Below is the press release by pcc on secondary schools in Powys
Secondary School Proposals
New proposals to strengthen and modernise Powys' under pressure secondary education and training sector have been unveiled by the county council.
The council with support from Coleg Powys has been developing radical proposals to strengthen and modernise secondary education to meet the challenges of national curriculum changes, falling pupil numbers and economic pressures.
Cabinet Member for Learning and Leisure, Councillor Stephen Hayes unveiled the proposals to secondary head teachers, chairs of governing bodies, county councillors and journalists at a series of special briefing sessions on Tuesday (November 8).
"Education services across the country are facing a serious and challenging future with demanding national curriculum requirements, falling school numbers and severe financial pressure. Without change our ability to sustain the current high-quality education in Powys is under real threat," said Councillor Hayes.
"If we face those challenges we can reform and improve services allowing Powys to reach new levels of performance and provide a world class education service within resources for future generations.
"The proposals, to be considered by the Cabinet later this month, will focus on Welsh Medium secondary education, post-16 provision and improving collaboration between schools.
"Welsh medium provision in the county is currently delivered through seven schools but opportunities vary from site to site. We intend to greatly enhance the provision on offer for learners by concentrating post 16 delivery at Builth Wells, Caereinion and Bro Ddyfi allowing us to increase the range of courses provided.
Welsh medium provision for 11-16 will be provided at five schools with Llanfyllin and Brecon added to the three main Welsh medium schools list earlier, with additional resources and support provided to improve learning opportunities.
"Although the changes are driven by a need to improve the range and consistency of post-16 Welsh medium provision, they will also generate some modest savings. The proposals demonstrate our strong commitment to providing an environment in which Welsh Medium education can flourish and grow, to the point where the question of a dedicated Welsh Medium high school can be considered.
"During this year's informal consultation communities told us they didn't want schools to merge. We have listened and ruled out merger as a proposal but closer working is essential and we intend establishing a series of families to foster closer collaboration between secondary schools.
"By working together in 'families' schools will be able to develop consistent strategic business plans, co-ordinate curriculum activities and deliver greater efficiencies through economies of scale.
"The proposed families are:
Family 1 -Welshpool - Caereinion - Llanfyllin (Triscol) Family 2 - Newtown - Llanidloes - Bro Ddyfi Family 3 - Builth Wells - Llandrindod Wells - John Beddoes Family 4 - Maesydderwen - Crickhowell - Brecon - Gwernyfed
"Providing post-16 education in a piecemeal way over 13 secondary school sites is no longer viable, the level of council subsidy over and above Welsh Government funding could is already nearly £500,000 a year and could increase to more than £1m per annum if no action is taken.
"To tackle the issue we intend introducing a new central commissioning body to manage post-16 courses, initially it will operate on an informal basis but will move to a new legal arrangement within three years.
"The body will ensure courses are commissioned according to need and that numbers match available funding. Central co-ordination will ensure that courses are delivered to sustainable groups, reduce duplication and use resources in an efficient and effective way.
"A central commissioning body will give equal recognition academic and vocational courses, although all A-Level and AS course will continue to be delivered by teachers in schools.
"Saving generated from our proposals will be reinvested into secondary education providing additional support worth £150 per pupil for 11-16 education.
"The county council is committed to proving a first class sustainable secondary education system that will serve Powys learners for years to come.
"This is the start of a vital part of secondary modernisation but there is more work to do. We will be liaising closely with secondary heads, governing bodies, Coleg Powys and the Welsh Government to further develop our plans before we undertake formal consultation next summer."
The proposals will be consider by a meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday November 22.
ENDS
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
NOVEMBER 2011 TOWN COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY UPDATE
My update is as follows and if any member of the Community wishes to discuss this update please contracts me on 07974353121
Secondary School Modernisation
On Tuesday 8th November we will be receiving a briefing on the out comes and proposals for secondary school modernisation form the cabinet member for schools Cllr S Hayes. The out come will show the preferred model for schools and 6 forms in Powys. I will update the council at the next meeting.
Hay School / Supermarket Development
Following the public meeting in Booths Book shop on 28th of October I have received around 90 emails from concerned residents and businesses in and around the area as far as Kington and Winforton.
I have sent a number of emails to the council leader and Chief executive and they are copied in below for your information.
On Friday 28th I talked to officers as CEO was away they have agreed to agenda this as an emergency item for discussion on their senior management meeting the following Monday. The Cabinet where looking to discuss on the issues today (Monday 7th) on how to communicate with and involve the community
I also on Friday 28th in County Hall we had a question and answers with the MPs and AMs.
I raised the following Question and the answers are below
Question in county hall Friday 28th October 2011
Following a public meeting call last night in Hay on Wye by concerned resident regarding the possibility of a supermarket in the town centre. Are you willing to meet my self to discuss this issue and are you able to assist the community in making sure that their concerns are answered before any finial decisions are made?
Roger Williams MP- Yes
William Powell AM- Yes
Kristy Williams was sadly not present but has contacted Pcc re community having its say
It was late in the debate so a quick answer but we have it on record.
Then on Wednesday 2nd I was requested to send a question in on impact assessment
Question and answer are below
Dear Michael and Jeremy
Today i was approached with the suggestion that the community could fund and run its own community impact assessment in a couple of months on the proposals for a new supermarket in Hay on Wye. As you are both aware there is large concern with resident in and around Hay.
Would you consider this and extend the decision date giving the community time to put forward its impact assessment.
Reply
Gareth
Following our discussion I have asked that the Hay proposal be discussed informally by the cabinet next week. You will recall that when we met I cautioned against viewing the issue as a solely planning matter. The community impact study will need to be done but as part of the planning process which will be undertaken by BBNP. The Cabinet will need to be aware of the likely impact but it must also consider a range of other issues at the early stage such as education, recreation and social care. I think the impact study should come later but I will seek cabinet views on this.
Regards.
Jeremy
Following that the cabinet where going to discuss the issue today but has been cancelled until tomorrow I have sat in county hall waiting for the cabinet to invite me in as I had requested with the chair. At this point, I haven’t been invited to discuss the concerns with the cabinet I was there from 9.30 till I was informed at 1.20 this afternoon that it had been cancelled
Senior management team also meet today and the chief executive met with me this afternoon to inform me that he will personally be bringing it up with the cabinet tomorrow.
I hope to get a reply from the cabinet in the next 24hrs re their plans and time lines
I will keep the council and residents updated on any issues as the information develops.
New Recycling scheme
The new scheme has been rolled out around the town last Thursday and Friday. The collections start this week with collection of food waste and recycling. There have been a number of questions raised over the weekend and I have dealt with 12 requests for people wanting wheelie bins. I held a question, answer on facebook on Sunday night, and had 66 comments in 2 hours.
This Friday I am spending the day getting my hands dirty with the local refuse team in Hay to see first hand the issues that are facing the residents.
Remembrance Sunday
Please do not forget the mace of peace. I have cleaned the lower Brass and will complete the rest by the weekend. Mac is going to clean it with the pressure washer and sweep the area ready on Sunday. See you all there.
Questions to full council
Following my question to Cllr G G Hopkins Portfolio holder for environment and regulation I received the following reply.
It has now been over 6 months since the council took over the civil parking enforcement. Can the cabinet member report back on the progress and the following.
