        |
Friday 18 December 2009
Sunday 13 December 2009
Thursday 10 December 2009
A5 Dunstable Northern Bypass : Plans, Objections, Statutory Orders
The project was designed to divert strategic traffic away from Dunstable, the
stretch of A5 between the junction with the A505 to the north and the junction with
Dunstable Road to the south.
SUMMARY: This is an article about a report on a proposed bypass around Dunstable, England. It discusses the purpose of the bypass, the different routes considered, and the potential impacts of the bypass. The report recommends that the bypass be built as planned, with some modifications. Some people object to the bypass, arguing that it will cause traffic problems and harm the environment. Others support the bypass, saying that it will relieve traffic congestion and boost the economy.
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| Red line = new road to be constructed, to take A5 traffic to the M1, diverting it away from Dunstable. |
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| Complex layout for connecting Sundon Road and the A5 bypass road to the new M1 Junction 11A |
Environmental Impact
In a document highlighting Environmental impact, Highways Agency said that three historic building assets and two bridges would be potentially affected by the Scheme:
- Thorngreen House, a late 19th century dwelling with 20th century extensions. Set within a defined garden with mature vegetation along the boundaries.
- Grove Farm, a 19th century farm complex consisting of the main house, stables and barns. The house and stables are of yellow brick construction with the barn of more traditional timber construction. The building is currently in use as a livery business with modern outbuildings to the south.
- Chalton Cross Farm, an 18-19th century farmhouse set within a farm complex. The house is constructed from rendered brick and is set within its own grounds with clearly defined boundaries of dense vegetation.
- Houghton Regis Overbridge, a two-span overbridge carrying Sundon Road. Iron railings surmount the parapet and a crash barrier has been added to both sides.
- Chalton Overbridge, a two span overbridge carrying Luton Road from Chalton toward Houghton Regis and Sundon to the east. Iron grilles are attached to the inside of the parapet and a crash barrier has been added to each side.
The report also mentioned affected archaeological sites, identified as a Bronze Age pit, Thorn Baptists Burial Ground, Bronze Age ditches, Thorn Spring medieval moated site and water channels (following mitigation the Scheme would have a Slight Adverse effect on the Thorn Spring Ancient Woodland.
), medieval settlement north of Calcutt, Iron Age settlement, linear features, field boundaries late Iron Age
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| Table 7.10 from A5-M1 Link Chapter 7: Download |
Objections file 2012
Objectors letters were available to read online at http://www.persona.uk.com/A5dunstable/OBJ_docs/ - These documents have since gone from there, but may be available at gov.uk
Here is a sample:
Light pollution; and pedestrian access.
Network Rail - operational railway land adversely affected.
Doug Dix - wants access to J11a for Chalton.
Comments on detrunking. http://www.persona.uk.com/A5dunstable/OBJ_docs/OBJ-04.pdf
Peter Cole, an ex-lorry driver, argues that fuel costs will mean lorry drivers will NOT divert to use the Northern Bypass and instead will continue to seek to drive through Dunstable as that is the shorter route to J9 from Milton Keynes.
Alison Williams from Chalton argues that the people of Chalton will not have any access to Junction 11a and so it won't benefit them, yet some of their residents will be losing their homes.
Elizabeth Morris from Chalton expresses her concern that heavy goods traffic will still be travelling through Chalton.
The St Albans Diocesan Board of Finance, are freeholder owners of agricultural land expected to be used for house building in the north of Houghton Regis. They are concerned:
- that the plan not to connect Sundon Road to the Link Road will increase development costs and lead to a loss of land south of the Link Road that could be used more beneficially for development.
- that the nature of the compulsory purchase of parts of the Ouzel Brook.
- about excessive acquisition of their land on the north side of the brook.
- their loss of control over and under public rights of way on their land, once it becomes owned by the Highways Agency.
- and would prefer to see ecological mitigation works to be located to the north side of the Link Road.
- about matters relating to electricity cables, road drainage, drainage routes, and noise mitigation, which they feel may reduce the amount of land left to develop new homes on.
Mr T. Coles from Chalton argues for Chalton to be connected to J11A.
EDF Energy argue that "No alternative land, rights and apparatus for those proposed to be acquired and/or temporarily used ... are in place."
Owners of Long Meadow Farmhouse are concerned about noise, and light disturbance; the lack of a Highways Agency plan to recompense them for a brick wall; and the lack of a plan to recompense them for the loss of some outbuildings and their use as business assets.
The owner of Thorn Farm objects on the grounds of impact to business; lack of noise mitigation measures; concern of turning area for agricultral machinery on a proposed road; noise impact to commercial property; worries about fly-tipping.
Mr Buckingham, at Griffin Farm has concerns over the proposed use of nearby land plots. http://www.persona.uk.com/A5dunstable/OBJ_docs/OBJ-13.pdf
John Campbell argues that A5-A5 Bypass is always going to be needed, and A5-M1 would be a waste of finance.
The owner of Chapel Farm (chickens and livestock) argues that the lack of noise mitigation will affect his ability to farm profitably.
Kevin Cutler is a concerned villager who does not want to live in a concrete jungle, and objects as the A5-M1 link road would just encourage a new outer ring road for Luton.
