Cllr Andrew McConnell Blogging for Bedford

Vote Andrew & David today!

2009-06-04T00:37:00.001+01:00

Today is Polling Day, the polls will be open from 7 am to 10pm.

Throughout the last few weeks, local residents have thanked us for our positive election campaign based upon the successes and achievements of the Castle Conservative Community Action Team.

We believe it’s time for change in Castle Ward, and hope we can count on your support today.

A day in the life - part 8

2009-05-31T23:53:00.001+01:00

Arhhhh the end of a very long day; time for a coffee.

Hope you enjoyed this feature.

A big thank you to Tony Margiocchi for taking the pictures.

A day in the life - part 7

2009-05-31T23:46:00.006+01:00

Visiting workers at my local supermarket Lamberts. it's quite shocking to see how the prices for basic products such as bread,milk and eggs have risen. It's clear the 2p cut in VAT has made very little difference.

'Lamberts' staff support the Castle Conservatives and our campaign for Zero Tolerence, following an assult to one of the workers, who was punched by a shop lifting.

A day in the life - part 6

2009-05-31T23:40:00.003+01:00

Alexandra Road has been in the media spotlight ever since the murder of Boris Revey.

We will continue to campaign for a greater Police presence in the area.

A day in the life - part 5

2009-05-31T23:11:00.003+01:00

Not only have we knocked on hundereds of doors we have delivered 1000's of leaflets. These have included; Eid/ Christmas and Easter cards.

Cllr Andrew McConnell - Blogging for Bedford

A day in the life - part 4

2009-05-31T02:46:00.002+01:00

We believe the Councillors should support local community activities, and over the past 12 months we have been delighted to attend an enormous amount of community events ranging from, residents meetings, church services, energy clinics and community clean ups.

We're particularly proud to support the Zero Carbon Castle community campaign.

A day in the life - part 3

2009-05-31T02:40:00.002+01:00

As Conservatives, we believe that it is right to support local businesses, and therefore have met with many of the local businessmen /women who own businesses in the Castle Ward.

Whilst we believe that we need to encourage more businesses into the Town Centre, we believe that we should support Community shopping facilities such as Castle Road and Midland Road.

A day in the life - part 2

2009-05-31T02:30:00.005+01:00

Not only did we have our photographer with us yesterday, but 2 fellow Councillors (Lynne Faulkner and Mollie Foster) along with Conservative Future member Will Timmins joined us for the day to help us campaign.

Over the past 6 weeks, both David and I along with members of the Castle Conservatives Team have knocked on hundreds of doors.

A day in the life - part 1

2009-05-31T02:21:00.003+01:00

Yesterday David and I invited a local photographer to follow us out and about on the campaign trail.

And as we have done on most weekend's, we popped into the Jaffa Orchard, Community Cafe on Pembroke Street.

We're both great fans of this cafe, because its a great local community venue, which is run by local volunteers and members of the Russell Park Baptist Church.

Congratulations to Diversity

2009-05-30T21:53:00.002+01:00

I've been a great fan of Britain's Got Talent and I'm delighted that Diversity has won.

Commiserations to Susan Boyle, she was fantastic.

Bedford Kite Festival 30 / 31 May 09

2009-05-30T00:19:00.003+01:00

Once again Russell Park is set to host Bedford’s International Kite Festival, as kite flyers from across the globe prepare to wow the crowds with their airborne antics.

The Kite Festival which takes place this weekend, from 10 am on Saturday and is a great free family day out and is packed with entertainment including flying displays, street theatre, crafts, a public flying arena, funfair, food stalls and bar. Giant parafoils, stunt flights and displays as well as a whole host of kites that have never been seen before will transform the park into an explosion of colour and movement.

Returning this year will be the spectacular night-glow experience as a hot air balloon lifts off from Russell Park on the Saturday evening.

As well as watching the kites themselves there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. The festival is free with the added addition of the Motor Show on the Embankment featuring local garages on Saturday, the launch of the first Artists Market on the Embankment from 10 a.m. on Sunday and the Bedford Town Band on the Mill Meadows Bandstand from 3 p.m.

So why not come along and enjoy the atmosphere. Myself and David Fletcher will be attending on Saturday afternoon, so if you see us, come and say hello.

Rail Operators Must Do Better!

2009-05-26T16:02:00.002+01:00

National performance figures for the UK’s rail service has been revealed today, and according to Network Rail, train service performance has reached the 90% mark for the first time since records began in 1992, however locally rail services that operate through Bedfordshire have a lot more work to do to reach the mark.

(Bedford – Bletchley Operator) London Midland 86.50%
(Inter-City services to London ) East Midlands Trains 89.30%
( Thames Link) First Capital Connect 91.10%

I believe that, Network Rail and the rail service operators need to invest in more ways that provide reliable and punctual train services. Tinkering around the edges will not change anything. Just last week rail fares increased, but do we see an increased service? NO, we don’t!

