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Wednesday, May 14, 2008
New super school would look 'like Walton jail'
May 12 2008 by Ben Turner, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL’S first £27m super school was today likened to Walton jail.
Campaigners criticised an artist’s impression of the new West Derby Comprehensive, saying it looked more like a prison than a school.
They also claimed proposed parking spots would do little to prevent a growth in traffic on the already car-clogged Bankfield Road.
Council officials today stressed all views would be taken on board as consultation got under way. They stressed the futuristic school would transform “the quality of education for current and future generations of children.”
Playing fields behind Tuebrook’s Peter Lloyd leisure centre are earmarked for the site.
It will replace the existing ageing school, which is split across two sites off Bankfield Road and Quarry Road.
Special school Ernest Cookson, in nearby Mill Lane, would also move into the complex as part of a £400m makeover of the city’s schools.
The school, designed with the input of pupils, will include facilities ranging from cutting-edge computer equipment to a four-court sports hall, lecture theatre and recording studios.
But residents have objected, saying playing fields should not be sacrificed. They also predict big increases in traffic.
Tuebrook Liberal Party Cllr Hazel Williams said promises of car parking on the new school’s Bankfield Wing playground would not be enough to alleviate traffic .
She was also scathing about the design.
She said: “I am sorry to say my honest opinion is it looks like a jail and has the same look about it as Walton prison.
“From the word go, myself and Tuebrook residents have nothing against the school, but it’s in the wrong location and these plans have done nothing to change that view.”
Town hall planners insist the benefits of placing West Derby comprehensive on a single site outweigh objections.
A council spokesman said the detailed plans would be submitted in August.
He said: “We are seeking the views of parents, pupils and local people about the design and this will help influence the detailed planning application.”
author: Steve | 05/14/08 14:12
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Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Labour Attacks on Frank Field M.P.
18 Kerman Close
Liverpool
L12 5NH
0151 226 7873
FOR PUBLICATION
To the Editor
Gordon Brown's satraps should go back to their natural environment
underneath rocks rather than attack Frank Field for illustrating his
consistent support for those in poverty and their willingness to
undermine the low paid for positive headlines. It is obvious that Mr
Field and those associated with him wished for the government to get
its act together and indicate without equivocation that the income tax
increase on five million low-income people would not stand. This is
why they halted their rebellion some days before the Local Elections.
What the Chancellor then issued was totally unsatisfactory. The only
point the Chancellor made clear was that many people would not be
compensated and those who were might not find it backdated to the
start of the financial year.
Given the lack of clarity from the Government it is correct that those
who actually care about this issue need to keep up the pressure since
it could be November before the picture is fully fleshed out. People
on low incomes cannot plan on the basis of an unclear promise nor can
they pay a utility bill with a nod and a wink from Gordon and Co. As
things stand the obvious conclusion must be that the majority of the
Labour Party is comfortable with increasing the rate of income tax on
some of those least able to afford it. Given this state of affairs,
the black propaganda and briefing against Frank Field is evidence that
a smear campaign against an individual who has assiduously worked
against poverty for a generation is more natural to New Labour than a
policy change to aid those on low incomes.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr Chris Lenton, Liverpool Liberal Party.
author: Steve | 05/13/08 15:43
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Friday, May 09, 2008
Walton residents hit out at 24-hr booze sales plan at Asda
Photograph of street meeting including Liberal Party Cllrs Steve Radford, Chris Lenton and Clubmoor Spokesperson Dennis Gaskell
May 8 2008 by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo
We don’t want 24-hr booze sales at Asda
RESIDENTS have hit out at a supermarket’s plan to sell booze 24 hours a day.
They fear problems with nuisance youths will spiral out of control if they can buy alcohol around the clock from Asda, in Walton.
The Utting Avenue store has applied to Liverpool council for a licence to sell beer, wine and spirits 24 hours a day, and keep its cafe open from 11pm to 5am, seven days a week.
Asda today claimed it would only use the late licence at particularly busy times, such as the run-up to Christmas and New Year.
But residents living near the store, which currently opens 8am-10pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10.30am-4.30pm on Sundays, fear it will be the tip of the iceberg.
They have called on the council to reject the licence application, which was submitted last month.
David Marshall, 67, of Richard Kelly Drive, who lives opposite the store, said: “Our homes are only 100 yards away and we just know what will happen.
“Groups of people will come past in taxis on their way home from town and drop in there at 2am to carry on boozing.
“They will be able to have a party every night of the week.”
