On Monday the city council approved revised parking requirements for new developments. In the past, the Labour government planning rules meant new developments were prevented from having proper parking and this led to blocks of flats being built with little or in some cases no parking. This has caused massive problems for local residents. The new government rules now allow councils to set their own local parking standards for developers.
On Monday we brought in changes that will mean at least one space can be provided per one bed flat and more parking for larger flats and houses.
The full details can be found HERE.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Helping Out in Ranelagh Gardens
I was very pleased to help out residents in Ranelagh Gardens in Banister Park on Sunday morning. A big team was out to clear the community open space by the side of the close and help tidy up the local area. As well us picking up litter in Ranelagh Gardens we did a good job on Archers Road too.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Foundry Lane Litter Pick
Thank you to everyone who helped out with the Foundry Lane litter pick on Saturday. We collected 25 bin bags full of rubbish and fly tipped material.
We cleaned up Lakelands Park, Foundry Lane, Testwood Road and made a good start on the alleyway behind it. Not bad for an hour's work!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Discussing the Strikes on the Politics Show
On the Politics show last Sunday discussing industrial action in Southampton:
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Freemantle Academy's New Website
Freemantle Academy has launched its new website: http://www.freemantleacademy.com/
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Meeting on Police Station Closures
There is a Public meeting on Police Station Closures this coming Tuesday.
Tuesday 13th September 2011
St Georges School between 19.00 - 21.00.
The Assistant Chief Constable will be present to answer questions, along with representatives from the Safer Neighbourhood Team.
Your Freemantle Councillors are very concerned about the planned closure of Shirley and Portswood Police Stations. We are fighting for alternative police buildings in the community where the beat police are based. These should be accessible to residents so people can continue to report crimes locally.
Click HERE for more information.
Police Commissioners Delay
I was disappointed to hear this week that plans to elect new police commissioners will be delay until at least November 2012. The elections had been scheduled to coincide with the local elections in May in order to cut costs and boost voter turn out. Click HERE for the story on the Echo website.
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Educational Support for Deaf Children
Following the recent coverage on educational support for deaf children and young people in Southampton, I want to take this opportunity to restate Southampton City Council’s commitment to this service.
Most importantly there has been no cut in the service this year. Nor is there any question of the service being axed – and therefore in need of being ‘saved’.
In fact, we have plans to increase provision in the new school year.
The 165 children and their families who accessed the service last year will receive the same service this year if they need it. If there was any question at all of any child not getting the support they needed and were entitled to we would act immediately.
It should be made clear that the ratio quoted by the National Society for Deaf Children (NSDC) of specialist teachers to children in no way takes into account the quality of the service available to children and young people with hearing impairments in Southampton – as well as the excellent support available to their families.
Reports have neglected to mention the support the council provides which is above and beyond anything offered by many other councils. As well as the Specialist Teacher Adviser Team, the council continues to fund additional provision at a number of schools, in addition to funding a specialist technician to support this provision across the city.
Of course this is a highly emotive subject and sometimes facts can get lost in all the noise – and the most important fact is that we are not cutting this service. Every deaf child who needs help will get that help.
I have said all along that I would welcome the NSDC to Southampton, to show them the service we provide – including the extra support that we offer – and hear any views they have on the specifics of our service.
The council’s goal is that Southampton is seen as a city with learning at its heart, achieving excellence in education for all our children and young people, whatever their needs.
Most importantly there has been no cut in the service this year. Nor is there any question of the service being axed – and therefore in need of being ‘saved’.
In fact, we have plans to increase provision in the new school year.
The 165 children and their families who accessed the service last year will receive the same service this year if they need it. If there was any question at all of any child not getting the support they needed and were entitled to we would act immediately.
It should be made clear that the ratio quoted by the National Society for Deaf Children (NSDC) of specialist teachers to children in no way takes into account the quality of the service available to children and young people with hearing impairments in Southampton – as well as the excellent support available to their families.
Reports have neglected to mention the support the council provides which is above and beyond anything offered by many other councils. As well as the Specialist Teacher Adviser Team, the council continues to fund additional provision at a number of schools, in addition to funding a specialist technician to support this provision across the city.
Of course this is a highly emotive subject and sometimes facts can get lost in all the noise – and the most important fact is that we are not cutting this service. Every deaf child who needs help will get that help.
I have said all along that I would welcome the NSDC to Southampton, to show them the service we provide – including the extra support that we offer – and hear any views they have on the specifics of our service.
The council’s goal is that Southampton is seen as a city with learning at its heart, achieving excellence in education for all our children and young people, whatever their needs.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Well Done Hampshire Constabulary
Well done to Hampshire Constabulary for their involvement in dealing with the mob violence that took place in London and other cities in August.
Not only did Hampshire provide invaluable support to the Met police, they did a fantastic job in reassuring residents across the County and in Southampton and in ensuring that those minded to cause similar acts of criminality locally were swiftly dealt with.
The extra police on the streets were very noticeable and very much welcomed by the community.
Not only did Hampshire provide invaluable support to the Met police, they did a fantastic job in reassuring residents across the County and in Southampton and in ensuring that those minded to cause similar acts of criminality locally were swiftly dealt with.
The extra police on the streets were very noticeable and very much welcomed by the community.
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