocate space for 15,000 homes, the majority next to the built-up area south of the city. But that land is all Green Belt. The number expected of us is far more than the other districts around the city. The Rushcliffe attitude is that, whilst we agree some houses are needed and we will help to accommodate population growth, we think it is wrong to put so many on the Green Belt when there are large “brown field” sites vacant to the west and north of the city.

The matter is now out to public consultation. We have already allocated space for about 2000. What is suggested is 5000+ homes next to the A453 south of Clifton with an extension of the tram and a large “Park & Ride”, another 5000+ alongside Gamston Lings Bar on Tollerton airfield, possibly with a new stadium for Nottingham Forest and a “Park & Ride”. Further out 1000+ houses at Cotgrave Colliery, 1000 at Newton and 1000+ this side of the railway at Bingham. Events where you can see the outline proposals and have your say will be at

• 11 March Bingham Market 8:30 – 2pm
• 16 March Grange Hall, Radcliffe 12 – 6pm
• 26 March Old Court House, Bingham 2 – 7pm

Please go to one of these events and record your view. The results of this consultation will have a major bearing on our efforts to reach a sensible plan. You can also look at the proposals and respond on the Internet www.bigpicture-rushcliffe.com or for the full report www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/planningpolicy .

Council tax increases are likely to be low this year. NCC has decided on no increase. Rushcliffe are likely to confirm an increase of £2 per year (for an average house). EB PC have decided on no increase in the total precept, which equals about £40 (average). For interest, the big villages are expected to charge – Bingham £77, Cotgrave £98, East Leake £61, Keyworth £66, Radcliffe £84, Ruddington £99. Of the villages more our size Cropwell Bishop want £137 (paying for the new community centre), Gotham £56, Gamston £39, and Tollerton £34.

Of our neighbours, Aslockton will charge £28, Cropwell Butler £31, Flintham £52, Orston £38, Shelford £46, Whatton £30. As usual Kneeton, Car Colston, and Screveton are not charging anything. Langar & Barnstone have decided to save up for a new Community Centre and want £115.
 

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net

February 2010

As I write this I can see that the ice and snow has just about gone – at last. Those of us who live on roads that do not get gritted have had a very slippery time of it. I hear that several villagers have fallen and injured themselves – my sympathies to them. Please spare a thought also for the other villages, Kneeton, Car Colston and Screveton who never saw any grit, and lost their bus service as well because the road was too slippery. At least the weather improvement has given my system the chance to throw off the cough that has plagued me since Christmas – my thanks to all those who sent good wishes.

December, January and February are always very busy months for Councillors (they think we have nothing better to do). It has been a long round of meetings on next year’s budget, the Local Development Plan (as I mentioned last month), and scrutinising the work of the Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP). Still to come are the launch of the new “Choice Based Letting” scheme for allocating Spirita homes (more on that next month), the Rushcliffe Climate Change Strategy and the new Nottinghamshire joint programme for training councillors (I have been appointed one of the Borough Champions).

There is some good news around. On the budget, the officers have found quite a few savings and we councillors have been going through and prioritising minor reductions in service, and ways to increase revenue. These have also been put before some “focus groups” made up of citizens, in three age groups. I am relieved to say that councillors and citizens agreed, so it looks as if we can nearly balance the budget. We will have to dip into the reserves we keep for “rainy days” but that should allow us to declare a Council Tax increase of no more than a few pounds a year.

The review of Crime and Disorder demonstrated that, across the borough as a whole crime is down for the third year running in most categories of crime, and overall. I am not sure that Oak Ward is feeling the full benefit of this (see article elsewhere in this magazine). However I am increasingly confident that the CDRP (police, borough, county etc) are becoming aware of the significance of our figures.

Before Christmas we attended a briefing about progress on the A46. You may well have seen the extensive report in the Bingham Advertiser, which indicated that they are on schedule. As far as we are concerned, they hope to erect the A6097 bridge girders in Jan/ Feb, and to start work on the Butt Lane bridge in Mar/ April. One area which will increasingly affect travel to Newark is the junction at Flintham. They have a difficult task to dig the new A46 into a cutting whilst at the same time building a new junction to maintain access to both the Coney Grey estate and the main village.

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net

January 2010

2010 is upon us! We are through the “noughties” and on to the “teens” – where do the years go? As has become my practice, I will use this article to try to look ahead across the next twelve months.

