Wellow Lane Development - yet more houses for Peasedown!

I am saddened by the news that, despite public opposition, B&NES Council’s Development Control Committee has given approval for 95 dwellings to be built in Wellow Lane, Peasedown St John.

At present, our village does not have the infrastructure or amenities to cater for such a development and the potential extra 350-400 people that would live there.

Already, Peasedown St John is the largest village in B&NES with over 1,000 houses being built in the last 20 years. It is great shame that despite this huge amount of growth planners and developers still want to ‘squeeze a few more in’.

The Labour Government’s ill-thought out proposals to build an extra 21,000 houses in the authority by 2026 will see many communities turned upside down with no consideration to existing infrastructure problems or residents’ concerns.

I would like to thank the residents of Wellow Lane and the surrounding streets for their hard fought campaign – which has certainly shown that community spirit is alive and well in Peasedown. I would also like to thank my party colleagues for not supporting this unpopular application at the committee meeting.

60th Anniversary

Today (10th December) is the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

A lot can be said about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is the foundation of international human rights law, the first universal statement on the basic principles of human rights, and a common standard for all people and nations to follow.

It is because of this declaration, and the commitment of national governments to stick to it, that we enjoy many of our freedoms today.

When I think of human rights and our personal freedoms I think of the sacrifice that many of our war heros made in both the 1st and 2nd World Wars so that future generations could live in a society where everyone is born equal and everyone has the same basic rights to education, health care and welfare support.

Today Bath and North East Somerset Council will be planting three trees (one in Keynsham, one in Midsomer Norton and one in Bath) to commemorate this day and remember its importance.

Each of the events will be led by the Council's Human Rights Champion (and my co-Councillor) Sarah Bevan who has worked for many years raising awarness of human rights within the area.#

For a full list of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights visit: http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr/lang/eng.htm

Don't be fooled by the BNP!

I was having a conversation with someone the other day who shared with me that they might consider voting BNP at the next General Election. After picking myself off the ground and recovering from my shock I urged this person not to be fooled by a party that appear friendly and concerned for people when in fact they are quite the opposite.

The problem with the BNP (British National Party) is that they confuse people into thinking that if you are proud to be British, and believe in British ideas and values you should vote and support them.

By taking the British flag and using it as their party logo it lures people into a false sense of understanding of what they are about.

Do not be fooled by the BNP! In reality they are a fascist political party that promote racism and are no different from the Nazi's who ran Germany in the 20th century.

Remember the Nazis? They killed 6 million people during their reign in power. These were largely Jewish citizens but also included black people, homosexuals, the disabled and the less intelligent members of society.

Is that really what we want in Britain? A modern equivilant of the German Nazi's who would stop at nothing to ensure the only people living in this country are people with white skin and intellectually capable of doing well?

As a nation, as a group of proud people we need to take back the British flag. Our fathers and grandfathers fought two World Wars so we could be free to live in a country irrespective of our religious belief, background, sexuality and appearance.

The British National Party would throw away these freedoms, and create a country very similer to that of Nazi Germany.

Don't be fooled into voting for them! They really stand for many of the things that the rest of us dont.

Racism:
noun
- belief in or doctrine asserting racial differences in character, intelligence, etc. and the superiority of one race over another or others: racist doctrine also, typically, seeks to maintain the supposed purity of a race or the races
- any program or practice of racial discrimination, segregation, etc., specif., such a program or practice that upholds the political or economic domination of one race over another or others
- feelings or actions of hatred and bigotry toward a person or persons because of their race

Facism:

noun
- the doctrines, methods, or movement of the Fascisti
- a system of government characterized by rigid one-party dictatorship, forcible suppression of opposition, private economic enterprise under centralized governmental control, belligerent nationalism, racism, and militarism, etc.
- a political movement based on such policies
- fascist behavior

Obama Wins!

I stayed up as late as I could last Tuesday night to watch one of the most highly anticipated U.S. Presidential Election nights ever.

Barak Obama's victory was not just the making of American history, but the making of world history - becoming the first African-American to become President.

Barak's story is an inspiration to many. He grew up in an working class area with his single Mum. He was an everyday guy who was no more special than anyone else, but his dreams and determination to succeed has got him where he is.

The idea of the American Dream, where anyone can achieve the best in life is not something that can just happen in United States, but something that can happen anywhere - you just have to believe in it.

