It is not often that Betley appears in the Editorial Comment section of a national Newspaper.

On February 26 Betley achieved this in the Editorial section of The Guardian.

The Guardian publishes regular comment under the heading “In Praise of…….”

Whilst the article did not show Betley Reserves in their best light they have achieved fame in a place that rarely mentions Football Clubs.

Copy the link below to read the article.

 

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/26/in-praise-of-betley-reserves

To help residents find details of recent Planning Applications in Betley and the Halmer End Ward a Link has been provided to an external site Planning Finder, and the link is set to identify recent planning applications within 5 miles of my house.

To follow the link scroll down the list of the left hand side of the page, and you will come to it under Planning.

This site has no connection with the Borough Council, and I cannot be held responsible for its accuracy. There is still a link under planning to the Borough Council Planning Portal.

 

The announcement of Sarah Teather’s departure from the Liberal Democrats could well be a watershed.

Sarah is a liberal, as I am. That is why I joined this party. Many of the actions taken by the coalition are not liberal actions. In a coalition a party often has to accept compromises that are difficult. I have served in coalition as a councillor, with the Conservatives in Newcastle and with Labour in Berkshire. I fully understand you do not always get your own way.

However in this government it has gone further than that. For example liberals should not have supported the recent lobbying bill, though they are now trying to get amendments.

To those who elected me as a liberal I will be working hard at conference next week to get this party back on a liberal agenda.

I cannot see any liberal ideas coming from the Conservative or Labour parties, so I have no other home to go to.

David

Preamble to our constitution:-

The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.

 

We made a terrible mistake going into Iraq, and are in danger of doing the same with Syria.

Whilst the situation is different we risk fanning more flames in the Middle East.

Increased sanctions, commercial and diplomatic isolation and funding the refugee centers in neighbouring countries should be our first port of call.

 

 

The Borough Council has established a working party to look at HS2 and make recommendations to the Cabinet. I am a member of that working party.

We are currently looking at:

1. The effect on the economy of North Staffordshire
2. The Environmental Impact in the Borough
3. Compensation proposed.

We are not looking at the overall national case, we are concentrating on the effect on Newcastle. However the national case appears to be getting weaker, if only on cost grounds.

 

I would welcome any comments from electors in the Halmer End Ward.

After a very busy and fulfilling year as Mayor David is back to committee work, and keeping this web site up to date.

His committee places are:

Health Scrutiny

The only committee David remained on as Mayor. The key issues are A&E (an issue across the country) and the effect of Stafford on UHNS. There is also concern as the the future of the Combined Health Trust, which provides services for those with mental health issues.

Transformation and Resources

The Scrutiny Committee that looks at budget issues. At his first meeting David led the scrutiny of officers on a financial issue that could cause concern.

HS2 Working Party

There is an overview of David’s current position on HS2 below. The current proposals will be bad for Newcastle. There is still too much uncertainty as to the true benefits of this proposal which we know will cause environmental damage. David is standing for election to the Local Government Association Transport Board, as he is of a view that the LGA should be taking more of a lead on this.

Member Development (Chairman)

Not a committee that will excite the electorate, if members are not well trained and given first class support they will not perform their tasks adequately. Whilst our public web site receives high praise the IT service for members needs further development

Madeley LAP

The local partnership covering Madeley, Onneley, Betley, Balterley and Wrinehill

 

Politically he remains a conference representative for Newcastle to Lib Dem Conferences.As a member of the pressure group Social Liberal Forum he will challenge some of the current party thinking at the September Conference.

 

 

 

HS2 OVERVIEW

Cllr David Becket

May 2013

 

INTRODUCTION

 David is a candidate for the LGA Economy and Transport Board (Lib Dem). He has been asked his views on HS2, which is the major transport project of this age. This overview presents his current thinking. The Overview is divided into three sections: (1) Staffordshire (HS2 as it affects the county),  (2) HS2 summary, (3) Actions that we should be taking.

