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Friday, April 30, 2004
And now the very good news...
£200,000 Borrington Road project is set to go...
With the confirmation today of £75,000 funding from Living Spaces the Offmore Comberton Action Group has now reached its target of £200,000 and is able to launch work on the Borrington Road Playing Fields which will deliver:-
¨ major new play facilities for 2 to 12 years olds;
¨ skate boarding facilities for older youngsters;
¨ A multi-use games area;
¨ dog walking area;
¨ nature reserve;
¨ picnic / communal area that can be used for community events and relaxation.
The project has been supported by Living Spaces, a scheme funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to help local people improve their local environment.
Other funding for the project has come from Wyre Forest Community Housing, Wyre Forest District Council, Kidderminster Youth Trust and Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership.
OCAG Chairman Cllr Mike Oborski said today “this a great day for Offmore and Comberton and the surrounding areas. It is probably the happiest day in my thirty year career as a local councillor. This project will make a really enormous difference to the quality of life in the area”.
“Police Action and the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders has dramatically improved the situation across Offmore and Comberton and very particularly in the Burcher Green area of Kidderminster and now we are able at last to launch work to provide the community facilities for all age groups which we really need.”
“We are really grateful to all those agencies and organisations who have rallied round with funding and support.”
OCAG Vice-Chairman Rev. Hugh Burton added “I am absolutely delighted we've got the grant from Living Spaces. For some years a number of us had been hoping to see a really good facility for young people in the area. But a lot of people believed that nothing would ever happen. Then Offmore and Comberton Action Group was started. It brought together people with different knowledge and skills. We realised that together we might be able to get things moving. It will be really exciting to see the plans realised.”
Area Beat Manager PC Bob Fearnell said “This is is marvellous news. The project has come about because everyone has really worked together to tackle the issues in the area and get them sorted. The improvements in the area are a great example oif what can be achieved when the Police and the local community work together”.
Work on the ground will start straight away and the facilities will be ready for the School Summer Holidays. The work on the ground is being managed by Wyre Forest Community Housing and carried out by them and by their contractors.
The whole package was put together through intensive consultation with youngsters at all the local schools, young people on the Comberton Estate, talks with neighbours and two public exhibitions.
Cllr Oborski said “we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Wyre Forest Community Housing. They have provided the site, provided a large slice of the funding, carried out much of the research and design work, will manage the work, and supervise and maintain the site. They have been absolutely marvellous”.
The Offmore Comberton Action Group consists of local residents, tenants representatives, businesses, schools, churches, police, neighbourhood wardens and local Councillors in the area.
posted by Oborski, 18:13 | link | comments
The Liberal Manifesto for Wyre Forest 2004!
Online here! 
posted by Oborski, 15:55 | link | comments (2)
Latest Greenhill Focus...
...is online here!
posted by Oborski, 11:30 | link | comments
GREENHILL NEWS UPDATE...
THE CASE OF THE MISSING POLICE…
Concerned by vandalism and nuisance around the Probation Service building (the old Leswell Street Infants School) local residents organised a meeting. The Police, Probation Service and Cllr Graham Ballinger all promised to turn up. On the night everyone else was there to meet some 15 local residents to discuss the issues. Who did NOT turn up? You’ve guessed it — the Police! This is NOT what we are paying that huge rise in the Police share of the Council Tax bill for!
It turns out that the Officer who should have been there had been switched to a very urgent and important raid but that does not explain why they failed to send someone else!
Out of the wretched Tory woodwork…
It must be election time! At long last —actually we haven’t seen one hereabouts since the last election — a Tory leaflet has crawled out of the woodwork. Guess what! They want you to think we were going to close Bewdley Museum. Oh dear!
Let’s get it very, very, straight. The budget —which WE voted for — keeps Bewdley Museum OPEN. What’s more It will stay OPEN if we have anything to do with it!
Our message to the Tories is very, very simple. If you continue to tell lies about us we will continue to tell the truth about you!
