Cllr Ian Ward's Blog

Met with Norman Baker the Under-Secretary of State for Transport

2012-01-25T20:22:00.001Z

Today I met with Norman Baker the Under-Secretary of State for Transport who visited the Island to officially open the Freshwater Yarmouth Transport (FYT) community bus scheme. Although the FYT community bus scheme is partially funded by the IW Council it is different from the other schemes operated by the Isle of Wight Community Bus Partnership (IWCBP). Mr Baker was met by the FYT bus at Yarmouth and transported to Freshwater where he took part in the handover of a cheque for Community Bus funding.

I explained to the Minister about the IWCBP schemes and how they served residents who would otherwise be isolated in their homes and communities. I told him how important government funding was to the survival of these voluntary schemes. I'm pleased to say that he told me that £49,000 had been granted to the IW Council to support these schemes. The picture shows our MP, Andrew Turner, Norman Baker and me!

Had an enjoyable session on Vectis Radio today

2012-01-16T22:58:00.000Z

Ian Mac asked me to come along for a session on Vectis Radio today. We got talking about a number of subjects with callers. The PFI, the Budget, moving the Fire Control Centre, the Canoe Lake area of Sandown, waste collections and how poor we, council, are at communicating with Island residents and the Islands media. I'm sorry to say that on the communications issue we could do a lot better. I must admit I did enjoy the session and hope that I get invited back at some time.

Plans discussed to enable more Community Buses

2012-01-09T20:45:00.001Z

At the end of this financial year at the end of March the current No22 serving Shanklin and the No23 serving the New Church area are scheduled to operated as Community Buses. I know that both routes can be altered so they serve their residents in a better fashion than they do now. What we do need to do is to find more volunteer drivers. We currently operate four routes with about 23 drivers; if we have to man two additional routes then we will need between 10 to 12 new drivers. So, please spread the word amongst your friends and get them to contact me ASAP.

Christmas & New Year Waste Arrangements - Bottle Banks!

2011-12-29T21:20:00.003Z

Yesterday night I noticed that the bottle bank close to me in Station Avenue Car Park was seriously overflowing. I suppose it is reasonable to expect a greater volume of bottles etc to be thrown away at Christmas time. Around 100 wine bottles were stood around the skips, plus boxes and carrier bags also full with bottles. I thought it would only be a matter of time before the bottles were knocked over, broken and scattered; the last thing you want in a car park. No problem I thought, I'll just phone the IW Council Call Centre and ask them to get the skips emptied and bottles collected, Wrong!! I just got a recorded message saying that the Call Centre was closed until 3rd Jan. However, if it was an emergency I should call the 'Out of hours' number for Wightcare.

Although this was not a real emergency I thought it had the potential to get out of hand. So, rang the 'out of hours' number and explained the situation. Answer - there are no waste collection services until 3rd Jan! I stated that this problem could not wait until next week; the operator said he would see what he could do.

I was not encouraged by the response so thought I'd ring a contact within Island Waste to see if they could help. My contact was not at work but I explained the problem again to a lady and she said she would speak to the supervisor and get it sorted. I am pleased to report that within a couple of hours the whole lot had been cleared away - So well done and thank you Island Waste. I will be raising this issue within the IW Council and asking for this new policy of not rescheduling waste collections in the week after bank holidays be reconsidered to take into account factors like bottle banks.

Council money unfair to poor areas??

2011-12-18T20:49:00.005Z

Yet again our local Lib Dem 'spokesman' whinges that its all so unfair! The IW Councils recently announced Economic Improvement Fund offers Town and Parish councils sums of money that they can used for the economic benefit of their areas, provided that they can match fund the amount offered.

So what do the Lib Dems do? Complain that some areas are being favoured over others because the amount offered is based upon Band D properties instead of the people on the electoral role. Band D is used because it is regarded as the most accurate measure of how many people actually live in a given area. A recent government paper reported that electoral roles could be as low as 73% accurate, so take your pick which method you use. Whichever it is, somebody will loose out!

However, did the Lib Dems ever offer town and parish councils anything similar? No! Talk about sour grapes and looking a gift horse in the mouth. That's Lib Dems all over, just moan, whine, whinge and critize, but do nothing themselves, just like their leader Nick Clegg! Fortunately, the Island people have realised that they are just a busted flush and ignore the few of them that are left. Perhaps they should join their pals who have deserted the Lib Dems and run off to the Green Party.

High Speed Broadband needs to come to the Bay Area ASAP

2011-12-14T22:39:00.000Z

The news that parts of the Island are to get High Speed Broadband is extremely good news and a major factor in the promotion of the Island's economy. However, I was very disappointed to read that it would be confined to the Cowes, Newport, Ryde triangle.
These areas already have the best access and communication coverage. In Sandown access to 3G mobile phone extremely limited (perhaps the wind blows in the wrong direction) and some areas barely have 2G coverage and internet speeds are slow.
As the Bay is one of the principal tourism areas of the Island, with many small businesses dependent upon mainland tourists, it would certainly benefit our business community to be able to communicate more efficiently with their customers. Access to HSB will also encourage new on-line businesses, negating the need to cross the Solent.
The announcement that the IW Council is planning a £15m investment package to bring HSB to the whole Island is fantastic news. Can I plead on behalf of the Bay area that we are given priority when the installation programme is planned; even if it means re-scheduling the PFI programme which I believe can be done easily now. The sooner the plans are laid the better.

Sandown to get nearly £12000 in match funding

2011-12-05T21:50:00.000Z

IW Council is to allocate nearly £12,000 to Sandown in its next budget help to support projects that would boost Sandown's economy. The IW Council is offering £250,000 in match funding to Island town's to help their economy. It will need residents to come up with ideas on how best to use this money. So if you have a brain wave, do let me know.

The Claremont Hotel HMO is shut down at last

2011-12-05T19:21:00.000Z

The HMO that caused the most blight to Sandown has finally been shut down by the IW Council Enforcement Officers. This is the action was ordered by the Planning Inspectorate back in June this year. The residents of this HMO has been blighting the lives of nearby residents for years. The enforcement officer said she had visited the premises and checked that it had been emptied. There is only one occupant now who is the manager. The manager is only there to facilitate the sale of the HMO as a hotel. I have asked the neighbours to let me know if anybody moves back into 'Hotel'. If they do the owner is liable to be prosecuted. Lets keep our fingers crossed and hope that Sandown stays free from any more of these HMO establishments.

Spend Money on Public Transport and Broadband NOT Useless Windfarms

2011-12-04T18:48:00.001Z

I am far from convinced that mankind can do anything about climate change but I do know that we are all angry about our taxes, petrol and power bills being hiked to pay for useless wind farms etc that will make no difference to carbon emissions. If they want people to use their cars less, why not spend more on public transport? Bus and Train fares are very very high and with the cuts in routes and schedules many families are isolated so have no option but to use their cars. Also, what is the point of High Speed trains between London and Birmingham that nobody wants? Surely, we should be trying to eliminate the need to make the journey? Why not invest that money in High Speed Broadband throughout the country so business people can do business without travelling by train or air. Reduce commuting to and from work by encouraging people to work from home several days per week? All these options would be good for people, surely our politicians can see that??

The Public are asked their opinion about the IW Council Budget for 2012

2011-11-21T23:01:00.000Z

I attended a public consultation event in County Hall tonight. Firstly the CEO and one of the Directors gave a good briefing about the situation regarding the reduction in government funding, what savings had already been made and what the budget gap was for 2012 - 2013. Groups were then asked to comment upon the council's priorities and perhaps suggest alternatives for budget expenditure.

I went around some of the groups and listened their discussions. Some residents seemed to have failed to grasp the purposes of the consultation. One group of young boys wanted more skate parks including an indoor one! When I asked them what services should be cut to release the funding for these they looked at me blankly. On the other hand another group of young people suggested employers allowing them to do voluntary work so they could get some work experience. What a good idea, I will look into setting up a scheme to put young people in touch with employers.

Unfortunately, there were also the those whose aim is to berate the IW Council. Some reading prepared scripts repeating the misinformation they regularly spread. I was able to enlighten two men who believed the PFI funding was a loan. They were astounded when I told them that the PFI was a grant, not a loan!

Scandalous Scaremongering by the Royal College of Nursing

2011-11-20T09:34:00.001Z

I have to condem the scaremongering by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) when it says that 50,000 NHS jobs are at risk because of the financial position of the NHS. So what is the financial position? No cuts at all in its funding and a pledge to maintain the current level in line with inflation - so what's the problem? Would it be that the NHS is out of control, very poorly managed, delivering a second class service and nurses being condemned for being more interested in their careers than caring for the sick.

I wrote to Andrew Turner MP to get the truth about the financial position of the NHS and the reply I got from the government was that they have tasked the NHS management to move £20billion from the back office administration and to move it into frontline clinical care. Everybody would support that wouldn't they? Everybody that is apart from the Unions; make no mistake, the RCN is like any other a Union.

Perhaps the truth is that the hugely inefficient management of the NHS is incapable of culling the army of administrators and make-work jobs that make the NHS a moribund colossus incapable of delivering a first rate medical service - for which the British public are paying through the nose. Shame on the RCN for spreading lies!