1. The number of tickets issued
Penalty charge notice (PCN's) Issued 2962
2. The number of off street tickets issued
PCN's issued 979
3. The number of on street tickets issued
PCN's issued 1983
4. The number of tickets paid within 14 days.
PCN's paid within discount period 2075
5. The number of appeals
555
6. The number of successful appeals
180
7. How much income has this generated for the council
£70,969.66
the portfolio holder was not present. I am disappointed that he has not given a report on how it is going so I asked if the report on progress could be made available.
Question 2
Following the scrutiny report that was presented to the Children, Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee on the 8th September 2011 officers stated that over this financial year the Council has gathered a surplus of £800k following the increase in Housing rents.
1. Can the Cabinet member confirm this figure?
2. Has the figure solely been from housing rents increase this year?
3. It was reported this is due to the Welsh Housing Quality survey delays. Are the changes to WHQS causing delays?
4. When was the delay in the WHQS reported to the Council?
5. What are the Council's plans to spend this surplus?
A detailed verbal report was given in which he confirmed the figure to be £860,000 in reserve.
In my supplementary, I asked if he would conceder freezing council house rents for the forth-coming year due to the large unforeseen surpluses.
He declined and said that the moneys would be used to go towards the Welsh Housing Quality Survey review.
Completed Works
Pcc have completed the following
Bin installed in Broad Street
30mph limits identified on Brecon road
Cross-slipway by church
Hand rail by phone box Broad st fixed
BBNP have completed the bailey walk works
Lights in Castle Street
I have had the light in the main street switched on following requests from businesses in the street. I will be looking to do a review this month and if any town councilor wishes to join me, I am more than happy.
Grant re canoe landing area
The committee will give very successful meeting with BBNP and Town council. The estates committee is dealing and at the meeting, I requested that there is a memorandum of understanding between the council and the user groups to protect all involved.
Parking
Met with Officer from Pcc (Kevin Lloyd) he was in agreement re cattle market being turned in to a pay and display car park when it is not being used (like the car park in town centre). He has looked at the site and has had contact with the legal department to start the discussions with the tenets. He hoped that this would be in place for next year. Will update council on developments next month
Bike track
I have now received letters of the youths, youth club and youth leaders. The clubs ran an event, rose over £300, and are looking at more events. I talked to the director for communities, he has passed me on to officers, and I hope to have a meeting this month.
Best wish
Gareth
Sorry for the long report
Secondary School Modernisation
On Tuesday 8th November we will be receiving a briefing on the out comes and proposals for secondary school modernisation form the cabinet member for schools Cllr S Hayes. The out come will show the preferred model for schools and 6 forms in Powys. I will update the council at the next meeting.
Hay School / Supermarket Development
Following the public meeting in Booths Book shop on 28th of October I have received around 90 emails from concerned residents and businesses in and around the area as far as Kington and Winforton.
I have sent a number of emails to the council leader and Chief executive and they are copied in below for your information.
On Friday 28th I talked to officers as CEO was away they have agreed to agenda this as an emergency item for discussion on their senior management meeting the following Monday. The Cabinet where looking to discuss on the issues today (Monday 7th) on how to communicate with and involve the community
I also on Friday 28th in County Hall we had a question and answers with the MPs and AMs.
I raised the following Question and the answers are below
Question in county hall Friday 28th October 2011
Following a public meeting call last night in Hay on Wye by concerned resident regarding the possibility of a supermarket in the town centre. Are you willing to meet my self to discuss this issue and are you able to assist the community in making sure that their concerns are answered before any finial decisions are made?
Roger Williams MP- Yes
William Powell AM- Yes
Kristy Williams was sadly not present but has contacted Pcc re community having its say
It was late in the debate so a quick answer but we have it on record.
Then on Wednesday 2nd I was requested to send a question in on impact assessment
Question and answer are below
Dear Michael and Jeremy
Today i was approached with the suggestion that the community could fund and run its own community impact assessment in a couple of months on the proposals for a new supermarket in Hay on Wye. As you are both aware there is large concern with resident in and around Hay.
Would you consider this and extend the decision date giving the community time to put forward its impact assessment.
Reply
Gareth
Following our discussion I have asked that the Hay proposal be discussed informally by the cabinet next week. You will recall that when we met I cautioned against viewing the issue as a solely planning matter. The community impact study will need to be done but as part of the planning process which will be undertaken by BBNP. The Cabinet will need to be aware of the likely impact but it must also consider a range of other issues at the early stage such as education, recreation and social care. I think the impact study should come later but I will seek cabinet views on this.
Regards.
Jeremy
Following that the cabinet where going to discuss the issue today but has been cancelled until tomorrow I have sat in county hall waiting for the cabinet to invite me in as I had requested with the chair. At this point, I haven’t been invited to discuss the concerns with the cabinet I was there from 9.30 till I was informed at 1.20 this afternoon that it had been cancelled
Senior management team also meet today and the chief executive met with me this afternoon to inform me that he will personally be bringing it up with the cabinet tomorrow.
I hope to get a reply from the cabinet in the next 24hrs re their plans and time lines
I will keep the council and residents updated on any issues as the information develops.
New Recycling scheme
The new scheme has been rolled out around the town last Thursday and Friday. The collections start this week with collection of food waste and recycling. There have been a number of questions raised over the weekend and I have dealt with 12 requests for people wanting wheelie bins. I held a question, answer on facebook on Sunday night, and had 66 comments in 2 hours.
This Friday I am spending the day getting my hands dirty with the local refuse team in Hay to see first hand the issues that are facing the residents.
Remembrance Sunday
Please do not forget the mace of peace. I have cleaned the lower Brass and will complete the rest by the weekend. Mac is going to clean it with the pressure washer and sweep the area ready on Sunday. See you all there.
Questions to full council
Following my question to Cllr G G Hopkins Portfolio holder for environment and regulation I received the following reply.
It has now been over 6 months since the council took over the civil parking enforcement. Can the cabinet member report back on the progress and the following.
1. The number of tickets issued
Penalty charge notice (PCN's) Issued 2962
2. The number of off street tickets issued
PCN's issued 979
3. The number of on street tickets issued
PCN's issued 1983
4. The number of tickets paid within 14 days.
PCN's paid within discount period 2075
5. The number of appeals
555
6. The number of successful appeals
180
7. How much income has this generated for the council
£70,969.66
the portfolio holder was not present. I am disappointed that he has not given a report on how it is going so I asked if the report on progress could be made available.
Question 2
Following the scrutiny report that was presented to the Children, Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee on the 8th September 2011 officers stated that over this financial year the Council has gathered a surplus of £800k following the increase in Housing rents.
1. Can the Cabinet member confirm this figure?
2. Has the figure solely been from housing rents increase this year?
3. It was reported this is due to the Welsh Housing Quality survey delays. Are the changes to WHQS causing delays?
4. When was the delay in the WHQS reported to the Council?
5. What are the Council's plans to spend this surplus?
A detailed verbal report was given in which he confirmed the figure to be £860,000 in reserve.
In my supplementary, I asked if he would conceder freezing council house rents for the forth-coming year due to the large unforeseen surpluses.
He declined and said that the moneys would be used to go towards the Welsh Housing Quality Survey review.
Completed Works
Pcc have completed the following
Bin installed in Broad Street
30mph limits identified on Brecon road
Cross-slipway by church
Hand rail by phone box Broad st fixed
BBNP have completed the bailey walk works
Lights in Castle Street
I have had the light in the main street switched on following requests from businesses in the street. I will be looking to do a review this month and if any town councilor wishes to join me, I am more than happy.
