County Councillor Michael Wyatt and his team have this week delivered over 1000 letters to local people in bardon asking for their help to convince the Tory Bosses on the District and County to get rid of two sites in Bardon, which are becoming an eyesore.

Within days Cllr Wyatt has recieved over 200 signed petition forms back supporting his campaign to clean up Bardon.

Michael said, “We are determined to try and get these two sites sold off. The former forest way school site and the old scout hut site are becoming blot on the landscape. They need to be cleared and made available to developers who can provide much needed housing in the local area, and it will help to stop the unwarranted destruction of our open countryside.”

Michael would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support and good wishes.

Please remember to send your petition forms back as soon as possible so Michael can continue his campaign to help clean up Bardon and tackle the Tory neglect.

Councillor Michael Wyatt has today called on the District Council to seriously look at his proposal of employing litter enforcement officers to dish out fines to people who cannot be bothered to bin their litter.

Councillor Michael Wyatt has been pushing for litter wardens for the past few weeks due to the ever-increasing problem of litter piling up in our streets in Coalville, which is giving a bad impression to people who visit the area.

Councillor Wyatt said, “Local people are sick and tired of seeing our streets littered with waste. Where ever you go there’s litter in our hedges, roads, footpaths and our flowerbeds. It’s disgusting; It’s nothing but a disgrace. We need to start fining people who cannot be bothered to put their waste in a bin.

Educating people is clearly not working. The only way to educate people who drop their waste is to hit them in their pocket by giving them a fine. How can we encourage people to take pride in our area when clearly the Tory Bosses at the Council are not taking the matter of litter in our streets seriously? We need positive action to tackle this problem. By employing litter wardens we will be sending a very strong message that enough is enough.”

Local Councillor Julie Roberts has demanded the owners of the old Cocked Hat Site disposed of the derelict ste as soon as possible. The Council forced the owners to pull down the old public house after a fire ripped through the building over 2 years ago. Since then the site as become a blot on the landscape.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “We are doing our best to try and clean up the local area. We need the council and the owner of the site to come up with a plan of action to utilise the site off Cropston Drive in Greenhill. We do not want this site to be left to 10 years, derelict and a potential death trap. I can assure local residents we will be pushing very hard for the site to be use either for additional housing or some kind of play facility.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt at today’s budget meeting at the North West Leicestershire District Council moved an amendment to the Tory budget to allow our pensioners to be able to use their concessionary travel pass before 9.30am, and introduce litter wardens to help address the growing problems of litter being dropped in our streets. Both proposals were rejected by the Tories who said they would of supported the amendment if they had received the amendment earlier. “A poor excuse to deny our elderly their rights, and a extremely poor excuse to taking seriously the need for action to tackle to growing problem of litter in our streets.” says Cllr Dominic McGill.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Once again the Tories are embarrassed due to the Liberal Democrats coming up with new idea’s and new initiatives to help improve the area, and give our pensioners the service they deserve. Why should our pensioners not receive the same service as others in Leicestershire. Its wrong, and the Tories should be ashamed of themselves for not supporting our amendment. I’m sure like many of our previous policies the Tories will adopt our recommendations for next years budget like many others like the free booze for councillors, parking charges for staff, a reduction in agency costs, cut in mobile phone bills. The list is growing every year.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today demanded the County Council take urgent action to demolish the old school building on Waterworks Road and sell the site for development, which would help to ease the pressure on the council to allow building on green field site. Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “This old school building must be demolished and cleared. It’s a blot on the landscape and becoming a potential place for criminal activity. This brown field site would not only provide additional housing to local people but it would also help the council to find places where the additional housing need can be met without destroying our open countryside, which some greedy developers want to destroy. I am writing once again to the Officers asking them to take urgent action to dispose of the site.”

County Councillor Michael Wyatt has been asked by local residents on Highfield Street for action to help tackle speeding along the road. Councillor Wyatt has asked the Highway Officers to look at this issue, which the local councillors for the area have failed to take up. The Officers have informed Councillor Wyatt that they will report back to him within the next few months. County Councillor Michael Wyatt said, “We are finding more and more local people are coming to us for help. They can see what can be achieved if you have a Liberal Democrat Councillor. Most people want someone who will take action and listen to their concerns. Unfortunately like many area’s people have councillors who do not listen to the real concerns of local people.”

Your local Liberal Democrat County Councillor has today announced plans for even more environmental projects for the Warrenhills Ward. So far there have been a number of projects, which have been implemented. Bluebells have been planted in the Sharpley Avenue Playing field, tree’s planted on the Cropston Drive Playing field to help cut our carbon footprint, flowerbeds on Greenhill Road, hanging baskets on Linford Crescent and Meadow Lane. Michael said, “Last year was a huge success with local people working with us in partnership to help brighten up the local area. Not only did we successfully show we can make a real difference, we also received support from local businesses who supported our projects to help clean up the Warrenhills Ward. Hopefully this year we will be able to improve the area even more with your help.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt is continuing to highlight the concerns of local residents on Bardon Road and the surrounding area to Officers of the Highway Forum, urging action to be taken to help alleviate the growing traffic and pollution concerns along Bardon Road. Michael had asked the Offiicers to push for the construction of the Bardon By-Pass sooner rather than later. Michael said, “I will continue to highlight the need for the By-Pass to be construction. Residents have had to live with the increased traffic and pollution problems for far to long. Action is now needed or the health of local people will be affected.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has been highlighting poor service delivery being given to tenants over the past few months by the current Conservative controlled District Council. Michael has been very vocal at the council’s communities scrutiny meeting demanding action. Michael is a passionate campaigner for better social housing and service delivery. Michael said, “I can continue to criticise the current system or I can put something forward, which I believe will help to address the problems. My motion at the scrutiny meeting, which received the support from the Conservative members shows without doubt that change is needed to help monitor and scrutinise housing better.”  The motion was that the Cabinet look at the idea of setting up a seperate housing scrutiny board or panel.  Michael’s motion was supported by all members, accept the Chairman.

Cllr Michael Wyatt this week spoke at one of the councils scrutiny meetings calling for action to be taken against those who park on grass verges, instead of parking on the road. The council are currently looking at issuing fines for vehicles parked on the kebside, but councillors have now insisted that grass verges be included after Michael and Conservative members expressed their concerns of vehicles churning up our grass verges.  Michael said, “Many residents are sick and tired of us spending money on trying to improve the area when clearly action needs to be taken against those who park on our grass verges. I want those who make our grass verges into a mud bath pay a a heavy fine to show them that enough is enough.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt visited a new boxing club in Greenhill today to see for himself what the new club was offering to local youngsters.

Michael said, “After speaking to the Officers running the Club I must say I am very impressed by their dedication and determination to make this club become a huge success. Having a boxing club locally will provide a much needed activity for youngsters wanting to participate in a more physical sport.”

A the moment the club meets every Monday and Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm.

If you would like to know more about the new boxing club in Greenhill please contact John Moreland on 07926884744 or you can e-mail him on jmoreland@stephensoncoll.ac.uk

Cllr Michael Wyatt asked the Tory Housing Portfolio holder to publicly apologise to the tenants who have had to put up with a poor housing service, which Cllr Michael Wyatt has highlighted recently in the local press and here on your local Liberal Democrat website.

Michael said, “I am delighted to be able to report that Cllr Bayliss did apologise at the Full Council meeting. I only hope now that he will start to address the concerns that I have highlighted. I intend to continue to bring to light the poor service being delivered by the Tory Bosses. Tenants should never have to wait over 8 weeks for repairs, or live in conditions only fit for animals. I also object to any rent rise, which the other Parties voted for until the service they are delivering is of a standard acceptable to all.”

Michael will be writing to the Leader, Deputy Leader and Housing Portfolio holder with a way forward, which can allow greater scrutinty of the service.

Michael would like to thank tenants who have contacted him about their experiences. If you know a council tenant who is living in conditions, which is unacceptable or had a poor repair service then contact Michael on 07773341531.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today started a consultation exercise to see if the public back his call for litter enforcement officers for North West Leicestershire.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Michael Wyatt said, “Many residents are angry that the Tories Bosses on the Council are failing to tackle the growing problem of litter being dropped in our streets. I believe that the Council need to employ litter enforcement officers to help promote the need for litter louts to take a more responsible attitude. Litter in our streets, hedges, green spaces and play area’s in unacceptable and needs to be tackled.”

Michael Wyatt and his colleagues Julie and Dominic want to know your views on this issue. Please send your comments to northwestleicslibdems@hotmail.com

Cllr Michael Wyatt will be asking the Tory Housing Portfolio questions tomorrow about the appalling state of some tenants properties, which have been highlighted by Michael over recent months.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said today, “Our tenants are having to endure an appalling service. Since highlighting the problems I have had many tenants contact me for help. I only hope by highlighting the poor service things will now start to get better.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt’s question to Roger Bayliss Housing Portfolio Holder:

I am sure Cllr Bayliss is aware from press reports and communications from myself that there is public concern about the quality of service that is being delivered to our tenants by the housing department, which you have responsibility for.

Can Cllr Bayliss tell members what action he will be taking to address the poor service being delivered to our council tenants? and does Cllr Bayliss agree with me that in severe winter weather conditions heating and hot water repairs should be a priority, for all tenants especially for our pensioners?

We await his reply with interest…..

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today highlighted in the local press a case where a council tenant is living in extremely poor conditions, with mould on the walls and water dripping through the ceiling. Michael has been contacted by several more tenants today asking for his help.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I am totally disgusted by what’s happening. It’s 2010, these sort of things should not be happening in this day and age. The Tories should be ashamed. Clearly they do not understand what is means by providing a quality service. Im sure there will be many more cases, which will come to light. Please let me know if you or you know someone who is suffering from Tory Housing neglect.”

If you know someone or you live in a council property where the Tory Council have provided a sub standard service then contact Michael on 07773341531 or you can e-mail him at: mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk

On the left handside there is a survey about gritting. We would like to know if you would like to see the County Council grit our side roads.

Many local people are unable to get to work due to their roads being to dangerous to drive on.

Let us know what you think.

If your wheelie is to be emptied today please note that the Council have decided NOT to collect any refuse today due to weather condition.

Council officers have assured us that they will keep us updated with information relating to when they will be able to empty your bins.

Traffic chaos has once again hit Coalville after the Tory County Council decided to spend hundreds of thousands of taxpayers money on a new road layout for Stephensons Way, which is a “complete waste of money” says Cllr Michael Wyatt.

“There is nothing but a huge traffic jam being created by a scheme that will do nothing to make the area safer. The Tories need to stop wasting taxpayers money and think before they dream up even more chaotic schemes, which is bringing misery to thousands of drivers trying to get to and from work.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has once been approached for help with major damp problems in a council property, which is full of black mould in the childrens upstairs bedrooms. Cllr Wyatt visited the property yesterday to see for himself the condition of the house.

