Official Blog of the Boston Borough & Lincs County Councillor

The articles displayed on this Blog in no way infer or express the views of Boston Borough Council or Lincolnshire County Council.

27 May 2011 0 Comments

EXTERNAL BODIES REPRESENTATION

ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS – 2011/2012

Age Concern (Boston & South Holland Division) 
Helen Staples

Bicker Trust
Aaron Spencer

Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board
Peter Bedford
Michael Brookes
Colin Brotherton
Yvonne Gunter
Raymond Singleton-McGuire
Stephen Woodliffe
Brian Rush

Boston Area Partnership Steering Group
(Leader of the Council Ex officio plus 1 sub)

Boston Health and Wellbeing Partnership
(Health Portfolio Holder )

Stronger Communities Delivery Group
(Stronger Communities Portfolio Holder)

East Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership
(Community Safety Portfolio Holder)

Boston Citizens Advice Bureau Management Committee
Paul Mould
Raymond Singleton-McGuire

Boston Municipal Non-Educational Charities
Tony Austin
Paul Mould
Frank Pickett
Carol Taylor

Boston One Stop Shop (Board)
Carol Taylor

Boston Preservation Trust
Colin Brotherton
Raymond Singleton-McGuire

Boston Women’s Aid (2 Female Representatives)
Maureen Dennis
Carol Taylor

Boston Woods Trust
TBC

Centrepoint Outreach
Stephen Woodliffe

Community Lincs (Formerly Community Council of Lincolnshire)
James Knowles
Dr Gurdip Samra

Community Policing Governance Group
Cabinet

Council of Fydell House Centre Ltd Committee 
James Knowles
Paul Mould

Council for the Protection of Rural England (Lincs Branch)
Gloria Smith

East Midlands Councils
Peter Bedford
Michael Brookes (Sub)

East Midlands Museums Service
Cabinet

Health Overview & Scrutiny
Carol Taylor
Dr Gurdip Samra (Sub)

Heritage Lincolnshire
Peter Bedford

Integration Lincolnshire
Stephen Woodliffe

Lincolnshire Arts Forum (Arts England, East Midlands
Cabinet

Lincolnshire County Council Flood and Drainage Management Scrutiny Committee
Richard Leggott

Lincolnshire E-Government Joint Steering Board
Cabinet

Lincolnshire Enterprise
Cabinet

Lincolnshire Playing Fields Association
Yvonne Gunter
Ossy Snell

Lincolnshire Transport Partnership (formerly Rural Transport Partnership (South)
Mike Gilbert

Lincolnshire Tourism (formerly Heart of England Tourist Board)
Cabinet

Local Children Partnership – affiliated to BAP (and formerly Children & Family Partnership Board)
Cabinet

Local Government Association’s Rural Commission 
Peter Bedford
Raymond Singleton-McGuire

Nacro Services in Lincolnshire 
Dr Gurdip Samra
Carol Taylor

Neighbourhood Watch Association (Boston with Holland)
Ossy Snell

Sir Thomas Middlecott and Others Charity Trust  (Skirbeck Quarter Charities)
Colin Brotherton
Stephen Woodliffe
Alison Austin

South East Lincolnshire Travel Association (SELTA)
James Knowles

South Lincolnshire Blind Society
Carol Taylor
Mary Wright

St Leonard’s Hospital Trust
Derek Richmond
Dr Gurdip Samra

Swineshead Poor Charity
Michael Brookes

Wash & North Norfolk Coast Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Members Group
Colin Brotherton
Frank Pickett
Aaron Spencer (Sub)

Wash Estuary Strategy Members Group  (including Shoreline Management Plan)
Colin Brotherton
Richard Leggott

Witham Fourth District Internal Drainage Board 
Peter Bedford
Maureen Dennis
Frank Pickett
Derek Richmond
Mary Wright
Joan Ashton (Lay rep)
Richard Leggott

LONG TERM APPOINTMENTS

Boston Grammar School Foundation Governors
Mike Gilbert
Paul Mould
Dr Gurdip Samra
Stephen Woodliffe

Boston West County Primary School
James Knowles

John Butler Charity
Michael Brookes

Thomas Sanderson Trust
Colin Brotherton
Ernest Napier

Park Community Primary School
Carol Taylor

Welland and Deepings IDB
Richard Leggott

W H & E Harlock Swineshead Almshouses Charity
Michael Brookes

26 May 2011 0 Comments

COMMITTEES

OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY – POLICY AND PROJECTS

Rush - (Chairman) – Independents
Baker – (Vice Chairman) ­– Conservative 

Austin RBoston By-Pass Independents
BrothertonConservative
FountainEnglish Democrats
GoodaleLabour
KnowlesConservative
MouldConservative
SkinnerConservative
SmithConservative
TaylorConservative

 

OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY – PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Kenny – (Chairman) – Labour
Spencer – (Vice Chairman) – Conservative

Dennis - Conservative
KnowlesConservative
Mould - Conservative
Owens - English Democrats
PickettConservative
SamraConservative
SnellIndependents
StaplesBoston By-Pass Independents
TaylorConservative

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Leggott – (Chairman) – Independents
Samra – (Vice Chairman) – Conservative 

BrothertonConservative
FountainEnglish Democrats
GleesonLabour
PickettConservative
SkinnerConservative
SmithConservative
Witts - Boston By-Pass Independents

 

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Brotherton  - (Chairman) – Conservative
Pickett – (Vice Chairman) – Conservative

Austin ABoston By-Pass Independents
Brookes -Conservative
Dennis -Conservative
GleesonLabour
Lee – Independents
MouldConservative
RichmondConservative
RushIndependents
Spencer - Conservative
WittsBoston By-Pass Independents
WrightConservative

(Substitutes)
Austin RBoston By-Pass Independents
Bedford - Conservative
GunterConservative
Leggott - Independents

 

LICENSING/REGULATORY & APPEALS COMMITTEE

Taylor – (Chairman) – Conservative
Smith – (Vice Chairman) – Conservative

Austin A - Boston By-Pass Independents
BrothertonConservative
Dennis - Conservative
Gleeson – Labour
Gunter - Conservative
KennyLabour
OwensEnglish Democrats
RushIndependents
Singleton-McGuire - Conservative
SnellIndependents
StaplesBoston By-Pass Independents
Woodliffe - Conservative
WrightConservative

 

STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Austin ABoston By-Pass Independents
Brotherton - Conservative
GilbertConservative
GoodaleLabour
LeggottIndependents
PickettConservative

(Independent Lay Members)
Dennis Bambridge
Ray Knight
Alan Pickering

(Parish Members)
Cllr S Parker
Cllr D Smith
Cllr B Ingham

 

CHIEF OFFICER EMPLOYMENT PANEL

BedfordConservative
Brookes - Conservative
GoodaleLabour
Lee – Independents
Singleton-McGuire  – Conservative
WittsBoston By-Pass Independents

INTERNATIONAL LINKS COMMITTEE

MouldConservative
Singleton-McGuireConservative
SnellIndependents
StaplesBoston By-Pass Independents

 

SOUTH-EAST LINCOLNSHIRE JOINT STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

BedfordConservative
BrothertonConservative
LeggottIndependents

(Substitutes)
Pickett - Conservative
Snell – Independents
WrightConservative

 

BOSTON TOWN AREA COMMITTEE (BTAC)

Austin ABoston By-Pass Independents
BakerConservative
FountainEnglish Democrats
Gilbert - Conservative
Gleeson - Labour
Goodale - Labour
GunterConservative
Kenny - Labour
Mould - Conservative
OwensEnglish Democrats
Richmond - Conservative
Samra - Conservative
Smith - Conservative
Taylor - Conservative
Woodliffe - Conservative
WrightConservative

 

WAY FORWARD GROUP

Singleton-McGuire  – Conservative
Spencer Conservative
BakerConservative
BrookesConservative
FountainEnglish Democrats
GilbertConservative
Kenny - Labour
RushIndependents
StaplesBoston By-Pass Independents
TaylorConservative

 

MEMBER DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Austin RBoston By-Pass Independents
BedfordConservative
BrookesConservative
Gleeson - Labour
KnowlesConservative
Lee – Independents
Owens – English Democrats
Singleton-McGuire – Conservative
SkinnerConservative

25 May 2011 0 Comments

PORTFOLIO HOLDERS

Peter Bedford
(Leader)
Portfolio: To be renamed

Coastal Strategy
Strategic Planning – Conservation/Heritage/LDF
County & Regional Partnerships
Transformation Programme
Development Control
Port of Boston
Regeneration
Media
Civic & Mayoral

Raymond Singleton-McGuire
(Deputy Leader)
Finance Portfolio

Accountancy/Audit
Finance (including Revs and Bens)
Council Tax/Business Rates
Procurement/IT
Treasury Management
External Funding
Regulatory Services
Corporate Governance
Customer Services
Freedom of Information
Complaints

Michael Brookes
(Deputy Leader)
Portfolio: To be renamed

Street Cleansing
Green Waste
Parish Councils
Democratic Services
Refuse & Recycling
Performance & Improvement

Stephen Woodliffe
Portfolio: To be renamed

Building Control
Environmental Health
Community Safety
Emergency Planning
Health & Safety
Licensing & Land Charges

Derek Richmond
Portfolio: To be renamed

Town Centre Development & Management
Car Parks
Boston BID
Markets
Public Toilets

Yvonne Gunter
Portfolio: To be renamed

Leisure Services
Parks & Open Spaces
Country Parks & Reserves
Playing Fields
Tree Management
Crematoria & Cemeteries
Allotments and Grounds Maintenance

Mike Gilbert
Portfolio: To be renamed

Housing
Community Transport
Property
Homelessness
Older People
Community Development
Voluntary Sector Support

25 May 2011 0 Comments

VOTE OF THANKS

Following the recent Elections on 5th May 2011…

   … the Boston Conservatives would sincerely like to thank the Boston Electorate for their vote.