My 1st day driving Sandown's Community Bus

2011-11-16T00:27:00.001Z

Today is a day I have been looking forward to for some time and after three weeks of driver training on a 40 ft coach and the PCV test. Well, my day started at 8.30 in Newport meeting up with other volunteers who had come to collect the buses we were to take over from the school bus drivers. I took mine over at about 9am and headed for Sandown, arriving in Yaverland in time to start the day. Into the High St, up Beachfield Road, Broadway, Perowne Way, Lake High St and finally Morrisons; then all the way back again. This I did four times and met several friends who got on the bus; I met residents who I'd not met before and will surely get to know in the months to come. I am really looking forward to my next stint at the wheel on Monday.

A Brilliant Evening in Support of Help for Hero's and Royal British Legion

2011-11-13T18:57:00.000Z

Trish and I attended a lovely concert on Friday evening at St John's church in Sandown. The event was in aid of Help for Hero's and The Royal British Legion.

We were entertained by the Newchurch Male Voice Choir, The Five O'Clock Shadows (who played melodies from my youth) and a lady soloist whose name escapes me. The whole evening was delightful as the entertainers were first class.

The evening raised nearly £900 so it was very worth while. My congratulations to Jean Orman and the other ladies of the Towns Women's Guild. Well done you all, it was a great success.

Lib Dems love the EU - If you don't you are stupid or racist!

2011-11-10T22:56:00.003Z

I had a discussion with a prominent Island Lib Dem on Monday and he was saying that he might campaign for UKIP in the West Wight By-Election to undermine the Conservatives after the fiasco of the Lib Dem campaign. I said that I would only be voting for EU sceptical Conservative MEPs at the next EU election. He then declared that the Conservative MEP, Daniel Hannan was nothing but a racist who would be better off in the BNP!! Certainly an extreme response I thought; however it is a reflection of how the Lib Dems view those who question the dictatorial EU, you are either racist or stupid. Just consider the arrogance of Nick Clegg, the Lib Dem leader who refuses point blank to support anything that lessens the total control of the EU over the UK.

Another Success For The Southern Vectis Training Team

2011-11-04T17:57:00.002Z

L to R - Glen Crawford, Tim Parry (examiner),
Me and Trevor Williams)

Against all the odds the Southern Vectis Training Team have got me through the Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) test. I am so grateful for their patience, skill and courage as they guided and watched over me while I was learning to pilot a 40ft coach around our small Island roads. Having now been through the process I have a tremendous respect for coach and bus drivers, they make an extremely difficult task look easy - I can assure you it isn't. These drivers are nothing less than the airline pilots of the road. My personal thanks to Geoff Russell, Steve Hyde, Glen Crawford and Trevor Williams who all helped get me my licence. I can now take my place amongst the other volunteers who drive our community buses. I am really looking forward to driving residents of Sandown who use the No 24 Community Bus.

Andrew Turner's 10 Year Dinner

2011-10-22T20:26:00.001+01:00

Steven Norris, Carole & Andrew

On Friday 21st October Andrew Turner attended a dinner in his honour at the Royal Yacht Squadron to celebrate his 10 years as the MP for the Island. The guest of honour was Steven Norris, who you will remember sought to the Conservative candidature for the Mayor of London election which Boris ultimately won. The dinner guests came from a wide spectrum of Island personalities, not all of them Conservatives. The food was lovely so our congratulations to the Chef. The after dinner speech by Steven Norris focused on Andrew's honourable and loyal personal qualities. Steven revealled that Andrew's position on the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers was owed to a secret ballot of MPs, who only vote for those they trust. The final toast was to Andrew and another 10 years - Well done Andrew, we are proud that you are our MP.

I Start Driving Training For Our Community Bus

2011-10-13T22:31:00.001+01:00

Well I have been out and about on the roads of the Island with a 40 ft coach. To say its been a challenge would be is to understate the effort it takes to drive this beast. I have a newly found and deep respect for coach drivers now. My instructor, Steve, is brilliant. He guides me around the towns of the Island in such a gentle manner that he must have nerves of steel. Next week he hands me over to a test instructor who will prepare me for my test!

IW Councillors meet with Police Chief Constable

2011-09-29T08:09:00.000+01:00

Some Councillors met with the Chief Constable of the Hampshire & IW Police yesterday. I told him about two issues; the 1st was that residents don't keep reporting re-occuring incidents because a) they believe one or two reports is enough, and the police should have done something about their reports already, and b) nobody will do anything about it anyway. This means that the real situation may not revealed. The 2nd issue is the lack of reporting of traffic accidents. The Police attend many accidents, but details don't seem to be passed to the Highways Dept because nobody was hurt. Therefore there are no real statistics at local level about the actual number of accidents that take place in a given area. He accepted both points and agreed that they will try to find a better way of acting upon, recording and passing on information. A very useful meeting.

Community Bus - Another Successful Volunteer Driver Assessment Day

2011-09-24T21:21:00.000+01:00

Community Bus - I helped run another successful Volunteer Driver Assessment Day at the Riverside Centre with the Southern Vectis team today. Volunteers came from around the Island, but I was especially pleased that there were another two great guys from Sandown. I start my bus driver training on 3rd Oct - be warned! We still need more volunteers so if you want to do something for your community, we need you!

Sandown is Doing OK Thank You

2011-09-09T18:53:00.001+01:00

I wonder why some people in Sandown want to talk Sandown down. I recently heard somebody say - 'that's another nail in Sandown's coffin' Yes, times are hard, trade and profits are down - But this happening all over the country and the consequence of years of a Labour Government that squandered money and virtually bankrupted the UK; and we are all paying the consequences.

I read yesterday that some towns had a large percentage of empty shops in their High Streets. Seaside towns generally suffer more than in-land towns so we are in the worst category, but we are nowhere near as bad as Margate for example which has over 36% of its High Street shops empty. Leigh Park in Hampshire has 36.4% closed, even Wandsworth in a prosperous part of South London has 31.5%.

Sandown and the other Bay towns don't have any thing like that percentage empty. In fact I can only think of two shops in Sandown that are closed. So, we're doing OK in comparison thank you. Also, Me and others are trying to make Sandown even better!

Sandown's Community Bus Starts

2011-09-05T16:58:00.000+01:00

Monday 5th September heralded the start of Sandown's Community Bus service. After months of planning, meetings and training and the support of Sandown Town Council, the new No 24 Community Bus set off bang on time with passengers from the Yaverland estate on the edge of Sandown. Some of the passengers wanted to go to Sandown High Street and others to Morrison's supermarket in Lake. Other passengers joined the bus along Perowne Way and it looked as if the first day was going to meet the expectations of ridership. The bus arrived spot on time at Morrison's and its passengers went off to do their shopping. Unfortunately, a technical hitch with the bus caused the return journey to be delayed, but eventually the Community Bus got on its way and completed its journeys for the day. The community bus is scheduled to operate on Monday to Friday; if there is enough demand the service could possibly be extended.

The picture shows Alyson Bell, a volunteer driver and Cllr Ian Ward who started to establish the Community Bus when it was clear that the Wightbus routes 22 and 24 would stop in September.

Will David Cameron really change anything after the rioting?

2011-08-12T19:07:00.001+01:00

After a speech outside No10 in which David Cameron said those involved in the rioting would be punished and this must not be allowed to happen again I fear even he, this country's Prime Minister, will be up against the whole left wing liberal community. These include, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, the criminal justice fraternity, the education fraternity at all levels, the social services and sadly even ACPO the senior police officers 'union' - lets not forget Ken Clarke, the Tory Justice Minister. These are all backed up by the myriad of leftie Quangos who will weep bucket loads of tears in defence of these poor victims of our society. Do you remember that David Cameron promised a 'Bon Fire of Quangos' - well they're still here!

I have e-mailed the Prime Minister today urging him to take action now as he has the backing of the vast majority of people to do so. He must overrule the Home Secretary and recruit the American chief of police who brought peace to New York. Sadly, the Acting Head of the Metropoliton Police has been on TV saying that it was they who took the right action, not the politicans. It just shows that he hasn't grasped that he got it wrong; that's because chief constables seem to have been engendered in the same social work culture. That's why we need somebody from outside!

So, lets see if David Cameron will make any progress against the leftwing establishment. However, I fear it is too entrenched in the UK and broken Britian will stay broken.

Parking time extended to 3 hrs for users of the Heights

2011-07-28T00:17:00.000+01:00

Since the council imposed a 2 hrs limit for the Heights car park I have had a steady number of complaints that 2 hrs is not enough time to enjoy the fitness activities of the centre and have a quick snack etc in the cafe. To find out for myself I went and spoke to the staff and assistant manger of the Heights to get their view. They agreed that 2 hrs was a limitation and they had noticed that the takings in the cafe had gone down.

I then met with the Operations Manager and he was aware of the situation and agreed to find a way of addressing the problem. Well, I'm pleased to tell you that from 1st Aug users of the Heights will be able to stay for 3 hrs. My thanks to the staff for putting me in the picture and to the Operations Manager for implementing a commonsense solution

Independent & Liberal Democrat Groups Refuse to Second Fire Control Centre Debate

2011-07-20T22:27:00.000+01:00

Well, what a turn up for the books! After all the fuss made by the Independents and Lib Dems at last months Full Council meeting, not one of them would actually second Cllr Geoff Lumley's motion this month to debate the merging of the Island's Fire Control Centre with Surrey's. In fact, I have spoken to many of them over the last few months and just about all of them actually supported the merger. It really is the best and safest option for all Islanders.

So, just to make things clear, the only person who was against the last Labour governments plan to merge Fire Control Centres was ---------- our one and only, Labour Councillor! How strange!

The Possible Conseqences of the Independent Group Budget !!