Liberal councillor Steve Radford, who is supporting residents’ opposition, said: “This area of Walton is essentially residential and the increasing ease with which youths are accessing alcohol is disturbing.
“Legislation has gone too far in favour of businesses being able to open at any hour they want.
“Residents in this area are already suffering so it would be utterly irresponsible to increase the supply of alcohol.”
An Asda spokesman insisted the store was not planning to open 24 hours a day full-time.
He said: “This is about enhancing our offer to customers when we need to, at times like Christmas and New Year.
“This licence would allow us to provide our full offers at these times of the year.”
The spokesman said Asda staff are trained to ask anyone buying alcohol who looks under 25 for identification.
He added: “We do not believe we have a problem with young people drinking in and around the store.”
author: Steve | 05/09/08 21:35
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Thursday, May 08, 2008
Printed Daily Post Letters Page 8th May : LFC Planning Debate
Dear Editor
No where greater was the collapse in the Lib Dem Vote and swing to Labour than the Anfield Ward
No doubt a significant contributing factors was the closures of Leighton Dene and Boaler Street rehab facilities and care facilities in Venmore Street
the administration could now show a signal of listening to the people by reconsidering their decisions in respect of these locations
Over and above that is a real bitter resentment that the Lib Dems lied by stealth over the whole Anfield Stadium issue. The plan was never for a 60,000 stadium
but a move towards a 75,000 seat stadium irrespective of the inability of the traffic schemes to cope
It was really disappointing at the first planning committee of the new municipal year the newly elected Labour Councillor for Anfield did not even appear,
showing the same disinterest of previous Lib Dem Councillors for Anfield for the biggest decision for Anfields future
It was truly noticed by all objectors with disdain
Cllr Steve Radford
Leader Liberal Party Group
author: Steve | 05/08/08 09:57
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Defections and Double Standards
open letter from Cllr Steve Radford
Dear Editor
Cllr Anderson (Letters Page Daily Post 8th May) hits out at Cllr Nadia Stewart defecting to the Lib Dems, her having been elected as a Labour Councillor, a matter I agree with
Is this the same Joe Anderson who welcomed defector Cllr Frankael only weeks earlier?
Cllr Anderson says he was in the process of pushing Nadia Stewart out of the Labour Group for poor attendance.
If that is the case he would have my sympathy, for we in The Liberal Party have formally disciplined former Liberal Party Councillors in Clubmoor for failing to carry out their duties, they were then opportunistically welcomed into the L:ib Dem Group
Without doubt many parties suffer from some councillors at some time or other not pulling their weight, however it was because this Government forced councils to pay all councillors a flat allowance irrespective of how many committees they serve on. let alone attend. Wiithout doubt the levels of attendance have dropped acroiss all committtees where the work is done
Can we urge Cllr Anderson to speak to his own government to corrects this nonsense
Lastly if Cllr Anderson has taken disciplinary action against Cllr Nadia Stewart for failing in her duties where is the evidence of that ?
For in the case of Clubmoor Labour Cllr Ben Williams persistent non attendance at any public events since the beginning of the year, we have no evidence of any disciplinary action being taken against him
In fact far from it , Cllr Anderson it appears intervened to prevent the Councillor resigning and had his Labour Group carry on having him appointed and paid for the Chairmanship of the Clubmoor Croxteth Norris Green Area Committee
There appears a blatant double standard to Cllr Andersons alleged actions in respect of non-attendance by Clr Stewart and the protection of Cllr Ben Williams
,This is compounded by a clear double standards in welcoming the defector Beatrice Frankael whilst condemning Cllr Stewart in the same breath for the same action
Cllr Steve Radford
Leader Liberal Party Group
author: Steve | 05/08/08 09:53
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Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Liverpool FC: Third stadium plan gets go-ahead
May 7 2008 by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL FC have been given the go-ahead for their third stadium plan - but it is still unclear when work will start.
Councillors approved the proposal for a £350m, 60,000-seater ground in Stanley Park at Liverpool town hall yesterday .
It was the third time in five years the council has backed a stadium scheme from the Reds.
But the futuristic design was given a rocky ride by some critics, who described it as “a giant extractor fan dropped from outer space” and “an architectural caricature of terminal five at Heathrow”.
Eventually, the nine-man planning committee approved New Anfield unanimously, hours after visiting the site and witnessing restoration work in the rest of Stanley park.
Chairman Dave Irving said: “It is quite exciting and will certainly benefit Anfield’s regeneration.”
Liverpool were today unable to give a start date for the stadium.
After American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett took over in February last year, they ordered a redesign and that plan was approved last summer.
