Latest news with #Cllr
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Orpington museum archive plans will 'tarnish beauty and deprive community of space'
Orpington residents opposed to plans to build a £3.9 million museum archive in public gardens have signed a petition to stop the proposal. Following its decision to relocate Bromley Central Library to the former Topshop unit in Bromley High Street earlier this year, Bromley Council announced its intention to build a new archive and museum store that would bring together the borough's entire museum and art collection under one roof. According to council documents, the new one-storey archive facility would cost around £3.9 million to construct and measure 630m². It would be located within a depot in Priory Gardens, Orpington, replacing the existing museum and art store and a building used by the council's environment department and idverde, Bromley's parks and ground maintenance contract holder. The new archive would only be publicly accessible as part of special events such as the Open House Festival and Heritage Open Days, with Bromley residents able to view its contents by request and appointment at the new Bromley Central Library. Bromley Council has stated the facility would meet 'high environmental and fire protection standards', it would be located away from public view and it would not be built on public park land as it is contained within the depot. The council also said the existing mature trees around the depot would be retained and new hedges and trees would be planted to enhance the biodiversity of the site. After the announcement of the archive plans in May, Cllr Yvonne Bear said: 'It is important that we take the necessary steps to preserve our heritage, with these plans ensuring important local relics of our past remain available to residents as needed long into the future.' Following the release of these plans, a petition was launched in opposition to them. As of July 4, it has gained over 1,800 signatures. The petition 'Say No to the £3.9 million Warehouse in Priory Gardens' calls for the money to be invested in the Priory Gardens depot 'in a way that enriches the lives of the community' and 'adds growth to local businesses and economy'. The petition reads: 'If allowed to proceed, this project will not only tarnish the beauty and serenity of this historic site but also deprive the community of a public space that could serve as a valuable social and educational resource. 'Instead of creating a closed-off archive storage facility, we could aim to establish a community garden hub, a children's crèche, an educational centre and community garden. 'Such a hub would provide a place for educational workshops, allow collaborations with local businesses, and enhance social interaction across all age groups. It has the potential to foster a collective sense of belonging, strengthen community ties, and enrich lives in Bromley Borough. 'Bromley Council must reconsider their decision and prioritise projects that align with the community's needs and wishes. According to studies, access to green spaces can improve mental health, enhance community engagement, and boost local economies. 'Priory Gardens holds the potential to be so much more than a garden—it can be a sustainable community space that benefits everyone.' The petition was started by Caroline Jeffrey, a member of the Friends of Priory Gardens, a group devoted to preserve, promote and protect the Grade II listed Arts & Crafts and Italianate style gardens. The group does not support Bromley Council's archive proposal, saying it would 'degrade' the gardens with a 'monolithic warehouse' and it has promoted the petition objecting to it.
Irish Independent
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
New breakdown shows just who is getting Wexford council houses – ‘There's a real false narrative out there'
You won't have to look too far online to find allegations that foreign nationals arriving into Ireland are being bumped up the queue for social housing at the expense of Irish people who may have been on the local authority housing list for years. It's something that was put to the Wexford councillor on several occasions, but it simply didn't match with his experience on the ground. Following several requests and follow ups with Wexford County Council's housing section, Cllr Forde obtained figures which provide a breakdown of the local authority's own-build social housing allocation. While the figures don't account for the sizeable chunk of social housing provided by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), they do provide a clear pattern in relation to where council houses are going. The figures show that of 3,325 Wexford County Council built houses allocated since 2013, 2,773 (or 83%) went to Irish nationals. The next highest allocation went to people from the EEA (European Economic Area) with 404 (or 12%). Applicants from the UK accounted for 39 allocations (or 1%), while 109 houses (3.3%) were allocated to those from outside of the European Economic Area. It was also pointed out that all of these applicants, over a 12 year period, would have been subject to the same criteria and waiting times. For Cllr Forde, it was important to bust some of the myths circulating online. "I've been looking for these figures for quite a while,' he said. 