Michael said, “I was absolutely disgusted that the council have once again failed to act. The tenant informed me that the problem as been happening for over 4 years. The black mould covers the top walls and there is even signs of water leaking down the walls from water entering the roof when it rains. I cannot believe that in this day and age this sort of thing is still happening. The council seriously need to get a grip and start putting the health and welfare of the tenant first, instead of penny pinching, trying to cut corners, which in the long run means higher repair costs.”

“The tenant informs me that they were told to keep wiping the walls down with bleach! I say the tenant should not have to do anything. Its the responsibility of the Tory Council to get the job done properly in the first place then everyones happy. Its not rocket science its just common sense says Cllr Michael Wyatt.”

Good news. Blackwood Junction with Greenhill Road has now been resurfaced after a request by County Councillor Michael Wyatt.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “After months of waiting the Junction is now been resurfaced. I would like to thank the local residents who brought this issue to my attention.”

Cllrs Michael Wyatt and Julie Roberts visited the CCTV centre in Coalville to see for themselves the new camera’s working on the Greenhill Estate.

Your local Liberal Democrat Councillors are delighted to report that the camera’s are already having a positive affect in tackling crime in the local area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Its great to see that our policies are having a difference to the area in which we all live. We were determined to have camera’s installed in Greenhill. I can only thank everyone for their continued support. I only hope the Conservative council does not cut the CCTV budget, which will only play into the hands of the criminals. The Tories cannot say they want to help tackle crime then cut the very budget that can provide a valuable tool in making our streets safer.”

Below are the details realting to a planning application, which has been submitted to the Leicestershire County Council for consideration. The application relates to 300 additional houses being built on our open Countryside.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Once again the developers have shown their complete contempt by going ahead with submitting a planning application which no one supports. The building of 300 new houses on Broom Leys Road will add in the region of 800 extra vehicles on our already busy roads. I urge everyone to write, phone or e-mail the County Council objecting to this application, which will have a devastating affect on our local environment.”

Application No.: 2009/1042/07 -
Applicant: DAVIDSONS GROUP & PERSIMMON HOMES NORTH MIDLANDS
Site Location: Land at Broom Leys Farm, 59, Broom Leys Road, Coalville
Details: Outline - Residential development including vehicular access, Pedestrian and cyle links, Public open space, Children’s play area, Structural landscaping, Sustainable urban drainage and woodland planting
Highways Case Officer: Jay Kassim - Jay.Kassim@leics.gov.uk

Deadline for Highway Authority representations 08/11/2009

Cllr Michael Wyatt today walked the footpath behind Abbotts Oak Drive and Blackwood, which was reported to him due to the increase in litter being dumped in the brook.

Michael has asked the council to have the footpath and brook cleaned up of rubbish as soon as possible due the possibility of the items increasing the risk of flooding.

Michael would like to thank the local resident who contacted him with this issue.

Below is the list of committee members voting record for the Asda and Tesco planning applications. This information was supplied by North West Leics District Council Democratic Services.

Councillor Wyatt,

As requested, please see below details of the recorded vote regarding the Tesco and Asda applications:

Motion to permit Tesco

For the motion:

A Bridges
J Bridges
J G Coxon
T Gillard
J Hoult
N Smith
D J Stevenson

Against the motion:

D B Everitt
P Holland
D Howe
I Meller
E J Purver

Abstentions:
C Timmis

Motion to permit Asda

For the motion:

D B Everitt
P Holland
D Howe
I Meller
C Timmis

Against the motion:

A Bridges
J Bridges
J G Coxon
T Gillard
J Hoult
E J Purver
N Smith
D J Stevenson

Cllr Michael Wyatt is urging local residents to write to the Secretary of State for local Government concerning the decision, which was made yesterday, giving the Tesco site outline planning permission. Many local people feel angry that the Conservative Councillors voted against the wishes of the local residents.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s important local people use this opportunity to show the Secretary of State that this site is not the preferred site, and clearly gives Tesco a huge advantage over other food retailers due to another store being less than 2 miles away from Coalville. Local people want a choice, a choice which the Tories have failed to deliver. Its obvious to everyone the Tories are no longer listening to what the people want. I urge everyone to make their voice heard.”

The address to send your views concerning this issue is :
Government Office for the East Midlands
The Belgrave Centre
Stanley Place
Talbot Street
Nottingham
NG1 5GG

At last nights meeting of the planning committee Conservative members voted against the wishes of the majority of people in Coalville by voting against Asda coming to Coalville.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “The meeting was attended by a vast number of local people who supported Asda for Coaville. The Tories made it clear one by one that they were not going to listen to the local people. They blatantly ignored their wishes and showed their complete contempt for local people by supporting the Tesco proposal on Whitwick Road. The Tories have signed their own suicide note for the 2011 local election. The people of Coalville will never forgive, or forget this blatant and arrogant Conservative administration who have shown everyone they cannot be trusted.

One local said, “We kicked out the last arrogant lot for not listening, now we have this lot who have done exactly the same. When are they ever going to learn.”

Central Networks will be undertaking works to their power lines where they cross the Sharpley Avenue recreation ground on Sunday 20th September.

This will include cutting back or removing trees directly under the powers lines where they interfere with the cables and which they consider to be a safety risk.

County Councillor Michael Wyatt visited Coalville Fire Station to speak to the local commander, and to listen to any concerns they may have due to the possible re-organisation of some local fire stations in North West Leicestershire.

Cllr Wyatt is a member of the Leicestershire Combined Fire Authority. He, along with other members of the Authority will be voting later in the year on the proposed changes being put forward.

Michael said, “I would firstly like to express my thanks to the area commander for allowing me to visit Coalville Fire Station, and allowing me to gain valuable information into the workings of a fire officer. Its important for anyone who wishes to sit on the Fire Authority to clearly understand the issues.”

At the last Communities Scrutiny meeting Cllr Michael Wyatt confronted the Housing Chiefs with photographic evidence of council house repairs, which can only be described as disgraceful and beyond belief.

Cllr Wyatt attacked the appalling state of a council property, which was given to a new tenant. The property was passed after inspection saying it was suitable for habitation. Here are just some of the items found wrong with the property. New skirting not properly fixed, front window left with gaps in when shut, dripping radiators, front door with hole filled with polly filler. side window not fitted adequately. The list goes on.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “How can anyone be expected to live in an house, which is clearly unsafe and in such a shabby state. The only thing that can be done to rectify the problem is for someone to be given their P45. Its nothing but an absolute disgrace.”

At one stage the chairman tried but failed to keep Cllr Wyatt quiet. But Cllr Wyatt continued to pile on the pressure and said to the Chairman, “You can try and sensor me but members have a right to know how our money is being spent. This committee must have the right to know, and must be allowed to scrutinise whats happening.” At this stage Cllr Wyatt was allowed to question the Senior Officers who could not justify what had happened. All they could do is apologise.

Cllr Michael Wyatt moved a motion calling on the Cabinet to sack the Portfolio holder for Housing due to the continuing poor service being provided by the housing department. His motion did not get the backing of any other members on the committee who were mainly members of the ruling Party, the Conservative Party.

Members did however agree to the Portfolio Holder for Housing to be instructed to attend the next meeting of the Scrutiny Board so Cllr Wyatt and other members can question him on the awful condition council houses are being left.

We will keep you informed of any progress, and the date of the meeting when this item will be discussed in public. If you are a tenant and have experienced similar problems then please contact Michael on 07773341531.

Please take a look at the side of the wondow, gap letting in light. Window is supposed to be shut!

Check out the filler put on door. Would you accept this?

The CCTV for the Greenhill Estate is well on it’s way to be up and running within the next few weeks, which is currently being installed on Cropston Drive and Blackbrook Court.

Cllr Michael Wyatt the leading campaigner behind the idea of CCTV for the Greenhill Estate said, “I am delighted progress is being made. The bases have now been installed and it only a matter of weeks before the cameras will be up and running. Contrary to grossly inaccurate statements, and rumours from outsiders the CCTV has the full backing of local businesses and over 600 local residents who signed my petition. CCTV for the Estate will help to address some of the anti social behaviour problems around Cropston Drive, and Blackbrook Court. Once again we have managed to deliver another key election pledge.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today spoke to East Midlands Housing concerning local issues that have been given to him by local residents in areas owned by East Midlands Housing Association. He has been given assurance after speaking to a senior housing officer that the issues will be addressed and acted upon.

Michael said, “I will keep the local residents updated with any updates from the issues I have raised with the Housing officers. If the issues do not receive an adequate response then I can assure tenants that I will be asking further questions.”

At the Environment Scrutiny committee last Tuesday the Core Strategy was discussed. Labour and Conservative Councillors voted to support Cllr Michael Wyatt’s motion to urge the Officers and Cabinet members to take note of Councillors concerns over the potential destruction of our green wedge, and consider the impact any additional housing will have on our village boundaries in North West Leicestershire.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “At the meeting it was clear we all had grave concerns over the impact any additional housing will have on our villages and green wedge. I moved the motion so cabinet members and officers can see that our concerns are genuine and on this issue we speak as one. The impact on our villages and their boundaries must be carefully considered.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt today invited the Head of the Housing Department to visit a property just re-let to a local resident.

Today Cllr Michael Wyatt visited the property with the head of the housing department to show him the poor state of the house. Michael said, “I was so disgusted with the condition of the house that I contacted the head of the housing department to make them aware of the condition, and ask him to see for himself the disgraceful state it as been left. The workmanship to the replacement a window, front door, skirting and other repairs done within the property is nothing more than a shambolic mess. Tenants should not have to put up with such a poor and disgraceful service from this Conservative Controlled District Council. The Tory bosses need to apologise and admit their failures for not providing a good standard. Clearly there needs to be an urgent review into re-letting council properties.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has asked the council to report this matter to the relevant committee so members can see for themselves the condition of the re-let of Council properties.

Michael has been pushing for many years for the standard of the council properties to improve. Michael and his colleagues are fully committed to this, and will continue to push hard for greater improvements.

County Councillor Michael Wyatt has today been informed that the old Forest Way School site will be put forward as surplus to requirement, meaning the site will be up for sale for possible residential use.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I have been urging the County Council to dispose of this site for some time. It needs to be sold as soon as possible. I have also informed them that any sale of the land for additional residential dwellings must include a condition on the developer to install road calming measures along Waterworks Road, which is becoming an ever increasing concern to local residents.”

Any new information relating to this issue will be updated on this website.

Every care home run by County Hall could be sold off in a bid to save money.

Leicestershire County Council said nothing could be ruled out after a consortium pulled out of plans to buy six of its 10 homes last month. The county council wanted to transfer those homes to the private sector to save £650,000 a year in running costs. The proposal included the promise of up to four new large sheltered housing projects, known as extra care schemes, in the county.

Around 200 people use or live in the 10 homes which are spread across Leicestershire’s districts.

County Councillor Michael Wyatt said, “Once again the future of Tillson House in Coalville may be under threat. It’s nothing but a disgrace. The Tories have once again shown they inability to get their act together. All they have done is created undue stress for many families who use the current service.”

Councillor Michael Wyatt will report back when more information is available.

