RITA EGAN Liberal Democrat

Keeping Warm in Cold Weather

2012-02-07T01:41:00.000Z

From Central Bedfordshire Council:
  Warm Homes Healthy People – Keeping Warm during the cold snap!

With temperatures set to plummet again tonight, Central Bedfordshire Council is asking residents to keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours, who may be susceptible to the effects of cold weather.
Cllr Carole Hegley, Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "Please think of older and vulnerable neighbours at this time and where possible try to pop in to see if they are well or need any help."
Cllr Hegley's call comes after Central Bedfordshire Council launched its Warm Homes Healthy People scheme, which aims to offer help and support for vulnerable people living in cold and damp homes.
The Scheme offers advice and financial assistance to improve your home insulation and heating. You do not have to be in receipt of benefits to receive help from the Warm Homes Healthy People Scheme.
If you are a homeowner, or a tenant in a privately rented home and your home is cold, damp or has an old inefficient heating system, you could be eligible for a range of help.
This scheme is being run in conjunction with other Partners such as NHS Bedfordshire, Age UK Bedfordshire, Older People’s Reference Group, Advocacy for Older People, Disability Resource Centre and Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity.
Handy hints to keep warm during the current cold snap.

·         Try wearing bed socks and thermal underwear at night.

·         Keep warm by dressing well and wearing plenty of thinner layers rather than fewer, thicker ones.

·         Stay active can also have a big impact on how warm you feel on colder days. If possible, try to move around at least once an hour.

·         And of course eating regular meals will help keep energy levels up during winter, and hot drinks such as tea and coffee.

For more information please contact us on: 0300 300 8302 and mention Warm Homes Scheme.

Roman Remains

2012-01-31T17:24:00.002Z

Our Council archaeologist has been kind enough to send me the location of the Roman remains near Parkside. Here is the map. Bear in mind that this land is private and there are rules about treasure troves.
You must report all finds of Treasure to a coroner for the district in which they are found either within 14 days after the day on which you made the discovery or within 14 days after the day on which you realised the find might be treasure. http://finds.org.uk/treasure/advice/summary

Help Desk

2012-01-30T22:38:00.001Z

Thanks to Cllr Alan Winter, I can pass on an exceptionally useful website which gives residents information about how to deal with everyday problems. Thanks Alan.
http://libdem.webs.com/hr/problems.html

Metal Theft in Houghton Regis

2012-01-27T11:34:00.002Z

Lead flashing has been stolen from Hawthorn Park Lower School, in Parkside Drive, in Houghton Regis. The offence took place between 6:00 p.m. on the 23rd and 7:00 a.m. on the 24th of January. crime reference, J D / 2 9 0 6 / 2012. If you have any knowledge about this crime please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1. email chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk . text 07786200011 Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111

Great Movies at Leighton Buzzard Theatre

2012-01-27T11:21:00.001Z

I am an avid film fan so I thought you would want to know about the film seasons starting at Leighton Buzzard Theatre.

Leighton Buzzard Theatre kicks off its new season with a host of new shows including films from the Cult Classic Film collection.
There’s something for everyone young and old on Valentines Day starting with The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark (between 11am and 2pm). Brought to you by Blunderbus Theatre Company following their sell-out performances of Elmer and A Very Snowy Christmas, The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark is based on the classic children’s book by Jill Tomlinson, this funny gentle and reassuring tale is written especially for children between the ages of three and seven. Tickets are selling fast so you are advised to book early.
Winner of the best comedy and musical film at the Golden Globes, The Artist, will also be aired on Valentines Day evening at 8pm. The nostalgia-filled black-and-white tale, follows a silent film star whose career dims during the advent of the talkies. The film currently has 12 nominations for the British Academy Film Awards and has been met with rave reviews.
The Cult Classic Film collection which launches this season gives you a perfect chance to escape Saturday night TV with Faster Pussycat Kill Kill on March 31, followed by Shaft (28 April) and Pulp Fiction (26 May)later in the season, all starting at 8pm.
Leighton Buzzard Theatre is also continuing to introduce films from around the globe with the ever popular World Cinema night on a Tuesday evenings (8pm) starting with Las Acasias on 20 March. This deceptively simple drama follows a lonely truck driver as he transports a load of acacia wood from Paraguay to Buenos Aires.
To find out more about this seasons new shows email the box office lbtboxoffice@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk , pick up a copy of our new look brochure or visit the theatre online at www.leightonbuzzardtheatre.co.uk.
Please note from week beginning Monday 6 February the Box Office will now be open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturdays 9.30am -12.30pm and 1pm -3pm plus 45 minutes before every performance. To telephone the Box Officer call 0300 300 8125 , tickets can be reserved or paid for by credit card.

Roman Remans around Parkside and Houghton Regis

2012-01-25T17:57:00.001Z

The Saturday before last I met a stall holder at the Houghton Regis Leisure Centre Open Day Car Boot Sale who told me he had been talking to archaeologists on land adjacent to Houghton Park Road. I was intrigued by this and contacted the Council's archaeologist. I also did a little research. Yes! There are Roman remains in our area. Here's part of what the archaeologist told me:

We have records of two Roman sites in the area you describe. One north east of Houghton Park Road and south of Chalton Cross Farm and the other east of Fenwick Road and north of Pastures Way. Finds of pottery, metalwork, building material and iron slag have been collected in fieldwalking from these sites. This provides the dating for the sites and suggests that they may have contained substantial buildings and been then site of some sort of industrial activity. At present we do not have enough information to say whether or not either of theses sites are villas, though the evidence does indicate that they were settlement sites. We have no evidence that there was a Roman road linking these sites or in the immediate area. As these sites will have formed part of a wider contemporary landscape they are likely to have been linked by some sort of routeway, but this would probably have been a track rather than a formal road such as Watling Street on the line of the present A5.

If anyone has further information on the Roman History of Parkside or Houghton Regis, I'd love to hear from you!(The picture is from Chesters - not Parkside!!!)