Grant re canoe landing area
The committee will give very successful meeting with BBNP and Town council. The estates committee is dealing and at the meeting, I requested that there is a memorandum of understanding between the council and the user groups to protect all involved.
Parking
Met with Officer from Pcc (Kevin Lloyd) he was in agreement re cattle market being turned in to a pay and display car park when it is not being used (like the car park in town centre). He has looked at the site and has had contact with the legal department to start the discussions with the tenets. He hoped that this would be in place for next year. Will update council on developments next month
Bike track
I have now received letters of the youths, youth club and youth leaders. The clubs ran an event, rose over £300, and are looking at more events. I talked to the director for communities, he has passed me on to officers, and I hope to have a meeting this month.
Best wish
Gareth
Sorry for the long report
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Development update
Dear All
Yesterday I talked to officers as CEO is away they have agreed to agenda this as an emergency item for discussion on their senior management meeting on Monday.
I also on Friday in County Hall we had a question and answers with the MPs and AMs.
I raised the following Question and the answers are below
Question in county hall Friday 28th October 2011
Following a public meeting call last night in Hay on Wye by concerned resident regarding the possibility of a supermarket in the town centre. Are you willing to meet my self to discuss this issue and are you able to assist the community in making sure that their concerns are answered before any finial decisions are made?
Roger Williams MP
Yes
William Powell AM
Yes
It was late in the debate so a quick answer but we have it on record
Yesterday I talked to officers as CEO is away they have agreed to agenda this as an emergency item for discussion on their senior management meeting on Monday.
I also on Friday in County Hall we had a question and answers with the MPs and AMs.
I raised the following Question and the answers are below
Question in county hall Friday 28th October 2011
Following a public meeting call last night in Hay on Wye by concerned resident regarding the possibility of a supermarket in the town centre. Are you willing to meet my self to discuss this issue and are you able to assist the community in making sure that their concerns are answered before any finial decisions are made?
Roger Williams MP
Yes
William Powell AM
Yes
It was late in the debate so a quick answer but we have it on record
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Email to PCC on Hay Development
Tonight following discussions with John Evans(Chamber of Commerce Hay) i have sent questions to the director for schools at PCC to get direction to assist the Chambers meeting on Thursday 27th at 6pm in Booths Books
Dear Paul
First of all thank you for coming to Hay last week to discuss the proposals for the development of the school site. Following the meeting a large number of the community has raised a number of questions.
Talking to the community they are in favour of a new school but at what cost?
The chamber of commerce has called a meeting for Thursday and it would be helpful if you could answer the following question to assist the community in this matter.
1. When will the next stage of this proposed project go to cabinet
2. Will I as councilor be able to comment
3. Will local bodies such as chamber of commerce or any action group be able to talk or send in written comments on the proposals
4. Has the council got a plan B if this proposed project does not go forward
5. Would the council conceder any other proposals that the community put forward
6. If the community could come forward with a project that had a basis would the council conceder this. What time has the community got to bring any suggestions forward
7. Please can I have the history of works between Golfran and the council
Best wishes
Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe
Dear Paul
First of all thank you for coming to Hay last week to discuss the proposals for the development of the school site. Following the meeting a large number of the community has raised a number of questions.
Talking to the community they are in favour of a new school but at what cost?
The chamber of commerce has called a meeting for Thursday and it would be helpful if you could answer the following question to assist the community in this matter.
1. When will the next stage of this proposed project go to cabinet
2. Will I as councilor be able to comment
3. Will local bodies such as chamber of commerce or any action group be able to talk or send in written comments on the proposals
4. Has the council got a plan B if this proposed project does not go forward
5. Would the council conceder any other proposals that the community put forward
6. If the community could come forward with a project that had a basis would the council conceder this. What time has the community got to bring any suggestions forward
7. Please can I have the history of works between Golfran and the council
Best wishes
Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe
Thursday, 20 October 2011
ITs NOT A CASH COW ??????
Following my question to Cllr G G Hopkins Portfolio holder for environment and regulation i have received the following reply.
It has now been over 6 months since the council took over the civil parking enforcement. Can the cabinet member report back on the progress and the following.
1. The number of tickets issued
Penalty charge notice (PCN's) Issued 2962
2. The number of off street tickets issued
PCN's issued 979
3. The number of on street tickets issued
PCN's issued 1983
4. The number of tickets paid within 14 days.
PCN's paid within discount period 2075
5. The number of appeals
555
6. The number of successful appeals
180
7. How much income has this generated for the council
£70,969.66
It looks like that's all i am getting as the portfolio holder is not present. I am disappointed that he has not given a report on how its going. I will be asking when it comes to the questions in the council
"when will the question be answered properly and not just gloss over the issue"
It has now been over 6 months since the council took over the civil parking enforcement. Can the cabinet member report back on the progress and the following.
1. The number of tickets issued
Penalty charge notice (PCN's) Issued 2962
2. The number of off street tickets issued
PCN's issued 979
3. The number of on street tickets issued
PCN's issued 1983
4. The number of tickets paid within 14 days.
PCN's paid within discount period 2075
5. The number of appeals
555
6. The number of successful appeals
180
7. How much income has this generated for the council
£70,969.66
It looks like that's all i am getting as the portfolio holder is not present. I am disappointed that he has not given a report on how its going. I will be asking when it comes to the questions in the council
"when will the question be answered properly and not just gloss over the issue"
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Email warning 19th oct 2011
Dyfed-Powys Police and Trading standards are asking residents and businesses to report any suspicious rogue trader activity in powys today to assist the police and trading standards operations.
Any suspicious activity is to be reported to the the Police on 101 or Trading standards on 01597 826031
Any suspicious activity is to be reported to the the Police on 101 or Trading standards on 01597 826031
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Car Parking stats for Hay on Wye 2010/11
I was given some interesting information from one of my fellow councillors at PCC it makes some interesting reading on how much money the town generates for the council each year.
Money made from Car parks in Hay on Wye
Hay-on-Wye population 1,467
Oxford Road 358 bays £127,486
(short stay) Market Square 40 bays £12,435
TOTAL 398 bays £139,921
1 bay per 3.69 people
Income £351.56 per bay £95.38 per head of population
The sad thing is many years ago (a long time ago) the town council gave the car park to the council as they felt at the time it would cost the community to much in up keep. I wonder if given the same question now would the community keep it?
Money made from Car parks in Hay on Wye
Hay-on-Wye population 1,467
Oxford Road 358 bays £127,486
(short stay) Market Square 40 bays £12,435
TOTAL 398 bays £139,921
1 bay per 3.69 people
Income £351.56 per bay £95.38 per head of population
The sad thing is many years ago (a long time ago) the town council gave the car park to the council as they felt at the time it would cost the community to much in up keep. I wonder if given the same question now would the community keep it?
My 2nd Question to council Oct 20th 2011
Question to member for Highways
It has now been over 6 months since the council took over the civil parking enforcement. Can the cabinet member report back on the progress and the following.
1. the number of tickets issued
2. the number of off street tickets issued
3. the number of on street tickets issued
4. the number of tickets paid within 14 days.
5. the number of appeals
6. the number of successful appeals
7. how much income has this generated for the council
It has now been over 6 months since the council took over the civil parking enforcement. Can the cabinet member report back on the progress and the following.
1. the number of tickets issued
2. the number of off street tickets issued
3. the number of on street tickets issued
4. the number of tickets paid within 14 days.