The District Council have started to issue letters to residents warning them not to park on grass verges in local area. Many residents have complained about this growing problem.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “People who park on grass verges need to realise they are breaking the law. Action is being taken against those who continue to park on grass verges. If anyone knows of a parked vehicle on a grassed verge please let us know and we will make sure the council are made aware of the problem. I would urge local residents to avoid parking on any grass verges so they do not fall foul of a letter or even a possible fine.”

Thank you to everyone who contacted us today concerning the signs around the junctions of Cropston Drive, Meadow Lane Cross Roads and Waterworks Road advertising a carpet sale this Thursday. The Council’s planning enforcement team contacted the organisers who were instructed to remove all signs in the local area.

Permission must be obtained by any organisation or business who wishes to display any signs on our highways, or face a possible fine.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “This evening the signs were removed. It’s not acceptable for anyone to install signs at any junction, especially Meadow Lane Cross Road, which is an accident waiting to happen. The last things drivers need is another distraction.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has been contacted by residents on Kenmore Estate asking for clarification concerning the rumour that only half of the footpaths are going to be resurfaced due to the County Highways not having enough money to finish the job. Michael Wyatt has today contacted the County Highways for clarification.

Michael said, “If this is true then its nothing but a total disgrace. How can they just do half a job. I can assure local residents that I will be making it known that this sought of second rate service is unacceptable.”

Michael will report back when more information is made available by the County Highways.

Cllr Michael Wyatt last night welcomed a report to one of the Scutiny meetings agreeing to Michael’s request for the Council to take action against council tenants who fail to make sure their gardens are kept to a good standard.

Michael has been working hard over the past two years with officers to tackle this problem, which as been highlighted by many local residents who feel the council is failing to take the appropriate action by allowing a small minority to bring the area down.

Michael said, “I am delighted the council have agreed with me that enforcement action is needed against tenants who blatantly let their gardens become a complete mess. Hopefully over the summer we will be able to continue our crack down of tenants who show no signs of helping to keep their gardens tidy. I must stress that if for some reason they are unable to keep their garden tidy, for example; they are to frail, or disabled then the council can provide a service to help with cutting the grass and hedges.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt today organised a photo shoot for local people to show their support for ASDA in Coalville. Over 50 local residents turned out to send a strong message to the Council’s planning members and planning Officers that we want ASDA in Coalville.

Michael said, “I would like to thank everyone for their support. I can now report that after today’s event we have collected over 1000 signatures supporting ASDA in Coalville. I only hope that the Councillors on the planning committee listen to the local people, and do not ignore the local residents support for ASDA, which will bring local jobs for local people to Coalville.”

If you have not yet signed the petition please visit www.campaigns.libdems.org.uk/asdaincoalville or you can go into alisons cafe on the High Street in Coalville, opposite Coalville Library.

In the local press it has been reported that traffic lights will soon be installed at the junction of Meadow Lane, Blackwood and Hall Lane. Cllr Michael Wyatt has today spoken to officers at County Hall and they have confirmed that their are NO plans to install lights at the junction.

Michael said, “After reading the report in the local press I contacted County Hall immediately for clarification. I have been informed by several officers, including Mr Warrington, the officer who presented a report at the highway forum meeting early this year, after I had represented a petition asking for action at the junction, that unfortunately there are NO plans to install lights at the junction. I know this will be very disappointing news to many local residents, especially when we have been campaigning for over 12 years for action to be taken to install lights at the junction. I can assure everyone that I will continue to campaign for pedestrian crossings at this junction. I have asked the local press to clarify their story so local people are not misled in anyway.”

If any new information comes to light we can assure you that we will let you know as soon as possible.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has reported yet again the poor condition of Romans Crescent. Michael has already reported this road, and other roads in the area, which desperately needs attention.

Michael said, “It seems to me that the Tory Bosses need to get a grip and sort out our roads, which need urgent attention. They need to not only improve the footpaths, after decades of neglect by Labour, but also our roads, which have been left to deteriorate. It’s time we had a local County Councillor who want to improve the area, and understands the issues.”

Michael will keep you updated with any progress.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has asked the County Highways Officers to clarify if the whole Kenmore Estate footpaths are to be upgraded after Michael asked them to upgrade the footpaths several months ago. A number of streets off Kenmore Estate have been missed, which gives the impression they are not to be upgraded. Some of the footpaths off Kenmore Crescent are in a pretty bad state due to being neglected for over a decade.

Michael said, “We need clarification, we cannot let the County Council just upgrade the main road through the Estate when clearly some of the side streets are in an even worse state. I will report back as soon as I have a reply from the highway officers.”

Michael would like to thank the local residents who contact him concerning this issue.

Cllr Dominic McGill reported in our regular focuses over a year ago that your local Liberal Democrat Cllrs had requested the need for metal railings to be installed outside Warren Hills School due to concerns express by parents.

We are delighted to report that the county highways have installed the new railings due to pressure by parents who handed in a petition, and your local Liberal Democrat Councillors who asked for action over 12 months ago. Sadly Labour are trying to jump on the bandwagon, I suppose we should expect this, especially when it’s election time!

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s great news for the parents and children who use the school. Safety of the children must always be a priority. It’s a shame they didn’t install the railings years ago.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has asked the county highways to improve the footpaths around Sharpley Avenue.

Michael said, “We have had no improvements to our footpaths for over 20 years. I approached the county highways several weeks ago for action. I am delighted to report today they have started the work.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today launched an online petition calling upon the District Council planning officers, and elected members to back ASDA’s planning application in Coalville. Michael said, “I have spoken to many local residents who have voiced their anger at the council for not allowing ASDA to build in Coalville. It’s time the people were given the chance to send a clear message to the Conservative Bosses that we support ASDA coming to Coalville, and we want them to stop delaying this planning application, which will clean up one of dirtiest areas left in Coalville, and bring an additional 400 jobs to the area.”

To sign Michael’s petition click on the below link.

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

Once again the owners of Greenhill Farm have submitted a planning application for the change of use of land from agricultural to domestic. The planning application reference number is 09/00371/CLE.

If anyone objects to the application please send in your objections to :Development control North West leics District Council. Alternatively you can send an e-mail to: development.control@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s important local residents once again looks very carefully at this application. Any change of use can lead to other things in the future. If like me you object to this application please make sure your objections are sent in as soon as possible.”

Over the past few weeks many local residents in the Greenhill Ward have had an environmental survey asking local residents their views on the several projects your local Councillors are planning for the area.

Cllr Dominic McGill said, “We have had a massive response. It’s been one of the best responses we have ever had. What is clear from the findings of the survey, is that you agree with us that we have made a good start in tackling the years of neglect left by the previous Labour administration.

Over the next few weeks we are hopeful that the area will start to see even more improvements to the area. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who responded to this very valuable consultation exercise.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has been contacted by local residents on the Staples Drive, Harker Drive Estate concerning the condition of the roads. Even though building has now been completed the roads have still not had their top surface applied. Flooding is also becoming an issue due to the drains being higher than the current road surface.

Michael has already been in contact with the builders Persimmons. Cllr Wyatt spoke to the Managing Director this morning who assured him that they will be tarmacing and finishing off the block paving within the next 5 weeks. The company did confirm that they have recieved a number of complaints, but they are hopeful that the work will start very soon.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I am delighted that Persimmons are finally going to finish off the work. Once the work as been completed then hopefully we can have the area adopted so the County Council can take on the repsonsibility for the roads, footpaths and lighting. I can assure local residents that I will be keeping an eye of this issue to make sure they do not go back on their word to have the work completed by June.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today requested that the litter bin on Bardon Road be replaced after it was set on fire deliberately. Michael has already had a response from the council saying the bin will be replaced and the area cleaned within the next few days.

Cllr Michael Wyatt would like to thank the local residents who contacted him concerning this issue. If there is any other local issue you wish Michael to help with then, please do not hesitate to contact him on 07773341531 or mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk

Your local Cllrs have today received notification of a planning application for a phone mast and associated equipment for the Blackwood Cricket Grounds. The planning application number is 09/00350/T56, which can be viewed on the District Councils Website.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “Once again we have another planning application for a phone mast. There is already a phone mast on the cricket ground. The question local residents need to consider is, are we happy for them to have another phone mast?

If you object to another phone mast being installed on the Blackwood Cricket Grounds then you must send in your objections to the below address. Please make sure any letter or e-mail you send clearly states the planning application number, which is 09/00350/T56.”

Development Control
North West Leics District Council Planning Department
Whitwick Road
Coalville
Leics LE67 3FJ

E-mails objecting to the planning application can also be sent to : development.control@nwleicestershire.gov.uk.

Thank you to the local residents who contacted us concerning the grass verge on Clarence Drive, which has been missed by the grass cutting team.

Cllr Michael Wyatt will be in contact with the County Highways next week to ask for the grass verge to be cut as soon as possible. Michael said, “The last thing we want is another mess like last year where many grass verges became a total mess. Thank you to the residents who brought this to our attention.”

If you know of any grass verge you think as been missed by the grass cutting team then contact Michael on mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk or contact him on 07773341531.

Leicestershire County Council staff earning more than £100,000, their salary last year and the percentage increase.

John Sinnott, Chief Executive, salary £186,129, an increase of 1%.
Brian Roberts, Director of Resources, salary £135,376, an increase of 14.2%.
Gareth Williams, Director of Children’s Services, £127,487, an increase of 9.2%.
Matthew Lugg, Director of Waste Management, £118,606, +12.9%.
Connell, Director of Adult Social Care, £118,174, joined in 2007/2008.
Alan Morrison, Director of Community Services, £114,455, +4.2%.
Elizabeth McCalla, County Solicitor, £111,491 +3.4%

This information was obtained from the Leicester Mercury. Figures relating to North West Leicestershire are still to be published.

What do you think about the amount Officers are being paid? Do we get value for money, are we paying them to much. You decide!

Cllr Michael Wyatt will be launching a logo competition for the Greenhill Ward in the near future, which is being supported by the local schools. The idea is for someone to come up with a symbol, which best represent the Greenhill ward.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has already secured the support from Bardon Aggregates who has donated one of the prizes for the winner of the competition.

Michael said, “The idea behind this competition is to get local children to design a logo for the Greenhill Ward. Nearly every other Village or Parish in North West Leicestershire has a logo, sign or sculpture, which welcomes, or proudly represents their local area. What I am trying to achieve is to give local residents in Greenhill area a sense of pride and belonging.

People need to realise that the Greenhill Ward is bigger than they think. The area the Ward covers consists of Oaks In Charnwood, Broom Leys, Meadow Lane, Kenmore Estate, Agar Nook Estate and the Greenhill Estate. Having this competition will hopefully go some way to improving our image, and help to celebrate the good things about the Greenhill Ward.”

More details about the competition will be published very soon.

The District Council have informed the local councillors for the Greenhill Ward that work to install the CCTV cameras on the Greenhill Estate will start within the next few weeks.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “We have been fighting for a number of years to get CCTV for the Estate to help tackle the anti social behaviour, and allow local residents to gain back their confidence in going out in the evening without the fear of being attacked. Hopefully the cameras will be up and running soon, which will help to target anyone causing trouble on the Estate.”

