New Street lights

You may have noticed the new street lights are much brighter than the old, but concerns about the beam spread being much smaller and therefore leaving large dark areas that could be dangerous to pedestrians have been raised.

Outside Guildhall 6th Dec 07

Conservative councillors and concerned residents demonstrate outside Guildhall

Out and About

Collecting names against Health Cuts.
A Petition was handed in on the 6th December.
we await a response from the KPCT.

Mental Health Care Cuts

We will be holding a demonstration against Mental Health Care Cuts

(Springboard and Fuchsias Ward)

outside the Guildhall on Thursday 6^th December at 7:00pm

The demonstration is prior to the Health & Overview Panel meeting at 7:30pm, where David Smith (Chief Exec of KCPT) will be in attendance.

We will also be presenting a 2,000 signature petition in support of these vital services.

Strasburg EU fact finding visit

A self financing visit to Strasburg to see how the EU debates on matters that comes before them, it was most interesting, and to see our own John Bowis MEP (a St James resident) lead the debate on shipping matters and oil pollution, backed up by an Italian MEP,it was fascinating, He was strong in debate and won the day getting the EU to investigate shipping laws and pollution.

So well done John

Visit to Luxemburg Court of Human Rights.

I had the opportunity to visit Luxemburg with some colleges in the year on a self financing fact finding trip, I sat in on a few cases to get the feel of the place, and I must say it was most impressive

We come away with a much better understanding of how it all works, and had the opportunity to speak to and question one of the Judges from the British contingent, who give us much valuable information on procedures within the system

Govenment under Fire

Gordon Brown and the government came under attack from former military top brass over the treatment of UK armed forces.

Five former chiefs of the defence staff warned of "blood on the floor" at the MoD because of inadequate funding.

Admiral Lord Boyce said the prime minister had treated the armed services with "contempt" and "disinterest".

'Lack of judgement'

The former defence chiefs spoke during a Lords debate, in which there were calls to improve levels of military funding.

Admiral Lord Boyce criticised a decision to give Des Browne the jobs of both defence secretary and Scottish secretary.

Lord Boyce said: "It is seen as an insult by our sailors, our soldiers and our airmen on the front line.

"And I know because I have reason to speak to them a lot. And it is certainly a demonstration of the disinterest and some might say contempt that the prime minister and his government has for our armed forces.

"And it shows an appalling lack of judgement at a time when our people are being killed and they are being maimed."

General Lord Guthrie blamed the prime minister for "the very serious situation we find the services in today".

Marshal of the RAF Lord Craig of Radley asked whether it was "immoral to commit forces that are underprepared and ill-equipped for their task?"

Further criticisms were levelled by Field Marshals Lord Bramall and Lord Inge.

They were later joined by Labour former defence minister Lord Gilbert, who said "injudicious actions" by the prime minister had brought criticism on himself.

Lord Gilbert called Mr Brown's failure to thank troops in the Queen's Speech "quite extraordinary".

"I think it showed a great insensitivity not only to the morale of the troops but to their families as well," he told BBC Two's Newsnight programme.

The Lords' concerted action follows months of concern from organisations such as the Royal British Legion that the UK's armed forces are over-stretched and under-funded for the missions they are being asked to carry out in Iraq and Afghanistan.

They point out that during the early 1980s the government spent almost 5% of GDP on defence but today the figure is closer to 2.5%.

Fraudulent use of Blue Badges offices take a tough line

'Fake Blue Badges seized in joint operation'

A coordinated campaign run during August and October to clamp down on the fraudulent use of Blue (disabled) Badges in the Borough resulted in nine badges being seized by the Police.

Of the 55 motorists spoken to during the 'sweeps', 23 were found to be misusing their Blue Badges. All were issued with £100 Penalty Charge Notices and given a stern word of warning. Nine badges were also seized by Police, of which two were later found to be forgeries.

A number of areas were targeted in Kingston Town Centre where misuse of Blue Badges was thought to be a problem, including: Fife Road, Memorial Square, the Market Place, Fassett Road, Grove Crescent and Grove Lane. Patrols were also carried out around Chessington.

The joint operation involving Kingston Police, Kingston Council and NCP Services - the company responsible for parking enforcement in the Borough - has proven to be such a success that further sweeps have now been planned for December and the New Year.



Hope that the further sweeps planned over the next couple of months will act as a deterrent to those who have knowingly misused Blue Badges in the past. We also have plans to extend these sweeps across the Borough in the future."

Police Sergeant Matt Smith of the Grove Safer Neighbourhood Team added: "It is good to see Parking Attendants and PCSOs working together to make use of new powers that allow them to inspect Blue Badges. The joint operation sends out a strong message to the criminal element who are using a number of methods to produce and sell these badges illegally.

"Police are also proactively following up leads with regard to blue badges that have been reported stolen. One arrest has already been made and more are expected. The support of the community in this matter is, of course, always appreciated. If you have any information that can assist please contact Kingston Police Station on 020 8547 1212 or ring Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."

Guidance on how Blue Badges should be used, along with maps locating Blue Badge parking facilities in Kingston, can be found at www.kingston.gov.uk/bluebadge.

