Being Conservative

My Letter to Harlow Star

This letter is my response to two councillors in last weeks Harlow Star.


Dear Sir,
Labour Councillor Tony Durcan has been a rare sight since May when his party was obliterated from Essex County Council and reduced to third place in Harlow. But he has surfaced to launch an attack on me in last week’s Star letters.
He accuses me of using the Berecroft fire as a party political opportunity, but it appears he is not only out of touch with Council matters, he is out of touch with his party, because the press release he is criticising was a joint release by MP Bill Rammell and me, who are working together to resolve this tragedy.
He then seizes the opportunity to embark on a rant covering parking, the Town Centre development and former Councillor Kirton. What all that has got to do with the Berecroft fire I don’t know, but I’ll answer him.
He has missed the point on the parking issue at our neighbourhood shopping centres. This is intended to improve parking for shoppers, with the first hour free, thereby increasing custom, because long-term parking is discouraged.
As he knows, the Town Centre development is at present in the consultation phase and of course Harlow Rennaisance will be speaking to any landowners affected by the final proposals and working with them.
He says he and his party have agreed to respect victims and refrain from making political points about the disgraced Councillor Kirton, but in the same breath he joins the Liberal Democrats in doing just that.
On the subject of Liberal Democrats, Councillor Strachan comments on the use I make of the Council supplied mobile ‘phone. As he will find out when he starts to get to grips with residents’ issues in Staple Tye, this ward has more problems than any other, so I make no excuse for the £1.60 per day I use in contacting them. If this was by post it would be just 4 letters a day. I am pleased Councillor Strachan is able to attend the Police NAP (Neighbourhood Action Panel) meetings. Unfortunately these are held on the same nights as my Council Committee, so I hope we will be able to work together on these non-party political issues.
The ward walk-abouts he mentions were on days when I was representing residents at Essex County Council, an equally important venue for their voices to be heard.
All this has arisen from Staple Tye’s Liberal Democrat Councillor Spenceley’s choice to move to Ely nine months before the next election, when she will not be eligible to stand. I think this is a genuine political issue of whether Staple Tye will now receive proper representation. Many think she should do the right thing and resign, as former Conservative Councillor Sam Warren did, and allow residents the chance to elect another Councillor. What can she possibly contribute from Ely in the next nine months?
Councillor Lee Dangerfield.

Visitng Harlow

If anyone would like to know what is going on within Harlow

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A letter for this week

This weeks letter is in response to Cllr Spenceleys letter last week in the Herald newspaper.

Cllr Spenceleys letter


Dear Sir,
The bottom line is that Cllr Spenceley no longer lives in Harlow but for reasons no one else can fathom she thinks she can still serve the people of Staple Tye and collect her money (Blaze Actions, Herald 6th August 2009).
But she does the residents of Staple Tye a disservice by peddling falsehood and smear. All I can say is thank goodness for the Herald on-line: with a swift key stroke or two residents can know the truth about who is really working on their behalf.
In her letter Cllr Spenceley is suggesting I am abusing council expenses for the use of my mobile. But I make no apologies for spending just over £1.60 per day in serving the residents of Staple Tye.
As she well knows many people do not have landlines, and mobiles for many residents is the only form of contact. It also reflects the enormous work load I have; which has been made worse by the failure of Lib Dem councillors to return and/or respond effectively to residents’ concerns. I note that she is expecting residents to ring her in Cambridgeshire on her mobile at great personal expense.
Interestingly, Cllr Spenceley forgot to mention in her letter that she had claimed in total £300 more than me. Presumably some of that higher cost to taxpayers was due to the fact she cannot drive. I trust she is not expecting the people of Harlow to subsidise her trips from Ely? The residents of Staple Tye will be wondering how she proposes to do home visits or are residents expected to drive to Ely?
With regards to the Berecroft fire Cllr Spenceley has been badly misinformed.
Lib Dem Cllr John Strachan was indeed seen on the fringes of the estate but failed to come to the heart of the community. She also claims I am making it political? How can that be when the Labour MP and I are working closely together in order to get answers for residents?
Readers are welcome to look on www.berecroft.co.uk and view the notes of the meeting held last Monday whereby this was stated time and time again.
As for ward surgeries, it is her party that has requested the opening of the Staple Tye office at some cost to the taxpayer when we have the Latton Bush Centre at the heart of the community which is always open. Unlike Cllr Spenceley, I live in Staple Tye and visit residents when they want me. They don’t need to wait a month or drive to Ely.
As for her cheap shot over the Kirton affair she forgets that in England a man is innocent until proven guilty. She also forgets the harm her political point scoring might do to the family and victim. But the Lib Dems behaviour in this matter has spoken volumes about the kind of party they are. I suspect many of Cllr Spenceley’s colleagues will not be disappointed that she has moved on.
As for my non-attendance at the Maunds Hatch meeting that was due to another meeting; which in fact Cllr Spenceley should also have attended herself. But the facts remain that if her party had not spent all the money earmarked for the Maunds Hatch project it would have been rebuilt by now. The Lib Dems wilfully mislead residents over this.
As for Tory Cllr Sam Warren, Cllr Spenceley knows full well that she resigned a little over 60 days prior to the local elections, and under election law a by-election could not be held.
But that does not apply to Cllr Spenceley: she has nine months before next May and she has been aware of her impending move for some time, so will she do the honourable thing and resign or are Herald readers going to be subject to more smears and falsehoods?

