Archived News 5 of 7. (Scroll down to read if required).

Latest tour of estates by Halton Housing Trust and Ward Councillors.  (March, 2010)

As Kevan Wainwright and Paul Nolan had work commitments, Hough Green councillor Phil Harris represented the ward on the joint tour of the Afton, Arley Drive, Alt & Aire estates on March 18th. A number of useful issues were identified, some that are long standing. The improvements to the flat areas in Arley Drive are making progress but still need the fencing and other access issues addressing.

As with the recent tour of the Bechers estate, the environmental improvements programme of the Trust that commences next year is going to be a major factor in improving the quality of life for many households in the area. Ward councillors are continuing to press the issues raised with us by residents, with the Trust. It was good to see Ann McFarlane one of the Trust's tenant reps present at the tour of the estates on March 18th.

Halton Conservatives call for savage cuts to the Council's bin service.  (March, 2010) (Scroll down to read)

The recent meeting of Halton's council meeting (3rd March) considered and approved this year's budget and this year the Conservative councillors put a proposal forward which demonstrated the dangers of the tories ever getting to lead Halton Borough Council..

Describing the proposal as a 'missed opportunity', (his words) the Conservative Leader on Halton Council proposed replacing the council's existing bin collection service with one man operated refuse collection vehicles. This would allegedly result in a £643,000 saving, as you could then sack all the collection staff who constitute most of the bin crews.

Aside from the fact it wouldn't actually work or deliver a better bin service, you do have to acknowledge that only the 'Nasty Party' would propose a kick in the teeth to some of the council's hardest workers and at the same time scrap assisted pull-outs for around 1,300 households across Halton. Around 100 homes in Hough Green alone would have been affected by this ill-thought out proposal.

Labour councillors rejected the proposal. Strangely the Tories didn't mention this cut once in their views to the local media ? No surprise then that they stayed silent about their real budget disaster in their local election leaflets as well.

The original Tories budget savings totalled £785,000 that means after the barmy bin service cuts fell, their entire budget submission collapsed. This is the calibre of the people who claim they could lead Halton Council. They can't even propose a budget properly. Not that that is new of course.

Recyclebank on track for summer retro-fitting of bins.   (May, 2010)

Preparations are already underway to ensure that later this summer those homes in Hough Green not currently part of the Recyclebank scheme will be given the opportunity to join as the rewards programme is rolled out borough-wide. This follows a recent decision by your labour-led council. Hough Green Cllr Phil Harris proposed the scheme in the council.

The new areas will include; Gleadmere; Grizedale; all close's off Atterbury Close ; Arley Drive; Fulbeck; Foxcote; Edendale; Eversley; Afton; Plumley Gardens; Avon; Aire; Alt; Brandon; Danescroft; Downside; Dunsford; Deepdale & Hough Green Rd.

The real world of Cameron's 'Compassionate Conservatism' ?  (May, 2010)

  to read in The Independent about the tories real approach to local services.

Click here

Labour launches housing manifesto  (April, 2010)

Labour's housing manifesto was launched on April 23rd, setting out how Labour will help provide everyone with a secure, decent and affordable home in a safe community.

The Tories would cut spending on housebuilding and paralyse the planning system, removing the duty on councils to plan for new affordable housing. for more.

Click here