Barak's victory was certainly an inspiration to me. Perhaps a Lib Dem Prime Minister really is possible?

Pizza... with a hint of politics!

Today I had the privilege of spending the day with a group of young people from Peasedown St John as they met the Chairman of B&NES Council and the Mayor of Bath.

So often young people tell me they don't know a lot about politics and when they see politicians on the TV they're just arrogant and not in touch with their views.

As a young politician myself I want to try and change that formed opinion. I want more young people to feel engaged in local politics and that actually local politicians do take an interest in them.

Tomorrow is the start of National Youth Work Week - an event designed to encourage young people to 'get involved' more. I hope that today's trip to the Guildhall in Bath aided in some way to achieveing that... or if not they at least liked the pizza.

Little things please small minds!

Well, I couldn't think of anything else to put for the title but it got your attention though didn't it?

The majority of phone-calls or emails I get from residents are generally about a problem they have, something that needs to be done or to express their concerns that something that has happened they don't like.

That often can be the content of my week - much of the above! So, when something good happens, no matter how insignificant it may be to some people, it makes all the difference to me.

Here's an example - I was out this evening delivering my Lib Dem Focus newsletter in Frederick Avenue when I saw the litter bin I had requested, brand spanking new! Yes, I know for some it's just a litter bin but for me it's the result of a combination of a Youth Community Council meeting, emails to Council Officers and a visit to the site where the bin would be put in.

So, the next time you see a litter bin.....

Conservatives and the Church

Both joining the Liberal Democrats and becoming a Christian happened around the same time in my life. It was a time when I started to see a lot of social injustice around me and at the age of 17 I wanted to play my part in trying to make the society in which I lived a better place.

For me, Christian values and principles and a desire to see a more liberal democratic society go hand in hand. Both advocate a more fairer society where the less well off have more opportunities and both believe in fighting for and defending the underdog. I also see Jesus, in his ministry, as a radical liberal. He sought to challenge the establishment and questioned the conservative status-quo of doing things.

As a political party, the Liberal Democrats have a strong Christian influence within it and currently 25% of the Party's MPs are active in their local Church.

I believe that there is a roll for Christians in each political party - promoting Christian values and working along side others.

No political party should falsely boast a greater 'right' to have Christians within it or claim that it's policies and ideas are more 'christian' than anothers.

I am writing this because over the past 12 months I have found an increasing intolerance from conservatives in the Church - particularly it's more evangelical forms. Some Evangelical's find it difficult to believe that a Christian can support something other than the Conservative Party. They believe that the Conservative Party is more 'closer' to the ideas of God, biblical teaching and thus all Christians must support it.

I find this view not just 'tunnel-visioned' but actually quite insulting. I believe, as Liberal Democrat Councillor, I have been able to practice Christianity and promote it's values in the area I represent. I treat everyone the same (just like Jesus did), I activity campaign for a better deal for those that do not have it (like Jesus did) and I believe in the 'specialness' of all people (as Jesus did).

The next time a conservative in the Church seeks to unfairly challenge my liberal demoratic views I will fervantly yet quietly remind them it is 'their' Conservative Party that supported an illegal war in Iraq killing thousands of innocent people.

I guess you could say it works both ways really doesn't it?

A week in the life of....

...me

Having a glance at my diary this morning I'm starting to get the feeling that this week is just going to be 'one of those weeks'.

Don't get me wrong, I knew when becoming a Councillor that I was no longer going to have a social life and everything I did I would have to be accountable to the public for but I would love to know what having a day off feels like.

Here's a quick glance at my diary as it stands at the moment:

Monday:
9am-12.30pm, work for St Johns
5.30pm-8.30pm, attending an Open Evening with Somer Housing for Councillors

Tuesday:
9am-12.30pm, work for St Johns
8pm, 'Better School Transport' campaign meeting in Bath

Wednesday:
9am-12.30pm, work for St Johns
5-7pm, canvassing in North East Somerset
8pm, Transition Peasedown planning meeting

Thursday
9am-12.30pm, work for St Johns
6.30pm, Lib Dem Council Group meeting, Guildhall

Friday-Sunday
Attending IDEA Leadership Academy Conference in Warwick

And of course there are things to fill in the gaps such as; the path that needs resurfacing next to Bloomfield Cottages, those newsletters that need delivering, those residents who want a speed bump in Lincott View, that canvass information that needs to be put onto the database, more work on the youth homelessness campaign, preparation for my tree planting event... and don't forget the gym.