Green Stratery

Green Strategy 28 07 2007

Thanks to Chris Hall and his other residents
it was nice for Cllr Mark Clark Cllr Howard Jones
and myself Cllr Ken Smith to be at the Green information
evening, we would like to say thank you for all your
hard work to improve your area, for the benefit of
all the youngsters

Dublin Trip

Dublin

I went on a self financed trip to Dublin and Belfast to see how they deal with crime, the trip took four days and it was no surprise to me to find that there are the same problems there as over here, the influx of migrant workers into Dublin as increased the city's numbers by 20% in four years, and with it problems, in the courts offenders for minor offences are asked to pay moneys to a charity or come back to court at a later date and be more heavily fined, the defendant stand on a carpet in front of the Magistrate in front of about 100 other defendants, no means testing here, you pay or else. Smoking, one women in Dublin who refused to put out her cigarette on the top of a bus was sent to jail for 7 days.
The IT in Belfast is second to none, and the court house magnificent.
The Photo is with the Governors of Montjoy Prison both ladies and the men's.

Our Policy on Waste

Our policy on waste collection have not changed to that in our manifesto, and that is we give full support to recycling, but do not agree to chips in bins (like the lib/Dems) nor do we agree with two weekly collections ( like the LIB/DEMS) nor to slop bins for food waste (like the LIB/DEMS).

But as I say we do agree with recycling .

Saturday 17th November

Saturday was spent in Tolworth Broadway with some colleges

Collecting signatures to Save Mental Health Service cuts,

Cllr Mary Clark as been instrumental in organising this agenda

And put a lot of work into it.

The closer of Springboard and eventual closer of Fuchsias Ward at Tolworth are of deep concern to all residents and is in my opinion a blow to all residents of Kingston.

Mary hopes to get around 2000 signatures, we had also spent the Saturday before in New Malden High Street, the response have been great, so thanks to you all.

Hobkirk House

Cllr Ken Smith St James Ward RBK

Conservative Cllrs and elderly residents protest outside Guildhall against the closure of Hobkirk House. The elderly day care centre will close due to Lib Dem social care cuts sweeping across the Borough.

12th June 2007

Out and About

I have been out knocking on doors over the past few weeks, asking your opinions by way of a questionnaire, it is a free post one that you can fill in at your leisure , if you are out I pop it in your letter box, its going to take me some time to cover the ward, but I will get there.
The owners of the BBC ground have feelers out about turning it into a cemetery, we have called or dropped in a leaflet in every house that surrounds the ground asking for views, so far we have had only 25 replay's, this also was a free post leaflet, it hard to judge your views from that small response,
The A3 roundabout is coursing long delays, its going to take months to finish, but it is the first major work done there for over 25 years. lets hope they finish ahead of time.
The Telephone box at the end of Blake's lane as again been vandalised, how many times is that in the past year ? the latest news is that it will be taken away for good.
More graffiti at Manor Park, the cost of cleaning it up is having a drain on our budgets, lets hope they can be caught.
With Christmas fast approaching its good sense NOT to leave presents under the tree and go off to work, remember the thieves like this time of year, so make it hard for them, keep them out of sight until the day.

Shocking?

The shocking thing is that we're no longer shocked. Yesterday, for the thirteenth consecutive year, the European Court of Auditors refused to approve the EU budget.

THE ZONE

I have just read THE ZONE, nice to know that local residents are working together to make the areas they live in a better place for their children to grow up in, and also ensuring that the Elderly are kept informed on local issues, may I wish the organisers every success, and hope they will increase the membership in 2008, I wish the organisers well and congratulate them on the time they give on this brilliant idea.

David backs English Mps only vote

David Cameron is to throw his weight behind the most radical shake-up of Parliament in more than a century by endorsing a plan to strip Scottish MPs of the right to vote on English matters at Westminster.

In a dramatic response to the growing English backlash against what the Tories perceive as unbalanced funding for Scotland, the Conservative leader will endorse a new report that would lead to Gordon Brown being banned from voting on legislation relating to English schools and hospitals.

Fischer Boel: QUESTION

Currently about 40 percent of the entire EU budget -- about €130 billion ($183 billion) -- goes to farmers. Will it be 20 percent in the future? Or is it more likely to be 39 percent?

Fischer Boel: I cannot give you a specific figure. Only this is certain: The amount will decrease. Farmers would be happy to get their money from the market instead of Brussels, after all. I am convinced: Thanks to our current reforms, the time of the grain mountains or wine lakes is over once and for all.

Support our Troops

Conservative Cllrs were shocked and disgusted at the Leader of the Council, Lib Dem Cllr Derek Osbourne’s flippant attitude towards the Conservative suggestion to recognise the efforts of our men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In Tuesday’s Council Meeting, Conservative Cllr Robert-John Tasker asked the Leader of the Council what services the Council provides to military personnel currently serving and what services the Council provides to men and women on their return from overseas. Councillor Derek Osbourne had no idea how many of his residents are serving their country, and saw no need to publicly recognise them.

An ardent Pacifist who does not attend Kingston’s Remembrance Day Services, gave the impression Cllr Tasker was wasting his time, as he joked with members of the panel before getting around to answering the question. He dismissed Cllr Tasker’s suggestion by saying that he would not want servicemen and women to have to face public humiliation from the residents of Kingston not supporting them and their ‘unpopular war’.