Minutes of Berecroft meeting.

Residents Meeting at Berecroft 6.00pm 0n 3rd August 2009
Notes of Meeting


Panel members Cllr Lee Dangerfield
Cllr Sarah-Jane Dangerfield
Bill Rammell MP
Mark Grimwood South Anglia HA
Superintendant Simon Williams Essex Police
Jane Greer ( taking notes) Harlow Council

This meeting was called to address residents concerns.

Introductions
Cllr Dangerfield introduced panel members and set out the purpose of the meeting.

Main Meeting
Superintendant Simon Williams explained facts from the Police Services view as at the time of the meeting. The factual picture of the incidents is as follows:

11.30pm – Call received regarding a fire in Berecroft. Police responded along with other emergency services. The fire had affected 6 houses in one way or another and up to 150 people were evacuated.

Every request made to Berecroft residents was complied with and Superintendant Williams thanked residents for their co-operation which had made the emergency services job much easier.

The Fire Service had been called, put out the fire and gathered forensic materials.

The PCSO`s guarded the scene of the fire and work is currently ongoing.

One man has been arrested who is linked to the address of the fire. This man has been charged with serious offences; these offences have significant penalties attached to the charges. Currently a man is in prison on remand based on evidence gathered by the police.

At this point in the meeting Superintendant Williams invited questions.
Q. Was anyone hurt?
A. No – except a Fireman tripped over his equipment.

Superintendant Williams thanked residents who evacuated quickly.
Comment made by resident – Police and Fire Services and workers at Latton Bush Centre were wonderful and thank you to them.

Q. Was the person who threw the brick through the window the same person who set the fire?
A. Yes, apparently to alert individuals that the fire had been set.

Comment made by Superintendant Williams – There are no wider issues. It is one individual and we are confident that no one else needs to be dealt with.


Mark Grimwood from South Anglia Housing gave an update.
Mark advised that his role in South Anglia Housing is resident based rather than property based but he would do his best to answer questions.




Mark advised that the South Anglia Managing Director and Assistant Directors were on site all day. They ensured residents had support.

Tenders on uninhabitable properties will be let in the next month and both badly affected properties will be repaired by January 2010.

Three owner occupied properties will be dealt with by the owner’s insurance companies but South Anglia will help if possible.

South Anglia is in contact with tenants and private residents affected.

Q. Will the properties be re-built.
A. Yes, within current regulations.

Q. The fire spread rapidly, can you (SA) do anything whilst we are waiting for the fire report.
A. No specific answer given

Q. What about the tarmac on the roof, is it an issue?
A. These properties were built in the 60’s/70’s and since then the regulations have changed. The Fire Service report has not been received yet. The properties need to meet the regulations from when they were built. They do meet the lettings standard.

Q. Were they built to the required regulations?
A. At the time of construction these properties would have been built to the then regulation.

Q. If there are any concerns on the properties will they all be put right?
A. We (SA) will look at what’s feasible when more information is known.

Cllr Lee Dangerfield stated that it’s too early to comment and need to wait for the official report.

Comment from Resident – Rockwool has not been put into a few properties.

Q. There is a gap in the fire walls in the ceilings/roofs of everyone’s property. How safe are the roofs?

Q. Can we have smoke alarms in the roof?

Q. My radiator is on plasterboard and fell off.
A. MG will get a surveyor to look at the radiator.

Q. re: guttering

Cllr L Dangerfield reminded residents that the meeting had been called to discuss the fire.

Bill Rammell stated that once the fire report had been completed and received it would be communicated to everyone along with a list of what is going to be done.

Mark Grimwood advised that it was the way the fire had been constructed that had made it spread quickly.

Q. What happens if the properties are not constructed properly?






A. The fire report will go to South Anglia’s Managing Director and others. A plan will be constructed regarding the actions South Anglia will take.

South Anglia will look at the properties across the estate, they may need to look at all properties but will need to read the fire report first.

South Anglia will circulate the report from the Chief Fire Officer.

Q. Can the report go to tenants and home owners?
A. Yes

Cllr L Dangerfield suggested that another meeting be called once the fire report is available.

