PARWICH.ORG

Posted in Local government | 11 Comments

11 Responses

1. on Monday May 25, 2009 at 5:05 pm | Reply candidates

   Comment received from Bill Newton Dunn is response to the above:

   Thank you for the very interesting message.

   Sadly, there is nothing that any MEP can do because our role is to harass the Eurocrats in Brussels – whereas bureaucrats inside the UK are to be harassed by MPs or councillors.

   All good wishes for success in the campaign
   Bill Newton Dunn, Liberal Democrat
   http://www.newton-dunn.com

   
   
2. on Monday May 25, 2009 at 5:36 pm | Reply pheadair

   Reading the above I realised how little I know what MEPs responsibilities are. The following is taken from the Responsible Citizen website:

   The primary role of an MEP is to represent the constituents who have elected them. They do this by spending part of their time on their constituency, which, in the UK, is a fairly large area, and the rest of their time in Brussels. Like a national MP, constituents can go to their MEP to ask them advice and ask for help on issues which are affected by Europe. The MEPs will then take up the cause of these constituents, if they can do anything about the problem and represent them in Brussels.

   The issues raise in the post above are on the surface are very local and as such more relevant to the candidates for the County Council elections. However they also relate to the nature of local democracy in National Parks where their is no scrutiny of Planning Decisions by an elected body; to the issues of maintaining and developing rural communities; and environmental issues. These are wider issues that I would have hoped our MEPs would want to engage with.

   
   
3. on Wednesday May 27, 2009 at 7:40 pm | Reply candidates

   A thank you to Simon Spencer, our current District Councillor, for sending this to us. He is standing for the County Council elections:

   Over the last six years as your District Councillor I have worked closely with many groups in Parwich. Hopefully that work has been fruitful and I will to continue that relationship if elected to the County Council.

   Many of the issues raised this year have been addressed in my election literature which I hope you have all received. Some of the questions raised in your survey have are long term policy implication which hopefully have been addressed in the Conservative Manifesto 2009 which can been found on line at our Derbyshire website.

   My local priorities :-
   1. I wish to see fairness and equity at the heart of Derbyshire County Council’s policies.
   2. Deliver good quality services whilst applying the principal of value for money for the Council tax payers.
   3. Protect our rural way of life and helping village schools, local pubs and post offices to survive and to flourish.
   4. Promote tourism whilst making sure that the Peak District Nation Park Authority addresses the needs of the people who live and work in the area.
   5. Address the Traffic issues on the A515 and the congestion in Ashbourne whilst working with local Councillors, groups and individuals to represent you at County Hall.

   I hope the community will be able to make an informed decision on June 4th.

   Yours Cllr Simon Spencer

   
   
4. on Friday May 29, 2009 at 10:01 am | Reply candidates

   Many thanks to James Jennings, Liberal Democrat candidate for the Dovedale Division in the County Coucil election for this thought out response to the issues we raised.

   Dear Parwich.org,

   First of all, please let me apologise for the lateness of this response. In the lead up to the elections it has been fairly hectic as I’m sure you can imagine. I’ll try and address the points as best I can, although it will have to be succinct as it is 11pm at night as I’m typing this.

   Firstly, I would like to say that I am a member of the Lib Dems because I believe they work from the ground up – my colleague in Derwent Valley, Nigel Allwood, has demonstrated this by regularly attending every possible Parish Council meeting and identifying what it is people want by asking them and then taking action. He has had a wonderful response to this and it is an approach I will emulate if I’m selected as your County Councillor.

   Looking at the specific issues you raised:
   The role of the County Councillor is to meet your needs, not impose ‘improvements’ on them without notice or discussion with the Parish Council (and indeed residents directly). As a councillor I would work with residents to identify alternatives for any proposed works and hold the County Council to account for any decisions that are made that are at odds with the wishes of the residents. In many cases, a little extra thought and discussion is sufficient to find an acceptable alternative.