RECYCLING COSTS SOAR…
According to Health Concern’s grand plan the new kerbside recycling was supposed to cost you an EXTRA £150,000 per year. Sadly they got it wrong and now it’s costing YOU all an EXTRA £400,000 per year! That of course includes those of you who are NOT even on the new recycling scheme which, according to the Council in this area means Clarence Street, Emory Court, George Law Court, Hurcott Court, Lea Street, Lea Terrace, Lea Grove. Leswell Street, Lorne Street, St. George’s Terrace, Villiers Street and half of Comberton Hill. The Council expects these areas to join the scheme “in the autumn/winter of this year” but doesn’t seem to have much idea as to how it is going to be done!
Let’s get it straight. Recycling is vitally important but we need a scheme that works at a cost we can afford — not the current mess!
WORST ROAD SURFACES…
“Greenhill must have some of the very worst road surfaces in the District” claim Graham, Paul and Rachel. “The state of many local roads is an absolute disgrace”. Among the many we are complaining about are Lea Street — where gravel from the disintegrating surface is flying up and damaging vehicles — Roden Avenue (near its junction with Hurcott Rd), St George’s Terrace (near the George Street end) and Lyndholm Road. The list goes on and on. It is time the Highways Department got on with the job and got it sorted!
POLLING STATIONS…
New Ward boundaries mean changes to where some people vote. People who previously voted at the mobile Polling Station on Cairndhu Drive, the Child Centre in Radford Avenue or Offmore Community Centre will now vote at the St. John Ambulance Centre on Birmingham Road between Linden Avenue and Land Oak House. It has car parking at the rear. Check your official Poll Card for details when it arrives nearer to Polling Day.
ST. GEORGE’S PARK…
The Neighbourhood Wardens are working with Police and Councillors to try and curb the rowdy activities by a group of youngsters which is driving other park users away in the evening and at weekends. Graham, Paul & Rachel want to see the old Park Watch Scheme reinstated to tackle the problems.
HOO ROAD…
It’s about time that the Police acted to curb speeding along Hoo Road which is being used as a short cut from Worcester Road to the Ring Road.
HURCOTT VILLAGE…
We are still waiting for the Highways Partnership proposals to improve safety and cut traffic speed through Hurcott Lane and Hurcott Village. We will consult residents as soon as we hear anything.
BIN PROBLEMS...
We are still getting complaints from the Offmore Road and Leswell Lane areas about wheelie bins being left on the pavement all week obstructing the pavement. They should only be out on collection day. In a few cases bins have been parked in the road to “reserve” parking spaces. That is simply not legal!
COMBERTON HILL PARKING…
Residents living by the parking bay opposite the station are having real problems because of overnight parking restrictions. We are asking the Highways Partnership Unit to lift the restriction for an experimental period to see if that helps.
LAND OAK GARAGE SITE…
We are still waiting for any planning application for the former garage site. It seems likely that it will be redeveloped for residential use.
COMBERTON HILL GARAGE...
It was sad to see the BP Garage close on Comberton Hill. The site will probably be redeveloped with shops with flats above them.
BALDWIN ROAD PAVEMENTS…
We are horrified at the state of pavements in Baldwin Road . The raised kerbs around the trees and the tree stumps are a real menace. We are pushing for action!
PRIVATE MEANS PRIVATE…
Tabbs Gardens is a PRIVATE road. Please do not drive into it unless you are actually visiting residents. Use of the road by motorists dropping people at the TA Centre has become a real nuisance.
BAXTER GARDENS…
Local residents have complained to us about dog mess in the area. We would ask all dog owners to act responsibly as we know many do already. Please let us know if you are having problems.
SKIPS ON THE HIGHWAY…
Skips on the highway are supposed to be licensed by the Highways Partnership Unit and lit at night. However the number of unlit skips on the roads seems to be growing and many of them are a potentially dangerous menace. Let us know if any appear in your area.
posted by Oborski, 11:28 | link | comments
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Policing Wyre Forest...