Highways and Footpaths Maintenance

2012-01-25T17:49:00.001Z

I met with our Highways representatives this morning. Each year the Council reviews its short and long time plans. There is a 4 years strategy for repairing and renewing roads and pathways in Parkside. If you have any issues related to this, please contact me OR if you need to report an issue related to Highways, here is the link to the Council's website - and all the information you need is there. http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/travelling/roads-safety-and-highways/default.aspx
Thanks to our many residents who are ever vigilant and report light outages and other issues on a regular basis. Remember, you can also use Fix My Street to report issues in your area. http://www.fixmystreet.com/

Broadband Survey

2012-01-25T17:43:00.002Z

Central Beds Council is asking the public to participate in a survey on Broadband. The Council write:
The consultation will run in 2 phases. Phase 1 ends at end-February 2012 and will support our funding application to BDUK for Central Bedfordshire. The consultation will then continue until mid-year to register demand across individual parishes and be used as part of our tender request to infrastructure suppliers who will actually install the new equipment. If residents have registered during Phase 1 there is no need to register again post end-February. The link is www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/broadband

Schools Funding in Central Bedfordshire

2012-01-25T17:27:00.006Z

On the government's own Academies website http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/typesofschools/academies we find the quote to the left. How ironic then, that last week Central Beds Council passed a motion asking the Minister of State for Education to give schools in Central Bedfordshire more money. I had a problem with this motion. I couldn't understand why the Council should go bat for the academies when these schools have turned their backs on the Council and are no longer the responsibility of the local authority. Why should the Council be looking for more money for Academies when they don't want to have anything more to do with the Council? These academies now answer directly to Central Government. You can't have it both ways. You can't decide to sever your ties with the Council but also expect the Council to lobby on your behalf when you need more money. In my view, once academies decide to cut loose from the local authority, they are on their own as far as money is concerned. Sometimes, there might be a price to pay - but as the school above seems to believe - this is no problem! It is quite clear to me that if every school in Central Bedfordshire becomes an academy, the Council will have no further financial relationship with these schools. If they want more money, they will have to go to the government or their MP for it - as it is Central Government, not Central Bedfordshire Council that have overall responsibility for these schools. I hope the public understand the consequences of academising all of our schools. All the local authority will be responsible for is cared for children, special needs provision, admissions policies and strategy - such as it can be when you have nothing to strategise over. I'm afraid I abstained on this motion - not because I dont' think schools should have more money, but because the motion made no sense. 53% of our children now attend academies - and these institutions are no longer our responsibility.

Get your street parties booked for the Jubilee

2012-01-19T13:54:00.003Z

From Central Bedfordshire Council

Get your street parties booked for the Jubilee

To mark 60 years of The Queen's reign the Diamond Jubilee in June will see communities across the country celebrating in great British tradition by hanging out the bunting and holding a street party. The celebrations will centre around an extended weekend on 2, 3, 4 and 5 June, and those party organisers are advised to get their traffic road closure orders in early. To make the process of organising a street party as easy as possible, Central Bedfordshire Council has made a traffic order to cover the whole district meaning that charges usually paid by organisers will instead be covered by the council. Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "We are asking people who organise a street party to get in contact with us and tell us what roads they would like to close, and how long they will be closed for. There are some circumstances where an application would need to be made, but the sooner people get in touch, the quicker we can get the ball rolling. “We want to make sure all residents can enjoy the celebrations and one way of ensuring this and making organisers jobs a lot easier is to cut the amount of 'red tape' that can surround such events.” Organisers should complete an application form which is available from www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/streetpartyguide , and send it back to the council by 1 May. If you need further advice about road closures then you can call 0300 300 8308. If you are planning a party here is a brief guide to make your event run smoothly.
Plan ahead. Start by gauging interest amongst your neighbours. Invite the whole street to the first planning meeting.
Keep it local, keep it simple. Be careful about how you publicise your event so as not to draw a wider crowd. Street parties are small private events organised by the residents for residents and at no cost to the public. If what you are organising turns into a larger event different rules will apply. Delivering invites by hand is a great chance to meet neighbours and tell people face-to-face about the event.
Be safe Planning a safe event is the best way of reducing risks and so it is important to consider and minimise all risks. Contact the Central Bedfordshire Safety Advisory Group (SAG) who can review and offer advise on your safety arrangements. They can also offer information about insurance, licensing, noise control and temporary structures such as bouncy castles.
Consider others Try to encourage all ages to come and join in. Also remember to allow for all tastes. On the day put out some chairs for the elderly and maybe somewhere soft for young ones to sit. Remember that parties create waste, so make sure that there are plenty of helpers to clean up after your event.
Organisers should complete an application form which is available from www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/streetpartyguide and send it to:
Traffic Management Team
Central Bedfordshire Council
Technology House
239 Ampthill Road
Bedford
MK42 9BD

For further information please contact: Emma Gorringe, Media Officer on 0300 300 6247

Luton Houghton Regis Dunstable Busway

2012-01-17T21:54:00.000Z

Some of you might be wondering how the busway is progressing. Well, it is on target for completion in 2013. I have decided that the quickest way for me to get to Luton on the Busway is to drive to the White Lion Retail Park, park the car and take the busway from there. The bus companies have not decided yet how they are going to get Parksiders down to the Busway - and until they do, this seems the best bet. Take a look at the map:
http://www.luton.gov.uk/Media%20Library/Transport%20and%20streets/PDF/Engineering%20%26%20Transportation%20/busway/LDB%20Core%20Route%20Plan.pdf

Indoor Car Boot Sales Houghton Regis

2012-01-17T21:39:00.000Z

The Memorial Hall is holding Indoor Car Boot Sales on 29th January and 26th February. If you are interested in booking a table call Pauline at 07877364228. Entry is Free.

Sign Up for Central Bedfordshire Council Updates

2012-01-17T21:37:00.000Z

From Central Bedfordshire Council
Get on line and get in the know

Residents can find out more about council services thanks to the launch of Central Bedfordshire Council Updates.This new service invites residents to sign up for regular emails on topics ranging from councillor surgery dates to council tax, news, public consultations, waste and recycling, adult learning and more. Councillor Maurice Jones, Deputy Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council says: “The council is determined to keep our residents informed and up to date. The new service will update our customers on what's going on and link to key information on the council website, which is available around the clock. "It's all part of our drive to provide greater transparency through modern communication channels and builds on the success we have had using social media such as Facebook and Twitter. So if you want to get in the know - get online."

To sign up for email updates go to www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/updates. The service is being trialled until the end of March and if it is successful will be extended.