   Roads & Traffic:
   With regards to the 50mph issue, this is something that is likely to be imposed upon councils as a national ‘safety’ initiative and will be down to the County Council to act to maintain the 60mph limit as an exception rather than a rule. Personally, I am frustrated by the central government’s obsession with reducing speed when what they should be focusing on is reducing bad driving – a by-product of which may be speed, but also includes a range of other factors. Automatically reducing the speed to 50mph won’t do anything to address uninsured or drunk drivers, but will grab headlines. Again, if you elect me as Councillor I will listen and understand your priorities and do everything I can at County level to meet those requirements. If you collectively feel a 20mph speed limit will be appropriate then we’ll do all we can to make that happen. The danger (as you rightly point out) is that there is a tendency to plaster signs all over the place, affecting the aesthetics of the village and countryside.

   I should admit now to being a motorcycle rider and I take your point about the number of motorcycle accidents on the roads (including the A515). The danger is that we are all tarred with the same brush as being too fast, too noisy and generally anti-social. That would be a shame as there are many bikers who come to the area and ride safely, enjoy the countryside and spend money in the local economy. There have been a number of examples of education and engagement by police through bikesafe schemes and PR being very effective across the country and a blanket lowering of the speed limits, coupled with speed cameras and rumble strips may just drive the law-abiding bikers away without actually changing the behaviour of those bikers who want to ride unacceptably fast. I would advocate a common-sense approach by local traffic police, with direct enforcement for the minority that are dangerous without spoiling it (or the countryside) for the law abiding majority.

   With regards to planning, my response will stay on the same theme as the rest of my response – that it would be my responsibility as a councillor to find out and understand what residents collectively want – the points you raise are the first step to this process. I should add that I’ve spent the last ten years working in and around the public services arena so I’m confident that I’ll be able to bring a lot of experience and background to the ways in which planning and other services are run. If there is something that you collectively want to make sure happens (or doesn’t happen) then I will do all I can to ensure that the Peak Park (and any other public body) works to those requirements – after all, many of the public bodies call people customers or clients…

   The Lib Dems have always had a strong record on environmental issues as a whole and I am keen to see how we can use the environmental agenda to meet our needs – let’s look at collective solar energy, wind farms, heat exchange systems and other initiatives and evaluate whether they fit for Dovedale. With regards to flood prevention, we need to look at preventing future flooding both by having contingency plans and by identifying the root cause of the flooding. I would again be very keen to know and understand the views of residents so that we can hold the County Council decision-making to account.

   Community:
   I am one of the people you mention, self employed with a young family. We are an exception however, because my wife and I have worked hard to create a work/life balance that allows us to both work and care for our young daughter, whilst also living in the Derbyshire Dales. I firmly believe in the value of local business and it is important that we can create a flourishing and diverse economy. Broadband infrastructure and transport will help that, but I feel we are missing an important link in the supply chain – that of an FE/HE college. Without it, young people leave to pursue further studies and then can’t afford to come back or can’t find appropriate starter jobs in the area. Affordable housing will be another link in that chain. We need to look at the economy as a whole and how we can kick-start it, rather than just throwing around isolated initiatives based on whatever is ‘flavour of the month’. It won’t be easy but it will make a difference. I can bring a long track record in economic development which will help, but we have a lot of expertise across Dovedale that we need to draw upon to make it really effective.

   I hope this answers the points, let me know if you need any further information or clarification. I hope you choose to vote on June 4th and if you do, I hope further that you will consider me as your Lib Dem candidate and what we can achieve together for Dovedale.

   Best regards,
   James

   
   
5. on Friday May 29, 2009 at 6:17 pm | Reply pheadair

   Today we have sent this post again to the County Council candidates and East Midlands MEPs that have not yet responded.

   Hopefully we will get more responses before next Thursday.

   
   
6. on Sunday May 31, 2009 at 11:14 am | Reply candidates

   Many thanks to Roger Helmer (Conservative MEP) for responding to our email:

   We are very busy, and I don’t have time for a long reply. I very much sympathise with most of your points, especially with the issue of speed limits and excessive signage. But I have to say that these are all primarily UK issues, and don’t fall within my remit as an MEP. I am very much aware of the special problems of the Peak District, and keen to maintain this area which is a vital asset to the region.

   Best regards.

