D-3 what Bank Holiday?
A campaign team of over 25 people were out delivering pledge letters today, as we were well supported by mutual aid from Chingford constituency. We also managed to get out additional literature about Chase Farm hospital.
This morning I managed to visit four Turkish newspapers just before the deadlines to counter the negative campaigning of my opponent, and at the same time remind people as we approach the election of reasons why they should vote Conservative.
Off now for dinner with a group of residents in Highway and a question and answer session at a local restaurant.
Positive campaign message
By close of play on Saturday night I had managed to clock up 17831 steps, which translated into two canvassing sessions in key 'swing' wards of Highway and Turkey Street. We had canvas teams of 10 people in each ward and all I dare say is that it felt very encouraging. In between those afternoon sessions I went to the launch of the X Bus, a sort of travelling youth club that has been put together by a group of churches. The bus contained some great activities for youngsters to take advantage of. In fact the whole project demonstrates how local communities can do so much better than the State when it comes to providing successful so called social action projects. Congratulations to all involved and thanks to Pete for showing me around during the launch day. A very positive afternoon meeting people and talking about our ideas for the new government of the country if we are to be elected.
During the first half of the day we got together a very determined team of deliverers who are furious at the negative campaigning of our opponent who is spreading complete fiction based scare stories in a desperate attempt to cling to her seat. So despicable are these attempts that we felt we had no alternative but to raise with voters once again the question of trust- which we did with over 30,000 leaflets being distributed on that very subject.
The day finished with some positive polls showing that there appears to be a trend of support towards the Conservatives, if true are very encouraging.
May Day will be the busiest yet of the campaign
Friday the 30 April was a grey cold day which reminded me of the early start to the campaign when over-coats and scarf's were obligatory. The last thing we want is rain today as we get set to deliver 25000 leaflets across the constituency.
We spent some of the day pulling together approximately 45 people who will work through out today delivering a key piece of literature that nails the dishonesty of my opponent, and there scare mongering tactics. It is deeply regrettable that Labour have dragged there campaign to a new low, but I understand this is the sort of tactic going on around the country by their candidates. We can't however ignore the the fact that they are prepared to lie about non existent policies in order to try and scare people into voting for them. They have only fear to offer instead of positive ideas.
Last night we had a large campaign team out in Enfield Lock, about 10 people at one point all knocking on doors. The Conservative vote remains very strong. Charles Tannock MEP joined us for the evening. The only problem was we had more people that expected turn out so we finished somewhat earlier than expected!
Total steps on Friday-13833, Thursday 12287, Wednesday 12871.
I think today will be a record as we head for two sessions of canvassing, two high street walkabouts and deliveries.
Last Friday of the campaign
D-6 means that this time next week we will know the outcome of this long and demanding election campaign. I am sure like many, voters and candidates alike, it will be good to reach the finishing line!
Yesterday I had an hour long radio phone in program on London Turkish Radio which was thoroughly enjoyable. The standard and variety of questions was first rate. I was on the air with our young council candidate Mehmet Imamzade. I was particularly impressed with his relaxed manor on the radio and knowledge of policy. For a 20 year old to give such a commanding performance was a pleasure to witness, I wish him the very best of luck in the local elections next week. He is definitely someone to watch.
Last night we packed out the North Enfield Conservative Club to watch the final leaders debate. David Cameron simply wiped the floor and justifiably the post debate polls show he clearly won the debate on substance and credibility. It will be interesting to see what voters made of it when we go out canvassing later today and this evening.
The early morning sunshine saw some of the campaign team outside another station early this morning, but I noticed that many people it seems had started their bank holiday weekend early as there were far less commuters than usual! Time for breakfast I think....
Interesting afternoon including an interview with the Istanbul Times who wanted to discuss everything from election detail to Foreign Affaires, I look forward to seeing the article one day!
Train stations and 'bigots'
Getting home late last night after an evening question and answer session with a local Greek community group I had the chance to catch up on the news of the day which was of course all about Gordon Brown and his cruel comments about a lady he met whilst campaigning in Rochdale. Calling her a bigot when he thought he was out of earshot because she had earlier asked a perfectly reasonable question about immigration showed Gordon Brown's serious character flaws and demonstrate again why he is unfit to be prime minister.
It seems however my opponent is also quite happy to stoop to this offensive and disgraceful behaviour as the following extract from one of her campaign letters that we received from a very disgruntled first time voter shows. Joan Ryan writes-
"Most of us would never dream of voting for a party ......... that cosies up with Holocaust
deniers, bigots and homophobes. This is what the Tories have done. This is who they are
- and they don't deserve your vote."
How desperate is that? No wonder we need to rid this parliament of people who just don't understand that the public want a new type of politics. And for that we need a new type of MP.
Meanwhile, today we took our message out to early morning commuters at a local train station. It was good to meet so many people, who, admittedly with little time to chat as they rushed to catch their train were pleased to see us and took our literature. One nice thing about this stage of the campaign is having people coming up to you and saying that they have already voted for you with their postal vote!
Now for the rest of the day I have canvassing, a radio interview and of course a group gathering to watch the final TV debate.
The utterly shameful Joan Ryan
This week Joan Ryan, the Labour candidate and incumbent MP for Enfield North posted on her website accusations that Enfield council were in "secret" talks with a healthcare company to sell Chase Farm Hospital and build a "huge private hospital" in its place.
It is complete and utter nonsense.
Joan Ryan has invented the story. There is not even a grain of truth in her absurd accusations. For one, it is not even within the power of Enfield council to somehow sell off Chase Farm.
The healthcare company being smeared by Joan Ryan, BMI, has contacted her through their solicitors making clear to her the allegations are false, and made a statement available to the local media.
The Chief Executive of NHS Enfield has also made clear no such discussions have ever taken place, as has the Leader of Enfield council Michael Rye, who has also made this clear to the local newspapers.
This is the kind of deceit and that has wrecked people's faith in politics.
We already know Joan Ryan was prepared to "bend the truth" by playing word games with Chase Farm. But to dream up an outrageous accusation against the council, the NHS and a healthcare provider in the hope of conning people into voting for her is utterly, utterly shameful.
Schools and balloons
I don't feel that this election should be a 'celebratory' election. I mean by that the country is having a tough time of it presently, the future will be hard and many families have , and may continue to have challenging times ahead. That's why when we have been campaigning in the town centre and along shopping parades we have resisted the temptation to carry lots of balloons stickers trying to create a carnival atmosphere. It just would not reflect the mood of the electorate as we approach this election.
We are however out and about meeting as many people as possible. We have and will continue to walk through shopping centres giving out leaflets and simply listening to people's concerns, priorities and hopes for the future.
We have also been to schools where we are giving out information about our school policies. Yesterday we were at George Spicer School on Southbury Road and I was genuinely surprised about the level of interest in what we were giving out. It then became apparent to me that a few days before Labour had been at the school with balloons and stickers and little else. Some parents were telling me how they felt the youngsters were being used by Labour to promote the Labour candidates name. Many felt that this use of children was inappropriate, more so because some parents did not want their children's carrying Labour Party balloons and stickers, but trying explaining that to your seven year old!
Let's stick to policy and not hype.
St George's Day Scouts parade
If anyone is in any doubt about the level of community spirit they should make sure they attend this annual event. I was honoured to have been invited to take part in this years parade along with former Mayor Lee Chamberlain and my fellow candidates for the General Election. As we turned into Church Street I was genuinely shocked and delighted with the size of the crowd that had gathered to watch the parade, including ofcourse the many cheering and clapping releatives of the children in the parade. The place was packed! Great fun, and a real joy to be there.