STAFFORDSHIRE

With no station in Staffordshire and HS2 running through the middle of the county it is both an economic and environmental disaster for the County. Stoke on Trent and North Staffordshire are particularly hard hit. Stoke will have fewer services to London, and will lose its hourly non-stop service. Large areas are being prepared for industry at Crewe, and business will migrate from Stoke and Newcastle to Crewe. Other areas such as Cannock and Stafford are also adversely affected. Staffordshire County Council and Stoke on Trent City Council are working with the government and HS2 to obtain improvements. David fully supports these negotiations.

HS2 SUMMARY

The perceived wisdom is that HS2 will boost the economy of those areas it serves. There appears to be no advantage to other areas, South Coast, West Country, South Wales and East Anglia.  The National Audit Office have raised serious concerns relating to the case for HS2 and the cost effectiveness, and it has come under fire from the Public Accounts Committee.

Some LGA member authorities are totally opposed to HS2 , and have formed 51M to fight it, some member authorities support it, some have reservations whilst other authorities have not stated an opinion.

Future capacity is a key argument for HS2, whilst the true figures may be less than predicted by the HS2 programme this is an issue that needs addressing. 51M have produced an alternative solution to the capacity issue.

ACTIONS REQUIRED

We cannot continue with an expensive project of this nature with the Department of Transport and the National Audit Office so far apart. An urgent independent evaluation of the project is required. This evaluation should also include the 51M proposals for increasing capacity.

If the evaluation shows the case for HS2 as proposed is weak then alternatives must be considered. One alternative is to build the line at sub 200MPH. This will use tried and tested technology, reduce the cost, reduce the environmental impact but still offer increased capacity and reduced journey times.

Any other alternative should be considered with the position of rail within an integrated transport strategy. We do not have such a strategy, HS2 is not a strategy it is a project.

Whilst the LGA is unlikely to come to a unified view on HS2 it is in a position to put together, area by area, the transport requirements (particularly rail) throughout the country.

How can rail assist the economy of the country?  By helping exports is one obvious answer.

This means efficient cost effective freight routes to major ports. (The rail access to Southampton from north and midlands is dire. Some improvements are being made to the Felixtowe route, but more could be achieved).

It means business men can travel efficiently to their destination once they arrive in the country. This includes improved access to Heathrow from Midlands and West (originally in the HS2 proposal but now removed), and ease of access to Eurostar from all parts of the country. (Achieved either by direct trains or a connection infrastructure that does not involve travelling across central London by tube/taxi).

Time taken to travel across London does not only affect international travellers. For example the % time saved travelling from Euston to Manchester by HS2 is considerably reduced if the actual journey is from Croydon to Salford.

These are areas where the LGA could make a significant input, and take a proactive role.

Cllr David Becket

Borough of Newcastle under Lyme

 

 

 

MAYOR’S REPORT 2012 2013

Cllr David Becket

 

The most outstanding aspect of our year as Mayor and Mayoress is the talent we have witnessed from the young people of the Borough. Music, Drama, Dance, Sport and Community Activities have all shown the commitment and talent evident in the young people of Newcastle. Talent can be displayed at many levels, and the Christmas drama from young people with Downs Syndrome was just as remarkable and entertaining as the concerts from highly accomplished musicians.

 

It is in support of our young people that we chose as our Charities New Vic Borderlines and The Realise Foundation, both work to support young people who need a helping hand.

 

We attended some 250 events, slightly fewer than in previous years but we took a conscious decision not to travel outside the borough to events that were not civic or connected with a civic charity or supporting a Newcastle organization. We supported all the Staffordshire Civic Heads, and made contact with Cheshire East.

Within the Borough there were many visits involving Churches, Schools, Charities, Commercial organizations, the Armed Forces and the two local Universities. Outside of the Borough the important visits included MOD Stafford, Whittington Barracks at Lichfield, the visit of German youth to the war cemeteries at Cannock and visits to famous buildings including Tatton Mansion House, Sandon Hall and Tutbury Castle. This year the Newcastle’s of the World Conference was held in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

I particularly appreciated a charity function at Marston’s Brewery.

