MP backs residents over South Lakes TV blackouts
For the few weeks, many homes in Kendal and the surrounding area have been left without a television signal, leaving thousands without major TV channels and very frustrated.
27 Sep 2010
National News
New Labour leader should support fair voting system that elected him
Commenting on the results of the Labour Party leadership poll, Serena Tierney said:
26 Sep 2010
Stones Road footbridge replacement delayed.
Although the old reinforced concrete footbridge on the footpath joining Stones Road to Blenheim Road and Miles Road has now successfully been removed, the extra costs of the delays to this work have depleted the budget to the extent that some of the further work needed to re-open the "tunnel" or underpass will have to be left until the next financial year. This means that instead of opening later this year, the new route will not be available until next summer.
26 Sep 2010
Making clear the situation regarding schools changes once again
I was concerned to see the article in last week's Beds on Sunday which suggested that a change to a two-tier schools system across the Borough is being pushed forward by the Council. It is not. When the Building Schools for the Future money was cut, that signalled the end for the Council's previously agreed reorganisation as it was dependent on that funding. I have made very clear since that there are just two exceptions to this: the changes in the case of Woodside Middle School due to the school being placed in special measures; and the new Bedford Academy and its feeder schools, as the Academy wishes to become an 11-19 secondary school and will receive the funds required for this change from government. It is absolutely vital that parents, students, teachers and schools have certainty on the way forward, so I will continue to state as plainly as possible that this is the situation.
26 Sep 2010
Intelligent, Targeted, Effective use of CCTV: Putting the case to the Scrutiny Committee
On Thursday night I was invited to the Scrutiny Committee, after Conservatives on the Council called into question two recent Council decisions relating to CCTV. When it came to the meeting itself, the Conservative Councillors on the Committee asked very few questions at all on the two decisions, and I'm still not sure exactly why they made vociferous calls in the press for the decisions to be reviewed. However, I was glad of the opportunity to discuss the decisions and make clear that I am adamant that the Council will do all it can to make our communities safer while also ensuring the civil liberties of local residents are protected.
25 Sep 2010
MS charity respite home closure protest vote fails
A motion of no confidence in the leadership of a multiple sclerosis (MS) charity over the closure of respite care centres has failed. The residential centres in York, Surrey (Brambles in Horley), Warwickshire and East Lothian (Leuchars) face closure if they are not taken over by other organisations. The MS Society says its reviews aims to give patients and carers "more choice and control".
25 Sep 2010