This time last year, nearly 6,500[1] men and women were in the Regular Forces from London. Conservative Cllrs would like to emphasise that the brave and perilous work they do for us is no laughing matter and should be rewarded with public acknowledgement.

We are not interested in Cllr Osbourne’s personal hatred of the Iraq war, we are asking the Leader of our Council to support the men and women who fight and die to preserve our way of life and our democracy - an institution that Derek Osbourne seems happy to participate.

Cllr Robert-John Tasker said: ''It is utterly irresponsible for somebody in Cllr. Osbourne's position to completely dismiss the idea of a military parade for the bravest and most gallant individuals who are trying to bring democracy to countries gripped by civil war and tyranny. This goes to show the Lib Dems are not just out of touch with the ordinary general public but are clueless when it comes to protection of our people''.

Good Eating

Whether it's a top notch restaurant or your favourite sandwich bar, from
Monday 8 October you will be able to view their food hygiene inspection
result

Kingston Council is taking part in an innovative food hygiene project -
Scores on the Doors- which has just been launched in London. The scheme
will see almost every restaurant and food outlet rated according to
inspections carried out since 1 January 2007, enabling consumers to make
informed choices about where to eat.

Each business will be awarded a star rating following a food hygiene
inspection by Kingston Council's food safety team.  The rating ranges
from Five Stars (Excellent) to No Stars (very Poor) and shows how well
the business complied with food hygiene legislation. The rating also
includes an assessment on the structure and practices within the
business and their ability to handle food safely. Food premises that
fail to meet food hygiene standards will have been advised on what they
must do to improve and that, where appropriate, they could be subject to
legal proceedings.

As part of the scheme businesses are invited to display their rating for
customers to see. Whilst this is voluntary at the moment, it may become
a legal requirement in London in the future. All ratings will be
available for the public to view on the Scores on the Doors website
www.food.gov.uk/scores
Residents can find further information about Scores on the Doors on the
Food Standards Agency website at www.yourlondon.gov.uk/foodscores.

The rating system:
* 5 Stars - Excellent
Very high standards of food safety management.
Fully compliant with food safety legislation.
* 4 Stars - Very good
Good food safety management.
High standard of compliance with food safety legislation.
* 3 Stars - Good
Good level of legal compliance.
Some more effort might be required.
* 2 Stars - Broadly compliant
Broadly compliant with food safety legislation.
More effort required to meet all legal requirements.
* 1 Star - Poor
Poor level of compliance with food safety legislation.
Much more effort required.
* No Stars - Very poor
A general failure to comply with legal requirements.
Little or no appreciation of food safety. Major effort required.
Ends

Why ?

Forces Charitable organisations

Treatment Centres like Tyrwhitt House funded by Combat Stress has facilities that have been specially built to provide for ex servicemen and woman who are physically disabled and suffer from PTSD. Projects like 36, Grays Lane in Ashtead help families to get closure to loved one at the rehabilitation centre Headley Court; this could only come about by donations collected by SSAFA.

Charitable organisations engaged in assisting serving and former members of the armed forces and their families, saves the MOD £££, so why should 15% from donations collect during events held on MOD Defence Estate property go back to the HM Treasury? Would members please write to their MP or if you are on the internet go in to the web page http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/servicecharities/ and sign the petition

You SHOULD have a say

Conservative leader Mr Cameron pledged on Tuesday to hold an Opposition Day debate, calling for a referendum, soon after MPs return to Parliament in October.

He said: "Labour MPs should stick to what they promised. They should vote for our motion when we bring it forward in the House of Commons."

Mr Cameron will use one of the Opposition Day Debates allocated to the Tories to raise the referendum. Although it will allow him to place the spotlight on the issue - and Mr Brown - Labour and LibDem MPs are unlikely to back a Conservative motion.

Cllr Ken Smith St James Ward RBK

Cllr Ken Smith St James Ward RBK

Conservative Cllrs and elderly residents protest outside Guildhall against the closure of Hobkirk House. The elderly day care centre will close due to Lib Dem social care cuts sweeping across the Borough.

12th June 2007

Dublin

Dublin

I went on a self financed trip to Dublin and Belfast to see how they deal with crime, the trip took four days and it was no surprise to me to find that there are the same problems there as over here, the influx of migrant workers into Dublin as increased the city's numbers by 20% in four years, and with it problems, in the courts offenders for minor offences are asked to pay moneys to a charity or come back to court at a later date and be more heavily fined, the defendant stand on a carpet in front of the Magistrate in front of about 100 other defendants, no means testing here, you pay or else. Smoking, one women in Dublin who refused to put out her cigarette on the top of a bus was sent to jail for 7 days.
The IT in Belfast is second to none, and the court house magnificent.
The Photo is with the Governors of Montjoy Prison both ladies and the men's.

Bad NEWS

I can remember well the cry that went up when millions of pounds was
spent on the Royal Opera House from the lottery fund, at the same time
local boys clubs were refused funding, the hue and cry was in my
opinion justified, on the grounds that few would benefit and the majority suffer.

