Pavement politics
Over the last 48 hours I have had one request for a dropped kerb and two requests for help with uneven or broken pavement slabs, the "bread and butter" of a councillor's work!
The council department that deals with both of these issues can be contacted by phone or e-mail here. Of course your local councillor is always willing to help too!
Kemptown Winter Festival
I joined my two ward colleagues Gill Mitchell and Craig Turton, along with council leader Simon Burgess in St George's Road this afternoon for the annual Kemptown Winter Festival. We did think that the very bad weather might prevent the event from going ahead, but it did stay dry for long enough for many to enjoy the stalls, shops and entertainment on offer, including the French market. The theme this year was climate change, and we took along some leaflets to show what the council is doing to increase recycling and promote energy efficiency.
After getting soaked in the hailstorm I was very glad of the excellent goulash on sale from some local Czech residents! Sadly the rain and wind prevented the lantern parade from going ahead, but congratulations to the organisers for what was, despite the weather, a successful event.
Firefighter's tragedy
Like my colleague Councillor Pennington, with whom I served on the East Sussex Fire Authority, I have been greatly shocked and saddened by the death of two firefighters on Sunday. I watched the news reports with horror and spoke to a senior East Sussex Fire and Rescue officer late on Sunday night. Having met many firefighters and senior officers during my time on the Authority, and from working with many police officers in my previous job at Sussex Police headquarters, I have huge respect for those in the emergency services who risk their lives in the course of their work serving the public.
Books of condolence are open at Portslade, Hove and Brighton Town Halls, and at the Jubilee Library in the city centre.
Madeira Shelter Hall and the Madeira Lift
I was able to get assurances at yesterday's full council meeting that work will be undertaken in the New Year to restore the Madeira Shelter Hall on Madeira Drive, and to replace the dolphin weather vane which was stolen from the historic Madeira Lift. These are two of the most valued seafront buildings in Kemp Town, and it will be wonderful to see them restored to their former glory at the same time as the new Yellowave beach volleyball centre is completed as part of the ongoing regeneration of Madeira Drive. I'm grateful to my ward colleague Councillor Gill Mitchell for her help with this issue.
Well done St Mark's and Whitehawk Primary!
St Mark's Primary School in Manor Farm have achieved the best Key Stage Two results in the city, with a 93% improvement on last year, and Whitehawk Primary have also achieved excellent results that compare well with any school in the country. This is a credit to the staff, pupils and parents - indeed the whole school family at both schools - so well done to all!
Information for older people on public health issues
I was part of an interesting discussion earlier tonight on how older people prefer to receive information on public health, advice and other services offered to them by the city council and local NHS Trusts. Whilst some do use the internet, and some will pick up leaflets at their GPs surgery on at a hospital clinic, many harder to reach older people prefer their information in a more readable form. A survey of older people presented to the Joint Commissioning Board (the joint committee of the city council and the local Primary Care NHS Trust) showed that many missed the regular "City News" publication that was until last year published by the council, and which had a dedicated page for older people. This has come up at meetings I have had in my ward, and I have been asked why it was stopped and if it will return. Older and often vulnerable people need information they can access in a trusted, free and easy to use format, delivered to their door which I think City News gave them.
Abandoned cars and flytipping cleared
As part of Operation Scrap-it, a joint operation between the city council, police, DVLA and Fire & Rescue Service, seventy abandoned or untaxed cars were ticketed or removed in Whitehawk, Manor Farm and the Bristol Estate today. This is one of a series of regular operations which help keep the streets clear of dumped and dangerous vehicles. On each occasion fewer untaxed cars are found as people realise they can't ignore the law and will get caught. At the same time over thirty incidents of flytipping were dealt with.
Handing over the keys
Just back from a Crew Club trustees meeting, where we were told that the building phase is almost complete and that the contractors will hand over the keys before Christmas. Good news that the Business Community Partnership will be helping to paint the new centre, and that fundraising is going well. I'm looking forward to visiting the new building for the first time, and to helping out with the annual Crew Club Christmas Party for older people this Saturday.
Older peoples' Christmas party
One of my favourite events at this time of year is the party laid on for around a hundred older people from across Whitehawk, Manor Farm and the Bristol Estate by the Crew Club. The young people, all in fancy dress, serve tea, sandwiches and cakes while they listen to live music. At the end there is a raffle where everyone wins a prize of a bottle of sherry, tin of biscuits or even a DVD player, all donated by supporters of the Club.
It's a fantastic event which makes a real connection between the older people in the area, and the younger people about whom there are often too many generalisations made and preconceptions held. This is the fifth year the event has taken place and the third year I have been able to help out with the teas and the washing up. And do they get through a lot of tea!
Congratulations to all involved.
Police Messaging Service
Brighton police have set up a text messaging and e-mail service that can send you crime alerts and information for your local area, for example when bogus traders are operating locally. For more information and how to register, follow this link to a separate page on my website.
Burning The Clocks
Looking forward to going to the annual Burning The Clocks event on Kemp Town seafront this Thursday, not often able to make it as it usually clashes with my Dad's birthday party, I have it on good authority that Burning The Clocks in now one of the largest events the city hosts, and will certainly attract more people than the Fatboy Slim event in much the same location in around a fortnights time.
Before that however I still have the Whitehawk Crime Prevention Forum and a meeting at King's House to attend on Wednesday, as well as some community newsletters to deliver.
Also wanted to mention the council's Pocket Guide which came through with the Cityclean mailing about Christmas and New Year collections. It's really useful - look out for it and keep it somewhere safe!
Advice Surgery
I will be standing in for Des Turner MP at the advice surgery on Friday 5th January from 3.30 till 5pm at the Asda store in Brighton Marina. If any East Brighton residents would like to see me about any individual problems or issues I can help with, please come along. The store greeter can direct you to the small room near the entrance and customer services which is used.
Fatboy Slim
I hope the weather isn't too bad for tomorrow's Fatboy Slim gig on Madeira Drive, and that all those who have tickets can go along and enjoy a great event. Anyone who does not have a ticket should not make any attempt to go - Norman has made that clear himself. My colleague Councillor Gill Mitchell was on the BBC this week setting out how the council, police and other agencies have been working together to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely, and my other ward colleague Councillor Craig Turton has been liasing with residents and council officers to seek to keep the disturbance to a minimum. The number to call if there are any problems or complaints is 01273 675784.
In case you are wondering, no I didn't get a free ticket! Even if I had bought one I think standing outdoors for several hours would not be a good idea for someone with a cold...