Buxton Pool closure a disgrace and a fiasco

The Leader of High Peak Labour Group and Buxton councillor, Caitlin Bisknell, has branded the ongoing saga around Buxton Pool a disgrace and fiasco.

"I readily agreed the initial closure of the pool, because of the benefits the refurbishment of the pool and the addition of a fitness suite would bring to the town. However, that was nearly a year ago - and we still do not when or if the pool will re-open.

"The Council has failed to keep the public - in particular Buxton Swimming Club - and councillors informed about the progress of the works.

"The result? Buxton Swimming Club has lost around half its members, with talented local swimmers having to travel to Bakewell and even Derby, several times a week to practice their sport. Junior school children have lost out on a year - and now possibly two years - of swimming lessons.

"Buxton people have been unable to swim in their local pool - as have visitors to the town, so there has been no income for the council during what would normally have been the busiest time of the year for the pool.

"Buxton Swimming Club was promised that it would be kept informed, I understand that this has not happened. The first councillors knew of the situation was when we read Cllr Wharmby's comments in the Buxton Advertiser.

"I have called for an urgent update to be given to the Council's senior select committee, Corporate Select, on Monday."

Cllr Bisknell added that she recognised that sometimes it was difficult to predict what works might be needed to bring older buildings up to 21st century standards. However, this had gone on for too long - and the public has a right to know the full story.

Letter's to the press - from Gary Parvin - Glossopdale Branch Exec Committee

Sir / madam 

It is clear from the letters of Dave Westhead, Tom Hatton and Roger Bamford (published 15/07/10) that they  also are  far from presenting a balanced account of the current financial crisis. 

There are many factors which contributed to this crisis and many of the seeds of it were sown prior to 1997 with financial deregulation to name but one. 

What concerns me and I am sure many other people, are the choices this Coalition Government are making to tackle the crisis. They appear to me not to be 'new' in any way but distinctly 'old' and it will be the less well off who will pay the most. I am sure the counter  response of this Government and it's supporters will be a line of 'we had no choice'. Government's always have choices and I feel that the choices being made today are distinctly ideological.   

Mr Westhead should exercise caution about commenting about the election of the Conservative Government under Margaret Thatcher in 1979 as many people in Tameside and in the High Peak, will remember the cost paid by 3.5 million unemployed people, conflict and a  'lost generation' of young people. 

I can only conclude  that he feels  the choices this Government are making is  'a price worth paying'. I am sure that the next Labour Government will have to sort out the social and economic mess this Government will inevitably leave. 

Garry Parvin

Coalition cuts - the impact on High Peak, so far.

Just a few examples of how Coalition cuts are already hitting the people of High Peak:

1. £5m - £8m lost to The Crescent development following the axing of East Midlands Development Agency.
   
2. £244,000 – lost Housing and Planning Delivery Grant, LABGI (Local Authority Business Grant Initiative) – included in HPBC budget for 2010/2011, the equivalent of approx 5% on the council tax.
   
3. £310,000 for five affordable homes on West Drive in Tintwistle.
4. £948,000 Kickstart funding for 30 affordable homes in Harpur Hill, Buxton.
5. Glossop’s new George Street Health Centre – will not perform minor operations.
6. Buxton's new Community Hospital – now seems unlikely to go ahead.
7. The Tintwistle-Mottram bypass - in all its variations.

All of these projects would also have been a boost for the local economy, for local builders and suppliers - and would have created jobs.

And then there is the individual impact on both people and businesses of the 20% VAT rise; changes to housing benefit, tax credits and job seekers allowance; the cuts in university places; the ending of the Future Jobs Fund.

St Andrews official opening 12/07/10

County Councillor Dave Wilcox has this week welcomed the official opening of Hadfield St. Andrews’ new state-of-the-art building following several years of campaigning.

It was back in June 2008 when a £600,000 investment was announced by Derbyshire County Council to replace two dilapidated classrooms which at the time were according to Councillor Wilcox “well past their sell-by date”.

Councillor Wilcox this week paid particular tribute to the Headteacher and the Governors for their lobbying efforts, which had been crucial in helping him to secure funding. He also praised the builders for the cooperation they had shown to their near-neighbours, the Children’s Centre and Hadfield Nursery during the construction phase.

At the time of the announcement of funding for the school, Headteacher Andrew Cartledge said, “We are pleased that the Local Authority and elected members have recognised the need for modernisation and look forward to the completion of the new classrooms.”

“This week the dream for pupils, parents and staff has been realised.” said Cllr. Wilcox. “It has not been an easy time for the school, but next term presents new opportunities and a chance to blossom.”

Following a week in which the government has announced cancellation of investment in over 700 secondary schools Councillor Wilcox said he was delighted that the St. Andrews rebuild had crept under the wire.

“When I was in charge of schools in Derbyshire under the last Conservative Government there were 800 classrooms with the roof held up by pit props.” said the Hadfield Councillor. “Buckets catching rainwater in the hall were a common feature.”

“The investment we make in schools is an indication of the value we place on educating our children. It shows we care. It shows that we want them to do well. We want them to respect their school, their environment and their community.”

“I hope that recent announcements by the new Secretary of State are not an indication that we are heading back to the bad old days.”

Leadership Supporting Nomination

At the constituency meeting last Friday (9th July), the constituency decided not to make a supporting nomination to any of the leadership candidates.

We did however make the following nominations to candidates standing in the following internal elections :

National Executive Committee : Ann Black, Ellie Reeves, Peter Wheeler, Jon Wiseman, Ken Livingstone

National Treasurer : Diane Holland

National Policy Forum – Bex Bailey