Nick Clegg 'told Brown to quit as PM'
2010, left of Labour, “no tuition fees” Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg told Gordon Brown he had to leave office as the price of any coalition deal with Labour. Gordon brown offered.
Clegg then went on to join a coalition with the Tories instead, under Cameron.
Remember Cameron? “No ifs no buts no third runway at Heathrow” and “immigration down to the tens of thousands.”
Gordon Brown then stood down and Ed Miliband became Labour’s new leader.
During the coalition the Liberal Democrats then voted with the Tories to raise tuition fees, introduced bedroom tax and to cut legal aid. Jo Swinson as employment minister, reversed workers’ rights by introducing charges of up to £1,200 to attend an employment tribunal. She even considered cutting the minimum wage.
Now we have a new Tory leader Boris Johnson, and a new Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson, who rules out a pact with Labour under Jeremy Corbyn. Doesn’t that sound familiar!
In any case a pact with the Lib Dems would stop the badly needed social reforms that a Corbyn government would introduce
Now that both Liberal Democrats and Tories have changed their leaders, let us hope we have the courage to stick with ours, and work together to return a Labour government.
Conservative support for Heathrow Expansion now totally unacceptable 9/7/19
In the light of Heathrow’s latest shocking expansion plans, Spelthorne Labour Group has insisted the ruling Tory councils in Spelthorne and Surrey, must think again and review its position on airport expansion.
Cllr Sue Doran, Labour Leader on Spelthorne Council said the group would like to see the Spelthorne Conservatives unreservedly supporting all their residents of all ages, in a renewed fight to protect all aspects of their health and lives from the impact caused by the proposed expansion of Heathrow and the infrastructure required to support expansion.
‘This is no longer just about a third runway,’ said Cllr Doran, ‘it’s about enormous on-going disruption to our whole community for at least thirty years.’
Last week Heathrow Airport presented its new consultation and explanation of the impact on the local area. Labour says it is imperative that Conservative councillors stand up for local people and not just big business as every part of Spelthorne will be adversely affected.
‘Heathrow themselves, admit we can expect airport construction work to be going on 24 hours a day, seven days a week,’ noted Cllr Jenny Vinson (Staines South) – this will generate a very large increase in the number of lorries in the Staines area and across Spelthorne.’
The report says this will impact on the whole borough, with air quality being affected by ‘dust and vehicle emission.’
‘This is an environmental disaster developing before our eyes,’ argued Cllr Veena Siva (Staines) affecting all aspects of our physical and mental health. ‘As a mother, I’m especially worried about the impact on my young daughter’s health and other children in the borough.’
A newly elected councillor, Veena added, ‘I am utterly staggered that the Tory Spelthorne Borough Council is supporting the third runway despite the litany of adverse effects on Spelthorne including the environment, noise pollution, physical and cognitive wellbeing and lack of compensation for the residents to name but a few!!”
Cllr John Doran (Stanwell North) said, ‘There are two primary schools and a children’s centre within a few hundred yards of the southern runway as it is.’
‘Under Heathrow’s plans the perimeter road becomes a six lane ‘motorway’ and the village gets a 24,000 space car park on its border as well.’
Labour claims Spelthorne is getting all the negatives and no compensation for years of misery, traffic jams and negative impacts.
‘It’s unacceptable for Heathrow to say Stanwell and Stanwell Moor do not qualify for compensation from Heathrow. It just doesn’t make sense,’ complained Surrey County Councillor Robert Evans (Stanwell and Stanwell Moor). ‘None of Spelthorne has been included in the Wider Property Offer Zone (WPOZ) and yet this area is going to take the full brunt of the expansion with huge traffic, noise and health impacts for years to come.’
‘Labour is standing up for local people, families, children and older people as they face a major challenge and potential catastrophe.’
‘We are today, calling on the Conservatives to join us and fight these dangerous proposals; plans which will have a devastating effect on Stanwell, Stanwell Moor and the whole of the borough for generations to come,’ demanded Robert Evans.
