Chris Jerrey

The Open Society

2011-12-20T09:50:00.000Z

I was delighted to see the speech that Nick Clegg gave to the Open Society Foundation. It was an excellent restatement of why a liberal, open society approach is the most effective at tackling the corruption, hoarding of power and lack of opportunity that bedevil our society.

I urge you to make a cup of coffee and read the speech in it's entirety here.

Clegg is to be commended for sticking to his liberal, progressive values. As he reminds us, in difficult times it's tempting to pull up the drawbridge and retreat into isolation. In fact, that's the time when you need to reform and make sure that the recovery is based on solid, progressive values.

Carry on Tweeting

2011-10-14T09:27:00.001+01:00

I am very pleased to see that the House of Commons voted down an amendment that would stop MPs using handheld devices in the chamber. This means I can continue to enjoy Julian Huppert and Jo Swinson's tweets.

Why would anyone want to ban MPs from communicating? According to the BBC "Conservative Roger Gale said the use of Twitter would mean MPs could be subject to greater outside influence". That's very amusing in the current climate. If Mr Gale is so concerned about outside influence, I trust he will be putting in a call to David Cameron asking him to remove the over-influenced Liam Fox.

The Pupil Premium for Schools in Mid Sussex

2011-10-13T09:52:00.000+01:00

Extra money for education is always welcome, especially when it's targeted at the most disadvantaged. So I was very please to see the following from Sarah Teather

"Dear Christopher

Liberal Democrats have always believed that education is the engine of social mobility, now we are making it happen.

Today the Government released the final Pupil Premium figures for every English local authority, constituency and school. I am delighted to announce that every school this year will receive an extra £488 for each child on free school meals they have on their roll.

Schools in your constituency of Mid Sussex are getting an extra £372000 from the Pupil Premium to improve the education of the most disadvantaged children. You can find out what each school in your council area is getting by clicking here.

This is a real milestone for our party. The Pupil Premium is a policy we devised and campaigned for, and put at the heart of our Coalition negotiations. Now it is more than good policy, it is a reality making a difference to the school down your road. It goes directly into classrooms and will benefit all pupils.

It is also a milestone in breaking the link between poverty and achievement, tackling Labour’s shocking legacy where the richest 16-year olds are three times as likely to get five good GCSEs as the poorest.

This is just the start. We know that some families eligible for free school meals don’t claim them, for example, because some don’t know they can, and so their schools are missing out on funding. We also need to find out what schools are doing that’s really making a difference.

If you’d like to help, you could contact your local school to find out how they are using their Pupil Premium funding, and how they are making sure they are reaching every child.

Together, we can ensure every child is able to fulfil their potential.

Thank you

Sarah Teather MP
Minister of State, Department for Education"

A Clearer View of Human Rights

2011-10-07T18:38:00.000+01:00

It's a great shame that the debate on Human Rights is dominated by their detractors. The loathsome Daily Express and Daily Mail constantly churn out totally inaccurate stories about supposed mis-use of Human Rights. Even senior politicians are shamefully attacking the legislation.

So it's very refreshing to find a strong endorsement of human rights. Liberty have released their response to the Home Office’s Consultation on Family Migration. It's relatively lengthy at 26 pages, but you get the flavour straight away. Don't believe everything you read in the newspapers.
http://www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk/pdfs/policy11/liberty-s-response-to-the-home-office-s-family-migration-consultation-oct-11.pdf

Quite simply, human rights are a defence against oppression. They are the individuals defence against governments and agencies that seek to overstep their mark.

Give the Liberty article a read. It's a wonderful antidote to the current political climate.

Phone Hacking : A Nasty Business

2011-07-07T14:44:00.000+01:00

It would be an act of incredible stupidity of the government allowed the Murdoch take-over of BSkyB.

The Murdoch empire's grasp on British media is too extensive already. The notion that this should be extended at the very time that News International's unsuitablity to be in control of ANY media is becoming more and apparent, is just awful.

Let's be clear. Phone hacking of victims of crime and terrorism is vile enough. It is now suggested that NI journalists are bribing police officers. This is corruption pure and simple and it eats away at decency and honesty in public life.

No Murdoch takeover of BSkyB, an independent investigation of immoral and allegedly illegal activity and a full disclosure of the links between NI, police and government are the minimum that should come out of this scandal.

And remember, don't buy the News of the World!

King Street toilets under threat

2011-06-24T13:55:00.001+01:00

The news that the ghastly King Street temporary toilets would be replaced with a proper, purpose built facility was warmly welcomed in East Grinstead. Despite the difficult economic conditions, the Lib Dem town council had struck a deal with Mid Sussex District Council to run the toilets after MSDC had built them. The deal was fully financed and everyone looked forward to the builders arriving.

However, the new Conservative led town council have decided to renege on the deal and have gone back to MSDC to request more "modest" facilities (Finance and General Purposes Committee 23rd June).

There can be no justification for this change as the facilities are already fully budgeted. So don't let your council let you down. Tell your councillor that you want the decent toilet facilities that this town deserves.

An Ex Councillor Writes ...

2011-05-07T10:59:00.000+01:00

Like most Lib Dems in East Grinstead, I was a victim of the nationwide rout of the Lib Dems.

In many discussions on the doorstep over the last few weeks, I have stressed that the voice of the people has to be listened to. The local results have been decisive and clearly the people are not persuaded by the Lib Dem message.

My commiserations to my fellow candidates in Herontye: Tony Joannou-Coetzee and Steve Barnett. They have been great to work with.

My congratulations to my East Grinstead Lib Dem colleagues who did get elected. Catrin Ingham, Bob Mainstone and Steve Barnett to the District Council. Bob Mainstone and Jackie Beckford to the Town Council.

Your new Herontye councillors are Dick Sweatman, John O'Brien and Edward Belsey. My best wishes to them as they take on their new jobs.

And I need to work out what to call my blog. "Ex Lib Dem Councillor ... " sounds rather bitter, doesn't?

And Now the Wait

2011-05-06T10:07:00.000+01:00

I spent many hours yesterday walking the streets of Herontye ward, meeting people and chasing up votes. The count of votes for Mid Sussex has now started and we should know the results this afternoon.

So will I be "spending more time with my family" or "relishing the challenges ahead"? Watch this space!

Say to No to Safe Seats and Jobs for Life ...

2011-05-03T09:50:00.004+01:00

... by saying Yes To AV

Truth, Lies and AV

2011-05-01T08:31:00.000+01:00

David Cameron has a major article in the Telegraph today in which he urges people to keep First Past The Post. He offers a number of reasons why we should vote No to AV, but strangely, one of those reasons is not that voting machines would cost tens of millions of pounds. After all this arguement has been central to the No campaign. They have consistently claimed that spending large amounts on voting machines would be wrong at a time of austerity.

Hopefully the reason that Cameron has omitted this arguement from his article, is that he cannot bring himself to repeat an enormous lie.

Australia has used AV for 80 years and has no voting machines. If the UK adopted AV, there would be no need for voting machines. The No to AV campaign statement about voting machines is a lie and once someone has lied so blatantly, it casts doubt on the rest of their arguements.

An MP elected under AV would have the preferences of at least 50% of the electorate. This is a great improvement on the situation now when MPs can be elected on very small percentage of the vote.

AV is simple and strengthens democracy. Don't believe the lies of the No campaign.

I urge you to vote Yes To AV in the referendum on Thursday.

Forest Way and Worth Way - Be Nice to Each Other!

