The more people I am speaking to the worse it seems to get. I would love to know fron people what problems they are suffering from because of the credit crunch eg rising bills,repossesion,no pay rise,redundacy etc to name but a few.

IF THIS IS HAPPENING UNDER LABOUR I DREAD TO THINK WHAT IT WOULD BE UNDER THE TORIES

Remember thier last disgraced government? No? well let me remind you just how bad it was
2 POLL TAX
3 RECORD LEVEL OF INTEREST RATES
4 RECORD NUMBER OF BANKRUPCIES
5 RECORD NUMBER OF HOUSE REPOSSESTIONS
6 PRIVATISATION OF NATIONAL UTILLITIES
7 BLACK WEDNESDAY
8 TWO TIER HEALTH SERVICE
9 RECORD NUMBERS ON HOSPITAL WAITING LISTS
10 SLEASE RIDDEN GOVERNMENT
11 ARMS TO IRAQ
12 3 MILLION UNEMPLOYED

Look at my post on Make It Happen or visit the Make it Happen appreciation Society and give me your views on whether the Liberal Democrats have the agenda to take things forward.

I  welcome the launch of the Liberal
Democrats’ vision for Britain by Party Leader Nick Clegg MP. Called ‘Make
it Happen’, the paper will be debated at the party’s conference in
Bournemouth in September.

In their vision for the country the Liberal Democrats say:

They will cut taxes for ordinary families;

If your local hospital can’t see you on time, they will pay for treatment
elsewhere;

They will switch taxes from people to pollution - so it pays to go green;

To improve standards in education, they will fund extra help for those who
need it most;

They will put Britain at the heart of Europe to make us a force for good
in the world;

They will stop ID cards so we can keep control of our privacy;

They will change the voting system so everyone’s voice counts;

They will bring communities together with local people in charge;

They will give communities a say in how offenders pay for their crimes;

These are exciting policies for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton and for Britain. Local people
tell me they are fed up with rising prices, unfair taxes, the waste of
money on the ID card scheme and a Labour government that just doesn’t seem
to care., I’m backing Nick Clegg’s manifesto. It sets out how the Liberal Democrats will
run Britain. No-one in Bognor Regis and Littlehamptonhas escaped the rising cost of food and fuel. The credit crunch is biting hard and local people are feeling the pinch.  Now our party
leader Nick Clegg has set out how the Lib Dems want to help ordinary
people by cutting taxes on those on low and middle incomes. Thousands of
people in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton would benefit from this too.

‘Make it Happen’ is available online at: http://www.libdems.org.uk/

As a parent of a 20 year old I have to admit it was with some relief that I read a report from the police in Bognor Regis that they found no knives on young people who were out on a Saturday evening. I understand that this was a random check on many young people in the area. In my view such checks should be in use during the weekend on a random basis.

 I can not be the only parent out there who has the same fears when they hear the news that some other poor youngster has been innocently stabbed. In my book a knife is every bit as dangerous as a gun and sentencing and punishment should reflect that. I have to say that this is a personal opinion and may not represent Liberal Democrat policy.

Well the credit crunch has well and truly stooped the Construction industry in their tracks. Recent job cuts at Berekley Homes,barrats and Persimmons have made the likelyhood of Policy Site 6 being bulit or the Relief Road in the near future as zilch. However the discovery of a Roman skeleton on the construction site in the past 3 weeks will certainly give them cause for concern but is it a showstopper?

More worringly St Modwen continue towards their 2nd round of consultation with so many questions still unanswered.

• WILL THEY CLOSE THE PROMENADE?
• WILL THE LIBARY BE MOVED?
• WHAT IS THE FINAL DESIGN OF THE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE?
• WILL IT BE BETTER THAN OUR CURRENT THEATRE PROVISION?
• WILL THEY MAINTAIN THE THEATRE WHEN BUILDING THE NEW ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE?
• WILL THEY GET RID OF THE HIDEOUS TOWER AT FITZLEET?

All these questions and so many more. The biggest question of the lot though is will the banks lend the money in the present climate?