Sustrans objects on the grounds that future walking and cycling routes are not protected; wants an additional crossing for the motorway and railway; proposes investment in TravelSmart could reduce car traffic by 14%.
Mrs Kitchen, Chalton. Concern over noise mitigation being too long to become a reality; creation of a dead-end road for fly-tippers; request for 30mph on the new Luton road.
Chalton Parish Council aant access to J11a from Chalton for residents, and for HGVs from Vauxhall Spare Parts; lack of clarity as to how pedestrians would move from one side of Chalton to the Sundon Road side on foot.
David Bough, Chalton, - concern over security on access driveway; concern over noise from J11a slipway.
Ronald Pearce, Chalton; Wants access to J11a for HGVs from Vauxhall Spare Parts.
Grove Farm; objects to track alterations, bridge location, and acquisition of some land that could be covered by rights of way.
M J Shanley, land leased to them at Chalton. Objects as no provision for access to land by BOAT (Byway Open to All Traffic) http://www.persona.uk.com/A5dunstable/OBJ_docs/OBJ-23.pdf
Neil Fraser, acting for clients, argues that the HA are proposing to take more land than they need, and what they will take will impact on the owner's enjoyment of the remaining land.
Chalton residents are concerned about health, noise, devaluation of property.
The movement of a bridge to access fields either side of the Link Road would increase farmer's fuel consumption.
AXA Sun-Life Plc (land holdings north of Houghton Regis) -"It is important that the road scheme / J11A make satisfactory provision for local access to be provided for the Houghton Regis urban extension and the Woodside Connection."; argue for a stub road to be constructed at J11a for the Woodside connection to be added on later; concerns over mitigation of noise for future residents in the Houghton Regis urban extension.; concerned that HA wants to take 10m maintenance strip beyond the extent of the highways, and argues instead for a 3-metre strip; concern over the creation of an ecological pond and other drainage (or potential flooding) issues.
OBJ-30.pdf makes comments about M1 J12, and HS2, comments not likely to be of any concern now.
CPRE - concerned that Woodside Link is only a proposal; a lot of words about light pollution, especially at J11a;
Chalton Parish Council. Repeat of above.
Chalton resident wants access for HGVs at J11a to save Chalton from the lorries.
LIH (land holdings north of Houghton Regis) objections basically go over the same objections made by AXA as above.
Lands Improvements Holdings (LIH) concerns over noise; too much land being taken by HA (10m when 3 metre would do); request for "accommodation" tracks; concern over ecology pond;
Richard Barker - concerns of a practical broader nature about traffic movements.
GM UK & Ireland - argues excessive land take; impact on business during construction work as 120-150 lorries a day will not be able to go as usual through Chalton. Would have preferred a link to J11a for north Luton traffic.
drainage; access to remaining farmland after land take.
High Speed 2 considerations (no longer relevant)
Unfarmable land left over. OBJ-42.pdf
Hertfordshire County Council on the proposal to detrunk the A5 from J9 to the junction with the new Link Road. "insufficient information" to comment. OBJ-43.pdf
Objection from EDF Energy (as above) via the Department of Energy & Climate Change - OBJ-44.pdf
concern over bridleways and provision for them.
Objects to forcing trunk road traffic through Chalton.
As above, different person with simliar complaint.
Chalton Lower School want local connectivity at J11a; 20mph speed restriction in village; 7.5 ton weight restriction in village.
Mike Penn wants local connectivity at J11a for Sundon, Chalton and Toddington Rd, Luton.OBJ-49.pdf
National Grid holding objection, depends on provisions to be made.OBJ-50.pdf
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Date: 28 June 2012 | HIGHWAYS ACT 1980 | ACQUISITION OF LAND ACT 1981 |
Report to the Secretaries of State for Transport and for Communities and Local Government
by David Wildsmith BSc(Hons) MSc CEng MICE FCIHT MRTPI
an Inspector appointed by the Secretaries of State for Transport and for Communities and Local
Government
SUMMARY: This is an article about a report on a proposed bypass around Dunstable, England. It discusses the purpose of the bypass, the different routes considered, and the potential impacts of the bypass. The report recommends that the bypass be built as planned, with some modifications. Some people object to the bypass, arguing that it will cause traffic problems and harm the environment. Others support the bypass, saying that it will relieve traffic congestion and boost the economy.
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Date: 18 October 2012 | Decision letter: A5-M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass | HIGHWAYS ACT 1980
ACQUISITION OF LAND ACT 1981 | A5 – M1 LINK DUNSTABLE NORTHERN BYPASS
SUMMARY: This is an article about a decision on a highway scheme. It discusses the background of the scheme, the Inspector’s recommendations, and the Secretaries of State’s decision. The Secretaries of State approved the scheme with some modifications. They also decided to defer the final decision and publication of the certificate until funding is confirmed.
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Date: 9th July 2014 | The A5 Trunk Road (A5 – M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass) Order 2014 | Legislation
“This Order may be cited as The A5 Trunk Road (A5 – M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass) Order 2014 and shall come into force on 24 July 2014....”
STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS2014 No. 1837HIGHWAYS, ENGLAND
The A5 Trunk Road (A5 – M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass) Order 2014
Made9th July 2014
Coming into force24th July 2014
The Secretary of State for Transport makes this Order in exercise of powers conferred by sections 10 and 41 of the Highways Act 1980(1) and now vested in the Secretary of State(2) and(3):—
1. This Order may be cited as The A5 Trunk Road (A5 – M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass) Order 2014 and shall come into force on 24 July 2014.
2. In this Order—
(1) all measurements of distance are measured along the route of the relevant highway; and
(2) —
(i)“the main new road” means the new highway which the Secretary of State proposes to construct along the route described in Schedule 1 to this Order;
(ii)“the new trunk roads” means the main new road and the slip roads;
(iii)“the plan” means the plan folio numbered HA 10/MP/107 “The A5 Trunk Road (A5 – M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass) Order 2014”, signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport and deposited at Document Deposit Service, Communities and Local Government, Floor 13 (IMD), Ashdown House, St Leonards on Sea, Hastings, East Sussex TN37 7GA; and
(iv)“the slip road” means the new highways which the Secretary of State proposes to construct along the routes described in Schedule 2 to this Order and which connect the main new road with other highways or proposed highways at the places stated in that Schedule.
3. The main new road and the slip road shall become trunk roads from the date when this Order comes into force.
4. The centre line of each of the trunk roads is indicated by a heavy black line on the plan.
5. The Secretary of State directs as respects any part of a highway which crosses the route of any of the new trunk roads that—
(a)where the highway is maintainable at the public expense by a local highway authority, the part in question shall be maintained by that authority, and
(b)where the highway is not so maintainable and is not maintainable under a special enactment or by reason of tenure, enclosure or prescription, the Secretary of State shall be under no duty to maintain the part in question, until, in either case, a date to be specified in a notice given by the Secretary of State to the highway authority for that highway. The date specified will not be later than the date on which the relevant route is opened for traffic.
Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport
Iftikhar Mir Divisional Director Highways Agency
9th July 2014
Article 2(2)(i)
SCHEDULE 1
ROUTE OF THE NEW MAIN ROAD
The route of the main new road is about 5.2 kilometres in length, from a point on the plan marked A on the A5 Trunk Road, about 400 metres northwest of the centreline of its junction with Thorn Road at Houghton Regis in the County of Bedfordshire, easterly to a point on the plan marked B, about 250 metres southeast of the centreline of Sundon Road Railway Bridge at Chalton in the County of Bedfordshire.
Article 2(2)(iv)
SCHEDULE 2
ROUTES OF THE SLIP ROAD
The route of the slip road is as follows:
(1) Junction with existing A5(T) at Houghton Regis
A route from the south east bound carriageway of the existing A5(T) to the north east bound carriageway of the main new road which the Secretary of State proposes to construct at Houghton Regis (the slip road along this route being given the number 1 on the plan).
EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order authorises improvements to the existing A5 Trunk Road and the construction of new lengths of trunk road and slip roads, to provide a dual carriageway between the existing A5 Trunk Road north of Dunstable and the M1 Motorway to the south of Chalton.
The route of the main new road is about 5.2 kilometres in length, from a point on the plan marked A on the A5 Trunk Road, about 400 metres northwest of the centreline of its junction with Thorn Road at Houghton Regis in the County of Bedfordshire, easterly to a point on the plan marked B, about 250 metres southeast of the centreline of Sundon Road Railway Bridge at Chalton in the County of Bedfordshire.
The routes of the slip roads are as follows:
(1) Junction with existing A5(T) at Houghton Regis
A route from the south east bound carriageway of the existing A5(T) to the north east bound carriageway of the main new road which the Secretary of State proposes to construct at Houghton Regis (the slip road along this route being given the number 1 on the plan).
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Date: 3 November 2016 | Meeting: Traffic Management Meeting | Various Roads in Central Bedfordshire
SUMMARY: This is an article about weight limits on roads in Central Bedfordshire. It discusses the proposed implementation of weight limits in three zones. The weight limits are intended to improve road safety and traffic management. They are also expected to reduce noise and air pollution. Some residents and businesses have objected to the weight limits, arguing that they will cause traffic congestion and harm the economy. The council is considering these objections and may make changes to the plans.
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Date: 05 April 2022 | A5-M1 Dunstable | Northern Bypass | One-year post-opening project evaluation |
This report provides an initial indication of the project’s performance after the first year following the opening to traffic in May 2017.
SUMMARY: This is an article about the A5-M1 Dunstable Northern Bypass, a new road built to relieve congestion in Dunstable, England. It discusses the project’s goals, the methods used to evaluate its success, and the findings of that evaluation. The project was successful in reducing traffic on local roads and improving journey times and reliability for road users. However, it is too early to say definitively whether the project has had a significant impact on safety.
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The Dunstable Northern Bypass opened to traffic on Wednesday 10th May 2017. The new route is part of the A5 and provides a fast link to the M1 avoiding Dunstable.
Sunday 13 September 2009
HRTC and Planning
At a Special meeting of the Houghton Regis town council this week, councillors resolved to continue with the current arrangement of Planning and Licencing committee meetings approximately every three weeks. At these meetings parish councillors get to comment on local planning applications, and if they feel it necessary, can alert a Central Bedfordshire councillor to a particular application. In turn, that Central Beds councillor can "call it in" and the application will be looked at by a committee of Central Beds council. The Houghton Regis Town Council does not decide planning applications. Town councillors also resolved to ask the town clerk to put together a special Town Crier leaflet that would help to clarify the planning system.