2011-04-27T09:00:00.000+01:00

Worth Way and Forest are wonderful recreational assets, but sometimes the behaviour of people on these routes leave a lot to be desired. I run, cycle and walk on both these routes and here is my plea for cooperation.

Cyclists. Yes, it's a national cycle route but other people have a right to be there. Get a bell and ring it in time to let walkers get out of your way. They are usually happy to do so.

Dog owners. If you let your dog wander under the wheels of a bike, both your dog and the rider are going to get hurt. It's a shared route so keep your dog under control and safe.

Walkers. Don't stand in a huge group, chatting and ignoring approaching runners and cyclists. It's not considerate.

iPod users. If you are walking along in a world of your own, don't get upset when someone passes by and startles you.

People of East Grinstead, these are great assets. Be nice to each other and let's enjoy them together!

Disgruntled Labour Voters Should Say Yes to AV

2011-04-21T09:12:00.001+01:00

It's campaign time, so I have been knocking on doors a lot recently. The most disaffected group of people I have spoken to have been Labour voters who tactically voted Lib Dem at the general election. Disaffected because they got the exact opposite of what they voted for.

I can't say I blame them. They had no hope of getting a Labour candidate elected and the Lib Dem vote backfired.

So I would say to this group, vote Yes To AV.

AV allows you to genuinely rate the candidates in order of preference and tactical voting really doesn't work under AV.

AV means you can go to the ballot box and express your real preference for who you want to represent you. The winner has to get a real majority of over 50% in order to win.

In a seat like Mid Sussex, AV won't necessarily deliver a centre or left of centre MP any time soon. But in seats that are more finely balanced it would have a big impact for the better.

Vote Yes to AV, it gives you a stronger voice.

Bluebell Railway Needs Money Now

2011-04-10T09:26:00.001+01:00

During my recent campaigning I have spoken to a lot of people who bemoan the state of the economy in East Grinstead. Statisically speaking, things are actually quite good, but empty shops make a big impression.

The arrival of the Bluebell Railway in East Grinstead is eagerly anticipated. This will be a major tourist magnet that will bring people into town, and hopefully, local businesses.

Currently the line runs north from Sheffield Park to Imberhorne Lane and south from East Grinstead station to Hill Place Farm. In the middle is a very big obstruction. This film explains what it is and what you can do to help.

East Grinstead Spring Sunday 10th April

2011-04-09T19:55:00.000+01:00

East Grinstead High Street, 10am - 4pm. Pop along to Spring Sunday.

Shops are open, events, displays, all sorts of good things to see and do.

Llamas will be present, who could ask for more?

Why MSDC's Parking Policies Damage the Local Economy

2011-03-15T09:56:00.001Z

Last week the local newspaper carried the story that drivers would no longer have to enter their registration nuumbers in MSDC long stay parking machines. This is a victory for people who use these car parks, but fundamental problems with the system remain.

Yesterday I was talking to a local businesswoman. She was irate that she had received another parking ticket. She had parked, paid and gone to a meeting at her accountant. The meeting over ran and she returned to the car three minutes late to find it had been ticketed. She told me that this had happened so many times, that now she goes to Tunbridge Wells to shop and meet up with people. In Tunbridge Wells parking is paid for on exit from the carpark. So you can stay as long as you want, do that extra shopping, have that coffee and chat to a friend and then pay for the length of time you have parked. In the Mid Sussex towns, you pay for the parking up front and if you overrun your estimated stay, you are penalised.

Which system encourages people to shop, eat and spend money in a town?

East Grinstead residents are concerned about empty shops and traders find it dificult to keep their businesses going in the town centre. It is customers that keep shops alive. It doesn't matter what the rent is, or how the economy is doing, so long as a business gets enough customers it will flourish. In the Mid Sussex towns; East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, we have a parking system which actively discourages people from lingering in the town centres and spending their money. It clearly has to change.

Recently MSDC published their much anticipated parking strategy. It was a weak document that did nothing to address the problems I have detailed above. Obviously the current Conservative administration has no intention of making the much needed changes.

The local Liberal Democrats know that the current system is wrong. We know because we have asked the people who use the system and are affected by it. We have talked to drivers, shoppers and business owners. We believe that local people know their communities best and that the answers do not come from hiring expensive consultants.

Mid Sussex urgently needs a parking system that encourages local people to use and enjoy their town centres, rather than penalise them for doing so. Local Liberal Democrats are committed to working with the communities of Mid Sussex to deliver exactly that.

Halla Tomasdottir

2011-03-07T13:48:00.005Z

This Icelandic woman offers perhaps the sanest thinking about banking crisis I have yet heard.

"Halla Tomasdottir managed to take her company Audur Capital through the eye of the financial storm in Iceland by applying 5 traditionally "feminine" values to financial services. At TEDWomen, she talks about these values and the importance of balance. "

Distasteful at best, shocking at worst

2011-02-25T12:17:00.000Z

The letter below was sent to all Lib Dem members by Charles Kennedy MP. He draws attention to the tactics being used by the No to AV campaign. I think you should see it.

"Dear Christopher

Over recent days No2AV have published a series of ads in local papers that can be described as distasteful at best, shocking and outrageous at worst.

The premise behind the ads is that the country can't afford the alternative voting system. That by saying Yes to AV, voters will be taking £250 million away from sick babies in need of care, or soldiers in need of armour.

I say this kind of behaviour shows exactly why the UK can't afford to say no to AV.

It's clear that the No campaign don't have the integrity to regulate themselves, but this is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change politics in the UK. We mustn't let the country get distracted by the No campaign's cheap tricks.

Yes to Fairer Votes are calling on the Advertising Standards Authority to issue guidance on this campaign - and fast. Please add your name today.

http://www.yestofairervotes.org/cosign-ASA

The No campaign are building their arguments on scaremongering. They are doing a massive disservice to the voters of the UK. This is a serious subject and we need them to engage in honest, open debate.

This debate must centre on the future of politics in the UK, re-engaging voters and giving a voice to people, this is too important to be sidelined by petty backbiting and cynical campaigning.

UK voters are entitled to decent, honest and truthful advertising campaigns - these adverts fail on every count. Join us in calling for the ASA to step in today, so that we can get on with the debate the country deserves.

http://www.yestofairervotes.org/cosign-ASA

We can't waste this opportunity.

Charles Kennedy"

Yes to AV because it's better

2011-02-25T08:15:00.000Z

I support the Yes To AV campaign because I believe that adopting the Alternative Vote will be a fairer voting system.

There is also a No campaign. Because they don't have any good arguments (how can you argue against greater fairness) they are resorting to disinformation to get people to vote no.

One of their statements is that new voting machines would cost millions of pounds that could be better spent on the NHS.

WRONG!

AV does not require voting machines. Australia has used AV for 80 years and they have no voting machines. So AV is fairer and the NHS keeps it's money!

Yes to AV

2011-02-18T08:31:00.002Z

I support reform of our electoralsystem and urge you to vote Yes in the forthcoming referendum.

But don't just take my word for it, here's some useful information from the Yes to Fairer Votes campaign. Link.

The Mid Sussex Economy

2011-02-17T23:39:00.000Z

I am the Economic Development spokesman for the Lib Dem group on Mid Sussex District Council and this is an update on the economy in Mid Sussex.

At the Performance and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 09/02/2011, Steve Tilbury, the Economic Development officer, presented the Economic Development Annual Report 2010/11. This is a comprehensive report on the economic development activity undertaken during 2010/11. The report is excellent and was widely praised at the meeting. It is well worth reading on the MSDC website at http://www.midsussex.gov.uk/Nimoi/sites/msdcpublic/resources/Full%20Report106.pdf page 30 onwards.

