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Independent Councillor for Ampthill & Millbrook
The Aim of this Blog is: -
To keep the residents of Ampthill & Millbrook informed about what their Independent District Councillor is doing on their behalf!
To keep the residents of Ampthill informed about what their Independent Town Councillor is doing on their behalf!
To demystify the role of District Councillor!
To demystify the role of Town Councillor!
To encourage the residents of the area to get involved in their community.
To provide a personal insight. (Although my views in no way represent the collective views of Mid Beds District Council or Ampthill Town Council)
Please Read On: -
Sunday 25th May 2008 – How an I doing, one year on?
I thought it was an opportune time to look back at the pledges I made just over a year ago, when I was elected to Mid Beds District Council, and give an honest assessment on how I feel I’m doing in delivering on them. I doubt you see this from other councillors that got elected last May!!
It should be noted that normally when elected to the District Council you would have expected to serve a 4 year term, but because of the local government reorganisation in Bedfordshire, my term will be two years, so this does limit the ability to deliver on these pledges. However, listed below are the pledges together with my assessment:
Ampthill Town Action Plan becoming a reality (for more about the plan visit www.ampthill.org.uk/vision.htm) :
The building of a new Community Building to replace Parkside
Well this was one of the major priorities that came out of the town plan consultation & I believe I’m playing my small part in making this become a reality, as I’m one of the Town Council representatives on the Parkside Committee and through my experience at work (with Community & Voluntary Service Mid & North Beds – the local Council for Voluntary Service) I’ve been able to provide some much needed advice on possible funding sources. It’s a tribute to Roberta Calvert & her fellow trustees that I really believe that in a few years time we will have a new hall for all the community. I would urge all residents to support future fundraising efforts, that will undoubtedly include a buy a brick campaign.
The Provision of more long stay parking in the town
As part of the new Ampthill Community Safety Forum I’m working with others on the steering groups to find a solution to the issue of long stay parking, as this was one of the top three issues identified by those that attended the inaugural forum meeting. Certainly nothing should be ruled out, as the problem needs to be viewed in the round, as one measure (say applying double lines to some roads) has consequences for other areas of the town as long stay parking blights other roads further a field. Solutions might include increased parking times in the town centre car park, or a desiccated long stay car park! As I say all possibilities need to be explored without prejudice.
The Establishment of a Green Infrastructure Plan for the Town & the surrounding areas
As part of the Town Council perhaps the best thing we have done in recent years was entering in a partnership with the charity, the Greensand Trust, in jointly managing the Park. This is one of the jewels in Ampthill’s crown and one of the reasons that Ampthill is such a great place to live. The Greensand Trust & in particular Richard Woolnaugh of the Trust have been instrumental in the regeneration of the Park over recent years. It’s a partnership that will bear fruit in future years, as Ampthill Town Council are able to access funds that would have been unavailable without this connection. There’s certainly still much to do, but the Ampthill Town Plan Steering Group (now known as ReVamp very committed to the establishment of a Green Infrastructure plan & I remain involved with the group and very committed to seeing the residents aspirations becoming a reality in the short, medium and long term.
The Establishment of a Heritage Centre to celebrate the Town’s rich history and exploit the town’s tourism potential
This is an area where there has been real progress, as shortly Ampthill Town Council will be applying for planning permission to develop the Ampthill Town Football Club Building to incorporate a Heritage/Park Interpretation Centre, that will additionally include a café facility. Not only that but the building will also include much needed toilets. I’ve long pushed for the Heritage Centre, as I believe we make too little of our rich history. Furthermore, thinking to the future this is a much needed facility, with Center Parcs, NIRAH and the Wixams on the Horizon. Indeed I’ve been working to securing funding for the Heritage/Interpretation Centre via the Greensands Ridge Leader Bid (that is hoping to access funding from the East of England Development Agency for the communities in Mid Beds). We will know the results in June!
The Establishment of Home Watch across the Town
This is still an aspiration that may come about with my involvement with the new Ampthill Community Safety Forum. We are fortunate that Mid Beds District Council have chosen Ampthill, Maulden, Clophill & Millbrook as a pilot area for this new forum that aims to find practical solutions to community safety issues these areas. As I mentioned earlier the inaugural meeting identified parking, speeding and criminal damage as the 3 issues to be focused on & that will be the format of future meetings, as issues are decide upon at public meeting and then tackled between meetings, with progress reported at subsequent meetings.
The Increase of Leisure Facilities for Young People in the Town
I regret to say that this an area that both I & the Town Council have failed the community, although this is not for lack of trying. I was involved with the Escape2Xscape Youth Bus that aimed to take young people from the area to the Xscape complex in Milton Keynes on a Friday night. This failed because of a poor take up of the service. Then the Town Council developed the Shocked Youth Club with a group of young people & yet again this is about to close because of a drop off in numbers attending. I also feel that despite a call for a Skate Park to be developed and considerable time been expended by officers of the Town Council in getting this off the drawing board, there has been a lack of will on the part of councillors to see this become a reality. Any suggestions or help would be much appreciated.
Ampthill reducing its Carbon Footprint & aiming to become a Carbon Neutral Community
Needless to say this is not something that is going to happen over night, but this is no reason not to try. Indeed I’m encouraging the Town Council to spearhead an information campaign via Around the Pump. Indeed this is an opportune time as the Cut Your Carbon campaign has been launched and communities (may be as small as a street or as large as the whole community) can participate and make small but important contribution to a problem that is bigger than us all.
Ensure that Ampthill & the District’s Voluntary and Community Groups are well supported in the delivery of their vital services
This is dear to my heart as I work in the sector. Indeed I do my best to promote the sector. I support the Voluntary Sector, as I’m an active trustee and committee member of a number of local Voluntary Groups, including Ampthill & District Good Neighbours, Parkside Hall Committee, Mid Beds Citizens Advice Bureau, Mid Beds Hospice at Home Volunteers and Mid Beds Link A Ride. I still think the creation of the Ampthill Good Neighbours was one of my chief achievements of my time as Mayor. It says a lot about the community that we care enough to help our ‘neighbours’.
The creation of a Mid Beds Credit Union in the District to help the financially excluded
As I noted last year I have become convinced that their is growing evidence that the commercial banks are exploiting their customers and that the formation of a Mid Beds Credit Union was a good idea. This would help those individuals who find themselves financially disadvantaged and help to stop resulting debt problems throughout the town and the district. Well the good news is that this has become a reality as Bedford Credit Union have agreed to extend their bond to cover the whole of Mid Beds. Also the Financial Services Authority have agreed to the move. I’m very proud of this as through work & as a District Councillor I have been a prime mover in seeing this happen. Furthermore, I have just become a member of the committee that governs Bedford Credit Union.
Future Action
I will continue to work towards seeing that the above pledges become a reality
I will continue to represent the Town to the best of my ability. Indeed I feel I have done a good job in the past year which can be evidenced by my attendance percentage at Mid Beds District Council Meetings (more information at http://committees.midbeds.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.asp?UID=644. Indeed you may wish to see other councillors attendance records in comparison at http://committees.midbeds.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.asp?bcr=1
I will continue to work with the Central Bedfordshire Shadow Authority, as part of the the Customer & Community Engagement Taskforce to ensure that the new unitary authority truly does engage with it's residents and represents real value for money
I will continue promote the Town to the wider world, as I have done over the past 10 years.
Please feel free to contact me with any issues you may have at mark.a.smith@ampthill.org.uk or on 402560.
Thursday 10th April 2008 - The Inaugural Meeting of the 'Shadowy' Central Beds Unitary Authority
I attended the first meeting of the Shadow Central Beds Unitary Authority at the offices of Mid Beds District Council, Chicksands this evening. I attended with some curiosity as to how 124 councillors were going to fit into the chamber (that's all the District Councillors & County Councillors for Mid & North Beds). Anyway they just about crammed everyone in!
The main item on the agenda was the adoption of the the constitution for the new shadow authority as it works over the next year to bring unitary government to the area. No mean feat over that timeframe!
