Cows, Council, disability and access

Nearly late for Full Council as discovered some 6 cows had broken into the neighbours garden.

Photos: Neighbours unwanted visitors

It really wasn't as easy to tackle them as I could not discover a route back into the field. Fortunately I was able to contact the cows owner and did manage at least to get the cows out of the more formal part of the garden.

Then took a call from an angry parishioner as one of the other political parties had put political notices up on Highway signage in Randwick. I rang that parties HQ rather than make a formal complaint - it was a genuine mistake from a less experienced candidate.

Did get to Pre-Council Party Group meeting before the Full Council meeting - it was a wonderfully short meeting. It included celebrating Sheffies time as the longest serving councillor - he retires this month - also a letter from the Bishop congratulating the unsung work of public service folk like councillors and Glos-based Dan Robinson coming 9th in the London Marathon (first Brit home).

Green councillor Martin Whiteside did propose an amendment to try and ensure the report re the Local Development Framework spelt out that local peoples views are taken account of when developments go ahead at Brimscombe Port. There was lots in the report being proposed re consultation but not a recognition to really take account of residents views and it was noticeable absent in the Officers report re Brimscombe. Labour supported Martins moves but Conservatives and some Lib Dems didn't - the amendment fell.

Photo: Cows being encouraged to return to field

Conservatives have a point that there are policies re Community Involvement but we have seen people consulted over the canal for goodness knows how many years - each time the previous views are not acknowledged - people really wonder if they are ever heard. I am sure the intention is to consult and really take account of local peoples views but economic pressures are huge and while on some things this Council has a good record on consultation on others it does not. I would have preferred to see it spelt out and can't see why Tories were reluctant.

There always seems to be political manoeuvrings going on - and of course but it would in my view have done no harm to support this motion and reassured Brimscombe residents.

The motion up last was re access to Ebley Mill (see my post on 8th April) - Cllr Mattie Ross introduced her first motion - and full marks to her for raising this issue. The Tories response was to add an amendment to widen the remit so include more premises. A welcomed amendment - but infact some of it they would have to do anyway due to Govt guidelines. We await now until September to see the outcome of a report looking at costings and ways forward. As I've said before it is vital the District Council leads on this issue - they are doing lots of good things but much more is needed.

Some of their projects include close working with the Stroud & District Access Group, which was launched in March 2005 with support from Stroud District Council, (The former Stroud Access Group having disbanded in 2003). This aims to act as a mechanism to advise on and assess physical access issues across the Stroud District Council administration area. This group is a key partner in the Disability Action Network. See their website: http://community.stroud.gov.uk

The Disability Action Network (DAN) is new - in Stroud District there are a variety of groups and organisations that have been operating for many years delivering physical activity, education and assistance to people with disabilities. There are issues, however, preventing many disabled people from leading as full a life as they would like and so this group was formed to tackle and resolve these issues and provide a central point of enquiry on disability matters.

To this end, Volunteer & Community Action, Stroud District Council Sports Development and Stroud & District Access Group have been working in partnership to set up the DAN for the district whose aim it will be to link up and monitor key disability actions across the district in areas such as access issues, volunteering opportunities and lifelong learning, sport and physical activity.

The draft action plan was produced as a result of feedback received at the consultation event in October 2005 and subsequent meetings - I attended a couple of those meetings. Whilst far from comprehensive, it is a starting point, comprising a few tangible areas that DAN can take on board. The group, of which I am a member, aim to review this action plan annually, ensuring that the current needs and aspirations of the disabled community are adequately reflected.

Attendance at the meetings by people with disabilities is low. The aim is for the Network to be led by the people who live with their disabilities day-to-day and, as such, are the experts about what is required to improve things. Please if anyone is interested do get in touch - also an idea of a virtual email linked group is being considered for those who would be unable to attend meetings or find it difficult. If interested contact Development Officer, VCA, The Old Town Hall, The Shambles, High Street, Stroud GL5 1AP, Email: sdcvs@yahoo.co.uk, Tel: 01453 765600.

I could talk more about the Councils support re disability - like Ring and Ride and work at Stratford Park to improve access but it's time for bed and you can look it up on their website - lots of good things but still a fair way to go. Indeed lots of awareness - I mean look at the new cinema - terrible! Anyway looking out the window I am pleased to say at least in terms of cow access things seem to have been sorted and temporary repairs made to prevent more on the lawn. I am also pleased that my sprouting broccoli wasn't touched.