Lib Dem overspend now running at £5M

The current Liberal Democrat administation at the Guildhall is running up a massive £5,000,000 overspend according to this weeks cabinet reports.

a) The net projected overspend is now £4.997 million compared with £5.140 million at the end of Period 5.

Liberal Democrat councillors agreed at the meeting to continue with the list of budget cuts listed below.


"The actions taken/proposed were again reported to members in November for Period 5 and remain unchanged for Period 7. In summary the key areas remain:

· (£290k) saving by introducing tighter controls over Care Home placements resulting in a one in for every four leaving care. This will need to be carefully monitored.

· (£180k saving achieved by review of residential placements to ensure appropriate accommodation is secured.

· (£135k) additional income can be achieved through carrying out individual assessments of ability to pay for respite care rather than charging a flat rate.

· (£195k) saving to be achieved by review and revision of home care packages where applicants receive between 0-5 hours per week.

· (£190k) reduction in the scale of core packages offered.

· (£250k) saving achieved by ceasing purchase of equipment for Aids/Adaptions."


Lib Dem bosses have also held a crisis meeting to discuss massive cuts in other council services.

Is Christmas spirit banned at the Guildhall?

Check out The SUN

This is how the SUN covered the Guildhall Liberal Democrat bosses banning of Santa Hats.

The quote from a Guildhall spokeman is priceless.

I am grateful to a local resident from the Franklin Street area who forwarded this letter from my ward colleagues. The letter dated 12th July promised double yellow lines would be removed “in the relatively near future”.

Instead the council repainted the lines in fresh yellow paint!

What residents want are the lines removing, so come on deliver on what was promised.

Councillor Minns failed to mention this act of Lib Dem councillors misleading residents at this weeks Full Council Meeting.

Victory in Baths Battle.

Liberal Democrat bosses at the Guildhall have been forced to back down on plans to make budget savings at the cost of East Hull baths. Worried users have contacted me regarding the future of the much-loved baths after staff had told them about plans for closure. However, The Liberal Democrats have been forced to climb down from their plans. Councillor Kalvin Neal was forced to admit defeat at this weeks council cabinet meeting.
“ I had asked officers to look at all leisure centres as part of the budget process, but I can say now that East Hull Baths will not be closing.” said Councillor Neal
That’s good news for local users of the baths. But the question of were the Lib Dems intend to make their budget saving remains.

Victoria Dock Residents Forum

A meeting of the Victoria Dock Residents Forum will take place today in the Village Hall starting at 6.30. pm.

Weekly rubbish collections will be scrapped by the Lib Dems

Lib Dems set to introduce fortnightly rubbish collections.

Liberal Democrat administration at Hull City Council are drawing up plans to roll out the introduction of fortnightly wheelie bin collections in the city.

The Liberal Democrats are planning to introduce four pilot schemes.

The areas chosen will trial different methods of rubbish collections.

Two areas will see fortnightly rubbish collections with and a recycling collection.

In two other areas weekly wheelie bin collections will remain but the larger 240-litre bin will be replaced with a smaller 140-litre bin about the size of the current Blue bin.

The trial area are being kept secret by the administration. The recent changes to collection days for 35,00 households in the city was the first stage of the Lib Dems plans.

The areas selected will also see enhanced collections of recyclable materials including green waste and cardboard.

This is the second time that a Liberal Democrat administration in Hull has tried to scrap weekly collections.

Changes to collections will take place after next year’s local elections.

Lib Dem cuts start to bite.

Youth Club Scrapped to save money.

The Liberal Democrat administration at Hull City Council have scrapped a weekly Youth Club on Victoria Dock.

The weekly Youth Club met every Wednesday in the Village Hall on Victoria Dock.

It will be scrapped from the end of December after a decision was made to withdraw funding.

The Liberal Democrat administration is currently £5,000,000 overspent in this financial year and is desperate to reduce costs.

We need to provide alternatives for young people to hanging about on the streets, it is very sad that a weekly youth club in the area has had its funding withdrawn this decision need to be reviewed.

Building Fewer Schools.

Residents in East Hull have reported to me seeing a group of Lib Dem Councillors and education officers looking round an allotment site in the east of the city. The speculation is that a new site for the replacement to David Lister was the objective of the visit. Local residents are most upset. When is consultation going to take place?

Building Fewer Schools.

