Policy panel on management and approach to public spaces

An interesting and free-ranging discussion that covered many issues about our public spaces - all going towards developing policy....too much to cover here but the sorts of things include:
- current policy is to litter pick before cutting lawns - sensible - yet Highways and the County Council don't do this - they don't even let the District know their plans so the District can litter pick - this needs sorting.

- the trial for composting Food Waste in the Stanleys has again been put back - the new contractor has still not got a licence - maybe March. This is a pretty grotty situation and little the Council can do excepty keep insisting. The County plan to set up a compost site by April 2009 - it seems too too long away - we need to be acting now.

- Overflowing litter bin collection should improve now that bins are numbered and can be identified quick - just phone the number into Council - indeed any site that litter is seen phone in - the Council cannot monitor all sites - some get daily cleans, some twice weekly, some less often like once every 8 weeks - others only when reported.

- are there any answers to parked cars that refuse to move when street cleaning occurs? Sites like on one side of Bisley Road don't get cleaned because cars never move.

- could we not reward businesses that are more environmentally friendly - eg one of the Fish 'n' chips shops in Nelson Street does paper the other polystyrene.

- the pop up mens urinal is coming next month to near HSBC - it only pops up at night and will hopefully end the terrible situation of people peeing in doorways.

Grace Blanch

Grace Blanch died peacefully on 22nd October at Wyatt House. I never knew her in yet I feel as though I know her. I live in the house which was her family home for some 90 plus years. Grace was born 99 years ago in Primrose Hill and at 18 months old moved into Lark Rise.

Grace attended Randwick School, had 3 younger brothers and after a time at Central School went to work for a Stroud solicitors firm. At 18 on the condition she lived with her aunt she moved to London to work in the Office of the Solicitor General - one of her tasks was to deal with the abdication of Edward VIIth. When WWII broke out she joined the ATS and posted to the ack-ack guns on the South coast. I still have some of her collected "bomb splinters" in a box in the shed.

After the war she was posted to Germany to help with the clear up there then returned to London to work in the Treasury until retiring at 67 back to the Laurels that she renamed Lark Rise - after the larks in the fields and the book Candleford to Larkrise - a book by Flora Thompson who had a real love of the English countryside - infact had to read the book when I moved here - the love of the countryside shines through in her descriptions of the landscape throughout the changing seasons.

Originally it was three novels - that received great critical praise as historical accounts of the economic, social, and cultural life of pre-industrial rural Oxfordshire - they were eventually published under one cover in 1945 as Lark Rise to Candleford. I am told by family that the story had echoes for Grace Blanch's own life in terms of her move to London and return to Lark Rise.

The book is listed as one of the great classics of British nature writing - one of the first 'greens' - indeed Grace was one of the founder members herself of the Randwick Conservation Society which closed a long while back now - she also helped found the Randwick Historical Association where she was the first Archive Keeper - contributing many photos of Randwick School - some of which were later published in "A Century of Change".

Neighbours and others locally have told how they would often meet Grace out walking - on her way to Stroud or just around Randwick - indeed well into her 80s she would set off on long walks.

Grace also loved drawing and painting and several were kindly left behind with the house when I bought it - one I've had reframed and hangs very near where I sit now - we've not been able to establish whether it is of herself or a friend. Indeed I was very fortunate in being able to purshase some of the furniture when I moved here so will often sit in the chairs where she sat - the photo above is of a view down the garden to her wonderful old work shed that I've renovated.

Another interest, judging by her books, was around spiritual matters - some wonderful old and interesting prayer books. I think I would have enjoyed talking and meeting this woman, I ceratinly feel very fortunate to live in her home.

The funeral is in Gloucester on Friday and donations are invited for Randwick Village Hall: to be sent to Philip Ford and Sons, Cainscross Road.

Sham consultation on new nuclear reactors

The last few days - apart from a wonderful walk in Randwick Woods (left) - and leading one of the Coffee House Discussions at Star Anise - I seem to have been tied up in front of the computer.

One project just finished and sent today was a response to the Government consultation aimed at dismantling the planning inquiry system and destroying local democratic accountability. I submitted a report on behalf of Stroud District Green party condemning the move and questioning the whole consultation process - these reports can take a fair time to pull together - getting input from members, checking facts and quotes etc - and as you will see since being elected I've contributed or written a significant number of these from GM crops to Planning documents - to be honest this time I ran out of time and made much use of a national Green party submission on the same subject. To me it is vital that something gets put in to the DTi noting our opposition.

The conclusion by the Government that 'nuclear is needed' was not arrived at properly - and regardless of whether or not you support the idea of nuclear power, it is surely right that potential developments should at least be debated in public.

New nuclear reactors are planned at sites of old reactors like Oldbury and less likely Berkeley. The nuclear industry, as a prerequisite to investment, have demanded that the planning process is speeded up - basically to stifle debate and avoid proper scrutiny. Our Government wants to ensure that all major decisions are made in advance by removing from public inquiries any significant issues other than the consideration of local environmental impacts.

This attempt to curtail the role of the Public Inquiry is misguided, potentially unlawful and corrosive of democratic values and the tradition of local participation in planning matters. It is great news that Stroud District Council have taken on board the Green party view that this consultation needs a response and that they have also now written to express concerns about these changes.

Wear It Pink

I went around all today in pink trousers and shirt - see why here. Sorry no photos.