One of the biggest events of the first half-year will be a General Election – which will entertain us (or blight our lives) for at least 4 months. Expect campaigning to start in mid-January. Can I remind you again that we, and Bingham, have been moved by the Electoral Commission and we will be voting in the Newark constituency at the next election. Patrick Mercer (Con), the sitting MP, will stand again. Ken Clarke will remain our MP up to Election Day, but thereafter it will be whoever wins the Newark seat. Whatever your political persuasion, if you intend to take an active part in the election you should get to know the association or branch of your party that covers Newark.

The recession is still with us, but there should be some good news. Council Tax will not rise by much – the County Council have already said there will no increase from them, and the Borough is aiming to do the same. Neither authority has any control over what the Police or Fire Service demand.

There will be more than the usual debate and controversy over “Planning”. The Borough is firming up its opposition to being made to build houses on the Greenbelt and we cannot see any evidence for as many as 15,000 by 2026. This would mean building at both Gamston (on Tollerton airfield), and south of Clifton alongside the A453. I suspect we will see a smaller number, but will have to build on one greenbelt site. Closer to East Bridgford, there are proposals for 1000 homes at Newton – see article in this magazine. You also may have seen in the Advertiser proposals to build 1000 homes at Bingham between the railway and the A46. This could join up with the Newton development. I have seen bigger numbers than that. Even in our village we seem to find infill space for about 10 homes per year. As a nation we need to build homes, but the pressure on Rushcliffe is disproportionate, and could, if we do not take care, turn us into a great urban sprawl.

For us locally, a key development should be the regeneration of the Children’s Play Park on Butt Close. The Parish Council has been looking towards this for 4 years; the volunteer group has put in an enormous amount of effort. It should all come to fruition this year; they have won us the money we need with grants from various sources, and are close to agreeing the final design. Once it is done we will owe them a huge vote of thanks.

May I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year, and may you be able to keep all your New Year resolutions.

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net
 

December 2009

It’s the end of another year. At the Borough Council we are looking forward, with not only the budget for next year, but also have four Strategies in development. The situation over the budget is horrid, largely caused by the financial crisis. We are looking for yet more savings, but we cannot go on absorbing the pressures. I foresee some cut backs in services (hopefully nothing too drastic) and having to dig deep into our reserves. With any luck we will not be forced to be quite so severe as County Hall.

I am involved in developing three of the Strategies. These are Housing – setting out our policies and plans for the next 10 years; Customer Insight – which covers Customer Services (when you contact us) and Customer Engagement (when we inform or consult you). The third is the Local Development Framework (which replaces the old Structure Plan). This covers all aspects of how the Borough might develop up to 2026, and in particular how many houses we need to build, how much land is needed for employment and where they are to be put. This is controversial because we are told we must provide land for 15,000 extra houses, and this means the Green Belt near West Bridgford/ Clifton is under threat.

This brings me back to consultation. To ensure we get these strategies right we need to know what you think. We have “The Big Picture” consultation running. The video consultation kiosks have been to EB twice and Car Colston once. If you missed them you can express your opinion on the Internet. Log on to hear about the changes in the offing, what the options are and get a chance to have your say. Go to www.thebigpicture-rushcliffe.com

One consultation I did earlier was about who to nominate for the annual Rushcliffe Awards, which honour people or groups who “make a difference” to the lives of others. I made two nominations on your behalf. I am delighted that the East Bridgford Post Office won the Rushcliffe award for “Supporting the Local Economy”. They go more than the extra mile to provide us with a friendly Post Office service, and a very useful village store. The help they give our “mature” residents is much appreciated.

The other nomination was for the EB Junior Football club for the brilliant work they do with over 70 youngsters, providing proper soccer training, and a real introduction to competitive sport. They were short listed in the “Supporting Children and Young People” category, but lost out to a very strong entry from Willoughby. Other local groups also did well. Car Colston and Screveton Village Hall won the “Best Run Village Hall” category, the lady who runs enquiry desk at Radcliffe Police Contact Point won “Making Communities Safer” and the team who run “The Coffee Pot” at Shelford on Mondays won the Mayor’s special award.

Finally, in case I do not see you before Christmas, the Season’s Greetings to you all.