BFS

Building Fewer Schools for the Future. This seems to be the new Liberal Democrat plan now that they have been given 6 months to provide their own plans for education in the city. To nights Mail carries a story about the Lib Dems plans for dramatic schools closures in Hull without giving the details away

Hull’s new rulers have been very quiet on their plans for secondary education, in fact not even one quote from a Lib Dem spokesperson in the whole article.

In fact Lib Dem bosses are planning to close half the current number of secondary schools in the city, replacing them with only 7 or 8 new 1500 place schools on sites yet to be decided.
When will the plans be revealed and when will consultation take place?

This story in the Sun caught my eye this week. Apparently Hazel Blears has let slip the date of the next General Election. This might be jumping the gun a little.

The Groves Neighbourhood Watch

On Sunday 10th December over 30 local residents attended the first meeting of a new Neighbourhood Watch Group for your area.

The meeting was organised by local residents fed up with crime and anti-social behaviour on the streets.

Local Police, Anti-social Behaviour Team and the Community Wardens attended the meeting.

Residents asked tough and searching questions of the police, councillors and council officers.

Local beat bobby PC Nick Deacon gave details of the police team in the area, which consists of a Police Sergeant, himself, specials constables and police community support officers. Nick answered questions and listened to residents concerns about the lack of a police presence on the streets.

Details were also given of the sorts of crime and intimidation suffered by people living in the area.

Sean Dickens represented the Council anti-social behaviour team, which is based at the Library and Customer Care Centre on Holderness Road. If the team is to be successful against antisocial behaviour and offenders Sean needs diary sheets completing for every incident and returned to him at the Mount Pleasant office. Diary sheets are used to compile evidence, which can be used in court.

Peter Jones from HANWaG was unfortunately unable to attend but sent Neighbourhood Watch information packs and is fully supportive of starting a scheme in the “Groves”.

Below is a list of some of the concerns raised by residents,

· More ally gates are required in the allies not currently covered.
· Better Street Lighting is required.
· Action against local Street Thugs.
· Better lighting on the cycle track.
· Bushes and shrubs to be cut back.
· Action on speeding cars in St Marks Street.
· Improvements in Car Parking on Egton Street.
A further meeting will be called to form a Neighbourhood Watch committee and further full residents meetings will be held.

The Groves Neighbourhood Watch

The first meeting of the Groves Neighbourhood Watch takes place this weekend. The meeting will be held at the New Cleveland Social Club on the corner of Mulgrave Street and New Clevland Street on Sunday 10th December starting at 12noon.

The community police officers, Neighbourhood watch group HANWaG, and myself will be there to help local residents establish the group.

Please attend if you can.

Lib Dem bosses cancel Christmas

Lib Dem Bosses cancel Xmas.

Liberal Democrat bosses at Hulls Guildhall have banned councillor workers from wearing Santa Hats. The instruction issued by council bosses claimed they were a danger to health and safety.

Garden Village Neighbourhood Forum

A very well attended meeting with lots of lively discussion. The local police team, anti-social behaviour team and community wardens all in attendance.

. Local resident at the launch of the Victoria Dock Heritage Trail.



Photo by Adam Williams

Garden Village Neighbourhood Forum

The Garden Village Neighbourhood Forum will be held on Wednesday December 6th at the Police Boys Club Elm Ave starting at 6.30pm.

A Walk through time.

The Chuckle Brothers ruined the first storyboard


The Victoria Dock Heritage Trail was launched today with as much publicity as could be mustered. The housing estate situated on the banks of the Humber boasts a fascinating past of history, industry and toil. Glimpses of which can be seen on a 20 stop walking tour of the area accompanied by absorbing storyboards situated along the way. The trail also features a new public work of art on the riverfront outside Victoria House inspired by the residents and the moving river.

An interactive guide to beating the Lib Dems, part 1

This is a very interesting link which shows how negative the campaigning by the Lib Dems really is:
donpaskini: An interactive guide to beating the Lib Dems, part 1

Saltend is best location

The decision of how to deal with household waste in the region is a political decision made by local politicians. Over the past few years politicians of all parties have moved to the conclusion that burning waste to produce electricity and increasing the amount we recycle is the best option for the City of Hull and the surrounding area.

The location of the incinerator at Saltend is by far the best for the vast majority of residents in the area. The site straddles both local authorities and so will require planning permission from both.

The planning application will be heard first by the East Riding in December and by Hull in early January.

The most likely outcome is that the East Riding planning committee will vote in favour of the development. This will put great pressure on the Hull planning committee.

A great staged managed affair is planned, the city hall has been booked and everyone who wants to will be allowed his or her say.

