Labour Voice, Milton ward, Autumn 2018

We need action on crime

Re-elect Cheryl Nevin

Do not build Forum 2 on one of the few open spaces in Milton says Milton Labour

Proposed site for Forum 2

The two Labour councillors in Milton ward are supportive of the presence of both the University and College in the centre of town.

They also cautiously welcome any extension of their facilities, although they note that only two of the three partners in the Forum are backing plans for Forum 2.

The plans for Forum 2 do give rise to concerns, especially as one of the few areas of green open space in the centre of town is threatened.

Councillors Nevin and Ware-Lane do not want Forum 2 to be built on the green space that lies between the Forum and the Farringdon Service Road.

Councillor Ware-Lane said: “There are quite a number of empty buildings in and around the High Street and I am requesting that these be explored as potential homes for Forum 2”.

Councillor Nevin added: “There are too few green spaces in Milton ward as it is. I want all the current green spaces to be preserved.”

There are also concerns that the popular big screen showings will have to end if this area is built upon.

Milton Voice Winter 2018 edition

Motion for Full Council on the Bus Services Bill

Bus Service Bill – Clause 21

This Council notes:

·         That the Bus Services Bill currently passing through Parliament includes Clause 21 that will effectively “prohibit a local authority from forming a company for the purposes of providing a local bus service”.

·         That the Localism Act (2011) provides general powers of competence to local authorities.         

·         That municipal bus companies like Reading and Nottingham provide some of the best bus services in the country and have a successful track record of increasing bus passenger numbers and providing high quality bus services.

·         That polling found that a majority of the public (57%) oppose clause 21, whilst just 22% support it. The opposition to Clause 21 is consistent across voters from all political parties.

This council believes:

·         Clause 21 contradicts the general powers of competence and the spirit of the Localism Act 2011.

·         If there is a need and a demand from their public, then Councils should be able to provide their own bus services.

·         Should they wish, Councils should be legally able to follow the model developed by Reading and Nottingham.

·         Consequently Clause 21 should be omitted from the Bus Services Bill.

This council resolves:

·         To write to Lord Ahmad and to call on the Department for Transport to omit Clause 21 from the final legislation.

·         To write to James Duddridge & Sir David Amess MP to ask them to oppose clause 21 when the Bus Services Bill reaches the House of Commons and ask them to write to Lord Ahmad and the Department of Transport to raise concerns about Clause 21.

Proposer: Cllr Cheryl Nevin Seconder: Cllr Julian Ware-Lane