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Say no to Clark's Field ... | ... and yes to Belah School Site |
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Eric is concerned about the withdrawal of the Burgh by Sands rescue boat.
The Coastguards have decided that the boat is not necessary and that the stretch of Solway near Carlisle can be covered by a boat based at Silloth.
Eric said,
"We need to have a debate about getting a replacement boat. If it can’t be repaired then we obviously can’t have people risking their lives in an unsafe boat, but we need another one as soon as possible."
The Burgh boat was used to help in the Carlisle floods and has been on station for twenty years. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it was always reviewing its resources, and the boat would be gone until a final decision was made later.
Eric is suggesting that the long awaited park and ride scheme for Carlisle could use the planned Dobbies site at Orton Grange.
Both Dobbies and Stagecoach have said the idea is feasible and merits further discussion. One idea is that planning for Dobbies to build at Orton Grange would be conditional on providing park and ride facilities.
Eric said,
"I’ve suggested this to Dobbies and they seem quite keen, and the bus company are reasonably receptive.
"It would alleviate a problem in Dalston. There is a shortage of parking spaces in the square because pensioners from outlying areas are leaving their cars there while they pick up a bus to Carlisle."
Eric is opposing plans to build a windfarm near Cumwhinton at Newlands Farm.
Plans have been laid to build three turbines, each over 100m tall, but Eric says this would stifle development in block expansion of Carlisle to the east, saying the area is ideal for new industry.
Eric commented,
"I have written to the planners expressing my opposition on those grounds. If Carlisle is to expand that is the logical place for such development to take place. A windfarm would detract from that.
"If you fly above the M6 then it becomes obvious how little development there is to the east of it around Carlisle. The area close to junction 42 is an obvious place for industry to want to locate and that is important for the future prosperity of the city."
Eric laid the blame for the rise in repossessions of people's homes squarely on the banks.
Following a 72% rise in repossessions in Carlisle, he said that incautious lending by some banks led to the credit crunch and they should accept responsibility and keep repossessions to a minimum.
Eric said,
"But each one of these repossession represents a tragedy for the families involved. I'd urge the building societies and banks to do everything they can to avoid repossessions.
"After all, it's the fault of the banks and former building societies that people are in this position and the credit crunch is down to that."
The government is to offer free legal representation at County Court level to those faced with repossession as one of several measures to help.
16 Aug 2008
Eric has attacked plans by United Utilities to hit Carlisle householders with a massive rise in water charges.
The company, which Eric already called for to be taken into public ownership, wants to hammer householders with a rise of 11% above inflation between 2010 and 2015.
Eric said,
"What they seem to be saying is, 'Our profits are secure and any investment we make, the consumer has to pay for.'
"That's the problem with not having competition. It's a licence to print money. They should be making efficiency savings and using that to fund investment. There isn't any other company that gets paid for capital investment."
United Utilities says it need the money to improve water quality, update old pipes and improve sewage treatment.
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Say no to Clark's Field ... | ... and yes to Belah School Site |
Eric has come out against building a new medical centre on Clark's Field.
The open space, much used by local residents, is being touted as the possible site for a new medical centre in Stanwix. Eric says the Belah School site would be a much better location.
Eric said,
"I'm all in favour of the practice building up-to-date premises - but not on Clark's Field. It is a valuable green space which is heavily-used by sports people, youngsters and dog-walkers. It would be ridiculous to think of building there when there is a much better site just a few hundred yards away. The Belah school site has much better access and would be the ideal location for a new surgery in that part of the city.
"There are two possibilities - one is to simply knock down the old school and built it on that piece of land. The other is to build it on open land there and then to knock the school down to replace the green space. I would much prefer to see a medical centre on that site rather than housing and I think it's a way for the county council to give something back to the community."
The doctors say no final has been reached and the matter is still under discussion.
Eric has welcomed action by Virgin Trains to release birds trapped in Carlisle Station.
But he says the best solution is to remove the netting. Virgin have opened the windows in a disused office and are trying to lure the birds with food, monitored by the RSPCA.
Eric said,
"The long-term answer, in my view, is to remove the netting altogether. But this is a good first step and I gather this has already happened. The office in question is apparently above the level of the netting."
30 Jul 2008
Eric has hit out at ITV proposals for a "watered down compromise" for Border and Lookaround.
ITV now plans the merger with Tyne Tees, but there would be a fifteen minute local news programme, which would be called Lookaround. But Eric thinks the fight should go on.
Eric said,
"This is just a watered down compromise, we should still stick out to save Border as it is.
"I am very worried that the county council and some other councils have been drawn into a compromise that will mean we still lose the Border TV studio and many jobs and we only get half the air time we get at present.
"The campaign to save Border has been very effective so far and we should carry on until it is saved in its current form."
Dalston Parish Council has drawn fire from Eric for objecting to a plan to bring jobs to the village.
Dobbies want to site a new garden centre at Orton Grange, but the parish council raised concerns over traffic and the effect on business.
Eric said,
"People in rural areas clamour for jobs but when they are provided they find some excuse why they won't work. All too often the parish council seems to object. I was disappointed by the view that Dalston parish council took on it.
"I have spoken to people who live close to the proposed development who thought that it would improve the area. The development would give better access to Wigton Road and I don't think the traffic would be as heavy as the parish council suggested."
Commenting on the fact that Dobbies is a subsidiary of Tesco, Eric added,
"This is by no means a back way into bringing a supermarket to town,"
Eric has said that Labour must learn from its defeat in Glasgow.
This follows a run of defeats for Labour in recent elections.
Eric said,
"A by-election is a by-election. We fully expected this result and we fully expect to win the seat back.
"It is important that the Labour Party learns from this."
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Suited workers removing asbestos
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Eric has called for urgent action if it is found that asbestos poses a risk in many city homes.
It is alleged that up to ten thousand homes now owned by Carlisle Housing Association may contain asbestos, and tenants may be at risk.
The danger comes when the asbestos, if present, is disturbed by, for example, those tenants doing DIY jobs.
Eric said,
"I think we need an independent medical opinion to clarify whether there is a danger here or not. If that shows there is a major risk to health, then we need urgent action. If there is not a risk, then people will be reassured."
Carlisle Housing Association has not previously warned tenants of the possibility that asbestos may be present because the regulations apply to public buildings.
Tenants' groups and trades unions are backing the call for a full audit of the homes.
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Carlisle Station
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Eric has has called for action after his office has been deluged with calls and emails from people complaining about dead birds at Carlisle station.
Netting designed to stop the pigeons nesting has trapped the birds there so they starve, and dead ones are lying on the netting, rotting and maggot infested.
Eric said,
"I believe the birds get into the roof space through parts of it which have been storm-damaged, then get trapped in the netting and die of starvation or thirst. It is sickening.
"I've called for Network Rail and Virgin to take urgent action. I believe a hole could be cut in the netting above platform six, where there are no live lines, without any health and safety issues."
A member of Eric's staff said,
"One emailer sent pictures in which I couldn't look at, the birds are rotting and maggot infested."
After Sainsbury's dropped their plans for a store on Currock Road, Eric has welcomed the fact they are still looking for an alternative site.