Monday 27 July 2009
Tuesday 30 June 2009
Councillor's Notebook: Parkside Crime Notes, June 2009
Long Meadow on Monday the 22nd of June, between 10:00 in the morning, and 6:35 in the evening. UPVC front door forced, a large Plasma TV, and over £900 of computer games equipment, stolen.
Chelsea Gardens, between 12:01, and 2:00 in the morning, on the 21st of June car glove box searched, a stereo was taken.
Trident Drive, between 5:15 in the evening, on the 20th, and 1:30 in the afternoon, on the 21st of June
Foodstuffs, and a hand drill were removed from shed.
Chelsea Gardens, overnight between the 18th, and the 19th of June.Garage door opened, motorbike stolen.
Chelsea Gardens? Between midday, on the 20th, and 11:00 in the morning, on the 21st of June.
Van unlocked, nothing was taken
Westminster Gardens, between 5:50 in the evening, on the 16th, and 8:00 in the morning, on the 17th of June. Lock broken on garage. No entry made.
Lowry Drive, between 8:00 in the morning, and 4:30 in the afternoon, on the 17th of June
Kicked in the lower panel of the back door. A tidy search has then been conducted, with a laptop, and a digital camera taken.
Abbey Walk, in Houghton Regis, on Wednesday the 17th of June, between 1:00, and 1:30 in the morning. Garage forced; Yamaha, off road motorbike, and a crash helmet taken.
5 people have been arrested on suspicion of this offence.
Elm Park Close, overnight on the 12th to the 13th of June. Ford Transit side window smashed and the vehicle was searched.
Elm Park Close, overnight on the 12th to the 13th of June. Vauxhall Corsa: forced entry to the vehicle. Audio equipment and some cash taken.
Bloomsbury Gardens, near to a garage block, between the evening of the 12th, and the afternoon of the 15th of June. Drivers door lock forced; a satellite navigation system, and audio equipment was taken.
Henley Close, on Saturday the 13th of June, at 1:10 in the morning. Barbeque and a gas canister taken. Offenders disturbed and ran off.
Henley Close, on Saturday the 13th of June, between 9:00am and 4pm mountain bike stolen.
Hammersmith Gardens, Houghton Regis, between 8:00, and 8:45 in the morning, on the 10th of June. Lead removed from tiled roof: TWO INCIDENTS
Henley Close, overnight between the 9th, and the 10th of June. Scaled garden fence, forced open an uPVC door. Offenders have been unsuccessful in gaining entry, although a barbeque was stolen from the garden.
Fareham Way between 10:30pmon the 9th, and 6:30pm in the evening, on the 10th of June. Barbeque and gas bottle stolen after clibing over from neighbouring property.
Sundon Road, on Tuesday the 9th of June, at 8:15pm - Silver Fox BMX bike stolen.
Conway Close, in Houghton Regis, on Monday the 8th of June, between 8:10 in the morning, and 12:55 Offender climbed a fence into the back garden, and smashed a patio door, mobile phone stolen.
Gilpin Close, off Lowry Drive, in Houghton Regis, overnight on the 4th to the 5th of June. Car side window was smashed and the vehicle was searched.
Saturday 16 May 2009
Traveller Sites for Houghton Regis: Petition Comments
Liberal Democrats conducted a petition opposing three Gypsy and Traveller Sites in Houghton Regis.
These are redacted comments from the petition.
Thursday 16 April 2009
Sunday 12 April 2009
Wednesday 1 April 2009
Central Bedfordshire Council is Born
Above: New Central Bedfordshire Offices in Chicksands. Photo: A D Winter
Unitary Council for Central Bedfordshire
1st April 2009 ~ What it means for Houghton Regis
The new Central Bedfordshire unitary council is launched today by combining the Mid Beds and South Beds District councils. This new council will provide ALL the services that are now the responsibility of Mid-Bedfordshire, South Bedfordshire District Council and Bedfordshire County Council, including education, roads, social services, planning, waste collection, benefits, and environmental health. Some of these services will be delivered jointly with the new North Beds Council to achieve economies of scale and cost savings.
Houghton Regis Town Council will continue to run local services like the cemetery, allotments, parks and open spaces.
Electoral changes
Fresh elections will be held on June 4, 2009, to form a new body of councillors. The combined area of Mid and South Beds currently has 103 district councillors and 33 county councillors. This total of 136 councillors will be reduced to just 66 in the new authority. Instead of 7 District Councillors and 2 County Councillors, Houghton Regis will only be represented by 4 Central Bedfordshire Councillors.
Area Covered by Central Bedfordshire
The area served by the new council will stretch from Tempsford in the north-east to Dunstable in the south-west. The largest town will be Leighton-Linslade with Dunstable the next largest.
Three Centres
Despite Mid Beds District Council having recently built central offices costing £15 million, the new authority is likely to have three sets of offices: Dunstable, Chicksands and Bedford County Hall, because there is not enough space to house all the 2,700 Central Beds staff in the existing Dunstable and Chicksands buildings. Some 2,000 Central Beds staff will have to work from the former County Hall when the new unitary starts.
