We are in unprecedented times as Corona Virus looks set to change our lives for the foreseeable future. Our most important statement is to ensure that people do the best they can to protect themselves and remain as calm as possible. There is lots of information that is shared online, our message is simple - Please follow the advice coming from Public Health England and use the 111 service online for advice on self-isolation. More information can be found on the Spelthorne Council site.
Spelthorne Liberal Democrats are disappointed that the discussion of the releasing of Green Belt site as part of the development of the Local Plan will continue to proceed without full council input and a lack of public-facing information.
At the Council meeting on the 27th February, a petition of over 5,000 signatories was presented for council consideration. The Lib Dem team tried to reject the option 'to note the petition and keep the item under review' as thus far there has been little evidence from the Council that the Green Belt sites allocated will be reconsidered, given the great social and environmental value they have. The vote was 13-13, with the Deputy Mayor having the casting vote to support the proposed action called for by the Conservatives. On the evening, despite the importance of the meeting for the decision on the Green Belt and the budget, 10 Conservative Councillors did not attend.
Local Sunbury East councillor Kathy Grant explains "They are very informal drop-in style sessions. Two or three councillors sit in a dedicated space at Sunbury Library [also Staines Library] and local residents can come and talk to us about local issues or problems."
Bernie Spoor (Sunbury Common) continues "Often there is a common complaint, typically on a planning issue. Otherwise, they are completely fed up with a very local situation - planning, parking, fly-tipping, drug dealing, anti-social behaviour. They come into the surgery as they believe we can open different doors and often we can."
Over in Staines Library, Staines South Councillors Nichola Cornes and Chris Bateson are in attendance. "We get a few in from not only our own ward but two neighbouring wards, Staines Town and Riverside & Laleham" explains Chris. Nichola adds "And sometimes I am sure they are just curious - they gingerly turn up and before you know it we are mulling over local issues with a cup of tea and, if they are lucky, a biscuit."
Long time councillor, and leader of the Spelthorne Liberal Democrats, Sandra Dunn recalls "one member of the public who turned up asking if we could remove a cyst. I had to explain we were not that kind of surgery!"
SURGERIES
Sunbury Library 1st Saturday in the month from 1030 - 1230.
Staines Library 1st Saturday in the month from 1030 - 1300.
You can be a resident of any local ward to turn up and any local person is welcome.
Pictured: Cllrs Nichola Cornes and Chris Bateson at LibDem Saturday Surgery in Staines Library
The commissioning of the Charlton Lane gasifier is more than 2 years late.
It is still being commissioned and must conform to Environment Agency certification requirements. However, the operators have said that assuming no issues are highlighted, it will be operational towards the end of March or early April. The Anaerobic Digester is now fully tested and accepting food waste.
By Cllr Kathy Grant, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson
Whilst we're delighted to see the Council take steps in the right direction, we are keeping up the pressure to ensure that Council Policy reflects our green credentials. The task group was established thanks to increasing pressure from opposition Councillors to take the issue seriously and we have shifted the Council's stance on Heathrow in the right direction, but the administration has continued to resist opposition.
Borough Councillors get a grant to spend within the Borough to improve the life of its residents. Cllr Bateson and I have been delighted to support Spelthorne Youth.
We visited the Youth Club yesterday evening and we were touched by the dedication of Michelle, the children's stories and the volunteer commitment. We believe very strongly in the provision of Youth Centres and the massive difference they can make to young peoples lives.
Following feedback from local residents about the overgrowth on the path to Upper Halliford Station, Cllr Tom Fidler has worked with Neighbourhood Services to improve the area. The maintenance has seen the bushes cut back which has increased visibility on the path as they had been obscuring some of the streetlights.
Ed Davey and Daisy Cooper have written to the Prime Minister, calling for him to reverse plans to scrap the BBC licence fee.
The British Press is by no means without criticism, but at its best, the BBC remains a beacon of independent journalism as well as high-quality entertainment. That's why Liberal Democrats will fight tooth and nail to save it. Read the letter in full below:
Did you know in the 10 years since May 2010 there have been 10 different Conservative Housing ministers. Just in case you don't believe us we have listed them all below.
Whilst this is an interesting fact it is something that should worry us all greatly. How can there be any consistency in housing policy when the minister is constantly changing? It shows how little the Conservatives care about housing policy.
Surrey Lib Dems voted against the county council's proposed budget for 2020/21 as it would put services to vulnerable residents at further risk.
'Every day I hear from families struggling with SEND needs, trying to get care packages for adults and those with Learning Disabilities. The County Council rations the services for vulnerable people and this budget makes that worse'.