   ROGER HELMER
   http://www.rogerhelmer.com

   
   
7. on Monday June 1, 2009 at 9:40 am | Reply candidates

   Thank you for your email. I have in fact taken a look at the website, and I would like to reassure you that, if elected, I will take up the issues that concern your Parish (within the Wirksworth Division)

   Another fact is that my leaflets point out that one of the five main issues upon which I stand is the deplorable state of Derbyshire roads and Road Safety

   As a former Police Officer, once in charge of the Derbyshire Constabulary Road Safety Unit, I have particular concerns in this area and consider myself as having some serious experience in this field, which I hope to bring to bear.

   At last January’s Police Budget meeting in Buxton (as DDDC Councillor for Masson Ward) I attacked the Chief Constable on his present Roads Policing policy, as did some other Councillors in the North of the Dales. (Masson Ward includes Matlock Bath, the honeypot for the hundreds of motor bikes that travel our roads.)

   However, I have to point out at the same time that the Chief Constable does not have sufficient budget to police the area as he would wish, due to a shortfall of approx £6million from the Labour government. Whilst strong representation has been made on this matter, it has so far fell on deaf ears.

   If elected as the controlling group at County Hall, we Conservatives have stated in our manifesto that this issue is a high priority.

   I hope this is helpful to you

   regards

   Cllr Garry Purdy
   Conservative Candidate Wirksworth Division

   
   
8. on Monday June 1, 2009 at 4:40 pm | Reply candidates

   Here is the response from Irene Ratcliffe, Labour candidate and sitting County Councillor for the Wirksworth Division that includes Ballidon. More than any of the other candiadtes she has systematically addressed the issues raised in our post:

   Dear Editor

   Thank you for inviting me to comment as candidate in the forth coming election for the Wirksworth Diversion.

   Road works that are planned require consultation and a temporary traffic regulation order in place. Ward members and Parish Councils should be informed and where the villages are having events then I feel that the council should consider these and try to plan work around the events, however this can be difficult and once the works have been programmed in for the year it is not easy to change.

   In some situations consultation other than with the police is not possible, for example some recent slippage that requires closure to investigate the extent and its cause.

   In our area it can be a nightmare to implement and to indeed direct vehicles to only use the diversion signs.

   I have been informed by the police that they have been consulted and are fully supportive of the action taken in regards to both the B5056 and the A515.

   I agree that the extensive repairs following the accident and land slippage, have taken some time, however as long as the traffic signals work safety it is better to have a job done well and to recover costs where appropriate.

   As the elected member for Bradbourne and Ballidon I have been in close communication with the Parish Council through the clerk and chairman and was able to reassure them that the work was programmed in for a substantial repair this summer. I would have liked it done sooner rather than later, but pleased that we are having both roads done.

   I am in favour of formalising the speed restriction on roads, this does not mean that drivers are being asked to drive up to the limit but it is a baseline in law and enables the police to take enforcement, and will be taken into account in accident investigations.

   I was taught that as a drivers you need to read the road, take on board the driving conditions and keep within the Highway Code.

   Road Signs
   This is a very difficult one the balance between safety and the possible conflict with the natural environment and cultural heritage.
   At Hartington a successful de-cluttering of signs has been done, and I know Parwich villagers wish to look at this with DCC, and active member would take this forward.

   Below is information I have gathered as a DCC scrutiny member on motor bike accidents

   Biker signs – The six signed routes over the period April to September 2007 resulted in a 22% reduction (over this time period) in motorcycle injury collisions on these routes, from the 2003-2005 annual average “baseline” (i.e. before the routes campaigns started). There was also a 29% reduction in killed or serious motorcycle collisions on these six routes over the same time period.
   Due to the success in collision and casualty reduction, it was decided by the Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership to increase the number of routes for the 2008 biker season to eight routes. This resulted in a 46% reduction in motorcycle injury collisions, between April and September 2008, compared to April to September in the 2003-2005 annual average “baseline”. There was also a 73% reduction in killed or serious motorcycle collisions over the same time period on these eight routes. The signing was accompanied by a local radio campaign, adverts in local and motorcycle press, articles in local newspapers and also an annual event in Matlock Bath. These were to raise awareness and understanding amongst bikers and all vehicle drivers.

   Due to these continued reductions in collisions and casualties and increased awareness, it was decided to place signs on the worst 14 routes over April to September/October 2009, to hopefully achieve even more reductions.