And a quick step counter check...Sunday was a calmer day with only 5913 steps, but Saturday was manic with 11735....
12 Days to save Chase Farm Hospital A&E
Rarely in general elections do local issues feature so dominantly as does the future of Chase Farm Hospital here in Enfield North which has been set for downgrade from 2013 by the Labour government. But then as we have seen already, this is no ordinary election. Locally, my opponent has decided that following the lead of so many Labour candidates across the country she should not be straight with Enfield residents and spread confusion and untruths about the future of our A&E which is set to be downgraded under her own Labour government in 2013.
This election is about trust, and I know that many people have been told by my opponent that she 'saved Chase Farm' - she has not.
That's why I was delighted to welcome the Shadow London Minister Justine Greening to Chase Farm Hospital where we held a packed press conference to state our policy and dispel the myths being peddled by a desperate Labour candidate. No shadow team visit could carry more importance in helping getting the truth out about our hospital during what has become a very negative campaign from Labour locally.
Let's be clear, under a Labour government Chase Farm will lose its Accident and Emergency Unit after 2013, with no more blue light emergencies going to the hospital. That is the policy of a Labour government that has ignored the wishes of local residents. Instead, there will be an Urgent Care Centre- not at all the same thing. With the Conservatives, NHS services will be commissioned by GPs. So GPs, in consultation with the people of Enfield, will be able to determine the services they wish to maintain at Chase Farm. If GPs and the people of Enfield want to maintain emergency and maternity services, there will be no forced closure under the Conservatives. Which means we have 12 Days to save Chase Farm Hospital A&E.
As an aside during the press conference held at the entrance to Chase Farm ( since the hospital have banned us from visiting or being on the premises during the campaign) we were regularly given car honking support from passers by on the Ridgeway- very heartening!
After that we moved onto the Town Centre with Justine for what was meant to be a 30 minute walkabout meeting residents but turning into an hour long session before the visit finished. Lunch followed in the Sun & Woolpack on Hertford Road surrounded by St George's Day flags and lot's of friendly faces. Fully re-charged we embarked on three hours of door knocking being careful not to clash with the Spurs and Arsenal matches- a sure way to lose support!
The electorate will make us work hard for their vote
Today was just door knocking, with up to six hours meeting and talking to people at their homes. Speaking plainly the support seems good and we are very encouraged. Yet there are clearly many people who are still unsure of where to they should lend their support, and in some cases whether they should vote at all.
I know that in asking for a vote from someone, you are asking for their trust, which is no small thing after the shameful conduct of many MP's during the last parliament. People are also looking at policies, and I have had more questions in the last 2/3 days about policy that I can remember ever getting before, and not just on local issues. All this is to be welcomed, but I do think that this points to an electorate that is going to leave it until the last possible minute to decide how they will vote. And that means we may not see a shift in the polls for some time, but more importantly it means campaigning nationally, and locally will go on to the last possible minute.
And my team and I will go on doing just that. If you have not heard from us or would like us to visit please do contact me on nickdebois@enfieldnorth.org as soon as possible.
Have a great weekend!
Debate number 2
I was not surprised with the outcome of tonight's debate as it struck me that the big one is the last one and that it will be the most significant influencer of voting intention if the audience figures hold up, and of course not least the following day's news coverage! I fully expect the polls to show a slight hardening of our vote this week and Labour to stay in the doldrums. Regardless if they are accurate then we have much work to do to convince people that a hung parliament is not a good idea for Britain.
Our campaign team assembled again in the North Enfield Club and enjoyed the whole evening. I think some of the contributions from our floor would have been appreciated by the Sky News audience!
I was late to arrive as I attended a public meeting before hand, one of the few to have taken place during this campaign. I am quite disappointed that there has been no effort to have hustings, and my suggestions have been rebuffed. Regardless we are holding question and answer sessions whenever possible and if you would like to attend one email me at nickdebois@enfieldnorth.org
Giving voice to local issues
If elected, one of the main jobs of a good local MP should be to give voice to issues that are of importance to local residents, and local resident groups. Last night, we managed to achieve this on behalf of the "Say No to Merryhills Expansion" group who oppose the expansion of their primary school.
The formal consultation process is underway that examines the possibility of the expansion so the timing was perfect to persuade the Leader of the Council to accept a deputation from the group at the start of the cabinet meeting. I was delighted to be able to do this and congratulations to Matt Walters (pictured right) for making such a powerful argument to the cabinet.
10860 steps last night so with two weeks to go my total is...216,431....that's a lot of steps!
Late night campaigning and mysterious post on web site
Finally got home by 10.00pm after attending a Residents Association meeting this evening where school expansion was high on the agenda. As I have mentioned before, these local issues are more often than not very important to local residents who may be affected by them. This is where being an effective MP[ can really help by lending voice to residents concerns to make sure that their points do get heard in the right places, at the right time.
14392 steps today are evidence of two canvas sessions and a walkabout in Enfield Town earlier this morning. Meanwhile back at the campaign office we had 20 volunteers in preparing a new delivery for residents as we approach the last half of the election campaign. D-16, much done and much much more to do!
Tomorrow looks set to be busy again and I am hoping to see our first posted election communication arriving on the door steps this week, perhaps tomorrow. In addition the interview I gave on Chase Farm Hospital should be published so I hope that generates some feedback. More on that tomorrow!
Finally someone tried to post a comment on the blog but it has not appeared, but I did get an automatic email telling me about the post- unfortunatley I can't respond because I don't know which post it was commenting on- if you are reading this let me know.
Volcanic Ash!
Today the news has been dominated by the travellers who are suffering as a result of the Volcanic Ash, and rightly so. I am sure for those people stuck in other countries, possibly running short of money and with little end in sight to their personal nightmare the election seems not that important presently. My son is overseas and he will not be back as planned. I have been lucky enough to re-book him on a flight, but he has to wait until 27th April assuming all well and good by then. Good luck to them all, and I hope the relief efforts work. Having said that as I write there seems a chance the misery might be lifted very soon as some airports plan to open for limited services tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
Meanwhile back on the campaign trail we have been spending much of the day organising so I felt 'office bound' which just did not feel quite right. Having said that, we have been delighted to see our next batch of literature leaving the office as the delivery teams arrived to pick up the election addresses. We made up for this evening with two hours worth of delivery, before we return for canvassing.
Yesterday a half day! So only 4922 steps! Must do better....
Second full campaign weekend
Saturday weather was fabulous and it looks good for tomorrow as well. We began in the aftermath of the debate and with the polls threatening to show a swing to the Lib Dems we were keen to get out and find out if real people were switching to the Lib Dems- so far no sign of that at all.
Over the next week we will see more scrutiny of their policies I am sure, which is something they have never been exposed to.
Meanwhile our fight locally is against Labour in this two horse race, and we took that fight to the door steps once again, and undertook a walkabout in Hertford Road. After a long week of canvassing there is no doubt that people do welcome us making the effort and the support we are getting is very encouraging. In addition all our literature deliveries seem on target, and we have begun the next batch already. One thing for sure, the whole team are making a superb effort!
