Speaking to his local newspaper, the Waltham Forest Guardian, Clyde Loakes was quoted as saying “It is no longer classed as a marginal seat. I am doing this for the experience.”

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton South, Paul Varnsverry, commented “It has been apparent for some time that the constituency Labour Party in Northampton South is imploding. The toxic effects of former Labour Party members, plus a parliamentary candidate who does not live and has not lived in the constituency for decades, are what in combination with Labour’s national woes have truly destroyed their prospects.”

“There is still everything to play for in Northampton South, despite the incumbent MP and a former MP believing they both already have it in the bag. When one carries the stigma of the expenses scandal and the other is perceived by residents as someone who ”doesn’t even like the town”, because of their negative attitude towards everything; voters - including lifelong Labour voters - are making it clear they will be switching their allegiances to the Liberal Democrats at the General Election and pledging their support for me.”

Read the Waltham Forest Guardian article in full at:

http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/wfnews/5066425.WALTHAM_FOREST__Loakes_admits_he_is__paper_candidate_/

Where? The Great Hall, The Guildhall, St Giles Square, Northampton, NN1 1DE

How? Tickets are free. Please book ahead by emailing: towncentredebate@northampton.gov.uk

Panel:

Mr. Brian Binley, Conservative MP for Northampton South

Cllr. Richard Church (Lib Dem, Kingsthorpe), Planning Spokesperson, NorthamptonBorough Council

Chair: to be confirmed

Why it’s so important you have your voice heard:

When the Lib Dems were elected to run Northampton Borough Council in 2007, we made the future of our town centre one of our top priorities. For too long, Labour and Conservative Councillors, backed by their colleagues in Westminster, have neglected our town centre by allowing ever moreout-of-town retail development, raising car parking charges and failing to invest in our town to attract the businesses, jobs and growth we need.

Since the Lib Dems’ Guildhall election win in 2007, we have frozenshoppers’ parking charges, reduced prices on Sundays, invested in the Market Square and signed an agreement for a massive expansion of the Grosvenor Centre. Our policies are now coming under fire, with Conservative Councillors, backed by their MP for Northampton South, Brian Binley, opposing our stand against more out-of-town retail.

Conservatives say we should encourage supermarket developments outside our town centre that would destroy the town’s remaining small and medium-sized businesses, and allow a handful of multi-nationals to take control of our shopping. In doing so, they are questioning our plans to redevelop the Grosvenor Centre and nearby Greyfriars Bus Station to provide a shopping centre fit for the 21st Century.

Lib Dems at the Guildhall have decided that it is time for a full and frank debate about the future of our town centre. We have invited Brian Binley,Conservative MP for Northampton South, to an open debate about the future of our town centre. He has accepted our invitation and will go head-to-head with Lib Dem Borough Councillor for Kingsthorpe and Guildhall Planning Spokesperson, Richard Church.

The debate will be completely free flowing. Anyone is welcome to attend and ask a question.

With big differences between Liberal Democrat and Conservative plans for Northampton, this is sure to be a lively debate. Places are limited so if you would like to attend, please email towncentredebate@northampton.gov.uk to reserve up to two tickets, giving the names of both attendees.

This is a vitally important moment for the future of our town. I hope you will be able to come along and join the debate.

Paul Varnsverry

Deputy Leader of the Council

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton South

Local artist Chris Fiddes has produced a design for a building bridging the highway, with two portals through which traffic would pass.

Quite how recently, or how far back, the idea originates is not stated, but the drawing depicts one of Northampton’s old double-decker buses passing through the structure. Artistic license, or perhaps a clue as to how long the artist has harboured his idea?

The overall impression reminds me of paintings of bridges which had buildings constructed on them, straddling rivers, like Bath’s Pulteney Bridge, which was inspired by the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, The Ponte dei Sospiri in Venice, or the Palladian Bridge in Buckinghamshire.

The proposed building would use stone reclaimed from Northampton Castle, once the favoured residence of Richard the Lionheart and King John, as well as being the seat of Parliament for 200 years.

The castle was ordered to be destroyed by Charles II, in retaliation for the town’s support of the Parliamentarians in the Civil War and its ruins were finally removed to make way for Northampton’s railway station, known as ‘Castle Station’, in the nineteenth century.

I like the idea of reusing the castle’s original stones, but not in the way proposed. There are plans to significantly re-engineer Northampton’s railway station and I have long held the view that it would be fitting to commemorate the important historic building that once occupied the site within the modern transport hub that forms part of the regeneration plans for Northampton.

If there must be a use for the location that would have been the site of the universally-opposed ‘Needle’, why not commemorate the role of internationally-reknowned Cosworth Engineering, whose base is nearby in St. James Mill Road, in showing Northampton in a positive light?

Whatever may become of Mr. Fiddes’ proposals, it is useful to have the opportunity to debate the possibilities for the Westbridge and Black Lion Hill area in advance.

The law of unintended consequences. ‘Chaos theory’. A butterfly flaps its wings in the Amazonian rain forest and a hurricane hits leafy West Sussex.

Or, a planning officer’s slip of the tongue generates a media frenzy.

Delapre Abbey has hit the local, regional and national broadcast and print media with a story that defies belief – and when the facts are explained, it really shouldn’t be believed.

The background is that a Northampton Borough Council planning officer was presenting a retrospective application for change of use, to enable the Friends of Delapre Abbey to continue to operate their popular tea room. In a momentary slip of the tongue, prompted by a question from a member of the planning committee, the officer stated the tea rooms would not be permitted to use the historic walled garden as an outdoor seating area for the tea room, as “We want to keep the walled garden as a peaceful space, and it was being disturbed by tea drinking.”

Such a remark is like gold dust to the media. They love a story which can be sold as “local authorities puts community-spirited individual/group under the cosh”. Of all the media to be offered the story, however, only a national radio station has bothered to check its sources – and decide not to broadcast.

This is because, as is often the case, the reality is rather more bland than the scream of the headlines.

This was a simple application for change of use. It was so uncontentious that not one representative of the applicant – the Friends of Delapre Abbey – had registered to speak. The Ward Councillor, Brendan Glynane, was the only speaker, and voiced his support for the tea room.

 The application was approved by a unanimous vote of the cross-party planning committee.

As I have stated on numerous occasions, the Friends’ tea room has been one of the best things to happen at Delapre Abbey. It has opened up the joys of the Abbey and parklands to a whole new clientele. Both new and regular visitors can walk the extensive grounds, enjoying the tranquillity and knowing they can conclude their visit with a hot beverage and freshly-prepared fare served by a band of enthusiastic volunteers who share a common love of the building and grounds. Along with a number of my colleagues, I have regularly visited the tea rooms. Patrons derive additional satisfaction from the experience, in the belief that they are supporting a community charity that is committed to the preservation and restoration of Delapre Abbey.

Sadly, an off-the-cuff remark by a planning officer has been seized upon by opposition politicians to poke fun at the council – the very council a number of them are also elected to, let us not forget. Blogs are being written, interviews are being given to national radio stations, the facts are being conveniently avoided; all in a bid to make political capital. Why, anyone would think there was an election looming!

