Polling stations across Tamworth the whole of Staffordshire are now open for the county’s first Police and Crime Commissioner election.
It is important that all Conservative Party voters go and vote for Matthew Ellis, as the alternative is unthinkable.
If you have not already been and vote for Matthew Ellis NOW!
Local Conservative councillor Andrew James was a guest on TCR FM’s morning show on Monday, 12 November, and talked about his role as local councillor, Tamworth Borough Council’s scrutiny committees and Nadine Dorries’ appearance in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Cllr James joined his fellow Borough Councillor and regular TCR fm DJ Lee Bates in the studio and got to select a few tracks that were played for the listeners and joined Lee in his regular Dallas update.
Andrew said, “My first experience of a live radio studio was enjoyable, it was good to get to talk about being a Borough Councillor and share my varied musical tastes with the listeners of Tamworth.”
Lee Bates said, “Andrew was a star today, he was relaxed throughout the show, gladly joined in my Dallas saga and spoke passionately about being a Borough Councillor in Tamworth.”
The Mercian ward councillor discussed the Borough Council’s Healthier & Safer scrutiny committee, of which he is the current Chairman, and some of the issues that are being scrutinised including the health of children and young people in Tamworth.
Lee Bates also asked Cllr James what he thought about Mid Bedfordshire MP Nadine Dorries’ decision to appearance in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and Cllr James said that she should be in Parliament not in Australia but Nadine’s celebrity phone number was in his speed dial, so he could vote for her to stay out there.
Today’s show can be heard again here and Lee Bates is on TCR FM every Monday from 10am until noon playing songs and tackling local issues.
Two local MPs have continued their campaign against a wind turbine proposal near the service station at junction 10 of the M42.
Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) and Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) have both written to the Planning Inspectorate outlining their concerns for the appeal application of the Wind Turbine at Tamworth Service Station. The application for development sits right on the border between Tamworth Borough Council and North Warwickshire District Council.
The first turbine application was lodged with North Warwickshire council but when this was opposed, an application for a ‘test mast’ was lodged on the Tamworth side of the border, which was also opposed. Now the original application in North Warwickshire is being appealed by the developer.
Dan Byles said, “Both Chris and I have written to the Planning Inspectorate outlining our concerns about this appeal. Unfortunately the appellant has not taken into consideration all of the reasons for its refusal from the council. The developer neglected the requirements of the North Warwickshire Local Plan 2006. In addition to this, I also highlighted the National Policy Planning Framework and how such proposals should only be considered in special circumstances. I urge residents in both constituencies to write to the Planning Inspectorate.”
Christopher Pincher added, “Whether the turbine is situation on the Tamworth or North Warwickshire side of the service station is irrelevant as both communities will be adversely affected if it is developed. Currently the turbine is proposed on the North Warwickshire side but this will affect residents in Stonydelph and Wilnecote as well as communities and businesses in Dordon. I have mentioned the specific issue that wind farms affect many planning areas to the Planning Inspector and have asked him if this is taken into consideration.”
Both Dan and Chris have worked together with other MPs and councillors in opposing inefficient and unsustainable on-shore wind farms.
To contact the Planning Inspectorate please call Mr Robert Wordsworth, The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/13, Temple Quay House, 2, The Square, Bristol BS1 6PN.
Cllr Allan Lunn
Cllr Allan Lunn, Tamworth Borough Councillor and ex soldier who fought in the second Gulf war of 2003, heaped praise on everybody who took part in Tamworth’s Remembrance Service on Sunday.
Cllr Lunn said, “As a Gulf war veteran and Borough Councillor for Castle ward in Tamworth, I found myself feeling so proud of the people of Tamworth on Sunday, 11th November. The turn out and respect shown was fantastic.
“There were people of all ages present and yet the silence was not broken by anyone, at any time. St Editha’s Church was completely full and a fantastic tribute to those that have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we may have our Freedom.
“I also hope that many of you witnessed the display of respect shown at 7pm, when the sky over the whole of Tamworth was lit up with Lanterns, this was a truly amazing sight and one that has not been seen before. Well done Tamworth!”
Conservative councillors Michael Oates & Tina Clements celebrate the opening of the the exit
Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth, says he is delighted at by the completion of the new car park exit at Sainsbury’s.
Plans for the new car park exit were approved in the summer and work began in early October. The congestion issues are of real concern to local residents as well as people who journey from further afield to use Ventura Retail Park, which has seen massive expansion over the past decade. The complex now boasts a range of new stores including John Lewis, Next at Home, and B&Q.
Mr Pincher said, “It is really good news to see the second exit complete and on time. This has the potential to massively relieve the traffic flow in and out of the car park. The gridlock around Ventura were hugely frustrating for drivers and I hope that the improved infrastructure will encourage more visitors and support new jobs at Ventura for the people of Tamworth. I am glad the project is ready for the big Christmas shop.”
Staffordshire County Council, Tamworth Borough Council and Sainsbury’s have been work closely to ensure this solution to the traffic problems is delivered swiftly with minimum disruption to current traffic flows.
Chris Pincher MP with 6th Tamworth Scouts and the £100 cheque
Tamworth MP, Christopher Pincher, met with 6th Tamworth Scout Group (Amington) this week to hand over a donation of £100.
Mr Pincher recently completed an opinion survey and was awarded a cheque for a charity of his choice. He met the Scouts and their leaders during a visit to Sainsbury’s, Ventura Park, where the team were packing customers’ bags to raise money for the 2012 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Mr Pincher said, “The Scout Association is a great organisation and institution with hundreds of young people attending meetings each week. Scouting offers exciting and adventurous activities, giving young people opportunities they wound not get day to day and enabling them to build their confidence and skills.”
The Conservative Party is hosting a discussion on immigration to the UK next week and residents of Tamworth are invited to join the debate.
The CPF, Conservative Policy Forum, holds regular debates on various subjects, which then can feed into the Party’s policies for future elections, and this month the Party is discussing immigration.
Local CPF Officer, Cllr Allan Lunn said, “Immigration is a major issue on the doorsteps of Tamworth and across the UK and the Conservative Party want to hear the views of all residents.”
The free to attend debate is set for Monday 19th November at the RAF Club, Lichfield Street, Tamworth at 19:30 and details of the event are available here.
Conservative Member of Parliamentary for Tamworth
Christopher Pincher was first elected MP for Tamworth in May 2010 with a majority of 6,090. Christopher was re-elected in 2015 with an increased majority of 11,302.
Born and bred in Staffordshire, and a Midlander through and through, Christopher is committed to representing Tamworth residents.
Christopher believes strongly in the power of local communities where people look after one another, support their local schools and hospitals and post offices, respect common traditions and stand together against the threat of crime and anti-social behaviour.
After becoming MP in 2010, Christopher worked conscientiously to get Britain back on track. Along with advocating issues relevant to Tamworth, Christopher specialized in national issues, including: energy, climate change, and defence. He was appointed to the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee and also served on the Armed Forces Bill Committee.
Click here to view Christopher’s full bio.
