Published 5th October, 1994. Lots happening
An extra long report this month because so much is happening.
I would be keen to hear views on -
- charging for Social Services;
- the A453 by-pass;
- campaigning on Beechwood;
- promoting a public meeting for John Heppell.
Charges for Social Services
One of the key issues is the suggested introduction of charges for certain Social Services.
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Portland by-election
Labour won a thumping victory at this by-election.
Sylvia Briggs was elected with a 522 majority on a much reduced turnout (23%).
Full result was -
Briggs Labour 1074
Gay Con. 552
Falconbridge LibDem 112
Difficult Election
Following the resignation of a Labour Councillor, controversy over housing development in the ward and some unpopularity about the LRT route planned for the area, this was a very good result.
Kingsthorpe Close
This estate is slowing being completed and people are moving in.
I've canvassed some of the houses with Pete Scoffings. I'm concerned that the estate has not got off to a good enough start and that more must be done by the City Council.
A453
The Labour Group has withdrawn its opposition to the modified red route.
This Department of Transport proposal is a 20ft deep 4 lane trench through Clifton along the current A453.
Persuaded
The group was persuaded by a technical report (written by our own highway engineers) that showed the route is the cheapest and promotes pedestrian & road safety, whilst minimising environmental damage.
The group also fears opposing the DTp because it may drop the dualling of the A453 from Junction 24 of the M1 to the city.
An improved link is thought to be important economically.
Public meeting
I attended a public meeting the following week where Alan Simpson MP & Clifton residents complained about being betrayed.
They argue that Clifton has been promised a by-pass since 1973 & that the County Council had not worked with residents sufficiently to find an alternative that the DTp would have to consider.
The Group's position was not helped by the low attendance of County Councillors.
My position
I opposed the modified red route and may now feel obliged to support the modified yellow route (even though it eats into the green belt) at the next opportunity.
Beechwood
I have read most of the 170 letters sent by constituents about the home.
It is sad to read people's experiences of burglary, trespass and bad behaviour.
Youth Court Services
Most of the letters object to a change of use of the home; not realising its role remains unchanged and that the number of children is about to be reduced.
Reasons
Most call for it to be closed, for 4 main reasons -
- its association with local crime;
- the behaviour and attitude of the kids in the streets; and trespass;
- that such places should be in rural areas; Lowdham Grange is frequently cited;
- that there are lots of institutions in Mapperley and so we have more than our fair share.
Reasonable
Most of these points are reasonably made; only 4 letters are truly alarmist.
But there is no recognition that crime is high in the city generally, and that the crime is caused by something much bigger than Beechwood.
Police attitude
Some letters refer to the Police dealing with burglaries by saying it's the kids from Beechwood and nothing can be done.
Pockets
There are pockets of opposition -
- homes next to Redcot;
- Blyth St., where the women's refuge has probably triggered a higher response.
I have met officers to discuss these matters and we'll all be meeting the Close Beechwood Cttee. soon.
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Criminal Justice Bill
A demo of about 300 people met in the Market Square.
It was a strange and amusing event. Speakers had to talk into headphones, because the proper microphone was bust.
Marginalised
The Act focuses on squatters, hunt saboteurs and ravers; it threatens civil liberties because it marginalises minorities even further; something that could be seen from the nature of the crowd.
Alexandra Court
I attended the residents' AGM.
The main discussion was on how security had improved the quality of life at the flats; but could be improved further.
Mapperley Road Neighbourhood Watch
Cllr. Riasat and I attended the AGM.
We talked about prostitution and the latest scheme in Bristol which is claimed to have had a dramatic impact on reducing street prostitution.
Mapperley Park
There is concern that prostitution is now spreading into Mapperley Park.
Traffic Calming scheme
The consultation for the Redcliffe Road and Magdala Road scheme is not going as well as I would have wished.
Officers appeared to give the impression of holding another meeting to discuss detailed plans without doing so.
The plans are humps for Redcliffe Rd. and speed cushions for Magdala Rd.
Elliott Durham Baths
The City Council's Leisure Services Committee has considered their Leisure 2000 strategy again.
The report is about 30 pages long, so here is my own very brief summary.
Closure Decision deferred
The Committee resolved to defer decisions on the future of Elliot Durham Baths for two years and only then to discuss their future in the light of -
any changes that might arise in the future demand for educational use;
the outcome of the local government review;
feasibility studies on any proposals put forward by various local organisations;
an examination of alternative sources of funding.
School Swimming Provision
The City Council recognises problems that would exist because of reduced capacity for school swimming.
The Leisure Strategy ís solution is the better utilisation of deep ends through the use of moveable pool floors.
Victoria Swimming Baths are suggested as a possible replacement for Elliott Durham Baths.
Copies of the Report
I can arrange for copies of the report to be sent to anyone interested. Or phone the City Council (483500) for a copy.
Level of Protest
1128 people signed the petition against the closure.
Only 216 people responded to the City Council's questionnaire (out of 109,000 households) so the results are not being treated as significant. (I think this is sensible given a return rate of 0.2%.)
Indeed question 17 merely stated “review Elliott Durham Baths” so it's difficult to interpret what “agree or disagree” could mean as an answer.
Where Next?
One concern raised privately is that outside of school hours, the baths are serving residents from Carlton whose Council tax doesn't go towards the City, yet they use Elliott Durham because it's cheaper than baths in the Gedling District.
Another concern is that local people simply donít realise the facility is there and potentially available to them.
Ian Maclellan
I've met Ian who is anxious to assure me over the value of the two year's grace offered the baths.
Iíd be pleased to hear ideas on either how the use of the baths by local people can be promoted, or on the Leisure 2000 strategy itself.
John Heppell Public Meeting
Any Questions?
This meeting is being arranged by Mapperley & Sherwood Labour Parties and will probably be held Friday, 14th October …
We'll canvass the Sherwood area to promote the meeting …
Unemployment
680 in Mapperley ward (17.2%, July '94).
This represents a big leap on last month; but it would appear to be seasonal; unemployment is lower than the same time last year.
Cases
141 in 1994.
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