Labour Party Lichfield, Burntwood & The Villages

Category: News

ALLOCATION OF RESERVES TO SUPPORT SUMMER PROJECTS

Lichfield City Council is allocating £10,000 of its Grants Reserve towards provision of summer activities for children and families.

In light of the cost-of-living crisis it is hoped that such grant provision will facilitate and expand events providing parents and families with an increased choice of free and low-cost activities during the school summer holidays.

Councillor Colin Ball, Chair of the City Council’s Grants Advisory Committee said.

“We know that there have been cutbacks across the board in services for children and young people over the past few years. This is an opportunity for the City Council to support children and families over the summer – a chance to see families having fun in these difficult times.”

Dave Robertson, Leader of Lichfield City Council said “”The cost-of-living crisis continues to make life difficult for families across the City. As the school holidays arrive, we know that many household budgets will be even further stretched and so we’re eager to work with partners across Lichfield to provide activities for young people this summer by freeing up this funding to help things happen.”  

Applicants can apply for a maximum of £2,000. However , consideration will be given to requests for higher amounts from community organisations who are seeking to provide additional staffing resources to support a co – ordinated effort with other partner organisations or authorities. Anyone interested should request an application form by emailing administration@lichfield.gov.uk. Or collect from the City Council Offices, Donegal House, Bore Street. Lichfield WS13 6LU

Labour Members Welcome Publication of City Centre Animation

Members of the Labour Opposition Group at Lichfield District Council have welcomed the release of an animation showing plans for the Lichfield City Centre Redevelopment Scheme which have been under wraps for many months. 

Since the elections in May, Labour councillors have been briefed in confidence on the overall strategy for the long-awaited plans for the former Friarsgate site and the wider City Centre but called for the “full public disclosure and explanation” a month ago, They are pleased that at last this has happened.

Cllr Colin Ball, who has chaired a Task Group on the City Centre Redevelopment Plans for several years, said:

“I welcome this step forward so that all of the council members and the public can see how the parts of the scheme fit together. It’s understandable that a lot of the plans have had to be confidential due to commercial sensitivities but the public we represent need to have the same overview. I’m pleased that the Council Leadership has now accepted what we, as Opposition members, have been calling for.”

Labour Group Leader, Cllr Sue Woodward, said:

“We are certainly supportive of the overall vision, which has been a very long time coming. This doesn’t mean that we are offering a blank cheque and will continue to challenge the Leadership as the plans progress but this is a really positive sign of progress.”

She added:

“Cllr Pullen’s comments at last week’s council meeting that our call for full exposition were ‘frustrating’ as Labour members had been briefed on the plans were a bit disingenuous. All of the briefings we’ve had have been in confidence, and we have honoured this confidentiality while also calling for the plans to be made public as soon as possible. He can’t have it both ways.”

Councillors create new “food security champion” to help tackle hunger in Lichfield.

After a letter was sent to all candidates by Lichfield Foodbank during the local elections calling on all levels of government to deliver an action plan on the issue, the Labour group at Lichfield District Council has now submitted a motion for members to take the first steps on that path.

Cllr Sue Woodward, who leads the principal minority group, said:

“The cost of living crisis has hit every household in Lichfield district, none more so than those who are struggling to meet their food bills. The work by food banks and other voluntary organisations is so very important and is to be commended – but we all hope that food poverty will soon be a thing of the past. The motion we are putting to council is a first step along this path.”

The motion proposed four key actions:

  • Appoint a Food Justice Champion who will lead at Lichfield District Council on tackling food poverty locally
  • Map and promote sources of assistance across the district,
  • Set up and support a food partnership to bring together partners with a mutual interest in addressing food insecurity.
  • Develop an action plan to address food insecurity across the district.

 Cllr Woodward said:

“I don’t doubt that candidates were supportive of the principles behind the Lichfield Foodbank letter, but now we need practical steps put in place. We also need to bring together all of the organisations working on food injustice and to see councillors driving this forward. At present, someone in need may not know where to go and I’ve learnt a lot over the past few weeks about just how many volunteer groups are out there offering help. I hope this motion will receive cross-party and public support and that we can make some real progress across the whole district.”

The motion was unanimously supported at meeting of the council on 11th July.