West Mercia Chief Constable Paul West was on good form with todays presentation to the County Council.
Police get £107.7m from central Government Grant. They get £58.1m from Council Tax. That's a 14.9% increase in the Police share of the Council Tax.
We heard a detailed listing of worthwhile projects which will absorb the extra cash but at the end of the day we are down to "maintenance of current policing levels"
Let's repeat that - "maintenance of current policing levels"! Is that what we really want. I don't think so! I think we want much better than that!
Meanwhile the Chief Constable was very flattering about the Offmore Comberton Action Group.
posted by Oborski, 23:10 | link | comments
Tories didn't get everything their own way today...
Great to see Lib Dem Diane Rayner elected as Vice-Chairman of the County Council!
posted by Oborski, 23:01 | link | comments
posted by Oborski, 09:43 | link | comments
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Welcome...
...to our 25,000th visitor - whoever you are!
posted by Oborski, 11:43 | link | comments
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
"Return to sender - address unknown"...
Lib-Dems? You have to love 'em! This is from their latest Aggborough & Spennells leaflet...
I wonder how they are going to cope with the flood of replies! 
posted by Oborski, 19:44 | link | comments
Monday, April 26, 2004
Question...
Apparently the OFSTED report on the County Education Department commented on the "Good political leadership" hereabouts. Discuss in relation to the Wyre Forest Review of Schools!
posted by Oborski, 22:15 | link | comments
Where were Health Concern tonight?
Not at Council Meetings - that's for sure!
posted by Oborski, 22:13 | link | comments
Saturday, April 24, 2004
Latest editions of Focus...
Now online...
Broadwaters : Greenhill : Offmore & Comberton
posted by Oborski, 23:32 | link | comments
Young Stars...
This afternoon Fran and I were at County Hall for the "Young Stars" awards. It was great to see the contribution of so many young people being officially recognised. Local youngsters being awarded certificates and badges included Javier Castro (Graham's grandson) and Daniel Hill (son of Comberton stalwarts Kevin & Karen).
posted by Oborski, 17:49 | link | comments
And now for the whole story?
The story in the Shuttle a couple of weeks back (and repeated in this posting) merits a second read! To put it very briefly at that time we were moaning at the lack of sign posting to Weavers Wharf and Highstones retorted that we should be moaning at the County not them.
Now the local Highways Partnership Manager has told Fran that Highstone have NEVER APPLIED for signposting to Weavers Wharf in the first place so it is no wonder there isn't any signposting! That revelation puts the story in a rather different light...
Lack of signs for new shops provokes row
by BECKY HAYES
A ROW has erupted between Wyre Forest district councillors and the managing director of the company that owns Kidderminster's Weaver's Wharf development over a lack of signage to the £60million shopping complex.
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| Rachel Lewis is among the councillors concerned about the lack of car park and direction signs to Weavers Wharf for traffic on the ring road. | |
District councillors, Fran and Mike Oborski, said they had been lobbying Highstone Estates, which owns the development, since November, for better signposting to the site and a barrier to prevent confused motorists driving over the pavement to get into the car park.
Although they were celebrating the erection of a barrier last week, they said they were still waiting for the signs, which they claimed Highstone Estates told them would be in place three weeks ago.
"I wrote to Highstone Estates and they assured me the signposting would be in place by the time of the official opening," Mrs Oborski said.
"But it's ridiculous because we've got people, who don't know Kidderminster, who drive down the ring road and see the shops but can't find any directions on how to get to them.
"It's a major attraction in the town and needs to be signposted on every ring road, island and main route into the town centre."
The managing director of Highstone Estates, Chris Dalzell, however, said the erection of on-road signs was not the responsibility of his company, but Worcestershire County Council - and urged the councillors to take their row up with the county authority.
