John Penrose
Campaigns - Urban Sprawl and Regeneration
Plans to build all over the South West are a recipe for losing green fields and creating traffic gridlock. We need solutions for Banwell and Sandford's traffic without creating new jams in neighbouring villages or building extra houses, so we're supporting bans on long-distance freight traffic through the villages as an important first step.
Massive investment in transport links and health facilities will be needed if the Government's proposed 25,000 new homes are built across North Somerset,
The four local authorities in the area, including North Somerset, have been asked to look into the impact a massive growth in the number of homes would have and where the houses would be built. The GOSW plan assumes an increase of 25,000 homes in North Somerset by 2026.
John is campaigning to ensure that the extra homes should only be built if there is the necessary investment in things like transport and health. The Government and developers would have to find a sum approaching £1billion across the local authorities in the area.
Updates
Project is positive step, PenroseA stepSevern barrage plan attacked on green credentialsMast campaignRailway relocate mastMast moved awayNetwork rail promises mast consultationMP Penrose questions government on hip jobsMP asks council to act on house pricesMP's fear over curb on tennis floodlightsI'll help you win legal match freeMP backs club in floodlights rowClub's fight for light goes onEnergy paper gives barrage plans a boostThe dirty dozenBeach-ban threat if seawater doesn't measure upNew EU rules will demand a cleaner beachMP penrose questions government on hip jobsWorry over back garden housingMP's bid for right to blast the mastsPriced out of homesTranquilityMP backs the battle to keep peace and quietMaintaining tranquility levelsThe curse of the carMP fighting to protect tranquilitySeaside towns being left to rotMP calls for affordable housing to regenerate townLooking after our peace and quietMP attacked on housing viewsMPs backing bid to revive high streetsNew court building to finally cost £270mCarnival left facing a bleak future - MPMP opens new-look BrunelCarnival could be lost warns worried MPThousands turn out for processionTraffic Wardens Back as Traders Demand Action95 per cent of you oppose sea wall plan in phone pollWall will not stop hotels floodingDon't destroy usSea defence work delayed until 2008Council lobby for sea wallsFlood meetingMP Backs Concerns Over New Flood WallFight To Save Our Seaside ResortsCoastal Town On RocksA Bed Tax Would Be Disastrous For WestonSecure unit rethink too late for KewstokeNo Deal For CasinoHedging Bets For New CasinoBristol Gambling On Casino DreamPsychiatric Hospital - Bid To Reopen TalksResort In Line For A CasinoPrivate Gardens Development BillMP Backs Gardens BillAirport Chiefs pledge car parking rethinkGambling On Casino To Save The Pier's ChipsCasinoMP's fear of super casinoMP: Is Weston ready to gamble on a casino?Welcome to our suburban hellSix-Month Wait For Tropicana PlansMP Requests Trop TalksMP In Trop Revamp MeetingMP To Quiz DeveloperMP Backs Call For Jobs In Prestige OfficesIt's A Second Homes Revolution
Project is positive step, Penrose
4 October 2007
The Government's feasibility study on a barrage across the River Severn is a positive step forward, says Weston MP John Penrose.
However, he has voiced concerns about the way it has been set up, and claims that the Government wants it to fail at the first hurdle.
He said: "I'm delighted the Government is looking into the feasibility of the Severn Barrage.
"But this study won't analyse any alternative methods of harnessing the power of the Severn, such as tidal lagoons or tidal flow technologies.
"So if the experts decide a barrage isn't the right answer, we'll be left with no properly costed alternative to take its place.
"They've set it up as an 'all or nothing' option, rather than taking a properly balanced approach to find the best technology for Britain's future green energy needs.
"That isn't a responsible approach to dealing with climate change, and could delay any eventual solution for years.
"It looks as though the Government has set it up to fail. The study could fall at the first hurdle.
"The Government has correctly said that the environmental impact of a barrage on local wildlife must be assessed, and that the barrage mustn't destroy important natural habitats.
"But just a month ago the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs earmarked the Severn Estuary as a Special Area of Conservation because of its unique and important ecology.
"If DEFRA thinks the estuary is so special, doesn't that mean the barrage study is doomed before it even gets underway?
"I'm worried the Government is only paying lip service to green energy here, and I'm going to write to John Hutton MP, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to ask him to explain these contradictions."
A step
26 September 2007
By Rupert Janisch Environment correspondentand Sam Lister Parliamentary correspondent epnews@bepp.co.uk
A £15 BILLION plan to harness the power of the River Severn using a massive tidal barrage has moved a step closer to reality after the Government ordered a feasibility study.
Business and Enterprise Secretary John Hutton announced the detailed look at the viability of the scheme yesterday at the Labour Party's annual conference in Bournemouth.
If it goes ahead, the barrage would provide enough renewable energy - five per cent of the UK's electricity needs - to power the whole of the South West.
It would be the biggest civil engineering project the country has ever seen, creating thousands of new jobs, and would dwarf the world's only other tidal barrage in France.
The plan has received support from MPs of all parties in the region but has split environmentalists, with some welcoming the harnessing of the world's second largest tidal range as an alternative to power from fossil fuels or nuclear energy, while others fear the scheme could have a disastrous effect on estuary birds and fish.
The Severn Barrage would most likely run from Brean Down, a spur of land south of Weston- super-Mare, 10 miles across the Bristol Channel to Lavernock Point in South Wales.
Seaside towns including Clevedon, Portishead and Weston- super-Mare would all be inside the barrier, while the island of Steep Holm would be just outside.
The Severn Tidal Power Group (STPG), a consortium of engineering and construction companies which was formed in 1981, is behind the proposal and could fund the project privately, at an estimated cost of £15 billion.
The barrage could create 35,000 jobs at peak construction time, over a six or seven-year period.
A road or railway across the barrage would provide a new link between the West and Wales.
In his speech Mr Hutton said the Severn Barrage could form part of a new "green collar" sector of environmentally friendly employment.
Mr Hutton said the barrage scheme was "a truly visionary project, unparalleled anywhere in the world in scale, that alone could generate five per cent of the UK's electricity from renewable sources by 2020."
The feasibility study will examine the social and economic aspects of the scheme as well as its effects on the environment.
Before it is published a series of debates and inquiries will need to take place, starting with a report from the Sustainable Development Commission, which is due on Monday.
Roger Hull, spokesman for the STPG, said: "Oil prices have gone shooting up recently and with interest rates going down a lot of things have moved in the direction of harnessing the tides. The time has come and the Government is now very keen to work out exactly what the best thing to do is and get on with it as soon as possible."
South West Regional Development Agency director of planning, transport and the environment Claire Gibson said: "The South West, and in particular the Severn estuary, has unique tidal resources and tidal power may have a key role to play in the development of a sustainable economy in the region."
Veteran left-winger and former Bristol MP Tony Benn, who had the project under consideration while Energy Secretary some 30 years ago, said he was "delighted" progress was finally being made.
He told the Evening Post: "It would be a fantastic facility that will generate power cleanly.
"I think environmental impact of a barrage would be far less than the impact of any nuclear facility."
Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose (Con) said: "Britain has to harness the power of the Severn estuary. It's the single biggest source of green renewable energy in Britain and a vital part of reducing dependence on foreign gas and oil.
"The barrage would transform towns like Weston, although the impact on local wildlife needs to be carefully addressed."
Northavon MP Steve Webb, who made a speech in support of the Severn Barrage at the Liberal Democrat party conference last week, said: "We have been pressing for a serious study so that an informed decision can be made.
"It needs to cover all of the options; the barrage, lagoon, underwater turbines and it will also have to look at the potential environmental impact."
Kingswood Labour MP Roger Berry, who called for the Government to act on the proposals at a conference fringe event earlier this week, said: "Tidal power is predictable. There are not many things in life that are certain but the tide coming in and going out is one of them. The Severn estuary has the second largest tidal range in the world. If we cannot capitalise on that then we have to look at how seriously we are taking climate change."
All environmentalists agree that the River Severn's extreme tidal flow is a crucial way of increasing the UK's reliance on low-carbon energy sources.
But they say other methods would have much less adverse impact on the wildlife in the area.
One of the main alternatives to the Severn Barrage would be a series of large tidal lagoons - manmade lakes which would fill up at high tide and power turbines.
Friends of the Earth say these could provide more energy - seven per cent of the national requirement - at a cheaper rate with much less natural habitat affected.
But they would cost far more to build.
