BOROUGH NEWS

Andrew Wemyss was re-elected to the Borough Council for Halmer End Ward on May 3rd.

As a result of loss of seats by Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and UKIP, Labour have taken control of the Borough Council

SING CHOIRS OF YOUTH – REFLECTIONS

As Deputy Mayor and Mayoress David and Anne take their share of attending Christmas Concerts on behalf of the Council. An outstanding feature of these concerts is the involvement in and talent of our youth.

The Wolstanton Schools Partnership concert at the Victoria Hall was an inspiring evening enhanced by musical talent from all the schools involved. The world premier of “A Portrait of Wolstanton was outstanding. The work was a collaborative musical project with Manchester Camerata Orchestra which has taken Portraits as its season theme.

The enthusism shown by the College Glee Club at the Newcastle College Christmas Concert in St Georges Church was infectious, they shared with the audience a real sense of enjoyment.

Betley Church Choir is outstanding for a small village, and the Choir includes a group of youngsters with remarkable talent.

The youth of today get a poor press and are facing considerable difficulties as they start to make their way in the world. It is inspiring to witness what youth can achieve. As Mayor next year David’s chosen charities will be those that help our youth get a start in life.

OPENING OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT AT APEDALE COUNTRY PARK

The following press release has been issued by Staffordshire County Council.

The Renewable Energy Centre is in the Halmer End Ward of the Borough Council.

A flagship renewable energy project at Apedale Community Country Park in Newcastle-under-Lyme will officially open on the Friday.

The Visitor Centre at Apedale will be officially opened by Leader of Staffordshire County Council Phillip Atkins at 10.30am.

County Councillor Phillip Atkins said the centre was a great resource for local people.

“Apedale Visitor Centre provides a fantastic base for local people and community groups to come along and take part in environmental activities. It is a model of sustainable building and practice, acting as a flagship building for the region. By visiting the centre and taking on board the energy conservation messages, people can save money in their own homes.”

County Councillor Mark Winnington, Cabinet member for Environment and Assets, added: “Apedale country park is incredibly popular with the local community. The beauty spot already attracts hoards of visitors and the centre will bring even people to the area.

“It is an innovatively designed building with features and activities that appeal to people of all ages.”

Local community groups and school children will be part of the event, joining the craft and gardening projects which will form the basis of activities at the centre.

Construction of the Apedale Visitor Centre began last year and it is one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings in the region. Energy conservation and management is central to the building and the centre demonstrates renewable energy options that can be used in homes.

Following the official launch, the centre will be open to the public and will be used as a base for the County Ranger Service to manage the country park.

BOROUGH COUNCIL TO FIGHT FOR NEWCASTLE

Newcastle Borough Council has voted to oppose the Boundary Commission proposals to merge part of the Newcastle Constituency with Stone and part (including this ward) merged with Tunstall and Kidsgrove.

The motion to oppose the Boundary Commission was proposed by Cllr Eddie Boden (Labour) and seconded by Cllr David Becket (Lib Dem). It received support from Lib Dem, Labour and UKIP councillors. Apart from one Tory who abstained the Tories voted to accept the Boundary Commission proposals.

The next step is to produce an alternative proposal that meets Boundary Commission criteria in respect of constituency size, and to take into account changes forced on other constituencies.

David has produced a draft proposal for the Lib Dems and Labour have produced an almost identical proposal (There is basically only one option).

Both our proposals resolve the other contentious issue, the suggestion that central Burslem should be divided across two constituencies.

We hope shortly to mount a campaign based on one proposal.

NEWS FROM THE WARD

Your councillors have been busy this week. Andrew has persuaded the Electricity Contractor to mend the broken lights in the Miles Green area this week, and not leave it to October. Andrew has also persuaded Royal Mail that the replacement post box in Station Road was urgent, and that Aspire should get a move on to repair the Station Road wall.

Dylis has got a dog litter bin promised at Scot Hay Cricket club, and David has got one in Common Lane Betley.

Both David and Andrew have advised a number of residents on issues such as planning, benefits, housing as well as representing them on highway issues.