There seem little possibility Hull will pass the proposals despite both major political parties supporting the incinerator in internal group discussions.

Refusal of one committee will send the proposals to a planning inspector and probably a public enquiry. Given the lack of a listed building in the area the public enquiry will find in favour of the proposals and building will commence in the later part of the new year.

The problem with this scenario is the costs to the city of Hull. If the East Riding agree the proposals and delays are caused by Hull councillors all the subsequent costs will fall on the city. The cost of WRG’s appeal to the planning inspector and the cost of the city council defending the action will all be paid for by Hull residents.

Delay in opening the incinerator will cost tens of thousands of pounds per month. All of which will have to be borne by residents.

Whilst some people are not happy with the proposals the vast majority of residents in Hull and the East Riding are. Councillors on both planning committees should vote for the proposals, which are supported by residents, have the best financial results and is safe and environmentally sound.

Spate of Burglaries on Victoria Dock

I have been informed that a person responsible for at least some of the break ins on Victoria Dock has been arrested whilst on a property in the area. The person caught has admitted responsibility for a large number of thefts .. Hopefully he wont get a liberal sentence.

Reckitt Sports Field

Witham/Stoneferry Neighbourhood Forum

Excellent Stoneferry Forum meeting last night. I would put the attendance at well over 130 local residents. Obviously the vast majority of residents attended to question a builder who wants to develop housing on the local sports fields. Residents were able to hear first hand the proposals from Wright’s Construction and had the opportunity to put questions and make comments. It is very clear the proposals are unwelcome.

The local police, Community Wardens and Anti-Social Behaviour Team also attended.

Dirty Dealing in Private

Monday’s cabinet meeting was again the usual stage-managed affair by the administration. Officers are not allowed to speak, the pre made decisions are relayed to the press and the meetings are over in 15 minutes. Before this years election they said they believed in making decisions in public in an open and honest way. More Lib Dem lies. In fact a secret cabinet meeting takes place before the formal meeting the real decision and debate takes place in private. If the Cabinet is the real decision making body on the authority scrap the pre meeting and lets see the honest debate.

Hello John Get a new motor.

Its about time these two cars which have been dumped for some months at the Guildhall were removed and crushed. Imagine the howls from Tory councillors if the cars where on the streets of Bricknell.


Check out The Hull Mail

Spate of Burglaries on Victoria Dock

In the past few weeks we have had an increase in reported burglaries and break-ins on Victoria Dock.

I understand from the Local Police Team that the gang responsible have been operating on the Dock mostly between 8.30am and 10am.

Is is suspected the thieves have been watching properties for residents going to work, checking that there is no one in by knocking on doors then breaking into properties.

Residents need to take extra precautions when leaving their properties and to watch for any unusual activity.

The Local Police Team are actively trying to apprehend the culprits responsible but they do need help and information to tackle the crime.

The Riverside Neighbourhood Policing Team can be contacted during office hours on Te. 220178.

Save East Hull Baths

East Hull Baths on Holderness Road are under threat. Plans are emerging that Liberal Democrat councillors in Hull are planning to close East Hull Baths are part of their budget cuts for the coming year. Worried users have contacted me after reports that The Lib Dems budget for the next financial years contains cost cutting savings from the closure of the baths.

Mersey Primary School.

Well done Peter. School Inspectors have recently visited Mersey Primary School. The school with 175 pupils was told it provided a good standard of education. There were two very positive notes on the Inspectors comments. The improvement in the school premises and the quality of the teaching provided.

Falling school roles in the city have seen a reduction in the number of school places and the savings made have bee spent on schools like Mersey Primary School.

Yes to regeneration

It’s all waffle Andy

I would certainly welcome moves to regenerate the Witham area and to help business. Holderness Road is the main entrance to Hull from the East of the city. But there is precious little substance in this article published in the Mail. The Lib Dems as usual are bankrupt of ideas, preferring to seek publicity over action. If this is a genuine attempt to regenerate the area then what funds are being made available? If no funds are being pledged then it is little more than a cheap publicity stunt.

I would welcome the “setting up of a group” but how genuine an offer is it if its recommendations are going to be ignored, it meets in secret and its membership remains hidden.