Sunday 22 March 2009
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Council to charge more for wider graves
There are lies, dammed lies, and the Daily Mirror.
The news on Monday that the town council I serve on is to charge more for wider plots in the cemetery must have found its place in the nationals due to it being a slow news day. Houghton Regis's Environment committee met on Monday 23rd, and it took until the following Monday (March 2nd) for the Mirror to report with this story.
So, let's take a look at this Mirror-reported story.
1. "Fat people are to cost more". This is factually incorrect. To use their word, "fat", this can mean many things. But the actual lines on the agenda for which approval was sought, reads "... in the last few months there have been two burials that have required wider graves, thereby encroaching into what, under normal circumstances, would have been the next plot. It is suggested that in such circumstances it would not be unreasonable to charge a higher fee..."
2. "A council is set to charge an extra £75 to bury the obese" ... Hold on the bell, Nelly. Someone at your newspaper cannot add up. What school did you go to? The actual item on the agenda, continues, "... raising the cost of interment from £129 to £194". That is an increase of £65.
3. "It is the first local authority in the country to vary burial fees". Not so. If the Mirror writer had read the whole of the item on the Houghton Regis Town Council Environment Committee agenda, the item states, "...to charge a higher fee, which is believed is the practice at The Vale Cemetery in Luton".
At neighbouring Labour-run Luton, The Vale Cemetery & General Cemetery - published online fees for Interment are currently £360 for an Adult, plus "Additional width fee charged for casket, large coffin or excavating for a walled grave or grave chamber" an extra £120.
4, "It is the first local authority in the country to vary burial fees according to the dead person's weight." Not so. It is not to be a measurement of weight, it is a measurement of the space required for the coffin of the deceased.
5. "Cllr Keith Wakefield, leader of the council's opposition Labour group, condemned the increases as "appaling". Well, I have already shown someone at the Mirror to be not very good at sums, now it is shown that someone there cannot spell, either. Pretty apalling for a publishing organisation. What government were you educated under? Anyway, that is bye-the-bye. In case anyone out there in the real world feels mislead into thinking Keith might be an opposition councillor in Houghton Regis, let me tell you he is not. In Houghton Regis, we wiped Labour out completely at the last set of local elections. We are now 100% Liberal Democrat.
So, what do I think? Well, I'm not on the Environment Committee (yes, that was another Mirror-lie. We don't have a "burial committee" per se) and I am sure that the committee had good reasons for agreeing an increase. The cemetery is almost full. Maybe the next cemetery will decide on a larger standard size. Who knows. However, I am looking very closely at the Liberal Democrat Preamble to the Federal Constitution, and may yet argue against the increase at Full Council.
The news on Monday that the town council I serve on is to charge more for wider plots in the cemetery must have found its place in the nationals due to it being a slow news day. Houghton Regis's Environment committee met on Monday 23rd, and it took until the following Monday (March 2nd) for the Mirror to report with this story.
So, let's take a look at this Mirror-reported story.
1. "Fat people are to cost more". This is factually incorrect. To use their word, "fat", this can mean many things. But the actual lines on the agenda for which approval was sought, reads "... in the last few months there have been two burials that have required wider graves, thereby encroaching into what, under normal circumstances, would have been the next plot. It is suggested that in such circumstances it would not be unreasonable to charge a higher fee..."
2. "A council is set to charge an extra £75 to bury the obese" ... Hold on the bell, Nelly. Someone at your newspaper cannot add up. What school did you go to? The actual item on the agenda, continues, "... raising the cost of interment from £129 to £194". That is an increase of £65.
3. "It is the first local authority in the country to vary burial fees". Not so. If the Mirror writer had read the whole of the item on the Houghton Regis Town Council Environment Committee agenda, the item states, "...to charge a higher fee, which is believed is the practice at The Vale Cemetery in Luton".
At neighbouring Labour-run Luton, The Vale Cemetery & General Cemetery - published online fees for Interment are currently £360 for an Adult, plus "Additional width fee charged for casket, large coffin or excavating for a walled grave or grave chamber" an extra £120.
4, "It is the first local authority in the country to vary burial fees according to the dead person's weight." Not so. It is not to be a measurement of weight, it is a measurement of the space required for the coffin of the deceased.
5. "Cllr Keith Wakefield, leader of the council's opposition Labour group, condemned the increases as "appaling". Well, I have already shown someone at the Mirror to be not very good at sums, now it is shown that someone there cannot spell, either. Pretty apalling for a publishing organisation. What government were you educated under? Anyway, that is bye-the-bye. In case anyone out there in the real world feels mislead into thinking Keith might be an opposition councillor in Houghton Regis, let me tell you he is not. In Houghton Regis, we wiped Labour out completely at the last set of local elections. We are now 100% Liberal Democrat.
So, what do I think? Well, I'm not on the Environment Committee (yes, that was another Mirror-lie. We don't have a "burial committee" per se) and I am sure that the committee had good reasons for agreeing an increase. The cemetery is almost full. Maybe the next cemetery will decide on a larger standard size. Who knows. However, I am looking very closely at the Liberal Democrat Preamble to the Federal Constitution, and may yet argue against the increase at Full Council.