650m of canal restoration gets approval and residents contacted re the Lawns work

British Waterways' (BW) planning application for the “Navigable restoration of 650m of canal, (from Ryeford Double Locks to Oil Mills Bridge at Ebley) including soil excavation (but not disposal), new bridge, access and habitat enhancement”, was granted conditional planning permission, by the Council’s Development Control Committee on 10th October 2006.

Conditions were attached to the permission covering a range of details that have to be agreed with the Council before work can start. These include materials, wildlife and landscaping matters, civil engineering details and contaminated land surveys. Many minor issues were raised at that meeting - one of the ones for example that I raised was about the removal of excavated material - thankfully now conditions will be put regarding times etc - this will at least protect local residents from lorries at all times which have effected other building sites. In the end I voted for the conditional planning permission - this has the potential to be a very exciting project that could bring many benefits.

The intention is to start construction work early in the New Year.

The new bridge will feature special ‘bat bricks’. Each has 6 finger-sized holes which allow bats access but are too small for birds. Behind the bricks will be a purpose built bat roost. Four species of bat have been found in the canal corridor around Oil Mills Bridge. The bricks symbolise the conservation ethos of the Canals regeneration project - making sure that natural habitat is at least maintained and - where possible - improved.

The Lawns - nearly underway

In the meantime works will start at the Lawns, Cainscross. As noted I have had meetings with BW and others. One of our concerns regards letting residents know about the changes there. At last they seem to have taken this on board and rather belatedly are hand delivering letters to local residents and distributing flyers.

Download letter

Download flyer

The pond will be part dredged with silt being kept on site behind locally sourced hazel faggots. Members of the Ruscombe Brook Action Group with knowledge o such matters have made suggestions re possible improvements to their plans. Tree works are in the process of being agreed to allow light into the pond to the benefit of aquatic flora and fauna. Thankfully it looks like that while a few trees will need to be removed it is nothing like what was feared - and of course will lead to significant improvements.

Reeds will be used to filter the Ruscombe Brook water to enhance its quality before entering the Canal. RBAG have some concerns regarding plans for maintenance over the coming years - basically no funds or plans have yet been drawn up!

Clearly it is difficult to know what will be needed - for example how soon will a hazel hurdle need replacing? In my conversations today with the Community Land Trust I expressed some concern that this has not been seriously looked at and that BW appear to think that the Lawns will last another 15 years then get another dredge. Firstly no funds have been put aside for this, secondly dredging is hugely disruptive to wildlife and lastly this does not look at the causes of the problem. The reed beds will improve matters but the quantity of silt and other matters coming down the brook needs to be looked at - issues like cattle in the stream, drains positioned badly so they erode the banks, the repeated overflows of sewage into the stream, Highways run-off etc etc.

The good news is that most of the stakeholders are signed up to the loose partnership initiated by RBAG to tackle problems the whole length of the brook - infact last nights RBAG meeting we had verbal confirmation we have a grant of £2,500 towards surveying the brook - although the grant is conditional on support from stakeholders - this is a condition that really needs to be in place anyway.

There is no definitive start date for works at present but it’s planned in the run up to Christmas. See plans here.

Canals Website Launch

Heres a bit from their publicity material: "By visiting www.cotswoldcanalsproject.org people can get information on the opportunities for business, read about the history of these two historic waterways, view draft plans and have their say via the site feedback form. The restoration of the Cotswold Canals is a major first step in reconnecting England’s two greatest rivers; the Thames and the Severn. The restoration of the canals will provide opportunities for all, by acting as a catalyst for continuing social, economic and environmental regeneration whilst safe-guarding their future for everyone to enjoy."

Lower Street, Ruscombe latest

The boreholes have now been drilled, but a couple of trial holes will need to be dug in the near-by garden. The owners have kindly agreed for this to be done and also the locations. The trial holes have been programmed to be dug on 30 November. The next stage is that soil samples will be analysed and then our Geotechnical Engineers can consider what the options are.....

It seems that the months of waiting will continue but at least things are moving ahead.

Village agent for Whiteshill and Randwick

In June this year a joint project between Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Rural Community Council was granted just under £1million to deliver the Village Agents scheme over two years, to help older and vulnerable people in rural areas access information about services.

Older people living in rural areas are considered a hard to reach group. Whilst frequently masked by a veneer of affluence, these communities often experience high levels of social isolation and poor transport links. They are usually very ‘self contained’ and because of this, are reluctant to find help outside of their local community.

The Village Agent concept was first identified as a recommendation from rurality research funded by the Department for Work and Pensions in 2002/03 in three localities. This research gathered the views of 160 older people aged over 60 living in some of the most rural areas of Gloucestershire and identified that an average of 83% of respondents would be happy approaching someone they knew and trusted within the community for help and advice.

In the scheme, about 29 Village Agents aim to fill this information gap and they will form part of a network of local contact points, providing an essential role in taking information and support to some of the most rural areas in the county. Support for the Agents will be through the provision of training, publicity materials, high quality information resources and support both on a one-to-one and through the network. The Village Agents will be CRB checked and will have key roles within the community to:

• act as facilitator in the provision of high quality face to face information to older people
• promote access to services
• carry out a series of practical checks
• identify unmet need within communities

Village Agents will be paid a small ‘retainer’ to work ten hours per week in the community, providing access to information via broadband and the web through lap tops. This will be achieved by weekly surgeries in the Village Hall or other suitable places, and home visits where appropriate.