Thousands more new homes may have to be built in the county if plans for an eco-town on the edge of Leicester are rejected. Housing Minister Margaret Beckett has admitted the Government would consider land around Coalville for extra homes to ensure its housing targets are hit during the next 20 years.

Plans to build a series of eco-towns across the country were announced in 2007 as a solution to reduce housing shortages. However, Mrs Beckett says other options cannot be ruled out if they are to tackle the issue.

Cllr Michael Wyatt a leading campaigner against the additional housing in Coalville is outraged at the Ministers suggestion that Coalville should take the extra housing if the eco town is not allowed to go ahead. Cllr Michael Wyatt is also angry at a Conservative Councillors comments that Coalville should be the location for the bulk of the additional housing for Leicestershire due to the road network in the area.

Michael said, “Is the Labour Goverment going to punish the people of Coalville with an extra 15,000 houses on top of what we already have to provide? I think the people of Coalville deserve urgent answers to these concerns. This is nothing but an absolute disgrace.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has successfully finalised putting together a number of environmental projects with the support of Bardon Aggregates the District Council, local charity groups, and local residents.

The first project will be started within the next few weeks, which will see a massive improvement to the Greenhill ward. Michael has managed to put together a two year rolling programme of environmental initiatives with his colleagues Cllr Julie Roberts and Cllr Dominic McGill.

Michael commenting said, “One of our key election pledges two years ago to the people of the Greenhill ward was to work hard to improve the area in which we live. We have managed to put together another set of projects, which will affect all areas within the Greenhill ward. Over the next few weeks we will be consulting local residents on our plans for the area. Hopefully this year we will finally start to see a real improvement to the area. Already we have showed that by working in partnership many things can be achieved to improve the local area. You only have to look at the new footpath across Cropston Drive, or the new play area off Blackbrook Court to see the difference we have made locally.”

If you would like to get involved or would like more information about the forthcoming environmental projects being put forward then send Michael an e-mail asking for more information to: mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk

The District council provide green bins for our garden waste. Many local residents are finding it hard to dispose of their garden waste due to some residents having one of the smaller bins. Residents can either replace their 140 litre bin for a 240 litre bin or they can have an additional 140 litre bin, whichever is their preference. There is no charge.

Cllr Dominic McGill said, “If you need a larger garden waste bin then call 454545 and speak to a member of the customer service centre who will take your details.”

Over 400 local people have signed a petition against plans to include land off Greenhill Road for housing. Monday 23rd March is the deadline for any objections or comments concerning the development plan. Local Councillors along with local residents have campaigned against the inclusion of land off Greenhill Farm being included in the final draft, which will be put forward by the officers in the coming months for a further consultation exercise.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “The support we have had has been amazing. Over 400 have signed the petition, and over 200 sent letters to the Leader of the council urging him to support our campaign to stop this proposal, which would destroy large parts of our open countryside. Please make sure your views are known, the deadline is 5pm 23rd March.”

Local residents along with Cllr Michael Wyatt delivered over 200 signed letters addressed to the Leader of the Council, urging him to back their campaign to stop land off Greenhill Road being included in the plan for the additional 9000 houses earmarked for Coalville.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “If the Greenhill Farm Development was included in the plan we would see large areas of our countryside devastated. This site cannot and must not be allowed to be used for any new housing development. Over 85% of local residents have taken the time to express their views. I only hope that the council listen to their concerns and agree with us that this site should not be included in the development plan.”

Michael has given his assurance that he will make sure when the final report is published all local residents are given a chance to have their say.

Michael would like to take this opportunity to thank all the local residents who have signed the petition and letter, but he would like to especially thank Ian Strickley and Jonathan Ball for their help and support in delivering the leaflets to local residents.

The Bardon Liberal Democrat Focus Team would like to thank everyone who have returned their survey forms. Due to the overwhelming response Cllr Michael Wyatt will be making sure that everyone who took the time to return their surveys will within the next week receive a response to their concerns, and issues they have highlighted that needs attention. Michael has already started to tackle some of the issues, which have been brought to his attention.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “The response was fantastic. I will be responding to everyone who returned their surveys back to me with their comments. Its clear that many local residents are delighted to be kept upto date regularly with a focus newsletter. We are determined to make sure you are given a voice, a voice which will be heard at all levels. Once again thank you.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has been discussing potential environmental projects for the Greenhill Ward, which will see many issues being tackled by working in partnership with local businesses, local residents and the local council to help improve the local area.

Michael has put forward several projects for consideration so far the council have agreed to support them all. Michael has also managed to secure external funding, which will allow even more to be done.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “What I have done is produce a two year rolling programme of environmental improvements, which will have a massive affect on the environment of the local area. I am determined to put back the ‘Green back into Greenhill’. I have got the support of the local council, local businesses and local residents to push forward with my plans to improve our environment. Hopefully by May everyone will start to see a real difference to the area in which we all live.”

If you would like to know more about the potential projects or would like to help in anyway to improve the local area please send an e-mail to mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk

Liberal Democrats in Newhaven have been fighting very hard for the past 5 years to stop an incinerator being built in their local area. Today its been reported that the Environment Agency has given the green light for the incinerator to be built, even though thousands of local residents have opposed such a facility being developed in the local area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt who is leading the fight against the Conservative plans for a similiar waste disposal facility in Bardon said, “Its very important we do not take our eye of the ball. Up and down the country more and more incinerators are being given the green light to burn our waste. Its outrageous that such schemes are being considered when clearly they have not exhausted all avenues of recycling. Local residents in Bardon and Greenhill need to be concerned that more and more incinerators are being given the go ahead. I can give everyone my assurance that I will continue to fight very hard to convince the Tory Controlled County Council to drop their plans for an incinerator in Bardon. What we want is more investment into recycling our waste, not burning it and polluting our local environment with toxic waste.”

Exemption Service

Disabled, elderly or other immobilised residents who are unable to move their wheelie bins can arrange for the bin to be collected from their property by contacting the Refuse Section.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “If you are unable to move your bin contact the council and they will put your address on the list of households, which they can collect directly from your property. Please contact the waste management team on 01530 454572 for more details.”

Yet again the bus shelter on Greenhill Road has been targeted by vandals. Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “The Highways Officers have already stated that the bus shelter will now be fitted with alternative glass, which is vandal proof. Once the new glass is fitted to the bus shelter then we will not have to put up with this weekly disgraceful waste of taxpayers money.”.

Michael would like to thank the local residents who contact him this morning concerning the bus shelter.

Cllr Michael wyatt is questioning the validity of the Coalville Community Forum after reading that 18 members of staff and officials attended the last forum meeting at Castle Rock High School, but only 4 members of the public attended according to the official minutes published on the Community Forums website.

Cllr Wyatt said, “The main purpose of the Community Forum was to engage and discuss local issues concerning residents. I have attended one meeting and found the meeting a complete waste of time. The only people who seem to like the meetings are the councillors. It would be very interesting to know how much each meeting is costing, and how much we are having to pay officers to attend these seemingly wasteful meetings.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt will be writing to the County Council to find out how much each meeting is costing the taxpayer.

North West Leicestershire is issuing a reminder that consultation on the Core Strategy for the future development of North West Leicestershire will close at 5pm on Monday 23rd March 2009. This follows four months of public consultation.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Its very important people send in their comments on the proposed plans for North West Leicestershire. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has so far sent in their views, especially those who have joined our campaign to stop the proposed development off Greenhill Road, which would be a disaster to the area. At least an extra 500 vehicles would be forced onto our roads, and the site in question would also see large area’s of our countryside destroyed for ever. Please make sure you have your say.”

Thanks to the District Council the footpath has now been cleared of most of the rubbish along the footpath off Brooker Close, Page Close and Waterworks Road. This morning Cllr Michael Wyatt spoke to the workers clearing the footpath and thanked them for their prompt response to help clear the footpath.

Michael has also asked the council to see if they can install a litter bin near to the footpath, off Waterworks Road to help provide somewhere for people to get rid of their litter, instead of just chucking it on the ground.

Michael would like to take this opportunity to thank the local residents who contacted him over this issue.

Mowers fitted with satellite technology are being introduced by Leicestershire County Council. It is hoped the GPS devices will enable the council to monitor performance more easily and keep track of how the mowers are being used.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “After last years grass cutting fiasco im sure they are eager not to repeat the same mistakes”.

The cost to the taxpayer is more than £1m, 14 ride-on mowers, five tractors and more than 30 staff will be deployed by the authority the County Council this year. The new machinery will come into use on 16 March, the council said.

Thank you to the local residents who have contacted the Lib Dem Team concerning the broken glass on waterworks Road, near to the derelict Forest Way School. The glass has been reported and will be clean up within the next few days.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any other issue you wish to bring to our attention.

Update - The glass has now been cleaned up, another local issue sorted by your Lib Dem Team.

Hundreds of local residents turned out last night at the LDF meeting held at King Edward VII Community College, to express their objections to the potential allocation of over 9000 new houses being built in the Coalville area. Many local residents voiced their anger at the proposed sites, which would see many of new houses being built on our greenfield sites.

Both Labour and the Tories tried to hand out leaflets blaming each other, but when residents started to express their anger both Labour and Tory activists realised that the crowd was not prepared to listen to the blame game. All they wanted was the officers to go back to the drawing board and come up with an alternative scheme, which will safe our green wedges, and stop the doubling of Coalville, which would clearly destroy the identity of many local communities.

Cllr Michael Wyatt who attended the meeting said, “It was a fantastic show of people power. The people of Coalville have finally snapped. The last time I have ever seen such a show of force was when I attended a meeting many many years ago when we was campaigning against the Poll Tax. Yesterday evening made me proud to be a coalvillian. I only hope the officers and Tory councillors at the meeting take on board what was said by the local residents. I along with my colleagues will certainly be voting against any recommendation, which proposes the destruction of our greenfield sites, and destroys the already fragile community identities, which many cherish.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has been asked by many local parents in the area to help tackle the danger some drivers are causing outside Broom Leys School by parking dangerously at the junctions, and parking on the footpath where pedestrians are trying to walk.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today written to the Police Inspector asking for action to be taken to issue tickets to drivers parking illegally, and parking on the footpath. Michael said, “I have received a reply already from Inspector Brown from the local Police. He assures me that action will be taken.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has also requested officers to look an putting double yellow lines near to the junction of Northfield Drive/ Greenhill Road to help make the area safer.

Michael would like to thank all the parents who have contacted him.

Cllr Michael Wyatt your Local Lib Dem Councillor has today reported Blackwood to the highways officers for repair. Local residents contact Michael to ask for action to be taken to repair the crumbling surface at the Junction with Greenhill Road.

Michael said, “Blackwood is one of many roads in the area that needs attention. Even our footpaths are becoming a total mess and need urgent attention.”

If your road/street or footpaths in your area needs attention then please send Cllr Michael Wyatt an e-mail with the name of the road or street in question. You can send your comments to mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk

At last nights full council budget meeting the Liberal Democrats put forward their alternative budget, which proposed no increase in council.

