Climate Change is the ISSUE

Climate Change is in my view the most serious issue facing us on the Earth. As climate becomes more variable and more unpredictable and areas become unsustainable then people will simply move en-masse. We have to solve the problem and solve it fast. Unfortuneately one of the first acts of the new Tory Government was to slash and burn all the environmental achievements of the coalition government. Just as renewable energy is about to reach self sustaining level the Conservatives butcher the industry and the environmental gains it brings. Its attitude to solar power and land based wind beggar belief. And if that is not enough just of the coast of Bournemouth (well I say just but in fact 13 miles off shore) the Tories have trashed an off shore wind farm. But then we know their priority Frack at any cost. What a short sighted view on life. We should be welcoming renewable energy based on the sun, wind and tides and rejecting CO2 poluting energy sources.

This was a real priority for The Liberal Democrat administration that I lead in Bath and NESomerset from 2011 to 2015. During this time we took recycling rates from 40% to 80%, increased dramatically the amout of renewable energy produced in the area and developed a sustainable food policy.

In contrast the Green lead administration in Brighton over the same period inherited a recycling rate of about 30% and succeeded in taking it down to 25%.

The motion debated:-

F23 Securing a Global Treaty on Climate Change

Mover: Lord Purvis (Parliamentary Spokesperson on Energy and Climate
Change)
Summation: Neil Stockley
Conference notes that:
a) The 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is scheduled to
take place in Paris from 30 November to 11 December 2015.
b) This will be a crucial conference, as it needs to achieve a new
international agreement on the climate, applicable to all countries,
with the aim of keeping global warming within 2°C above preindustrial
levels.
Conference applauds the achievements of Liberal Democrats in
government from 2010 to 2015 in maintaining momentum towards a new
global treaty on climate change, working constructively with other EU
member states for more ambitious action on green growth and making
progress towards decarbonising the UK economy.
Conference calls on the Government to:
1. Play a leading political and diplomatic role as part of the EU
negotiating effort to secure agreement on a fair, effective and legally
binding new global climate treaty at the conference, including
commitments by all countries to reduce emissions, with the richer
countries taking the lead, supported by a well-financed Green
Climate Fund to assist poorer countries to tackle and adapt to climate
change.
2. Cooperate with other European countries to address environmental
threats and tackle climate change by securing a formal agreement
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 (from 1990
levels), as part of a global agreement, reforming the EU Emissions
Trading System and developing the EU Energy Union.
3. Continue pressing for the greater use of EU funds to support
innovative low-carbon investments.
4. Ensure that the UK meets its own targets to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and plays a leadership role within Europe and
internationally on efforts to combat climate change.
5. Pursue additional actions outside the UN climate talks, including EU
and international initiatives to reduce hydrofluorocarbons and other
‘short-lived climate forcers’.
6. Ensure that UK and EU development aid, free trade and investment
agreements support environmental goals and sustainable investment,
including maintaining the UK’s International Climate Fund and
supporting direct bilateral programmes with developing countries on
climate change.
Conference condemns the Government for its ideologically-motivated
decision to end support for onshore wind power, which can only serve
to increase the cost of the low-carbon transition while at the same
time losing jobs and investment and harming the UK’s international
competitiveness.

Bournemouth Liberal Democrat Conference day 3

One of the concerns of the day expressed several times by several people and businesses was the Tory EU referendum. The Tories may well be leading the Country into economic and social disaster with its EU referndum merely as a salve to its extreme Eurosceptic wing. Building up myths and fears rather than woprking from within to improve it as an organisation that works for citizens across Europe.

In the conference hall listened to good speeches from Willie Rennie and Nick Clegg and the main debate of the morning on Climate Change . In Scotland the Independence dabate continues apace and certainly if the Tory plan for a EU referndum delivers an exit vote then surely the UK will disintegrate with Scotland for sure and possibly Wales clamouring to remain in the EU and leaving the UK thus leaving Cameron with his Little England mentality and a completely fractured country.

Lunch time Fringe  – went to the Country Side Alliance and the importance of the rural vote. Mark Williams MP for Ceredigion made several good points on the different needs of rural communities from housing to the desire for hill farmers to have small wind turbines to help with energy costs as well as using renewable energy.

In the afternoon we had the Trident debate (see separate posting) and One Member One Vote. At this conference we had a record number of attendees including a record number of first timers and new members. Up to now we have had voting delegates and non-voting delegates – with numbers assigned to constituency by membership numbers. However from now on anyone who comes to conference will be a voting delegate. I think this is a great step forward in opening up conference. Now we have to look to see how we can develop on-line participation so that members can vote from home if they cannot get the time or money to attend the conference in person.

