Press Releases from Cllr Stephen West
This page contains the latest 5 press releases. If you would like to see older press releases please click here for the Press Relase Archive. Editors with enquiries can contact Stephen West on 0118 981 1807 or email swest@stephenwest.org. Please also see the Photo Album for pictures that you can download and use.
Stephen West on Tadley Central election result
Speaking after securing a third election victory at Queen Mary’s College this morning, Cllr Stephen West said:
“Tonight has been a victory not just for myself but for everyone who believes in tackling alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour with additional PCSOs and for everyone who opposes mass development in Tadley.
This has been a hard fought battle. The people of Tadley do not believe the fantasy propagated by Jo Slimin that the Conservatives will allow thousands of new homes to be built in Tadley any more than they trust the Liberal Democrats to tackle anti-social behaviour.
I would like to thank all those who had faith in me when they decided to Go West in 2003, Stick with Stephen in 2007 and return me as their Councillor again tonight.
The people of Tadley have spoken. Now, I have work to do.”
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Note to editors:
For further information, contact Tracey Kirk on 01264 353398
Stephen West
Email
PrintBoundary changes do nothing to improve local democracy
Tadley Councillor Stephen West commenting on the final report on Basingstoke & Deane issued by the Boundary Committee today said "The boundary changes will do nothing to benefit local democracy or representation in Tadley."
Cllr West whos Tadley North ward will be carved up by the new changes joined Tadley Town Council, Baughurst Council and the late Cllr Sheila Allen in opposing the move to split the Tadley North ward and merging half of it with Baughurst.
"It doesn't make sense to join together two separate communities with their own identity and culture for the sake of equality in councillor/voter ratios." said Cllr West.
The final report has been issued following a long period of consultation in which councillors, parishes, political parties and the public have commented on measures aimed at keeping a uniform ratio between electors and councillors across the Borough. Once the Electoral Commission issue an order, the new boundary changes will come into effect in May 2008 triggering all-out elections across the whole Borough.
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Notes to editors:
1. Full details of the report available at http://www.boundarycommittee.org.uk/your-area/basingstokedean.cfm
Sheila Allen
Cllr Stephen West paid tribute to Cllr Sheila Allen, who died after a long battle with cancer.
Cllr West said: "Sheila showed great courage in standing for the council again, although she knew she was ill. And she was determined that her illness would not stand in the way of her looking after her ward - and it didn't. She was enormously conscientious, and popular on the doorsteps. As the member for Baughurst, she was effectively my neighbour and we worked closely together on a number of issues including the pending Boundary Review. She will be sadly missed"Sheila Allen represented Baughurst Ward on Basingstoke and Deane Council; and her late husband Don was County Councillor for the same area, and Chairman of the former Education Committee.
Boundary Hall plan can be defeated
A public meeting was held in Tadley last night to discuss the town's future. At the top of the agenda was the planning application by Spen Hill (Tesco) to build 132 homes and additional non-residential buildings on the old Boundary Hall site. Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Stephen West (CON, Tadley North) said, "I disagree with the negative views put forward by some Councillors that we are stuck with the current plan. This plan is flawed for three reasons. 1. The plan does not take into account the impact on traffic in the area. 2. The plan has not incorporated green areas for use as breathing space for the community and for children to play. 3. The comments given by residents in the two open days run on behalf of the applicants have in my opinion mainly been ignored." A show of hands indicated quite clearly that over 90% of the people who attended wanted to see community facilities and shops, not more housing. Cllr West added, "The developers need to take this plan back to the drawing board and come up with an alternative that considers people and not profit." [ENDS] Notes to editors |
Residents anger over drug users
Angry residents have complained to the police and the Council because drug users are making their neighbourhood a no-go area.
The residents of Denmead regularly see people in the bushes at the end of the road taking drugs. The problem is that they leave used needles and other articles associated with drug use behind. Children play on that land but now parents are so concerned that they have stopped them going on there in fear that they may be injured.
Cllr Stephen West (CON, Tadley North) has discussed this with police and community wardens with a view to coming up with a solution. It has been decided to cut back the trees so as to give drug users less cover. As a short term measure, Cllr West has obtained some "sharps" boxes from the Council and has given them to some of the residents. That way, if residents do find needles, they will be able to dispose of them safely.
Cllr West said, "I am talking to the police and community wardens and everything possible will be done to stop this. I will not tolerate these inconsiderate acts from a selfish minority in my ward."
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