Heathrow’s latest publication ‘Expansion and your area, Stanwell and Stanwell Moor’ was published recently and is available at https://aec.heathrowconsultation.com This consultation is running from 18 June to 13 September 2019
Local people are encouraged to have their say on a future Heathrow by responding to the consultation.
ENDS.
For further information contact:
Cllr Robert Evans (Surrey CC - Stanwell and Stanwell Moor) 07785 290546
Cllr Sue Doran (Spelthorne - Stanwell North) 01784 255470
Cllr Jenny Vinson (Spelthorne - Staines South) 07736 316154
Cllr Veena Siva (Spelthorne - Staines) 077806 25989
cllr John Doran (Spelthorne - Stanwell North) 01784 255470
THIRD RUNWAY FEARS
Labour pushes for
assurances
As a local party we have remained neutral concerning Heathrow expansion. Our MP Kwasi Kwarteng is in favour, though most other MPs in the area are against it.
Although the decision will be made at national government level and a number of our members are in favour because some jobs would be created, it would be irresponsible not to make residents aware of the possible impact that this massive development could have on them.
Added to the extra levels of pollution caused by 30% more flights will be the levels caused by motor vehicles, when the proposed “worlds biggest car park” in Stanwell, with a capacity for 125,000 car spaces, as well as taxi feeds and rentals together with 100 spaces for HGV lorry parking, is built.
The rest of Spelthorne will not escape the impact. The number of trucks carrying aggregate through the borough will greatly increase as even greater chunks of Spelthorne are dug up!
When the third 3 km concrete runway is built, the polluted surface water during heavy rain, could increase the risk of flooding in an already flood prone area.
Coincidentally Esso is planning to update its fuel pipeline going from Southampton to the West London Terminal storage facility in Hounslow. We have grave concerns about the re-routing of some of the 7.1km section that will pass through large parts of Spelthorne before reaching its destination.
There seems to be little gain for local residents, pollution levels will surely rise as life expectancy decreases.
Labour’s Surrey County councillor Robert Evans has been campaigning relentlessly for a deal for local people; one that provides proper compensation, addresses the parking chaos,
the lorries, and provides a decent transport service.
In our recent survey carried out in Spelthorne 62% of the replies were against expansion
Is it the green light for on
street parking meters?
In the recent borough elections Spelthorne labour Party warned that the Tory run council could be planning to install on street parking meters, with the possibility increasing if the Tories did well in the local elections.
Although they suffered a loss of 7 council seats, they still have a substantial majority, and as they are safe for the next 4 years, could feel confident enough to press ahead.
Church Street Ashford could be one of the first places to be metered, forcing more cars to park in the already over parked back streets. Residents will then complain, and “residents only permits” could then be introduced, creating frustration, hardship and extra cost to locals to park outside of their own homes, and nowhere for their visitors to park.
Let’s hope that the newly elected opposition councillors work together, to try to stop this from happening.
Spelthorne’s Tory Council
invests £1.5 billion on
property deals.
That’s a liability of about £37,000 per household, but is hesitant to back a scheme to stop flooding.
In a recent newspaper article the leader of Spelthorne Borough Council would not confirm his 100% support for the £588 million River Thames Scheme — a flood defence initiative that would reduce the risk to 15,000 homes. Spelthorne’s contribution would be £25 million.
The floods of 2014 are still in our memories. The devastation caused in our borough resulting in the death of Zane Gbangbola aged 7, and injuries to his father Kye who remains paralysed from the waist down. The family is still fighting for justice!
‘For further information please go to www.TruthAboutZane.com’.
Labour would support the River Thames Scheme, providing it adequately protects Spelthorne
in the long term
Education
Under the Tories, close to 1000 Sure Start centres have been closed nationwide.