It was then shelved and redrawn again by Dallas-based architects HKS earlier this year when the tycoons decided it was too expensive.
The scheme approved yesterday showed a number of changes, notably a smaller underground car park beneath the stadium and a reduced height.
Anfield resident Brian Woodbridge, a Reds supporter, said: “I think it is a wonderful stadium and the last one wasn’t bad.
“I want them to build a big stadium – 100,000-seater, if they like – but not on our park.
“Would you consider it being built on Sefton Park or Calderstones Park? Of course you wouldn’t.”
Liberal councillor Steve Radford told the committee: “If anyone else, such as Everton, wanted to build this giant extractor fan on one of our historic parks, they would be told ‘no’.
“It is hypocritical to object to Knowsley council building on green space when you are doing the same yourselves.”
Sam Ryan, representing the club, said the proposal was much the same as the one approved in July last year.
She said: “This is a much more viable development, but it remains in line with the original objective of being high-quality.”
The scheme will be sent to the government to be approved or “called in” for a public inquiry.
author: Steve | 05/07/08 16:53
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Saturday, May 03, 2008
author: Steve | 05/03/08 15:31
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Sunday, April 27, 2008
Election App[eal - phone three Friends for Victory
Dear Friends
It is quite clear the Lib Dems will soon loose their slender majority in the city council. Early postal vote returns show a significant shift across wards, but it is far from consistent from ward to ward.
However, it is probable Labour will fail to win an overall majority. For those of us who recall the horrendous way Labour put council taxes up every year that must a a goalw worth achieveing.
A strong Liberal Party block in the city council may be the only way to block Labours spending excesses
As many of you swill be aware Labour have been equally reckless as the Lib Dems in destroying thousands of terraced homes and building on our parks.
Therefore it is vital we maximise the Liberal Party votes and Liberal Party Council seats.
In Tuebrook , no other political party has delivered a single election leaflet, please don't be fooled into a sense of complacency. The only sure way for me to be re-elected is you the residents voting
In the West Derby ward the phoney Lib Dem candidate who lives in Russian Drive, Tuebrook is trying to unseat long serving Councillor Ann Hines. His desperation and lack of integrity is shown in him claiming he has lived in West Derby for 24 years. Since when has Russian Drive,m off Green Lane, Tuebrook been in West Derby ?
Would you trust a candidate who does not know where he lives?
Having been booted out by the voters of three wards, Kensington , Dovecot and Yew Tree we should not underestimate his desperation to find an easy ride elsewhere.
In Clubmoor Ward we have had a an excellent campaign and are striking at Labour neglect of this community
Their candidate was parachuted into the ward only three weeks ago, following the Ben Williams allegations becoming public
In Clubmoor the feeble Labour Councillors are claiming Liberals plan to close our Old Peoples homes, Leighton Dene and Boaler Street. The truth is on council record, all three Liberal Party Councillors voted against the closure whilst two of the three Clubmoor Labour Councillors did not even attend the council budget debate, let alone vote - bless them
The next four days are vital.
I am appealing to you all to each phone three friends for victory
If you can phone any friends in Eest Derby Ward urge them to re-elect Ann Hines with 14 years experience over the candidate who does not know where he lives
In Clubmoor Ward , which includes Larkhill, Morningside, Scarisbick and Florence Melly estate, a vote for Dennis Gaskell can break Labour's feeble three . Labour Councillors who neglect to vote in the council and neglect the needs of their ward don't deserve to be elected !
Phone three friends for Liberal Party Candidates in Clubmoor and West Derby and we can break the cycle of Lib Dem and Labour neglect and arrogance
Why not relay this e mail to freinds and colleagues too ?
CXllr Steve Radford
Liberal Party Group Leader
author: Steve | 04/27/08 13:10
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Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Domestic violence victims forced to sleep on lilos thanks to Daily Post
Apr 15 2008
Domestic violence (320)
A LEADING Liverpool councillor has hit out at the use of make-shift “lilo” style beds for domestic violence victims.
Leader of the Liberal Group, Steve Radford, claims women arriving at Geneva House, an emergency housing facility in the east of the city, often have to sleep on temporary air beds because there is a shortage of space.
But the city council says those in need only have to sleep in the centre’s “emergency room” for a maximum of one night while more permanent accommoda- tion is finalised.
Cllr Radford said: “This situation illustrates there is a shortage of accommodation, no matter what the council says. This facility is supposed to provide emer- gency accommodation – that is what it is there for and it should be available at any time of the day.