Public Transport to the Airport

2012-01-16T19:35:00.003Z

At the Luton Airport Consultative Committee meeting today I pointed out that there had been a 20% increase in flights leaving between 6 and 7am and a 5% increase in flights leaving after midnight. These are peak times for the airport. However, to catch a flight at 6am you need to be at the airport around 4.30am. - precisely when there is no public transport provided. I am pushing the get this issue higher up people's agenda - especially with the new busway. I doubt that providing buses that early in the morning is economically viable for bus companies which is why I think the airport should subsidise the buses. This would make journeys to the airport more environmentally friendly, reduce congestion and provide ways for employees to come to work without having to pay for taxis or parking. Do you have any views on this subject? Please let me know.

Luton Airport Planned Expansion - Have Your Say

2012-01-16T19:31:00.003Z

I am a member of the Luton Airport Consultative Committee. Today we were told of plans to expand Luton Aiport. There is a short consultation period during the month of February and if you wish to comment I will post the link shortly. You should let your views be known as soon as possible. I am not going to reveal my thoughts at this time as I do not want to prejudice your responses. However, I am happy to field any questions you may have about the expansion. Here is the press release from BBC Three Counties Radio:

London Luton Airport hopes to boost passenger numbers

Luton airport has announced plans to boost passenger numbers by nearly seven million a year.

Proposals released by London Luton Airport Limited (LLAL) aim to also create 6,000 jobs.

The airport, the UK's fifth biggest, would handle 18 million passengers a year under the plan, up from 11.5 million.

Its 57% growth bid comes after claims of an air travel capacity shortage in south east England, by 2020.

A four-week public consultation will begin on the 6 February and will include a series of public exhibitions around the region.

'Good neighbour' The project, known as "futureLuToN:Optimisation", has already been introduced to the airport's consultative committee, which represents local residents, councils and community groups.

In a statement, LLAL said the growth "can be achieved within the airport's existing boundary and using the existing runway" and it will consider what modifications and improvements will be required.

LLAL Chair, Councillor Robin Harris said the airport needed to be ready to "embrace market demand in the future" but it would "listen carefully" before submitting a planning application.

"The benefits that will flow from the airport's development will be realised in the local, regional and national economies," he said.

"We are committed to ensure the airport will continue to be a good neighbour and any growth in passenger numbers is managed in a responsible manner. Impacts on the environment, noise and road traffic flows will be fully evaluated as part of the process."

LLAL has said it intends to submit a planning application for consideration in or around April, at which time a further statutory consultation will be undertaken by Luton Borough Council as planning authority.

Rubbish down the old Bus Link

2012-01-15T18:17:00.000Z

Alan Winter and myself took a stroll down the old Bus Link today. The rubbish we reported some months ago is still there. I think the land is owned by Shanley's and I will follow up the problem this week. It is really annoying to see all the rubbish along this road. It would be great if we could get a few volunteers to come out one afternoon and clean the area up.

Houghton Regis Leisure Centre Open Day

2012-01-15T18:14:00.001Z

I attended the open day at Houghton Regis Leisure Centre yesterday. Really impressed with the turnout. Alan Winter tells us that 700 people came. https://www.facebook.com/notes/houghton-regis-news-desk/leisure-centre-open-day-a-great-success/10150459314271056 Fantastic. Now, if we turn these numbers into regular visitors who use the facilities - there's a very good chance our Leisure Centre can become economically viable and we will keep it. Alan Winter comments: Campaigners are still hopeful that the Centre will remain open after the proposed end-of-contract date of 31st March 2012. That is the date CBC proposed to close the dry activities, although it will still be possible for some organisations to continue to make use of the building afterwards. The running of the site is currently out to tender. It is thought that any new contract for dry side activities will run for an initial 12 months from 1 April 2012 and will make the facility "more affordable" to remain open to the public.

Sally Gray, on the SAVE HOUGHTON REGIS LEISURE CENTRE.. has been encouraging people to attend, as have local campaigners Kay Hudgell and Tracey McMahon, to name but a few. The campaign group have their own News Page on Facebook.
As for the LRLC Action Group - Keep up the good work!!

Social Enterprise... is it for me ?

2012-01-12T12:31:00.002Z

From Central Bedfordshire Council

Social Enterprise... is it for me ?

If your new years resolution is to set up a new business, why not come along to the latest enterprise event to see if your idea could be a Social Enterprise too.
Taking place on Wednesday 25 January, this year’s first Social Enterprise…is it for me? event is being supported by Central Bedfordshire Council in partnership with Bedford Borough Council, and is free for all attendees.
Being held at the Community and Voluntary Service (CVS) on Bromham Road, Bedford, the event is aimed at people who have a business idea and would like to support the local community.
The seminar will explore the concept of social enterprise and have been designed to help delegates understand what a social enterprise is, offer practical advice on how to start one and provide a list of useful contacts that can help interested parties along the way. The first session will start at 10am, followed by ‘How do you start a Social Enterprise?’ at 11.30am.
Cllr Ken Matthews, Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Economic Development for Central Bedfordshire Council, said “As a local authority we need to work even more closely with potential businesses and key partners in order to achieve the area's economic potential particularly in these challenging economic times. It is great to be supporting this latest event."

Need Furniture - Can't Afford New - Try PREEN

2012-01-12T10:07:00.003Z

It's the new year and some of you might be thinking about changing your decor or urgently need cheap furniture. PREEN is a social enterprise company (not for profit and there is a branch in Dunstable.) They have a wide range of second hand goods available at very reasonable prices. You can find more information about them here: http://www.preencic.org/dunstable.html

Houghton Regis News Desk

2012-01-11T20:42:00.001Z

Check out Alan Winter's Houghton Regis News Desk. This is updated regularly and is full of topical news items.
http://www.facebook.com/houghton.regis.news.desk?sk=wall

Open Day at Houghton Regis Leisure Centre

2012-01-11T20:38:00.003Z

Open Day at Houghton Regis Leisure Centre on Saturday (January 14th).
You can check out these activities:
5-a-side football
Badminton
Fitness Facilities (Gym)
Group Training (Aerobics)
Gymnastics
Personal Training
Sports Courses
Squash
Table Tennis
Let's all try and come along and support our Centre. For more information:

http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/community/open_day_at_leisure_venue_1_3403765

Local Car Traders Convicted

2012-01-11T20:23:00.002Z

From Central Bedfordshire Council

Two local car traders have been convicted of selling unroadworthy vehicles after being charged with consumer protection offences.