Nationally, Labour will ensure guaranteed adequate funding for schools, teachers and rescources, to create a world class service. Labour supports ‘Life Long Learning’
“Labour will lobby the council to reopen the Sure Start Centres closed since 2010,ensuring that children are given the best start in life thereby reducing inequalities when they start school” Between 2010 and 2018, overall school funding per pupil has been cut by 8%.
Locally, Spelthorne Labour Party will push for access to
more 6th form provision within the borough.
It will be alright in
50 years time
Spelthorne Council's propertyinvestment loans may exceed £1.5 billion, that’s a liability
of about £37,500 per household.
The purpose of this massive investment is to deal with the “financial burden” due to central government cuts.
This kind of speculative investment is beginning to dwarf the main job of running our council, and probably requires more staff to do so!
The purchases include the BP campus in Sunbury for £380 million, and others in Stockley Park, Hammersmith, Reading and Uxbridge.
The Council has taken out loans from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB). These loans are of low interest and can be paid back over a period of 50 years.
This could mean that in 50 years time Spelthorne would be rich in real-estate. On the other hand will the buildings survive?
The reason given by the Council for wanting to knock down the Knowle Green leisure centre was that it’s not worth repairing and is “50 years old.”
In 50 years time, even if the property investments survive the vagaries of the markets and we don’t end up with negative equity; most of us will be long gone and those just in adulthood will be drawing their pensions!
The luxury flats being built in Spelthorne are very nice, but with a starting price around £350.000 for a one bedroom apartment, even with the government “Help to Buy” scheme they are far too expensive for most local people looking to get onto the housing ladder.
On the front page of the Villager, Spelthorne Council announced the completion of three “affordable” two- bedroom homes. Of course all homes are affordable to those earning enough, but not to those on zero hours contracts and low incomes.
Spelthorne has become over developed with the highest population density in Surrey. Little thought has been given to our over stretched services, ever increasing congestion on our roads and fewer available spaces for street parking.
Publicly owned available property, such as the Knowle Green council offices which the Council plan to turn the west wing into 24 flats, should be considered for renting to local people on low incomes at 20% below going rate — with a PWLB loan for the conversions!
Auditors call council's billion pound property "roulette" into question
https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2019-04-27/spelthorne
Nick Clegg 'told Brown to quit as PM'
2010, left of Labour, “no tuition fees” Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg told Gordon Brown he had to leave office as the price of any coalition deal with Labour. Gordon brown offered.
Clegg then went on to join a coalition with the Tories instead, under Cameron.
Remember Cameron? “No ifs no buts no third runway at Heathrow” and “immigration down to the tens of thousands.”
Gordon Brown then stood down and Ed Miliband became Labour’s new leader.
During the coalition the Liberal Democrats then voted with the Tories to raise tuition fees, introduced bedroom tax and to cut legal aid. Jo Swinson as employment minister, reversed workers’ rights by introducing charges of up to £1,200 to attend an employment tribunal. She even considered cutting the minimum wage.
Now we have a new Tory leader Boris Johnson, and a new Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson, who rules out a pact with Labour under Jeremy Corbyn. Doesn’t that sound familiar!
In any case a pact with the Lib Dems would stop the badly needed social reforms that a Corbyn government would introduce
Now that both Liberal Democrats and Tories have changed their leaders, let us hope we have the courage to stick with ours, and work together to return a Labour government.
In the light of Heathrow’s latest shocking expansion plans, Spelthorne Labour Group has insisted the ruling Tory councils in Spelthorne and Surrey, must think again and review its position on airport expansion.
Cllr Sue Doran, Labour Leader on Spelthorne Council said the group would like to see the Spelthorne Conservatives unreservedly supporting all their residents of all ages, in a renewed fight to protect all aspects of their health and lives from the impact caused by the proposed expansion of Heathrow and the infrastructure required to support expansion.
‘This is no longer just about a third runway,’ said Cllr Doran, ‘it’s about enormous on-going disruption to our whole community for at least thirty years.’
Last week Heathrow Airport presented its new consultation and explanation of the impact on the local area. Labour says it is imperative that Conservative councillors stand up for local people and not just big business as every part of Spelthorne will be adversely affected.