Anyway, the adoption of the constitution was perhaps not the smooth passage that the ruling Conservative group had imagined, as the Liberal Democrats tabled an amendment that before every meeting of the shadow authority any member of the public would be allowed to speak for up to 3 minutes. This is actually standard for Mid Beds District Council, Beds County Council and Ampthill Town Council. Quite a glaring omission you would have thought for the new constitution and one that you would have thought all councillors would want to rectify. After all in the the submission that had been made to the Government for the Central Beds Unitary authority had mad great play of engaging more with the residents of the area. Indeed would it not be sensible to listen to the direct view of the people you serve in shaping the new authority. Well apparently not, as Conservative Councillor after Conservative Councillor stood up and gave the lamest reasons you have ever heard why the public should not be allowed to speak at Central Beds Shadow Authority meetings. Needless to say with hoards of Conservatives out-numbering the opposition the amendment to include public speaking before future meeting was defeated. I'm sure some Tory Councillors must have felt deeply ashamed to vote en bloc (like lemmings) against this motion. Not a great start for the new authority. indeed one councillor was heard to quip that this was indeed the start of the Central Beds 'Shadowy' Unitary Authority!!
So sorry residents of Ampthill, but your views cannot be presented before meetings of the new authority, I will however do my best to represent your views & indeed I have got myself on one of the transitional taskforces, namely 'Customer & Community Engagement', so hopefully I can influence the new authority in better engaging with the residents it represents! This has not been an auspicious start for the new authority, surely 'things can only get better'!!!!!!!
Saturday 5th April 2008 - Some reflections on the past month
Well this past week we have heard that the High Court has thrown out the application by Beds County Council for a judicial review into the Local Government Reorganisation (namely the creation of the Central Beds Unitary Authority and the Bedford Borough Unitary Authority). This is good news in that it will put a stop to the endless waste of money that the predominantly Conservative controlled council's have spent on defending their respective positions. Indeed estimates range from £250,000 to over £1m (when officer time is factored in). So when you hear of the alleged savings that are going to be made remember to take this off of those figures. Working in the voluntary sector I Know that such amounts could have easily funded vital work and really benefited communities!
Anyway, the work begins to create Central Beds Unitary Authority with the inaugural meeting of the shadow authority taking place next Thursday. Should be interesting trying to squeeze all the District and County Councillors for Mid and South Beds into the Chamber at Chicksands (over 130 in total). As the council is predominantly Conservative it will be interesting to see the 'bun-fight' between those councillors for the 66 seats in the new authority next May or June!!
However, creating a new authority does present the possibility of getting it right from the start and for the authority to embrace the sentiments of the Governments Local Government Act 2007 that puts a huge emphasis on Councillors really engaging with the communities they represent. I fear this will come as a huge shock to some councillors!!
Work is also afoot to deal with the issues brought up at the recent Community Safety Forum meeting, concerning Parking/Speeding & Youth issues in the town. It is with this latter issue that I feel most aggrieved at, as although Ampthill Town Council has had it's successes (i.e. the Shocked Youth Club), the failure to get a Skate Park still wrangles with me, through indifference in large part of Ampthill Town Council & Mid Beds District Council!!! In terms of long term parking could it be that the recent Local Development Framework Consultation provides an answer. It would certainly seem that traders in the town & the Ampthill Town Plan Group (Revamp) believe so!!
Thursday 28th February 2008 - Mid Beds District Council Meeting (Budget Setting)
It's a shame no residents tend to attend council meetings, as tonight the full council had the task of debating the budget, which needless to say results in the District Council's proportion of council tax. The level of debate was particularly disappointing in that it basically amounted to 'political point scoring' between the Conservative (ruling group) the Liberal Democrat (opposition group). This reinforces my view that party politics in local government is a bad thing, as you are at the behest of your party first and the residents you represent second!!
Saturday 23rd February 2008 - First Councillors Surgery & the Talk to Mid Beds Exhibition
This morning I took part in the first Ampthill Councillors Surgery for many years where any resident of the town could pop to see if we could resolve their issues. From my perspective it seemed a good start to what should become a bi-monthly event, as we had 6 residents call in. I'm sure that word will spread and we will be seeing more of you over the coming months. In the meantime I'm always available to help with your issues on 01525 840342 or at mark.smith@midbeds.gov.uk.
I also attended the Talk to Mid Beds Consultation event at Alameda School in the afternoon. It was good to see so many residents involved in this consultation exercise, as it profiles potential sites for future development (as proposed by local land owners). From a personal perspective it seems to me that few of the sites will progress further than this stage as they fall within the greenbelt. It is well worth visiting the www.talktomidbeds.co.uk website, as you can still comment on the proposals and I would urge you to do so in the next few weeks. Indeed from the figures I have seen Ampthill Residents are by far the most engaged in the process with more responses via the website than any other community in Mid Beds!
Thursday 7th February 2008 - Center Parcs Update Event
Tonight I attended a Center Parcs Update Event at the Rufus Centre, where we heard how things were progressing. Basically, the following was of interest to Ampthill & Millbrook:
The Millbrook Crossroads Roundabout will be constructed between June & December of this year (this will include a cycle path to Ampthill Park and a bridleway crossing)
A Roundabout will later be constructed at the Steppingley Road Crossroads.
The site is not likely to open until late 2010.
Thursday 31st January 2008 - Mid Beds District Council Meeting - Ampthill Ward Presentation on Considerate Contractors & a Mid Beds Credit Union comes a step nearer
Gary Summerfield & I gave a 10 minute presentation to the Full Council of Mid Beds District Council on the devastating effect of inconsiderate contractors on the lives of the residents of Ampthill, in particular in relation to the residents that have been affected by the Paddocks Development between Grange Road and Holland Road. During last summer residents were subjected to excessive noise levels that made their lives a misery. Our presentation (which you can download - Considerate Contractors Presentation - PowerPoint) needless to say came too late for the residents affected, although John Stoddart of Grange Road did address the Council to give a personal perspective. Our hope is that Mid Beds will take on board our recommendations, so that when infill building does occur developers adhere to Considerate Contractor Principles and that Mid Beds comes down hard on any breaches!
At the same meeting the Council rubberstamped a decision that £100,000 be set aside for the employment a development officer by Bedford Credit Union to make sure that they can successfully expand into the whole of Mid Beds. With work I've been working on this from the outset of the idea and it feels so good that this is going to become a reality. Once the credit union is up and running in the area I would urge all residents to consider investing in this new enterprise for the area, as it assists those members of the community that find themselves in financial difficulties. This is particularly relevant with the recent 'credit crunch'!
Monday 28th January 2008 - Marston Vale Ecotown
I went o a presentation at Mid Beds District Council from the Developers. Gallagher's (developers of the Wixams) & OH about their bids for Ecotown status for the Marston Vale. All very interesting in that potentially an additional 40,000 people could be coming to live in new environmentally friendly housing, but both plans seem to miss the effect these new communities may have on the existing surrounding communities, like Ampthill & Millbrook particularly in terms of additional traffic coming through these settlements.
Wednesday 16th January 2008 - Some You Win, Some You Lose!!
I attended the Development Control Meeting at Mid Beds District Council this afternoon, as two of the items up for discussion related to large developments in the town, namely the Swaffield Close Development & the Re-development of the old Mid Beds District Council Offices (The Limes). I attended as the ward councillor, as I'm not a member of the Development Committee.
Any both Gary Summerfield and I spoke against both developments & were successful in persuading the councillors on the committee to reject the Swaffield Close application, but unsuccessful in getting them to oppose the Limes Development.
I have to say at times I was disgusted by the level of debate. In particularly one councillor (who shall remain nameless) was heard to utter that Ampthill deserved all its problems relating to parking in the town as they should have accepted the building of a car park off Brinsmade Road. (Very ill informed in that that application related to the previous huge supermarket application that was quite rightly rejected). In addition over the Limes development he also stated that the council should get on and push this through, despite very real safety concerns on the part of the Ampthill Councillors. It was my personal feeling that there was agenda going on in the chamber that didn't relate to planning!!!