Planning improvements under the Conservatives
6.15am Wake up
7.00am Finish the over-night emails
7.30am Walk through town for morning coffee
8.30am Back to office for days planning and more emails
10.00am Canvassing with Mark Field and a team of 8 in Town Ward
12.30pm Deliveries with the Lock team
1.45pm Much needed cup of tea in the Silver Spoon cafe Hertford Road
2.30pm Meet up with Bob Neil (Shadow Housing Minister) at Sun & Woolpack ( who asked for more posters!)
2.45pm Two hours canvassing in part of a ward that is threatened with over development. Bob explain how local communities and councils will have more powers to shape their own communities and abolish these craze targets for house building that Labour have set. Great reception.
4.45pm Drop off poster at another house and head back to office for another cup of tea!
5.45pm Leave for two hours canvassing with Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith. A real delight to have him join us.
Steps so far today 20,000 and more to come!
Leaders' Debates
Watching the live tv debates
I invited a group of people over to watch the live leaders' debates at the North Enfield Conservative Club last night (I have to admit it was actually my Agent's idea!). It was a great atmosphere as we had about 20 people come to watch (there are quite a few people out of shot), and we all enjoyed cheering Cameron and jeering Brown.
I'm really pleased the leaders' debates have come about and I'm sure they'll now become a permanent fixture in general election campaigns. Roll on the next debate!
21 Days to rid us of this dreadful government
Good canvassing in a marginal ward which is very encouraging, and it was good to have some people asking for posters. Personally I think posters are something that is great for moral of all candidates ( Local and General Election) but do not necessarily shed to much light on how the race is going! Having said that, the more the merrier, so if you would like one please call the office open 020 8363 0653 or email me at nick.debois@enfieldnorth.org
During the day I visited some businesses owners in Enfield and discussed with them their thoughts on what they want from government. Judging by their comments it is clear that not just the big companies oppose Gordon Brown's national insurance tax rise and do support our plans to stop it if we are elected to government. I just don't understand how, as one Labour minister put it on Radio 5 Live today, " this rise will help create jobs" - clearly he has never run a small business. And clearly he has forgotten it is with successful businesses, large or small, that we create jobs, which means more tax revenues which fund our schools and hospitals etc. Time for change clearly.
Finally to close the day I had the chance to speak to about 80 people and take questions. Not surprisingly the theme was "21 Days to rid this country of this dreadful government" I wish we had more public meetings in Enfield North.
Enfield North's last Conservative MP
Enfield North's last Conservative MP Tim Eggar joined us this morning for two canvassing sessions. He was MP from 1979 until 1997. Clearly he made an impact as many people we visited remembered him and were delighted to see Tim out with us.
Trust
We began early today at 9.30 am!
Much to my surprise we found plenty of people happy to chat that early and we kept going until 2 pm. Marina Yannakoudakis MEP joined us for the morning and was very energetic. After that we made our way to Enfield Town for walkabout and deliveries. A busy day as we are now about to leave for Enfield Highway and a two hour canvassing session. Labour seem to think Highway is their ward and don't feel the need to do much work there, I hope we can surprise them as our message reaches out across the whole community.
It is disappointing that some voters have received my opponents literature claiming that she has saved Chase Farm when in fact she has failed the hospital. Some residents are asking why she is claiming we have a 24hour A&E when in fact the head of Enfield NHS has slammed her for confusing and misleading residents. They are right to ask that question because when you ask someone for their vote you are asking for their trust, and Labour have shown they do not deserve it.
First full week underway
Three canvas sessions today, one with Marina Yannakoudakis MEP took us across the constituency. I have no doubt that this will be a full week of door knocking and meeting people and listening to their priorities. It is not just during election campaigns that we canvas opinion. The whole team have been doing this since October 2008- and we have knocked on over 9000 doors in that time. It is the best way of keeping in touch with what residents think of as their most important issues.
First campaigning week-end
Long day, but very encouraging.
We kicked off with a 30 strong team of deliverers issuing our latest campaign leaflet. I am pleased that we are sending out literature that is positive, and about what we can do nationally and locally. It sits in stark contrast to the negative opponent bashing leaflets that Labour are putting out. There is nothing positive in their material, only deceitful and dishonest claims that I can only guess are meant to make people fearful of a change of government. Shameful , but I guess Labour and my opponent have nothing else to offer.
After the deliveries we had a two hour canvas session in Eastern Enfield I joined our campaign stall in Enfield Town for an hour meeting lots of residents and talking about our policies for the NHS. A great response and high level of interest from people, it was a shame I could only stay for an hour before a canvassing session in Eastern Enfield, followed by a well earned tea break in the Silver Spoon cafe on Hertford Road.
And then one final big canvas session to round up the day.
It is encouraging that despite the understandable cynacism of many to politics today, so many people do want to meet and chat to their candidates.
A good day, and thank you to all the team!
Our Market needs our support
This morning I was walking through the Town Center on my way back from having a coffee at the excellent coffee shop on Chase Station platform when I was stopped by some of the market stall holders. (That's why I like to wear a party rosette to encourage people to stop and chat with me if they wish).
In answer to a straight question about how was business I got a very direct answer. " Bad" they all said.
You only have to look at the empty stalls at the back of the market place to understand that if we don't arrest the decline it could jeopardise not just the livelihood of these traders, but leave us without a good local market. That would be a big loss to Enfield.
I hope that local people will try and support the market as much as possible, and, as we try to do with the 'Backing Local Business Campaign' where we seek to encourage people to buy from local shops, we should do and do the same with the market. Perhaps buy something that may otherwise be bought in a supermarket perhaps? I know that supermarkets have their place, but so to do our markets and I am sure none of us would like to lose what we have in Enfield.
How many steps can you walk in a day?
One thing about election campaigns is you do a lot of walking. I have been recording on a step counter how many steps I have walked since the election was announced on Tuesday. I have clocked up about 33,000 so far ( an average office bound worker will clock up about 3,500 a day as I used to do). I though it would be a bit of harmless fun to see how many I managed to do up to and including May 6th. I will let you know it goes!
One way to ensure a lot of steps is to make sure the campaign team get out and meet as many people as possible. In addition to regular sessions of knocking on doors we are doing street 'walkabouts' stopping and chatting to shoppers and listen to their priorities. Today we were in Hertford Road up by the Co-op and got a good welcome from many people. Thumbs up to the Sun and Woolpack who took some posters off us to put up in the windows!
For the rest of the day we met with local press, undertook some deliveries and in the evening met with a residents group who had invited people to meet with me. I much appreciate their time. If you would like to arrange a house meeting please do email me on nickdebois@enfieldnorth.org
Mark Francois MP Shadow Europe Minister
The day kicked off with a press conference at the campaign office
where Mark Francois came to support the campaign.
He took questions on Europe of course and Cyprus in particular given
the high level of interest from local Cypriots who live in the
constituency. We swiftly moved on to cover key subjects of local
interest including how to support local businesses and jobs which will
be a key priority for me if elected.
Questions came thick and fast on our pledge to halt the cuts at Chase
Farm, more so in the light of Labours commitment to downgrade the
hospital in 2013. A good event and some of the press coverage can be
read by the links below.
The constituency had by the end of the day received over 18000
introductory leaflets with more to come today and tomorrow. This
evening however I joined a canvassing team in Turkey Street where we
even managed to get some posters up. The campaign seems well underway!
Gordon Brown finally calls the election
Prime Minister Gordon Brown finally called the general election this week, ensuring a 6 May poll date to coincide with local council elections here in Enfield council.
There's a lot of people in this country who try to do the right thing all their lives. They work hard, pay their taxes, obey the law - and they just want a reason to believe that anything is still possible in our country. This election is about giving them that reason, giving them that hope. That's our mission for the next 30 days and I can't wait to get started.
