The County Council on14 December rejected the Liberal Democrat motion to call on the Government to:

*End the branch closure programme;

*Remove the Royal mail restrictions on the Post Office to open up furthrer business opportunities for the network;

*Stop removing government business from Post Offices;

*Carry out a review of which additional government functions could be carried out through Post Offices; and

*Invest in the Post Office network.

Lib Dem Morwen Millson, the Leader of the Opposition on West Sussex County Council, had introduced the motion which expressed concern at the Government’s intention to close 21 branch post offices in four districts in the County and reduce the hours of operation in a further two. This is on top of the 58 closures which took place in the County between 1999 and 2006 and the closures by previous Tory Governments.

The response from the Tory Councillors was to instead vote through their own very vague motion, which seemed to accept the Government’s long term intentions to run down the Post Office (no surprise as they would probably be doing the same if they were in government), and to just address the impact of the present closures on local communities (important though that is).

Although there are no proposed closures in Derek Deedman’s County Division, Upper Beeding and Small Dole Post Offices could well be under threat next time, unless the Liberal Democrats national policies on the Post Office, as expressed in the motion to the County Council, are adopted by Government. The County Council has missed a great opportunity to make the case for change to the Government.

Members of Steyning Women’s Institute recently highlighted the one and half hour gap in the 2A bus service from Shoreham to Steyning in the late afternoon.

Derek Deedman has discussed this problem with Brighton & Hove Buses and the Public Transport Group at County Hall.

Sadly the Bus Company are not willing to restore the otherwise hourly service throughout the day. This is because, as a fully commercially operated service (with no subsidy from the County Council), they have to operate the extra 20 bus service at the evening peak time by using the earlier, late afternoon, bus which would otherwise run on to Steyning. An extra bus would be required to overcome the problem, for which they have no funds.

The County Council is unwilling to help fund this extra bus to Steyning as they have had to make reductions in funding for bus services this financial year to keep within the County budget. The Public Transport Planner appreciates that having a gap in the timetable of one and half hours in an otherwise hourly service is undesirable, particularly during the build up to the evening peak hours. He is, however, unable at present to find the extra funds necessary for the extra bus, although he has told Derek that it will be added to the ‘Wants List’ for new and additional services.

Derek said, “It is very disappointing that at a time when we should be tackling climate change by encouraging more people to use the buses rather than their cars, that the Tory-run County Council is not providing sufficient additional funds to improve the provision of public transport.”

New Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg MP today promised to give a voice to the people of Arundel & South Downs who feel ignored by politicians.

Setting out his priorities after being elected as party leader on December 18th, Nick Clegg said:

“I am greatly honoured to have been chosen by my fellow party members to be the new leader of the Liberal Democrats.

“Throughout Arundel & South Downs Liberal Democrats are already working hard to reach out to local people and listen to their concerns. In my leadership I will be taking that spirit nationwide, moving beyond party politics and making liberalism connect with the millions of people who share our values.

“Labour and the Conservatives have failed Britain’s families. I will lead my party to change politics, and change Britain, for the better. Only the Liberal Democrats are committed to giving the people of Arundel & South Downs a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives, by shifting power away from Westminster and back to local communities.

“I will fight for a fair deal for Britain’s families, campaign tirelessly to cut crime, and improve our NHS so it delivers the care people need.”

Commenting Derek Deedman, chairman of Arundel & South Downs Liberal Democrats said:

“Nick Clegg is going to be a great leader. Labour and the Conservatives share so many policies. The time has come for a politician who will speak up for real people and local communities - like ours in Arundel & South Downs.

As many people will be aware, for some time (years in fact), Steyning Parish Council has been considering ways in which the present poor quality toilet facilities in the High Street could be upgraded. It was also considered essential that any new scheme should include adequate provision for a bus shelter. A scheme has at last been finalised which will retain the existing structure of the building but with two modern, high tech, toilet pods inside it. Outline plans are available for inspection in the Parish Office.

This will be completed, hopefully in the summer of 2008, in conjunction with the Steyning & District Community Partnership and Horsham District Council. To make the scheme more wide ranging in terms of overall community facilities, a number of fingerposts will also be installed around the town and, once the Health Centre and Croft Meadow development is completed, up to 17 additional parking spaces will be created in Newmans

Gardens car park.Part of the financing arrangements will include a grant of £40,000 from South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the Partnership and the more evidence of support for the scheme they can be shown, the more likelihood there is of a grant application being successful. The Secretary of the Steyning & District Community Partnership would therefore be very grateful if local organisations could write to him, using the organisation’s headed paper, in support. Some of the improvements which might be mentioned in such a supporting letter could include:-

They are essential community facilities for the young and elderly and for visitors to an important

South Downs gateway town, they will be of great benefit in helping to sustaining the local economy. Steyning is an important hub for the surrounding area in terms of shopping, education and health care and requires modern public toilets and a decent bus shelter, the new facilities will be modern and energy efficient, wide consultation in the community has identified the need for these facilities,

the provision of Fingerposts will help visitors gain more out of a visit to the town and to more easily find strategic places like the Church and the Museum, additional parking spaces in

Newmans

Gardens car park will ease the pressure on illegal parking the High Street which is becoming increasingly dangerous for pedestrians.The target for putting the grant application pack together is mid January. Please phone Richard Woodman, Secretary of the Steyning and District Community Partnership Ltd, 01903 879457, if you have any questions or want to talk about this. Otherwise please write to him: Richard Woodman Secretary Steyning and District Community Partnership Ltd The Steyning Centre Fletchers Croft Steyning West Sussex, BN44 3XZ.

At the Steyning Parish Council meeting last night a senior Horsham District Council officer outlined the current position on the car parks in the Town.

High Street

It has been agreed after months of negotiations that the fenced-off wall will be reconstructed by the District Council, with future maintenance of the wall being the responsibility of the neighbouring owners.

It is expected that the arrangements for carrying out the work will take a few months so that the reconstruction work will not be fully completed until mid-2008. In the circumstances the District Council will investigate painting temporary chevron white lines next to the fence to gain as many parking spaces as possible.

Fletchers Croft

The temporary spaces alongside the entrance road will be repaired by the District Council with the costs shared with the Primary Care Trust. The District Council may also consider making the spaces permanent after the temporary Health Centre has been closed to give more car parking spaces at the car park.

Newmans Gardens

With the new Health Centre under construction and the works related to the new Care Home about to start it is likely that there will be a period when use of the car park will be further disrupted in the early part of 2008.

Part of the car park (ten spaces) will be used for parking at the site offices for the Care Home contractors and more of the remaining 4 hour waiting spaces will be converted to 24 hour parking. This will provide more long-term parking spaces for both workers in the Town and the workers at the two construction sites whilst the Health Centre and Care Home are being built.

The District Council says it is committed to improving communications with local people on what is happening at the car park over the coming months.

The Parish Council has asked the District Council for greater enforcement, by the car parking wardens, of the yellow no parking lines in the High Street. This is to prevent even more cars displaced from the car parks clogging up the High Street.

Action is being taken to further increase the number of car parking spaces in Steyning with a new car park next to the Library for the School during school hours and the community the rest of the time. In addition the District Council is being pressed to reorganise the Newmans Gardens car park to provide more spaces once the construction works are completed. However, in the long term, we cannot expect to cope with ever increasing car traffic, and much more must be done to increase the number of cycleways/footpaths and public transport to encourage people out of their cars when travelling to Steyning.

The meeting, which is open to the public, starts at 7.30pm at the Steyning Centre.

Under the County Councillor’s Report, Derek Deedman will be referring to the latest harsh Government Grant allocation to the County Council for the next three years, with the consequent implication for Council Tax levels, and the County Council proposals to become customer focussed.

