Bricknell Ward

John Abbott

2010-04-08T05:25:00.000-07:00

My friend and colleague John Abbott, who i have known since University, has been selected by local residents as my running mate in the 2010 elections.

Known to many of you as the editor of the highly regarded CONTACT! newsletter series John was very much "the Third Man" in the team. Banging out the news and often delivering it while Andrew and I spoke up for truth and decency in the Guildhall - you could count on John to tell us what he spotted/was told about in the Ward that needed fixing.

This is not some teenager still at university, John is someone who has experienced life and understands your concerns - who brings understanding and a breadth of knowledge to sorting matters out.

It takes two people to be a group, and the privileges/weight that carries in the Guildhall. If you vote us both in, you vote for a team on May 6th who will work for you all year round

Andrew Percy

2010-04-08T05:18:00.000-07:00

Well, Andrew has gone! Moved to the South bank to fight Labour in a marginal seat.

I have served Bricknell ward for 23 years, Andrew has served for ten and was my longest serving partner in the Ward of the handful i have served with.

I shall miss his cheerful insoucience, never arriving on time, and endlessly on the phone when he walked in/out of a meeting. However I will also miss a hard-working ward member, and someone who served as a good Chairman of licensing, getting a grip on the function at a time of change. A useful debater in the chamber, Andrew at least hasd a personality and thought he was hear to make a difference. Until university Andrew lived in the Ward all his life, I know he feels the wrench of leaving but I for one wish him well and hope he gets to Westminster.

Bricknell Ward is better for Andrew's efforts and I hope he will like that as an epitaph on his public service in Hull

Elections

2010-04-08T05:16:00.000-07:00

well the silly season has started. Hyper enthusiastic people assuming we all have nothing better to do than worry about who has gone up a point and who down in a daily poll.

In the meantime we continue as we do all year round, writing leaflets about what you care about - yr community.

Please do think about voting for John Abbott and I, we have served the area, we want to continue - with yr help we can

Area Housing Board

2009-09-22T05:01:00.001-07:00

We have had a few enquiries about these and can confirm that yes there is one for Wyke. Originally there was not going to be one, but with less than fond memories of trying to get agenda time for the estate when we were with northern area a decade or so ago I persuaded the Cabinet memebr we needed one. To be fair he disagreed but was very agreeable and saw our point.

It does meet but frankly has not lived up to hopes. there is no real strategic overview, no policy direction, no real challenge, just a lot of criticism of the wyke staff (from certain quarters) and endless quibbling over a minor statistic. It is also more expensive to run than Bransholme the chairman claiming nearly £1,000 and the deputy £750!!

Cllr Percy and I have been quite clear we always supported direct control of the estate by local residents, or if not that at least run it by professionals under democratic control as an alternative. We continue to campaign to abolish ALL Area Housing Boards (which has had Cllr Percy referred to an interim Deputy Chief Executive, and me to the Standards Board) as we continue to show the pointlessness of these meetings and boards. Our complaint is not necessarily the individuals, the structure is no great help either.

In the meantime we know there are exciting new developments to introduce a greater sense of urgency and focus into the meetings which we fully support.

Newland Park

2009-09-22T04:57:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to those of you who responded to our survey (and for the kind remarks about other matters we attempt as well).

The overwhelming view was improvements to the carriageway would be welcome and complement the pavement works we spearheaded. in second place was a clear preference for the red aggregate. We have put these views forward and are awaiting a reply. We will issue another CONTACT soon

Mobile library

2009-09-21T23:43:00.000-07:00

We are pleased the mobile library continues to be a success with steadily growing figures in the ward. This is very much a case of using it or not having it since demand for it exceeds supply of mobile libraries, and if you have further suggestions on timings or locations please do contact us. The head librarian, while as steely as her forbears, is very approachable snd eager to improve the service so we will be assured a sympathetic hearing - unlike some parts of the council where you know the answer is "no" before you get in the room (though that never stops Andrew and i who press on anyway and risk Sandards Board condemnation)

Park and ride

2009-09-17T05:09:00.000-07:00

we are concerned at a contract going to Hackney Community Transport. Even if they are based in West Yorkshire with a satellite office profitability moves outside the local area, and the sustainability and capacity issues are not clealry resolved to our knowledge.

YPI Houses

2009-09-17T04:40:00.000-07:00

The matter of the houses proposed on parts of the YPI car park was deferred at the recent planning meeting. the Committee decided they wanted to see the land in question. The matter will now go to the October Plannign Committee

Kenilworth Ave/Abbottsford Close

2009-09-17T04:38:00.000-07:00

At Wyke yesterday we expressed our annoyance at the prolonged klack of reality in disposing of the land to local resdients at anything resembling a reasonable price.

We have demanded a report to come to committee and the officers to attend so we can grill them on this matter. If we are lucky it may see some action before then

Goddard Avenue playing fields

2009-09-17T01:25:00.001-07:00

A long meeting of wyke area committee yesterday agreed to endorse the continuing efforts to bring all the land back to Sports use with public access on the non-sporting bits, to be roughly 8-8.

Colleagues from Avenue and Newland wards were kind enough to volunteer some of their funds to restore the gating area so wilfully broken by those who believe they are above the law. There will now be a lockable pedestrian access suitable for the mobility impaired, and of course a gate suitable for a mower.

We have also agreed to review the southern boundary fence, which we are uncertain who owns. Much of this will depend on finding the necessary leagla paerwork since this area was bought by the county council.

The good news is this blog site was read by at least one memebr of the consortium who own the bulk of the land and he was kind enough to get in touch so avenues for discussion are now even more open.

Bricknell children's centre

2009-09-17T01:22:00.001-07:00

This came to planning recently. the committee went on site and were impressed by the Norway Maple, the existence of two undamaged buildings near to it, and the large area of land nearby.

We decided to delegate approval to the officers following a discussion with the applicant whereby they accepted the tree stayed. We are only simple politicians but we know about root walls and the fact the building can be moved a few feet here and there.

Chants Ave Railway Bridge

2009-08-31T16:14:00.000-07:00

I've blogged about this before but a few people have contacted me recently raising yet more concerns.

There are a number of problems at the bridge which are basically -

The pigeons and associated muck
The graffiti which appears at regular intervals
The state of the railings.

The graffiti is being dealt with when it appears as per the graffiti scheme I pioneered for Wyke last year. I have reported the most recent graffiti and it will be removed.

I have raised the railings as a possible scheme for funding from the Community Initiative Budget but this will require the agreement of our colleagues in Avenue Ward too. It will also be quite an expensive scheme so i am not making any promises at this stage.

The pigeon problem could be solved by a net under the bridge. That sounds simple enough but there is a dispute between who is responsible, Network Rail or the Council. I am hoping that this will go to an Independent Adjudicator who will determine who is responsible. I was always told it was the Council as it was they in the 1920s who dug the road under the track.

