People of Glossopdale “left in the dark” over relocation of Library

Jan 22, 2012 AnthonyMck Uncategorized No Comments

County Councillor Dave Wilcox this week claimed that the people of Glossopdale were being “left in the dark” by Derbyshire following advice to County Councillors not to proceed with a transfer of the library to the town centre.

He claims that the lack of consultation over potential sites for a library has been worthy of some of the cloak and dagger novels that the library loans to Glossopdale residents.

“There have been a variety of proposals floated for the location of the library in the last 18 months,” says Councillor Wilcox, “and whilst reports have gone to various committees, the people of the area have not been asked where they might prefer their library to be.”

“Having personally believed that there’s a case for a core town centre location, and being aware that resources to achieve this had been set aside by the previous County Labour administration, I’ve never been able to understand why the people of Glossop have not been given a reasonable chance to express a view.”

“Given the present economic situation, it’s important that we make the most open and sensible decisions about the future location of facilities, and get value for money whilst where possible, sustaining Glossop’s architectural heritage.”

“Although there are complicating factors involving trusts, parking, resource availability and structural issues around publicly owned buildings, the people in this valley are capable of looking at the options and expressing a practical view.”

“They have the right to expect consultation from the County Council which has been none existent in the past couple of years.”

Glossopdale Labour raises health concerns

Jan 16, 2012 AnthonyMck Uncategorized No Comments

Cllr Parvin with a local resident

Members of the Glossopdale Labour Party hit the streets on Saturday morning with their latest campaign raising concerns over the current NHS bill, and the hidden cost of the Government’s wasteful NHS reorganisation in Tameside and Glossop. New guidelines will force the local NHS to put aside £16,502,535 from their budget this year and next to pay for a costly NHS restructure that David Cameron repeatedly ruled out.

Old Glossop Councillor and NHS Worker Garry Parvin said:

“These shocking new figures show the Government’s reorganisation is costing the NHS even more than we first feared. It is scandalous that they are telling our local NHS to hold back millions of pounds for their own reckless plans whilst thousands of nursing jobs are being axed.

“Glossop and Tameside have already seen a 45% increase in the number of patients waiting longer than 18 weeks for treatment since Cameron became Prime Minister.

“Before his plans are even fully through Parliament, David Cameron’s reorganisation is hitting the NHS hard and costs are now topping £3.4bn across the country for the first time. Spending this amount on an unnecessary reorganisation is totally unjustifiable when every single penny should be focused on maintaining standards of care.

“At the election Cameron ruled out top-down NHS reorganisations. But only weeks after entering Number 10, he ripped up his own words and ordered the biggest and most dangerous upheaval of the NHS since it began.”

The Glossopdale campaigners were also adding more signatures to the 490,000 people so far, who have signed the 38 Degrees Save Our NHS campaign Cllr Garry Parvin added:

“The people of Glossopdale did not vote for it and our doctors, nurses and patients have already expressed huge concerns at the plans. Yet Cameron is ploughing on with his Health Bill, ignoring public and professional opinion. The time has come for him to listen, put the NHS first and drop his dangerous Bill.”

“If you didn’t get the chance to see us on Saturday and would like to more know more about the campaign or get a copy of our leaflet visit our website at www.glossopdale.labourhighpeak.info or you can sign the petition at www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/Protect_our_NHS_Petition.”

Locals were also urged to sign the Government online petition started by the Chairman of the Tameside branch of the BMA (British Medical Association) Dr Kailash Chand OBE at epetitions.direct.gov.uk.

Glossopdale NHS Leaflet
GlossopdaleNHSLeafletJan2012.pdf
Version: Jan 2012

Glossopdale Branch NHS Leaflet used for a street stall on the 14th January

Author:	Godfrey
Date:	January 16, 2012

80.8 KiB
11 Downloads
Details...

January Street Stall’s

Jan 13, 2012 AnthonyMck Uncategorized No Comments

If you’re concerned about the predicted impact of changes to the NHS, then why not join Labour High Peak’s, Glossopdale and Buxton branches who are holding street stalls tomorrow on a NHS theme.