He says the city needs competition and the jobs the new store would bring.
Eric said,
"I presume they pulled out because of problems with traffic congestion. I don't think that a store there would have got planning permission on traffic grounds.
"But I'm glad that they are still looking elsewhere in Carlisle because we need the competition."
Eric is looking for an assurance that the future of the Somerfield store on Wigton Road is secure.
Somerfields have been bought by the Co-operative Group and Eric wants to know if the store will stay open under its new ownership.
Eric said,
"I'm making inquiries about the future of the store now this deal has gone through. As long as I get an assurance about its future then I'll be very happy.
"The Co-op has a good environmental record, a good record when it comes to Fair Trade goods, and has always had a good reputation when it comes to dealing with staff."
Eric has welcomed the government's funding of an 'extra care housing' development at Raffles.
The scheme will provide sixty homes for the elderly, especially those with long term illness such as dementia and is designed to offer then privacy and dignity as well as support.
Eric commented,
"I am delighted that the Government has made this money available. I am sure this will be very successful. It is just what we need. It will also give a welcome boost to the construction industry at this time."
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Pirelli at Dalston
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Eric has expressed his hopes that the sixty jobs Pirelli want to shed at the Carlisle factory can be lost through voluntary redundancy.
The thousand strong workforce is being reduced, says the company, because of foreign competition, but it also says it is continuing to invest in the Carlisle plant and that negotiations with the unions are ongoing.
Eric commented,
"The loss of these jobs is bad news. Pirelli is a good employer in Carlisle. But the encouraging thing for the future is that Pirelli is continuing to invest huge amounts of money into the factory. That money will enable the plant to stay at the cutting edge of technology.
"I'm also confident that these reductions can be achieved without the need for enforced redundancies."
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Floods in Carlisle
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Eric has called for lower insurance premiums for those whose property is now better protected against flooding.
He says some people are still paying over the odds although flood defences are now in place, and their property is better protected than it was before. Insurers have promised to continue to cover people in the flood zone given that defences will be in place within three years, and the government has a 25 year strategy for flood defences.
Eric said,
"I am pleased they have been able to keep the agreement going, but I am a little concerned that the insurance companies are not responding as quick as they could to those households now protected. I have had people contact me and saying that even though they are now protected, their premiums have not come down.
"When flood defences are up, the insurance industry should accept it and bring in new lower rates.I understand what they are saying about continuing to insure people where there is a plan to reduce flooding in five years, but they should react quickly when flood defences are put in place."
Eric has welcomed a decision by Cumbria County council to allow some free travel for a new city academy.
Following Eric’s intervention. where he pointed out that their policy of not allowing some children to have free bus fares to the new Academy on the NCTC site, even though they lived over 3 miles away, Cumbria County Council have done a massive U turn and agreed that all qualifying children should now get free buses to the temporary Edgehill Road Site.
Eric commented,
"I was appalled by the change in the decision (to charge) and was approached by parents. The county council have had an emergency meeting and my understanding is that they have now changed their policy."
Eric has expressed his disappointment at the collapse of plans to develop Carlisle Airport.
Andrew Tinkler, Stobart CEO, withdrew the plans because the government insisted that the scheme was of such a major nature that a public inquiry would have to be held, causing Stobarts to miss their 2009 deadline for moving. Eric now hopes that a new plan will be submitted that will allow the development to go ahead within that timescale.
Eric said,
"I'm disappointed that the decision has been taken to withdraw this application. I understand why it has and I will be talking to Andrew Tinkler and Government Office North West because I believe there will be another application going in and we have got to try and ensure that this one does not require a public inquiry."
Eric is writing to the Minister responsible for tackling homelessness to stop a family hostel being built built next to an existing men's hostel.
He is telling Iain Wright, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Communities and Local Government, that the council has made a mistake and the scheme should be changed before the money, £3.9 million, is released for the scheme in John Street.
Eric said,
"It is a totally inappropriate site. There is no doubt there are some men in the existing hostel with severe problems. I got a complaint yesterday from students who saw one injecting himself in the street. I think the council are taking a wrong decision. They are going for that site for financial reasons and we will have to live with the consequences for a long time."
"I will make an approach to the Minister to look again at this before this money is released. The council should have looked at more suitable sites."
The city council wants to move all homelessness services onto the John Street site.
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Hilltop Heights, at the top of a steep hill
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Eric is concerned about the proposals by GPs to transfer a number of city centre surgeries to create a super surgery at Hilltop Heights in Harraby.
He believes that the public do not fully know the facts about which branch surgeries are under threat of closure. The siting of the super surgery will disadvantage people who live in the west of the city. Patients would have use 2 buses to get there and at present there are no buses up the steep hill to Hilltop Heights.
Eric welcomed the fact that Morton School has come out of special measures and paid tribute to the Governors, staff and pupils for all the hard work done.
He said,
"Morton School has served the community west of city well over the years".
Morton school is closing at the end of summer and the new Morton Academy will open for the new term in September.
3 Jul 2008
Eric has welcomed news of the expansion of the HMRC's Carlisle office.
Fifteen new jobs will be created at HM Revenue & Customs in the Stocklund House office.
Eric said,
"This is very good news for the hard working HMRC staff in Carlisle, though the picture for the rest of the county remains unclear."
The move is part of a streamlining of HMRC which will mean some branches in the county closing. A new office will be opened to be opened at Lillyhall, near Workington, which should absorb most of the losses.
Eric welcomed the consultation by the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on the Carleton clinic.
If implemented, this will mean a multi million pound investment in the Carleton Clinic, Carlisle.
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Harraby Surgery, under threat from plans
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Carlisle MP, Eric Martlew is concerned about proposals to site a super surgery at Hilltop Heights.
He says this will have an adverse affect, with many of the branch surgeries under threat of closure. But he will be having further discussions with the Primary Care Trust and GPs to address concerns.
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Eric with members of the RSPCA
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Eric recently spoke at the Annual General Meeting of the Cumbria North and East Branch of the RSPCA.
He thanked them for making him their new President and expressed gratitude for all the work they do within the City.
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How many of these are empty?
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Car sharing is a well known idea, but now two Carlisle companies are taking it a step further with truck sharing.
Eric has welcomed the news that Nestlé and United Biscuits have teamed up to reduce truck journeys. They have signed up with other companies to cut down on empty journeys to reduce the number and make them more efficient.
Eric commented,
"I am delighted that these companies are working together. Not only will this reduce CO2 emissions but will make these firms more cost efficient, help them stay profitable and ensure they stay in Carlisle."
The scheme could make huge savings nationally in terms of fuel and CO2 apart from reducing congestion as fewer journeys are being made.
Eric has criticised the siting of the new Tesco store.
As work is scheduled to begin soon on the store in Viaduct Estate, Eric has criticised the city council for giving the green light. He feels any new store should have been to the west of the city at Morton.
Eric said,
"I think the city was mistaken to give outline planning permission and it is a mistake they now regret. It will increase the amount of traffic in the city centre. If we have a new supermarket, it should be to the west of the city at Morton."