On 3 January, Mr Zain Ul Abadin, of Kent Road, Luton, who used to trade as Alnoor Motors on Tavistock Street in Dunstable, was convicted of exposing a total of 12 unroadworthy cars for sale to the general public.
Mr Abadin was also convicted of recklessly failing to carry out pre-sale checks in relation to the mileage of a Toyota car which was sold by Abadin with a mileage of 92,000 miles on the odometer. The customer later checked the vehicles MOT history, to discover that the vehicle had previously had a recorded mileage of 128,001 miles. The customer was able to return the car, only for the trader to then resell the car to another customer, without informing them of the false mileage.

On 4 January, Mr Awais Javed, of Parys Road, Luton, and his company Sysworld Ltd, were also convicted of exposing three unroadworthy cars for sale.
One of the vehicles displayed by Mr Awais Javed, was found to have corroded brake pipes and the Magistrates described him as grossly negligent.
Mr Javed and his company, who also traded on Tavistock Street, Dunstable, were convicted for recklessly failing to carry out pre sale checks in relation to the mechanical condition, history, and mileage of motor vehicles and for using misleading terms and conditions. The judge said that he had been grossly negligent.
Mr Javed pleaded not guilty but was convicted after trial and was ordered to pay £805 in fines and costs.

Council will crack down on metal thieves!

2012-01-11T20:21:00.004Z

From Central Bedfordshire Council

Central Beds steps up on metal theft

Central Bedfordshire Council is actively exploring solutions to crack down on metal theft following commitments given by Executive councillors to tackle the problem.

Ahead of a Private Member's Metal Theft Bill due to have a second reading at the House of Commons next week (20 January), Executive members gave strong backing to development of a national policy to increase control of the scrap metal trade. Leader of the Council, Cllr James Jamieson, is writing to local MPs to enlist their support in making sure the Bill gets aired.

Currently scrap metal dealers are required to register with local councils and to keep records of purchases and disposals. However, the registration does not give local councils any enforcement powers.

There are 11 scrap metal dealers currently registered in Central Bedfordshire, and the council works closely with Bedfordshire Police on specific investigations when needed. During 2011 the Police reported 645 metal theft cases in Bedfordshire with Central Bedfordshire accounting for 394 of those (61% of the total). Bedford Borough Council had 157 cases reported (24% of the total) with Luton Borough Council at 94 (15% of the total).

The proposals put forward by Graham Jones MP, would see the current registration scheme replaced by a robust licensing regime that is funded by a licence fee paid by scrap metal dealers. Police authorities would have the power to search and investigate premises of scrap metal dealers suspected of dealing in stolen property as well as having powers to close dealers where stolen metals are discovered. Trade in scrap metals would be restricted to cashless payments and sellers would have to provide photo ID.

In the absence of legislation the Council will approach the Local Government Association (LGA) to develop a national scheme for local authorities to sign up too.

Cllr Budge Wells, Deputy Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “ We urgently need to stamp down on trade in criminally obtained metal which is costing the UK economy £770 million a year in costs to business and damage to the nation's infrastructure.

"As well as giving local councils and the police greater powers to take action against metal theft and protect our local businesses and assets, more robust controls will restore the reputation of the whole scrap metal industry - tarnished by illegal trade involving an unscrupulous minority - so that legitimate, law-abiding and socially responsible dealers can flourish."

Deadline for school entrance applications

2012-01-11T20:08:00.003Z

From Central Beds Council

Parents - make your choice!

Parents who have children starting their education in the next school year only have a few days left to make their choices known.

Mums, dads and carers have till 15 January 2012 to tell the admissions service at Central Bedfordshire Council which school they would like their son or daughter to attend.
Applications can be made online or by sending a paper copy of the application form to School Admissions Service, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP.
Applicants will be notified on the school their youngster has been allocated on Friday 27 April 2012.
For more information, visit www/centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/onlineadmissions
Telephone General Enquiries Line on 01234 276034 or Email: For more information, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/onlineadmissions

The One Double O

2012-01-11T20:02:00.000Z

I am very pleased to say that my mother celebrated her 100th Birthday yesterday. Messages were received from the Queen and Secretary of State for Works and Pensions (I'm not sure why!). We had a wonderful day with loads of flowers, balloons, phone calls and cards. We have a few more celebrations this week as most of my family were unable to attend yesterday's events. I'm sure you will all join with me in wishing my Mother many more years of health and happiness. She seems in pretty good shape to me! I will be back with more on my blog next week.

Dropped Kerbs

2011-12-30T22:23:00.002Z

I'm sure if you live at the top of Parkside Drive you will have noticed that the promised 5 dropped kerbs are now installed. Thanks to Highways at Central Bedfordshire Council for keeping their promise and providing these for us.

New Step Up Step Down facility at Greenacres residential care home

2011-12-30T22:16:00.000Z

The Council has received funding from NHS Bedfordshire to assist in the development of alternative services that both prevent people being admitted to hospital and facilitate their early discharge..

To meet this brief, a new step up/step down service has recently been opened at Greenacre, a residential care home/day centre in Dunstable. Greenacre is one of seven care homes managed by BUPA on behalf of Central Bedfordshire.

Step up/step down can be explained as follows:

‘Step Up’ services provide rehabilitation and reablement support to customers from the community who would otherwise have required inpatient care in an acute hospital setting for a period of up to six weeks, and,
‘Step Down’ services provide rehabilitation and reablement support to customers allowing them to leave an acute hospital setting sooner than otherwise would have been the case.

In both cases customers stay within the residential care home and receive support to help with their recovery from a health episode in a home environment rather than a hospital ward. This will be for a maximum of six weeks with the aim of enabling their return to a higher level of independence and hence return to their own home.

This new service was opened in November and currently provides for five customers. Step up/step down is a pilot project and if successful will be extended to other suitable sites across Central Bedfordshire.

Benefit Fraud

2011-12-30T22:10:00.002Z

The magazine "Retired" has published a useful guide to identifying Benefit Fraud. If you are as annoyed as me that people are claiming money they are not entitled to, then please report your suspicions.