Friday 6 February 2009
Help for those affected by the Credit Crunch
Key messages:
* Do something NOW — the problem will not go away
* Contact your mortgage lender for help
* Seek advice
* Keep a ' Spending Diary' (see below)
* Do a personal budget
* Tell your mortgage lender what you are doing
Things to avoid
* Loans to repay debts
* Handing back your keys
Spending Diaries
An eye-opener indeed! That seemingly inexpensive 60p daily snack to go with your coffee can
add up to £156 over a year! A daily sandwich at £1.50 is £390 a year!
To create a diary, simply divide a sheet of paper into columns. Label each column with headers
covering ALL your weekly outgoings. Note down every item you buy and its cost. At the end of the
month, total all columns you might be in for some surprises! Especially if you then times your total
by twelve to arrive at your annual spend.
FREE ADVICE
Recognising the need for FREE advice we urge you to contact the following agencies if you are
experiencing financial difficulties.
Credit Unions
These are profit-sharing cooperatives offering local residents an easy way to save and borrow
money, including very low cost loans and insurance. They also help members to manage their
finances.
Website: www.abcul.org
Welfare Rights Service
- A team of Welfare Rights Officers who provide advice, support and information on welfare right
issues for those who are already involved with Social Services.
Website: www.welfarerights.net
National Debt Line
Provides a free, confidential and independent phone service
Helpline: 0808 8084000 (free phone)
Website: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Mortgage Code Compliance Board
For a copy of " You and your Mortgage"
Helpline: 901785 218200
Website: www.mortgagecode.org.uk
Business Debtline
Free, confidential and independent advice for self-employed people and small business.
Tel: 0800 197 6026 (free phone)
Website: www.birminghamsettlement.org.uk
Advice UK
All members provide free confidential advice, but not all provide money advice.
To find your nearest centre Telephone 0207 4074070
Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS)
CCCS offers a structured programme on how to manage your money.
Tel: 0800 1381111 (free phone)
The Community Legal Service (CLS)
Aims to make it easier for the public to get legal help and advice. Look on their website for
details of agencies in this area
Website: www.communitylegaladvice.org
Credit Action
Provides information and guidance for people with debt or money worries.
Tel: 0800 138111 (free phone)
Website: www.creditaction.org.uk
Jobcentre Plus Office
Your local office can advise you if you are eligible for any benefits
Tel: 0800 0556688
Dunstable Branch telephone: 01582 685200
Money Made Clear (FSA)
Consumer Helpline: 0845 6061234
Consumer Website: http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Website: www.nacab.org.uk
Advisors from the Citizens Advice Bureau attend the Houghton Regis Neighbourhood Centres on
Friday' s (fortnightly): 9.00 am — 12.00 pm
Call (01582) 867692 or 758023 to book your appointment.
Thursday 5 February 2009
Snowy Houghton!
3-4 inches fell overnight. This follows the snowfall of the 2nd Feb.
Photo: A D Winter
Saturday 31 January 2009
Traveller Site(s) For Houghton Regis?
1/2006
Circular 01/2006 ‘Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites’ requires local authorities to allocate sufficient sites for gypsies and travellers, in accordance with the number of pitches required by the
Regional Spatial Strategy. In addition, the Housing Act 2004 requires local housing authorities to include gypsies and travellers in their housing needs assessments and prepare a strategy which demonstrates how the accommodation needs of gypsies and travellers will be met.
10/2006
The Bedfordshire and Luton Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment, October 2006, concluded that there is a need for more accommodation for gypsy and travellers in the study area. It
recommended that between 34 to 40 pitches need to be provided within South Bedfordshire.
2/2008
The East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) Single Issue Review published a draft policy on planning for Gypsy and Traveller caravan pitches in February 2008.
3/2008
Mott MacDonald was commissioned by South Bedfordshire Council in March 2008 to undertake a study to identify potential gypsy and traveller sites and travelling showmen yards.
12/2008
Independent planning inspectors published their recommendations to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on the 18th December 2008. The inspectors recommend an
increase in residential pitches from EERA’s draft policy in South Bedfordshire. The number of additional residential pitches proposed by the EERA’s draft policy was 45 over a 5 year period from 2006 for South Bedfordshire. But the number of additional residential pitches proposed by planning inspectors was 50 for South Bedfordshire from 2006 to 2011.
Since the DCA Study was undertaken in 2006, permission has been granted and implemented for 20 Gypsy and Traveller pitches and 2 Travelling Showmen Yards have been approved at Gogs Farm, Old
Linslade Road and Greenacres Farm, Billington Road. Permission has also been granted for 5 Gypsy and Traveller pitches but these pitches have not yet been taken up.
13 January 2009
 |
| Potential sites within Houghton Regis boundary: (1) Land off Sandringham Drive, (2) Kingsland Former Community College, (3)Thorn Turn |
31/1/2009
Update - 17th February 2009 ~ by CllrAlan Winter
When the South Beds-run Conservative council announced traveller sites for Houghton Regis, even the Lib Dem Councillors that represent Houghton Regis residents had to find out the news from the local newspapers. We have prepared this informational website because we know the public has not been given accurate information about these sites.