5. the number of appeals
6. the number of successful appeals
7. how much income has this generated for the council
My 1st Question to council Oct 20th 2011
Question to member for Housing
Following the scrutiny report that was presented to the Children, Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee on the 8th September2011 officers stated that over this finical year the council have gather a surplus of £800k following the increase in Housing rents.
1. Can the cabinet member confirm this figure?
2. Has the figure solely been from housing rents increase this year?
It was reported this is due to the Welsh Housing Quality survey delays
3. Are the changes to WHQS coursing delays?
4. When was the delay in the WHQS reported to the council?
5. What are the councils plans to spend this surplus?
Following the scrutiny report that was presented to the Children, Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee on the 8th September2011 officers stated that over this finical year the council have gather a surplus of £800k following the increase in Housing rents.
1. Can the cabinet member confirm this figure?
2. Has the figure solely been from housing rents increase this year?
It was reported this is due to the Welsh Housing Quality survey delays
3. Are the changes to WHQS coursing delays?
4. When was the delay in the WHQS reported to the council?
5. What are the councils plans to spend this surplus?
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
New Recycling Scheme for Hay
Powys county Council have arranged drop-in surgeries where residents can come and speak to officers in person, get more information about the scheme and see examples of the new bins and containers. They will take place on:
- Monday 10 October – Talgarth Mill (9am-2pm) and Glasbury Village Hall (3-5pm)
- Tuesday 11 October – CriC, Crickhowell (9am-2pm) and Henderson Hall, Talybont (3-5pm)
- Wednesday 12 October – Hay-on-Wye Youth and Community Centre, Oxford Road (9am-2pm)
- Thursday 13 October – Bwlch Village Hall (2-4pm) and Llangattock Community Hall (5-7pm)
An introductory leaflet Has been delivered to all households. It will provide details of the scheme, advertise the drop-in surgeries and raise awareness about the assisted collections and the smaller wheeled bins.
Posters advertising the new scheme and the surgeries are also being put up in and around the area to increase awareness of the changes.
Powys have contacted Hay town council along with primary and secondary schools offering a talk about the new scheme
If you would like to talk to me please contact me on 07974353121
- Monday 10 October – Talgarth Mill (9am-2pm) and Glasbury Village Hall (3-5pm)
- Tuesday 11 October – CriC, Crickhowell (9am-2pm) and Henderson Hall, Talybont (3-5pm)
- Wednesday 12 October – Hay-on-Wye Youth and Community Centre, Oxford Road (9am-2pm)
- Thursday 13 October – Bwlch Village Hall (2-4pm) and Llangattock Community Hall (5-7pm)
An introductory leaflet Has been delivered to all households. It will provide details of the scheme, advertise the drop-in surgeries and raise awareness about the assisted collections and the smaller wheeled bins.
Posters advertising the new scheme and the surgeries are also being put up in and around the area to increase awareness of the changes.
Powys have contacted Hay town council along with primary and secondary schools offering a talk about the new scheme
If you would like to talk to me please contact me on 07974353121
Turkeys voted for Christmas
Well as you can see in this weeks B&R the motion that i took forward was defeated by the ruling group. They have all given their vote away on secondary schools to the cabinet. The vote was close we were only defeated by 28 to 31 and with the administration having 44 members it is still some wot of a bloody nose.
BBC link headed Powys secondary schools shake-up wider vote motion lost
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-15142047
I will have to wait and see what the plans are for Gwernyfed (my local school) but i feel it was a sad day for the residents of hay and Powys that the councilors gave away their chance to have a vote.
BBC link headed Powys secondary schools shake-up wider vote motion lost
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-15142047
I will have to wait and see what the plans are for Gwernyfed (my local school) but i feel it was a sad day for the residents of hay and Powys that the councilors gave away their chance to have a vote.
FREE ELECTRIC BLANKET TESTING.
If you or any relative have an electric blanket the fire service are running free tests in the Hay on Wye Fire Station on Monday 31st October between 10 an and pm. The service is FREE to all Powys residents they will check that the blanket is safe to put on the bed from the point of view of fire and no risk of electric shock. All blankets which fail will be replaced free of charge (one per property). So if you or any relative or friends have on please spread the word and get them tested
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Time to call full council together
Today i sent a request to call a special meeting of full council (suggested date of 26th September 2011 this is a training day in the morning so we could follow on in to the afternoon saving the council money). This is due to the council not meeting until the end of October and by this time decisions could be made.
The following councillors are willing to support the call.
G Ratcliffe
S Millington
A Holliway
A Davies
S Davies
G Gwillim
J Steadman
S McNicholas
P Lewis
G Price
D R Jones
S Baynes
R George
P Harris
M Williams
B Mills
Motion to full council
Following comments by Cllr S Hayes cabinet member for schools in a schools seminar in the main chamber he stated that "he will be making the final decision on secondary school modernisation". Secondary school modernisation is an issue that resonates with all members and is of notable concern for all, not just one person. Decisions relating to this issue should not be in the hands of one person, it is of such magnitude that it should be a collective decision of the whole council.
so the motion is
We the members of this council wish any final decision on secondary schools modernisation to be that of this full council
The following councillors are willing to support the call.
G Ratcliffe
S Millington
A Holliway
A Davies
S Davies
G Gwillim
J Steadman
S McNicholas
P Lewis
G Price
D R Jones
S Baynes
R George
P Harris
M Williams
B Mills
Motion to full council
Following comments by Cllr S Hayes cabinet member for schools in a schools seminar in the main chamber he stated that "he will be making the final decision on secondary school modernisation". Secondary school modernisation is an issue that resonates with all members and is of notable concern for all, not just one person. Decisions relating to this issue should not be in the hands of one person, it is of such magnitude that it should be a collective decision of the whole council.
so the motion is
We the members of this council wish any final decision on secondary schools modernisation to be that of this full council
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Motion to full council RE: Secondary Schools
Below is a motion i have sent to PCC as i have concerns that as a council the final decision could be done behind closed doors. As councillor for Hay i feel that ALL councillors should be willing to turn up and vote and stand by their vote not hide behind a cabinet decision.
So i have sent this to PCC and and it has been seconded by Cllr S Millington
Following comments by Cllr S Hayes cabinet member for schools in a schools seminar in the main chamber he stated that he will be making the final decision on secondary school modernization. As secondary modernization is a key to all members on this authority the following motion is put.
We the members of this council wish any final decision on secondary schools modernization to be that of the full council.
So i have sent this to PCC and and it has been seconded by Cllr S Millington
Following comments by Cllr S Hayes cabinet member for schools in a schools seminar in the main chamber he stated that he will be making the final decision on secondary school modernization. As secondary modernization is a key to all members on this authority the following motion is put.
We the members of this council wish any final decision on secondary schools modernization to be that of the full council.
Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe's comments on pcc News release
RE: Plans for Hay on Wye
“I support the development of a new school and youth and community centre for the residents of Hay. I do have concerns on the impact on local businesses in the town centre with the proposed development of any retail unit on the existing school site without the community having its say. I have looked at the project as a whole and understand the importance to the future of our care and wellbeing that this project is proposing to bring to the community for the future of the residents."
“I support the development of a new school and youth and community centre for the residents of Hay. I do have concerns on the impact on local businesses in the town centre with the proposed development of any retail unit on the existing school site without the community having its say. I have looked at the project as a whole and understand the importance to the future of our care and wellbeing that this project is proposing to bring to the community for the future of the residents."
BBC press on Hay School
New Hay-on-Wye school could cost Powys council nothing
A new primary school could be built in Powys at no cost to the taxpayer, it is claimed.
