Redlands Liberal Democrats

Redlands catch-up

Daisy and I haven't posted an update here for the last month, for which many apologies.
We have been keeping pretty busy! Here is a quick summary of what has been happening...

IDR - the planned one-way IDR has been shelved, and the traffic problems in Reading have been placed into a wide-ranging transport commission involving ourselves and Labour. The Conservatives have so far been rather on-again, off-again on the proposed review, but we still hope they will participate. Traffic problems are complex and all voices need to be heard.

Glass and Food Waste Petition - thanks so much to everyone who has signed it online and in person. We are printing and distributing more forms: it's unacceptable that most people in the area have no nearby bottlebanks, yet there is no kerbside collection of glass. Recent MP committee reports make it clear just how unacceptable fortnightly collection of food waste is. We will keep pushing for the much needed policy review (which some people will no doubt try to present as all their idea...)

End of term tipping - it's such a shame that many of the gardens in some streets in the Ward have become dumping places for old sofas, household and building waste. We have been repeatedly reminding the Council to clear up, and it has been happening...slowly. Almost a month after the end of term, there are still gardens filled with rubbish. There has to be a better way. Daisy especially has been working hard with the Council and the University to find a solution to this depressingly predictable problem.

Neighbourhood Action Group - the Redlands NAG has been active. I was leafleting with the street wardens and Streetcare team a few weeks ago, as part of the campaign to encourage everyone to report crime and antisocial behaviour in the area. It can be discouraging to report issues and then not see an immediate response, but the Police do rely on reporting to target resources, and every report is captured and analysed: spotting patterns can greatly help the Police capture people in the act.

Planning Enforcement - thankyou to everyone who has reported potential planning breaches to Daisy and me. Please keep them coming! I believe that the Planning system only works if there is impartial but rigorous enforcement, and there are a number of streets in the area which are under pressure from, shall we say, thoughtless development. The enforcement process can take time, but there have been some recent very satisfying results of prosecutions in Reading.

Compare and Contrast

The meeting with the Allcroft Road residents was very successful, with a number of residents working with Daisy and Gareth to raise their concerns about the development. People from every party and none have become involved, bringing differing expertise and perspectives: I've seen a selection of the letters that have been written, and they have been excellent. This is how Liberal Democrats do things - involving everyone, giving them a say and working together to help improve the outcome for local people.

Compare that with the actions of Labour, where in a recent meeting they summarily turned down the request for a public enquiry on the IDR in front of a room filled with concerned residents. Amazing. It is so important that where such a large scheme is being proposed that it has the demonstrable support of local people. Yet the Labour administration in the town just shrugs its shoulders and blocks its ears.

Another way round Reading

Well, it looks like the Council's plans for a one way IDR are beginning to unravel after a great deal of campaigning by the Liberal Democrats. Although this policy has been connected to a particular individual, the truth is that this ill judged scheme is the result of a Labour administration as a whole that has lost touch with local residents.

The problem of traffic in Reading is a problem which affects everyone, whether they are driving, walking, cycling or taking the bus. The solution needs to involve everyone too.