Liberal Democrats in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton have attacked Government offers to compensate low income earners losing out under tax changes as “vague promises of jam tomorrow”. 

The doubling of the 10p income tax starter rate was announced last year but was put into operation at the start of April after Labour MPs voted for it in March. Since then, Labour MPs have suffered a backlash from low income people whose tax rates were doubled by Gordon Brown. 

“Thousands of residents of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton have been hit hard by Labour’s decision to double the 10p income tax starter rate,” said Simon McDougall Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate “Labour MPs, having only just voted to put this tax rise into operation, suddenly started shouting about how terrible it was. 

“It is disappointing that they have caved in and agreed to back the Government’s last minute offer of vague promises of compensation. All that is on offer is jam tomorrow. There are no details of how the compensation scheme will work. 

“Having previously been told there was no money in the kitty to reverse the tax rise, the Government has failed to explain how they will pay for the compensation scheme. 

“And as is so often the case with this government, we should believe it when it happens. In the meantime, those on low incomes in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton continue to lose out whilst Gordon Brown’s tax rises bite into pay packets and pensions. 

“It is staggering that in the same week as vague concessions for some of the lowest paid people in the country were dragged out of the Government, Gordon Brown’s door to Downing Street was wide open for bankers to visit him and successfully argue for £50 billion bailout from the taxpayer to keep the banking system afloat. 

“There is something seriously wrong when a Labour Government turns its back on ordinary people. We have 4 Council wards in multiple deprivation and are amongst the lowest earners in West Sussex ,with rising fuel bills, council tax bills and below inflation pay rises this is another hammer blow local people can ill afford.  ” 

  

Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton Simon McDougall has slammed the recommendations for St Richard’s Hospital for ignoring public opinion and turning the hospital into a glorified satellite centre for Worthing. Commenting on the proposals Mr McDougall said” Local residents need to wake up to the reality of these proposals and what they mean to those who are pregnant, serious injured, seriously ill or have children with long term health problems. They will in the longer term need to go to either Worthing or Portsmouth for emergency treatment. This situation is unacceptable and will undoubtedly put lives at risk” 

The proposals to make Worthing the only major general hospital in west Sussex are due to be ratified by the PCT on Wednesday 4^th June. Mr McDougall went on to say “ With a growing population and a totally ineffective road network  the revelation that blue light times were not a material consideration in the final decision is in my view bordering on negligence. No matter what way these proposals are window dressed they can not get away from the fact that journey times will be longer and potentially lives will be put at risk. The A27 is not likely to see any improvements in the near future and anybody with a knowledge of local geography can tell the PCT these services will not work unless the A27 and the A259 are upgraded  to meet the demands of the new service provision”.

Following the stakeholders meeting held at BRCC the future provision of Youth services at the school has fallen under the microscope. Concern was raised at the previous meeting 6 months ago by County Councillor Simon McDougall as to the future arrangements when it became clear that the current building used by the service is earmarked for demolition this summer as part of the set up works for the new BRCC building due to start in October this year.  

Commenting on the situation Cllr McDougall said” I have had several meetings with County officer’s and local Youth Workers to provide a temporary arrangement and look at a long term arrangement for the future provision of the Youth Wing. I have also written to the cabinet member for Children and young people services outlining my concerns.  I was absolutely amazed to go to this meeting to find we are facing a funding shortfall as well as no where near guaranteeing that a temporary solution is in place.” 

It is estimated that a multi-purpose building that will house Youth and early years provision would cost in the region of £750,000 to provide onsite. The situation is not clear if it is lack of government funding that has lead to the shortfall or lack of available funds at the County Council. The County Council at the moment has identified potential funding to the tune of £350,000.  