The Gatwick Diamond was discussed and the district is getting tangible benefits from it's membership of GD. As a member, the district has a greater exposure to Gatwick associated business looking to start up and expand.

It was noted that a possible restraint on development is a lack of desireable office space and units suitable for start up businesses. This will need to be borne in mind during land use discussions.

The following data was presented at the meeting:

The latest unemployment stats, for December 2010 show an unchanged rate for Mid Sussex of 1.5%, the third consecutive month at this rate.

The actual number of Mid Sussex residents claiming Job Seekers Allowance has dropped slightly to 1205, down from 1218 in November.

The unemployment rate for Mid Sussex remains the lowest in West Sussex. The rates for West Sussex, the SE Region and UK as a whole also remained unchanged at 2.2%, 2.4% and 3.5% respectively.

The number of business premises currently paying rates increased slightly between 1/4/10 and 1/1/11, but the overall rateable value of business premises in Mid Sussex increased by a significant 12.5% over the same period, a further encouraging sign of resilience / recovery.

The number of rate paying small businesses rose over this period by 4%. The figure for those claiming small business rate relief rose from 79% to 85%, reflecting MSDC's efforts to encourage them to take up this relief.

To sum up: MSDC is making strong efforts to engage with business and mitigate the effects on the spending cuts and economic situation. But despite the current good indicators, there is no room for complacency.

The Liberal Democrat group will continue to push for a strong relationship with local business and for MSDC to be a facilitator and not simply a regulator.

If you run a business locally, do get in touch and tell me about your experiences in the current economic climate.

Chris Jerrey

The Big Society: Talk and Action

2011-02-08T18:52:00.001Z

I have this growing feeling that the "The Big Society" is such a misunderstood and ill defined idea that in a year from now it will be have been quietly buried. But scepticism about Conservative ideas should not obscure the magnificent work done every day by caring people on a volunteer basis.

If you get into trouble in Britain's coastal waters, it will be a volunteer crewed RNLI lifeboat that comes to your aid. Likewise, if you need help when walking in the mountains, volunteer mountain rescue teams will bring you to safety.

Mountain rescue teams received a real boost today following a concerted campaign by Lib Dem President and MP Tim Farron. Tim thought it absurd that Mountain Rescue teams had to pay VAT on their equipment, thus reducing the real funds available for operational purposes. Good sense prevailed today when Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander announced that they would receive a refund of VAT payments.

This is a sensible move from government and a recognition of the bravery and commitment of the rescue teams.

A big thank you to the rescuers for all they do. A real example of how volunteers add so much to our society.

Nick Clegg Doing Good Work on Mental Health

2011-02-02T09:47:00.000Z

Two important bits of news in this field.

Nick Clegg will today announce £400 million of ring-fenced spending to help treat people with depression and anxiety. Read more in The Independent.

The government is planning, at Clegg's insistence, to repeal section 141 of the Mental Health Act. The section can lead to an MP losing their seat if they develop mental health problems. There is no such provision should an MP become physically ill. This is an important equality development. Long time mental health champion Alistair Campbell writes about it today on his blog.

Around 40% of the population will develop some sort of mental health problem during their lives. Care for these problems should be on the same basis as for physical ailments. Clegg's actions are positive and very welcome.

Crime Statistics Available Online

2011-02-01T10:26:00.000Z

East Grinstead is a low crime area and we are all very glad about that. If you are interested in the crime that does occur, you can take a look at the new police.uk website. Search by post code and you can see crime figures for your area.

A word of warning. The website uses a process whereby crimes of a particular type are added together and displayed at a random spot in the area. The fact that a number of crimes are noted at recognisable spot doesn't mean all the crime occurred in that place, just in that area.

A useful tool, but like most tools, use with care.

East Grinstead Community Forum

2011-01-29T19:41:00.000Z

If you want a place to chat about local stuff, go to the East Grinstead Community Forum here.

It's early days yet and mines the first post! But this could be a lot of fun. Let's get posting.

Fonthill Lodge School

2011-01-28T10:49:00.000Z

I'm sad to see that Fonthill Lodge School will be closing this year.

www.fonthill-lodge.co.uk

Best of luck to staff and students who will be relocating.

Nelson Mandela, Get Well Soon

2011-01-28T08:30:00.001Z

News channels are reporting that Nelson Mandela is increasingly frail and in hospital.

BBC

Earlier this year I visited South Africa and made the trip to Robben Island where Mandela was imprisoned. I learned a lot about his life and the struggle against apartheid. Whereas many transitions in African countries are marked by bloody conflicts, the transition from apartheid to democracy was largely peaceful. This is mainly due to the philosophy of non-violence and reconciliation that Mandela developed whilst in prison.

He's 92 now, but still one of the greatest men alive. Get well soon, Nelson.

Mid Sussex DC Parking Strategy

2011-01-27T22:09:00.000Z

The new Mid Sussex District Council Parking Strategy has now been published. You can read it here.

The strategy was preceded by a technical report, published last year, which has curiously vanished from the MSDC website.

I was unimpressed by the parking strategy and felt it did very little to address the sort of concerns that were expressed in East Grinstead at the time of the last car parking charge increase.

Below is the text of the speech I made to council in response to the publication of the parking strategy.

"This strategy replaced a previous parking strategy which was due to expire at the end of 2010.

But let’s remember what was going on when the Parking Strategy Working Group was set up in July 2009.

People were unhappy. Parking fees had been increased and as a result drivers were avoiding the car parks in droves.

My eldest daughter and I went to a picnic in the Chequer Mead car park one lunch time. It was quite safe as there were hardly any cars there. The other picnickers were traders from the town centre.

The traders were unhappy because we were picnicking in spaces that should have been occupied by their customers’ cars.

Presumably the drivers were unhappy because they were avoiding parking in spaces that now cost a lot more.

And I know for a fact that people who lived outside of the town centre parking zone were unhappy because all those displaced drivers were now parking outside their homes in suburban streets.

Probably some people were unhappy at MSDC because although charges were up, car parking revenue had come down.

So against this background of unhappy people, the Parking Strategy Working Group was launched.

At the time of the picnic, I asked for a review of car parking policy. “Don’t worry” I was told “The Parking Strategy Working Group is coming”. So would the Parking Strategy deliver the aspiration which is so neatly captured in the second paragraph of section 4.1 on page 22.

'An appropriate parking strategy will help support the redevelopment of the three main town centres, and help the rural communities by supporting local retailers. It will also encourage the use of more sustainable transport choices and improve highway safety.'

And would those people who were unhappy with the direction of parking in 2009 be satisfied by the strategy being proposed?

Moving through the report, we have details of the research that was done: surveys and consultations. The 284 page technical report which was published in Summer 2010 and which forms the basis of the strategy and it’s passage through the Working Group and Better Lives.

Next we move to the Parking Strategy produced by Project Centre.

The picnickers might find some comfort in the 6th bullet point in section 2.2 (p33) which aims to 'support the local economy, local businesses and town centre vitality through the provision of a quality parking service'

They also might think they had been listened to when they read bullet point 8 in section 3.3 (p35) 'the majority of the public expressed dissatisfaction with the car park capacities and pricing'.

Although this is rather at odds with the previous comment in 1.10 (p32) that there is 'some degree of dissatisfaction with current parking charges'.