Pamela Thorne will be village agent for Whiteshill and Randwick and should be in post by December. There are likely to be 7 other agents in Stroud District.
More details from: Rosie Callinan Gloucestershire County Council 01452 427385

Neighbourhood Warden Service: new post in Cainscross

The Neighbourhood Warden Service is growing in the District - Cainscross warden will be the eighth - they start shortly and look set to cover the area up to the bottom of Randwick.

Neighbourhood Wardens have been working in selected areas of the District since July 2002 and can be recognised by the green and beige uniforms and distinctive livery on their vehicles. The high profile presence of the Neighbourhood Warden Service is a reassuring feature to many people. Seeing a regular face can be essential to the general well-being of communities and also helps to reduce the fear of crime. Neighbourhood Wardens are not police officers and do not have an enforcement role but help with a variety of issues such as anti-social behaviour, abandoned vehicles, fly tipping, dog fouling and make visits to vulnerable people. Read more here.

Stroud Neighbourhood Wardens were recently short-listed from hundreds of warden schemes up and down the country for the ‘Team of the Year’ national award which recognises beacons of good practice. They were one of only three schemes and the only rural one to be short-listed for this prestigious award.

Wardens are continually adding to their knowledge and have recently completed training as Community First Responders - working in partnership with St John Ambulance and Great Western Ambulance Service to provide immediate pre-hospital care in the local community. Community First Responders are volunteers who live and work in the local community and are trained by St. John Ambulance. Each Warden has been equipped with an automated external defibrillator, oxygen and other First Aid equipment to ensure that in the event of a cardiac arrest defibrillation and other time-critical life-saving techniques can occur as soon as possible, maximising the chance of survival.

For more information please contact Paul Helbrow, Community Safety Manager:
01453 754281

More land banking threatens our District

I have just heard that a Swiss company has offered plots at Hambrook Green, between Bussage and Chalford describing them as "A Land Investor’s Dream".

The Company’s website uses out of context quotes from Stroud District Council’s Local Plan, suggesting that residential infill plots would be suitable for the site. In contrast, the Council today clearly stated that residential development would not be allowed, as it would be contrary to the Adopted Stroud District Local Plan. The site not only falls outside the designated settlement boundary, but it enjoys the extra protection of being within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

In the past, companies have bought agricultural land at agricultural prices like here in Ruscombe and then split it into plots to be sold off to private investors hoping to capitalise on an increase in value. As readers of this Blog will know I am part of the Ruscombe Valley Action Group who have met regularly since the threat to our fields. We have gained support from many quarters and SDCs prompt action in organising an Article 4 was very welcomed by the community - this stops fences being erected to divide all the plots. I am very pleased to see SDC acting again so promptly with an Article 4 due to be issued today.

The Ruscombe Valley Action Group have two key concerns that we are working on currently. The first being the deterioration of the land in the Ruscombe Valley which is slow but real and is being monitored by the community. The 180 odd plot owners in Ruscombe had a 2 year maintenance contract which has now expired.

The second concern is to stop further cases occurring. To this end the Action Group have been supporting Greg Mullholland MP with the drafting of his proposed private members bill to ban land banking. Control of land ownership is not the issue; it is the subdivision that is undesirable. We have found that many American states as well as Canada have powers under their planning laws to control subdivision. So why not here?

One approach that needs serious consideration is compulsory acquisition and subsequent resale of land. Local authorities would presumably only lose the costs of the transactions if they were to acquire and sell at the going agricultural rate. The mere threat of compulsory purchase would be an effective deterrent. I have written to our Council requesting they consider this course of action.

In the meantime anyone considering buying a plot of agricultural land is advised to check before parting with their money. Call Stroud District Council’s Planning Helpline on 01453 754442 or email planning@stroud.gov.uk

Computer problems and deer

That router is still not working properly - ugggggh so had immense difficulties with emails and only now online - need to get a new one soon - if I'm off line for a while you'll know why!

Woke up today to 2 deer in the neighbours garden eating her windfall apples - watched them for ages - even got the photo left - first time seen them in the garden although plenty of signs and seen them elsewhere - beautiful....

Infact they've been hitting the news recently - a Defra consultation is due to finish on 24th October. Having finished consultations on so many other issues recently this is one I've not responded too - clearly the growing numbers of deer are causing growing problems and threatening many habitats. Apparently also lead to 300 people injured a year on the roads -
The Forest of Dean has been identified as one of seven black spots for deer-related car collisions in England.

So what to be done? The British Deer Society's response to the consultation seems to make alot of sense - but I'm no expert.

Anyway talking of consultations I want to respond to a draft of a local one on affordable housing...that is if I can get my internet connection to keep working.

Severn Trent start more work

Severn Trent have produced a detailed answer to questions we have raised regarding the brook and the work they are undertaking. The officers and staff I have spoken with are very genuine about getting to grips with the problems and are supportive of longer term solutions - despite these very serious incidents we have just experienced and the on-going difficulties I am still optimistic - indeed the recent incidents strengthen our case.

The Brook group now needs to look att Severn Trent's response and see where we go next - we will need to wait until the next CCTV camera results from the sewers are out to get a better idea of the problems. Have the roots they cut earlier in the year regrown significantly? Are their blockages in the pipes? Etc etc

The photo left is a view from my window of them assessing the latest siuation - they've been there several days this week.