That so many commentators can be so knowledgeable about what happened in last Tuesday’s planning committee, when less than a handful of them were present, gives a very good indication of why the public feels it has good cause to challenge the integrity of politicians. “You couldn’t make it up!” In this case, they have.

And all the time the worthy tea rooms are becoming mired by the fall-out.

The Delapre Abbey tea room saga is a prime example of the truth not being permitted to stand in the way of a good story.

A storm in a teacup; being milked for all it is worth.

Paul Varnsverry commented: “Brian Binley and his local Conservative associates are advocating that the go-ahead is given to new supermarkets in edge of town locations. Not only does this breach national planning policy and endanger the Guildhall Liberal Democrat administration’s efforts to breath new life back into Northampton’s town centre, it also flies in the face of his comments, as Chairman of the Conservative Parliamentary Enterprise Group, in the report ‘Healthy Towns Make for a Healthy Country’.

“How can he denounce the decline of our town centres in his own report, whilst simultaneously supporting a growth in the same out-of-town retail development that his report criticises? Evidently Mr. Binley will say anything just so he can garner a few extra votes. He is part of the problem and not part of the solution.” Paul added

Mr. Binley’s latest comments come hot on the heels of his contradictory positions on urban development, where he advocates cramming every empty space in the town with housing, whilst telling his soon to be ex-constituents in rural South Northants that he is opposed to growth.

“This is a clear sign that Mr. Binley is rattled and not as confident as he would like us to believe that the expenses scandal is not proving damaging to his prospects at the General Election. He is obviously desperately trying to be everyone’s friend, rather than speaking up for what is best for Northampton, its residents and businesses. It is time for him to go!” Paul concluded.

The figures, released by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) yesterday, are based on a town population of 197,999. Meanwhile, government statisticians at the Office of National Statistics (ONS), project the figure to be 5% higher at 208,500. 

Responding to the announcement, Cabinet member for Finance David Perkins (Lib Dem, Boughton Green) said: “The average settlement for other authorities was 3%, which means we are being shortchanged by £470,000. 

“Had Northampton got its dues, we would not need to increase Council Tax by 2.47% this year.  “Northamptonians are tired of picking up the tab for government underfunding through increases in their Council Tax. “Frankly, it’s time that Councils were funded locally based on peoples’ ability to pay, rather than a cocktail of Council Tax and government handouts. 

“This year alone, the government’s Concessionary Bus Fare scheme is costing local taxpayers £1.3 million.

“Added to these farcical population figures, Northampton is losing out to the tune of £1.8 million.   

“It’s only thanks to the decisions we’ve taken to bring costs down and increase productivity that means we haven’t yet had to cut services. 

“At a time when more people than ever need the Council’s help, a 46p per year increase in government support for Northampton is a bitter pill to swallow.”

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton South, Councillor Paul Varnsverry, Deputy Leader of Northampton Borough Council, added “David Perkins has succinctly captured the unfairness of how the Labour Government has treated the residents and businesses of Northampton for too long. Sadly, we can expect more of the same if there is a Conservative government after this year’s General Election.

“The people and businesses of Northampton need an MP who will speak up for their interests. They have seen the scale of improvements the Liberal Democrat administration at the Guildhall has achieved in three years, after two decades of Labour incompetence and another four of Conservative dithering. The town needs a Liberal Democrat MP in Westminster.”

“Northampton’s small business owners will have read with horror how former Labour Council Leader, now Chronicle & Echo columnist, John Dickie, and Conservative opposition leader, David Palethorpe, think that national planning policy should be set aside and the viability of our town centre put at risk by yet more out-of-town supermarkets.

“Let us not forget that, as Labour Leader at the Guildhall, Mr Dickie put the Council on the road to Government monitoring, while Cllr Palethorpe was a member of the Conservative Cabinet that achieved nothing in its four years of office - aside from green-lighting the Delapre bund, threatening to close Lings Forum and closing public toilets.

“With Northampton already awash with supermarkets, offering not only the weekly shop, but clothes, holidays and mobiles, Alderman Dickie makes it clear that he is no friend of the independent retailer.  “More out-of-town supermarkets would, the evidence shows, lead to a scaled down town centre, devoid of high street names like Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and H&M – to say nothing of our Market Square.

“Not my problem” says Mr Dickie glibly in his article. No matter, so long as he can daily frequent his favourite café and regale his dwindling band of supporters with tales of ‘the good old days’ when he was Leader of the Council.

“Both Alderman Dickie and Cllr Palethorpe conveniently ignore the fact that rejuvenating Northampton’s long-neglected town centre is not driven by a parochial party policy, but by a sincere desire on our part to see new life breathed into our town, supported by national planning policy that recognizes the detrimental effect of uncontrolled out-of-town development.”

“He is now claiming credit for securing a change in parliamentary rules. The fact remains that Mr Binley twice renewed the lease on his flat, in full knowledge that his arrangements breached parliamentary rules at the time.

“The issue is not Mr Binley’s private wealth, or his position at the head of a profitable firm, but his judgement in pursuing an arrangement that the majority of his constituents would have found beyond their means in claiming work-related expenses.  

“Concerns have also been expressed at the lack of coverage in the local media, with allegations that ‘deals have been done’ to ensure the under-siege MP is not held to account by the press in his own constituency.

“Local press blackouts and national polls aside, Mr Binley’s real judgement day will come at the ballot box in a few weeks’ time, along with every other MP caught up in the expenses revelations.”

 

With the General Election due within 6 months Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidates across Northamptonshire have launched a ‘Clean Campaign Pledge’ and challenged their opponents to sign up in a bid to set clear standards for the coming election. 

The Clean Campaign Pledge makes the following commitments: 

• We will never lie to the electorate
• We will not make statements about our opponents without evidence to support them
• We will provide references for these statements on our web sites
• We will be honest about our past records, good and bad, and we will be open about the policies we would support as MPs
• We will publish details of major donors to our campaigns
• We will never let electioneering stop us fighting for our constituents

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton South, Paul Varnsverry, said “This pledge will be made available on the local party and candidate websites, along with the evidence supporting statements we make. Every single member of the public should have access to the sources of the information that politicians want them to believe.” 

Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North Andrew Simpson said “After the expenses scandal people’s view of politicians is, rightfully, at an all time low. We want to try and restore trust by making sure electors know that our election campaign will stick to certain key principles. For example, any statements we make about our opponents will be referenced with evidence to support them. We will publish details of our major donors and make clear how our campaign is funded.” 

Scott Collins, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for South Northamptonshire, added “I hope in this election period that all candidates will sign up to this pledge. The rules are simple, unbiased and designed to ensure the electorate can make a fully informed decision about who will be their next MP.”

Read a copy of the Clean Campaign Pledge at: Liberal Democrat Clean Campaign Pledge

Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Northampton South, Paul Varnsverry, has condemned rail operator London Midland for the way in which it has introduced increased charges for those making return journeys from both London and Birmingham.