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net

November 2009

Advice often given to new councillors is “remember it is not just about getting the grass cut”. Well, thank goodness for that; because getting the grass cut has proved to be one of the most intractable issues we councillors have faced recently. When I first investigated I discovered East Bridgford had five bodies cutting our “communal” grass (parish, borough, Spirita, county highways and county education).

One particular issue arose over the grass (between the pavement & the road) on Cross Lane and Holloway Close. Until about 5 years ago this was cut by Rushcliffe BC on behalf of County Highways, and on the whole RBC did a good job of keeping it looking nice (though they did cut the daffodils down one year). Then County highways, as an economy measure, took the responsibility back and reduced the number of cuts a year from about thirty to only four. Before long we had knee high grass and my phone started ringing, as did those of councillors for about a dozen other villages which had enjoyed the same “improvement” in the service. About two year’s worth of pressure, and a small sum of money from RBC, persuaded the county that verges in village housing estates were not the same as country lanes and got the number of cuts increased to six a year.

Since then we councillors have put pressure on to get something done. Finally a solution has been found, and through a redistribution of work between borough and county, RBC is once again responsible for those areas. The cost to the tax payer means we cannot expect the high standards of the past, but you can look forward to the grass being cut more frequently, and shorter. We have already had one cut to the new standard.

Last month you will all have received a survey asking about the need for Affordable Housing in the village. It was prefaced with a letter from Garth Powell – chairman of EB PC – but is in fact being run for the borough. Eventually all villages will be surveyed. East Bridgford is the first village because we were the first to build some new houses, and therefore make obsolete our old survey information.

If the survey shows that we need still more affordable housing we will be invited to consider building another Rural Exception Scheme. Be assured that the Parish Council and I would be just as strict about “local connection” as we were last time. If you are not sure what “affordable housing” is, contact me and I will send you the definition. All Parish Councillors have received a copy.

Will the survey show a need? I really do not know. Last time I knew we had a major need, but about 15 “families with village connections” benefited from the building of Foster’s Close, and the subsequent reshuffle in other housing, so the need may be much lower this time.

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net

October 2009

For many of us September is the time when everything restarts. Schools are all back and Universities will be back any day. Certainly the break in meetings we had at the council was all too brief, and we are now playing catch up. One thing I had dropped on me at short notice was hosting the “Big Picture” video kiosk for the Borough at the Garden Club Autumn Show.

“The Big Picture” is a new initiative by Rushcliffe, and is intended to help us get a better feel for what our residents want us to do for them, their communities and the borough over the next 10—20 years. It is intended to both disseminate information to the people of the Borough, to record information about how the Borough has changed in the past and to consult them as to how they would like to see the Borough develop in the future. A series of films have been made to show the way Rushcliffe has changed, and to indicate what some people think is good about it. The films also indicate some if the challenges facing us over the next 10-20 years. There will be events around the area to show you these, and to take your opinions.

An interesting new way of consulting you is the Video Kiosk. This about the size of a one-arm bandit (but you cannot play for money or prizes). Instead, it gives you a bit of background, gives the chance to view a couple of films about the issues, and gives you the opportunity to tell us what you think. It does this by asking three open ended questions, and then giving you the opportunity to speak your answers, in any wording you like. Your answer can be recorded on video or on sound only. The questions cover what you remember about changes in the past, how you would like to see Rushcliffe develop in the future, and what is really important to you. We want to know your feelings about East Bridgford, or the area around it, and about the Borough as a whole.

It is unfortunate that I was unable to warn you that the Kiosk was coming to East Bridgford. It was a case of take the opportunity whilst it was there – the Kiosk had arrived, was free and we had the Garden Club Show at the village hall that weekend. I will try to get it again with plenty of warning – so start thinking about what you want. In the meantime, if you see the Kiosk anywhere (it is quite obvious), go up to it and give it a piece of your mind. It all helps us understand “The Big Picture”.

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net

September 2009

In July I reported that we had suffered problems in the Millennium Wood with groups of youngsters camping, indulging in underage drinking etc, and vandalising the area. The good news is that eventually one youth, from Bingham, came forward to admit he was involved. It turned out that, on the occasion he was involved, they were celebrating the end of exams, and were not the usual group. To his credit he offered to clear up the litter, which we accepted. Whatever else went on, I am pleased to report that the trouble has stopped, and the wood is recovering – though 8 trees no longer exist (out of 1000 we planted). The Woodland Trust has been a help to us, as has the Rushcliffe Community Officer – who provided the new signs.

