- If Labour win just another 4 seats we will have the privilidge and responsibility of taking control of Walsall Council. Our policy is very clear.
- We would address the inequalities of distribution of resources over the Borough to make this much fairer. The much worse health record in areas such as ours must be reduced.
- The cuts to our services and support to the vulnerable are severe and we will look very carefully at how the reduced budgets can be used as effectively as possible . Aiming for properly joined up services ,sharing efficiciently management costs. A root and branch examination of current contracts will reveal better value for the spend of public money.
- We will establish a much more powerful and independent audit committee of the Council to check the spend of your money.
We will introduce a by law that all scrap wagons will have to display a licence plate as do taxis. This will ensure that those who wish to operate a scrap wagon will have to go before a licensing committee who will issue such a licence if they are agreed they will operate according to the law and for example not run their business from their home residential address.
We will look quickly and carefully at cases where due to the introduction of benefit based charging, some serious hardships have happened. these need to be looked at in greater detail to see where we could help. we shall expand the welfare rights service who will ensure those very vulnerable people receive maximum support.
Cllr Ian Robertson
The fact that this Council receive more in parking fines than from parking ticket revenue reinforces the message from those who run businesses in walsall that high initial parking charges are hurting this Town and driving visitors away. We will look at how we can introduce a free first 1/2 hour or so to atract them back.
We will promote community enterprise and a strong and fully appreciated voluntary sector.
published by electronic means by Ian Robertson 87 Belvidere Road walsall WS1 3AU
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Gosocte and Poets plans deferred for decision.
Comment regarding Wednesday Planning Committee 15th March
From Cllr Ian Robertson 01922 634642 and 07956 829549
Walsall Planning Committee decided on Wednesday night to put off making a final decision on the application for outline planning permission in Goscote and Poets areas of Blakenall.
There were calls for more complete surveys of ground conditions and the ecology of the sites. Residents have been waiting for over 5 years for the start of the promised regeneration of their communities and the area ,so there must be a real sense of urgency to come to a positive agreement on a robust plan to make a start, especially at a time when the economy everywhere is in such a poor state.
The deadline to agree this plan must happen within the timescale of three months . Anything more will risk missing the slim but real opportunity for both the Walsall Housing Group ( WHG) and Walsall Council coming together with the community and a developer, yet to be identified, to have the vision for a new Blakenall built here. This vision must have plans for excellent landscaping of the open spaces with proper play facilities and expansion and enhancement of local schools and roads.
In the immediate future we need Walsall Council and WHG to properly look after the present open spaces in partnership with the police and an effective neighbourhood watch network of local residents to control the fly tipping and anti social behaviour that causes serious nuisance to residents. There is also an urgent need to re-establish a regular bus service along Goscote Lane.
There is a commitment from all parties including local Councillors to make this happen. If we do win in May and gain control of this Council this issue will be addressed along with the fact that the current Tory Council over the past 12 years have favoured their own areas with resources... we shall redress that balance to give a much fairer distribution to areas such as Blakenall.
Cllr Ian Robertson ( Blakenall Ward)
published by electronic means by Ian Robertson 87 Belvidere Road walsall WS1 3AU
From Cllr Ian Robertson 01922 634642 and 07956 829549
Walsall Planning Committee decided on Wednesday night to put off making a final decision on the application for outline planning permission in Goscote and Poets areas of Blakenall.
There were calls for more complete surveys of ground conditions and the ecology of the sites. Residents have been waiting for over 5 years for the start of the promised regeneration of their communities and the area ,so there must be a real sense of urgency to come to a positive agreement on a robust plan to make a start, especially at a time when the economy everywhere is in such a poor state.
The deadline to agree this plan must happen within the timescale of three months . Anything more will risk missing the slim but real opportunity for both the Walsall Housing Group ( WHG) and Walsall Council coming together with the community and a developer, yet to be identified, to have the vision for a new Blakenall built here. This vision must have plans for excellent landscaping of the open spaces with proper play facilities and expansion and enhancement of local schools and roads.