Derek Deedman reported the following to the Parish Council meeting on 4 December: -
1. The next Chanctonbury County Local Committee meeting on 22 January 2008 will be at the Penfold Hall, Steyning, starting at 2pm to include a presentation/consultation by the Health Centre Development Group on the proposals for the services etc to be based/available at the new Steyning Health Centre.
2. The County Members seminar on 28 November on the next stage of the Fundamental Service Review (FSR3) of County Council services had highlighted the significant reduction in chief officer posts from April 08, with further reductions in April 09, and the major change in culture for the County to become completely customer focussed. It is anticipated that this will lead to very large cost savings in County Council expenditure.
3. The planning application to extend the life of the Horton Landfill Site at Small Dole had not been considered by the County Planning Committee on 4 December. The next meeting is on 15 January 2008, by which time all the queries from both county officers and the Small Dole Action Group should have been answered so that a decision could be made to either approve or refuse the application. With the current planning permission running out on 31 March 2008 a decision must be made soon.
4. Viridor Credits, West Sussex will be meeting on 6 December when the Committee will be considering a grant application for a Skateboard site at Small Dole.
5. The new material recycling facility (MRF) being constructed at Ford will not now be operational until October 2008. When completed this will enable waste collection authorities such as Horsham District Council to introduce mixed kerbside collections rather than the current separate bins and also enable other material such as glass to be collected in this way rather than having to be taken to a household waste recycling site. This should improve recycling rates.
6. The next full County Council meeting on 14 December will be considering it’s response to the post office closure proposals.
7. As part of the safe routes to school improvements being introduced for the Upper Beeding Primary School, the County School Crossing Patrol Officer will be carrying out a survey just before or after Christmas to enable consideration to be given to the provision of a School Crossing Patrol at the Pound Lane/Hyde Square junction. If the results do not meet the national criteria then a voluntary patrol could be considered with the County Council meeting the cost of training, uniform and equipment. If such a volunteer was unpaid the School would need to carry out the CRB checks, if paid for from sponsorship (School, local companies, parish council etc) then the County would carry out the CRB checks.
8. The new yellow lines painted along School Road related to the safe route to school work, but unfortunately had been painted before the required Traffic Regulation Order had been published, let alone approved. They would therefore have to be removed as they cannot legally be enforced and so were causing confusion.

Derek Deedman was delighted to attend the presentation of the Green Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme to Nash Manor on Friday, 30 November.

The Award was clearly deserved for all the green and eco friendly efforts achieved by Liz and May Esler at Nash Manor, and it was useful to talk to a number of ‘green’ specialists and other local business representatives at the event, which may well be helpful in other activities related to being County Councillor for the area.

It is especially good that Liz and May have said that they will be continuing to be ambassadors for Green activities and will encourage other businesses to become Green.

The Nash Manor website is www.nashmanor.co.uk

At the last meeting of the County Council Derek Deedman asked the Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy about the lack of sufficient investment in properly restoring the Downs Link between Steyning and Shoreham.

She promised a written reply which is as follows: -

“As you are aware the Countryside Managers have been addressing the state of the surface of the Downs Link over the last few years but have only a limited budget. Currently the annual expenditure on surface improvements on the section north of Steyning to the County Border is £15-25K and south of Steyning is £12K (this year). This allows us to make only modest inroads into upgrading the surface.

“We do however take advantage of any opportunity available to get additional funds to allow more to be done. A sum of £20k has become available this year and the officer concerned will be contacting you to discuss the priorities and expenditure planned on this stretch. In addition we are also discussing further work with Sustrans, our Cycling Officer and the South Downs Joint Committee, to see if we can pool funding to address the additional stretches between Shoreham and Bramber.”

At the last meeting of Bramber Parish Council it was suggested that the Council might consider using some of the funds available from planning developments to help fund such restoration work. Derek Deedman has passed this information to the Countryside Officers who will be contacting the Parish Council to discuss the matter.

“Hopefully further progress will be made soon, and I will continue to press for the Link to be fully restored to a decent surface for all users for at least that part of the route between Shoreham and Steyning” said Derek.

The next County Council meeting on Friday 14 December will debate the Lib Dem Opposition motion to call on the Government to stop the unnecessary Post Office closure programme, and instead free the business from restrictive regulation, invest in the future of the network and stop removing government business, to safeguard our post offices.

Arundel & South Downs Liberal Democrats Chairman, Derek Deedman said,

“In Arundel & South Downs there are currently only two proposed post office closures, in Washington and Slindon, but in addition to opposing those closures we must remain on our guard to protect all the others in the area.

“And whilst the activity of Tory MP, Nick Herbert, against the proposed closures is great, it should not be forgotten that the Tories in government were just as bad in closing post offices and they do not appear to have any policy towards ensuring that post offices are maintained in the future.

“Liberal Democrats on the other hand have a fully funded plan to save Post Offices from closure. We would keep Post Office Ltd in the public sector but split it away from the Royal Mail. We would then raise £2 billion from the sale of a minority of shares in Royal Mail and invest this money in the Post Office network.

“This will mean new equipment and new services. We will free the Post Office from Royal Mail controls that prevent branches doing business for other parcel delivery companies. The investment will also enable Post Office branches to be the shop front for local government.

“We will also ensure that staff working for Royal Mail will be given a quarter of the shares in the company, allowing them to share in the success of the company and to be partners in it, similar to the way staff are partners in the John Lewis Partnership.

“The Tories’ warm words and lack of any substance will do nothing to keep open Post Office branches. But we have a strong set of policies that will boost this vital public service.”

Following the announcement of the list of proposed closures of sub Post Offices the Liberal Democrats on Mid Sussex District Council put forward a motion on 13th November pledging the Council to fight the closures. The motion was seconded by Hassocks Lib Dem, Sue Hatton. The Tory majority refused to pass it and instead voted to delay things by creating a working party to report back at the next meeting. Mid Sussex Lib Dems meanwhile have been contacting residents near the affected offices advising how to fight the closures.

Kristian Berggreen, a Hassocks Parish Councillor, who was until recently a sub-postmaster himself says: “I am very pleased about Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint Post offices not facing closure, but we need to continue the fight for all the other ones in Mid Sussex that are affected. And we don’t need to wait for ‘working’ parties.” Sue adds: “And we must remain vigilant over Hassocks.”

Kristian Berggreen was elected as the new Chairman of the Hurst & Hassocks Branch at the Annual General Meeting on Sunday, 25 November. He succeeded Sue Hatton who had completed her three-year term as Chairman.

At the well attended meeting, (followed by an excellent meal provided by Colin & Jo Wilsdon), members were pleased to be reminded of Sue’s great success in the Mid Sussex District elections in May. Sue had won a huge victory over the Tories and in doing so had caused the Tory Leader of the District Council to lose his seat on the Council.

Other officers and committee members elected were: -

Treasurer - Ros Deedman (Steyning, Arundel & South Downs Constituency Treasurer)

Secretary - Rodney Jackson (Hurstpierpoint)

Membership Secretary - Viola Matthews (Hassocks)

Committee - Nigel Cook (Hassocks), Betty & Tony Davies (Keymer), Bill & Sue Hatton (Hassocks), Jack Slaughter (Clayton) and Colin Wilsdon (Keymer)

Derek Deedman has welcomed Steyning Parish Council’s Highways & Lighting Committee decision last Tuesday evening (20th) to support the provision of a cycleway along the Horsham Road from the Leisure Centre to the Bypass and then up the Horsham Road from the Bypass to the little foxes nursery site.

The Local Highway Manager’s draft proposal was for just a footway, but the Committee considered that only a dual use facility would provide value for money as a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists.

Derek said, “Although just a footway would have been better than nothing, I am very pleased with the Parish Council decision as I want to see a network of cycleways eventually connecting up all the small villages and towns in West Sussex to provide a safe, healthy and more environmental alternative to the car in the future.”