There is more good news about public confidence in the huge upsurge in planning applications recently. It has been very quiet in the early part of the year, but in July and August it has really taken off. An officer I spoke to said “What is it about your Ward with all these unusual and difficult applications?” Difficult, well not really but including my responsibilities across the A46, we have had

• four from listed properties (and 3 got the paperwork wrong the first time),
   

• two for dwellings in the green belt. Normally such applications are refused outright as being against the principles of the Green Belt, but both of these were those rare exceptions that get approved (e.g. if road builders want to knock your house down, you are allowed to replace it – seems fair doesn’t it).
   

• Six were in conservation areas and need a little more consideration.

Unusual? There is the usual array of porches, extensions, conservatories etc but I have also had a shed in a churchyard, a balcony on a windmill, a 4 metre high trellis, St Peters School, the Medical centre and somebody wants to raise the weir by 600mm (2 feet).

This is part of a planning application for a small hydro-power station on the Gunthorpe side of the weir, and has to be considered with Newark and Sherwood District. 600mm may not seem much, but if you live or work down by the river, it can have a big impact. It confirms that the British Waters Board supports a small specialist company on the project. It means our community project, which a team from the village has been working on, cannot go ahead (unless the current scheme fails, when they might get a second chance). Whatever we may think, Rushcliffe (and I) cannot object to a scheme on the grounds that we would prefer a different project. Each application has to be considered on its merits. On the plus side, the company claims to have the finance available, so it looks as if we are likely to see sustainable energy from the weir – if all the problems are overcome.

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net

August 2009

By the time you read this I will have been on my summer holiday – ten days of culture from the comfort of a cruise ship. My apologies to anyone who failed to get hold of me during the early part of July. I am sure you appreciate why I do not advertise the fact that my house is going to be empty.

Before I went away I was able to fit in the latest exhibition on the A46 building program. A Government Minister came to dig the first spade-full, so it must be true it is going to happen. For those who could not get to the exhibition, the general plan is that they will be working simultaneously at many sites along the whole route. Their plan is to reduce the impact on road users by building one carriageway – usually the northbound one – alongside the existing road, and to then transfer all the traffic to that before starting the second carriageway. In our immediate locality they have a lot of archaeology to do before they can start building the new carriageways. They plan to build our two new bridges over the track of the new road to carry the A6097 and Butt Lane in the next 12 months, and then build the new road underneath them in 2010/11/12. So we might get to drive on new bits of road quite soon, but it will be 2012 before we see the grand opening and the full benefit.

May & June are the months for survey results and awards, and the borough has done well again. No doubt Rushcliffe Reports will give fuller details, here follows a summary. In the Annual Place Survey Rushcliffe yet again came first in the country for “satisfaction with how the council runs things”. This year we also came first amongst those who agree we provide “value for money”, and we were second best three times (out of more than 200) for treating the public with respect, keeping public land clear of litter, and sport/leisure facilities. In all we had 13 responses in the top 10, and only one in the bottom quarter. We must be doing something right.

We also appear to live in one of the healthiest parts of the country, according to the Public Health Observatory. The health of people living in Rushcliffe is generally better than the national average, and our life expectancy, both men and women, is significantly higher. This may well be because levels of drug and alcohol abuse are lower, and fewer than average smoke. The only black mark is the higher rate of road deaths and injuries, but that of course may simply reflect our dangerous roads. And at last, something is being done about that.

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net

July 2009

This spring has seen a quite amazing level of political activity. We have had the MPs expenses row, the resignation of the Speaker, more MPs expenses, European Elections, County Council elections, challenges to the Prime Minister and most recently elections for the new Speaker. Hopefully we will now get a couple of months break before the Party conferences in September/ October. No doubt these will set off another bout of General Election speculation.

One result of this turmoil is a change of control of the County Council. This may in the long run prove to be of benefit to our village. Our own County Councillor, Cllr Kay Cutts, is leader of the new ruling group. As I write the election of Leader of the County Council and the appointment of the Cabinet is still to happen but it is already clear that County Councillors from Rushcliffe will be very influential for the next 4 years.