Once that has happened, and we know who is responsible, we can then try and get the netting sorted. In the meantime, I shall continue to arrange for the path to be jetted and cleared of the pigeon muck.

The wheels of local government turn very slowly I am afraid to say!!

Kirkham Drive & Bricknell Avenue Footpaths

2009-08-31T16:11:00.001-07:00

Work has now started on the footpaths on Kirkham Drive whilst the work on Bricknell Avenue has been completed.

John and I approved these schemes last year so we are pleased that they have progressed. We are however looking to see if we can put a little extra money in to complete Bricknell Avenue up to the Primary School. The works recently completed only go as far as about number 27 or so and the sudden ending of the new footpath doesn't really look very nice.

We shall do our best to try to get the path extended up to the school.

David Cameron

2009-08-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Our Party Leader was in Hull again, showing his usual grasp of issues and charisma. More follows, suffice it to say as ever he found time to talk to us and we used our time with him.

However the office is due to close soon so I must leave more follows when i stop the Ward based activities of the next few days. remember though, this is Conservatism with a difference, no previous Leader has come so often to this City in my 23 years. Conservativism is rising across the country, the Days of Hull as a Labour state are over

Children's centre at Bricknell Primary

2009-08-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

A worrying rumour reached us today from one of our alert constituents who had the foresight to contact us.

We can confirm the current proposals are weekday use only. 5 days a week - Monday - Friday. The opening times will be 8am ish - 6pm; if there is a demand for the centre to open earlier, the centre may open from 7am.

Because the Bricknell Children's centre is a spoke of the Fenchurch children's centre as such it is not a full children's centre. Some children's centres do open on a weekend but this is only for specific arranged events/activities and as Bricknell children's centre is a spoke of Fenchurch children's centre, any planned activities are more than likely to be held at Fenchurch street. There may sometimes be staff training events held at the Bricknell children's centre; when training occurs, there will probably be a sessional crèche at the centre.

We hope this helps. As ever if you hear anything do let us know. If we do not know instantly we can and will find out. That is the partnership: we speak for you in the Guildhall, you keep us in touch with Ward events - even though we are out and about a lot we cannot be everywhere all the time.

Goddard Avenue Playing Fields

2009-08-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Report is being prepared on this. The officers are being helpful and trying to aid the councillors produce the balanced result favoured by all and wished for.

Goddard Avenue playing Fields

2009-08-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

Following continued damage to locks and the gates wilfully carried out we have reluctantly authorised the welding of the gates shut on a temporary basis. In this we match our colleagues in Avenues Ward who saw the large entrance off Ella Street closed off also to protect their residents' local residential amenity which also suffered by the anti-social elements who used the field. (indeed also colleagues in other wards as well).

Talks are under way (and have been for a while) with a "blue chip" sporting provider and they ahve approached the owners of the largest portion of that area to try and get a good package put together. We are actively encouraging this and have allocated staff time to try and make this happen as we pursue a "Cropton park style solution". We believe in access to open space and belieev this way we will achieve it without encouraging the anti-social use it has been put to.

We welcome the talks recently, between John and the Sports Portfolio holder, to provide greater support to our efforts being willing to work with anyone for a common good.

It is to be hoped this will soon reopen and, if the Blue chip talks break down then John and Andrew are committed to a "Plan B" which will turn it into a mini-park and believe the access issues can be sorted if an exciting initiative John Robinson is pursuing (and I am supporting) for the "back block" of the former Newland School comes off. We very much hope for "Plan A" because that involves us in less expense and reduces the need to delineate the (rather small percentage) of land the council owns and fence off the other piece. In the era of cutbacks we will also have to consider charging for cutting their land.

Bins latest

2009-08-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

According to a briefing I have received only a few minutes ago some 29 binmen have all gone off sick.

I do not intend to comment on this, there are rules and procedures (knowing local govnt also a "toolkit" probably) but this will fill you in that there is an "issue" here

Bricknell Avenue Footpath

2009-08-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

John and I are pleased that works has now started on improvements to the footpath between 295 Chants Ave and 29 Bricknell Avenue.

We have been trying to get improvements to the entire stretch between Chants and Bricknell Primary for some time so we welcome this start. The work will comprise of a footpath rebuild and improvements to the drainage.

Sadly, the Council was very poor at communicating the start date of these works to us or else we would have written to residents to let them know the work was upcoming!

Abbotsford Close Bins

2009-08-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

These have not been collected for two weeks and following a complaint by a local resident we have called for action on this as well.

If yuo have a problem, if 300300 can't help you, then don't hesitate to call the Action Team of Andrew and I ably supported by John Abbott and Andy Forster

Millers Walk National Avenue Windsor road bins

2009-08-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

The latest news brought to you by your cyber team! CONTACT will follow

Thank you for making me aware of the situation in Millers Walk, National Avenue and Windsor Road.
The revised day of collection for these streets is Tuesday. Regretfully, the collection was missed on Tuesday and this was rectified yesterday, with all side waste being taken.
Since 20 July, we have made day changes to the waste collection rounds in the city, to all 117,000 individual homes. It takes a few weeks for the collection crews and residents to get used to new days and we thank all our customers for their co-operation and patience.
When we have had to pick up missed bins, we will always take side waste.
With regard to having to telephone 300300, we understand that this was a leaflet pushed through letter boxes by a resident of Windsor Road. Although we encourage our customers to let us know if we have failed to provide the service we should by telephoning 300300, this is absolutely not necessary for the routine weekly collection of waste or the fortnightly/ monthly collection of the black box or blue bin.

Please bear with us during the 'bedding in' of the revised service. We have made fundamental changes to the way in which the crews work, including the removal of 'task and finish'. This stands us in good stead for the introduction of the new wheeled bins for the collections of organic waste and mixed dry recyclables in September this year. As there will not be changes to the day of collection, but additional bins collected on the same day, this provides the least disruption to our customers and hopefully keeps our residents steadfast in their recycling efforts, of whom residents in Bricknell Ward are amongst the most committed!

Please do not hesitate to contact either myself with any concerns NAMES REDACTED TO AVOID POLITICISING STAFF

Kind regards

Buirniston Road bins

2009-08-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

More bin chaos, below the reply from the officer. You heard it first here, it is official: unlike others with their so-called newsletters we really do work all year round!

A crew has been dispatched to Burniston Road on receipt of your e.mail. It would be helpful if you could let me know who is telling residents to give individual addresses. I understand for the ops team that a report has just come in that numbers 20 - 42 Burniston have been reported by a single resident this morning adn we would act on this as soon as reported - your report was first!

Kind regards

(name redacted to avoid politicising the officers)

Millers Walk bins

2009-08-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Fresh from our Windsor road posting your interactive councillors receive more news!

