James Wharton MP

The Northern Echo have printed a letter about Garden Grabbing and how pleased I was to have Greg Clark MP appointed Shadow Minister for Teesside:

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/letters/display.var.2062409.0.planning_pledge.php

Yesterday after work I went along to the Eastern Area Partnership Board meeting to observe proceedings.

What I saw was a group of interested and active local people who are doing their very best to engage with the issues facing their respective communities.  It was good to get an update on Thornaby Town Centre, the work being done to engage with young people and the efforts of the EAPB generally.

I will be attending one of these meetings again.

The Gazette have reported on the high level of support for Parkview home from local residents:

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2008/02/16/residents-vote-yes-to-save-thornaby-care-home-84229-20484213/

What do we need to do to make the Council listen?

Today and tonight has seen the “consultation” on Parkview.  The scrutiny committee met to take evidence throughout the day and there was an additional meeting with officers tonight.

I felt that those who attended the evening meeting put up a spirited performance but the council officers were not particularly willing to listen.  I am extremely concerned that their statistics and “facts” appear inaccurate.  If this home closes it will not be for the right reasons.  On the basis of what I have seen Parkview should stay open.

It was the bi monthly meeting of the Village Park Residents Association last night. It was well attended and a number of issues were discussed.

Of particular concern is the ongoing saga of Stockton Borough Council’s consultation on the future of Parkview care home. The scrutiny committee are meeting today to “ascertain the facts” and a number of residents and staff from the home are hoping to attend to make their views known.