He added the county council said it would take at least six months to deal with his company's requests for signage to the development - and claimed it had also banned his company from labelling the delivery route to the development.
"In the interim, we will be putting up some temporary AA directional signage but that needs statutory consent from the county council and we don't know how long that will take. "
Reacting to Mr Oborski's argument that the sign shortage was causing articulated delivery lorries to take wrong turns and get stuck in the Bull Ring, he said: "We wanted to see if we could get our vehicles' delivery routes signposted but the county council turned down our request.
"So, instead of having a go at us perhaps the councillors should be raising matters with the county council, who are stopping us doing things."
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Wyre Forest Highways Partnership Unit, which is handling the signage matter, said the officer dealing with the case was on annual leave, so he could not comment on how long it was likely to take to put up the signs.
He added, however, that significant improvements had been made to signage for deliveries to the shops at Weavers Wharf, using a zoning system, so all delivery drivers should be able to find where they need to go without any problem.
"The zoning system is working well in Kidderminster and seems to suit the needs of the delivery operations," he said.
"The issue of placing signs, which could be seen as adverts, on the local highways is a complicated one and it would be up to councillors to make decisions on that kind of policy."
He added: "We're always open to discussing these matters with the owners of the development and all interested parties."
posted by Oborski, 10:07 | link | comments
Liberals announce Broadwaters team...
Rob Wheway will be defending his Broadwaters seat in the June Council elections. Mandy Poole and Mike Price join him as Liberal Candidates for the Ward...
Mandy Poole...
A Kidderminster resident for 25 years — having moved here from Blakedown — Mandy is married with one daughter. Educated at Kidderminster High School she has worked for the last 15 years with the Vehicles Inspectorate (now VOSA).
An active member of the Liberal Party for the last 12 years Mandy is currently Broadwaters Focus Editor.
Mandy passionately supports the campaign for a Cinema for Kidderminster, wants to see increased action to crack down on anti-Social behaviour and a major “clean up” campaign for Broadwaters and Kidderminster. Mandy says “Rob Wheway has made a brilliant start working for Broadwaters. Now we need to elect the rest of the team!”
Mike Price…
Although born and educated in Droitwich Mike has spent most of his life in Wyre Forest in Kidderminster, then Stourport (where he served as a Town Councillor) and subsequently back here in Kidderminster. Assistant Manager of The Briars for 9 years he has also worked as a Supervisor for Shipleys.
An experienced School Governor Mike has recently joined the Governors of St. George’s First School. Mike is currently Ward Organiser for Broadwater’s Liberals. He has been actively involved in local politics for over 30 years!
Mike says “we really do need a fair deal for Broadwaters and that is exactly what the Liberal team is determined to deliver for the people of Broadwaters!”
Rob Wheway...
Rob was elected as a Councillor for Broadwaters in May last year.
An expert in children’s play Rob is called on by the Government, Local Councils and Commercial Organisations for advice. He has wide experience in public participation and public consultation. Going to University when he was 40 he gained Master of Science and Master of Education Degrees. For his MEd he researched parents and carers and advocated greater recognition and support for people in these vital roles.
Before moving to Kidderminster her was a Coventry City Councillor. He has been Chair and is Treasurer of the national Liberal Party. Rob is recognised as a highly effective councillor fighting for Broadwaters, Kidderminster and Wyre Forest.
posted by Oborski, 09:54 | link | comments
Liberals announce Greenhill team...
Graham Ballinger and Paul Harrison will be defending their Greenhill seats in the June local elections. Rachel Lewis is joining them on the ticket...
Graham Ballinger...
Bought up in South Wales Graham is married with 5 children and 6 grand children and has lived in Wyre Forest for the last 30 years. Recently retired after almost 40 years in public and voluntary sector care provision Graham is currently Chairman of Heart of England Care which provides Nursing Care Homes across the Midlands.