We have now been contacted by residents in Millers Walk who have informed us that they too have not had their bins collected and that they have been informed that they must ring 300300 on an individual basis to have their bins emptied. In addition, they have also been informed that if their bin lids are not closed properly that their bins will not be collected and emptied. However, as residents quite rightly point out since their bins have not been emptied on the designated day the bins will of course already be full and therefore the lids will not be closed properly because of the extra days rubbish that will be in them. It would appear that this problem is now unfortunately spreading across the Ward, and indeed the City as a whole if we are given to understand our colleagues correctly, and therefore this unsatisfactory situation surely now requires some urgent action to resolve this very unsatisfactory state of affairs

Windsor Road

2009-08-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

the appalling introduction of this service, especially down Windsor Road, has been reported and we are on the case. It is not satisfactory if the council cannot do a core competency, and makes it hardedr to defend the council should be doing this!

Drain Newland Park

2009-08-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

happy to report the drainage ditch for the Park which actually is in the allotments was cleared.

I can understand, if not condone however, allotment waste in there, even failure to cut back natural vegetation......but who carted the concrete street lampost there in its entirety!!!!???

bishop Alcock shops

2009-08-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

we have made clear the lack of progress on settling the pub wall issue is not satisfactory and Andrew is being robust on that.

I am ensuring a satisfactory planting scheme now the grass has been established.

Ultimately we still believe it should be sold for private housing

Area Housing Board

2009-08-06T05:11:00.000-07:00

These are not brilliant and it remains Conservative policy to get rid of them. However there is a vacancy for one member at the moment the sole requirement being they are a tenant.

Meetings are on a Tuesday afternoon generally and there is a flat fee of £25 for each meeting attended.

Anyone interested please let us know and we will forward to the officer. (We do not name officers or politicise them on this site, or elesewhere, otherwise we would point you in the direct route, but can assure you we will forward all applications received and will not vet any)

Kelvin Hall

2009-08-06T05:02:00.000-07:00

We can announce that the successful applicant to rebuild this school on the existing site was Balfour Beatty.

Andrew and I have had concept meetings with the BSF team and made clear the parameters this should be done to. Alas we lost the battle about numbers and Kelvin Hall again loses community focus as the catchment area goes into Derringham ward. Currently it attracts Bricknell residents, those from the Avenues Ward and those from North Hull estate.

Once firm proposals emerge we will of course keep you in touch and may even organise a public meeting

Children's centre at Bricknell Primary

2009-08-06T04:55:00.000-07:00

Proposals for this came to Planning Committee which Andrew turned up for.

The committee were mystified why a tree needed to be felled given there was so much space and in view of that, plus the contradictory evidence they were presented with, agreed to make a site Visit on the morning of September 9th and the decision in the afternoon.

2009-08-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

We continue the Goddard Avenue playing fields mess which the Avenues lovvies are meddling in (not the members, local residents abusing Andrew and I as well as you for daring to want some privacy and protection from anti-social behaviour).

long standing residents will remember when I fought the campaign to stop houses on there (Andrew was still at school) and Ella street residents all said "nothing to do with us" and took no part in the successful campaign? Now, after blocking off an access because they felt they needed protection from anti-social behaviour, they decide it is a matter for them.

Let us be clear:-

we do NOT intend long-term closure of the fields to the public
we DO intend sports use (since they are sports fields!), with public use like we have achieved in Cropton Road
Talks ARE proposed between the owners of the private land which people are unlawfully claiming use of and the council
there are NO plans to gate off the piece of land immediately adjacent to Jack Kaye walk
there are NO plans to park cars on Jack Kaye walk

I hope that addresses the delusional accusations flying around and reassures local residents that we are acting in their best interests as well as recognising wider responsibilities. I will not comment on the nonsense we are enduring, people can read the facts here and draw their own conclusions from the different attitudes shown.

needless to say nobody from Ella Street gas spoken to Andrew or I about the matter - they just seem to divine it all by osmosis!

Windsor Road Gullies & Railway Bridge

2009-07-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Good news today on two fronts.

Firstly, following complaints I received about blocked gullies on Windsor Road, the Council has been down to have a look and will clear the detritus from the grates which are causing the blockages. There were particular problems yesterday during the heavy rain with a couple of these grates.

Secondly, following our action, the Council have been a cleaned the pigeon muck from under the railway bridge on Chants Ave. There is still a dispute as to whether the Council or Network Rail are responsible for the bridge and the assocaited pigeon problem. An independent adjudicator will now make a decision on who is responsible.

I am also pursuing a seperate issue related to the bridge which relates to the barriers whih run along the pavements under the bridge. These need re-paiting and we are working with the Lib Dem Councillors in Avenue Ward to try to acheive this.

Up and Running Again

2009-07-23T04:33:00.000-07:00

Please accept our apologies for the delay in updating the blog. We had some technical issues, or rather we lost the passwords, but everything is now up and running again.

Rest assured, we have been working as hard as ever, as residents should have seen from the local newsletters. Current on-going campaigns include -

Tidying up the Chants Ave railway bridge and seeking a permanent solution to the pigeon issue.
The re-painting of the footbridge on Hotham Road North, terracotta in the hope of deterring graffiti.
Removing the graffiti on the clubhouse on the Cropton Park.
New flagpoles for Commonwealth Homes and the Cropton Park.
Tidying up the roundabout on Cott Rd/Farifax Avenue.
Protecting grassed areas and grass verges against irresponsible parking.

Obviously, there are more but these should give an idea of our continued commitment to working hard for you all year round.

THANK YOU

2008-05-09T13:38:00.001-07:00

John and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote in the Council Elections on May 1st.

The result in Bricknell Ward was truly phenomenal for the Conservatives. We managed to achieve not only the highest turnout in the City but also achieved the biggest majority of the night and gained a record 67% share of the vote.

As a result of the kindness of the people of Bricknell, John and I are able to continue our fight for standards locally.

Many thanks for your support.

Bishop Alcock Road Shops

2008-04-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

At last we have a demolition date for the Bishop Alcock Road shops. The utilities have been in an disconnected everything and it looks as though the building could be down by the end of May. The only outstanding issue is a dispute over the boundary wall with the brewery who own the Barrowman.

We are assured that this wont delay the demolition of the buildings and we shall certainly do all we can to make sure it does not. The demolition will remove the appalling eyesore and improve the area substantially. Needless to say, John and I had to push hard to get a demolition date!

Horses William Gee Site

2008-04-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

John and I became aware of the horses on the William Gee site last Thursday. We reported it immediately but as usual, Council action has been slow.
Last year I met with officers to demand that they secure the playing fields as I did worry that the site could be occupied illegally. Alas, they decided not to listen to my concerns! Rest assured, if the site is now illegally occupied we shall waste no time in demanding a tough and swift response from the Council.

Goodfellowship Planning Application Withdrawn

2008-04-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

Residents will know how concerned I was about the planning application which had been lodged for building on the Goodfellowship car park. I am pleased to report that the application has now been withdrawn.

