Stamford Liberal Democrats

This blog has been discontinued

2009-02-05T10:20:00.001Z

We are no longer using the blog, for Grantham & Stamford constituency news and information go to www.granthamstamfordlibdems.org.uk Thanks

Popular local politician and former Mayor chosen as LibDem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate

2008-07-10T18:21:00.004Z

Grantham & Stamford Liberal Democrats have selected former Stamford Town Mayor, Councillor Harrish Bisnauthsing, as Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency.

Councillor Bisnauthsing, a computer hardware consultant, came to the UK from Mauritius in 1965 to complete his education. After service as an electronics and radar engineer in the RAF, he settled in Stamford with his wife and family in the seventies. He has been a Town and District councillor over the past twenty years and is a respected and very popular figure in local government.

Stamford Town Hall - Open Days great success

2008-07-10T17:54:00.002Z

All Stamford LibDem Town Councillors were on hand in the recent two opening days held at Stamford Town Council. Cllr Maureen Jalili (Mayor) greeted the many visitors who camae through the doors to view the Town's regalia and to learn more about its history, whilst Cllr Harrish Bisnauthsing (LibDem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate) kept the youngsters enthralled with tours of the scary dungeon!

A Living Archive for Stamford?

2008-07-10T17:50:00.002Z

Cllr Maureen Jalili (LibDem Mayor of Stamford) has proposed that a 'Living Archive' be created for the town of Stamford to capture not only the memories of more senior citizens within Stamford, but also for the younger population to give their views on life in Stamford in the 21st Century.

Bus passes - SKDC again requested to lift 9.30am ban

2008-07-10T17:39:00.002Z

Stamford LibDem councillors on SKDC have called on SKDC to join the other six adjoining districts in Lincolnshire who are lifting the 9.30 am start time for those with bus passes. The issue will now be examined by the Resources Policy Development Group. We remain pessimistic about SKDC changing their mind on this as the Chairman of the Resources Policy Development Group has already gone on record as saying he does not agree with the move after the Scrutiny Committee of SKDC (chaired by Cllr Ken Joynson, LibDem councillor for Market Deeping) had recommended the lifting of the restrictions. This recommendation was turned down by the Conservative cabinet. Grantham and Stamford Liberal Democrats together with Stamford LibDem councillors will continue to push for the lifting of the ban; Stamford Town Council has already backed the proposal.

Stamford Sports & Leisure

2008-07-10T17:35:00.002Z

Action for Stamford Sports and Leisure Group (Chaired by Cllr Jane Peckett) will be meeting with Cllr Linda Neal (Leader of SKDC) on 16th July to strongly voice the case for a laned swimming pool and increased Sports and Leisure provision in Stamford. This was the major item repeatedly put forward by those who took part in the survey carried out by the Group; over 1000 signatures were collected in the petition organised by the Group.

Quentin's Dilemma

2008-04-12T14:09:00.002Z

Former Tory now Labour MP for Grantham and Stamford Quentin Davies, was vociforous in his opposition to the proposed closure of Ryhall Road post office - even coming to Stamford to support protesters. What a surprise then when his name appears as one of the government's supporters of the bill to go ahead with closures nationally! An example of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing?

Stamford achieves Quality Parish Status at last!

2008-02-27T15:56:00.002Z

Stamford LibDems are delighted that Stamford Town Council was awarded the official certificate for Quality Parish Status on 19th February 2008.

STAMFORD LIBDEMS JUBILANT!

2007-05-14T16:56:00.000Z

Tories receive a resounding NO vote!

We are delighted to tell you that we have achieved great success in the Town and SKDC elections:

We have FIVE District Councillors - a gain of one seat:-

Dr. Sam I. Jalili - All Saints'
Harrish Bisnauthsing - St. John's
Chris Brough - St. John's
Maureen Jalili - St. John's
Joyce Gaffigan - St. George's

The representation at District level for Stamford is now made up of:
FIVE LibDems
Three Independents
One Conservative

This means that at least eight of Stamford's representatives at SKDC will vote positively on Stamford issues and will not blindly follow the Conservative Cabinet's instructions. We hold out great hopes that the one SKDC Conservative SKDC councillor now representing Stamford (Stamford Town Councillor Mike Exton represents the Deepings at SKDC) - will also work hard to make Stamford's voice heard. We trust that Cnllr Exton will do the same.

