Your local Conservative Councillors, Councillor Don Clapham and Councillor Henry Mitchell, keeping you in touch.
Editor: Councillor Don Clapham, B.Sc.(Hons)
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BEAUFORT AVENUE DAY CARE CENTRE REMAINS OPEN
We received numerous calls from the public indicating the possibility that the Centre would close on 31 July 2006. We responded immediately by calling crucial meetings with the Director and Assistant Director of Blackpool Social Services, the result being that the Centre’s Management Committee, with the support of Blackpool Social Services, has now agreed to continue to keep this vital Day Centre open. This is excellent news, as we know that the Beaufort Avenue Day Care Centre serves an essential service in Bispham.
COUNCIL TAX INCREASED BY A STAGGERING 65% IN 5 YEARS
You may well be questioning whether or not you are getting value for money, when Labour’s lavish spending plans have prompted huge Council Tax increases of 65% in the last 5 years, without any thought for those struggling to pay. Blackpool Council appears to invest very little in Bispham, so where is your Council Tax spent?
DON’T LET THE LABOUR GOVERNMENT STEAL EMPTY HOUSES
Did you know that new instructions for local Councils on how to seize empty houses have been published by the Department for Communities and Local Government? These Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMO’s) are in the Housing Act 2004, but only came into force on 6 July 2006. This Draconian Act could lead to the seizure of thousands of houses, which could be your inheritance – BEWARE!!
BLACKPOOL TRAFFIC WARDENS
Councillor Henry Mitchell submitted a Notice of Motion to Full Council on 21 June 2006, to instruct the Chief Executive to issue new guidelines so that the traffic wardens would adopt a more flexible approach when dealing with motorists. Needless to say, the Labour-controlled Council rejected this, and we are stuck with their rigid regime, where increasing numbers of parking tickets are issued.
CLIFF PLACE
We have received a petition, which was submitted by the residents, requesting that Cliff Place be re-designated for a Residents’ Parking Scheme. Cliff Place will be placed on the list of applications for residential parking only.
FRIENDS OF CAVENDISH ROAD RECREATION GROUND (FCRRG)
Councillor Don Clapham regularly attends meetings of the newly formed FCRRG, and we fully support the bid which has already been submitted for funding of approximately £40,000 for a children’s playground. Additionally, the shelter for the use of both able-bodied and disabled has been erected at a cost of £4,000. Four benches have also been ordered at a cost of £2,181, which will be paid for out of the Bispham Ward Budget.
CHATSWORTH AVENUE – BACK STREET LIGHTING SCHEME
Street lights have been installed at the above location, following requests from residents and the Police, to illuminate this problem black spot. Blackpool Council does not finance back street lighting schemes, so we arranged for £8,570 to be paid out of the Bispham Ward Budget.
ALLEY GATES
Two schemes are currently being considered by Council Officers, following submissions by us as requested by you. These are the back alley from Daventry Avenue to Edenvale Avenue, and the back alley to Cliff Place. They are in the early stages, and progress will be published in due course.
POSTAL VOTES
Following new legislation, all existing postal voters will be requested to re-apply, giving more details, in an attempt to prevent electoral fraud. Please read your Electoral Form, which will be delivered to your homes later this year, and tick the appropriate box if you require a postal vote.
VISIRAILS REPLACE BARRIER PANELS
Councillor Don Clapham had the full support of the Council for his Notice of Motion to Full Council to fit visirails at all crossings in Blackpool, where required. The problem was highlighted by Bispham wheelchair users, who were “unseen” by motorists when waiting to cross Red Bank Road at the crossing near the Mobility Shop.
If you have a problem, please contact one of your Bispham Conservative Ward Councillors:
Councillor Don Clapham, Tel. 593858
Email: cllr.don.clapham@blackpool.gov.uk
To access Don’s webpage, type: www.blackpool4me.com/councillorclapham
Councillor Henry Mitchell, Tel. 827099
Published by Councillor Don Clapham, 15 Rockingham Road, Bispham, FY2 0LP
Printed by Poulton Press, Unit K, Cocker Avenue, Poulton Industrial Estate, Poulton, FY6 8JU