'There's a narrative out there on social media that foreign nationals are coming into the country and taking social houses and getting them quicker than Irish people. A lot of people have fallen into the trap of believing this. "The figures show that, for the past 12 years, the vast majority of houses have gone to Irish nationals and that reflects my experience on the ground, working with a vast majority of Irish families on housing. ADVERTISEMENT "At the end of the day, foreign nationals are entitled to apply for housing here, as they should be. Many come and contribute greatly to our communities and work hard. They are entitled to apply for housing supports. But they are also held to the same criteria as everybody else.' Cllr Forde noted an influx of people coming from overseas were working their way through the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), but stated this was completely different and had no bearing on social housing allocation. "In Sinn Féin we've called for the IPAS system to be abolished on several occasions,' he said. 'It's not good for the people using the system and the state should be taking the lead rather than it being a cash cow. There's huge money to be made in that system at the moment. I don't think people should be making money of the back of vulnerable people arriving into Ireland.' Returning to the housing allocation figures, Cllr Forde says that the most shocking thing about them was that there were only 3,325 houses allocated over 12 years, although he did conceded that the figures don't include housing provided by AHBs, which accounts for a large chunk of social housing. "I'm waiting on further figures in relation to the breakdown of the allocations from AHBs too,' he said. 'But I would believe that the allocation of houses by AHBs closely mirrors that of Wexford County Council's own-builds. "I think we should be pushing for more Wexford County Council own-builds as well,' he added. 'We need to be more ambitious in that regard and shouldn't be so reliant on AHBs and other developers. We need to start rezoning and identifying land to build houses and be more proactive in that regard." Regardless, Cllr Forde believes that there's a misdirected anger on social media and he hopes that these figures provide some clarity. "The narrative that's out there is false,' he said. 'I'd say the government is very happy with it. It deflects from the real problems – the shortage of housing supply, spiralling cost of living, lack of homeless services. People are venting their anger in the wrong places, aiming it at vulnerable minority groups instead of at the government and government policy. Lack of supply and lack of proper policy is the issue and that's down to the government.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Adnodd launches new strategy and Innovation to transform education in Wales
A CALL for a vote of no confidence in Pembrokeshire's deputy leader, over claims he made 'unacceptable' comments about Welsh education in the county, is to be heard next week. Independent Group leader Cllr Huw Murphy, along with Cllr Anji Tinley, Cllr Jamie Adams, Cllr Iwan Ward and Cllr Vanessa Thomas, have made a successful call for an Extraordinary Meeting of Council calling for a vote of no confidence in Councillor Paul Miller to remain as Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member. Expanding on his reasons for the call, Cllr Murphy said: 'Councillor Miller on April 28 at a Cabinet meeting moved an amendment with regards to Welsh Education Strategic Plan (WESP) to request officers collect data from parents of children electing a Welsh medium education when the Schools Admission Code does not provide for the collection of such data. 'At this meeting Cllr Miller commented with regards to parental choice for Ysgol Caer Elen: '…all of them that I know who send their children to Caer Ellen honestly couldn't give a toss whether it was Welsh or English'. 'Comments such as this in 2025 are unacceptable and serve to create a perception of bias when it comes to the delivery of Welsh medium education, something that generations have striven for, namely equality and fairness. 'For a Deputy Leader of Council to make such comments and then refuse to retract when he has had ample opportunity to do so makes his position untenable both as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member. 'This decision was successfully called in on May 14 by the Schools O&S Scrutiny Committee when officers again made clear that the collection of data requested by Cllr Miller was not within the scope of the Schools Admission Code and to pursue this course also has budgetary implications for the Authority. 'Cllr Miller following the Schools O&S Meeting made a public statement to reaffirm his position and accused the Welsh Language Commissioner (WLC) of an 'extraordinary political intervention' when he had no basis to make such a claim. The remit of the WLC allows her to pass expert opinion on matters such as Welsh education and language. 'Cabinet re-convened on May 21 and heard a proposal by Cllr Miller to now collect data on all languages and additional information and was again informed the Schools Admission Code did not provide for the collection of such data. Cllr Miller offered no apology with regards to his comments towards the WLC and again looked to blame others for the publicity that has arisen from this matter. 'Throughout the recent debate on WESP, Cllr Miller has ignored the views and advice of the Schools O&S Committee, Senior Officers, the Welsh Language Commissioner and even Mr Mark Drakeford his own Minister for the Welsh Language. 'Politicians at every level must demonstrate the capacity to acknowledge their mistakes, including errors in judgment, as we are all inherently human. In such situations, it is crucial for public trust that they engage in self-reflection, offer apologies when warranted, and adjust their political stance accordingly. 