2011-07-08T10:10:00.001+01:00

Earlier this year we Conservatives were castigated for our 2011- 2012 budget. A couple of Sandown residents told me I had let them down because I should have voted for the 'legal' Independent Group budget and thus saved the Libraries, toilets etc etc. What they didn't want to hear was that the 'legal' Independent Group budget depended upon cutting the salaries of Council staff. There was a small problem with this idea, the Unions had not agreed to a salary cut! We only have to look at what is happening in Southampton now with their rubbish collection staff striking because of the salary cut imposed by the Council. I bet they also have a 'legal' budget!

Volunteers for Help for Heroes and Tesco fund raising campaign collect £2237

2011-07-05T08:34:00.000+01:00

The Help for Heroes fund raising event on 1st and 2nd July at the Ryde Tesco store went really well and a great success despite the competition from Wimbledon and the Ryde Carnival we managed to raise £2237, which was far more than expected. There were 14 Volunteers in all who collected over the two days. Shoppers were very supportive of the Help for Heroes cause, some of them making very generous donations. Many old soldiers came up for a chat and to tell us about their time in the Services. We even had a couple of ladies who had served during WW11, one of them was 91 years old! Several Mothers with Son's or Daughters actually serving in Afghanistan stopped to speak and thank us for the work we were doing. All the volunteers felt a high degree of satisfaction because of their support for the Charity and the supportive comments from the public. Our grateful thanks to all those who donated to the Charity and the Tesco staff who supported the volunteers.

Sandown Community Bus Accepted & Agreed

2011-06-30T21:22:00.000+01:00

I was pleased to report to the Sandown Town Council that the Community Bus scheme that I had been planning to replace the Wightbus services No 22 and No 24 had been agreed and accepted! I know that will be a relief to many of the residents of Yaverland, Perowne Way and Broadway. The Community Bus route will encompass Sandown High Street, Post Office, the Heights and Medical Centre, Broadway, Perowne Way, Sandown Station, Lake High Street and Morrision's.

Today, some of the volunteer drivers and myself attended the Southern Vectis assessment session, at the Riverside Centre in Newport, to see if we were suitable to train. Results will be posted out to us on Monday, so fingers crossed that we all make it!

Help For Heroes & Tesco Join For National Campaign

2011-06-24T20:27:00.002+01:00

On Friday 1st July and Saturday 2nd July Help for Heroes and Tesco will be running a national fund raising campaign to raise money for injured servicemen. The large Tesco store in Ryde has kindly agreed to allow us to collect on those days so it is all steam ahead. What we do need is volunteer collectors for both days so if you can spare some time on Friday or Saturday I'd be really grateful if you would ring me on Tel: 403193 or e-mail cllr .ianward@gmail.com.

The Fire Control Centre Debate

2011-06-19T22:41:00.001+01:00

As you may have heard there was a bit of a issue about the intended debate in Full Council regarding the decision to transfer the functions of our Fire Control Centre to the Surrey Fire Service. There is a certain amount of emotion about this action and some councillors feel that it should be a decision of the whole council and not just the relevant cabinet member.

While I support the view that it should be an issue for Full Council, the decision itself is a no-brainer. When we came into office in 2005 the decision to move the control centre off the Island had already been taken by the Lib Dems. The Government of the day had decided to follow an EU directive to 'Regionalise' everything, so all the county based fire control centres were to be closed and a 'Regional' centre opened. Because of that, most the country based control centres were not kept updated with new technology etc. As usual the Government messed up the whole project and it was recently cancelled. This left the counties with obsolescent control centres and little money to re-equip and modernise them. As a consequence of this, most county fire authorities are looking to amalgamate with other counties to produce a modern and resilient control centre that could serve both counties.

Luckily, Surrey had modernised their Control Centre and it is 'cutting edge' in technological terms. So, it make sense for us to amalgamate with them to provide a modern and safe service for the Island.

Clearly, the control centre staff are against such a move as their jobs are at risk. They are not firefighters as is often said, but civilians. I have had informal discussions with actual firefighters and asked them if they have an concerns about the move to Surrey; not one fire fighter had concerns!

Good meeting with new Inspector of Neighbourhood Police Team

2011-06-17T22:12:00.000+01:00

Heather Humby, Dadina and I had a very good meeting with Insp Colin Hall who has recently taken command of our Neighbourhood Police team. We managed to iron out some queries and misconceptions that had developed over the last few months. We have a excellent Neighbourhood team, so its good that we're singing from the same song sheet. As an example the failure of owners appeal against the planning decision for the Claremont Hotel was largely thanks to the evidence provided by our Neighbourhood Team so a big thank you to them.

Highways PFI Roadshow Hits The Spot

2011-06-14T22:54:00.001+01:00

This evening I attended the Highways PFI presentation in County Hall. I thought the presentation was excellent and put paid to a lot of rumours and misinformation that has been circulating around the Island for several months. The Island is going to get a GRANT of £260 million from the government to overhaul our roads and associated infrastructure. It is not a loan, it does not have to be paid back! All we have to do is to contribute the £8.3 million, we are ALREADY spending, towards the scheme. It is a scheme that will bring untold benefits to the Island. Unfortunately, some residents who attended seem to think that its all a wicked trick by the IW Council and or the Government. One resident commented 'that it all seems too good to be true'. Yes, it does, but that doesn't mean that its not true! One lady suggested that we had got it all wrong and that we should be investing this money into cycle paths!!!! Totally off the point and just makes you wonder what sort of mindset some people have. You cannot convince those who don't want to be convinced.

Andrew Turner has been the Island's MP for 10 years

2011-06-11T18:23:00.000+01:00

On Friday 10 June Andrew Turner MP was treated to a surprise anniversary party by the people at the Riverside Centre in Newport. Richard Priest had arranged a special 'Birthday' cake for Andrew and he was asked to enter the main hall were many residents had gathered to see him presented with his cake. Andrew was totally surprised and thrilled that people went to so much trouble for him. Well done Andrew and here's to another 10 years.

We Win At Last - Crime & Anti-Social Behaviour 0 - The Good Guys 1

2011-06-04T20:57:00.000+01:00

After approximately 5 long years of suffering from crime and anti-social behaviour stemming from some tenants of the Claremont Hotel in Leeds Street, Sandown, I am very very pleased to say that the battle has been won! The neighbours will be able to live in peace once again. The Planning Inspectorates final decision to reject the owners appeal against its closure was just fantastic news. I have pressed, lobbied, threatened and sought help from the Police, council officers and Andrew Turner MP to get it closed down as a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO). Despite strong support from some quarters to keep it open, the Inspector said it was not fair on the community to allow it to do so. The owners now have 6 months from 2 June 11 to remove the tenants and close the HMO. I am now pressing the IW Council to establish a planning and housing policy for HMOs. We must limit the number of HMOs within a given area.

More Car Parking Spaces Essential

2011-05-30T19:13:00.001+01:00

Back in January the Government abolished the old Labour policy of limiting the number of car parking spaces to be included in new residential developments. The old policy meant that a developer could not include car parking spaces for new developments in town centres; just the place you would need them! Also, other residential developments were not allowed to have a space for each dwelling, so some residents had to go without and park on the street. Crazy or what?

So, it was really good news when the new Government abolished this stupid policy; some commonsense at last. However, the Isle of Wight is different apparently, we must still limit car parking spaces according to our proposed new Island Development plan. I'm told that we must still discourage the car and promote the use of public transport. (Do they know how expensive bus fares are?)

Anyway, I am not prepared to accept this explanation so I have contacted Andrew Turner MP to get a clarification from the Government if we can scrap this stupid old policy or not?

Councils across the UK face the same issues

2011-05-29T20:57:00.000+01:00

Trish and I have just returned from a short break in Oxfordshire. We had a really nice week away and Oxfordshire is a very picturesque county. However, I picked their local county paper and, low and behold, it reports the issues their council are struggling with, which were a reflection of ours; Libraries, Fire Control Centre and Heart Hospital! So, to all those knockers of the IW Council. I would say, open your eyes and see what's going on in the rest of the country before reaching for your pen.

Elected Police Comissioners Rejected By Lords

2011-05-13T23:50:00.005+01:00

It appears that the House of Lords has rejected the proposal to have elected police commissioners. Guess what? the revolt was led by two ex police authority leaders! That doesn't surprise me one little bit because police commissioners would become answerable to the people they serve, how degrading for them. At the moment our liberal chief constables seem free to decide for themselves what is a crime, rather then just a nuisance. They seen free to decide for themselves how a crime is recorded to make they statistics look good. They really don't seem to care what residents fear and want them to tackle.

I believe that elected police commissioners would be far more responsive to the public's concerns, because if they weren't, we could kick them out! So, David Cameron get this bill sorted out and send it back to the Lords, and if they still reject it you should implement it anyway.

A sad day for me

2011-05-07T09:04:00.000+01:00

Today is a sad day for me - The news that Champion Golfer, Seve Ballesteros has died marks the passing of one of the few sportsmen I respected and admired. When I took up golf in my mid 30's, my family and I often joked about how I had taught Seve all I knew about golf (virtually nothing)! Seve was a great golfer and a charming gentleman, the world of Golf and sport in general is diminished today by his loss.

Wow - What a result! AV & Lib Dems Firmly Rejected

2011-05-07T08:20:00.000+01:00

The results of the AV referendum and local council elections are devastating for the Lib Dems. Not only did the AV proposal get firmly rejected, but the Lib Dems lost 695 local council seats as well! They also lost control of several large councils around the country including Nick Clegg's constituency of Sheffield.