“Clearly there will now be the question as to whether the County Council can meet the extra cost of a cycleway over a footway, but this must be done if we are to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to travel around West Sussex and to start tackling the impact of climate change.”

The Government’s data disaster over child benefit records shows why plans for Identity Cards must be scrapped, say Arundel & South Downs Liberal Democrats.

Following the revelation that the personal details of 25 million parents and children have been lost by the Government’s Revenue and Customs department (HMRC), and may have fallen into the hands of identity fraudsters, Derek Deedman, Chairman of Arundel & South Downs Liberal Democrats, said that the Prime Minister should abandon his plans for a national ID cards scheme and a National Identity Register in which the Government want to store the personal information of everyone in the country.

“The fiasco at HMRC has shown the dangers of the Government holding huge amounts of information about each one of us whilst being slipshod in the way that same information is looked after,” Derek said.

“This whole saga of incompetence has been shocking and families in Arundel & South Downs are now rightly asking whether their personal details are safe.

“The National Identity Register, which the Government are setting up as part of the Identity Card scheme, will hold vastly more information on each and every one of us than Customs and Revenue managed to lose.

“The possibilities for the loss of that information, either accidentally or through illegitimate means must make the Government stop and think again very seriously about their plan to store all the data they can on us on a central register.

“This is a clear illustration of the real dangers of a big brother centralised state. State control of personal identity details is a real threat to our civil liberties. The Government should respond to the anger and now abandon its ID card scheme. It is clear that the Government cannot be trusted to manage effectively mass databases of personal information.

”The Liberal Democrats opposed Identity Cards when the scheme went through Parliament. We said the scheme would be expensive, misguided and insecure. This latest debacle shows just what is at risk.

“That is why Gordon Brown must think again. The Government must end the Identity Card scheme for good in order to ensure that we do not risk a personal data disaster on an even more catastrophic scale.”

At the Annual General Meeting of the Arundel & South Downs Liberal Democrats on Friday 16 November in Hassocks, County Councillor Derek Deedman and his wife, Ros (pictured above), were re-elected as Chairman and Treasurer respectively.

The officers and executive committee for 2008 are: -

President - Tony Davies, Hassocks

Chairman - Derek Deedman, Steyning

Vice Chairman- Steve Holbrook-Sishton, Storrington

Treasurer - Ros Deedman, Steyning

Secretary - Jack Slaughter, Hassocks

Membership Secretary - Rodney Jackson, Hurstpierpoint

Executive Committee - Norman Cooper (Washington), Alan Fletcher (Walberton), Maureen Girard (West Chiltington), Andrew Purches (Upper Beeding), Sue Stokes (Steyning) and Colin Wilsdon (Hassocks).

Information about the Constituency: -

ARUNDEL AND SOUTH DOWNS COUNTY CONSTITUENCY (71,203). Five wards of the District of Arun:- Angmering, Arundel, Barnham, Findon, Walberton; three wards of the District of Chichester:- Bury, Petworth, Wisborough Green; seven wards of the District of Horsham:- Bramber, Upper Beeding and Woodmancote, Chanctonbury, Chantry, Cowfold, Shermanbury and West Grinstead, Henfield, Pulborough and Coldwaltham, Steyning; two wards of the District of Mid Sussex:-Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint and Downs.

Liberal Democrats in Arundel & South Downs want Conservative MP for the area, Nick Herbert, to explain to local residents why he voted to stop the people having their say on Europe.

Labour and the Conservatives voted together on Wednesday 14^th November to deny the public a crucial vote on whether or not the UK should remain in the European Union. A Liberal Democrat amendment to the Queen’s Speech laid out proposals for a referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the European Union. 

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner Derek Deedman, Chairman of Arundel & South Downs Liberal Democrats said, “Labour and the Tories have rejected our call for the public to vote on the UK’s membership of the European Union. Nick Herbert joined with the Labour and Conservative leadership to block the people from having their say. 

“Membership of the European Union is hugely positive for Britain. Cheaper goods, better environmental protection, increased freedom to work and live abroad, and a stronger framework for tackling international crime are just some of the benefits. But the EU has changed beyond recognition since we last had a referendum in 1975. No member of the public under the age of fifty has had the opportunity to vote on the crucial cumulative changes that have taken place over the last few decades. 

“The case for a referendum to endorse, or reject, Britain’s membership of this very different European Union is overwhelming and the Liberal Democrats will be proud to lead the pro-Europe case. 

“It is disappointing that Labour and Conservatives joined forces to defeat the call for the people to have a referendum. Nick Herbert is a well known euro-sceptic and so he should  now explain to the people of Arundel & South Downs why he has denied them a say.” 

Background details

On Wednesday 14^th November, the House of Commons rejected an amendment to the Queen’s Speech by the Liberal Democrats calling for a referendum on membership of the European Union. Whilst Liberal Democrats continue to argue positively for the UK remaining members of the EU, the actual institutions of Europe have developed considerably since the European referendum of 1975. Anyone currently below the age of 50 in the UK has therefore not had the opportunity to take part in a direct vote about the development of the EU and the pooling of national sovereignty this involves.

The Liberal Democrats therefore reject the call for a referendum on the technical issues arising from the amending treaty which has replaced the proposed European Constitution. Instead, we argue that there should be a more fundamental referendum about whether or not Britain should continue as a member. Liberal Democrats would, in such a referendum, argue strongly in favour of remaining in the Union. We also believe that a public debate about Europe would focus people’s attention on the benefits of the EU in way that could never be achieved by holding a very limited referendum on the amending treaty. 

Woodmancote Parish Council on 13 November considered a report by Derek Deedman on the responses by local people to his article on the traffic problems in Blackstone Lane.

There had been some support for a number of possible actions, including a reduced speed limit, road narrowing in places and access restricted to smaller vehicles.

After some discussion it was agreed that the January meeting of Parish Council would consider any further responses from residents now being encouraged by people living in the Lane to make their views known. The Council would then decide whether to hold a special public meeting in February/March to discuss the matter, or to delay the public discussion to the Annual Parish Meeting in April. In either event officers from Highways & Transport would be invited to advise on what action could be carried out to tackle the situation, to enable  a decision to be reached on the way ahead.

With ballot papers for the Liberal Democrat leadership election going out Wednesday next week, we have a veritable feast of different hustings and media appearances by Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne.On Thursday, November 15th at 10:35pm on BBC1 there is a Question Time Special with Chris Huhne and Nick Clegg, followed on Sunday, November 18th, at 12.00 pm on BBC1, with them going head-to-head on the Politics Show with Jon Sopel.

Online hustings
You can also question both candidates direct via two online hustings. Visit http://forum.libdems.org.uk to post up a question and read the candidates’ answers (you need to be a current party member to take part in this). Or you can take part in our special YouTube hustings at http://youtubehustings.notlong.com

The idea is very simple – you film yourself asking a question, send it in and then Nick and Chris are filmed answering the best. Watch the clip at http://youtubehustings.notlong.com to find out more.

There are three parish council meetings in the Bramber Castle Division this week.

Steyning Parish Council meets tonight, Monday, 12 November. The meeting starts at 7.30pm at the Steyning Centre, Fletchers Croft, Steyning. There will be reports from the Police, Neighbourhood Wardens, Parish Committee Chairmen and County & District Councillors. Members of the public present will be able to ask questions.

Woodmancote Parish Council meets on Tuesday, 13 November. The meeting starts at 8pm at the Parish Hall, Brighton Road, Woodmancote. There will be reports on various parish matters, including planning applications, and reports from County & District Councillors. Members of the public present will be able to contribute on planning applications before discussion and decision on the recommendations to be made to Horsham District Council by the Parish Councillors.

Bramber Parish Council meets on Thursday, 15 November. The meeting starts at 7.30pm at the Beeding & Bramber Village Hall, High Street, Upper Beeding. There will be reports on various parish matters, including planning applications, and reports from County & District Councillors.