Cllr McDougall said “The community was told that this project would lead to an all life learning process. I take that to mean extended school provision facilities as well as early learning year’s provision and other community use. I am deeply concerned that the County Council is taking its time to make temporary and secure long term provision for both Youth and early years learning. The Youth wing has an average attendance of 600 plus youths per month and on a Friday evening this can be as high as 130 Youths in one evening. They are clearly enjoying the environment provided for them and not roaming the streets and drawing attention to the police. This is a success and needs to continue. There is also a young mother’s group that meets weekly to address their needs and the excellent Bridge project which deals with young people on the verge of exclusion is also housed within the Youth Wing Building. Pevensey is one of the most deprived wards in West Sussex and this situation which could be avoided does not help to the continuation of these services that go along way to addressing deprivation issues.

Do you live in Bersted or Pevensey Wards have an hour a month to spare and share the beliefs and aspirations of the Liberal Democrats?

Have you ever thought of joining or helping the Lib Dems I am constantly looking for new members to join my team and play their part in the local community. We regularly put out focus leaflets to the local community along with direct mailings to electors and would appreciate any help or time maybe able to offer. We have a very active social section where we combine fundraising with social events its a good way to meet other local councillors and Lib Dem activists in a friendly and warm social environment.

If you would like to know more about helping the Lib Dems please contact me on the details on this site and I will be more than happy to discuss ways of helping further.

Given the background to conference last weekend in Liverpool I think Cleggy played an absolute blinder. Europe earlier in the week looked like plunging the party into an internal crisis but I can honestly say the subject was hardly mentioned in the bars. I believe last weekend was a defining moment in our parties history and will be known as the time we grew up as a political party.

 I e-mailed Nick on Monday to congratulate him on what I thought was 2 superb speeches. His main speech was the best I have ever seen from a Liberal Democrat leader and he really looked like a future Prime Minister. His views and general policy direction are radical and his willingness to take the fight to both Labour and the Conservatives was truly inspiring.

I am extremely concerned about the proposals being put forward by St Modwen for regeneration of Bognor Regis. The headlinein the Bognor observer was “WOW! What a proposal” my response was “what a disaster”. When St Modwen was selected as the preferred developer some 16 months ago they showed a vision that thought outside the box, that would kick start a better Bognor. I have to say the recent consultation was very disappointing.  

I said 16 months ago that this has the opportunity to be the real deal and have with the exception of the future of theatre provision in the Town supported this project whole-heartily. I am 41 years old and have lived here all of my life and have been waiting for the big bang all of this time. Bognor Regis is full of potential if only it was developed right. Our two prime assets, the Regis centre site and Hothampton, both are under threat with no real kick start for the Town. The latest proposals simply do not add anything to the Town apart from a bowling alley and a new health centre. Both badly needed but they will not regenerate the Town alone. A multi purpose entertainment centre sounds great until you look into the real impact, this will sound the death knell for the picture dome and without any guarantee that the new centre will be better than the Hotham Arts Centre. As for the tower at Fitzleet one is tempted to invite Prince Charles to comment, monstrosity and carbuncle do not seem to cover this issue.  

I was particularly disappointed with Cllr Fyfe, at the recent Town Council meeting; he seemed to want a political fight. Whilst I would happily debate Lib Dem national policy with him on a public platform this was neither the time nor the place. This is the type of behaviour we have come to expect from Westminster politicians not local elected councillors, who are here to represent the interests of the Town. We have one opportunity to get this right, I am happy to work with anyone regardless of political views to get it right. I want to see a development constructed on terms that suit Bognor Regis residents not the fat profits of developers. 

If this is truly consultation St Modwen will take on board the wide range of criticism coming from local residents and come back with far reaching proposals that reflect the views of local people. It is also worth pointing out that no local member democratically elected to represent Bognor Regis has had any input into these proposals before the public were asked. When final decisions are made it will be Councillors outside of the town holding the sway and influence. By the time it comes to planning it will be too late as the application has to be judged against planning law and merits. I would urge all residents of Bognor Regis make your view known now before it’s too late to influence change.  

