Monday 21^st September.

Out on night patrol with our neighbourhood police with a visit to Southport Hospital following trouble in Birkdale. What a horror story, a reveller had his bottom lip bitten off and was later transferred to another hospital. The incident timescale was shortened for the police because the victim was not pressing charges. A further 2 hours of paperwork was to follow the incident which had required the presence of 4 squad cars. The police checked on the victim and ensured his attacker behaved himself when in the presence of the nursing staff.

Off surveying Ainsdale/Birkdale and on to Formby after a radio call was received. All quiet in Ainsdale, police advised a good place to live.

Checked on local parks, all quiet.

Still some concerns re Bedford Park which because of its size has proved difficult. My thanks to my two hard working policemen Mike Holmes and Barry Scraggs.

Well we have the start of the Liberal Democrat Party Conference!! How unfortunate their leader, sorry I always have to check on this I suppose because Vince Cable appears to be their public face, Nick Clegg has started off by attacking the Conservatives so personally. Of course some might be surprised and thinking this is unprofessional but having endured this behaviour myself over many years it came as no surprise to me and many others. I think the idea is to destroy confidence however certainly with me the opposite but then if I am fighting for people I do not give up.

My concerns continue to be raised over our Beachsafe programme operating from May - September which with the aid of "quad bikes" protects the beaches, sand hills and parks in Southport Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby. The success of this programme is well documented and the fact it started late, finished early and operated with two run down quad bikes that were continually breaking down and were unreliable is a reason for concern. The bikes are used throughout the year to protect our parks in addressing unsociable behaviour and widely welcomed within the community. We pay highly for our police service and promises given must be honoured.

I have just listened to Nick Clegg on the Andrew Marr show and he would not give straight answers!! How interesting that up to now Lib-Dem conference concentrated on the Conservatives.

Good lunch at the Royal Clifton, the carvery was excellent and good to meet up with a local resident who worked there. Derian House Children's Hospice had a Craft Fayre there so good to give them support.

The list of land that was investigated as possible housing developments is quite vast and the political scaremongering that followed is sad, we consult in Ainsdale there will be no adverse tactics as we heard went on in Kew. By the way I fully supported the proposals for Kew but also worked, and continue to work that the local community have their say I think this was omitted from the Lib-Dem leaflet. Oh well we can but hope, say it how it is........much preferred by the public.

Ocean Parcs vision for Ainsdale on Sea is proving positive and most are aware of their intention to consult widely. I am pleased to say there was no pressure needed when we originally suggested the importance that they consult within the local community it was immediately agreed as they had already planned to follow this procedure. A liaison group is currently being set up and planned consultations should commence early in November.

The planned proposals for Portland Street and surrounding area will have far reaching effects on the lives and future of residents and businesses. It was essential that all proposals and facts be available to ensure a meaningful decision, it was for this reason I asked for press support to ensure all facts are widely publicised at the 3^rd September Area Committee and by the current press coverage this request was taken on board. Evidence indicates businesses will be affected and this fact should have been identified during the investigating period.

Thank goodness Conservatives have pledged to scrap £10,000 communication allowance currently given to MP's to promote what they do, an unnecessary expense in these difficult times. The Welsh Labour Party wants to extend it to include Councillors who would receive £1000 a year as a "communications allowance", live in the real world springs to mind!!

Also note that David Cameron continues to pledge to honour the restoration of the link between pensions and earnings.

Anyone wanting to check full details of land investigated for housing developments go to

www.sefton.gove.uk/shlaa

Another meeting this week with Sefton Area Commander Ian Pilling to address residents concerns, a good productive meeting with proposals for improvement. It is important that policing is in the best interests of local communities and recent changes at Ainsdale are not in the best interest of Ainsdale, Birkdale and Southport town centre.

Off to the dentist as I am minus a front tooth!! Fancy having an operation and losing a tooth.... I have taken loads of teasing on this one but at least I now have a front tooth.

Again talk of the end of the recession and as David Cameron and George Osborne have repeatedly said hopefully by the end of the year when we can get a grip on Britain's debt crisis. Under Labour we have the largest budget deficit of any large economy and the highest debt level since World War Two.

Busy Saturday loads of paperwork but glad people get in touch as much can be done to improve people's quality of life.