At a well attended Annual General Meeting, which took place at Washington Memorial Village Hall yesterday (9th), Andrew Purches (pictured) from Upper Beeding was re-elected Branch Chairman. Andrew is a former Horsham District Councillor for Bramber, Upper Beeding & Woodmancote, and is currently a Parish Councillor and Chairman of the Planning Committee on Upper Beeding Parish Council.

Other officers elected were: -

Vice Chairman - Richard Martin from Storrington

Secretary - Sue Stokes from Steyning

Treasurer - Norman Cooper from Washington

Assistant Treasuer - Ros Deedman from Steyning

Membership Secretary - Steve Holbrook-Sishton from Storrington

Other Committee members - Marian Brown from Small Dole, Derek Deedman from Steyning, Maureen Girard from West Chiltington, Andrew Sharp from Henfield and Fred Taylor from Steyning.

Note: The Chanctonbury Liberal Democrats are a branch of the Arundel & South Downs Liberal Democrats and covers Cowfold, Henfield, Partridge Green, Pulborough, Small Dole, Steyning, Storrington & Sullington, Upper Beeding, Washington, West Chiltington and Woodmancote.

The latest information from the County Council on this scheme is that, for a variety of reasons, works have become protracted and there are still outstanding measures - one of which is speed limit roundels through Woodmancote (which are now long overdue).

The officer concerned is hoping to meet up with the Highway Alliance Schemes Agent soon to go through the scheme in detail, to discuss outstanding matters and agree a date when all the measures can be completed. He will inform me once this is confirmed.

The post monitoring will be undertaken around 3 months post completion and I will be contacted again once this post monitoring has been assessed. this likely to be around June next year.

Clearly there is still some work to do before the success or otherwise of the scheme in reducing speeds through Woodmancote can be assessed. It would appear that this assessment is not likely to be carried out until the middle of next year and this website will be updated as soon as it has been completed and the results are known.

Is that all there is from Brown?
Yesterday afternoon we heard the first Queen’s Speech since Gordon Brown became Prime Minister. After a lifetime spent preparing for the top job and a decade of waiting in No. 11, the Prime Minister felt the need to cancel the General Election because he wanted this opportunity to spell out his vision. There was great anticipation, but the anticlimax was deafening. The legislative programme outlined is firmly rooted in the Blair era. It is now clear that Gordon Brown lacks not only a personal mandate, but also ideas and vision of his own. It leaves us asking one question: is that all there is?

Tories and Labour agree on so much
In replying on behalf of the Liberal Democrats I made the point that across wide swathes of policy his approach is indistinguishable from the Tories’. Taken alongside previous announcements it is clear that Gordon Brown and David Cameron now agree on tax policy, accepting widening inequality, and retaining an unreformed council tax. Both are bidding for the anti-immigrant vote; both are pursuing short-sighted populist policies; both are intent on filling prisons with petty criminals and the mentally ill; both are promoting nuclear power and an unfettered airport expansion regardless of the environmental consequences; both are backing student top-up and tuition fees; and both are in the thrall of the Bush administration – notably on Iraq.

On all of those issues it is the Liberal Democrats who offer a distinctive voice.

We offer a real alternative
The Liberal Democrats alone will fight for improvements to the Climate Change Bill, with annual emissions targets by which to judge government progress. We alone will maintain our opposition to any irrational extension of the period of detention without charge from its current twenty-eight day limit, and we alone will continue to fight the introduction of the unwanted, unnecessary and expensive national identity card scheme.

We will also continue to put pressure on the government to hold a referendum on Britain’s future in the European Union. If the government were brave enough to join us in leading the campaign for a “yes” vote in an in-out ballot, we could draw the poison from the debate on Britain’s future in the EU, and end the eurosceptic argument that the British people have no say.

Over the course of this week the content of the Queen’s Speech will be debated on the floor of the House of Commons. The Liberal Democrats will take that opportunity to press the government on its legislative plans for the next twelve months.  We will support the government where we agree with it, and we will provide robust and principled opposition where we do not.

We alone can fill that role.

Vincent Cable MP
Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats

The closest meeting to the Arundel and South Downs area will be on 19 November, starting at 7pm at the River of Life Church, 19a Broadwater Road, Worthing.

All Lib Dem members will be able to attend to listen and to be able to ask questions of the two candidates, Nick Clegg MP and Chris Huhne MP.

Derek Deedman and other leading Lib Dem campaigners from the Arundel & South Downs area will be there. If any Lib Dem supporters, who are not members, would like to have specific questions asked of the two candidates please contact Derek Deedman via this website with their question for him to ask on their behalf at the meeting.

Following a meeting between the Local Highway Manager and the crossing expert from County Hall last week, the Local Highway Manager has agreed with Derek Deedman to arrange for a preliminary design and safety check to be prepared for the crossing.

Derek has reiterated that he fully supports the scheme, which he has campaigned for over many years, and it has considerable local support from residents, the Parish Council, and the Chanctonbury County Local Committee. He also reminded the Local Highway Manager that local residents had petitioned the MP for this crossing and he had passed it to the County Council for action.

Acting Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable boycotted the state visit of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Dr Cable turned down an invite to a Buckingham Palace banquet in the King’s honour, citing Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record, and the alleged corruption around the regime’s arms deal with the British firm BAE.

Vince Cable said, “I have introduced three debates in Parliament this year expressing serious concerns over the Al-Yamamah contract and the corruption allegedly involved.  I have, in my arguments, also been very critical of members of the Saudi royal family and the Saudi record on human rights including its maltreatment of British citizens. In my opinion, it is quite wrong for the British government to have proposed a state visit at this time. Therefore, it was, I believe, inappropriate for me to participate in a ceremonial state visit against this background.”

Derek Deedman, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Arundel & South Downs at the 2001 and 2005 General Elections, commented, “I fully support the action taken by Vince Cable. Unlike the other major parties the Liberal Democrats stand by their principles, and will not toady-up to the leaders of other countries where we have been critical of their actions, especially in the sphere of human rights.”

 

Following the recent public consultation on new issues relating to the South Downs National Park (Designation) Order 2002 the Secretary of State has decided to re-open the public inquiry.

Arrangements are being made for the inquiry to re-open at 10am on Tuesday 12 February 2008 at The Chatsworth Hotel, Steyne, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 3DU.  Mr Robert Neil Parry, BA DipTP MRTPI, will hold the re-opened inquiry.

The Inspector has been asked to consider, in the context of the terms of the original inquiry, the following specific issues:

i.  any implications for the Designation Order (as varied by the Variation Order) arising directly as a result of the revised National Parks legislation – amendments to the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 made by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006;

ii.  any implications for the Designation Order (as varied by the Variation Order) arising directly as a result of the High Court and Court of Appeal Judgments in the challenge by Meyrick Estate Management Ltd relating to the New Forest National Park;

iii. the possible alternative boundary line from north of Petersfield running east across to Pulborough, produced by Natural England at Defra’s request, based on a recommendation in the South Downs Inquiry Report Volume 1, Part 2 (para 2.71); and

iv. those possible additional areas of land recommended for inclusion within the proposed South Downs National Park against which there have been objections.

The Inspector has also been asked to indicate if any other points raised during the further public consultation that was held during the period 2nd July to 24th September 2007 have caused him to change any of his recommendations.

The Inquiry website is at:

http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/southdowns/index.htm

 

The Planning Inspectorate can be contacted at:                 

                                                Tel: 0117 372 8424

4/02 Kite Wing                           Mobile: 0791 9057365

Temple Quay House                     Fax: 0117 372 8766

2 The Square                                     Email: Barbara.bay@pins.gis.gov.uk

Temple Quay

Bristol BS1 6PN

Derek Deedman has welcomed the addition of land recommended for inclusion in the proposed Park at Small Dole and supports the objections to the recommended exclusions of Steyning and Upper Beeding. 