Labour say that the demolition of the multistorey provide a chance to solve some of the issue caused by pedestrianisation.

Pic: Google Streeview – The Birmingham Road multi-storey car park.

Lichfield District Council has proposed demolishing the multistorey to get the redevelopment to finally restart the Friarsgate project which fell apart in 2018. The council is also planning for a “meanwhile use” for the land once the demolition has taken place which would see the area freed up used as an outdoor theatre and cinema, in addition to food and retail stalls.

But Cllr Colin Ball and Cllr Dave Robertson warned that the cabinet risked missing a chance to solve some of the issues caused by pedestrianisation by not seeing the car park as part of the wider City Centre.

Cllr Dave Robertson, deputy leader of the Labour Group, said “Just because the site is part of the Friarsgate area doesn’t mean you can forget everything else. We needed a plan for the car park, but we should really be using this space to fix some of the problems that the council has caused with their bungled implementation of pedestrianisation. There’s a chance here to create some disabled parking spaces and to find a way to connect them to the new cinema and the Three Spires shopping centre. The ‘meanwhile use’ suggested by the council seems to be a plan to create another market square 250 yards way from the one we already have.”

Cllr Colin Ball, shadow cabinet member for A Great Place to Live, said that while it was good to see progress on the redevelopment, the council could not afford to focus solely on that scheme. “I am very glad that something is finally happening with the redevelopment of the city centre and particularly with the car park – we’ve already waited too long for the development to happen and this will hopefully bring it forward faster. But that alone isn’t good enough. Why not think about different parts of the city centre can support each other and think about how some blue badge bays here would benefit the businesses at that end of Lichfield?”

Opposition Call For Lichfield District Council to Share “Friarsgate” Plans With Public

The long-running saga of the plans for Friarsgate, impacting the whole of Lichfield City Centre, now needs full public disclosure and explanation, says the Principal Opposition Group at Lichfield District Council. 

Labour councillors are calling upon the leadership at the Council to share the overall plan for the now-renamed Birmingham Road Site and associated proposals such as the cinema plans for the former Debenhams store. 

Labour Opposition Leader at the Council, Cllr Sue Woodward, said:

“At present, we are getting only piecemeal information about what is being proposed, some confidential and some not, and it’s time now for all District councillors and, more importantly, the public we represent to be given a clear overview of how the various pieces of the jigsaw puzzle fit together. I have now written formally to the Council Leader and Chief Executive to ask that this happens as soon as possible for the sake of transparency and accountability.”

Cllr Dave Robertson, Deputy Opposition Leader and City Councillor said:

“We’ve all already waited far too long for this development to come forward. It’s almost 20 years since the Council first discussed this and the public deserve to see the plans for our City. After the bungled pedestrianisation of the Market Square this plan must include adequate car parking for people with disabilities. I have already put forward some suggestions for a more appropriate ‘meanwhile use’ which I hope will bear fruit.”

Cllr Colin Ball has been chairing a task group on proposals for the Birmingham Road Site and the wider city centre strategy for several years. He said:

“I’m certainly pleased to see things moving forward as a lot of time and effort has been put in behind the scenes on the best ways forward. I certainly want to see full disclosure now. This doesn’t mean a free pass for the LDC leadership. In fact, I have certain red lines that I have shared with them around infrastructure and appropriate housing but it’s time for the overall plans to be made public.”

Labour Leader at Lichfield District Council Introduces Front-Bench Team

Following recent elections which saw the Labour Party increase their number of councillors by seven, the Leader of the Labour Group at Lichfield District Council has announced her Shadow Cabinet.

Cllr Sue Woodward said:

“There is a real opportunity now for Labour councillors to influence decision-making far more than has been possible in the past 24 years and we want to make sure that the communities we represent are listened to as well.

There is amazing strength and depth of skills and experience across the Labour Group. I’m proud to lead such a capable and committed Group.”

