Three years ago Essex County Council established the first Local Authority Trading Company, Essex Cares, which took over the Equipment Service. Being a Trading Company freed it from some of the constraints of a local authority service and enabled it to combine the best of the public and private sectors. If you are an older person you may recall the Essex Cares Telecare presentations which I arranged for older people's clubs.
Local MP Tim Farron is nominating Kendal for a major package of Government support. After the success of the Portas Pilot project the government has created another scheme to try and support local high streets called the 'Town Team'.
A reminder that a meeting will take place on Tuesday 4th September at 7.30pm in the Council Chamber and is an opportunity to ask questions and suggest possible improvements relating to the Planning Brief for this important site.
Cllr David Kendall has called for the leader of Brentwood Council to organise a public meeting for residents living in the town centre to discuss a number of issues relating to Brentwood's Night Time economy.
Wiltshire Council has agreed to close a short length of footpath which crosses part of the area used by Trowbridge Town Football Club. Although the path doesn't cross the pitch itself the club are concerned about dog fouling in the area, and about repeated vandalism. Closing the public right of way should allow them to increase the security of the site. Walkers will be able to use a slightly longer route along Woodmarsh and Axe and Cleaver Lane to get to the same destination.
Cumbrian MP and President of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron has today written to the Speaker of the House of Commons asking him to grant an 'urgent question' on the West Coast Main Line franchise. These questions and subsequent debates are usually granted sparingly and for major events like phone hacking.