 

 

The winter timetable starts on 9 December 2007 and, as you may be aware, it will include significant changes to West Coastway and Arun Valley services.

The key changes are:

• Faster trains from Chichester to London with most trains running non-stop between Barnham and Horsham.

• A new through service every hour between Brighton and Southampton.

• Faster trains between Brighton and Portsmouth.

• Bognor Regis and Littlehampton will both have two trains per hour to London for most of the day.

• New services from Littlehampton to Portsmouth.

Many rail users should benefit from the new services. It is also hoped that others who may not previously have used the railway will be encouraged to give trains a try. All passengers who use West Coastway and Arun Valley services are being advised to check the new timetable as their train times may well have changed.

These changes are brought about by the renewed South West Trains’ (SWT) franchise whose trains will no longer serve Brighton and West Coastway stations from this December. Through the changes, the same or a better quality of train service should be provided for the vast majority of current passengers – about 84 per cent. However, these changes unfortunately mean that for a minority of passengers’ journey times may increase (for example journeys from Arundel, Amberley, Pulborough, Billinghurst and Christ’s Hospital to London may take up to 8 minutes longer) or a change of train may be required where it is not currently necessary (for example Littlehampton to Brighton passengers will need to change at Hove though journey times will be faster).

To help communicate the changes to passengers information roadshows will be staged at larger stations along the route. It is hoped that this will ensure that passengers are aware of the potential change to their service and also of the new opportunities that there will be.

The nearest roadshow to Steyning will be at the following station:

 

Worthing Monday 12 November 0630 – 2000

If you would like to arrange a specific time on any of this day to speak to a manager about these changes, for example the west coast timetable expert, contact Yvonne yvonne.leslie@southernrailway.com to pre-arrange this.

Brighton Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy Timetable for Dec 2008 – Consultation

The proposals for the December 2008 timetable are now available for consultation. If you have not received the consultation document and would like to, please contact Yvonne yvonne.leslie@southernrailway.com

Derek Deedman said that he hoped the changes would make it easy to convince people to transfer from car travel to rail, but, as usual Steyning area people will not be able to see a road show on the changes at ‘our’ local station - Shoreham-By-Sea. but would have to go to Worthing instead.

 

During the coming weeks many residents of the Horsham District will be celebrating Halloween and Bonfire Night.

It is a time to remember that for many, the forthcoming festivities will bring with them uncertainty and feeling of unease. Many of the District’s more vulnerable members of the community will not share the happy times of trick or treats, or, of watching fireworks at the local park.

People may be concerned regarding strangers knocking on doors in the darkness, dressed in costumes and the protracted use of fireworks, worrying some pets and people alike.   Agencies across the Horsham area will help to reassure these members of the community and hopefully make this time of a year, a time for them to enjoy safely.

Sussex Police will be ensuring that the Neighbourhood Specialist Teams are working with residents across the towns and villages to provide them with guidance and assistance to help them feel safe and secure in their own homes. We will be reinforcing our message that trick and treat can be fun, if organised properly, but where residents have clearly indicated that they do not wish to take part in this activity, that should be respected.

We have made plans to ensure that officers will be on duty at key times, both during half term and Halloween and Bonfire Night. People can be assured that reports of disorderly behaviour will be investigated and positive action taken to identify those responsible and deal with them appropriately.

To support the Police in their efforts, all community partners are asked to help ensure key messages are passed to local traders across the District. These messages include taking sensible steps to prevent some of the disorder that can occur at this time of year.

Retailers can train and educate staff to think about the type of customer who may be purchasing eggs and flour, to possibly throw at houses, or purchasing quantities of fireworks that are obviously not for an organised display. This kind of ”responsible retailing” can help everyone have an enjoyable and safe Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Most importantly we all need to encourage communities to come together, to support and look out for those that may need a little extra help to make them feel safe at home. Together, we can make a difference to the feeling of security that everyone is entitled to in Horsham District.

The matter of more cycle routes was raised at the Steyning Parish Council Highways & Lighting meeting last Tuesday.

A suggestion was made that a short stretch of Right of Way 2600 between the School entrance in Shooting Field to Coxham Lane be adapted for use by cyclists. Concern was expressed that at school times that footpath was very heavily used by children walking so it would not be suitable for use by cyclists. In addition it is not clear how cyclists would get to/from the Coxham Lane end as the Rights of Ways from/to there are clearly not wide enough, and Coxham Lane itself goes into the dangerous section of Horsham Road.

It was agreed however, that Derek Deedman should contact the County Officer looking at improving the safety of walking/cycling to the Primary School, for her comments on the proposal.

The Chanctonbury County Local Committee meeting on 30 October, starting at 7pm at Storrington Village Hall, will receive an update on the latest position on the  possible changes to waste disposal in the County.

A senior county officer will lead the debate on the new arrangements which are being considered to replace the majority of the landfill operations by which  the County’s waste is currently disposed.

Firstly the County Council wants to reduce the amount of waste being disposed of, with ideas to reduce the materials (such as packaging) which then have to be disposed of, by increasing the re-use of no longer used items and by  increasing recycling.

Secondly, where there remains waste to be dealt with, this is to be managed as a resource, rather than to be landfilled as in the past.  There are many types of built waste management facilities which are available for this, and the final decision on the type  to be adopted in West Sussex will not be made until early 2009.

It is hoped that the debate at the Committee meeting, which will be open to members of the public, parish and district councillors present, as well as the County Councillors for the area, will improve local knowledge of what is planned and inform the County Council on the local views on the proposals being considered.

Derek Deedman is a member of the County Waste Task Force established by the Cabinet Member for Waste to consider the various options available, and hopes there will be a large audience at the meeting to contribute to the debate.

Council officers will be meeting on site later this month to consider the technical aspects for the zebra crossing scheme. Any update available will be reported to the Chanctonbury County Local Committee meeting on 30 October. The Committee meeting will start at 7pm at Storrington Village Hall.

The first consultation in the Sussex area is due to start on 12 November. This will include Arundel & South Downs. The  Post Office has approached the County Council for further local information in preparation for the start of this consultation process. Post Office Ltd will be consulting with local authorities and community representatives on their proposals.

Clearly, of the post offices serving people within the Bramber Castle area, the Steyning and Henfield Post Offices should be safe, but the Upper Beeding and Small Dole offices could be under threat. Updates on the situation will be posted as any news becomes known.

Nick Clegg has launched his leadership bid urging the Liberal Democrats to be ‘bolder’, insisting it was time to ‘look to the future’. Mr Clegg joins colleague Chris Huhne, who announced his candidacy in London on Wednesday. Mr Clegg signalled his intention to stand at a launch in his Sheffield constituency this morning, saying: “If the Liberal Democrats are to change the tired old pattern of British politics, we are going to have to be bolder. We are going to have to move out of our comfort zone. We cannot test the patience of the British people any longer. We must now make a long term commitment to British Liberalism. The Liberal Democrats now have the opportunity, once and for all, to break the stifling grip of two-party politics … and give a voice to the millions of people who don’t feel they have a voice in British politics at all.” [Guardian – Clegg launch] [BBC – Huhne launch]

Derek Deedman, Chairman of Arundel & South Downs Liberal Democrats, welcomed the contest between the two leading front-bench MPs. He said it was very sad that Sir Ming Campbell had stood down as Leader, but despite the major investment in communications staff under his leadership, the media ignored the Lib Dem position on current affairs and its radical policies and had only been interested in Ming’s age and how old he looked. Derek continued, “I find it extremely frustrating that so many people do not know where the Lib Dems stand on so many contentious issues, and yet we have radical policies to tackle the many challenges Britain faces today. I will be backing the leadership candidate who convinces me that they have the answer to overcoming the effective media blackout on those policies, and will be able to ensure that the public know the Lib Dem position on the major issues of the day.”