‘Heathrow themselves, admit we can expect airport construction work to be going on 24 hours a day, seven days a week,’ noted Cllr Jenny Vinson (Staines South) – this will generate a very large increase in the number of lorries in the Staines area and across Spelthorne.’
The report says this will impact on the whole borough, with air quality being affected by ‘dust and vehicle emission.’
‘This is an environmental disaster developing before our eyes,’ argued Cllr Veena Siva (Staines) affecting all aspects of our physical and mental health. ‘As a mother, I’m especially worried about the impact on my young daughter’s health and other children in the borough.’
A newly elected councillor, Veena added, ‘I am utterly staggered that the Tory Spelthorne Borough Council is supporting the third runway despite the litany of adverse effects on Spelthorne including the environment, noise pollution, physical and cognitive wellbeing and lack of compensation for the residents to name but a few!!”
Cllr John Doran (Stanwell North) said, ‘There are two primary schools and a children’s centre within a few hundred yards of the southern runway as it is.’
‘Under Heathrow’s plans the perimeter road becomes a six lane ‘motorway’ and the village gets a 24,000 space car park on its border as well.’
Labour claims Spelthorne is getting all the negatives and no compensation for years of misery, traffic jams and negative impacts.
‘It’s unacceptable for Heathrow to say Stanwell and Stanwell Moor do not qualify for compensation from Heathrow. It just doesn’t make sense,’ complained Surrey County Councillor Robert Evans (Stanwell and Stanwell Moor). ‘None of Spelthorne has been included in the Wider Property Offer Zone (WPOZ) and yet this area is going to take the full brunt of the expansion with huge traffic, noise and health impacts for years to come.’
‘Labour is standing up for local people, families, children and older people as they face a major challenge and potential catastrophe.’
‘We are today, calling on the Conservatives to join us and fight these dangerous proposals; plans which will have a devastating effect on Stanwell, Stanwell Moor and the whole of the borough for generations to come,’ demanded Robert Evans.
Heathrow’s latest publication ‘Expansion and your area, Stanwell and Stanwell Moor’ was published recently and is available at https://aec.heathrowconsultation.com This consultation is running from 18 June to 13 September 2019
Local people are encouraged to have their say on a future Heathrow by responding to the consultation.
ENDS.
For further information contact:
Cllr Robert Evans (Surrey CC - Stanwell and Stanwell Moor) 07785 290546
Cllr Sue Doran (Spelthorne - Stanwell North) 01784 255470
Cllr Jenny Vinson (Spelthorne - Staines South) 07736 316154
Cllr Veena Siva (Spelthorne - Staines) 077806 25989
cllr John Doran (Spelthorne - Stanwell North) 01784 255470
THIRD RUNWAY FEARS
Labour pushes for
assurances
As a local party we have remained neutral concerning Heathrow expansion. Our MP Kwasi Kwarteng is in favour, though most other MPs in the area are against it.
Although the decision will be made at national government level and a number of our members are in favour because some jobs would be created, it would be irresponsible not to make residents aware of the possible impact that this massive development could have on them.
Added to the extra levels of pollution caused by 30% more flights will be the levels caused by motor vehicles, when the proposed “worlds biggest car park” in Stanwell, with a capacity for 125,000 car spaces, as well as taxi feeds and rentals together with 100 spaces for HGV lorry parking, is built.
The rest of Spelthorne will not escape the impact. The number of trucks carrying aggregate through the borough will greatly increase as even greater chunks of Spelthorne are dug up!
When the third 3 km concrete runway is built, the polluted surface water during heavy rain, could increase the risk of flooding in an already flood prone area.
Coincidentally Esso is planning to update its fuel pipeline going from Southampton to the West London Terminal storage facility in Hounslow. We have grave concerns about the re-routing of some of the 7.1km section that will pass through large parts of Spelthorne before reaching its destination.
