This week

It's a busy week for me which kicked off with a meeting of the North Whitehawk Tenants and Residents Association on Monday night. I was pleased to hear from our local police sergeant that arrests have been made following a recent spate of car thefts and fires. I was able to brief local residents on the plans to build a new library and youth centre (see earlier post) as I had at last week's Central Whitehawk residents meeting.

Tuesday saw me chairing a "call in" meeting of the Environment and Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee, where we looked at whether decisions on a pedestrianisation scheme made by the Cabinet and a decision on Downland Management by the Cabinet Member for Environment had been made correctly. The committee voted to refer the Downland Management decision back to the Cabinet Member for further consideration, specifically in relation to the involvement of wildlife and conservation groups.

Thursday is a meeting of full council, which is always a busy day for me as Group whip. Whips of the various political groups are responsible for co-ordinating the organisation of the meeting with officers and the Mayor, for example advising which councillors will be speaking on each item. Don't forget you can watch council meetings via webcam on the council's website.

On Friday I will be attending the unveiling of the city's AIDS Memorial, designed by local artist Romany Mark Bruce. The unveiling of the scuplture is at 2.30 in Steine Gardens by David Furnish from the Elton John Foundation.  

AIDS Memorial Unveiling

This afternoon I joined councillor colleagues from all parties, the Mayor Councillor Mrs Norman and local MP Des Turner at the official unveiling of the AIDS Memorial in Steine Gardens by David Furnish from the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The first of its kind in the UK, the memorial itself is a stunning piece of public art by Romany Mark Bruce. Just the height of it on its plinth gives it both a modern and classic feel.

Despite the rain it was a well attended and moving event, with speeches about those who have been lost locally, nationally and internationally to the disease, as well as those living with HIV/AIDS today.

Congratulations must go to the all of the event organisers and trustees including Councillor Paul Elgood, James Ledward, Councillor Bill Randall, Simon Burgess and Councillor Brian Oxley, who gave a very moving speech in the excellent debate on the memorial at last night's council meeting. You can watch the meeting on webcast here.

Please support the work of AIDS charities like the Elton John Foundation or the Sussex Beacon hospice.

Whitehawk & Manor Farm Crime Prevention Forum

The next meeting of the Whitehawk and Manor Farm Crime Prevention Forum (the Local Action Team for the area) will be at 6.30pm on Wednesday 21st October in the Robert Lodge Meeting Rooms. This is a change from the previously advertised date.

Local police will be at the meeting to talk about crime, anti-social behaviour and community safety. All local residents are welcome to attend.

Whitehawk Festival

Just back from the first of a two-part Whitehawk Festival which takes place today and next Saturday. Despite the terrible weather there was a good attendance at the Crew Club for today's event aimed at the northern part of Whitehawk, with face painting, fancy dress, raffles and a tombola, displays about the history of Whitehawk, drumming, food, dancing and music.

It all happens again next Saturday at the Manor Gym when the theme will be Halloween. There is also the chance to have your say on the Playspace projects and the Co-location proposals about the library and youth centre.