Benefit Fraud

It’s your money they are stealing

Things to look out for:

· Does the individual appear to be living beyond their means? e.g. luxury goods in the home, expensive clothes or jewellery, expensive cars parked on the drive etc.

· Is the person working? e.g. do they have vehicles parked outside the property carrying work equipment or business signage? Do they regularly go out wearing work uniforms during work hours?

· Might somebody have a partner living in the house who they have not declared?

Might they have any other undeclared adult living with them – such as a boarder or lodger?

Report any suspicions immediately. Trained investigators will do the rest.

Common Types of Fraud

· Landlord is related to tenant (directly or related to children).

· Fictitious landlord – e.g. an owner/occupier falsely claims to be a tenant at the address.

· Non-residency – customer is not resident at the given address.

· Fictitious desertion – customer falsely states that their partner has left the address.

· Customer fails to disclose they own, or have sold, another property

· Failure to declare bank/building society accounts, shares, assets or capital

· Customer or partner fails to declare their income from full or part time employment.

All calls and any information given will be treated win confidence.

2011-12-21T18:57:00.000Z

I will be visiting my family over Christmas and so blogging will be suspended. However, I do hope you all have a safe and happy time during the Christmas holidays. I will return before the New Year.

Homeowner Liability in the Case of Snow

2011-12-21T18:44:00.002Z

Last year I received many inquiries regarding the libaility of home owners if they clear snow in front of their property. Central Beds Council has now issued this legal advice. It seems to me that common sense has to prevail. If you take reasonable precautions to ensure that someone is safe in front of your house, you are unlikely to be prosecuted. Here is the advice:

In the case of homeowners, there is no legal duty for such an individual to clear a path that may be hazardous to walk upon due to ice. If however, the homeowner decides to clear the path, there is some expectation that they do so to an acceptable standard. This is largely due to provisions within the Occupiers Liability Act 1984, which puts homeowners under a duty of care to ensure all visitors are safe from harm. The individual is unlikely to be liable if this acceptable standard is achieved. For example, gritting the pathway would constitute an acceptable common-sense prevention method, however pouring boiling water over the snow ( thus increasing the likelihood of ice ) would not constitute as acceptable, and consequently the individual could be liable for any subsequent injury.

Unkempt garages

2011-12-19T16:48:00.003Z

I have also asked officers to identify the owners of garages with rubbish spilling out. Again, we are looking to see what enforcement action we can take to ensure that owners take their responsibilities seriously.

Rubbish at end of Fenwick and Fareham

2011-12-19T16:46:00.002Z

For some time now there has been an issue about rubbish dumped in the area of Fenwick Rd and Fareham Way. Inspectors from the Council have been out to look at the problem. We know that Mr. Shanley owns the land where the rubbish has been dumped. We are now looking to see what enforcement actions we can take to ensure that Mr. Shanley clears his land. This will take some time - but I am determine to get action and have the dumped rubbish removed.

Schools Consultations - Proposal to Extend Upper Age Range

2011-12-16T16:19:00.000Z

As you can see form an earlier blog - four schools in Houghton Regis have applied to extend their age range. The initial consultation will invite comments on the proposals from parents, staff, local communities and organisations. Central Bedfordshire Council is advising the schools on the process to make sure they are following legal requirements and their proposals are in line with Government and Council guidance.

Three of the schools have announced dates for public meetings to explain the proposals to extend their upper age range and invite questions. These are as follows:
* Thornhill Lower School – Wednesday 11 January,
* Hawthorn Park Lower School - Thursday 12 January
* Tithe Farm Lower School – Wednesday 18 January

All meetings will take place at the schools concerned from 6 – 7.30pm

Please try to attend the meeting at the school your child attends.

Dropped Kerbs

2011-12-15T21:45:00.003Z

Just checked the progress of the dropped kerbs. All moving ahead. Weather permitting, the work should be completed before Christmas.

Theft in Hammersmith Gardens

2011-12-13T20:06:00.003Z

Posted by Cllr. Alan Winter on the Houghton Regis News Desk

A theft took place in Hammersmith Gardens, in Houghton Regis, on Thursday 8th of December between 3:15 and 3:35 p.m. The side window of a black Ford Focue was smashed, and a handbag stolen.
Please remember to remove all valuables from the vehicle when ever it is left unattended. Leaving the empty glove box open will also discourage an offender breaking into the vehicle.
If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 4 9 4 9 4 / 2011. Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011

Dropped Kerbs

2011-12-13T19:59:00.000Z

Met with Amey today and the dropped kerbs are going in tomorrow. There should be two crews working on the job.

Library Consultation

2011-12-13T11:49:00.000Z

The Council is asking for your views on your library service. The consultation period ends on the 18th January, 2012 so you still have time to give your opinion. You can access the consultation documents by going to: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/have-your-say/current-online-consultations.aspx

Benefit Cheats

2011-12-13T11:28:00.002Z

I received this information from the Council today:

Benefit fraudster sentenced to 12 month Community Punishment Order

An Ampthill woman who falsely claimed nearly £15,000 in benefits has been sentenced to a 12 month Community Punishment Order. Magistrates in Bedford heard how Joanne Bailey of Ailesbury Road in Ampthill knowingly failed to tell Central Bedfordshire Council that she had returned to work. As a result she was overpaid £5,514.34 in Housing Benefit, £1,674.58 in Council Tax Benefit, £1,010.35 in Job Seekers Allowance and £6,298.31 in Income Support. Bailey, aged 28, who had pleaded guilty at an early hearing, was sentenced to a Community Punishment Order for 12 months and also required to attend a 12 day Skills For Life course to address her offending. She will be supervised by probation for 12 months. She was also ordered to pay £100 costs.

Cllr Maurice Jones, Executive Member for Corporate Resources at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "Benefit cheats take money away from those people who really need it,"This investigation clearly shows that Central Bedfordshire Council will not tolerate abuse of the benefits system and will take appropriate action against those who do try to make a fraudulent claim. "I would remind people that while we take a hard line against anyone who falsely claims benefits, help is always available for people who are genuinely entitled to receive financial aid."