GM crops for Gloucestershire

I finally completed the Green party's submission to the Government re GM coexistence - you can read the news release and report by clicking here. Infact the bulk of the work was done by Rosie Reed and my contributions were fairly minimal - however it is still amazing how much time gets taken by these projects - but couldn't not respond - if these proposals go through it really is the thin end of the wedge and could lead to serious contamination of non-GM crops. I would urge people to write before the 20th October - even a letter would be great. We need tougher, not weaker, rules to prevent GM contamination of our food, farming and environment.

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish meeting - newsletter, Lower Street and more

A frustrating day of computor problems: a faulty router - well that's what I'm told. Back online now and catching up with emails.

This evening Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish meeting - got there half an hour early - just misread time - should know by now! Anyway the Parish indulged me in a few minutes of their time to feedback on some of the issues raised in this Blog - like the 20 mph, brook, Folly Farm footpath, street lighting etc.

It was a nice easy meeting with some laughs - sometimes meetings can be too boring and serious - getting the balance right is an art. Anyhow news not mentioned so far includes:

- a proposal for a temporary One Way route down Bell Pitch and along Lower Street until Lower Street is re-opened has been squashed and will not proceed due to many issues. The latest on Lower Street is that work will be after Christmas.

- I will be pursuing the possibilities of incorporating a Shared Spaces approach into the Parishes proposals for the Village Green and main road.

- Randwick School have just purchased a solid oak bench which is inserted 4ft into ground. It is beautiful to look at and very robust. The Parish are looking at similar for the Playing field.

- a newsletter for the Parish is getting closer - talk of an editorial committee beig set up - I've offered myself to help as am already writing stuff here - hopefully a first edition in New Year sometime.

Formula One racing?

Recently got sent a couple of links from a Grand Prix racing website - written by one of our local Conservative District councllors, Rob Sinfield - should I be flattered that my name is nearly being used? Here's a plug for his website which also seems to link with the ITV site - see the piece here. Yes as you will see his column is about many things - but Green it is not.

In another column Rob Sinfield writes:

The news that the FIA is pushing ahead with plans to introduce “green” technology, promoting renewable energy in Formula 1, has prompted environmental groups to take an interest in the sport.

A spokesman for one pressure group, John Herbgarden, told us today that there may even soon be a fully-fledged green F1 team.

“F1 would be perfect for us to tell the world about the energy crisis, greenhouse gases and all that," he said.

He droned on: “Of course, the cars would have to run on bio-diesel, they would have to be a lot quieter and we would have to push for some nice saplings to be planted around the tracks.”

We spoke to one driver about the environment, only for him to say: “Climate change? Isn’t that when you go on holiday to a different country?”

Ummmm John Herbgarden....John Marjoram?

Conkers, Safe Water and Green meeting

A great evening walk with 41 children looking for conkers in Bisley - the rain held off and we had a wonderful sunset - part of the Woodcraft Folk - an excellent approach to childcare!!!

Today I also attended the monthly meeting of the Safe Water campaign for Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire - a group I helped set up to oppose the Government plans to fluoridate our water - over 60 local members and over 1000 local signatures on our petitions - a core group of us meet regularly to build support and awareness - we've had many stalls and more planned along with letters challenging the pro-fluoridation lobby. Read our leaflet which is currently on the Glos Green party website. But we also have other info on our BBC Action Network site. Sadly I haven't got around to keeping it very up to date - is there anyone out there who could help?? For more info go to the National Pure Water Association.

"Fluoridation is the greatest case of scientific fraud of this century, if not of all time." Robert Carton, PhD, scientist, formerly of the US Environmental Protection Agency.

The day finished with the monthly Green party meeting - probably bored new members with talk of elections but we had some interesting discussions on the Environment Green paper and finished - as we usually do - with a discussion topic. This time on power and political influence - very interesting - Greens seem to have shied away sometimes from using power - probably too many example of misuses and abuses - nevertheless times are changing and there is a new mood and understanding that to have power isn't necessarily a bad thing and of course is vital to bring about the changes we need so very much. Blair and Thatcher are perfect examples of how things can go so badly wrong. Anyhow the discussions carried on in the pub...

Latest edition of Glos Green news is out

GNN is a free monthly summary of news from the Gloucestershire Green party - free to anyone - it covers our news releases and letters on a huge range of issues - this month everything from prisons and seagulls to Al Gore and Jamie Oliver. You can subscribe easily by going to the Glos Green party website. Next month GNN will be 5 years old!

This month's index of links:

QUOTES OF THE MONTH
1. CLIMATE CHANGE: RALLY, GORE FILM, TORIES, LIB DEMS, AVIATION & HURRICANES
2. NUCLEAR: REPORT PUBLISHED AND BLAIR
3. STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL'S ENVIRONMENT PAPER: GREEN RESPONSE
4. WASTE: COUNTY SUBMISSION, "PAY-AS-YOU-THROW', FURNITURE RECYCLING & CAR BOOT SUCCESS
5. HEALTH: CUTS, NHS PRIVATISATION, MRSA AND JAMIE OLIVER
6. GOVERNMENT PLAN TO ABOLISH PRIVACY
7. PEACE: APPEAL TO BLAIR, TWO FAIRFORD TRIALS, TRIDENT AND CORRUPTION
8. GREEN PARTY CONFERENCE: STANDING OVATION AND NEW SLOGAN
9. GOVERNMENT REJECTS OUR RIGHT TO KNOW ON DANGEROUS CHEMICALS: PLEASE ACT NOW!
10. LIB DEMS STEP TO RIGHT WITH LOSS OF THEIR 'FLAGSHIP' POLICY
11. GREEN BLOG: ALLOTMENTS, STREET LIGHTING SWITCH OFF & CREDIT UNIONS
12. OTHER COUNTY ISSUES:PRISONS, TUITION FEES, GULLS, CEMETERIES, STROUD FM AND MORE
13. NEW ON 'BIG ISSUES'
14. WEBSITES THAT MIGHT INTEREST
15. NEXT COFFEE HOUSE GATHERING: DE-THRONING KING CAR
16. FREE AD: CAFE MAITREYA - BEST MEAL OUT EVER!