In the immediate future we need Walsall Council and WHG to properly look after the present open spaces in partnership with the police and an effective neighbourhood watch network of local residents to control the fly tipping and anti social behaviour that causes serious nuisance to residents. There is also an urgent need to re-establish a regular bus service along Goscote Lane.
There is a commitment from all parties including local Councillors to make this happen. If we do win in May and gain control of this Council this issue will be addressed along with the fact that the current Tory Council over the past 12 years have favoured their own areas with resources... we shall redress that balance to give a much fairer distribution to areas such as Blakenall.
Cllr Ian Robertson ( Blakenall Ward)
published by electronic means by Ian Robertson 87 Belvidere Road walsall WS1 3AU
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
planning issues about Goscote and Poets
Dear Resident,
We are sure you are aware an outline planning application has been submitted for the re-building of houses on the former Poets and Goscote sites and we are very aware that many of you oppose some parts of that application. We fully share your concerns, but we would just like to clarify some issues.
- These proposals will not touch any part of Swannies Field and will affect The Lea ( for those not sure, the land opposite the former Dolphin Pub and to the rear of Hardy Road).
- If permission was granted ,it would be advertised to see if any developer would be prepared to enter into a very tight contract and would have to submit a far more detailed planning permission which would then come back to everyone for comment and modification.
- The Goscote site would have 98 houses. The rest of the Goscote land would be then landscaped and then swapped for the greenbelt land taken from the Lea and not left as a rubbish tip.
Our fear is, that if we do not at least explore this way forward, the very large areas of non-maintained land will continue to attract fly tipping, motor bikes, fires and many other anti social issues. This will cause a great nuisance to you all , drive down the value of current house prices and result in more empty homes.
- for these reasons we reluctantly support this first stage of the planning application as the only possible way forward at this present economic time. We do have every respect of those genuine residents who are opposing it, but not political opportunists who see this as yet another way of obtaining negative publicity .
If you have any questions or comments please do get in touch with us on the above numbers.
Kind regards
Ian Ann
Cllr Ian Robertson Cllr Ann Young
Sunday, March 11, 2012
diary post 11th march
Delighted that Oak Crescent and Elm Road have been resurfaced... a response to their petition .. emergency repairs done before Christmas.. but now well done!!
Also most of the area round the Park has been at last resurfaced... despite a lot of lobbying over the past few years... so unfair that for example more money is spent per year on the roads of Pelsall than all of roads in Blakenall, Bloxwich East and West pu together!
.. This is certainly something we will address if we gain those 4 extra seats in May local elections!!
There are lots of issues that quite rightly cause you a problem.. speeding on Blakenall Lane... lack of parking for local residents there also... a residents' parking scheme could be proposed.. but my attempts to raise this before has been greeted by the tory council that there is no money depsite the fact that residents would have to pay for each permit. We need to have such schemes and have enforcement officers to ensure these rules are obeyed. This also needs a firmer hand on enforcement as a whole.. most dog owners are caring and responsible and clear up dog mess after their pet... great and welcome such responsible owners. A few do not and it is totally unacceptable not to clear this up as the risk of disease such as blindness can happen and treading this stuff into the house after accidentally treading on such a mess again makes this a real nuisance. Our children playing in the park should not have to combat dog mess or for that matter horse droppings. Time to employ some effective enforcement officers to keep our streets and playgrounds clear.
The planning approval comes to a special planning meeting on Wednesday 14th March 5.30pm.. anyonbe interested can attend as is a public meeting.