We would also like to thank the staff /Officers of  Boston Borough Council for all the hard work on the day.

 This is the first time Boston Borough Council has been controlled by a political party since local government reorganisation in 1974.  The Conservatives have gained 19 out of 32 seats and therefore take the majority at Boston Borough Council.  The newly elected Conservative Councillors are all extremely dedicated to Boston Borough, and will bring to the Council a wealth of experience and diversity.  We are looking forward to working hard and making a difference in taking Boston forward, and providing the services for the benefit of the electorate.

10 May 2011 0 Comments

CONSERVATIVES – All Change At The top!

After an astounding Election result, the Conservatives with their 19 seats will be forming the next Administration on Boston Borough Council.  A well deserved and fought campaign by ALL which was certainly a team effort.

The very next day after the Election at the Boston Borough Council offices, it was clear that a lot of work is required by the new Conservative Councillors to form a tighter and more harmonious working relationship between Officers and Councillor.

The Portfolio for Finance which I consider is the ‘engine’ of Boston Borough Council and the root of all its problems, to be the most intrinsic and important Portfolio, which needs serious dedication and partnership working with the Portfolio holder and the  Officers and staff members to turn Boston Borough Council into a healthier Authority.

In order to complete such a time consuming task, I have taken the unprecedented step of stepping down from Leader to Deputy Leader and therefore was delighted to support Peter Bedford as Leader, as his experience would lead the Conservative ruling group and Boston Borough Council forward in the interim period of adjustment.

At the Conservative Councillors AGM held last night I put this to the Members who approved Peter Bedford as their Leader and also adopted my idea of having two Deputy Leaders, something which is already in practice within Lincolnshire County Council and South Holland District Council.

‘I once again, would like to thank all the staff of Boston Borough Council for all their hard work and declare that we will have a closer and open working relationship between Officers and Councillors going forward and hope to install inter-party working relations for a closer knit authority working for the people of Boston’.

5 May 2011 0 Comments

VOTING RESULTS – Boston Borough Council

The Conservatives took 19 seat out of 32 taking overall control. The first time ever that a Conservative administration has had the majority at Boston. Only 4 Boston Bypass Party members got elected.

Name of Candidate Party Votes
CENTRAL (1 x seat)    
GILBERT Mike Conservative 175
JONES Lesley BBI 68
VAGUEIRO Rui Lib Dem 16
WAGSTAFF Bob Labour 107
     
COASTAL (2 x seat)    
BEDFORD Peter Conservative 789
MOORE Julie UK IP 329
PARKHILL Mike BBI 359
SINGLETON-McGUIRE  Raymond Conservative 426
     
FENSIDE (2 x seat)    
BLYTHE John BBI 182
CHEUNG Albert BBI 176
FIGUEIRA Gilberto Lib Dem 51
FOUNTAIN Elliott English Democrats 231
GLEESON Wendy Labour 159
HART Norman Labour 162
NEVES Helder Lib Dem 68
OWENS David English Democrats 195
     
FISHTOFT (3 x seat)    
ANDRIJAUSKIENE Alma Conservative 391
BILLS D English Democrats 397
MILLINGTON Timothy Conservative 472
SHERIDAN-SHINN Helen Independent 308
SKINNER Judith Conservative 639
SNELL Ossy Independent 891
STAPLES Helen BBI 626
     
FIVE VILLAGES (2 x seat)    
SPENCER Aaron Conservative 703
SUTTON Jodie UK IP 364
WITTS David BBI 391
WITTS Hillie BBI 289
     
FRAMPTON HOLME (1 x seat)    
MASON Carl UK IP 92
RUSH Brian Independent 373
STEVENS Yvonne BBI 189
     
KIRTON (2 x seat)    
BLACKAMORE Mark English Democrats 196
BROTHERTON Colin Conservative 573
DUNGWORTH Richard BBI 201
INGS Peter Independent 102
LEE Alan Independent 518
RANSOME Sue UK IP 276
TAYLOR Tim BBI 162
     
BOSTON NORTH (2 x seat)    
CLARE Gerry BBI 541
JORDAN Peter BBI 490
RICHMOND Derek Conservative 712
SAMRA Gurdip Conservative 594
     
OLD LEAKE & WRANGLE (2 x seat)    
ANDERSON David BBI 337
DENNIS Maureen Conservative 727
PICKETT Frank Conservative 505
RANSOME Felicity UK IP 303
     