Cllr Michael Wyatt had identified over £150,000 of waste, which could have been used to keep the council tax down to its lowest level for decades. The ruling Conservatives voted to increase the council tax even though many residents are struggling to pay their bills due to the recession.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Last nights meeting was once again another opportunity to cut thousands of pounds of taxpayers money, which is being wasted. Yet the Tories and Labour councillors, along with their BNP friends voted to increase the council tax by 2%. This budget is nothing more than a shameful slap in the face for every taxpayer in North West Leicestershire.

Its incredible that thousands of pounds of taxpayers money is being wasted, yet they continue to ignore this and act as if everything is ok. People are struggling the last thing they need is even more financial pressures on their income.”

Labour and Tory Councillors at last nights full council meeting put their heads in the sand and said that there was no complaints over the gritting service of our roads, footpaths and car parks, and voted against reviewing the service.

Cllr Michael Wyatt who put forward the a motion asking for a review of the service said, “I was absolutely amazed at the ignorance of Labour and Conservative Councillors who found it wrong to review the gritting service. Many people found themselves prisoners in their own homes.

This total contempt not to admit that the service needs improving is another clear indication that Labour and the Tories cannot be trusted. The Tories have only been in power for two years and already they are becoming arrogant. I alone have had over 15 complaints, and my colleagues Julie and Dominic, also received a large number of residents asking for action to improve the service.”

On Thursday the District Council will be deciding on their budget for 2009/10. Already the Conservative administration have decided that their proposed budget will be recommending an increase of 2% in our council tax.

Cllr Michael Wyatt your Liberal Democrat Councillor and group Leader of the Liberal Democrat members on the District Council will be putting forward an alternative budget, which will propose NO increase in Council Tax.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “We need to make sure we are doing everything we can to help everyone get through this recession. I have managed to put together a tough but workable budget, which will see no cuts in frontline services. I have also managed to put together a capital programme, which will see additional investment going into tackling the council’s ever increasing fuel bills, and reduce it’s carbon footprint by investing in alternative energy. I have also managed to find additional finances within the budget to meet the council’s legal requirement to allow better access for the disabled in all Council owned buildings.

I have been through the budget very carefully and found nearly £200,000 of taxpayers money, which we can re-direct for better use, and at the same time see no increase in council tax. People are struggling to pay their bills, we need to help in anyway we can. My budget is about keeping costs down, but at the same time investing wisely and making sure frontline services are protected.”

Cllr Julie Roberts has asked the council to plant trees around the boundary of the Greenhill Playing Field after a request from local residents for more trees in the area to help off set their local carbon footprint.

Cllr Roberts said, “The idea of planting more trees is to make the area greener, and help towards cutting our carbon footprint. We have many areas, which we can utilies to help improve our environment. The Greenhill Playing Field project will hopefully be started this Autumn with the help of local school children from Broom Leys.”

Another Environmental project from your Lib Dem Team to help improve the area after years of Labour neglect.

Cllr Michael Wyatt asked the council to fill in the pot holes on the service road off Cropston Drive on Wednesday of this week . By Thursday workmen had already started to fill them in.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I would like to say thank you to the local residents along Cropston Drive who contact us concerning this issue. I am delighted to be able to report that most of the work will be completed by the weekend.”

Yet again another reason why more and more local people are supporting the Liberal Democrats in Greenhill. Liberal Democrats cleaning up years of neglect by Labour

Cllr Michael Wyatt held a public meeting concerning the local development plan for the Bardon Ward. Over 70 local residents turned out to discuss the plan up for consideration. Over 4000 new houses are earmarked for the Bardon area. Cllr Michael Wyatt organised this meeting after many residents approached him over their concerns.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I was delighted to see so many local residents took the time to have their say on the local development plan. I would like to thank everyone for coming along. It’s important that local residents are given an opportunity to see the proposal for themselves. It’s also very important people send in their concerns to the council.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt the Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the District Council has today submitted a motion to full council concerning the problems expressed by local residents over the lack of gritting of our roads, footpaths and car parks. the motion will be debated on the 26th February.

Many angry residents have contacted their local Lib Dem Councillors over the gritting service. They have asked for the service to be looked at, to see how it can be improved. Having such a review will allow the District and County Council to look at the problems of the removal of snow and the gritting of our roads and footpaths.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s important we have a review of the gritting service. There are lessons to be learnt, and simple changes can be implement to make sure we provide a proper response that is required. Having a review will identify our weaknesses, which we can hopefully address.”

Motion to full council

Due to concerns expressed by many local residents within North West Leicestershire over the gritting of our roads, footpaths and car parks, members call upon the officers of the District to review our procedures and submit a report to the relevant scrutiny committee for consideration. We also call upon the County Council to consider reviewing their procedures for gritting, due to the County Council’s Highways Authority being responsible for the gritting of our roads.

Proposed by Cllr Michael Wyatt

Cllr Michael Wyatt has requested a litter pick along Waterworks Road and Cropston Drive due to complaints from local residents concerning the amount of litter around the area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I have asked the council to do a litter pick along Cropston Drive and waterworks Road. The amount of litter is becoming a problem and needs to be addressed. I am hopeful that the litter pick will be done within the next few days or so.”

If you are suffering from litter problems in your street then please let Cllr Michael Wyatt know by contacting him on 07773341531 or e-mail him on mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk or click on the ‘report a problem’ link.

Local residents on Bardon Close have complained bitterly about their footpaths not being treated after two weeks of snow and icey weather conditions. Cllr Wyatt has already asked for a review of the gritting service, which other local authorities in Leicestershire are now supporting.

Cllr Wyatt said, “Some of our pensioners are feeling like prisoners in their own homes. Even though its been two weeks since the cold snap began many of our footpaths are still in a very dangerous state.

I will be asking the council to make sure this does not happen again. The Conservative District and County Council should of made a better job of gritting our footpaths and roads. Instead of making sure our footpaths and roads were safe they shut up shop and closed. Know wonder more and more people are expressing their disgust and anger about the continuing poor service.”

Liberal Democrats in North West Leicestershire have welcomed the Conservatives plan to drop their plans for a huge hike in home care charges for Leicestershire’s pensioners. Tory bosses had planned an inflation-busting 5% rise in care charges this year but they have quietly dropped these plans after Lib Dems launched a campaign condemning them.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “I’m delighted for people who will not have to pay these increased charges at a time when everyone is feeling the pinch, but the total increase over the life of this Conservative administration is still scandalous.”

“The hourly rise during the life of the present Council will be an extra £2.60 per hour - 43% in four years! The maximum weekly charge has more than trebled.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt told officers at last nights meeting of the environment scrutiny meeting that the local development framework is becoming an embarrassment. Cllr Wyatt also asked for the maps to be updated due to area’s being highlighted for development, which is not supposed to be highlighted, but officers said it would be more confusing if this was done.

Cllr Wyatt said, “I cannot believe the officers are reluctant to change the maps when clearly the area’s highlighted like the Sharpley Ave playing fields and the Rugby club are not supposively up for discussion. How can anyone have any confidence in the process if officers are not prepared to publish the correct maps.”

Cllr Wyatt would like to urge residents to write to the Council chief planning officer Steve Bambrick objecting to the current published maps.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has been contacted by many local residents who have asked for action to be taken to tackle the growing problems of speeding along Bardon Road. Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Many residents are finding it difficult to pull out of their driveways or cross the road due to vehicles travelling above the speed limit.”

Cllr Wyatt would like to hear your views on the installation of camera’s along Bardon Road to help tackle the problems of speeding vehicles.

Please send your views to mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk

Local residents have been expressing their concerns over the disgraceful way the County Council are repairing our footpaths. Many are not getting done due to their policy of ‘if no one complains then we don’t do it’.

Many footpaths in the area which have had work done to them are already starting to deteriorate, and residents have highlighted the workmans failure to remove the weeds and grass growing on the footpaths before they put new tarmac down. Now the same weeds are growing through the tarmac due to poor workmanship.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s going to be another fiasco. We’ve already seen the grass cutting service fiasco, now we are going to see our footpaths get a second rate makeover. It’s digusting, what a waste of taxpayers money. How can they justify just reparing half of the footpath like the one’s off Kenmore Crescent. It’s absolutely crazy. We deserve better than this.”

Cllr Wyatt would like to hear from you, if you have a footpath near you which needs attention. Please send your comments to mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk

Cllr Michael Wyatt has demanded action to be taken to address the rising cost of our leisure centres. At last night’s scrutiny meeting at the council Cllr Michael Wyatt urged the officers to look at alternative ways of meeting the energy needs of our leisure centres. The committee agreed to Cllr Wyatt request and a report on this issue will be going to a future meeting for consideration.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s important we do everything we can to address the energy needs of our leisure centres. At the moment we have a massive overspend due to the rising cost of fuel. Hopefully by asking for this report the officers will start to take seriously the need to address not only the financial side but also the need to reduce our carbon footprint, which is supposed to be one of the council’s priorities.”

A petition with 125 signatures from Mr David Lloyd, Headteacher of Warren Hills Primary School will be presented to the County Highways meeting on Thursday. The petition is asking for railings to be fitted on Stamford Drive, outside Warren Hills Primary School.

Cllr Dominic McGill will also be writing a letter to the County Highways urging them to support the petition, which is backing his campaign he started over a year ago. Cllr Dominic McGill said, “I am delighted to see the school has organised a petition for the railings. I have been asking for railings to be installed for over a year. It’s time the County Council started to listen to our concerns. The last thing we want is a child getting hurt or even killed due to their failure to make the area safe.”

At last nights communities scrutiny meeting Cllr Michael Wyatt expressed his concerns to the Police Inspector over drug and alcohol related problems within the area.

Cllr Wyatt said, “Im very concerned at the lack of action being taken to tackle the selling and taking of drugs in the area. It seems to be on the increase and needs urgent attention. Im hopeful the Inspector listened to my concerns, and will take my comments back for consideration.”

Cllr Wyatt also expressed his support for further alcohol drinking bans, which the committee was informed will be coming into force this summer.

Cllr Michael Wyatt will be meeting a number of local businesses, voluntary groups and officers to see if he can secure their support for his idea of ‘Greenhill in Bloom’. Cllr Wyatt has already got the backing of many local residents who have indicated that they would like to take part, which will help to brighten up and improve the Greenhill Ward.

So far Michael has managed to secure new allotments for the area, a new footpath along Cropston Drive / Greenhill Road, with the help and support of Bardon Aggregates who have helped to improve the local environment of the area.

If you would like to get invloved in the ‘Greenhill in Bloom’ or have any idea’s you wish to put forward to help Michael in his bid to clean up Greenhill then contact him on 07773341531 or you can e-mail him on mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk

Liberal Democrats Councillors in North West Leicestershire have expressed their disgust at the Tory controlled County Council plans to impose a massive rise in care charges.