Garden Village Residents Meeting

Garden Village Society Meeting

On Sunday afternoon I attended the Garden Village Society meeting in the boys Club in the Village. It was a very well attended and run meeting. As I chair most of the residents forum meetings in the ward it was nice to sit in the body of the meeting to watch proceedings from a different angle. The main items discussed included.
An organising committee to help celebrate the Garden Village Centenary.
Traffic in the Village
The speed of traffic on Laburnum Ave
Cleaning of the 10fts
Planning issues in the conservation area.

Full Council Meeting

The Lib Dems showed themselves to be the nastiest party in politics at this month’s Council meeting. In a co-ordinated action they abandoned any attempt to argue policy and instead concentrated on personal abuse. In the three years I have been a councillor it was the worst show from any group on the council. They are clearly rattled, hate having to make decisions, and have decided to behave as bullies and thugs. At one point in order to look menacing Minns had two other councillors stood either side of him whilst speaking. From where I sit I can see the more sensible Lib Dem councillors cringe at the comments and speeches of their own colleagues. The Lib Dems have lost 11 councillors in the past few years to defections. It was very clear why at this meeting. Having spoken to some councillors not in the Uni group there are clearly more defections to come!

Franklin Street confused by Yellow Peril u'turn

At the Council meeting this week I asked the clearly floundering Lib Dem portfolio holder Mark Collinson to remove the Double Yellow lines in Franklin Street. In answer he said “I do not get involved in operational matters” and “it was up to the ward councillors to sort out”.

My Lib Dem ward colleagues promised the lines would be removed. They now need to deliver on the promise.

Residents have their say.

Saturday Residents' Survey

Talking to residents is one of the main occupations of a local councillor, so it was great to see so many people out in my area today carrying out the residents’ survey. Members from across the city canvassed residents door to door. We had a great reception, many people who had been conned into not voting Labour at the last election now realise what a disaster the Lib Dem/Tory coalition is for the city.

Street Thugs

Street Thugs is a name given by one local resident to a problem group in his local neighbourhood. I spent today with the local police listening to residents concerns and watching evidence of what one or two Street Thugs can do to an area. There are no quick fixes. Despite being arrested for various offences short sentences or lack of evidence result in repeated behaviour within a few weeks. Whilst neighbourhood watch groups in the area may raise awareness of problems and help with target hardening a real deterrent is still needed. What are Street Thugs afraid of?

Tories would welcome Sloan to ranks

Tories would welcome Sloan to ranks.

There was an amazing bust up between Lib Dem Council Leader and Portfolio holder for Regeneration Cllr Sloan at yesterdays Full Council meeting. Councillor Sloan was told to sit down and shut up by his own group leader during one debate. A clearly miffed Cllr Sloan then voted against the group whip.

Spotting the obvious discomfort the Tory Group Leader offered a place in the Conservative group to Cllr Sloan. Could this be the next Lib Dem defection?

Buckingham Street and Area

Buckingham Street Residents Meeting

A group of residents fed up with anti-social behaviour in their area are doing something about it. I was asked to chair the first meeting of what I am sure will become an active and valuable group. Despite poor weather many residents attended with plenty of volunteers to take an active role. A committee was formed; the area boundary discussed and suggested aims of the group proposed. This meeting really moved the group on. A formal committee meeting takes place next week.

Residents Meeting

I was asked by local residents to attend a meeting to discuss a proposed development on the Reckitt’s Sports Ground, Chamberlain Road.

The meeting was very well attended and I was please to be asked to chair the meeting, answer questions and allow residents to air their views.

Residents who spoke expressed concern about previous proposals to build houses in the area and we now faced a further proposal.

The previous application was rejected because:

It is a Greenfield Site
The flood risk assessment was unsatisfactory
The area is linked to green space and urban recreation space and the nature of conservation locally.
The impact the development would have on highways which would cause more traffic, pollution and noise for local residents.

All of these points are still valid in opposing future development of the site. Although a formal planning application has not been made a developer is looking at the site.

Demand for housing in Hull does not warrant building on a Greenfield site in the city when there are boarded up properties that could be brought back into use.

A Residents Forum Meeting will be held on the 29th November when this will be one of the main topics.

Lib Dem cuts start to bite.

The Hull Mail reported yesterday that charges have been re-introduced for meals-on-wheels in the city as part of a £1m savings drive by the Lib Dems. About 400 meals are delivered to elderly amd vunerable people. When will we see this on a Focus leaflet.

Franklin Street confused by Yellow Peril u'turn

Wrong Lines.

Local Lib Dem councillors have caused more confusion. Having told the residents of Franklin Street that Double Yellow Lines would be removed the Lib Dem administration changed its mind and repainted them with new paint this week.

