Please contact me if you have any issues or comments about pedestrians crossing the A39 at this location.
Your views will assist in developing a proposition for improvements to pedestrian safety.
Thanks.
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Thursday 11 March 2010
Serious Case Reviews
Attended meeting in Penzance yesterday which received presentations on deaths of two children in Cornwall. Serious case reviews involve cases of actual or suspected abuse.
A very sobering experience which (a) reinforced my decision to stand as a Councillor to seek to prevent such tragic curcumstances, and (b) put into sharp focus the relative unimportance of many issues which Councillors deal with.
A very sobering experience which (a) reinforced my decision to stand as a Councillor to seek to prevent such tragic curcumstances, and (b) put into sharp focus the relative unimportance of many issues which Councillors deal with.
Friday 5 March 2010
Low Carbon Economy
Attended yesterday evening's 'Transition to Resilience Event' and came away convinced that there are many committed individuals willing and able to work at County and local community levels to achieve a sustainable move towards achieving a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020.
Within this programme, Community Area Networks will have an important role. Localism rules OK!
Within this programme, Community Area Networks will have an important role. Localism rules OK!
Wednesday 3 March 2010
Letter to West Briton
Just in case it is not published.....
We, the undersigned Cornwall Councillors, share the disappointment of many Cornish residents on the absence of net savings from the move to Unitary Authority status (West Briton, 25 February).
Some of the One Cornwall projected savings have been achieved this year but most of those suggested for next year and beyond are 'pie in the sky'. Also, a number of costs had either been under-estimated or overlooked e.g. costs of putting in new systems which were fit for purpose. The word 'hoodwinked' is one that should apply to the previous administration at County Hall, not the new one.
This situation should come as no surprise. The Unitary Authority proposal was forced through by the Lib Dem County Council, supported by the local Lib Dem MPs, but was opposed by 80% of the public. Professor Michael Chisholm of Cambridge University, an acknowledged expert in this area, stated that costs would exceed savings. The case for a new Unitary Authority was fundamentally flawed. In addition, evidence from the Audit Commission indicated that financial control was weak, as was risk management. This was compounded by independent inspection reports of poor services provided by the previous administration.
For the new Conservative and Independent Administration the priority has been to rectify this situation. The results to date are very favourable. Debt has been reduced, the annual deficit curtailed, wasted expenditure such as the newspaper cut out, and financial control strengthened as shown by the latest Audit Commission report. In addition, £120 million is being committed next year to improve services while further savings of £40 million are to be made.
However, more still needs to be done to provide the best possible services at the lowest possible cost for the people of Cornwall. This will take time given the large and complex nature of the new Council. With a good corporate plan, clear vision and firm leadership it can be met, even with the financial constraints expected from future Government cutbacks. All the activities of the Council are directed towards moving it, as quickly as possible, to a position where it is well-regarded for what it does and how it does it.
Yours sincerely
Dave Biggs, Camborne West
Mike Eathorne-Gibbons, Ladock, St Clement and St Erme
Scott Mann, Wadebridge West
Chris Ridgers, Mabe
We, the undersigned Cornwall Councillors, share the disappointment of many Cornish residents on the absence of net savings from the move to Unitary Authority status (West Briton, 25 February).
Some of the One Cornwall projected savings have been achieved this year but most of those suggested for next year and beyond are 'pie in the sky'. Also, a number of costs had either been under-estimated or overlooked e.g. costs of putting in new systems which were fit for purpose. The word 'hoodwinked' is one that should apply to the previous administration at County Hall, not the new one.
This situation should come as no surprise. The Unitary Authority proposal was forced through by the Lib Dem County Council, supported by the local Lib Dem MPs, but was opposed by 80% of the public. Professor Michael Chisholm of Cambridge University, an acknowledged expert in this area, stated that costs would exceed savings. The case for a new Unitary Authority was fundamentally flawed. In addition, evidence from the Audit Commission indicated that financial control was weak, as was risk management. This was compounded by independent inspection reports of poor services provided by the previous administration.
For the new Conservative and Independent Administration the priority has been to rectify this situation. The results to date are very favourable. Debt has been reduced, the annual deficit curtailed, wasted expenditure such as the newspaper cut out, and financial control strengthened as shown by the latest Audit Commission report. In addition, £120 million is being committed next year to improve services while further savings of £40 million are to be made.
However, more still needs to be done to provide the best possible services at the lowest possible cost for the people of Cornwall. This will take time given the large and complex nature of the new Council. With a good corporate plan, clear vision and firm leadership it can be met, even with the financial constraints expected from future Government cutbacks. All the activities of the Council are directed towards moving it, as quickly as possible, to a position where it is well-regarded for what it does and how it does it.
Yours sincerely
Dave Biggs, Camborne West
Mike Eathorne-Gibbons, Ladock, St Clement and St Erme
Scott Mann, Wadebridge West
Chris Ridgers, Mabe
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