In the Gazette this week:

http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/brentwood/BRENTWOOD-Microchip-plea-pet-owners/article-487177-detail/article.html

If you can spare some pennies for Pudsey, then log on and donate to this wonderful charity!

Donate here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/donate/

Another month, another planning committee.  Another shoe-horned development turned down in Ingrave Road and a house extension in Hanging Hill Lane approved.

I am disappointed that the committee were not minded to approve a Multi Use Games Area in Sawyers Hall Lane at the college.  As a ward councillor, I am always being asked why there is not enough for youngsters to do in the evening but the Conservative majority turned down a solution in our town centre.

Although it is on green belt, the planning officers considered this to be an appropriate use of the area, as did I, however, most of the Conservatives didn’t agree.  This was a bit of a surprise, given that the Mayor of Brentwood, Cllr Dudley Payne, wrote a letter of support for the facility, read out at the committee, saying that this should be approved for the good of the community.

Oh well!

I’ve been a little quiet of late, that’s due in the main to two things!  Firstly, I’ve had a lovely holiday in the Lake District in a very nice hotel overlooking Windermere!

Secondly, my laptop has been in for repair for two weeks - I honestly don’t know how I coped!!!  It’s become such an important little tool for everything from case work to catching up with friends!  Thanks to the chaps at the Computer Clinic in Rayleigh Road for the clean up and new memory!

Anyway, everyone (the cats, the computer and me) is now safely back home!  Whilst I was away the latest Brentwood West Focus was printed and you should now have a copy.  If not, catch up with the latest edition here: Latest Brentwood West Focus.

Power to the people!

I’m delighted to report that the Conservatives have had to do a fairly big about-turn and give up on their preference to go to a Cabinet System for Brentwood Council.  This would have seen a small clique of councillors making the decisions.

The Lib Dem team may have highlighted the issue: we ran petitions, we spoke about it in the press via press notices and lettrs, we spoke to you on the door and made the case for keeping the status quo on our websites…but it was you, the residents, who sent, in support of our preferred option 3, the following to the council:

• 468 consultation papers by post
• 104 responses on-line via the Council website
• 21 responses on www.brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk
• 32 responses from a door-to-door petition
• 93 responses from a postal petition

A total of 718 responses in favour of Option 3 with only 281 in favour of the Leader and Cabinet System (Option 1).  In addition, it’s still worth watching the recent Citizens’ Panel where 99% of the attendees wanted Option 3!

Well done to everyone who got involved!  The committee system stays and we can continue to speak up for you and put your points across in the chamber and live on the internet!

My latest offering in the Brentwood Gazette, written after the heated exchange regarding the Country Parks!!!

“Tory was still going on about Go Ape

“WE SHOULD have approved Go Ape in Thorndon Park”, stated Conservative councillor Phil Baker at the policy board on September 24.

This shocking statement demonstrates exactly why I am right to be concerned about the joint committee being formed between Essex County and Brentwood Borough councils to run Brentwood’s county parks and the cabinet system proposal which could lead to someone such as Cllr Baker being able to make such a decision alone.

Fortunately, Go Ape was turned down for a myriad of reasons, including the presence of Great Crested Newts who were breeding in the picnic pond, the dangers of setting a legal precedent if the change of use was approved and, undeniably, the weight of public opinion. To Cllr Baker, hundreds of residents fighting against this application seemed unimportant, as he dismissed them and then ridiculed my role in the campaign. But, the refusal reasons still exist.

However, my real issue of concern is how my idea of having a Friends of Brentwood Country Parks has been the victim of yet another Conservative hijack. Suggested by me as an organisation that would see real park users involved, Cllr Brandon Lewis has filled one third of this committee with councillors: three Tories and two opposition councillors. Residents will be so disappointed, given that most wanted a non-political group.