   DCC won an award -a Public Service Agreement “stretch target”, it was entered into by the Authority with the DfT, to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions, in the county of Derbyshire, from an average of 583 per year (i.e. over the time period 2001 to 2004), to no more than 444 in 2008. The Authority achieved this target and the actual number of killed or seriously injured casualties in 2008 was 425.

   An additional “stretch target” was agreed, to reduce slightly injured casualties from an average of 3469 per year over 2001 to 2004, to no more than 3214 in 2008. This target was also achieved, with the actual number of slight casualties in 2008 being 2798.

   As both of these targets were met, the Authority was awarded £1.9 million from the government. Discussions are currently taking place within the Authority to decide how best to spend this money, to achieve more casualty reduction.

   I believe we can have over load with signs, in they urbanisation of the countryside but in accident black spots they seem to help- reduce accidents, and our effective.

   Environment:
   As ward member for Bradbourne, Hognaston and Kniveton I realise the problems that flooding brings and have been working with land owners, Parish Cllrs, DDDC and DCC, the Environment Agency and Seven Trent Water, to gether it is hoped to reduce the impact on residents by varoius flood elevation schemes.

   The built environment is very important but so are open spaces and are rightly valued and need protecting in the planning process and not seen as infill.

   Open spaces, access and the importance of allotments are both a local and county wide issue.

   Before I decided to answer your question on balanced communities I thought hard and asked myself what I have done in these last four years, and some of the achievements are in my leaflet along with my priorities for the next four years. However I am aware my leaflet does not cover the support and value that I have received or indeed the help given from voluntary groups and Parish Councils across my ward and County wide in relation to people’s lives and their relationship with the natural environment.

   I have spent many hours contributing or reading environmental, landscape and biodiversity impact assessments and related strategies and plans before making decisions that affect these. Spending time at policy level and action planning and in monitoring performance is a crucial part of the work of a Cllr. To that end I can say I have been an active ward member, council member and member of the Peak Park Authority.

   In my community leadership I have supported various groups financially and provided support in accessing services of the council and rejoiced at the planting of a community orchard and given support to an allotment group, and sustainable groups.

   Particularly with environmental groups, and local schools, on the important of outdoors, and the natural environment.

   Improving the environment rather than damaging it is a must, and I believe that sustainability is the key and should be placed at the heart of decision making by joined up local government across the tiers in Derbyshire, to link into and those other agencies that are responsible for the environment.

   It is important to recognise that biodiversity is one of the cornerstone principles of sustainable: development, environment, communities, lifestyle, homes, transport, tourism, education, and waste management.

   The safe guarding, and enhancement of conservation biodiversity sites must remain a priority especially as the continued losses of many of these habitats and species means that there is a real need to redress these losses otherwise the landscapes will be barren for future generations. The impact of climate change and the need for increased resources and efforts to mitigate where possible the damage this is having on the wildlife.

   Attention must be given to how this be achieved, good partnership work, good stewardship, monitoring surveys, grant aid and greater education awareness not only of the people of Derbyshire but also to the elected members in order that it is seen as a high priority within the Council, The Derbyshire Partnership Forum, by Landowners, National Government bodies, the Charitable Voluntary Sector.

   The local issue for the Wirksworth Division lies with the importance of mineral extraction in productivity and the need for continued restoration work. The protected limestone areas around Wirksworth, Bonsall, Brassington and its important wildlife habitat.

   We must appreciate the regional sites that are important to the breeding of many protected species eg the great crested newts at Brassington Moor and the pending application for the four wind turbines at Carsington Pastures.

   It is important that the recent planning application to drain the water there into the local water course that was approved by the Peak Park at Ballidon Quarry is carried forward to the Environment agency so that adequate mitigating measures in design reduces flooding that would effect Bradbourne and the ford at Tissington that is a job for the next elected member.

   The impact on the cumulative effect of developments and pollution from traffic along sites such as the SSSI’s on the Via Gellia, and the noise and quality of life for residents and wildlife, need to be addressed.

   Tourism and recreation all play an important part in the economy and lives of residents, this needs to be managed, otherwise the places where people come to enjoy the special qualities of Derbyshire will be lost.

