Archive for September, 2014
Friday, September 12th, 2014
Mr Pincher writing his opposition to the go kart application
Christopher Pincher MP has raised his “clear concerns” about an application made to North Warwickshire Borough Council to extend the karting track at Priory Park because of concerns about its future use and the impact this may have on residents in Acorn Ridge.
The noise from the karting track, which sits just over the border in Warwickshire, has historically been a significant nuisance for residents and increasing the capacity of the track will further exacerbate this problem.
A number of Tamworth constituents have also raised concerns about the size of the sound barriers that have been installed, which are not the 5m tall barriers described in the applicant’s submission (they are materially lower) and make little impact on the levels of noise.
Mr Pincher said, “I have raised my objections about this site before and have done so again. I have written to North Warwickshire in the clearest terms.
“I am concerned that given the location of the Chiltern loop and the roads off it, which is in Tamworth and known as Acorn Ridge, residents are not being given sufficient say about decisions that may be taken by North Warwickshire but which have a direct and negative impact on them. They may not live in North Warwickshire but my constituents are directly affected by decisions made by councillors that they do not elect over the border.
“As well as objecting to North Warwickshire Borough Council, I have also written to Planning Minister, Brandon Lewis MP, to clarify what support can be given to Tamworth Borough Council to represent residents in planning matters which are not within its jurisdiction, but which directly affect its own council tax payers.”
Stonydelph Conservative Cllr Stephen Doyle, who went along the North Warwickshire Planning Committee meeting on Monday night to speak up for local residents, said, “I believe NWBC Planning Committee must listen to local residents in Acorn Ridge who are concerned about the impact this application will have. It is not right to make any decision without making sure their lives are not unfairly affected. I will keep up the pressure on their behalf.”
Sunday, September 7th, 2014
Cllr Michael Greatorex
A change has been made to Tamworth’s Borough Council’s Cabinet following the promotion of one of the committee members to Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet.
Cllr Michael Greatorex, who held the portfolio for Public Housing and Vulnerable People, will take the role of a support cabinet member with Staffordshire County Council.
Cllr Greatorex represents the Mercian ward in Tamworth and is also Staffordshire County Councillor for Watling South Division (Dosthill, Two Gates and Wilnecote). He will continue to hold his position on Tamworth’s Planning Committee and all other duties associated with being a Tamworth councillor.
Announcing the change, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, Cllr Daniel Cook, said the portfolio for Housing and Vulnerable People will be split between the remaining five Cabinet members for an interim period, which would also result in a financial saving.
The role Cllr Greatorex has accepted at Staffordshire County Council is the Support Member for Wellbeing, Prevention and Public Health, which will see him working under Cabinet member Cllr Alan White.
Cllr Cook said; “Cllr Greatorex has proved a huge asset to Tamworth Borough Council, both as a Cabinet member and ward councillor. He has worked on projects including the regeneration of Kerria and Tinkers Green, changes to housing legislation and the scheme, which has seen garages, redeveloped into affordable homes.
“Unfortunately a councillor cannot hold a Cabinet position on both a county and district council, and Cllr Greatorex has taken the difficult decision to accept the new challenge offered to him at Stafford.
“We will still be working closely with Michael – both in his county capacity and also as a borough councillor for Tamworth. I would like to thank him for all his hard work during the last few years on Cabinet and wish him every success in his new role.”
Cllr Greatorex said; “I am sad to be leaving my cabinet role on Tamworth Borough Council. I have found the work to be both stimulating and rewarding. I shall miss the support and encouragement, which the Leader of the Council, my cabinet colleagues and all the officers of Tamworth Borough Council have given me.
“The new challenge for me on the County Council’s cabinet is an exciting one and gives me the opportunity to help shape policies to support county residents, including those of Tamworth where I have happily lived for 29 years and will continue to live.”
The full Cabinet and responsibilities are as follows:
- Cllr Daniel Cook. Leader. Portfolio: Performance, financial planning, strategy and reputation
- Cllr Rob Pritchard: Deputy Leader. Portfolio: Operations & Assets
- Cllr Steve Claymore: Portfolio: Economy & Education
- Cllr Stephen Doyle: Portfolio: Community Development & Voluntary Sector
- Cllr Michelle Thurgood: Portfolio: Environment & Waste Management