My view is that I really do not like the use of open space on the Lea to be used for building a number of houses most of which will be beyond the reach in pricing for most residents of Blakenall. It needs emphasing that Swannies field ( below the canal ) will not be touched.. However this proposal is the only one in town and is the only one that has any chance of bringing in the investment to rebuild what would be around 800 houses and rebuild the community. certainly if this is approved and goes to European tender, there is a chance that a major investor would take up the offer and develop. Risk is that if nothing happens or this is rejected, those of you who live in that area will face another 10 or 15 years or non development and my fear would be that the area would become so run down, the chances of ever doing such a development would be almost nil. So on balance taking into the vision for the whole of Blakenall, I can see no other way but try to go with this proposal. If a developer comes forward, this is the time to make a very tight contract, that ensures the open spaces are properly maintained , new facilities installed ( such as 5 a side pitches on Swannies)
This tight contract is essential to generate the money to redesign the roads and increase the capacity of local schools. Harden JMI ( which I serve as a Governor along with North Walsall JMI) does have spare capacity.. Edgar Stammers does not... however this could be an opportunity to sort a few issues for Hrden JMI with better access and well designed parking areas near to the entrances ( build up lay bys)
We are now 10 days away from the NHS reorganisation bill becoming law... opposed by all the NHS staff and representative bodies... devolving 80% of the budget to GPs and costing millions to implement. We shall be seeing what is called the 'risk register' where they have had to look at risks to the NHS for bringing in these expensive changes.. Having worked in the NHS for 40 years, I can tell you there are many areas that are in chaos with staff in the wrong place and this will cost in care and service to patients... Hospitals will be allowed to run up to 50% private earnings.
News this week that parts of the work of our police force can be put out to private companies should cause us serious concerns... confidential information with access by non police force workers?
The cuts in the fire service in the midlands will result in 5 front line fire officers being lost every month... along with loss now revealed of front line police officers...
grateful for nay comments...
regards
Ian
Also most of the area round the Park has been at last resurfaced... despite a lot of lobbying over the past few years... so unfair that for example more money is spent per year on the roads of Pelsall than all of roads in Blakenall, Bloxwich East and West pu together!
.. This is certainly something we will address if we gain those 4 extra seats in May local elections!!
There are lots of issues that quite rightly cause you a problem.. speeding on Blakenall Lane... lack of parking for local residents there also... a residents' parking scheme could be proposed.. but my attempts to raise this before has been greeted by the tory council that there is no money depsite the fact that residents would have to pay for each permit. We need to have such schemes and have enforcement officers to ensure these rules are obeyed. This also needs a firmer hand on enforcement as a whole.. most dog owners are caring and responsible and clear up dog mess after their pet... great and welcome such responsible owners. A few do not and it is totally unacceptable not to clear this up as the risk of disease such as blindness can happen and treading this stuff into the house after accidentally treading on such a mess again makes this a real nuisance. Our children playing in the park should not have to combat dog mess or for that matter horse droppings. Time to employ some effective enforcement officers to keep our streets and playgrounds clear.
The planning approval comes to a special planning meeting on Wednesday 14th March 5.30pm.. anyonbe interested can attend as is a public meeting.
My view is that I really do not like the use of open space on the Lea to be used for building a number of houses most of which will be beyond the reach in pricing for most residents of Blakenall. It needs emphasing that Swannies field ( below the canal ) will not be touched.. However this proposal is the only one in town and is the only one that has any chance of bringing in the investment to rebuild what would be around 800 houses and rebuild the community. certainly if this is approved and goes to European tender, there is a chance that a major investor would take up the offer and develop. Risk is that if nothing happens or this is rejected, those of you who live in that area will face another 10 or 15 years or non development and my fear would be that the area would become so run down, the chances of ever doing such a development would be almost nil. So on balance taking into the vision for the whole of Blakenall, I can see no other way but try to go with this proposal. If a developer comes forward, this is the time to make a very tight contract, that ensures the open spaces are properly maintained , new facilities installed ( such as 5 a side pitches on Swannies)
This tight contract is essential to generate the money to redesign the roads and increase the capacity of local schools. Harden JMI ( which I serve as a Governor along with North Walsall JMI) does have spare capacity.. Edgar Stammers does not... however this could be an opportunity to sort a few issues for Hrden JMI with better access and well designed parking areas near to the entrances ( build up lay bys)
We are now 10 days away from the NHS reorganisation bill becoming law... opposed by all the NHS staff and representative bodies... devolving 80% of the budget to GPs and costing millions to implement. We shall be seeing what is called the 'risk register' where they have had to look at risks to the NHS for bringing in these expensive changes.. Having worked in the NHS for 40 years, I can tell you there are many areas that are in chaos with staff in the wrong place and this will cost in care and service to patients... Hospitals will be allowed to run up to 50% private earnings.