Q. Will South Anglia do repairs to the homeowner’s properties?
A. Can’t answer that yet as need to wait for fire report and then take this forward.

Bill Rammell stated that the fire regulations are changing all of the time and the regulations in force will depend on when the property was built.

Comment from Cllr L Dangerfield – The fire report is needed and then if dissatisfied with the response from South Anglia Cllr L Dangerfield, Cllr S Dangerfield and Bill Rammell will take up.

Comment from resident – The guttering issue needs to be resolved.
Response from Cllr L Dangerfield . Cllrs L & S Dangerfield and Jane Greer have taken this work up with South Anglia and there has been some progress. However, we need to keep to the fire issue at this meeting.

Q. What about the people who are deaf?
A. Cllr S Dangerfield said that she would talk to them later. The resident concerned has been passed over to Harlow district council`s outreach service.

Q. Do current regulations allow for the tarmac to be there?
A. Not known at present. South Anglia will need to find out.

Cllr L Dangerfield said that residents must wait for the report. It will give detailed guidance on what has happened.

The report will go to South Anglia’s Managing Director, The South Anglia Board and then to Residents. There will be another meeting where residents can highlight what they want to know. It’s likely that the next meeting will be held at a local school or the Latton Bush Centre.

Q. What is the ‘status’ of South Anglia?
A. Mike Grimwood confirmed that South Anglia is a registered social landlord and a not for profit organisation.

Q. Residents know there is a problem so why is there a need to wait for the report? Something might happen?
A. Superintendant Williams said that the Chief Fire Officer had said “There are some concerns about the roofs but they are safe”.

Cllr L Dangerfield stated that it is too early to say what’s right or wrong but there



had not been a fire since 1970/71. Cllr L Dangerfield asked whether residents were prepared to meet in a couple of weeks. Residents confirmed they were.




Q. The Fire Service had problems reaching some of the properties.

A. Suggestion that some of the fencing be replaced by gates so that fire engines can get closer. Hedgerows and cars will be removed by the fire brigade by whatever means necessary if emergency access is required.

Q. Why did it take 4 hours for a coach to arrive to take residents to Latton Bush?
A. The Emergency Plan is linked to the Essex County Council Emergency Plan. An Emergency Planning Officer from Harlow Council has to contact Essex County Council. The bus was at Stansted Airport at the time of the fire. Lessons will be learned from this emergency and this may be one of them.

Comment by Cllr L Dangerfield – Essex County Council, Ambulance Service, WRVS, Harlow Council, South Anglia Housing, Police and Fire services, Bill Rammell and Residents all pulled together. Cllr L Dangerfield wished to applaud everyone involved and is proud to live at Berecroft.

Cllr L Dangerfield said that any comments here would be fed back.

Bill Rammell stated that the Emergency Plan is normally theoretical. It’s now been put into practice and we will now look at specific issues.

Q. Is Counselling available?
A. Yes, contact Harlow Council or south Anglia Housing and details would be posted through letter boxes.

Q. The bungalow at 65 was burned and a car was torched and so there have been incidents.
A. We need to consider issues that have affected the whole community.

Q. The Police Officer attending on the night made a comment on the number of Police Officers in Harlow (15 in total)
A. Bill Rammell and Superintendent Williams said this is not true.
Bill Rammell stated that there are more than 15 Police Officers in Harlow and he will get detailed information regarding the number of Police Officers in Harlow for the next meeting.

Cllr L Dangerfield, Cllr S Dangerfield and Bill Rammell will not make this a political matter but will work together for positive outcomes and actively make community better in conjunction with Harlow Council and South Anglia Housing.

Cllr L Dangerfield needs to look at whole structure of the plan and will need residents input on how to make it better i.e. where do the gates go?

Comment – Before South Anglia Housing became landlord there were slam plates in- situ which was much better.

Q. Looking at property are people concerned about living on the estate?
A. Yes, but if anything needs doing will ensure everything is done.




Q. Is it safe to live along the actual row and the row in front of where the fire took place
A. Yes, all structurally safe.

Q. Has large wooden beam got to be removed?
A. Yes, it will be replaced in new spec.

Q from Cllr L Dangerfield – Has everyone got fire detectors on?
A. Yes, sure that they are not switched off.
A. Yes, all on

Q. Two in each house?
A. Some people turn smoke detectors off.



Comment – Everyone check smoke detectors and if an issue or don’t work telephone Cllr L Dangerfield.


Comment for clarification. There are .2 smoke detectors in houses and 1 in Bungalow.

Fire Brigade will put them up if requested.

Q. Are there any private houses with no detectors? Are the detectors in the right places? Do people want the Fire Brigade to check?
A. Let Cllr L Dangerfield know and he will arrange for the Fire Brigade to come back and check.