Along with Deputy Leader, Cllr Dave Robertson, the Labour front bench will lead on the themes of their Labour 2023 manifesto as follows:

  • A Fair & Prosperous District – Cllr Darren Ennis
  • A Greener District – Cllr Paul Taylor
  • A Safer District – Cllr Di Evans
  • A Healthier District – Cllr Claire Booker
  • Place-making across the District  – Cllr Colin Ball

Cllr Woodward added:

“We are waiting to hear the final details of Conservative Cabinet appointments but, rather than shadowing an individual portfolio holder, we are intending to take a more thematic, cross-cutting approach to services and decision-making across the Council as a whole.

“Many opportunities ahead”, Says Labour Group Leader in Response to Lib Dems

Responding to a statement by Lib Dem Group Leader at Lichfield District Council, the Leader of the largest Opposition Labour Group Cllr Sue Woodward said:

“I think Cllr Ray has proved my point for me. 

Let me explain this really clearly and simply to him and to others accusing me and my Labour Group of missing an opportunity to seize control, of staying on the side-lines or of some sort of moral cowardice.

The electorate in Lichfield District have voted for change, the sort of change I‘ve longed for in the 24 years that Labour has been in opposition here.  No longer do the Conservatives have a majority of 21 as they did at the last election; they have no overall majority at all. This opens up many opportunities ahead for other voices to be heard especially the voices of residents who have not been listened to in the past.

However, the reality is that Lichfield District electors, in spite of what a Conservative Government have thrown at them, still voted for more Conservatives councillors than Labour or Lib Dem councillors: 23 Conservatives, 17 Labour and 7 Lib Dems. I may not like it, I certainly wish it had been different but that is the reality.

If we had gone into some sort of pact, that would have given a majority of one for a Labour/Lib Dem administration. That would mean that every single Labour and Lib Dem councillor would have to attend every single meeting of the Council to take decisions forward – and electors should take a look at the attendance records up to now of some of the key people in this debate.

That would lead to instability and uncertainty and a lack of progress on subjects which electors have been crying out for –  leisure facilities in Lichfield, the promised cinema, action on the pile of rubble that is Friarsgate but also on real investment in my town of Burntwood, in Fazeley and in the rural villages which all appear to be invisible to the Lib Dem Group.

I firmly believe that there are many more opportunities now for all voices to be heard and that is what I am hearing from the current Conservative leadership. If Labour and the Lib Dems don’t like a proposal from the Conservatives or they don’t come up with a budget that spreads the Council’s resources more fairly, then we can vote against it. At last, it gives a look-in to long-neglected areas and issues such as climate change.

This is a time for cool, calm heads and a focus on residents’ priorities rather than what might seem on the surface to be quick and easy fixes. Cllr Ray and his colleagues need to compose themselves, think this through in a far less heated way and remember that Labour will keep this constantly under review, not just in a knee-jerk less than a week after the elections but for the four years ahead.”

Focus on best outcomes for LDC residents, not political stirch-ups – Opposition Leader on Talk of Pacts

Responding to questions about whether a pact with the Lib Dem to take over control of Lichfield District Council was being considered , the newly-elected Leader of the Labour Group Cllr Sue Woodward has said

“First of all, I want to say many thanks to the electors of Chase Terrace who put their faith in me and Steve to represent them for the next four years. We will not let you down.

Having been elected as my Labour Group’s Leader on Saturday, I made it clear to my colleagues that I want us all to focus on getting the best outcomes for our residents and not political stitch-ups behind closed doors. People have had enough of ding-dong politics and I want to cooperate with the majority Group at the Council as far as possible, as well as the Lib Dems, in focusing all our efforts on making the best possible decisions on behalf of our communities.  It’s time for grown-up politics now.

If anyone thinks that I’ve gone soft on the Conservatives, they can think again. I will challenge them every step of the way. Over the 24 years that they have been in control, they have made many half-promises about supporting some of Labour’s local priorities which were not honoured. That cannot and will not be the case anymore – they will have to get support from outside their group at council meetings.”

Outgoing Opposition Leader, Cllr Steve Norman, said:

“Sue has one of the sharpest political brains and is the most hardworking, caring and co-operative councillor I know.  ‘So what attracted you to the hardworking Labour activist Sue Woodward?’ Mrs Merton could have asked me in 1994.

If we want a ‘Better Council’ then we should see if this approach works for 12 months, I hope and believe it will, but it will take all members of all three parties to play their part.” 