News this week that parts of the work of our police force can be put out to private companies should cause us serious concerns... confidential information with access by non police force workers?
The cuts in the fire service in the midlands will result in 5 front line fire officers being lost every month... along with loss now revealed of front line police officers...
grateful for nay comments...
regards
Ian
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Diary 26th February
Some successes this week!
The collapsed sewer in Blakenall Lane is now fully repaired and the horrendous situation of raw sewerage flowing down the road not stopped...I Only became aware of this some 10 days ago from residents that this had been the case since Christmas! Managed with others to focus the minds of Severn Trent , Environmental Health and the Environmental agency to get moving on it.
Thursday was budget day debate at full council. The tories and the liberals ( who in Walsall are really closet right wing tories) voted against our amendment which put into context the situation we face in Walsall where the most vulnerable and the less well off , face the real pain of all these cuts... £22Million off social services in the last 3 years and around £84 Million overall. The bribe from Mr Pickles to freeze council tax and accept the £2.5 million to do so has a serious bite in the tail that when this yearly bribe finishes , Walsall will resume the Council Tax ladder at a lower level and so suffer permanent loss of this money unless those who run the Council them have to make a very large catchup rise in Council Tax levels.. I had the real pleasure over Christmas of attending a school pantomime with my grandchildren who live in Brentwood Essex and no Mr Pickles was not on stage but was in the audience.. so when the 'he is behind you' was the dialogue when the ogre came on.. my cry was ' he is sitting on the front row!'
Back to the budget... I did quite a bit of research with officers and felt that spending to save option of using money to bring in free community alarms for the over 80's would be a sound investment. This alarm system is the envy of many of our neighbouring authorities and I think we could cover our costs by offering this service to a wider client base. It is not only an emergency 24/7 cover with the 'round the neck alarm' but also has the ability to talk to clients as a human contact, at Christmas they wished them all Merry Christmas on the day, cases have com up where they could alert the emergency services such as fire brigade earlier than otherwise and by reducing the risk of emergency hospital admissions will ave lives and of course save resources and so money.
The liberal put down an amendment to spend more money on a range of areas in benefit support and youth provision but without some proper researched facts and figures and expected impact, we could not vote for what are excellent themes but no case for why more money is needed in these areas in addition to the large amounts already being spent.
Delighted that the scrap metal dealers report was enthusiastically supported. I went to almost every meeting of the working group producing this as I know how seriously the effects of their activity in the streets of Blakenall and wider afield ruins the lives of the neighbours of these 'tat' dealers... plus of course the enormous costs to us all of the activity of those who also deal in stolen metal.
A further notice of motion from the labour group highlighted the need for a policy to more promptly tackle the issue of empty closed public houses.. shame they are closing when some are important to keep up a place for social activity in our communities.
Took a number of residents to meet planning officers about the plans to rebuild Goscote and Poets on Friday. It is important that everyone has the opportunity to say their piece up to the planning meeting to be held on Wednesday 14th march at 5.30pm. Book your seat now!
Had a good meeting at the Mill Street mosque where hopefully good progress was made to establish a community based charity to run the management of the mosque in partnership with the brothers
The collapsed sewer in Blakenall Lane is now fully repaired and the horrendous situation of raw sewerage flowing down the road not stopped...I Only became aware of this some 10 days ago from residents that this had been the case since Christmas! Managed with others to focus the minds of Severn Trent , Environmental Health and the Environmental agency to get moving on it.