Next Meeting at the Latton Bush Centre on the 19th or 20th August if report has come through.

Cllr L Dangerfield thanked everyone for attending, and advised residents not to believe rumours. He advised that all information will be put on the Berecroft website.

Meeting Closed at approx 7.00pm.

Counsellors Details
Age concern - 01279 415553
Samaritans - 01245 357357 / 08457 909090
Victim Support (specialise in victims of arson) - 0845 456 5995, supportline@victimsupport.org.uk
Counselling 0208 302 2956 or Mobile 07740 537760 (supplied by Anglia Housing)Alternatively, the individual could request a counselling service from their own GP,or go online to http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/ to find one.

Travellers

On Wednesday evening residents in the Harlow Common area made us aware that travellers had in fact moved onto the common.
15 Caravans had gone through the gate by Latton House and settled by the woods.
Harlow Council and Essex Police were quickly on site to serve notice giving them 24 hours to leave.
The travellers did in fact leave on Thursday evening.
A good job well done by all.

My First Full Council at County Hall

http://www.essexcc.ukcouncil.net/site/player/pl_compact.php?a=27168&t=0&m=wm&l=en_GB

This weeks Letter

Dear Sir,
As a Harlow Councillor for the Staple Tye ward, the importance of being immediately accessible to local residents was sharply brought home to me by the fire in Berecroft last week.
I was hoping to work with Staple Tye’s Liberal Democrat councillors in dealing with the many problems the fire had caused, but was surprised to learn that one of them had upped sticks and relocated to the Ely in Cambridgeshire without even a bye your leave to the local residents who elected her.
Having left Harlow for good Councillor Lorna Spenceley is, I believe, now unable to give the residents of Staple Tye the support and advice they need.
I appreciate that the rules allow her to leave the area whilst still claiming her councillor’s allowance, and she may feel that she is able to deal with her case work via the trusty Blackberry, but how does she deal with face to face contact so necessary in situations like this fire, at just a moment’s notice?
On the Friday of the Berecroft fire she was publishing a comment on her Twitter page on how she had purchased a new piano, but there was nothing regarding what she might have done to help residents who were in serious need.
A year ago Kentish Town Liberal Democrat Councillor Philip Thompson also tried a similar stunt when he moved to Arizona in America, but continued to claim he could represent his constituents from there. He also continued to claim his Councillors allowances, but was forced to resign by pressure from residents. I very much hope Staple Tye residents will make it clear to Councillor Spenceley, also to her party Leader on Harlow Council, Councillor Chris Millington, and her eight other party colleagues, that it is not acceptable for her to remain as a Councillor now that she lives 60 miles away.
Yours faithfully

Cllr Lee Dangerfield
Staple Tye Ward

Catching up!

My day has been spent catching up on work which I had to delay to the fire on Berecroft.
Up to date information is being posted on the website for all residents.
www.berecroft.co.uk

I did have some good news today that a resident that I have been helping has been offered a new home, which is great news! I hope that she and her family will be very happy in her new home.

Berecroft Fire

As many of you will be aware there was a major incident on Berecroft of Thursday night.
The fire has caused major damage to certain properties and work has already begun to bring these houses back to there original state.
The best thing for me was in two fold.
1. No person was hurt.

2. The community spirit on Berecroft was the best I have ever seen.

I am sure the community would wish to thank all services for the help they gave Berecroft at a time when it was really needed.

Team work.

Thanks to the quick work of Essex County Council, Three Valleys Water and Keir Harlow a disaster was avoided when a water mains burst on Southern Way outside the Lister House Surgery.
Within minutes of being alerted Cllr Guy Mitchinson was at the scene ensuring that all that could be done was being done to avoid disaster striking the surgery and local residents.
Thousands of gallons of water gushed out of the hole and cascaded along Southern Way hampering the rush hour traffic and down the slope in the direction of the surgery and the cycle track.
Lee Dangerfield said,
“I was mightily impressed with the swift and professional action of all concerned. The water had travelled a considerable distance along the cycle track and was threatening homes in Hollyfield, so no time was wasted in temporarily shutting down the mains.
After speaking with both representatives of Three Valleys and Keir Harlow I visited homes in Hollyfield and the Lister House Surgery to ensure that all was well. Mercifully, effective team work saved the day, and for that I wish to register my thanks to all concerned”.

Do you know who it is?

Graffiti in Staple Tye is once again on the increase and Staple Tye Conservatives are asking residents for their help in catching the culprits that are responsible for this blight on our community.
Every time mindless graffiti is cleared from either a private dwelling or a council building it costs money; which we would all rather prefer was spent on improving local services.
If any resident has any information on this issue please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
You do not have to give your name and all information will be passed to the police

We will take it!