The County Council provides many of our services, and many of the outstanding issues we have are with those services. The state of our pavements, the surface of Main St, street lighting, parking restrictions, and cutting of the grass on Cross lane and Holloway Close are just some examples. I think it would be unrealistic to expect immediate action on all these issues. I fear the new cabinet will find that the council will be a bit like a super tanker, very cumbersome and very slow to turn. But whereas in the past we have felt a lack of political will to help rural villages, perhaps we can hope for better in the future.

I am sorry to report recent trouble and vandalism in the Millennium Wood. A few weeks ago a group of older teenagers camped overnight. An adult collected their equipment by car, so they possibly had parental approval. However, a significant area of the wood was smashed down, saplings were broken off for firewood and much litter remained. The adult presumably saw this, but did nothing. Next week saw the damage widened, and more litter (5 bags worth) spread. Large amounts of alcohol are being consumed, and the empty containers spread far and wide. So far we have 6 incidents, and frankly the patience of the volunteers who clear up is being sorely tried – indeed one episode left so much I had to persuade the Borough to help.

PARENTS. What do you think your offspring are doing in the wood? Camping overnight is relatively harmless, but smashing down large areas, destroying trees (11 so far), lighting fires and massive littering are not. Do you appreciate how much alcohol is being consumed? One morning we found 28 cans/bottles of lager or cider, two empty spirits bottles, 1ltr bottles of WKD and more.

We need to work together to address this. The RBC Anti-social behaviour team and the Woodland Trust are helping us, as are the Police.

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net

June 2009

This has been another quiet month on the Council front; this time because I have been out of action. Unbeknown to most, I had been suffering from a worsening condition, so in late April I underwent an operation to correct it. Most of May therefore was taken gently as I recuperated. My apologies to anyone who found me difficult to contact, and my thanks to those who sent good wishes. I am now fully recovered.

Indeed I started back at “work” with the Annual General Borough Council meeting on May 14th. As usual we elected a new Mayor – this year it is Peter McGowan who has served 28 years as a councillor for Ruddington. (Peter’s brother lives in Screveton). I am pleased to say I was re-elected to the role of Chairman of the Partnership Delivery Scrutiny Committee, and by extension vice-chairman of the county wide Joint Scrutiny Group for the Local Area Agreement partnership. I might try to explain what these do in future articles.

Whilst I am writing this the controversy over MP’s expenses has been raging for over a week; indeed I am tiring of it. It seems a shame that the whole of parliament should be brought into disrepute by the excesses of a few. What it has highlighted for me are the conflicts that arise from the situation we put MPs into by requiring them to be around and visible to us in their constituencies whilst actually working in London. Since everybody has different expectations of life, what is one person’s extravagance might seem normal to someone else. Let us hope that any new arrangements they come to are more effective. And let us hope that we see clear water between the majority and the very few who have actually been dishonest.

Yet another reminder! We have two elections this month, for both the County Council and the European Parliament – both on Thursday 4th. Your vote matters for both. According to the newspapers, there is a battle for control of the County Council so it is doubly important you express your view. Europe gets ever more important in our lives, whether we like it or not. In the East Midlands we elect six MEPs. Only two of those elected last time are standing again. Voting is by a system of proportional representation which is designed to ensure that every vote counts – but you cannot actually choose which MEP you vote for, only the party that they represent. However, even if your choice does not come first, they might get 5th or 6th seat. On the other hand if the party that comes first gets enough votes they might get 3 or even 4 seats. Whatever, your vote matters. If you have a postal vote – have you marked you choice and posted it. If not – do it now! If you do not have a postal vote – remember to go along on Thursday!

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net

May 2009

I seem to have been very busy recently, but in truth it has been a case of several infrequent meetings on different topics all being scheduled into the same 3 weeks. At present there is very little activity on the planning applications front; no applications to infill gardens with houses and few to add extensions. This is almost certainly a reflection of the “credit crunch” and the lack of house sales. I have little doubt the situation will change.

As so often, trees have become an issue again. A couple of recent incidents have highlighted that the “proper” procedures are not as we thought they were. In particular there is not the level of public or Parish Council consultation we expected. This lack of transparency has unfortunately caused upset, even though Borough procedures have been followed properly. In my view the procedures, particularly where the tree in question is on public view and in the Conservation Area, are not adequate and I have requested the Head of Service to review them. In the meantime we must trust the judgement of the Tree Officer.