Truthfully, we have been campaigning here in Enfield North over the last five years, ever since the last election. During that time we have been keen to show what we can achieve as a campaigning organisation so that people can elect a Conservative MP who has a track record of achievement and not just a list of promises.
We have knocked on over 2000 doors since January 1st, and I hope we will meet with you between now and May 6th. However, if you would like to speak to me in the meantime please do email me at nickdebois@enfieldnorth.org or telephone 0208 3630653
All 63 seats are up for grabs on Enfield council. The Conservatives have been in control since winning power in 2002, but have a majority of just three.
6 May promises to be an imortant day in Enfield, with voters choosing their local MP and three councillors. You can register to vote by visting www.enfield.gov.uk
Enfield Conservatives launch election manifesto
Last night Enfield Conservatives launched their maniesto, Everyone's Enfield, for the local elections on 6 May.
Since winning control of Enfield council in 2002, the council has gone from being rated as "weak" by the government to being rated as "excellent". The council has also been awarded Beacon Status for supporting older people in the borough to live indepedently, and increase spending on youth services by 68% in real terms.
As well as investing millions in our roads, pavements, street lighting and parks, the Conservatives have frozen council tax this year.
When Labour were in power between 1994 and 2002, they near bankrupted the council. £1.9 million had to be cut from the education budget, investment in roads and pavements was pathetic and our streets dirty. Council tax went up an average of 6% a year despite inflation being low. The Conservatives won power and restored the borough's finances, kept council tax low and set about repairing our roads and keeping our streets clean.
I'm sure people in Enfield will be voting Conservative in both elections on 6 May so that the Conservatives can do nationally what they've done here in Enfield - sort out the mess left by Labour and put our country back on its feet.
You can download the manifesto here.
Misleading the public - time for honesty on Chase Farm Hospital
I am 51 years old. I am not a career politician, having spent most of my adult life outside of politics running my own business and raising a family. I hope, along with many other new faces that may get elected at this General Election, to bring a bit of common sense and 'real life' perspective to a much tarnished House of Commons. This means I will not stoop to the levels of campaigning that my opposite number, the local Labour MP Joan Ryan, has done recently.
She continues to pump out literature that tries to sell the lie that she has saved Chase Farm Hospital, and saved the 24-hour Accident & Emergency unit.
She has not.
The head of Enfield's Primary Care Trust has written to Joan Ryan to berate her for confusing residents, despite being repeatedly asked not to. Read the letter here.
Local newspaper the Enfield Advertiser criticised her publicly in a recent editorial for the same thing (see page 8 after clicking the link).
Such however is Joan Ryan's determination to try and win the election that she continues to plug this claim regardless of the truth of the situation.
In 2013 there will be no blue lights going to Chase Farm under a Labour government. We will not have a 24hour consultant led A&E. A hospital that loses it's 24 hour A&E withers on the vine.
In the last two months Joan Ryan, the current Labour MP for Enfield North has issued letters and literature continuing to grossly mislead the public.
Shame on her.
Merryhills school expansion plan
This evening I joined a meeting called by residents and parents of pupils at Merryhills Primary School. I don't want to name the residents and parents who are so brilliantly organised, but I take my hat of to them for their community action.
Clearly the expansion of the school in unpopular. Residents concerns broadly fall into the following category;
Lack of transparency in the consultation process (again!)
Doubt over whether the school governors actually support this expansion
The obvious traffic implications, which in my opinion present considerable problems that are difficult to overcome
School standards
I share these concerns. In respect of transparency we were assured by the education authorities that we would have visibility of when the traffic consultation team did their site work, but when I asked for the dates and times on Friday I was not given any. I have instead been invited to a meeting to discuss the matter of the expansion. Fair enough, and I look forward to that meeting this afternoon. But I see no reason why we cannot have the dates and times of when the traffic impact assessment survey is being undertaken. After all, it is meant to be a transparent process right?
Save our Shops petition goes to the government
We have now presented our Save our Shops petition to the government calling for a freeze on the business rates re-valuation which is causing so many problems for our small shops and businesses. One newsagent told me he faces a 25% increase in his rates as a result of the government insisting on going ahead with the rises, despite the deepest recession in living memory.
Merryhills Primary School expansion
At the second public meeting held at the school this evening to discuss the proposed expansion of the school I noted the keen local interest in this development, I counted about 100 people there. No doubt about it the primary issue was the traffic impact on the neighbourhood, and frankly I agree with the concerns. The answers were less than convincing from the Traffic impact consultants who had been drafted in by the council to examine the issue. My concern, and one that I expressed at the meeting was that the TIA should be completely objective and not be undertaken with the pre-conceived objective of supporting the application come what may.
I don't doubt the sincerity of the council team that were present who have the difficult task of trying to manage the continuing growth of population and meeting their statutory obligation to provide an education. However, once again the audience had genuine concerns about the transparency of the process, and, as with a previous school application (Worcesters) , I see my job as to give voice to those concerns.
There is already a plan for a so called temporary 'bulge' class for next academic year and many parents felt they had been misled on this issue at the first meeting held back in September. One resident rightly drew attention to the fact that the extra 30 places for that bulge class already, mean a traffic impact on what are clearly very condensed road conditions.
I intend to visit the school at dropping off time at the request of a local resident tomorrow morning to see for myself and then lobby the Leader of the Council on this matter on behalf of residents.
Press report Joan Ryan's misleading claims for Chase Farm A&E
Click on the link below to see what the Enfield Advertiser has said about Joan Ryan's reprimand from the head of Enfield Primary Care Trust.
The Enfield Advertiser have also printed on page 8 a letter from myself, Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes and Edmonton Conservative candidate Andy Charalambous on Joan Ryan's "use of language". The editor also has a few choice words below, too!
"Reprimand" to Joan Ryan MP from NHS Enfield over Chase Farm letter
I have set out below a copy of a press release that we issued after seeing a letter from Enfield PCT to Joan Ryan. We have been calling for some time for honesty in respect of the future of our local hospital. This is an issue that thousands of many local residents care about, and it is an issue that involves people lives. There is no excuse for politically motivated spin such as Joan Ryan has been undertaking.
Press release:Enfield North Labour MP Joan Ryan has been reprimanded by Enfield Primary Care Trust for potentially misleading people over the future downgrading of Chase Farm Hospital.
The letter to Ms. Ryan demands that the MP stop refering to plans for a 24-hour local A&E "in order to not further confuse Enfield residents". Nigel Beverley, Chief Executive of Enfield PCT, makes clear that Chase Farm will only have a 12-hour consultant led Urgent Care Centre, with a 24-hour primary care service.
Mr. Beverley's frustration is clear in the letter, as it appears Ms. Ryan had already been warned she was going too far in describing an Urgent Care Centre as 24-hour local A&E. Mr. Beverley says in the letter is he writing to "clarify, yet again, as we discussed as recently as last Friday" that Chase Farm will only have a "12-hour consultant-led Urgent Care Centre".
The letter will come as a blow to Joan Ryan as she prepares to defend her marginal Parliamentary seat at the general election, widely expected to be on 6 May.
Nick de Bois, Conservative candidate for Enfield North said, "At a time when trust in politicians is so low, it is a great shame Joan Ryan has chosen to play word games over Chase Farm Hospital. We need honesty over Chase Farm, and Joan Ryan has been less than honest".