Cllr Karen Chilvers

Former Lead Campaigner

Save Thorndon Park “

The Brentwood West resident known to me as “MUM” is standing as our candidate in the Hutton South by-election!  Read all about her bid at: http://www.brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk/index.html

I’m so glad that Quincy, Dillon & Daisy (a.k.a. my menagerie!) are all microchipped.  It gives me that peace of mind that if one went missing, the chances of us being quickly re-united are much increased.

I found a lost dog today, wandering along the road, with no name tag and, I found after a visit to the vet’s, no micro-chip.  What a shame, he’s now in kennels for the night and I’m hoping that his family will come and claim him tomorrow.  If he’d have had a chip, I could have taken the little darling straight home!  At least he’ll be safe, warm and fed well at Wallace Kennels, however.

So, please think about having your dog, cat, horse or rabbit chipped - see www.rspca.org.uk or ask your vet for more information (they usually offer it at a good rate!).

Here’s a heart-warming story to convince you that it’s a good idea:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/6943977.stm

Due to high volume of replies, and the fact that these are still coming in at 50 per day, this matter will be discussed at full council on 8th October.

Plenty of time to complete our petition or fill in the consultation document - feel free to contact me if you want a consultation paper!

Many residents responded to my call for a “Friends of Country Parks” group.  I had suggested that this was a non-political and non-partisan group of park users.

Surprise, surprise.  This will contain three tory councillors, one labour councillor and me.  Ten residents will take the remainder of the 15 places.

Another political highjack.  Sorry.  I tried.

I have just returned from tonight’s Policy Panel - furious because two Conservative councillors questioned and ridiculed my involvement in the Save Thorndon Park campaign in 2005/6 and scared because one of them, Cllr Phil Baker, has now gone on record to say that we SHOULD have APPROVED GO APE.

Be warned, this is the man who is likely to get the Leisure, Sport and Culture portfolio if the council goes to a cabinet system.  This decision would then be down to him and him alone.

More soon, once I have calmed down!

I’m pleased to report that the most recent application on this site has been rejected at committee tonight in a unanimous decision by all councillors after I moved for refusal.

This is clearly back garden development and a strong case for refusing this was accepted.  However, I also asked that the site be tidied up as it is certainly an eyesore at present.

We’ve heard tonight that the William Hunter Way planning application will not be heard until late in the year, it’s moved from full council in October to the meeting on 10th December 2008.

Plenty more time for you to tell me your views on the application.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this meeting on Thursday.  Councillors were asked not to attend so that residents could actually have their say without any Tory highjacking!  I was fully in support of this so watched at home.  What an event!

99 per cent of the residents there were totally against the move to go to a cabinet system in Brentwood - a show of hands at the end was 100% against with the one person in favour abstaining from the vote totally!

It’s worth watching: http://www.brentwood.ukcouncil.net/site/

I’m not on this committee, but I do like to attend as I feel the promotion of sport and leisure pursuits is very important.

It was a generally amiable meeting, with a few laughs along the way, and one of the key issues that came up was the consultation that has been going on into King George’s Playing Fields, Hartswood & Little Warley Common.  This consultation ends on 30th September, so make sure you add your voice to the 200+ people who have already responded.  These are your open spaces, so make sure you tell us what you want. There’s a link on the left here.

This also got us onto the subject of the “Friends of…” groups and I was keen to learn that there will be different groups for each different park.  If you are a key user of the country parks, you’ll find a link here too - see left of screen!

I’ve also asked if I can be on the Joint Committtee for Country Parks given my history of protecting them and working with the park users.  I’ll keep you posted!

Both links can be found under “Campaigns” on the left hand side of the screen.

I’m delighted to report that former Lib Dem councillor and Mayor, Derek Hardy, has been recognised by the national party for his dedication and commitment to the Lib Dems.  Derek joined the Liberal Party in 1948 and has served as a parish, borough and county councillor over the last 25 years. 