Negotiations between Powys council, a developer and the community are due to start in Hay-on-Wye.
If successful the existing school would be demolished and turned into shops with the developer building a new 240-pupil school on a different site.
Over recent years the council has been reviewing the future of most of its schools.
Seven schools with less than 30 pupils are expected to close while education officials have also been looking at the catchment areas of others as they try to address falling pupil numbers and the need to improve school buildings.
Cabinet Member for Learning and Leisure, Coun Stephen Hayes, said the Hay-on-Wye project was exciting but still at a "very early stage".
He added that it had the potential to deliver "tremendous benefits to the town and surrounding areas".
Possible benefits
Mr Hayes said: "If successful the initiative could result in a much needed new 240-pupil school in the town at no cost to the council, a facility that has been acknowledged as essential by the council's review of primary school provision in the Gwernyfed catchment area."
Discussions are expected to take place between developer Gaufron Developments, Hay and District Sports and Community Association Limited and the community.
"As with any major project there are risks and not everyone will agree with all aspects but the possible benefits to the town demand that the plans are fully investigated," added Mr Hayes.
Matthew Hall from Gaufron Developments said: "Ensuring the community's involvement in the emerging scheme will be very important to us and we hope that, in the coming months, we will be in a position to go out to public consultation to hear people's views on the plans."
Leon Morelli, chair of trustees of the Hay and District Sports and Community Association, added: "Having obtained full planning permission for the youth and community hall almost two years ago we have been working hard with Powys County Council and the developers to bring that permission to reality and are delighted with the latest developments."
A new primary school could be built in Powys at no cost to the taxpayer, it is claimed.
Negotiations between Powys council, a developer and the community are due to start in Hay-on-Wye.
If successful the existing school would be demolished and turned into shops with the developer building a new 240-pupil school on a different site.
Over recent years the council has been reviewing the future of most of its schools.
Seven schools with less than 30 pupils are expected to close while education officials have also been looking at the catchment areas of others as they try to address falling pupil numbers and the need to improve school buildings.
Cabinet Member for Learning and Leisure, Coun Stephen Hayes, said the Hay-on-Wye project was exciting but still at a "very early stage".
He added that it had the potential to deliver "tremendous benefits to the town and surrounding areas".
Possible benefits
Mr Hayes said: "If successful the initiative could result in a much needed new 240-pupil school in the town at no cost to the council, a facility that has been acknowledged as essential by the council's review of primary school provision in the Gwernyfed catchment area."
Discussions are expected to take place between developer Gaufron Developments, Hay and District Sports and Community Association Limited and the community.
"As with any major project there are risks and not everyone will agree with all aspects but the possible benefits to the town demand that the plans are fully investigated," added Mr Hayes.
Matthew Hall from Gaufron Developments said: "Ensuring the community's involvement in the emerging scheme will be very important to us and we hope that, in the coming months, we will be in a position to go out to public consultation to hear people's views on the plans."
Leon Morelli, chair of trustees of the Hay and District Sports and Community Association, added: "Having obtained full planning permission for the youth and community hall almost two years ago we have been working hard with Powys County Council and the developers to bring that permission to reality and are delighted with the latest developments."
Monday, 5 September 2011
Parking review Questionnaire review
Hay-on-Wye Parking Questionnaire Results
The following data is the results of questionnaires returned following public consultation.
Total number of questionnaires returned 82
Question 1
Are you happy with present car parking in Hay-on-Wye?
Yes 16%
No 76%
N/A 8%
Question 2
Is a new parking policy needed for Hay?
Yes 87%
No 9%
N/A 4%
Question 3
Should there be a review of parking waiting times across Hay?
Yes 80%
No 13%
N/A 7%
Question 4
Are you in favour of dedicated Residents' Parking in Hay?
Yes 77%
No 15%
N/A 8%
Question 5
Does Hay need more Disabled Parking places?
Yes 30%
No 44%
N/A 26%
Question 6
Does Hay need more/another Pedestrian Crossing/s?
Yes 46%
No 43%
N/A 11%
Question 7
Should essential workers (Doctors, Health visitor’s ect.) be permitted to park in any bay for a maximum of 2 hours?
Yes 83%
No 15%
N/A 2%
Question 8
Should local traders and businesses be permitted to park in residents parking zones for a maximum of 4 hours?
Yes 24%
No 64%
N/A 12%
Question 9
Is a larger town centre Car Park needed?
Yes 70%
No 24%
N/A 6%
Question 9a
If YES, where could additional long term parking be provided?
Existing school site 29
Existing community Hall site 32
Site at doctors surgery 21
New site across bridge 28
Cattle market car park 49
Extend present town centre car park 26
Question 10
Should parking machines be adjusted to allow longer parking?
Yes 69%
No 26%
N/A 5%
Question 11
Present parking zone times restrictions in Hay are 8am to 6pm. Should these times be changed.
Yes 40%
No 53%
N/A 7%
Question 11a
If yes, what is your preferred enforcement time?
9am to 5pm 15
10am to 4pm 18
Other 2
Question 12
Should enforcement be?
Monday to Saturday only 48%
All week 20%
N/a 32%
The following data is the results of questionnaires returned following public consultation.
Total number of questionnaires returned 82
Question 1
Are you happy with present car parking in Hay-on-Wye?
Yes 16%
No 76%
N/A 8%
Question 2
Is a new parking policy needed for Hay?
Yes 87%
No 9%
N/A 4%
Question 3
Should there be a review of parking waiting times across Hay?
Yes 80%
No 13%
N/A 7%
Question 4
Are you in favour of dedicated Residents' Parking in Hay?
Yes 77%
No 15%
N/A 8%
Question 5
Does Hay need more Disabled Parking places?
Yes 30%
No 44%
N/A 26%
Question 6
Does Hay need more/another Pedestrian Crossing/s?
Yes 46%
No 43%
N/A 11%
Question 7
Should essential workers (Doctors, Health visitor’s ect.) be permitted to park in any bay for a maximum of 2 hours?
Yes 83%
No 15%
N/A 2%
Question 8
Should local traders and businesses be permitted to park in residents parking zones for a maximum of 4 hours?
Yes 24%
No 64%
N/A 12%
Question 9
Is a larger town centre Car Park needed?
Yes 70%
No 24%
N/A 6%
Question 9a
If YES, where could additional long term parking be provided?
Existing school site 29
Existing community Hall site 32
Site at doctors surgery 21
New site across bridge 28
Cattle market car park 49
Extend present town centre car park 26
Question 10
Should parking machines be adjusted to allow longer parking?
Yes 69%
No 26%
N/A 5%
Question 11
Present parking zone times restrictions in Hay are 8am to 6pm. Should these times be changed.
Yes 40%
No 53%
N/A 7%
Question 11a
If yes, what is your preferred enforcement time?
9am to 5pm 15
10am to 4pm 18
Other 2
Question 12
Should enforcement be?
Monday to Saturday only 48%
All week 20%
N/a 32%
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Con Letters
Powys trading standards are warning the public to be aware of letters from Loteria Primitiva that advise the recipient that they have won large sums of money. These letters often ask the recipient to send money to an address on the grounds that they will receive a large sum of money in return. Please disregard these scam letters and avoid giving out any personal or bank details
Monday, 8 August 2011
25th August - Public Meeting
PUBLIC MEETING
TO DISCUSS
IDEAS & PROPOSALS FOR
PARKING IN HAY
THURSDAY 25th AUGUST
7:00pm
THE PARISH HALL . LION STREET
COPIES OF C.R.A.P.’s PROPOSALS & MAPS
SHOWING SUGGESTED PARKING ZONES
are available by request from crap-powys@mail.com
or can be seen at Hay Library.