Previously, anyone purchasing an Off-Peak Day Return has been able to complete their return journey without restriction. Effective from Monday January 4^th, however, the new changes will require any train passenger leaving London Euston between 4.45 pm and 6.45 pm and Birmingham New Street between 4.35 pm and 6.00 pm to pay for an Anytime Day Return – more than doubling the cost of their train journey!

Paul Varnsverry has criticised London Midland’s actions, stating “This seems to have been sneaked in on the back of the general fares changes and will come as a shock to passengers who will expect to pay £22.90 for an Off-Peak Day Return, and be shocked even more when they are informed they must pay the difference for a £46.80 Anytime Day Return if they want to take an earlier train home. It is going to hit tourists travelling to London, as well as anyone visiting the NEC or returning home from Birmingham International Airport.

“London Midland announced the changes on their web site on 22^nd December - just before the Christmas holiday - which means the first many off-peak travellers will know of it is when they turn up this week and are told they must pay the higher fares. To add to confusion, late on Sunday evening the National Rail Enquiries website was still quoting the Off-Peak Day Return ticket as being valid at the new peak afternoon times!

“London Midland’s decision to implement these changes for of-peak rail travellers is astounding at a time when everyone is being urged to use public transport in order to help reduce global warming,”

Planning Policy Statement 4 - “Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth” -replaces a number of previous policy documents, whose provisions are now incorporated within the new PPS4. These include “Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning for Town Centres” (PPS6) which was originally published on 21 March 2005.

Paul Varnsverry said he welcomed the continuation of policy to reinvigorate town centres. “The Borough Council has been criticised with regard to its policy position on proposals for fringe-of-town retail developments.  The confirmation of the original, 2005 policy statement objectives in the new PPS4 is a further vindication that the council’s stance is correct.

“Whilst the new policy has seeen a degree of loosening up of certain restrictions; clearly, development proposals for edge-of-centre and out-of-centre retail sites are still required to pass the test proving they will not prove detrimental to the viability and vitality of town centre businesses before they can proceed.”

A copy of PPS4 can be downloaded from:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/towncentresguide.pdf

Paul Varnsverry

“This letter has been a long time coming”, announced Paul Varnsverry. “The monitoring board last met in January 2009 and announced their work was concluded. Quite why it has taken almost one full year for the official word to arrive - with the county council elections wedged in the middle - is open to conjecture.”

This latest announcement comes just a few days after the announcement that Northampton Borough Council has been shortlisted for two awards by the influential Local Government Chronicle (see article below) and is a worthy addition in a year that has seen the pace of improvement at the authority heralded many times.

“In just two-and-a-half years, the Liberal Democrat administration at the Guildhall has steered the authority towards recognisable and measureable improvement - impressive when one considers we inherited two decades of, first, Labour incompentence and then Conservative ineffectiveness.” Paul Varnsverry added.

“This is further evidence that it is the Liberal Democrats who are the party of improvement and achievement.”

Earlier this year, the Boundary Commission for England started a review of electoral ward boundaries in Northampton. Residents and organisations have until 18 January to submit their ideas and proposals. Northampton Borough Council is asking for residents to help shape the council’s response to the consultation. A draft map has been developed by councillors and officers at the Borough Council to show how the town’s wards could look.The draft response is based on:- Every ward councillor representing as near to the same number of electors as possible
- Ensuring each ward can be effectively represented by their ward councillor
- Respecting natural communities and areas where people have common interests
- Where possible a ward will be represented by a single councillor

The draft map will be on display in the Council’s One Stop Shop at the Guildhall from Friday 18 December.

There will also be two drop-in sessions for anyone who wants to come to the Guildhall to talk about the proposals and any ideas they have. On Thursday 7 and Friday 8 January, between 3 and 7pm, there will be an exhibition in the Court Room at the Guildhall showing the Borough Council’s proposed response.

Chair of the Council’s Working Group, Cllr. Brian Hoare, said: “Councillors came together to work up new warding proposals based on the Boundary Committee’s criteria.

“They are very much our starter for ten and we look forward to hearing people’s views.”

A spokesperson for Northampton Borough Council said: “This is a chance to completely redraw the ward map of Northampton to better represent the neighbourhoods and communities within our town. Our proposed response would remove the 23 existing electoral areas and create 35 new wards, served by 46 councillors. But, we need to know how you feel you could be best served by your Borough Council and represented by your local councillor.” 

Further information on electoral reviews and guidance on what sort of information the Committee is looking for is available on the Boundary Committee’s website at www.boundarycommittee.org.uk

A map showing the proposed new electoral boundaries is available on request. Please contact Councillor Paul Varnsverry by email.

The Local Government Chronicle (LGC) has announced that Northampton Borough Council has been shortlisted for two prestigious local government awards.Every year the LGC recognises and celebrates the best in local government. These Awards are the most high-profile national awards to local councils. This year almost 600 entries were received and Northampton Borough Council has been shortlisted in two categories: The Most Improved Council of the Year and the Regeneration Award.The improvements made by the Council have led to a year of progress across every service the Council provides. The Audit Commission has recognised that the Borough Council is a transformed organisation. All of these improvements have come at a time when all councils are facing a difficult economic climate.

The Borough Council has impressed the LGC judging panel, earning a place on the shortlist of five local authorities competing for Most Improved Council of the Year.

This year has also seen plans for the future of the town come to the forefront. The judging panel were especially impressed by the transformation of Northampton’s historic Market Square. This has not only created an events space but jobs and business opportunities as more traders want to be part of Northampton’s market.

Councillor Brian Hoare, leader of Northampton Borough Council said: “This is excellent news and is another vote of confidence in the progress we have made. The amount of progress we have made and rate of change is being recognised by residents, our partners, the government’s watchdog and our peers. This has been achieved by the hard work of everyone in “Team Northampton” and I’d like to thank all who have helped get to this stage of success.

“We will hear if we have won in March. To be in competition with the best is a huge achievement and shows we are making real progress and a positive difference to the people of our town. We know we still have a long way to go, and we are continually working to improve to be amongst the best Councils in the country in the future.”

The judging panel will be visiting each of the shortlisted authorities during January 2010, before announcing the winners in March.

Speaking at the meeting of Northampton Borough Council’s ‘full council’ on Monday 26th October, Paul said:  “I am delighted to confirm the council’s plans for Northampton’s official Christmas decorations.   

“A proposed lighting layout has been designed by Richard Ryan, the man in charge of Blackpool’s world famous lights. I am delighted that such a respected figure in his field has made his exceptional talent and many years of experience available for the benefit of the people and local businesses of Northampton, as well as visitors to the town. He has been working closely with officers of this council to ensure a memorable seasonal display at the best value to Northampton’s council tax payers. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr Ryan and to our officers for their sterling work.  

 “Briefly, the proposal is that the following streets will be decorated with red, white and green lights: 

·         Abington Street

·         Bridge Street

·         The Drapery

·         Gold Street

·         Guildhall Road

·         St. Giles Street   

“It is also proposed that a real Christmas tree will be placed outside All Saints church    It is intended that the largest of the illuminated cones purchased in 2008 will be placed at the east end of Abington Street and one of the smaller cones will be placed outside the Guildhall.