You can see the full story here: http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/searching/Brentwood-Lib-Dem-s-60-year-service-honoured/article-331753-detail/article.html

Just a few things to report from the Environmental Panel:

• Recycling facilities in multi-occupancy dwellings: We’re committed to finding a solution to places such as Hadleigh Court and Fairlawns to ensure it is simple to recycle!
• Cleaning in the town centre has been extended at weekends.
• The opportunity for residents to pay towards the cost of cutting back trees etc. has been agreed.  This is a positive step as you’ll certainly be getting some recommended workers.

We have set up an on-line petition supporting Option 3, keeping the Committee/Panel structure. If you would like to sign it, here’s the link: http://www.brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk/petitions/

By last month’s standards, this was a fairly low key affair.

However, I was pleased that I was able to bring the matter of road-side advertising forward for discussion.  We’ve all seen the ads that have creeped into our countryside, with trailers parked in fields and at the sides of roads.  As a marketing professional, I am unhappy seeing these as I feel that advertising should be undertaken in a professional manner, and this is flouting planning laws.

The Campaign for Rural England are taking a stand against this, and it looks like we will be too. 

Brentwood Musuem, in Lorne Road, Warley Hill (part of Brentwood West ward) is open this Sunday, and the first Sunday of every month from April to October between 2.30pm and 4.30pm and entrance is free!

Brentwood Museum is housed in a picturesque 19th century building (once a sexton’s cottage), and although small it offers a fascinating insight into Brentwood life in the early part of this century, with an exciting collection of social and domestic objects dating from around 1840-1950.

Combine your visit with Lorne Road Nature Reserve adjacent to the museum, a peaceful and now disused cemetery where the graves are an interesting and varied collection, some maintained under the auspices of the War Graves Commission bearing witness to the enormous number of troop movements that passed through Brentwood during the First World War.

Wave if you see me!  I might well be in my mum’s garden, which looks over the museum!

I don’t know about you, but I have serious Olympics withdrawal symptoms this morning, but at least it is comforting to know that Team GB excelled themselves and are coming home today with an incredible 19 gold medals!

Perhaps the most exciting ones for me were the Becky Adlington golds as they were unexpected.  I even set the alarm for 3am to watch her second gold!  I also enjoyed the modern pentathlon where we got a brilliant silver.  And handsome Ben Ainslie has always been great to watch - a third gold for him too!

Young Tom Daley is also a fantastic role model in my eyes.   At just 14, he finished a very respectable 7th in the 10m diving and got some excellent scores.  I’ve said before that there are plenty of things for young people to do if they are minded to do so and not just in the high profile sports, with martial arts and biking events included in the games there are many options for sporting success, without having to spend a fortune on equipment.

So now the world looks to London in 2012 and I wonder what sort of games it will be.  I certainly hope it fulfills the original vision of an inclusive and vibrant games and let’s hope for that third place in the medal table and 20+ golds!

Last night, I was a guest on Mike Le Surf and Julie Morrissey’s Phoenix FM show “Centre Ground” (or “Middle Earth” as Julie would have it).  I had my “work hat” on (promoting Consumer Direct) rather than my “councillor hat” and I was telling anyone who would listen about Consumer Direct, the government service which gives clear, practical and impartial consumer advice.

I was pleased to be able to offer some consumer advice to fellow guest, Louise, on a number of items.  The advice (from one of the highly trained Consumer Direct advisors) seems to be helping her get a fair result on a number of consumer issues that she was experiencing.

I’ve noticed in the news that there are problems with some local residents who have booked tickets on-line for the V Festival, only to find that they haven’t materialised.  If this affects you, or you have any other consumer issue from a problem with a builder to a pair of shoes that fell apart after one wear, then do call on 08454 04 05 06 or visit the website, www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

Thanks again to Mike and Julie for inviting me on again!  Don’t forget, you can listen to Phoenix FM at www.phoenixfm.com.

This evening I was pleased to have the opportunity to tour the new hospital in Crescent Drive, Lib Dem Deputy Leader Cllr Barry Aspinell also joined in the tour.