Any scepticism about the parking strategy supporting the local economy should be swept away by Strategy Aims and Objectives 4.1.2 on page 36.

'Adopt off street tariffs, which serve economic, environmental and traffic management aims through fair and flexible charging and payment methods'

The point is pretty much reiterated in bullet point 6 of the Policy Framework on page 40.

Finally, having (more or less) matched the dissatisfaction of 2009 with the research of the Project Centre, we come to Key Areas for Consideration. These are the actual proposals for action. There are two:
2.a and 2.b on page 44
Per minute charging and £1 for 4 hours at weekends.

There is no action plan for either of these proposals.

No indication of the effect on revenue caused by implementation.

No indication of one off costs to implement.

So I turned to the Technical Report which is the source material for this strategy. Sure enough on page 138 I found items 15 and 16 which gave a little more detail on per minute charging and £1 for 4 hours at weekends. There was a costing of £6.7 – 7k over a two year period. But no projection of what effect this might have on car park usage.

Ironically, similar discount schemes were suggested to me by East Grinstead traders, they offered their advice for free.

Obviously this Strategy deals with a lot more than the effect on the local economy which is what I have focused on.

But I have focused on this aspect of parking because this is where the council was heavily criticised and where there were expectations on the Parking Strategy to deliver solutions.

These were expectations raised by the cabinet member at the time. A Councillor Wall, if I remember?

Sadly, I conclude that this Parking Strategy does not deliver on the expectations placed upon it. It offers some useful guidance and some glimpses of possibilities. But strangely, even positive findings in the technical report do not find their way into the strategy.

For example, the technical report speaks very positively of the pay by phone concept . Sections 14.43 to 14.47 conclude that 'pay by phone should be considered'.
Yet this option only merits one line in the strategy, 2g on p44.

This strategy represented a great opportunity to bring forward fresh ideas and new directions that would help undo the damage caused by hasty decisions in the past.
These fresh ideas are either not there at all or seem to have been suppressed. The result is a weak and unhelpful document.

I’m very disappointed because I would have like to have seen a positive strategy that brought forward innovative policies to promote the local economy.

Perhaps worse still, these ideas seem to have been in the Technical report.
My question is: why has this council lost it’s nerve and squeezed the innovative ideas of out the strategy?

There was an opportunity here to rebound from the mistakes of the past, but it’s been missed. I just hope the work continues and this strategy is not the full extent of MSDC’s aspirations for car parking.

Holtye Road in East Grinstead

2011-01-17T09:28:00.000Z

On thursday I was at the North Area Planning Committee meeting. One of the items was an application to build 25 houses on land behind 240 - 254 Holtye Road and gain access by demolishing one of the houses. Despite advice against, I voted to reject this application. I deplore the demolition of a period house in this fine run of houses on the approach to East Grinstead. Adding another entrance to already dangerous stretch of road seems quite foolhardy.

Even West Sussex County Council agree on the dangers presented by this stretch of road. Argus article

I welcome this safety work and will continue to place a high priority on road safety when considering planning applications.

East Grinstead Town Centre improvements continue to take shape

2011-01-16T21:19:00.002Z

This is the text of an MSDC press release fronm 12th Jan.

"The Better Mid Sussex (BMS) Advisory Group met on Thursday 6 January 2011 to discuss plans for town centre improvements in East Grinstead.

As part of the town centre improvements, Mid Sussex District Council is eager to see community benefits being delivered alongside any town centre development and these benefits formed an important topic of discussion at the BMS Advisory Group meeting. Developers have shown interest in the Queens Walk area of the town and as a key landowner in that part of East Grinstead, Mid Sussex District Council is keen to ensure that any private sector development in the area will enhance the town and deliver improved services for local people.
At the meeting, Council Members agreed that land in the ownership of the Council should only be used as part of potential development schemes if the developer agrees to deliver a number of key community benefits. The major community requirements being: -

• The formation of a town square
• The delivery of public art, possibly in the form of a sculpture of the local eminent surgeon Archibald McIndoe
• The provision of toilets
• Parking provision to support the town during the construction phase
• Street furniture to be black, cast metal (reflecting current design)
• Retail tenants that will enhance the town centre as a shopping destination, support existing businesses and recover trade lost to competing centres.

The owners of Queens Walk are working with a developer Frontier Estates and they have previously met with Mid Sussex District officers with further discussions anticipated. A key consideration for Mid Sussex District Council members is that any scheme that comes forward should support existing businesses and encourage new trade in line with East Grinstead’s position as a 21st Century market town with strong international links.

“Community requirements must be at the heart of any town centre revitalisation scheme,” said Councillor Gary Marsh, Cabinet Member for Investment and Regeneration. “By setting out these key community benefits we are ensuring that East Grinstead residents will benefit socially as well as economically.

“East Grinstead is a special town with a unique character and that’s why it is so important that we are clear about what we would like to see from any future development. Getting the right retail mix that enhances the town as a shopping destination but also supports existing businesses will be vital to the revitalisation of the town.”

At the meeting, members also received the Better Mid Sussex Project Annual Report for 2010. The report details the steps Mid Sussex District Council has taken over the year to encourage investment in the town centres and identifies projects that are expected to make good progress in 2011. To view the Annual Report online visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/towncentres "

Bank Bonus Payments and Credibility

2011-01-12T08:59:00.000Z

According to the BBC news website:
"Reports that Stephen Hester, boss of the Royal Bank of Scotland which is 84% taxpayer-owned, is in line for a bonus of up to £2.5m have caused anger among many MPs and led to call for ministers to take action".

In other words Hester is boss of a failed bank, which only exists because taxpayers have propped it up and he is being rewarded for this with a £2.5m bonus on top of his no doubt lavish salary.

This is obscene.

The coalition government must deal with the banks for "we're all in this together" to mean anything at all.

The Arizona Shootings Were An Attack on Democracy

2011-01-09T11:18:00.001Z

I watched the news coverage of the attack on Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords with great sadness. It is obviously terrible for her and her family and they have my sympathies. But it is also an attack on democracy. Giffords was doing exactly what an elected representative should be doing: getting out and meeting the people she represents.

This sort of attack is sadly not unique to America. Lib Dem MP Nigel Jones was attacked at his Cheltenham office in January 2000. Labour MP Steven Timms was stabbed at his constituency surgery in May last year.

Elected representatives may be held in low esteem but democracy really is the best system on offer. Churchill famously observed "It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried".

So out of respect for Giffords' "congress on the corner", next Saturday (10am - 12) I will be doing "councillor on the corner". If I represent you in the East Grinstead - Herontye ward, come and say hello when you pop into the corner shop on Dunnings Road.

Tell me what's on your mind and let's do democracy the right way, face to face.

Revitalisation for East Grinstead

2011-01-08T16:18:00.000Z

I attended the Better Mid Sussex Advisory group last Thursday and there was much of interest to East Grinstead residents.

The project for new public toilets in King Street has been recommended to the Cabinet and plans have been drawn up for the building. This will replacement the "container" on site at the moment.

Plans are also well advanced for a redevelopment of the railway station area. This will involve a new railway station, better integration to bus services, improved parking, better access arrangements and possibly a hotel. This is once again very welcome and will give this area and the whole town a boost.

New developers are working on a scheme to redevelop the Queens Walk area of the town centre. The advisory group discussed the community requirements for such a scheme. There was general agreement that such a scheme should not attempt to emulate Crawley, Brighton or Tunbridge Wells. Rather it should provide a good shopping and entertainment experience that respected the market town heritage but was forward looking. There is a long way to go with this work, but it's encouraging that the town is considered a good place to invest.