 “Mr. Ryan did not consider the final smaller cone necessary to the propose scheme. Nevertheless, a number of alternative locations within the town are being considered and the intention remains to ensure this third cone forms part of Northampton’s Christmas illuminations scheme.   “A budget of £50,000 has been allocated to the project. This funding is made possible because of an underspend in the culture directorate’s budget arising from the unexpected income received from the German Market. The investment will provide lighting equipment that has an expected service life of ten years and will provide this council with the ability in future years to look at enhancement or expansion of Northampton’s Christmas lighting scheme.   “I say again; delivering best value for Northampton’s council tax payers in the long term has been central to the approach which has been followed.  

“Many Northamptonians have endured tough times in 2009. I hope that the 2009 Christmas lights will lift their spirits and provide traders in the town with a welcome boost. I trust that all members in this chamber will give their fullest and unequivocal support to the town’s Yuletide offer.”

 

Paul Varnsverry has condemned the process of providing infrastructure to new development by the “phased delivery” method, stating that it has failed to ensure new communities receive the facilities they require. Addressing Northamptonshire County Council’s full council meeting on Thursday, October 1st, Paul stated that communities at the award-winning Upton development and the St. Crispin Hospital development, both in West Hunsbury Ward are still waiting for medical facilities that were promised up to ten years ago or more. 

Paul was speaking on the agenda item concerning the County Council’s response to the Emergent Joint Core Strategy and used the opportunity to point out the lessons learned in West Hunsbury, which need to be addressed and should never be permitted to occur at other developments. Commenting after the meeting, Paul said “The meeting attracted almost twenty public speakers and the common message from all was that the targets for housing development are not credible and the public has no confidence that the required infrastructure will be provided. Whilst a robust local development plan is essential if West Northamptonshire is to avoid development by appeal, the Joint Core Strategy is mired in the mistakes of the past.” 

 Paul’s full speech read as follows: “On Tuesday I was speaking to a man who informed me that when he married he could not continue to live in the village where he was born and had grown up due to the complete absence of any homes he could afford.  He had to move to Northampton and has remained here ever since.  

“Consequently, he supports controlled development in villages – particularly of affordable starter homes – that will provide new homes for village communities and provide the choice he was denied.   “He understood the need for a Local Plan that will prevent developers from building uncontrolled development wheresoever they please through “development by appeal”.  

“This man’s views were identical to all others I have heard. I have not spoken to one person who is opposed to any and all further development whatsoever. It is the scale of the numbers involved that has shocked people. Even though the targets were set by the South Midlands Study over seven years ago, against opposition from some local politicians, it seems the figures have only now reached the public’s attention.   “Central government’s diktat on numbers for future new homes lacks credibility. It lacks credibility when existing new homes in the Ward I serve stand incomplete or unoccupied as a result of the recession.   

“Their diktat lacks credibility when developers build on Greenfield sites, yet desert Brownfield development, such as the listed St. Crispin hospital building, and shun their obligations to deliver a completed community. A failure on the part of central government to address the taxation issues surrounding Brownfield development has surely compounded the situation. It lacks credibility when there is already a serious infrastructure deficit that needs to be addressed.   “Recent protests have seen placards highlighting flooding issues with Wootton Brook. Part of the course of Wootton Brook, from its source, is the area being suggested as suitable for some 18,000 new homes and a major new road.  

“This has greatly concerned residents in West Hunsbury, who know only too well that it takes only brief periods of heavy rainfall to burst its banks. They fear that the additional surface water run-off from new development will increase the risk to their homes and personal safety.  “Flood attenuation measures at the site of new development may be all well and good, but those living downstream, where the measures may be to a lesser standard, need to be considered too.  “Residents are therefore understandably sceptical about any statements that adequate infrastructure will accompany new development. We’ve heard it all before. Where are the community facilities in Upton and St. Crispin Hospital development? What is happening – or, in most instances, not happening – now on these developments must be remedied and not permitted to be repeated again. No one expects the end of the recession to mark an immediate return to the boom years and residents have already waited far too long for essential services which were promised up to a decade ago, or more.  

“Phased delivery of infrastructure has been tested and found wanting.  “There are two clear messages central government needs to hear in one unified voice from this council and the other Borough, Town and District councils in West Northamptonshire: “your numbers don’t stand up to scrutiny” and “no infrastructure - no development.”  

Across the road, that is what we have said through our own responses to the Emergent Joint Core Strategy and to the East Midlands Regional Plan Partial Review.  “Those two clear messages apply to any and all proposals for development, whether they be in urban or in rural areas.” 

 The 8th annual commemoration of Charles Bradlaugh, Northampton’s MP from 1880 until his death in 1891, was held at the site of his statue in Abington Square, Northampton earier today.

Attendance was the highest in the event’s eight year history and guest speakers included the Charles Bradlaugh Society’s Peter Mulligan, followed by local author Alan Moore. Paul Varnsverry was also invited to speak:

“It is extremely humbling to be asked to speak following such distinguished and literary guests. The world has moved on since Charles Bradlaugh’s time and yet there are similarities between what happened then and what is happening now” Paul said.

“Charles Bradlaugh had to seek a change in Parliamentary law in order to be able to serve the people  of Northampton. In recent months, we have heard calls from the electorate for further changes to the way Parliament is run, to address the way Members of Parliament represent them [referring to the Parliamentary expenses scandal]. There is distrust in all politicians and we have to work to rebuild that trust.

“There will be a General Election by June of next year - in fact, it could take place at any time from the end of this week [referring to the Labour Party autumn conference]. The people of Northampton will want to elect an MP who will represent the electorate’s interests in the way Charles Bradlaugh did. There are those who will stand and will say they encapsulate the spirit of Bradlaugh. I will be standing for election, as will one of my colleagues. Are we deserving of - and I choose my words carefully here, for there was only one Charles Bradlaugh - carrying the mantle of being his successors? Whether Northampton’s next MPs will truly follow the credo of Charles Bradlaugh  is not something which can be identified now, by words, but can only be proven later, by their deeds.

 ”The electorate of Northampton will need to display the same bravery at the next General Election as they did in the 1880s, when they returned Charles Bradlaugh as the town’s MP. The times demand the return of an MP who will truly represent the electorate, as did this great man.”

Speaking after the event, Paul explained “Whatever candidates for the Parliamentary election might say now, the public has every right to be sceptical. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating, and the electorate is going to have to think long and hard about where they put their cross on the ballot paper, because the prospect of getting it wrong and returning an MP who fails to represent the people in the way they have every right to expect would be simply awful.

“Too many politicians - from councillors up to MPs - give the impression that they consider they hold their position as of right and not by the will of the electorate. I made it quite clear in my speech that I am making no claim to being the inheritor of Bradlaugh’s legacy. That will be for the electorate to decide if  I am fortunate to earn their trust and am returned as Northampton South’s next MP. I am ready for the challenge whenever Gordon Brown finally decides to dissolve Parliament and call the General Election.” 

