Burma Way Phone Mast

(KM Group 2011)

Cllrs' Osborne, Godwin and Craven are standing by residents in Burma Way and Tobruk Way in Chatham in opposing the proposed 20m phone mast proposal from O2.

We object to the phone mast development because of its proximity to residential areas and schools and we believe these developments are better suited to less residential areas.

Please see letter below:

Planning - MC11598 - Phone_Mast,_Wayfield

Medway Armed Forces Day

Cllr Tristan Osborne attended the Medway Armed Forces Day today at Rochester Castle with fellow Labour representatives.

A good attendance from across the political spectrum and a clear cross-section of the community from young and old watched a number of Army and Navy bands and groups process along Rochester Highstreet and onto the Castle grounds.

A small 'drumhead' service was held on the castle grounds before retreating into a marquee.

Event was very well organised by the Council team, at what must have been short notice.

Had time to have a natter with a number of those involved in the Army CCF Cadet force, one of whom from Luton.

Backing the Dispersal Zone

Councillors Osborne, Godwin and Craven have been actively backing the idea of a dispersal zone for inner Luton, and specifically around the All Saints area.

It was a key pledge to combat anti-social behaviour in the ward and we believe this zone will go along way in improving residents lives, many of whom are currently concerned by levels of petty criminality as we approach the summer months.

One of the issues raised on the doorstep include nuisance mopeds, alcohol-fuelled violence by underage drinkers and graffiti.

What is a dispersal zone?

The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 (ASBA) created a raft of powers which can be used by Medway Council and Kent Police to crack down on everything from nuisance behaviour such as noisy neighbours to low-level but persistent criminality such as graffiti. All issues which impact our local residents.

Under the powers under-16s can be forcibly returned to their homes by the police if they are on the streets after nine at night and unaccompanied by an adult.

Police can also order people in a dispersal zone to leave the area and not return for 24 hours.

A dispersal zone can be as small as the area surrounding a cash point or as large as an entire open area of a housing estate or row of shops. Once a dispersal order is in place, the escort power can be used against any under-16, but it does not necessarily have to be used at all.

How are the orders made?

A superintendent or above can declare a dispersal zone, providing they have the support of the local council. In theory, this means that councils and police, both of whom may be receiving complaints about unruly teenagers, have an opportunity to work together to crack the problem.

We have been actvely speaking to residents in Luton about the dispersal zone and the idea has received significant support.

Once the area is established, any police or community support officer can take the unsupervised child home or order a 24-hour dispersal. Refusal to comply is a offence that can lead to the courts.

Problems targeted for dispersal have included roads popular with joyriders, underage drinking in parks and aggravation of shopkeepers.

We will be support efforts by the Police and working with resident groups to ensure this zone is introduced.

Train Fares Campaign

The Luton & Wayfield Team is backing the local Fares' Fair campaign to reduce the amount commuters have to pay to commute into London and beyond.

There is growing concern over the projected increase in rail fares of 10% over the next four years, which would see a 2015 season ticket from Medway to London costing almost £5000. As early as next year, commuters from Medway using the high speed line into London will see a season ticket costing more than 20% of average salaries; even a non high-speed ticket will account for almost 17%.

The Tory-led government has changed the funding formula for regulated rail fares from January 2012, allowing train companies to increase fares by 3% above inflation every year until 2015. As a result, commuters face average increases of 8 per cent a year, with many facing ticket price increases of 13%. By 2015, rail fares will be on average 28.4% higher.

Commenting Cllr Tristan Osborne

"Many residents across the ward commute daily into London and are very concerned about the rise in fares. It is simply unacceptable to ask the commuter to pay more whilst the government is cutting rail subsidy."

"All the Luton & Wayfield Councillors back the campaign to reduce the fares for local residents"

Luton Recreation Groud

Luton Recreation Ground Improvements

Your Luton & Wayfield Councillor team visited the Luton Recreation Ground site today to look at the improvements to the Children's Play area.

Over the last 12 months we have been leading the campaign with independent campaigners for improved provision for young people in Luton.

We have seen some success with the improvements on the Luton Recreation Ground but we are still campaigning for improvements at Barnfield and Luton Millenium Gardens.

Commenting on the scheme Cllr Tristan Osborne statedf

"The works on this site are well on the way to completion. Once completed it will be fantastic resource for the local community. We now need to campaign for improvements in our other green spaces across the ward, including in Barnfield and Luton"

We look forward to seeing these works complete and the play area once again being a focal point for young people in Luton

Love Music Hate Racism

Cllr Tristan Osborne & Cllr Sam Craven attended the Love Music Hate Racism event at the Command House, Chatham today.

A truly great event, good weather and some truly talented individuals singing to keep Medway a diverse and open place.

People sometimes forget how much the country has changed for the better over the last twenty years. However much discrimination still remains and we must never be complacent.

These type of events remind us of how we are stronger together as a community then those that will seek to divide us. People of all creeds and backgrounds living side by side.

Many families and young children enjoyed some strong performances from traditional folk bands, musical singers and some local school bands who were profiling themselves.

Particularly keen to join colleagues in the Bobby Wade room. A man who delivered so much for the local community in Medway and who was much loved by all who met him.

Many congratulations to the organisers; the Medway Love Music Hate Racism team.

Members' Allowances

Members Allowances 2011-12 (2)

Please find above Medway Councillor members' allowances for the 2010/11 year.

We pledged as Councillors to publish our full expenses in an open and transparent manner.