It is an extremely impressive health facility with everything looking clean, modern and bright.  It’s clear that the team have worked very hard to make the hospital work and key areas I was impressed with include:

• Patient rooms, which have a maximum of four beds and are single-sex wards, with wonderful views
• A comprehensive physiotherapy department with state-of-the-art equipment.
• A roomy audiology facility
• A good number of waiting areas, moving patients through the hospital process
• A meeting room facility for local healthcare groups and charities.

It’s a place where you wouldn’t mind being looked after and I hope that it lives up to all our expectations!

The staff certainly seem enthusiastic on getting going!

Well done to all involved.

Last December, Lib Dem leader Cllr David Kendall put forward a motion to undertake a full public consultation in Vision when the final plans for William Hunter were received.   

Predictably, the conservative majority, including Cllr Russell Quirk, voted against this proposal and, therefore, only residents living near the proposed site will be formally consulted. 

So, you can imagine how astonished we were to see him go to the press asking residents to fully engage in the consultation and to email him with their views!  

If he had voted for our motion, then a formal consultation would shortly be underway!

As my colleague, Cllr Ross Carter, Brentwood North, said, the proposed development will impact on a much wider audience than those in the immediate vicinity and is about the future of Brentwood.

I’ll keep you updated on the progress of the plans, which are still with officers for determination at the moment.  Please do get involved in the consultation and do tell me your views.

For the full story, see:

http://www.brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk/news/000068/tories_town_centre_consultation_irony.html 

Recently, it was reported that thieves had been making off with road signs, supposedly to sell them for their scrap metal value.

Most of the signs were stolen from the Doddinghurst Road area, but it seems they have been at work in Brentwood West too!

Thank you to Sharon, the resident who asked where the Westwood Avenue sign had gone!  I’ve asked for a new one to be ordered and it should be in place by the end of August.

Sorry to anyone who tried to visit this site over the weekend, it was out of order for a couple of days due to a server problem.

If you sent me a message via the site in the last week there’s a good chance I might not have received it so please send it again so I can respond!

A consultation has begun about your use of the parks in the Warley area.  If you use any of these parks, please have your say.

King George’s Park consultation: http://citizen.brentwood.gov.uk/teleforms/kinggeorgesconsultation/index.htm

Hartswood and Little Warley Common: http://citizen.brentwood.gov.uk/teleforms/littlewarleyconsultation/index.htm

I was out in Kavanaghs Road today and pleased to see, at last (!) that the lamp post has been replaced.  This was taken down as it was a health and safety risk back in March and, then, somehow, got “over-looked” by Essex County Council.  It was replaced on 1st July, as advised!

I heard today about the accident in Osbourne Heights, Clements Park.  On Friday evening, someone accidently drove a car into the wall and has damaged a block of flats very badly.  I understand everyone has had to move out and there is some considerable damage to the properties.

I send my best wishes to everyone involved and hope that things are sorted quickly.

I will be monitoring the situation and ask the residents to let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

We are campaiging AGAINST the introduction of a cabinet style of government in Brentwood as we believe this will shut down debate.  What do you think?  Visit www.brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk and have your say via our on-line poll or send me a comment via this site.

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!

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!

I’ve heard on the news today that Liverpool Street station is shut.  Thankfully, I’ve got the day off today but I am sure many of you are affected.

I know only too well the sinking feeling that you get when you get within a few feet of the station and there are hundreds of people milling about, not knowing what to do.  it’s happened twice this year, after New Year and Easter, with over-running engineering work.  What are your options: get a lift to Upminster, work from home, take a day off?  It’s inconvenient and annoying.

I’m on the committee of the Brentwood Bus and Rail Users Association, a non-political campaigning body that works with the people of Brentwood to improve the bus and rail services in the town.  If you want to add your voice to the group, why not join?  It’s only £5 per year (link on the left!)

It’s been announced today that many residents’ direct debits have been taken from their accounts early - 28th May rather than 1st June.

Obviously, if you get paid on 1st of each month then that could be a problem.  If you are affected and have received bank charges as a result, please call Mrs Jones on 01277 312866 and you will be reimbursed.