Harlow Council, Essex Police and Essex County Council are running operations right through the year to clamp down on underage drinking.
Underage children caught will have their drink taken from them and will be issued with a warning.
Letters will also be sent home to parents informing them of what their child had been doing.
Lee Dangerfield said
“This is proactive action being taken but this is not just about targeting the children.”
“We are also very interested in from where the children are buying their alcohol, and Harlow Council operates a zero tolerance on the sale of alcohol to minors which could result in a retailer losing their licence.”

Not Quite Paved in Gold

Thanks to the ongoing efforts of Staple Tye Conservatives we have been receiving additional funding from County Hall to make good some of our worst roads and pavements.
Areas such as Latton Green, Spruce Hill and Lodge Hall are all seeing money poured in to give them better roads and paths.
We are also seeing roads such as Perry Road, Pinceybrook Road and Pilgrims Road all having a good make over.
We still have other works to come this year which includes safety works on Rye Hill Road and the resurfacing of Commonside Road.
Lee Dangerfield said.
“This is fantastic news for the residents of Staple Tye. We have worked tirelessly in lobbying Essex County Council to get extra funds for our neighbourhoods, and I am so pleased this has been delivered.
Guy Mitchinson said
“Hundreds of thousands of pounds have now been invested into Staple Tye, and this can only be a good thing.”
“We appreciate other areas still need to be done and we are already lobbying for more money for those estates.”

New position

Lee Dangerfield, along with his new role as a county councillor, has been made Chairman of the Housing Committee on Harlow Council.
This committee sets all policy for Housing within Harlow; which includes Sheltered Housing.
Lee Dangerfield said
“I am proud to have been given one of the most important positions on Harlow Council. Staple Tye residents have long expressed to me their concerns about housing issues; particularly the time it takes to re-let empty properties and the fairness in the allocation of council houses.
I am pleased to report that we have a great Housing Team which is seriously focused on delivering a better service for Staple Tye residents.
However, the fact of the matter is we don't have enough social housing in Harlow. We are working closely with the government, housing associations and private developers to increase the availability of new homes. But any new development has to be right for Harlow and must have the necessary infrastructure such as roads, shops and schools.
Staple Tye residents can be assured that I will be reviewing every area of the housing department to identify the changes needed to improve our service to Harlow people”

Thank you

We would just like to thank all the residents of Staple Tye who voted Conservative in the County Council elections last month.
We feel very proud and highly privileged to serve as your representatives at County Hall for the next four years.
In light of recent events at Westminster, we are fully aware that the standards you expect from us are very high, and we will do our utmost to deliver the services you have a right to expect at a price you can afford to pay.
Essex County Council is one of the country’s leading authorities with some of the most innovative schemes to deliver improved front line services and support to key businesses during the recession. With four Harlow-based Conservative County Councillors we are confident that we can make Harlow’s voice heard at County Hall.
We would love to hear from you if you have any issue relating to Essex County Council, and you can be sure that we will work hard to try and resolve your problem.
We cannot promise that every problem can be solved to constituents’ satisfaction, but we will do our best and promise that we will at all times keep you informed.
As elected members your political preferences have no part in whether we will be able to help, and we would encourage all residents to contact us with their concerns.
Once again, thank you for returning to the Conservative fold by electing us as your County Councillors for Staple Tye in the Harlow West Division. If you need to contact us, please use the contact details on the reverse side of this leaflet.
Yours faithfully
Cllr Lee Dangerfield Cllr Guy Mitchinson
Essex County Councillors for Harlow West.

No blogging due to by-election

I am sorry that no new updates have been written for this blog but this is due to the by-election held in Staple Tye.
Updates from the last few weeks will be added shortly.

Urgent Action for Homeowners

Councillor Car Parking

Cllr Andrew Johnson has sent me his latest post to his blog on the issue of Councillor car parking and the remarks made by a Liberal Democrat Councillor.

Please take a look Cllr Andrew Johnson

Tapping into the problems

Joyners Field residents recently contacted Lorraine Caldarella expressing concern at the uneven paving and damaged grass verges; believing they had not been returned to how they were before the installation of new water pipes.
Lorraine contacted Essex CC, and thanks to her work the contractors are now re-visiting the estate making sure everything is left as they found it.
Lorraine said
“I was appalled at some of the work left by the water company so I was pleased to see the contractors making good sub-standard repairs on March 23rd. I am grateful to ECC for their swift help.”