Mr. de Bois added, "The straightforward choice at the forthcoming election is whether to support the status quo of Joan Ryan's Labour Government's decision to downgrade our hospital, or support the only prospect of change through David Cameron's commitment to halt the cuts and conduct a proper clinical review". You can read the full text of the letter here.
Save our Shops
Today we took our 'Backing 
Local Business Campaign' to a new level by tackling the excessive businesses rate rises that our local shops are facing.
The rateable value of many businesses is based on actual rent achieved from shops. Shopkeepers rightly point out that the new rateable values being imposed are based on unrealistic rents that are not being achieved in Enfield. The Governments Valuation office is basing the rateable value on figures from 2008 which do not reflect the current values. As a result massive hikes in the cost of running shops means that we could see more shutters coming down as shops cease to trade. This would not be good for the local area and local jobs. Local shops can help maintain the quality of the local environment and provide a valuable service.
Today we have launched our petition which we are taking to as many shops as possible. The petition will end up with the government, who are responsible for the new valuations. We are asking the government not to go ahead with these changes which come at a very difficult time for the economy and we should not be putting this pressure on local shops.
Look out for our posters in Hertford Road, Lancaster Road and Baker Street so far.
If you want a petition form and poster please email me at nick@nickdebois.com
Enfield Town Post Office
I was walking past Enfield Town Post Office this morning and noticed it was shut. It has been shut since late last week. There was a scrappy notice stuck to the front door stating the obvious, that the Post Office was shut, but little else except a number to dial for further enquiries. With a small group of customers gathering around all very frustrated with the situation I dialled the enquiry line. After several irritating call options I was told that the Post Office was closed due to an 'audit'. This seemed very unconvincing, and I suspect there is a lot more to this than first meets the eye. It would not surprise me if new owners were being sort, but I do not know that for sure.
Whatever the reason for the closure ( and I understand there may be a skeleton staff there tomorrow) it has shown two things. For the short amount of time I was there, there was no shortage of customers for post office services. Second, the closure of Chase Side which so many of us bitterly opposed meant that the nearest alternative was Lancaster Road. Not a reasonable choice for many people, particularly the elderly.
The Post Office have not managed this temporary closure well, leaving customers in the dark and with little realistic alternative facilities for many.
What this whole episode underlines is the importance of our local post office network, and I will do my best to protect it if elected as Enfield North's MP.
Worcesters primary school expansion
Worcester's school is being considered for expansion to accommodate some 200 more pupils. Many local residents in the immediate neighbourhood of the school, ( Goat Lane, Garnault Road, Russell Road and Hoe Lane in particular) are very concerned about the impact of traffic congestion and safety. In short whilst there is room for expansion the immediate infrastructure would not support the impact of the expansion. They are rightly very worries about the proposal.
I have a lot of sympathy for the council position to provide more school places. They are constantly facing criticism for not providing enough primary school places so I fully understand the need for changes in the borough including the provision of two new schools which are planned for the east of the borough.
That said, I do believe that where local residents have significant and justifiable concerns over any proposed development I should, as I would hope any representative would, help ensure those concerns are taken seriously into consideration. I have no hesitation in lending my support as well to the residents and will do what I can to ensure their voice is heard.
Clearly the feasibility study is underway and therefore the process of approval has some way to go. I know first hand of the current traffic problems which will be compounded further by this development, not to mention the possible safety issues that arise. To date I have arranged a meeting with the Lead Cabinet Member for Education Services to press the concerns of residents. I know also that the leader of the council, Mike Rye has now met with some residents tomorrow who will voice their concerns.
No MP, or in my case candidate for becoming the local MP has any formal role to play in planning matters, however I do think when approached by residents it is a reasonable course of action to help ensure all those concerned can be heard which I am doing very willingly. In the meantime if you wish to lodge your objections do email them to neil.rousell@enfield.gov.uk
Calling on residents
End to a very busy week. I was out with the campaign team were calling on residents in Turkey Street and Enfield Lock during the week despite the very cold weather! I would have quite understood if people had just asked us to go away since standing on the doorstep in this cold weather cannot seem that attractive! Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly people did want to talk. I find it really quite refreshing that despite the understandable cynicism with politics and MP's the majority of people do appreciate a visit regardless of their voting intention. The main issues in Lock and Turkey Street? Crime, anti social behaviour and concern over future levels of immigration which gave us a good chance to explain our policies on these particular issues. Meanwhile, I do hope the weather warms up as we will be out most nights between now and the election.....
Supporting local business
I met with representatives of local banks today where I pressed the case for more lending to business and outlined some of the frustrations local businesses, and shops in particular feel about access and availability to funds. I also listened carefully to what the banks had to say. I think it is important that every opportunity is taken to lobby banks on what is happening on our high streets and make the case for supporting local business as much as possible.
Chase Farm Hospital Public Meeting
On Saturday I attended a public meeting on the future for Chase Farm Hospital held at St George's Church Hall in Enfield, and wanted to use this blog to update you on the outlook for our local hospital.
The government have not changed their minds and are committed to downgrading the 24hr A&E department come what may, and we are also faced with the imminent loss of Consultant led maternity services to Barnet. Whilst this is no surprise I am sure you will be shocked to know that there are now consultations underway for a 'North London review' which means that Barnet Hospital may will lose it's A&E and maternity unit as well. In addition other hospitals in Haringey are now under threat.
The appalling loss of front line services cannot be allowed to go on.
Recently you may have read that we are being invited to 'celebrate' the fact that Chase Farm will have instead an 'Urgent Care Centre' for 12 hours a day and an overnight GP service to replace our current 24hr A&E. The government are telling us that this is as good as a fully functioning A&E, it is not.However Labour try to sell this, the bottom line is we won't have blue light ambulances going to Chase Farm. So if you have a heart attack, a stroke or some other kind of serious emergency you still can't be treated at Chase Farm.
At the meeting I set out the Conservative Party plans for Chase Farm Hospital should they win the coming General Election. David Cameron has pledged that an incoming Conservative government would halt the cuts to Chase Farm with the imposition of a moratorium that would ensure a clinical based review of any changes based on what doctors and clinicians think and not politicians as is the current position. This policy applies to all forced closures of A&E units across the country.
Chase Farm Hospital defines what 12 years of a Labour government have meant to Enfield. We can't go on like. It's time for change
Holocaust Memorial Day
This evening I was at the Dugdale Centre in Thomas Hardy House to attend the Holocause Memorial Event which was very well attended. Students from Broomfield School gave a presentation on their vist to Auschwitz and most signifcantly their impressions and told us what they had learnt from the visit. The point being we must never forget what happend in the Holocaust and the with this internnational program of school visits, the next generation will help achieve that goal. Rabbi Stephen Howard and Rabbi Emanuel Levy both closed the program of events with moving and thought provoking speeches. I am so glad Enfield council support this event.
Labour's con trick on Chase Farm Hospital
Statement on Chase Farm Hospital
Responding to the news that the Enfield PCT have confirmed that there will only be a 12 hour urgent care centre and overnight primary care service at Chase Farm Hospital - replacing the current fully-fledged 24 hour A&E department, Nick de Bois, Conservative candidate for Enfield North said:
"However Labour try to sell this, the bottom line is we won't have blue light ambulances going to Chase Farm. So if you have a heart attack, a stroke or some other kind of serious emergency you still can't be treated at Chase Farm. That is simply not good enough and David Cameron has pledged that a Conservative government would halt the cuts to Chase Farm".