Anyway, as I stated councillors did listen to concerns over parking, road safety & over development in relation to rejecting the Swaffield Close application. However, in relation to the Limes, they did not listen! I had concerns over access to the majority of the site via Station Road, as this was next to the schools and in part of the safer routes to school. Obvious little concern for the towns children! In addition I am not convinced about runoff water from the site going into the Sweet Briar, as I still feel with the extreme weather we get these days, this could lead to flooding for houses in Ashburnham Road, Holland Road & the Paddocks!!! Also I feel for the residents of Station Road in that elements of the application (particularly the penthouse flat) over look existing premises. However, I will say the revised plan was more in keeping with the architecture of the town, rather than the ultra modern plan previously submitted!
Anyway all I can say, is that we tried our best on behalf of the residents of Ampthill.
P.S. I'm still suffering with this chest infection. I really am not have the best start to 2008 in terms of health. Perhaps something to do with our mild and wet January!! And still people contend that global warming isn't happening!!!
Thursday 10th January 2008 - Bad Start to the New Year & Big Thank You
I've had the worse start to any year I can remember, as on Boxing Day I felt the first signs of getting a cold, which remained low key until New Years Eve, when it decided to open the flood gates. I was booked to go out with friends to the Dew Drop, but the evening proved a disappointment in that my cold robbed me of my appetite and taste. You could say New Years Eve lived down to my expectations. I really do hate New Years Eve!!
Anyway I returned to work on the 2nd with my cold seemingly on its way out! How wrong I was as by Saturday I was coughing intermittently and then by Sunday all the time. It was no better by Monday, as I felt weak from all the coughing and so I did not go into work. It was really no better by Wednesday & so I went to the doctors as I was growing concerned (as my immune system is not brilliant following my treatment for leukaemia) and found that I have a nasty chest infection. I have been signed off work for a week, which I can quite believe I will need, as the infection has left me feeling incredibly weak.
Talking of medical things, I only learnt just before Christmas, that the chief haematologist at Bedford Hospital, Dr. David Howes was to retire on December 31st 2007. I had been one of his patients (indeed along with many from Ampthill) for the past 16 years and he proved to be a cornerstone in my fight and eventual victory over leukaemia. I and others from the local area will certainly miss him and I'm sure we would all wish him a happy, fulfilling and healthy retirement.
Sunday 23rd December 2007 - Looking Forward
It's been a pretty good year for me, what with my work going well with Community & Voluntary Service Mid and North Beds. It feels good to help voluntary and community groups in the area, as the are the real backbones of our communities. Also it was good to get elected to both Ampthill Town Council (my 10th year as a town councillor) and to Mid Beds District Council, as I can hopefully represent and help the people of Ampthill to the best of my abilities. Who would have thought when I was in a hospital bed back in 1996, having a bone marrow transplant, that my pledge to myself to put more back into the community would be realized in this manner. Furthermore that further pledge to myself to see more of the world is continuing to be realized, as I visited Egypt and Helsinki this year. All this contrasts with 2006, when I lost my Dad!!
Anyway looking forward there are number of things happening in the New Year that will enable residents to get more involved in the community. Firstly, Councillor surgeries will be launched in February. Secondly a new Community Safety Forum will be launched with the emergency services listening and acting on your concerns.
Lastly. just to let you know, I'm presently working on a new information website that will be launched early in the new year, with the aim of better informing the town and empowering the community. The website address will be www.ampthill.info, so watch that space. Indeed the website, will include a new forum for the town!!
Wednesday 12th December 2007 - Central Beds Unitary Authority
Tonight a special meeting of Mid Beds District Council was convened to discuss the Unitary Proposal to Central Beds. I attended and in the end on balance felt I could not back the proposal, as if we had been told that there had to be two unitary authorities in Bedfordshire I think few would have opted for Mid Beds joining with South Beds. It would have made far more sense joining with Bedford. Additionally members have had little input into the proposal!
However, there is something's that should be commended in the proposal, such as the fact that it very clearly takes on board the far reaching new powers set out in the Local Government & Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 as it’s good that the proposal embraces this major piece of Central Government Legislation, that aims to empower communities. A by-product would hopefully be greater involvement by local people in local decision making with more people standing at election time in Parish or future Unitary elections. It is also good that the proposal recognizes the part the Third Sector / Voluntary Sector has to play in delivering the objectives of the new Unitary Authority as these groups are at the forefront of meeting the challenges facing our communities and the new council.
However there is much missing and fudged in the proposal, for example it pays scant regard to the issue of identity of Central Bedfordshire! We should remember remember that it was Bedford Borough Council’s Unitary Bid that forced the ‘Marriage of Convenience’ between Mid Bedfordshire and South Bedfordshire. I think if we are being truthful with ourselves, if there had to be two new unitary's in the County, it would have made far more sense to align South Bedfordshire with Luton and Mid Bedfordshire with Bedford. I know from my work in the Voluntary Sector that people in Mid Bedfordshire mostly have a greater affinity with Bedford than they do with the South of the County. After all I would argue the only reason that Central Government came down in favour of Bedford Borough’s proposal was because one of their initiatives has been the creation of directly elected mayors and they would not have wished to abolished something they had created. Plus the County Council’s failings in recent years hurt their case. It still makes far more sense to have a County Unitary, because as the Central Bedfordshire proposal states in its introduction, Bedfordshire is the 3rd smallest county in England. I’m surprised that the issue of identity is not more implicit in the proposal and I would suggest that if there is to be a Central Bedfordshire Unitary Authority, the Identity is based around tourism, environment and heritage (namely Center Parcs, NIRAH, Woburn Abbey / Safari Park, Whipsnade Zoo and the Greensand Ridge).
I'm also not convinced that when the new unitary authority takes on such areas as social care, transport or education that there will be any savings to the council taxpayers of the area as the proposal fudges the issue, and talks about sub regional collaboration. Does that mean County collaboration? If so why scrap the County Council!! It would still not surprise me if the Central Beds Proposal fails and the County Council does become the unitary!! What I do know is council tax money is been wasted as the process drags on and on and on!
Sunday 25th November 2007 - Reflecting on the Past Month & the fact that Christmas is a month away!
It doesn't seem possible that it is only a month now until Christmas. Of course we had the Christmas Lights switch on last Sunday (18th). I was in the Town Centre with the crowds that came up to witness the switch on, as I was helping out on the Ampthill Festival stall, as we wanted to publicize the date (6th July 2008) and theme (the movies), whilst fundraising with mince pies on offer.
I think the Friends of Ampthill Christmas Lights & Ampthill Town Council should be congratulated on the new 'classy' lights that change colour over the course of about 20 seconds. However, if you read some of the comments on the Ampthill Online Forum all you get is moaning and criticism.
I think this does beg the question over not only the issue of the Christmas Lights, but how you view other aspects of life in Ampthill, namely 'Is your glass half empty or half full?' Lets face it Ampthill is a fantastic place to live and there is far too much time spent moaning about this or that in the town to the detriment of the many positive things happening in the town. I know by this litmus test that I fit into (b) - a glass half full - as I have an optimistic outlook on life, no doubt born out my brush with death (as I overcame Leukaemia during the 1990's). It must be very disheartening seeing life from the perspective of (a) - a glass half empty - as such pessimism must get you down. I'm not pretending everything is perfect in Ampthill, but if you believed the naysayer's you would believe Ampthill was a terrible place to live.
Turning to planning issues relating to the Town, the Town Council has been working with residents of Swaffield Close to tackle parking issues. Talking of which a fresh planning application has been submitted to MBDC, that both Gary Summerfield and I have asked to come to the Development Control Committee. Indeed, a fresh application for the old District Council Offices (The Limes) has also been submitted and again Gary & I have called for the same referral, so affected residents will have there opportunity to air their views over at Priory House at Chicksands.
Talking of planning you will have seen that the County Council have announced that Rookery Pit (near Millbrook) is the preferred site for the huge Bedfordshire Waste incinerator, well this Wednesday I will be attending a meeting where I'm hoping to learn more. Whilst I reserve judgement. I'm still worried by it's impact on Ampthill & Millbrook.