Its time for the rail firms to get their act together and provide a decent rail service, on time; everytime.

Caring for the Environment

2009-05-21T16:53:00.007+01:00

It's been another busy week on the campaign trail. Both David and I are getting a great response on the doors. Residents are clearly wanting a change in strategy at Borough Hall. and I'm pleased to say that the Conservatives are ready for the Job - its time for change.

Castle resident's have been pleased to hear about our commitment to the Environment. We will; protect open green spaces, protect weekly bin collections, oppose Government bin taxes, introduce new kerbside glass collection services, support Energy from Waste - cutting landfill and generating green electricity.

Both David and I will also work closely with the Zero Carbon Castle campaign to reduce carbon footprint in the ward.

I thought you might be interested to hear a little bit more about our plans for Castle Ward. Click on the video below to hear from David Fletcher.

Video courtesy of Beds on Sunday

Election web-cast

2009-05-15T15:16:00.003+01:00

See why I'm standing for election and some of my ideas for the new Council.
Video courtesy of my local newspaper, Bedfordshire on Sunday.

Campaign Update

2009-05-14T10:47:00.002+01:00

Both David and I have been delighted by the responses we have received on the doorsteps. Clearly residents want change in Castle Ward. Many residents have said to us how appalled they were when the current Councillors for Castle Ward supported the removal of a bench on Bushmead Avenue. Our response has been to residents "they took away the seat, so help us take away theirs."

To make sure you can have your say you need to have registered to vote by May 19th at 5pm. If you aren’t already on the electoral register you can download a form at www.bedford.gov.uk/voterform or call into Bedford Town Hall to pick up a copy.

The electoral services team will also be in Bedford Town Centre on Saturday 16th May from 9AM to 5PM in the Howard Centre. So why not come along and sign up to take part in the elections and have your say.

The result of the Bedford Borough Council and Parish and Town Council elections will be announced following the election count on Friday 5th June. European election votes will be counted on Sunday 7th June, in line with the rest of Europe.

MP's Allowances

2009-05-09T22:39:00.004+01:00

It looks like Bedfordshire MP, Margaret Moran (Labour - Luton South) has signed her own political death warrent. In an interview on BBC News she says she can justify her second home in Southampton because her "partner lives there" and he has worked in the city for 20 years. She says it is the only way she can have a family life. Clearly, he doesn't like going to Luton...

I'm very much looking forward to seeing my local MP's expences. Skinny Latte drinking Patrick Hall (Labour Bedford) allegedly claims for a second home near Vauxhall in London - clearly he does'nt realise that First Capital Connect and East Midlands Trains operates late at night / early morning. I wonder how many Skinny Latte's he has claimed for?

Oh and before you ask, I claim only for the basic allowance as a Councillor, and details of this allowance is in the public domain.

Campaign continues

2009-05-09T22:15:00.003+01:00

Its been a busy week on the campaign trail, and the support from resident's has been really encouraging. We have been delighted to receive such positive support for our campaigns.

Earlier today, David and I took a break from door knocking and attended the Zero Carbon Castle - Local Food Day event at the Herb Garden on the Rothsay Road and Castle Road roundabout. This was yet another well organised day and both David and I were delighted to pop along.

To find out more about Zero Carbon Castle visit: http://zerocarboncastle.org/

Bank Holiday blues

2009-05-04T17:55:00.003+01:00

Its been a another busy weekend on the campaign trail , however, I took a break earlier today to visit the local beer, food and talent festival at the White Horse Pub on Newnham Avenue in Bedford.

Over the weekend, the pub has hosted daily events including a food and craft fare and local talent show.

It was a great way to spend a Bank Holiday Monday, albeit for the weather, however, congratulate Nigel & Sue Anstead for organising such a great event!

To find out more about the award winning pub and its events, visit: http://www.whitehorsebedford.co.uk/

Three cheers for Hazel Blears

2009-05-03T19:07:00.008+01:00

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears MP has caused uproar with her party colleagues today, following an article in todays Observer Newspaper.

Within the article she commented on the Prime Ministers recent appearance on You Tube, "You Tube if you want to. But it's no substitute for knocking on doors or setting up a stall in the town centre."

She also commented on the recent Parliamentary vote to support the Gurkha's saying, "We put ourselves on the wrong side of the British sense of fair play, and no political party can stay there for long without dire consequences."

I say "Hear Hear" to Hazel Blears, because she is only saying what everyone else in the Labour Party is clearly thinking!!

As for connecting with residents, I agree that there is no substitute to door knocking, and thats why David Fletcher,the Castle Conservatives Community Action Team and I spend so much time listening to residents concerns - we work all year round, and not just at election time!

