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Some progress in Scrutiny discussion of Devon Libraries: new @LibrariesUnLtd CEO acknowledges ‘decline’ in book issues; and more data is to be made public.
A lengthy discussion at DCC’s Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee saw some progress in addressing the big issues that face Devon’s library service. Alex Kittow, the new head of Libraries Unlimited (the mutual which runs the service for DCC) did at least acknowledge the decline in book issues and the need to find funding to support the core of the service. Likewise, the cost of excessive cutbacks in opening hours in smaller libraries was recognised, while Simon Kitchen, the officer who leads on libraries for DCC, promised more open library-by-library data would soon be available.
It’s worth listening to the webcast of the session, in which councillors including myself and the Committee Chair, Alistair Dewhurst, probed Alex, Simon and Cllr Roger Croad, the Cabinet member responsible.
As we head towards a General Election, we have a unique opportunity to get a genuine local Independent candidate elected in East Devon: please support her campaign financially now
Claire Wright is virtually the only grassroots Independent (as opposed to a former party MP who has gone ‘independent’) who could be elected anywhere in England. She has launched her campaign and is looking for practical support in the East Devon constituency – and financial support from anyone who would like to see her representing local people in Westminster. Go to her website: claire-wright.org and click on the DONATE button on the top left.
Unfortunately we can’t vote for Claire in Seaton and Colyton, but if she is the MP for the neighbouring constituency this will have a real knock-on effect for us.
South West survey on older (55+) women’s lifetime experiences of relationships, sex and harassment
Dorset and E Devon National Park Team welcomes Glover Landscapes Review’s recommendation that we are assessed for National Park designation.
The Dorset & East Devon National Park Team statement: ‘… welcomes the Glover Review’s recognition that the area “contains some of the greatest concentrations of biodiversity in Britain and opportunities for enjoyment. It includes the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site”. The spectacular World Heritage Coast would double the extent of coastline which is currently under-represented in English National Parks. The area has a “gold standard” heritage and offers an unrivalled range of recreational opportunities.
‘We welcome the Review’s conclusion that “the Cotswolds and the Dorset proposals are strong candidates alongside the Chilterns to be considered for National Park status. We suggest Natural England and ministers consider the case for each.”
‘We consider Dorset & East Devon is the outstanding candidate to be England’s next National Park. This is shown by the wide-ranging evidence provided to Natural England since 2013 and then to the Glover Review by the National Park Team and the proposal’s many partners and supporters. The Team looks forward to Natural England’s further assessment and consideration of the case for National Park designation. We encourage Natural England to begin this work as soon as possible.
‘We welcome the Review’s emphasis on the vital contributions which National Parks can make to thriving and sustainable communities and rural economies, and to health and wellbeing for residents and visitors. And we support the Review’s call for Designated Landscapes to play a vital role in Nature Recovery Networks and in the response to climate change. We support their call for national funding for this vital work to be sustained and increased.
‘The proposed Dorset & East Devon National Park should be central to a new and exciting vision for the area’s environment, biodiversity and heritage – which are our greatest economic assets – and for communities, businesses and all who live and work in and visit the area.
‘In the 70th anniversary year of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, we look forward to continuing to work with councils and other stakeholders, and with Natural England and DEFRA, to bring to fruition this long-overdue National Park.’
Seaton care home rated ‘outstanding’: congratulations to Dove Court Care Home managers and staff!
The rating is by the Care Quality Commission. I have written to congratulate them.
Colyton Health Centre maintenance charges problem is widespread since NHS Property Services took over, according to GP Online
Seaton and Colyton Medical Practice are not alone in experiencing savagely increased maintenance charges at Colyton Health Centre (pictured).
GP Online reported in January: ‘GP leaders have been warning since 2016 that huge extra costs imposed through service charge hikes could force practices to close if they were not reversed.
‘GPC premises lead Dr Krishna Kasaraneni told GPonline: “In recent years, GPs leasing their surgery buildings from NHSPS have been hit by rocketing service charges and maintenance fees, forcing many practices into financial difficulties, and ultimately leading some to consider their viability and whether they can continue to offer the same care to patients in future.
Bonuses
The article also reveals that bosses earned five-figure bonuses … on top of five-figure salaries! Dr Kasaraneni added: ‘”At a time when the NHS is under so much financial pressure and NHSPS publicly blames these same practices for its £40.9m deficit, it adds insult to injury to learn it has paid its top executives such sky-high bonuses.”‘
Seaton Town Council joins the fight for Colyton Fire Station
The Town Council has told the Fire Service: ‘Seaton Town Council wishes to express its alarm about the way in which the ‘Safer Together’ proposals will affect the town. As your own documents show, the 8,500 people in Seaton will be among over 600,000 who will experience greater risk to their lives as a result of the proposals. The closure of Colyton Fire Station will remove the second engine for property fires in Seaton, which will mean that NO second engine will be available reach Seaton within the 13 minute required response time. Even more seriously, in the minority of cases where the Seaton engine cannot be launched in time, the closure of Colyton will mean that no engine will be able to reach Seaton in much under 20 minutes. This represents a completely unacceptable increase in risk to the residents of Seaton, and the Town Council urges the Fire Authority to withdraw all proposals which involve the closure of Colyton Fire Station.’
Helping teenagers to learn to eat and cook healthily – new funding for Seaton sessions
I’ve committed money from my Locality Budget to support the local charity, Health and Local Food for Families (HALFF), run cooking sessions for Seaton Library’s teenage drop-in group. The aim is to help young people to learn to cook good healthy meals, to help with their self-sufficiency and health in later life. It all fits well with the aims of Seaton Area Health Matters. HALFF’s shop in South Street, Axminster, is pictured.