It seems to me that the LIB/DEMS are playing that game with our Council Tax, on the one hand they close day centres for the elderly and sick in order to save money they say, means
test care for the sick, at the same time give our money to the Rose
Theatre, Now I am not against the theatre, but I am against using council
tax money to fund it, so far it runs into millions, and the costs are
still going up, EVEN WITH AN OPEN ENDED LOAN OF Of £1.8 million that can be paid back when they like, "I'm sure we all would like a loan on those terms"

So how can anyone in Government take seriously Ed DAVY our MP, who stood outside Parliament with a few local LIB/DEMS holding up banners asking for more money for RBK? and whilst on the subject of Ed Davy, so far as I know not one word about the closing of Hobkirk House or of other matters affecting the aged in the Borough, it would
be better on reflection if he stayed clear of those matters, for if he
is as successful with that as he as been with the post offices (none of which he as saved)then he is better not bother, He knows only to well that its a done deal and that some 2800 post offices will go.

Sign up

The new .com about the referendum go to
referendum.com

From CLLR Mary Clark

At the Guildhall tonight, the final decision was made by the Lib Dem Council Executive to close Hobkirk House Day Centre. As, in previous weeks the Committee sat with stony faces as some of the Centre's users repeatedly pleaded to keep their centre open, as it is their lifeline to the outside world. One could not help but be moved, but not so the Executive.

Executive member, Councillor Bamford even commented before the end of the meeting, that

in the future more people will be cared for in their own homes, as if this could be the answer

to the elderly and disabled needs.

Has not this Lib Dem Council ever heard of the expression 'social exclusion? How can they put a paltry savings of £300k against the present and future care and welfare of our most vulnerable residents. After all, they have a right to receive the best of preventative health care, not to be forced to have to sit looking at four walls in the Autumn of their lives.

This Lib Dem Council has again proved that it is uncaring, unsupportive of our elderly citizens, incompetent and shallow. Projected figures for RBK show that because of this Councils cuts and non provision of preventative health care, is not only a risk to residents health and will need more expensive and intensive care needs in the longer term, but it shows this Council's utter incompetency as it does not have the wisdom and foresight of forward planning

Councillor Mary Clark -Conservative

St. Jame's Ward.

Manifesto

Proposed for the Manifesto

Inheritance Tax to be Scrapped

More Private Money to build Roads

Re-phasing of traffic lights to ease James and allowing cars to turn left on red (like in the USA they are allowed to turn right on a red) when this is not allowed for safety reasons it will be well sign posted to that effect

PENSIONS
Encourage saving by allowing youngsters to dip into the fund to buy a home (that's when they need it most)

Regulations
Cap the amount of red tape that Whitehall can issue each year,
Scrap HIBs (home insurance packs)

Charity's
Remove the need for licences for small charity events like Raffles.

Energy
Back clean coal technology
Speed up nuclear plant planning process

Public sector
Scrap ID cards and save billions,
( why should l all young and old have to pay hundreds of pounds for one ? )

reduce the number of overpaid quangos

cut the number of civil servants

Posted by ken at 01:03

Rubbish Collections

Rubbish Collections

Our stated policy is that we will NOT have fortnightly rubbish collections of any kind, nor will we have chips in bins

A3 rounabout roadworks

A3 rounabout roadworks

A new safety layout and lane control, including a new zebra crossing, will start to to implemented shortly , Howard Jones Mary Clark and myself look forward to this safety work being completed on time, its funded by TFL, the A3 being under their Planning and maintenance control

0 comments:

Remember the slogan tough on Crime

Ministers have just published figures showing 3,832 prisoners have been let out of jail since June under a special early release scheme.
So much for that

It's time to fight back

With violent crime yet again in the news, the Conservative Party have launched their plans for tackling Britain's crime crisis.

A three-stage solution has been proposed: in the short term, getting more police back on the street; in the medium, reforming schools and the criminal justice system; and in the long run, strengthening families and communities.

Announcing the policies, David Cameron said, "Britain's crime crisis is just one part of the social breakdown we see around us. We can and will fight back."

The proposals recognise that preventing anti-social behaviour and violent crime is not just a job for the police and justice system; it's the responsibility of us all, as individuals, working alongside government and civil society.

Pressure mounts for EU referendum

Brown faces EU rebellion from '120 MPs'

Tuesday, 28 Aug 2007 12:25

Up to a third of Labour MPs could potentially support demands for a referendum on the EU treaty.

Ian Davidson is leading a campaign to reform the treaty or put it to a public vote.

He claims at least 120 Labour MPs support his campaign for an amendment or referendum, although admits support is difficult to gauge during the parliamentary recess.

Mr Davidson told the Telegraph: "On the basis of the soundings and conversations I have had with colleagues, the support for a referendum is similar to last time round when well over 120 Labour MPs publicly or privately backed a referendum."

Gordon Brown is eager to avert a widespread rebellion on the EU, which risks portraying the Labour as being split over Europe.

However, the Telegraph claims Jack Straw is privately sympathetic to calls for a referendum.

The campaigners argue not putting the EU treaty to a vote risks undermining Mr Brown's sentiments on public trust and political reform.

David Cameron today was accusing the prime minister of arrogance in his refusal to hold a referendum.

Writing in the Sun the Tory leader said Labour's attitude to Europe was underpinned by a "shameless arrogance", arguing this was the "big cancer eating away at trust in politics".

Mr Cameron said: "Labour’s last election manifesto could not have been clearer on the EU constitution.