Indeed, we have been really encouraged by the positive response we continue to receive from local residents on the doorstep - it is clear that there is a great deal of support for our community campaigns to help improve the quality of our neighbourhood for everyone.

Its time for change

2009-04-28T10:43:00.004+01:00

The Local elections for Bedford Borough Council and the European Elections are set for Thursday 4th June. Polls will be open from 7am to 10pm.

For residents in Castle ward, please support me and my colleague David Fletcher. To find out about our ideas and campaigns visit: http://www.action4castle.com/

However, It's not always possible for everybody to get to a polling station, so If you might not make it on the day, sign up right now for your postal vote. You can do this at http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/ If you're not even on the voting register at the moment, don't worry - you can register on that site as well.

The Salvation Army International Staff Songsters

2009-04-26T08:27:00.004+01:00

Yesterday evening, I attended the Salvation Army International Staff Songsters concert in Bedford. It was a glourious evening which saw over 300 people packed into Congress Hall on Commercial Road.

The International Staff Songsters are the Salvation Army's Songster Brigade who travel throughout the UK, leading services and presenting religious concerts.

I would like to thank Major Ian Loxley for inviting me and congratulate everyone who was involed in making the evening so successful!

For more information about the Salvation Army in Bedford, visit: http://www.bedfordcongresshall.co.uk/

The government's treatment of the Gurkhas is beyond shameful

2009-04-26T08:12:00.004+01:00

I was appalled to hear the news that the Gurkhas, who risked their lives for Britain had lost their case to settle here in Britain at the High Court.

The new rules, which will decide whether a former member of the regiment who served before 1997 is allowed to settle in the UK, are a nonsense. Essentially, the message is - "Only War Heroes Need Apply".

For an ex-Gurkha to settle in Britain he must effectively be the holder of a Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order or Military Cross - or have sustained a long term injury as a result of military service.

The government's decision is both spiteful and deceitful because it suggests that some Ghurkhas are more deserving of special treatment than others.

More misery for Bedford's rail commuters

2009-04-25T09:20:00.006+01:00

Commuters in Bedford face further travel misery after rail workers voted to stage a 24-hour strike in a row over jobs. Around 700 members of the Rail Maritime and Transport union at East Midlands Trains (formerly known as Midland Mainline), will walk out next Friday, May 1, in protest at plans to axe jobs.

Bob Crown from the Rail Union RMT has said: Staff have made it absolutely clear that they will not sit back and wait to be tossed on the scrapheap while East Midlands Trains and the top bosses at Stagecoach axe jobs in an effort to prop up their profits and their dividends."

Whilst I do not normally agree with Bob Crow, I believe that the RMT has a strong case. Just look at how many services have been cut from Bedford since East Midlands Trains took over the franchise. As well as the frequency cuts, they have also reduced the level of on-board service. Buffets are soon to be a thing of the past and so is the at seat refreshment service for First Class.

The London, Tilbury and Southend Line, (now C2C) used to be called the 'misery line', I think East Midlands Trains need to scrap these services cuts, before they get awarded this slogan. It's time East Midlands trains Trains put service ahead of profit!

Happy St. George's Day

2009-04-23T22:54:00.007+01:00

I've attended a number of events in Bedford today to celebrate St. George's Day. And this evening, I joined local residents at the Gordon Arms Pub in Castle Road; which was holding a special St. George's Day evening.

St George’s Day!

Did You Know?

St George's emblem was adopted by Richard The Lion Heart and brought to England in the 12thcentury.

It is thought that St George was born in Turkey - it is highly unlikely that he ever visited England.

St George is also the patron saint of Portugal and Lithuania.

William Shakespeare was born on 23 April 1564 and he died on the same day in 1616.

Save Our Pensioners!

2009-04-22T08:18:00.003+01:00

This week we have launched a petition calling on the Government to provide more help for pensioners and savers in the forthcoming Budget.

Speaking at the launch, Richard Fuller, our Parmliamentary Campaigner for Bedford & Kempston said: “Our petition is calling on the Government to abolish income tax on savings for basic rate taxpayers and to raise the pensioners’ allowance by £2,000 to £11,490. We have proposed that the package is paid for by reducing the growth in Government spending by £5 billion and so instead of rising by £30 billion next year the increase would be £25 billion whilst ensuring that spending on the NHS, schools, defence and international development is protected.”

In my view, pensioners and savers across Bedford and Kempston are facing the harsh consequences of the economic turndown and they need help to get through these hard times. If adopted by the Government, our proposals would help to put some much needed cash in the pockets of our hard pressed pensioners.

This is a golden opportunity to send a direct message to the Government that, it really is time they started listening. They say you can judge a civilisation by the manner in which it treats its elderly citizens. If that is truly the case, it is time we acted accordingly.