“I cannot think of anything worse than a domestic violence victim having to sleep on a lilo or bunk bed, straight after an ordeal. It makes a mockery of the £35m the council is spending on demolishing terrace housing, much of which could still be used.
“It is absurd, some of these houses set for demolition are beyond repair yet many could be renovated to provide accommodation and help people on waiting lists.”
A Liverpool council spokesman insisted the beds were only used in an emergency.
He said: “Geneva House has an emer- gency room and if people arrive in the middle of the night emergency bedding is found for them, instead of sleeping on chairs or something similar. People will only spend a maximum of one night there and we are monitoring the situation. It is the excep- tion rather than the rule and it is not because of overcrowding.”
Cllr Radford, who repre- sents Tuebrook ward, is an ardent opponent of the Housing Market Renewal Initiative (HMRI), a Govern- ment scheme to tackle poor housing in parts of the North and Midlands of England.
Many houses are being re- furbished in Merseyside but many face demolition at sites in inner city Liverpool.
The council added: “We are using HMRI money to tackle poor housing stock and mark- et failure in parts of the city’s inner area. This includes houses in a poor condition in which people still live, as well as houses which are empty or unpopular because no-one wants to live there anymore.
“Through rebuilding, refurbishment and improved management of the area, HMRI will help local communities to live in decent, desirable homes in attractive, healthier places; and have access to job opportunities and better public transport.”
author: Steve | 04/15/08 23:40
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Thursday, April 03, 2008
Second Lib Dem councillor quits ahead of elections
Apr 3 2008
A SECOND Liberal Democrat councillor today defected to a rival party weeks before Liverpool’s council elections.
West Derby’s Ann Hines resigned from the group and joined the minority Liberal party.
She was deselected by the Lib Dems two weeks ago, despite having a 1,650-vote majority the last time she went to the polls in 2004.
Cllr Hines will now stand for her new party, led by town hall veteran Steve Radford, against a new Lib Dem candidate in the May 1 elections.
Her decision follows the defection of fellow Lib Dem Beatrice Fraenkel to Labour. And it comes just days after education chief Paul Clein quit the council’s executive board.
It reduces the Lib Dems’ majority at the town hall to just six going into the most crucial elections for a decade.
The former teacher, a councillor for 14 years, said: “After a prolonged period of reflection and discussion I decided to join the Liberal party and stand in my community of West Derby for re-election.
“Not a year goes by without another green space, playing field or park being built on.
“I believe the Liberal party is the best vehicle to defend our parks, environment and heritage. I look forward to putting my record of 14 years’ dedicated public service to my neighbours in West Derby.”
Cllr Radford, whose group also holds three seats in Tuebrook, claimed Cllr Hines’s deselection by the Lib Dems made “no sense”.
He said: “Most parties cull their weakest councillors.
“But in Ann’s case they deselected one of their strongest.
“Ann has been absolutely first class when it comes to tackling issues important to our group such as derelict housing, problems on the Boot estate and the youth service.
“We have a good, practical working relationship.”
author: Steve | 04/03/08 19:36
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Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Carlton Venue Site Plans on Display
Residents can view the outline plans for 80 apartments and ground floor shops and a bar restaurant for the joint Venue Carlton site in the main hall , Tuebrook Hope centre.
"We believe it is vital this imaginative plan is supported and will present a major opportunity to upgrade Tuebrook," Cllr Steve Radford
author: Steve | 04/02/08 10:09
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Thursday, March 27, 2008
TUEBROOK HOPE GROUP
Chairman’s Report to AGM Sunday 30th at 2
All residents of Tuebrook and Stoneycroft welcome to elect next years officers and Committee
When I first took over as Chairman we faced an immediate financial crisis with outgoings vastly greater than income; a Centre significantly underutilized with low recognition in the community.
It was therefore necessary to terminate the employment of our Centre Manager. That was a decision I am pleased the majority of the committee supported me in.this decision
The Tuebrook Hope Committee then set about tackling the problems of low utilization and poor recognition. With the exceptional support of Church Wardens; in particular Paula Davidson, one of the first success events was to secure our Heritage and Arts Festival in October 2007.
We drove forward with raising the number of offices rented from the original 1 to 3. We simplified payment by getting new tenants and some established tenants onto standing orders, which secured regular income and increased efficiency. .
Having raised our regular core income from offices, we then brought in a vast array of new events
Liam’s Dance Company Monday
Yoga Monday Mornings
Adults Club Monday Afternoons
Spanish and Italian Thursdays
Aerobics with Sophie Friday Mornings
One of our breakthroughs was without doubt bringing in and working with Northend t Writers who not only use the fourth office on the first Saturday of the month, they
s also contribute towards the centre running.