Neil Crumpton, energy campaigner for Friends of the Earth, said: "The Severn Barrage project would prevent better tidal energy schemes being built in the Severn estuary.
"We think that large offshore tidal lagoons, possibly in combination with the smaller 'Shoots barrage' near the Second Severn Crossing, would be a far less ecologically damaging and potentially a significantly more powerful energy solution."
A spokesman from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, which runs the Slimbridge sanctuary upstream of the barrage site, said: "The construction of a huge dam across the estuary could have a massive environmental impact on this delicate ecosystem and the wildlife that depends upon it.
"There are alternative methods of harnessing that tidal power and WWT is calling for fair and balanced assessment of all the options and implications for the estuary's international conservation importance so the best deal can be struck for people and for wildlife."
RSPB spokeswoman Sophie Atherton said: "If the Severn Barrage were to be built, it will put thousands of birds, spawning salmon and other fish at risk.
"A barrage would cut the Severn's tidal range by half, reducing the amount of land and food for wildlife. Many birds could starve and the condition of birds attempting to breed would be too poor for them to be successful."
But North Somerset councillor Chanel Stevens, a member of socialist environmental campaign group Sera, defended the barrage.
He said: "There's a lot of myths going around about the Severn Barrage. It's not going to become a big stagnant lake like some people think. In fact the silt which is churned up every day by the tide would settle and make the water behind the barrage a clear lake.
"It wouldn't be exactly the same ecology but it would be a much healthier and more bountiful one.
"With sea levels rising we run hugely increased risks of flooding and the barrage would protect 160 miles of coastline from that.
"The barrage is not only sound in environmental effect, it's also green, clean energy which is entirely predictable. It would also be equipped with shipping channels sufficient to take the largest suspected increase that Bristol's docks will have to deal with."
Bristol Green Party spokesman Peter Goodwin said: "You can't help thinking that this is not really driven by the need for renewable energy - it's more about land development and the profit opportunities they'll bring. No wonder they let the Business Minister make the announcement instead of an energy minister."
Severn barrage plan attacked on green credentials
28 September 2007
A study due to be launched into the possibility of creating a Severn Barrage has been fiercely criticised by conservationists who believe the Government is ignoring alternative ways of harnessing energy from the estuary.
Experts believe a barrage, likely to cost in the region of £15 billion, would generate five per cent of Britain's electricity from renewable sources by the year 2020 and create thousands of jobs with attractive economic benefits.
But news that the Government has embarked on a feasibility study into building the huge structure has been met with dismay by campaigners who believe it could destroy the habitats of wildlife who thrive on the mudflats and rocks in the estuary.
Pressure groups such as Friends of the Earth are urgently calling for the study to include investigation into other projects, particularly the possibility of a tidal lagoon.
They believe a lagoon could generate more energy while preserving the area's delicate ecosystems.
It is likely to involve creating a series of pools, which would fill and drain through turbines.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has also called for a proper analysis of the lagoon proposal, as it believes a barrage could wreck crucial habitats of several protected species of bird.
Society spokesman Sophie Atherton said yesterday: "A barrage would have a massively negative effect on the Severn estuary as around 65,000 birds come there in winter every year.
"But who knows what other birds and wildlife depend on the mudflats which would disappear if the barrage were built?
"We think there could be better ways of harnessing the power of the tide and other methods, including a lagoon, need to be looked at.
"We are great believers in renewable energy, but at the end of the day, one of the key goals of reversing climate change is to benefit the environment, and we shouldn't be harming it in the process."
Logically the barrage would be constructed between Lavernock Point in Wales and the Somerset seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare, where the town's Tory MP John Penrose also has grave concerns about the feasibility study.
Although he has welcomed the study's announcement by John Hutton at the Labour Party conference this week, he warned yesterday it could be "set up to fail".
He said: "This study won't analyse any alternative methods of harnessing the power of the Severn, such as tidal lagoons or tidal flow technologies.
"So if the experts decide a barrage isn't the right answer, we'll be left with no properly costed alternative to take its place.
"They've set it up as an 'all or nothing' option, rather than taking a properly balanced approach to find the best technology for Britain's future green energy.
"The other problem is it looks as though the Government has set it up to fail. The Government has correctly said that the environmental impact of a barrage on local wildlife must be assessed, and that the barrage mustn't destroy important natural habitats.
"But just a month ago it earmarked the Severn Estuary as a Special Area of Conservation because of its unique and important ecology.
"If it thinks the estuary is so special, doesn't that mean the barrage study is doomed before it even gets under way?"
Mr Hutton promised the feasibility study would examine the social and economic aspects of the scheme as well as its effects on the environment. It will also consider other sites in the UK where the power of the tides could be harnessed, including the Mersey estuary.
Meanwhile, some of Britain's most distinguished scientists have suggested a radical method of fighting global warming using the sea.
Experts, including West-based climate change commentator Professor James Lovelock, say pipes hanging in the ocean could help the sea absorb more carbon dioxide.
In a letter to the journal Nature, the scientists suggest the ocean could take up much more carbon by fertilising plankton in its top layer."
Mast campaign
26 July 2007
I would personally like to thank Weston MP John Penrose, Cllr Dawn Payne and the Weston & Worle News for a successful campaign which led to Network Rail moving its proposed mast in Wyvern Close.
I would also like to thank all the residents who supported this campaign.
This was a victory for all residents, regardless of whether they supported our campaign or not. There is still so much to learn about the long-term effects of radiation from GSM masts that it is better to be safe than sorry.
The proposed site for the mast has been moved to a non-residential area approximately 400m from Wyvern Close.
Of course there will still be an increased amount of microwave radiation trackside but nothing like the amount if it was installed in one of the neighbours' backyards."
Railway relocate mast
19 July 2007
Network Rail has changed the location of one of its proposed communication masts in North Somerset.
The railway operator has moved a mast, which was supposed to be built in Wyvern Close, Weston,away from neighbouring properties, and has reduced its height.
The change of heart came after a campaign was launched by nearby residents, supported by Weston MP John Penrose and North Somerset councillor Dawn Payne.
Network Rail wrote to Cllr Payne saying: "We have moved the site in line with concerns about proximity to properties.
"We have also been able to reduce the height of the mast from 94ft to 65ft.
"We apologise for any inconvenience you have been caused."
In June, the Clevedon Mercury exclusively revealed that Network Rail was to build five masts between across North Somerset.
The other masts are to be constructed at Weston railway station; Kenn Moor Gate, in Yatton; Cambridge Batch, in Long Ashton; and West Mendip Way, in Bleadon Hill.
The company says the masts, which are being installed across the country, are part of a programme to improve safety and communication for trains."
Mast moved away
19 July 2007
Network Rail has changed the location of a proposed communication mast in Weston.
The train operator has moved a mast, which was supposed to be built in Wyvern Close, away from neighbouring properties, and has reduced its height.
The change of heart came after a campaign was launched by nearby residents, supported by Weston MP John Penrose and North Somerset councillor Dawn Payne.
Network Rail wrote in a letter to Cllr Payne saying: 'We have moved the site in line with concerns about proximity to neighbouring properties.
'We have also been able to reduce the height of the mast from 29 metres to 20 metres.
'We apologise for any inconvenience you have been caused'.
In June, we exclusively revealed that Network Rail was to build five masts between 20 and 50 metres in height across North Somerset.
The other masts are to be constructed at Weston railway station; Kenn Moor Gate, in Yatton; Cambridge Batch, in Long Ashton; and West Mendip Way, in Bleadon Hill.
The company says the masts, which are being installed across the country, are part of a programme to improve safety and communication for trains."
Network rail promises mast consultation
5 July 2007
Network Rail has told Weston MP John Penrose that it will consult North Somerset Council over plans for railway masts in the district.
In June, the Weston & Worle News exclusively revealed train operator Network Rail is to build masts between 20 and 50 metres in height at five locations in North Somerset.
The masts, up to twice the height of Bristol Cathedral, are to be constructed at Weston railway station; Kenn Moor Gate, in Yatton; Camb ridge Batch, in Long Ashton; West Mendip Way, in Bleadon Hill and Wyvern Close, Weston.
The company says the masts, which are being installed across the country, are part of a programme to improve safety and communication for trains.
They do not require planning permission because they are classified as railway infrastructure.
However, residents living nearby are furious at the plans.