This does not mean it will not return but at least the immediate threat has gone. We have already produced a street newsletter for nearby properties and will produce another should the application be re-submitted.

Updates Updates Updates

2008-04-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

John and I have been hitting the campaign trail fairly hard that we have not had chance to update the blog as much as we would like. We are receiving the best reception on the doorstep I can remember. So many residents have mentioned how we keep residents informed all year round, not just at election time. Thanks for all the positive feedback we have received, it really is appreciated.

Local updates are as follows

Commonwealth Homes

The new gardens in the middle we promised residents have now been completed. There will be a presentation for residents this week so that they can see how the gardens will look once in full bloom. The Commonwealth theme should look really good, with a different area of the Commonwealth represented in each bed.
John and I have also agreed to re-plant the gardens to the front of the Homes too and this work should start once we have both signed off on the funding.

Langdale Lighting

Given the Council's inability to act, we have set aside £30 k for improved lighting locally. In particular we are looking at Langdale and another street with a hope of getting them both re-lighted soon. It is annoying we have to use our local funds for this but unless we do it could be some time until they are done!

Cardboard Recycling

Those with brown bins will now know that the collection of cardboard has been suspended for the next year. This is because of Government changes and demonstrates how little Labour understand the needs of local residents.
John and I argued that an alternative should be put in place and we have succeeded in getting agreement for a cardboard recycling bin to be added to the recycling centre at Bricknell Primary. It is not a perfect solution but it at least means those residents who wish to continue recycling cardboard can do so.
The collection of cardboard from the kerbside will hopefully resume next year!

Potholes

Due to neglect from both the 'old parties' who have run the City in recent years, our roads continue to crumble. Burniston, Hotham Road North, Barrington and Bricknell Ave are all among the roads we are pressing for action on.

Huntley Drive One Way System

The consultation is now complete and the matter will come before the Wyke Area Committee shortly for a final decision. Subject to a few small adjustments I expect the scheme to be passed. We will then begin consulting on Linkfield.

Tesco - Bricknell Avenue

I have put in a formal objection to the hour extension sought by Tesco. The matter is now with a Government Inspector who will decide whether or not Tesco's appeal against the Council's refusal of the extra hour will be granted or not.

William Gee Site

We have asked for the field to be cleaned up and we remain appalled at the general lack of care by the Council of this site. Residents will be aware that following touch negotiations by John and I, we have now agreed that half of the site can be used as sports fields for the new Kelvin, although this is subject to residents having access to the site and to a new community facility also being constructed on the site.
There will be no classrooms here, the daft idea of a split school site was roundly beaten! Many thanks to the huge number of local residents who responded to my survey on the matter and supported my fight against the split site option.

And Finally,

Please remember to Vote on May 1st in the Council Elections.

County Road North Parking

2008-03-01T15:42:00.000-08:00

I attended a meeting with representatives from Hull City who now occupy the Ideal Standard site to discuss the problems their usage of the site is having on parking for local residents.

I have to say that John and I support Hull City using the site for the benefit of sport in the city but we want a solution to the parking problems. Local residents rightly expect their own amenity to protected and we are with them in trying to strike a balance between the needs of residents and Hull City.

The meeting was most useful with the representatives of Hull City approaching the issue in a positive way. As a result they have agreed to -

1. Encourage more sensible parking by people using the site, preferably by parking up the flyover

2. Mark out their car park properly once they have finished working on the drains, this should mean more cars can park on site

3. More importantly, investigate the possibility of extending their car park area, possibly in a strip along the side of the pitches.

We are clearly most keen to see the car park extended but this will depend on funding. Hull City will now look into that option and report back to us.Credit must go to the club for pursuing the issue so positively.

Good fellowship

2008-01-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

Tremendous blow for people power!

By the time we turned up, armed to the teeth with good reasons to support the four grounds for objection Marston's brewers had refined their application to take out just about everything you objected to!

I was consideraby relieved to see widely respected former chairman Andrew Percy was chairing the tribunal (there was a chance he would be on hence he could not speak and prejudge the application) and he was assisted by two of the able Liberal democrats Cllrs Robinson and Williams.

It soon became clear that outside seating and wholesale extensions were not the topic and finally i was called to speak. Fortunately I had followed the complex twists and turns in this ludicrously complex procedure inflicted on us by the Labour Government and was able to make representations for you on the only matter they were seeking to change...the smoking outside policy.

With the smoking ban (again from this government) one of the problems glossed over was the fact that drinkers would go outside and probably cause nuisance and disturbance. To be totally fair, as we always are, the brewers did not ask for ANY beverages to be consumed outside after the cut-off time , merely that there should be permission to smoke outside around the sensitive time of post 11.30.

I made what I hope was a strong case (all my carefully thought out arguments and hours of preparation by now being so much wasted effort) and winged an argument that this activity carried out by people exuberant on alcohol may lead to loud noise and disturbance. I asked the tribunal to consoder a designated smoking spot away from local residents (the weakness of that being people could go and smoke on the pavements and we could not control it) or to see if they would consider some sort of controlled scheme with the landlord.

There was a bit of good natured sparring between Andrew and the brewer's lawyer about the pros and cons and i declined the opportunity to put some of my famous (apparently. I am told some obsess on this point!) tough questions.

Local residents spoke with passion and sincerity protecting their neighbourhoods, and it was good to see so many there. I certainly appreciated seeing the Chief Executive of Ferens and Pickering homes coming to be there for the residents of his housing scheme.

We were asked to leave and after an agonising wait called back in. I think the tribunal had to use the judgement of Solomon, both a designated spot and a controlled scheme had great strengths and great weaknesses in equal measure.

Andrew announced they had unanimously decided on:

The Licensee shall produce in agreement with Public Protection a smoking policy to manage smoking outside after 11.30pm. The policy will designate preferred smoking areas which will be provided with bins / ashtrays in order to minimise any public nuisance or crime and disorder.

Not quite verbatim, Andrew can speak faster than me at times, but no doubt he will post the precise words as soon as he can.

Personally I think this was agreeable as a basis, and there are some statutory provisions for enforcement under other legislation should they be needed. Smoking itself is not a licensable activity and it was important not to drive the smokers closer to the homes of local residents.

There were other provisions relating to dance floors and internal matters which were not controversial so I will not report on them here, and we did specify no metal/tubular chairs to stop noise late at night too, but that is the key point.

I think we should thank the tribunal, the brewers who saw sense and the civilised non confrontational way their lawyer put the case. Most of all I am grateful to local residents who turned up and followed the tortuous process the council is obliged to execute. The CONTACT team and local residents put out good quality and timely information to empower you....but you embraced the opportunity and chose to rise and speak for your community. I was proud to be able to represent you, to speak for decency and moderation, all you were asking for.