We have SEVEN Town Councillors - no change:-

Dr. Sam I. Jalili - All Saints'
Maureen Riley - All Saints'
John Binder - St. George's
Maureen Jalili - St. John's
Harrish Bisnauthsing - St. John's
Chris Brough - St. John's
Jane Peckett - St. Mary's

The Town Council is now made up of:
SEVEN LibDems
Six Conservatives
Seven Independents
One Labour

Stamford now has a balanced council which is not dominated by the Conservatives. This means that there will be a much more democratic governance for the town which will truly reflect the views and demands of Stamford People.

Stamford Liberal Democrats - Local election results

2007-05-09T07:59:00.000Z

The results from the local elections are now available on our main website in the Election Special section. You can download and view the results in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. Just click the links that you will find on that page.

The documents available provide the following information:-

Stamford - District (SKDC) and Town Election 2007 - Seats
Voting Results
Stamford Lib Dems: Our Story of Success
Comparison of Votes Between 2003 and 2007 District Election (Prepared by S I Jalili)

Pity your postman!

2007-04-27T14:27:00.002Z

A weary please from this particular Yellow Bird, for those of you who have a letter box at foot level, preferably with a stiff brush behind it - do think of your postman! Every election time there are legions of party supporters of every political colour who return home with skinned fingers, aching backs and creaking knees having 'done their bit' for the party by delivering election leaflets. Amongst the worst letter boxes are definitely those at leprechaun level. The best are those lovely boxes fixed at eye level on the wall.

There are several categories of letter box. The aforementioned leprechaun special. The completely sealed up variety (how do they get any mail) the snap your fingers off, the 'I've got a dog who will bite your fingers off - we have a deliverer with a very short finger now, the very posh which takes ages to work out how to get your leaflet in (but looks classy), the non existent letter box (in the same catagory as the completely sealed), the reasonably kind type which can be hard to operate but doesn't scar you for life and the absolutely lovely easy to use, easy to reach post box on the wall.

Of course, some people would argue that they don't want any election literature but this is a democracy, if we don't all give you the opportunity to make your minds up on an informed level then we would be living in a dictatorship. That said, should the writer of this item be in charge of the country right now - the first new law would be to ban all letter boxes which didn't conform to the - yes of course, the delightful post box on the wall (especially if its got a pretty little hunting horn or carriage and four on it, or best of all - a yellow bird, very jolly).

Perhaps we should make this part of our manifesto - support your postmen/ladies - get a postperson user friendly letter box!

Mobile Phone Masts - Stamford LibDems lone battle

2007-04-27T14:13:00.000Z

Your SKDC LibDem Councillors Maureen Jalili and Joyce Gaffigan, in their role as members of the Development Control Committee (Planning), have been fighting a lone battle along with some support from Independent councillors against Government regulations which requires them BY LAW to approve applications for MOBILE PHONE MASTS even when sited near SCHOOLS. They have consistently argued and voted against such applications on the basis that to vote in favour of them is to endorse them.

This absurd anomaly arose from the Conservative government's agreement with phone companies to cut planning controls for masts. Under the current ridiculous rules it is easier to get planning permission for a 15 metre mast than it is for a 5 metre conservatory.

This April LibDem Shadow Local Government Secretary, Andrew Stunnell MP, has presented a Bill to bring in the 'precautionary principle' giving extra safeguards for schools, homes and medical facilities from the risk of excessive radiation emitted.

Currently telecommunications companies can erect masts without going through the full planning procedure. All they have to do is to put one A4 notice up near to the site, ignoring local residents' concerns and disempowering local councillors.

PLEASE WRITE TO YOUR LOCAL MPs care of the House of Commons (in Stamford's case Mr. Quentin Davis) ASKING THEM TO SUPPORT THIS BILL.