There are several bits of good news around. Work has started on the A46 at last – so all those who declared it would not happen in their lifetimes will have to rethink. We have lost a few hedges so far, but no more will go now until after the bird nesting season finishes. Then I am afraid we will lose a lot more. There are still some changes to be made to the plans – the Inspector recommended that a new bridleway should be rerouted. There is apparently no urgency to do this, and it may not happen until September.

Most of the moves arising out of the building of Foster’s Close, and the consequent changes within the Rushcliffe Homes, are complete. A lot of locals have got new/ improved homes and I am pleased to hear that the number of EB (and local) villagers on the waiting list is greatly reduced. This is so much so, that in some categories of accommodation, new vacancies will have to be offered outside the village.

Finally, a reminder. We have two elections next month - both on June 5th. On that day we have to elect representatives to both the County Council and the European Parliament. Our County Councillor has a direct influence on what happens in East Bridgford so that choice is an important one. Europe I know is more controversial; but there is little doubt it affects our lives. No matter what you feel about Europe, I would urge you to get out and vote. If you are eligible, are you properly registered to vote here? Will you be here on polling day? If not, have you arranged a postal vote? If you need to do either, ring 0115 981 9911.

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net

April 2009

At this time of year it seems as if we are inundated with notification about awards the Borough has been nominated for (or even won). One that I feel is worth drawing to your attention is the annual “Value for Money” assessment done by the Audit Commission. Rushcliffe, yet again, was awarded a score of four – the maximum possible. When all are done they will publish a league table, and we can expect Rushcliffe to be well towards the top, possibility we could even get to number 1 (i.e. best value in the country).

Earlier in March I attended the first annual Parish and Town Council Conference hosted by Rushcliffe – I attended as your Ward Member and Garth Powell and David Meylan represented the Parish Council. It proved to be a glittering, and very useful, occasion. It was chaired by our MP (still) Ken Clarke and covered a lot of topics of interest to parishes. These covered Quality Parish Councils, Parish Plans (though we have completed ours), Affordable Housing (EB got an honourable mention), how to recruit & motivate councillors, “Greening” and more.

One item which struck a chord with all three of us was the “Greening Campaign”. This is a community lead scheme aimed at reducing carbon emissions and adapting to climate change. Unlike some of these campaigns, it appears to be quite pragmatic, and focuses on simple things we can do to reduce our energy usage (and save money). It looks like the sort of thing we might do as a village community. Material is available to get us started, and grants are available. I have arranged to go on a further briefing to collect material; and I will be presenting it briefly at the annual village meeting on April 20th.

I have, finally, managed to distribute all of the £500 available to me through the RBC Community Support Scheme. You will be interested to hear that it went as follows -

• Approximately half went to the East Bridgford Pre-School to buy indoor play equipment. The pre-School is a self funding village charity which provides a much needed facility 5 mornings a week in the WI Hut.
   

• £100 went to St Peter’s School to support the annual DARE (Drugs Awareness) project. Anything that teaches the pupils about the hazards of drugs has to be a good thing.
   

• The balance went to the EB Scout/ Guide movement to start the process of buying new furniture for their Hut, which is behind the Village Hall. About a hundred of our youngsters use the facility each week.

All three organisations make a massive contribution to the welfare of our children, and the life of our village and I am delighted I can route a small contribution from the Borough their way. I already have some applicants for the next tranche of money, but it is not too late to apply.

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net

24 March 2009

East Bridgford Youth benefit from Rushcliffe Community Grants

Each year Rushcliffe Borough Councillors get £500 from the Rushcliffe Community Support scheme to distribute to community groups in their ward. In 2008/9 Cllr Nigel Lawrence of Oak Ward decided this should benefit young person’s organisations in his ward and the £500 has been distributed as follows:-
 

All three groups make a valuable contribution to village life, and help make East Bridgford a good place to live.

Oak Ward comprises Car Colston, East Bridgford, Kneeton and Screveton. In 2007/08 the £500 award was used to provide a new kitchen floor covering in Car Colston & Screveton Village Hall

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net

February 2009

I welcome comment on these monthly jottings. However I was surprised last month when I received comments from Hong Kong, and Auckland, New Zealand. It is flattering, both to me and to your magazine editors, to know that our publication reaches such distant places.