Burntwood Town Councillor and Blue Badge holder Cllr Kathy Coe Speaks Out

Burntwood Town Councillor and Blue Badge holder, Cllr Kathy Coe, has spoken out on behalf of other Blue Badge holders about the negative impacts of Lichfield District Counci’s implementation of the pedestrianisation of Lichfield City centre.

She said:
“Surely it is not beyond the understanding and capabilities of the District Council to protect the disabled parking spaces so that those people who are recognised as having mobility difficulties can access the city centre, can go shopping, meet up with friends for a coffee or a meal.  Blue Badge holders enjoy going out and socialising too!  Trying to find a suitable parking space is a nightmare in Lichfield and I think it damages the local economy too as people become more reluctant to even try to park in a place that meets their needs.”

Cllr Coe, herself a wheelchair user, was moved to speak out about the human impact of the loss of Blue Badge parking when she received the following from a Burntwood Resident:   

“I am 71 years old and have MS.I am able to walk but have to have my carer with me for support as I have balance and fatigue problems and she has to drive me as I had my licence revoked due to my illness.I was very angry to hear the council were thinking of suspending blue badge parking in the centre.Yes,there are car parks with some disabled parking,but not many,which means extra walking.The multi story car park has no lift,sloping floors and very tight parking spaces.Not suitable for the needs of some disabled drivers and people with wheel chairs.We visit Lichfield most weeks and contribute to the economic side of the city by shopping there.The local banks have closed,so Lichfield is the nearest.There are also several health and medical services in the centre.

A high percentage of the centre is already pedestrianised ,so I feel strongly that the route for disabled drivers to park and pass through is not a lot to ask.”

Cllr Coe added:
“This person completely echoes my own feelings about this but, as a councillor, I have a responsibility to speak up for the many disabled drivers and Blue Badge holders in a similar position. Eighteen 

months doesn’t sound so much like a trial period to me but a backdoor way of making it permanent. It will certainly be a trial for those of us who will effectively be shut out of the city centre for a year and a half.”

Chase Terrace ward proud to be flying the Cooperative flag

The candidates for Chase Terrace ward in May’s Lichfield District Council elections standing as “Labour and Co-operative” say that they are proud to be flying the Cooperative flag

Steve Norman and Sue Woodward are members of both the Labour Party and its sister Party, The Cooperative Party and are therefore now standing as Labour & Co-operative Candidates. They believe that they are the first candidates for Lichfield District Council to do so.

Since 1927, the Labour Party and the Co-operative Party have maintained an electoral agreement which allows for candidates to stand on a joint Labour and Co-operative platform. There are over 1,200 Labour & Co-operative Councillors across the country, alongside 26 Labour & Co-operative MPs and numerous MSPs, MSs and Mayors.

Steve Norman said:

“Being a Co-operative member signals a belief in the values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, fairness and caring for others. This is what I came into politics for and to put these values into action.”

Sue Woodward said:

“For me, cooperation is about inclusion and partnership working. People don’t want councils doing things to them but with them and we have seen real progress on partnerships and co-production here in Burntwood, not least as members if the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network.”

Although Sue and Steve are the only official Labour & Cooperative candidates, other candidates across Lichfield District and also longstanding members of the Cooperative Party including Diane Evans (a candidate in Boney Hay & Central ward) and Raj Kulkarni (standing in Boley Park).

Di Evans said:

“I strongly believe in Cooperative Party values their values have proved so important for Burntwood, where we work together, trust and listen to each other, to ensure that our town continues to develop as a thriving and vibrant area for the benefit of all residents.”

Raj Kulkarni said:

“After 23 years of local Conservative rule and 13 of national Conservative rule, our society is too divided. Now more than ever we need to reunite society. The Cooperative Party has the values to do this, in partnership with the Labour Party. I am proud to help in this endeavour.”

Joe Fortune, General Secretary at the Co-operative Party added:

“The Co-operative Party is a growing force in councils across the country. Together we have brought change on issues like modern slavery, fair tax, high streets and food justice. We have achieved so much, but there is still much more to do.

“This May, the Co-operative Party will be standing a record number of candidates. I’m excited to see us elect these brilliant candidates and see the co-operative difference they will make at town halls across the country.”

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