Mr Penrose also asked government minister for housing and planning, Yvette Cooper if she would take steps to ensure that Network rail had to go through the same process as mobile phone operators do for their masts.
In response, she said there were no plans to change the rights for railway firms to build the masts.
Mr Penrose said: "I am disappointed. I believe Network Rail should have the same requirements to get planning permission for GSM-R phone masts as commercial mobile phone operators.
"I understand why local people are worried. Why should Network Rail be allowed to bypass the planning system?
"I've raised the issue directly with Network Rail chiefs and I'm encouraged by their response.
"They agreed to listen to planning comments from North Somerset Council and are also considering a new consultation process for new masts, to make sure that local people's concerns aren't simply ignored in future.
"Of course, words count for very little unless they are backed up by concrete action, so I will be pressing Network Rail to ensure they follow up on their commitments and listen to the local communities they are affecting."
What are your views on the masts? Write to us or e-mail newsdesk@clevedon.co.uk."
MP Penrose questions government on hip jobs
21 June 2007
Weston mp John Penrose has stepped in to help a newly qualified home inspector 'left in limbo' after the Government U-turn on Home Improvement Packs.
Mr Penrose raised the case in the House of Commons of a Weston resident, who has trained at his own expense to be a home inspector and domestic energy assessor.
However, he has been left in 'limbo' after the U-turn which means many newly trained assessors are now uncertain of their financial future and have no likelihood of earning any money at all before August 1, when the requirement for a HiP for a four- bedroom house comes into effect.
Mr Penrose said: "I have a constituent who says he is 'left in limbo, wondering when a full day's work will ever come his way'.
"What can be done to make these people understand what they can do to reclaim their costs?"
"The Government's handling of Home Information Packs has been a complete shambles from start to finish.
"The current fiasco is not good for the stability of the housing market or the attempts to tackle climate change.
"However, a number of individuals have committed in good faith, and at considerable expense, to train to become assessors and inspectors.
"They believed the Government's promises that the scheme would already be fully operational. Simple justice dictates that they are given the opportunity to seek to reclaim those costs."
MP asks council to act on house prices
26 April 2007 Weston & Worle News
Mp John Penrose has said that houses in the town are too expensive and has called on the council to work with social housing developers to remedy the situation.
Mr Penrose cites recent research from the Halifax, which estimates the average house price in the town at £175,682.
He says fire and police officers, teachers, nurses and ambulance workers are being priced out of living in the town, which will eventually lead to a shortage in the area.
He said: "It's going to be a major challenge to attract and retain our key public sector workers for Weston and the villages.
"I'm calling on North Somerset Council to take action now.
"It can work with its current housing partners, housing trusts and corporations to develop a healthy selection of shared ownership and social buy schemes.
"It can also use its planning powers to insist that every development's affordable housing contains an even split of shared ownership, shared equity and rented accommodation.
"There are areas within Weston that are predominantly social rented housing. The experts agree that there are tremendous benefits in developing a broader and more sustainable mix of housing through social rent-to-buy-style schemes.
"This is a hand-up rather than hand-out approach. It would give people a much greater stake in their homes, develop more mixed communities, and allow additional investment in the area's affordable housing.
"My research shows there is so much more that the council could be doing. There are practical examples across the country where we can learn some valuable lessons.
"I believe it's a great opportunity to contribute to the regeneration of our town.
"At the moment, Weston's affordable housing is almost exclusively cheap rentals rather than affordable owner-occupation.
"We need to rebalance our community by significantly increasing the number of owner-occupiers.
"It would be good for the town's future, good for our key workers and good for young Westonians too."
MP's fear over curb on tennis floodlights
2 May 2007 Western Daily Press
A Row over floodlights between a tennis club in Weston-super-Mare and two residents could threaten future regeneration prospects of the whole town, MP John Penrose has warned.
The MP has written to North Somerset Council expressing concern over its decision to curb the club in Neva Road using floodlights on its five courts to two hours a week in the summer and half that during winter months, saying the town is "shooting itself in the foot".
Council chiefs slapped the order on Weston Tennis Club after residents in a neighbouring property complained the glare from the lights was blighting their lives.
Sylvia Spackman and her mother Ethel, who stressed they want the club to thrive, had suffered five years of problems with powerful beams from the lights shining through their windows.
The club's chairman says any restriction could threaten the club's future and Mr Penrose has now written to council chief executive Graham Turner, highlighting the potential damage that the ban might have both on the club's development and on wider regeneration plans for the town.
I'll help you win legal match free
3 May 2007 Bristol Evening Post
A Tennis club in North Somerset which is fighting a ban on floodlights - after one resident complained - has been offered free help from a solicitor.
Weston Tennis Club, in Neva Road, has been told by North Somerset Council to restrict its current floodlighting to one hour of play per week
The restriction follows one complaint from a nearby resident, who believes the club is causing light pollution.
Club members say the restriction is ridiculous and will mean they cannot play regularly after dark.
Unless the restriction is lifted, members say they may consider leaving the club, which has been running since the 1930s.
The lights have been at the club for 15 years. It recently applied for planning permission to improve the premises, including four new all-weather courts, a specialist junior court and floodlights.
Now local solicitor Kelvin Fraser, from Weston, has offered his expertise on the matter and will represent the club at its forthcoming appeal.
He said: "This is simply a question of the council having failed to follow both the spirit, and the letter, of the law. Before the Government changed the law with regard to nuisance caused by artificial lighting they consulted at length with organisations such as the Lawn Tennis Association. We are talking about one solitary objector, whereas 55 other neighbours of the club have taken the time and trouble to sign a petition in support.
"The central issue is that the law should be applied as Parliament intended, and our local council has plainly failed to do so."
Weston MP John Penrose is also offering the club his support and has written to Graham Turner, council chief executive, over the row.
Mr Penrose said the row was "perverse and extremely damaging to the town's reputation" and "an awful case of Weston shooting itself in the foot".
He said: "This decision isn't fair on the neighbours or the club. The club's best chance of solving the light pollution lies in getting this grant and installing modern floodlights, which can be directed away from their neighbours' houses.
"In the meantime the neighbours face the prospect of endless legal appeals by the club against the council's decision, which will mean continuing uncertainty and the old floodlights remaining in place for longer."
A North Somerset Council spokesman said: "Following a meeting with the tennis club we have agreed that they can have the lights on for league matches between 8.30pm and 10pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights between May 7 and July 31 this year.
"Outside this period the lights should be on no longer than one hour each week. Any extension of this agreement will constitute a breach of notice. We feel this arrangement is in line with the national guidance."
MP backs club in floodlights row
10 May 2007 Weston & Worle News
A row over floodlights between Weston Tennis Club and two neighbours could threaten future regeneration prospects of the whole town, says MP John Penrose .
Mr Penrose has written to North Somerset Council expressing concern at its decision to restrict the club in Neva Road from using floodlights on its five courts to two hours a week in the summer and half that during winter months, saying the town is 'shooting itself in the foot'.
Council chiefs slapped the order on the club after neighbours complained that the glare from the lights was blighting their lives.
Sylvia Spackman and her mother Ethel, who stressed they wanted the club to thrive, had spent five years with powerful beams from the lights shining through their windows.
The club's chairman says any restriction could threaten the club's future and Mr Penrose has now written to council chief executive Graham Turner, highlighting the potential damage that the ban might have, both on the club's development and on wider regeneration plans for the town.
Club's fight for light goes on
16 May 2007 Bristol Evening Post
Tennis Club users in Weston-super-Mare could face several more weeks of disruption as the battle over the use of their floodlights continues.
Weston Tennis Club in Neva Road was served a nuisance abatement order in April following a complaint from one nearby resident. The complaint said that floodlights used for the past 15-years are causing light pollution.
As a result North Somerset Council served the notice, which has restricted the use of the lights to an hour a week.
The only exception to this is for league matches between May 7 and July 31 this year, when lights will be allowed between 8.30-10pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights.
Members of the club say the restriction will mean they cannot play on a regular basis after dark, which will put its future in jeopardy. The club is now trying to appeal against the decision with the help of solicitor Kelvin Fraser but have now been told a date for a court hearing will not be until June at the earliest.
Mr Fraser says he has written to the council but it has still not explained to him the reasons why it issued the nuisance abatement notice.
He said: "I wrote to the council on April 25 asking them to give me full details because the tennis club have never had a full and adequate explanation as to why the council has interpreted the law in the way they have.