In the spirit of partnership (the pub has been there 80 years and they have certain rights too) we will of course work with all parties to try and ensure all works as it should.

Once again my very sincere thanks for not "leaving me to go naked into the conference chamber", and showing that you do care about your community

Windsor Road gating scheme

2008-01-15T09:23:00.000-08:00

We have been approached about a possible gating scheme in this area by a local resident.

Due to Andrew's obvious links to the street, he really cannot get involved in this issue but we have an invariable approach to these matters. If a local resident can secure the agreement of the property owners who have the passageway we will support the scheme. If people want to argue, it is a civil matter in which we will not interfere. If people do not want it that's fine by us. Personally I loathe the things, we are turning into a defensive inward looking society, it being one thing protecting personal property but communally owned alleys is a step too far.

However we always fund half the costs through the Community Safety Fund if asked, as long as it exists and we have balances, and we shall do on this one too.

Proof again that Andrew and I are not in this for our own selfish reasons but we respect and understand the community who we work with all year round.

Hotham Road Update

2008-01-13T10:38:00.000-08:00

John highlighted the problems on Hotham Road in earlier post. I met the officers on site last week and discussed a number of possible solutions for this road. We have agreed to some new markings to make it easier for residents turning out of the tenfoots onto Hotham Road itself and we are going to look at imposing a weight limit on the street.

The carriageway surface is a disgrace and this will also be inspected shortly. If we get another chunk of highways budget given to the ward members as we did last year, this will certainly be one of the streets we consider resurfacing. Last year we intervened with that money to resurface National Avenue to a much higher noise reducing standard than was being proposed.

Yet again, proof that we simply get on with working hard for you.

Chants Ave North Depot

2008-01-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

I had a site meeting up here last week to discuss the on-going screening issues at the depot on Chants Ave North. Despite a number of promises from Council officers over the years, the site still has not been screened to the satisfaction of local residents.

Tired with the lack of action I organised a site meeting to make clear what John and I expect from the Council by way of screening. I hope this time to have secured the screening that was originally asked for and we will keep local residents updated.

As residents in Bricknell know, John and I prefer local action to fancy words and flashy promises.

Blog of the year campaign 1

2008-01-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

As regular readers will know in widely respected Daily Mail political journalist Angus Young's Annual Awards he gave blog of the year to Gary Watch, the life and times of former Cllr and current train driver Gary Wareing . (Available to view on http://www.wareingwatch.blogspot.com/).

Many of you are kind enough to think we were robbed. I asked Angus if he had read our blog and if he had did he think it was as dull and worthy as thought it should be?! (Gary Watch is not wholly serious!). He agreed it was so I hope we may be in with a shout for winning this coveted Award next year as we stay true to our market niche: conscientious and diligent ward councillors!

Of course we do this for the reward of knowing we are keeping in touch with you, not the award of recognition by top political journalists (shameless plugging here now, since Angus lives in the Ward, reads this, and we think the number of votes in his house is increasing soon!) but recognition is always welcome! So please, don't write to us: write to Angus at the Daily Mail buildings and nominate us! No Gary, just John and Andrew!

Kelvin Hall School - the William Gee site

2008-01-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

Kelvin Hall school is going to need part of this site under the new scheme but the good news is we have secured political support for your wishes (which we fully backed) not to have classrooms there.

As you know Andrew and I were opposed to a split school site on sound education grounds also and, despite the Governors of Kelvin initially wanting a split site (it's not for us to comment but most of the Governors do not live in Bricknell Ward), they now seem to have come on board.

Following our power meeting today with senior staff involved in developing the new schools fit for the new century we believe we are heading in the right direction. We agreed there was no harm to a few sports pitches, as Andrew and I prove healthy bodies lead to healthy minds, and a modest building to allow changing facilities.

We are now engaged in talks to see if we can mutually "piggyback" (a biological impossibility of course but it gets across this is a meeting of equals!) our desire for the community library and community rooms with their desire for changing rooms. More importantly it's putting together funds we have secured for this with their funds: the sum total being infinitely greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Proof again, if proof were ever needed that unlike others with their so called blogs we work for you all year round.

Kelvin hall school the Bricknell Avenue site

2008-01-10T09:24:00.000-08:00

As you know Andrew and I are passionate about education and have called for this school to be amongst the first to be modernised since we know the premium you place on education.

We seem to have won the battle to be modernised sooner than later with all classrooms on the one site. We are not so sure we are winning the admissions battle.

Realising this was imminent Andrew and I had a power meeting with the most senior figures in the schools modernisation programme. We made clear that buildings should not be near existing homes, trees on site should be retained, we did not mind the building coming forward and we wanted screening around car parks. We also pushed for better site access to try and cut down on the problem of people driving to school.

I am happy to say our ideas had a certain resonance with the thinking of the senior team. Their sensitivity to local needs was highly commendable and the meeting was far from fraught with no need for the tough questions we often have to ask.

There are no designs yet available simply because Andrew and I as ever were early on your behalf. Once there are some we will ensure there is ample opportunity for you to comment but this could be some months away yet.

Hotham Road North

2008-01-08T14:18:00.000-08:00

Renewed complaints about potholes saw the team swing into action.

After a day involving tough negotiations on planning matters I swung by to see the situation for myself.

I have contacted the appropriate officers and indicated we need remedial action. Andrew and I touched base tonight in one of our "campfire" chats (sessions where we talk about ward issues rather than politics in general and the fevered Guildhall rumours) amd agreed the road is getting worse. Should the Liberal Democrats again devolve some highway maintenance budget to the local councillors we agreed we would have this road as one of those optioned for appraisal and action if funding allowed.

Reported complaints of litter have also been the subject of action by your hardworking local team. In other postings you will have read about our frustration with certain staff memenrs but I received an e mail on this matter from one of the local team at quarter to ten tonight! Naturally I have replied.

When we say we work all year round we do mean it!

National Pub Part 2.

2008-01-08T10:09:00.000-08:00

As John has posted below, the application from the National Pub seeking a change to their licence allowing them to put on live music until midnight every day of the week was rejected by a Licensing Panel which I sat on yesterday.

Whilst we allowed them permission to alter the internal layout of the pub we only granted them permission to put on live entertainment on a Friday and Saturday night until 11pm. They will however be allowed to offer live entertainment for longer on certain 'notable' days such as Christmas Eve, New Years Eve etc.

The panel was unanimous in its decision and we felt that this decision strikes a reasonable balance for local residents. John turned up to speak on behalf of local residents and made a powerful submission containing some important points.

Under Labour's new Licencing Act it can be very difficult for us to reject an application as we have to judge it on very tightly drawn grounds. However, John was able to persuade the panel that there would be an increase in public nuisance if the application for live entertainment every day of the week was granted.

National Pub

2008-01-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

Broke off from the powerful Scrutiny Finance committee to attend and do my duty by the ward. This was my first Licensing hearing in the new world order.