Christmas Decorations

2011-12-12T21:36:00.003Z

On a happier note - it's great to drive through the town and see the Christmas lights shining through the dark winter sky. The Christmas tree in Bedford Square is lovely and I want to thank the Town Council for continuing to provide such a great display. If you see any lights out, please phone the Council and let them know - it's been windy the last few days - so one or two might have become dislodged.

Vandalised Bus Shelter

2011-12-12T21:31:00.000Z

This is a vandalised bus shelter in Parkside Drive close to Chelsea Gardens. I have been told that whatever was thrown on to the shelter is virtually impossible to remove because it has eaten into the polycarbonate sheets used to construct the shelter panels. The panels will have to be replaced at considerable cost. I understand that other bus shelters in Houghton Regis have also been vandalised. These repairs are paid for from YOUR taxes - money that could be used to improve rather than repair the environment. If anyone knows more about this incident - please contact me. Your information will be treated with the utmost confidentility.

Development Land Around Houghton Regis

2011-12-12T21:21:00.002Z

A number of residents have asked me about the land adjacent to Houghton Park Road and future housing development. This is the response I have received from Central Bedfordshire:

The land immediately north of Houghton Park Road is still owned by Michael Shanley and preliminary discussions have started with Bellcross Homes, for residential development as part of the North Houghton Regis urban extension. The Council is well aware of the 'legacy' of previous developments by the landowner and these will need to be taken into account in future discussions to ensure a full integration with the existing community. ...Any clearance works are probably in connection with this proposed use and certainly not to do with a Gypsy or Traveller site. Any application is still a long way off though. The majority of the land north of Houghton Regis is looked after by a consortium of landowners, Land Improvement Holdings, and again there are discussions taking place to bring forward development, although any applications are not expected at present until at least September 2012.

Please get in touch if you need any further information.

Gritting and Salting This Winter

2011-12-09T19:32:00.000Z

Central Beds Council has published a map of the roads they will be salting and gritting this winter. Here is the link to the map.

Lower Schools Apply for Change of Age Range

2011-12-09T12:20:00.000Z

In case you haven't heard, four lower schools in Houghton Regis, including Hawthorne Park, have applied to increase their age range to 11years - in effect, moving to a two tier system. These applications will be going out for consultation in the New Year and it is essential that you participate so that we and the Council can hear your views.

Dog and Duck Parking

2011-12-09T12:17:00.000Z

As you know, the Dog and Duck has closed. This has created parking problems when Sunday football occurs on the land behind the pub. If you are going to park your car, could you please stay off the grass verges, as the area is becoming muddy and unsightly. If you have any comments about the current situation, please contact me.

Keeping Parkside Tidy

2011-12-09T12:16:00.000Z

I think that most of the residents of Parkside are very keen to keep the area tidy and safe. The Parkside Team of Alan Winter, Pete Carrington, Rob Shimmin and myself undertake regular inspections around the area and report issues such as dumping, illegal parking and abandoned cars. Recently, I was able to get a broken down car removed, even though it was on private property - so if you know of any places which require attendance, please contact me. We can help.

Dropped Kerbs in Parkside

2011-12-09T12:08:00.000Z

Some of you may have seen me out and about in my wheelchair trying to get up and down kerbs in the Fensome Drive, Houghton Park Rd area. This is because the Council has agreed to put in 5 pairs of dropped kerbs and I have been working with the Council's representatives to determine their location. I am told that the work will commence this Monday, December 12th. I will be monitoring the area to ensure that the work is done.

Land to the East of Parkside Ward.

2011-12-09T12:05:00.000Z

I have received a number of queries regarding the land on the far side of Houghton Park Rd. There has been some activity on that land lately which has caused some concern. I think the land belongs to MJ Shanley, the developer who built the houses in that area. I am in the process of determining ownership of all the land around Houghton Regis where development might occur and will post the information when I am sure it is accurate. You should be aware that there are no applications for housing or G and T sites in this area - but if I hear anything I will let you know.

Fantastic Result in 2011 Election

2011-05-10T21:57:00.001+01:00

I am proud to say that all four Liberal Democrat Central Bedfordshire Councillors were re-elected in the 2011 election. 13 of the 14 Town Council seats were also won by Liberal Democrats. I would like to personally thank all the residents who put their faith in us and came out to vote. I would also like to thanks the residents who spoke with us during the election campaign. I personally met many of you on the door steps and whilst walking around Parkside. There is clearly much work we need to do together to make Parksiders proud of where they live. The new Parkside Team consists of myself, stalwarts Cllr Alan Winter and Cllr Pete Carrington. Welcome to our new team member Cllr. Robert Shinnin. Please get in touch with any of us if you need help or want us to investigate an issue for you. Our numbers are on this blog.

Help with issues in your community

2011-04-28T10:02:00.000+01:00

Cllr Alan Winter has developed a help page. If you have have a problem in your locality - you can go to this page and almost certainly there will be advice on what to do next. Thanks,Alan, for this really useful information. http://www.votelibdem.com/hr/problems.html

Conservative Councillors refuse to cut their allowances

2010-03-04T22:24:00.002Z

Here is the text of the letter I sent to the Dunstable Gazette this week:

Sir,

We now know that the Conservative Controlled Central Bedfordshire Council is proposing swinging cuts to services at the same time as raising taxes. Part of this package of cuts was a proposed reduction in the allowances paid to senior Central Bedfordshire Councillors (all but one Conservative). This reduction had been recommended by an Independent Remuneration Panel and was supported by the Liberal Democrats.

However, it now seems certain that the adage “no gain without pain” will only be inflicted upon the voters, not Conservative councillors. At last Thursday’s Council meeting, the Conservatives refused to adopt the Independent Remuneration Panel’s recommendations and proposed a motion to freeze allowances at 2009-10 levels. So, while everyone in Central Bedfordshire will be experiencing some pain, senior Conservative Councillors will hold on to their additional allowances and take no cut at all.

At a time when unprecedented cuts are being made in services and the Council tax rise will be one of the highest in the Country, this is a quite appalling decision. Accordingly the Liberal Democrats took the unusual course of demanding a recorded vote and voted solidly against the motion.

Why Liberal Democrat?

2010-03-04T22:19:00.002Z

Here's a new book (cheap too) which explains the reason for voting Liberal Democrat.