The plans to establish new travellers sites were presented at the SBDC Executive Committee on 13th January 2009, and quickly distributed to local newspapers. The announcement was swiftly followed by waves of angry phone calls from Houghton Regis residents to myself and fellow local councillors. The decision to make the announcement was made by a core of Conservative councillors who control the running of South Beds District Council. Your Lib Dem councillors have had no say in these Executive decisions.
The chosen areas, included land off Sandringham Drive, Houghton Regis, Kingsland Former Community College, Sundon Road, and Thorn Turn, Thorn Road.
A group of Houghton Regis town councillors were invited along to a planning meeting at the SBDC offices on 17th February 2009. There we learnt that the decision was taken after paid consultants identified areas in South Bedfordshire District Council's region that would satisfy Central Government directives. South Beds is not providing sufficient sites for travellers, gipsies and showmen, and as a consequence of this, the SBDC officers complained that when they issued notices to remove travellers from illegally occupied sites the courts determined that the SBCD was in contravention of regulations to provide sufficient sites for travellers.
Saskia Duncan, a spokesperson for the Joint Technical Unit SBDC, told me "National and regional guidance was used to develop a set of criteria against which to evaluate potential sites and existing sites. All the sites brought forward from the various ‘calls for sites’ were subject to this assessment."
Of the survey undertaken by these paid consultants, (a heavy document was waved at us on our visit to the SBDC offices). Iit has not escaped our attention that the only sites available and chosen within South Bedfordshire are ones where Conservative support is poorest, like Houghton Regis, and Barton.
Saskia Duncan told me, "The Study will be subject to future public consultation later on in the year as part of the Local Development Framework process. Should you wish to be notified, your contact details can be added to our LDF database. "
Update - 29/3/2009
When Conservative-run South Beds District Council announced traveller sites for Houghton Regis, even the 6 Lib Dem Councillors that represent Houghton Regis residents had to find out the news from the local newspapers.
The plans to establish new traveller's sites were presented at SBDC Executive Committee on 13th January 2009, and quickly distributed to local newspapers. The announcement was swiftly followed by waves of angry phone calls from Houghton Regis residents to the Lib Dem councillors. The decision to make the announcement was made by a core of Conservative councillors who control the running of South Beds District Council. Lib Dem councillors have no say in these Executive decisions.
The chosen areas, include land off Sandringham Drive, Houghton Regis, Kingsland Former Community College, Sundon Road, and Thorn Turn, Thorn Road. .
A group of Houghton Regis town councillors were invited along to a planning meeting at the S.B.D.C. offices on 17th February 2009. There we learnt that the decision was taken after paid consultants identified areas in South Bedfordshire District Council's region that would satisfy Central Government directives. Apparently South Beds is not providing sufficient sites for travellers, gypsies and showmen, and as a consequence of this, the S.B.D.C. officers complained that when they issue notices to remove travellers from illegally occupied sites, the courts determined that the S.B.D.C. was in contravention of regulations to provide sufficient sites for travellers.
Saskia Duncan, a spokesperson for the Joint Technical Unit S.B.D.C., told me "National and regional guidance was used to develop a set of criteria against which to evaluate potential sites and existing sites. All the sites brought forward from the various ‘calls for sites’ were subject to this assessment."
Of the survey undertaken by these paid consultants, (a heavy document was waved at us on our visit to the S.B.D.C. offices, as if the size of the document justified the expense), it has not escaped our attention that the only sites apparently available and chosen within South Bedfordshire are ones were Conservative support is poorest.
The Report to the Executive Committee is available online and provides a summary of the Study including the set of criteria used in assessing potential sites.
Saskia Duncan told me, "The Study will be subject to future public consultation later on in the year as part of the Local Development Framework process. Should you wish to be notified, your contact details can be added to our LDF database. "
Update - 18/5/2009
On Saturday Lib Dems stood in rain showers to collect signatures for their petition against proposals by Tories to put 3 gypsy and traveller sites in Houghton Regis. It is very unfair how it has been decided where the sites should be. Neither travellers, gypsies, or the locally settled population have been consulted.
Update -5/6/2009
At 4.15am today the result of the Central Bedfordshire Elections for the Houghton Regis ward were announced:
3 potential sites for travellers have been identified in Houghton Regis.
(1) Land off Sandringham Drive,
(2) Kingsland Former Community College,
(3)Thorn Turn
The news came as a complete shock to the HR town council, who were not consulted. Worse, the 6 LibDem District councillors for HR were not informed. They had to find the news out from the local newspapers and answer their phones non-stop as worried residents rang them. South Beds District Council (Tory-run) ran the press release mid-month January.
Update - 17th February 2009 ~ by CllrAlan Winter
When the South Beds-run Conservative council announced traveller sites for Houghton Regis, even the Lib Dem Councillors that represent Houghton Regis residents had to find out the news from the local newspapers. We have prepared this informational website because we know the public has not been given accurate information about these sites.
The plans to establish new travellers sites were presented at the SBDC Executive Committee on 13th January 2009, and quickly distributed to local newspapers. The announcement was swiftly followed by waves of angry phone calls from Houghton Regis residents to myself and fellow local councillors. The decision to make the announcement was made by a core of Conservative councillors who control the running of South Beds District Council. Your Lib Dem councillors have had no say in these Executive decisions.