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Eric at Botcherby Post Office during the campaign to save it - successfully!
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Eric has welcomed news that the campaign, in which he played a major role, to save Botcherby Post Office has been successful.
The Post Office has announced that the office will not close after all, although across the county, thirty five are still schedule for closure.
About Botcherby, Eric said,
"Obviously, this is something I feel strongly about because I voted against the Government on closures.
"I am pleased the Post Office have seen sense about the closure of Botcherby. My understanding is that it is the only one in the whole county to have been saved. There were very good reasons why it should not be closed. There was community need and this is good news. Staff at the Post Office have to be congratulated. It was a very passionate campaign."
17 Jun 2008
Eric says the city council should buy the Lonsdale.
The owners, Empera, have appealed against the decision to list the building saying the interior is not in good enough condition, but Eric says it has deteriorated while the city council has dithered.
Eric said,
"The failure to take action has led to uncertainty and further deterioration of the building. We could have a situation where it is demolished.
"I would urge the council and Empera to discuss urgently the possibility of the council buying the property. If the council had bought it when it was first available, we could have had a theatre and arts centre by now."
13 Jun 2008
Eric was among the first to congratulate Morton school on coming out of special measures.
The school was put back in special measures in 2006 for the second time after an Ofsted inspection found major flaws, but the ending of them marks the end of a troubled ten years for the school.
Eric said,
"I'm absolutely delighted for them. It has had its troubles but you have to remember that it has served its community over the years. When it first went into special measures I thought it was a marginal decision and I think it has struggled since then. Although it came out the first time it had a lot of debt to cope with but it has come back and is ending on a high note."
The school will become Richard Rose Morton Academy on September 1st with the promise of £20 million to build a new, modern school.
Carlisle's MP, Eric Martlew, has been campaigning for a change to the government's policy on the abolition of the 10p income tax band and has recently received a latter from the Prime Minister thanking him for all his efforts.
Eric was the first to raise this issue with the Prime Minister when he addressed Labour MPs in the House of Commons, and expressed concern it would hit many on low incomes or those who had taken early retirement.
Eric said,
"The scrapping of the 10p rate was unacceptable and changes needed to be made. I had a private meeting with Gordon Brown to discuss my concerns and the Prime Minister assured me he would reconsider the matter.
"I'm pleased that changes to the tax system have been made, which will help alleviate problems, and I was very pleased to receive a personal acknowledgement from the Prime Minister."
The Prime Minister's letter:
10 Jun 2008
Eric is backing a campaign to give grandparents more rights.
Brampton based campaigner Michael Robinson wants to change the law so that grandparents are automatically considered as potential guardians if they have to leave their parents, and Eric has supported a Commons motion highlighting the issue.
Eric said,
"At the moment grandparents have no rights. I have dealt with many cases over the years where they have had contact with grandchildren broken off after a marriage breakdown, and it is as traumatic for the grandchildren as it is for the grandparents. In fact, grandparents often notice their lack of rights when parents have to give up caring for their children, and the family courts decide the children's fate.
"Children can be taken into care or put into fostering and no-one is told about it. Traditionally the people who would have looked after children in these situations would have been grandparents, and it seems logical for them to be involved and consulted.
"At the end of the day it is for the court to decide what is in the best interests of children. But sometimes we are too bureaucratic and forget the obvious option."
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Never again?
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Many Carlisle residents would be prepared to pay a bit more council tax if it meant better flood defences.
Eric believes that the flooding of the city in 2005 was so traumatic that many people suffer stress whenever there's heavy rain. He says it would enable insurance companies to reduce premiums.
Eric said,
"If you asked anyone who has been flooded to pay more council tax but less insurance I think they would agree. I don't think that people should underestimate the stress caused by being flooded out. The water goes away but the problem doesn't. People then become very worried during bad weather and heavy rain and need to be reassured that the city's flood defences are up to scratch.
"No matter how much money the Government puts in it will not be enough. The Government will continue to increase the amount it puts in to flood prevention but everyone would benefit - residents would have defences built quicker and pay less insurance. The insurance companies would also be paying out less."
The final review into the floods by Sir Michael Pitt, to which Eric contributed, is due to be published this summer.
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Eric at Botcherby Post Office recently
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Eric has met with Postwatch, the watchdog for postal services, to discuss the Post Office's plans to close branches in Cumbria.
He is critical of the County Council's demands that all be kept open as unrealistic, and they should have been more active in trying to find ways of keeping them open. Eric says people should keep in touch with Postwatch to make sure their views are known.
Eric said,
"I think that the county council would have been better making a case to examine some of the alternative methods that could be used to keep them open rather than just saying 'keep them all open'. It is the kind of thing that gives politics a bad name.
"Post offices have always closed and to pretend otherwise is just not credible. After the Post Office has made its decision there will be no right of appeal. However, Postwatch can raise objections in specific cases. This means it is vital for people to keep in touch with them and make sure their views are known."
Eric has put forward proposals for the old Post Office.
The imposing Warwick Street offices are now empty since the Post Office moved to WH Smith, but Eric says it is an ideal location for the city's Magistrate's Courts.
Eric said,
"The post office could house the city's magistrates who will have to leave Rickergate if Renaissance plans to redevelop the area go ahead. This is an opportunity which should be seized now."
The plan is also supported by the city's Labour councillors. The building is in the city's conservation area and is still owned by Royal Mail.
17 May 2008
Eric wants novice drivers off the roads at night.
He was reacting to the government's proposals to cut the number of young drivers killed, but he said the plans were a "missed opportunity". He wants an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for drivers in their first year.
Eric said,
"I think this is a missed opportunity. Although the accident rate is going down, there are lots of statistics that show it is still increasing for younger people. The proposals that the Government set out are still out for consultation so they have time to change their minds. They want to update the test to make it more difficult as well as making a deal with the insurance company so costs are lower for drivers who take advanced tests.
"This is a start but it is not enough. I would suggest a curfew between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. for drivers in their first year. We are trying to tackle the kind of problem that sees cars speeding around with their driver's girlfriend in the front and mates packed in the back.
"I would also like drivers to gain more experience driving in hazardous conditions before they go on the road."
Eric intends to make his views known in a meeting with Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Transport.
16 May 2008
Eric has said he is delighted with the government's response to public concern over tax.
He had written first to the Prime Minister and then the Chancellor raising these concerns and giving examples of Carlisle people who were losing out. Now he has been personally thanked by the Chancellor, Alistair Darling.
Eric said,
"I believe that the Government made a mistake and I am delighted with their response. I initially raised the issue with the Prime Minister and then followed it up with the Chancellor.
"Many people will be as well off - or better off - thanks to the new tax rate, and we are making sure that anyone who lost out is properly compensated," added the MP. The extra money in the pay packet at the end of the month will come in handy as money is tight at the moment."
The Chancellor has compensated those who lost out with abolition of the 10p tax band by raising the tax threshold, the personal allowance, by £600 per year. This will also benefit many more people at a time of economic difficulty.
Eric has welcomed a government boost to health spending in Cumbria.
The Chancellor is stumping up £80M towards a plan to improve health and adult social care.