Thursday 18th August
An opportunity to discuss the plans and your ideas
with Councillor. Gareth Ratcliffe
10:00am – 12:00 noon at Hay Market Place
or
1:30 – 3:30pm DROP-IN at Hay Library
REMEMBER - WE NEED YOUR IDEAS
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Parking review update
Dear All
Just a quick update for you.following meetings with members of the community who came forward to help, we have started to draw a draft review of the towns parking so residents will be able to have a starting basis to discuss what they would like to see in the future.
Monday 15th Aug.
meeting council officer at Clock Tower, mayor and chamber of trade
followed by a meeting with the Town Council in the evening
Thursday 18th Aug.
Drop-in at Library so you can have a look and discuss issues(will let you know times)
Thursday 25th Aug.
Public Meeting (venue to be confirmed) to discuss what you would like to see as our suggestion to PCC
Monday 12th Sept.
Full and adapted plans and policy suggestion to be presented to Powys.
Will bring you more updates when i get them.
Just a quick update for you.following meetings with members of the community who came forward to help, we have started to draw a draft review of the towns parking so residents will be able to have a starting basis to discuss what they would like to see in the future.
Monday 15th Aug.
meeting council officer at Clock Tower, mayor and chamber of trade
followed by a meeting with the Town Council in the evening
Thursday 18th Aug.
Drop-in at Library so you can have a look and discuss issues(will let you know times)
Thursday 25th Aug.
Public Meeting (venue to be confirmed) to discuss what you would like to see as our suggestion to PCC
Monday 12th Sept.
Full and adapted plans and policy suggestion to be presented to Powys.
Will bring you more updates when i get them.
Dirty Dog No Dirty Owner
Yet again I hear that our streets are full of DOG FOUL so I decided to make a poster after talking to residents. The poster is a little tong in cheek and I hope it does not offend but I hope it gets the message across.
it reads
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A DOG POO FAIRY. Be a responsible dog owner and bag up that poo and dispose in a rubbish bin.
If any one would like to disply a poster in a window please let me know and i will get one to you.
Monday, 1 August 2011
Warning email 1/8/2011
This is a ringmaster message.
Trading Standards have been alerted to a telephone scam in which the caller claims to be from the bank and that the householder is due a refund. In order to receive a refund the caller asks for £199 to process the forms. Trading Standards would advise householders to be aware of this scam and to avoid giving personal or bank details over the phone.
To Report a scam call 0 8 0 8 1 5 6 6 7 5 7
Trading Standards have been alerted to a telephone scam in which the caller claims to be from the bank and that the householder is due a refund. In order to receive a refund the caller asks for £199 to process the forms. Trading Standards would advise householders to be aware of this scam and to avoid giving personal or bank details over the phone.
To Report a scam call 0 8 0 8 1 5 6 6 7 5 7
Friday, 29 July 2011
Warning!!
Below is an email warning sent to me this morning.
Trading Standards advise consumers to beware of itinerants / doorstep sellers attempting to sell goods such as memory foam mattresses in the area.
We advise residents not to contract with itinerant sellers and to report suspicious activity to the local Police on 101 or their local Powys Trading Standards office.
We advise residents not to contract with itinerant sellers and to report suspicious activity to the local Police on 101 or their local Powys Trading Standards office.
Hope this helps
Monday, 25 July 2011
Meeting on Street Management
I have a meeting this afternoon with the area manager for the Hay area on the agenda is the following.
- Toilets by town clock
- Pavements in town
- Bollard on pavement, broad st corner
- trees in broad st
- Hand rail (lose) by telephone box in broad street
- obstructions on highways
- signs on pavements
- hatching in playing fields
- tree by corner of church
- crossing (brown hatching) by church
- brown hatching highlighting speed on brecon road
- sign for forest road
- cycle parking around town
- finger post in town
- flooding in gypsy caste
if you have any more please let me know
Thanks
Gareth
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Its not the Dog its the owner
Yet again we are facing problems around town with people allowing their dogs to foul on the street and not clean up after them. This has been a problem for a long time and with thousands of poop a scoop bags been given out by the council and 100s of leaflets that i delivered last year highlighting the problem it still goes on. Sadly it is just a small number of people that do this yet it upsets a large number of you. At the beginning of last year i went to full council asking for them to extend the powers to other officers of the council and to name and shame the people that the council convicts but sadly to get a prosecution is difficult in the way the laws are written.
So is education the best way forward? This will take a long time to drive that message to residents and visitors that we want our streets clean.
If you want to make a change then please get the following information eg times of Day, street and description and please pass this information on to me (you can email me or reply below anomalously) and i can forward this to the Dog Warden.
People are creatures of habit so i hope we can get info to target the problem
Friday, 15 July 2011
Presenting the Petition
Chair of Powys County Council reciving the C.R.A.P Petition from me at Thurdays full council. We went past our target and ended up with 1046 WELL DONE
PCC press on schools
Cyngor Sir Powys County Council PR 4679 14/07/2011
21st Century Schools Bid
News that all county councils in Wales have been asked to re-think their school modernisation plans has been greeted with disappointment by Powys County Council.
Minister for Education and Skills, Leighton Andrews announced yesterday (Wednesday) that the Welsh Government would be asking all authorities to review their 21st Century Schools bids because of reduced capital funding.
Powys County Council Cabinet Member for Learning and Leisure, Councillor Stephen Hayes said: "The minister's announcement is extremely disappointing and will have a significant impact on the county council's ability to back its school modernisation initiatives with new buildings. Not only does it reduce the Welsh Government's contribution to future schemes, but it pushes the availability of funding further into the future."Construction is due to begin imminently on four new schools in the Ystradgynlais area, and funding for this major scheme is secure.
Similarly, implementation of both the Gwernyfed and the Upper Severn Valley Welsh Medium primary reviews remains a high priority. However, further area reviews are likely to be affected by the Minister's announcement, and I recently announced a deferment of the Welshpool area review, which had been due to start in the autumn.
"With regard to secondary and post-16 modernisation, the challenges of surplus places, ensuring our youngsters have appropriate curriculum choice and fostering educational excellence across the county remain. There is therefore no question of modernisation not going forward in Powys, and I will be announcing the next stages of our work later this year. However, the Minister's announcement is a serious blow to our aspiration to back modernisation with new and refurbished buildings, and extremely disappointing considering all the hard work that went into the original 21st Century Schools submission.""But, it does not mean an end to the work to modernise our schools; that work is still needed and vital if we are to deliver the quality of education our young learners deserve. ENDS
21st Century Schools Bid
News that all county councils in Wales have been asked to re-think their school modernisation plans has been greeted with disappointment by Powys County Council.
Minister for Education and Skills, Leighton Andrews announced yesterday (Wednesday) that the Welsh Government would be asking all authorities to review their 21st Century Schools bids because of reduced capital funding.
Powys County Council Cabinet Member for Learning and Leisure, Councillor Stephen Hayes said: "The minister's announcement is extremely disappointing and will have a significant impact on the county council's ability to back its school modernisation initiatives with new buildings. Not only does it reduce the Welsh Government's contribution to future schemes, but it pushes the availability of funding further into the future."Construction is due to begin imminently on four new schools in the Ystradgynlais area, and funding for this major scheme is secure.