In terms of the Town Council, I'm pleased to announce that the date for the first 'Councillor Surgery' has been finalized & will take place on Saturday February 23rd 2008 at the offices of the Town Council (between 10am & Noon), where you will be able to meet with Town, District & County Councillors to discuss you issues and problems. This can only be a positive step. Needless to say you can always contact me via phone or email & I'll try my best to help you. I was actually very encouraged to find out this week that the Government will be placing a greater onus on Councillors councillors to be more responsive to the people they represent. This is all part of an agenda I fully back of getting people involved in their communities. Something I've been trying to do for years! Again something that was born out of my illness, as I promised myself I would put something back into my community and I would encourage anyone else to do the same.
Sunday 28th October 2007 - The Festival Bunting Comes Down /Chinese Whispers
Today the notorious 'Festival Bunting' came down thanks to Festival Members and the help of a local firm in providing a cherry-picker.
I'm certainly bemused by the all the coverage this story received (indeed going round the world and even been reported in New Zealand), however it's been interesting how the story evolved and became distorted. Perhaps I can clarify a few points that surround the story:
Beds on Sunday actually never contacted me about the comments I had made on this blog. They simply went ahead and published last Sunday.
Ampthill Festival is a voluntary group, that puts on Ampthill Festival each year through the efforts of a small band of Ampthill Residents, that simply do it for the 'buzz' they get from giving something back to the town. The Festival is not staged by Ampthill Town Council.
As the story evolved last week I noted that some of the national press reported Ampthill Town Council had banned the Fire Service from taking down the bunting (again no journalist contacted me to verify the facts). Ampthill Town Council had no involvement in the decision at all. It was a local fire service decision, which I and the Festival committee respected. Indeed we have been very grateful for all their help over the years and we look forward to working with them in other ways in the coming years.
I was asked to do 2 interviews last Monday. One on 3 Counties Radio where I stated that we respected the fire service decision and that we were grateful for all their help. I recorded a Look East interview, where I reiterated this. This however was not broadcast, perhaps because this did not fit in with the story that the media wanted to portray of health and safety regulations 'gone mad'.
I note that on the letters page of BoS this week I'm variously quoted as the Mayor of Ampthill and responsible for imposing the health and safety regulation on the fire service. Neither of which are true, but perhaps not surprising, as it's rather like Chinese Whispers where cumulative errors in reporting a story lead to totally different version of the actual events!
One of the reasons for doing this blog, was to inform and provide answers to residents of the town and it was in that spirit that I posted about the bunting. In my view this was a very innocuous post, so I still remain bemused! Anyway, hopefully we can now move on!!
Monday 22nd October 2007 - Could Today be anymore Bizarre? Has the World Gone Mad! Flying the Flag for Ampthill
Well today has to go down as one of the more bizarre in my life!
I was rudely awoken at 6.55am by a phone call from Three Counties Radio asking if I was willing to do a phone interview with Roberto & Catherine on their Breakfast Show about Festival Buntings article in yesterdays Beds on Sunday! I agreed and duly gave the interview and stressed that we were grateful for all the help that the local fire service had given to us over the past 20 years and that the Festival Committee were working on a solution to solve the issue!
I thought that was it! How wrong I was as no sooner had I got to work than I was contacted by a researcher from Radio Fours 'You & Yours' programme about a possible interview. Then BBC Look East contacted me about doing an interview. Radio Four decided not to interview me, but did carry the story! Whilst I was interviewed by Look East only to find my piece dropped in favour of Chris Hayes (Festival Chairman) piece!! So as far as I can ascertain the Bunting Story appeared on ITV Anglia Tonight, BBC Look East, BBC Three Counties Radio and featured in news stories on Radio 4 & Five Live, with further mentions on ITV's Loose Women! In addition I believe the story appeared in the Times, the Sun, the Telegraph and the Mail.
Anyway, the end result would seem to be that the Festival Committee has secured the services of a local firm to assist in the taking down of bunting and the story has put Ampthill on the map (in a light hearted manner)!
I still can't believe that a seemingly innocuous posting on this blog could have lead to this media frenzy! Oh well, should I want to stand for election again I think I've found my slogan, namely 'Flying the Flag for Ampthill'!
Sunday 21st October 2007 - On the Front Page of Bedfordshire on Sunday
I was surprised to find that the following article had been published as the lead story on the Front page of Beds On Sunday:
Firefighters banned from using ladders
BY LIZ O'REILLY
Firefighters have been told they cannot use their ladders to take down festive
bunting because it is too dangerous.
Ampthill held its annual Gala Day in July and to mark the occasion the historic
market town was festooned with colourful bunting.
In previous years fire brigade officers have pitched in after the event to help
remove the decorations.
But this year, nearly four months later and the bunting is still in place.
Former Mayor Cllr Mark Smith said: 'The reason the festival bunting is still up
arises from the fact that due to local health and safety advice the local fire
brigade is unable to take the bunting down.'
On his web blog Cllr Smith, who is a member of the festival committee, added:
'The festival committee has always appreciated their (the fire crews')
assistance in the past and is working towards getting them (the decorations)
down. Although I still find them quite cheery!'
Cllr Smith has apparently received complaints that the bunting flags are now
getting a bit tatty.
On the Ampthill Forum, where residents air their views about the town, some are
bemused that the fire fighters seem to have been allowed to put the bunting up
but cannot take it down.
Disgruntled resident Charlie Garth [our fictitious local resident] said: "What
the blazes. I'm sure our brave firemen aren't frightened about falling off a
piddling little ladder. They have never looked afraid of heights to me.
"After all they are used to climbing giant turntable ladders with choppers in
their hands and rescuing cats from the tops of tall trees."
Deputy chief fire officer Graeme Smith said: "Yes it sounds like the world has
gone mad. Firefighters will climb ladders to rescue people from burning
buildings but not to remove bunting after a festival.
"One is a 999 job where in order to save lives we will take calculated risks.
"The other is a property maintenance job which is covered by standard health and
safety rules which we would have to abide by, the same as everyone else.
"That could mean closing the road and using a platform to reach the bunting.
Unfortunately if we went down that route people might ask why we are paying
Firefighters to use our top level rescue equipment to remove a few flags, when a
local contractor could do the job just as well."
Our family was well represented as not only was I quoted on the front page, but my brother Ian was quoted on the back page (sports section) in his position as Beds County Cricket chairman, as he commented on the fact that 3 Beds Players are on the verge of becoming involved in the national side! A first for the Smith brothers!!
Anyway, with regards the above article, I simply can't believe it warrants it's front page status, as surely there are more important things happening locally! All this comes from a seemingly innocuous post on this blog! Interestingly. i was actually never directly contacted by BoS to comment on what I had posted, so this story did come as a complete surprise to me!
Anyway, it gives publicity to the Festival Committee & that can be no bad thing!
Friday 19th October 2007 - Millbrook Parish Meeting
I attended my second Millbrook Parish Meeting tonight as a District Councillor. The main issue revolved around the news that the favoured site for the Beds Waste Incinerator is Rookery Pit that boarders Millbrook.
Before reaching a view (pro or anti) I certainly want to learn if their supposed green credentials (in terms of little or no emissions are valid! Indeed, secondly I'm hoping that the planners are taking into account the wider picture of the Wixams, Center Parcs, Nirah & now this incinerator in terms of Transport infrastructure!!
Thursday 18th October 2007 - Political Speed Dating
As part of Local Democracy Week for Young People Mid Beds District Council staged a 'Political Speed Dating' event for pupils from local upper schools. I took the day off from work to participate, as I believe its very important that young people get involved at an early age in engaging with and representing their communities. Anyway, basically there were approximately 20 students & 20 councillors present and the young people had the opportunity to question us for 3 minutes before moving on to the next councillor. There were a wide range of questions asked that seem to revolve about what we were doing for young people in our patch & what were are views on Center Parcs!!
A really worthwhile event!
Monday 15th October 2007 - Back from my Holiday in Egypt & dispelling some of the falsehoods circulating at the moment!
On Saturday I returned from a much need holiday with my Mum from touring Egypt. Quite an experience I can tell you! Egypt is one of the more affluent nations in Africa, however there is still immense poverty there, which rather puts our modern day petty gripes in context.
This leads me to some of the recent misrepresentations that have appeared since I've been away! I'm always amazed how rumours are past off as facts! Anyway here is my take on recent stories:
Ampthill Firework Display:
The Town Council were not
the ones who have cancelled the Firework Display as they are not the Organisers
of the Event. The Ampthill District Lions Club took the decision to cancel
following many meetings with both the Town Council and the Police.