With 18 years experience as a Wyre Forest District Councillor Graham is a past Mayor of Kidderminster and has served as both Leader of the Council and Chairman of Leisure Services. He is a Governor of Comberton Middle and Lea Street First Schools and a member of the “We Love Lea Street” Action Committee.
Graham is currently launching a drive to “clean up Greenhill”.
Paul Harrison…
Born and bred in Kidderminster and educated at Franche Primary and the King Charles I School, Paul is a Trading Standards Enforcement Officer. He served as a Wyre Forest District Councillor from 1987 to 1992. His work took him out of the area for a while. During that time he was Chairman of the Plans Committee on Woodley Town Council. Returning to Kidderminster he was re-elected to the Wyre Forest District Council representing Greenhill in 2002.
Paul is currently Vice-Chairman of the Licensing and Environmental Committee.
A District Council Member of the local Highways Partnership he is appalled by lack of County Council action and spending to deal with the appalling state of local roads and pavements.
With Graham and Rachel he is campaigning for a cleaner Greenhill.
Rachel Lewis...
Wyre Forest born and bred Rachel was educated at Wribbenhall First and Middle Schools, Bewdley High School and Kidderminster College. A busy Mum with four children Rachel runs one of the Wyre Forest Guide Companies.
Since 2000 Rachel has represented Sutton Park on the Wyre Forest District Council. Starting with Health Concern she soon found her real home in the Liberal Party. Rachel has been the leading campaigner for a Cinema for Kidderminster. Over the past few years Rachel has increasingly worked as part of the Greenhill Liberal Team editing the local Focus newsletter!
Working with Graham and Paul she is determined to see the area “cleaned up”, roads and pavements repaired and other local issued tackled.
posted by Oborski, 09:49 | link | comments
Liberals announce Offmore & Comberton team...
Siri Hayward and Fran and Mike Oborski will be defending their Offmore and Comberton seats for the Liberals in the June Council Elections...
Siri Hayward...
Siri was born in Wales, educated in Cheshire and qualified as a nurse in Birmingham. Currently a Theatre Sister at Kidderminster Hospital Siri has worked in the Operating Theatre there throughout her married life. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies and a Masters Degree in Social Science from Birmingham University. She and Mel have two grown up children.
Elected to Wyre Forest District Council in 1996 Siri is currently Deputy Mayor of Kidderminster and a Governor of Comberton and Offmore First Schools having previously served as Chairman of Housing. She has fought tooth and nail to save her beloved Kidderminster Hospital. Siri has a reputation as a first rate local Councillor.
Fran Oborski…
A graduate of both the Open University and the University of Birmingham Fran is currently a Teacher Adviser with Birmingham Local Education Authority.
A District Councillor since 1973 and County Councillor since 2001 Fran is a past Mayor of Kidderminster; a highly experienced Committee Chairman; and is currently Leader of the Liberal Group and chair of one of the Council’s key Scrutiny Committees. Fran is Chair of Governors of Stourminster School and is a Governor of Comberton Middle, St.Ambrose Primary and Offmore First Schools. Fran is a member of the Court of the University of Birmingham, and is a Trustee of Kidderminster and District Youth Trust. Fran has a reputation as one of the Council’s most effective and determined members.
Mike Oborski...
Elected to the County Councillor since 1973 Mike has also been a District Councillor since 1976. He is a past Chairman and Leader of the District Council and also an ex-Mayor of Kidderminster. Mike is currently President and Leader of the Liberal Party nationally. He is a Governor of Comberton Middle and Offmore, Comberton and Lea Street First Schools.
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland for the West Midlands Mike has been decorated with the Gold, Knights and Officers Crosses of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
Mike has a reputation as a hard working, effective and determined local Councillor. He is Chairman of the Offmore Comberton Action Group and recently presented a one-man scrutiny exercise on Anti Social Behaviour Orders to a Council Scrutiny Committee.
posted by Oborski, 09:38 | link | comments
Friday, April 23, 2004
Light week or what?
One Council Officer (he know's who he is ) commented to me on the comparatively light level of blogging here this week.