There seems to be little gain for local residents, pollution levels will surely rise as life expectancy decreases.
Labour’s Surrey County councillor Robert Evans has been campaigning relentlessly for a deal for local people; one that provides proper compensation, addresses the parking chaos,
the lorries, and provides a decent transport service.
In our recent survey carried out in Spelthorne 62% of the replies were against expansion
street parking meters?
In the recent borough elections Spelthorne labour Party warned that the Tory run council could be planning to install on street parking meters, with the possibility increasing if the Tories did well in the local elections.
Although they suffered a loss of 7 council seats, they still have a substantial majority, and as they are safe for the next 4 years, could feel confident enough to press ahead.
Church Street Ashford could be one of the first places to be metered, forcing more cars to park in the already over parked back streets. Residents will then complain, and “residents only permits” could then be introduced, creating frustration, hardship and extra cost to locals to park outside of their own homes, and nowhere for their visitors to park.
Let’s hope that the newly elected opposition councillors work together, to try to stop this from happening.
Spelthorne’s Tory Council
invests £1.5 billion on
property deals.
That’s a liability of about £37,000 per household, but is hesitant to back a scheme to stop flooding.
In a recent newspaper article the leader of Spelthorne Borough Council would not confirm his 100% support for the £588 million River Thames Scheme — a flood defence initiative that would reduce the risk to 15,000 homes. Spelthorne’s contribution would be £25 million.
The floods of 2014 are still in our memories. The devastation caused in our borough resulting in the death of Zane Gbangbola aged 7, and injuries to his father Kye who remains paralysed from the waist down. The family is still fighting for justice!
‘For further information please go to www.TruthAboutZane.com’.
Labour would support the River Thames Scheme, providing it adequately protects Spelthorne
in the long term
Education
Under the Tories, close to 1000 Sure Start centres have been closed nationwide.
Nationally, Labour will ensure guaranteed adequate funding for schools, teachers and rescources, to create a world class service. Labour supports ‘Life Long Learning’
“Labour will lobby the council to reopen the Sure Start Centres closed since 2010,ensuring that children are given the best start in life thereby reducing inequalities when they start school” Between 2010 and 2018, overall school funding per pupil has been cut by 8%.
Locally, Spelthorne Labour Party will push for access to
more 6th form provision within the borough.
50 years time
of about £37,500 per household.
The purpose of this massive investment is to deal with the “financial burden” due to central government cuts.
This kind of speculative investment is beginning to dwarf the main job of running our council, and probably requires more staff to do so!
The purchases include the BP campus in Sunbury for £380 million, and others in Stockley Park, Hammersmith, Reading and Uxbridge.
The Council has taken out loans from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB). These loans are of low interest and can be paid back over a period of 50 years.
This could mean that in 50 years time Spelthorne would be rich in real-estate. On the other hand will the buildings survive?
The reason given by the Council for wanting to knock down the Knowle Green leisure centre was that it’s not worth repairing and is “50 years old.”
In 50 years time, even if the property investments survive the vagaries of the markets and we don’t end up with negative equity; most of us will be long gone and those just in adulthood will be drawing their pensions!
The luxury flats being built in Spelthorne are very nice, but with a starting price around £350.000 for a one bedroom apartment, even with the government “Help to Buy” scheme they are far too expensive for most local people looking to get onto the housing ladder.
On the front page of the Villager, Spelthorne Council announced the completion of three “affordable” two- bedroom homes. Of course all homes are affordable to those earning enough, but not to those on zero hours contracts and low incomes.
Spelthorne has become over developed with the highest population density in Surrey. Little thought has been given to our over stretched services, ever increasing congestion on our roads and fewer available spaces for street parking.
Publicly owned available property, such as the Knowle Green council offices which the Council plan to turn the west wing into 24 flats, should be considered for renting to local people on low incomes at 20% below going rate — with a PWLB loan for the conversions!
https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2019-04-27/spelthorne
About us
Local Issues