Thursday was budget day debate at full council. The tories and the liberals ( who in Walsall are really closet right wing tories) voted against our amendment which put into context the situation we face in Walsall where the most vulnerable and the less well off , face the real pain of all these cuts... £22Million off social services in the last 3 years and around £84 Million overall. The bribe from Mr Pickles to freeze council tax and accept the £2.5 million to do so has a serious bite in the tail that when this yearly bribe finishes , Walsall will resume the Council Tax ladder at a lower level and so suffer permanent loss of this money unless those who run the Council them have to make a very large catchup rise in Council Tax levels.. I had the real pleasure over Christmas of attending a school pantomime with my grandchildren who live in Brentwood Essex and no Mr Pickles was not on stage but was in the audience.. so when the 'he is behind you' was the dialogue when the ogre came on.. my cry was ' he is sitting on the front row!'
Back to the budget... I did quite a bit of research with officers and felt that spending to save option of using money to bring in free community alarms for the over 80's would be a sound investment. This alarm system is the envy of many of our neighbouring authorities and I think we could cover our costs by offering this service to a wider client base. It is not only an emergency 24/7 cover with the 'round the neck alarm' but also has the ability to talk to clients as a human contact, at Christmas they wished them all Merry Christmas on the day, cases have com up where they could alert the emergency services such as fire brigade earlier than otherwise and by reducing the risk of emergency hospital admissions will ave lives and of course save resources and so money.
The liberal put down an amendment to spend more money on a range of areas in benefit support and youth provision but without some proper researched facts and figures and expected impact, we could not vote for what are excellent themes but no case for why more money is needed in these areas in addition to the large amounts already being spent.
Delighted that the scrap metal dealers report was enthusiastically supported. I went to almost every meeting of the working group producing this as I know how seriously the effects of their activity in the streets of Blakenall and wider afield ruins the lives of the neighbours of these 'tat' dealers... plus of course the enormous costs to us all of the activity of those who also deal in stolen metal.
A further notice of motion from the labour group highlighted the need for a policy to more promptly tackle the issue of empty closed public houses.. shame they are closing when some are important to keep up a place for social activity in our communities.
Took a number of residents to meet planning officers about the plans to rebuild Goscote and Poets on Friday. It is important that everyone has the opportunity to say their piece up to the planning meeting to be held on Wednesday 14th march at 5.30pm. Book your seat now!
Had a good meeting at the Mill Street mosque where hopefully good progress was made to establish a community based charity to run the management of the mosque in partnership with the brothers
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Blakenall Diary 22nd February
We win some, we lose some.. At last yellow lines installed outside Harden Health centre... hopefully to stop those who park right outside and cause a danger to pedestrians and other road users in the area. Next we need those litter bins to stop the build up of litter floating down from the near by take a way.. the rats that drop th litter are feeding the rats that feed on th litter. I would up the penalties for dropping litter, dog fouling and of course the bigger fly tipping culprit to include community work where the culprit had to spend many hours doing clear ups. Fining them is too good for them. If they persist in their anti social behaviour, there is an excellent set of stocks near the lake in the Arboretum... I would happily throw the first rotten tomato. We also need a litter bin next to the new store on Walker road.. the manager has offered to look after the emptying and maintenance.
The flats in Walker road/Newholme way are at last getting some doors to the flats... the ones in Brunard way have been done.. cost at about £4000 each door...Despite increased patrols by the police without these new security entry doors, life in these flats has been dreadful for the tenants.
On thursday we shall have the scrap metal traders strategy coming to Council. Have been joining in with a lot of commitment to this campaign which has had national support now to regulate this trade... stop the illegal activity in stolen metal, stop those who run the trade from their home address to the serious nuisance to their neighbours, regulate the level of noise nuisance they can make as they use their horns to annoyance their arrival, often on a daily basis.