'Cllr Miller, however, has failed to apologise or recognise that others, such as senior officers and the WLC, may possess greater expertise on the matter at hand. Instead, he has chosen to deflect responsibility and blame others for the public scrutiny surrounding this issue. 'This has led to a request for a council meeting to propose a motion of no confidence in Cllr Miller's ability to continue serving as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member.' Responding, Cllr Miller has previously said: 'It must be the case it is at least possible some parents are choosing Welsh medium schools other than because of the medium of Welsh. It's currently unknown; surely it's right the council seeks to understand the impact of other forces.' He said Cllr Murphy was 'trying to make something out of nothing,' in 'a naked attempt to create outrage, trying to paint some in this council as anti-Welsh,' adding: 'Cllr Murphy should be deeply ashamed of his actions [after the first meeting] in trying to create artificial division in the county of Pembrokeshire.' The extraordinary meeting is to take place on the afternoon of June 2.
Pembrokeshire Herald
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Pioneering Cadetship shortlisted for Maritime Award
A CALL for a vote of no confidence in Pembrokeshire's deputy leader, over claims he made 'unacceptable' comments about Welsh education in the county, is to be heard next week. Independent Group leader Cllr Huw Murphy, along with Cllr Anji Tinley, Cllr Jamie Adams, Cllr Iwan Ward and Cllr Vanessa Thomas, have made a successful call for an Extraordinary Meeting of Council calling for a vote of no confidence in Councillor Paul Miller to remain as Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member. Expanding on his reasons for the call, Cllr Murphy said: 'Councillor Miller on April 28 at a Cabinet meeting moved an amendment with regards to Welsh Education Strategic Plan (WESP) to request officers collect data from parents of children electing a Welsh medium education when the Schools Admission Code does not provide for the collection of such data. 'At this meeting Cllr Miller commented with regards to parental choice for Ysgol Caer Elen: '…all of them that I know who send their children to Caer Ellen honestly couldn't give a toss whether it was Welsh or English'. 'Comments such as this in 2025 are unacceptable and serve to create a perception of bias when it comes to the delivery of Welsh medium education, something that generations have striven for, namely equality and fairness. 'For a Deputy Leader of Council to make such comments and then refuse to retract when he has had ample opportunity to do so makes his position untenable both as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member. 'This decision was successfully called in on May 14 by the Schools O&S Scrutiny Committee when officers again made clear that the collection of data requested by Cllr Miller was not within the scope of the Schools Admission Code and to pursue this course also has budgetary implications for the Authority. 'Cllr Miller following the Schools O&S Meeting made a public statement to reaffirm his position and accused the Welsh Language Commissioner (WLC) of an 'extraordinary political intervention' when he had no basis to make such a claim. The remit of the WLC allows her to pass expert opinion on matters such as Welsh education and language. 'Cabinet re-convened on May 21 and heard a proposal by Cllr Miller to now collect data on all languages and additional information and was again informed the Schools Admission Code did not provide for the collection of such data. Cllr Miller offered no apology with regards to his comments towards the WLC and again looked to blame others for the publicity that has arisen from this matter. 'Throughout the recent debate on WESP, Cllr Miller has ignored the views and advice of the Schools O&S Committee, Senior Officers, the Welsh Language Commissioner and even Mr Mark Drakeford his own Minister for the Welsh Language. 'Politicians at every level must demonstrate the capacity to acknowledge their mistakes, including errors in judgment, as we are all inherently human. In such situations, it is crucial for public trust that they engage in self-reflection, offer apologies when warranted, and adjust their political stance accordingly. 'Cllr Miller, however, has failed to apologise or recognise that others, such as senior officers and the WLC, may possess greater expertise on the matter at hand. Instead, he has chosen to deflect responsibility and blame others for the public scrutiny surrounding this issue. 'This has led to a request for a council meeting to propose a motion of no confidence in Cllr Miller's ability to continue serving as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member.' Responding, Cllr Miller has previously said: 'It must be the case it is at least possible some parents are choosing Welsh medium schools other than because of the medium of Welsh. It's currently unknown; surely it's right the council seeks to understand the impact of other forces.' He said Cllr Murphy was 'trying to make something out of nothing,' in 'a naked attempt to create outrage, trying to paint some in this council as anti-Welsh,' adding: 'Cllr Murphy should be deeply ashamed of his actions [after the first meeting] in trying to create artificial division in the county of Pembrokeshire.' The extraordinary meeting is to take place on the afternoon of June 2.