Attended Crossens Community Association Fun Day and admire what they have achieved. My support goes back a long way as when this hard working team started off, I as chairman of Woodvale & Ainsdale Community Association and my management team, helped them as much as we could. It is thought all political parties don't get on..... not true it is not the politics but the personalities and John Dodd and I have been friends for a long time and help and support for their Community Centre was freely given. A successful day and fortunately the weather held out for them. Good to see Margaret Brown ex councillor for the Southport Party at the event and who is part of their management team. An excellent day and good luck to them all as they plan for the future.

On to Botanic Gardens, unfortunately I was unable to present the prizes for the Chrysanthemum show due to another engagement but wanted to see the exhibits. Lovely to meet up with Alan Foxall, what a talented man.

Lovely to be invited to the Centenary Celebrations at Greenbank. Ken and I had a lovely time and the girls were so excited with a great show being put on for them following their walk down the Pier. As an ex Brownie and Girl Guide the day had mixed memories for me as I thoroughly enjoyed my guiding days and had nostalgic memories. Our two granddaughters attended and they were overjoyed to see us.

So many lies from Labour on our so called cuts to services from bus passes to pension credits..........Rubbish what a shame to rely on such inaccuracies.

So many people ask my opinion on the Al-Magrahi release on "compassionate grounds". I do believe in some cases it is justified but not for a man who was convicted of one of the worst terrorist atrocities to ever take place on British soil.

Many business meetings today and good to hear how local businesses are doing at this time and their aspirations for the future.

Happy evening at "Lings" on King Street giving support to Birkdale Conservatives. Every year they hold a Chinese Banquet and this years it was particularly well done ..............a lovely evening meeting many old friends. We won a tin of sweets in the raffle, chosen by someone who is on a diet!!

Our canvassing is going so well, other parties giving support in addition to Lib-Dems changing sides!!! While they appear to like Vince Cable many voters are unsure who the Lib-Dem leader is?

Edward Thompson MP for Crewe and Nantwich visited yesterday with a dinner at the Scarisbrick Hotel. Edward was warmly welcomed and spoke of his legendary by-election win in the previously safe Labour seat.

As we read the fiasco report covering MG Rover, and the squabble of who is to blame, then surely if common sense prevails the Phoenix Four and their Chief Executive should be rightly criticised. However why did the Inspectors looking into the issue not think the scope of the enquiry enabled them to go more precisely into the government role in the selection of the Phoenix Four. It is also regrettable that they did not investigate the possible misuse of taxpayers' money when ministers put £6.5 million in the middle of an election campaign, to keep the company going beyond polling day. This report clearly does not shed enough light on the government's undoubted involvement in brokering the deal in the first place and failing to realise the project was heading for disaster.

So much happening in Ainsdale but the facts are being politically exploited not in the interests of local residents.

Pontins

What a windfall £100 million investment from Ocean Parcs in Ainsdale/Southport. The general feeling in the area is that people are delighted for many different reasons. The old fashioned current structure does nothing to enhance the immediate area, many of the buildings dating back to 1969 with little or no sound proofing. The current programme of "Special Weekends" have often been a cause of aggravation with excess noise, these are to be discontinued as Ocean Parcs goes forward to introduce their vision for the future rather than Pontins. It has already been agreed the local community will be fully consulted at various Village venues with relevant representatives present to answer questions and provide further information if needed. There will also be literature widely distributed throughout Ainsdale.  A liaison group as previously planned will also be formed from within Ainsdale. The availability of a local swimming pool and possible heritage centre has had a good response and has been welcomed both locally and further afield. The rebuilding of the site will be handled I am assured with sensitivity and as little disruption as possible, because of the positioning of the site it is expected that the residential and village areas will not have major problems as relevant vehicles will not have to use that route. One thing is for sure all such problems will be dealt with prior to plans being agreed. The added support for our village is also welcomed as its viability is important to us all. For a long time Ainsdale people have put up with an out of date site with little noise control - this will change to our advantage.

Ainsdale Hope High School:

Despite scaremongering in political literature, current situation is that the school land is eligible for residential property development. This land is owned by the council and has not been sold and is not listed for immediate development. School playing fields are under review for development; this has not been agreed by the council and on advice would take years to be sanctioned, if approved. Two facts need to be noted

•1)      If green belt development supported by council, a consultation programme would ensure local residents had their say.