"As far as the Lawn Tennis Association are aware, this is the only case in the entire country where a local authority has decided to take action of this type and to ban pre-existing, legally approved, floodlights.
"We are grateful for the support of Weston MP John Penrose , local Councillors and 55 of the tennis club's neighbours (who have signed a petition in support of the club)."
Richard Turner, a spokesman for North Somerset Council, said: "It is not appropriate to comment on a matter that is now the subject of legal proceedings.
"This initial hearing will take place on Friday."
Energy paper gives barrage plans a boost
24 May 2007 Weston & Worle News
The government is another step closer to agreeing to the world's biggest tidal barrage across the River Severn.
An energy White Paper published on Wednesday said the country had to look for alternatives to fossil fuels in an effort to drive down prices and combat the threat of global warming.
Tidal power is seen as one of the best ways to do this, and the paper says the UK should make the most of its greatest 'untapped energy resource'.
If given the go-ahead, the 10-mile barrage, stretching from just south of Weston to Cardiff, would create thousands of jobs, re-invigorate local tourism and provide about five per cent of the country's electricity needs.
It would also reduce the UK's carbon output by three per cent, greatly improve links between London and south Wales through the possibility of placing a high speed train track on top, and help prevent flooding in Gloucestershire, Somerset and south Wales.
Several schemes exist for the project, first proposed by a Cardiff University professor in 1849.
Which of them is favoured by the Government has not yet been revealed, but supporters of the 158-year-old idea will get more of an indication of how things stand in September.
This is when the Sustainable Development Commission makes its recommendations to the Government on tidal power in the UK.
The proposal, although supported by political heavyweights environment secretary David Miliband, Welsh secretary Peter Hain and trade and industry secretary Alistair Darling, has not been welcomed by everyone.
Green groups say it would devastate the surrounding environment and do more to cause flooding than prevent it.
Weston MP John Penrose said: "The Severn estuary is potentially a great source of renewable energy in this country.
"The Severn barrage would be a great way of harvesting that power, but we should not ignore alternative technologies such as tidal lagoons which might be cheaper and kinder to the Severn's ecology."
What do you think? Do you think it will boost the economy or would the money be better spent elsewhere? E-mail newsdesk@clevedon.co.uk.
The dirty dozen
12 June 2007 Western Daily Press
Adozen beaches in the West will have to start cleaning up their act or they will fail future pollution targets.
ADOZEN beaches in the West will have to start cleaning up their act or they will fail future pollution targets.
Somerset's coastline will not be up to scratch, giving the county a tag of having waters that are a public health hazard if the situation does not improve. Beaches in Dorset and Devon have also had their cards marked by the Government.
It could have a devastating impact on tourism in towns such as Weston-super-Mare and Burnham as people face the prospect of swimming in chemical filled waters.
The Government could also face millions of pounds in fines if the beaches fail to reach the minimum standard.
British beaches will soon have to meet tougher EU standards after the Government gave the go-ahead to a revised Bathing Water Directive in March last year.
The Environment Agency has predicted that 34 out of 486 bathing waters in England and Wales will fail the stringent testing, which will come into effect in less than eight years. More than a third of these are in the South West.
Coastal pollution officer Thomas Bell, from the Marine Conservation Society, said: "There are no absolutely clean beaches in the UK as we live on an island inhabited by 55 million people, all producing sewage which goes into the sea.
"But our beaches have eight years to make things better. This sounds like a long time but to make a change something must be done now. The new standards will be 20 times better than the old standards so there is much to do."
Mr Bell said that the Government faces huge fines if beaches fail the EU standards but that failing beaches are unlikely to be closed down.
He added: "There has been huge investment by water companies such as South West Water to help reduce sewage pollution. But there are other things to be done. A good place to start would be to reduce the amount of run off from livestock farming. Animal waste is washed into the sea when it rains which reduces water quality.
"The Government needs to make sure this doesn't happen and that there's enough investment for the beaches predicted to fail to improve things. If not there will be huge problems.
"Climate change could also have an effect on levels of water quality in the future as hotter temperatures and sudden downpours will lead to flash floods carrying pollution overland and into the sea."
The South West has 1,000 kilometres of coastline and 191 designated bathing waters, which are vital to the region's economy in terms of their contribution to the tourism and leisure industry.
Seaside resorts such as Weston-super-Mare depend on the reputation of its beaches to pull in the punters. But it's bathing waters will be failed if things do not change.
Conservative MP John Penrose said: "Weston already has a beautiful, clean beach and keeping it that way is essential for the town's continuing success as a sea side resort.
"Local residents and visitors love to see wide expanses of clean beach but we can't stand still. Everybody will expect standards to rise steadily in the future and we must meet this challenge."
In the future standards for bathing water quality will be even tighter following the adoption of a revised Bathing Water Directive last year.
The new Directive updates the way in which water quality is measured, focusing on fewer microbiological indicators, with water quality classifications carried out over three or four years.
There are four new classification categories: poor (fail), sufficient, good and excellent. The Directive will also require specific information to be provided to the public, both on signs at beaches and online.
IT is likely that monitoring under the new system will begin in 2012 and all bathing waters will be required to achieve at least 'sufficient' standards by 2015, which is much more stringent than the current mandatory standard.
The cleanliness of bathing water is measured by taking water samples throughout the summer season from every beach.
These are then tested for fecal coliforms, organisms that live in sewage and can cause stomach, eye, ear and nose infections.
South West Tourism's deputy chief executive Robin Barker is confident beaches will rise to the challenge.
He said: "I'm sure any beach failing these standards will be pulling out all the stops to sort things out. We need to keep investment up and standards high. The South West's beaches are Britain's playground and are used all year round so they are very important. Bathing waters are cleaner than ever but there's always room to improve."
Despite the gloomy Government predictions the South West has the highest number of beaches with "excellent" bathing water quality in Britain, according to a recent report.
A total of 156 out of 195 beaches were awarded the top rating, compared to 494 beaches out of 787 tested across Britain.
The Marine Conservation Society reported that the number of its recommended beaches has almost quadrupled in the past 10 years - up from 125 in 1997.
The South West is the top-performing region in its Good Beach Guide, hitting a new record for recommended beaches.
The region was helped through investment from companies like South West Water who provided £1 billion for a coastal sewage treatment improvement programme.
Beach-ban threat if seawater doesn't measure up
13 June 2007 Bristol Evening Post
Beaches in North Somerset will have to clean up their act if they are going to meet new stricter guidelines.
The Government gave the go-ahead to a revised Bathing Water Directive in March last year, which will come into effect in less than eight years.
It will mean beaches like Weston-super-Mare, Sand Bay, Brean and Burnham-on-Sea will have to come up to scratch or face the consequences.
If they fail, their waters will be labelled a public health hazard and this could prevent tourists from flocking to the area.
The Environment Agency has predicted that 34 out of 486 bathing waters in England and Wales will fail the stringent testing.
Coastal pollution officer Thomas Bell, from the Marine Conservation Society, said: "
Our beaches have eight years to make things better.
"This sounds like a long time but, to make a change, something must be done now. The new standards will be 20 times better than the old standards so there is much to do."
Mr Bell said that the Government faces huge fines if beaches fail the EU standards but that failing beaches are unlikely to be closed down.
Weston MP John Penrose agrees the issue is serious. He said: "Weston already has a beautiful, clean beach and keeping it that way is essential for the town's continu- ing success as a seaside resort.
"Everybody will expect standards to rise steadily in the future and we must meet this challenge."
New EU rules will demand a cleaner beach
14 June 2007 Weston & Worle News
Weston beach will have to clean up its act or it will fail to meet future European Union pollution targets.
British beaches will soon have to meet tougher EU standards after the Government gave the go-ahead to a revised Bathing Water Directive in March 2006.
And if the beaches fail to reach the minimum standard when the new rules come in to force in 2014, the area could be given a tag of having waters that are a public health hazard and the Government could face millions of pounds in fines.
The consequences of not having a clean beach could also have a devastating impact on tourism in Weston as people face the prospect of swimming in chemical-filled waters.
The Marine Conservation Society's coastal pollution officer Thomas Bell said: "There are no absolutely clean beaches in the UK as we live on an island inhabited by 55 million people, all producing sewage which goes into the sea.
"But our beaches have eight years to make things better. This sounds like a long time but to make a change something must be done now. The new standards will be 20 times better than the old standards so there is much to do.
"There has been huge investment by water companies such as South West Water to help reduce sewage pollution.
