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!

Quincy and I have appeared in the Gazette today with our appeal for dog foster carers.  I’d like to thank Kathy Canham and the Gazette team for taking an interest in the campaign and putting together such a lovely article, which appears below.

If you are interested, please get in touch!  The link on the left gives you a lot more detail too.  Can’t wait to hear from you!

GAZETTE ARTICLE:

A SPECIAL breed of people are needed to offer loving homes to dogs rescued from domestic violence.

Animal lover Karen Chilvers is appealing on behalf of the Dogs Trust for people to take temporary care of a beloved pet.

The foster carers can be vital in helping women flee abuse without the trauma of having to leave their family pet behind.

Brentwood borough councillor Karen has taken up the cause because of her interest in animal welfare.

Her own dog Quincy, a shih tzu that is blind in one eye*, came from a rescue centre after being found wandering on the streets of Barking.

Karen said: “The scheme was set up due to an identified link between domestic violence and animal abuse.

“Men who are violent to women may threaten, injure or kill a pet to intimidate their partner and retain control, which leads to women and children staying in a violent situation to keep their pet safe.

“Many refuges for women will not take pets and the other alternative, a rescue centre, is for permanent rehoming.

“But with this scheme, the dog can be fostered and allow the family to leave. They can then be reunited with their pet when they are resettled.

“I need the Gazette to help. We need to find safe foster homes.

“We are specifically looking for experienced dog owners. It may well suit someone who has recently lost a dog, wants a companion for a lone dog or is unable to commit to a dog permanently at this stage.”

The Freedom Project seeks experienced dog owners with the time to give love and attention to pets who can feel forsaken by their owners and distressed by what has happened.

The Dogs Trust charity foots all food and vet bills until the animals’ owners are ready to reclaim them having settled into new homes.

One client said: “Knowing that my dog is being cared for by the Dogs Trust Freedom Project has made things a lot easier for me and my children.

“It has been a really stressful time for us, but being able to leave my violent partner and knowing my pet will be safe and cared for was a huge relief.”

 *actually, he only has a right eye!!!!

I am pleased to report that the work that I spoke to many residents about will be starting next week and, weather permitting, completed by the summer holidays as requested.

I have also asked for a new sign with opening hours to be installed at each entrance and for the graffiti to be cleaned from the play apparatus.

Thanks to all residents who worked with me on this - I hope it sees some improvement!

I understand there are more problems on the trains today, but I was lucky enough to get a lift to Upminster.

This link will give service updates as the lines are repaired:

http://www.nationalexpresseastanglia.com/rtti/train_service_disruptions

or you can look at the live departure board here: http://www.vicinitee.com/lsl/xmlfeed/dsp_allstation.cfm

I was able to watch some of the Cycle Race today whilst enjoying lunch in Brentwood High Street.  It was a lovely day and a well organised event that brought a lot of new people in to Brentwood.

I hope the competitors had a good time - it looked exhausting!!!

This Saturday will see a fun day on Shenfield Common with the annual Strawberry Fair.  The programme includes a vintage car rally, donkey rides, craft stalls, a teddy bears’ picnic and, of course, strawberries and cream!!If you’re going, wishing you a lovely time and some good weather!

Last night I attended the launch of the Eclipse Nightclub.  The club, which will now replace Sam’s, looks absolutely fantastic!

Good luck to everyone involved in the club and I hope, if you go for a night out, you have a great night!

Last night I attended the Environment Panel, this deals with a variety of issues but the agenda was mainly waste, recycling and grafitti.

Residents in Brentwood are certainly to be congratulated for their excellent recycling record but, unfortunately, not everyone is recyling as much as they could.

Information about recyling in Brentwood is available here: http://www.brentwood.gov.uk/index.php?cid=335

A guide to recycling at home, in schools and in the office, as well as a guide to recyling all sorts of things, from furniture to printer cartridges, and an explanation of recyling symbols is available here:

http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/

Recently, it was announced that Essex County Council is going to make £155,000 available to Brentwood to be spent on projects for young people so, Cllr David Kendall, our group leader, is calling for a youth forum to be set up. We’ve put a motion in to the next full council meeting so let’s hope it gets some support and we can get our young people involved in the decisions!

David said: “Brentwood Borough Council needs to do much more to engage with local young people and to start delivering on the issues that concern them the most. I believe a youth forum would be a positive step forward and would give young people a platform to be heard on issues such as personal safety, transport and much needed new facilities”

I’ll keep you posted!

Quincy, Brentwood West Dog and political animal (pictured below), and I have just returned from our interview on Phoenix FM’s Centre Ground show, hosted by our friends Mike and Julie.  We were there to talk about the “Dogs Trust Freedom Project” - a charity scheme I have supported for a few years.   Listen to us here: http://www.phoenixfm.com/story/1632.php

The project helps women and children flee domestic violence by offering a safe heaven for their pets.  You can read more about it here: http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/wayswehelp/freedom_project/

We’re looking for dog foster carers in the Brentwood area - the link on the left explains it all!

Brentwood’s annual cycle races will take place this Sunday, from 9am to 4pm.  Cheer on those taking part in the High Street!

A road closure will be in place from 6am-6pm, which will affect the High Street, Moores Place and Hart Street as well as parts of St Thomas Road, Crown Street and Kings Road.Good luck to all those who are taking part in this event.

My beautiful little dog Gypsy passed away today, just 22 days short of her 17th birthday. 

Gypsy was well known in Brentwood West, especially in the Junction Road area, as she campaigned with me over the last few years. I know for a fact that she got me a few votes last year and Nigel a few this year!

She was a key figure in the Save Thorndon Park campaign - it was her love of walking in Thorndon that took me over there such a lot so many people have her to thank for saving the park.  Not a bad epitaph for a small terrier!

She will be missed by many, but especially by my mum and me.

Following on from our local Young Person awards and how impressed I was with all the winners, I’m just as impressed by some of the young talent that’s been unearthed by ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. 

The competition showcased a cornucopia of singing, dancing and entertaining kids who obviously work hard to be the best at what they do.  Again I say, there’s a lot of press about the bad things that kids do but this shows that with a little hard work and dedication, you can really achieve something amazing!

George Sampson was indeed a worthy winner, especially as he came back from rejection in 2007,  but I was most impressed by Nemisis.  This group of five young people have, in the absence of a dance studio, been practising their moves at the mirrors in their local bus station.  As Roy Castle used to sing “…if you want to be the best and you want to beat the rest….dedication’s what you need…” and that really is dedication!

A lot of kids and their parents should be very proud!