For the evening Fringe started with Land Value Taxation and Vince Cable . Land Value Taxation was unfortuneately one of the few items in the LLoyd George budget that did not get enacted. A shame. We need something that controls the value of land and make sure it contributes to society and not just a lucky few owners. From there went to an International Fringe event – again subject of a separate posting.

 

Bournemouth Liberal Democrat Conference day 2

Sunday started with two training sessions on websites which proved very useful and learnt lots of new techniques. The challenge is now to see if I can implement them. Back at the Confernece listened to a great speech from Sohie in t’Veld about the importance of the UK staying in Europe. She is from D66 – a Dutch Liberal party that had a traumatic election experience a few years ago and is now bouncing back.

Lunchtime Fringe event was at Trussel Trust fringe on food poverty in the UK. There is real concern that the new Conservative Govenments ruthless attacking on the working poor since its election victory in May is going to have major impacts on many families. The cutting of free school meals and DWP working tax credit penalties etc are just two examples.    John Pugh MP  also raised issues about poor diet, lack of fresh food in some communities and obesity as a sign not of overeating but poor eating.

Evening Fringe – I selected one on Gibraltar with Fabian Picardo MP and Joseph Garcia MP – the two leaders of the coalition government there one from Labour and one from the Liberals. Interesting to hear their issues with Spain and how the current economic woes in Spain had casued a raise in tension as a distraction policy by the Spanish Government. Followed this with an excellent beer and curry fringe with the RSPCA fringe on issues around pet and animal welfare with Baroness Kate Parminter and finally on to the LGA LD group AGM.

Bournemouth Liberal Democrat Conference Day 1

First Day in sunny Bournemouth went well. Good training session  on raising media profile including creating video content. Excellent debate on the refugee crises and then the rally to start the conference.

great speech from new member Amy from Bristol on why she joined, great music from the London International Gospel Choir and then Tim’s first speech as Leader. Good content and good commitments and confidence about the fightback from May’s results.

 

First Leaders speech at Bournemouth

First Leaders speech at Bournemouth

London I nternational Gospel Choir

New member Amy from Bristol

New member Amy from Bristol

 

Upcoming roadworks around B&NES

A3039 Manvers Street, City Centre, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

14 September — 25 September Road closure
Delays likely due to Streetworks
Revised Dates – Night-Time Closure For Resurfacing Works at Manvers Street & Pierrepont Street
Responsibility: Bath and North East Somerset Council
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
A3039 Pierrepont Street, City Centre, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

14 September — 25 September Road closure
Delays likely due to Streetworks
Revised Dates – Night-Time Closure For Resurfacing Works at Manvers Street & Pierrepont Street
Responsibility: Bath and North East Somerset Council
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
A362 Frome Road, Radstock, Bath And North East Somerset

08 September — 10 September Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)
Delays likely due to Streetworks
Wecs. Manhole Surveys Of Existing Sewers, Avoiding Peak Hours (09:30-1500). Owner:Marie Crosbie at 38 To Charltons World Of Wood
Responsibility: Wessex Water
EToN status: Work in progress

________________________________________
Roadworks
Works information not available as Wiltshire Council does not currently subscribe to the roadworks.org Premium Service.

________________________________________
A4 London Road, Walcot, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

14 September — 16 September Lane closure
Delays likely due to Streetworks
Slot Cutting at Outside Number 5
Responsibility: Bath and North East Somerset Council
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
A4 Newbridge Road, Newbridge, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

10 September — 10 September Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)
Delays likely due to Streetworks
Survey Work And Manhole Inspections 0930-1530 Hours. at Entrance / Exit To Newbridge Park & Ride
Responsibility: Bath and North East Somerset Council
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
A4 The Paragon, Walcot, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

14 September — 20 September Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)
Delays likely due to Streetworks
Trial Pits X3 In Carriageway Adjacent To Vineyards Retaining Wall To Establish Wall Foundation. Also To Carry Out Coring Of Retaining Wall At 2 Locations. at Length Of The Paragon/ London Road From No.1 Vineyards To No 20 Vineyards.
Responsibility: Bath and North East Somerset Council
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
B3116 Burnett Hill, Burnett, Keynsham, Bath And North East Somerset

14 September — 14 September Road closure
Delays likely due to Streetworks
Access To Replace Dangerous Classed Pole On Grass Verge. Road Closure Required Off Peak For 4 Hours at Burnett Hill Opp Rose Cottage Burnett Keynsham Bs31 2tf
Responsibility: BT
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
Bathwick Hill, Bathwick, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

10 September — 14 September Traffic control (two-way signals)
Delays likely due to Streetworks
Urgent Sewer Repair at Upton House
Responsibility: Wessex Water
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
Rush Hill, Odd Down, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