I I am delighted we have hoisted the Scouts formerly used the Methodist Church,
Alton Road. However, we have not been without setbacks in many ways; I am
disappointed we “left” the Methodist congregation to West Derby.
Children’s services have moved to other premises. Whilst this has meant a loss of
income, I have no doubt the only reason for this was our open style at the centre was
not most appropriate for their needs.
Another advance and success story has been the introduction of Healing days
which is a regular event, held on the second Saturday of the month. It is extremely
popular and brings in terrific numbers the centre. Christine and her colleagues
have been assisted with centre publicity.
Talking of publicity I would like to thank the work of Mike Butler who has produced our
“Hope in Tuebrook” newsletters. I must also thank my council colleagues, Chris
Lenton and Hazel Williams who have `assisted me in distributing tens of thousands
of copies.
Our bulletin also is not the only source of publicity. Virtually every week the Echo,
Mersymart, or West Derby Link carry news of another event at our Hope Centre.
I Iwould also like to praise the courage and foresight of our committee who backed
me to hoist the City’s first ever Youth Conference, dealing with issues of sexual
health and homophobia. Many Church focussed committees or centres would have
been faint hearted. The credibility this has given us with terrific praise from the Youth
Service, Merseyside Police Hate Crimes Unit and the Terence Higgins Trust, cannot
be underrated.
Being the Chair of the Liverpool East Youth Committee and the Hope Centre has
been most helpful and our success has meant that another Youth Conference will be
held here to tackle the issues of Drugs and Alcohol.
However that is not the only Council Committee we host. The quarterly Safer
Stronger Committees and LCVS Community Matters regularly meet at the Hope
Centre.
To increase utilisation, Income and broaden our services we have made contact with
various training agencies. We have already hosted two courses by “Seafaries”
Company.
Wiith our success in attracting business we have not been able to cater for all
events. However, wiith the support of the URC Stonycroft, we have been able to
support a Youth and Drama Club there and some training courses. Most of all, our
latest Committee member, Alison Micklem has been a terrific sound influence for
which we thank her.
Of the Committee, I cannot thank enough our secretary Irene Morrison, who
meticulously minutes our meetings and Carol Sing who has fallen on the laborious
job of accounts.
Carol has not only dealt with the day to day job of treasurer, she has also been
vigorously applying for grants, checking up on insurance policies and child
protection procedures.
For the future we need to maintain financial prudence. We need to build up our
daytime activities, and in particular relay out the ground floor office and entrance.
We can also draw great merit from working with the URC and more recent contacts
from Christ Church in Buckingham Road
Both as Chairman and as a Ward Councillor I would thank the Neighbourhood
Manager John Oakley and Cllr Chris Lenton and Cllr Hazel Williams. We are all
working to open a Benefits Advisory office in Tuebrook which will probably based in
the Hope Centre.
We cannot be complacent. But with a great band of volunteers, we have achieved a
tremendous amount during the past year, but there is even greater potential for
more.
Cllr.Steve Radford
author: Steve | 03/27/08 22:49
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Monday, March 17, 2008
Liverpool City Council accused of neglecting historic houses
Daily Post article Mar 17 2008
LIVERPOOL City Council is being forced to sell properties in a Conservation Area after being accused of neglecting the housing stock and allowing it to fall into squalor.
The situation in the Newsham Park area has became so desperate that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears, has upheld her predecessor’s order, forcing the council to sell up.
It is the first time the government has been forced to act under a law known as Public Request Ordering Disposal for more than a decade.
The Empty Homes Agency, an independent charity, described the tale of how Prescot Road and Prescot Drive slid into a derelict state over a decade, as “one of the most dispiriting we have heard”.
Some houses had been purchased by the council and left empty and unmanaged descending into dereliction, and cCampaigners are claiming a famous victory.
Cllr Steve Radford, leader of the Liberal Party, said: “The fact the council dragged its heels for five years and then the Secretary of State compounded this neglect for a further 18 months, does not detract from this historic victory.
“We hope this will make the council wake up concerning its role as a landlord of mass neglect when its comes to derelict homes and land.”
Campaigner Jonathan Brown, from the Friends of Newsham Park, said: “We hope this can finally signal a new beginning for this criminally neglected part of the city – and set a precedent discouraging long-term land banking of good homes at public expense.”