Tackling Snow in East Grinstead

2011-01-06T08:33:00.000Z

You can't stop the snow, but you can be prepared. East Grinstead Town Centre have bought a pavement sized snow plough to tackle icy footpaths. http://bit.ly/e4L8RU

A machine like this can clear a much greater area than workers with shovels. Once cleared, the footpath can be gritted and will be much safer to walk on.

I was contacted during the last snow episode by people concerned about the slippery condition of paths. Hopefully things will be much better next time round thanks to this timely investment.

Fees, Tax Dodging and Fairness

2010-12-11T10:32:00.000Z

The result of the vote on higher education funding is a bitter disappointment. Especially as had all the Lib Dems abstained, as planned in the coalition agreement, the vote would probably have been lost. The proposals would then have to be reconsidered. Which is exactly what should happen.

For all the talk of world class instituitions, the higher tuition fees serve a simple primary purpose: to get a lot of cost off the governments books at a time of crisis. If the student owes the cost of their university education, the government doesn't owe it and government finances look better.

However I do believe, like many others, that the epic debt run up during studies will be a disincentive to many people to go to university. For those that do decide to go, the payment regime will be easier than it is now. But many people will be deterred and a lot of talent could go to waste.

Obviously the government does need to sort it's finances out. But I would be more impressed if it went after the tax avoiders and dodgers before it started hammering students.

I have a lot of sympathy for the aims of the UK Uncut campaign which is focusing on the tax avoidance activities of the super rich and big companies. Visit their website for more information.

Fairness is a rather over used word at the moment. But it seems to me, that when sorting out the nations finances, it is a lot fairer to start with those for whom more tax makes little difference.

David Cameron on Tuition Fees

2010-12-08T16:53:00.000Z

Confused about the Coalition's proposals for tuition fees? Here's David Cameron's speech explaining them in detail, including the repayment arrangements.
http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/speeches-and-transcripts/2010/12/pms-speech-on-education-57964

Icy Paths in East Grinstead

2010-12-08T14:09:00.000Z

First of all, be careful out there!

Roads have been treated by WSCC and although some are icy, they all seem to be passable. Southlands was the worst I found this morning and that could be driven with care.

Car parks have been cleared by MSDC.

Pavements have been cleared in the town centre by the Town Council, but there is no council resource to clear pavements in residential areas. So it's down to people who live on residential roads to clear their own patches.

I would therefore urge anyone with access to a shovel and some spare time to help make the town safer by clearing some ice from paths in their locality.

If you are aware of particularly dangerous areas or would like to help, then please contact me (see right).

Please Vote No to the Massive Increase in Tution Fees

2010-12-07T16:35:00.000Z

My email to Nicholas Soames MP

"Dear Mr Soames,

Lee Scott MP and David Davis MP have already indicated that they will oppose the increase in tution fees. I am asking you to do the same.

Why? Because the proposed changes to further education funding are hasty, badly thought out and have the potential to leave a terrible legacy.

Is it right or fair that students graduating in a few years time will have as much debt as if they had bought a luxury car?

There are better ways to fund further education. It is reasonable that students should make some contribution, but these proposals are not reasonable. Let's reject the current proposals and do better.

Regards

Cllr Chris Jerrey
Mid Sussex DC councillor for East Grinstead - Herontye"

Welcome News on Tax Avoidance

2010-12-07T10:39:00.000Z

"We're all in it together" is the mantra of the coalition government. Well unless you are super rich with an aggresive accountant, or a large corporation based off shore. For these wealthy entities, little has changed.

It must be especially galling for potential students to be looking at epic debts for a large portion of their working lives, whilst the super rich and large businesses sucessfully avoid tax.

Hence the following announcement from Liberal Democrat Voice is very welcome:

"Though the timing is rather politically convenient, bringing welcome news for Liberal Democrats just ahead of the tuition fees vote, the substance of today’s news on tax avoidance is very welcome.

Two steps are being taken immediately with another three to follow and, crucially, a study into introducing a General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) has also been commissioned.

This review will be carried out by Graham Aaronson QC and consider whether “it could deter and counter tax avoidance, whilst providing certainty, retaining a tax regime that is attractive to businesses, and minimising costs for businesses and HMRC”.

The two immediate steps are:

* preventing groups of companies using intra-group loans or derivatives, to reduce the group’s tax bill, and,
* addressing schemes where a company does not fully recognise certain amounts in its accounts involving loans and derivatives.

The three further measures to come are:

* addressing the practice of disguised remuneration,
* stopping investment companies retrospectively changing the currency they prepare their accounts in for tax purposes, and,
* tackling businesses who artificially split the supply of services to reduce VAT.

The Treasury’s press release states:

These announcements will protect forecast revenues estimated at up to £5billion over the next 4 years, and are expected to raise over £2billion in additional revenue during the course of this parliament.

Full details of the estimated financial impact of the measures will be certified by the Office for Budget Responsibility as part of the 2011 Budget process.

A consultation was also published today on bringing inheritance tax on transfers of property into trust within the tax avoidance disclosure regime."

Euroscepticism Worse Than Expected

2010-11-25T20:37:00.000Z

We're all used to the dubious articles in the Daily Express: new stealth taxes every week, immigrants eating all our food, new evidence in the Diana enquiry. So it's no surprise that they are now calling for the UK to leave the EU.

What is rather strange, is that prominent Conservatives are backing this call.

The Conservatives have had problems over Europe for many years. We all know that. But taking this position, now, is simply reckless.

The UK's major trading partners are in Europe. The EU is a major player in the world because of it's economic muscle. Walking away from that strength at a time when countries like Brazil, Russia, India and China are growing in strength and influence would be absolute madness.

It's good to hold and express opinions. I don't condemn the Conservatives for airing these views. But we are all accountable for the things we say and to hear these views from the party in government is very disturbing.

The Future of Social Housing

2010-11-25T16:06:00.000Z

I'm very much of the view that selling off large amounts of council housing in the 1980's and failing to replace it, was a bad mistake. It has directly lead to the current situation where thousands of people on low incomes are in private rented accomodation with the inflated rent being picked up by housing benefit. Private landlords are the only winners in this situation.

The coalition government has published a consultation document called "Local decisions: a fairer future for social housing". Consultation means they want your views.

The document can be found here www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/socialhousingreform

Here is Andrew Stunnell's introduction to the document as emailed to Lib Dem members

"Last month as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, I outlined the Coalition’s Social Housing proposals.

As a Liberal Democrat I'm proud that at its heart is a plan to build 150,000 new affordable homes – leading to the first net increase to the council housing stock by any government in 30 years.

Today comes the next step. This morning I launched the Government's consultation paper on the proposals - “Local Decisions: A Fairer Future for Social Housing”. Copies can be downloaded from the Communities and Local Government website here and you can give your response to it here.

This is a chance for Liberal Democrat members to comment on our proposals and suggest ways we can improve them. The closing date is 5pm on 17 January 2011.

Times are tough. Housing waiting lists are rising at a faster rate than homes being built and there is a lot less money to spend than before. We will have to take some difficult choices to ensure we use the homes we have as effectively as possible.

We are protecting lifetime tenure for all existing tenants and it will still be an option for new tenants as well.

But in addition to lifetime tenure, we are also introducing a new flexible option. The government will give councils and housing associations the freedom to grant fixed term tenancies to new tenants if they choose. These will be at social rent levels and will be another option available for landlords and tenants.