Organisers estimate that some 25,000 spectators turned up to experience the ‘Crackers’ pyrotechnic arts event at Delapre Park, Northampton, on Saturday evening, outstripping the crowds at both the Singapore and Sydney events.

The free to enter event saw a capacity 10,000 crowd crammed into the central arena, whilst 15,000 watched from outside the perimter fence. All were treated to a display of visual, audible and pyrotechnic artistry about the concept of ‘what happens if you take a risk?’; produced by the Royal & Derngate in association with The World Famous, with support from Northampton Borough Council and Northamptonshire County Council

Paul Varnsverry was one of the fortunate 10,000 who watched the spectacle - which was funded by the Arts Council for England - unfold from within the central arena.

“There was a real buzz from within the crowd. People did not know quite what to expect, but there was a tremendous sense of expectation that we were all about to experience a world-class event here in Northampton. We were not disappointed!

“I send my congratulations to the organisers - the Royal & Derngate and The World Famous. This event has truly put Northampton on the national arts map and I would go so far as to say the size of the crowd justifies Northampton taking a place on the global stage. It was also pleasing to see Delapre Park used as the venue, which will enhance its profile as one of the town’s leading heritage sites.”

More information is available from The World Famous’ website at:

http://www.theworldfamous.co.uk/shows/crackers?im=0

“There is a tremendous amount of interest in the event”, Paul Varnsverry reported. “I am delighted at the positive response it has received from Northampton residents. This is a high profile, international status arts experience for the town and one which reflects Northampton’s growing status on the national stage.”

The planning application, approved by the borough council’s planning committee in June 2008, met with numerous objections from local residents, who had expressed concerns that the cafe would increase crime in the area. Their concerns were supported at the time by Councillor Paul Varnsverry - the only member of the planning committee to vote against the application - who had been informed by local police that they feared the cafe would attract ‘new crime’ to the area.

“My views in the intervening fifteen months have not changed”, Paul Varnsverry commented today. “Local police are still not supportive of the development; particularly in light of figures which indicate an increase in reports of anti social behaviour in some parts of West Hunsbury Ward over the past three months.

“I have already submitted my written objection to the granting of a lease at the cabinet meeting on September 23rd, although I am seeking advice from the council’s legal advisors on whether, now I am a cabinet member, my long-stated position on this development is potentially a conflict of interest that will prohibit me from taking part in the debate and the vote.”

Members of the West Hunsbury community who support or oppose the plans can address the cabinet meeting by contacting Northampton Borough Council’s Democratic Services department on 01604 837101 by 12 noon on the 23rd September and registering to speak.

In the August 6th edition of Northampton’s Herald & Post newspaper, the Tory County Councillor disputes the effectiveness of “No Local Access” signs installed after the West Hunsbury Focus Team acted on concerns voiced by residents, before adding a comment on their legal status.

Councillor Paul Varnsverry  was damning of the Tory County Councillor’s statement. “The comments made by the Tory County Councillor, which appear in the August 6th edition of Northampton’s Herald & Post newspaper, amount to a mindless, irresponsible act of buffoonery which could undermine the effectiveness of the new signs and leave West Hunsbury residents back where they were; with heavy goods vehicles continuing to use Ladybridge Drive and Hunsbury Hill Road as cut-throughs to Northampton’s ring road.  and adding to noise, vibration, pollution and damage to residential streets.”

“Residents sought intervention from Councillor Matthews and I after the Tory County Councillor’s apparent lack of action.  Even his own supporter’s letters to the Chronicle & Echo reflect that he allowed the matter to drag on for over two years, whereas the Lib Dem Focus Team worked with county council officers to have the “No Local Access” signs installed in a little over twenty weeks.” 

Northamptonshire County Council officers had previously advised Councillors Matthews and Varnsverry that the signs had proven extremely effective in other areas. With no county budget available to pay for the survey charges and legal costs involved in puting a 7.5 tonne weight limit into place, residents would otherwise be forced to face months and probably years of continuing nuisance from lorries.

Local Tories have leapt to the defence of their County Councillor, claiming it was a petition he arranged which was responsible for the “Local Access Only”signs, whereas evidence exists that he had nothing whatsoever to do with their appearance.

Councillor Paul Varnsverry revealed “I have detailed records of dates and correspondence. A brief selection of key information includes:

• Emails from residents dating back to May 2008, reporting their concerns. 
• A meeting between Councillor Varnsverry and the then Cabinet member for Highways and Transportation, County Councillor Bob Seery, on 23rd July 2008.
• A trail of emails lobbying the county council for action.
• An email, dated 18th February 2009, from a county council officer, where the proposal to install the signs was firmed up. The Tory County Councillor was copied into this email and - coincidentally (!) - his petition was started very soon afterwards…
• Finally, an email from a resident confirming the installation of the signs on 23rd July 2009.”

Councillor Varnsverry continued, “The Tory County Councillor attended the same meetings, where the issues were discussed, as Councillor Matthews and me. He had the same opportunity to do some work and make the lives of West Hunsbury residents better. He even arrived at one meeting, I believe in the summer of 2008, with a host of county council highways officers in train, and then promptly left with them to ‘go and address the issues’ the residents had raised in a display of gesture politics writ large. Then… nothing.”

The Tory County Councillor handed in the petition to a meeting of the County Council on July 30th 2009 - a full week after the “No Local Access” signs had been installed!

Paul Varnsverry commented “Not for the first time [see Quarry plans receive cabinet objections], the Tory County Councillor has been left behind whilst local Lib Dems get on with the tasks that the electorate expect their elected representatives to fulfil. The residents of West Hunsbury can rely on us to act swiftly, decisively and effectively to make their lives better.”

“West Hunsbury residents - even some Tory supporters and voters - know who to contact if they have issues they would like addressing - all year round and not just at election time!”

To read the original Chronicle & Echo article, please visit: http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Campaigners-celebrate-ratrun-victory.5511336.jp

The football club wishes to expand the seating capacity at the stadium, but can only do this with funding provided by contributions raised from building developments across the Sixfields area.

Previous proposals have failed because they included retail development contrary to government policy which stops out-of-town retail sites in order to safeguard the financial viability of town centres.

At a packed meeting on Wednesday evening, the Cabinet heard representations from the football club and from Rugby & Northampton Athletics Club, which rents the athletics track at the stadium.

The athletics club explained how the athletics track had lost its competition status due to a lack of maintenenace and investment. The proposed deal was intended to  relocate them to a new, competition standard facility with changing room and other services.

The football club explained how they wished to create a stadium that would be a proud landmark for sprt in Northampton and the town as a whole.

Speaking after the meeting, Paul Varnsverry said “The representatives from Rugby & Northampton Athletics Club spoke with great dignity about the problems they have experienced. Through adversity, they have trained and encouraged scores of local athletes who represent our future International and Olympic status hopefuls.

“The football club’s vision for the new stadium is to be commended. I was very impressed with the artist’s impression in the August 1 edition of the Chronicle & Echo, but it appears even this is to be surpassed.