Nick de Bois added, "Chase Farm Hospital defines what 12 years of a Labour government have meant to Enfield. We can't go on like. It's time for change".
Interview with London Daily News
This week I gave an interview with the London Daily News. The Editor John Kaponi asked me lots of questions on a number of issues, from Chase Farm Hospital to the recent break-in at my office. I also had a chance to talk about why I want to be the MP for Enfield North - so that I can be the number one salesman for the constituency.
You can read the full article here.
Burlgary survey January 2010
You may have read in some of the local press that our office on Baker Street was burgled over the Christmas period. It's frustrating but obviously not a problem compared to someone having their home burgled. They main item stolen was a computer containing our election campaign data. As I told the press, the computer itself will be worthless to the thieves due to the amount of security software on it. However, burglary is on the rise in Enfield. Residential burglaries in Enfield increased by 4.6% last year, while non-residential burglaries have increase by 6.8% - 11 times the London average of 0.6%.
What is very concerning is that serious crimes are increasingly being met with a caution instead of prosecution. Over 450 cautions were given out in Enfield last year for serious offences such as burglary, mugging, GBH and even one to a rape suspect. A Conservative government would end the soft-touch "caution culture" and ensure that serious offences are no longer met with a ‘slap on the wrist'.
Let me know what you think: take part in the Enfield Online Opinion Forum crime survey. Click here to take the survey.
Resident issues
Today was a day for meeting residents with local issues that they are having trouble sorting out. This should always form a key part of any MP's duties, regardless of which party they belong to, and even though I have yet to fight and win the General Election a number of people do come to see me to see if I can help them with their particular problems. Today for example was about helping with housing issues, hospital transportation and a victim of repetitive anti social behaviour. If I am ever able to help bring about solutions it can be very satisfying. I hope that if I am elected I will be able to achieve even better results for people.
Santa visits Chesterfield School
I spent the morning at Chesterfield School in Enfield Lock with the staff and children on their penultimate day of the school term. I don't want to give away any secrets but 'Santa' was visiting and giving out class class presents to lots of very excited and happy children. Much fun had by all, in particular the biggest kid of all...me!
Wedding day!
I am very happy to announce that Helen and I were married today, as you can see we had a fabulous day!
Helen was born at Chase Farm Hospital and bought up in nearby Cheshunt. Her parents and grandparents are originally from Enfield. Currently Helen works as a Financial Director, but will be making time to join our team on the campaign trail in the run up to the General Election.
It's official: there will NOT be a new waste site in Enfield North
Today's Enfield Advertiser confirms the good news: plans for a new waste incinerator somewhere in Enfield have gone up in smoke.
It was front page news last week that residents feared a new waste site could be built in Enfield North. There was a grain of truth in this, but it was one site on a list of places that had to be identified for new facilities, given that the North London Waste Authority's contract to run the existing Edmonton site expires in 2014. The NWLA manages waste for seven London boroughs.
However, all credit to Cllr. Michael Lavender and Cllr. Ertan Hurer who took nothing for granted and fought Enfield's corner all the way. They have until now been bound by a confidentiality agreement, but their behind-the-scenes work over the last 18 months means the good news can be confirmed: there will be NOT be a new incinerator site in Enfield North.
The news gets better. The existing Edmonton incinerator will be brought down once it comes to the end of its life (probably around 2020) and replaced with moden recycling technology.
Fantastic news all round and a big "well done!" to Cllrs. Lavender and Hurer.
Sir John Major visits Enfield
We welcomed Sir John Major back to Enfield last night where he spoke at the Association Annual Dinner.
Sir John was Prime Minister from 1990-1997. Over 120 people had the opportunity to meet with him and take part in a question and answer session following his speech.
His wide ranging talk covered the appalling state of the nation's finances, but more significantly also argued the case for 'less government' proposed by the Conservatives, rather than the 'big government knows best' approach favoured by Labour. The 'big goverment' ideology Labour have imposed on the country is responsible for the dire consequences that we all have to live with now.
We finally said good bye to Sir John at 10.30 after a superb evening of socialising, politics and of course just a little bit of time spent on cricket!
Jenny Jones- Head Teacher Chesterfield School
I attended the funeral today of Jenny Jones, who until her recent illness was the head teacher at Chesterfield School in Enfield Lock. Her record at the school speaks volumes about both her professional abilities and personal commitment to education. Many have already spoken about this, and did so with great eloquence at her funeral today. For me Jenny was an inspiration.
She worked on the front line of education in a deprived area and did so with great skill, care and attention. I learnt so much from Jenny since as a governor of the school she left me in no doubt about the day to day realities of primary school education and the challenges facing schools today. In short she would keep my feet firmly planted on the ground highlighting sometimes where political aspiration and occasional rhetoric did not always match the needs of present day primary education.She was also an encouragement to help develop good ideas for the future. I think I am a better person for having known and worked, all be it briefly with Jenny. I, like all her children and staff at the school will miss her greatly.
Visit by Deputy Mayor Kit Malthouse
Kit Malthouse the Deputy Mayor of London with special responsibility for policing visited the borough this evening. I took the opportunity to ask some questions about the future of neighbourhood policing in Enfield North, and in particular the fact that some of our ward based neighbourhood policing teams are being used in other so called 'hot spots' leaving it difficult for ward teams to meet their responsibilities in full. We keep pressing the matter at Borough command level as I know that many people welcome their safer neighbourhood policing teams and want to keep them as fully staffed as possible. Kit has also promised to help ensure that is exactly what we get.
Nick raises NGAR with Shadow Transport Secretary
The blight of heavy goods vehicles thundering by your house at the rate of over one a minute is difficult to imagine for most people. That however is the reality for residents on Bullsmoor Lane in the north of the borough.
The impact on their quality of life is enormous, and something that I don't think was seriously taken into account when the then Transport Secretary John Prescott MP visited for 10 minutes (not in rush hour) and overruled the application known as the Northern Gateway Access Road (NGAR) which would have eased this daily blight for local residents.
I believe that now is the time to resurrect the application, not least because we can improve matters for residents but because the benefits for the local and wider London economy are substantial.
The plan was for a link road to take industrial traffic direct to the M25 instead of going down Bullsmoor Lane or Ordnance Road, thereby diverting traffic along Mollison Avenue - a predominantly business area on down the Lea valley.
Strategically this will reduce transport times in and out of the borough and help revitalise some of the struggling businesses along this corridor. Our location, close to London and the main airports and motorways, makes us a good choice for business and therefore local job creation. It makes no sense to make it so difficult for those businesses to get in and out of enfield. NGAR goes a long way to putting right this wrong.
Good for the local economy and good for the quality of life for local residents is a potential win-win for the borough. That's why I have already lobbied Theresa Villiers MP (pictured above talking with me), the current Shadow Transport Secretary (and, if the Conservatives win the next election, she will hopefully be the next Secretary of State for Transport). I pledge to work tirelessly for the reinstatement of this plan.
Directly elected Mayor for Enfield ?
