Issue 320
FOCUS WALTON RESIDENTS' NEWSLETTER www.peterboroughlibdems.org.uk
New Year wish Local Liberal Democrat councillors Asif Shaheed and Nick Sandford would like to wish residents of Walton ‘all the best’ for 2015. "It's been an interesting year," said Asif. "Again, I'd like to thank all of those that took the time to vote for me and ensured that I held onto my seat in May's elections. “Nick and I always try to put your needs first and being a resident of Walton myself I'm directly impacted by any decisions that are made by the council. It's great having the opportunity to voice my opinion and directly influence decisions, such as the one to overturn the takeaway licence which was requested by Bobby's Stores. “Nick and I will continue to do our best and hopefully build on what we've already achieved."
No shelter Residents who catch the bus to the city centre from the stop in Corfe Avenue have contacted local Lib Dem councillor Nick Sandford. They get wet on rainy days as there is no bus shelter despite the fact that many people use this stop every day. The city council planned to install a shelter a few years back but reversed the decision following objections from one or two people living nearby. Nick has asked officers to look at the issue again. He said: “Passengers want a shelter but obviously we need to ensure that all views are taken into account. “People don’t want to get wet on their way to work or on a trip to the shops. If we want more people to use the buses, we must give them decent facilities.” If you have views on the need for a bus shelter at this or any other location, please get in touch with Nick or Asif.
News from Lib Dem councillors Asif Shaheed and Nick Sandford
Key decision lights MUGA It's nice to be able to report a success – even one which has taken a lot longer than it should have. At the beginning of 2014, local Lib Dem councillor Nick Sandford was contacted by a local resident because the lights on the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) on the Mountsteven Avenue recreation ground were not working. The lights are supposed to allow kids to play there during winter evenings but are timed to switch off at 9 pm to avoid late night annoyance for residents. Nick was told that the council's contractor, Amey, would repair the lights. He assumed this would happen within a few weeks. When dark nights came around again in October, the lights were still not working. Nick said: "On checking with the council I found the lights had never been repaired. “When I asked why, I was told that there is a lock on the box Local councillors Nick Sandford which houses the control panel and Asif Shaheed at the MUGA. and Amey had lost the key. It appears that, rather than getting a new key made, the contractor had done nothing. Presumably it assumed that this would make the problem go away and the lights would miraculously repair themselves! Anyway, the lights have at last been repaired – and an officer at the city council has been given the important job of looking after the key to ensure that Amey can't lose it again!
Bowling green closures? Local Lib Dem councillor Asif Shaheed was contacted by a resident about the possible closing of Itter Park bowling green due to planned cuts by the Tory-led city council. Asif said "There are tough decisions that need to be made but the council seems to be making these based purely on finance, not on how they may impact on individuals. “The gentleman who contacted me is one of many whose only social interaction and exercise is playing bowls. If this were to be taken away he'd have no social life at all, which would affect his health and put a strain on other services which are also facing budget cuts. “Fortunately, the Tories have decided to put this on hold while they give it more consideration. I hope they will decide to throw it out and leave the older generation some remaining pleasures."
The lights go on Street lighting in Walton continues to give cause for concern, particularly in the area on and around Rhubarb Bridge (at the Lincoln Road /A47 junction). Local Liberal Democrat councillor Nick Sandford often cycles over the Rhubarb Bridge and has on several occasions reported defective lights. "Over the Christmas period, I counted ten lights on and around the bridge which were not working," Nick said. “It makes part of the journey very dark and forbidding. “I have been told that the lights on the tall columns around the bridge can only be repaired with the road closed and that it is difficult to get permission from the Highways Agency. That may be so, but some of the lights have been out for months and it's no excuse for the lights on the bridge itself, which are the council's responsibility." On a more positive note, the light at the end of Itter Crescent, which is the responsibility of Bellway Homes, has now been repaired. Nick and local residents have been chasing this one up for several months. The council still plans to replace Rhubarb Bridge with ground level pedestrian crossings in 2016 or 2017.
Lib Dem council victory
Lib Dem councillors had some successes at the meeting of Peterborough City Council which considered the first phase of its budget proposals. Local Lib Dem councillor Nick Sandford was successful in getting the Tory cabinet to reconsider a plan to rip out over one fifth of the shrubs and bushes in Peterborough and concrete or grass over these areas. The Tories also agreed to reconsider plans to close a number of bowling greens and grass tennis courts. The Lib Dems won another vote by a large majority when councillors backed Nick’s motion supporting the campaign for 16 and 17 year olds to be allowed to vote at future elections. However, the Lib Dems failed in a bid to block large pay rises for council directors and senior officers. Some Town Hall bosses already earning over £100,000 a year saw their pay increase by as much as 25 per cent. Tory business managers ensured that this issue was discussed last on a packed full council agenda, at around 11.30 pm, and despite strong Lib Dem opposition the council voted in favour of the rises.
Lib Dems to choose new candidate Local councillor Nick Sandford has announced that he will not be standing as parliamentary candidate for the Lib Dems in the Peterborough constituency at the general election. Nick said: "Having stood for Parliament here in the last three elections, I think it is time to let someone else have a go.
Nick Sandford will not be fighting for the Peterborough Parliamentary seat in the general election.
"Having taken millions of low paid citizens out of income tax completely, given a big tax cut to all basic rate tax payers, created millions of new apprenticeships and given pensioners the biggest pension rises ever, the Lib Dems can be proud of our achievements after five years in government. “We are the only party which can deliver the stronger economy and the fairer society that our country needs so much." Voters in Walton will have a vote in the General Election in May but there are no local council elections in our ward this year.
Walton set to grow Changes to council ward boundaries soon to be announced are likely to mean that Walton Lib Dem councillors Asif Shaheed and Nick Sandford will see a large increase in their ward area. Walton ward is likely to be extended to include most of Paston and to have three councillors rather than two, as it does now. Asif said: "We obviously hope to retain our seats when the changes come into effect and to welcome another Lib Dem councillor. "If you have the commitment to assist your fellow residents by becoming a councillor, please contact me or Nick. It would be great to have some new ‘young blood’!"
CONTACT FOCUS By phone: Nick Sandford - 01733 268460 Asif Shaheed - 0757 246 3526 By post: Nick Sandford or Asif Shaheed, Town Hall, Bridge St, Peterborough PE1 1HG By e-mail: nick.sandford@Peterborough.gov.uk or asif.shaheed@peterboroughlibdems.org.uk. Or visit the councillors’ ward ‘surgery': 6:00 to 7:00 pm, first Friday of every month, Community Centre, Mountsteven Avenue. WEBSITE: www.peterboroughlibdems.org.uk FACEBOOK: Search ‘Walton FOCUS Team’ Printed by PPS, Peterborough PE1 5XG. Published and promoted for and on behalf of the Liberal Democrats by Peter Chivall, 88 Elmfield Rd, Peterborough PE1 4HB