Cllrs Dominic McGill, Julie Roberts & Michael Wyatt

Illegal travellers’ camps could soon be moved on within 24 hours under powers to be used in Leicestershire. The county council, police and health services hope to form a task force to introduce a “firmer” approach to the problem. It is hoped that the new initiative will remove travellers on 10 times faster than normal.

Joining forces in this way allows powers to be used under the Public Order Act 1994. The legislation is particularly focused on clearing camps from sites such as sports fields, parks, industrial estates and car parks.

The new unit will go into unauthorised camps and assess their health, educational and social needs much more quickly than when the various authorities act separately. This approach will make it easier to legally argue that travellers should be removed quickly.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s essential action is taken quicker and firmer against any illegal camp site. For far to long many illegal sites have been allowed to continue. I hope that this new initiative, when it comes into force, will go some way to tackle this growing problem. Labour and Tory politicians have failed for many years to tackle this issue head on. Finally I can report that I have requested action be taken as soon as possible against the illegal encampment at the Birch Tree Island.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt and his colleagues have delivered over 2000 letters to local residents informing them of the possible development on green wedge land off Greenhill Road in Coalville.

Michael said, “We are determined to make sure everyone is given the opportunity to have their say on this very important issue. Many local residents have already signed our petition, but given the impact this potential development could have on the local area we have written to every house urging them to support our campaign.”

Please remember to send back your petition form by the 8th December deadline.

If you would like to speak to one of your local councillors concerning this issue, or any other issue please do not hesitate to contact us.

Cllr Michael Wyatt is delighted to be able to announce from Monday the Council has agreed to install Battery collection boxes at the Greenhill Community Shop and Agar Nook Community Centre.

Cllr Michael Wyatt a member of the Recycling working party has been trying to convince the council to start collecting used batteries for over 2 years. Finally the council have agreed to his call and they have agreed to pilot a scheme, which Greenhill will be the first ones to take part. If the scheme is successful then the council will be extending the project to all other areas of the District.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I’m delighted the council has listened to my request. Batteries are the most toxic item being disposed in our waste. Collecting batteries will help to cut down on the amount of toxic waste we are disposing at landfill. From Monday the Greenhill Community Shop and the Agar Nook Community Centre will be provided with battery disposal boxes so residents can take them along knowing they are going to be disposed safely.”

 Another Liberal Democrat policy being put into practice!

Cllr Michael Wyatt took his fight against Tory plans for an incinerator one step further by meeting Simon Hughes MP in the East Midlands today, to talk about the Tory controlled County Council’s proposed incinerator for Bardon.

Simon Hughes said, “It was really nice to speak to someone so passionate about campaigning with local people to stop any proposal for an incinerator. What the County Council should be doing is investing in better recycling facilities. Incineration should only be considered as a last resort, until all avenues of recycling have been exhausted. The Conservative controlled council should scrap any plans for an incinerator.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I’m delighted to see Simon backing our campaign to convince the Conservative controlled County Council that their plans for an incinerator needs to be scrapped. What local people want is better recycling facilities, not an incinerator.”

Please remember there is still time to send back your petition forms, and sign our online petition. See below link.

http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/stopincineratoratbardon

A petition against a planned incinerator organised by the Liberal Democrats has received a massive response.

Liberal Democrat campaigners have been collecting signatures from people in Bardon, Markfield, Field Head and Stanton Under Bardon against County Council proposals to build an incinerator at Bardon Industrial Estate. The petition has received hundreds of signatures from residents.

Leicestershire County Council is currently consulting on putting a waste treatment plant into Bardon. The options include “combustion of household waste”.

North-West Leicestershire District Council Michael Wyatt said “I am delighted to see so many residents agree with us that the plans for an incinerator at Bardon must be scrapped. Leicestershire County Council Tory Bosses need to realise that we want more recycling not burning of rubbish. Incineration should only be considered as a last resort, and situated in a isolated spot well away from any residential area”.

“If the County Council is going to put a waste treatment plant in Bardon it should not be an incinerator. There are real fears that if an incinerator is built it will increase traffic on local roads, and lead to gases and smells being pumped into the air.”

Join our campaign today and help us to convince the Tory Bosses to scrap any plans for an incinerator.

http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/stopincineratoratbardon

The Council have announced that every Saturday in December there will be free parking in Coalville and Ashby. It is hoped that this will encourage more shoppers into the Town. Cllr Julie Roberts said, “Great news for shoppers, it’s about time the council did something to encourage more shoppers into Coalville”.