Eric said,
"I am obviously delighted with these proposals. It was not that long ago that people were talking about closing cottage hospitals. Now we are going to have 21st century facilities across the entire county.
"The plans go a long way to show that Cumbria can attract Government funding and is not the forgotten county many people say it is."
Eric has called for a rethink about the make up of the Carlisle Renaissance Board.
He says that the Board, to oversee the renewal of Carlisle's urban area, should have people that live in urban Carlisle.
Only one of the twelve members, Cyril Weber, lives in the city's urban area. The Chair of the Board, Bryan Gray, who is visiting the city, will meet Eric to discuss the matter.
Eric said,
"Renaissance is basically about the urban area. Not to have people on the board who live there and experience it is beyond belief. Other people are imposing solutions on the people of Carlisle."
Eric has welcomed the appointment of Bryan Gray as Chair of the Carlisle Renaissance Board.
He currently chairs the Northwest Development Agency and has wide private sector experience.
Many of the new board members are from the private sector which has raised concerns about the Board's accountability. There will be six public sector representatives however, including Tony Markley and Cyril Weber from Cumbria County Council.
Eric said,
"I think Bryan Gray will be a good choice because of his experience, his contacts and he is known as a visionary. If anything needs vision it is Carlisle Renaissance."
Other appointees are Ian Haythornthwaite of the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Roger Liddle of Cumbrian Vision, John Nixon of Carlisle United, Brian Scowcroft of Kingmoor Park Properties and Victoria Farley of Hoopers.
Eric has welcomed news that incidents of reported anti-social behaviour in Carlisle have fallen by 20%.
Some of the biggest falls were in Currock, Harraby and Botcherby.
Eric said,
"Anti-social behaviour is a scourge and I welcome the news that incidents in Carlisle have fallen by so much. I believe it is the result of teamwork involving the police, local authorities and other agencies who should all be congratulated.
"I think police community support officers have also played a part. There is no doubt that the presence of a uniform on the street makes a difference. There have been fewer complaints at my surgeries over the past year and the challenge now is to ensure that the number of incidents continues to fall."
Eric is calling on the UK back the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.
He has tabled a Commons motion supporting the declaration and urging the British government to give it its full backing on the international arena.
Eric's Early day Motion reads:
EDM 1467
UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON ANIMAL WELFARE
30.04.2008
Martlew, Eric
That this House supports the development of the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare, an effort led by a number of world governments, supported by the World Organisation for Animal Health, and underpinned by the World Society for the Protection of Animals, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Compassion in World Farming in the UK, and by hundreds more animal welfare organisations world-wide; and calls upon the Government to give its full and publicly-stated support for this initiative, including active support within the European Union and the United Nations.
Eric is urging people in Cumbria to tell Michael Grade what they think of his plans to axe Lookaround
He met with Mr Grade, the ITV boss, last week along with other local MPs. Eric wants everyone to write to Ofcom expressing their opposition to ITV's plans.
After the meeting, Eric said,
"It was the first step in what is going to be a long war. But it is one that I think can be won.
"I would urge everyone who feels strongly to write to Ofcom expressing their concern as it will be Ofcom that makes the final decision and can save it. The more people who make their views known, the better."
"We left Michael Grade in no doubt that what was being proposed was totally unacceptable and we would be making a very strong case to Ofcom. I think it will be OK. It is one of those things that can be won."
You can sign an online petition at www.newsandstar.co.uk/border
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Gwyneth Dunwoody MP
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Eric has described the death last night of Gwyneth Dunwoody MP as a 'great loss'.
She was Chair of the Commons Transport Committee and as such she and Eric worked closely together on transport issues.
Eric said,
"Gwyneth will be a great loss. She was one of the great characters of the House of Commons, tremendously knowledgeable about transport in general and railways in particular.
"Gwyneth was a great friend to the railway industry and had her own fearless style of questioning.
"As a member of the Transport Select Committee, I realised that reports which were produced under her guidance were taken very seriously by the Government and many of the recommendations have been implemented."
Plans to merge six medical practices in Carlisle have been criticised by Eric.
While he is in favour in principle, he says that the proposed location of the new health centre at Hilltop Heights is wrong because of poor access, especially by public transport.
Eric said,
"From what I can gather it's going to be a big advantage to move into one building and I'm sure most patients will welcome it. The issue is where it's going to go and it's crucial to get it right. It's got to be fairly central with parking but most of all must be well-served by public transport. My view is that Hilltop Heights would be inappropriate because of this."
The practices involved are Brunswick House, Spencer Street and the four at Grosvenor House and Warwick Square.
A plan for world-wide animal protection has received the backing of a Parliamentary group which Eric chairs.
The plan put forward to the United Nations by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has the support of the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare of which Eric is Chairman.
Eric said,
"What we are trying to achieve is groundbreaking. I'm pleased to be supporting this campaign and ask fellow MPs to do the same. I urge the community to back this cause and sign the petition at www.animalsmatter.org.
"Animal welfare is an important issue in the UK, with public concern about the welfare of animals being raised for our food is at an all-time high. A UN declaration on animal welfare would ensure the issue gains global attention."
The plan would be to give animals around the world the same sort of legal protection which they currently have in the UK.
Eric has voiced his backing for a plan to use TV licence money to subsidise ITV Border so that Lookaround can continue.
It is one option being proposed by Ofcom. The money would come from the £600M being used for the digital switchover, which would no longer be required once the change is completed by 2012.
Eric said,
"With the switchover to digital, £600m of the licence fee is going to pay for that with help to the elderly and other things. By about 2012, this money will not be needed, so the suggestion is that the £600m be used for public service broadcasting on commercial channels. If this is the case then we are talking about saving Border TV.
"ITV's argument for getting rid of Lookaround is to save cash. If there is money from the licence fee, they have no reason at all. All Michael Grade goes on about is that they can save £40m a year. If there is a kitty of £600m subsidising regional broadcasting, the problem is solved."
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Incident at Dalston Rail Bridge
(Photo: News & Star) |
Repairs to a rail bridge that Eric called for have now begun.
After a Cockermouth Woman's car plunged on to the railway At Dalston last year, Eric called on Network Rail to improve safety at the bridge. The work should be finished soon.
Eric said,
"I'm pleased because it was an accident waiting to happen. We got away with it last time, in that nobody was seriously injured. If that had come at a time when there was a train coming the consequences could have been a lot worse."
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Eric meeting constituents outside Botcherby Post Office
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A Post Office outreach scheme presently running in some rural areas may be tried soon in urban areas.
Eric has been pressuring the Post Office over its planned closure of Post Offices in Carlisle, and welcomes the proposals, saying it shows the Post Office is starting to listen to the people. Eric is pressing for the city to be included in the trial.
He said,
"This is a step in the right direction but we have got to continue to press the case for keeping post offices open. This proposal will give a future option for re-introducing the post office to a community where it has been taken away.
"I am glad to see that the outreach scheme is also being extended to urban areas. It will offer about 85 per cent of the service that a normal post office does. People need a post office in their community. One of the best examples of the public mood is Botcherby. I have never seen such genuine depth of feeling about a single issue. The community is mobilised and they are doing everything they can to keep their branch open. Lots of people have signed the petition and when I have been up there the residents have told me that they don't want to lose their post office."