So, all in all, just another normal week really!

NRR development - get on with it!

It upsets me when I read letters from Radstock resident Stephen Porter moaning about things but unwilling to get up and make a difference himself in this week's Journal newspaper. It’s letters like this that put people off local politics and any desire to get involve in their local community.
I’d like to respond to some of the inaccuracies in his letter.
Firstly, the previous administration on Bath and North East Somerset Council was not a Lib Dem administration but a coalition between the Lib Dems, Tories and Independents. The Liberal Democrats have never had a majority on the Council with having no more than 30 seats at any one time.
Secondly, it is not Lib Dem policy to ‘dump as many houses as possible in the Norton Radstock, Paulton and Peasedown areas’. If he had done his homework he would know that Lib Dems in Peasedown, Cllr Bevan and myself, are working with residents to campaign against the current application to built 95 extra homes in our village. Peasedown does not have the infrastructure to cope with any more houses and until we see an increase in local amenities any new housing development is out of the question.
Thirdly, much of the expectation to build excessive amounts of housing in B&NES is actually dictated by the Labour Government. It is they who want to see an additional 21,000 houses in the District by 2026 – not the Liberal Democrats.
As for the controversial NRR development – get on with it!

Government's Plans to put 21,000 extra homes in B&NES!

Just when you thought this Government couldn't be more insane they have recently revealed plans to build an extra 21,000 homes in Bath and North East Somerset by 2026.

Two years ago, following guidelines from the Government Office of the South West, B&NES Council commissioned research to found out how many extra dwellings could be built in the area at a maximum. The research camE back with the figure 15,000!

Despite B&NES not having sufficient infrastructure for many more houses the Council was willing to acknowledge the figure of 15,000 as 'acceptable'.

After submitting this to the Government, the fantastic Hazel Blears MP (Sec. of State for Local Government and Communties) tells us she wants to see 21,000 in total not 15,000.

I am pleased to say that at the 11th September B&NES Councilmmeeting Councillors from all parties (including Labour) voted to send a strongly worded response to the Government.

Liberal Democrats are not completely opposed to new housing we just believe that before the Green Belt is even considered for development all possibly Brown Field sites must be built on first. Houses should only be build where road networks and jobs already exist - not elsewhere.
We also believe that many of the empty properties in B&NES need to have people living in them - we have plenty so let's get people in them!

As a matter of interest I have been counting the number of empty properties in Peasedown St John. I havent't quite finished yet but I have 10 so far. Im sure if every Councillor in B&NES counted the number of properties in their ward we could reach 500 across the whole of B&NES.

Lib Dems and the media

It's always encouraging to see the Lib Dems doing well in the polls.... but that's what we always see after the Party Conference!

All year round the two bigger parties do well (perhaps with the exception of Labour in this instance) because the media always gives them attention and is intrigued about 'What has David Cameron had for breakfast?' or 'Where is Gordon Brown going on his holiday?'

I am convinced that if the media gave all three parties the same attention and coverage all year round the Lib Dems would always be showing at (the least) 25% in the polls.

Unfortunately I could not make the Party Conference in Bournmouth this year but I have heard it was one of the best. We have a fantastic Leader in Nick Clegg and our new plans to cut income tax from 20% to 16% really will help those on middle and low incomes (who Labour have negleted for so long).

Our message is simple - we want to tax pollution, not people! All we need now is the media is to give us and our ideas more air-time.

Youth Community Council

Tonight is the first PSJ Youth Community Council meeting of the new term. We'll be meeting at 7pm at the youth centre giving young people an opportunity to voice their opinions.

I try to advertise and promote each meeting with a different theme. This one is 'Tell Nathan...'.
Quite self-explanatory I know, it's about encouraging young people (who often feel alienated from the political and decision making processess) to share with me their concerns about the area they live in.

What I enjoy about working with young people is they are never afraid to speak their mind and tell you honestly what they think.

I've bought lots of crisps and biscuits, so we should be in for a 'productive' meeting.

Holburne Museum

Last night at the Bath and North East Somerset Full Council meeting I voted against the proposal to give a one of grant of £200,000 to the Holburne museum in Bath.

The Holburne approached the Council asking for a sum of money, contributing to their educational courses and the re-development of the centre.