Glossopdale’s runs from 10.00am until 12.00noon at the entrance to the Glossop Market Arcade, while Buxton’s runs from 10.30am at Buxton’s Spring Garden’s

Saturday surgery

Oct 28, 2011 AnthonyMck Uncategorized No Comments

Glossopdale’s Labour Councillors are once again giving local residents a
chance to question their councillors whilst out shopping this coming Saturday (29th October)

The chance comes from their monthly combined councillor’s
surgery at the front of Glossop’s Market Arcade across from Norfolk Sqaure.

The surgery which is running this Saturday (29th October) from 10.00am until 11.30am features Councillors Colin Waude and Godfrey Claff who represent Howard Town, Graham Oakley from Whitfield, Garry Parvin from Old Glossop, Bob Mckeown from Hadfield South and Anthony Mckeown from Gamesley.

If you can’t get there on Saturday morning, but have an issue to raise – get in touch councillors aren’t just available at surgeries and you can see contact details for Labour Councillors on our website at www.glossopdale.labourhighpeak.info or alternatively on the borough council website at www.highpeak.gov.uk

Labour launches election campaign

Apr 4, 2011 Caitlin Bisknell Uncategorized No Comments

High Peak Labour Party has announced its candidates for the elections to High Peak Borough Council on May 5.

Leader of the Labour Group, Caitlin Bisknell said: “We have a very strong field of candidates across the borough – who have already been getting some very positive feedback on the doorstep.”

Labour’s candidates include several people standing for election for the first time: Ben Hopkins, Damien Greenhalgh, Garry Parvin, Colin Waude, Robert O’Connor, Nick Longos, Lynn Stone, Fiona Sloman, Phil Ashmore and Chris Payne, Mave Morrison and Phil Forest in Blackbrook. There are also some familiar faces hoping to return to the borough council: Godfrey Claff, Ellie Wilcox in Padfield, Tim Norton in Chapel, and Lance Dowson in New Mills.

Sitting councillors: Anthony Mckeown, Vicky Mann, Bob Mckeown, Graham Oakley, Caitlin Bisknell and Ian Huddlestone are seeking re-election.

“People across High Peak are increasingly worried about the effects of the Tory led Government’s economic policies – from increasing prices, to reductions in winter fuel allowance and the trebling of tuition fees,” said Caitlin.

“We recognise that these are tough times, but people are now telling us that the cuts are being made too fast and too deep. Locally we have seen Tory led Derbyshire County Council vote to cut travel subsidies for young and old alike, while vital bus services face the axe.

“Locally too we already know that there will be fewer bobbies on the beat, fewer firefighters and fewer nurses; school budgets are being hit hard and nationally unemployment has already hit a 17 year high.”

Caitlin said, if elected, Labour would to keep fees and charges for council services down; look for new ways to improve snow clearance on side streets and residential areas; champion local communities; support local voluntary groups; seek to attract businesses and create new jobs; introduce an improved recycling scheme and work with police and others to keep our communities safe.

The full list of Labour party candidates is:

Tip site to reopen soon ?

Sep 27, 2010 AnthonyMck Uncategorized No Comments

County Councillor Dave Wilcox has announced the cancellation of a public meeting on Melandra Civic Amenity site planned for 7th October following recently reported developments from United Utilities and Derbyshire County Council.

Councillor Wilcox had organised the meeting following a series of approaches from constituents about the temporary closure of the tip.

He says that he now understands that there is agreement between United Utilities and Derbyshire County Council that the bridge at Melandra is unfit for vehicles weighing more than 3 tonnes.

A notice to install a new bridge structure over Glossop Brook has also been published which according to the Gamesley Councillor should ensure that the Melandra waste site is re-opened. An announcement from Derbyshire County Council on timing is due in the near future.