Conservative run Leicestershire County Council are proposing to increase the charges for pensioners care from £8.80 to £9.20, a rise of 5%. This will mean that since 2005/6 charges for pensioners care will have risen by nearly 50%.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Julie Roberts said “Conservative bosses at County Hall are hitting some of the most vulnerable local people.
Pensioners who are already struggling to meet the massive increases in fuel and food prices now face big rises in their care charges. This clearly shows us that once again the Tory Bosses at County hall do not care about our pensioners.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt is urging members of the public to complain to the County Council concerning the inadequate service for gritting our roads around the Coalville area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Today I have complained to the County Council about the service for gritting our roads. It’s simply not good enough. Making our roads safe should be their number one priority. It’s time we made it clear to the County Council Highways Officers that enough is enough.”

“The freephone number to complain about the gritting service is 0800 096 8116. When your call is answered tell them you wish to complain about the gritting service. They will try and put you off, but stand firm and demand your complaint be logged. It’s simply not good enough. We pay our council tax so let’s start making sure they deliver the service we need and expect.”

The Conservative controlled District Council have now agreed to extend the deadline of the consultation for the development plan after Cllr Michael Wyatt demanded it be extended after many residents complained about not being able to have a proper say on the potential sites being earmarked for housing in the local area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I am delighted the officers have taken the decision to extend the deadline. I only hope they can get their act together and make sure the plans are updated, and proper venues are booked, which will allow local residents an opportunity to express their concerns.”

A meeting organised by the council concerning the development framework will be taking place at King Edward VII Community College on March 4th from 6.30pm - 9pm.

Liberal Democrats in North West Leicestershire have launched a petition calling on the Government and Regional Assembly to reduce the number of Houses and Travellers site being imposed on North West Leicestershire.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said “North West Leicestershire is being asked to build far more houses than many other local councils. North West Leicestershire is also being expected to find more sites for Travellers.

“The Government and Conservative dominated Regional Assembly are treating people in North West Leicestershire with utter contempt. Such large amounts of housing will destroy any identity our local communities have. I urge local people to sign the petition for a fairer deal for North West Leicestershire.”

North West Leicestershire is being asked by the government and Regional Assembly to allocate enough land for an extra 12,000+ new houses, and find permanent Travellers sites.

click here to sign our petition for a fairer deal: http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/fairerdealfornwleics

Following the announcement that the Conservative County Council Administration is considering a reduction in Council Tax rises from 3.5% to 2.9%. Michael Wyatt Leader of the District Council Liberal Democrat Group has attacked the proposals as ‘Tory Hypocricy and a cynical political gimmick’

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I think it’s time the people realised what the Tories are really like at County Hall. They waste thousands, which could be cut to help keep down the council tax. They have failed to cut our grass verges properly while trying to save money, they have failed to repair our footpaths due to trying to save money, and now they are trying to tell us they are concerned about their proposed increase due to the recession.

Why should the Leader of the County Council have a Limo and a driver? This sort of waste should not be tolerated. The simple message to the Tories at County Hall is, wake up and stop wasting our money, and spending money on massaging your ego’s.”

Remember this - Summer 2008 grass verges uncut!

The Council Office will be closed from the public at 12 noon today (Monday 2nd February). The Offices will be closed all day on Tuesday 3rd February and will open as usual on Wednesday 4th February.

Refuse collections Refuse collections will be suspended on Tuesday 3rd February. A replacement service will take place on Monday 9th February. At this point it is expected that refuse collections will continue as normal from Wednesday 4th February.

Emergency housing call-outs will still be covered. Please call 01530 454789 for urgent works only.

The drop-in session being organised by the council regarding the Local Development Framework’s Core Strategy, due to be held at the Hermitage Leisure Centre in Whitwick tonight, has been cancelled due to the bad weather.

Reports have it two youths were arrested at the weekend for the damage done to the Bus Shelter on Cropston Drive. Many thanks for everyone who contacted us. I only hope these yobs get prosecuted and given the bill to repair the damage they created.

Thank you to everyone who turned up this morning at one of the proposed area’s being considered for the development plan, which could see over 250 houses being built on open countryside, right next to the Charnwood Forest. Over 50 people turned out in the bitter cold to show their support in trying to stop officers allowing any development on land off Greenhill Road.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I am delighted that so many local residents came out to support us in trying to convince the District Council planning officers that the site off Greenhill Road should not be considered for housing, or any other development. The impact on our countryside, and the additional traffic would be hugely damaging. We are determined to make sure that this site is removed from the list of potential sites. By standing together I believe we can put forward a good argument against this site being developed.”

Thank you to all the local residents who have contacted Cllr Michael Wyatt concerning the Bus Shelter on Cropston Drive. The repair team will not be on site until Monday, but Cllr Wyatt will make sure it is repaired as soon as possible.

Cllr Michael Wyatt will also be asking if there is an alternative they can use to replace the glass, due to it being the fifth time the bus shelter has been vandalised within four months.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “When the CCTV camera’s are in place the bus shelters will be covered so we should be able to crack down hard on the yobs who keep wasting council tax payers money on their stupidity.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today called on the Tory Leader of the Council to get a grip over the development framework plan for North West Leicestershire. On Monday the Council officers cancelled a meeting due to large numbers of people wanting to take part in the consultation process, which made the council look incompetent and stupid.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today called on the council to get a grip, and Michael has demanded they extend to deadline for the public consultation so more people can have a proper say over the future of the location of 12,000 additional houses in the area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s a total embarrassment. The Tory Bosses need to get a grip and allow local people a proper say on this development plan. If they are not up to the job then they need to say so. The Tory administration has made themselves the laughing stock of North West Leicestershire. Many people feel angry and frustrated that they are not being properly consulted.”

On the left hand side there is a question concerning council tax. No one likes the council tax system but this is the system we have. This year the Conservative group running the council are looking to impose a 2% increase on our council tax. We want to give an opportunity to have your say on what they are putting forward, and how much you think the council tax should or should not increase. Please take a few minutes and send us your views.

Cllr Michael Wyatt, Liberal Democrat Leader of the Liberal Democrat District Council group will be announcing their proposed budget within the next week.

Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting concerning the potential inclusion of land off Greenhill Road into the development plan, which is currently being considered by the District Council.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I was delighted to see so many local residents turn up to discuss the potential sites. It clear that people are very angry that the Tory Bosses are forcing the majority of new houses into the Coalville area. They are also very angry that the council’s own consultation process is becoming a total farce.”

Cllr Wyatt gave assurance to everyone at the meeting that he will continue to fight to have the Greenhill Farm development removed from the plans being considered.

The Liberal Democrats are considering putting forward an alternative budget for the District Council after speaking to many local residents who have said they are not happy with the current proposed budget being put forward by the current Conservative administration. Last year the Liberal Democrats put forward a robust and workable budget of only 1.5% council tax rise. The Conservatives failed to vote for the Lib Dem budget but voted for a 2% budget rise instead.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I have spoken to many local residents over the passed several weeks, and listened very carefully to their concerns. Nearly everyone I have spoken to have said they are very angry to see any increase in their council tax.

This year is going to be a very difficult year, but scrutinising the budget in greater detail has highlighted a number of area’s, which could see potential savings being made. I will be publishing our alternative budget within the next week for public scrutiny and comments.” 

North West Leicestershire District Council has accepted a report from its Environmental Scrutiny Committee to extend, improve and further promote the recycling services it offers residents, communities and businesses in the District.

The report, accepted by Cabinet at the end of 2008, highlights the need to extend recycling services to include trade waste and for schools not covered by the County Council. It also recommends a trial of street recycling. Kerbside collection of batteries, an extension of the pilot currently taking place in Agar Nook and Greenhill, is also being considered.

Cllr Michael Wyatt, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Greenhill and Chairman of the Recycling working Party who agreed with the recommendations being put forward welcomed the decision by the Cabinet to support the idea’s put forward by the members of the committee.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I am very passionate about recycling, and improving the service that is currently being offered. We need to not only increase our recycling figures but also provide an even better service, which gives even more opportunities for the council to stop the ever increasing amount of rubbish going to landfill.”

Online Petition against Greenhill Farm Proposed Development. If you have not already signed Cllr Michael Wyatt’s petition then please click on the below link, which will allow you to sign a online petition against the proposed development off Greenhill Road. 

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

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today announced he will be holding a further meeting on Wednesday 28th January from 7pm at the Hall Lane Methodist Chruch near to the Rugby Club entrance, for residents of the local area to discuss the potential plans for additional housing in the Greenhill Ward. Invites to local residents have already started to be delivered.

The Council are looking to allow a Greenfield site off Greenhill Road to be included in the development plan, which if passed would allow over 250 new houses to be built. So far over 300 local residents have signed Cllr Michael Wyatt’s petition urging the Tory Bosses at the District Council not to include Greenhill Farm in any plans for additional housing in the area.

Please make sure you bring along your invitation due to limited space. Only local residents with their invites will be permitted to attend, and you will be asked to give your name and address on entry.

 Well Families Clinic will be held at Agar Nook Community Centre, Belgrave Close, Agar Nook, Coalville on Wednesday 28th January from 11am until 1pm.

Organised by North West Leicestershire District Council, this drop-in clinic offers free blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes tests and health, diet and exercise advice. The Council’s Early Years Physical Activity Specialist will be organising activities for children aged two and upwards. Everyone attending will also receive a free pedometer.

Thank you  to all the local residents who contacted us yesterday concerning the Bus Shelter on Greenhill Road. Yet again it has been subjected to attacks from vandals. The broken glass has now been cleaned up, and hopefully on Monday the shelter will be repaired.

A Labour County Councillor has been given the Porky Pie of the year award. According to Labour’s first leaflet in many many years in the Greenhill area the Blackbrook play area would not of happened without his signature to gain funding for the new play equipment, which in fact is totally untrue, and he ensured the play equipment was installed at Blackbrook Court, which is lie number two! This really does deserve the Porky Pie of the year. There’s lies, damn lies and Labour Lies.

The truth is the play area was always going to be installed at the blackbrook court area, it was an update to the already installed equipment some years ago. The play facilities behind the youth centre did happen and will continue to have the support of the council and local Liberal Democrat Councillors, and the children who use it. Yet again Labour have failed to understand the issues, and cannot even get their facts right!

Will they never learn? why do Labour have to stoop to telling lies when clearly people know the truth. All they do is make themselves look stupid and out of touch. No wonder more and more people are turning away from labour!

Local Councillor Julie Roberts will be writing to all council tenants giving them an opportunity to have their say in shaping the forthcoming council housing works programme.

The Liberal Democrats have been told that they will be able to take an active part in helping to put together the works programme, which will hopefully start to address the need for more investment in our council housing stock.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “It’s really important our council tenants are able to participate in shaping the works programme. We will be writing to all of our tenants asking them for their opinions and views on what should be addressed first. The findings from our survey will be submitted to the housing department for them to see clearly what they want.”

So far the your local Liberal Democrat Cllrs have highlighted the need to address the outstanding issue of tenants who still do not have double glazing. On the Greenhill Estate there is still a number of properties without double glazing, which can help to cut the ever increasing fuel costs.

Liberal Democrat and the Independent councillors voted against the proposed rent rise of over 6% being put forward by the Conservative Controlled council.