"But there are other things to be done, such as reducing the amount of run-off from livestock farming, because animal waste is washed into the sea when it rains which reduces water quality."
Weston's Tory MP John Penrose echoed the warning.
He said: "Weston already has a beautiful, clean beach and keeping it that way is essential for the town's continuing success as a seaside resort.
"Local residents and visitors love to see wide expanses of clean beach but we can't stand still. Everybody will expect standards to rise steadily in the future and we must meet this challenge."
The new directive updates the way in which water quality is measured, focusing on fewer microbiological indicators, with water quality classifications carried out over three or four years.
MP penrose questions government on hip jobs
21 June 2007 Weston & Worle News
Weston mp John Penrose has stepped in to help a newly qualified home inspector 'left in limbo' after the Government U-turn on Home Improvement Packs.
Mr Penrose raised the case in the House of Commons of a Weston resident, who has trained at his own expense to be a home inspector and domestic energy assessor.
However, he has been left in 'limbo' after the U-turn which means many newly trained assessors are now uncertain of their financial future and have no likelihood of earning any money at all before August 1, when the requirement for a HiP for a four- bedroom house comes into effect.
Mr Penrose said: "I have a constituent who says he is 'left in limbo, wondering when a full day's work will ever come his way'.
"What can be done to make these people understand what they can do to reclaim their costs?"
"The Government's handling of Home Information Packs has been a complete shambles from start to finish.
"The current fiasco is not good for the stability of the housing market or the attempts to tackle climate change.
"However, a number of individuals have committed in good faith, and at considerable expense, to train to become assessors and inspectors.
"They believed the Government's promises that the scheme would already be fully operational. Simple justice dictates that they are given the opportunity to seek to reclaim those costs."
Worry over back garden housing
21 June 2007 Cheddar Valley Gazette
One in six new homes built in North Somerset in 2005 was built on a former back garden.
Local MP John Penrose revealed the figures as the Conservative Party attempted to launch a Bill to close a planning loophole that defines gardens as brownfield sites.
Under present planning rules gardens are classed as brownfield sites, just like a derelict factory or railway siding. This means they are subject to a presumption in favour of development. The loophole has led to mature family homes being demolished and replaced by apartment blocks and car parks.
Mr Penrose explained: "This new Bill would close a loophole in the planning system that is giving rise to great concern across the country.
"The problem is that front and back gardens are classified in planning terms as the equivalent of brownfield sites.
"In other words, they are treated the same as an old gasworks or a disused railway site. Because the Government encourages housing development on brownfield sites it is next to impossible for local councils throughout the country to refuse development."
MP's bid for right to blast the masts
26 June 2007 Weston & Somerset Mercury
A DEMAND has been issued to Government ministers to give Weston residents a chance to fight plans to build a series of masts in the town.
Four masts, up to 30m high will be put up in the area by Network Rail to help construct a communications network for the railway authority.
The organisation does not need planning permission for the masts but Weston MP John Penrose says people should have a chance to fight the proposals and not be 'muzzled'.
He plans to meet Network Rail bosses and has questioned ministers in the House of Commons on why planning laws forbid local people to challenge the proposals.
The company says the masts are essential for safety reasons but residents are concerned they will emit dangerous microwave energy and hit property values.
Network Rail plans to put up the masts near Weston Railway Station, Worle Railway Junction - where the track branches into two in Locking Castle - near a path known as West Mendip Way in Bleadon and at Kenn Moor Gate in Yatton.
They are part of the company's plans to replace old radio systems across the country with a new system designed to help signallers and train drivers communicate, which it says is an essential part of a national safety scheme.
The authority's bosses say they try not to put them up in residential areas and insist they do not broadcast a signal in all directions like mobile telephone masts, but direct the signals along the railway line, and promise emissions levels away from the track will be significantly lower.
Priced out of homes
5 April 2007
Wedmore, Winscombe and Axbridge have been revealed as some of the most desirable places to buy a home in the UK and have seen three of the fastest property price rises in the past five years.
The areas are now some of the hardest places in the country for first-time buyers to get on the housing ladder.
A report from the Halifax bank has found that in Wedmore average house prices have shot up by £125,000 in just five years - the average house price in the village is a staggering £350,673.
Meanwhile in Axbridge the rise is even higher with average prices almost doubling from £140,687 to £280,804.
And in Winscombe more than £100,000 has been added to a properties asking price - from £164,670 to £267,736.
In Axbridge the percentage of properties paying over the stamp duty threshold of £250,000 has risen from seven per cent in 2001 to 53 per cent in 2006 and in Wedmore the figure has risen from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in the same period.
But while property owners may have a fast appreciating asset, Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose , whose constituency includes Winscombe, Christon and Loxton, highlighted the figures as an example of the growing problems facing first- time buyers in the area, and said they illustrated the need for more share equity and shared ownership schemes to allow local people onto the property ladder.
He said: "First-time buyers are being priced out of buying a home across our area. Things are particularly bad in the Axbridge BS26 postcode. A young family saving up for a deposit is going to battle to keep up with this level of soaring costs.
"This increase is great for existing home owners but grim news for first time buyers, key workers and young families struggling to get a foot on the housing ladder. It reinforces the need for the council to review its approach to affordable housing."
Mr Penrose has been calling on North Somerset District Council to review its housing and planning strategy. The MP is campaigning for a better mix of social and affordable housing in Weston and the villages. He has highlighted shared equity and ownership schemes as a way to help young families and key workers being priced out of the local housing market.
Mr Penrose said: "Affordable shared ownership and shared equity schemes give local people a better chance to take that vital first step on to the housing ladder.
"Some are paying as much in rent as they would on a mortgage, all because they can't raise a deposit on a house."
Wedmore Parish Council took the first steps last week to provide affordable housing for local people and allow them to stay in the village by proposing a development of houses costing £300-a-month to rent, or £75,000 to buy in the village, in a groundbreaking deal negotiated with Sedgemoor District Council and affordable home builders Falcon Housing."
Tranquility
9 March 2007 Weston Mercury
Weston MP John Penrose has launched a campaign to measure tranquility in the countryside.
The MP is seeking to add the measure to current planning laws in order for Tranquility to be taken into account for plans such as the proposed expansion of Bristol International Airport and the former RAF Locking site.
Mr Penrose said: "Unless we act now, it will be too late. We must protect our existing havens and guarantee that tranquility does not become an obscure footnote in history."
His campaign is being supported by the Campaign to protect Rural England, which encourages the sustainable use of land in the countryside. It has recently published a tranquility map of UK counties based on three years of research."
MP backs the battle to keep peace and quiet
8 March 2007 Weston & Worle News
Everyone deserves a bit of peace and quiet, says Weston MP John Penrose.
And that is why he is urging the Government to back a Bill which would measure tranquility and secure it for future generations.
Mr Penrose has made the move, which is backed by all political parties, at the same time as the Campaign to Protect Rural England has published maps which reveal England's tranquil regions in unprecedented local detail.
Mr Penrose's 10-minute Rule Bill was due to be presented to Parliament on Wednesday.
The Bill comes as the CPRE launches 46 new county versions of its national tranquility map, the result of research over the past three years.
Every 62-acre square in England is given its own tranquility score."
Maintaining tranquility levels
8 March 2007 Cheddar Valley Gazette
Mp John Penrose is proposing to amend planning policy to ensure that existing levels of 'tranquility' including the impact of visual, noise, air and light pollution are recognised and protected.
On Wednesday, immediately after Prime Minister's Question Time, Mr Penrose, who lives in Winscombe, will use a Ten Minute Rule Bill to propose a new Tranquility Act. The Act will systematically measure and secure 'tranquility' for the future. It has already received cross party support.
Mr Penrose said: "How many of us can still stand outside our front doors and enjoy a moment's peace and quiet? Will our children and grandchildren even remember the true meaning of tranquility?
"The existing planning legislation pays lip service to the principle of protecting tranquility. Yet our remaining pockets of peace are being eaten away by the threat from development, urban sprawl and increasing road or air traffic. It's not just our countryside, it's our green belt, our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Even our parks and urban gardens.
"The Government has often used the term 'tranquility'. Yet it has done nothing to identify or protect it. Existing planning law refers to its importance. However, no measurement of tranquility has ever been produced and planning authorities seem unable to take it into account when determining planning applications.