January & February are always busy months after a quieter December and there are always many key decisions to participate in.

For example, the Partnership Delivery Board, which I chair, needed to scrutinise progress on the new Library/ Community Hub in West Bridgford. This will consolidate the contact points for many services (RBC, NCC, Housing etc) in the library. We also reviewed the South Notts Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership, which is making progress, and the new “First Lets” partnership which aims to match low income families at risk of becoming homeless with private landlords. Some of these partnerships may look a little obscure, but working jointly with other local authorities (mainly NCC, Gedling and Broxtowe) and other public bodies (Police/ NHS/ Ambulance etc) is a key way of improving the value we bring to the local community. We will see a lot more of it.

The Place Shaping Scrutiny Board, which I sit on, focuses on initiatives for working directly with the community, and with Town/ Parish Councils and Residents groups. That has to review the results of the trial Glass Recycling arrangements, its results, the survey results and public comment, and financial results. Then it has to recommend the way ahead.

This group also has to scrutinise the key decisions and policies relating to the 2009/10 budget. You will have seen in the press that, due to the Credit Crunch, it is difficult this year. That is an understatement. To put it into perspective a £1 Council Tax charge across the Borough raises £42,000. Due to the economic situation our income is down - less planning applications reduces revenue by £115,000. Similarly there are less Building Regulations inspections; more lost revenue. We have balances in the bank earning interest – for every 0.5% cut in the Bank Rate we lose £230,000pa. But costs are still going up. For the first 8 months of 2008 inflation was over 5%, and the LG staff pay settlement is based on that. The bad news goes on. We have identified at least £500,000 of savings, but that is not enough. We hope we can survive by drawing on our balances to maintain services and to give us time to find more savings next year. As a write, we still have to confirm this.

Last month I invited young people’s groups to bid for some of the £500 Community Support Grant I distribute. To my surprise I only got two. These applications are being processed and I will publish their names next month. It is not too late to apply – I get another £500 to give out in May. Just give me a ring or an email to discuss it.

January 2009

I trust you all had a Happy Christmas, and you have my best wishes for the New Year. As in previous years I will use this January article to try to look ahead. There will be two elections, for the County Council and for the European Parliament, both on the same day in early June. If you believe the press we might get a General Election. Climate change will continue to top the agenda, and you will see more on the topic from Rushcliffe.

Work on the A46 might start this year. The government has confirmed that they will contribute £174million (about half the total cost) which is available in 2009/10. The East Midlands Region has to find £175million over the following years – which I am told is possible. We still do not know what route it will take past East Bridgford. The Highways Agency promises that the inspector’s report confirming this, and the rest of the project, will be published later in January 2009. Personally I doubt we will see much more than land purchases and perhaps archaeological studies this year.

At RBC we are deep into budget and council tax setting. The “credit crunch” is hitting Local Authorities hard. Cost inflation was very high earlier in 2008. It may now be reducing but the ongoing increase is significant. Our previous fixed rate contract for energy (gas, electricity etc) needs renewing and it looks as if the increase will be £440,000 a year – a massive amount when £1 on council tax brings in only £42,000. The reduction in bank rate also hits us hard – we have a lot of money on deposit at this time of year and we hoped for significant earnings. We have made major savings in recent years and there is not much fat left in the budget, so we may need to cut services. The good news is that we can avoid major cuts in services in 2009/10 by taking from our balances, thus gaining us time to find ways of making much bigger savings for 2010/11.

On a brighter note I again have £500 for deserving causes in my ward. Last year it went to Car Colston Village Hall. This year I would like the young people of East Bridgford to benefit. I have started with £100 for the DARE drugs awareness project at St Peter’s School. I need to see well defined causes or projects from young people’s organisations that I can justify giving the rest to. I cannot just give a subsidy to a group – I need to be able to show what the money will purchase. If you know of something – send me an email. It will go to those with the greatest need.

I apologise to anyone who has tried to send me an email in the last few weeks, and had it returned. We have had a serious problem with Eastbridgford.net addresses. Until we get it fixed, please use the address below.

Cllr Nigel Lawrence
01949 20619
cllr.nlawrence@eastbridgford.net