The Town Council had no intention that the event be cancelled, but were acting
on the advice of Bedfordshire Police that the event should have further safety
lines set down, such as better lighting and more Police officers in attendance
following the disturbance caused by approx 100 youths last year. This was
reported to the Town Council immediately after last years event by Police
Officers and members of the public.
The Town Council were trying to work with the Lions Club to meet all the
requirements that had been set down. The signed agreement for the use of the
Park was in the best interest of the Lions themselves, the public attending the
event and the Town Council. It is no more than the Town Council would ask any
other large event organisers to sign.
The Town Council offered to help in any way that they could, but ultimately it
was the Ampthill District Lions Club prerogative to cancel the event.
I understand that they are presently negotiating with a local farmer for next
years event.
I note yesterdays letter from local resident Charlie Garth* stating that effigies of us councillors should burnt on Guy Fawkes night. A shame he didn't know the facts before putting pen to paper.
(*incidentally a pseudonym. I'm always surprised that local papers have numerous quotes from this gentleman, when they must know he doesn't exist!)
Closure of Ampthill Park Toilets - I see this made the front page of BoS. A shame they had not checked there facts. Firstly, there is no statutory requirement that Town Councils provide public conveniences. However, the Town Council took the decision to take on the maintenance when the District Council withdrew from providing the service. Secondly, the piping from the Park Toilets to the nearby cesspit has become irreparably damaged, causing the closure. Thirdly, Town Council has decided to develop the area around the football club to include new toilets. Thus portable toilets will be provided, particularly during school holiday times.
Ampthill Festival Bunting - The reason that the Festival Bunting is still up arises from the fact that due to local health and safety advice the local fire brigade are unable to take the bunting down. The Festival committee has always appreciated their assistance in the past and is working towards getting them down. Although I still find the quite cheery! Incidentally, I've just received confirmation that next years Gala Day will be on Sunday 6th July 2008!
Parking Issues/Policing Issues - The town council is working to find solution to parking issues in the town. Unfortunately this can take time, but if you have any issues let me know so this can be fed into the mix.
In terms of policing Ampthill, Maulden, Millbrook and Clophill are being piloted in the setting up of a new Community Safety Forum, which will want engage with all in tackling local community safety issues. Look out for further details over the next month or so!
I hope the above information clears up some of the rumours circulating around the town!
By the way I thought it interesting whilst I was away that Gordon Brown decided not to call an election. Am I the only one that sees that it was rather a clever move to allow speculation build as it actually meant the Conservatives had to reveal their policies, something they have not been really willing to do up to know! This means that the other parties can now analyse & pick apart these policies & so it was possibly a very astute move by Brown.
Anyway that's all from me now! I'll go and try and recover from the cold I've brought back from Egypt!
Friday 5th October 2007 - Reflections on the past month
Well to say the least the posturing over unitary status beggars belief, although it is amusing to see Conservative against Conservative with the County against the Districts. Anyway the long and the short of it is that it's a total mess as the Counties decision to go to the courts means that whilst the Districts are moving into 'uncharted waters' as they try to firm up their case for Central Bedfordshire. On a personal level I still feel Frank Branston has a lot to answer for as I know from experience people in Mid Beds do not look to the south of the county and instead feel a greater affinity to Bedford. Therefore in my view the Central Beds option is a 'Marriage' of Convenience', engineered by Frank Branston's decision to seek unitary status for Bedford Borough. The trouble is we've got to live with the consequences!
On a different note the Town Council has taken the decision to begin Councillor surgeries in the new year, so look out for more details in the next edition of Around the Pump. In the meantime you can always contact me on 840342 or email me at mark.smith@midbeds.gov.uk.
Thursday 6th September 2007 - Center Parcs Decision
Mid Beds District Council emailed the decisions of the Secretary of State & the Planning Inspectorate to all councillors this morning regarding Center Parcs appeal at Warren Wood. Having read through it the Secretary of State agreed with the Planning Inspectors assessments that the appeal should be dismissed apart with regards to the economic case that she felt over road all other objections in her final decision that the appeal should be allowed and that Center Parcs should be built!
I actually foresaw this would be the case on the day the new Center Parcs was first announced, as I recall that on that day I was walking across the Market Square in Ampthill, when a camera crew appeared round the corner & I was asked my views on the proposals for Center Parcs. I knew nothing about the proposal at that point, but garbled something along the lines that it would probably be good for the local economy. Needless to say I know a lot more about the proposal & on balance I have to say I'm still in favour of the scheme. I do however acknowledge that detrimental effects in terms of increased traffic could affect Flitwick & Westoning.
However, at long last the Millbrook Crossroads Roundabout will become a reality (through planning gain), this will hopefully put an end to the horrendous accidents that occur there from time to time. Also jobs will be created. It has been stated in some quarters that these will be menial jobs, but isn't that just plain condescending. If the development does go ahead there is likely to be some planning gain for Ampthill Park, which would be welcome. In addition local business may indeed benefit from the 10% of guests that venture outside the Parc. I think it's further kudos for Ampthill & Bedfordshire, especially if Nirah also becomes a reality! Having lived in Ampthill all my life I certainly feel that we are living interesting times & in terms of the regeneration of Ampthill Town Centre I'm proud to have played a small part in that process. Therefore it is encouraging that further investment is coming into a county that has traditionally fallen behind other areas.
P. S. Subsequent to this post I have learnt that a motion is going to Executive of Mid Beds District Council that proposes that the council challenges the Secretary of States decision. Indeed Mid Beds D.C. have been very critical of the County Council for going to judicial review over the Unitary decision & its likely £75000 cost, which seems bizarre if they are seeking to challenge, as I understood that this might cost £50000 to the council tax payers of Mid Beds. So it does seem that the only people to benefit will be the lawyers! Also it does now seem that if you don't get the decision you want, then no matter, seek a legal solution and get the decision you want!!
Wednesday 5th September 2007 - Finance & General Purposes Meeting
Well the first meeting back following the August break & what a disappointing start. The meeting was a bad tempered affair, which later caused me to send an email reminding them that their conduct is bound by standing orders, otherwise its going to be a long 4 years ahead! I have better things to do than attend meetings in the future like this. Lets hope there's no repeat in the future!
In addition, the Festival Committee had written to the council to thank the park keepers, in particular, for their help on Gala Day. This however gave the opportunity for one councillor to have a go over the bunting in the town centre. I explained we are reliant on the fire service (in putting the bunting up and taking it down), but still more grumbles from certain quarters. Personally I like the fact its been up over most of the summer!
It does make me wonder sometimes, do people view life in Ampthill from the perspective of a glass half empty or half full. I certainly fall into the latter category as my scrape with serious illness has taught me that it is wrong to live your life filled with negativity as life's too short!
Monday 3rd September 2007 - Back to Council Meetings & a look Forward
As I stated on 1st August, the month of August is traditionally a quiet month in terms of Council meetings, what with some many away on holidays, meetings are not generally scheduled for either the Town Council or the District Council. Meetings begin on Wednesday with a Town Council Finance Meeting, so I should be kept out of mischief, what with District Council, Town Council, Festival Meetings, Good Neighbours Scheme Meetings, Citizens Advice Bureau Trustee Meetings, Hospice at Home Volunteer Trustee Meetings, Mid Beds Link A Ride Trustee meetings etc. It feels like I'm about to start school after the summer holidays!!
Anyway to bring you up to speed on some of the future developments in the town:
The Town Council continues to talk to the developers of the Old District Council Offices & is trying to resolve associated parking issues in the town
I understand most of the New shops in Bedford Street have been leased with Urban & Rural confirmed & the others likely to be occupied as a Gift Shop, an Opticians (perhaps SpecSavers!!!!) & a Coffee Shop (perhaps Costa's). It is good to see that the regeneration (that I was part of instigating) is going so well! Imagine Ampthill if things had not moved forward!!
Ampthill is to pilot a new Community Safety Forum, with the input of residents being vital to its success, especially following the spate of senseless acts of vandalism in Ampthill Park
We live in a fantastic town & I'm proud to represent it & I hope that over the last 10 years I've helped make it an even better place to live.