PILGRIM (1 x seat)    
BAKER Mark Conservative 146
BOYDEN Lesley BBI 48
SHERIDAN-SHINN Mike Labour 93
TAYLOR Jamie English Democrats 57
     
SKIRBECK (3 x seat)    
DORRIAN Anne Independent 336
GALL Sally Labour 372
GLEESON Paul Labour 390
HOBSON Dave BBI 198
KENNY Paul Labour 433
LAUBERTS Rachel BBI 206
LAUBERTS Rob BBI 188
MCCUAIG Callum English Democrats 259
     
ROWE Carl English Democrats 306
SMITH Gloria Conservative 397
     
BOSTON SOUTH (1 x seat)    
ABBOTT Darron Conservative 224
AUSTIN Alison BBI 359
COOPER Pat Independent 111
     
STANILAND NORTH (1 x seat)    
FRANCOWICZ Greg Conservative 67
GOODALE Paul Labour 117
GREEN Richard English Democrats 85
PEARSON Spencer BBI 110
RANSOME Elizabeth UK IP 43
     
STANILAND SOUTH (2 x seat)    
BLACKAMORE Liam English Democrats 186
CROZIER Darren English Democrats 175
GALL Mick Labour 225
GUNTER Yvonne Conservative 284
KENNY Pam Labour 265
MOULD Paul Conservative 293
NEWELL Ray BBI 244
NEWELL Sheila BBI 194
     
SWINESHEAD & HOLLAND FEN (2 x seat)    
BROOKES Michael Conservative 792
CURLEY Jane BBI 312
LEGGOTT Richard Independent 673
     
BOSTON WEST (1 x seat)    
HILL Ian BBI 208
ISHAM Ross English Democrats 129
WOODLIFFE Stephen Conservative 438
     
WITHAM (2 x seat)    
APPLEBY Paul Lib Dem 130
BEECH Iris Labour 262
FLOOD Samuel UK IP 248
PEARSON Patricia BBI 133
SCANLAN Christine BBI 84
TAYLOR Carol Conservative 439
WRIGHT Mary Conservative 382
     
WYBERTON (2 x seat)    
AUSTIN Richard BBI 487
KNOWLES James Conservative 348
PARKER Sally Independent 233
RANSOME Don UK IP 220
SKINNER Paul Conservative 291
STORRY John Independent 171
WALKER Paul BBI 217
     
     
4 May 2011 0 Comments

WHERE IS AUSTIN? – Has anyone seen Cllr Richard Austin?

Over the past 2 weeks there appears to have been a complete lack of visual presence by the Leader of Boston Borough Council, who is also the Leader of the BBI, aka Boston By-Pass Independents.

It is almost 2 weeks now since any visible presence of the Leader of Boston Borough Council appeared at the Municipal Buildings.

At last week’s BBC Look North Group Leaders interview on television, Richard Dungworth stood in to take the place of the BBI group leader, Cllr Richard Austin!

Again, at the ‘live’ BBC Radio Lincolnshire interview, Cllr Raymondo (Major) Newell turned up in place of Cllr Richard Austin!

Are we to assume that the BBI (aka the Boston By-Pass Party) no longer have a Group Leader; and are we to assume that Boston Borough Council no longer has a visible Leader? Or could it be down to the visit Cllr Richard Austin had by the English Democrats last week over the remarks made about them on the BBI Blog?….

This is all very strange, so I have asked the Conservative candidates who are canvassing in the Wyberton Ward, for feedback; and again there appears to be a lack of presence of Cllr Richard Austin.

Make of this what you will.

2 May 2011 0 Comments

THE BBI CABINET’S REVOLVING DOOR – No Wonder Boston’s In A Mess!

That door is well oiled, that’s for sure!

 

1st Cabinet
Richard Austin
Peter Jordan
Brian Rush
Anne Dorrian
Ray Newell
Brenda Owen
Martin Clarkeson
Gerry Clare
Neil McGregor
Richard Lenton

2nd
Martin Clarkson resigns
saying workload to heavy

3rd
Richard Dungworth elected

4th
Anne Dorrian resigns
due to betrayal of election promises

5th
Helen Staples elected

6th
Brian Rush sacked
for speaking to press

7th
Jim Blaylock elected

8th
Neil McGregor resigns
due to drink driving conviction

9th
Guy Curley elected

10th
Gerry Clare resigns
to become Deputy Mayor

11th
Dave Hobson elected

12th
Helen Staples resigns
to become Deputy Mayor

13th
Gerry Clare re-elected – again!

14th
Guy Curley resigns
due to drink driving conviction

15th
Gerry Clare resigns – again!
to become Deputy Mayor – again!

16th
Helen Staples re-elected – again!