I’m still not terribly happy with the delay in setting up the direct debits for this year - those who requested to go on to the direct debit scheme for 2008/9 (including me) were told that their payments would be taken in 8 installments from June to February and, I feel, could lead to some residents falling behind when unable to meet larger payments - so you can rest assured that I will ask questions on how this could happen.

Let me know if you are affected.

The most frustrating thing about being on the planning committee, although I thoroughly enjoy it, is not being able to let residents know my views on a planning application prior to the meeting.  If I do this, I lose my vote.

However, this doesn’t stop me being able to guide you through the planning process as your ward councillor and it was great last night to be able to assist a family in their quest to extend their property to house their young family.  The Liberal Democrats, when they were running the council, introduced a facility whereby applicants and objectors have a chance to address the committee on a planning application.  For a residential applicants, this means you are able to put your own personal views across.  Last night’s application in Crescent Road was unanimously approved once the resident had spoken and I supported him through talking about the area in which his property was sited.  It’s great to be able to help!

We were also able to approve another Brentwood West application in Westway after a lengthy discussion about a shed!

In addition to this, some fairly significant applications went through.  Cllr Carter asked for refusal to operate an MOT testing centre in the Wates Way Industrial estate, fearing noise and traffic issues but, unfortunately, this one was approved when everyone voted against this motion.  But we were all pleased to be able to vote for the refurbishment of Merrymeade House (a beautiful building that will be brought back to former glories) and for an assembly hall for the Ursuline in Warley which will give the pupils the opportunity to take their assemblies together and free up a wonderful room for other activities.

It seems incredible that a whole year has passed since I was elected, but here we are swearing in a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

More exciting for us, however, is that the Liberal Democrat group welcomes a new councillor, Ross Carter, in the neighbouring ward of Brentwood North and we’re all delighted too that our leader, Cllr David Kendall, is back with a whopping majority of 382 in Pilgrims Hatch!  We’re disappointed, of course, that Brentwood West’s popular candidate Nigel Clarke missed out on being elected this time and so didn’t join us in the council chamber.  But don’t worry, our Nigel remains a firm fixture in the Brentwood West team and he’ll be back at the next borough council elections!  Despite still being a team of six, I’m sure we’ll not go unnoticed as we fight your corner and speak up for residents at the Town Hall.

In a mainly good natured meeting (every year starts like that….!) we presented a petition about the Sandpit Lane/Ongar Road junction that had been signed by over 200 residents.  This will be dealt with at the Highways Panel in June alongside some improvements to junctions in Brentwood West.

Tonight, Cllr Kendall and I attended the Young Person of the Year awards.  We were so impressed with the calibre of the young people who won awards.  I constantly hear about the bad things that young people get up to and I think we can sometimes forget that there are some great kids out there doing fantastic things. Winners this year were: 

Young Carer - Ian Slade

Young Volunteer - Robyn Sach

Young Achiever - April Goulding

Young Hero - Chloe Mansell 

The overall award went to Ian - the primary carer for both his parents who also keeps up with all his school work and other commitments. This award ceremony was a humbling experience and I spent most of the evening trying not to blub!  Children seem to have the capacity to just get on with things, no matter what life throws at them and we can all learn from them. 

I was lucky to have great company for the evening, including two people who nominated youngsters and also Domino Pizza’s John Roberts and his family, who, in a very community-spirited way, sponsored the event.

I’d also like to thank Rosie, a resident of Brentwood West, who entertained us with song and violin playing!

I just wanted to thank the kind lady who not only handed in my credit card when I dropped it in Tesco a few days ago, but then came back in when she saw me rummaging in my bag for it!

Everyone knows how time consuming it can be to sort such things out so I really appreciated it!

Hello and welcome to my “my councillor” website.  This is a new function which we are building at the moment, so visit again as I’ll be adding more content over the next few weeks.

However, you can use this site to report a problem in Brentwood West to me by clicking on the link on the left hand side.