At the Highlands Ward resident's forum last night I was pleased to see that those at the meeting shared my reservations about the possibility of a directly elected mayor for the borough. At the moment consultation ( yes, can you believe another consultation!) is underway across the borough for us to choose between two options for the future leadership of the council. One of the options is to pretty much stay as we are with the governing party choosing their own leader who then leads the council. At the same time we retain the ceremonial role of the Mayor. The other option is for a directly elected Mayor who, not being a councilor, then forms a cabinet from elected councilors and runs the borough for a term of four years. In my opinion, and it seems in the opinion of most people attending last night this is just another tier of government that will be more expensive and less accountable. If you wish to participate in the consultation you can do so on line at http://tiny.cc/Ys4Cc
Enfield Town Show a sell out
What a great weekend for visitors to the annual Enfield Town Show. The weather was kind again this Sunday as about 3000 people turned out to support the event. A packed calendar off acts from solo singers performing on one of two stages, motorcycle demonstration riders and pony rides to highlight just a few of the many attractions. Many of Enfield's voluntary groups were there as well, and council run organisations with their information displays. I was not lucky enough to win a prize at any of the many tombola's but I did get to meet a lot of people and have the chance to catch up on their views and share some enjoyable moments throughout the afternoon. Interesting, but not surprising that almost all political parties were represented at various stalls except the Labour Party which must have been disappointing for people who wanted a chance to meet their MP. I think above all else an MP should attend as many of the constituencies functions as possible and be available to their constituents. Otherwise what is the point? Regardless, a great day well done Enfield council for arranging such a successful event and lowering the entry charges!
What future for primary care in Enfield? Meeting report
I attended one of the Primary Care Trust formal consultations meeting with members of the public this evening about the future shape and size of our primary care services. The consultation is part of a legal process that the PCT has to go through before implementing any changes. It is the same process that we went through before the axe was bought to bear on our 24hr A&E at Chase Farm. No surprise therefore that almost all of the members of the public that attended were very sceptical about the value of this consultation, in other words would residents views be listened to?
I share that sceptisicm. I think these formal consultations are nothing more than a Labour inspired sham to pay lip service to the public. What was inspiring was that despite being ignored on acute services, the robust and passionate defence of our A&E was very vocal again at this meeting.
As for the plans for primary care, yes there are some good ideas there, but there are also major flaws. Not least that all the new buildings that we are promised are to be financed by PFI at an undisclosed, but I suspect very high annual rate of interest which comes out of the ever stretched health service annual operating budget of the PCT. In addition I could not get a clear answer to the following question;
"Will the PCT guarantee that no changes to Chase Farm existing services will take place until the primary care plan is completed in full" - The answer was less than convincing.
So my question to the PCT is this - Will you share with us the full cost of this proposal, and the full cost benefit? Will you guarantee that until the plan for primary care is implemented in full that no changes to Chase Farm Hospital will take place?
Enfield Online Opinion Forum
You can now take part in the first survey of the Enfield Online Opinion Forum here.
There are 10 questions in total, on issues such as Chase Farm hospital, MPs expenses, public spending and tax. You can also have your say on anything you like using the open comments box at the end of the survey. All repsonses will be kept private, with the overall results being published on the website in due course.
Make sure you don't miss out in future - sign up to the Enfield Online Opinion Forum.
Armed Forces Day Parade
I was delighted to be invited to this years Armed Forces Day Parade by the Royal British Legion. Along with Scouts, cadets, veterans and some local dignitaries we marched from Holtwhites Hill, past the War Memorial and along Church Street until we reached the Civic Centre. It was fun, colorful and generally well supported by the public. I think we could ask the papers to promote it more next year and ensure we get an even bigger turn out. I like this type of event, and I welcome the formal introduction of Armed Forces Day across the country. I just wish the government actually backed up this event with policies that would support our serving men and women AND our veterans. One of the great breaches of trust that Labour have managed is the breakdown of the covenant between government and it's armed forces. I welcome David Cameron's pledge to restore it. That said, this was a good day for Enfield and I look forward to next years parade. Take a look at the photographs on http://www.nickdebois.com/media/photos
Business network evening
I was invited to Gordon Thomas Opticians in Church Street this evening to the first BNI network evening designed to encourage local business representatives and owners from different companies to meet in a social environment and share best practice and concerns with each other. One thing I picked up was that the independent retailers on this stretch of the main shopping street in Enfield Town have been worried that the council will remove the parking bays outside their premises and extend the width of the pavement. Obviously this is a potential threat to customers wishing to pop into the shops and I have promised to look into the matter on behalf of local shopkeepers.
Backing Local Business
Congratulations to Your Choice Solution in Ponders End, with the opening of their business today, it was a pleasure to attend your official opening with the Mayor of Enfield . In the current difficult business climate we are all facing today, the reality is that every small business that opens in Enfield helps create jobs and boost the local economy. Good luck to the team at Your Choice Solutions and thank you for inviting me to your official opening.
Visit by Shadow Health Minister to Ambulance Station
Mike Penning MP, Conservative Shadow Minister for Health on a visit to Enfield today, joined me to meet some of the team at the Ridgeway Chase Farm Ambulance Station and discussed the teams working practices and other relevant issues. Mike, himself a former military paramedic and fireman listened carefully to the issues facing the Ambulance service, and explained some of the changes that a future Conservative government would introduce if elected to government.
March against the closure of our A&E and Maternity unit
The weather stayed fine today for the march that took place through the town centre against the planned closure of our 24hr A&E unit, and our consultant led maternity unit. The fight is definitely not over and I support public campaigns to draw attention to what is happening at our local hospital, I was glad to be there today. The main point however is that we need to continue holding the government to account and ensure none of the proposed changes are allowed to go ahead despite the government putting their full weight behind the cuts. First, there is still no proven clinical case for the changes, second even under the somewhat misguided conditions set by the Independent Review Panel, the changes must not take place until substantive changes and investment has been made in our primary care. Clearly nothing is going to take place, so the cuts to A&E and Maternity must not be allowed to go ahead. Contact me nickdebois@enfieldnorth.org if you want to know more or help the campaign "Hands off our hospital" !
Scouts AGM
I attended the Enfield District Scouts AGM which was kicked off with the Scout band performing outside the civic centre to a very appreciative audience. I have never been to such an entertaining AGM which was finished off with a presentation by a 'mind reader' that had us all enthralled with his performance. Above all however the meeting highlighted the growing popularity of the scouting movement, and how youngsters of all ages mix enjoyment and learning in a healthy, disciplined and productive environment. What the scout leaders do for the youngsters in their charge is a phenomenal tribute to the work of volunteers in the community. I was very proud of our Scouting District as we all should be. Anything I can do to help this movement thrive locally I will do. If you want to know more, or find out about your local scouting group, for guides and cubs as well do email me nick@nickdebois.com
Willow Residents Association
I popped into the Willow Residents Association this evening and caught up with a number of residents from the Willow estate. Irene Wilson does a great job keeping the Association active, and residents informed of very useful and relevant issues about their local neghbourhood. I also had the chance to put a word in for supporting our local shops and and a number of residents spoke to me during the evening about the situation at Chase Farm Hospital where I was able to give a little bit of an update. If anyone else would like me to attend their local Residents Association meeting I would be very happy to do so. Just email me at nickdebois@enfieldnorth.org
Mobile phone mast application
Today I joined local residents on the Ridgeway who are opposed to the application for a mobile phone mast being dropped right outside their houses. I won't go into all the reasons why this application has been successfully rejected by Enfield Council and the planning inspectorate already, but suffice it to say the phone company have moved the mast by a couple of feet ( closer to the residents houses in fact!) and have re-applied. Again, thanks to a successful local campaign and the common sense of Enfield Council the application was rejected, but today the Planning Inspectorate turned up as a result of the mobile phone company appealing the council's decision and we found ourselves presenting our case to the planning inspector. Hopefully the application will be successful as the choice of site for this mast is plainly ridiculous. What irritates me is that local decisions seem to count for nothing. Enfield Council considered the matter (twice) and rejected it- that should be enough and I hope if a Conservative government is returned to office, then we will ensure we return local decision making to local councils. Contact me at nick@nickdebois.com if you have any views on this subject or post a comment on this web site.