Come on do what you promised and remove the lines.

You've bin warned.

Bin Collections in chaos

Household rubbish collections have been thrown into chaos following the mad Lib Dems latest attempts to make changes.

Collection days have bin changed for thousands of homes leading to hundreds of missed collections across the city. The new days which don’t match with the collection of material for recycling are causing problems all over.

One lady who telephoned me for help was told no one knew when her bin would be emptied and she should put it out every day “just in case”.

Tuesday Surgery.

Another busy surgery! We have spent the past few weeks completely leafleting the whole ward. So the feedback has been excellent. The monthly surgery was no exception, at one point had a queue.


I attended the Labour ward meeting later, which was selecting candidates for next May. Good attendance but many of the same old faces.

Saturday Surgery.

Every week Labour councillor hold a Saturday morning surgery at 430 Holderness Road East Hull. As is becoming increasingly common anti social behaviour is a main theme. Today I spoke to a couple whose lives are being ruined by groups of teenagers. Whilst most of the stories related are not serious. It is just the sheer weight of verbal abuse, petty vandalism and threats that wear people down. It seems that many teenagers are incapable of interacting with others without being obnoxious. The police offer little help, just making notes and referring to the Anti-social behaviour team. The anti-social behaviour team what diary notes and log numbers and promise action.

Councillor goes into hiding?

One newly elected Lib Dem councillor is already finding the going tough. Already censured by a full council meeting over his behaviour. Now he appears to be hiding from residents. Leaflets fail to give his home address mainly because he lives the wrong side of the river, now even his home phone number has been replaced by a council office number (only available in office hours). Today I received a copy of Hull in Print the council magazine. The magazine is delivered to every home in Hull and lists all the city councillors contact details such as home phone number mobile etc. Only one councillor has failed to supply a home phone number. Perhaps constituent calls are proving too much!

Its anybodies fault but ours say Lib Dems

Blame the public say Lib Dems.

On Look North tonight was a story about rising traffic pollution in the city. Having heard that traffic pollution levels in Hull are increasing the Lib Dem councillor responsible refused to take any action as “public opinion fuelled by the media was against us doing anything”. It was can only be described as a woeful performance he tried to blame “the media” for traffic pollution.

However, what was not told was that one of the first things the Lib Dems did when they came to power in Hull was to take money which had been put aside for a park and ride site and spend it in their own area on their own pet projects.

Mad Lib Dems call for no confidence vote in own administration

The Mad Liberal Democrats in Hull are set to call a no confidence vote in themselves. The Lib Dems took control of Hull City Council in May this year, but after 2 councillor defected they now find themselves in a minority administration. The remaining councillors are meeting today to decide whether to move a confidence motion in their own administration. They are so desperate to get out of power.

Residents Surveys

Over the past few weeks I have been delivering Resident Survey forms to homes in the Drypool ward. It’s a great way to keep in touch with residents. The response has been great, when ever I deliver in an area of the ward over the next few days I get a steady trickle of replies. Each one returned is fascinating, full of the real issues which are of concern. The number of replies is generating quite a bit of casework, its no good just getting the response reading it and putting it to one side every form has to be answered. Well I say every form but you obviously get the ones that cant be answered. Usually because the address is missing deliberately or not.

In the pink

I attended my first meeting of the Hull Teaching PCT this morning designated as "in the Pink" for Breast Cancer Day. It was great to see everyone wearing pink and supporting the day.

Everyone's leaving the Lib Dems.

Once again a Liberal Democrat councillor has left the Hull Lib in disgust. Councillor Mike Rouse-Deane has decided he has had enough and has crossed the floor to sit as in independent.

He joins a long list. Mel Taylor left this summer only weeks after being elected claiming that a small undemocratic group is making all decisions. Janet Toker's resigned from the Lib Dems claiming in her resignation speech “Hull Liberal Democrats are all about money and greed”.

In total 13 Lib Dem councillor elected since 2002 have left in splits, fallouts and disputes. No wonder everyone’s leaving them.

In the red corner

I have just seen the late edition of the Hull Mail from Monday night. Lots of press speculation regarding the Hull East seat and possible contenders for the Labour Party candidate. Even got a mention, which was nice. I am sure that it is not as straight forward as the article suggests. What is required in Hull is a complete rebuilding of the party, increased activism, door knocking and talking to residents about their priorities and concerns. Hull is a Labour city and if we want it to remain like that then its going to take hard work. Who ever is selected as the parliamentary candidate.