Fix My Street

2010-02-06T23:35:00.001Z

If you have a pothole or lightout to report, this website is the best way to go. Your reports will be forwarded to the appropriate Council - and you can see what else has been reported in your area.
http://www.fixmystreet.com/

2009-12-10T22:59:00.001Z

Click on picture for larger view

M1 Northern ByPass

The government has given the go ahead for the M1 Dunstable (and Houghton Regis) bypass. Here is a map of the proposed route. You will have many opportunities to comment on this development. Watch this space.

Fantastic Victory in Bedford

2009-10-16T18:37:00.000+01:00

Liberal Democrat councillor and campaigner, Dave Hodgson has stormed to victory in the Mayoral elections that took place on 15 October in Bedford. Results were as follows:

Liberal Democrats - 13,352

Conservatives - 11,543

See details of the vote

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, has expressed his congratulations saying:
“This is a sensational victory for Dave Hodgson and I congratulate him and the Bedford Liberal Democrats for an outstanding campaign. See what Nick has to say in this video

Green Bin

2009-06-17T23:30:00.000+01:00

Thanks to the new Central Beds Council and their waste removal department. My green recycling bin was stolen a few months ago and I now have a brand new one. Let's hope this one doesn't disappear.

Central Bedfordshire Council Representation

2009-06-17T10:25:00.001+01:00

It seems that the Conservatives couldn't resist the idea of taking over all the Chair and Vice-Chair positions on the Council. They are not allowing any Liberal Democrats to take even one of these positions. Just to let you know - all the Chairs and Vice-Chairs receive additional allowances for their duties. So - I guess they have followed the herd, congregated at the trough and are now truly snouted.

MPs Expenses

2009-05-15T22:55:00.001+01:00

I am as scandalised as all of you over the outrageous behaviour of our MPs. There is no excuse for using taxpayers money to pay for what you and I have to find the money for each day. I have to pay my own expenses to get to work, keep my clothes clean and tidy, buy furniture and other items for my house and feed myself. I do not have a moat around my property, a swimming pool or tennis court. And, in case any of you think that I may be dipping into the pot, I have never received any payment for my work as a councillor, nor have I ever claimed expenses - even when I was entitled to do so.

Central Bedfordshire Council Elections

2009-05-09T23:56:00.002+01:00

Your new Central Bedfordshire Authority elections are looming ever closer. June 4th is election day. If you would like to place a sign on your property or help deliver leaflets - please contact me on 01582 868746
Here are your candidates:
Cllr Rita Egan
Cllr Susan Goodchild
Cllr David Jones
Peter Williams

New Playground Equipment in Orchard Close and Parkside Lower

2009-05-09T23:28:00.001+01:00

Cllr David Jones and Cllr Rita Egan visited Orchard Close playground last week. The new play area equipment looked great and a number of young people were using it. As we left new litter bins were being installed. Let's all work to keep this new equipment in good condition. It is a welcome and colourful addition to the neighborhood.

Report a Problem

2009-04-26T07:52:00.001+01:00

Most of the problems residents want to report are about roads and lights. The quickest way to get your problem reported is to e-mail highways@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk. You can also phone the highways help desk at 0300300 8048. If you are not happy with the response you receive to your request - please contact me at 0300300 8518 OR e-mail me at rita.egan@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

You can now SHOP LOCAL

2009-04-26T07:27:00.000+01:00

Great news for Houghton Regis shoppers. Every shop in the town centre is currently rented. Residents can now shop LOCAL. We have doctors, dentists, opticians, bakers, butchers, hardware stores, post office, restaurants, hairdressers, general stores, chemists, petrol stations and a bank - all at your doorstep. It is environmentally friendly to shop LOCAL - so please support your local services.

Good News

2009-04-26T07:20:00.000+01:00

Renovations are almost complete on the New Town Centre. The library and health centre are due to be officially opened on July 1st. An official opening is schedule towards the end of the year.

Allotments for Houghton Regis

2009-04-10T16:32:00.000+01:00

A standing room only gathering of enthusiastic residents filled the Town Council offices on Thursday night to set up a new Houghton Regis Allotments Association. A representative from the National Association of Allotments and Leisure Gardens gave an inspirational and informative talk about the allotments movement and then answered questions from councillors and the community. The evening culminated in the formation of a Houghton Regis Association committee and large numbers of attendees joining the National Association. This is great news. As a councillor I have been promoting the development of allotments for the past year. I am thrilled that we have moved forward with this plan and I will be joining the association myself. Let's hope that we make swift progress towards our goal.

Central Bedfordshire Website

2009-04-05T22:07:00.000+01:00

Here is your new Central Bedfordshire Website

You can let the Council know about problems in your neighbourhood directly from this website.

Travellers Sites

2009-04-01T18:15:00.000+01:00

Traveller Sites - Update
When Conservative run South Beds District Council announced traveller sites for Houghton Regis, even the 6 Lib Dem Councillors that represent Houghton Regis residents had to find out the news from the local newspapers. The plans to establish new travellers sites were presented at Executive Committee on 13th January 2009, and quickly distributed to local newspapers. The announcement was swiftly followed by waves of angry phone calls from Houghton Regis residents to your Lib Dem councillors. The decision to make the announcement was made by a core of Conservative councillors who control the running of South Beds District Council. Lib Dem councillors have no say in these Executive decisions.The chosen areas, include land off Sandringham Drive, Houghton Regis, Kingsland Former Community College, Sundon Road, and Thorn Turn, Thorn Road. View Map.A group of Houghton Regis town councillors were invited along to a planning meeting at the S.B.D.C. offices on 17th February 2009. There we learnt that the decision was taken after paid consultants identified areas in South Bedfordshire District Council's region that would satisfy Central Government directives. Apparently South Beds is not providing sufficient sites for travellers, gypsies and showmen, and as a consequence of this, the S.B.D.C. officers complained that when they issue notices to remove travellers from illegally occupied sites, the courts determined that the S.B.D.C. was in contravention of regulations to provide sufficient sites for travellers. Saskia Duncan, a spokesperson for the Joint Technical Unit S.B.D.C., told me "National and regional guidance was used to develop a set of criteria against which to evaluate potential sites and existing sites. All the sites brought forward from the various ‘calls for sites’ were subject to this assessment."Of the survey undertaken by these paid consultants, (a heavy document was waved at us on our visit to the S.B.D.C. offices, as if the size of the document justified the expense), it has not escaped our attention that the only sites apparently available and chosen within South Bedfordshire are ones were Conservative support is poorest.The Report to the Executive Committee is available online and provides a summary of the Study including the set of criteria used in assessing potential sites. The Report can be viewed on line . Let's hope there will be public consultation regarding this report: there has been none so far.