It was reassuring to see widely respected former Chairman Andrew Percy was on the panel as well as two common sense Lib dem cllrs in Elaine Garland and John Robinson.

Matters were conducted by the agreed procedure and I was rather reassured by the tough questions Andrew posed. Mitchell And Butler (the pub owners) had brought probably the leading solicitors in licensing applications in the country with them, but as ever I was undaunted knowing you had charged me with speaking for you. (I am sure Andrew was undaunted too but he has dealt with them before, and of course I had no idea what he was going to say since he is not allowed to discuss matters before the meeting - as I cannot on planning matters).

After the case was put and the applicants had faced Andrew's tough questions (I declined to interrogate the applicants leaving that to Andrew's expertise; I was there as the voice of the people not an expert) I made your case for you. I must have had some effect because the applicant's backtracked on the new branding being really all that significant (I had suggested tat if "cornerstone" was aimed at a local family pub as part of the community with a food "offer", why was all this needed since the current National is just that. I also pointed out the pictures they brought were rather suggestive of increased external noise and more volume sales).

Anyway no need to go into what I said or if it was good, bad or indifferent ("he who speaks of himself speaks false", I will have to hope Andrew does a posting praising me to the heavens!!!), suffice it to say I faced a question from the applicant (!) and then was interrogated by Andrew about local feeling.

We were invited to leave and after what seemed an eternity in a draughty Guildhall passage, and must have been some ten minutes, we were told we had been successful to a considerable point.

THE EXISTING LICENCE WAS CONFIRMED BUT THE LATER HOURS EVERY NIGHT WERE REJECTED EXCEPT FOR A FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.

I have no idea who said what or voted which way behind the closed doors, I am as certain as possible in my own mind Andrew was persuaded and at least one other must have been; but I am grateful to all involved for helping defend this residential area where people choose to live and invest in.

The process, initiated by the Government reforms but successfully introduced and interpreted by Andrew when chairman seemed fair and obviously I am delighted at the result and grateful for the resident support we had. There were letters and at least one concerned young mother attended in person. Thank you to you all.

Watch this space (and of course more of CONTACT the pioneering and trailblazing family of printed newsletters brought t you all year round by your local campaigning team) for more news on The Good Fellowship, and the planning application for The National. Andrew will lead on the latter, I cannot express an opinion before a planning meeting on any application without losing my vote - so do write or contact my fellow hard working local campaigner IF you have any views for or against the planning proposals.

Frustration

2008-01-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks to one of our regular readers who contacted me last night to say how he now understood blogs were good for relieving frustration.

The average councillor serves one four year term then runs for sanity. Andrew has done twice that and I have done about five times that, both of us grateful for the support you give us to enable us to serve you. It is worth showing the "sterner stuff" Andrew and I are made of on your behalf. We are not universally popular in the Guildhall, time-servers and time-wasters get short shrift from us as do "right on " types being "worthy" rather than doing what you expect from local government. however we are unconcerned since we are your voices in the Guildhall and it is you we serve, w e have not "gone native".

However it is an interesting reflection that one of the latest ideas in the Government's barmy "Councillor's Commission" is that Councillor's should be ineligible to stand again beyond a point they set! Yes you will be denied the chance to sack or retain an individual after a short period......while oddly enough no such idea has emerged for our well paid, highly pensioned MP's!

So "welcome to our world" will run as a series so you can see just why it is Andrew and I are made of "the right stuff" and do indeed work for you all year round, be it tough questions, mocking speeches, probing analysis, or sheer exposure to the real world some of the ideas that emerge from within the splendid panelling of the Guildhall. We speak for Bricknell.

National Avenue Allotments

2008-01-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

Our atention has been drawn to issues here by a campaigning local resident.

Informed that someone has been dumping rubbish on the site I swung into action. Not only do i require an immediate tidy up (cardboard boxes and nappies are not a great advert for our society or the allotments) but also that we look at ways to make the site more secure.

Andrew and I will be having another of our regular meetings (especially if he is paying for the coffee!) soon and need to discuss Community safety Fund Expenditure. it may be this could be the answer.

So there you have it. No consultants, no telling how to do our job (after 22 and 8 years we have both put in) just: local resident alerts us to a problem, instantly contact the officer to request immediate action, to be followed by proposals for prevention in the future. Of course how soon the creaking Guildhall machine swings into action remains to be seen, but we will be vigilant

Welcome to our world 1

2008-01-02T10:35:00.000-08:00

First meeting back after Recess. The usually dependble and only mildly controversial Transport Scrutiny.

I pointed out rather than just stand an item down we could give a sense of direction for what WE wanted in the Report not wait to find out what staff wanted to tell us. This was not about facts but "direction of travel" and "scene setting"

At the end of the next agenda item we were subjected to a long monologue for a consultant on how we needed more information, we needed the bigger picture, we were not getting the information. "Go figure" think I, who spends much time in and out of meetings wanting answers and workign to get them. I was not alone in pointing out I ahd just done that, what did they think we fouhgt to keep our researchers for, and anyway oif we tried to argue with staff we were accused of "bullying" or micro managing by those who cannot cope. (This does not stop Andrew and I, we continue with tough questions on your behalf, we are answerable to you not consultants).

I was also astonished to be told, in common with the rest of my colleagues, I was not aware of information on our web site which was germane to our discussion. Such omniscience! I was not asked if I was aware, just told I was not. I patiently explained that not having printed it off did not mean I had not read it (I did not point out as the current Chairman of Planning, and a member for 20 years of one Transport committee or another I had helped produce the policy!)

Blow me down, after the meeting I find the consultant complained I was rude! Let me see. I question officers, and argue with them, exposing the errors in their position if needed; other times we agree! This after a 15 minute session patronising members!

I am told the consultant used to be a social services officer and was retired.

This will be a continuing series I feel, one in which we lift the lid off some of what it is like in the modern climate where retired officers (not set in any ways there or predisposed in any wnay then!) tell us what to do on your behalf. Amazing.

The sad thing is we have some first rate officers, who write good reports, and assist memebrs by giving good advice. Fortunate enough to have been praised in both my chairmanships by external inspectors I know it is because whatever modest talents I may have I put the public first - and am served by good officers who work with me and counsel me against potential errors. Nevertheless we will run this series at times, get the flavour of the battles we fight at times to deliver on what you want; as well as the incredible parallel universe that exists in which the governing elite think

Angus Young Annual Awards

2008-01-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

Thank you to those you who wrote in saying "you were robbed".

We are not too worried here on the Bricknell blog, we are very much the new kids on the blog and feel we have not yet the solid body of work to be found on Gary watch. We are sure we will be in with a shout next year when top political journalist Angus Young reads this site as yet another way to find out how his local community is served!

At the end of the day Andrew and I feel the best reward is service to the community not hoping for awards

Super Forum

2008-01-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

These events take a lot of organising which is why they are not held too closely together.