David Ireland, chief executive of the Empty Homes Agency, said: “These houses are some of the most neglected we have seen. Allowing them to fall into such an appalling state is nothing less than a scandal.
“The houses are a dangerous invitation to adventurous children and petty criminals. Inside one of the houses, there was evidence of drug taking, and small fires having been lit on the floors.
“The potential risk to those entering the house including children was obvious. The absence of any form of management of these properties was, in my view, negligent.
“Cases like this are thankfully rare but, where public landlords fail to bring their empty homes back into use, it is right that the government should force their sale to someone who can manage them better.
“We hope this case will serve as a warning to other public sector landlords that there is a consequence to failing to bring their empty homes back into use.”
In response, a city council spokesman said: “The problem here has been that nobody wanted to invest in these houses but as soon as we showed interest, the sharks gathered and wanted to buy.”
Cllr Frank Doran, assistant executive member neighbourhoods and housing, explained that the council had wanted to demolish the row and start again.
author: Steve | 03/17/08 12:59
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Saturday, March 08, 2008
After a long running battle the city council has now released three prime sites for renovation for sale to the private sector
"Throughout Newsham Park substantial private investors have regenerated the Park, however the public sector has been a slum landlord of mass neglect" comments Liberal Party Leader Cllr Steve Radford, we are now seeing off the dead hand of the council off are Park and no doubt will now see substantial progress
Here is the curent advert on 2020liverpool website:
16 Prescot Drive, Liverpool L6 8PB
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- Residential refurbishment or redevelopment opportunity subject to planning consent
- Total site area about 0.0674 ha (0.1665 acres)
- New 125 year lease with an option to purchase the freehold for £1.00 after successful refurbishment or redevelopment of the property
- Closing date Wednesday 14 May 2008
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No PDF datasheet available
Location map>
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For further details contact: Ken Kasambara (0151 237 4152)
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35 Newsham Drive, Liverpool L6 7UQ
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- Guide Price £155,000
- Residential refurbishment subject to planning consent
- Total site area about 0.0223 ha (0.0551 acres)
- New 125 year lease with an option to purchase the freehold for £1.00 after successful refurbishment of the property
- Closing date Wednesday 14 May 2008
No PDF datasheet available
Location map>
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For further details contact: Ken Kasambara (0151 237 4152)
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33 Newsham Drive, Liverpool L6 7UQ
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- Guide Price £150,000
- Residential refurbishment subject to planning consent
- Total site area about 0.0234 ha (0.0578 acres)
- New 125 year lease with an option to purchase the freehold for £1.00 after successful refurbishment of the property
- Closing date Wednesday 14 May 2008
No PDF datasheet available
Location map>
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For further details contact: Ken Kasambara (0151 237 4152)
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author: Steve | 03/08/08 10:39
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Thursday, March 06, 2008
Liberal Party Budget amendment approved:
Art the city council it was the Liberal Party who moved, once again, amendments to the budget where we identified what needed to be done and how to raise the cash
This year we called for the target for sales of assets like derelict houses and land to be raised from £6m to £10.5m so to carry out capital work restoring historic buildings such as Lister Drive Library. Speaking to the debate Liberal Party Leader boomed that in every ward there were dozens of waste land sites and derelict houses owned by the council, Liverpool City Council was a landlord of mass neglect.
He added every boarded up house represeted a drain on the community and its sale would give private and local builders real opportunities, a win win siuation!
At this point Lib Dem Leader Cllr Warren Bradley accepted the amendment
However a second Liberal Party amendment calling for the press office be reduced by one third and money be put into frontline services such as community safety was defeated. This move was eveb more needed as the Labour Government had reduced the community safety grant to the council
author: Steve | 03/06/08 11:26
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RE: LAND 12-14 MARLBOROUGH ROAD, LIVERPOOL. L13
having appealed for officers to have land seciured at Marlborough Road we recieved the following rely :
Thank you for your enquiry on behalf of your constituents of Marlborough Road.
I can inform you that we are currently awaiting estimates for work in default. As soon as we receive the estimates and have chosen a contractor work will commence to clear the site completely and secure it on completion.
If we do not receive an acceptable estimate within the next 14 days we will have to re-tender as we are obliged to obtain the best possible price for the work. I would anticipate work to commence within two or three weeks of receiving the estimate.
I hope this information is of assistance
Regards
Terry Curnow
Team Leader
Public Protection Division
Regeneration
Municipal Buildings
Dale Street, Liverpool. L2 2DH.