The national results for the AV proposal showed 70% against and only 30% in support. However, Islanders were even stronger in their rejection with 75% (32,841 votes) against and only 25% (11,311 votes) in support.

Especially interesting were the local council results nationally. It had been expected that both Conservatives and Lib Dems would lose seats, but the results showed that Conservatives had actually gained 81 seats and have taken control of 3 additional councils! It does show that the public have generally supported the actions of the Conservatives at national and local level; the decisions and actions have been tough but people realise that these actions are necessary. However, the Lib Dems are seen as opportunists so were hammered by the public by being voted out of 695 seats!

I think its reasonable to conclude that the Lib Dems at local and national level have lost most of their credibility and could even be in terminal decline. The public realised that the AV proposal was little more than a self serving bid by the Lib Dems to grab more power, for this they have suffered and they are in a postion from which they may not recover.

Britain Remembers it is Great

2011-05-01T12:33:00.003+01:00

Wasn't the Royal Wedding wonderful? I think the atmosphere in the whole country was one of quiet pride. Here was an event that impressed the whole world and the British people were reminded that our country is still 'Great'. After years of us being told by those who seem to be embarrassed our great history that 'our day' has passed, we were firmly reminded that this is certainly not so! The Royal Family showed why they are loved around the world, the dignity, the splendour and warmth surrounding the whole event made us all feel great. The military were yet again superb, but as a retired Army officer did I expect anything different? no of course not!

Sandown & Lake Football Club Presentations

2011-04-10T21:11:00.000+01:00

Saturday night at the Swad Indian restaurant in Sandown was the venue for the Sandown & Lake Football Club end of season presentation night. The owner of Swad, Cllr Raj Patel, who sponsors the team, presented prizes to several members of the team along with the chairman and other team officials. It was a really good night and enjoyed by all those who attended, as always, the food was excellent. Our thanks to Raj and his staff for hosting the event.

We Meet up with Nirj Deva MEP

2011-04-10T20:50:00.001+01:00

Some of we Conservatives met up with one of our MEPs, Nirj Deva, on Saturday at the Royal Hotel, Ventnor. Nirj told us about the Oversea Aid budget he is involved with and how so much money is wasted by the EU and how much money that seems to disappear in developing countries. Despite that there is a lot of good that does happen. Nirj briefed us on several projects he was working on, including one that actually gives shanty town dwellers title-deed to the land on which they are conducting small businesses. After his main talk he and I spoke about possibilities of opening Sandown Airport up for flights to London or Paris. George Cameron spoke to him about supporting a fish processing project in the West Wight. It's really good to have contact with our MEPs and Nirj is always on hand to help whenever he can.

Sandown Youth Centre raises money for Red Nose Day

2011-04-02T17:16:00.002+01:00

I'd just like to bring to your attention the excellent work of the staff of Sandown Youth Centre. On Saturday I popped along to their fund raising event at Sandham Gardens. The youngsters were doing two sponsored events to raise money for Red Nose Day - A slide down the huge slide and also a Go-Kart lap count. All the youngsters seemed to be enjoying themselves and the Josie and her team had everything under control. At one point I was forced up the slide and was escorted down by two members of the Centre. Really good fun and a tribute to our staff and young people.

Library opening hours changed on recommendation of Staff

2011-04-02T17:00:00.001+01:00

I recently put out a leaflet in which I said that Sandown Library would be open on 5 days per week, but that hasn't happened for good reason.

When I obtained the extra opening hours for Sandown Library I had envisaged using that extra time to open on an additional 2 half days making 3 full days and 2 half days. This would have allowed users to access the library on 5 days. However, the staff came forward and recommended that 4 full days would serve the users better. After a meeting with the head of the library service we agreed that if 4 days suited Sandown residents better, then we were happy to agree. I hope that explains the change.

Hard Choices Have To Be Made

2011-03-15T18:29:00.002Z

Ive just seen a news report of a demonstration in West Berkshire by disabled and vulnerable people who fear that their Council is to close 5 out of 9 Day Care Centres. This measure will save the council £2 million.

Although the IW Council is being criticised for reducing spending on Libraries etc it has actually put an additional £2.2 Million funding into Adult Social Care and an additional £500K into Children's Social Work. When I am accused of being a nasty Tory by the local Opposition, I ask them what would they cut? Day Centres? Adult Social Care? Do you know - I never get an answer!!

It's great being in Opposition - Promise the earth, knowing you will never have to deliver or take responsibility for anything!

Great Lunchtime with the Afternoon Town's Women Guild

2011-03-11T20:05:00.001Z

I had a great afternoon with the Sandown Afternoon Townswomens Guild on Wednesday 9th March. The event was their 79th Birthday. I was honoured to be asked along as their guest speaker. I did tell them that this was a formidable challenge for a mere man. Anyway, I had a lovely meal and then spoke about my childhood in Sandown. I also explained how I came to be born in Sandown and how most of my extended family stayed at 15 Station Avenue at some time or other. What I happy childhood I had here! My thanks to the Afternoon Townswomens Guild for such a lovely afternoon.

An Update on Sandown's Services

2011-02-28T22:28:00.002Z

I thought you'd like an update of the services for Sandown

Sandown Library Saved

The good news is that by our combined efforts in County Hall and on the streets of Sandown, Heather and I have got additional staff hours for Sandown Library. I and other Conservatives lobbied for the funding to save more libraries than the original two (Ryde & Newport). I examined budgets and suggested where funding could be moved to stop four of the Island main libraries from being closed.

Much negotiation behind the scenes by me and other Conservatives first produced additional staff hours to keep our libraries open for 3/4 days per week. Just before the Full Council Budget meeting an opportunity arose for me to lobby for even more hours, and I was successful! Today, we met with the Cabinet Member and Head of the Library Service to negotiate for enough hours to keep the library open on 5 days per week The Cabinet Member will report the change at the Cabinet meeting.

Community Bus for Perowne Way, Broadway & Yaverland

I am very pleased to report a major step forward in setting up a Local Bus to serve Perowne Way, Broadway and Yaverland. I had a very constructive 2-hour meeting with the Director of Southern Vectis (SV), Marc Morgan-Huws. Marc promised to help me wherever he could to provide a truly local bus service for the residents of Sandown. Southern Vectis will supply us with a fully maintained and registered single decker bus. We can decide the route (within reason) and retired passengers will be able to use their bus passes. We will have to work out a route and find some volunteer drivers. Southern Vectis will train the drivers to get PCV licences. These will be full PCV licences that will qualify the holders for bus/coach driving jobs in the future. There is an immediate incentive for the volunteers; SV is prepared to offer them a Causal Contracts so they can be paid for additional driving for SV.

So if you, or anybody you know who, are willing to volunteer for a day or even half a day per week ask them to get in touch with me. Drivers need to be at least 18 years old, but there is no upper age limit.

Sandown Tourist Information Centre (TIC)

You will know by now that Southern Vectis is going to establish a TIC in Sandown. It will be a tourist and travel information service. It will not sell ornaments etc, as this detracts from their prime role and competes with other High Street businesses; which does annoy local business people. Marc told me that he is looking for premises in the High Street. His staff have made some enquires and there are a few options to consider. Marc hopes to announce something soon. It is very likely that the new TIC will be in operation by around Easter time.

Life Guards

The IW Council has found some funding that can be used for lifeguards. We can have £5000 to train or fund anybody who is willing. Shanklin and Ventnor are going to run a combined training course for volunteers if they can attract some.

Toilets

Two toilets were selected for closure, but one is in Battery Gardens and hopefully when Sandown Partnership re-opens the Battery, its toilet will also reopen. The second toilet is Devonia at the end of the esplanade. St John’s Rd was originally selected for closure, but many residents and the Town Council asked if we could swop it for the Devonia toilets, as St John’s Road is the only toilet in the town itself. There are other toilets within easy walking distance of Devonia so it was the least worst option.

The SEN Black Hole

2011-02-21T22:04:00.000Z

Thank you all for responding to my Autism Sunday blog entry below. I do appreciate the disappointment and frustration that you must feel when you cannot get the help you want, and I do not doubt the many many entries on the SEN Black Hole site. But please can I be specific. I was asking for instances you may be experiencing because of 'funding cuts' I know that the Council has put an additional £500K into this years budget so I am disturbed to see entries referring to 'Cuts'. I have spoken to the Cabinet member this evening and she confirms that there has been no cuts, however, what has happened is that funding has been moved between depts, but the new depts should be delivering those services. So, it could be the case that a staff member may think that funding has been cut, when, in fact it has been moved to another dept. The Cabinet member did say that information to parents had been disrupted recently because a member of staff had left.

Having said all that, I still want to know about examples of any 'cuts' if you have them; but please let me plead - Information about 'Funding Cuts', not examples of poor delivery. I am trying to help, so saying 'look at the SEN Black Hole site' doesn't help me because I do look at it. e-mail me on ian.ward@iow.gov.uk if you wish. Bye for now.

Two Whole MPs for the Isle of Wight

2011-02-20T19:53:00.000Z

I hope residents are pleased that Andrew Turner MP and the OneWight campaigners have managed to kill the Governments's idea that we should have one and a half MPs. While we did campaign for just one MP, the Government and indeed David Cameron himself told us we would be getting one and a half - so there!

Well, Andrew managed to convince members of the House of Lords to support the Isle of Wight's campaign. The long and short of it is - the Government caved in!

Now all we need to know is how the Island will be divided into two constituencies. Clearly, a balance of residents between the constituencies will have to be achieved but that will be determined by the Boundry Commission.