Truth is Fran and I headed to London on Wednesday afternoon to see the Polish National opera perform Stanislaw Moniuszko's "The Haunted Manor" at Sadlers Wells.
It is a great mid 19th Century patriotic spectacle where a simplistic love and ghost story is really a coded call to patriotic arms. We really enjoyed it but didn't get back to Kidderminster until gone 2.30am on Thursday morning. That explains the combined feeling of well being and exhaustion around here.
While the "Haunted Manor" is a tale of love and noble deeds later in the week they were performing a very, very different modern Polish classic - Pendrecki's "Ubu Rex".
Ubu (whose main catchphrase is each and every situation is "Shit!") and Ma Ubu are a loathsome and despicable couple (nb. anybody making supposedly satirical responses about the existing management of this site is well and truly asking for it!) on the make who murder the head of state and then dispose of the nobility and the law so that they can collect the taxes themselves without the risk of any falling into anyone elses pocket. In a complex plot of murder and mayhem they get defeated in a war with Russia and eventually head off to a life of renewed political crime and wealth - in the only place fit for the purpose - the good old US of A!
Why am I mentioning this? Well the performances of "Ubu Rex" were sponsored by the Mayor of Warsaw!
It's not exactly a topic one can imagine Ken Livingstone sponsoring as Mayor of London! Think what the papers would make of it!
I must ask Howard Martin if he will put up the cash for a local production!
Alternatively we could compose our own local Political Opera. Now what could we call it?
Well, we can rule out "Carry On Doctor" because actually, as I have very good cause to know on a complex piece of medical case work today, Richard Taylor is absolutely excellent and always deserves really serious respect!!
How about a complex intrigue of politics and high drama entitled "Changing Parties"? Sadly the repopulation of eachothers Group Rooms would probably be an extremely boring spectacle to disinterested spectators.
We might be far better of with a farce entitled "The Mayor's Ball" where everyone constantly ends up having dinner with the wrong people in completely the wrong place at totally the wrong time!
"Howard's End" would, however, be an unkind pre-election suggestion so I won't even mention it!
posted by Oborski, 20:18 | link | comments
Good Meeting...
Yesterday the Director of Finance of West Mercia Police was on Comberton discussing the Offmore Comberton Action Group activities with Rev Hugh Burton (Vice-Chairman) and also with me (as Chairman). I was very impressed. He certainly knew his stuff and gave us a pretty tough grilling! I'm glad that the project is attracting attention!
posted by Oborski, 18:53 | link | comments
Yes, but why start it?
The Shuttle is running weeks behind this weblog on this one as they report...
Homeless scheme is ruled out
by BECKY HAYES
A PROPOSAL to house young adults with behavioural problems in soon-to-be-empty council offices in Kidderminster has been ruled out by Wyre Forest District Council leader, Howard Martin.
He assured fellow district councillors at a meeting last week that Land Oak House, on Chester Road North, would not be used as social housing for homeless people.
"We need to do something about the homeless but I think it would have been a poor choice of location to put young homeless people," he said.
He reacted to councillor Mike Oborski's comment "you're telling me that any talk of this for homeless and youngsters is out of the question, because if that is the news then I extremely grateful", by saying "I can give that assurance."
The property is due to be vacated in May when the district council's planning department moves to Duke Place.
Andrew Dickens, head of cultural leisure and commercial services at the district council, added: "The property is going on the open market and the options we are putting to people are to retain it for offices, convert it into apartments or use it as some kind of medical or dental practice or something like that."
Fine, but why did the Council's officers suggest the use of the place for homeless youngsters / families in the first place? I don't think we will ever get an answer to that one!
posted by Oborski, 18:46 | link | comments
It's that time of year...
With local elections coming there are major seasonal changes taking place on this site. Some of the links in the left hand column (particularly links to FOCUS Newsletters and biographies are now temporarily down. We will post information as they are updated.
