Thanks to the former campaigners who are getting in touch and want to get involved in the country parks again. 

I will, in due course, be passing these names on to the officers.  I’m hoping that, apart from anything else, this will be a non-political !

If you still want to get involved - just let me know!

I’m continuing to fight for our country parks!  I have a letter in the Gazette this week:

Dear Editor

FOLLOWING my call for a Friends of Brentwood Country Parks consultative group to be set up as part of the joint management proposal, I am delighted that the leader of the council has agreed.

Although, I am not celebrating too wildly at the moment, as I am not sure that we agree on the commercialisation aspect.

Of course, to run the parks effectively and in a financially viable way, new ventures may have to be introduced but, there is a wafer thin line between what would be acceptable to the true park users (those who treasure the wildlife oasis that is naturally provided) and what is not.

For example, I’m sure that a nature trail, perhaps with a modest fee, would meet very little objection and we would all benefit from children learning about their environment but, should they see fit to introduce a fast food outlet or close off areas of the parks to dog walkers and runners, then expect to see us go ape once again!

Therefore, let’s ensure true park users are a key part of this group.

I directly appeal to all those who, two and a half years ago, campaigned to Save Thorndon Park or those who wish to safeguard our country parks to get in touch with me or express their interest via our website www.brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk

Karen Chilvers

Liberal Democrat Councillor

This is why I remain concerned: http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/searching/Parks-money-spinners/article-196703-detail/article.html

I’m using the benefit of having my own website to wish my mum a Happy 60th Birthday and a happy retirement!  Well, I think I’m allowed - she’s a Brentwood West resident and a party officer!

Did you see the front of the Yellow Advertiser this week?  Cllr David Kendall, Lib Dem group leader, and Brentwood West’s Nigel Clarke are campaigning against the Conservative decision to close the council’s last cricket pitch in the borough!

Under the headline of “That’s just not cricket”, the boys are hoping that potential cricket pitch users will come forward!

Nigel is a cricket coach, spending a lot of time coaching young cricketers in Essex so he knows his onions on this one!

I’ve set up a function on the Brentwood Lib Dem site so, if you are interested in joining this group then I will be able to put your name forward.

We don’t yet know the format of this group, in fact we are being asked for our views.  I’ll be trying to ensure that it is a group of true park users, so let me know if you are interested in becoming part of it:

http://www.brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk/surveys/4/

In what seems to be a further attempt to cut down on debate, the Conservative administration have proposed that we move to a cabinet system.  (more here: http://www.brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk/news/000060/lib_dems_slam_cabinet_move.html).

This means that decisions will largely be made by “portfolio holders” rather than being debated in the chamber, with opposition councillors putting your views forward and speaking up for you, as you elected us to do.

Please add your voice to the consultation on this, which will be in the next Vision magazine, and let me know your views too.

Don’t worry though - whatever happens you can rest assured that your Lib Dem councillors will still make your views heard!!!

Last week, I called for the council to create a “Friends of Country Parks” group to be created.  I am pleased to say that the Leader of the council agreed to my request and this group, a consultative body, will be soon be created.

The reason for my call is that Brentwood’s country parks will come under joint control of Brentwood and Essex councils.  My concern is that there will be a temptation to turn to commercial enterprises to balance the books.  See the full story here:

http://www.brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk/news/000059/call_for_friends_of_country_parks_group.html

A very mixed meeting last night! 

It was a delight to be able to approve applications for enterprising businesses in Brentwood - a cookery school and deli in Shenfield and a slight extension to Calcott Hall Farm Shop.  I’m sure that many of you visit the farm shop, as I do, and I would recommend a visit to the deli!

We refused an application in Brentwood West from the developers at the former NV Tools site.  The developers asked for an extension in the time frame they were allowed to complete the development.  But this extension was for an additional two and a half years!  Unbelievable!!!

They were blaming the break down of talks and the credit crunch for this delay however, I spoke up on the subject, pointing out that this was unnacceptable.  The develoment was to be completed 18 months after the first resident had moved in and now they were asking for that to become FOUR years!  This isn’t fair on the first resident to move in or those who move in subsequently.  This application got a resounding NO!

I’m no big cricket fan, but I am very disappointed that the council’s one remaining free cricket facility is to be shut down.

Demand might be low, but once a facility like this is gone, it’s gone forever.  Cllr David Kendall, Lib Dem group leader, asked the Conservative committee chair of the Leisure Panel to consider keeping it until the end of the season given that a lot of funding is going into the sport.  But no, the Conservative majority voted for it to go, so it’s going.  As of now.

Brentwood West’s Nigel Clarke (Cricket coach and Phoenix FM cricket correspondent) said: “Cricket is really on the up and up in this country and a lot of kids are now getting interested in the game.  I’ve used this facility before and would have happily done so again.  I can’t believe it is just going to be left like this”

What a shame!  Let’s hope everyone can afford to join a club if they want to play.

Read the full story: http://www.brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk/news/000057/cricket_facilities_hit_for_six.html

I’m pleased to report that the Brentwood museum in Lorne Road will receive funding for a new entrance sign, agreed at last night’s Leisure, Sport & Culture Panel.

I asked Jane Ponder, Town Centre Manager, whether hours could be extended as, currently, they can only open once a month.  It’s not impossible…they just need some volunteers to help.

Would you fancy helping run this museum, staffed entirely by volunteers?  Get in touch if you do!