Another Option For Managing our Libraries

2011-02-16T16:09:00.001Z

I attended the Tim Coates presentation about managing libraries this evening along with four other IW Councillors and a number of Town and Parish councillors plus many library staff. I have to say it was a very good presentation which showed an alternative model to the one currently recommended to IW Councillors.

The first thing he did was to defend the councillors by explaining that the manner in which information is presented to us is unclear. We are then expected to make decisions on the jargon embedded information.

Anyway, the thrust of his presentation was on how our library budget was spent now and how it could be better spent. Principally, he dismantled the Library HQ organisation, made each library relatively independent. He gave the branches their own budget for stock purchase and staffing, allowlng them to buy directly from wholesalers thus cutting out the HQ organisation. Also, let he the 'branch manager' decide upon opening hours and staffing levels directly with HR. From our budget of approx. £1.9m he saved £600K and kept all the libraries open.

He said our senior officers wouldn't like it because they no longer control everything, the HQ librarians won't like it because they will have to work in, and run branches. He has introduced this arrangement to other local authorities and it is working very successfully.

His opinion of 'self-service machines' is that they are not yet robust enough for the job, have too much additional cost ie stickers etc. and they have not proved successful. But they are often suggested by 'officers' as the 'way forward' They will just continue to use up our limited funding. Our money is far better spent on staff. I understand Tim Coates will be meeting Cllr Brown tomorrow so I do hope he will be as impressed as I was.

Autism Sunday 2011

2011-02-13T13:48:00.000Z

This morning Trish and I attended the IW Autism Sunday 2011 service at Christ Church in Sandown. This is the first time that that an Autism Sunday has taken place on the Isle of Wight. The service was really enjoyable and it was a pleasure to take part. I have been a bit concerned about the fear that there is a black hole in funding for SEN children. After the service I asked a number of people if they had any details of this black hole but nobody there seemed to know - seems its a rumour.

Sandown Library to stay open

2011-02-08T23:47:00.000Z

At the IW Council Cabinet meeting this evening (8th Feb) Cllr George Brown announced that libraries within the second phase of the Library plan would remain open and under the management and operation of the IW Council. Those libraries are Sandown, Ventnor, Freshwater and Cowes. They would be open 3 days/21 hours per week, manned by council staff and with the runnung costs being met by the IW Council. I did ask if the local community could have some input into the actual opening hours so the library would be open when it best suited the community; this was agreed. If community volunteers want to offer their services, the library could be open for even longer each week, but there is no obligation for anybody to do so.

I had always been confident that we would find a way of keeping Sandown Library open. While I have not been on demonstrations and marches, I have been working away in County Hall to achieve this decision. Of course the detractors will not be satisfied, but that's to be expected. Most socialists are still in denial that they bankrupt the country.

I tackle Culture Secretary over Local Goverment cuts

2011-01-30T14:35:00.001Z

At the South East Conservatives Conference on Saturday I tackled the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport. I told him that we in local government feel betrayed by the national government. It is we at local level who are having to deal with the Government imposed funding cuts and it is we who are facing the barrage of anger from residents. While we do this the Government seems to be renenaging on their boasts to make a, 'Bonfire of the Quangos' or to cut NHS bureaucracy and stand up to the EU. We feel like the front line troops, pushed over the top to bear the brunt of the enemy's fire, while they retire to their safe bunkers. I finished my statement by telling him that the comments by Grant Shapps that councils should not be cutting frontline services such as libraries etc until they had merged backroom activities were particularly unhelpful! There were a large number of 'here, here's' from the other delegates!
The Secretary of State replied that the Government would take action as they had promised and that the cuts were necessary because of the state of the economy; Also, that we must ensure that people knew that was the reason.

Wight Bus - Will Yaverland and Perowne Way Residents be isolated?

2011-01-28T22:18:00.002Z

With the pending demise of Wightbus this summer, how will those residents without their own transport cope with the loss of the No22 bus that serves Perowne Way and the No24 bus, that serves Yaverland?Hopefully, another operator will take the routes over; I've e-mailed the MD of Southern Vectis in the hope they can help; however, I am working on a Plan B.
Plan B is to establish a community bus that will serve both these residential areas. So far I have met with other people from around the Island three times, under the co-ordination of the Rural Community Council (RCC). At the last meeting we formed, 'The Isle of Wight Community Transport Group'. I was able to report that at my last Scrutiny Panel we were told about, The Sustainable Transport Fund' which the Government had introducted to help fund local transport solutions.
The next step is to work up a local transport scheme that can be submitted to get a grant. So keep your fingers crossed that I can produce a scheme that will provide residents with a workable community bus service.

Sandown Town Meeting did not agree to increase precept for library

2011-01-25T00:42:00.000Z

Sandown's Town Meeting about rising the precept to enable the Town Council to take over the library culminated in a vote not to do so. Residents questioned why they should pay more? The clear message was that the IW Council should continue to run the library and the proposal to close it must be legally challenged. I do not support the closure of the Library, but I had hoped that residents would have supported the Town Council to take it over; perhaps they believe the IW Council is bluffing. They are many benefits to be gained by taking the library over but that was not fully explained to the residents.

I have asked that the Cabinet re-examine all the spending plans as I do feel that there is room for some flexibility. For example, a £20million Highways budget must have some savings that can be made? Nobody is happy about making cuts to services but something has to give. It will be interesting to see where we go from here!

Lib Dims can't count

2011-01-21T21:12:00.001Z

Yet again the Lib Dems, or is it ''Dims', can't seem to get their sums right! At the IW Council meeting on Wednesday, Sandown's lone Lib Dem member stated that Sandown Town Council's precept would rise by 50% to fund the Library. Well, I did the maths on a scrap of paper and the rise is only 30%. But, hey, why bother to be accurate when you can exaggerate outrageously!
Perhaps he used the same broken Lib Dem calculator that his colleauges used to determine the 'Reserves' they had left behind when they were licked out of power in 2005. They repeatedly state that there were anything up to £60m 'in reserves'. For the record, there was £24m in councils reserves, in 2001, there was £39m in 2005 and today there are £24m. What I'd like to ask is, when they had £15m more than they needed, why did they raise council tax by 14% - 15%?? At least we Conservatives have kept council tax down to the rate of inflation or lower, thus allowing residents to keep their own money in their pockets.
Clearly, Lib Dems maths have room for significant improvement.

Local Lib Dems really are lost - Looks like they're ashamed of their national party

2011-01-18T00:25:00.004Z

Further to my post on 12 Dec, I attended an informal town council meeting this evening to discuss future of Sandown Library. Anyway, I said to our Lib Dem member that these council budget cuts had been brought about by the local governments funding cuts imposed by our Lib Dem/Conservative coalition Government. His response was - It's Not my government!!

So, it is clear that our local Lib Dems are without a party. It seems that the information that I was given that the local Lib Dems would be masquerading as the 'Tax Payers Alliance' is very likely. So, be warned, and keep a sharp lookout for Lib Dems in disguise at public meetings etc.

Nearly forgot - The Town Council agreed that the Library must be saved. A town meeting will be called for next Monday to ask the residents if they will agree to the town precept being raised to fund the library.

£4 Million to be spent on refurbishing County Hall - Rubbish!

2011-01-17T17:13:00.000Z

I see the opposition voice pieces are condemning the Council for planning to spend £4m on refurbishing County Hall. If that was the truth I would be angry and oppose the plan. But, its not the truth! The £4m is being spent to 're-configure' County Hall - let me explain.

When the Unitary Council was formed, the demise of the old borough councils and the old County Council meant that the new council had a large number of surplus of buildings. Any sensible council would have rationalised them and saved tax payer's money. But we are talking about the Lib Dem at the time so that didn't happen. We are doing that now.

The £4m 'reconfiguration' will allow more than double the number of staff to work from County Hall than at present. The £4m will be recovered within two years by closing surplus buildings. We will then be saving money from then on. Logical? Sensible? Responsible? Prudent? Yes, of course, but why let that stand in the way of criticising the IW Council?

My Blog mentioned on Ventnor Blog!

2011-01-12T22:20:00.002Z

While browsing Ventnor Blog earlier I noticed that my Blog got a mention in one of the posts. Sadly, some of the comments were of a leftie nature, but that's only to be expected I suppose. I can live with that because I know I'm doing my best for Sandown at a difficult time, brought about by the previous Labour government that got us into the worst debt in peoples memory. Anyway, keep up the good work Simon.
and Sal.

Good Luck for the New Year!

2011-01-01T11:09:00.000Z

So, 2010 is now behind us, thank goodness. Today we look towards what 2011 holds for us all. Certainly, the financial situation is a worry. Sadly, many residents face losing their jobs and I do feel for them, it must be very worrying for many families on the Island. Unfortunately, the Island is suffering alongside the rest of the UK. It is easy to throw the blame around to the old Labour Government, to the new Coalition Government, but who of us really knows.

What I would like to say is that there are many many people in this country and around the world who are worse off than us. At least we live in a beautiful Island and in a great community where people actually care about each other. Lets count our blessings. Here's wishing you all the very best for 2011!

Not So Happy Coalition - What a surprise!

2010-12-24T16:36:00.001Z

So, the biggest open secret in politics has hit the newspaper headlines - You would never have guessed that Lib Dems disagree with Conservative policies and Conservatives are sick to the teeth with leftie liberal policies being pushed forward.