QUOTES OF THE MONTH

"Jeannette Armstrong, a Native American from the Okanagan tribe from the Northwest, had a wonderful word for insanity. She told us that it had four syllables and each syllable had a different meaning. The first meant 'talking, talking inside your head'; the second meant 'scattered and having no community'; the third syllable meant 'disconnected from the land'; and the fourth syllable meant 'cut off from your whole earth part.'"
Sarah Conn

"The law in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to beg in the streets, steal bread, or sleep under a bridge."
Anatole France

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."
W. B. Yeats

"We have become accustomed to identifying a wide range of physical and social disorders – everything from war to ethnic intolerance, stress and trauma disorders, epidemic disease and the vague dissatisfactions that lead to addictions and suicide – as weaknesses in the social, political, or technological order, rather than evidence of a deep ecological dissociation from our genetic core."
Paul Shepard in his book "Coming Home to the Pleistocene"

To read the latest edition in full go to:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/

Bird box building workshop this Saturday

I'm a little disappointed that I can't make this event - it looks set to be a lot of fun - Stroud Valleys Project will run a bird box building workshop on Saturday 14th October, 10am – 12noon at Randwick Scout Hut in Cashes Green. You will learn how to make a bird box which you can take home or put it up on the trees at Humphrey’s Close. Great to encourage the birds in your garden and help them through the winter months - or a Christmas present for someone?

Places on this workshop are limited, please book on 01453 753358. Free workshop, donations welcome.

Development Control - and the housing waiting list

Tuesday - Development Control Committee meeting 10 to 2.30 today - shorter than some meetings and several controversial applications including a development at Rooksmoor (Woodchester) and a mobile phone mast outside Wicliffe school - both got passed.

After that meeting I had an interesting discussion following up someone on the housing waiting list. This is not to get them pushed up the list but to see that all that is being done is being done. It was - but it was also another illustration of what a terrible state we have come to in terms of housing. I wont go into details but this person had a considerable number of 'points' compared to most yet they were still way off getting a flat - indeed on current rates they would never get a flat - the housing list grows yet the number of homes available is shrinking.

I went along afterwards to talk to the individual in person - they've been on the waiting list over 2 years already so are under no illusions - basically they could broaden where they are looking for a home to include Gloucester and Dursley - but even moving away from family and friends like that would not increase chances lots - the only other option is private rented - and of course you often need a deposit of £1000 or so - none of this is easy.

The problem of course stems from Labour and Tory policy of selling off Council housing and not supporting rebuilding lots more. However I will be exploring where there is room for more action locally.

Harvest festival, StroudFM and Furniture recycling

Randwick School's Harvest Festival at the church this afternoon (see left) - great to all the children singing and acting out their play - and parents trying to sing along to unfamiliar hymns - me included!

After that it's been a time to catch up with bits and pieces like contacting people re the imminent closure of the Furniture Recycling shop in Stroud - bad news - it saves 400 tonnes from landfill each year!! See more here. I'm also still chasing up news re the 20 mph zone in Ruscombe, reading some 20 or more letters regarding Development Control Committee tomorrow and the usual emails...

As a councillor I also get invited to comment on a huge range of things - it is hard to keep up with them all but a pleasure to give any support possible to some of the exciting projects in Stroud - today was a letter to StroudFM and their hopes for an extended licence. Good luck to them.

Launch of Randwick Parish Plan

Sunday night Randwick Village Hall was abuzz with life: the Parish Plan launch. Parish, District and County councillors were all there and all said a few words - my words were largely to congratulate the huge amount of work that has gone into it - I have been involved with the Cainscross Parish Plan - still not published so know how much work is involved in one of these - I suspect few people really know - it really is vast. Now the fun begins and we can start aiming to make the plan become a reality.

Oh I forgot to mention David Drew MP arrived late for the proceedings and missed the chance to talk - all suspected a political crisis but we learnt that he was rescuing a baby hedgehog from some netting! We are in many ways very fortunate to have David as our MP - he is tireless in his support for community events. He is also more 'green' than most MPs and one of the first to champion issues like climate change - such a great pity he supports Tony Blair's Labour party, ID cards, nuclear power, the war in Afghanistan, PFI privatisation of our health service and more. Also Labour's policies are incompatible with dealing with climate change - it is no wonder emissions are still on the rise - our current economic policies urgently need changing - they are wholly unsustainable - sadly Greens are virtually the only ones who understand that we cannot continue to have economic growth...Read more here and here.

Anyway I didn't mean to get side-tracked there - all Randwick householders should get a leaflet summary version (see picture above) of the Parish Plan through their doors but the full version is many pages of work - it is now online here. Once again huge congratulations to all who got the plan out - a huge success.

Anyway the speeches were over quick and we were able to enjoy a wonderful buffet - it may have been a Sunday night but it was no sacrifice when we are welcomed so well - thanks also to all involved with the catering.