“I wish both Rugby & Northampton Athletics Club and Northampton Town Football Club the very best from this process. Both organisations deserve landmark new facilities.”

The Cabinet decision (subject to call in at time of publication) was as follows:

1.      This Council is supported in entering into a development agreement with Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Northampton Town Football Club Limited (NTFC) and a development partner to facilitate the development of land at Sixfields for a scheme involving uses that will

(a)   not conflict with preserving and enhancing the commercial vitality of the Town Centre,

(b)   will ensure that the stadium itself continues to be used for Association Football and other uses described under the existing Lease referred to at 3.1.1 and

(c)   will ensure that replacement athletics facilities are built to UK Athletics Competition Standard for track and field, within Northampton prior to any redevelopment of the existing facilities.

2.      The principle is supported that this Council should agree, under the terms of a development agreement with the parties referred to at 1 above, to the transfer of its freehold interest in part (but not the whole) of the Sixfields Stadium, prior to physical development taking place on that land.  However, the transfer of any part should only occur in circumstances where the Council is first satisfied that there are sufficient legal safeguards and financial guarantees to protect the Council’s position.

3.      The principle is supported that the investment returns to each party to the agreement should be based on their respective capital contribution to the scheme.  The contribution by NBC and HCA will be in the form of freehold land and it is accepted that the actual value of the land will be determined by reference to the overall profitability of the development scheme.

4.      The authority to approve the detailed terms of a development agreement consistent with the principles set out in this report is delegated to the Director of Finance and Support, acting in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance.

5.      Support is given in principle, for NTFC’s aspirations to improve the facilities at Sixfields Community Stadium and the requests of NTFC are noted for this Council to invest, in the retained Stadium complex, any value generated by the transfer of Council owned land.  However, whilst the Cabinet will consider such request it nevertheless resolves not to fetter its discretion as to how it might spend any proceeds arising from its participation in any development agreement.

6.      The Rugby and Northampton Athletics Club is added to the list of consultees as set out in paragraph 4.4 of the report.

For a copy of the full report, please visit: http://www.northamptonboroughcouncil.com/councillors/Published/C00000528/M00005965/AI00028823/$07SixfieldsPUBLICSDFri.docA.ps.pdf 

Liberal Democrat Borough Councillors for West Hunsbury, Paul Varnsverry and Richard Matthews, have welcomed the instalation of “Local Access Only” signs in West Hunsbury as a measure to prevent heavy goods vehicles using residential roads as a cut-through to Northampton’s ring road.

“Residents have been reporting a noticeable increase in the number of lorries cutting through West Hunsbury, along Hunsbury Hill Road and Ladybridge Drive, to avoid hold-ups at the Mereway roundabout”, Paul Varnsverry explained. “Richard Matthews and I took it upon ourselves to speak to officers at Northamptonshire County Council’s highways department when it became apparent the Conservative county councillor for the area was more interested in gesture politics than getting the job done and providing a solution. He intends to address the county council meeting this Thursday, calling for action. Too late and a typical example of his closing the gate after the horse has bolted!

Richard Matthews added “The county officers  readily agreed to instal the signs. The alternative was a long wait for a legal process that would have placed a weight restriction on the road, but officers say these local access only signs have proved extremely effective elsewhere.”

Local residents have thanked their Lib Dem borough councillors’ pro-active approach, one Hawkridge home owner saying “We were very pleased to see workmen erecting Local Access Only signs at the entrance to Hunsbury Hill Road from the old Towcester Road. Thanks for your efforts on behalf of the residents of West Hunsbury.” 

Northampton is to host the UK performance of a global arts event that has attracted huge crowds in both Sydney and Singapore. Delapre Park will be the venue for “Crackers?”, a celebration of the explosive and dangerous beauty of fire and fireworks and an exploration of attitudes to risk.

Organised by The World Famous,  in conjunction with the Royal & Derngate Theatre, with support from Northampton Borough Council and funded by the Arts Council, the event takes place on the evening of Saturday 26th September and with free entry is expected to attract huge crowds. It is described by the organisers as “combining fireworks, projection, performance and music.  Crackers? is not for the faint of heart - the show is performed ‘in the round’, with the audience surrounded by fire & smoke, spinning wheels and fireworks.  A symphony of pyrotechnic sounds fills the air.  It’s loud, disorientating and cacophonous, but there are also moments of delicate beauty…”

Paul Varnsverry commented “It is simply fantastic that this event, which has been held in world status cities like Sydney and Singapore, should come to Northampton. My congratulations to the Royal & Derngate, The World Famous and The Arts Council for making it happen.”

For further details, please contact the Royal & Derngate booking office on 01604 624811 or by email: crackers@royalandderngate.co.uk

 More event information at:

http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/en/home/whatson/crackers

The Liberal Democrats introduced roadside glass collections to may homes in Northampton on June 1st 2009, but to offset the cost of this, brown bin collections had to be moved to a monthly schedule.

“What the Conservatives are not telling and will not tell the public is that roadside glass collections were introduced to enable the council to meet tough government targets for reducing the amount of material we put into landfill”, Paul explained, adding “In the coming years, local authorities will be penalised - heavily - unless the amount of waste they put into the ground drops  dramatically.

“Many homes in West Hunsbury and in other parts of Northampton have large gardens, so I fully appreciate residents’ concerns at the change in schedule. My colleagues on the Liberal Democrat administration and I have asked officers to look into how a return to the original schedule could be achieved within budget and whilst continuing to avoid central government’s environmental charges. The solution may come from the market testing review which the Liberal Democrat administration at the Guildhall wishes to implement, in order to provide the best value for money and service to the council tax payer.” 

Paul concluded “The Conservatives’ ludicrous and deceitful tactic of withholding the facts from the public extends to their failure to account for how they would finance their plans, which would cost an estimated £1.5 million to introduce. Where will they find that money? What other services would they propose be cut? We know they have little regard for our leisure centres and planned to close these, sack all the neighbourhood wardens and shut the public toilets before they were booted out of office in 2007. They have learned nothing in opposition - and even less at County Hall, where they plan to close residential care homes for the elderly!”

Additional brown bins can be purchased from the Westbridge depot (telephone Northampton 837837), at a cost of £30. The council is also encouraging residents to follow the environmentally-friendly route of composting, and to help them to do so operates a subsidised purchase scheme for composting bins, details of which can be found at:

http://www.recyclenow.com/home_composting/buy_a_bin/scheme_authorities/northamptonshire.html

“I am extremely grateful to every one of the 1031 voters who supported me”, said Paul. “It was a hard fought campaign where we tried to highlight the weaknesses of the Conservative County Council whilst fending off misleading opposition literature.

“I congratulated our County Councillor as soon as the results were known. I am sure he is very pleased to be returned for a further term, and time will tell whether he can meet the higher standards of service the residents of West Hunsbury have come to expect and live up to the promises of his election material.”