Crime recorded by the police in England and Wales fell by 7% in the 12 months to June, according to Home Office figures. The largest fall was in property crime. Drug offences, however, saw a 14% increase. [Guardian]

No doubt ministers will find something in these statistics to crow about. However, the truth is that people feel far less safe in their own communities than they should, and certain key offences such as drug-related crime are still going up. What people care about is not whether politicians sound tough, but whether they have the smart ideas needed to cut offending. (Nick Clegg MP)

Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament have launched a campaign today to mark the first EU Day against Human Trafficking (on 18th October) which aims to raise awareness to fight this form of organised crime. Tomorrow marks the first European Day Against Human Trafficking. Over two million people are thought to be illegally trafficked around the world each year, up to 4000 of which enter the United Kingdom. Speaking today, Lib Dem Liz Lynne MEP has welcomed the campaign, saying: “The only way this vile trade in human beings will be stamped out is if we have a common and integrated approach across Europe that establishes minimum standards for the treatment of trafficking victims.” The Euro Lib Dems (ALDE) campaign includes:

o a call on all EU citizens to sign the Global Initiative To Fight Trafficking, in view of collecting one million signatures, which will be presented to the UN Secretary General in February 2008

o an amendment to the EU 2008 Budget calling for two million euros to be set aside for the creation of a single EU telephone number that would be available across all Member States

o urging EU member states to sign and ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Human Trafficking in Human Beings [Release]

Almost every UK region has difficulties in housing, health, education and crime because of increased migration, according to a report by the Home Office’s Migration Impacts Forum. The report follows yesterday’s publication from ministers that indicated the ‘clear benefits’ of migration for the British economy. In a review of the regional picture, the Home Office forum received anecdotal reports of pressures across five key areas: crime and disorder, community cohesion, health, education and housing. There is currently disagreement among experts over the net impact of migration. [BBC]

This report confirms what the Liberal Democrats have always said: a fair, free and effective immigration system is only possible if three conditions are met - administrative competence at our borders; planning for the impact on local services and actively promoting integration. The government has failed spectacularly on all three counts, indulging instead in a mix of administrative incompetence in the Home Office and tough-talking populism in Parliament. (Nick Clegg MP )

The illegal use of motorbikes on Rights of Way which are not byways open to all traffic (BOAT’s) was again discussed at today’s meeting of the Countryside Access Forum for West Sussex attended by Derek Deedman.

The Pathwatch Scheme, which mainly operates in the Chichester area, has achieved a reduction in the illegal use of at least one Right of Way of some 60% .

Although there are no additional Police resources to concentrate on catching  people using motorbikes illegally  on Rights of Way, Derek Deedman is urging anyone seeing such illegal use to report it to the Police and obtain an incident number. Regular reporting of such illegal use when it happens  will then prompt Police action to address the crime figures.

Towards the end of the last Parliamentary term, the government put out for consultation a proposal to take away 5% of the surplus cash left in each school’s budget and to redistribute it to local authorities. This money, £225 million in total, falls within the delegated budgets under which schools pay for their running costs. Many schools build up reserves to pay for forthcoming projects or to cover them for a “rainy day”. Many have foreseen that growth in school budgets will be halved over the next three years and are looking to use their reserves to cushion the effect of this.

LIBERAL Democrats in Arundel & South Downs have warned that a proposal by the government to take away cash reserves that local schools have built up will damage children’s education.

The government have put out for consultation a proposal to siphon off 5% of the cash held in reserve in school budgets. Many schools build up reserves to invest in new equipment or as cover for a rainy day.

Derek Deedman, Chairman of Arundel & South Downs Liberal Democrats said, “Frankly, I am appalled that the government can even think of doing this. Taking money from school budgets in this way is little more than a smash and grab on careful schools that have planned for the future. The effect could be felt by many school children in Arundel & South Downs.

“The government claims the money will be given back to councils to spend on education. My fear is that all they want to do is claim they are spending lots of new money on education when the reality is the government is spending the same money twice.

“This proposal by the government should be dropped immediately. The money built up by schools in Arundel & South Downs should stay with the schools for the benefit of children.”

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Children, Schools and Families Secretary, David Laws MP said:

“The Government’s plan to raid £225m from over 20,000 schools throughout the Country is outrageous and must be scrapped.

“This dotty idea will hit the most prudent schools, including those who have saved up money for a special project, such as a new school building.

“Most bizarrely of all, ministers say that they will take money from schools based on their balances almost 18 months ago, even if they have since spent that money.

“This is the economics of the madhouse, and takes us back 10 or 20 years to the ridiculous rules that used to force Government departments into blowing their money on almost any old scheme at the end of the financial year.

“At a time when the growth of the schools budget is set to be cut in half, it is absurd to be penalising schools who manage their budgets prudently.

“The Liberal Democrats will oppose these regulations when they are brought before Parliament. The Government already has powers in relation to uncommitted balances - there is no need for any further draconian steps.”

Related link(s):

About Mr David Laws

 

The Liberal Democrats have accused the Tories of hypocrisy, following Conservative complaints that Alistair Darling had stolen their tax policies. Several key proposals announced this week which the Conservatives claimed were their own, had actually originally been proposed by the Liberal Democrats. They include:

·         Charging aviation tax on planes, not passengers (passed by Liberal Democrat conference in 2004)

·         Taxing non-domiciles (passed by Liberal Democrat conference in 2007)

·         Increasing the inheritance tax threshold (passed by Liberal Democrat conference in 2007)

For the Tories to be complaining about the government stealing their policies is like a gang of thieves protesting about their houses being burgled. However the similarities between Labour and the Conservatives mean that there are core areas of tax policy which neither are willing to tackle. Both have failed to come up with any measures to help the poorest in society or alternatives to the discredited Council Tax, which is now due to rise at double the rate of inflation. Only the Liberal Democrats are arguing for a substantial switch from taxes on income to taxes on pollution. The flat rate poll tax both parties have proposed for non-doms would completely fail to make the likes of Roman Abramovich pay their fair share of tax. (Cable) [Lib Dem tax plans]

Several objections have been made to the conversion of this Right of Way to a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) and the next step is for the opposed order to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate - there will almost certainly be a public local inquiry. County Council staff will be doing the submission and this will probably be in a few months time as there are earlier opposed orders to be submitted first.

This website will be updated when the papers are sent. (The Planning Inspectorate contacts the statutory objectors).

Voters gave the thumbs down to Horsham Tories car parking stealth tax in the Holbrook West by-election yesterday.

With a turn out 32.2% Lib Dem Belinda Walters won the seat from the Tories by 48 votes.

The full figures were: -

LD (Belinda Walters) 602
Con 554
Lab 52
BNP 163

9% swing Tory to Lib Dem.

There are now 12 Lib Dems to 30 Tories with 2 Independents on Horsham District Council

 

 

Background

Chancellor Alistair Darling introduced the Comprehensive Spending Review on 9^th October 2007. The CSR includes an expectation that the settlement for local government will lead to annual council tax rises of 5% for the next three years, twice the rate of inflation. There are no plans in place however to reform this regressive tax.

LIBERAL Democrats in Arundel & South Downs have warned that council tax could rocket over the next three years because of the government’s decision to squeeze the cash given to councils.

For every pound spent by councils, on average, 75p of it comes from central government as part of a cash grant to help pay for local services. But the government’s spending plans for the next three years, called the Comprehensive Spending Review, will slam on the brakes and massively restrict the money Whitehall based ministers give to councils.

Liberal Democrats in Arundel & South Downs have warned that West Sussex County Council may be forced by the spending decision of the Labour government to increase council tax well above inflation.

Derek Deedman, Chairman of Arundel & South Downs Liberal Democrats, said, “Labour’s spending plans are based on council tax rising at double the rate of inflation over the next three years. That will mean big council tax increases for residents of Arundel & South Downs.