It's not that I am opposed to the Holburne, museums or the Arts in general I just believe that with the current financial climate, departments having tight budgets and some services being cut we should not be giving Council money to something that is not a priority.

What about the youth service? They received a £400,000 cut last year - wouldn't they like some money? What about spending the £200,000 on more important things such as fulfilling some of the PACT priorities in our Wards, filling in pot holes, more litter bins etc.

Spending £200,000 on a Museum that clearly can generate its own cash is not in the best interest of Peasedown residents.

Unfortunately, the proposal was voted through!

Council Officers do work hard you know!

Too often Council officers get a bad press - they seem to get blamed when there isn't money to spend on a certain project and when new infrustructure isn't put in on time.

Here in Peasedown St John my job is always a joy because Council officers reply to my emails, they phone me, and will be honest with me if there is something I cannot do!

The Council Officers that Sarah Bevan and I work with are un-sung heros! They have helped us install new traffic bollards, speed reductions, and litter bins. They have organised and worked with us on Environmental Clean-Up days and have helped us with longer term projects such as BMX tracks, graffiti removal and tree planting.

Peasedown residents are some of the luckiest because of the commitment of our Officers.

Young Councillors Leadership Academy

I am half way through a training weekend in Warwick with the IDA (Improvement and Development Agency).

The Leadership Academy is an intense training course for Councillors under the age of 35 to put us on the 'fast track' to political leadership.

It's not so much about learning new skills but developing those we already have (but perhaps did not know it).

What's different from this course than others I have been on is it's not party political. I am working with young Conservative, Labour, Green and Independent councillors.

Putting aside party politics for the weekend is a great opportunity to learn from each other and share ideas of best practice.

It has been so encouraging to share the highs and the lows of local politics with people who also go through the same thing.

One common thread that has appeared is the big challenge we all face - which isn't the threat of opposition parties but ageism! There are 'older' politicians in all parties who still feel that young people are not capable, or at least shouldn't be, of making decisions.

We work in a 'business' where being 'old' is seen to be the norm and those that are 'old' still haven't got used to young people/Councillors having an active engagement in their communities.

In a 21st century Britian we need Councillors/MPs from all age groups - reflecting the diverse range of people we all represent.

Delivering with the Mayor and Mayoress

It's not often you get help delivering leaflets from such nobility.

Yesterday the Mayor and Mayoress of Bath, Cllrs Tim and Sharon Ball came to help out in the Norton Radstock Town Council by election.

Despite the rain and thunder we delivered, between us, to over 400 houses.

You can never go wrong though with the Balls. Tim is one of those seasoned campaigners whose 17 years 'in the business' makes him one of the very best. I have learnt a lot in a short period from Tim - how to be a good and effective Councillor and how to campaign meaningfully so that the end result is the achievement of your goal.

Anyway, that's enough praise for Tim. We are now only one day away from the by election. All I've seen from the opposition is one Conservative leaflet and a magazine from Dan Norris (I didn't know he was standing), both giving the impression that there hearts aren't really in it. Midsomer Norton residents are now receiving their fourth leaflet from the Lib Dems! Has it paid off? I guess we'll find out tomorrow!

A Liberal Bank Holiday!

The campaign for the Norton Radstock Town Council by election is going extremely well.

I spent most of my bank holiday weekend in Midsomer Norton pouding the streets with leaflets, glossy flyers and meeting local people.

It was quite encouraging to hear from a resident on Saturday afternoon that ours was the first leaflet they had received. Where are the other parties? Are they not putting much effort in because they think they'll win (or perhaps won't win) or was it just that the street we were in the opposition had not covered?

Just when we thought no one else had made a show two men in suits were spotted wearing blue rosettes (in a car with a boat on the roof rack!).

Having now covered the whole of Midsomer Norton North with our first leaflet there is still no sign of the party that called the election - Labour. Are they feeling a little foolish now? I guess we'll find out in ten days time.

BMX Campaign Continues...

The campaign for a BMX bike track continues in Peasedown St John. For many years a group of local people have believed that more facillities should be provided for young people to stimulate them, keep them active, and steer them away from boredom and potential anti-social behaviour.

Despite continual 'interventions' from members of the Parish Council trying to slow the process down we are determined to carry on with getting the job done.

Unfortunately the the best field to have such a track belongs to the Parish Council - so we need to get their permission and support before anything can begin to take shape.