Thanks to Cllr Alan Winter for this update

Dunstable College News

2009-03-31T20:57:00.000+01:00

Dunstable College New Development on Hold

Learning and Skills Council funding crisis disaster for colleges
Dozens of colleges, including Dunstable College, have been left in limbo, with building projects on hold.
Further education colleges were actively encouraged by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to apply for funding to create world-class facilities.
Many applications were approved by the council, which allocated £2.7 billion towards projects at 79 colleges. Over the past 18 months many took out loans, employed architects or even brought in builders to start the work. Another £3 billion had been earmarked for 65 colleges that had completed costly feasibility studies.
But now the council says that it cannot honour its pledges in the current round of spending allocations.
More than £2 million will have to be written off at 42 colleges if the money is not found, and some could go bankrupt. Others threatened to seek a judicial review to force the Government to give them financial help.
Colleges affected include those in Bradford, Brighton, Barnsley and Oxfordshire.
Michele Sutton, principal of Bradford College, said: “Colleges were encouraged by the LSC to enhance and improve their sites. We were given approval for a state-of-the art new building costing £120 million, which would contain a learning mall, classrooms, a theatre, labs and rehearsal rooms.
“We spent £2 million on project managers and architects and had to rehouse 23,000 students. Our project had been approved in principle, and we were waiting for final approval at a meeting in December. We haven't had a single communication from the LSC to explain what is happening. We can't understand how this level of mismanagement has gone unnoticed.”
A survey by the Association of Colleges found that almost half of colleges would face extra costs of more than £2 million each if their projects were delayed over five years.
David Collins, the association's president and principal of South Cheshire College, said recently: “Originally, we were going to build around an existing tower block and that would have been £35 million. And the LSC said, ‘Be bold.' I think that's the pattern around the country.”
Siôn Simon, the Further Education Minister, said: “I really do understand and I sympathise with the frustrations of colleges in this kind of position. There will be colleges who have invested money, who have borrowed money, even some who have started doing building works. It is right to say that the LSC has given in principal approval to 79 colleges which would total nearly £3 billion of government money and it is clear that that level of expenditure cannot be funded in the current spending round.
“We are quite clear as ministers that that's not acceptable. We shouldn't be in that position. This programme has not been managed properly.”
The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills has appointed Sir Andrew Foster, the former head of the Audit Commission, to investigate.
In a previous inquiry, he suggested that the LSC had inflicted “too many initiatives without intellectual clarity and coherence”.
David Willetts, the Shadow Skills Secretary, indicated that the problems could be more widespread, with 144 colleges expecting to proceed with capital projects. He said: “They are supposed to be providing training for people during the recession, but now they are all at a standstill because of this mismanagement. It is a quite extraordinary catalogue of incompetence. They were being actively encouraged by ministers and by the Learning and Skills Council to go ahead with these programmes.”

Please write to John Denham urging him to allow the Dunstable College development to go ahead.

New Offices for Central Bedfordshire

2009-03-29T22:33:00.000+01:00

New Central Bedfordshire Offices in Chicksands

Unitary Council for Central Bedfordshire
What it means for Houghton Regis

The new Central Bedfordshire unitary council is being formed by combining the Mid Beds and South Beds district councils. This new council will provide ALL the services that are now the responsibility of Mid-Beds, South Beds and Bedfordshire County Council, including education, roads, social services, planning, waste collection, benefits, and environmental health. Some of these services will be delivered jointly with the new North Beds Council to achieve economies of scale and cost savings. Houghton Regis Town Council will continue to run local services like the cemetery, allotments, parks and open spaces
Electoral changes

Fresh elections will be held on June 4, 2009 to form a new body of councillors. The combined area of Mid and South Beds currently has 103 district councilors and 33 county councillors. This total of 136 councillors will be reduced to just 66 in the new authority. Instead of 7 District Councillors and 2 County Councillors, Houghton Regis will only be represented by 4 Central Bedfordshire Councilors.
Area Covered by Central Beds
The area served by the new council will stretch from Tempsford in the north-east to Dunstable in the south-west. The largest town will be Leighton-Linslade with Dunstable the next largest.
Three Centres
Despite Mid Beds District Council having recently built central offices costing £15 million, the new authority is likely to have three sets of offices: Dunstable, Chicksands and Bedford County Hall, because there is not enough space to house all the 2,700 Central Beds staff in the existing Dunstable and Chicksands buildings. Some 2,000 Central Beds staff will have to work from the former County Hall when the new unitary starts.

Thanks to Les Thompson- Liberal Democrat District Councillor for Flitwick East for the information provided in this blog.

Parking - or rather - NO parking - in front of the Co-Op

2009-03-22T00:48:00.000Z

Last week a disabled resident in a wheelchair was almost run over in front of the Co-op. This is hardly surprising. Despite yellow diagonal lines, NO parking signs and warnings, the area beside the Co-op is usually filled with cars. I have spent some time in this area asking shoppers to park in the car park. Some residents have understood the need to move when I have explained the reason for the no parking signs; some have said they planned to stay as nothing would happen to them. A number of residents have told me how they have nearly been run over but when I mentioned this to one of the drivers, he told me that the problem was the pedestrians who should look where they are going. The Houghton Regis Town Council have no control over this area. The land is privately owned and policing the parking is the responsibility of the Co-op. My preference would be to have a footpath down the front of the Co-op so that cars could not park in the space marked NO parking. Perhaps the manager of the Co-op could try and work with the council to improve the situation. I don't want to hear of a death before the matter is taken seriously.

Disability Aid Stolen

2009-03-22T00:25:00.000Z

Some of you may have read about my stolen 4 wheeled blue walker. It's been in the porch in front of my house for two years now. On Wednesday night, March 11th it was stolen. I am sure whoever stole it thought it was a great prank. It was not. I use that walker all the time because I am disabled. I sincerely hope that the person/s who stole it will have a moment of conscience and return it in the middle of the night. I will not fingerprint it - I will just be happy to get it back. Thanks