In 2005 as our General election candidate I increased the LibDem vote locally by 4.7% and I seriously believe that this will further increase next time. I am constantly asked what motivates me to be in the public eye all of the time. Well the answer is simple I believe our 2 Towns deserve better and are crying out for a new direction. Like many of you I have lived my entire life in this area and care deeply about its many varied communities and I get angry when I see the policies of the Conservatives locally and Labour nationally consistently fail the resident’s of this area. I get even more fiercely defensive of our area when they are the butt of jokes by many comedians. Our area has failed to thrive in my lifetime and realise its full potential it has consistently been let down by Conservatives for as long as anyone can remember.  If I was paid £5 for every time someone said to me the Conservatives always win here and always will I would be a very rich man now.  So why am I prepared to stick my neck on the line time after time well that’s simple too OUR TOWNS’ AND COUNTRY DESERVE BETTER AND ITS TIME FOR A SEA-CHANGE IN NATIONAL POLITICS!During our recent leadership election campaign I supported Nick Clegg and I am absolutely ecstatic that he is now our leader. Nick and I share the same vision for our country  we are the same age both have passion and care deeply about the state of politics in our country today and we are both essentially Liberal to the core.

Britain is a Liberal Country and so are the Towns of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton as the only prospective candidate who can challenge the Conservative arrogance in this area it falls upon me to take the Liberal Democrat message to every corner of our community. Over the next few months I will be doing that highlighting here and on our local party website my position on many crucial local issues and my vision for the future of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton. I will be taking to the streets campaigning on the big issues but also talking to as many of you as possible on the doorstep I want to give you a serious alternative to another Conservative MP I want to make your MESSAGE FOR THE FUTURE MY MESSAGE I WANT TO DELIVER THAT SEA CHANGE ALTERNATIVE AND TAKE THIS AREA BY STORM! 

In the past on site 6 Bersted Parish Council under my chairmanship took developers and Arun District Head on to argue the case against development on this site. We succesfully applied to the high court to get this site quashed and removed from the local plan only to be let down by the Labour Secretary of State who finally gave planning permission for the site.

My concern is the the New Parish Council has not yet woken up to the danger that lies ahead. I constantly warned that if planning permission for site 6 was granted then all greenfields in Bersted would be at risk of development. With potential allocations within the North West Bersted area they need to have their eye on the ball at all times. Sadly when it came to setting a budget for next year only a small amount was allocated for professional fees to look into these matters. There now seems to be a hardcore who seem to want to cut costs to the taxpayer even though this can be measured in pence to the individual than looking ahead and meet the challenges that will shape the community for decades to come. I can only hope in the long term they will rise to the challenge again.

During the next few months construction work will begin on Policy Site 6 with the planning applications for both elements now live and available for public comment. A decision will be made by the Development Control committee on the 23rd Jan and fortunately I am a member of the committee. I am also part of the Site 6 Advisory Group which is able to make pre application comments and will aslo make sure that the development is done to the highest standards. As I said when re-elected last year my main role now is to see that developers deliver on their infrastructure proposals and make sure the relief road is built as early as possible.

 I still remained concerned about possible flooding to the exsisting houses in Chichester Road and North Bersted Street and have made sure the Advisory Group has met with Southern Water to ensure that they upgrade the current sewage system to modern day standards. They came to see us in December and are due to come back to us in January with an update on proposals and to answer the many technical questions that I and others raised.

Bersted Parish Council has now submitted an outline management plan for the community centre on the site 6 estate. This is still at the very early stages but none the less is a very vital clogg for community integration over the next few years. I am still of the opinion that by setting up a trust and delivering the services from the centre on behalf of Bersted Parish Council is the best way ahead. That way we are in a position of influence on what is happening within the community and ideally placed to pick up and deal with any underlying problems.

Looking to the long term future Arun District Council will be moving forwards on the Local Development Framework. This work was put on hold last year due to the inspectors report on the South East Plan where it is proposed that an extra 2,000 houses in Arun have to be accomodated within the plan. However in Bersted we need to be very vigilant as one of the areas of seach puts Chalcraft Lane firmly in the picture for development including over possible fields in Bersted. I am on the LDF sub Committee and hopefully ideally placed to speak up on behalf of local residents. Last Year the figure being muted was 1500 houses this figure could well increase if the Secretary of State accepts the extra 2,000 houses or indeed increases it further. My main concern for this site along with many others is the historic ground water problems in this area. there is a major study being carried out on this at the moment and a strategic flood assesment report is due to the committee in the near future. I will in due course keep residents up to date on these findings once they are availiable to the public.