Freedom of Information Act - this concerns us all

2007-04-26T16:14:00.000Z

We decided to include this item because it affects everyone of us, although it is not specifically related to Stamford.
Conservative back-bench MP David Maclean is energetically pushing through a Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill which would exempt MPs from the Freedom of Information Act. This private members bill was slipped in late on a Friday afternoon and passed through the first stage virtually unopposed with the Government doing nothing to protect the Act.
On Friday 27th April, the Debate is set to continue Liberal Democrat MPs Norman Baker and Simon Hughes are spearheading the LibDem effort to stop the bill and have vowed to keep fighting to stop it becoming law.
Britain was amongst the last in Europe to introduce a legal right of access to public information, although it is the country where it is most widely used.

Triumph for Stamford Town Council

2007-04-22T13:26:00.000Z

At a packed meeting held on Wednesday 11th, Stamford Town Council received a resounding vote of confidence. The meeting was called at the request of Mr. Gilman who claimed that he had the backing of thirty six Stamford voters (10 is the number required) to call for a referendum on the future of the Town Council. Mr. Gilman had circulated surveys around the Town since February. The meeting began at 7pm and ended at 7.10 pm when no one present supported Mr. Gilman’s call for a referendum.

What really happened and what could have happened? For those of you who are unclear about the significance of the call for a Referendum and what it was all about go to the NEWS DESK on our website and scroll down to TRIUMPH..
nb Mr Gilman did point out in his original letters that he does not live in Stamford, neither in fact does he live within SKDC. He also made it clear in his letter of 2nd February that the triggering factor was the application for planning permission by a majore retailer in Stamford to extend their retail park.

To be absolutely clear - the eventual result of Mr. Gilman's proposition would have been the abolition of Stamford Town Council.

Any questions - contact us through the blog, email us at:
stamfordlibdems@hotmail.com or stamfordlibdems@uk2.net or
telephone Cllr. Jalili on o1780 755655

Wharf Road - who's telling Porkies?

2007-04-18T10:41:00.000Z

YET ANOTHER BLOW FOR STAMFORD TRADERS
WHO IS TELLING THE TRUTH?
WHERE WILL THE MONEY SAVED GO? STAMFORD?!

We understand that the Environment Agency has strongly denied that it forced SKDC to begin decontamination work on Wharf Road car park this April.

Recently, we actively backed Stamford Traders in their urgent request to SKDC’s Portfolio holder Cllr John Smith and the SKDC Cabinet to delay commencement of the decontamination process until after completion of the Gateway project work in Red Lion Square and Sheep market which is causing such mayhem in the town. This request was flatly turned down by Cllr Smith and the SKDC Cabinet. However, it has now been ascertained that Cllr Smith’s insistence that SKDC were obliged to begin the work NOW was UNTRUE. The Environment Agency say that they made no such demand and that it could have been booked in for a later date.

Additionally, when it transpired that the Wharf Road decontamination work was now to be paid for by the East Midlands Development Agency, thus saving SKDC the £500,000 ring fenced for this purpose, LibDem Cllr Jalili asked for part of this money to be used to subsidise free parking for the duration of the Gateway works in order to attract visitors back into the Town for our beleaguered Stamford Traders.

This request was also turned down by Cllr Smith and the SKDC cabinet. No reason given!

A large demonstration was held on Tuesday 10th April in support of Stamford Traders - hopefully Cllr Smith and SKDC took note of this.
Any comments? Contact us on stamfordlibdems@uk2.net or the blog

Albert Bridge Update

2007-04-18T10:30:00.000Z

Repainting time table

Repainting scheduled from June 18th to August 26th 2007
We asked the Lincolnshire Highways Agency on your behalf to try to keep one half of the bridge open for pedestrians during this period. This will not, of course, be possible during periods of shot blasting because of obvious safety concerns.
They hope that the work will be finished earlier than projected but this will be dependent on weather conditions and any unforeseen events. The refurbishment work cannot be carried out during the winter months owing to possible temperature and humidity conditions which can adversely affect the properties of the paint when it is being applied to steel/iron structures
The bridge was last repainted in 1982, but this was not the refurbishment that is now sorely needed. The Highways authorities were most understanding and we are sure that they will carry out a superb job on this beautiful bridge.
Please bring it to our attention if you feel that things are not going to plan. email: stamfordlibdems@hotmail.com