However one is due around March period and this is your chance to tell us who you would like to see there.

In the past we have brought the police, the fire, various council departments, various learning institutions, HANWAG and other crime fighters, the mobile library, and others. Many of those will be invited again. Andrew and ia re always keen to hear the views of the community so please do let us know if there is an organisation you think can benefit by being brought to you. It goes without saying that we will be there anyway, we expect the police, and other crime fighting agencies, but your views really matter to us.

We expect the venue will be on the Bricknell Estate this year, last time was Chanterlands Avenue, and Andrew will be taking a close interest in this. Please write to either of us and let us know your views so we can try to reflect them.

Graffiti Problems

2007-12-29T09:55:00.000-08:00

I was appalled to see the huge amount of graffiti which has appeared on Cottingham Road and Newland Park in the past day or two. Not only has the brickwork entrance to Newland Park been tagged, so have a number of the trees on Cottingham Road.

Graffiti has also sprang up on the concrete barriers on the County Road North flyover again. I had this cleaned a couple of months back and will ensure it is cleared away. The best way to defeat these vandals is to ensure that their 'works of art' are removed as quickly as possible.

I rang straight through to the Wyke Area Team on Thursday to ensure that our graffiti removal team are made aware of the graffiti. I hope that we will see it removed in the next week or so.

Graffiti has been a growing problem in the Wyke Area which is why John and I took a motion to Council on the issue. We have also agreed to fund some community graffiti removal kits from our CIB budget which will be made available to local residents who wish to make a stand themselves.

You can certainly rest assured that John and I will continue to act on graffiti, although we would be helped if the courts took a more serious view on graffiti than they do at present. Simple community sentences clearly do not work for graffiti artists and it is time we got tougher, they do afterall do thousands of pounds worth of damage to public and private property.

December Council meeting

2007-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Prospects of what political web site of the year Gary Watch are pleased to call my Tough questions were diminished when a councillor left the chamber before I could ask one!

Andrew and I "batted for Bricknell", pinning down the housing portfolio Holder on the subject of Bishop Alcock flats, and moving a motion to ensure greater emphasis on the area agenda (the motion was passed unanimously, now it needs implementing). As ever we continued to speak out for individual rights, for keeping the council subservient to the individual, and traditional values. It is important to remember that politics is nothing without values, it is those values which underpin everything we say and do for the ward. They are your values, they are our values, and that is why we never tire to stand up and speak out.

If you want to see us in action remember the council meetings are broadcast on the web, and archived as well. Access via the council's website.

Bricknell tops for recycling

2007-12-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

As Andrew says, problems with a few children from Kelvin (I am not sure the "respect agenda" is wholly effective).

However, it is this ward that tops the league for recycling. Many expected it would be "The Avenues" an area where many like to talk loudly of their support for green issues.

As ever in our Ward we don't talk we just do!

The new garden waste trial results are out and show that presentation has gone up a staggering 63.17% leading to a reduction in waste that would have gone to landfill of 12.64%.

Staggeringly effective and we are pushing for this trial to be rolled out to all who want it.

At Wyke Area committee today I persuaded colleagues to accept we should review all bin routes to ensure they were fit for purpose. If we are to ha a waste service tailored to your needs it is important the routes reflect house/lifestyle/occupancy factors not what happens to suit the council.

Not for the first time Andrew and i were successful, but this is because in Wyke we are mature enough to support good ideas wherever they originate and not do silly partisan point scoring. The planet belongs to us all, the first step towards saving the planet is a local one. Andrew and I act locally thinking globally.

Litter Problems

2007-12-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

I had a discussion with one of the members of our local policing team about litter in the Bricknell Avenue area. He agreed with me that much of this was caused by the schools children from Kelvin but he informed me that they were unable to issue tickets to anyone under the age of 16.

We know that the majority of kids do behave and it is unfortunate that a minority give the majority a bad name. The Principal of Wyke has been far more pro-active in his approach to his students who litter and we are grateful for his support on this issue.

John and I have agreed to fund the provision of some more bins in the area which is really all we can do. We can provide more bins, but sadly we can't make people use them!

National Avenue/Country Road planting

2007-12-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

Work has started today renovating the flower beds on the National/County junction. I had a sight meeting here last week to discuss what John and I wanted to see happen.

We want to see an oasis of green created in what is a sea of concrete. The works at the moment are only to tidy up and add in a few more of the same plants. We do not think this is enough and I have asked for a scheme to be drawn up that incorporates more substantial plants and shrubs that will give this an all round appeal.

The National

2007-12-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

New developments proposed here.

Check them out on the council website for further details

Goddard Avenue Playing Fields

2007-12-16T19:15:00.000-08:00

These have been fenced off as is the owner's right subject to meeting planning regulations if appropriate.

We are aware of the rumour Barratt have bought it and plan to gain access via two houses on Goddard Avenue they intend to demolish. However this was what they tried in the late eighties/early nineties (off-hand I can't remember when I successfully led that campaign). More recent concepts have revolved access from the roundabout or St Mary's, and have included a Morrisons as well as a housing development.

As of this moment the facts are that neither Andrew and I are aware of firm plans to develop here, but that could change any moment. If so we will go public.

A year ago I tasked Andrew with developing plans for this area since, if a planning application came in I would be compromised. As a result, should there be an application to build, it is Andrew who will take the lead on this matter. Any further postings on this will come from him

Good Fellowship

2007-12-16T18:52:00.000-08:00

More developments here.

Plans to extend and redefine the outside smoking area, plans to extend licensing hours.

Andrew has doubts about the planning point, and I have them about licensing. We both, as members of planning (me) and licencing (Andrew) are not allowed to comment in advance on applications that will come before us.

For more details go to the council's website and look them up under "planning" and the "licensing" parts

Blog Wars

2007-12-16T12:52:00.000-08:00

Attempts to ban this blog from being worked on have been reversed.

IT at the Guildhall said access to this site could be harmful and contrary to council policy.

I foiled these dastardly attempts to stifle public accountability and deny you access to this site, with the devastatingly effective argument that it told the truth as a site, was not partisan, and all in all was a bit dull...............so where was the harm?

In all honesty it was probably just too broadly drawn censorship parameters catching the site and nothing at all specific, but it does prove we have to be ever vigilant to defend freedoms.

Access is now assured so do read on!

Wyke area Housing Board

2007-12-10T12:55:00.000-08:00

Andrew and i were fortunate enough to be at the first meeting of this today.

We are delighted that respected local campaigner Gill Moore was elected Chairman (proposed by John and seconded by Andrew). John and Andrew, once again demonstrating no grudges are held, moved and seconded former labour and Lib Dem Councillor Barry Dibnah as deputy.