If you have any comments or want help don't forget to contact me on mark.smith@midbeds.gov.uk or on 840342.
Wednesday 8th August 2007 - The Unitary Mess
Well I learnt today that perhaps unsurprisingly the County Council are not taking their demise lightly, as they have announced that they are seeking a judicial review over the decision to make Bedford Borough Council & Central Bedfordshire Unitary authorities. The review may take up to 9 months and cost council taxpayers another £75,000 on top of the £250,000 they had already spent to support their failed bid. Could it be a further case of good money after bad! I have to say I always expected this would happen whatever way the decision had gone, as there were too many ego's involved! Perhaps Conservatives in the County also came to the realisation that by splitting the county in two Conservative influence and authority would have been weakened. Also, whatever way it goes, as councillors in the county are predominantly Conservative and with each unitary option proposing fewer seats, there are going to be too many existing County & District Conservatives Councillors vying to be selected in their area to stand in May 2008, with casualties being inevitable!! So I predict lots of infighting!!
Wednesday 1st August 2007 - A Quiet Month!!
Traditionally August has always been a quiet month in terms of meetings with the Town Council, as this is the one month when no meetings are scheduled to take place. Indeed this would seem to be the case with the District Council as well.
Anyway, today is my birthday, as I turn 45, and I've actually spent most of today travelling, as I've begun a city break to Helsinki in Finland with my Mum. I'm of course extremely lucky to have reached this age after been diagnosed with leukaemia at 28 years old! Strangely, one thing that this prompted me to do was to travel extensively and I can now reflect on the fact that I've seen an awful lot of the world in those intervening years! Life is certainly not a rehearsal and you may as well see as much of the world as you can!!
Thursday 26th July 2007 - MBDC Full Council Meeting
Needless to say the main subject of discussion revolved around yesterdays government decision over unitary status in the County. Councillors seemed very pleased with the result, although I'm sure they have not thought through some of the implications I pointed out yesterday! Perhaps then they will realise the transition will be anything but smooth, despite assurances to the contrary. At the heart of the matter, will this move save money for the council tax payers of Ampthill? I have to say, I'm yet to be convinced!!
Wednesday 25th July 2007 - Announcement of Successful & Unsuccessful Unitary Status Bids - A Case of 'Four Funerals & a Wedding'
Today Local Government Minister John Healey has announced that the bid by Bedford Borough Council for Unitary Status had been successful, which I have to say surprised me, although on reflection perhaps not as much as I had originally thought! In effect this decision means as from 2009 there will be no County Council and instead Bedford Borough will carry out all the functions of the Borough & County Council's 'under one roof'. The County, Mid Beds District Council and South Beds District Council have been asked to now formulate a stronger proposal for a Central Beds Unitary authority. The likelihood will be that both new authorities will be up and running from May 2009, whilst fresh elections will take place in May 2008 for a shadow council for these new unitary bodies. So you will have the interesting spectre of two sets of councillors, from the old and new bodies, been in place. I guess this could lead to tensions, as for example there will be 66 councillors elected to the new Central Beds Unitary authority, whereas there are presently 53 Mid Beds District Councillors & 42 South Beds District Councillors (a total of 95). Tensions will also arise from the amalgamation of the present District services with officers vying for the same job, plus the new Unitary will be taking on Education, Social Services and Transport. In this instance, the opposite will apply as where you had single departments at the County Council you will have these services duplicated. So will there be cost savings. Thus in some ways I find this a perverse decision!
However, you have to hand it to the Labour Government, as this is a particularly politically astute decision, as Bedfordshire has for many, many years been 'True Blue' territory and was never likely to change in the near future. Therefore in one 'foul swoop' the Labour Government has lessened Conservative control of the county, as Bedford Borough is unlikely to full under complete Conservative control in the near future and now, overall influence will only apply to Mid & South Beds!
Needless to say the announcement, also highlights something I have been harping on about for ages, namely where were the Conservatives in Mid Beds so resolute in needlessly getting Priory House at Chicksands built, when it had been known for some time that a unitary authority was highly likely. The point is that the rationale for that move was in part put down to having one base instead of two (namely Ampthill & Biggleswade). Well under the Central Beds Plan with the combination of Mid & South Beds District Council's you have bases in Chicksands & Dunstable! You know Ampthill would have been more central!!
My analogy to 'Four Funerals & a Wedding' refers to the demise of Mid Beds District Council. South Beds District Council, Bedford Borough Council (as it changes to a Unitary) & Beds County Council and the marriage of Mid & South Beds District Council's!!!
Thursday 19th July 2007 - MBDC Youth Participation Training
I attended yet more training at Chicksands. This time it concerned Youth Participation Training. It certainly highlight to me that there is a lot being done by a great many agencies throughout the District & indeed in Ampthill & that I perhaps need to do more in publicising what is out there. I therefore intend to update the very out of date pages on my website as a start over he coming week, which I guess is opportune with the School Holidays beginning, as half the battle is knowing what's happening!
Wednesday 18th July 2007 - Full Town Council Meeting - Loss of Parking!!
Apparently, next week representatives of the Town Council will be meeting the Developers to discuss their revised planning application following the rejection of the previous one by the District Council. I have asked that when they do meet that the subject of the loss of car parking in front of the old District Council Offices is raised, as I can only speculate, but it seemed strange that the closure by the developers coincided with the planning set back for them! However, such a move hardly endears you to you new neighbours with parking at such a premium in Ampthill.
Thursday 12th July 2007 - Overview Committee
By far the most interesting item related to what the District Council is doing in relation to Climate Change. There was quite a wide ranging discussion that centred on their buildings & refuse vehicles and how they can be made more environmentally friendly. However at the end of they day the best they can do is be an exemplar for the community as a whole and encourage the community to face up to the thing that most threatens us today!
Tuesday 10th July 2007 - IT Training
I attended an afternoon training session on the District Council's upgrading of IT (i.e. new website & email system about to be launched).
Thursday 5th July 2007 - AGM of Mid Beds Link A Ride
I've actually been appointed as one of 3 District Councillors to sit on the executive board of this excellent Charity. You can find out more at www.link-a-ride.co.uk
Tuesday 3rd July 2007 - Introduction to Local Government Finance
This was useful as I found myself having some sympathy for Local Government, as working for the Voluntary Sector the chasing for grants & accounting methods are not dissimilar!
Thursday 28th June 2007 - Climate Change Briefing & Full Council Meeting
I took time off work to attend the presentation by Cranfield University on the work they had done on identifying ways for the District Council to reduce its Carbon Footprint. Interesting stuff! You can find out more at: www.midbeds.gov.uk/council/corporate/corporateinformation/climate_change.asp.
As for the full council meeting it took 1hour 20 minutes time, but is largely a rubber stamping exercise for decisions taken in other committees. One item put forward by the Lib Dems irritated me, asking the Council to not take part in any roll out of the proposed Governments Identity Card Scheme, insofar as this had obviously come from Lib Dem HQ & what has it got to do with this level of local government!!
Wednesday 27th June 2007 - Community Safety Conference
Really useful for the fact that I bumped into the lady that co-ordinates Home Watch in Ampthill. I would dearly love to see the whole town covered by the scheme. Perhaps the Town Council can assist by helping promote the schema so more roads sign up!
Tuesday 26th June 2007 - Audit Committee Meeting
This was actually not as daunting as I had feared, as with the training I had received it all made more sense and I guess you learn as you go along!
Wednesday 20th June 2007 - Ampthill Town Council Meeting - Co-option of New Councillors
Because only 10 candidates stood for the 12 vacancies on Ampthill Town Council on 3rd May, tonight we were faced with the task of co-opting 2 new councillors. 5 residents had put their names forward, they were: Barry Cowan, Sally Silcock, Paul Duckett, Carol Gibson & Sally Bacon. After a secret ballot amongst the 10 existing councillors, Sally Bacon & Paul Duckett were duly selected. However, this was not before I had asked each candidate why they had not stood 3rd Candidate. Not one candidate gave a satisfactory answer!!