09 September — 11 September Traffic control (two-way signals)
Delays likely due to Streetworks
Section 81/Defect at 117
Responsibility: Wessex Water
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
A3062 Bradford Road, Combe Down, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

15 September — 15 September Some carriageway incursion
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Installation Of A Bus Shelter at Foxhill Bus Stop, Bradford Road, Bath
Responsibility: Bath and North East Somerset Council
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
A36

08 September — 09 September Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Delays possible due to Streetworks
2 Way Signal For Topograph Survey Between 20.00-06.00 at A36, A36 Dundas Both.
Responsibility: Highways England
EToN status: Work in progress

________________________________________
A36 Lower Bristol Road, Westmoreland, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

08 September — 10 September Some carriageway incursion
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Repair Service at Phoenix House
Responsibility: Wessex Water
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
A39 Bath Road, Farmborough, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

15 September — 29 September Traffic control (two-way signals)
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Wall Repair Work at Near Junction The Street, Farmborough
Responsibility: Bath and North East Somerset Council
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
A4 Charlotte Street, City Centre, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

09 September — 11 September Some carriageway incursion
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Repair Service at 5
Responsibility: Wessex Water
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
A4 The Paragon, Walcot, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

09 September — 11 September Some carriageway incursion
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Repair Service at 20
Responsibility: Wessex Water
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
Anglo Terrace, Walcot, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

14 September — 16 September Lane closure
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Slot Cutting at Outside Number 3
Responsibility: Bath and North East Somerset Council
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
B3110 Midford Road, Odd Down, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

10 September — 14 September Some carriageway incursion
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Repair Service at 81
Responsibility: Wessex Water
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
B3116 Wellsway, Keynsham, Bath And North East Somerset

08 September — 16 September Some carriageway incursion
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Excavations In Highway To Locate And Repair Streetlight Fault at Outside 165
Responsibility: Western Power Distribution
EToN status: Work in progress

________________________________________
B3355 High Street, Paulton, Bristol, Bath And North East Somerset

08 September — 08 September Traffic control (two-way signals)
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Traffic Light Head Only – No Excavation at Outside Brittania Cottage
Responsibility: Western Power Distribution
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
Bath Road, Paulton, Bristol, Bath And North East Somerset

08 September — 08 September Traffic control (two-way signals)
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Vehicles/Hoist In Carrageway – No Excavation at Opposite 1 Victoria Terrace
Responsibility: Western Power Distribution
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
Bathwick Hill, Bathwick, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

08 September — 10 September Some carriageway incursion
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Repair Service at Georges House, Georges Place
Responsibility: Wessex Water
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
Bathwick Hill, Bathwick, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

08 September — 10 September Some carriageway incursion
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Repair Service at 3 Georges Place
Responsibility: Wessex Water
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
Brassmill Lane, Newbridge, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

15 September — 17 September Traffic control (two-way signals)
Delays possible due to Streetworks
To Construct A 300mm X 300mm Chamber And Duct To The Existing Cso To Install A Comms Cable at 62
Responsibility: Wessex Water
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
Church Hill, Timsbury, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

15 September — 18 September Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Delays possible due to Streetworks
– at O/S Forge House
Responsibility: Wales & West Utilities Ltd
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
Norton Lane, Chew Magna, Bristol, Bath And North East Somerset

08 September — 15 September Traffic control (two-way signals)
Delays possible due to Streetworks
– at O/S The Orchard
Responsibility: Wales & West Utilities Ltd
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
Sladebrook Road, Southdown, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

10 September — 14 September Traffic control (two-way signals)
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Repair Service at 34
Responsibility: Wessex Water
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
Sladebrook Road, Southdown, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

10 September — 14 September Traffic control (two-way signals)
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Repair Service at 42
Responsibility: Wessex Water
EToN status: Advanced planning

________________________________________
Southstoke Road, Combe Down, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

09 September — 11 September Some carriageway incursion
Delays possible due to Streetworks
Sewer Repair at 33
Responsibility: Wessex Water
EToN status: Advanced planning

Flood risk consultation

Details about the draft Local Flood risk Management Strategy and consultation process…

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy is now available for review: Flood Consultation Link

Details about the draft Local Flood risk Management Strategy and consultation process. 

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy is now available for review: http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/your-council-and-democracy/consultations

Earlier this year we were in touch to let you know that we were preparing our Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. A draft version of the Strategy is now available for review by organisations and members of the public. We are keen to get your views on this draft Strategy. We would like to know whether you think the strategy covers all the important issues and whether you agree with the range of actions that the Council intends to take on flooding over the next ten years.