Western Telegraph
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire council deputy chief 'unacceptable' words row
Independent Group leader Cllr Huw Murphy, along with Cllr Anji Tinley, Cllr Jamie Adams, Cllr Iwan Ward and Cllr Vanessa Thomas, have made a successful call for an Extraordinary Meeting of Council calling for a vote of no confidence in Councillor Paul Miller to remain as Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member. Expanding on his reasons for the call, Cllr Murphy said: 'Councillor Miller on April 28 at a Cabinet meeting moved an amendment with regards to Welsh Education Strategic Plan (WESP) to request officers collect data from parents of children electing a Welsh medium education when the Schools Admission Code does not provide for the collection of such data. 'At this meeting Cllr Miller commented with regards to parental choice for Ysgol Caer Elen: '…all of them that I know who send their children to Caer Ellen honestly couldn't give a toss whether it was Welsh or English'. 'Comments such as this in 2025 are unacceptable and serve to create a perception of bias when it comes to the delivery of Welsh medium education, something that generations have striven for, namely equality and fairness. 'For a Deputy Leader of Council to make such comments and then refuse to retract when he has had ample opportunity to do so makes his position untenable both as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member. 'This decision was successfully called in on May 14 by the Schools O&S Scrutiny Committee when officers again made clear that the collection of data requested by Cllr Miller was not within the scope of the Schools Admission Code and to pursue this course also has budgetary implications for the Authority. 'Cllr Miller following the Schools O&S Meeting made a public statement to reaffirm his position and accused the Welsh Language Commissioner (WLC) of an 'extraordinary political intervention' when he had no basis to make such a claim. The remit of the WLC allows her to pass expert opinion on matters such as Welsh education and language. 'Cabinet re-convened on May 21 and heard a proposal by Cllr Miller to now collect data on all languages and additional information and was again informed the Schools Admission Code did not provide for the collection of such data. Cllr Miller offered no apology with regards to his comments towards the WLC and again looked to blame others for the publicity that has arisen from this matter. 'Throughout the recent debate on WESP, Cllr Miller has ignored the views and advice of the Schools O&S Committee, Senior Officers, the Welsh Language Commissioner and even Mr Mark Drakeford his own Minister for the Welsh Language. 'Politicians at every level must demonstrate the capacity to acknowledge their mistakes, including errors in judgment, as we are all inherently human. In such situations, it is crucial for public trust that they engage in self-reflection, offer apologies when warranted, and adjust their political stance accordingly. 'Cllr Miller, however, has failed to apologise or recognise that others, such as senior officers and the WLC, may possess greater expertise on the matter at hand. Instead, he has chosen to deflect responsibility and blame others for the public scrutiny surrounding this issue. 'This has led to a request for a council meeting to propose a motion of no confidence in Cllr Miller's ability to continue serving as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member.' Responding, Cllr Miller has previously said: 'It must be the case it is at least possible some parents are choosing Welsh medium schools other than because of the medium of Welsh. It's currently unknown; surely it's right the council seeks to understand the impact of other forces.' He said Cllr Murphy was 'trying to make something out of nothing,' in 'a naked attempt to create outrage, trying to paint some in this council as anti-Welsh,' adding: 'Cllr Murphy should be deeply ashamed of his actions [after the first meeting] in trying to create artificial division in the county of Pembrokeshire.' The extraordinary meeting is to take place on the afternoon of June 2.