Conservative voters have told me that they are desperately disappointed with David Cameron as Leader. They are angry to have been let down on immigration, crime, the EU, defence and budget cuts. Angry that we are lashing out £Billions to just about any foreign cause, but standing by when local councils are having to cut back on services such as the care of the elderly, children libraries, toilets, transport etc etc.

The sooner this coalition crashes, the better, as far as most of them are concerned.

Sandown not too badly hit by budget cuts

2010-12-18T21:39:00.001Z

Well it could have been worse! The announcements yesterday about the cuts in libraries and toilets across the Island showed that Sandown will not be too badly hit. We could loose two toilets, St Johns Road and Battery Gardens. I'm sure we can work around those cloures.

It's good to hear that our Library will stay open for the time being, but is due to shut in 2012. However, we will have the opportunity to take it over if we want to. The library does not belong to the IW Council, it is held by a bank trust, that means that we can have it if we want it via a community asset transfer. I have already spoken to the Head of Service and that's what she has advised. If we took it on we could put a TIC into it and use the rest of the building for something else. We must look at this as a cup half full not a cup half empty! Also, lets not forget - we are in this state because Labour have bankrupt the county during their time in power!!

Are the Island Lib Dems adrift without a party?

2010-12-12T12:06:00.001Z

An article in today's Sunday Telegraph shows that the Lib Dems have lost around half of their supporters because of their objection to the coalition governments policies. This must present a real dilemma for the Island Lib Dems. It is well known in political circles that most of them portray themselves as Lib Dems, but they are in reality Labour supporters. They do this because they know that if they were to stand as Labour candidates they would stand little chance of being elected. Clearly, their Labour roots will not allow them to support a local coalition with the Conservatives, but with the crash in Lib Dem support and the virtually non-existent support for Labour , where are they going to turn? what are they going to do?

Perhaps they will become 'Independent' ???.

University Fees - Has the whole system of further education system gone badly wrong?

2010-12-05T09:23:00.010Z

As somebody who didn't actually go to University I struggle to see why youngsters today seem to believe they must go to Uni and that it should be free. I went to a tech college on day-release from my work. I recently asked a student how many hours he spent at lectures. The answer was 8hrs - a day? - No, a week! So what do you do for the rest of the week I asked? - Private study! - I did my private study in the evenings and at weekends.

I cannot understand why the previous government exploded university capacity (my old tech college is now a university). Was it a way of diverting attention from our low education standards? I have worked with some graduates who cannot even speak or write English properly. Arithmetic without a calculator - forget it!

Anyway, if we are going to have such a large university establishment then the cost of it must be found from somewhere outside the of the public purse. As I have already discovered, students have plenty of time off to hold down a job to pay for themselves. I do not see why the taxpayer should pay for them to have a 3 year party. Having to pay their own fees may make youngsters give more thought to why they want to attend and what they want to study. In the USA it is the norm to work your way through university - so why not here? I believe we must change the culture for those wishing to attend University - It would be good for them to realise early in their lives that nobody owes them a higher education or anything else in life for free.

Cuts in Councils Budget - A Serious Issue

2010-11-29T16:53:00.001Z

The Council is shortly going to decide on how it is going to manage the deficit in its budget over the next few years. Most people are aware that ALL councils are going through the same hardship as ours. It is easy for our detractors to say that we are in a worst state than other councils because of our mismanagement. That is far from the truth. We still have substantial reserves and have maintained low council tax rises throughout our term in office. The Lib Dems do proclaim they had £60m in reserves, but then cannot explain why they then had huge rises in council tax!

We are criticised for having an £8m overspend on adult care; what would residents rather we did - neglect our elderly and sick - I think not.

Residents are seeing that ALL councils are having to change the way services are delivered. Just because its always done it a particular way does mean that they cannot be delivered in any other way. It is this change that some residents, and even some council staff, cannot comprehend. Are libraries going to close? are public toilets to close? Perhaps they will, but they could be run and operated by different organisations and different people. People don't like change so will fight against it, once something has changed they wonder what all the fuss was about.

Yes, things are going to be difficult for some years - no it wasn't all the bankers fault, it was 13 years of Labour waste and socialist dogma.

Don't forget that it was Gordon Brown who removed the controls on the bankers.

It's Not Really Cold - The World is Doomed!

2010-11-29T10:49:00.001Z

While we experience the lowest temperatures for a decade, the society of loonies and doom mongers (the global warming fantasists) are meeting in Cancun, Mexico to do their usual hand ringing session - we're all doomed! The latest crackpot idea being expounded by our UK university 'scienctists' (yes, the same ones that deliberately published fake figures) is that we should all be put on war times levels of rationing.

The Global warming industry is so deeply immersed in this deception because it is in their interests to maintain the global warming fantasy. The industry is coining in billions from governments who are afraid to question the 'science'. Many, many people still believe that the Al Gore film, 'An Inconvenient Truth' is fact, rather than pure science fiction. Al Gore is making millions from his company providing alternative fuel equipment, his film was nothing more than an advertising ploy. Most Governments now know this, but will loose face if they admit they were duped.

It is officially recognised that less than 5% of the so called damaging gases come from the emissions expelled from vehicles, power stations, factories etc. The truth is that the vast majority comes from mankind itself. So, if these loonies want to curtail emissions they need to curtail mankind - ie population control - this they are too afraid to say in public! No I don't believe we should have wartime levels of rationing!

House of Lords Reform - We've Been Deceived!!

2010-11-19T20:43:00.000Z

Having just read about the new appointees to the House of Lords got me thinking about what happened to the much touted 'reform of the House of Lords'. Do you remember all the shouts of it being undemocratic to have Hereditary Peers etc etc, and a large number of them being expelled?? Well, after 13 years of a Labour Government and the establishment of the new Coalition Government don't you find it strange that the political parties have made no progress at all towards any reform??

The truth is that none of the parties want any reform - they just hated having independent Lords sitting in Parliament scrutinising and interfering with what they wanted to impose upon the British people. Just think about the old system. We had people who were Lords by pure chance of birth and they sat in Parliament without an political leanings and were thus 'Independent' of any sense of obligation to any party. This independence meant that the political parties had no influence over them - how inconvenient and sometimes very awkward!!

What the parties really wanted was a House of Lords that did their bidding - thus the cries of the Lords being undemocratic. Labour managed to claim it as a class war for the 'People' and democracy! Between all the parties they succeeded in removing the hereditary Lords and now just fill their places with their own crony 'Placemen' who 'owe them' and will do what they are told.

So no 'reform' because they have already got exactly what they want - and we the public have been deceived - makes you sick doesn't it.

Fabulous, Fabulous Drifters Concert Shanklin Theatre

2010-11-18T14:36:00.001Z

Trish and I went with friends to see the Drfiters in Concert at Shanklin theatre last night. The evening was brilliant, just brilliant !!! The singing, the harmonies, the dancing was just fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. The theatre was packed with those in their 50's, 60's, 70's & 80's who were transported back to their teens and twenties. There were even those who were in their teens, 20's, 30's and 40's some of whom couldn't even have been born when the Drifters were in their heyday. People were dancing in the isles, singing and clapping along. Brilliant night, just brilliant!!! I think Trish floated home on a cloud! - http://www.theofficialdrifters.com/

Gas prices to rise by 9% - Why ??

2010-11-15T23:04:00.000Z

British Gas has just announced that it is having to raise its gas prices by approximately 9% . Well, bearing n mind that inflation is supposed to be low why are we being subjected to such a huge hike?? Interestingly a 'spokesman' quoted rising basic commodity prices and environmental factors - Environmental Factors ?? What Environmental Factors ?? What they really mean is that the Government is forcing them to pay for the massive subsidies for the Wind farms they are planning around the UK coast. Yes, all this supposedly FREE environmentally friendly power being produced from hugely expensive and inefficient wind farms is COSTING US A FORTUNE !! And for what - It is accepted now that less than 5% of global warming is caused by combustion emissions, so we are being forced to pay £Billions to subsidize wind farms that will make diddly squat difference to so called Global Warming!!! I feel angry and conned, do you?

Benches or Drink Ban - What do you think??

2010-11-12T20:50:00.000Z

I have just received yet another request to have the benches removed from the junction of St Johns Road and Leeds Street because of the drunks that sit on them and intimidate passers-by. We've already removed the benches from outside the library because of drunks. we've removed the bench at the junction of Broadway and Station Avenue - because of the drunks! Clearly, we have a problem with drunks!! What do you think? Do we need a alcohol free zone in Sandown? Tell us what you think because we will discuss this at the next town council meeting.

Chale, Niton & Whitwell By-Election Victory For Conservative Candidate

2010-11-12T12:26:00.000Z

Good news for the Island Conservatives with the victory of their candidate, David Stewart, at the the Chale, Niton and Whitwell by-election yesterday. Despite the awful weather the turnout was nearly 40% which is exceptional for a by-election and marvellous considering the awful weather. It made my contribution of leafleting and polling station duty at Whitwell all worthwhile for me.

Parking Charges for The Heights delayed Until Local Residents Permit is available in January 2011

2010-11-06T23:26:00.007Z

After being told this week that parking charges were to be introduced at the beginning of December for the Heights car park in Sandown, I wrote back asking that charging be delayed until the Local Residents Permit was introduced in January 2011. The reason for this is because many local residents use the Heights car park because they have no off street parking of their own and it would have been unfair to disadvantage them. Thankfully, this request was agreed by County Hall. Charges will only be imposed after 2 hours. 2 hours should be enough for most people using the Liesure Centre or the doctors.

A Defence Treaty With the FRENCH!!!!!