"It said: 'We will put it to the British people in a referendum, and campaign wholeheartedly for a Yes vote.'

"And just two months ago, Gordon Brown said: 'The manifesto is what we put to the public. We’ve got to honour that manifesto. That is an issue of trust with me and the electorate."

"Now he’s done a massive EU-turn," Mr Cameron insisted.

The government argues a referendum is not necessary because the agreed treaty is not a constitution.

David Miliband insisted the original constitution, which was rejected by French and Dutch voters, had been replaced with a reform treaty.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme today, the foreign secretary said: "The constitutional concept has been, quote unquote, abandoned. It has been abandoned because the treaties that were going to be brought together into a single new constitution are not happening.

“I think that as parliament gets to grips with the reform treaty that comes out from December, as they look line by line, they will see first that it is good for Britain; second that it is very different from the constitution in absolute essence, and third that the red lines, the key national interest of the United Kingdom in foreign policy and other areas, have been protected.”

IF THATS THE CASE WHY NOT LET THE BRITISH VOTERS DECIDE

Nevertheless, the GMB and RMT unions are set to join the Conservatives and UKIP in calling for a referendum before the EU Treaty is set to come into force in 2009.

Hands in your pockets again

Lib Dems set out plans for carbon neutral Britain

Tuesday, 28 Aug 2007 16:31

Huhne

The Liberal Democrats want to charge drivers to use motorways as part of a commitment to making Britain carbon neutral by 2050.

Tolls on motorways and charges for lorry drivers cost will be passed on to consumers, they know how to take your money, without asking.
but we are used to that in Kingston

Green Strategy 28 07 2007

Thanks to Chris Hall and his other residents
it was nice for Cllr Mark Clark Cllr Howard Jones
and myself Cllr Ken Smith to be at the Green information
evening, we would like to say thank you for all your
hard work to improve your area, for the benefit of
all the youngsters

Grange Residents Asso BBQ 26Th August 07

A BBQ by the grange Residents Association
Started at 2.00pm and due to finish at 5.pm , but
all were having such a good time we did not finish until 8.45 pm

Abolishing inheritance tax

Friday, 17 Aug 2007 09:55

Reducing regulation will encourage the UK economy to prosper, according to a report commissioned by the Conservatives.

The Economic Competitiveness Policy Group (ECPG), lead by Conservative cabinet minister John Redwood, proposed inheritance tax should be abolished as it unfairly penalises middle-income families.

The tax currently claims 40 per cent on inherited estates and assets in excess of £300,000. The government claims the tax only affects a small minority of people, although rising house prices have meant many more are now liable to pay.

It was originally introduced to prevent wealthy aristocratic families from handing down vast estates and sums of money. The treasury estimates the tax will generate £4 billion per year by 2008.

Questions have been raised about where this money will be found should the tax be scrapped, with Labour branding the plan as “a recipe for economic instability”.

Law and Order

Tories launch 'three-dimensional' attack on crime

Cameron on crime

The government failed on its promise to tackle the causes of crime and instead pursued a one-dimensional approach, David Cameron claimed.

The Tory leader accused the government of failing to "strengthen society" and instead focusing solely on the criminal justice system.

Mr Cameron told GMTV: "They have passed over 30 new laws, they have created over 3,000 new offences but I don't think any of us feel safer on the streets."

Mr Cameron has made repeated references to "anarchy in the UK" over recent days, with his argument reinforced by the continuing spate of youth violence.

Mr Cameron told GMTV: "What we need is a three-dimensional approach - looking at criminal justice, yes, but also looking at policing and thirdly looking at society and how to strengthen society and strengthen communities.

"It's only through that three-dimensional approach that we can get to grips with the problems on our streets and the fear in our society."

He reiterated the Conservatives' long-standing pledges to cut police paperwork, also arguing magistrates should be allowed to imprison offenders for up to a year.

At present, police spend only a fifth of their time on the beat, Mr Cameron said.

The most important thing we can do to tackle the lawlessness on the streets is free up police from targets and paperwork and make them accountable to the local community."

Mr Cameron said the tax and benefits system should be reform to encourage families to stay together, re-opening the debate on married

Brown rejects union EU vote call

Critics say the treaty is the constitution by another name

Gordon Brown has rejected calls from two trade unions for the government to hold a referendum on the new EU treaty.
it was "seriously good news" that unions were demanding a vote, "Gordon Brown must be the only man in the country who doesn't realise that we have to have a referendum on this treaty.

"Every other political leader in the EU has said that this is the constitution in all but name, and the Labour Party was elected with a manifesto to hold a referendum on that document.

"He is doing a rather splendid impression of an ostrich, surrounding himself with yes men who are trying to drown out the overwhelming calls for the British people to have their say."

No Council tax Savings ? but an increase

Wednesday, 22 Aug 2007 14:21

Shadow Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has warned households their tax bills will increase under plans to reform domestic waste collection across the UK.

Dismissing claims that a majority of people would back a new pay-as-you-throw system of collecting rubbish from homes, Mr Pickles said:

"Under the government's plans for bin taxes there will be no reduction in council tax. The overall burden of taxation will rise so householders will pay more."

The government claimed the introduction of variable waste charges would be cost-neutral, and would only go ahead if councils were able to provide effective recycling schemes as well.