Tel: 0151 225 4837
Fax: 0151 225 4024
Email: terry.curnow@liverpool.gov.uk
Web: http://www.liverpool.gov.uk
author: Steve | 03/06/08 11:18
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Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Row over Newsham Park plan
Feb 25 2008 by Catherine Jones, Liverpool Echo
A ROW is brewing over plans to site sports changing rooms on an historic park bowling green.
Newsham Park supporters said they do not want the temporary buildings on the Victorian green.
They fear the proposals could affect a proposed Heritage Lottery Fund bid.
They want to revamp the 140-year-old park in the same way Sefton Park is being restored.
But Liverpool council said today there would be a full consultation over the scheme which needs planning permission before it can be implemented.
And it pledged the buildings would only be temporary and moved as soon as work is completed on rebuilding local schools.
Jonathan Brown, of the Friends of Newsham Park, dubbed the building “crude” and said it showed “no respect for the historic character of the listed park”.
He added: “We’d like to restore the bowling greens at some point rather than have temporary changing rooms on them.”
Kensington and Fairfield Labour Cllr Louise Baldock said she was keen for the park to be used for activities including sport, but was concerned the “prefab” plans were not in keeping with its Conservation Area status.
Liberal councillor Steve Radford said neighbouring Tuebrook councillors had also objected to the plan which he likened to “a giant toilet block”.
But a Liverpool council spokeswoman said: “The planning application was presented at the Newsham Park Forum and we received a lot of feedback which will be considered as part of the consultation work.
“It’s important to note the changing rooms will only be in place for two years.
“And their high quality structure will make sure they’re in keeping with the park.”
catherinejones@liverpoolecho.co.uk
author: Steve | 02/26/08 14:29
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Bootle line may open for Liverpool FC stadium
Feb 22 2008 by Vicki Kellaway, Liverpool Echo
PLANS to reopen an old railway line to ferry fans to Liverpool FC’s proposed new stadium have taken a step forward.
Reds’ top brass and transport chiefs travelled on the old Bootle branch line to see where a new Anfield station could be built.
Residents have called for the line, now used only for freight, to be refurbished to give supporters a transport option if a new ground is built on Stanley Park.
Anfield presently holds about 45,000 fans, but the Reds hope its replacement could eventually host as many as 70,000, sparking fears of traffic congestion nearby.
Rick Parry, Liverpool’s chief executive, and Merseytravel officials have confirmed reopening the branch line was a possibility.
They took a one-off journey along the line, leaving from Lime Street, on Wednesday.
Mr Parry said: “It is vital to explore how it could contribute to north Liverpool’s regeneration.
“Getting so many people to see it first hand was an important first step.”
Merseytravel chief executive Neil Scales said every option needed to be explored in detail, including the project’s funding.
He said: “We are serious about making this work. This will be key for the club, but it is also about how we can better support north Liverpool.”
Tuebrook’s Liberal councillor Steve Radford, who has campaigned for the branch line to be reopened, said: “This could regenerate the entire area.
“It would remove the need to travel by car, making north Liverpool much more attractive to professionals who need trains to commute.”
Possible locations for a new Anfield station include Utting Avenue, near The Clarence pub; Townsend Lane, near Pinehurst Avenue; and close to Anfield cemetery, near the junction of Cherry Avenue and Stanley Park Avenue.
Cllr Radford said: “I think most people thought The Clarence pub option was most favourable.
“If I was a betting man, that is the one I think they would choose.”
He said it would be “disappointing” if the passenger line was only opened for football matches or if just one new station was built.
He added: “We have already considered other locations, including behind Tuebrook market, which would be ideal with the bus and potential tram links on West Derby Road.”
vickikellaway@liverpoolecho.co.uk
author: Steve | 02/26/08 14:26
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Monday, February 18, 2008
5,000 Trees for Newsham Park
A five year campaign by Liberal Party Councillor Steve Radford has paid dividends as Parks Officer , Paul Scragg , revealed to the Newsham Park working party last night (Monday 18th Feb) that the council was now going ahead to consult over planting 5,000 trees in Newsham Park ,along the railway embankment.
"I have long advocated tree planting here,
it will help reduce the serious problems of water logging in this part of the Park, will add a natural visual screen to the unsightly Newton Road depot and it will be an overdue attempt to compensate the erosion of trees and parkland in the city",commented Liberal Party Leader Steve Radford who represents Newsham Park and Chairs the council's environment Committee
If public approval is given the tree planting could start as early as March this
author: Steve | 02/18/08 23:10
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Sunday, February 10, 2008
EU Internal Market threat to NHS
Dear Editor
Letter for Publication
It is a pity that so few MPs can be bothered to attend the Commons debates on the Lisbon Treaty, because some very important issues are being aired.