Similarly, implementation of both the Gwernyfed and the Upper Severn Valley Welsh Medium primary reviews remains a high priority. However, further area reviews are likely to be affected by the Minister's announcement, and I recently announced a deferment of the Welshpool area review, which had been due to start in the autumn.
"With regard to secondary and post-16 modernisation, the challenges of surplus places, ensuring our youngsters have appropriate curriculum choice and fostering educational excellence across the county remain. There is therefore no question of modernisation not going forward in Powys, and I will be announcing the next stages of our work later this year. However, the Minister's announcement is a serious blow to our aspiration to back modernisation with new and refurbished buildings, and extremely disappointing considering all the hard work that went into the original 21st Century Schools submission.""But, it does not mean an end to the work to modernise our schools; that work is still needed and vital if we are to deliver the quality of education our young learners deserve. ENDS
Meet fire Service at RWS
Come and meet the Fire Service at the Royal Welsh Show
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service will be hosting a stand at this year´s Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells from 18 to 21 July - and we´re inviting you to come along to find out how to be a safer citizen!
By visiting our stand at the show, you could get advice on fire and road safety, as well as signing up for a free Home Fire Safety Check.
Farmers and landowners will also be able to get advice on how to safely conduct grass burns, and stay within the law.
Children will be able to visit the stand to take part in a special fire safety quiz - with a Nintendo Wii with Wii Sports as a prize! There will also be a play fire engine for younger kids.
Community Safety Manager Neil Evans said: "We are maintaining our year-on-year tradition of hosting a stand at the Royal Welsh Show, and we really have become a part of the festival furniture because we´re such regulars."This year we´re pulling out all the stops, with fire safety advice for families, farmers and landowners, and a great safety quiz for kids where they could win a Nintendo Wii!"People should pop along to the stand, where they will also have the option of signing up for a free Home Fire Safety Check."The public will be able to feedback their views as part of the service´s consultation over the Draft Annual Action Plan 2012-13, which details the direction of the service for the year ahead. So if you have ideas on how the service could be improved - like reducing risk from arson, working more closely with other organisations and providing value for money services - then why not pay us a visit?
The consultation runs until 19 August, and you
can also respond online at www.mawwfire.gov.uk
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service will be hosting a stand at this year´s Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells from 18 to 21 July - and we´re inviting you to come along to find out how to be a safer citizen!
By visiting our stand at the show, you could get advice on fire and road safety, as well as signing up for a free Home Fire Safety Check.
Farmers and landowners will also be able to get advice on how to safely conduct grass burns, and stay within the law.
Children will be able to visit the stand to take part in a special fire safety quiz - with a Nintendo Wii with Wii Sports as a prize! There will also be a play fire engine for younger kids.
Community Safety Manager Neil Evans said: "We are maintaining our year-on-year tradition of hosting a stand at the Royal Welsh Show, and we really have become a part of the festival furniture because we´re such regulars."This year we´re pulling out all the stops, with fire safety advice for families, farmers and landowners, and a great safety quiz for kids where they could win a Nintendo Wii!"People should pop along to the stand, where they will also have the option of signing up for a free Home Fire Safety Check."The public will be able to feedback their views as part of the service´s consultation over the Draft Annual Action Plan 2012-13, which details the direction of the service for the year ahead. So if you have ideas on how the service could be improved - like reducing risk from arson, working more closely with other organisations and providing value for money services - then why not pay us a visit?
The consultation runs until 19 August, and you
can also respond online at www.mawwfire.gov.uk
Common Sense at last on Parking
Yesterday was a key day for the resident of Hay as the council supported my motion to review our parking restrictions. Following a debate in the chamber with a lot of concerns being repeated over the county we came to decision time at this point cllr Hopkins said that he was going to do it so why don't i withdraw my motion? He had a simple reply
NO
I put the motion forward on behalf of the residents and it stands with this he withdrew his request and it went to the vote.
the motion was as follows
From September 2011 this council will start to work on the feasibility of a residents parking policy with the assistance of the scrutiny committee. Also a review of parking restrictions, traffic management and off street parking with consultation with key stake holders such as town and community councils and chamber of trades so when the moratorium is expected to be lifted in April 2012 and the council will be able to move forward from this earlier point in 2012
ALL IN FAVOUR
But now the work starts i have asked for maps so we can start our review and over the summer we need to get our heads together
So if you have any ideas what we can do add your comments below and i will publish them so we can start the debate.
NO
I put the motion forward on behalf of the residents and it stands with this he withdrew his request and it went to the vote.
the motion was as follows
From September 2011 this council will start to work on the feasibility of a residents parking policy with the assistance of the scrutiny committee. Also a review of parking restrictions, traffic management and off street parking with consultation with key stake holders such as town and community councils and chamber of trades so when the moratorium is expected to be lifted in April 2012 and the council will be able to move forward from this earlier point in 2012
ALL IN FAVOUR
But now the work starts i have asked for maps so we can start our review and over the summer we need to get our heads together
So if you have any ideas what we can do add your comments below and i will publish them so we can start the debate.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
More sign up before deadline
Thanks to Cllr Gary Banks who presented me before going in the chamber with 94 new signatures to add to our campaign. NEW TOTAL 1046
now we wait and see if the council will listen to the motion later and support their residents
now we wait and see if the council will listen to the motion later and support their residents
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Emergancy Question to council
Dear Chairman
I know this is unusual but due to the press release by the Welsh Government could i raise an emergency question to the portfolio holder for schools. We are going in to recess over August and i feel that Parents deserve some clarity on this situation.
Question
Following the BBC report that Education Minister Leighton Andrews has withdrawn WAG financial support for the schools modernisation programme. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14142840In the light of this, can the portfolio holder please update us as to the current status of Powys County Council's primary schools modernisation programme
Best wishes
Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe
Hay on Wye Ward
I know this is unusual but due to the press release by the Welsh Government could i raise an emergency question to the portfolio holder for schools. We are going in to recess over August and i feel that Parents deserve some clarity on this situation.
Question
Following the BBC report that Education Minister Leighton Andrews has withdrawn WAG financial support for the schools modernisation programme. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14142840In the light of this, can the portfolio holder please update us as to the current status of Powys County Council's primary schools modernisation programme
Best wishes
Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe
Hay on Wye Ward
C.R.A.P petition
Petition done 952 signed up now waiting to address full council tomorrow and present the petition on behalf of the residents of Hay and Powys. Followed by my motionIn Powys since the Powys County Council have taken over the Civil Enforcement Officers and are now enforcing the parking restrictions in our towns and villages. One of the main problem is we have 1970's traffic orders with 2011 enforcement and the residents are feeling the brunt of this new way of working. I have today placed a motion to full council for decision on the 14th July if your readers are in favour i would ask them to talk to their local councillors and ask them to support this motion.The key point is to bring the enforcement and traffic orders in line so residents, businesses and Powys county council will be able to work together. As county councillor for Hay on Wye i feel we need a full review of our towns traffic management and not piece buy piece as this has been done in the past pushing problems to other parts of our town and coursed the problems we face today. This has been repeated to me across the county since we started the Campaign for a Realistic Approach to Parking in Powys with residents not just in Hay but also Brecon, Prestigne, Talgarth, Rhayader and even as far as Machynlleth.
MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL By Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe seconded By Cllr Clair Powell
Due to concerns being raised over the last couple of months when Powys county council took over the civil parking enforcement. Communities have raised concerns over a number of issues mainly.