Shaun Spiers, chief executive of the council for the protection of rural England, said: "Real protection for tranquility is vital. We urgently need the policies to protect it permanently, and, where we can, to improve on what we have."
The curse of the car
7 March 2007 Western Daily Press
Order of the Golden Earplugs goes this week to Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose, hitherto one of the Tory party's quiet men but now calling for the protection of rural tranquillity through the device of a Private Member's Bill.
His crusade is being supported by the RAC and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, both of which point to research showing that quieter road surfaces can almost halve the noise from traffic.
Hardly new, this: some years ago a section of road between Cribbs Causeway and Westbury-on-Trym was relaid using shredded tyres in the mix, with an immediate improvement in the quality of life for families living alongside it.
And with old tyres now emerging as one of the problem materials caught up in the new EU waste regulations, what better way of using up a mountain of black rubber that is threatening to engulf the countryside?
Road noise is becoming the bane of country living, the problem exacerbated by more traffic travelling on more miles of worn-out surface and satnav systems directing drivers along previously little-used lanes. And it will only increase as motorists search for the shortest route between two points once road- pricing kicks in.
However, quieter roads, whatever technology is employed, will arrive only when new ones are constructed or the current ones are rebuilt. So for people living in the fair county of Somerset, the outlook is hardly thrilling.
The Liberal Democrats, who have made such a pig's ear of running the place, are dyed-in-the-wool anti-road Luddites, which is partly why no new ones have been built for two decades. The other reason is that they have repeatedly siphoned cash away from the transport budget to pour into education and social services.
Where they have acted, it has been out of desperation and to prevent looming gridlock, such as in the case of the recent huge scheme at Taunton, where years of neglect and underspending have now had to be put right by means of a project so costly that it has ensured there won't be a penny piece spare to spend elsewhere in the county, possibly for years. None of which, of course, leads to any commensurate downsizing of the workforce behind the door marked "roads and transport" at County Hall.
The Lib Dems are inordinately fond of the cycle as a means of transport. Here's an ideal opportunity to persuade people who spend their days pointlessly planning for and discussing bypasses and relief roads that are never going to be built before they retire to get on their bikes and cycle home from County Hall. And stay there."
MP fighting to protect tranquility
7 March 2007 Bristol Evening Post
Future housing developments, road schemes and airport expansions should be forced to pass a "tranquility" test before winning planning permission, says Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose.
The MP is introducing new legislation to specifically protect the peace-and-quiet of the countryside. His so-called "Tranquility Bill" will force all major schemes to protect local communities from noise, air and light pollution.
One of Mr Penrose's reasons for introducing the bill is concern at the impact of the expansion of Bristol International Airport.
Mr Penrose said: "How many of us can still stand outside our front doors and enjoy a moment's peace and quiet?"
Mr Penrose's Bill has cross-party support and the backing of the Campaign to Protect rural England but unless it wins the backing of the Government, it will stand little chance of becoming law."
Seaside towns being left to rot
7 March 2007 Western Daily Press.
Mps are to slam the Government for failing towns on our coasts in a devastating report today.
They identify huge challenges faced by resorts, including poverty and housing shortages, and highlight massive rises in the number of people claiming incapacity benefits in coastal towns, and condemn the London boroughs that place vulnerable children in seaside resorts.
Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose, who has campaigned over similar issues, said the report was truly depressing.
The influential Commons Communities and Local Government committee wants a powerful Government taskforce to be set up to tackle the problems.
And officials have warned South West resorts from Weston- super-Mare to Exmouth face unique difficulties but miss out on the support given to other places.
Coastal towns say they do not get the cash available for the inner- cities, but desperately need support to reverse decades of declining visitor numbers. The committee has conducted an unprecedented inquiry into coastal towns, which included a visit to Exmouth last year.
It concludes many coastal towns share problems that need specific Government support but it is failing to meet their needs.
The main issues include physical isolation, deprivation levels, inward migration of older people, and outward migration of the young, poorly managed housing and high levels of transience.
The MPs on the Labour-dominated committee attack the Government for an unco-ordinated approach to the problems.
They discovered nationally there had been a 2.2 per cent increase in numbers claiming incapacity special disability allowance or income support for disability claims since 1997. But there has been a 12.3 per cent rise in the number of claimants in coastal towns over the same period.
The committee said it was unacceptable that the Government did not draw attention to these statistics, because it appeared to be a significant trend.
The MPs were worried by the high numbers of vulnerable children placed in seaside towns by councils, especially in London, since it was often not in their best interest to be taken far from their home and family.
They highlight the lack of affordable homes in many coastal communities, fuelled by second homes and inward migration.
And they were shocked that the Department of Work and Pensions did not seem aware of the significant levels of seasonal work in many resorts, more than double that of other areas.
Tory MP Mr Penrose has fought to address the problems facing Weston, such as the number of drug addicts who travel from London for treatment in the resort, sending crime rates soaring.
Last night he said: "This is a truly depressing report for anyone living in a seaside town. The good news is that in places like Weston- super-Mare, local agencies are starting to address many of the problems which the report describes, but they need Government recognition and support.
"There is shocking evidence of a lack of Government grip on the agencies that refer addicts from other parts of Britain, including London boroughs."
MP calls for affordable housing to regenerate town
5 March 2007 Bristol Evening Post
Calls have been made to offer more affordable housing to help residents in North Somerset to get on the property ladder.
John Penrose, the MP for Weston-super-Mare, has demanded urgent action and asked North Somerset Council to reconsider its approach to affordable housing in the town.
He said fewer cheap rentals and more shared ownership schemes would help young people get homes and help regenerate the town.
Mr Penrose said: "Nowadays most housing estates over a certain size include some affordable housing, but until now it has been almost exclusively cheap rentals rather than affordable owner-occupation.
"We need to rebalance our community by increasing the proportion of owner-occupiers significantly. Affordable shared ownership and shared equity schemes give local people a better chance to take that vital first step on to the housing ladder."
John Crockford-Hawley, executive North Somerset Council member for strategic planning and transport, said some "serious demographic changes" accounted for the shortfall in affordable homes.
He said: "This is hardly a recipe for social or financial contentment or for the provision of adequate housing for all. There is one single way in which property prices could be slashed virtually overnight.
"That would be achieved if all the land requirements for new housing were to be met in full.
"The cost of doing this would be truly staggering. It would necessitate the grant of planning permission over a huge acreage of open countryside.
"The implications would be enormous, but it would solve the house price problem at a stroke.
"I doubt if Mr Penrose, his party, or indeed any party would be prepared to swallow this very bitter pill," Mr Crockford-Hawley added.
Looking after our peace and quiet
5 March 2007 Western Daily Press
The Government is being urged to back a Bill which would measure tranquility and secure it for future generations.
The move by Conservative MP John Penrose, members for Weston-super-mare, comes as the campaign to protect Rural England (CPRE) published maps which reveal England's tranquil regions in unprecedented local detail.
Mr Penrose, whose Bill has all-party backing said: "How many of us can still stand outside our front doors and enjoy a moment's peace and quiet? Will our children and grandchildren even remember the true meaning of tranquillity?
"Existing planning legislation pays lip service to the principle of protecting tranquillity. Yet our remaining pockets of peace are being eaten away by the threat from development, urban sprawl and increasing road or air traffic.
"It's not just our countryside, it's our green belt, our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Even our parks and urban gardens.
"Unless we act now, it will be too late. We must protect our existing havens and guarantee that tranquillity doesn't become an obscure footnote in history."
His 10-Minute Rule Bill will be presented to parliament on Wednesday.
The Bill comes as CPRE launches 46 new county versions of its national tranquillity map, the result of research over the past three years.
Every 500-metre by 500-metre square in England is given its own tranquillity score.
Seeking out quiet areas and experiencing its benefits matters deeply to people, according to CPRE."
MP attacked on housing views
22 February 2007
A call from Weston MP John Penrose for North Somerset Council to reconsider its approach to affordable housing in the town has met with an angry backlash from a senior councillor.
The Tory MP argued that fewer cheap rental homes and more shared ownership schemes would help young people onto the housing ladder and help regenerate the town.
But Councillor John Crockford-Hawley accused him of rushing his views into print without discussing the issues with the council and housing agencies, the people at local level who actually knew what was happening.
Mr Penrose said the council could use its planning powers, local development framework and housing strategy to introduce affordable shared equity and ownership schemes for first-time buyers such as young families and key workers, who were being priced out of Weston's housing market.