For example, when the Labour MP Frank Dobson stood up and announced that he was "extremely concerned about recent developments in the EU", and in particular about the application of the EU's "internal market" rules to the NHS.
(Hansard, February 6th, Column 1001)
Because although both the present treaty, and the proposed new treaty, appear to forbid the EU from interfering with the NHS, in fact it has already started to do so.
Judging from the havoc wreaked on our postal services since they have been treated as part of the EU's "internal market" - through what is EUphemistically described as "liberalisation", but is in reality a gradual, insidious, process of privatisation - it seems highly unlikely that the NHS would benefit from the same kind of EU interference.
A central problem is that although a government minister may offer no end of warm reassurances about what this or that part of an EU treaty means, the final decision on what it means rests not with him, but with lawyers at the EU's Court of Justice.
They have a long history of expanding the scope of EU treaties and laws, and interpreting them in whatever way they think will best promote "ever closer union".
Lastly may I give credit to that handful of honest Labour MP's ,like Kate Hoey and Frank Field ,who are demanding that Labour keep their promise and give us a referendum on the lisbon Treaty/Constitution despite disgraceful threats from their party whip
Yours
Cllr Steve Radford
President of The Liberal Party
author: Steve | 02/10/08 16:25
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Lib Dems Cowardise over Toll Fare Vote
To the Editor
It has been our observation that Lib Dems hate being characterised as a bunch of vacuous fence sitting centrists only capable of a direction once a strong wind of public opinion has already blown.
This unflattering portrait is rather exact in the case of the 7 Lib Dem Councillors on the Merseyside Transport Authority since they were unable to give any opinion on the increase in Tunnel Tolls and so abstained.
Perhaps they want to indicate that on contentious and important issue their faculties do not match the task and so leave this to others more able to make a decision.
This issue is far too important to the thousands of people who use the tunnel, particularly commuters, for members to stand on the sidelines. As far as I can see if you fail to oppose an increase in a tax or charge you are supportive by default but lack the character to make the case for such extra money being taken from the public.
In this particular instance it is just another burden upon the motorist who has already had to pay, at great expense so-called Road Tax and the crippling weight of duty on petrol and diesel. In Scotland the funds have been found to abolish tolls but here in Merseyside it seems the motorist is forced to pay at the pump and at the tollbooth without restraint.
These tolls are just another tax and those who support tax increases should come out and be accountable not hide behind the ambiguous status of abstention.
Cllr Chris Lenton and Cllr Steve Radford, Liberal Party,
author: Steve | 02/10/08 16:17
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Thursday, February 07, 2008
Voices of Benares"
The moving Poetry in the City event telling the story of the "city of Benares" ship which sailed from Liverpool on 13th September 1940 , the passengers included 90 children being evacuated, including a local child from Lisburn Lane, Tuebrook
Four days into the voyage , the ship was torpedoed and 258 passengers and crew lost their lives, including many of the Lascar seamen from India and 77 of the evacuee children
This event will be a dignified memorial tribute to all those who lost their lives brought to the community by North End Writers and Liverpool women Writers
The Voice of The Benares will be presented on Friday 18th April at St John's Church from 6, telephone Pauline Rowe on 226 7525 for more details on this memorial event
author: Steve | 02/07/08 23:08
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Newsham Park Adult Educatn Launch - Newhsam Drive
Date Saturday 23rd Feb Time 10-2pm
Food, fruit punch and lots more
All residents are invited to Newhsam Park Adult education Centre WISH UPON A SUPERLAMBANANA
Residents are also asked to bring along photographs, stories, memories, artefacts, videos and philosophies to share
Please extend this invitation on behalf of Newsham Park Centre
Cllr Steve Radford
author: Steve | 02/07/08 12:32
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Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Public Exhibition : Options for Venue Carlton Cinema Site
Sunday 2nd March at Hope Centre from 2 till 4
The development company which has purchased both the former Venue and Carlton Cinema Site are to hold an open day for all local residents and business on Sunday 2nd March from 2 till 4 at the Hope Centre, rear of St Johns Church , West Derby Road.
It is believed there will be two applications ran at the same time with different mixes of residential and commercial use of this key site in Tue
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Steve Radford
Robert Millington
Kathryn Dadswell
George Powell
Jennifer Mary Brown
Peter Squire
Maggie Stewart
TUSP
Socialist Labour Party Leader - Arthur Scargill