“Labour have no plans to reform council tax, the unfairest tax in the country. The Conservatives will also keep council tax. But Labour are making a bad situation worse by forcing up council tax by more than inflation.

“This is bad news in particular for the elderly residents of Arundel & South Downs who have fixed incomes or who saved all their lives and as a result are refused council tax benefit.

“Council tax is a rotten system and needs to be replaced with by a fair system based on ability to pay, not used to bail out Labour’s Whitehall cash black hole.”

Ends

Commenting on the pre-budget report and Comprehensive Spending Review, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor and Deputy Leader, Vince Cable MP said:

“Today’s announcement of falling growth and the tightest spending round in a decade is the result of ten years of neglect by Gordon Brown.

“For too long The Prime Minister callously disregarded the mounting problem of personal debt, fuelled by irresponsible lending.

“With households now facing 160% income to debt ratios and spending a fifth of their income servicing existing debts, it has become inevitable that spending and growth will fall.”

Commenting on the Chancellor’s tax proposals Dr Cable said:

“The Liberal Democrats have long called for action on non-domiciled individuals and welcome any proposal which ensures they pay their fair share of tax.

“However, it is peculiar that after criticising the Conservatives for an unworkable charge on non-doms, the Chancellor has opted for the exact same thing. Surely it makes greater sense to tax these individuals as UK citizens after a set period of time.

“Today’s Inheritance Tax proposals will be a great relief to many married couples who wish to transfer their house to their children. However this does nothing for the many families who have separated or chose not to enter into a marriage or civil partnership.”

Commenting on the Chancellor’s spending proposals, Dr Cable said:

“With a crushing spending squeeze on local government it seems inevitable that Council Tax will rise by as much as 5% each year. This will mean that Council Tax will have more than doubled since Labour came to power.

“This unfair tax must be abolished and replaced with a tax based on an individual’s ability to pay.

“Health spending growth is halving and doesn’t even reach the 4.4% requirement recommended by Sir Derek Wanless of the minimum amount of spending necessary to improve health services.

“This announcement was intended to be a statement of political bribery, but with no election it has had to pay heed to economic reality; with an economy heading for turmoil and a squeeze on spending which will damage our public services.

“The Government has ducked the tough choices which needed to be made on public spending, rather than cutting wasteful projects such as ID cards, Child Trust Funds and the NHS IT Scheme and reallocating the money saved to front line public services.” 

---

Commenting on the Environment proposals, Chris Huhne, Shadow Environment Secretary said:

“The change in the basis of air taxes from passengers to flights is a step in the right direction as it will encourage airlines to fly full. Liberal Democrats have argued for an emissions-based tax since 2004.

“Any notion that Gordon Brown has gone green will be dispelled by the failure of the Defra budget to even keep pace with the projected growth of the economy, despite a crying need for flood defences and energy-saving measures.

“Given the appalling floods in the summer, this is a settlement for Defra and the Environment Agency that reeks of false economies which future flood victims will bitterly regret. It also risks provoking the insurance companies into reviewing their long-standing commitment to provide cover.

“The energy-saving measures at home are also feeble, as there is only a commitment to a cash rise for low-income households, which will not keep up with inflation. With each UK household spending £385 a year more on average than a Swedish household on energy, this is complete folly.

“The commitment to an environmental transformation fund and other pledges are offset by £379 million a year of efficiency savings that have not yet been identified. This is a triumph of hope over experience and may lead to a further substantial squeeze on Defra’s budget.” 

---

Commenting on the NHS proposals, Norman Lamb, Shadow Health Secretary, said:

 ”Despite years of rising investment, the NHS has still managed to rack up nationwide debts and cut jobs, all while health inequality widened.

 ”The Government’s poor record on health spending doesn’t exactly inspire confidence that things will improve in the NHS.

 ”With less extra money coming in, the Government cannot afford to continue wasting it on centralised bureaucracy and contradictory reform.

 ”How much of this money will actually reach the front line of patient care?

 ”There is still no answer to the mess over funding of elderly care. The Government has failed to address the terrible unfairness of people losing everything as result of personal care costs.”

Derek Deedman and Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable MP showing the Liberal Democrats’ plans to cut income tax.

Liberal Democrats in Arundel & South Downs have welcomed the party’s plans to cut income tax, paid for by shifting more of the tax burden onto pollution.

The plans were agreed at the Liberal Democrats’ recent conference in Brighton where members voted for a radical set of proposals that aim to encourage people to have greener lifestyles by rewarding with lower taxes those who pollute less.

Derek Deedman, Chairman of Arundel & South Downs Liberal Democrats, said, “Climate change is the biggest problem we face. The floods and storms we experienced this year in other parts of the Country are likely to happen more and more often if we do not tackle the causes of climate change now.

“If we don’t take action now the low lying parts of Ashurst, Bramber, Small Dole, Steyning and Upper Beeding are likely to face damaging floods on a regular basis from the River Adur in the future, and the bills for damage and destruction will grow and grow.

“Under Labour the share of taxes paid by polluters has fallen. Overall, it is now cheaper to pollute under Labour. Liberal Democrats want to change that. Residents of Arundel & South Downs will benefit from our plan to cut national income tax by 4p in the pound.

“But we will pay for this by shifting more of the tax burden onto those causing the most pollution. Those who choose to drive gas guzzling vehicles or who fly regularly will pay more. But those who decide to drive cleaner cars that pump out less polluting carbon emissions will be rewarded with a tax cut.”

The proposals also involve closing tax loopholes that currently allow the super rich to pay a lower rate of tax than those on low and medium incomes.

After the vote at conference on the tax cutting plans Derek Deedman met Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable to talk about how the policies will benefit the people of Arundel & South Downs.

Mr Cable said, “The unacceptable reality is that in Britain today the poorest pay a higher proportion of their income in tax than the super-rich. Under our proposals, tax cuts for the majority will be paid for by the wealthy minority, as well as those with environmentally damaging lifestyles.”

Liberal Democrats are taking the issue seriously. They know that just asking people to change lifestyles is not enough. To get real change, we need to give people a strong incentive. People need to be rewarded for being green through tax cuts.

If you opt to drive the most gas guzzling cars or to fly regularly in the most polluting planes, you will pay more.

But if you choose a clean, low emission vehicle, then you won’t have to pay car tax at all.

There is a choice under the Liberal Democrats. Go green and get tax cuts, or pollute and pay more.

Background

The federal conference was held on 16-20 September 2007 in Brighton where the Liberal Democrats developed and strengthened our policy platform on issues across the political agenda, in preparation for the next general election, whenever it comes. There were debates and speeches on health, education, civil liberties, foreign affairs and constitutional reform. But particularly important were papers taking forward our agenda on climate change, tax reform and tackling poverty and inequality:

The Environment – Action Now
The central theme of the conference was “The Environment – Action Now”. With the policies in our climate change paper we have become the first major British party to map out the route to a carbon neutral Britain. Running through all our policies is a green thread that signals our commitment to combating climate change. Under our proposals, the UK would set the green standard for others to reach. [Watch our ‘Environment: Act Now’ video]

A Fairer and Greener Tax System
Building on the Green Tax Switch plan adopted by the party a year ago, proposals were passed by conference for the setting up of a Future Transport Fund, using the proceeds of new charges on road freight and internal air flights (excluding ‘lifeline’ flights) to double investment in Britain’s railways over the next five years. The tax system will also be made fairer, with tax cuts for those on lower incomes paid for by removing loopholes exploited by the rich, as well as increases in environmental taxes.

Freedom from Poverty, Opportunity for All
Radical new proposals to reduce poverty and tackle inequality in Britain were agreed by conference. Under Labour inequality has increased and social mobility has decreased. Our plans will reverse Gordon Brown’s dependency culture and create a society of genuine opportunity where instead of treating the symptoms of inequality, we treat its causes - poor educational opportunities, unemployment, bad housing and unstable families.