But Mr Pickles warned there would be no reduction in council tax and the scheme would increase illegal dumping and backyard burning.

He said the question used in the IPSOS poll was loaded and distrustful.

The poll asked 1,028 people: “Would you support or oppose your council operating a system whereby you pay a reduced council tax rate, and then get charged directly for the amount of household rubbish you produce, so that the more you recycle the less you would pay?”.

The results showed 64 per cent of people would go along with a pay-as-you-throw scheme which did in fact reduce the amount of council tax they were liable for.

“The government's half-baked plans wouldn't add up to a green measure - they are simply another stealth tax."

Mr Pickles pointed to research published last month by the communities and local government committee on refuse collection, which argued “revenue-neutral” did not mean cost-neutral.

He said any scheme introduced would require substantial administration and enforcement costs, which in practice could lead to householders paying more.

The earlier report also questioned what
would they do about none payers?

A&E Latest

Local A&Es ‘essential’, says report chairman

Tuesday, 21 Aug 2007 14:52

The chairman of today’s report has insisted more local A&Es are necessary to resolve the current difficulties.

The research, published in the Emergency Medicine Journal, found patients with severe breathing problems had a 20 percent chance of dying if forced to travel more than 12 miles in an ambulance to receive treatment .

The Conservatives claim the government’s intended reconfiguration of the NHS over the next ten years could see A&Es replaced by “polyclinics”, forcing critically ill patients to travel even farther to reach emergency care.

This, according to the report, would have serious consequences for victims of heart attacks, where patients must receive immediate attention, as quickly as possible.

Professor Jon Nicholl, director of the Medical Care Research Unit at the University of Sheffield, who led the study said:

"Our data suggests that any changes that increase journey distances for all emergency patients may lead to an increase in mortality for some.

Feet for the purpose ?

Age Concern's Feet for Purpose warned older people are adversely affected by long waiting lists for foot care services in the NHS, with many being forced to pay for private care or rely on charitable help.

The charity found one in three pensioners cannot cut their own toe nails, resulting in two million older people who may require NHS services.

Age Concern warns inadequate foot care can reduce mobility and increase the risk of falls among older people. A lack of chiropody services can therefore leave older people housebound and disabled, it claims.

It has found extreme cases of elderly people attempting to cut their toenails with garden shears of kicking their feet against walls to shorten their nails.

Age Concern is campaigning for chiropody to be included in the government's targets for maximum waiting times of 18 weeks.

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, said: "Foot care services are failing older people, and a postcode lottery is leaving those in some areas without any services at all.

"Age Concerns do their best to help bridge the gaps in services, but many people are left without adequate foot care. The Department of Health (DoH) must take a lead in resolving this problem."

Hospitals

We believe that the district general hospital is an absolutely key part of the National Health Service

David Cameron
Conservative leader

Question on the Rose

I have been asked how much have consultants been paid during the building of the Rose, and who were they?
I have said that I do not know the full answer but will find out and let you know when I do, and how much they have been paid.
Watch this space

Rubbish Collections

Our stated policy is that we will NOT have fortnightly rubbish collections of any kind, nor will we have chips in bins

Proposed for the Manifesto

Inheritance Tax to be Scrapped

More Private Money to build Roads

Re-phasing of traffic lights to ease James and allowing cars to turn left on red (like in the USA they are allowed to turn right on a red) when this is not allowed for safety reasons it will be well sign posted to that effect

PENSIONS
Encourage saving by allowing youngsters to dip into the fund to buy a home (that's when they need it most)

Regulations
Cap the amount of red tape that Whitehall can issue each year,
Scrap HIBs (home insurance packs)

Charity's
Remove the need for licences for small charity events like Raffles.

Energy
Back clean coal technology
Speed up nuclear plant planning process

Public sector
Scrap ID cards and save billions,
( why should l all young and old have to pay hundreds of pounds for one ? )

reduce the number of overpaid quangos

cut the number of civil servants

History By June Sampson

By June Sampson

Kingston's reputation as a rich and leafy borough has cost it dear in terms of Government funding and other much-needed support. Yet this enviable image a recurring burden to those trying to tackle local problems is based mainly on one small corner of the Royal borough: Coombe, deemed in most surveys to be one of the six most prestigious residential locations in Britain.

Tony Murray, himself a Coombe resident, has written an engrossing history of a spot that is both the jewel, and in some ways a thorn, in Kingston's crown.

His book takes the form of an illustrated tour of Coombe Wood Conservation Area, which covers 40.6 hectares at the heart of the Coombe Estate.

First he explains how the lst Duke of Cambridge, seventh son of George 111, bought the rural Coombe Estate from Earl Spencer in 1837 (the Earl also owned Wimbledon Common, which he tried to have fenced off in the 1860s!). The 2nd Duke inherited the estate from his father in 1850, and began developing it by granting ground leases.

Because the Duke's marriage to the actress Louise Fairbrother was invalid, his descendants could not succeed to the title. So when he died in 1904 the estate passed to the FitzGeorge Trustees, who administered it on behalf of his two surviving sons until it was sold in 1933.

During the 19th century most Coombe residents were aristocrats and leading society figures, living in fine mansions. The early years of the 20th century saw smaller-scale development, and it was intended to build over the Coombe Wood and Coombe Hill Golf courses.