•2)      A future General Election if won by the Conservatives would oppose building on green belt. A recent leaflet delivered by the Liberal Democrats is sad and such a shame that the needs of the local community and Southport, which is inclusive of Ainsdale, are not a consideration.

It has been confirmed by e:mail that the "Ainsdale High site was identified as a POTENTIAL development site as part of the Housing Land Availability Exercise but that our (Council) Consultants have ruled it out as being a potential housing site for the foreseeable future. The report will be finalised during October".

This will be monitored.

No Conservative Councillor opposed the building at Kew and maximum number of properties are being developed, however I supported and worked to ensure local residents were consulted. Confirmed at the 3^rd September Area Committee that Barratts the developer was to liaise with the local community and a steering group will be established. The true facts are always the best especially with evidence and of course it keeps everyone updated.

Southport's International Festival  

organised by Elim Church and sponsored by Champion Newspapers on Sunday 13^th September was a huge success with twenty countries taking part, the costume competition was great.

  The winning countries, 1/2/3 were Nigeria, India and Scotland and I had the honour at this first Festival event to present the awards and crown Miss Nigeria. A great day with stalls and entertainment. Well done to everyone involved.

For more information go to http://www.southportinternationalfestival.co.uk/

Another day canvassing it gets better and better.

A very enjoyable afternoon at the Old School House when Kelly  David from Ormskirk presented our fundraising group the Southport Dialysis Fund with a cheque for £2079.18 from a marathon run she had undertaken. Wew are still being fully supported by the public even in these difficult times and everyone is most appreciative.

Well done Kelly

or Ainsdale. An enjoyable couple of weeks and feeling great following my operation, many thanks to everyone who sent their good wishes it was appreciated.

It was good to share Pontins vision for the future which will give added support to Ainsdale/Southport. On completion of their plans it is their intention to share them with the local community. Ocean Parcs are now the new owners of Pontins and have 6 sites across the country with Ainsdale having already been chosen as their headquarters. A cash investment of approximately £10 million was recently allotted to the Ainsdale site but with a vision that far extends the original plans this could rise to £100 million with funding from other quarters being identified. Assurances have been given that Ocean Parcs want to work with the local communities and not only provide more upmarket accommodation for their customers but provide leisure facilities that can be of interest to the local community and enhance the area - working to support the Village is an intention of the new administration. Plans will promote Southport as an area and in this economic climate has to be good news.

Concerns over the Cultural Centre (Arts Theatre, Library and Art Gallery) continue to grow with a strong voice to retain a library service in Southport Town Centre. I can fully support this request and am aware that officers are currently working to identify an appropriate building to address the overwhelming support being given for a Town Centre Library. Should the planned project proceed, depending on relevant funding being available, it is essential that job losses are not part of the package.

An invitation to the Salvation Army Citadel for their Monday afternoon Meeting was most enjoyable and gave me an opportunity of answering some of the local concerns while having a sociable afternoon. I look forward to future visits and meeting old friends.

Requested a briefing on the Cultural Centre in case I had missed anything while in hospital and to ensure if asked questions I could answer with accuracy as the proposed project is of importance to the community.

Good reports on the Flower Show which thank goodness has had good weather this year, I agree it is the best of all these events and the location is ideal. Well done to all involved.

Early morning visit to Bolton to meet with David Cameron and Andrew Lansley who as Shadow Health Minister was accompanying David to local hospitals after he had delivered a keynote speech on the Conservative commitment to the NHS.

Our vision for the NHS is to improve its performance. Our commitment to deliver high standards of healthcare to all, free at the point of use, and according to need not ability to pay.

The recent withdrawal of the Beachsafe Programme earlier than previous years is bad news for Southport. This project has been enormously successful over the last 2 years protecting the public on local beaches (Formby, Ainsdale, Birkdale, Southport) on the /sand hills and local Parks. This programme had the advantage of fully trained Police Officers and quad bikes that made their work not only easier but more effective. The Beachsafe Programme usually adopted to cover from early May to when the children returned to school in September has proved our "Jewel in the Crown" when covering these large areas, many in isolation but popular with unsavoury characters!! It is essential we retain this project with adequate quad bikes and I am currently in talks on this issue.