“Many people in Glossopdale have been concerned and angry about the closure of the Melandra site,” he said, “and most people saw the alternative of a round trip to Buxton as being much too far and an unacceptable alternative.”

“It’s good news that the tip will be functioning again in the not too distant future. I suspect that there are a few garages, back gardens, back yards and attics that will be cleared over the next couple of months when the situation returns to normal.”

“Hopefully, fly tipping will decrease and TV’s will be disposed of at the site rather than in the hedges.”

But the Councillor said that he was already in discussions about the strategic plans that need to be in place if and when the Melandra waste site is modernised.

“I understand that if a planning consent is given then a new bridge will need to be constructed. That will mean another closure.”

“Future planning for that eventuality needs to involve detailed discussions with Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority so that Glossopdale residents can use the recycling facility in Stalybridge.”

Leadership result

Sep 25, 2010 AnthonyMck Uncategorized No Comments

Caitlin Bisknell said “today a line is drawn under the leadership contest and we move forward as a united team taking the fight for social justice to the coalition. The real fightback begins here and now”

Pictured after leaving the conference hall following the announcement are Caitlin Bisknell and Fiona Sloman High Peak’s conference delegates.

Buxton Pool – update

Sep 21, 2010 Caitlin Bisknell Uncategorized No Comments

Leader of the Labour Group of High Peak Borough Council, Caitlin Bisknell said the discovery of asbestos was a huge setback to plans to re-open the pool.

”While I welcome the Council’s statement – it still leaves many questions unanswered. The pool has now been closed for nearly a year, and there is no sign – or suggestion – about when it might re-open. It’s not that I – or other councillors – don’t know who or what to ask; the problem is that, at least until very recently, no one seems to have the answers.”

Just some of the questions that need answering are:

· What is the cost of the closure to date?

· Who is footing the bill?

· Is there any chance of compensation?

· When will these important facilities re-open?

“While it is good to know that some of our most talented swimmers have been helped with travel costs –that does not make up for the fact that instead of nipping down to Buxton Pool to practice, they – and their parents and/or coaches – face trips to Bakewell or Derby.

Caitlin added that as well as being a major investment for High Peak Borough Council and its residents through the Council Tax and planning agreements, the scheme also received £450,000 from the Labour Government’s swimming initiative.

“Buxton is in the unusual position of having a number of high profile, important buildings all of which need special care and protection. Over the years the Council – of all political colours – has tried its best to make sure that these buildings are maintained, but inevitably priorities have to be set. Given the cuts looming on the horizon, it will be more difficult than ever to maintain these public buildings.”

Coalition cuts – the impact on High Peak, so far.

Jul 14, 2010 Caitlin Bisknell Uncategorized No Comments

Just a few examples of how Coalition cuts are already hitting the people of High Peak:

1. £5m – £8m lost to The Crescent development following the axing of East Midlands Development Agency.
   
2. £244,000 – lost Housing and Planning Delivery Grant, LABGI (Local Authority Business Grant Initiative) – included in HPBC budget for 2010/2011, the equivalent of approx 5% on the council tax.
   
3. £310,000 for five affordable homes on West Drive in Tintwistle.
4. £948,000 Kickstart funding for 30 affordable homes in Harpur Hill, Buxton.
5. Glossop’s new George Street Health Centre – will not perform minor operations.
6. Buxton’s new Community Hospital – now seems unlikely to go ahead.
7. The Tintwistle-Mottram bypass – in all its variations.

And then there is the individual impact on both people and businesses of the 20% VAT rise; changes to housing benefit, tax credits and job seekers allowance; the cuts in university places; the ending of the Future Jobs Fund.

Warm welcome to new Mayor

May 16, 2010 AnthonyMck Uncategorized No Comments

Graham who has been a councillor for Whitfield since the 2007 elections has previously servered as a councillor in Simmondley and was until his recent retirement a teacher at the Duke of Norfolk School in Glossop.