Tuesday 19th June 2007 - Audit Committee Training
Yes yet more training. You have to hand it to MBDC they are certainly equipping you with the necessary skills to do the job you have been charged with!! In this instance the training is needed as I think I will be asking lots of 'stupid' questions in the future at this committee, as I guess its going to be a long learning curve for me!!
Wednesday 13th June 2007 - Development Control Meeting - Consideration of the 'The Limes' Planning Application
I attended this afternoon's Development Control meeting as one item related to the development of the Limes (the old District Council office's site) & I felt that I needed to attend, as a ward member to ensure that the committee was made aware of objections to the plans. Indeed, all the ward members were present, including both Mike & Gary (a member of the development control committee). We each had our say & I felt we put a persuasive case forward for rejection. Indeed I described the new development as something akin to a modern piece of Central Milton Keynes dumped in the centre of Ampthill. Anyway, I'm pleased to say that our arguments worked as the plans were unanimously rejected. None of us are against the development of the site, but this was not the right proposal!
Again I will make the point, I do object to planning meetings being from 2pm, as I had to take another half days holiday to attend and this disenfranchises members of the public that wish to attend as they similarly have to take time off work!
Thursday 7th June 2007 - My First Overview Committee Meeting
I attended my first Overview Committee meeting at Chicksands this evening. It had been a long day already as I had been down in London earlier in the day to attend Charity Fair for work at the Central Hall, Westminster.
Anyway, once over to Chicksands the new committee received a briefing about the role of the committee, which came about through the Government's modernising local government agenda, that encourages councils to adopt a structure where an Executive operates & is held accountable by the Scrutiny Committee that can challenge their decisions, whilst the Overview Committee basically helps formulate policy! More information can be found at the District Council's Overview & Scrutiny WebPages.
Amongst items for discussion was the thorny issue of waste collection. Interestingly, the District Council are trialling kitchen waste collection in Cranfield & parts of Flitwick, its just a shame that after reviewing the results that this is unlikely to be introduced district-wide until this time next year. This could mean that we are going to have to endure another summer of stinking bins & maggots!!
However, I feel encouraged that I was able to ask some probing questions during the evening and I at last feel that I'm finding my feet!!
Thursday 31st May 2007 - Waste Management Seminar
After work I was again over at Chicksands to attend a seminar about Waste Management in Mid Beds. Actually considerably more interesting than it sounds. The piece of information I found most interesting was that kitchen waste collections are being trialled in Cranfield & parts of Flitwick and after a review later this year are likely to be rolled out across the District in early 2008. I just wish it could be this summer as I guess we are going to have to put up with smelly bins for another summer!!
Friday 25th May 2007 - Millbrook Parish Meeting
This evening I attended the Millbrook Parish Meeting at their village hall, with fellow District Councillor, Gary Summerfield. Unlike Ampthill, Millbrook does not have a council of elected members, as there are only 200+ residents, so three times a year a parish meeting is held to air the issues relevant to the community. Undoubtedly the main issue relates to the building of the roundabout at the Millbrook crossroads on the A507. This is something Gary, Mike & I will continue to campaign for, as too many people have suffered in accidents at this dangerous junction.
Wednesday 23rd May 2007 - Mid Beds District Council Development Control Meeting
I decided to have a days holiday from work and spend the whole day at Mid Beds. One reason revolved around the fact that as substitute for Development Control, I had been called to cover the first meeting of the new Development Control committee for the Independent group, as Gareth Ellis, our first choice was unable to attend. The meeting started at 2pm and if I do have a criticism of MBDC it revolves around the timings of some meetings, as they disenfranchise both members (like myself that work fulltime) and any members of the public that wish to address the committee (& work fulltime), as in each incident you will probably have to take time off work to attend. Hardly, open government! Perhaps too many councillors are retired and are not sympathetic to the making the process more open!! Anyway the meeting was an interesting introduction to Planning, even if none related to Ampthill. Indeed, most non-contentious planning application are dealt with by officers!!
I had spent the morning meeting with various officers and dealing with the considerable amount of paperwork that comes your way. Plus I met up for lunch with my friends from the local Citizens Advice Bureau, who are also based (in part) within the Chicksands offices.
Monday 21st May 2007 - Mid Beds District Council Code of Conduct Training
More training on how we should act in our role as Councillors. Perhaps most interesting in the case studies given to illustrate the relevant legislation. You wouldn't believe some of the things councillors have got up to. Indeed a lot of the case law seems to have come from Ken Livingstone!!
Friday 18th May 2007 - Mid Beds Credit Union Consultation
Although this related to my work rather than as a Councillor at MBDC, it is worthy of mention, as this took place at the offices at Chicksands and involved putting a case forward that a Credit Union is needed in Mid Beds. I believe that there is a need and stood on this in the recent election. I just hope that the councillors that attended were equally convinced of the need and will be supportive in the future. From my perspective it seemed to go well!
Thursday 17th May 2007 - Mid Beds District Council AGM
I went directly from work in Bedford to the offices in Chicksands to attend the first meeting of the new council. Prior to the meeting I did take advantage of one of the perks of the role, namely a free cooked meal from the one aspect of the new building I do like, namely the cafe at the front of the building (which anyone can use if passing).
The AGM its self was a bit of a disappointing, lasting only 45 minutes and mainly concerned the appointment of councillors to different roles within the council. I've been appointed to the Overview & Audit Committees and am substitutes on a number of others! I actually understand that more is achieved via these committees than at the Full Council meetings!! No doubt I will lean more as time goes on!
Wednesday 16th May 2007 - Ampthill Town Council AGM
Tonight Margaret Wright was elected Mayor for the coming year and Gary Summerfield her deputy. I have to say Penny Foster has done a superb job for the town over the past year.
We also welcomed our two new members, Piers Adams and Roy Tebbutt, after the non-election in the town. As a consequence tonight it was formerly announced that the Town Council will be formerly seeking to co-opt 2 new councillors from the community to bring the number of councillors up to the required dozen!
Tuesday 15th May 2007 - Mid Beds District Council Planning Training
This afternoon I took some TOIL off work and attended 6 hours of planning training. In essence because I'm the substitute on the Development Control (Planning) Committee! I have to say I'm impressed with the array of training on offer! At least will are being equipped with the skills that we will need to carry out our duties as councillors.
Thursday 10th May 2007 - Mid Beds District Council Members Reception
As an introduction to Mid Beds District Council, all new & returning Councillors were invited to the offices in Chicksands to attend a reception, that included a tour of the building, a buffet and introductions and welcomes. In addition we had to importantly sign our 'Acceptance of Office' forms in front of a designated officer, so we would be officially District Councillors!
I have to say today definitely felt like the first day at a new school. Although saying that my job in the voluntary sector has brought me into contact with a lot of councillors and officers at MBDC, so I'm at a bit of an advantage to some of the other new councillors!
Friday 4th May 2007 - Mid Beds District Council Election Count
I had a really bad nights sleep and by this morning I had convinced myself that I have no chance. I think this id partly down to the amount of time, effort and money that the Conservatives have poured into Ampthill to ensure that their three candidates are successful.
Like yesterday I had elected to go into work in Bedford, as I knew that Ampthill's Count was not amongst the first to be dealt with. Indeed, Gary Summerfield had agreed to phone me when it seemed likely that our count would start. So I had a very nervous morning at work before I received the call from Gary. Strangely, I still wasn't certain whether to attend or not. I guess it's that fear of rejection! Anyway, I did decide to go after some encouragement from work colleagues and arrived just after noon, to find out our count would not start for a little time, because the previous count in our allotted room had gone to a recount!
I therefore waited with the two Liberal Democrats (Gary Summerfield - plus Gary's wife Sue - & Mike Pierce) from Ampthill in the cafe surrounded by a sea of people wearing blue rosettes. My hopes seemed to be diminishing by the second and both Gary & I seemed nervous of our chances. Indeed Mike seemed to be the calmest one amongst us!