Taking this friday, a group of residents to meet the planning officer in charge of the Goscote planning application.. mostly those from Hardy road who quite rightly have serious concerns about plans that build on their doorstep and on open space that has been used as open space for such a long time.
I continue to have meetings as being part of the succession to New Deal... there is the potential that this organisation could lead the way to regenerate the whole of North Walsall and Bloxwich and build up a powerful joined up community that is self sustaining.
Also planned re meetings between the Mosque in Mill street and walsall Voluntary Association ( WVA) to agree a new robust charitable Constitution which can allow the community to be a full partner for the future. Another important duty this week is to join in meetings of Governors... at North Walsall Primary school.. a school that is making great progress, but is on th list to be turned into an academy... a step to be taken with great care.
I will report back.....
Regards
Ian
The flats in Walker road/Newholme way are at last getting some doors to the flats... the ones in Brunard way have been done.. cost at about £4000 each door...Despite increased patrols by the police without these new security entry doors, life in these flats has been dreadful for the tenants.
On thursday we shall have the scrap metal traders strategy coming to Council. Have been joining in with a lot of commitment to this campaign which has had national support now to regulate this trade... stop the illegal activity in stolen metal, stop those who run the trade from their home address to the serious nuisance to their neighbours, regulate the level of noise nuisance they can make as they use their horns to annoyance their arrival, often on a daily basis.
Taking this friday, a group of residents to meet the planning officer in charge of the Goscote planning application.. mostly those from Hardy road who quite rightly have serious concerns about plans that build on their doorstep and on open space that has been used as open space for such a long time.
I continue to have meetings as being part of the succession to New Deal... there is the potential that this organisation could lead the way to regenerate the whole of North Walsall and Bloxwich and build up a powerful joined up community that is self sustaining.
Also planned re meetings between the Mosque in Mill street and walsall Voluntary Association ( WVA) to agree a new robust charitable Constitution which can allow the community to be a full partner for the future. Another important duty this week is to join in meetings of Governors... at North Walsall Primary school.. a school that is making great progress, but is on th list to be turned into an academy... a step to be taken with great care.
I will report back.....
Regards
Ian
Monday, February 20, 2012
Diary 19th February
This week sees the main Council meeting for the year... budget setting on 24th February. Now the economy is suffering at the moment so there has to be cuts... what is wrong is that cutbacks have to be fair... we are altering the income of often very vulnerable groups of residents and so altering often dramatically their patterns of living.. some may need that extra money to be able to buy food in a more expensive form or need a more expensive diet . Those who have a very health income will not be so affected as the cost of food rises by around 4% and incomes rise by much less.. probably around 1.7%... cost of travel and heating are also rising above the rate of increase of many peoples' income... there has to be a much better understanding of how this impacts residents and families...as a Council we can help by for example, assisting families to get back to cooking healthier fresh food at much less cost buying the pre packed, pre cooked variety.
We must ensure that our elderly have a decent quality of life and have the opportunity to socialise, get a decent diet, can afford to keep warm and are given easy access to support. Walsall has an excellent care phone service run from Brownhills and I think we should provide such a phone to the most vulnerable.
The other area which is vital to supporting our families is the disgrace of families broken by domestic violence... we need to ensure that the walsall domestic violence forum is properly funded to continue the support so vital to such afflicted families. We shall see what we can debate on Thursday.
We must ensure that our elderly have a decent quality of life and have the opportunity to socialise, get a decent diet, can afford to keep warm and are given easy access to support. Walsall has an excellent care phone service run from Brownhills and I think we should provide such a phone to the most vulnerable.
The other area which is vital to supporting our families is the disgrace of families broken by domestic violence... we need to ensure that the walsall domestic violence forum is properly funded to continue the support so vital to such afflicted families. We shall see what we can debate on Thursday.
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