Current Cabinet down to 8 members

Did You Know:-
Boston Refuse has had FIVE!…Yes five Portfolio Holders in four years. No wonder its in a Mess! (in more ways than one!)

27 April 2011 0 Comments

THE CONSERVATIVE TEAM

MIKE GILBERT – CENTRAL WARD 

 I hope Central Ward residents feel that there have been some significant improvements and vote for me in 2011. 

The area either side of the Haven Bridge Road/High Street has been tidied and a seat located for local people. Haven Bank has a series of new bins too.

As a resident of my Ward I litter pick the whole area and having raised concerns about Station Approach, Tower Street and Queen Street have helped to bring forward resurfacing and potholing work. However there is still work to do and I believe I am best placed to continue with this work.

______________________________________________ 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­PETER BEDFORD – COASTAL WARD

 It is almost twenty years now since you first elected me to Boston Borough Council, since then I have, in the last five years, been elected as your County Councillor.

I have always tried my best to be truthful, have striven to achieve your wishes and the requests that you have made of me. In that time thanks to you, I have been Mayor of Boston, and I am currently Chairman of Lincolnshire County Council. 

Please continue to support me in my work, on your behalf, to get the best services for the Coastal Ward.

______________________________________________ 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­RAYMOND SINGLETON-McGUIRE – COASTAL WARD

 

 Over the years I have attended all 4 Parish Councils and worked tirelessly both as your Councillor at Boston Borough level, and also in my capacity as a County Councillor.

Born and bred in Fishtoft, my family live in the Coastal Ward. Presently the Leader of the Boston Conservative Party devoting all my time to resolving my constituents’ issues whilst finding time for voluntary and charity work. Local School Governor and committee member for the Local Government Association for Quality Councils.

With your support on May 5th I will continue to put the Coastal Ward and its issues first.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­______________________________________________ 

JUDITH SKINNER – FISHTOFT WARD

 

 I live in Boston with my husband Paul and our two daughters in the Fishtoft Ward. Family life and values are important to me.

I care passionately about my local community.  As a Clerk to the Fishtoft School Governors I have worked assisting with practical help, fundraising and supporting a number of other charities.

As a housewife and mother I appreciate the challenges and pressures placed upon families in these times, budget constraints are second nature to me!

With my banking background I hope to be able to bring a degree of commonsense and organisation to Boston Borough Council.

______________________________________________ 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ALMA ANDRIJAUSKIENE – FISHTOFT WARD

 

 I have lived in Boston for many years, where I have raised my family, who are now at College and I work as a Supervisor for a local company.

I am not interested in national Government politics, but keen to take a local interest  in the Fishtoft Ward where I live.  If elected to Boston Borough Council, I will make a change through applying straight forward common sense.

I would like everyone in Fishtoft to give me a chance; because I believe I can bring new views and ideas to Boston, and will work hard for the people of Fishtoft.

______________________________________________ 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­TIM MILLINGTON – FISHTOFT WARD

 

 An ex-RAF Officer with 25 years management experience in the private and public sector I was Borough Councillor from1999-2001, standing down when leaving Boston on promotion.

Married with 3 sons at local schools and working at Boston College, I seek to bring my experience, energy and enthusiasm into representing all the people of Fishtoft.

I will commit time and effort for residents of this area. I want you to enjoy high quality amenities and opportunities and be proud of this area’s history and future. Vote for me and, if elected, I promise to be a visible, accessible and reliable representative.

______________________________________________ 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­MARK BAKER – PILGRIM WARD

 

 I believe that we need to see a new dawn of politics, one in which we pull together for the sake of our community and for the future of our town.

I am proud to call Boston my home. It is a friendly, unique town with the potential to have a future that is full of exciting opportunities, which I would like to help shape.

I am active in the community and if chosen by you as your Councillor I will be open, approachable, happy to help and support you in any way I can.

______________________________________________ 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­GLORIA SMITH – SKIRBECK WARD

 

 Voting is the only way for your voice to be heard and the future of the town. We need to take pride in Boston and the Skirbeck Ward.

If elected I will be accessible and promise to ask those questions no-one wants to answer, whilst taking an active role within the Skirbeck Ward.

Boston is an old historic town where we need a future for our children and their families.  Employment is a key issue, as is quality homes and good schools.

I regularly attend St Nicholas Church and play an active role in the area of Skirbeck Ward community.

______________________________________________ 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­DARRON ABBOTT – BOSTON SOUTH WARD

 

 I am a 45 year old self-employed Accountant, born in Bicker. I have lived in or around Boston all of my life, and now married to my wife Tracey living in the Boston South Ward on London Road. 

I am a strong believer that a Councillor should live within the Ward that they represent; making them more accessible and accountable.

If you place your trust in me over the next four years, I will work to help improve and maintain the services to area of Boston South Ward, whilst rejuvenating the town and put Boston back on the map.