Who would be a Train Driver?

Apart from being a City Councillor I am also a train driver for Northen Trains based at the city's Paragon Station. So after having been away for 3 weeks on council duties and a short holiday it was back to the day job this weekend. My first shift back was a service protection turn. As the resident councillor in the mess room I was as usual subjected to ribbing about the council as well as a series of questions problems and issues. I get more caseworks here than at my surgery.

Council Leader Taken to Hospital after "falling down stairs"

Hull's Lib Dem council leader was taken to hospital on Thursday night the day of the Full Council Meeting after "falling down stairs". It is not know if an accelerant was used.

Buckingham Street Residents Meeting

Tonight saw the inaugural meeting of a residents association based on the Buckingham Street area. The meeting was very well attended with over 40 people packed into a small meeting room at the Cornmill Hotel. It was really pleasing to see so many residents from the local area. I was asked to chair the meeting which is always great fun especially when there is a high level of debate and contribution. As usual very little contribution or help from my ward colleagues.

The outcome of the meeting was very positive with general agreement to set up a residents group with a local committee and members.

Full Council Meeting

Todays Full Council meeting was the usual affair. Carl Minns refused to answer questions, puffed himself up to his full height and shouted lots of hot air. It was interesting to see the reaction from his own councillors. Everytime he speaks those not in his close circle wince at his comments and manner.

The Lib Dems clearly have no idea what to do with Building Schools for the Future. They do not have a vision for education in the city. They simply want to "consult", "get cross party working" "set up a commission" in fact do anything but put forward a single view of their own.

They clearly dont want to face opposition to school rebuilding, relocation or closure, but the result is delay and confusion.

I am sure the Lib Dems would prefer to lose the project rather than be asked to deliver changes to schools in the city.

Hull Lib Dems plan fortnightly rubbish collections.

It was made very clear today that the local Lid Dems in Hull are planning a move to fortnightly household rubbish collections in 2007. The change to collections will be rolled out across the city over a number of months. The cost cutting measure will be very unpopular with local residents in the city.

Drypool Ward members meeting.

This morning I attended the Drypool ward members meeting. Adam and Andy both attended along with officers from the local Area Team. The main purpose of the meeting is to allocate the ward councillors community budget. Usually there is little disagreement today was no exception. Funds allocated to area street clean ups which are a particular favorite of mine and PROBE for security target hardening.

"What you need is a blog"

"what you need is a blog" he says, It cant be that difficult. In fact it is too easy. Two clicks of the mouse and hey presto. The difficulty is the content. What is a blog for? Is it for local residents or just for me? Already my future election agent is hard at work. The next leaflet already at the printers, the blog address splashed across the banner. And the blog already linked to another Dizzy Thinks: Prescott informs NEC of his retirement as an MP?

Labour Group Meeting

The regular Labour Group meeting was held tonight. Political group meetings are some of the most important to attend. Decisions made are binding on members, held in private and allow a full and frank exchange of views. Details of the meetings are not normally released. All political parties act in the same way. Real decision making can take place at these meetings which can wield enormous power.

Hull Kingston Rovers

Hull Kingston Rovers celebrated promotion to the super league tonight with a open top bus tour of the city and reception at the City Hall.
Thousands of Rovers fans packed into Queen Victoria Square. The Big Screen showing highlights of season games and the magnificent win over Widnes.
Robins captain Jamie Webster.

Question Time

Today I attended a Question Time Event at Hull College. It was a very well attended event with approx 200 students from across Hull. A very good range of questions asked starting of on the Wilberforce celebrations and then moving off to a greater variety of topics.
This is the first time I had been asked other panel members have attended similar events in the past.
Council leader Carl Minns for the Lib Dems once again failed to provide any real solutions or answers to questions.

Riverside Area Committee

It was the Riverside Area Committee meeting tonight held at the Balfour Street Community Centre. There was a good turnout from the Garden Village Society as usual. Inspector Any Foster attended which gave me chance to raise the issue of drug dealing in the area. Resently two houses have been raided due to reports from residents but other addresses need to be targted. There is a promise of more action to come.

Other interesting items regarding the Spacial Strategy for the city of Hull. Spacial strategy actually means deciding what can be built where in the city. The Lib Dems are not putting forward any proposals but want to "consult". They have no ideas of their own and are terrified of putting anything forward in case anyone opposes. They want us to make suggestions so they can attack us. Typical of the Lib Dems no ideas no vision no point.