The outrageous increase will hit the most vulnerable tenants who are not able to claim any help with the ever increasing financial pressures. Cllr Dominic McGill said, “We cannot support an increase in rents when the council are still dragging it’s feet over the refurbishment and upgrading of our council properties. This rent increase is a typical step by the Tories who clearly do not care about our tenants.”

At last night’s scrutiny council meeting Cllr Michael Wyatt asked the ruling group to consider investing in projects which will help to cut our increasing fuel bills. To date the council have seen a massive increase in their fuel bill due to the unstable oil price.

Cllr Wyatt’s idea of ‘invest to save’ will not only produce a financial net saving in the short term but it will also affect positively our long term financial stability. ‘invest and save’ will also cut our green house gas omissions being produced by the council, and it will help the council to meet their obligations to make efficiency savings set by central government.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “My aim is to get this council to stop talking about taking action to reduce our green houses gases but actually put in place the much needed investment which will help to address the growing expenditure on fuel. There are a number of other ways we can invest in technology, which will allow us to cut our fuel bills and drastically cut our green house gases.”

At the meeting members voted to allow Cllr Wyatt’s idea of ‘invest and save’ to go to cabinet for consideration.

Liberal Democrats making a real difference to North West Leicestershire.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has written to the Leader of the Council Richard Blunt to see if he would support Coalville in Bloom. Many local Authorities up and down the Country join the Britain in Bloom Competition each year, which allows the council to really help to brighten up their Towns and Villages.

Cllr Wyatt has so far received a positive response but is awaiting a formal response to his request.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It would be great to have Coalville in Bloom. This would be a great opportunity to really brighten up the area in which we all live, with not only flowers but a concentrated effort to work with local residents and tackle the litter problem. Hopefully the Leader with agree with us and allow Coalville to take part in this years competition.”

Your local Liberal Democrat Councillors will soon be inviting local residents affected by the Greenhill Farm proposal to a further meeting to discuss the latest developments, and how we can continue to highlight your concerns over any development of this site.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “We will be writing to all affected area’s inviting local residents to a meeting to discuss further what we need to do to convince the Tory controlled council not to include this proposed site in the development plan.”

At the last meeting organised by Cllr Michael Wyatt over 50 local residents attended. Please make sure your voice is heard by attending the next meeting. Further details of the meeting will be posted on this website.

Councillors Dominic McGill, Julie Roberts and Michael Wyatt would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Your Liberal Democrat Councillors would like to thank everyone for their support over the past year. So much as been achieved since 2003, when you first elected Liberal Democrats in Greenhill. You only have to walk around the area to see the difference.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “In 2009 we promise to continue to help improve the area, and work in partnership with those who genuinely want to see the area change for the better. We have worked very hard this year and many of you have contacted us to say you are delighted with the improvements. We could not of done this without your support and participation. Thank you and Merry Christmas.”

Over 300 local residents have signed a petition organised by local Lib Dem Cllrs calling on the District Council planners not to include Greenhill Farm in the new development plan being considered at the moment by the Council. The Council must find additional land for 12000 new houses to be built in North West Leicestershire.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “The support we have had from local residents has been fantastic. We are all opposed to any development on the Greenhill Road site. Such developments would have a devastating affect on our local environment and local infrastructure. We need to show the Officers that we will not tolerate any new housing development taking place on our open countryside.”

Thank you to everyone who has signed the petition. The petition will be delivered to the council by the end of the week.

Cllr Michael Wyatt met with local businessman Jay Kumar today to receive the signatures he had collected from his customers supporting the Lib Dem Campaign for CCTV camera’s near to the Greenhill Shops.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Jay has been a great help to our campaign for CCTV camera’s. We have managed to get the support of many local residents to join us in supporting our campaign. Our campaign was about taking action to help local businesses and local residents who feel to afraid to travel out in the late evening and night.”

We have been informed the CCTV will be installed within the next 4-6 months. Your Local Cllrs would like to say thank you to everyone who supported our campaign to make Greenhill a better and safer place to live.

More than 30 companies are interested in building a county waste treatment facility, which could include a controversial incinerator. They will now bid for the contract to divert about half Leicestershire’s rubbish away from landfill sites from 2015.

Leicestershire County Council has been courting companies for the past year to encourage them to bid for the contract. It has culminated in a bidders’ event at Loughborough University in October, attended by 48 companies.

A planning application for a site and the technology used will be submitted in April 2011, and, if approved, work would start in April 2012. Land in Bardon, which was bought by the council this year, would be offered to private companies for development. However, waste businesses would also have the choice of using Whetstone tip, or to come up with their own location.

The Conservative Bosses at County Hall found that the best option to reduce the rubbish it buries would be to incinerate it.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “The Conservative run County Council needs to realise that the local residents of Bardon DO NOT want a waste treatment site near to them. Any waste treatment site must be well away from residential area’s, and must NOT be an incinerator, which is one option being put forward by the Tory County Council. They need to invest in better recycling, not burn our waste and create toxic waste.”

Many thanks to everyone who has joined our campaign to convince the Tory Bosses to scrap any plans for an incinerator at Bardon. Please click on the link at the side to sign our petition.

Your local Liberal Democrat Councillors are delighted to announce that the council have secure additional finances for CCTV to be installed on the Greenhill Estate. Your local cllrs have been campaigning since May 2007 for CCTV for Greenhill and even secured the support of 500 local residents and local businesses. CCTV was one of the main election pledges by your local Liberal Democrat Councillors back in May 2007.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I’m absolutely delighted to hear that CCTV will be installed in Greenhill. I hope the new camera’s will be installed in the Greenhill shop area so we can tackle the anti social behaviour problems and make the area safer for local people to visit the shops in the evening. My thanks go to the officers who submitted the bid for the funding, and their support in helping us to make the lives of our residents more secure and safe.”

Once again another reason why more and more people are backing the Liberal Democrats. We deliver on our election promises.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today spoken at length with Officers at the council about the current map showing the potential proposed housing sites, which includes the Rugby Club and Sharpley Avenue Playing Fields.

Cllr Wyatt has had assurance that both of these area’s WILL NOT  be included. The Officers say they simply just highlighted the area not realising they had included both the Rugby Club and the Playing Field.

Cllr Michael Wyatt will be keeping a close eye of the details of the final recommendations to make sure these area’s are not included.

The Leicestershire County Highway Officers have produced changes to the crossing system at the a511 Stephenson Way cross roads, which will mean traffic travelling north will not be able to turn left, or traffic wanting to turn right when travelling south will not be able to due to the changes being put forward.

Your Local Cllrs have already consulted over 50 local residents, everyone as said that the new system will create additional traffic having to travel through Coalville.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “This new system is crazy a waste taxpayers money, and forcing even more traffic through Coalville. The whole point of the by-pass being built was to take traffic away from Coalville! The easiest and cheapest way to solve this problem is a four way crossing. We will be writing to the County Highway Officers and local residents urging them to oppose the changes.”

Cllrs Michael Wyatt, Julie Roberts and Dominic McGill would like to thank everyone who took the time to come along to the open meeting at Castle Rock High School. Over 50 local residents turned out to discuss the potential development.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “It was so nice to meet so many local residents who are concerned like us about the potential development at the Greenhill Farm site off Greenhill Road. I would like to thank everyone who attended. I would also like to thank everyone for their kind words of support. ”

If you have not already signed our petition and would like your name added, please just drop us an e-mail or phone Michael Wyatt on 07773341531 and he will arrange for a petition form to be send directly to you.

 Once again your local Liberal Democrat Councillors are working all year round and not just at election time like other Parties!

Cllr Michael Wyatt has written to the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Conservative administration asking them to stop misleading the general public in their press releases. Not once but twice they have failed to mention two initiatives being put into practice are at the request of the Local Liberal Democrats.

Number 1. Planting of Bluebells in Sharpley Avenue Playing Field. (Lib Dems requested planting of bluebells back in April 2008)

Number 2. Collection boxes for used batteries to be installed at Greenhill Community facilities. (Lib Dems requested collection boxes for batteries back in September 2008)

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s pretty disgusting that the Tories have to try and gain publicity through the work of others. Everyone knows in Greenhill that its the Liberal Democrats who have asked for the bluebells, and they have asked for batteries to be collected.

The Tories must be absolutely desperate if they are starting to stoop to these levels.  I can only but smile. It shows the Tories have already run out of steam, and ideas”.

Since the incidents Cllr Michael Wyatt has received an apology from the Council.

Only the Liberal Democrats are working all year round and not just at election time!

At the council meeting the Leader of the council reported that in the region of 90% of tenants have voted to stay with the council out of a 40% turnout, with 70% of the surveys being counted. The Leader went on to thank those who campaigned for tenants to stay with the council and not transfer to a privately run association.

Cllr Michael Wyatt one of the leading campaigners to save our council stock from privatisation said, “I cannot believe the hypocrisy of both Labour and the Tories, both parties have spend thousands on this privatisation fiasco, and they have support it. I am delighted to see that the tenants voted overwhelmingly against the proposals by Labour and the Tories to privatise our council housing stock. Now is the time to start putting together a works programme, which will bring our housing stock up to a decent standard.

“I have spoken to the Leader of the council in the council chamber offering the support of the Liberal Democrat group to work with the administration to improve the state of our tenants homes as a matter of urgency. It’s now up to the Tories to prove to us all that they are serious about improving the lives of our council tenants and working together.”

Your Liberal Democrat Councillors would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported our campaign to save our council housing stock from Labour and Tory privatisation plans.

At the last full council meeting the BNP councillors voted against giving people of any background, disability or faith the protection from any form of discrimination. Both BNP Cllrs stood up spouting what many members found to be offensive remarks.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “This is typical behaviour from the BNP. Every single person deserves to be protected from any form of discrimination. What the BNP have shown is their utter contempt for people who have a disability or faith. What the diversity and equality policy clearly does is give employees of the council protection, and the right for action to be taken against those who persecute any individual. I cannot believe anyone would be against this type of policy. The BNP have once again shown their true colours.”

 Liberal Democrat, Labour, Conservative and the Independent member of the council all voted for the policy.

Good news - Cllr Michael Wyatt along with Officers of the council have finally come up with a draft of the proposed Communal Woodland Walk in Greenhill and Bardon. The details of the woodland will hopefully be going out to consulation, which will include local residents. So far everyone is backing the scheme due to the positive impact it will have on the local environment.

Cllr Dominic McGill said, “I’m very excited by the idea of having such a scheme right on our door step. This is a first for this area and hopefully we can continue in the good work we are achieving, and making Greenhill a better place for everyone.”

The Communal Woodland is another positive initiative from your Liberal Democrat Team, working hard to improve the area in which we all live.

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!

The next ‘man’s clinic’ will be on the 10th November from 3pm-6pm. The ‘man’s clinic’ which took place on Monday at St David’s Church Hall was a huge success with some people having to be turned away due to the huge demand for this service. The idea of the ‘man’s clinic’ came from the neighbourhood forum meetings, which take place four times a year.

Cllr Michael Wyatt, pictured having his blood pressure took said, “I was genuinely surprised to see so many men wanting, and using this service. Clearly their is a need for more ‘man clinic’s’. Many of the people who turned up told us that their local doctor’s surgery did not provide such basic testing facilities like blood pressure and cholesterol checking.