1. Residents parking and policy
2. Parking restrictions
3. Traffic management
4. Review of off street parking
At the last meeting the portfolio holder stated that “The intention is to allow Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) to settle down for a twelve month period during which time the outcomes of more frequent and targeted enforcement will become apparent. A review of parking restrictions and traffic management could then begin on a county-wide basis and include both on and off-street parking, and any demand for residents', lorry or coach parking, bus stop orders and possibly mandatory and advisory disabled parking. The review will inform new draft policies, e.g. residents' parking (both on and off-street), and will also enable the Council to properly consult on any proposals to remove or introduce restrictions prior to their implementation.” he also stated “, it is anticipated that the review will generally commence in April 2012 when the outcomes of CPE are becoming established, although there may be some obvious anomalies that could be considered for earlier action. Given the current financial constraints it is doubtful when funding will become available. Members introduced a moratorium on TROs some time ago as a budgetary measure and changes to legal Orders cannot be processed until the moratorium is lifted or when there are external contributions.
Following this I would like to put forward the following motion to the council.
From September 2011 this council will start to work on the feasibility of a residents parking policy with the assistance of the scrutiny committee. Also a review of parking restrictions, traffic management and off street parking with consultation with key stake holders such as town and community councils and chamber of trades so when the moratorium is expected to be lifted in April 2012 and the council will be able to move forward from this earlier point in 2012.
PCC waste of money
Over concerns that PCC are running short of their target set in their Change plan (strategic document that the council gets grants of if they hit the targets set) In this document PCC have set a target of 52% of waste is reused or recycled by 2012/13. With the council now only hitting 37% this target is slipping away and with fines of around £200 per ton ( for example when i done the day on the bins in Hay we collected 12 tons and only 2 tons was recycled) PCC is facing troubling times if they don't move forward quicker and the residents will be left to pick up the bill again.
QUESTION TO COUNTY COUNCILLOR K.A. HARRIS, PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR WASTE, CLIMATE CHANGE AND WELSH LANGUAGE FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR G.W. RATCLIFFE
Figures released by the Welsh Government on Municipal Waste Management, January-March 2011 show that Powys County Council have slipped in the league table of Annual municipal Waste Reuse, Dry recycling and composting rates, by local authority from 41% in 2006/07 with the Welsh average then being 28% to 37% in 2010/11 with the Welsh average now being 44%.
In this time Powys County Council has slipped from 2nd to 20th in the league table. What plans has the Cabinet member put in place to bring Powys County Council in line with other authorities?
So lets talk about that White elephant in the room and get on with it NOW
QUESTION TO COUNTY COUNCILLOR K.A. HARRIS, PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR WASTE, CLIMATE CHANGE AND WELSH LANGUAGE FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR G.W. RATCLIFFE
Figures released by the Welsh Government on Municipal Waste Management, January-March 2011 show that Powys County Council have slipped in the league table of Annual municipal Waste Reuse, Dry recycling and composting rates, by local authority from 41% in 2006/07 with the Welsh average then being 28% to 37% in 2010/11 with the Welsh average now being 44%.
In this time Powys County Council has slipped from 2nd to 20th in the league table. What plans has the Cabinet member put in place to bring Powys County Council in line with other authorities?
So lets talk about that White elephant in the room and get on with it NOW
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Big Thanks Tonk
Thanks to Martin Tong for his 3 Years service as Chairman of Hay st Marys FC. All the players and supporters of the club would like to wish him the best for the future and a happy retirement.Following his departure I was appointed the clubs new chairman for the 2011/12 season. I am looking forward to working with the committee and players to work with the community for the youth of our town.
Planning stopping work for local tradesman?
Following concerns raised by tradesmen in Hay i have raised the following question at full council this Thursday
QUESTION TO COUNTY COUNCILLOR W.T. JONES, PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR REGENERATION AND DEVELOPMENT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR G.W. RATCLIFFE
Over the last couple of year the Welsh Government have published a Development control Quarterly survey showing the percentage decided within 8 weeks of receipt for the 25 planning authorities in Wales. Over the last year it has shown Powys County Council to have one of the poorest rates in Wales. The figures are as follows
January to March 2010 57% were completed in the 8 week deadline and Powys County Council were 23rd out of 25 with an average across Wales of 69%
April to June 2010 54% were completed in the 8 week deadline and Powys County Council were 25th out of 25 with an average across Wales of 72%
July to September 2010 64% were completed in the 8 week deadline and Powys County Council were 20th out of 25 with an average across Wales of 71%
October to December 2010 56% were completed in the 8 week deadline and Powys County Council were 23rd out of 25 with an average of across Wales 68%
January to March 2011 41% were completed in the 8 week deadline and Powys County Council were 24rd out of 24 as Monmouthshire did not record a figure with an average across Wales of 67%
Please can the Cabinet Member for planning inform this Council if he knew about these figures and what he is doing to increase these figures as it is alleged in some case delays in the determining of applications are causing hardship for local tradesmen?
I wait with interest on what is going to be said
QUESTION TO COUNTY COUNCILLOR W.T. JONES, PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR REGENERATION AND DEVELOPMENT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR G.W. RATCLIFFE
Over the last couple of year the Welsh Government have published a Development control Quarterly survey showing the percentage decided within 8 weeks of receipt for the 25 planning authorities in Wales. Over the last year it has shown Powys County Council to have one of the poorest rates in Wales. The figures are as follows
January to March 2010 57% were completed in the 8 week deadline and Powys County Council were 23rd out of 25 with an average across Wales of 69%
April to June 2010 54% were completed in the 8 week deadline and Powys County Council were 25th out of 25 with an average across Wales of 72%
July to September 2010 64% were completed in the 8 week deadline and Powys County Council were 20th out of 25 with an average across Wales of 71%
October to December 2010 56% were completed in the 8 week deadline and Powys County Council were 23rd out of 25 with an average of across Wales 68%
January to March 2011 41% were completed in the 8 week deadline and Powys County Council were 24rd out of 24 as Monmouthshire did not record a figure with an average across Wales of 67%
Please can the Cabinet Member for planning inform this Council if he knew about these figures and what he is doing to increase these figures as it is alleged in some case delays in the determining of applications are causing hardship for local tradesmen?
I wait with interest on what is going to be said
Lets make sure our police station is safe
QUESTION TO THE MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE DYFED POWYS POLICE AUTHORITY FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR G.W. RATCLIFFE
In a BBC online article it stated that Dyfed Powys Police were to close 13 buildings across their force: "Dyfed-Powys Police to close 13 police buildings Dyfed-Powys Police wants to close 13 buildings to save £13m by 2014. The force said the buildings are used by officers but not generally visited by the public. None will close until alternative arrangements have been put in place."
Can the appointed member confirm if any that are earmarked for closure are in the Powys and if so where?
In a BBC online article it stated that Dyfed Powys Police were to close 13 buildings across their force: "Dyfed-Powys Police to close 13 police buildings Dyfed-Powys Police wants to close 13 buildings to save £13m by 2014. The force said the buildings are used by officers but not generally visited by the public. None will close until alternative arrangements have been put in place."
Can the appointed member confirm if any that are earmarked for closure are in the Powys and if so where?
Campign for a Realistic Approch to Parking
One of the campaigns i have been working with local residents of Hay. 1970's traffic orders with 2011 Enforcement does not work. check the blog now
http://crap-powys.blogspot.com/
http://crap-powys.blogspot.com/
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