Eventually we were called up to our allotted room for the count. I just stood at the back of the room fearing the worst! Omens were not good from the start, as when the first ballot boxes were emptied on to the table, I by instinct scanned those that had landed face up and could not see one with a cross against my name! My immediate thought was this is going to be an embarrassment and I'm going back to work now! Luckily things turned around and I noticeably did particularly well amongst voters that voted just for me. Anyway, I did not spend all my time in the room. However, it was very noticeable that our count was attracting particular interest from others in the building, including our MP (Nadine Dorries - supporting her Ampthill Candidates), other candidates from other communities and District Council Officers. Anyway, after an eternity, with all votes counted, all candidates were asked by the chief legal officer (Barbara Morris) to meet outside the room, where she revealed that there was only 24 votes between the candidate in 3rd and the one in 4th. It took me a little time to realise that was me in 3rd (& thus elected) & Paul Duckett in 4th. [See full election result at the bottom of the page]. Paul was quite relaxed about not having a recount, but egged on by other Conservatives in the room eventually succumbed and so the next hour or so saw all votes recounted. Needless to say this was a nervous period, but eventually the result was ratified and MBDC Chief Executive, Jaki Salisbury, declared that Gary, Mike and I had been elected. What an honour! I will certaininly do my best for the Town & the District.
This has to be the first time since the formation of Mid Beds District Council back in 1974 that a Conservative has not been returned by the electorate of Ampthill. The Town certainly bucked the trend in Mid Beds, as after our count (the last to finish at 4.30pm), I leant that the new council will be made up of 38 Conservatives, 11 Liberal Democrats, 3 Independents and 1 Green. A crying shame that politics enters into Local Government, as I'm not convinced that this leads to good local governance when you are beholden to your parties line on an issue and not necessarily the interests of your ward in the first instance! Anyway, that gripe aside I'm overjoyed to be elected!
Thursday 3rd May 2007 - Mid Beds District Council Election Day
Well today is E-Day (Election Day) & having spent the last few weeks delivering my leaflets and co-ordinating their delivery through friends, today comes as a relief as there is no more I can do! I just hope that my 10 years + service to the Town counts for something, as standing as an Independent means that I have not had the resources of the other candidates with their political party backing.
Anyway, I had elected to go to work, whereas other candidates had elected to stand outside the polling stations all day! I think I came off better as it hasn't exactly been the warmest day!
I decided to vote with my Mum, at our local polling station (The Firs Lower School) after work. There I bumped into Paul Duckett who related that he thought all indications were that the turnout was very good.
It's a very strange thing seeing you name down on the ballot paper. Hopefully I put the cross in the right place! Anyway, there is no more I can do, it's all down to fate now, as the counting of the votes takes place at Mid Beds District Council Offices at Chicksands tomorrow!
I'm 44 years old and have lived in Ampthill all my life. I live with my Mum (Enid) & brother (Ian - Ampthill Cricket Club Vice-Chairman). I attended Russell Lower School (where I later became a Governor), Firs Lower School, Alameda Middle School & Redborne Upper School. I later obtained an Open University Degree, whilst undergoing treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, which illustrates my commitment in achieving goals!
I love quizzes, playing badminton, going to the cinema, but ultimately my greatest love is representing my Community & I have done this in the following ways over the past few years:
Ampthill Town Mayor
Ampthill Town Councillor
Ampthill & District Good Neighbours
Ampthill Festival Planning Committee Member
Works for a local Community Development Charity
Ampthill – Past, Present & Future Website
Mid Beds Hospice at Home Volunteers - Trustee
I pledge to work on behalf of the residents of Ampthill to:
See the vision of Ampthill as set out in the Ampthill Town Action Plan become a reality
Actions include:
The building of a new Community Building to replace Parkside Hall - this is something the community really needs to get behind, as Parkside Hall desperately needs to be replaced. However, carefully planning is needed to ensure it meets the needs of the community now & in the future.
The Provision of more long stay parking in the Town - parking remains a huge issue particularly in the centre of the town & needs resolution now that the Bedford Street Development is near completion.
The Establishment of a Green Infrastructure Plan for the Town & the surrounding area (to enhance Ampthill Park and expand green areas, such as Coopers Hill) - Ampthill is so lucky to have so much green space, however I feel we should be looking to not only preserve, but expand this buffer to development.
The Establishment of a Heritage Centre to celebrate the Town’s rich history and exploit the town’s tourism potential - Ampthill has a rich heritage that has never been exploited to its full potential. The creation of a heritage centre could put Ampthill on the map!
The Establishment of Home Watch across the Town - although by all measures the town is one of the safest in the county, I feel that the expansion of Home Watch across the town, would go some way to allaying the fear of crime.
The Increase of Leisure Facilities for Young People in the Town - I firmly believe that the young people in the town have been consistently let down by all layers of local government. I will continue to fight for better facilities in the town, such as a skate park.
The above are a few examples of actions contained in the Ampthill Town Action Plan that residents identified through consultation as top priorities to be enacted in the coming years. I aim see them enacted. (For more details of the Plan visit www.ampthill.org.uk/vision.htm).
See Ampthill reduce its Carbon Footprint & aim to become a Carbon Neutral Community
You may ask how exactly can Ampthill go Carbon Neutral? The answer is not over night, but I can see no reason why we can't begin following the example of other communities, such as Ashton Hayes in Cheshire (see www.goingcarbonneutral.co.uk for more details).
The ultimate aim would be the following:
REDUCE: by doing fewer things that use up energy supplies and by using more efficient supplies and vehicles.
RENEW: by getting the electricity that we still need either by generating it yourself, by using low carbon sources or purchasing from renewable suppliers.
REPLACE: by offsetting the remaining carbon emissions by investing in tree planting (a scheme could indeed be set up locally to say benefit the Forest of Marston Vale) or other projects that replace carbon dioxide.
In the meantime here are a number of simple things you can do and how much carbon dioxide you’ll save doing them:
Change a light - Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year & save you money on your electricity bills.
Drive less -
Recycle more -
Check your tyres -
Use less hot water -
Avoid products with lots of packaging -
Adjust your thermostat -
Plant a tree -
Turn off electronic devices -
By beginning the process of going carbon neutral, we in Ampthill could be a beacon for other communities in Mid Beds & we would be doing this for the benefit of our children & their children!
Of Course, please recycle my election leaflet which you should soon be receiving through your letterbox (needless to say, after you have hopefully read it !)
Ensure that Ampthill & the District’s Voluntary and Community Groups are well supported in the delivery of their vital services (including the need to expand Good Neighbour & Village Care Schemes across the whole district)
Without Voluntary and Community Groups our society would not be as rich as it is. The likes of the Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern and the Leonard Cheshire Homes provide vital support for our communities. Regrettably Mid Beds District Council has not always been supportive under recent Conservative control, as for example it was only a few years ago that the Council threatened to halve the funding of Mid Beds Citizens Advice Bureau, which would have hit the most vulnerable in our community. After a huge out cry the cuts were reduced, although nearly a quarter of their funding was lost.
The experience of been involved in the creation of Ampthill & District Good Neighbours leads me to believe that such schemes should be replicated across the whole district, as Ampthill's Scheme has been a huge success since its formation a year ago.
See the creation of a Mid Beds Credit Union in the District to help the financially excluded
I have become convinced that with the growing evidence that the commercial banks are exploiting their customers, the formation of a Mid Beds Credit Union, would be a good idea, as evidenced by Bedford Credit Union. This would help those individuals who find themselves financially disadvantaged and help to stop resulting debt problems throughout the District.
District Council Result - Ampthill
Gary SUMMERFIELD Liberal Democrat - 1381 ELECTED
Michael PEARCE Liberal Democrat - 1077 ELECTED
Mark SMITH Independent - 1060 ELECTED
Paul DUCKETT Conservative - 1035
Richard HOLDEN Conservative - 974
- Carol GIBSON Conservative - 939
Town Council Result - Ampthill
No Election - Only 10 people stood for the 12 Vacancies. The Following are elected by default:
Penny Foster; Margaret Wright; Mark Smith; Gary Summerfield; Margaret Wilson; Hector Chappell; Peter Eversley; Richard Holden; Piers Adams; Roy Tebbutt.
Download Mark Smith's 2007 Election Leaflets
Please let me have your comments & questions:
Email: mark.smith@midbeds.gov.uk
Tel: 01525 840342
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