Again our Armed Forces are in the news, it is essential that our brave troops have adequate equipment and peace of mind that their families are being appropriately looked after. I cannot begin to imagine the worry these families are going through. How enlightening to read that one of our soldiers queried the paying of income tax to our Prime Minister and comparisons were made with America and other countries - we did not come out well.

On holiday in America 18 months ago I was impressed and gave the Americans full marks for treating their servicemen so well and acknowledging the important job they undertook in the protection of their country.

I am looking forward to attending the many events to which I have been invited and having the opportunity of making new acquaintances and meeting up with old friends, I look forward to sharing the occasions with those who care to log on to my web site.

I have received many phone calls commenting on the recent survey on the future leadership of Sefton Council and the poor response. Many complained until reading the article in the paper they had been unaware of the issue. A response of 22 comments from a population of over 200,000 seems unbelievable - does this mean public is uninterested? Does it mean they are supportive of current system?

It was good to receive an invitation to Crossens Community Associations 10^th Anniversary Celebrations as we have worked together on many occasions when I was Chairman of Woodvale & Ainsdale Community Association. I am delighted that with such a strong team they are providing a service that so obviously serves their community. I know the Management Team in Ainsdale are delighted with their progress and support for them is on-going and my congratulations on past successes and good luck for the future.

I am delighted to report the Ainsdale Community Garden is moving forward and on completion it will become a garden offering beauty and tranquillity, a jewel in the crown for Ainsdale.

Sefton's Economic Forum           

Held at the Ramada Hotel when I had the opportunity to highlight the importance of including our  young people in the future plans of our town.

Following my visit to Southport College I wanted to emphasize the talent that I have seen and that as a town we should be promoting the advantages we have with our excellent Colleges near at hand.

Southport College students have contacted me offering their help and support during the recession. The Forum fortunately consisted of business people who recognise the importance of involving our talented young people. A representative from the Learning and Skills Council was also present and fully supported my views which we later discussed privately. Business suggestions were put forward on ways to give added support during these difficult times.

Dialysis Unit Strawberry Tea.    

The Dialysis Unit located on the Southport Hospital site is a much needed facility for Southport and its outlying areas. Many people have worked hard to secure this Unit and I have been asked to give facts relating to the investigation that was undertaken to support the "need for a Renal Dialysis Unit". As a member of Sefton's Health Scrutiny together with Cllr Ann Ibbs and the then Southport Party Councillor Margaret Brown I led a Working Group to identify the need for such a service. This was requested by the Southport Dialysis Unit Fund, an activist group set up by Dr Leslie Grimshaw following the death of his wife, he is still the current chairman. They had themselves identified the need but advised more support would be welcomed. The Working Group met patients, interviewed professionals and the public and visited other Units to ensure they had all the relevant facts.

On completion of the investigation I wrote the final report which was sent to hospitals, GP's, those who had been interviewed and other organisations for confirmation of its accuracy.

I am delighted to say that only two corrections were needed in the report, neither were connected with the medical contents. The Final Report, which is still available, was supported by all parties at council which I am advised by Jenny Scott, the Special Commissioning Director, Was welcomed at the time of assessing the need for such a service in Southport. During our investigation it was obvious that the commitment of both the Kidney Fund and the Southport Dialysis Unit Fund was welcomed by everyone. The Kidney Fund had for many years been instrumental in providing transport and support to patients and I was delighted to have the opportunity of again speaking to its chairman Mrs Joan Coleman at the opening of the new Unit.

The Southport Dialysis Unit Fund who had instigated the need for a Unit to be identified is on-going with its fundraising.

The seating and garden fronting the new Unit has been provided by this Fund and I am advised that they are in the process of funding a mobile scanner for the Unit.

As I am no longer on the Health Committee I have been an active member of the Southport Dialysis Unit Fund.

The Strawberry Tea at Jean Irelands Old School House in Talbot Street, on behalf of this Group, provided a lovely day with a lot of support.

We must never forget that those needing dialysis, unless needing a transplant, have to attend a Unit for life three times a week and four hours a session, they do need our support.