The results in West Hunsbury Division were:

Conservative: 1642

Paul Varnsverry (Liberal Democrat): 1031

Labour: 282

Speaking today Paul Varnsverry said “This will be a great relief to the residents of East and West Hunsbury who would have been affected by the airborne dust and noise from the quarry and the hugely increased industrial traffic from the quarry travelling along the Towcester Road via the Hunsbury roundabout and adjoining roads in their route to the M1 and beyond.

Scott Collins, Parliamentary Candidate for the Liberal Democrats in South Northants said “The plan for the quarry so close to the villages of Collingtree and Milton Malsor was always going to draw opposition but the decision to include it in the County Council’s Minerals Plan is quite frankly ridiculous and should have been dropped whilst still in the hands of the County Council.” Commenting further Scott said “The effect of this quarry will be massively detrimental to the local residents across Milton Malsor, Collingtree, East and West Hunsbury and I am glad that the Borough Council has seen the sense in objecting to the proposals.”Cllr Paul Varnsverry also said “As councillor for West Hunsbury I have received a number of calls from very concerned residents and I am happy to be able to go back to them to assure them that the Liberal Democrat Borough Council has heard their concerns and supports their views that the quarry will be detrimental to the lives of the people on the Hunsbury estates.”Speaking at the meeting Scott raised further concerns about the affects of vibration on local buildings “The area directly around the proposed quarry site could suffer the potential affects of vibration from the workings of the quarry and the associated lorry movements very close to peoples homes in the villages and on the routes away from the site”

“Be a Councillor” is a Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) project, launched in January 2009, which is organised by the Leadership Centre for Local Government. It gives members of the public who are interested in standing for election as candidates an insight into what is involved in campaigning and the role of a Councillor.

Events are being run for each of the three main political parties and for the Liberal Democrats it takes place at the Guildhall in Northampton on Monday, March 16th 2009, between 7pm and 9 pm. Refreshments will be provided.

To reserve your place, please contact Paul Varnsverry and he will make arrangements for you. Closing date for applications is March 6th.

“I don’t believe what I read in the papers, They’re just out to capture my dime” 

These lyrics, from singer-songwriter Paul Simon’s track ‘Have a Good Time’, really do ring true in public life.

Last week, the Media Standards Trust published an important report, citing falling circulation figures as a reason for newspapers’ decline in journalistic integrity. Putting sales above standards, from national dailies to weekly freesheets, is on the rise.

A recent survey by YouGov found that only 7% of its 2,024 respondents thought that UK newspapers behaved ‘responsibly’. YouGov highlighted the industry’s self-regulatory approach – through the Press Complaints Commission – as not fit for purpose in the twenty-first century.

I saw none of the above reported in the local press, and yet there is one area where newspapers cannot take all the blame for slipping standards.   

Looking through the letters pages of the local press, you would be forgiven for believing that the vast majority of Northampton’s residents are baying for the blood of every Liberal Democrat Borough Councillor. Hardly an edition goes by without a letter slating the administration at the Guildhall for ‘its manifold failures’.

Some of the accusations are wide of the mark and relate to areas outside the Borough Council’s remit. Others are outright fibs – the story about the Borough increasing parking charges being one. (In truth the Lib Dems have frozen fees for three years in a row, despite a 25% hike in on-street parking by County Hall’s Conservative councillors.) 

But it shouldn’t be left to ‘tit-for-tat’ exchanges - a real turn-off for the majority of voters - to set the record straight; even if the newspapers think these help them to sell extra copies. Local newspapers should correct such letters retrospectively, if they insist on printing them. Alternatively, a footnote stating the facts could easily be added, allowing readers to make up their own minds. Lazy journalism or falling standards? Again, you decide. 

Characteristically, these letters show common uses of language, layout and style. Indeed some are entirely repetitious, restating the same inaccurate statements verbatim. It would seem that many of these letters are written by the same antagonistic individuals. (Recent letters have even been traced to neighbours, friends and family of political activists.)  

Why do opposition parties – and one party in particular – feel they need to resort to public deception by inventing waves of ‘outrage’ where none exist? Why are they unwilling to declare their political allegiances when writing letters that criticise their opponents? Of course, there is no requirement for them to do so, but is it right that they should write as if politically neutral when in fact they are not? 

For the record, the Liberal Democrats have not and do not need a writing pool to contrive letters in the local press. As a party, we are tough enough to defend ourselves – on the ground, through the letterbox and at the ballot box. We will also correct the deliberately misleading statements of our opponents.  

To paraphrase Paul Simon: 

“Don’t believe what our opponents write in the letters pages, They’re only out to peddle political spin.”  

Far Cotton Recreation Ground will receive “Town Green” after two local residents associations supported efforts by local cleric, Reverend Ted Hale, to convince Northampton Borough Council that the parkland warranted protection.

Addressing the cabinet on Wednesday evening, Reverend Hale - speaking on behalf of Far Cotton Residents Association and Friars Residents Association - commended the council and its officers for their support and assistance, describing it as “a good example of councillors and the people working together” and adding that that 99% of respondents to a consultation questionnaire had backed the proposal.

Councillor Paul Varnsverry, addressing the cabinet in support of the proposal, praised Reverend Hale, saying that in his address to cabinet Reverend Hale had been “extremely modest about his role as the main driving force behind this campaign.”

Councillor Varnsverry then added “The third anniversary approaches of the start of the Delapre bund protest, which arose because the Conservative administration of the time simply didn’t care to listen to the concerns of the people of Far Cotton and Delapre. The way in which this application for Town Green status has been processed by the Liberal Democrat administration is a superb example of what is possible when an administration is interested and does hear what the community is saying to them and works with the community.”

In December, the Chronicle and Echo revealed that Conservative Borough Councillors were continually failing to attend important council meetings, with only half of their members attending the full council meeting on December 8th 2008 and none at all taking part in crucial interviews to appoint key directors or meetings relating to housing development in Northampton.

Paul Varnsverry said “The Tories have simply given up and they are continuing to fail their electors just as the failed the entire population of Northampton following their four disastrous years in power, which left Northampton Borough Council as “The World’s Worst Council” They could and should have raised their game after December’s press. They have sent a clear signal to the people of Northampton that it is a case of “Vote Blue: go home”. 

“Even their newest recruit, elected less than two weeks before the cabinet meeting, failed to show - entirely contradicting his pre-election pledges and a letter published in the local newspaper just two days before the meeting where he said he would “work hard” for his electorate.”

“This has not gone unnoticed by the people of Northampton. Residents served by Liberal Democrat councillors know what it is like to be served by good councillors, who are active in the community, have excellent attendance records at council meetings and are making a positive difference to people’s lives - unlike the stay-at-home Tories.”

The implementation of a borough-wide “Designated Public Places Order” will not, however, prevent responsible consumption of alcohol; for example at a picnic. 

Following an assessment visit by a team from the Improvement and Development Agency for local government (IDeA), their report states “The council now has a strong political and managerial leadership team in place” and highlights “..the dramatic improvement in the finance service… This was a failing service which has now been released from government monitoring”; adding ”The council should be proud of this achievement.” 