What is a Parish Plan? What, in all aspects, the residents of a parish believe they would like to see happen to their parish in the foreseeable future. When a parish has an agreed plan to action, the parish council and other authorities are well placed to represent the views of the parish in obtaining funding and other assistance that may be necessary to provide the changes and improvements that the proposals specify.

Who created the Parish Plan? The people of the parish create the plan by feeding their ideas and suggestions into a co-ordinating committee which was supported by Randwick Parish Council and supplemented by other members of the parish who contributed particular skills or help. Over 50% of householders had an input into this plan!

What happens next? The Parish will begin to look at how the various key projects can be taken forward. Lots of help will be very welcomed!

Street lighting switch off trial by County

As noted in this Blog before (see recent item here ) I think the idea of pulling the plug on street lighting between say midnight and 5.30am is a great idea in some areas. Street lighting costs have risen by 114 per cent over the past two years and this move could save a massive £1.7 million in street lighting costs, make a significant CO2 saving and cut light pollution. Plus with energy prices set to rise further savings made will grow.

Gloucestershire County Council are considering proposals, but understandably the plan has sparked safety fears and according to The Citizen police and paramedics have warned it could lead to problems. Certainly in some areas it is not suitable.

Switching off is one of three proposals - the other suggestions include switching off alternate street lights and installing energy efficient bulbs. the plan is for a two-month pilot to switch off lights which could be launched in villages in January if councils sign up for it. Are our local Councils interested? Randwick Parish have certainly raised the issue.

See The Citizen article here with comments.

Local press - does it have an impact?

Had to include this picture of the arches across from Waitrose in Stroud - had a wonderful short walk there today - it really is magical around the canal and river. Let's hope plans for redevelopment there are good - more of that another time...

I wanted to ask what people thought about letters to the local press - in my role as Press Officer for the local Green party I have been sending the usual flow of letters and news releases to local press - interesting that I seem to have been quoted more often in papers outside Stroud District this week - examples include Gloucester Citizen on cemetaries, Shire Hall windmills in Cirencester-based Standard and Glos Echo about waste. See the website for other news items.

All very time consuming so I sometimes wonder if responding to press on all such matters is worth all the time - but then the Green party gets so few mentions - especially nationally - that using the local press is one way we can get people to understand our policies - but then again as Tories are proving and even admitting - they are doing OK without any policies!

What do people think? Add your comment below...

Dursley pool, Choice Based Lettings and ethical investment

Cabinet meeting - last Thursday night - this is where the Conservative Cabinet members of Stroud District Council meet, discuss and vote - there is also an opportunity to ask questions and make comments. As I wasn't able to attend that meeting I made a point of getting my points to Cabinet members before.

One of the key items was the Dursley Pool Replacement Plant. The first most councillors, including myself, heard of this was Monday - even the ward member didn't know - this seems very poor to me - particularly as there were also rumours that pool staff had already been told that the pool was closing for 6 weeks - yet the decision wasn't due to be taken until the Cabinet meeting.

Anyhow the recommendations were basically to go for a renewal of the system - an urgent need as the system was failing - the report also had a few token notes about having looked at a Combined Heat and Power system (CHP) and biomass but rejected them. I wrote an email to all Cabinet - I suspect I wasn't alone - expressing concerns that greener options were not properly being considered - indeed it seemed to make a nonsense of their recently launched Green paper on the Environment.

In the email I included a paper on CHP at Woking. The success of Woking Borough Council’s environmental and energy policies have been enormous - they include the use of a CHP system at their leisure centre and with all their policies have reduced energy consumption by an astonishing 44% between 1991/92 and 2000/01, with 72 per cent savings in CO2 emissions and a 36 per cent saving in energy and water budgets ie £4.9 million savings - these figures exclude further savings made for Council tenants and the private sector by their energy conservation programme and CHP. Why on earth can't we do all that here???!! Indeed why isn't our government rolling such policies out nationally?

As I noted in the email to Cabinet there are clearly risks in exploring options further, including temporary closure of the pool, and further blows to Dursley that would not be good for the community - read comments re supermarkets in Dursley by using the search engine on the Glos Green party website.

To give the Cabinet their due they did do more research into CHP and biomass and when it came to the vote they noted that they would try to incorporate green energy options into the plant - basically it was too late to work them in now as extra funding was needed but they would hopefully ensure the building could perhaps incorporate a biomass boiler in the future.

All this highlights to me that our Council has not got it's head around thinking green - these sort of plans need to be made months in advance - indeed why not now start looking at Stratford Park or other sites? Hopefully it is these very sorts of things that will be addressed in the Environment paper.

Another item I commented on to Cabinet members was Choice Based Lettings - I've commented before in this Blog on that - but see my brief comments this time around by clicking here. Assurances were given at Cabinet that the issue I and others raised would be considered and taken into account.

Lastly I want to applaud Labour councillors for persuading the Cabinet to look at ethical investments.

Randwick Scouts at Hamwell Leaze

It is good to read in The Citizen this evening that Randwick Scouts have teamed up with the Stroud Valleys Project to learn more about the environment and their local wildlife. At their last session, the boys enjoyed an evening of looking at various creepy crawlies and learning to identify the most common insects at Hamwell Leaze in Cashes Green (see photo).

Hamwell Leaze is a wildlife-friendly three-acre site between Paganhill Lane and Cashes Green Road with varied habitats - quite a rarity in Cainscross, which is one of the most heavily built up areas of Stroud. Stroud Valleys Project plan to organise regular workshops for the Scouts at Hamwell Leaze and Humphrey's Close to help them achieve their environmental badges - it will include a talk and quiz about insects, making bird boxes, planting bulbs and creating a new hedge.