Seftons Sports Awards

Seftons Sports Awards held at the newly refurbished Floral Hall gave us the opportunity of recognising the talent around us. With over 400 people present it was a tear jerker of an evening and although Sefton Council are frequently criticised, some of it justified, they do some things very well and this was such an occasion.

Visit to KGV College

My visit to KGV for a Question and Answer Session clearly showed me the single minded attitude the students had regarding their future which was extremely refreshing. It was good to note that many of the girls had chosen professions that historically had been male dominated. Whatever is done in life must be within our own capabilities and I was pleased that they obviously considered the profession they were choosing was within their capabilities. During my visit and together with their Principle Hilary Anslow we visited the portacabins that are needed to provide the extra teaching space so essential in this popular and excellent College. At this time although she knew the proposed funding of £40 million had been frozen, she was unsure of the future which in itself brought extra problems on the College. Their aspirations have been cruelly exploited and while my visit took place days before last week's announcement, I am fully aware of how Mrs Anslow and her staff must be feeling at this time. This is a disgraceful situation, they need our support and we must fight to try and turn this around. It is interesting to note that the 13 further education colleges chosen to go forward all have a Labour MP!!

Salvation Army Citadel

Again what a super evening we h ad amongst very friendly and a welcoming group of people. Invited to attend the concert of a visiting Youth Brass Band from Norway, which was to include the very small members of the Citadels Choir, we had a memorable evening. The little ones from 4 years old were a delight to listen to and their enjoyment of the occasion was a picture to see. The young people from Norway, 40 in all, came from an area with a population of 1100 and their talent was appreciated. In attendance were the Mayor and Mayoress of Sefton who publically thanked everyone and privately advised as his theme for his Mayoral year was music he appreciated being invited. Thank you so much to all involved in providing the evening and it was good to meet many of those attending and the performers after the show.

Greenbank High School

An early morning call for a Question and Answer Session with students was a most enjoyable morning and I was impressed that some of the questions that were put to me the students themselves were very knowledgeable on the subject.  Again it is good to see that although many of the girls present had not decided on their future profession you knew they would be single minded in their choice as they were of independent minds and knew what they wanted in the future. It must be said that having visited a number of our Colleges how very sensible our young people are but how damming that the general consensus is that they will have to tidy up the mess previously made by the adults. MP's expenses were a subject raised by many of them, who can blame them as it would appear that a good example has not been shown to them.

Aunty Wainwrights Community Church

A busy morning at Pontins, prior to attending the Aunty Wainwrights Club at the Community Church, which proved positive as they outlined their plans for the forthcoming Open Day.

Having missed lunch I arrived at Aunty Wainwrights to a lovely surprise that I was to join them in a sandwich lunch and have the opportunity of meeting them informally prior to our question and answer session that was to follow.

It is at times like this that I realise how lucky I am having the opportunity of meeting so many people and the afternoon proved to be as enjoyable as I thought it would be. Why many people dismiss the elderly as irrelevant amazes me as their life experiences would stand many in good stead. Again thanks to all those involved in the afternoon and I look forward to having another visit in the future.

Sefton  Chamber of Commerce

What a great job they do as today I had the opportunity to meet so many of our business community who are genuinely supporting one another as we face the recession. It is generally agreed that some are suffering more than others and without doubt more needs to be done nationally to help them. However the fact they support one another is a huge plus and thanks to Steve Dickson and his team, not forgetting the ever efficient Sandra Gee his PA, they are doing a good job.

Ainsdale Show 

Thank goodness the sun was shining at the start of this popular day in Ainsdale. Ken and I have always attended the show mostly as helpers on many of the stalls and in more recent years in the Raffle tent. However today I had been asked to open the show and crown the Rose Queen which is an honour, a privilege and a real joy to do. It was lovely to meet old and new friends on the day who came to speak with me, and the odd joke about me wearing a hat. Thanks to all those who actually congratulated me on losing weight, which is not before time, but was appreciated. The show as always was wonderful, the talent in our schools is amazing and the exhibits in the large marquee left you in awe of the talents in so many fields that our community have. Of course we all recognise that a good show doesn't just materialise but is a result of the hard work behind the scenes.