Congratulations to Nick Clegg on being elected leader of the Liberal Democrats. His acceptance speech was quite outstanding for a new leader and really went to the heart of the problems facing Britain today. I am particularly pleased that his main area of concern is to tackle social mobility when residents here in Bersted and Bognor Regis and Littlehampton are facing high levels of deprivation on a daily basis.

Well I have to admit with poll ratings on 23% in the Guardian last weekend something must be happening. Vince Cable has been superb over Northern Rock,the Queen’s speech and a whole load of other issues. OK to be fair alot of this has played to his main strength on the economy. but his principled stand on not going to the state banquet in honour of the Saudi King has won many friends too.

 But hey this week at question time was the best of the lot when he said that in the space of week we had witnessed Gordon brown changing from Stalin to MR BEAN. WELL ONE THINGS FOR SURE THAT COMMENT AND MR BEAN WILL STICK FOR YEARS TO COME. Well done Vince keep up the good work to think a few years younger than Ming and suddenly his age is not any issue

There are currently 2 planning applications that are live for the Bersted area on the policy site 6 site. If you want to make any comment or look at the drawings please contact Arun District Council or Bersted Parish Council where they will be happy to advise. These applications are very important and represent one of the last chances members of the public will have to influence development on this site. I make no comment as to the merit of these application as i am a member of the Development Control Committee who will ultimately make the final decision.

A weeks along time in politics Harold Wilson once said the last 6 weeks must seem like a lifetime for Gordon Brown. Having got rid of the cash for peerages scandal you would of thought the labour party would of put their own house in order. Not so we now have the remarkable story running of 3rd party donations where a wealthy doner keeps his name out of the spotlight and uses employees and friends to make his donation for him.

Whats more Gordon did not know until last Saturday then tried to leave his deputy Ms harman to shoulder the blame. Not a good move Gord she threw straight back to him. Party political funding in this country stinks and is ripe for misuse. Its time to clear up this mess once and for all. A limit of say £1,000 per year by any one individual and proper funding by the state of political parties should be the starting point. Whilst we are at it why not clean up the whole corrupt system introduce proportional representation in time for the next election and elect the House of Lords by PR and no nominations. This is truly radical and would start to clean up the mess but of cause Gord is too cagey to take up the challenge when he knows the current system still dispproportionately favours Labour.

Well we moan about our rights as individuals but at least ours are protected. A teacher from this country in Sudan is disgracefully sentenced to 15 days in prison for allowing her class to name a teddy Mohammed. Well that may well be the name of the Muslim prophet so what you say but out there they are calling for her execution. Its unbelievable lets hope government intervention and common sense prevail and she is relased early and allowed to return home.

 I feel sorry for the children she was teaching who no doubt had a more rounded and happy education thanks to her skills and kindness. She went there to help and improve things as a caring individual and ended up a political pawn. Thank god I live in England.

Well it would appear for now at least the Tories at county are listening. They have delayed a decision on doing their own thing on devolution until February giving enough time for the current committees to meet and make coment. Personally I think they are paying lip service to local members so that they can say they have consulted before going ahead with their own local committees. I believe that this all part of a hidden agenda to promote Cpounty longer term as a potential unitary authority under a future Tory government.

Well the rhetoric behind Cameron’s crusade to bring power back to local people is proving to be just that. Local Tory Councillors at Arun are pushing further powers to the Joint Western Area Committee and allowing all 3 tiers of local government to vote on issues that affect the daily life of local residents. However at West Sussex County Council the Tories have thrown the toys out of the pram and propose to set up their own local committees for just County Councillors to make local decisions at County Level.