Your Local Lib Dem Councillors requested bottle bank to be installed on the Agar Nook Estate so residents could do their bit to help cut down on the amount of glass being dumped at land fill. Your Local Councillors are delighted to be able to announce that the new banks have now been installed outside the Agar Nook Chip Shop.

Cllr Dominic McGill said, “We are extremely happy to be able to bring this extra facility to the local residents of Agar Nook. Many local people asked for our help so they could recycle their waste glassed bottles. Once again we have listened, and once again we have delivered on our promise to fight for better local services for the area in which we all live.”

Another good reason why more and people are backing the Liberal Democrats.

The council have written to all tenants setting out the two options being put forward, one being to stay with the council and the other being transfering to a new private housing association.

Your Liberal Democrat Councillors have made it clear in several Focus Newsletters to council tenants, and speeches in the council chamber that they are against any form of privatisation of our council housing stock.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “We will be writing to all tenants urging them to send back their survey supporting the option to stay with the council. It’s important every tenant understands that by supporting the formation of a new housing association it will simply mean privatisation by the back door. Many who have transfered have regretted it. We will be campaigning hard for every vote, so we can send this Tory Council and this Labour Government that we do not want to be privatised. All we want is our tenants to have a decent home and a decent service, which they deserve.”

Plans which could lead to an incinerator being built in Ellistown have moved another step closer. The Government has announced it is willing to give Leicestershire County Council £86.6 million to divert more rubbish from landfill.

County Hall will now invite companies to bid for its waste contract, but insisted no decision about the type of plant to be built had been made. The authority’s research found the most economical and efficient way to process up to 180,000 of household waste a year would be to burn it.

The only other option they believe could work is a mechanical biological treatment (MBT) plant or ball mill, which sorts waste using magnets and conveyors. Yesterday, Defra, the Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, agreed to pay £86.6 million towards the £137.6 million project. The contractor, which will be chosen in 2010, will pay the rest.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I think the Tories should abandon these plans. What people want is better recycling facilities, which will allow the council to reach their target of over 50%. The Tories seem to be using the idea of incineration as the best way forward when clearly they have failed to realise there is more that can be done by collection.”

The aim of freeuse is to give residents of North West Leicestershire the opportunity to allow others to reuse your unwanted items for free, rather than throw them away.

It is estimated that each year the UK population throws away over £5.6 billion worth of good quality usable household items.

To use the website simply click on the below link.

http://www.nwleics.gov.uk/freeuse/

Your local Lib Dem Councillors have been working very hard with Officers and East Midlands Housing Association to make sure the flats on the Agar Nook Estate are able to take part in recycling their waste.

Councillor Michael Wyatt asked the council to help provide facilities for the flats so residents were able to take part. The good news is, many residents have now contacted us and expressed their thanks for taking up this issue.

Another good news story from your local Liberal Democrat Team

At last yesterdays  full council meeting the Tories proposed to move forward with further consultation with tenants to see if they would support their plans to privatise the housing department.

Cllr Michael Wyatt, your local Liberal Democrat Councillor spoke at the meeting and said, “The Liberal Democrats have consistantly opposed any attempts to transfer our housing stock. We will be asking all our tenants to vote to stay with the council in any ballot or survey, which is carried out. Spending over £250,000 would be a waste of public money, when we all know the majority of tenants want to stay with the council.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has been pushing the Housing Officers at the council to address the growing need for extra resources to be made available for tenants who need their council property adapted to help improve their quality of life.

Cllr Wyatt spoke at one of the last scrutiny committee’s where he told officers that the council needed to urgently address the growing number of tenants who needed their homes adapted to make their lives easier and their quality of life improved.

At the meeting one of the Housing Chief’s said he agreed with Cllr Michael Wyatt and he reported that all the outstanding adaptations will be put out to tender and completed as soon as practical.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Im really happy to report that the Officers have listened to my concerns, and have finally agreed to put out to tender the very long list of properties, which need adapting so our tenants who have a disability can have the quality of life they deserve”.

Cllr Michael Wyatt would like to thank the many tenants who have contacted him concerning their requests for help with adapting their property due to their needs. 

Yet again another good news story from your Lib Dem Team

Last week after the grass cutting contractors visited the area again, many local residents have continued to express their disgust at the poor grass cutting service.  Lots of green areas are now looking a total mess due to the vast amount of grass cuttings lying on the ground, which is trying to rot down. Not only is there the previous grass cutting but now its been made worse by last weeks cut, which as just added more to the piles of rotting grass cuttings.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I am urging local residents to continue expressing their disgust, and complain by ringing the County Council Customer service line on 0116 3050001. Its vital the Tory Bosses at the County Council understand that we want a decent service and not a second rate service, which is making our area look a complete mess”.

Cllr Michael Wyatt will be holding talks this week with Officers of the District to see if we can obtain the Cocked Hat and turn it into a Multi Purpose Community Facility, all services under one roof. Cllr Michael Wyatt has been looking at how we can provide more services for the Greenhill Estate.  

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “The Greenhill Estate is one of the largest estates in North West Leicestershire and unfortunately is still one of the most deprived area’s with Leicestershire. Having a Community Centre with all services under one roof would be a step towards tackling some of the key issues. The argument that we already have a community centre at the Charnborough Chapel building is nothing more than a white elephant. This does not and cannot provide the services we want to provide like, educational, social and health services which will have a positive impact on the local community. What I would like to see is the Cocked Hat being utilised due to its proximity and size.”

Your Liberal Democrat Cllrs will continue to push for improved services for the Greenhill Ward

Conservative controlled Leicestershire County Council has admitted it is “unacceptable” that people have suffered long delays and, on occasions, poor standards of service from their customer service centre.

Since December, anyone calling the council about issues such as potholes in roads and waste have been directed through to the team, which also deals with e-mails and letters. Up to 20,000 calls a month have been received since then - double the estimated level. Council officers also said they had seen unexpected increases because of seasonal issues, such as grass-cutting.The customer service centre was set up in a bid to resolve most customer queries at the first point of contact. One senior Tory Councillor said, “We have given them a duff service”

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I could not of put it better myself, many local residents have told me, and my team that they have tried many times to get through to the customer service centre only to get cut off or had to wait for an unacceptable length of time ”.

The County Council Highway contractors have once again failed to provide a good standard of service by not cutting  a large grassed area on Kenmore Crescent.

Many local residents are furious at the poor service the Tory Bosses at the County Council are providing. Well over 600 complaints have been recieved at the County Council Customer Service Centre.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “This is another reason why more and more people are fed up with the Tories. All they seem to do is cut corners, which leads to poor service delivery and a lot of angry residents who are  continuing to pay ever increasing council tax.”

Michael Wyatt has contacted the County Highways Officers concerning the un-cut grass verges in the area. Hopefully it will be cut soon and will not be forgotten next time.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has again contacted the Leicestershire County Council to express his disgust at the grass cutting service supplied by the current contractor, which is supposed to cut all grass verges within the local area.

 Cllr Wyatt was told today that the grass ‘will be cut within 10 days.’

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Thank you to everyone who took the time to express your feelings about the disgusting service we are getting from the Tory Bosses at County Hall. I only hope that the grass is cut within 10 working days, otherwise I, and I hope you will, all join me 0n the 17th June to once again make them realise that we are not prepared to put up with a sloppy second rate service.”

If you have not already express your disgust like many other local residents and would like too, then ring today on  0116 3050001 and make them realise that a second rate service is not acceptable. 

Your phone call can make a real difference.

More and more local residents are complaining about the poor grass cutting service the area is getting, after the Tory bosses at the County Council handed over the cutting of our grass verges to a private contractor instead of the District Council Parks Division who have provided this service for many years.

The County Council has received many complaints after their contractors failed to provide a good service. In some cases many grass verges have been left uncut, which is making the area look untidy.

Cllr Dominic McGill Said, “Yet again the Tories are trying to cut corners and it’s backed fired. There was nothing wrong with the past District Council Parks Division doing the job other than cost. They should of realised that doing the job on the cheap will lead to a shoddy service”.

Your Liberal Democrat Councillors have already passed on many complaints directly to the Tory County Council. If anyone wishes to make a complaint you should contact the County Customer Service Centre on 0116 3050001. 

A number of local residents have contacted their local Lib Dem Cllrs after being told fridges and freezers are now subject to a removal charge of £15. Before, fridges and freezers were removed free of charge by the local council. Since the Tories have taken control they have decided to impose a £15 charge.

Cllr Dominic McGill said, “Nothing surprises us any more. The Tories will charge for anything. They don’t care about giving the people a decent service. What we are concerned about is the people who can not afford the £15, or don’t have any transport to get rid of their old fridge or freezer. By charging for the disposal of fridges and freezers we are now going to see an increase in fly-tipping of these items, which have environmental harmful gases in them”. 

If you do have transport fridges and freezers can be disposed of free of charge by taking them to the County Council Household Waste Recycling Sites at Ashby Road, Coalville or Lount.

If you have any bulky items you would like to dispose of  then contact the Council who offer a chargeable collection service. Please note that collection can take up to two weeks. If you are receiving any benefits then you will be entitled to a free collection service.

To arrange for a collection of bulky household items you will need to contact the Customer Services team to confirm the items you would like to have collected and where you will be leaving them.

1. Call the Customer Services team on 01530 454572 to arrange for collection.
   The easiest and quickest way to make your payment is over the phone by debit or credit card.

     2.  Please click the list below for examples of what they can and cannot accept on the bulky household waste service

http://www.nwleics.gov.uk/waste_services/documents/List_of_Acceptable_Items_01.04.08.pdf

Cllr Julie Roberts has today announced our latest campaign for a Community Centre for the Greenhill Estate. Your Lib Dem Cllrs have already spoken to Officers at the District Council to look to see how we can progress this idea. More and more houses are being built and still we have no Community Facility. Yes we have a small Community Shop but this is not good enough for what is needed.

Cllr Michael Wyatt managed to get backing for a feasibility study some years ago, which highlighted the need for a Community Centre on the Estate. The study showed there is a clear need within the Community

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “We have highlighted the need for a Community Centre before, but the previous Labour run District Council refused to back our call for such a facility. The Greenhill Estate desperately needs a Community Building, which will provide various services all under one roof, a Multi Purpose Community Facility, which will not only allow other agencies to provide services, but a place the local community can meet, and actively get involved in making the place we live a better place for all .

At last nights scrutiny meeting the Tories won 1st prize for making it a complete waste of time to ask for anything to be scrutinised. Cllr Michael Wyatt asked for the decision to close the Market Hall to be scrutinised so members can have their say.

The Tories hardly said anything and did not understand the importance of allowing people a say on such a decision, which will have a huge impact on Coalville.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It was a complete waste of time. The Tories proved to everyone that they are not going to listen to anyone, or take any notice of the concerns expressed by the Market Traders, local people and elected members. The Tories will eventually realise the hard way, that ignoring the wishes of local people will be their down fall”.