New Chairman Tricia Pearce should be very proud of the success of the day who together with new President Brian Forsdike and Secretary David Greenwood ensured the display ground provided a full afternoons entertainment. There are many openings, events that I attend during the year but this day was special and both Ken and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The Mayor and Mayoress joined us in the afternoon and I know how much they enjoyed themselves. I am told the show had a record attendance.

Pontins Open Day          

Again glorious sunshine helped t o provide a super day courtesy of Pontins. The work that they did to promote the Open Day and to provide so many free activities and a welcoming atmosphere is greatly appreciated. The entrance fee of £2 adults and £1 children, which covered 10am until midnight, was to be donated to Ainsdale to a project that would be of benefit to as many people as possible. When asked for my advice I put forward the Community Garden which when completed will be for everyone. The land for the garden provided by the United Reformed Church is in an ideal location on Station Road Ainsdale, our Village. Again we were joined by our Mayor and Mayoress Cllr Alf Doran and Cllr Gill Cuthbertson also our MP John Pugh and his wife. As the ribbons were cut to open the gates the cars continued to roll in and the day had started. Manager Peter Ludbrook and his Deputy Mark must be commended for the support they put into this project and on behalf of Ainsdale I thank them for the donation of £1700 which they are to provide to the Community Garden. The on-going shows on site during the day were super and many comments have been passed to me how much the children had enjoyed themselves, together with friends we attended the late evening show to see Re-Take That the UK's first Tribute Band and it was well worth the visit. Of course as people saw the Pontins of today, proposals for the future with an investment of £10 million plus, all of this will change. I am in regular contact with Pontins senior management team and planners and on completion of putting the proposals for the future together, with appropriate plans, they will be presented to the local community for their comments.

Oceanparcs, the new owners, whose HQ  is located on the Ainsdale site are very much community orientated and whatever is agreed for changes on their site they want it to be an asset to the area. The Pontins investment together with the investment for the Indoor Market clearly indicates that Southport is the place to be and as tourism is our main industry it is hoped that more people will take the time to visit our area.

Due to the recession  many towns are suffering with the lack of visitors, mainly day trippers, however Southport is proving a popular and positive destination with 4800 coaches visiting us during 2008, I am advised this is increasing.

Ainsdale Railway Station

Plans to upgrade the station further are now in the pipeline and local art work is to be included in the refurbishment programme which again will help us bring our local schools into providing the work that is to be displayed.

Cambridge Ward Coffee Morning

A lovely event organised by Sheila Casse giving me the opportunity of meeting many old friends and making new ones. I do appreciate the help and support that is being given to me.

Early morning breakfast 6-45am at the Ramada Hotel    

With members of the Business Network International Group which proved to be an experience in itself. What fun these down to earth guys are while undertaking their early bird business at the Ramada Hotel. The one thing that was very obvious to me was their commitment to their business and their commitment to each other and while doing that making their pre breakfast agenda good fun. As they were quick to tell me the main part of the day was their English breakfast which was superb and gave us all the opportunity to catch up with one another's news and see the world as it really is. Again businesses vary in how they are coping with the recession but the spirit was good and without doubt if this was the main factor of keeping your head above water then they will succeed. This is certainly one visit that I would like to repeat in the future and I am pleased that some of them have contacted me following our breakfast.

Youth Service   

I am always delighted to support our young people and those who work with the Youth Service do a good job. Last year we celebrated an International Day at the Royal Clifton Hotel but this year we had young people from Southport, Oldham, Skelmersdale and south of the Borough representing the North West. Their presentations showed flair and imagination and the input from all the areas present was appreciated by those of us who had been invited. Together with local Councillors, Margaret Carney Chief Executive of Sefton Council and her daughter joined the event which was appreciated both by the young people themselves and the Youth Service staff who were present. Talking with the young people they had obviously enjoyed their 2 days in Southport and their enthusiasm made the event so much more enjoyable. It was interesting to hear the Oldham contingency tell us of their election of a Junior Mayor who was also present and advised us that he represented Oldham Youth Council and when possible accompanied their Mayor on his official engagements.

As I have said previously especially after visiting some of our Colleges and listening to their down to earth ideas and views on life it is now more important than ever that they are included in many of the decisions that are taken.