We are also introducing a new more flexible and more affordable tenancy as an option to be offered by registered social landlords, which will allow them to borrow money to build more social homes.

These proposals won’t end the housing problem overnight, of course, but they are steps in the right direction. I look forward to reading your responses.

Yours,

Andrew Stunell MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government"

Do read this and make your comments. This is policy that must be got right.

Cheaper Parking for Christmas in Mid Sussex

2010-11-14T22:11:00.000Z

For the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas(4th, 11th and 18th December) you will be able to park for a flat rate of £1 in MSDC long stay carparks.

Good news for two reasons.

It's exactly the sort of action that traders have been asking for.

It suggests MSDC are starting to "get" the role of car parking in the local economy. The recent car parking charges increase was just a grab for cash without considering wider impacts. Hopefully that mentality has been replaced with something more considered.

Ed Millband: Simon Hughes' Verdict

2010-09-28T20:33:00.000+01:00

It's not really the thing to just to quote other people on your blog, but Simon Hughes is absolutely right here.

“Labour can’t claim to have moved on until its policies and votes in Parliament reflect the seriousness of the mistakes Labour made and the problems they left.”

Commenting on Ed Miliband’s speech to Labour Party conference, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Simon Hughes said:

“One speech can’t wash away his record as a key part of the New Labour government that trampled on our civil liberties and left our economy in ruins.

“Ed Miliband was special advisor to Gordon Brown when he was Chancellor and voted for ID cards and 90 day detention without charge when he was in government.

“Labour can’t claim to have moved on until its policies and votes in Parliament reflect the seriousness of the mistakes Labour made and the problems they left.”

Exactly.

East Grinstead 10k

2010-09-27T08:47:00.000+01:00

Sunday saw the first running of the East Grinstead 10k running race. The race was dedicated to the late Andy Ripley.

Rain threatened at the beginning but thankfully held off to provide ideal conditions. The route, along Worth Way to Crawley Down, back to the railway station and through Imberhorne to the finish in Imberhorne Lane was varied and well signed and marshalled.

I managed a decent 50mins 33secs and look forward to next years event.

A264 Safety Measures

2010-09-22T22:29:00.000+01:00

WSCC are proposing some new safety measures for the A264 Moat Rd / Holtye Rd.

There is an exhibition on 14th October at East Court, East Grinstead to get public reaction.

Full details

Welcome Fellows Bakers

2010-09-19T09:23:00.000+01:00

I like to walk into town and buy a loaf of bread and the newspaper. Simple pleasures! The recent loss of Sherlocks rather messed that up. So I'm really glad to see that Fellows Bakers are now in the old shop.

Also Grub is now being reincarnated as Bluebells. I shall have to go along there for a coffee when the doors open.

Support you local traders!

Farewell Bill Lehan

2010-09-15T18:03:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I was part of a large congregation at St Swithuns Church, who had come to say farewell to Bill Lehan, one of East Grinstead's finest.

Bill was a husband, father, grandfather, hotelier, distiller, engineer, inventor, wit, artist, subversive and wearer of curious hats. This is not an exhaustive list of his attributes.

Few men have both the skills and the vision to recreate medieval siege machines. Bill was one of those men. He is fondly remembered by students at St Marys school for his assistance there with big art projects.

He was a regular contributor to the local newspaper letters page, with exhortations to local councillors and officials to behave like grown-ups. Sage words indeed.

Everyone who knew him will miss the boundless enthusiasm and flow of brilliant ideas.

Graham Stevens Gallery in the High Street, opposite Pizza Express, currently have an exhibition of Bill's work. It will there until Sunday 19th September. Do take a look if you can.

Bill Lehan 1935 - 2010.

Electoral Reform

2010-09-13T18:24:00.000+01:00

Parliamentary elections are currently decided by "first past the post". The person with the most votes wins the seat. You could also call it "winner takes all" because the votes for anyone other than the winning candidate are effectively ignored.

Liberal Democrats have long recognised this is unfair and as part of the coalition goverment have now got electoral reform onto the agenda.

In May next year, there will be a referendum on whether the Alternative Vote (AV) system should be adopted. Proportional Representation is the real goal, but AV is a real step forward.

Under AV ...
" Voters fill in a ballot paper where they number the candidates in order of preference – that is, they put 1 for their first preference; 2 for their second choice; 3 for the party they like 3rd, and so on.

We count all the first (top) preferences that voters have given, as now. If any candidate gets majority support (i.e. 50% +1), they immediately win the seat. If not, the candidate who has the fewest 1st preference votes is knocked out of the contest, and we look at the second preferences of their voters, redistributing these votes to the remaining candidates in line with these voters’ number 2 choice. This process of knocking out the least popular candidate and redistributing their voters’ choices as voters intended continues until one candidate gets 50 per cent.

In the USA this system is called ‘instant run-off’ and this is a good summary of what AV does – it delivers a run-off election when no one gets an outright majority on first preference votes."
(Thanks to the London School of Economics website for this explanation).

The main advantage of AV is that a candidate must have at least 50% of first and second preferences in order to win the seat. This is a real improvement on FPTP where a candidate can secure a minority of the votes and still win.

There will be plenty of debate in the run up to the referendum.If you think it's time for change, consider signing up for news about the debate at www.yestofairervotes.org.

Gas Works in London Road

2010-09-07T22:31:00.000+01:00

Southern Gas Networks had plans to carry out major works in East Grinstead town centre for three months starting early December! This would have had a terrible effect on the retailers. The town council have now intervened and the works have been postponed until January 2011.

Ther will be some minor, preparatory work taking place between 20th September and 4th October.

No repeat of the snow chaos (hopefully)

2010-09-04T10:43:00.000+01:00

The recent "proper" winter showed that there were some real problems with local authorities preparedness. In particular, roads and pavements were not treated and although people wanted to get to school and work, they simply couldn't get there.

After the chaos, questions had to be asked.

In Mid Sussex a Snow Summit was convened to consider responses to the bad weather. Graham Knight, the Lib Dem group leader at MSDC asked for a report on the current state of preparedness for major incidents. The report was presented to the Performance and Scrutint committee last week.

You can read the report here.

It's good to hear that supplies of road salt will now be stored at East Grinstead. Last winter the supplies were all at Broadbridge Heath and proved difficult to get to when the snow had first fallen.

No one knows what this winter will bring. But if there is the sort of snow we saw last year, hopefully we will be better prepared.

Better Mid Sussex Advisory Group

2010-09-02T15:18:00.000+01:00

I went to the the first meeting of this group took today. The group looks at where Mid Sussex is going after the collapse of the Thornfield project to regenerate the town centres.

MSDC officers confirmed that all we have left after the Thornfield experience is the master plans / Special Planning Documentss. There is some interest from developers in picking up part of the plans, but it's early days.

The best part of the meeting was a presentation from a director of Solum Regeneration. This is a partnership between Kier Construction and Network Rail. They focus on developments on or adjacent to Network Rail owned land. He showed ideas for developments around the main towns' railway stations and also Hassocks. He was interesting and realistic and talks will continue between Solum and MSDC.

I became a councillor in 2007 and the Thornfield project was ongoing then. In 4 or 5 years absolutely nothing has been achieved in terms of large scale town centre regeneration.

Thank heavens for the small businesses that have continued to keep the faith and opened up new shops and enterprises. They really are the lifeblood of this area.