 

I must pay tribute to my Mayoress Anne who, following the tradition of the last Mayoress, entered fully into the role and played a significant part in representing the Borough. At the Newcastle’s of the World Conference she offered to establish links between schools in the countries represented. Currently few countries have responded, but Anne does not intend to give up yet.

 

Administratively it has been a difficult year, with ill health and staff shortage creating difficulties that involved the Mayor taking more interest in running the department than normal. I must pay tribute to Peter Whalan who kept the show on the road until he was taken ill in February. Geoff Durham did his very best to take over, though he was working part time following a serious illness. Louise provided back up, which was much appreciated. We were not helped by the snow, which caused the postponement of the ball and a parlour visit. We were also not helped by the change in the postal provider, which resulted in the Mayor delivering Ball Tickets to ensure they reached the recipients in time.

 

All of the traditional civic events went to plan, and were well attended. These included the Civic Service, Armed Forces Day, Catholic Mass, Fireworks Display, the Remembrance Day Service, Britain in Bloom and the Mayor’s Ball.

The Mayor’s Carol Service was held in the rural location of Betley Parish Church, a timber framed church of some note and host to one of the more talented village choirs in the area. The only disappointing feature of these events was the sparse attendance from Councilors.

 

A number of Charity events were held, and we expect the final figure raised to be of the order of £8000. From this January money raised through the sale of recycled textiles will be donated to the Mayor’s Charities. In a full year this could raise some £2000, so keep recycling.

 

Derek Myatt the Mayor’s Sargent and Chauffeur retired at the start of our year, and we now have a Chauffeur, Carl, and Sargent, Peter, who work under contract. The change over went smoothly, but we were initially left with a challenge. It was our intention to open the Parlour to as many visits as possible. Derek had undertaken the role of explaining the history of the Borough and introducing the items on display. We were on a fast learning curve and have developed a tour of the Parlour lasting about an hour. The Mayor has concentrated on the history of the Borough and the Mayoress the items on display. Anne has gleaned a considerable amount of information relating to the Grand Duke Michael.  (Cousin of the Czar of Russia who stayed at Keele Hall for ten years at the start of the last century). We intend to write the tour up in case it could be of use in the future.

 

With our interest in the history of the Borough it was particularly rewarding to travel to Crowborough Sussex to meet John Mellard, a descendant of the Mellard family. He gave us an illustrated address that was presented to his ancestor Richard Bartlett Mellard, Mayor of Newcastle four times at the turn of the last century. This has now found a home in the Borough Museum.

 

I thank the deputy Mayor and Mayoress for standing in for us when there was a clash of events. I also thank my Chaplain, Revd. Pamela Lane and my High Constable for their support.

Anne and myself wish the incoming Mayor and Mayoress a very successful and enjoyable year in office.

 

There will be no presentation from us in the Chamber as we have already donated and planted two trees in the Brampton outside the Museum.

 

Finally I thank the members of the council for having the faith to elect me to this privileged position. Anne and myself have done our very best to represent you and the Loyal and Ancient Borough of Newcastle under Lyme. It has been a great honour.

 

 

Cllr David Becket

Mayor of the Loyal and Ancient Borough of Newcastle under Lyme, 2012-2013

 

There are minor changes to the D&G bus times through Betley. See link under Transport to D&G Bus times for details

 

19th-25th November is Domestic Violence Awareness Week,  you are encouraged to sign the pledge not to commit, condone or remain silent about domestic violence – the pledge can be accessed on-line at http://www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/.

During the week the Borough Council and its Community Safety partners will be running a series of events and activities to raise awareness about domestic violence in the Borough.  This week of events will culminate in White Ribbon day on the 25th November.  As a Borough we are committed to reducing domestic violence, supporting victims of domestic violence and tackling the underlying causes of domestic violence.  This week of events will be used to highlight the services and support we provide with our partners, to encourage victims of domestic violence to contact us, and to reiterate our clear commitment to the principle that acts of domestic violence are not acceptable and should not be carried out, condoned or ignored.