 JWAC was working well with proper grassroots input to the process and some very lively discussions. However I think the last two were possibly more lively than they can take. Frank open dicussion and the possibility of losing control of the situation clearly does not appeal to them despite all those sitting around the table holding an elected mandate in one form or another. The way forward for local government in this area is supposedly for closer working between the different tiers some hope when Tory councillors can not agree amongst themselves at different tiers.

 I find their attitude disappointing and not within the spirit of partnership working. I will be over the next few weeks be making my feelings clear and to both Arun and West Sussex.

I went to the leadership hustings on Monday evening and Cleggy was superb. We are lucky to have such a high calibre candidate in Nick who is pushing all the right buttons. That evening for me was manic first up I had to pick Lucy up from Worthing station who is part of Nick’s team for the election who had all kinds of leaflets promoting the Clegg campaign and a DVD of the campaign so far which is riveting watching. I then help to set up the stall for members to look at what Nick had to offer.

 Next up was a dash back to the station to pick up guess who? Yes you got it Nick himself a fantastic honour unfortunately no time for small chat he was busy on the blackberry answering e-mails hot off an interview for the Independent. Got him safely to the venue which by now was packed and he was straight into tv interviews for the regional programmes the following evening.

 Presentation by the candidates was good with Nick being outstanding almost certainly bouyed from my canvassing results earlier in the day which showed him gaining support from Chris Huhne. Nick was a clear winner even in Huhne’s backyard.

I am proud to be a member of the Liberal Democrats who elect their leader on the principle of one member one vote. I also believe in the 2 candidates declared  we have potential leaders that are the envy of the other parties. In an age where spin rules these 2 individuals shine in an area of substance that Labour and the Conservatives dare not tread. In crime and the environment the 2 portfolios covered by them they have set the political agenda for the future. I have offered my services to the Nick Clegg team and proud to say was one of the first 200 signatures to sign his nomination papers. Nick shares my passion and vision for the future of British politics. He knows that the British people in general are Liberal by instinct and need an alternative to the cosy consensus of 2 party politics. As he said in his statement  when declaring his candidacy for the leadership” We must come together now and make a long-term commitment to British liberalism.We either step up or we will fall back for good. The leadership election gives us a great opportunity.An opportunity to talk – plainly and directly – to the British people. An opportunity to be an outward looking party again. There are millions of people in this country who share our values, but don’t yet give us their votes. These are the people we must be talking to in the weeks ahead. I want us to extend our reach, and broaden our appeal. I want us to take our message to every community, every home, every family”. As an individual I instinctively share his core values and beliefs Nick for me is the future of our party and offers us the best possible chance of making that long awaited break through in British politics. There are millions of people in this country crying out for an alternative voice I believe that Nick will offer that voice, choice and distinctive message that truly will rattle the cage of British politics.  

Like many others in our party I was saddened by the shock resignation of Ming. Whilst I did not support him in the last leadership election I have always admired him as an individual. Ming is a man of great integrity, honesty and passion. As leader of our great party he took over at time when we were going through a turbulent time and has restored confidence within the membership. He has made our party more professional and ready to fight elections in a technology age. His decision to stand down was solely his and with the future of the party in mind. I expect nothing else from a man who is Liberal to the core and passionate about the future of our country.

If anyone is to blame it is the media who did nothing but concentrate on the age of Ming. It is a disgrace in an age where people are living longer working on well past retirement age by choice that this has become the most critical part of his leadership. If he had been from a minority group there would have been complaints galore about discrimination and some of the cartoons in national papers portraying Ming are an insult to not only him but the public at large. More people in the over 60s group vote than any other generation I cannot believe the kind of onslaught that Ming endured has left nothing but a sour taste in their mouths. Many pensioners do more work in the community than any other age group often unpaid or unrecognised. They often fill gaps in the voluntary sector where government fails to meet the need. I often say that a country should be judged by the way it supports its elderly population and in the treatment of Ming and the many unfair policies which unfairly affect citizens as they grow older Britain must rank near the bottom of the league.

Ming led the opposition to the war in Iraq and represented the views of millions it was his incisive questioning that blew the governments argument apart. The nation and the Liberal Democrats owe him a great debt.