Vote for Action not words

Conservative candidate Lorraine Caldarella is a 41 year old single mum of four children and a nanny to a beautiful baby boy whom she spoils rotten – which she tells us is a grandmother’s privilege.
Not satisfied with the demands of her own children, Lorraine is employed by a local afterschool club working with children of working parents; one of which is based here in Staple Tye.
In addition to being a full time mum Lorraine was a Special Constable based at Harlow Police station; where she got an insight into dealing with anti-social behaviour. Sadly, the demands of being a single mother meant she had to give up this rewarding work.
Now with more time on her hands, Lorraine has once again decided to serve our community. With her experience as a Special Constable and as a single mother, Lorraine believes that together with Cllr Lee Dangerfield she can make a difference in Staple Tye.
But residents know this already because unlike other candidates, Lorraine has spent the last few months working hard to solve people’s problems.
On April 30th, residents won’t be taking a risk with Lorraine Caldarella - they know by her many deeds that she is sincere in her commitment to Staple Tye.

Same old Liberals!

The Liberal Democrats have been telling some misleading stories to the residents of Ayletts field, Copsehall Close and the Briars.
It seems they are claiming the over 300k of work being done in these estates was down to them.
Now forgive me but they are not in power, allowed the 3 estates to just defend for its self and now claim 8 months after a Tory controlled council commits to work say "oh yes this was us"

How sad from a party that over the last few weeks has continued to spin the facts and tell untruths to the residents of Staple Tye.

Lorraine Caldarella

As Staple Tye residents will know by now we have a by-election coming up on the 30th April and our caseworker Lorraine Caldarella is the perfect person to take the helm as being your councillor for Staple Tye.
Lorraine is a 41 year old single mother and one of her former jobs was a special for Essex Police.
She is committed to the residents of Staple Tye and has been working very hard.
I hope you will all support Lorraine at the by-election and I hope to welcome her as the new Staple Tye Conservative Councillor.

An apology from a politician

Due to the amount of work I have had to deal with these last few weeks I must apologise for the lack of blogs.
I am trying as everyone does to do 100 things at once and have not been able to blog.
I am going to try and catch up within the next few days.

Fern Hill lane

After complaints from residents Kier Harlow has just completed the task of clearing Fern Hill lane from dumped rubbish.
It seems that again this problem has reared its head and Cllr Dangerfield is calling for Harlow and Epping forest council to work together in order to find permanent ways of making sure that if rubbish is being dumped the person or persons are dealt with.
Cllr Dangerfield said
“I am hoping that both councils can come up with a way to stop this once and for all”
“The continued cost of clearing this rubbish is not fair to the residents of Harlow and we need to take every step to try and combat this problem”
Lorraine Caldarella went on to say
“Not only do you have the issue of costs to clear the rubbish but this really is a major fire hazard”
“I will be working hard with Cllr Dangerfield to make sure we get a good outcome for the residents”

Action rather than words

Unlike the other parties Staple Tye Conservatives use action rather than words to prove they work hard for the residents of Staple Tye
On the 12th March both Cllr Lee and Cllr Sarah Dangerfield requested the by-election of this ward because an independent councillor has not served you in council for six months.
The rules clearly state that unless a councillor resigns Harlow council have to wait for any councillor not to appear at full council for a period of six months.
This time is now up and the request for the by-election has been sent to Harlow Council.
Councillor Lee Dangerfield said
“Despite what others try and say the rules are there and there was nothing any one could have done.”
“This just proves that it’s another way for certain parties to try and spin stories in order to keep them alive.”

My Weekend so far

It's been a very busy weekend so far.
Along with the many email's and phone calls I also look after the Harlow Conservative Association website.This is a brand new website so there is still much work to be done on it.
One of the problems with websites is keeping up with everything that comes out to help you in making sure it's looking it's best.
The same applies really with blogs and the fact of an ever changing town you have to keep finding ways of making sure your message is getting out there and in the best way.

Take a look at Staple Tye's latest leaflet

If you wish to have a look at the latest stories contained within our leaflet please click on the link.


Staple Tye Leaflet

Anti Social

Good News!
Anti social behaviour cases reported to the housing department have dropped by nearly 50%.
Figures given to Housing committee this week revealed that cases reported to housing in 2007/8 (September to January) were 1656 then in 2008/9 (same months) the figure dropped to 843.
I think this is amazing news and it shows we are going in the right direction in combating ASB.
If you would like to read the report delivered to Housing Committee on Thursday night please Click Here.

Fern Hill Lane

Problems at Fern Hill Lane are again causing problems for residents.
Dumped rubbish is again overspilling along the lane and the threat of fire is increasing.
I have contacted Harlow Council and due to land ownership have also contacted Epping Forest Council to arrange for this area to be cleared.
I will continue to monitor this area and also look for long term solutions into this problem

Messy Garden

I have been dealing with a serious complaint regarding rubbish within a garden.
It seems that everything that could be thrown into it has been.
Residents surrounding the house are very upset that items such as dirty nappies and food waste could cause problems for the area.
I have contacted Harlow Council and an EHO officer will be visiting the property.