______________________________________________ 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­GREG FRANKOWICZ – STANILAND NORTH WARD

 

 I have lived and  worked in Boston for many years working for a local wood yard  making timber frames for houses.  I am married and have a family.

I have always been interested in Boston and have seen many changes.   Whilst I do not have much political experience, I feel this may be a good start for Boston and Staniland North Ward, to have a Councillor who is not affected with the political influence of the mainstream politics.

If elected, I will bring fresh ideas to the Council and straightforward common sense which is what Boston has been lacking.

______________________________________________ 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­PAUL MOULD – STANILAND SOUTH WARD

 

 I have lived in Boston all my life, except for two years National Service in the RAF. 

I organised the Boston Snooker & Billiards League for 25 years.  I am a past President of the Old Bostonian Association and at present their secretary.  I am a governor of the Boston Grammar Schools Federation.  If elected, I will be accessible at all times, either by phone or email.

I will do my best to help anyone with any problem, large or small.  I have written about Boston’s past for several years, now I would like to contribute to Boston’s future.

______________________________________________ ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

YVONNE GUNTER – STANILAND SOUTH WARD

 

 As a local business woman and ex Borough Councillor, I have lived in the Staniland South Ward for 25 years until recently.

Having organised many local Boston events for the town’s community; i.e. The Town Carnival; Late Night Christmas Shopping; May Queen etc., I would welcome the chance to serve the town again.

I have chosen to stand in Staniland South to become more involved within the community groups and schools.

If elected as your Councillor I would relish the opportunity to make a difference to the both Boston area and Staniland South Ward, listening and working for you.

______________________________________________ ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

MICHAEL BROOKES – SWINESHEAD & HOLLAND FEN

 

 I have been a Borough Councillor since 1997, Swineshead Parish Councillor since 1983 and Lincolnshire County Councillor since 2009.

Village matters and working with local people and Parish Councils to solve our problems are my top priorities.

I know that clean streets, good roads and footpaths, feeling safe and secure, a thriving local economy with jobs, supporting community groups, maintaining services and low Council Tax are important to you.

Reinstating and improving the discontinued Green Waste Collection service is another major objective for me.

If re-elected I will continue to listen and work hard to represent individual and community interests.  

______________________________________________ ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

STEPHEN WOODLIFFE – BOSTON WEST WARD

 

 

 My family and I have lived in Boston West Ward for over twenty years, and I believe I have a good grasp of the issues that concern us in our Ward, and also for those who live and work in the Borough as a whole. 

I am the only Candidate to live in the Ward.

I am interested to hear how you would like the Council to run our town, and I will do my best to represent your views on local issues if elected as your Councillor on Boston Borough Council.

______________________________________________ ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

MARY WRIGHT – WITHAM WARD

 

 I was born in the Witham Ward and still live here, serving 16 years on Boston Borough Council and 4 years on Lincolnshire County Council.

I can offer a vast amount of experience if elected.

 I now wish once again to return to the Council and if elected work alongside my colleague Carol Taylor, together, we will support you and help to develop the community for a better future.

______________________________________________  

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­CAROL TAYLOR – WITHAM WARD

 

 I have lived in Boston since 2003 and work as a registered nurse within the NHS. I also live in the Witham Ward and feel strongly that the ward should be represented by a resident of the ward.

Although I was not born here I recognise the value that Boston has to offer. I have never served as a Councillor before but if given the opportunity will work tirelessly to support you, Witham Ward, and the town.

I promise you my total commitment. Together we will strive to deliver a better future for everyone.

______________________________________________ ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

JAMES KNOWLES – WYBERTON WARD

 

 I am 38 years old and have lived in Wyberton with my wife Sarah and two sons for almost 11 years.

Over the past 4 years I have become particularly concerned with the downturn of Boston under its current Administration issues, which has led me to take an interest in local politics and a desire to take action and stand as your local Councillor for Wyberton Ward.

I think I can bring to the Council, diplomacy and democracy and if given the chance I would like to install basic commonsense.

______________________________________________ ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

PAUL SKINNER – WYBERTON WARD

 

 I have always lived in Boston with my wife Judy and our two daughters.

I care passionately about the local community and have supported it as a County Councillor, Parish Councillor and a School Governor.

As a professional Engineer and Environmentalist, I can bring a wealth of experience to Boston Borough Council by using innovative solutions and resources in a practical, commonsense manner. 

As Wyberton Parish Councils representative on Wyberton Playing Field Committee I have assisted with the fund raising for the community project.

I hope that you will support me representing you on Boston Borough Council.

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­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­COLIN BROTHERTON – KIRTON WARD

 

 As your local Boston Borough Councillor for the Kirton Ward, and also Parish Councillor for a number of years, I have been working hard with others to make a difference to Kirton village in terms of tidiness and presentation.

