Quote of the day:-
"A weak currency arises from a weak economy, which in turn is the result of a weak government."
- Gordon Brown
(1992)
Expenses
The recent revelations about MPs (from all parties) abusing the parliamentary expenses system are shocking.
Councillors are also entitled to claim expenses on top of their allowances.
I am more than happy to reveal my expenses since being elected to Northumberland County Council on 1 May
2008: £0.00.
Weeping Willows
The former Willows Pub at Widdrington Station has dilapidated into such an eyesore that action must now
be taken. The building has suffered extensive damage by vandals and now poses a threat to health and safety.
With this is mind, I have today demanded action by the Council, by the commencement of proceedings under
s.215 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990. This basically empowers Councils to require remedial works to or demolition
of unsafe and dilapidated buildings.
I am pleased to confirm that in response to this request, the Council will be starting the
relevant proceedings, and I hope this means that residents will no longer have to put up with the eyesore of
this building any longer.
Towns on the move!
I have moved house. My new address is Keeper's Cottage, Mitford, NE61 3QE. My new phone number is
01670 775413.
*****STOP PRESS*****
18.03.2009
The decision by Northumberland NHS Care Trust (backed by the NHS Litigation Authority) to allow
a new large-scale pharmacy at Widdrington Station, thus putting the future viability of the GP's surgery and dispensary into
doubt, is outrageous.
I've kept publicly quiet on ths issue because I did not want to distract people from the great efforts
of the Save our Surgery campaign. However, I have now been asked to help and I fully intend to expose the ignorance of the
Care Trust's decision.
I have already made a request, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, for a full account of
the cost to the Care Trust of fighting local people on this issue, and I will make that information public as soon as I receive
it - hopefully within the next 20 days.
UPDATE - 21.04.09
The Care Trust has informed me that they spent nearly £25,000 on fighting local residents' views.
The NHS Litigation Authority has also confirmed to me that they spent at least £9,000 on the appeal. That's £34,000 of your
money and my money, spent on fighting you!
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