2010-11-02T18:58:00.002Z

I am lost for words!!! The wet lefty liberal Cameroons have signed a defence treaty with the FRENCH!!!!! - Every British soldier throughout history must be weeping in shame!!!

Minister for Tourisn & Hertitage Comes to Sandown

2010-11-02T16:27:00.008Z

John Penrose MP, the Minister for Tourisn & Hertitage visited the Isle of Wight and the invitation of our MP, Andrew Turner. I meet the party at the Hovercraft and took them to Osbourne House where discussions took place about the future use of some parts of Osbourne House. After a quick lunch I took them to Sandown Zoo and we showed the Minister various animals and interesting parts of the Fort.
While in Sandown I pointed out the play and fitness area that had been built by the Sandown Community Partnership. The Minister said that he was impressed and said that this was a good example of the sort of thing that communities could do when they put their minds to it and worked together.

The last stop on his visit was to meet representatives of the Island's tourism industry received mixed comments from them about Governmemt and Council support to the Industry.

Cameron's New Liberal Wet Conservatives Fail Us Again

2010-10-29T17:30:00.004+01:00

Well! David Cameron seems to have failed yet again to live up to his promises about curbing the power the EU exercises over the UK. Remember he promised a referendom ? The other day he said he would oppose a raise in the EU budget. Both issues have not been fulfilled!! At the Party Conference our MEPs said that Cameron could not stop anything the EU wanted to do because our rights to oppose anything had already been signed away by the Government! Looks like we are being lied to - yet again. I am far from convinced that the New Liberal Conservatives are worth supporting. They certainly aren't what I voted for!!!

Sense at Last - The Battle to Contain 'Climate Change' is Lost

2010-09-24T21:39:00.004+01:00

The Guardian has published an article by George Monblot in which he says that its time to face the truth - the battle to contain climate change is lost. The only global deal for limiting climate change is the Kyoto Protocol which expires in 2012 and the chances of a replacement are tiny. The USA is never 'going to play'. Many countries, like the UK have brought in tough targets, but most results are little more than a con-trick. The UK claims to have reduced its contribution to climate change by 19% since 1990. In fact, when you take into account, 'excluded factors' such as aviation pollution the actual figure is an INCREASE by 29% !!!! I always believed the 'figures' were no more than smoke and mirrors. Just an excuse to raise taxes as we suspected all along!!!!!!

IW Council Meeting - Westminster House

2010-09-23T21:01:00.002+01:00

At last nights IW Council meeting, councillors had to meet the reality of a serious reduction in Government funding because the UK is bankrupt. Opposition members were keen to present this situation as some failing of the council. The Labour member seemed to suffer from the same condition as his party colleagues - memory loss of what they did over the last 13 years. Of course he was quick to blame 'the Bankers' while failing to accept that Labour had bankrupt the country long before the banks crashed. Who I ask removed the regulatory controls on the Banks? None other than Labour!!

The main issue being discussed was the future of Westminster House, as respite facility on the outskirts of Newport. The proposal was to move the facility to the Gouldings in Freshwater. No cut in services, no reduction in services, just a move to another building! Well you'd have thought the proposal was to abandon these vulnerable completely. There were several misleading comments made by people in the public gallery and opposition members. It discussion concluded by agreeing to have 90 day consultation period and to visiting the issue after that.

OneWight - Didn't We Have a Lovely Day, The Day We Went to No 10

2010-09-08T12:28:00.012+01:00

The OneWight Campaign reached the end of our first phase when we took our petition of 17,529 signatures to Parliament and then on to No 10 Downing Street. Southern Vectis kindly allowed us to transport the petition and 15 campaigners to London. Wighklink kindly hosted us all back and forth across the Solent. BBC South and the Gazette came to see us off and Martin Neville from the IW County Press accompanied us for the whole day.

When we arrived in London we were met at Parliament by Andrew Turner MP and we presented him with the petition. At 2pm we reported to the entrance of Downing Street, along with Andrew Turner. After a security check we were allowed to walk to No 10! Again, the BBC were there to film us. We knocked on the door, presented the petition and then posed for photos before returning to Parliament to listen to the debates. Unfortunately, we could not wait until the AV Bill was debated as we had a ferry to catch. Andrew, along with eight other Conservatives voted against the Bill however, it was passed. There are several other stages for the Bill to pass through so we hold our breath in anticipation. Be assured, that the campaign team will continue the struggle through all the Bills stages through Parliament.

OneWight Campaign - Busy Weekend

2010-08-30T20:16:00.007+01:00

The OneWight Campaign Team has had a tremendous Bank Holiday weekend. We started on Saturday at the Somerfield supermarket in Shanklin. Sunday we were at the Haven Street Steam Railway and on Monday at the Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxhall. There masses of support for the campaign and we often had people queuing to sign the petition!!

We did have some people who seemed to believe that we would get two MPs, not the one and a half that will be forced upon the Island. We soon put them straight and they soon signed up!!

Grand Opening of Sandham Gardens Sports and Play Facilities

2010-08-16T19:36:00.011+01:00

This Sunday saw the Grand Opening of the Sandham Grounds Sports and Play Facility by the Chairman of the Sandown Communityn Partnership, Mr Ron Teasdale, Sandown Mayor, Jacquie Merewether; Deputy Mayor, Connie Cowley and Olympic medalist. IW Council Sports officer, Lee Matthews has been insturmental in the installation of the Adizone section. Guests included Andrew Turner MP and Cllr Ian Stephens, Chairman of the IW Council and Olympic Gold medalist Sarah Gosling.

Sandown Regatta - 151st Year - Another Success!

2010-08-16T19:17:00.003+01:00

Sandown Regatta took place on Sunday 8th August. After some doubt at the beginning of the year that the event would survive the loss of its previous chairman, secretary and other committee members the Regatta did go ahead. A new committee made up of some new members, plus some of the original members, with their vital experience enabled the event to go ahead. The day was great and the overall winners were the Observers team. Well done to all who helped organise the event and for those who took part.

HMOs - IW Council Officers Admit That Their Hands Are Tied

2010-06-20T14:37:00.004+01:00

After over 3 years of battling against the illegal HMOs in Sandown, IW Council Officers have finally admitted that there is little they can do about them. Despite two enforcement orders and hundreds of visits by the police, it appears that neighbours, whose lives are blighted by these doss houses, have little hope of the IW Council doing anything about these illegal premises. Fortunately, the Police may be able to do something and they are checking the legalities of their powers. In the mean time I have contacted the Audit Commission, the body that inspects councils and they are going to check rules etc. I am going to contact our MP, Andrew Turner and see if he can present this problem to the Home Secretary. It is simply not acceptable that residents have to live in fear and intimidation just because nobody is willing to tackle the owner of the 5 properties in Sandown that are operating as illegal HMOs.

Political Compromise- Have we been let down?

2010-05-25T12:39:00.003+01:00

I dont know how other people feel about the coalition but I for one am angry about the watering down of the policies I supported.

The first I am really angry about is the promise to eliminate the Human Rights Act and to replace it with an Act that suited the UK. I, and many other people regard the current human rights act as little more than a charter for terrorists, criminals and other people out to stick two fingers up at the British people. I have been accused of being racist because of the viewpoint, but this is absolutely nothing to do with racism! I believe we are being insulted by those who wish us evil and we idiots give them money, housing etc etc to do so!!

The second issue I am disappointed about is the demise of the promise to support marriage. It is not the tax break that was important, it was the recognition that the best relationship for children to grow up in is marriage. I know all the lefties will leap up and down and protest that an unmarried couple are just as good as a married couple when it comes to bringing up children. Well, that is true to a point, but generally marriage is best - fact! The vast majority of the troubled young people I deal with do not have married parents - proof enough for me!

Con Lib Coalition - Is It Doomed to Failure?

2010-05-12T22:23:00.005+01:00

After days of horse trading it seems we now have a Government made up of Conservative and Lib Dem members. I'm not sure how I feel about that. We all know that Lib Dems believe in whatever you happen to believe in, just to get your vote, even if its against if it's against their party policy. However, in the next town they will say they believe in just the opposite if it suits them!

I've heard several people on the Island, who would normally have voted for Labour, say that they only voted Lib Dem to keep the Conservatives out of office and they are now angry that the Lib Dems have betrayed them to support the Conservatives. Well, there's a lesson for them - Never trust a Lib Dem! Time will tell how successful this coalition will be!

Yes! - Andrew Turner Wins Again!

2010-05-07T15:42:00.005+01:00

Polling Day saw Andrew Turner being selected by the residents of the Isle of Wight to be their MP yet again. Despite Lib Dem hopes of a resurgence of support following Nick Clegg's performance on the TV debates , Andrew actually increased his vote to 32,810. There was clearly evidence of tactical voting by Labour supporters who defected to the Lib Dems in the forlorn hope of keeping Labour in power. Clearly, Islanders know who is the best man for the job!! Well done Andrew!!

Andrew Has Storming Visit To Sandown High Street

2010-05-01T21:23:00.003+01:00

Andrew Turner visited Sandown High Street today to meet residents and business people. In virtually every shop, bar or cafe Andrew received support and approval from those he met. If fact one lady said she felt Andrew had done a really good job for the Island and he thoroughly deserved her vote. As usual, most of the things people wanted to complain about were actually IW Council issues ie car parking and schools. For my sins Andrew normally passed these points onto me . We were accompanied by town councillors Raj Patel and Connie Cowley, plus IW Councillor for Lake North, Gerry White. As usual Andrew always gets full support from the Sandown team.