I have lived in Kirton for 25 years and have been associated with it all my life, both in business and when I attended school here.

I have worked hard on challenging the site for the Waste Transfer Station to have it relocated away from the village, and do my best liaising with Highways sorting out issues with footpaths and roadways.

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AARON SPENCER – FIVE VILLAGES

 

 I am an outgoing, hardworking, dynamic thinker who always thinks ‘outside the box’; which is a skill required in these times, I have a very keen mind and always trying to learn new skills and eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible. 

I have always been a believer in community spirit and this is something that I will be building on if I get elected as your Conservative Councillor for the Five Villages Ward.

If elected, I would make it my firm duty to be the voice of the Five Villages Community by listening and working for you.

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­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­DR GURDIP SAMRA – BOSTON NORTH WARD

 

 Consultant at Pilgrim Hospital and married to Diane with three children. Lived and worked in Boston for seven years. Governor at primary and grammar school. Held board level positions in Medical Education and Health Care.

I believe I have the skills, passion and dedication to serve you effectively in these challenging times; I will be available, accessible and accountable to you.

I will work as part of the Conservative team to make a real difference to your lives whilst keeping your Council Tax as low as possible and protecting frontline services.

______________________________________________ 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­DEREK RICHMOND – BOSTON NORTH WARD

 

 Born in Brothertoft and married to Linda with two children.  I have lived in North Ward since 1967 and worked locally for 49 years.

Now retirement means I have plenty of time to sort out local issues for the residents of North Ward. Having spent a lot of time in the constituency with local MP Mark Simmonds, I have built up a solid basis of requirements needed in the North Ward.

Held the post of Chairman of the Boston and Skegness Conservative Association which has given me experience of local politics.

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­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­MAUREEN DENNIS – OLD LEAKE & WRANGLE WARD

 

 I have served you on Old Leake Parish Council since 1999 and the Borough Council since 2003.

This will be the third time I have asked you to support me in the Boston Borough elections, and fourth time for the Parish Council. 

I do not make promises I cannot deliver but can promise you I will do my best for the people and the community.  There are challenging times ahead; and whilst my parents, both born in the Old Leake & Wrangle Ward saw difficult times, worked together in the community to make a better future for successive generations.

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­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­FRANK PICKETT – OLD LEAKE & WRANGLE WARD

 

 I have lived in the heart of the community in the Old Leake & Wrangle Ward for the past 35 years. 

For the past 22 years I have served you as a Parish Councillor, and LALC County Committee member and as a Flood Warden for the Environment Agency.

I have an interest in local education, being a school governor at Wrangle Primary  and  I now serve as Chairman at the Giles Academy.

As Chairman of the local community centre in Old Leake, I fought hard to win extra funding to continue providing safe and enjoyable facilities for the community groups.

 

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27 April 2011 0 Comments

ILLUSIVE BBI CANDIDATES – Or More Paper Candidates Like Before?

Photographs of your BBI (aka Boston By-Pass Party) candidates seem to be a little scarce on the ground and much has been said about the fact as to whether or not they exist.

Boston Eye reported on the same matter last week, as brochures were being sent out without photographs of the BBI candidates.  This initiated an inquisitive phone call to the numbers published which went straight through to the residence of Mr & Mrs Austin.  (Richard Austin, Leader of the BBI or was that the Boston By-Pass Party?)

So, make of this as you will.

Tomorrow …………… all Tory candidates will be published on this blog in order to give reassurance to the public that at least the Conservative Candidates do in fact exist and have a voice ……………. Unlike the BBI candidates or (the Boston By-Pass candidates) 4 years ago when they fielded a large number of paper candidates (a candidate who allows the use of their name only with a view to not getting a seat and not doing any work).  Disappointingly, a number of those paper candidates in fact actually got a seat and to their surprise became a Councillor, but what was also a surprise was the fact that they still felt that they did not have to do any work!

What – no work!

Disappointingly, it is the view of the public that the BBI have not learned by their mistakes and have undoubtedly, once again fielded paper candidates!

27 April 2011 0 Comments

CONSERVATIVES – Points On Labour

Points on Labour

  • They brought us to the brink of bankruptcy. Labour doubled the national debt and left us with the biggest budget deficit in our peacetime history. We are spending £120 million every single day just to pay off the interest on Labour’s debt. This is Labour’s legacy.
  • Ed Balls and Ed Miliband were Gordon Brown’s chief economic advisers and the architects of this economic mess. The sad thing is that having burdened our children and grandchildren with debt, and undermined our economy, Labour offers nothing but opportunistic attacks. They’ve opposed our tough decisions on VAT, tuition fees and deficit reduction but offer no credible deficit reduction plan of their own. You can’t attack a plan if you haven’t got a plan.
  • Running up Government debt is like someone running up massive credit card bills – the longer you leave it, the worse it gets. If we don’t take steps now to live within our means we’ll end up paying higher taxes and face deeper cuts just to pay off our debt. Labour’s approach would mean less growth, less investment and fewer jobs.