Upbeat and Ready for a General Election
The Liberal Democrats will be ready for the general election, whenever it comes. We will expose the cosy consensus which exists between the Conservatives and Labour on so many issues. We will continue the principled and consistent opposition that we so effectively provide in Parliament. While Gordon Brown and David Cameron fight the battle of spin and PR, we will take them on, and beat them, in the battle of ideas, demonstrating the politics of substance that the British people want and deserve.

Lib Dem Campaigner Andrew Purches has learned that big rent increases are threatening the viability of this popular shopping precinct. the Focus Team is urging local people to support the shops to prevent the loss of some or all them.

Supported by the Focus Team for some time, and agreed in principle by the Parish Council to meet the demand from local residents, the project has been delayed due it being in a Conservation Area. A special design is required, for the shelter to blend in with the architecture in the High Street, and to meet planning conditions. Lib Dem Campaigner, Andrew Purches, will continue to press the Parish Council to overcome the problems involved

Local Lib Dem Campaigner, Andrew Purches thanks to all those who have given him their support in the campaign for a zebra crossing in Pound Lane. People have said that there is a great need for a crossing at the junction of Hyde Square across Pound Lane, to the Monks Walk twitten, particularly in the morning rush hour, when it is  dangerous for both youngsters and their parents heading for school. Another option Andrew is investigating is a “lollipop” person at school time.   

Derek Deedman is supporting local residents calling on the County Council to investigate a strategic approach to the traffic problems in Blackstone Lane. These problems have been made worse in recent years with traffic from more business workshops in the Lane.

Local people also want action on the increasing use of Blackstone Lane as a cut through to/from the A23 towards the coast. Boundary walls have been knocked down by trucks which are clearly too large to negotiate the corners, whilst bollards to protect the walls have not always been successful.

The problem has been made worse with the use of ‘Sat Nav’ devices indicating the use of Blackstone Lane. The Ordnance Survey (OS) are looking into new Sat Nav devices, which will be coming out with better data and the option to input the type of vehicle being used. The OS have been asked by the County Council to ensure that the data for Local Authorities has been mapped to show the restrictions on such routes as Blackstone Lane in West Sussex.

It is felt by some that the Lane is too narrow in parts for long vehicles to navigate safely whether they are passing through or delivering to premises in the Lane. Although there is an enforceable 6′6″ width restriction, which means that any vehicles using this purely as a short cut are doing so illegally, it is rare for the Police to take action. In any event some vehicles are using Blackstone Lane to gain access to property along the Lane, and these would be exempt from the width restriction. Some further advisory signs, which could be installed, ‘unsuitable for long vehicles’ or similar, without the need for a traffic regulation orders, are being investigated, but, unfortunately, these would also not  be an enforceable restriction.

It is understood that over the years various ideas (speed restrictions, speed bumps etc) have been suggested by local residents with variable enthusiasm. They have also proposed that enforcing a single lane with passing spaces (as in Ditchling in East Sussex) or making the entrances to the Lane at both ends noticeably narrow might be an option.

Derek Deedman  is asking local people to let him know whether they agree with any of the possible solutions mentioned above to reduce the traffic problems in Blackstone Lane or have any other ideas.

Local residents are calling for the provision of this safe way to walk/cycle along the Henfield Road.

With continual increases in traffic it is less and less safe to walk/cycle along the roads without  footpaths/cycleways. Local Lib Dems are therefore keen to see these provided to link all the villages and small towns in our area. A start has been made in Woodmancote along the A281 towards Henfield with a new rural footpath, but much more needs to be done.

Derek Deedman is asking local people whether they would support more such footpaths/cycleways.

 

The County Council is rolling out the provision of safety zones with 20mph speed limits outside all schools in West Sussex over the next few years.

The traffic situation outside Upper Beeding Primary School, and congestion caused by vehicles during the ‘school run’ is particularly bad. With the congestion resulting in reduced visibility for those crossing the road and increased chances of an accident an early provision of a safety zone is planned for 2008/09.

It is hoped that the works will also lead to reduced car usage and an increase in walking to school.

 

Parish councils and the Chanctonbury County Local Committee (CLC) will be consulted on the Draft Programme over the next few months. The final decision on the works to be carried out in 2008/09 and design for schemes in 2009/10 should then be made by March 2008. 

Schemes in the Draft Programme for 2008/09 include: -

Steyning

Lighting column work in Bostal Road, Charlton Street, Church Mead, College Hill, Jarvis Lane and Mill Road.

Footway reconstruction, Thornscroft section of

Shooting Field.

Upper Beeding

Carriageway resurfacing in Dacre Gardens and at the High Trees roundabout junction of the A283 and Shoreham Road.

Drainage improvements on the Henfield Road outside “The Burrells”.

Provision of a School Safety Zone outside Upper Beeding Primary School.

Designs for schemes in the Draft Programme for 2009/10 include: -

Bramber

Carriageway resurfacing of the Steyning Bypass from Castle Lane footway crossing to Bramber roundabout.

Upper Beeding

Carriageway resurfacing of the A2037 from the Landfill Site entrance to Tottington Drive, Small Dole. 

 

This November will see the reconstruction of the section from the Triangle to Church Lane.

Following consultations between Derek Deedman, local residents, and Highways staff, the section on the Thornscroft side of Shooting Field is now programmed to be completed in early 2008/09 – a year earlier than planned.

And, again as requested by local residents, the design for this last section provides for the removal of the grass verges and reconstruction of them as footway. This will then provide a reasonable width footway for parents and children walking to the schools, and for the Church Street Grammar School children walking to/from the Shooting Field site.

Following the report in the summer edition of the Bramber Castle Focus it has been confirmed that the Sunday 100 bus service from Pulborough to Burgess Hill through Steyning, Bramber, Upper Beeding and Small Dole was withdrawn from 7 October. This leaves Small Dole with no public transport services on Sundays.

And now the winter schedule for the 2A bus service to/from Shoreham to Steyning means that bus users from Small Dole would have to wait in Upper Beeding for nearly an hour both ways to make the trip to Shoreham/Worthing. Previously there was only a few minutes to wait between the 100 and 2A bus services at the Rising Sun in Upper Beeding to go to Shoreham with a bit longer coming back. The new times means that it is unlikely anyone will now use public transport to go to Shoreham/Worthing!

Derek Deedman has taken this up with both the County Council (which supports the 100) and Brighton & Hove Buses (which runs the 2A), but neither is prepared to change their respective timetables because of the need to tie in with 5/6 school times on the 100 route and the impact on times with other bus services in Brighton. Brighton & Hove have said they will keep the situation under review.

Thanks to Brighton & Hove Buses however, although the Council subsidy for the 2A Sunday service would have limited the operation of the service to between 10am and 5pm, the Bus Company has decided to continue to run the service to Steyning on Sunday evenings on a commercial basis.

The 106 bus service to Worthing has also been saved, thanks to Compass Travel deciding to operate it on a commercial basis. But this remains only a once per day morning shopping service, with the bus leaving the Steyning area just after 10am, and leaving Worthing at 1.35pm to return to Steyning. This does not help those wishing to go to/from Shoreham/ Worthing at other times of the day to work or use leisure and entertainment facilities. It will need more people to use this shopping service if it is to survive now the Tory run County Council has cut its subsidy.

But the Steyning area has lost out in the extension of the Brighton & Hove Buses successful 24 hour bus services. The N7 service will be extended every hour during the night from central Hove through Southwick to Shoreham. So, even though there are Brighton night workers who live in Bramber/Upper Beeding/Steyning and young people wishing to attend the late night facilities in Brighton, they will have to continue to use their cars.

Local Lib Dem Ros Deedman has written to the Bus Company complaining that, despite the need to encourage the use of public transport instead of the car in the fight against climate change, the Steyning area has been excluded from this improvement in bus services.