"Nowadays, most housing estates over a certain size include some affordable housing. But until now it's been almost exclusively cheap rentals rather than affordable owner-occupation," he said.
"We need to rebalance our community by increasing the proportion of owner occupiers significantly.
"Not only that, but affordable shared ownership and shared equity schemes give people a better chance to take that vital first step onto the housing ladder.
"Weston's house prices have shot up so much that it's almost impossible for many young people to buy their own place."
He said the council could use its planning powers to insist that every development's affordable housing contained an even split of shared ownership, shared equity and rented accommodation.
He added: "I'm calling on North Somerset Council to take action now. The council can work with its housing partners, housing trusts and corporations to develop a healthy selection of shared ownership and social buy schemes."
But Cllr Crockford-Hawley recalled it was the Conservative Party under Mrs Thatcher which forced local authorities to sell off council houses at knock-down prices.
"This single-handed act of folly did more than any post-war legislation to remove an adequate supply of housing for the less well-off and did untold damage to rural communities, where, to this day, local families find it almost impossible to stay put," he said.
"When opportunities arise to retain sound town centre housing for family occupation, councillors are constantly frustrated as we are forced to grant inappropriate planning permissions.
"Instead of treating gardens as ideal family leisure areas they become lucrative building plots and more profit is made by sub-division than by retention of traditional family accommodation.
"There is also a need to encourage the conversion of under-used office space into accommodation - many flats could be provided above shops and offices, providing more single occupancy homes where they are often needed, right in the heart of town."
There were some excellent examples of low cost social housing in the area but much more needed to be done, not only in the area of rental, but also in purchase.
Cllr Crockford-Hawley said serious demographic changes over which politicians had little control were all leading to a greater housing demand - people living longer, a more mobile society, a 'staggering' divorce rate, a growing trend towards the single-person life style, and growing social pressure for home ownership.
"One thing I am certain about is this: we cannot continue to ruin the older parts of our towns by the current process of poor quality sub-division and garden land-grab without eventually paying the price.
"In this respect, I wish Mr Penrose would do his job in Parliament and press for changes in planning legislation.
"Just bashing the town which sent him to Westminster won't help anyone."
MPs backing bid to revive high streets
23 January 2007 Bristol Evening Post
A CROSS-party group of MPs from the Bristol region has backed a bid to stop local communities declining and becoming ghost towns.
They are worried about small, independent shops being driven out of business and the closure of post offices.
Four MPs from the former Avon area threw their weight behind the new legislation which would give local people more say over their communities and how Government cash is spent.
Doug Naysmith (Bristol North West; Lab), John Penrose (Weston-super-Mare; Con), Steve Webb (Northavon; Lib Dem) and Stephen Williams (Bristol West; Lib Dem) are supporting the backbench Bill tabled by Tory MP Nick Hurd.
The Sustainable Communities Bill cleared its first Commons hurdle on Friday, although it will need to gain Government support before becoming law.
Mr Hurd said many towns and villages felt "the guts of their communities have been ripped out" and no coherent strategy had been devised to tackle the problem.
His blueprint would give town halls powers to redirect Government cash to what local residents regard as priority areas.
"In the last decade we've lost a fifth of our post office network, a quarter of our local grocery stores, a quarter of our bank branch network and over 30,000 independent community retailers," he said.
Local shopping parades were "struggling with the challenge of big uniform warehouses squatting on a ring road now choked with traffic".
To reverse the trend, he said, local communities must be given more influence and more power over the decisions that shape those communities.
The Bill requires ministers to draw up an action plan to promote sustainable communities.
Speaking out in support of the Bill, Stephen Williams said whole streets in the city are being bought up by buy-to-let companies.
He said: "If the planning laws were changed and local government could decide for itself whether that contributed to a balanced and sustainable community, our cities, as well as rural areas, would have a balanced population."
Mr Hurd won the annual ballot for Private Members Bills and has support from all parties, but local government minister Phil Woolas said he had serious concerns about the plan.
He said he was worried local action plans would come up with arrangements for more money or unsuitable priorities.
New court building to finally cost £270m
14 December 2006
Weston & Worle News
The new court building in Weston will end up costing the taxpayer almost five times as much as it did to build.
The five-court complex opened in Worle earlier this year at a cost of £43 million, replacing the former court building opposite the town hall in Weston town centre and the magistrates' court at Flax Bourton.
But it is being paid for in a private finance initiative (PFI) deal which sees a consortium of firms design and build the centre and then maintain it for 25 years.
During that period the taxpayer shells out mortgage repayments plus service charges and by 2031 this will work out at £207 million.
When the 25 years are up, the Government will own the centre outright and make its own arrangements for day-to-day running.
Weston MP John Penrose said: "There is a huge discrepancy about how much the buildings are worth and how much is being paid to the consortium.
"The taxpayers are entitled to know whether their money is being spent efficiently."
The consortium behind the courts is called Services Support (Avon & Somerset) Ltd.
Critics of the scheme are asking if the large repayments and the long contracts make such PFI projects value for money.
Carnival left facing a bleak future - MP
Weston & Worle News: 23 November 2006
Weston Carnival is under threat because of North Somerset Council's failure to respond to the problem of pedlars, according to the town's MP.
John Penrose has criticised the council for failing to submit plans for a new law which would ban pedlars from Weston's streets, and fears that next year's carnival will now not take place because of the financial implications.
Mr Penrose said: "Every year, thousands of unlicensed vendors descend on the event and this year it cost the carnival between £25-30,000.
"The new law would have meant pedlars were charged to sell their goods and the money raised would go towards meeting the costs of the event.
"The deadline for the plans to be submitted and then put before Parliament was November 27 but the council has done nothing and now it is too late.
"By doing nothing, the council is letting the carnival die a natural death."
North Somerset environmental and consumer services manager Mandy Bishop defended the council by saying that in the present situation the law would only apply to a limited number of streets, meaning it would be almost worthless.
She said: "Medway and Maidstone local authorities have adopted such local Acts of Parliament to control street trading activity, which effectively provides a general power to seize goods from pedlars.
"This generally applies when a local authority operates a street trading licence or consent scheme, or prohibits activity under the 1982 Act.
"North Somerset Council currently only has a limited number of streets where trading is prohibited. Therefore, we are not in the same situation as Medway and Maidstone because the law will only apply in those streets.
"We will be considering the merits of a local act in conjunction with its revised street trading proposals at a meeting in the new year.
"However, if a new local act is adopted, the pedlars will not be able to apply for a licence on carnival night and so no income will come into the local authority or carnival.
"Therefore, the proposals by John Penrose would not resolve the issue."
The legislation would cost the council about £45,000 to introduce.
MP opens new-look Brunel
23 November 2006 Weston & Worle News
Weston mp John Penrose formally opened refurbished Brunel Ford in Winterstoke Road last week.
The investment of more than £250,000 in the refurbishment has involved an upgrade to the interior design of the dealership, which employs 25 staff.
A re-developed compound has provided storage for 250 cars, giving Brunel Ford the flexibility to grow its business.
Guests at the event enjoyed wine and canapés and were entertained by music and magicians.
A Ford mountain bike, portable DVD and dinner for two at Weston restaurant, Le Flute de Paris, were some of the prizes won by guests on the night.
Dealership manager Martin Green said: "The time and effort that's gone into this has improved the experience for our customers.
"We now have a separate reception desk for each of the sales, servicing and parts departments, so customers can easily identify where they need to be.
"We've even completed the look with new corporate uniforms for staff."
Brunel Ford is part of the Ford Retail group, wholly owned by Ford Motor Company.
Ford Retail has annual sales of 60,000 new and 45,000 used vehicles per annum and is the largest dedicated Ford vehicle retailing group in Europe.
CARNIVAL COULD BE LOST WARNS WORRIED MP
Weston Mercury 17th November 2006
NORTH Somerset Council may have caused the annual carnival to disappear from Weston - according to the town's MP.
Plans for a new law to ban pedlars from Weston's streets had to be submitted and then put before Parliament before November 27, but time has run out.
Campaigners said the new law would mean money being taken from pedlars and put towards meeting running costs of the event.
If the new law had been introduced it would have meant next year's pedlars would have to get the permission of North Somerset Council before they could sell their goods.
Mr Penrose says because the new law would take the form of a private bill it is up to the local authority to process it through Parliament, and no action seems to have been taken.