Drain Problem

Another problem with the drains has caused two houses within Berecroft to recently have foul water within there gardens.
The problem when this sort of thing happens is that Berecroft slopes from top to bottom and as you will be aware water will run quicker on a slope.

I am in contact with Thames water and South Anglia housing to claim the money back for lost items for the residents.
This was a close call that it actually did not enter the houses.Just seeing what it did to the gardens I could not imagine what damage it could have caused if it had.

We have now found out that this problem was caused by tree roots in the pipe stopping the water to flow freely.

We delivered!

Work around Aylett's Field, Briars and Copsehall Close is moving along quickly thanks to the money provided by the Conservative council.
Paving, Painting and the removal of car ports are just some of the works residents requested to have done within the 3 estates.

I hope the residents are happy with the works delivered so far and I look forward to when this work is complete

Is Gordon saying sorry?

Make Gordon Brown say sorry to you and your friends.

Click here

Wanna Swap?

I was glad to be at the launch of Harlow's Home swapper which I think is going to make a difference to the town

Harlow Homeswapper

Pot kettle and Black

In today's letters page I have been criticised for personal attacks.
I have listed the letters but find it hard to understand that I am doing all the attacking.
Some people just do not like facts.

The Herald

Letter

Letter

Letter

Eric Pickles is coming to Town

The new party Chairman and MP for Ongar is set to come to Harlow on 20th March.
If you would like to attend a supper club with Eric Pickles please click here

This weeks press

Another week brings new stories.
my pick of the week is as follows.

Pub set to reopen

Harlow gets a mere £6016

Tesco windturbines

Yellow lines

Residents in Joyners field have contacted me over the yellow lines within a lay by.
They said that the yellow line was painted around a year ago to act as a bus stop.
upon investigation I have found out the line was never meant to go there and should have been for parking.
This will be returned to parking ASAP to allow the residents to park freely here again.

Give Staple Tye the answer Liberal Democrats

After reading a recent Liberal Democrat leaflet something strikes me.
They don't explain how they would spend one penny of your money.

Why is this?

Because the fact of the matter is they did not submit an alternative budget for Harlow in the recent budget setting meeting.
Perhaps the question should be asked as to why?

What do you think?
Email me at Lee.dangerfield@harlow-conservatives.co.uk

Car problems

Cllr Dangerfield dealt with the gate and a dumped car on the common land at the back of Berecroft.
A car smashed through the gate by the flood lit area and was then set on fire and made off before anyone could catch them.
This leaving a gate wide open and damaged and a car which had been burnt out.
If you know of the person or persons that committed this act please contact Harlow police station.

Robert Halfon

Our Candidate Robert Halfon has published his weeks going on.
Take a look

Cllr Johnson has a blog

Check out Cllr Andrew Johnson's Blog

Harlow Tory

Please visit our brand new website

Harlow Conservatives

Bench Mark

Residents of surrounding housing estates are once again able to use the bench next to Joyners Field bus stop, thanks to the help of new caseworker, Lorraine Caldarella.
The bench, which had been subject to mindless vandalism and had become unusable over the years has now been repaired and given a minor face lift to bring it into a usable condition again.
Lorraine said, “I am pleased this work has been carried out so that bus users and the elderly in particular can use this bench again”. “I have had several complaints about its dangerous condition, and was surprised to learn that it had been broken for sometime”.

Lodge Hall complaints lodged with County Hall

Lodge Hall residents, aware of Cllr Dangerfield’s success in getting repaired pavements and roads elsewhere in Staple Tye, have challenged him to do likewise in Lodge Hall.
Never one to shirk a challenge, Cllr Dangerfield has lodged (forgive the pun) residents’ complaints with Essex County Council; who have readily agreed to place the required work within the new financial year.
Councillor Dangerfield said, “I am pushing Essex County Council to make sure this work is done as a matter of urgency for the residents of Lodge Hall and hope the work needed will take place shortly”.

Watch your speed – Or the Police will do it for you

Parents collecting their children from local schools have raised with Councillor Dangerfield their concerns that motorists are ignoring the 30 mph speed limits in Commonside Road and Rye Hill Road.
As the father of three young children himself, Cllr Dangerfield wasted no time in contacting the Police. As a result Essex Police agreed to man two speed trap sites in order to calm residents’ fears over some drivers’ excessive speed and to warn bad motorists that speeding would not be tolerated.
Cllr Dangerfield said, “I am pleased that Essex Police took this action as I have received a growing number of complaints from residents worried for the safety of their children”. “For me residents’ safety is paramount, and with the active support of Essex Police I hope we can educate drivers to reduce their speeds and avoid the heartache of an accident on roads throughout Staple Tye.”