The Board has got off to a cracking start, the representatives from Bricknell area challenging the sloth and lethargy of the housing function. They are making a difference already to the Housing Department, reinforcing our message as councillors that Bricknell Estate will not be forgotten.

Andrew and I were vocal in our attempts to remove trendy "right on" ideas about quotas from those not in the top priority for housing. We have enough difficulty getting deserving eligible residents into this estate without removing their chances for "quota quickies".

I took great pleasure in showing that Andrew and I knew about community engagement and were the real advocates of it. Not impressed by attempts to "promote" the meetings by well paid staff meaning putting the dates in Hull in Print I pointed out that we "get down and dirty" by putting out monthly newsletters, plus street newsletters, plus area specials all through doors - delivered and paid for at no cost to you. Now this blog!

Yes, when it comes down to who really wants to work with people its Andrew and I who do; not the staff you employ, who talk the talk but cannot walk the walk. I was amused to be told the Council could not afford it! I can assure you Andrew and I do not have budgets anywhere near the £22o million of the council!

For the record the meeting finished at 8.20 tonight. My day started at 7.20 with the Radio Humberside Radio car and a freezing journalist talking in a cold wet street about the Beverley Road Vapour baths and was non-stop council meetings/work for just over 13 hours. I make no complaints, I am a lucky man to be able to serve, but its a point to think when people criticise councillors or their commitment.

Andrew arrived from one meeting and he went on to a political meeting afterwards - it really is true, we work for you all year round (and love doing it!)

Bricknell Avenue Traffic Regulation Orders

2007-12-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

Andrew and I long ago had a Minute passed at Wyke Area committee concerning lessening the impact of the TRO. Stripped of jargon and technicalities we said we wanted to support residents who felt there was no need to ban parking on both sides at peak times. We thought on-street parking was not unreasonable on the side of the road where, during peak time, it was the other side of the road that was congested.

You can imagine our surprise when some very many months later this has not been done, and we share the anger of local residents. Apparently officers are waiting to see what the reason was for introducing the TRO, and they cannot find out. As Andrew and I have said, that was then (and it was wrong) , this is now, lets just get on with it.

We will continue to press for staff to act as instructed on behalf of local residents

Bricknell Avenue CarriagewayReservations

2007-12-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Andrew and i have asked for plans to be drawn up to refurbish some of these. Some are looking sparse and some tired, so we have decided to explore theming then around various geographical concepts such as continents are countries.

It is an exciting opportunity to improve a principal road into the City and ties in with a theme Andrew and I have in our approach to the Ward. As residents maintain their own properties the least the Council do is maintain the quality of the environment it controls. This is why Andrew and I are so passionate about improving public land, maintaining trees, ensuring enough litter bins and other examples of our common environment. It is common to us all, it is special because this community is special.

National Avenue/County Road junction

2007-12-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

Regular readers of CONTACT, our pioneering and trail-blazing newsletter, will recall how we have improved the railings and attempted to improve the aesthetics of this junction.

This was necessary because of neglect by the council, however we are having to revisit the planting scheme. It really is a bit stiny and threadbare, my childhood Teddy bear has more covering than this area. We will have plant density increased, and we are still looking to soften the landscaping outside the national.

Long term residents will recall that the then Labour councillor Colin "Chuckles" Challen (now MP for Morley and soon to leave The House for a lucrative non job on a quango so one of Gordon's Gophers can have a safe seat) decided the area needed a few oil drums and wooden boards to improve it. Well we got rid of them, but it is still an oasis of concrete so we will look for planters and similar to make the area look as pleasant as local residents make their gardens.

Christmas Card

2007-12-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

I too am thrilled by the enthusiasm shown and delighted Ellie lives in the Ward, an added bonus.

Alas I am in Wakefield for Regional Planning Board, trying to ensure Hull is a regional centre and resisting odd claims from smaller towns on the south bank which have many merits and attractions but are not regional centres (even if one embraces regionalism as a concept) so I will miss out on the well deserved presentation and Christmas meal.

Andrew and I are very happy there was such a good response for this idea.

Christmas Card Design Winner

2007-12-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

The winner of our competition to design our Christmas Card for Bricknell Ward can now be announced. The winning design (pictured left) was produced by Ellie Riches from Year 2 at Bricknell Primary School.

The cards have now been printed and John and I will be delivering them around the ward in the next week or two.

A big thank you to Ellie and Bricknell Primary School for the card designs.

I will be presenting Ellie with her prize at Bricknell Primary School on Tuesday when I shall also be enjoying a Christmas Dinner with pupils!

Langdale Avenue

2007-12-06T20:02:00.000-08:00

Andrew and I are pushing for this street to be relit and think we have idnetified a pt of money to do it with.

Andrew and I are passionate about reclaiming the streets for decent people and despite the usual neglect of Bricknell Ward by the corporate centre we have found a number of imaginative ways to fund streetlighting throughout the ward.

Of course it took our usual robust e-mails to get some responses, but thankfully the matter has ended up with one of the more co-operative memebrs of staff so we are cautiously optimistic.

More will follow and a CONTACT! is due out shortly on this important topic

Kelvin Hall School

2007-12-06T12:07:00.001-08:00

We know there are widespread concerns about proposals to expand the school into a new "monster size" with a much wider catchment area drawing people from even further away.

Andrew and I retain as our first concern the quality of the education on offer to the children, and the impact of the school on the wider community.

As you may know there are some who want a split school site, part on the current school , part on the former William Gee School.

There are some who want to expand it to as much as 1700 in size and encourage more drivers to arrive at the school gates!

We both conducted two in-depth surveys locally.

William Gee Area Survey

· 97% stated that they opposed Kelvin building a new and enlarged lower school on the William Gee site.

· 74% supported the creation of sports pitches for use by Kelvin & residents, along with a community facility.

Kelvin Hall Area Survey

· About 95% agreed with John and Andrew that Kelvin should not expand to 1500 or 1350 pupils.

· 98% of respondents felt the current 1000 pupil capacity was sufficient.

On education grounds we actively oppose two sites with classrooms on each, we are not in support of extending the school numbers, and we are not convinced we have seen satisfactory proposals to improve the education on offer.

We do support new buildings and are pressing for better access arrangements to be included as well as good quality facilities and buildings. We will ensure that local residents are consulted early and often on building proposals and will continue to keep residents in touch through our regular CONTACT! newsletter.

We really do believe in working for you all year round

Hotham Road North

2007-12-06T12:07:00.000-08:00

Andrew and I have arranged for a meeting to review road safety options along the street. There are no firm proposals yet, but we will report further after we have met with officers.

Welcome to our blog

2007-11-26T05:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new blog set up by Cllr John Fareham and I for the Bricknell Ward community. We hope to use this blog to highlight the work we are doing locally and to ensure that we can keep local residents better updated.

Our trail-blazing and pioneering newsletter Contact! will continue to be delivered with the usual regularity but we hope that this blog will complement the newsletters.