Ed Miliband refuses to accept that Labour overspent before the boom turned to bust. His message to the British people is simple: vote for me, I’d do it all again.

22 April 2011 0 Comments

WHAT COMES FIRST THE EGG OR THE CHICKEN? – BBI Have Proved To Be The Yolk Of Boston!

Or Is It The Yolks On You – BBI (aka the Boston By-Pass Party?)

Come on guys – I’m surprised it took you this long to take the bait about Boston and Spalding. 

I see the BBI propaganda machine has been working overtime again…
                                               … only this time the BBI have fallen hook, line and sinker into the realms of tomfoolery!

                         …..Yes I set you a trap!!!

The photographs were only taken less than 2 weeks ago, so I challenge the BBI stating that they knew about this 6 months ago!.. you silly billies

Even in your last few days of power you are still telling fairy tales!

Sorry BBI boys and girls caught you out – BIG time, this time!

We all know that the BBI do nothing off their own backs and whilst half the time stealing the glory and credit of others to cover up their own shortfalls and failures – this only goes to prove that they are desperately on the back foot behind the Conservatives, especially after last Monday night’s devastating defeat in Full Council when the BBI all had to vote (including your Leader) with the Conservatives,…  
       … just to save your own necks, cluck cluck cluck, click click  – Good job it’s not Xmas – oh sorry that’s turkeys …gobble gobble!!

P.S., Come on Mr Raymonde ‘Major’ Newell – stop writing your own Blog articles and then leaving your own comments to make it look as though the BBI have got at least one supporter! 

This has simply made my Easter weekend and I am surprised it has taken you BBI guys this long!!

P.P.S., You’ll have to get up a lot earlier in the morning if you want to catch me out like this.

Remember, surely you must find it difficult trying to be as smart as you are, when;  on your best day you will never be as smart as others when they are on their worst day! 

Tell you what boys, I’ll even help you out – I get hundreds more hits than the BBI Blog, so here is a gesture of goodwill, click here to see how silly you’ve made yourselves all look ……

http://bostonindy.blogspot.com/2011/04/once-more-unto-breach-dear-friends.html

Have a Happy Easter – BBI boys and girls!

22 April 2011 0 Comments

“PROBABLY CLAIMING TO BE THE BEST BLOG IN THE WORLD …….. CHEERS!”

After my foray of complaints against the BBI – aka The Boston By-Pass Party about their claims of “The Most improved Council” which we all know is not true, it would appear from recent literature through letterboxes that they have now changed their statement to include;

“Claiming to be the Most Improved Council”

and also the BBI team are claiming

“Boston Borough Council being probably the Most Improved Council in the country of those recently assessed”.

I believe all residents and electors of Boston Borough will realise that the word probably’ and the word ‘claiming’ means precious nothing.

We could in actual fact, based on the BBI’s game playing with words, be saying that;

“the BBI (Boston By-Pass Party) probably are the worst political party in history”

 

“Richard Austin probably the worst Leader of our time”

 

“The BBI probably the most dysfunctional political party Boston has ever seen”

 

I think whichever way you want to use the word ‘probably’ this is clearly just another ‘hood-winking’ propaganda event put on and performed by the BBI thespians of the Boston By-Pass Party!

Let’s face it – the By-Pass Party cannot think of anything original without stealing someone else’s glory and we all know that the probably’ campaign has been stolen from the Carlsberg advert as Boston’s Carlsberg drinkers will ‘probably’ know!

20 April 2011 0 Comments

‘BANGED-TO-RIGHTS’ – Boston Eye vs Mr Mayor

Today’s Boston Eye could not have summed up the poor performance of Peter Jordan, Mayor of Boston on his Farewell – Full Council session last Monday night better. Especially when his performance was in front of ‘half of Boston’s public’…

http://bostoneyelincolnshire.blogspot.com/2011/04/now-it-seems-all-questions-are.html  

In Peter Jordan’s initial speech when he took over as Mayor, stating he was going to run a fair and non-political chamber and would not be taking sides, I question what happened?

Some facts:- 

 - Last Monday he allowed Cllr Richard Austin to debate for 10:44 minutes (time allowed is 5 minutes). My question to Austin was disallowed due to being political! 

- Cllr Jim Blaylock has been allowed as many as 5 times to speak on the same item on more than one occasion (you are only allowed to speak once)

- Cllr Newell, max time 6:32 minutes – all about when he was a Major/teacher in the army based in the Far East (what’s that got to do with politics)

- My question last month to Cllr R Austin was disallowed due to being non-political

   …get the picture!