We all love the BBC

2010-08-30T11:27:00.000+01:00

Last night I sat down to watch an art film and rapidly got bored. So I ended up watching Coast, the documentary series from the BBC. Although I have Sky, I probably watch more BBC programmes than any other. I love the BBC! Coast, Life on Earth, Top Gear, Wallander, the list of quality programmes is endless.

I have recently returned from the USA and what's the best thing on the TV there? BBC America obviously!

So it's good to see the Director General of the BBC being robust about the corporation. See this report on Mark Thompson's MacTaggart lecture.

When anyone moans about the licence fee, remember what the alternative is. A advertising dominated, Murdoch controlled media. I really, really don't want that.

Where the axe will fall

2010-06-10T17:02:00.000+01:00

The government have published a spreadsheet detailing the Revenue Grant allocations for 2010 - 2011 (the government grant to local authorities.

If you have Microsoft Excel or compatible download from here.

I'mm no expert in reading this sort of thing, but it appears that West Sussex County Council's grant is being cut by £3.99 million. The worst affect budget is education, losing £2.986 million. Road safety also loses £0.334 million. Drive safely!

Nearer to home, Mid Sussex District Council show no grant cuts.

More details to come no doubt.

The Cyclists Friend

2010-05-21T19:38:00.000+01:00

The new Aldi next to the firestation, no less. They are encouraging two wheeled visitors by providing covered bike racks at the front of the shop.

Well done!

We will ask you which laws you think should go

2010-05-19T13:50:00.000+01:00

That's quite a promise, but it's exactly what Nick Clegg said today. See the full text here.

So what intrusive, pointless laws do you want to see repealed? You have an offer from the Deputy Prime Minister. I'm happy to pass on your views. What are you waiting for?

What does the coalition mean for Mid Sussex?

2010-05-15T12:04:00.000+01:00

At Mid Sussex District Council on Wednesday, the sole Labour councillor asked if he was now the official opposition. The answer is simple, no, he isn't. The Conservatives remain the majority group and the Liberal Democrats the largest minority group. Despite the coalition at national level, Liberal Democrats will continue to oppose the Conservatives locally.

Much of what happens at the council is determined by central government and this is likely to change with the advent of the new government.

The coalition agreement contains this phrase. "The parties will promote the radical devolution of power and greater financial autonomy to local government and community groups. This will include a full review of local government finance."

In reality this is like to mean:
An end to centrally imposed housing quotas.
Reduced work on serving central government bureaucracy.
A change to the way the council is financed.

I would certainly welcome these changes.

Central housing quotas from the South East Plan led to the infamous requirement to build 17,100 new homes in the district. This should now be replaced by a locally defined strategy.

I look forward to the end of the vacuous agreements and strategies that seemed to occupy so much council time. Service delivery is what a council should be all about and I will work for a greater focus on this.

MSDC's income comes from it's own charges for services, council tax and mainly from central grant. Grant distribution under Labour was notoriously unsympathetic to the "affluent" south. Hopefully the grant distribution will improve under the coalition, but I'm not holding my breath!

Obviously all these changes must be set against the grim background of government finances. So things that cost the least are likely to happen first. However I am hopeful that positive changes for our district will happen.

The Parliamentary Coalition Agreement

2010-05-12T14:24:00.000+01:00

This is the full agreement between the Lib Dems and Conservatives that forms the basis of the coalition government.

Agreement

Young Britons' Foundation

2010-05-03T09:25:00.000+01:00

Have you ever noticed how things can have have unintended consequences?

Let me give you an example.

I woke up today to find a leaflet from the Young Britons' Foundation through my door. It exhorted me to not risk a hung parliament and to vote for a strong party. It had a similar message to a recent Conservative election broadcast, so I thought I would do a little research.

So who are the Young Britons' Foundation? The Guardian describes them as a "rightwing group that rubbishes NHS, dismisses global warming and backs waterboarding"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/06/tory-madrasa-young-britons-foundation

Oh dear, I would never had known that had I not received this leaflet.

And who is involved with the Young Britons' Foundation? The President is Daniel Hannan, the right wing Conservative MEP. Mr Hannan has some interesting views about the NHS. He described the NHS as a "mistake" on American TV.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiSPRkq28iU&feature=related

When watching this, remember that UK life expectancy is greater than that of Americans.

David Cameron has made much of his support for the NHS. But which is the true voice of Conservatism. On the basis of these comments, it's hard to tell.

Various Tory figures including Eric Pickles have engaged in ritual denouncements of the YBF but you can still find plenty of connections between the YBF and the Conservatives mainstream. Such as this praise for YBF media training on the Conservative Home website http://conservativehome.blogs.com/cfdiary/2007/03/charlie_groome_.html

I went to bed last night knowing nothing about the NHS hating, water-boarding approving, climate change denying Young Britons' Foundation. But thanks to a little leaflet this morning, now I know plenty. And so do you.

A New Enthusiasm

2010-05-01T09:44:00.000+01:00

I've been very busy over the last few weeks working for our Lib Dem candidates Catrin Ingham and Serena Tierney. Working mainly means getting out and talking to people about the future.

There are some very clear themes in what people are saying.

They want an end to the deadlock in British politics, where Labour and the Conservatives pass power back and forth to each other.

They want their views better represented in government.

They want local representatives who are accountable to the people and ready to listen.

Lib Dems locally are well placed to respond to these wishes. The huge upsurge in support for Lib Dems means they can break the Labour/Conservative deadlock.

Serena Tierney has pledged to be a full time MP for this area and to be fully accountable to local people. Read more at www.serenatierney.org.uk.

Catrin Ingham has been tirelessly knocking on doors in Ashurst Wood and south East Grinstead finding out what matters to you. Read more about her at www.catriningham.com.

Together they make a great team, along with your Liberal Democrat town council and district councillors.

Make a difference on 6th May, vote Liberal Democrat.

Catrin Ingham for WSCC by-election

2010-04-17T09:10:00.000+01:00

As well as the General Election on 6th May, Herontye voters will also be voting in a West Sussex County Council by-election. This is due to Lee Quinn steping down. Herontye is part of the East Grinstead South and Ashurst Wood WSCC division.

Liberal Democrats have a great candidate in Catrin Ingham (who I know well!)

She has her own campaign website at www.catriningham.com

Please visit and see what she has to say. If you like the Lib Dem message for this area, then please pass it on. Pass the website address to your friends and neighbours in the area.

Catrin looks forward to representing you at Chichester.

Serena Tierney for Mid Sussex

2010-04-17T08:33:00.000+01:00

Voters in Herontye will be voting in the Genearl Election on 6th May.

Serena Tierney is standing for the Liberal Democrats in the Mid Sussex constituency against the incumbent Tory Nicholas Soames. Labour are also fielding a candidate.

Labour have no hope of winning in Mid Sussex, so it's a head to head between Lib Dem and Tories. Nicholas Soames has a majority of about 6,000. Based on the polls published after the PM Debate on Thursday, Lib Dems can win this seat. So if you want a full time MP, vote Serena Tierney on 6th May.

They have no understanding of the economy they are aspiring to run

2010-02-22T10:13:00.000Z

This is Vince Cable's verdict on the Conservatives' plan to provide a "people's bank bonus".

The plan is to encourage a "savings society" by allowing everyone to buy shares in the stated-owned banks. But as Vince rightly says:
"The nationalised and semi nationalised banks should be re-privatised when the conditions are right to maximise tax payer return. Selling shares off at a discounted rate will not achieve this.