A significant comment from the authors of the report emphasises the point that “The team believe that after a number of previous false dawns for the council the right Leadership and structure is in place to continue the strong improvement that has already been delivered.” Hot on the heels of the IDeA report, the Government Monitoring Board, which has been involved in how the council has been running for a considerable time, has indicated that – subject to ministerial agreement – Northampton Borough Council will be removed from government intervention within a matter of weeks. 

Finally, local government minister John Healey has stated that under Liberal Democrat control, Northampton Borough Council has made “huge strides” along the improvement path.

Paul Varnsverry said “Following twenty years of Labour neglect and Tory incompetence, the people of Northampton are starting to see what the Liberal Democrat can achieve in just 20 months. There is still plenty to do to achieve the goal of Northampton Borough Council being amongst the best-performing councils by 2013, but we are on the right path.”

Our candidate, Marion Allen-Minney, placed fourth, with a difference of just fifteen votes covering second to fourth places. We were the only party to increase both share and number of our vote in an acknowledged Tory stronghold where we have not campaigned to any significant extent before.

Numerous political fibs appeared in Tory campaign literature. Chief amongst these was the outrageous lie that the Lib Dems have increased car parking charges in Northampton. Untrue! The Liberal Democrat administration at the Guildhall has frozen fees in the council’s off-street car parks for the third successive year.

It was their “country cousins” at Conservative-controlled County Hall  who hiked on-street parking charges by 25%.

Their content of the Tory campaign literature was as cynical and dishonest as their response to the rebuttal literature we issued.

In the UK, fire crews respond to 120 fire alarms in commercial buildings every hour. In 2002, the cost to the economy of commercial fires was £7 billion. Sprinkler systems stop 99.7% of all fires before they do any more than minimal damage. No fire has ever spread beyond the coverage provided by two sprinkler heads, before it has been contained and extinguished by fire crews.

At the meeting of full Council on Monday evening, Paul asked Northampton Borough Council to add its unequivocal support to a motion which would see planning policy for West Northamptonshire incorporating reference to sprinkler systems for appropriate new buildings.

Speaking to the motion, which was seconded by Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Councillor Brendan Glynane, Paul said: “We all owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service for performing a difficult and often dangerous job on behalf of the residents of this town and county. We are in a position to provide a clear and unequivocal display of support to our fire-fighters. We are also in a position to safeguard local businesses, Northampton’s economy and the environment.”

The motion was passed unanimously and will now go before the Cabinet.

Read Paul Varnsverry’s Motion and speech at:

http://paulvarnsverry.mycouncillor.org.uk/paul-varnsverrys-motion-and-speech-to-full-council-27th-october-2008/

Liberal Democrat Party President candidate, Lembit Öpik MP, paid a flying visit to Northampton earlier today to express his support for Paul Varnsverry as Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton South.

The first of the Liberal Democrat key players to show their support for Paul’s campaign, Lembit spent over two hours talking over issues including the Northampton South campaign and the successes and challenges the first 18 months of a Liberal Democrat administration at the Guildhall have seen.

Thanking Lembit for his visit and support, Paul said “I was delighted when Lembit’s office got in contact to say he wanted to take a detour from his busy campaign itinerary to meet with me. He is truly down-to-earth and clearly a favourite with the people, judging by the amount of passers-by who stopped him in the street to speak.”

Development at Upton Phase 1 has seen the original parish boundary disappear under buildings and roads. This resulted in 109 homes being served with incorrect Council Tax demands in 2007. Residents across both developments have tried on previous occasions to change the parish boundary, but their efforts were thwarted by technical and legal difficulties. A change in legislation in April 2008  passed more decision-making powers to local authorities so, supported by Paul Varnsverry, residents raised a petition which was handed to the Mayor at a Council meeting on September 8th.

Upton Grange resident, Michael Clarke, addressed the Cabinet meeting, held on Friday September 26th and asked them to endorse a recommendation to move the boundary to align its eastern edge with Upton Way. He was backed by Councillor Paul Varnsverry, who pointed out to the Cabinet that some 265 residents had made clear their wish to see the change implemented, adding that “this shows the extent of community spirit that exists in Upton”.

Cabinet endorsed the report, with two minor modifications, and the recommendations will go to a future meeting of the full Council for approval.

Update: The review was approved by a meeting of full Council on 27th October 2008.

In a process contested by four applicants - Kevin Barron (previous Parliamentary Candidate), Jenny Conroy, Portia Wilson and Paul Varnsverry - Paul took an early clear lead and his place was confirmed after secondary preference votes were collated. 

Speaking immediately after the result was confirmed, Paul said “I am grateful to the Liberal Democrat members in Northampton South for selecting me as their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate. They had four extremely good candidates to choose from and I extend my commiserations to Kevin, Jenny and Portia, and thank them for the congenial manner in which they conducted their individual campaigns throughout the selection process.

“Another campaign starts now - to show residents in Northampton South that they have a clear choice at the next General Election: a Liberal Democrat candidate who will put Northampton first and represent the electorate in a manner the other two main parties have shown they cannot match.”

 On Tuesday, September 23rd, a public meeting was held at Parsons Meade Community Centre to discuss whether residents in the Camp Hill, Mallard Close, Harksome Hill and Summerfields areas of West Hunsbury wished to set up a residents association.

An initiative of the management board of Neighbourhood Managed Area 5, the meeting attracted a number of enthusiastic residents who, after a healthy debate on local issues, decided they would form a new association.

 The inaugural meeting of the new group - which at the time of writing has yet to decide what it will be called - will be held at 7 pm on Monday 20th October 2008 at St. Benedict’s church rooms. Contact Paul Varnsverry for further details.

 The second meeting took place on Thursday, September 25th - again, at Parsons Meade Community Centre - and asked the public if they wished to re-form the Friends of Hunsbury Country Park.

Arranged and hosted by Paul Varnsverry and Richard Matthews, this meeting also attracted a healthy attendance, with the result that it was agreed to re-form the friends group. The inaugural meeting will be held on Tuesday 28th October at 7 pm and the venue will be Parsons Meade Community Centre. Paul Varnsverry will again be pleased to assist with further information.

I have managed to stay in contact with residents by email, however, and have been writing to the council providing them with details of new issues in the West Hunsbury and Upton area, as well as progress-chasing existing cases.

A very welcome development was the selection of my good friend and colleague, Scott Collins, as the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for South Northamptonshire. Scott has lived in the area for 34 years and is a former town councillor and Deputy Mayor for Towcester. Scott is also the Borough Councillor for Eastfield Ward, in Northampton, and the Council’s “Faith Champion” - the first such appointment anywhere in the country.

Scott joins the West Hunsbury and Upton Focus Team and will be assisting Richard Matthews and I to further improve the area for all concerned.

I was delighted to earn the support and trust of the residents of West Hunsbury and Upton, and to be elected in May 2007 to represent them.

Please contact me by telephone or email to discuss any issues which are affecting you or your part of West Hunsbury. There is a form you can complete on this website, or you can email me direct. I promise to respond promptly and to deal with your enquiry efficiently. I will always do my utmost to ensure residents’ issues are resolved.

 Paul Varnsverry