8 Apr 2008
Eric is hopeful that the airport redevelopment will still go ahead.
At a 'summit' meeting of Eric, Stobart boss Andrew Tinkler and City Council leader Mike Mitchelson, agreement was reached on many of the issues, leaving only a few still to be resolved.
Eric said,
"I still have my fingers crossed. I was there because hundreds of families rely on the Stobart business being in Cumbria.
"There have been mistakes on both sides. The council should have appointed an aviation expert to help with the application and Stobarts have maybe pushed too hard."
Eric has backed Eddie Stobart boss Andrew Tinkler over airport redevelopment.
Mr Tinkler has said he will move the entire Stobart operation to Widnes because of planning restrictions placed on the Carlisle airport development.
The city council gave the green light to the airport plans but only after fifty conditions have been met, but Mr Tinkler sees these as far too restrictive.
Eric agrees and is worried about the possible loss of so many jobs.
He said,
"I've looked at these conditions and I think they are far too restrictive. The council should be more welcoming. I'm really frightened we will lose all these jobs."
Meetings are being held to try to break the impasse.
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Eric meeting constituents outside Botcherby Post Office
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Eric has visited Botcherby Post Office as part of his campaign to stop post office closures.
Botcherby is one of those listed for closure under the cutbacks scheme, but Eric says it is needed and alternative offices are just too far away.
Eric said,
"I am here to canvass people's opinions and to gather support for saving this branch. Botcherby post office serves a unique area and needs to be protected. There are a lot of unemployed people on the estate, lots of young mothers and lots of elderly people. It is one of the most popular and best used in the city."
"It is just too far to other Post Offices. The staff up there are very upset. They have had people coming in and crying and wanting to know what they can do to help."
Eric has met with Post Office bosses and voted against the government in a bid to keep post offices open and to register his opposition, but he needs the public to join in.
The Post Office is presently running a consultation on the closures programme, you can have your say at consultation@postoffice.co.uk.
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Warwick Road Post Office
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Post Office history will reach a turning on May 21st when the city's Warwick Road office will close its doors
Next day, it will reopen in WH Smith's, and Eric says he has not been told of any job losses. He is concerned to save at least the frontage of the present building.
Eric said,
"I was given assurances at the time that people would be found other jobs. I'm not aware of any redundancies.
"I presume that the Post Office will put the Warwick Road building up for sale. It is in a conservation area but English Heritage have not listed it. Whatever happens we need to save the facade - that's very important. It's a very big building and it used to employ more than 400 people. It was the former city sorting office and it was a nonsense that it ever moved from there.
"If the city council is thinking of moving out of the Civic Centre then maybe they could use it. Alternatively, it could be used as a base for the magistrates court as the crown court is just over the road."
4 Apr 2008
ITV have announced new plans for Lookaround which Eric says shows they are "all over the place."
Cumbria's opt out from Tyne Tees would now be only six minutes and south-west Scotland gets just the same. The Isle of Man gets nothing. Eric says the public need to keep up the pressure.
Eric said,
"ITV is all over the place. They are making plans on the back of an envelope and they are obviously feeling the pressure.
"This is a sign that they are willing to move and that they got their initial proposals very badly wrong. The public need to keep the pressure on and make sure we keep the service."
"This latest announcement by ITV indicates they are in totally disarray about the proposals to get rid of Border Television and Lookaround.
"This latest proposal is nonsensical and appears to have been written on the back of fag packet."
It thought that Isle of Man coverage might be taken over by Granada.
Ofcom will start a 10-week public consultation on the plans in September.
Eric will vote for a below inflation pay rise for MPs.
The Pay Review has recommended a 2.5% rise, but the government is backing a 1.9% only rise, in line with other public sector workers. MPs will have a free vote.
Eric said,
"I have been an MP for 20 years and we always make a mess of this. It should be set at a level and we should get a rise in line with the national average.
"It is very difficult to disagree with what the Prime Minister is proposing but I wish we did not have to vote."
3 Apr 2008
Eric has said the city does not need another Asda store.
He says a new store should be built on the western side of the city but people wanted a variety of choice, not more of the same.
Eric said,
"My constituents would like to see something new in the area like a Waitrose, Sainsbury's or Booths.
"Putting an Asda in the city would put one at either side of the Carlisle Northern Development Route and I think people would rather have the variation and competition that a different superstore would bring. Customers won't want another Asda."
The city council also prefers a western site, but Asda has not yet submitted a planning application.
Eric is taking up the cause of those against Post Office closures.
He has held a meeting with Post Office bosses to make it clear to them the depth of opposition. But now needs to hear from constituents to strengthen the case. Eric voted against the government on this issue last week, but to carry on the fight he needs action from the people.
Eric said,
"The meeting was an initial consultation and we discussed a lot of the issues. I wanted to make sure that things are clear and that the Post Office knows what the effect of these closures will be.
"I now need to hear from constituents about why they feel they need to keep their local branches open. I think there are going to be closures but the people I met with will be prepared to alter where they are.
"The community now needs to mobilise. They need to get themselves organised and get petitions ready."
He also welcomed news that Cumbria County Council is looking again at Eric's request to manage some of the threatened sites as 'council' post offices.
People can also contact the Post Office at consultation@postoffice.co.uk to make their point.
29 Mar 2008
Eric has welcomed news of real progress on plans to develop Carlisle Airport.
The city council has given a provisional go-ahead, subject to some conditions that will be worked out this week. There are plans for a new runway, a passenger terminal, an air traffic control centre and offices.
Eric said,
"The city has been trying to get the airport up and running for 20 or 30 years and the city council have been putting a lot of money into it. Hopefully this is a sign of expansion. You only have to look at the prospects that Newcastle and Manchester airports have brought to their areas - although Carlisle is on a smaller scale.
"I understand the concerns of people who live close by but there has been an airport there for 50 years. Hopefully their concerns turn out to be groundless."
Hopes are high that the redevelopment will boost the regeneration of Carlisle.
Eric has responded to residents' concerns that an application by Tesco owned garden centre company Dobbies for a new centre at Orton Grange.
He is concerned that the relative lack of consultation means that Tesco are trying to sneak in by the back door. The firm has put on an exhibition in Dalston but Eric thinks this is insufficient.
Eric said,
"We need to have an open and transparent debate. I have had letters from people worried that this could become a Tesco site by the back door. I am going to be seeking a meeting with Dobbies' senior management about the plans.
"The plans should have been made public earlier than just a few days before the Dalston exhibition and the should be guarantees that the discussions taking place are not simply to 'tick boxes'.
"I have visited the site and can see there could be some merit in the scheme. I am not at this point against it, but I am worried about the way Dobbies have tried to sneak round public consultation. They should have had an exhibition at Morton as well as Dalston."
Dobbies say they operate independently from Tesco and this is not a front for third Carlisle store. The planned centre is set to create 120 jobs and is due to open in 2010.