However, the council, under an Act of 1933, used a levy on local property owners to acquire several acres to safeguard the golf courses as open space, and ensure the estate roads remained private.

This was hailed as "a landmark in town planning legislation", and without it, says Tony, the period buildings would have long since gone, and the unique character of the area lost for ever.

In his book, he leads us along Warren Road, once part of an ancient track from Richmond to Merton Abbey, and the mills in the Wandle Valley. In 1850, there was a notorious court case when the Duke of Cambridge tried to close it to the public. The verdict was that the public had a pedestrian right of way, but wheeled traffic should be restricted to residents and their invitees a rule that still applies today.

Most of George Road was laid out by the Duke of Cambridge in 1867, though the section leading from Kingston Hill is much older. It ended at the gatekeeper's lodge (now White Rose Cottage) from whence a track led across fields to Coombe Farm (now the site of Coombe Hill School). Renfrew Road and Stoke Road date from the early 20th century, and were intended as the prelude to a development programme which mostly failed to materialise.

Kingston Council is responsible for the management and maintenance of all these roads, but is entitled to recover the costs from residents. However, Tony is critical of the council's achievements, or lack of, in this connection.

He describes houses and residents in fascinating detail. The oldest building, apart from the Tudor conduit houses in George Road, is White Rose Cottage. Originally two labourers' cottages, it was made into one in the 1940s or 50s and was reputedly the home of the notorious film star Eva Bartok in the 1950s.

Hampton Spring and Bruin Wood were both built in George Road (in 1906 and 1923 respectively) by Valentine Knapp, editor of the Surrey Comet for 30 years. Penlee, in Renfrew Road, was built in 1910 as The White House, and was the home of Kenelm Lee Guinness, the legendary racing driver and inventor of the KLG sparking plug.

Corner Croft, in Stoke Road, was built in 1923. For several years after World War 11 it was the home of Lord Tedder, deputy Supreme Commander under General Eisenhower during the D-Day operations. The general himself lived at Telegraph Cottage, in Warren Road.

Television producer Graeme Muir and his actress wife Marjorie Mars lived for 30 years in Mendip Cottage. This detached house on a three-quarter-acre site fetched a mere £1,650 when it was built in 1909! In 1957 it was converted into two houses.

Fare Lodge, in Warren Road, and Pen Lodge, on Kingston Hill, were originally stables for Fairlawn, in Warren Road. This private mansion, built 1865/70, was compulsorily purchased by Surrey County Council in 1951, and is now a day centre.

High Pine was built in Warren Road in 1956, and was owned by pop musician Phil Collins. Ravenswood Court is a group of old and modern buildings grouped around the Victorian mansion, Ravenswood. Actor Joss Acland lived in the mansion for many years, and Rolling Stones guitarist, Ronnie Wood, occupied the former keeper's cottage before moving to a house on Kingston Hill.

The grandest surviving mansion to survive is Warren House. Built in 1865 for banker Hugh Hammersley, it was a favourite retreat for the cream of society, including Edward V11, Queen Mary, George V and prime minister William Gladstone.

John Galsworthy, father of the famous author, built three mansions in George Road, two of which survive, as the Rokeby and Holy Cross schools. His son gives a lyrical description of the area in his Forsyte Saga, which is largely set in Coombe.

Much of the idyllic calm has gone since then. As Tony Murray comments, "For many years the increasing volume of unauthorised traffic using the estate roads has been a problem the amount of school traffic has also greatly increased, with rush hour congestion and frequent disregard of parking courtesy. At these times the reference to a unique rural atmosphere' becomes painfully sardonic. At quiet times, however, the tranquillity of bygone days can still be enjoyed by those who care to stroll through the conservation area to savour the pages of architectural and social history."

Take his book with you while walking, and you will be sure of a thoroughly absorbing few hours.

The book costs £5.99 and is available from Kingston Museum, Borders Book Shop, Kingston, or Cannings, New Malden.

A3 rounabout roadworks

A new safety layout and lane control, including a new zebra crossing, will start to to implemented shortly , Howard Jones Mary Clark and myself look forward to this safety work being completed on time, its funded by TFL, the A3 being under their Planning and maintenance control

yellow lines

Have been told that the triangle just over the crossing at Motspur Park will soon have Double Yellow Lines, this will ensure that cars can move pass ether side, this is cross boarder consultation between Councillors, my thanks go to our colleagues in Merton.

GOOD NEWS

Service families' home approved

Sue Norton said she was amazed by the unanimous decision

Plans to turn a £1.7m house in Surrey into a "home from home" for families of injured service personnel have been approved despite residents' objections.

Bad NEWS

I can remember well the cry that went up when millions of pounds was
spent on the Royal Opera House from the lottery fund, at the same time
local boys clubs were refused funding, the hue and cry was in my
opinion justified, on the grounds that few would benefit and the majority suffer.

