We councillors received a message from the leader and deputy leader just before Christmas - notably, it was sent in an email as an image so that no-one with accessibility requirements would have been able to read it. It talked cheerily of "organisational changes" and a new "corporate board", but don't let these words deceive you: these changes are actually quite disturbing because they involve putting politicians in charge of the council's operations as well as its policy-making.
Mayor Dave Hodgson has announced another expansion of his popular programme to install average speed cameras where local communities have called for them.
The extension of the programme is in defiance of the government's refusal to reinvest any of the fines generated to the local area, and instead to hoard the cash in Whitehall.
In response to residents in communities across the borough naming action on speeding as a top priority, in 2012 Mayor Dave made Bedford Borough the first place in the country to introduce the more effective average speed cameras on local roads.
The first set was erected in Milton Ernest, and the village along with other communities to have cameras installed have witnessed their dramatic impact in reducing speeds. Now, as part of budget proposals published this week, another five locations are set to benefit from the improved public safety and enhanced quality of life that the cameras can deliver in speeding hotspots.
Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "Residents in communities were across the borough tell me that action on speeding is a clear priority for them, so it's a clear priority for me. That's why we made Bedford Borough the first place in the country to install the more effective average speed cameras on local roads, and it's why I'm announcing a further expansion of this popular programme today.
"We could do even more if central government returned some of the fines to the local area for the benefit of local road users. But this new batch of sites will mean another five communities benefit from improved road safety and quite simply a better quality of life for local residents."
Theresa May's Brexit deal just lost in the Commonsby 230 votes.This is huge - she's failed to convince her party, failed to convince Parliament and failed in her attempt to scaremonger MPs into backing her. It's the biggest loss in the Commons by a Government - ever.
Theresa May's botched Brexit deal goes to the Commons tomorrow night, and its chances are looking slim.
A Lords motion regretting the damage Brexit would do and rejecting no deal has passed bya stonking 169 votes.
Stonking majority of 169 in Lords defeating govt - 321 to 152 - with Opposition motion rejecting Brexit 'no-deal' & saying WA/PD damaging.
Glad to work on this, in conjunction with @RichardNewby3, with @HayteratLords & @LadyBasildon & others across the House
- Sarah Ludford 🔶 #FBPE #FinalSayontheDeal (@SarahLudford) 14 January 2019
The media's been laser focused on Theresa May's sinking Brexit deal. But today, 3 crucial bills have gone through the Lords, with significant Lib Dem input. We're fighting to:
Protect the privacy of people who wear skirts
Outlaw exploitative letting fees
Allow people to go about their lives without the Government butting in
In 2016, your Lib Dem councillors campaigned against the closure of Brentwood Police Station. The Conservatives closed it anyway.
In April 2017, Lib Dem councillors voted against the "outline plan" for 70 dwellings on its site, saying it was too many for the local infrastructure to cope with. The Conservatives ridiculed us, saying that it wasn't necessarily going to be 70, it said 'up to' and, on this basis, they voted yes to the four storey blocks of flats proposed.
Cllr Vicky Davies, Healthcare trainer & former Theatre Sister, has been selected in Pilgrims Hatch for the fourth time and will be standing to retain her borough council seat in May 2019 and continue serving alongside Cllr Barry Aspinell and Cllr David Kendall.
Vicky was first elected to Brentwood Council in Brizes & Doddinghurst in 1991 and served there until 2006. After a break, she returned to politics in 2010 at a by-election and has represented Pilgrims Hatch ever since, being re-elected in 2011 & 2015.
Sarah Cloke, scientist, has been selected as our candidate for the Brentwood West borough council seat in May 2019.
Sarah lives in Brentwood West with her three children and is well known in the community. She is employed as a manager in a global pharmaceutical company.
Sitting borough councillors Karen Chilvers and Dominic Naylor, plus County Cllr David Kedall, hope to welcome Sarah to their active team in the ward. If you would like to help Sarah get elected, please get in touch.
Hugh Gorton, retired scientist, has been selected to fight the Brizes & Doddinghurst borough council seat in May 2019.
Hugh has lived in Kelvedon Hatch for 22 years with his wife Rosemary. They have a son who is currently at university. Hugh is a member of Kelvedon Hatch Parish Council and is very involved in the local community.