These banks should be set the concrete objective of ensuring lending to sound small and medium sized businesses who are the drivers of our economic recovery.

Actively encouraging people on very low incomes to invest in a volatile share market beggars belief and shows just how removed the Tories are from everyday reality."

Buying discounted bank shares is not saving, it's speculating. Which is a rather bad mistake for an aspiring Chancellor of the Exchequer to be making!

Link to original story

Vote Blue, Go Green, Not Likely

2009-11-29T15:04:00.000Z

David Cameron has done a lot to try and rid the Conservatives of their "nasty party" image especially in respect of environmental matters. Yet despite his attempts to modernise the party's outlook, it seems the rank and file are yet to be convinced.

I went to the Conservatives website to look up what they were saying on Climate Change and found this article.

Cameron is wanting to put the UK at the forefront of progressive change, which is commendable. But look at the comments, over 200, almost universally hostile to his position on Climate Change. Presumeably most people leaving comments on a conservative website are of a conservative persuasion? If so Cameron might have a lot of trouble actually getting his own followers to back up his position on climate change.

MSDC to sign up to 10:10 Campaign

2009-11-19T09:52:00.000Z

Last night I presented a motion to Mid Sussex District Council requesting that the council sign up to the 10:10 Campaign.

The objective of 10:10 is to get people, organisations and businesses to sign up and pledge to cut their CO2 emissions by 10% in 2010. See their website.

Cutting emissions by 10% will not deal with the whole climate change problem, but I support 10:10 because it provides a focused path of action now. Fed up with big government talking about big cuts in the future when they are out of office? Do something now and pledge to reduce your own emissions by 10% over the next year.

I'm pleased to say the motion was supported and the council will sign up to the campaign. Hopefully many other local people and organisations will do likewise.

If you want to know more about to deliver on the pledge, have a look at The Guardian website 10:10 pages

Remembrance Sunday

2009-11-08T20:49:00.001Z

I attended the Remembrance Service in East Grinstead High Street this morning and I'm pleased to say that I was part of a very large crowd.

Whatever politcians may say, the success or failure of military missions depends on the commitment and sacrifice of those actually doing the fighting. Thankfully the people of this country understand this and are showing their support for those in the services more than ever.

This is in marked contrast to the behaviour of the current government who seem to regard the armed forces as an area where expenditure can be kept to the absolute minimum. We have all heard the demands for better protected vehicles and more helicopters. But did you know that Privates serving in Afghanistan are paid less than trainee Police officers?

I'm proud that my partry leader is bringing this sort of cheapness out into the open. But I'm even prouder that there are countrymen who are willing to go out and fight to protect the freedoms we all take for granted.

Dunnings Mill Sports Club site

2009-10-23T11:14:00.000+01:00

People keep asking what is happening at the Dunnings Mill Sports Club site. Today Ian Dixon and I attended a meeting with developers and received an update.

The developers are putting another planning application forward which should hopefully be heard at the December committee. The layout of the site will be as approved. The new application will cover some changes to the elevations of the houses, the landscaping and planting and a change of two carports to open parking spaces. If these minor changes are approved, work is planned to start on site in Jan or Feb 2010.

Nick Griffin on Question Time

2009-10-23T10:55:00.000+01:00

I didn't watch Question Time last night, I went to bed. Why, because I was tired and I made my mind up about Griffin and the BNP a long time ago.

The BNP have no answers to the big questions facing modern Britain. In fact they are not interested in these questions at all. They are in politics so they can gain some power and use it to attack groups of people they don't like. It's as simple as that. They are a fascist party who seek to divide and damage society.

If you are concerned about provision of services, taxation, the health service, crime, our foreign wars, education or the other real issues of the day, get in touch with politicians in legitimate parties that are trying to build a way forward that includes everyone in this country. Go on, we're waiting for your call.

Should He Stay Or Should He Go?

2009-06-09T09:32:00.000+01:00

Gordon Brown of course. And, you know what? It doesn't matter, because what we need is a General Election.

Nick Clegg is right when he says "Labour is finished". Labour have been in power for 12 years and Gordon Brown has been Chancellor or PM for all that period. The current economic crisis, the expenses abuses and the concentration of power with the Prime Minister have all happened during this time.

Whilst out canvassing prior to the recent county elections, it was obvious how disgusted people are with the current state of politics. This view is borne out by the low turnout and the collapse of the Labour vote. There should be an election now, so that the people can give their verdict and elect a new and credible government.

New DIY store at Bridge Park

2009-04-19T15:46:00.000+01:00

In the East Grinstead Courier and Observer, 16th April 2009, there was a story about how Justin Mewse had set up a Facebook group to object to a proposed DIY store off Imberhorne Lane. My reaction to this was "Really?".

That's a shame because I was on the planning committee that considered and approved this application. It's a shame because I want local people to make their views known on planning matters and in this case they weren't heard.

If you want to object to a planning application; act quickly, gather support and use the system. No one at MSDC is checking Facebook for objections. You have to do it the old fashioned way by writing letters and emails (emails are now old-fashioned?)

I have put together some notes to help potential objectors on my website at http://www.chrisjerrey.com/planning

East Grinstead Sports Club

2008-12-14T16:52:00.000Z

At the North Area Planning meeting on Thursday we were presented with the plans for an extension to the Club to accomodate five new squash courts and other improvements. These new courts are the results of cooperation between the Dunnings Squash and Racquet Ball Club and the Sports Club to provide new facilities for the players affected by the closure of Dunnings Mill Sports Club.

The new plans are very impressive and a real credit to the two groups who have come together so effectively.

The developer of the Dunnings Mill site has presented new plans which will be considered in the New Year.

District Recycling at 42%

2008-11-14T11:20:00.000Z

People in Mid Sussex are now recycling 42% of their rubbish. That's one of the biggest improvers and best performers in the whole country.

To make sure that the material put in the blue top bin can actually be recycled, it's important to stick to the system. Paper, card, glass bottles, plastic bottles and tins can all be recycled. Yoghurt pots, plastic bags, windowed envelopes and plastic packaging cannot be recycled by the method used by MSDC. Sadly, if too much of the wrong stuff goes into the recycling stream, it can't be sorted properly, is considered polluted and goes to landfill. Which is a big shame.

Climate Change Action Plan

2008-11-12T14:47:00.000Z

I'm very interested in the Green Agenda. All of us need to take responsibilty for the world we live in and start treating it a lot better.

Obviously there is a need for goverment at all levels to take a lead in this. I have been openly critical of MSDC for lack of action in this area, but finally it looks like there may be some progress. The Head of Sustainability and Leisure has now produced a Climate Change Action Plan which was presented to the Cabinet on 5th November. The plan is a bit woolly at the moment but my colleagues on the Sustainability and Climate Change Working Group are working to toughen it up. The plan deals with how the council can get it's own house in order, how it can facilitate positive change in the district and how it can show leadership.

You can read the plan at http://www.midsussex.gov.uk/Nimoi/sites/msdcpublic/resources/fullreport34.pdf starting at page 23 in the PDF toolbar or page 32 as printed.

I will keep an eye on this work as it progresses.

Hello!

2008-11-11T11:00:00.000Z

I'm Chris Jerrey, Liberal Democrat councillor for East Grinstead - Herontye in Mid Sussex.

I will be using this blog to keep in touch with the good people of Herontye. When I was on the election trail in 2007, people said to me "the only time we hear from you lot is when there is an election coming up". If that's how people regard their local representatives, then that needs some work.

So here's my blog, I hope you find it useful.