For the duration of the Election Campaign (as from now and this posting) this site is Printed & Published by T Ingham, 1 Beverley Court, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcs.
posted by Oborski, 12:56 | link | comments
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Something Happening Here?
From Birmingham Post site...
Minister set to cap authorities over tax
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Midland councils and emergency services are to pay the price for imposing high council tax increases.
Ministers appear set to cap authorities including Hereford-shire Council and Hereford and Worcester Fire Service.
The Local Government Association yesterday accused the Government of planning to make an example of authorities.
Sir Jeremy Beecham, chair of the LGA, said it was "ludi-crous" to punish authorities which he said were not to blame for high council tax increases.
Ministers are believed to be planning to impose caps on ten local authorities.
A further 20 will be sent letters warning that they face penalties next year unless they rein in spending.
It follows a Government campaign aimed at persuading authorities to keep council tax increases at five per cent or below.
As a result, the average national increase this year will be 5.9 per cent - above the Government's target but only half last year's figure.
However, some authorities are still planning to impose double digit tax hikes.
Herefordshire Council is putting up bills by 10.7 per cent - the second highest in the country.
Others in the firing line include West Mercia Police, which is increasing the precept it charges council tax-payers by 14.9 per cent.
Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority is also set to be disciplined after increasing its precept by 22 per cent.
One Government insider said the fire authority had left itself "high and dry" by setting its budget before going to a meeting with Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford.
The insider said: "The bills had already gone out. If they had spoken to Nick Raynsford first, I'm sure they would have set a lower figure."
But capping authorities could prove costly. New budgets will have to be drawn up, and new bills will have to be sent out.
Sir Jeremy said: "I urge the government, even at this late stage, not to intervene.
"It if does, the costs of rebilling and the disruption in local financial planning will fall back on the council tax payer."
Sir Jeremy also said capping local authorities would not provide a long term solution to the current problems with local government funding.
He said: "The better and more lasting answer is fundamental reform. The current system that translates a one percent increase in a council's spending into a four per cent increase in council tax is unsustainable."
Story is still unconfirmed by everyone involved. Is something going on? |
posted by Oborski, 18:37 | link | comments
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Serbian Police on Comberton...
With Cabinet Member Cllr Brian Glass I found myself addressing 15 visiting Serbian Police Officers at St. Chads on Comberton this afternoon. What they made of the Offmore Comberton Action Group I don't know. However they clearly appreciated the litre and a half bottle of Zubrowka which I presented to them for consumption later in the day!
posted by Oborski, 23:21 | link | comments
Monday, April 19, 2004
The Mind Boggles...
We don't often reprint material from Tory leaflets but their "Aggborough & Spennells" newsletter is becoming a firm favourite and "must read" around here. You simply couldn't make it up...
SPENNELLS FIRST SCHOOL
At a recent Spennells First School Governor's meeting Maureen was surprised and impressed when fellow school governor Douglas Godwin took the role of a pupil who was out of control and had to be calmed down by two experienced teachers trained in behaviour techniques.
"I think Douglas only volunteered because they were female teachers!", says Maureen. However, he did very well and it was a good way to demonstrate techniques to us laymen.
The emphasis in the text is theirs. Wow, those wild, wild Tories!
posted by Oborski, 13:25 | link | comments (2)
Saturday, April 17, 2004
Great Day...
We had the team out delivering FOCUS in Broadwaters this morning. First rate effort as usual. Popped into The Hare & Hounds for a quick drink afterwards. It really has been "done up" and the menu looks great. Next time we are there I suspect we will be dining!
However, today was local Party local government time and so Fran laid on buffet lunch at our place while we all got round the table for some pretty heavy discussion on the manifesto and so forth.
The "team photo" at the top and bottom of the site come out of this session and give you a good impression of the upbeat feeling at the meeting.
posted by Oborski, 20:37 | link | comments
Friday, April 16, 2004
posted by Oborski, 21:04 | link | comments
Thursday, April 15, 2004
"At times it may feel as if you can't satisfy anyone"...
