The 'Eyesore' still stands!

Once a symbol of Coventry’s proud manufacturing excellence, the derelict Watchmaker’s factory on Allesley old Road now epitomises all that can go wrong with our area.

The financial incompetence of the Conservative Council has left the city to rot like the building. Jobs and vital services are being cut as they try to balance a deficit of millions.

The derelict site is also attracting anti social behaviour, with local residents even reporting drug use! Worryingly a damaged fence allows children access to the dangerous building.

Something needs to be done...

Protecting Hearsall Common

A local Resident makes a persuasive case for protecting Hearsall Common from intrusive bus lanes. Do you agree?

“There are applications currently under consideration to make Hearsall Common a ‘town green’, protecting it from future development. Council-backed PrimeLines is already digging up part of the common for a bus lane and gate, having overridden residents’ opposition to do this. They were also going to drive a new road through the common next to Earlsdon Avenue North, but this had to be put on hold because of the application. Contrary to leader Ken Taylor’s claims, Council minutes state that if the application fails, this proposal will be revived. This is why we want Hearsall Common registered as a green.”
Dr Richard Austen-Baker, Chapelfields

Earlsdon’s Parking Squeeze!

Residents have let me know they are sick of the tight parking squeeze outside their homes. Non residents use Earlsdon as a ‘park and ride’ into the town centre.

The financial incompetence of the Conservative controlled Council means there is no extra money to extend the Butts resident parking scheme into your area. Council services are being cut as they try to balance a £7 million pound deficit. Jobs will also suffer as 116 families face redundancies this year.

So have you faced parking problems and what should be done about this? Let me know what you think.

Helping local communities

Gordon Brown let me know of his ideas to encourage stronger communities, at the Labour Party spring conference in Birmingham 1st March 2008. How do you think we can help local communities?

Litter at Allesley Park

What a Mess! Residents have contacted me to complain of the litter at Somefields in Allesley Park. Let me know what you think also.

In 2008 the Conservative’s financial incompetence is going to hit us all…

Quite how they managed to do it, but in the 4 years the Conservatives have been in control of the Council they have managed to plunge our finances into £7 million of deficit.

What does this incompetent management mean for us? We are faced with another big rise in council tax and likely a large cut in council services. Pay a lot more and get less.

As well as higher tax and poorer services, we also start the New Year with many families in Coventry having the spectre of redundancy hanging over them. It seems that the mismanagement of the Conservatives could see 120 people losing their jobs with the council.

Why tolerate this? The good people of Coventry deserve a change …

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Christmas is such an exciting time, evoking childhood memories of presents, family get togethers, good television and sometimes even snow! I wish everyone the happiest of experiences during this festive season and hope that all your wishes come true for 2008!

Altogether 2007 has been an exciting and busy year for me. My daughter April started her first year at nursery school, and it is amazing to her see her progress by learning and interacting with the other school children!

I would also like to give my thanks to the people of Whoberley Ward for making the experience of standing as your local Labour candidate such an enjoyable, honourable and fulfilling one. I have been truly humbled by all your thoughtful and sometimes honest (!) responses to my consultation process. It is clear that what we need is an open and understanding local government working in partnership with the electorate of Coventry. I promise to represent the issues that matter to you with energy and total commitment.

I am also pleased to report that well over a hundred names have signed the petition for extra pelican crossings at the Hearsall Common Junction. I plan to submit our response to the city council early in 2008, so watch this space for any further developments.

I think for all of us there is lots of work to do for the New Year, so maybe we are duty bound to make the best out of this well deserved break. Once again my sincerest thanks to you all and hope to see or hear from you soon in the very near future.