I was really encouraged to see to in this year's Olympics that 'BMXing' is now part of the games. Could Peasedown St John provide an athlete for this sport at the 2012 games in London? It would be fantastic and good for village morale but unless the Parish Council identifies the need for this project and is willing to show signs of change and modernisation our hopes will not become reality.

By Election Campaign Underway

We are now just under three week's away from the Norton Radstock Town Council by election on September 4th.

I thought the Journal last Thursday gave a very fair outline of the three main candidates which clearly showed that the Lib Dems had the most active and electable candidate.

Mike Jakins will be fighting the Lib Dem corner at the by-election with a history of community action and leadership under his belt. Living in the ward for over 20 years Mike is a Head Officer in the Boy's Brigade and Local Preacher in the Methodist Church.

I have the priviledge of heading up Mike's campaign as Campaign Manager. I mean it when I say 'priviledge' because Mike is an asset to the Lib Dems and will be to the people of the Midsomer Norton North ward once elected.

Quite amusingly, if the Lib Dems win the first person we have to thank will be Labour Councillor Eleanor Jackson who told the world in the local newspapers that there was going to be a by-election. Thanks Eleanor!

A Level Results

I think it's a great insult each year when some say the A Level courses are getting easier - what's really happening is our young people are getting brighter.

When I did my A-Levels six years ago I have to say they were some of the hardest exams I had ever sat. I would do another degree any day over A-Levels.

I had the priviledge of celebrating exam results last night with a group of people from Ralph Allen School in Bath. It's so encouraging to hear they are all going to their chosen Universities - they all deserve it and had worked so hard.

I wish them all the best of luck in what they do in the future. In particular, Rachel Morgan who achieved 3 'A' grades and is now off to Imperial College London to study Mechanical Engineering. I am so proud of her - well done Rachel!

Home at last...

It's only when you leave this Country that you realise how good it is - how beautiful the countryside is and how much we have in terms of personal freedom and social welfare.

I have just spent two weeks relaxing in southern Turkey. The weather was excellent, one day the tempeture rose to 52 degrees 'C'. The locals, on the whole, were friendly and everything was well priced.

It is good to be home though. The end of our holiday was marked by a 16 hour delay because the plain engine had broken down, so 180 of us were put into hotel accomodation for the night. I'd seen these kind of things happen on TV programmes such as Airport and Airline but you never think it'll happen to you. I have to say Thomas Cook dealt with the situation very well and I will definately be flying with them again in the future.

The Dark Knight

Ever since I was a little kid I have been a Batman fan - the thriller and suspense is enough to capture anyone's imagination.

So, seeing the new Batman film last night - The Dark Knight - was a must!

As would be expected the Odeon cinema was packed with many Batman fans and others wanting to honour Heath Ledger in his last film.

I have to confess Ledger was not an actor I had really come across in the past and it's only since his prematuture death that I have become familier with his work.

I would certainly recommend this film to everyone and anyone. It has you on the edge of your seat the whole way through - the graphics are amazing and the all-star cast provide real value for money.

I can't believe it's been almost 20 years since the first Batman film - doesn't time fly?!

It's reassuring that Gotham is still being protected after all this time.

Labour Defeat in Glasgow

I have to confess I am actually quite surprised that Labour lost the Glasgow East by-election. I didn't think that things were going that bad that a Labour majority of 13,000 could be overturned. But, obviously it has so my congratulations go to the SNP.

What next for Labour? If they can't hold onto one of their safest seats what can they hold onto? The New Labour project has now come to an end and even many of the 'safest' Labour MPs in the Country must counting down the days 'till defeat.

Goodbye Gordon!

Mis-informed Radstock Resident

It's a shame to see Stephen Porter from Radstock writing in today's Journal that the Lib Dems once controlled B&NES Council. The Lib Dems have never had a majority on the Council and since the creation of the authority in 1996 the other parties (if working together) have always been in a position to out-vote us.

As for the regeneration of Radstock. The town has suffered at the expense of other areas over the years that have gone ahead with development and progression into the 21st century. Surely it's now time for Radstock to move forward - the NRR development can only be a good thing.

Blogging at last!

After weeks of debate with.... myself, I have started my own blog.

The purpose of setting up my own blog is two-fold. Firstly, just to have a rant. Secondly, to express my own views without conflicting the views of any organisation or group I belong to (not that I really would anyway!)

Happy reading.