The chosen areas, included land off Sandringham Drive, Houghton Regis, Kingsland Former Community College, Sundon Road, and Thorn Turn, Thorn Road.
A group of Houghton Regis town councillors were invited along to a planning meeting at the SBDC offices on 17th February 2009. There we learnt that the decision was taken after paid consultants identified areas in South Bedfordshire District Council's region that would satisfy Central Government directives. South Beds is not providing sufficient sites for travellers, gipsies and showmen, and as a consequence of this, the SBDC officers complained that when they issued notices to remove travellers from illegally occupied sites the courts determined that the SBCD was in contravention of regulations to provide sufficient sites for travellers.
Saskia Duncan, a spokesperson for the Joint Technical Unit SBDC, told me "National and regional guidance was used to develop a set of criteria against which to evaluate potential sites and existing sites. All the sites brought forward from the various ‘calls for sites’ were subject to this assessment."
Of the survey undertaken by these paid consultants, (a heavy document was waved at us on our visit to the SBDC offices). Iit has not escaped our attention that the only sites available and chosen within South Bedfordshire are ones where Conservative support is poorest, like Houghton Regis, and Barton.
Saskia Duncan told me, "The Study will be subject to future public consultation later on in the year as part of the Local Development Framework process. Should you wish to be notified, your contact details can be added to our LDF database. "
Update - 29/3/2009
When Conservative-run South Beds District Council announced traveller sites for Houghton Regis, even the 6 Lib Dem Councillors that represent Houghton Regis residents had to find out the news from the local newspapers.
The plans to establish new traveller's sites were presented at SBDC Executive Committee on 13th January 2009, and quickly distributed to local newspapers. The announcement was swiftly followed by waves of angry phone calls from Houghton Regis residents to the Lib Dem councillors. The decision to make the announcement was made by a core of Conservative councillors who control the running of South Beds District Council. Lib Dem councillors have no say in these Executive decisions.
The chosen areas, include land off Sandringham Drive, Houghton Regis, Kingsland Former Community College, Sundon Road, and Thorn Turn, Thorn Road. .
A group of Houghton Regis town councillors were invited along to a planning meeting at the S.B.D.C. offices on 17th February 2009. There we learnt that the decision was taken after paid consultants identified areas in South Bedfordshire District Council's region that would satisfy Central Government directives. Apparently South Beds is not providing sufficient sites for travellers, gypsies and showmen, and as a consequence of this, the S.B.D.C. officers complained that when they issue notices to remove travellers from illegally occupied sites, the courts determined that the S.B.D.C. was in contravention of regulations to provide sufficient sites for travellers.
Saskia Duncan, a spokesperson for the Joint Technical Unit S.B.D.C., told me "National and regional guidance was used to develop a set of criteria against which to evaluate potential sites and existing sites. All the sites brought forward from the various ‘calls for sites’ were subject to this assessment."
Of the survey undertaken by these paid consultants, (a heavy document was waved at us on our visit to the S.B.D.C. offices, as if the size of the document justified the expense), it has not escaped our attention that the only sites apparently available and chosen within South Bedfordshire are ones were Conservative support is poorest.
The Report to the Executive Committee is available online and provides a summary of the Study including the set of criteria used in assessing potential sites.
Saskia Duncan told me, "The Study will be subject to future public consultation later on in the year as part of the Local Development Framework process. Should you wish to be notified, your contact details can be added to our LDF database. "
Update - 18/5/2009
On Saturday Lib Dems stood in rain showers to collect signatures for their petition against proposals by Tories to put 3 gypsy and traveller sites in Houghton Regis. It is very unfair how it has been decided where the sites should be. Neither travellers, gypsies, or the locally settled population have been consulted.
Update -5/6/2009
At 4.15am today the result of the Central Bedfordshire Elections for the Houghton Regis ward were announced:
Friday 30 January 2009
Monday 26 January 2009
M1 Widening Through South Beds Scrapped - Traffic To Use Hard Shoulder Instead
The Government has scrapped the proposals to widen large parts of the motorway network to four or more lanes - including long sections of the M6, the M1, the M62 and the M25. This includes the section that runs through South Beds - M1 junctions 10 to 13.
Instead they will be using the hard shoulder running system:
* Hard shoulders are opened to traffic at busy times
* Maximum speed limits of 60mph
* Traffic flows monitored by closed-circuit television
* Speed limits reduced further when necessary
* Emergency refuge areas set up every 800 yards
This system was tested on the M42 near Birmingham last year.
Scrapping the widening will save the Government between £5m to £7m according to experts.
Monday 12 January 2009
Sky Diving Pensioner Raises Funds Towards Houghton Regis Skatepark
Photo: D. Hill.
Ros Jump Raises Cash
A campaigning Liberal Democrat Councillor, Ros Williams, went on a sponsored skydive, raising over £200 towards a skatepark for Houghton Regis. Here she is pictured with HYVE, making her presentation.
Sadly, Ros has been confined to a wheelchair after falling badly during the jump. She would like to publicly thank all those friends, relations and neighbours who have helped her since the incident including Stacey and her mother, Errol and Kathleen, Daniel, Sue and Lynda.
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