Spring 2007 Liberal Democrats Focus Newsletter

2007-04-09T12:52:00.000Z

The latest newsletter is now online at the main web site. This issue covers:

Local Democracy?
Planning
Parish Referendum
Town Council
Policing & Crime
Community Corner
Did you know?
News from Europe
Your LibDem Councillor
Ball Park
Grumble Sheet

Click the following link:-
Spring 2007 Focus Newsletter

Head of Department LCC Highways admits waste of Taxpayers Money

2007-02-22T21:13:00.000Z

Recently a village in Lincolnshire was featured on BBC1s Central News which showed graphic shots of vehicles having to go onto the wrong side of the road to negotiate a particlarly badly placed island, causing very real dangers. The next shot was of LCC diggers demolishing the new island and the presenter interviewing Bryan Thompson (Head of Department LCC Highways) forcing him to admit that there had been a complete waste of £12000 of taxpayers' money.

Could this be the same Bryan Thompson who 'approved' Vision's one way system (which thankfully people pressure and the liaison group had squashed) has also forced the positioning of disabled parking places parallel to the kerb (against lots of advice and protests)? The same Brian Thompson who added insult to injury when he deeply offended the people attending the Town Forum recently ?- yes it is! Gives you a lot of confidence doesn't it?!

Will Quality Parish Status help Stamford Town Council?

2007-02-21T21:03:00.000Z

Stamford LibDems continue to receive complaints about the 'public survey' being sent out to members of the public. The survey questions the continuance of the Town Council but does not suggest a replacement; perhaps direct rule from SKDC or Stamford Vision - or even a coalition of the two!!

Such surveys do nothing to serve democracy; neither do they do justice to the fact that members of the Town Council are unpaid representatives of the people of Stamford with no vested financial interest. They do, however, highlight what little power your Town Council currently has. This situation can, however, be reversed by obtaining Quality Parish status which will bring back many significant powers held by SKDC.

What is Quality Parish Status?

Quality Parish Status were introduced in 2002. They give a greater say to Parish/Town Councils in more elements of local government and give access to additional funds from Central government; an obvious advantage. It enables local councils to take back under their control key items such as car parking. Your LibDem Councillors have lobbied continuously for Stamford Town Council to apply for Quality Town Council status as we feel that this is essential for the future of Stamford.

Early this month (February) your LibDem Councillors finally succeeded in winning a motion by the Council to get an urgent timetable for this. Town Councillors have now received a proposed time table, dated 19th February, from the new Town Clerk - Mrs Patricia Stuart-Mogg - which recommends that an application for Quality Status is submitted to the County Accreditation Panel by July 2007 by which time all seven criteria required will have been met and confirmed.

Up to 95% of SKDC Planning Applications have no input from elected representatives

2007-02-20T20:57:00.000Z

Did you know that now up to 95% of all planning applications are determined by officers at SKDC with no input from your elected representatives? Even if you raise objections to a planning application, your elected representative will not be informed of them.

This 95% which is in excess of the Government's own target of 80% was approved by SKDC's Conservative Cabinet members.

This is highly unusual. councils such as Islington's LibDem Council have currently 65% of applications determined by officers.

Cllr. Maureen Jalili would be interested to hear your views on this - email stamfordlibdems@hotmail.com or ring her on 01780 765 655

Stamford Liberal Democrats

2007-02-01T07:26:00.000Z

YELLOW BIRD WELCOMES YOU
to
Stamford & Grantham Liberal Democrats Blog

STAMFORD BRANCH

The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of Liberty, Equality and Community and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.

Welcome to our new blog which is presented to provide the latest news, events and other topics of interest in conjunction with our main web site for the Stamford Liberal Democrats.

You will find the main Stamford Liberal Democrats web site at:-

http://www.stamfordlibdems.com/

Please feel free to contact us on:

Email: stamfordlibdems@uk2.net and stamfordlibdems@hotmail.com