I was just getting worried about my Express & Star horoscope...
Leo (July24-Aug23) It feels as though you're doing all the giving and receiving nothing in return.
Then I read Fran's...
Sagittarius (Nov23-Dec21) This can be quite an emotional time for you, as your private and public lives are creating fireworks. At times it may feel as though you can't satisfy anyone. Instead of tailoring your efforts to suit others, do what satisfies your ego. You may not be very popular, but at least you won't feel manipulated or used in any way. Sometimes you have to be selfish to retain your sanity. This is one of those times.
posted by Oborski, 22:41 | link | comments
Land Oak House...
The Express & Star report it like this...
Youth hostel plan is thrown out
By Pete Carroll
Plans to house problem youths in offices currently occupied by Wyre Forest Council were in doubt today after it accepted the building was not suitable for conversion.
Liberal councillor Mike Oborski said he was delighted the council had ruled out the use of Land Oak House for housing the homeless young adults.
The property, at the junction of Birmingham Road and Chester Road North, is due to be vacated by the planning department over the next few weeks as they move to Duke Place.
Councillor Oborski said: "I am delighted that the proposal has been put to rest. I think this is a victory for comment sense.
"Of course we desperately need accommodation to help those youngsters and their families, but this was certainly not the right site."
Councillor Oborski raised the matter at last night's full council meeting, and council leader Howard Martin accepted the building was not suitable for conversion.
Councillor Martin told councillors that the property would now be disposed of on the open market.
"Bids are currently being sought from agents to market the property when it becomes vacant in June," he added.
Councillor Oborski denied there was any nimbyism about his opposition to the plan.
He pointed out he had previously put forward a site in his ward for a hostel for people with learning difficulties, but that had been after extensive consultation.
"We have taken on difficult proposals in the past but this was never going to be the right site," he said.
Councillor Oborski explained that Land Oak House was very close to houses and "loomed over" neighbouring properties, including a doctors' surgery in Linden Avenue.
The slightest element of anti-social behaviour would prove very intrusive for neighbours.
"It really is the wrong place for something like this - and the pub over the road would not have helped. There was quite a bit of concern in the area."
The planning department will move out shortly.
posted by Oborski, 22:21 | link | comments
Express & Star - less local online news!
Don't get me wrong! The Express & Star is a really great newspaper. However, I am really fed up with their web site which has just been redesigned. Why?
Before there was a daily Kidderminster News section - indeed there were individual daily news pages for every local area as well as the main news section.
Now there is just the overall main news section (which may or may not feature a Kidderminster story from time to time) plus the news from The Chronicle. As the Chronicle is weekly this means we are reduced to a once a week Kidderminster news update and some local stories that feature in the Express & Star don't make it into the Chronicle anyway.
In this case more is simply less. Sad really!
posted by Oborski, 13:31 | link | comments
Online?
"PUTTING more elected members online would improve the performance of Wyre Forest District Council, a review carried out by a team of representatives of other local authorities revealed" reports The Kidderminster Shuttle.
The Council have been trying to work out how to link us in (as part of the pilot project) for weeks but their set up is so inflexible it looks as if it won't work alongside our systems. Oh well!
posted by Oborski, 13:20 | link | comments
Lack of signs for new shops provokes row
Here is how the Kidderminster Shuttle reports the story. Actually Fran HAS been pushing for action from County Highways and yes, we do thing Highstone could have done more. At the end of the day what we need is some sign posting. Fast!
Lack of signs for new shops provokes row
by BECKY HAYES
A ROW has erupted between Wyre Forest district councillors and the managing director of the company that owns Kidderminster's Weaver's Wharf development over a lack of signage to the £60million shopping complex.
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| Rachel Lewis is among the councillors concerned about the lack of car park and direction signs to Weavers Wharf for traffic on the ring road. | |
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