28 Mar 2008
Eric has been holding talks with Post Office bosses about the proposed closure of Post Offices in the city.
He said that many elderly people and those on benefits needed the services a post office offers.
Eric said,
"There are also lots of unemployed and elderly people in both Denton Holme and Upperby and they need to be served by a local post office. The minister involved has said that if councils want to get involved in saving post offices he'd be very happy to talk to them about it."
"I would urge people to consider all the options and put party politics to one side."
Eric said he was disappointed that Cumbria County Council has turned down his suggestion of taking over some the Post Offices as "council" Post Offices, like was being planned for Essex.
"This is a much more important issue. I did vote against my own government last week to try and save them and I would urge people to do all they can to keep them going."
Eric has said that Clinical Assessment and Treatment Support Centres (CATS) in the North-East are drawing resources away from Cumbria.
Two centres, one in Newcastle and one in Middlesbrough, are advertising for patients in Cumbria. A CATS centre was planned for Carlisle was planned but dropped after objections, leaving the city as one of only a few places not to have one.
Eric said,
"The clinics are part of the Clinical Assessment and Treatment Support that the Government set up. There are several CATS centres in the north east but none in Cumbria.
"When the programme was due to be implemented, there was enormous public criticism of the scheme in Cumbria. Because of this and the sparseness of the population in the county, the Government decided to withdraw the programme here. If people are going over there for treatment they are taking money out of the county. This could have quite an effect on healthcare in Cumbria."
"I was less opposed to the CATS centres being set up than some of my colleagues. I felt that it was important to keep money in the area. They are a good service. People can go there for free and be seen more quickly and more efficiently. It is a service that would have been good to have but it is not there now."
The Government is to provide an extra £1.9M to fund new facilities for homeless families in Carlisle.
The plan is to replace London Road Homeless Families Hostel with a new facility in Caldewgate to offer better facilities, secure children's play areas, more provision for rough sleepers, all in an environmentally sound building.
Eric said
"Homelessness in the city has been on the increase over the last two or three years so I am pleased that the Government has put this money in. Although we must be careful with the site that we choose for the new building I am sure that a new facility will be welcomed by the community."
Last December Eric led those calling on Carlisle City Council to provide extra help for the homeless at Christmas.
22 Mar 2008
Eric has hit out at ITV boss Michael Grade, accusing him of arrogance.
This follows news that Border boss Paddy Merrall is to be succeeded by former Tyne Tees boss Graeme Thompson. ITV already wants to merge the local news of the two stations, but this has created fears that the two companies will merge completely, leaving Cumbria the worse off.
Eric said,
"It shows the arrogance of Michael Grade and ITV. While they are within their rights to do this, it sends out totally the wrong message. The reality is that Ofcom has got to make a decision on the request from ITV about Border and Tyne Tees and that is far from a foregone conclusion.
"The other issue is that because they have appointed someone from Tyne Tees, it sends out a strong signal that Border Television would close and move to Gateshead."
Eric has welcomed plans by Cumbria University to move to a new campus in Viaduct Estate, Carlisle.
The £70M development, to be called Caldew Riverside Campus, will mean leaving the Paternoster Row and Brampton Road sites. Fusehill Street campus may be retained but future use is not yet certain.
But Eric already has ideas of how the vacated sites could be used.
He said,
"This is tremendous news. I hope we are going to get high-quality architectural buildings. The Paternoster Row site could be incorporated into Tullie House Museum. And Stanwix Primary School could move to the Brampton Road site, which would give more space."
20 Mar 2008
Eric has stood by his principles and constituents and for only the second time in his career, voted against Labour in Parliament.
He voted against the government on the issue of Post Office closures and went through the lobby with the Tories on this one. Post Offices under threat in Carlisle include Wood Street in Botcherby, Denton Holme PO in Denton Street, Great Orton and in the SPAR Convenience Store, Upperby.
Eric said,
"The procedure we're going through is flawed. We're going too quickly. Looking at the Carlisle situation, I don't understand why they have picked the post offices they have.
"Everybody accepts there is a decline in use of post offices and over time there will be more closures. But this is premature.
"I'm not convinced that the criteria they are using is right, or that the consultation is meaningful.
"I appreciate the government is putting £150m worth of subsidy in, but the minister has said that if councils want to get involved in saving post offices he'd be very happy to talk to them about it."
Eric previously voted against the Labour government over Iraq. But this time he is not expecting trouble from the party's Whips saying that they accept his reasons for voting against the government. The motion Eric voted for was proposed by the Conservatives demanding a suspension of the closure programme. But the government still won the vote with a majority of twenty.
Eric has received a range of views about the planned new Sainsbury's store in Scotland Road.
He was speaking after he met with Sainsbury's representatives on Friday where he put the views of residents to the company.
Eric said,
"The responses I've had from the public are mixed. Some have said they are worried about lack of parking, others have said they don't drive and it will be a great facility to have.
"My worry is that staff will park in Cheviot Road and create problems for residents. If it goes ahead, they should introduce residents' parking in Cheviot Road."
Concerns raised include likely traffic problems and parking. Just sixteen places are planned for shoppers, and twelve for resident of the flats above the shop. It is estimated that twenty-five jobs could be created.
11 Mar 2008
Carlisle MP, Eric Martlew, welcomed the Government's commitment, announced this week, to build 300 units of social housing in Cumbria over the next 3 years.
He said,
"It is a very welcome announcement, as there is an acute shortage of houses to rent throughout the county".
8 Mar 2008
Eric has said that Border TV provides a model for ITV's regional services.
Welcoming the news that Border TV's viewing figures had increased, he said that Michael Grade should reconsider his plans to scrap Lookaround in favour of a news opt out from Tyneside.
Eric said,
"I am pleased to see the number of viewers is going up. Michael Grade is saying things are getting better. Perhaps he could reconsider his proposals (for Border).
"I really think regional television should be based on the Border TV model. It should be local to the viewer because you get a higher percentage of the audience. This also allows them to attract local advertisers. There are local companies which may not be able to afford to advertise on Granada, but would on Border. More local advertisers would increase ITV's revenue."
But despite the increase in viewers, Border's profits have slumped by 35% and Mr Grade remains determined to go ahead with the plans that would mean job losses in Carlisle. He says that web based news services would make up for the lack of local news on television, thereby conceding that there would be less local news.
Eric says that the final decision is Ofcom's and there is still time make one's views known.
You can sign an online petition at www.newsandstar.co.uk/border
8 Mar 2008
Eric wants people's views on a proposed Sainsbury's development before he meets with the company soon.
The supermarket chain is planning a store on Scotland Road in Stanwix on the former Gates Tyres site. The development would include a store, flats and car parking and could create 25 jobs.
Eric said,
"I have a meeting in a fortnight with senior managers from Sainsbury. Anybody with a view can contact me beforehand."
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Breast Cancer Screening
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Eric has been told that cancer screening services in north Cumbria are beating national targets.
He obtained the figures from the Cumbria Primary Care Trust on behalf of Cancer Research which is campaigning for more resources and was looking at where services were good and where they need to improve.
The figures show that cervical and breast cancer screening were beating national targets in the north of the county and a new bowel cancer screening service is due to start soon, open to men and women.