See more about events at Hamwell Leaze by clicking here and more here about Ruscombe Brook Action Group leading on bringing together people to solve some of the longterm problems of the brook.

Community Leadership - and the consultation con

Just spent 1.30 to 5.30 looking at Community Leadership in Egypt Mill, Nailsworth - what is it and how can we be more effective - a course put on for District councillors and had a number of useful ideas including looking at a particular case study. The independent consultants, who run the course for many councils, said they'd not had such a quick and bright group as us - but we still had things to learn - many issues were raised like the balance between leading and taking account of various groups - to me for example the Council should be leading on climate change but that wouldn't necessarily be what came out of consultations...

...we also looked at how we related to public - consultation is getting a bad name - too often people are "consulted" then ignored if their views don't coincide with those running the consultation - witness the national GM consultation or health cuts like Weavers Croft - indeed I mentioned Fairford Parish Council who have a motion requesting not to be consulted unless their views were going to be taken seriously! Parish Council's are too often ignored - especially on planning issues - and how can an unelected inspector override our Council's Local plan?

As a councillor I am overloaded with consultations - and can't imagine how the public are meant to engage with them all - indeed I have to ask what is the point of electing representatives at considerable cost to represent local views and then go out to consultation on anything important - it is like keeping a dog and barking yourself! Of course there are also issues re preconsultation information, how the questions are phrased and how the results are interpreted - all giving more power to certain people and undermining democracy - no wonder voter turn-out is low in local elections.

Having said all that Westminister seems to have understood there is a problem - lets hope they come up with solutions that really give communities more powers - similarly Stroud District Council is better than many....the Environment Green paper for example is now out for consultation - it doesn't in my view fit well with what we learnt today about consultations but nevertheless I believe strongly that it is a genuine attempt to get people's views on this area - read more re my comments by looking at our initial response which can be found under Reports on the Green party website.

Talking of the Environment Green paper that was where I have just been - a Green party meeting to look at how we can help create realistic targets and actions that really could make Stroud a green leader - more of those another time!

Plan for The Lawns

Just back from meeting with British Waterways re their plans for The Lawns - expressed disappointment at lack of consultation and again that the plans failed to consider the causes of the silt and polluted water problems - but wont go into all that here again. It is in part to do with their funding and an agreement with the Land Trust that is taking over the running of The Lawns.

Anyhow for those who don't know The Lawns is where the Ruscombe brook ends up before going into the canal. The plans above probably can't be seen on this website easily - a copy is in Cainscross Parish Council - but if you can see a few treeswill be removed (red on map) and cutting back of vegetation will take place - the purple on the map is where silt will be put behind hazel hurdles and the green shaded area are a reed bed area. The project wil apparently take 2 weeks in November or December and then planting in spring. I will share more details at next Ruscombe Brook Action Group meeting.

This project should, despite our reservations, significantly improve the wildlife at this site and provide a much improved green space for the community. This area has been so well hidden that even many of those living near-by didn't know this lake was on their doorstep. There is however still much work needed upstream to improve the brook - not least to prevent silt and other stuff coming downstream to pollute and silt up The Lake. Sundays' sewer problems are just one example.

Folly Farm footpath update

See Blog on 31st August for background info. Unfortunately the rights of way officer at the County Council is off sick at the moment - so correct legal advice is being sought as to what options are available and how they can be pursued. I am told by one of the solicitors at the District Council that I can "assure the local residents that no decsion has been taken so far and neither will it be taken until such time as their objections have been given proper consideration."

I'll let you know if any further developments but believe all are keen to find a solution that works for all.

Canal Planning – Have Your Say

The Cotswold Canals regeneration project now has its own dedicated website, hosted by SDC – www.cotswoldcanalsproject.org

Stroud District Council write: "Public consultation continues on two planning documents which will have a significant impact on the future management of the canals corridor. Preliminary stakeholder and community engagement will run until 31st October. Both the Cotswold Canals Design Framework Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and the Industrial Heritage Conservation Area (IHCA) Management Proposals SPD will be emerging over the next seven months, with the anticipated adoption in April 2007. Both will form part of the emerging Local Development Framework, which replaces the Local Plan."

Not exactly easy to understand what is being said but the new website has details on how you can have your say - and link to the SDC website where there are apparently questionnaires - haven't found them yet so maybe better to email them direct from the new website. This Tuesday some of the first bits of the canal come to the Development Control Committee that I sit on - it will be interesting to hear all the issues on those applications.

And talking of canals I had an email from a former employee of British Waterways regarding one of the links to this site that wasn't working - it is now - anyhow I discovered he has a Blog and web pages on mistletoe - have just spent a fascinating time exploring those pages!!

Tricorn House

A while back I raised the issue of compulsory purshase of Tricorn House - this was in response to work I had been doing on Cainscross Parish Plan - it was overwhelmingly one of the most important things that could be tackled to improve the area. Time and time again in the interviews I was conducting for the Parish Plan this issue was raised unprompted.

Anyhow just to keep you up to date the Council have not ruled out the option of compulsory purshase but are waiting to see how the canal developments impact on the area - there are rapid changes occuring and despite this being a monstrosity at one of Stroud's key gateways it does not make sense to go down that route at this point. Apparently the building is on the market again for what many are saying is a ridiculously high price - its certainly a difficult corner site with no good access for vehicles - and it is ceratinly much in need of improvement.

The closed National Trust campsite in Randwick Woods

As many will know this campsite closed a while back - sadly it's closure has led to unauthorised camping in the surrounding area and the loss of a local resource.

Randwick Parish Council are trying to get the site reopened. I fully support this move but we need to get over issues regarding vandalism at the site and how the site will be looked after.

The National Trust have confirmed that they will still consider applications from groups such as walkers, schools or Scouts to use the site. If other groups are interested in a licence to camp at the site they should write to: David Armstrong, National Trust, Ebworth Centre, Ebworth Estate, The Camp, Stroud.

In discussions with David Armstrong of the National Trust they have suggested a willingness to look at the matter - could we perhaps appoint a warden or wardens who visit the site regularly and could be on call at weekends on a rota. Is this feasible? Would a warden satisfy the very real concerns of local residents? Could opening times of the campsite be restricted?

I've also spoken with the Regeneration team at Stroud District Council who are generally supportive of this site reopening. The next step is a planned meeting organised by Randwick Parish Council in December to which they have invited the National Trust. In the meantime any thoughts on this welcomed.

Accident at Randwick Playground - and a call for nature playgrounds

There was an accident at Randwick Playground when a 2 year old girl fell and hit her face on the edge of the metal slide. I wont go into details here suffice to say it was serious with lots of blood - she is OK now but will still need treatment. The problem was that there was a hole in the ground in front of the slide that played a part in her tripping - the hole has been repaired very promptly - see photo left - and there are moves to ensure such risks are reduced in the future.

To me this raises several issues - in such a playground it should be safe - that is what we have come to expect. However I am also aware that research shows that our 'safe playgrounds' and safety-orientated society leads to children being less able to cope with uncertainty...

“I am convinced that standardised play equipment is dangerous. When the distance between all the rungs on the climbing net or the ladder is exactly the same, the child has no need to concentrate on where he puts his feet. This lesson cannot be carried over into all the knobbly and asymmetrical forms with which one is confronted throughout life.”
Helle Nebelong, creator of natural public spaces in Copenhagen

It may be unrealistic to think that we can restore children to the ‘free-range childhoods’ enjoyed by earlier generations, but we can take steps to lessen the constraints. Our public spaces is one key area we can work on. Too often regular free-spirited, playful engagement with nature is missing - even our playgrounds can be devoid of greenery.

There is now a growing movement that is calling for a halt to more sterile playgrounds with tubular steel, rubber surfacing and primary coloured plastics galore. This is just what Freiburg, a German city has done for over a decade. Instead at a fraction of the cost they have built over 40 ‘nature playgrounds’ designed with a lifetime in mind.

The results are diverse spaces with mounds, ditches, logs, boulders, wild flowers, secret corners and shady spots (see 'den' created above in Randwick Woods). The construction materials are a model of sustainability compared to the raw materials and processes used to make conventional playgrounds. There is also research showing children benefit enormously from wild nature play areas.

Not surprisingly research shows more children staying away from television. Britain is a long way behind much of Europe, but here too innovative projects are appearing: ‘Den day’ in Newcastle, Forest Schools, ‘Wild About Play’ in the South West of England, park keepers returning as ‘play rangers’ in Bath and other places.

To me we could benefit from having both the wild/nature play areas and playgrounds with their swings, slides and roundabouts. In the latter it is clear we need to be as safe as possible.

Sewage in the brook again

The storm on Sunday morning - 1st October - saw local sewer manholes blowing and more sewage in our local brook (See photo by local resident Heidi Cohen left).

The Ruscombe Brook Action Group were assured by Severn Trent at a meeting in February this year that the problems of sewage getting into the brook were solved following their work along the brook. We were skeptical at the time but things have improved with no major incident in the last 9 months.

Sadly this weekend's storm has proved our fears were founded - once again there is raw sewage in the brook in considerable quantities: it even blew a manhole cover that Severn Trent had bolted down to stop such problems and appears to have undermined the concrete foundations of at least one other manhole.

It is wholly unacceptable that people, cattle and wildlife have to face the very serious health risks of raw sewage in the brook and surrounding land. As independent water experts have told us, the whole sewer system is long past it's sell-by date and being forced to cope with too much water when there are heavy rains.

Storms like the one at the weekend, are forecast to become increasingly common and should be a warning to us that we need to address the problems of our sewage and drainage systems. Infact Sunday morning I was bucketing out water that was lapping at the front door step of my home - the blocked road drains in Bread Street were unable to cope with the quantity of water and poured down my steps. I only just managed to keep all but a large dribble of water from entering the house and the rain fortunately stopped suddenly allowing the waters to soak away.

The good news is that Severn Trent and other local agencies have been willing to work with the Ruscombe Brook Action Group - this storm shows it is even clearer now that we need to see more action to develop long term sustainable solutions to these problems.

For more info see previous Blogs using the search engine.

Autumn Draw at Community Shop

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Village Shop are holding an Autumn Raffle draw on Saturday 4th November - get your tickets now and support this great community shop - it also has a cafe and must have the best views in Stroud and the best prices - and great cakes - it is run entirely by volunteers - read more by clicking here. Infact they are looking for more volunteers - if we are not careful we could lose this great place.

To me there is huge potential to build on previous successes - ideas have been suggested like a veg box scheme here and/or home large orders from one of the companies like Essential Trading, Suma or other cooperative group? But we need people to help if we are to develop this resource more.