It seems to me that the LIB/DEMS are playing that game with our Council Tax, on the one hand they close day centres for the elderly and sick in order to save money they say, means
test care for the sick, at the same time give our money to the Rose
Theatre, Now I am not against the theatre, but I am against using council
tax money to fund it, so far it runs into millions, and the costs are
still going up, EVEN WITH AN OPEN ENDED LOAN OF Of £1.8 million that can be paid back when they like, "I'm sure we all would like a loan on those terms"

So how can anyone in Government take seriously Ed DAVY our MP, who stood outside Parliament with a few local LIB/DEMS holding up banners asking for more money for RBK? and whilst on the subject of Ed Davy, so far as I know not one word about the closing of Hobkirk House or of other matters affecting the aged in the Borough, it would
be better on reflection if he stayed clear of those matters, for if he
is as successful with that as he as been with the post offices (none of which he as saved)then he is better not bother, He knows only to well that its a done deal and that some 2800 post offices will go.

Malden Fortnight Thanks

What a splendid two weeks it turned out to be, and our thanks go to all those who organised this event. I managed to take some photos for Cllr Mick Amson, and apart from getting soaking wet at the dog show, I had a great time, once again thank you, lots of us enjoyed your efforts on our behalf

Malden Fortnight

A3 rounabout roadworks

TfL have recently sent out tender documents for the maintenance and improvement works planned for the A3 Malden Junction. They anticipate that the works will commence late September 2007 and last for a period of about 3 months. Before the works start they will be sending out a leaflet to local residents giving TfL contact details during the works.

Working for the residents

Wednesday, 13 June 2007

With the residents who spoke against the closer

Cllr Ken Smith St James Ward RBK

Conservative Cllrs and elderly residents protest outside Guildhall against the closure of Hobkirk House. The elderly day care centre will close due to Lib Dem social care cuts sweeping across the Borough.

12th June 2007

Tuesday, 5 June 2007

Hobkirk House

On the 12Th July at 7.30 pm the Lib/Dem controlled Executive committee will be looking at the above, a petition of some 2000 was presented in order to stop the closer of the day centre, we would ask all those who have shown interest to turn up on the night to show support.

At the meeting 0n the 12^th June one after each other residents and care workers Conservatives and users of HOBKIRK HOUSE,

Pleaded with the LIB/DEM councillors not to close the day centre, but the Executive Lib/Dem committee decided to close it anyway and could not look the to save £300.000

Not all that much when you think that they are willing to put millions of our money into the new ROSE THEATRE.

(I hope that when those who take their seats on opening night remember that the old and disabled were disadvantaged to pay for them) so I hope that the following LIB /DEM C councillors remember at election time remember the words spoken by Derek Osbourne at the end of the debate

“We will save £ 300.000 but and by closing Hobkirk we will safeguard the Elderly for generations to come”

How about that for spin?

So well done lib/dem councillors

Osbourne James Shelton I Reid Bamford Davis Shard

And all the LIB/ DEM councillors who voted this in.

IT WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN

BY US OR THE VOTERS

Wednesday, 23 May 2007

Dublin

I went on a self financed trip to Dublin and Belfast to see how they deal with crime, the trip took four days and it was no surprise to me to find that there are the same problems there as over here, the influx of migrant workers into Dublin as increased the city's numbers by 20% in four years, and with it problems, in the courts offenders for minor offences are asked to pay moneys to a charity or come back to court at a later date and be more heavily fined, the defendant stand on a carpet in front of the Magistrate in front of about 100 other defendants, no means testing here, you pay or else. Smoking, one women in Dublin who refused to put out her cigarette on the top of a bus was sent to jail for 7 days.
The IT in Belfast is second to none, and the court house magnificent.
The Photo is with the Governors of Montjoy Prison both ladies and the men's.

Friday, 18 May 2007

St James info

At the last police Neighbourhood committee meeting, on the 15th May, three items were drawn to my attention.
The Z crossing in Malden Road with Junction of Blakes Lane, the request was that this should be moved away from the roundabout, and be placed nearer to the bus stop, reason was it was unsafe for boys coming out of School and crossing the road

The Underpass at South lane needs keeping Clean and graffiti removed, Reason to give confidence to its users

Proper Sighnage be placed at the end of Cromwell Road, reason safety and to try and stop drivers just pulling out, also to slow them down.

All the above have been handed to the Neighbourhood Manager for investigation

Tuesday, 15 May 2007

One Year on

Cllr Ken Smith St James Ward RBK

It as been nearly one year since my election, and the question I'm most asked is "is it what you expected" well the answer is yes and no, first yes because I have had the opportunity to help residents with local issues and have met with many regarding development and planning issues as well has rubbish collection and street and pavement repairs, and no because I did not realize the number of evening committee meetings and length of time for preparation before hand.
This as an effect of not allowing me to spent as much time as I like in going out and knocking on doors as I would wish too.
Lately much time as been taken up on the problem of Hobkirk House and Newent house has well as the Crescent Centres, you will be aware that all the Conservative Cllrs are against the idea but also the way it has been handled, the stress on the elderly and their family's have been intolerable.
The Council tax increase once again put us on the top of the highest in the country, with the usual excuse of that we no not get our fair amount from central government, this may be true, but its not as if the Lib Dem's did not know how much money they would be getting they new that two years ago, but still went ahead and spent money like water on silly and wasteful ideas

Monday, 14 May 2007

Recycling

Our stated policy is that we will NOT have fortnightly rubbish collections of any kind, nor will we have chips in bins

Posted by Cllr Ken SMITH at 09:54