Eric has cosponsored a Commons motion calling for the banning of looped blind cords.
These are regarded as dangerous because of the risk of asphyxiation of children who play with them and get caught. In the last decade, twenty children have died like this.
The Early Day Motion sponsored by Eric reads:
EDM 1115
BANNING OF LOOPED BLIND CORDS
04.03.2008
Banks, Gordon
That this House acknowledges that in the last 10 years up to 20 children are reported to have lost their lives in the UK as a result of incidents involving looped blind cords; recognises that the US banned the use of looped blind cords in the 1990s and Australia followed suit in 2004; calls on the British Standards Institute to introduce a new British Standard banning the use of looped blind cords; and urges the Government to begin immediate discussions with the British Standards Institute to prevent further avoidable deaths.
4 Mar 2008
Carlisle MP, Eric Martlew, has spoken out about the situation in Seatoller Close, where residents have been left uncertain about their future.
Eric says,
"It is over three years since Carlisle Housing Association came out with proposals to knock down Seatoller Close, yet the residents there still do not know what the future holds. I believe there is no excuse for this prevarication and the blight should be lifted from this area."
3 Mar 2008
Eric Martlew visited Norman Street School today to congratulate them on their 100th birthday.
Eric said,"Norman Street has always been known as a good school and continues to serve the community well. It is a very exciting time for education in Carlisle with the university and new secondary academies coming on stream"
Eric is pictured with the Headteacher of Norman Street School, Mrs Baskerville.
Eric has been to the movies, but not to watch a film.
He is supporting a Parliamentary Motion condemning the outrageous price of food in some cinemas after checking prices at the local cinema in Carlisle.
"Having spoken to a number of parents, they say prices are so expensive they smuggle sweets in. One parent told me that the family had paid admittance of over £16.00 (2 adults and 1 child) it then cost over £14.00 for a coke, popcorn and 2 hot-dogs."
The Commons motion reads:
EDM 983
COST OF DRINKS AND CONFECTIONERY IN CINEMAS
20.02.2008
Hodgson, Sharon
That this House deplores the extortionate costs of confectionery and drinks at many cinemas; condemns cinemas which remove customers for attempting to consume confectionery and drinks purchased outside; dismisses the notion that reducing prices of confectionery and drinks would automatically increase ticket prices; urges the Office of Fair Trading to investigate the high cost of confectionery and drinks in cinemas; and further supports a fairer deal for the public which would increase the number of visitors to cinemas and encourage wider support for the UK film industry.
26 Feb 2008
Eric Martlew said that he has been assured that the plans for the new Academy to replace Morton School are on schedule.
The Academy will start, in the existing premises, in September 2008. Construction of the new building will commence in September 2009 and should take up to 2 years. The cost will be approximately £20m and it is likely that the sports and swimming pool facility in the present school will be retained.
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Eric with the delegation set off for the Isle of Man
(Photo: Elsie Martlew) |
Eric has returned from leading a delegation to the Isle of Man to gather support for Lookaround.
The party met with Manx Chief Minister Tony Brown and other officials. Adam Powell, Fiona Armstrong and Gilly Fraser from the programme were also present along with Andrew Tinkler who provided his private jet for the flight.
The Manx Parliament, the Tynwald, wants to keep Lookaround and many people in the island's capital, Douglas, signed up for the campaign.
Eric said the Manx people knew they would be neglected if their news coverage moved to Gateshead.
"I think they realise that they would never get a mention if that happened."
Ofcom has told Eric that the decision on Lookaround will be made in early 2009.
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Staying short for another four years
(Photo: ATOC) |
The government has announced extra coaches for west coast main line trains.
But these won't be until 2012, because that's when Virgin's franchise to run the service runs out. Eric has welcomed the news, but says the four year wait was down to Virgin who said they wouldn't put on the coaches unless the franchise was extended, which Eric said was blackmail.
But the government refused to be cowed. Eric said,
"They have tried to blackmail the department to give them an extension of two years on their franchise."
The plan was to add two coaches to each train, adding 100 seats, but Virgin said it could only do this if the franchise was lengthened to allow time for them to recover the costs.
Negotiations are under way to replace the Pendolino set wrecked last year at Grayrigg.
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Fur - is it real or fake?
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Eric has co-sponsored a Commons motion calling for action on the labelling of fur products.
Fake fur is now so good it can be hard to tell it from real fur, and consumers may be buying products believing all the fur to be man made when in fact it contains real fur from a dead animal.
The Early Day Motion reads:
EDM 927
CLEAR LABELLING FOR REAL FUR PRODUCTS
18.02.2008
Morley, Elliot
That this House notes that recent advances in the quality and look of fake fur make it difficult for many consumers to tell the difference between items made with fake fur and those made with real fur; further notes that there is now evidence that consumers are confused and some may be purchasing items made or trimmed with real fur believing the fur to be fake; further notes that the Trade Descriptions (Sealskin Goods) (Information) Order 1980 requires that all products made from or containing sealskins carry a label; further notes that a new law came into force in November 2007 in New York State requiring all real fur and fur-trimmed clothing to carry a label saying real fur; and calls upon the Government to introduce, as soon as possible and as a measure to protect consumers, a labelling order requiring all other real fur on sale to carry a label that clearly states that the item is made using real animal fur.
Sir Michael Pitt, who is looking into flood risks and responses for the government, has accepted Eric's invitation to visit Carlisle to see how a city responded to the flooding.
