The second 'Pints in the Parishes' event is taking place tonight, at the Fox and Hounds in Riseley. These sessions are intended to provide an opportunity for me to hear directly from anyone who wants to discuss the issues important to them in an informal, local environment. They are also a chance for for me to show my support for local, community pubs. I will be at the Fox and Hounds from around 7.30pm.
This week I travelled by pedal-powered Rickshaw to a meeting in Kempston in support of Bike Week 2010. All sorts of events have been taking place in the Borough to promote the event, and I am always keen to support cycling as a healthy, environmentally friendly way for people to get around and help beat congestion in the Borough. The ride was actually very comfortable (thanks to Rebecca from Beds Road Cycling Club for cycling so smoothly!), and I was even able to get the laptop out and do some work on the way over!
This week is armed forces week, culminating in Armed Forces Day tomorrow. On Monday a flag raising ceremony took place, and I joined veterans and Councillors in honouring the brave men and women who make up the Armed Forces Community.
Anthony Caprioli and the local Liberal Democrats thank residents who supported him in the Kempston North by-election on Thursday 24th June 2010. The by-election was caused by the sad death of Labour councillor Ray Oliver. Labour held the seat. Despite the Conservatives trying their hardest, the biggest shock of the night was to see their vote collapse, with a 14% reduction in their share of the poll.
In these incredibly difficult economic times, residents rightly expect the Council to do all it can to keep Council tax bills down while protecting front line services. That has been my key priority since being elected as Mayor in October last year, and this week Finance Portfolio Holder Michael Headley announced our aim to freeze Council tax next year. This will be an extremely tough task, but after years of inflation-busting tax rises and poor services under the Conservative County Council, local residents deserve better.
The St George's Flag was flying at Borough Hall and Town Hall yesterday as England took on Slovenia in the crucial World Cup match in South Africa. It obviously brought the team good fortune, and it will be flying once again on Sunday when we take on Germany!
