Summer News 2012

Thank your lucky stars that there is a party curbing the excesses of the Tories

Because of the Liberal Democrats being in Government, we have:

• introduced additional funding for the poorest school pupils
• taken hundreds of thousands of people out of tax
• cut the tax bill for millions of low earners
• introduced a billion pound scheme to help young people get to work and training
• delivered the biggest pension increase ever
• embarked on the largest investment in railways since the Victorian era
• cut the defecit by 25%
• saved the British economy from the worst consequences of worldwide recession
• taking action to sort out the banks where Labour admit they failed to, and admit they would have had to make deep cuts, too

New Housing Schemes for Houghton

IMPORTANT CONSULTATION THIS SUMMER: Land north of Houghton Regis. This summer a preliminary public consultation will take place to gather interest and concerns. This land (outlined in red) was identified as a sustainable location for growth in the Sustainable Communities Plan (2003). Following this plan the land was identified in the Luton and southern Central Bedfordshire Core Strategy, which was abandoned due to disagreements between CBC and Luton Borough Council. Development of the land is now being pursued via the Development Management process.

The land has been identified for 7,000 dwellings, 40 ha of employment land and associated facilities, all to be delivered through a masterplan. The masterplan, which will be led by the developer, will provide a "vision" and indicate the broad principles development should follow. The document will be used to inform the submission of a planning application and will not constitute the granting of planning permission. Planning applications are expected to start being submitted in the autumn of this year.

Two major transport improvements will assist growth in the area: (1) the A5-M1 link road to Junction 11a (by the Highways Agency and assisted funding by CBC and Developer. (2) The Woodside Connection to M1 J11a will be provided by the developer and CBC. For (1) construction is likely to start in 2014; for (2) an expected start of 2017.

If you would like to be kept informed of developments, email the Project Administrator, mentioning "Houghton Regis Liberal Democrats", at stuart.robinson@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk Promoters of the developments will be inviting opinions via telephone surveys, face to face interviews, and presentations. During July public exhibitions are expected to take place in the town. By the Autumn, Planning Applications may be submitted.

The promoters of the schemes intend to widely publicise their events.

If you have any particular concerns, contact any of your Lib Dem councillors.

Download Central Beds Framework Plan for a map of the initial ideas new look Houghton Regis.

Success of Jubilee Events in Houghton Regis

The Queens Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in Houghton Regis by a number of street parties, school parties, a balloon race and a talent contest. Your Liberal Democrat-run town council organised and supported several events. A Picnic on the Village Green was very well attended. Crowds enjoyed a range of sideshows including a singing group, maypole dancing, and a coconut shy raised funds for the new mayor's charities. An evening disco was supported at the Village Green, a coach trip was organised to view the pageant on the River Thames, and a Town commemorative enamel badge was struck as a memento of the occasion.

Houghton Regis Lower Petition

Liberal Democrats are among the supporters of a petition calling for Houghton Regis Lower School to have the right to become a primary school like the other schools in the Town. Up to now the barrier has been the lack of space to accommodate more pupils. As other local schools move to primary and secondary school status, pupils reaching Year 4 of the Lower School will face a disruptive transfer for only two years. Sign online at http://bit.ly/MjceZU

New Market Stalls Are A Hit

Friday's one market stall in Bedford Square was recently joined by a few more. Your Lib Dem run town council felt it was about time more local enterprise was encouraged, lessening the need for local people to travel far to do their regular shopping.

Police and Crime Commissioners

Elections will be held in November to elect Police and Crime Commissioners for every police force in the country. The elected PCC will be responsible for the police force in their area, and for holding chief constables to account. Details about your Liberal Democrat candidate will be announced in due course.

BUS STOP UPGRADES

35 bus stops on the 38 route through Houghton Regis are to be upgraded as part of the Guided Busway Project. The new stops will give real time information about times of service, and have kerb adjustments made to enable easier access for all. The Houghton Regis, Dunstable and Luton Guided Busway is expected to be operational next spring.

UTC - A Chance to Learn Real Job Skills

The University Technical College will be opening at the Kingsland site, Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis, this September. The college aims to attract teenagers who are looking for a different kind of education to the usual academic route. Competition for places will be high and pupils will be expected to work hard to achieve good grades while learning practical skills. The UTCs are an initiative by the coalition Government to bring practical job skills into education.

Active All Year Round

Lib Dem Councillors are always out and about, seeing what needs doing, and filing reports for action. Pictured above are Parkside's Cllr Rita Egan obstructed by a bush (now cut back!) in Kirton Way, while Cllr Alan Winter shows how easily the fabric of the footpaths is lifting. Follow Rita on http://ritaegan.blogspot.co.uk/

Links

• Houghton Regis Map ~ local places, and information.
• Houghton Regis Crime Maps
• A5 - M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass