Looking for something to do during the Easter and Summer Holidays?  You can find out more here: http://www.brentwood.gov.uk/index.php?cid=1205

Going to slightly pat myself on the back - the Gazette has reported councillor’s attendance records and mine’s at 100%!  Actually, more than that, because I subbed for a colleague on one occasion this year too so it’s actually 108%….!  In fact, I’ve only ever missed one meeting I’ve been scheduled to attend since my election, and I’ve subbed twice!

Seriously though, being a councillor is much more than turning up to meetings.  I’ve been able to help some residents in the last few weeks with a fly tipping problem, a crematorium problem and, not for the first time, some potholes.  Call me if you think I can help - if I can’t I may know who can!

It seems that, for a change, some roadworks are finishing early!  Latest news is that Weald Road will be open in a matter of days and traffic from South Weald to Warley can flow freely once again over the Weald Road/High Street junction!

Good time to remind residents that there is a Highways Surgery tonight at the Town Hall from 7pm to talk about any Highways issues in Brentwood West.

It seems that the good people of EDF Energy have committed to lighting the new crossing in Hartswood Road by the end of March.  Good news - but long overdue…they got the request on 21st December 2008 and I am appalled that they have taken over three months to light it.

That crossing was put in for the SAFETY of residents, but the lack of lighting and confusion has produced a very dangerous situation.  I drive over that crossing almost every day and, without lights, it can be easily missed and although, officially, it is “Not in use” that’s not going to be much comfort if you plough into someone when you drive over it.

I’ve kept the pressure on this one and worked with the Conservative Chair of the Highways Panel, Cllr Louise McKinlay, who has kept me closely informed.  Getting results for residents is my main reason for doing this, so it is great when cross-party working can achieve this.

Now they just need to light up the VAS signs on London Road and Warley Hill…..!

Very sad this morning to hear that Jade had passed away at just 27.  Somehow, I had a feeling that Mother’s Day would be the day she went, it couldn’t be more poignant.  However, she has done all she can to ensure her two little boys have a good education and a good future and I’m sure their father will continue to be a good father to them.

I was always very fond of Jade.  Yes, she made some mistakes, but I think she was a good person at heart and, certainly with the Shilpa issue, she learnt from what she did and made amends.

I always think that people are on this earth for a reason and I feel that Jade’s battle with cancer and the fact that she was prepared to see the positive things she could gain from a terminal illness (highlighting her plight for others to learn from and to raise money for her boys’ future) seems to be her legacy.

Paul, one of my residents and regular contributors to my inbox and this blog, runs a quiz on Thursdays.  He bills himself as an “evil quizmaster” so if you do fancy it, get a team together and head down to The Hutton pub at 8.30pm this Thursday!

Well, we didn’t expect this (well, I sort of did when I saw his wife in the public gallery) but Cllr Lewis has decided to stand down as Tory leader at the end of this council year.  So, from May we will have a new leader of the council, although he will remain as a councillor until a general election (if it goes his way!) or the end of his tenure next May.

I wished him well after the council meeting as it must have been difficult campaigning for a parliamentary seat whilst trying to run Brentwood Council.  I also thanked him for a few kind words he said to me, and other new councillors, when I got elected onto the council.

A new era begins…..

I’ve been informed that the dodgy door at the entrance to one of the Sir Francis Way blocks has been fixed, at my request.

I’ve also asked for a number of other doors to be investigated, but do let me know if there is anything else that needs work!

Some months ago, I noticed the signs that appeared for The Galleries at the junction of Pastoral Way and Mascalls Lane.  They didn’t have planning permission and this was applied for retrospectively.  Permission was not granted but, naturally, the developer appealed. 

I’m pleased to say that this appeal has been dismissed and, therefore, we can enforce the decision.  Hopefully, the signs will soon be gone.

This leaves me very optimistic that we can achieve the same result in Junction Road, where the developers of the new retirement homes have put up enormous signs.  This is also going through the same process.

So, here it is, my council tax bill.  My bill is £952.56 of which about 75% - so roughly £715 - goes to Essex County Council for them to put towards their £4.8m to spend on “spin” and marketing.  Expect that to go into overdrive before the County Elections on 4th June!

Only about £113 of my £952 bill goes to Brentwood Borough Council so please bear that in mind at next year’s borough council elections when they try to blame us for any large increases in the past.

But, here’s the real reason I am angry about the spending decisions of Conservative-controlled Essex County Council: http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/news/CHELMSFORD-Failing-social-services-left-children-risk-paedophiles-abuse-neglect/article-765321-detail/article.html

Today, it was announced that a Lib Dem colleague in Cornwall has decided to retire from politics, citing personal attacks as one of the key reasons.  I can totally understand what he’s going through.

I got in to politics so I could speak up for residents and help them with issues that they are facing.  I’m actually proud to say that I have always done just that and, if I have helped you with an issue like getting the door to your block of flats fixed, sorting out graffiti late at night in your street or getting your street sign replaced then I’m pretty sure you’ll nod in agreement.  If I haven’t, well, try me!

I also assure you that I didn’t get into this to feather my nest - if you think that then well, you couldn’t be more wrong!  A life of glamour and riches it is not!!!

I didn’t get into this so I could spend my time arguing with people, but I acknowledge that that is a part of this political game and so, in chamber, week after week, we “debate” issues.  Sometimes, this goes beyond a polite debate, and I recently had a sustained verbal attack dealt to me during a meeting by half a dozen Tories but then, as an opposition member, I am there to expose and oppose the administration and this will attract such conduct.  

I make no excuses for challenging the Conservatives and exposing them on issues where I don’t think they are doing right by the people of Brentwood, and specifically Brentwood West, but I’m also not adverse to working together at times where there genuinely is agreement.  A current issue to prove this point is the Hartswood Road crossing where I am in close contact and working together with the Conservative Chair of Highways to get this lit as soon as possible for safety reasons - I have thanked her, publicly and privately, for her efforts and we both hope for some speedy action.

It is a shame that we have some members who just can’t stop the attacks!  One Conservative councillor’s most recent blog posting is another personal attack on me and a colleague.  What’s my latest post?  Information about an injured cat that was found in my ward.  Why?  Because I’m sure that one of my residents is missing a much loved family member and that matters to me.

The most important thing to me is that I represent YOU and make my decisions based on resident consultation.  If I upset members of the administration along the way, so be it.  Don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Karen

I saw a note in the pet shop window regarding a tabby & white cat that had been found near Westwood Avenue, injured, and taken to Orchid Vets in Ongar Road.

I don’t know any more I’m afraid, but if anyone knows who the cat’s owners are then please let them know.

What a relief to be able to talk freely about this development.  I’m all for a cinema - but not the huge monstrosity that has been approved by the Conservative Administration.

On Sunday I, along with Cllrs David Kendall, Barry Aspinell, Ross Carter and Lib Dem campaigners Nigel Clarke and Nina Cutbush, joined affected residents to continue the campaign.  As the campaigners have said, it doesn’t end here and we’ll continue to support them! 

 More news soon.

One of my many animal charities is conducting a survey on the effect of fireworks on our pets.  I have a view on the matter, but it’s not about banning them, more about controlling them and I’m pleased to see that there are low-noise fireworks for sale. If you are interested in taking part, click here: http://www.woodgreen.org.uk/fireworks_survey.asp

Luckily, my current pets don’t seem to bothered by the noise, but my Gypsy used to be terrified and it was very distressing for everyone.  Our Quincy isn’t bothered by, well, much at all really!