   Mineral Extraction is a major employer and Longcliffe, Ballidon and Tarmac have had planning applications approved, all with conditions on to improve roads, and restoration.

   Schemes where people can work from home helps the rural economy and the creation of skilled rural jobs needed.

   I am pleased that £1m has been awarded to DCC for the College in the Peak to develop rural skills at Middleton within the Wirksworth Division.

   Wind Farms
   Climate change has been the most challenging issue to address to date for countries across the world, and is now effecting the most vulnerable.

   Renewable engery is one measure we should heavily invest in, but wind farms are only one source and in sensitive areas with special qualities other sources of renewable energy should be used.

   Peak District National Park
   As vice chair of the PDNP I visited Parwich earlier this year from miday to after six o’clock, most of the issues where covered then, that have been put to candidates I taken by back to the Authority and are being addressed.

   The PDNPA takes the issues of affordable homes seriously us but is not the responsible Authority that is Derbyshire Dales District Council.
   However the PDNPA has a lead member who takes that forward and its’ chief executive is the lead officer working with Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Local Strategic Partnership. Derbyshire Dales Staffordshire Moorlands and High Peak Borough Council with the PDNPA have formed a Peak Sub Regional Affordable Housing Partnership..
   More affordable housing has been built by Dales Housing inside the National park than in the rest of the Derbyshire Dales together.
   The government has given over £11million in grants to DDDC over the years for affordable housing.

   The PDNPA in its forth coming Local Development Framework addresses many of the issues on diversification and the balance required to keep communities vibrant, a good place to live, work and visit, as does Derbyshire Dales District Council which covers Bradbourne.

   The PDNPA disicsuued the need for direct elections and it was agreed that the present system gave a fair representation. We have Parish Cllrs, District , Borough and County elected members which is balanced with the Sectary of State Members some of which live in and around the park.

   All are responsible and are accountable to the nation and to those that live in, work in and visit it.

   Irene Ratcliffe
   Labour Candidate for Wirksworth Division
   Derbyshire County Council Elections
   4th June 2009

   
   
9. on Tuesday June 2, 2009 at 12:13 pm | Reply candidates

   Thank you to Colin Swindell. Labour County Council candidate for the following:

   Dear all,

   I would like to start by thanking you for starting this discussion between the candidates and the public. I believe that this is a great way to give all voters a chance to see what candidates have to offer and their views on the issues that matter most to them.

   First, please accept my sincere apologies for the delayed response to your questions. I am sure that residents will understand the pressure all candidates are under at the present time and that we are incredibly busy canvassing on the doorsteps.

   Secondly, I would like to commend you on a fabulous website. I built and continue to run Elton’s village website (http://www.elton-derbyshire.com) and have found that it is a fantastic way to network with neighbouring parishes and communicate with village residents. I originally used http://www.parwich.org as a model on which to build our own village website and was amazed with the amount of information displayed. If elected I would like to encourage Parish Councils to take up this initiative in villages throughout the Dovedale Division and help all communities access the benefits of broadband access. I hope your website continues to be a success.

   Roads and Road Safety

   I am aware that the B5056 has been in need of repair for some time now and that there have been ongoing problems with traffic lights. I have discussed this issue with residents on numerous occasions when visiting Parwich and I understand the annoyance and frustration of village residents who use this road frequently to commute to Ashbourne. This is a serious problem that can not be resolved overnight, but if elected I will endeavour to see that this work is carried out as promptly as possible, but also to a high and safe standard.

   With regards to road closures, I feel it is vital that consultation should take place between the Highways, local residents and Parish Councils. As a Parish Councillor in Elton, I understand the importance of consulting with the community before any major road works or closures take place. Consultation should take place at every level of local government. Elected members are there to serve residents wishes, not impose rules and changes upon them.

   We need to strike a fine balance between providing road safety, avoiding ‘sign pollution’ and preventing damage to our environment. The over use of road signs can be as dangerous as having none at all. Drivers are easily distracted when taking there eyes off of the road. I have previously campaigned for certain areas of my own community to have road signs removed where drivers have often commented on the overwhelming numbers on the roads. The over use of road signs can also be detrimental to our landscape and environment. It is imperative that we do all we can to protect the natural beauty of our area without neglecting the hazards on our roads. Anywhere that village residents and local authorities feel that there is inappropriate use of road signs, or there is a need for them, will be investigated and consulted upon.

