In an article today in many national newspapers I understand that the Tories will be launching a drive to encourage healthier lifestyle and insisting that people claiming biological or environmental causes for their obesity are simply making excuses.
Well they obviously have no idea why most people get into this condition. Just one example from the whole variety of possible causes - for those on low incomes, is to compare the price of junk food/sweets etc with good nutritional meals/fruit etc – no prizes for guessing which is the cheapest. They are really launching a persecution of such people by encouraging bullying in the playground, at work and in the community. The outcome will certainly not reduce obesity but might increase the number of suicides.
Only a few Small Dole residents are interested in the possibility of such a bus service suggested by Compass Travel and advertised in the Summer edition of Focus. Just eight people said they would use this bus service. In view of the low number I am sad but not surprised that the Manager does not wish to pursue the matter at the present time.
I will include a report on this in the next edition of Focus and this may provoke further support for such a bus service. If so it might be possible to convince Compass to at least trial a service before Christmas.
LIBERAL Democrats in Arundel & South Downs are making their final preparations to attend the party’s conference in Bournemouth in September.
A number of members from the Chanctonbury area will be heading for the conference which will be held from Saturday 13th to Wednesday 17th September.
Debates taking place will include pensions, crime, eco-towns, the housing and mortgage crisis, transport and health.
“We are looking forward to a good conference and some lively debates,” said Councillor Derek Deedman, Local Party Chairman.“We are also looking forward to speeches from leading figures in the Liberal Democrats, particularly Nick Clegg’s Leader’s speech on the final day.
“People in this area are feeling the pinch with rising unemployment, rising prices for food and energy and a collapsing housing market. So there will be a great deal of interest in the debate about the housing and mortgage crisis and in the speech of Vince Cable MP, our Shadow Chancellor.
“I am also particularly interested in the debate on our visions and values paper, Making it Happen, and on two of our proposed policies - Building a Transport System for the 21st Century and Shaping Our World Through a Strong Europe. On Making it Happen I especially support the priorities to deliver big tax cuts for those who are struggling and to end the unfair Council Tax, to invest in clean energy instead of nuclear, and getting people out of their cars and into quality public transport. I want to see how our Transport policy will lead to improved public transport for our area, and the way Lib Dem policies will lead to the UK playing a constructive part in Europe to protect and promote our national interests, protect our citizens and further our influence in the world.
“It should be a great few days in Bournemouth which will enable the Liberal Democrats to set out our vision for Britain.”
LIBERAL Democrats in Arundel & South Downs have given their strong backing to ambitious calls by Nick Clegg MP for Britain to become self-sufficient in energy.
The Liberal Democrat Leader has called for a major programme to build up Britain’s own energy supplies through wind, tidal, wave and biomass technologies.
Mr Clegg said, “We have an enormous opportunity to create real energy independence for the UK, freeing ourselves from the shackles of foreign oil, coal and gas. This will require the kind of ambition and political will that succeeded in putting man on the moon.”
CountyCouncillor Derek Deedman said, “I am delighted that Nick Clegg is calling for a green revolution in the way we produce power.
“The recent Russian invasion of Georgia and the ongoing troubles in Iraq and Iran show just how dangerously reliant Britain is on energy from unstable parts of the world.
“We have to build up our own energy supplies and as an island nation, we have an abundance of natural and clean energy sources that both Labour and Conservative governments have failed to develop.
“Whilst Labour and the Conservatives joined together earlier this year to agree Britain should have a new generation of nuclear power stations, Liberal Democrats believe this will leave a legacy of radioactive waste for future generations. It will also leave us dependent on foreign supplies of uranium.
“Liberal Democrats in Arundel & South Downs welcome Nick Clegg’s call for Britain to develop clean energy supplies and become self-sufficient in them by 2050. This is an industry in which we as a nation should aim to be world beaters“.
Despite the weather looking ominous yesterday it held out for the whole session (10-3pm) at the Memorial Field, and the event was yet another success for the Local Action Team.This follows on the success of the mobile skate park events in Upper Beeding last month. A big ‘thank you’ must go to the Neighbourhood Wardens and Horsham’s MobileSkatePark supervisor for the organisation at the event.
The younger children came in the morning as planned and really enjoyed it and quite a few parents came to watch on and off as well. Unfortunately there was an injury (broken arm!) but it comes with the territory and could have happened walking across the street. Horsham’s MobileSkatePark supervisor dealt with it perfectly and an ambulance was called.
The afternoon went well too with some of the older kids coming along. Again the behavior was great, noise minimal and they helped pack up and clean up at the end. A number of residents walked by and everyone was very supportive.
The Local Action Team will be reviewing the mobile skate park events which have taken place over the summer to see what can be done to build on their success.
This is the great news from Jennie Musgrove, the Project Coordinator for the new building which is due to be handed over by the contractor this Friday 22nd August - 2.30pm on time and within budget. Congratulations to Jennie and her team on this success!
Following the delivery of new furniture and fittings next week, the doctors, other health professionals and administrative staff will move in on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th August. The Upper Beeding Surgery will remain be open for emergencies during the move. The New Health Centre will then open to patients on Monday 1st September.
The existing temporary Health Centre buildings in Fletchers Croft are due to be removed on 2 and 3 September, so the Steyning Centre car park will be closed whilst the removal work is carried out. The work should be completed in time for the car park to re-open just ahead of the school term start on 4h September.
For more information about the New Health Centre click on the link on this website under Health services.
The official opening celebration date has yet to be confirmed but is still likely to take place in October.