Our Buses

Staple Tye Conservatives want to hear from you with regards to the bus service we are getting here in Staple Tye.
No, this is not one of those bogus Lib Dem surveys. We have been inundated with complaints from Staple Tye residents who have been left mystified by the timetables that the bus companies may (or, for that matter, may not) be running. Elderly and disabled residents have also questioned the provision of buses equipped with low level access.
Tory caseworker, Lorraine Calarella said, “It seems there have been major problems of late, and residents deserve to have buses running on time and should have buses that enjoy low level accessibility”.
“From the complaints I have received it seems the bus companies are just cutting buses out and are running extremely late”.
Cllr Dangerfield went on to say, “I use the buses daily and I also notice buses being cut out. This is seriously frustrating and simply not fair to the residents of Staple Tye”.
Staple Tye Conservatives have contacted Essex County Council, but to press for an improved service we need to hear of your experiences. Unlike our opponents, we promise that every response will receive a personal reply, and if requested, a personal visit.
Please feel free to contact us with regards this or any other issue you may have.

Short Back & Sides

Pruning (well, more like a severe short back and sides) to hedges between Stewards School and St James’s School has opened up the pathway between Peterswood and Moorfield.
Thanks to the intervention of Lorraine Calderella local residents, who had previously been too nervous to use the tunnel like path, now feel it is safe to use again.
After working closely with Kier Harlow and the work being completed it makes it a viable, safe walkway for all residents to use.
Lorraine said, “Following many complaints from residents I visited the site and, like them, I found it very dark and intimidating. I didn’t feel comfortable walking along this path and that was during the day time!”
“With the work now completed it just seems a different place altogether. The pruning has ensured the safety for all users as you are now able to see from one end to another.” “I am pleased with the work that Kier undertook and I hope the residents are pleased too.”
Councillor Dangerfield went on to say, “This was a massive job taken on by Kier as this had not been done for some years.”
“This path now looks a hundred times better than it did a few months ago and I want to congratulate the members of Kier staff that took part in this work.”

Listening to you.

Staple Tye Conservatives have once again been out and about listening to you on issues that matter on your estates.
Latest issues are:
Paths & Roads in Lodge Hall,
Dog Fouling in Sibneys Green
Drains in Berecroft,
Water pipes in Joyners Field
Dumped rubbish in Risdens
We will continue to work hard for all residents of Staple Tye . Look out for us on your estate.
If you need assistance on any matter before we visit your estate please contact us.

Lib Dem Dirty tricks, Writes Cllr Dangerfield

At a recent Special Housing Committee Meeting it allowed me to revisit the reason why I became a councillor. The dishonesty and scaremongering displayed that night by Labour and Liberal Democrat members made me very angry but all the more determined to speak the truth and work even harder in the interests of the people of Harlow.

The Liberal Democrats choose to jettison there credibility in pursuit of party advantage. On a recent Housing Working Party The Liberal Democratss supported specific recommendations in respect of Sheltered Accommodation wardens which enjoyed all-party support. However, come the Housing Committee Meeting They saw an opportunity for cheap grand-standing and chose to disown there involvement,

Not wishing to miss out, Labour members happily backed-up The Liberals bout of amnesia. But they were not able to confirm details as Labour member for the working party, who is not even on the Housing Committee, was not in attendance.

When challenged, The Liberals denied having stated at the Working Group Meeting "I am not prepared to point score these properties and I am happy with the recommendations the officers came up with".

To my surprise and shock, this claim was then supported by The Labour party who piped up with "I will go along with that".

Dismay soon followed when the Lib Dem leader claimed that he had spoken to the working group member midweek and they had confirmed not having made as such statement.

Quite frankly I find it sickening that the Liberal Democrats say one thing one day but when seeing an opportunity to scaremonger, then say something else.

The Labour party then tried to claim that the changes in warden provision would be a disaster for residents and wrongly claimed that all residents would lose access to a warden.

The truth of the matter is that it was Labour that kicked the live-in wardens into touch, and also with their counterparts, the Lib Dems, decommissioned Hester house in 2005.

The facts are that only some residents will lose their daily warden, but contrary to the misinformation of the Liberal Democrats this will be reflected in reduced charges, and the option of a weekly warden will still be available.

They will also keep the Careline and pendants for added peace of mind. Care provided by the PCT or Social Services will not be affected.

I am keen to provide a warden service that will actually spend time with residents and not a quick “Hello” and “Goodbye”. The proposed structure will allow that and enable us to focus on people with the greatest need of support.

Just to reinforce how muddled the Lib Dems are they then proceeded to abstain when the proposals were being discussed. At first they were in favour, then violently opposed and then couldn’t quite make up their mind.

It is just because of these kinds of childish antics that made me decide to become a Tory councillor. People may not always agree with what I and my colleagues do, but they can be sure that we will be honest and our decisions will be driven by what we genuinely believe is in the best interests of the Town. A task made more difficult by the financial mess left by Labour and the Lib Dems.