   I am supportive of 20mph speed limits in small villages where it is felt necessary by the community. Parked cars on streets, young children and older people walking where there is no pavement and narrow, bendy roads pose hazards to drivers and residents. Parwich would be one village that I would consider a change of the speed limit to 20mph if it was requested by village residents.

   I would imagine that the 50mph speed limit on the B5056 is part of an initiative to uniform speed limits across Derbyshire’s roads. I have travelled along the B5056 on many occasions and have never felt the need to travel faster than this speed and at times have felt it unsafe to do so. I feel that the new speed limit is acceptable and will ensure that drivers using the road for the first time will drive at a sensible and safe speed suitable for the road.
   I would like to stress, however, that simply lowering speed limits does not remove the other hazards that motorists pose. Speeding, drink-driving and the unacceptable use of our roads are other issues I would like to see dealt with.

   No new speed limits should be imposed in any area without thorough consultation with local communities, parish councils and elected members.

   I am aware of the number of motorcycle accidents on our roads. Campaigns by the County Council have proved successful in the past, but clearly more needs to be done. If elected I will ensure that further road safety campaigns take place and that new and young drivers are particularly targeted. It is, however, only a minority of bikers who act irresponsibly on our roads.

   
   Environment, Peak Park and Communities

   I have long been a strong supporter of the environment and clean renewable energy sources. Whilst I am supportive of wind farms as a source of renewable energy, planning and location needs to be carefully and sensitively consulted with local communities. In my own parish I have worked to improve our recycling facilities and would like to see this scheme promoted further across the Dovedale Division where practical.

   I have long believed that a certain number of Peak Park members should be directly elected by residents of the Peak Park. I am also interested in addressing the inconsistencies of planning by the Peak Park, between individual applications by the public and with the Authorities own policies.

   In my first election leaflet you may have noticed that protecting and sustaining rural communities would be at the forefront of my agenda if elected as your County Councillor. I have long been a campaigner in my area for local businesses, employment, tourism and the economy and have won awards in these categories when directing the ‘Calor Village of the Year’ competition. I have campaigned endlessly to protect rural public services, such as Post Offices, dispensary services and transport links which are vital our remote communities.

   Alongside this, I have worked as a youth leader and have consistently encouraged young people to get involved in improving their local area, particularly with a focus on environmental aspects. I have also been a supporter of affordable housing, with sensitive consideration to local needs, in order to keep families and young people in their local community.

   I am a neighbourhood watch co-ordinator in Elton. Although this scheme is often talked-down, along with village residents we have worked closely with the police to combat low-level crime which has now reduced significantly. If elected, I will continue to liaise with constituents and the police to clamp down on rural crimes.

   Finally,

   I will be visiting Parwich on Wednesday 3rd June between 9am and 11.30am. I hope to meet as many of you in person as possible during this time and would happily discuss any further issues with you. Alternatively, you can contact me on 07816 986 956 or email colinswindell@hotmail.co.uk.

   Thanks,

   Colin Swindell
   County Council Candidate (Labour)
   Dovedale Division

   
   
10. on Wednesday June 3, 2009 at 4:05 pm | Reply candidates

    Thank you Glenis Willmot Labour MEP for the following response:

    Thank you for your email concerning a variety of issues affecting villages in Derbyshire.

    The issues you raise are the responsibility of individual Member States, and, as far as I can see,are not directly affected by EU legislation.

    For information about my own work, and to give you an idea of the kind of areas in which MEPs are part of the decision making process, you might to look at my website http://www.gleniswillmott.eu. If there is anything further you would like to know, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

    Best wishes
    Glenis Willmott MEP

    
    
11. on Thursday June 4, 2009 at 11:23 pm | Reply candidates

    The following was received from Josh Stockwell the Green County Council candidate for the Wirksworth division in today’s elections:

    Very sorry I haven’t been able to get back to you in time; it would have been a good opportunity for me to connect with people outside Wirksworth, as I haven’t managed much in the way of campaigning. If by some miracle I get elected I will make a visit to Parwich a top priority

    Josh

    
    

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