 

As a reminder, the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy:

  • Sets out our understanding of the risk of flooding in Bath & North East Somerset, with a particular focus on ‘local flooding’, which includes flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses (typically small streams and ditches).
  • Explains the roles and responsibilities of those involved in managing flood risk
  • Provides information to help local communities, individuals and businesses better understand flooding and the steps they can take to manage flood risks
  • Sets out how we will guide new development to consider flood risk and surface water drainage
  • Contains an Action Plan setting out the measures we, and our partners, will take to manage the risks of local flooding.

 

How to review the Strategy and provide your feedback

 

You can view the draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and provide feedback via our website:

 

http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/your-council-and-democracy/consultations

 

You can leave feedback using the online feedback form at the above website or feel free to email me with any comments.

 

The consultation period runs until 26th October 2015.

 

Printed copies of the Strategy will also be available in One-Stop-Shops and Libraries in the Bath & North East Somerset area.

 

What happens following the consultation?

 

All the comments received via the consultation process will be considered.  Where possible and practical they will be used to help inform revisions to the document.

 

The final Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, as modified after the consultation, will need to be approved by the Council’s Cabinet.  Once this has happened we will be able to publish a final version.  We hope that the Strategy will be completed towards the end of 2015.

 

Earlier this year we were in touch to let you know that we were preparing our Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. A draft version of the Strategy is now available for review by organisations and members of the public. We are keen to get your views on this draft Strategy. We would like to know whether you think the strategy covers all the important issues and whether you agree with the range of actions that the Council intends to take on flooding over the next ten years.

As a reminder, the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy:
• Sets out our understanding of the risk of flooding in Bath & North East Somerset, with a particular focus on ‘local flooding’, which includes flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses (typically small streams and ditches).
• Explains the roles and responsibilities of those involved in managing flood risk
• Provides information to help local communities, individuals and businesses better understand flooding and the steps they can take to manage flood risks
• Sets out how we will guide new development to consider flood risk and surface water drainage
• Contains an Action Plan setting out the measures we, and our partners, will take to manage the risks of local flooding.

How to review the Strategy and provide your feedback

You can view the draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and provide feedback via our website:

http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/your-council-and-democracy/consultations

You can leave feedback using the online feedback form at the above website or feel free to email me with any comments.

The consultation period runs until 26th October 2015.

Printed copies of the Strategy will also be available in One-Stop-Shops and Libraries in the Bath & North East Somerset area.

What happens following the consultation?

All the comments received via the consultation process will be considered. Where possible and practical they will be used to help inform revisions to the document.

The final Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, as modified after the consultation, will need to be approved by the Council’s Cabinet. Once this has happened we will be able to publish a final version. We hope that the Strategy will be completed towards the end of 2015.

It is the Economy…

GDP figures

Quarterly growth of 0.5% puts the UK in pole position to be the fastest growing G7 economy in 2014.

Our economy is growing because we Liberal Democrats have anchored economic policy in the centre ground. In 2010 the last Labour government bequeathed the Country a bankrupt economy.

We’ve driven through a host of Lib Dem inspired measures including income tax cuts for millions of working people, cutting the deficit fairly, boosting apprenticeships and investing in regional and local projects to rebalance the economy.

Today’s figures represent solid progress, especially with many of our key markets still suffering from economic problems.

And here in B&NES the Lib Dem Council has adopted the same policy of investing in apprenticeships and driving forward economic regeneration in the digital and creative industries.

 

Walking and cycling is key to less congestion

Banes Council under my leadership continues to improve cycle and walking facilities around the area. Cycle improvement scheme is under way at the Globe roundabout and now a major pedestrian improvement is about to get under way in Bath City centr.

Work to start on pedestrian improvements in Bath City Centre

A project to improve life for pedestrians and make the centre of Bath more attractive will start on Monday 2 February when Bath & North East Somerset Council begins work to make Stall Street virtually traffic free during shopping hours. The Council wishes to create a safer and more attractive experience for residents, visitors and businesses here by improving the quality of the street.

A new traffic restriction will come into force between 10am and 6pm which will see all but essential vehicles banned from this area. Existing street clutter will be reduced and improvements made including a new level surface throughout, paved with natural stone materials in keeping with Bath’s historical surroundings.

The final result is a very balanced approach to revitalising the city centre to a standard that reflects its status as an international visitor destination and World Heritage Site, and reducing the amount of vehicles in the historic core and has been the outcome of much consultation.

The paving improvements in Lower Borough Walls and Stall Street will be built in phases throughout the duration of the work, which is anticipated to last 8 months.  To facilitate the first phase of the works, a temporary road closure from 10am to 6pm each day will be implemented at the entrance to Lower Borough Walls. A diversion route will be in place via a two-way system on Hot Bath Street, controlled by traffic signals.

For more information, please visit: www.bathnes.gov.uk/stallstreet.