The two are meeting on 20 February and Eric has written to Sir Michael in advance outlining a number areas he would like to discuss at the meeting. These include health, especially mental health, the disposal of flood-damaged goods, the refurbishment of flood-damaged properties, the use of temporary flood defences, the upgrading of the flood map on completion of defences, the need for extra financial resources for flood defences and prevention and the Protection of Utilities' infrastructure
Eric's letter reads:
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Sir Michael Pitt 18 February 2008 Dear Sir Michael Thank you for agreeing to meet me to discuss my experiences following the floods in Carlisle in January 2005 and also in agreeing to visit the city as part of your inquiry. You are already in receipt of my contemporary account of the days following the disaster and now I would like to make proposals on how Government and other agencies should tackle the problem of urban flooding in the future. The issues I would wish to comment on are: I. Health aspects Health Aspects My experience from the Carlisle flooding is that, whilst there were some physical effects on the population, sadly including two deaths, the greatest impact on the community was that of mental health problems; in some individual cases this was severe. Indeed, many people who suffered flooding still experience extreme anxiety in periods of heavy rainfall and I believe this will continue even after adequate flood defences are completed. I, therefore, urge that comprehensive research be undertaken to assess the psychological impact of flooding which would then enable the NHS to respond more appropriately. I note from you interim report that you recommend that long term flood defence plans should not be altered to accommodate new areas which have been flooded. I find this hard to accept for, as I have already stated, the health affects of fear of recurring flooding are serious and communities need to have an end date to focus on. The Disposal of Flood-damaged Goods The Government should give consideration to how flood-damaged goods should be disposed of so that more material can be recycled and less go to land-fill. In Carlisle skips were quickly delivered and household goods, building materials and other debris were all mixed together and taken to landfill sites. Little attempt was made to reclaim or recycle, especially in properties covered by insurance. People who were uninsured tried to salvage what they could whilst others who had "new for old" policies had no incentive. A further example of waste was the policy of insurance companies with regard to flooded vehicles. This was to scrap and crush them regardless of whether they were roadworthy or not. Indeed, my car, which I drove for two weeks after the floods, was destroyed in this way. The Refurbishment of flood-damaged properties The insurance industry should be obliged to refurbish flooded properties in such a way to make them more flood resilient i.e. the use of special plasters, the use of alternative flooring materials and the siting of sockets further up on the walls. This should happen as a matter of course and building regulations should be altered to accommodate this in all new properties built in a flood-risk area. The use of temporary flood defences There must be more use of temporary barriers, wherever possible, prior to permanent defences being erected. I understand that more design work needs to be undertaken so that they can be used quickly and safely and, unfortunately, be made vandal-proof. Also consideration needs to be given to storage and rapid movement of these barriers. The cost of these may be offset by the commercial beneficiaries, i.e. the insurance companies, large manufacturing plants and large retailers. Upgrading the flood map Following the construction of flood defences the Environment Agency should immediately reassess the flood risk for that area and issue a new flood map for the area. This would then allow insurance companies to reduce the premiums forthwith. An example in Carlisle is that one flood defence scheme has been completed in Winter 2007 but the Environment Agency will not be issuing a new flood map until 2009 and consequently could delay the reduction on premiums. Extra financial resources for flood defences and prevention While the Government should be congratulated for substantially increasing the amount available for flood defences I fear, that due to the increased frequency of flooding, this will be inadequate. Following the recent floods I wonder what the additional costs will be in protecting these communities? I, therefore feel that there is a need to increase the money available by other means than the Treasury. The scheme I would advocate is that properties at risk would pay an annual supplement, either through Council Tax or Business Rates, possibly up to 30 years. Agreement would be reached with the insurance industry that the premiums would be reduced by the same amount of this supplement. This would mean that the individual would not be paying any more and that the insurance companies would receive less in premiums. The additional supplement would be ring-fenced for flood defences in the area. These funds would then be supplemented by the Government's money for flood defences resulting in schemes being brought forward into the programme; PFI could be instrumental in this. The benefit to insurance companies would be the reduction in claims and an illustration of how this could work would be to look at the Carlisle situation. The flood defences, which would have protected the city from the floods, are costing £30 million and are fully funded by the Government; the cost to the insurance industry resulting from the floods is estimated at £600 million! Protection of Utilities' infrastructure In the Carlisle floods of January 2005 the electricity sub-station and the waste water treatment plant were flooded resulting in a loss of electricity to 150,000 people and raw sewage being emptied directly into the River Eden. The loss of power was catastrophic. In the depth of winter there was no power for heating, lighting and loss of telecommunications, both landlines and mobiles, for several days. This created severe hardship. Following our experience action should have been taken nationwide to ensure that these essential utilities were protected to withstand such flooding. It is apparent that these lessons had not been learned by the summer of 2007 when there was a loss of drinking water for some weeks in areas in the South-West. The reasons why these lessons were not learned is likely to be the regionalisation of the private utility companies and there needs to be a strategic overview and audit to ensure comprehensive protection. This should be undertaken by either OFWAT or DEFRA. In conclusion may I thank you for giving me the opportunity to submit my thoughts on what I feel will be an expanding problem in the coming years. Yours sincerely |
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Overflowing car park at the Cumberland Infirmary
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Visitors to the Cumberland Infirmary have been giving cause for complaint from residents.
At a recent meeting Eric had a discussion with Eric Urqhart, Chairman of the Acute Trust, progressing the case for urgent action for extra car parking at the Cumberland Infirmary to relieve the problems caused by visitors having to park on the streets surrounding the hospital.
Eric says a southern health chief should visit Carlisle to see how the city coped with the floods.
Areas of the South West have been badly hit by floods and Eric believes that the people of Carlisle can show how they have bounced back. Sir Michael Pitt is Chair of the South West Strategic Health Authority, whose area is among the worst affected recently.
Eric said,
"We still have some people waiting to get back in their homes but Sir Michael could learn a lot about how a community fights back from such a disaster. I think, in particular, there is a lot to be learned here about protecting utilities. Many power stations and water treatment plants up and down the county are on low-lying land and one of the big problems we had was losing power."
Sir Michael is author of a recent report, "The Pitt Review - Learning Lessons from the 2007 floods" which is now out for consultation.
Eric has welcomed plans for a luxury hotel in Carlisle.
The owners of the Central Plaza building, disused since 2004, want to convert it to a four star hotel with shops, bars and restaurant. Tourism chiefs have also welcomed the idea.
Eric said,
"This is excellent news for the city and a promising development on an important site. We have some good hotels in the city centre but no luxury ones. This will be great for tourism. The Central Plaza is an impressive building that has been looking sad for a long time."
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Etterby Street and holes.
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Eric has written to Cumbria County Council complaining about the condition of the roads this winter.
Obviously, the weather has had an impact on the condition, but for years Cumbria County Council have been moving money - which should have been spent on the North of the County - to the South of Cumbria.
Eric said,
"I should also like to congratulate Councillor Stewart Young for persuading the County Council to put in an extra £½M into urgent road repairs."
Eric also raised this with the Department for Transport, asking if this was a bad winter for road damage, but the answer under Eric's questioning in the Transport Committee was "I am not sure". The official promised to look into it.
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Eric and staff at the Maternity unit of the Cumberland Infirmary
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Eric recently visited the Maternity unit at the Cumberland Infirmary, to thank all the staff for their excellent work.
In a recent survey North Cumbria Maternity Service came out 3rd best in the North of England. Eric spoke recently in the House of Commons about the total transformation of the situation from what it was before the new hospital was built.
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Carlisle Castle from the air, showing how the dual carriageway separates it from the city
(Photo: Simon Ledingham) |
Eric has written to Carlisle City Council about improvements to the historic quarter of the city.
In his letter he makes a number of points, aimed at showing Carlisle off in the best light, in particular the Castle. He says the enhancement of the historic quarter is vital to our cultural and economic well-being and it is essential that we develop plans that will bring out its full potential. To ignore the value of West Walls and the isolation of the Castle would be tantamount to betraying the basic concepts of the scheme.
Eric's letter reads:
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Mr K Poole Dear Mr Poole I am writing as part of the consultative process undertaken by the City Council with regard to the proposals for improvements to the historic quarter of the city. I welcome the fact that the council are undertaking work in this area as I believe our historic core needs to be protected and enhanced. While the proposals concentrate on the Castle Street, Finkle Street, Market Street, Annetwell Street, Paternoster Row and West Walls areas, I should also like to make some initial comments on the town centre itself. The area around the Green Market, the Guildhall, the Old Town Hall and the Carel Cross are pivotal to the unique ambience of the city and is in need of sensitive refurbishment. The area is so cluttered that it detracts from the unique townscape. The listed buildings are jewel |