Boojum & Snark - Sandown's Art studio

2010-04-20T21:49:00.006+01:00

I popped along to the exciting new exhibition at Boojum & Snark at 105 Sandown High Street on Saturday evening. The event is called Cultural Expression and it will run from 17 April until 8th May. It is open between 7pm and 9 pm on weekdays and between 10 am and 4pm at weekends. The exhibition has provided young people with the opportunity to get creative and show their work to the public. My congratulations to Tracy Mikich, Lauren Fry, Simon Avery and Joanne Hummel-Newell who started and run this enterprise. I hope it continues to bring exciting art to Sandown.

IW Radio's 20th Birthday Event

2010-04-20T09:33:00.007+01:00

I was invited to attend the IW Radio's 20 Birthday celebrations on Saturday 17th April. The event went really well with many well known people turning up to help them celebrate. Andrew Turner was there and I managed to get a photo with him. David Pugh popped in, in fact it was also his Birthday!. Julie Jones-Evans, a Newport IW Councillor, got into deep discussion with Marc Morgan-Hughes from Southern Vectis, but did she manage to influence him about Newport bus services?

Andrew 4 the IW - Andrew Turner's Campaign Blog

2010-04-13T19:01:00.003+01:00

Take a look at Andrew Turner's new blog site. Comment on what Andrew says and what he does. Tell him what you think, tell him about your concerns. Click on the title above to get to his blog. The blog site address is: www.andrew4theiw.blogspot.com

Sandown Branch holds Function at Brading Roman Villa

2010-04-07T22:50:00.005+01:00

Island Conservatives met at the Brading Roman Villa for Sunday lunch. The Roman Villa was arranged by Cllr Raj Patel and Cllr Connie Cowley arranged the fund raising. Our thanks to them both! The afternoon raised £180 which took Sandown Branch above its fund raising target for this year. Well done to you all.

We've Started - Parking Permit Review is Underway

2010-03-19T22:04:00.004Z

Well, It's started. David Pugh the Leader has asked the Economy, Environment and Transport (EET) Scrutiny Panel to undertake the review of parking permits. We want to complete this review as soon as possible and we hope to find a scheme that will suit everybody's needs. It cannot be as cheap as the last permit scheme but it will be fair.

If you have any suggestions or just want to have a say, just leave your thoughts as a comment to this post.

Parking Permits - A Backward Step

2010-03-07T11:44:00.004Z

It will come as no surprise to anybody that I totally opposed to the withdrawal of the Residents Parking Permit (RPP). The permit was introduced in 2006 as a recognition that Island residents are often on low salaries and find the cost of public transport crippling. Despite advice from officers that we would loose up to £400k per year, parking revenue actually increased!! What we did was rebalance meter charges so residents gained and causal visitors paid the going rate. The Island and its residents won all around.

Sadly, we have become just like all the other local authorities who soak the motorist for all they can get. What happened to serving our community! Everybody looses now.

I will continue to object to the demise of the RPP and hope that one day we will restore it.

Sandown Supports 'Help For Heros' Charity

2010-02-20T22:36:00.008Z

Two fund raising events in Sandown have raised £2500 for the 'Help For Hero's' charity who support wounded servicemen, mainly from the wars in Iraq and Afganistan. Last Saturday the Conservative Club held a function that raised £1905, a tremendous amount for just one event! This Saturday we had a Mayor's Coffee Morning at the Broadway Centre and raised an addition £600, which was very good for a coffee morning. My thanks to the Chairman and members of the Conservative Club and Val Taylor, our own Clerk, and Jean Orman from the Towns Women's Guilds who planned the Mayor's event and with the help of other residents who helped put on a great morning. Thank you all. The pictures show Andrew Turner MP with me, Andrew talking with volunteers who helped run the coffee morning and the Band at the Conservative Club.

Clean Up Around Foxes Bridge

2010-02-14T18:41:00.006Z

A Community Payback team has spent two days in the Foxes Bridge area clearing up the vast accumulation of litter, bike frames and other debris that had been dumped there by those who do not seem to care about their community. The team filled up two skips with the rubbish they collected. These were supplied by Mike Rowlands, Sandown's Senior Environmental and Neighbourhood Officer. Would you believe that people dumped rubbish overnight between the two days of the clear up? They were not allowed to go into some areas overlooking the railway line so unfortunately they could not clear all the litter. The photo on the right shows me with the supervisor in the yellow jacket and a young man on the Community Payback squad.

Sandown Conservatives Hold Great Social at Raj's Restaurant

2010-02-07T22:08:00.007Z

Sandown's Conservatives had a great Sunday lunch at Raj Patels restaurant - SWAD in Sandown High Street. Over 50 people enjoyed a great lunch and a raffle. One of the guests was Donna Ratcliffe, the Chairman of the Isle of Wight Conservative Association. Raj and his wife Kris were great hosts and our thanks to the restaurant staff as well.

Government Takes £20m From the Isle of Wight!!

2010-01-21T18:15:00.005Z

I recently attended a consultation/briefing session with senior elected members and council officers trying to determine the budget and council tax level for the next year. It transpires that local authorities like ours in the South have their Revenue Support Grant (RSG) reduced by the Government so their can give more money to its 'friends' in London boroughs and Labour areas in the north of England! It's called 'RSG Damping'! Damping will remove £11m from the IW over the next 3 years of this Council. The Government works out what funding each council needs, it then reduces that funding in Southern areas and diverts that money to Labour areas; leaving the shortfall to be made up by forcing the councils to set a higher level of council tax than it would have done.

In addition to the £11m loss caused by 'Damping' the IW also has a shortfall o £9m in funding for the pensioners bus scheme; that's £20m in total!!! Just think what we Islanders could do with that.

This Government has no shame about supporting their favourites in just about every area of Government business. No shame, No integrity - No Good!!

Working to get a Police Station into Sandown

2010-01-08T10:48:00.002Z

I'm sure you will know that the Police would like to establish an office here in Sandown. First we tried the railway station, that fell through, next was the old taxi office in front of the Pier St toilets That option seemed to be possible until the IW Council announced that it had plans to refurbish the complex. The current possibility is the Town Hall. We had looked at this option before and it is supported by just about everybody. Unfortunately, the Council said that the accommodation was all in use by the Education Dept. What they really meant was that the Music Service used it for storage - they will dispute that. However, last year the music service was nearly disbanded and handed back the the schools, but that decision was put on hold. This year I will be pushing for that decision to be implemented so the police can move in!

Sandown loses a couple of good friends

2010-01-03T21:57:00.004Z

Sandown lost two friends over the Christmas/New Year period. Firstly, Ted Findon passed away and this weekend, we lost Ian Welham. Ted had a very long involvement with local government and was a staunch member of the Conservative Party. Ted's funeral is at Christchurch on Friday 8th Jan. Ian is a past Mayor of Sandown and was always involved in the community. Over the years he seemed to be involved in all our main events. Latterly, he was chairman of the Regatta committee. Sadly, both these men will leave gaps that will be hard to fill. Our condolences to Ted and Ian's families.

A Pittance of Time

2009-11-17T22:50:00.005Z

I was this sent video clip and I'm sure you will find it moving. Having just come back from the USA I found that the people there seemed to be much more supportive of their forces than we in the UK. This clip is Canadian. Click the arrowhead to start the video.

Environment, Economy and Transport Scrutiny Panel (EET) - Mon 16th Nov

2009-11-14T20:22:00.004Z

Mon 16th Nov is the second meeting of the EET Scrutiny Panel and we are reviewing two interesting policies: Car Parking and Speed Limits. Both these subjects are of considerable interest to the public and are to the hearts of councillors who, I am sure, will have comments about situations in their area. Also, we have a controversial issue about the Duver, being raised by Cllr Reg Barry. Some members of the public have said they will be attending to oppose him. Why not come along and see the fun! - I will publishing a report of the meeting afterwards, so come back a see how things developed!

Labour Government believes you must pay higher taxes

2009-11-14T19:57:00.007Z

I think we all know now that Labour believes in higher taxes and more controls upon the law abidding and working people. Caroline Spielman MP reports on what she has discovered below:

Did you know that the average family in England spends £1190 each year on Town Hall services for which they are charged over and above their council tax?
I found that statistic – courtesy of the Audit Commission – rather surprising, but it is the latest mechanism Labour Ministers are deploying to rinse more cash from the pockets of hard-pressed taxpayers.
One of the first signs that Labour were fixed on the charging route came back in John Prescott’s day when he changed planning guidance so that councils were explicitly directed to increase parking charges as a means of deterring car-use.
From then on we have seen councils forced into charging and cutting services.
Only last year Local Government Minister John Healey was lambasting councils for not seeing the full potential in charging for services. What Labour Ministers don’t get is that most people think, quite reasonably, that their hefty council tax bills should cover the cost of services. That’s the reason councils are reluctant to press ahead with charging, and when they do it is because funding and direction from the centre leaves them with little option.
Next year the average council tax bill will be £120 each month. That is a large sum of money for people to find, particularly for those on fixed incomes. On top of that Labour is planning a revaluation which will drive bills up further and it is going to make councils charge for more and more services.
It’s clear people have simply had enough of paying more and getting less under Labour.
The priority for a Conservative government is to get Council Tax back down to a reasonable level and safeguard the services people rightly expect from the Town Halls – I believe that’s also the priority of communities up and down the country.

Thanks Caroline - We must work hard to get rid of this defunct and divisive government that has cheated and lied to the population - The EU, Immigration, Economy, Education, Defence etc etc, the list is endless