He said: "By doing nothing the council is letting the carnival disappear by default. This will therefore have implications for traders and a knock-on effect for events like T4 on the Beach."
This latest piece of news is a blow for the Weston Carnival Committee, which says the money the street vendors pocket each year is bringing the annual event into disrepute and eating into its profits.
Carnival committee chairman Brian Coombs has been campaigning to introduce the new act.
North Somerset Council leader Roz Willis had called an extra special meeting for November 23 to discuss the new law but has had to shelve it because of the latest developments.
Cllr Willis said: "We need to stop street pedlars at certain events so I am still going to have a high level meeting to discuss other ways around the problem. There is no way Weston Carnival will go. I'm on a mission."
A North Somerset Council spokesman said: "Under the Local Government Act 1972 a local bill can be introduced, but there must be 30 days' public notice of a meeting of the council which resolves to promote a bill.
"As the parliamentary deadline for local bills for this session is November 27 it will not be possible for the deadline to be met. A report will be put to the council outlining the issue of street pedlars for the members to consider before next year's deadline. This legislation would cost the council in the region of £45,000 to introduce.
THOUSANDS TURN OUT FOR PROCESSION
Bristol Evening Post 14th November 2006
Organisers of Weston-super-Mare's annual carnival say around 100,000 people lined the town's street's last night to watch the glittering procession.Marching bands led the 140 entries - including 60 large floats - from Locking Road car park at 7.15pm.
The parade made its way along Alexandra Parade, Alfred Street, Waterloo Street, South Parade, the seafront and Carlton Street before returning to the car park three hours later.
It was the last carnival in the 'Magnificent Seven' series, which includes Bridgwater, North Petherton, Burnham and Highbridge, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury.
Burnham's carnival was nearly cancelled after the organisers said not enough volunteers had come forward to help marshal the event.
But an appeal saw a number of local residents offer their help to secure the carnival's appearance last Monday.
Since then the show has travelled to Shepton Mallet, Midsomer Norton, Wells, Glastonbury before ending in style in Weston.
Queues formed on the M5 as people from across the region and other parts of the country flocked to the carnival - many travelling from as far as the Midlands.
Local entries were down this year with only three entrants, all in the walking category.
They were Weston Rebels cheerleaders, Weston Youth Dance Company with Disco Inferno and Groovy Moves by the Shooting Star Cheerleaders.
Carol Burchell, carnival secretary said: "We were down on local entries this year and would like to see a lot more in 2007.
"If anyone would like to give it ago and take part next year, they can contact Weston Carnival for help and advice in 01934 629888."
The favourite going into Weston in the Open Features category was the Ghost Ship by Gremlins CC, which has been placed first in every carnival in the circuit.
The float cost £50,000 and took 11 months to build. It contains 22,000 light bulbs, and is the first carnival float that has ever been able to swing from side to side.
Julie Turner, 47, of Knightstone Road, said: "I think carnival night is the best night of the year in Weston. This is my 16th year of coming to the festival and it gets better and better every year. I love the music, and the more lights and dancing the better."
In the Open Tableaux category it was close between Valhalla Rock, by Wills CC and Ice Warz, by Pentathlon CC. Valhalla Rock was first in nearby Burnham and Ice Warz was second.
Staging the carnival in Weston is 2005 cost the organisers £13,000 in prize money and getting the show on the road.
The overall cost increases every year and organisers say they would like to see more support from local businesses who benefit from the Carnival.
Carol added: "In 2004 the Weston Carnival raised £19,500 but this was down to £16,500 in 2005, so we are hoping spectators were more generous this year.
"What we would like to see is more local businesses coming forward next year to help financially as the cost of staging the carnival increases year on year."
North Somerset Council leader Councillor Alan Hockridge said he was thrilled the carnival had visited Weston once again.
He said: "It is one of the largest events in North Somerset and provides a fantastic show for thousands of people, both residents and visitors, every year.
"Last night's carnival was wonderful as usual and was enjoyed by everyone.
"Long may it continue but I do feel the organisers could benefit from more help and support as the carnival is a difficult task to organise.
"I would like to thank Brian Coombs, the organiser and the carnival committee for all their hard work in bringing this wonderful event to Weston. I hope visitors dug deep in their pockets to help raise funds for many worthy causes.
"While some people are brilliant and support the carnival by making donations and buying programmes, others do not bother to give anything, which is a shame."
Weston MP John Penrose has also pledged his personal support to the carnival.
He said: "Weston Carnival is a great night out but equally important it brings thousands of people into the town centre and provides a real shot in the arm for local businesses as well.
"It is a wonderful spectacle which reminds people of the fun they can have in Weston of an evening.
"Not only that, it raises large amounts of money for charity and other good causes and we all need to support it as strongly as we can because it is a great tradition that deserves to continue."
95 PER CENT OF YOU OPPOSE SEA WALL PLAN IN PHONE POLL
Weston & Worle News 19th October 2006
North Somerset Council's proposed sea defence scheme is not the right answer, say more than 95 per cent of Weston & Worle News readers who responded to a phone poll.
A phone poll of more than 400 callers showed that people do not want the planned scheme, which would see the sea wall raised and the creation of a secondary splash barrier.
Nook and Harbour restaurant owner Chris Kimitri said he was pleased at the result and that it showed the people of Weston were not happy with the proposals.
He said: "It is great news and is what we have been saying the whole time, that we should have a different plan.
"As a group of seafront traders, we feel a breakwater would be a much better solution and would be the making of Weston.
"The project might cost £20 million but if you look at the size of the town and the resources of North Somerset Council, if the cost is spread over several years, then it is not so bad."
The result of our poll comes in the same week that Weston MP John Penrose revealed he had agreed to work with hoteliers on a different scheme.
He said: "Money for this scheme is not going to be available from Government for another 18 months, so we are looking at different plans for the sea defences project.
"We are still bidding for the money from Government but the delay in funding gives us time to explore other options which are suitable for everyone.
"You will find that most people are happy with the current scheme, apart from the secondary splash barrier."
The Environment Agency expects flood defences to protect communities against a once-in-200-year storm.
However, Weston's seafront can only cope with a one-in-five-year event at present and the council has said 5,000 properties are now in danger of flooding.
North Somerset Council spent more than £32,000 on flood-risk reduction measures during the periods of high tides in September.
The figures for October have not yet been revealed.
WALL WILL NOT STOP HOTELS FLOODING
Weston Mercury 13th October 2006
SEAFRONT traders will raise funds for a breakwater and marina to protect Weston from flooding - as the Government says there will be no cash for flood defences for at least the next year.
Hotel and bar owners say North Somerset Council has told them the proposed 1.5m splash wall would not protect their businesses from flooding, it would only stop the floodwater from getting further inland.
The businessmen have told the Weston & Somerset Mercury that because the wall would 'only ruin customers' views' they will not support it, but will help raise the cash from the private sector for a marina and breakwater instead.
The council originally looked at three different flood defence schemes including a £20million option with a breakwater and marina.
But the council voted to pursue the more economical £7million scheme to raise the existing sea wall and build a 1.5m high splash wall along the promenade.
Owner of Nook and Harbour restaurant, Chris Kimitri, said: "This wall may look pretty on paper to some people but it will be horrible, a tunnel with about four openings onto the seafront and people will be like sheep going along it.
"On top of that it will not protect our hotels and bars from flooding, so we don't want it.
"We are trying to look at the alternative of a breakwater and marina which could be great for Weston.
"We are willing to support it financially and try and raise money towards a scheme that will benefit Weston."
Sophia Michael, who owns the Seaward Hotel, said: "The hoteliers are joining forces to make sure the right project for Weston goes ahead - and that is not a wall."
"We will all be looking at ways to raise the money to pay for a breakwater and marina."
Weston's MP John Penrose, senior councillors, and council officers went to Westminster on Monday to lobby Government minister Ian Pearson for extra cash to pay for better sea defences.
But they were told there would be no money this year and it would be unlikely there would be any next year.
A severe flood would put most of the town underwater as far inland as Worle.
Cllr Muriel Kraft said: "We all pushed the minister as hard as possible to give us a firm date when Weston's scheme would be approved and the money would start to flow.
"He told us that his department's budget for the next year is committed to other schemes which are already being built, but that Weston is one of the highest priority schemes in the country once new money becomes available."
John Penrose MP said: "Following the meeting with the minister I've pledged to come back to the hoteliers to see if the harbour scheme, which needs additional funding, c