Articles from our Election Address, April 2003. Some re-formatting required.
Nottingham — a city that works
Labour is working to create a prosperous, well cared for and fairer city. Our commitment is to continue to develop Nottingham's economy, and ensure that the people of the city share its success. Labour believes that public services are at the heart of a decent, civilised society. We all benefit from the development of high quality services, whether we are direct users of those services or not. That's why our aim over the next four years is to ensure that the City Council provides consistently top rate services across the whole range of council activities; in particular, we pledge that by 2007, these services will be amongst the best in the country:how easy it is to contact the Council the standard of street cleaning the removal of abandoned cars the collection of waste for recycling the quality and provision of public transport the delivery of Housing Benefit the quality of housing repairs Read Labour’s manifesto — surf http://uk.geocities.com/acitythatworks
Good schools, better results by Michael Edwards “Labour wants to give our children a much better chance in life through better education. “As Chair of Governors at Elliott Durham, I see at first hand the drive of teachers to provide higher quality teaching, of staff to provide better schools and of pupils to learn. “We are making a difference. Results locally and across the city are improving. “There’s been a huge increase in money spent on education.Over £1,300 extra each year“We spend 60% more than the Tories did on our children’s education in Nottingham each year … 20 fold increaseand a lot more on our schools’ buildings, heating and security. Walter Halls has 2 new classrooms.Most improved primary schools“Extra money and a focus on improving reading and writing has meant Nottingham has the most improved primary schools in the country. “Now we are working to see these improvements reflected in our secondary school results.” Education, Education, Education Nottingham has the most improved primary schools in the country.Over £1,000 extra each year… the average funding for each Nott’m pupil is up £1330 (from £2,240 in 1997/8);20 fold increase… capital spending on schools is 20 times higher than under the Tories; including - increased security at St.Anns Well Junior; a new classroom at Hogarth; 2 new classrooms for Walter Halls; new boilers and increased security for Claremont; a new classroom to be built at St.Augustines; 2 new classrooms for Walter Halls. Improving our street scene Mo Munir says - “Residents need active representation on the Council to ensure a safe and well-cared for environment in our neighbourhood. Cleaner streets“The Council has introduced the fast track removal of abandoned cars — 2,900 have been removed in a year. To deter tipping, we retain the free special collection service for bulky waste. And we shall target extra street cleaning services around hot spots such as bus shelters and phone boxes.Investing in our neighbourhood“Labour has introduced road safety schemes on Ransom Road and The Wells Road; Labour Councillors lobbied to ensure Ransom Road was resurfaced and took up residents’ concerns on details of the schemes such as providing formal parking bays on The Wells Road as part of these works.“Labour welcomes the recent investment in social housing such as new windows, external insulation and metal fencing; we will seek similar improvements for other streets. We also support the bid to renew Hungerhill Gardens.” Tidier, lighter streets“A programme of tree pruning has been re-introduced and Mapperley ward trees are to be pruned this year. “More pavements are being refurbished, including Cyprus Road. And there are more new street lights.Controlling Development“Labour Councillors value the conservation of our area and have stopped unauthorised development on Chestnut Grove; we have reduced the proposed intensity of development on Lucknow Avenue and on The Crescent in Alexandra Park.” More jobsUnemployment in Nottingham has been halved.Sure StartThe Sure Start scheme introduced by Labour to help young families has been welcomed by many people that we have met.Child benefitChild Benefit has been increased to £15.75 for the first child; and the Working Family Tax Credit is worth around £40 a week more to families. Community Safety — we care Emma Dewinton says - “As a parent and a local resident — I am totally committed to making our communities safe for everyone. Action "As a result, the Court has ordered one anti-social family to quit; and problem houses used to supply drugs have been closed down. “Social Services successfully rehabilitate young people involved in prostitution.Stiffer penalties “The Labour Government has given us new powers and stiffer penalties; the power of arrest against kerb crawlers and the power to take the illegal earnings of pimps and drug-dealers.More patrols“From this Summer, the City Council will deploy Neighbourhood Wardens to patrol Woodborough Road, whilst the Police’s new Community Service officers will patrol the Mapperley Road area.” Community Safety - The Wells Road “Kingsthorpe Close has a new playground and Caunton Avenue’s is completed. Youthworkers provide extra activities for children and more are planned, including for the Caunton Avenue estate. “I take up residents’ concerns with the Police, housing managers and anti-social behaviour officers.Combatting anti-social behaviour - The Wells Road“As a result, the Court has ordered one anti-social family to quit; & problem houses used to supply drugs have been closed down. “New Neighbourhood wardens are to patrol St.Anns and Woodborough Road. We will continue to press for cameras to improve security, for instance on the Kingsthorpe Close estate. “New playgrounds are now in use including Kingsthorpe Close,Caunton Avenue and Astley Drive estates. Youthworkers provide extra activities for children and more are planned, including around the Caunton Avenue estate. Community Safety - Woodborough Road “The local children’s home will have new management and fewer children. “I take up residents’ concerns through meetings with Police, housing managers and anti-social behaviour officers. Combatting anti-social behaviour - Woodborough Road “As a result, the Court has ordered one anti-social family to quit; & problem houses used to supply drugs have been closed down. “This summer, new Neighbourhood wardens are to patrol St.Anns and Woodborough Road.” Remember — crime doubled under the Tories A greener City Mo Munir says - “Our open spaces are important amenities. Labour values them. “Woodthorpe Park has acquired Green Flag status, after the recent improvements — including the restored waterfall. “The City Council is to take over the new public park below Mapperley Hospital this year. “Labour Councillors will take an active role in ensuring parks and open spaces are properly used.Cleaner streets“The Council has introduced the fast track removal of abandoned cars — 2,900 have been removed in a year. “To deter tipping, we retain the free special collection service for bulky waste. “And we shall target extra street cleaning services around hot spots such as bus shelters and phone boxes.Recycling “The popular paper doorstep collection service trialled in Mapperley ward will expanded across the city; plus trial schemes for garden waste and glass.Controlling development “Labour stopped the development of a McDonald’s restaurant on Woodborough Road and reduced density on many applications, including on Querneby Road.” Better transport, safer roads Michael Edwards says - “We’ve seen dramatic changes. New priorities for pedestrians on Woodborough Road, Ransom Road, Porchester Road and The Wells Road, including a new zebra crossing serving Walter Halls school. “We shall seek a safer entrance to Hogarth school from Burgass Road and try to deter more commuters from using Thorneywood Mount. “New bus shelters and bus lanes to get more people in and out of the city quicker. Buses run the full length of The Wells Road more frequently. “MyBus” has begun, serving Sherwood Vale and Springwood Gardens. “For the first time in decades, bus use is growing, year on year. Bus pass only safe under Labour “The modern tram will be available to the concessionary pass holders on the same terms as the bus. “This popular scheme is available to all over 60. Labour has kept this scheme going whilst Tory Gedling dropped their scheme without consultation."
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