Helping local shops on Baker Street
It would be easy to forget that there are many shopping parades across the borough that need our support. Half way up Baker Street there are over 30 shops who are fighting hard to beat the recession. I met with 15 of them today to agree a way forward to try and improve their local street scene conditions making it more attractive for people to shop there, improving parking conditions, dealing with late evening anti social behavior and helping form a retail association to lobby for more competitive rents during these difficult times. Please try and use our local shops across all our parades, we don't want more closed down shutters and empty retail units and we can all help by trying to use local shops whenever we can. That's what the backing local business campaign is all about. email me with any ideas or thoughts you may have to help the campaign and support our shops at nickdebois@ nickdebois.com
Ghurkhas
I, like many people I suspect, will have been delighted with the defeat of the government's plans in the House of Commons this week to restrict the right for Ghurkha's to settle in this country. Where serving soldiers have put their lives at risk in the name of this country we should not hesitate to respect their wishes to live here subsequently.Given the appalling mess the Labour government have made of the asylum and immigration laws in this country leading to widespread abuse of the system, it defies belief that one group of people so deserving of the right to live in this country were to be denied by the somewhat callous actions of the government who proposed a bill to limit their right to settle here.
That this measure was defeated is in part due to a small group of Labour MP's joining with the opposition parties to defeat the bill proposed by the government. How sad therefore that our own MP, Joan Ryan once again slavishly supported this discredited Brown government and refused to back the Ghurkha's wishes.
Make St George's Day a Bank Holiday!
The Conservative team are out campaigning in Enfield Town and along the Hertford Road shopping parades campaigning to make St George's Day a Bank Holiday, do email me on nick@nickdebois.com if you support the campaign.
Situation in Sri Lanka
I attended a meeting with David Burrows MP and over 100 Tamils who are desperately concerned about the crises in their homeland. The stories of civilians people being trapped in a war zone under horrific fire underlines the importance of an immediate ceasefire. The international community, that can come together quickly to discuss an economic crises, should show the same sense of urgency and get international, united action now for a cease fire.
St Raphael's Day
Over 300 people packed St Raphael's/St George's church on Hertford this morning to attend the service to mark the celebration of the day of the Patron Saint of Greece. Colourful, spiritual and passionate, very enjoyable and I was privileged to have been invited.
Flying the flag
Delighted to see that Enfield Conservative Council flies the flag every day, not just on the forthcoming St George's Day
Chase Farm Hospital Judicial review decision
The Conservative led council applied for a judicial review of the plans by the Labour government to downgrade our hospital services including the closure of our 24 hour A&E unit and loss of our consultant led maternity services. The decision of the court was handed down today, April 8th. It is not good news for Enfield as the court rejected the council request and backed the government's desire to cut servces at Chase Farm Hospital.
Commenting, Nick de Bois said,
"This is devastating news. The judge has dealt a bitter blow to all of us who have fought for Chase Farm. In siding with the government, she has given a green light to Labour's plans to close A&E & maternity services as we know it, and shockingly , made it clear that this government and health chiefs can ignore the wishes of local people. Local democracy and choice is dead. I am angry, frustrated and saddend that this Labour government have done this to us. Enfield is not getting a fair deal from government."
Let's back our local shops
I was very pleased to announce today our initiative to help back local businesses during these tough times. This is a drive to encourage more use of local shops in an effort to ease the recession in Enfield.
David Burrowes MP for neighbouring Enfield Southgate, and Leader of Enfield Council Mike Rye joined me today to launch a series of practical measures to back local business including;
- Allowing free parking in both on-street and off-street pay and display parking bays on the following Saturdays:
11th April, 2nd May, 23rd May, 29th August, 19th December 2009 and 2nd January 2010 (bank holiday weekends)
- Posters will be offered to shops to promote the free days.
- Local Newspapers are encouraged to offer reduced advertising rates to local traders to help promote awareness.
On top of this, parking charges have been frozen for the second year in a row, there are 8 free car parks in the borough and no Sunday, bank holiday Monday or Evening charges.
Retailers I meet from across the borough tell me that trading conditions are very tough, and that they need all the help they can get to keep customers coming into their shops. The Backing Local Business campaign we are launching today sets out to encourage local people, and those from neighbouring boroughs, to try and use our local shops before shopping elsewhere and by doing so help keep local people in jobs.We have sought to bring a coalition of partners into the campaign, including local newspapers who will be encouraged to offer discounted advertising to local traders to coincide with the 6 Parking free days. In addition posters will be distributed to local shops to publicise the event.
Cllr. Mike Rye, Leader of the Conservative-run Enfield Council has agreed to provide free parking in all our paid-for parking zones. Although there will be a cost to the council, we believe it will prove to be a solid investment in helping our local retailers and drive customers into their shops.
It feels good to be able to deliver some positive action for our local traders, and is a good example of how working together we can achieve solid practical measures to help people.
Opening of new club facilities for North Enfield Conservative Club
I popped into North Enfield Conservative Club last night after canvassing for the opening of their newly refurbished ball room and dining hall. There must have been over 150 people there having a great time. It is a tribute to the club, members and officers that they are thriving these days and going from strength to strength. Well worth a visit if you can, as are all our Conservative clubs in Enfield Highway (Hertford Road next to Coop) and Enfield Town, (Old Park Avenue).
Another visit to Enfield Town Station to meet commuters
This morning along with Adele Panayi of the Enfield Rail Campaign we met commuters to discuss the campaign to ensure National Express allocate our fair share of rolling stock to the Enfield commuter services, which is by no means guaranteed. In fairness to National Express they have been happy to let us campaign at their stations, so thanks to them for that. We gave out 300 newsletters and will move on to another station later this week. If you want to find out more about the campaign click on http://www.nickdebois.com/campaigns/enfield-rail-campaign We had one funny moment, a Labour supporter criticised me for being involved with this campaign for some reason, and then said Joan Ryan, the local Labour MP was "very busy which is why she could not join the campaign for improved services"...bizarre!
Tax payer funded second home for Labour MP
The local papers highlighted today that Joan Ryan, Labour MP for Enfield North has had up to £20,000 a year to fund her second home close to Westminster. The paper rightly suggests that there is not need for someone living in Enfield to need a second home. How can this be morally right at a time when thanks to this Labour government people are losing their homes in Enfield? It is time for Westminster politicians to share the pain with their constituents.
Meeting local business leaders
Grant Shapps MP, (Shadow Housing Minister) came down to meet with local business men and women and listen to their key issues during these tough times. About 35 people turned up to share their concerns about the economic problems and more importantly how government today seem to be part of the problem and not the solution. Interestingly whilst talking to an estate agent he was pointing out how the current structure of stamp duty tax bands mean that people trying to sell houses that are valued between £250 - £300 000 are having to be sold for less than their value because of the leap in stamp duty rates between 250,000 and £300,000.
Eastern Enfield Forum
I attended the Eastern Enfield Public Forum this evening at the Ordnance Road library, where residents get the chance to ask their councillors about local issues and concerns. The Forums are a good idea, and keeps local councillors in touch with real concerns. When Labour ran the council they used to let the council officers face the public and rarely answered questions themselves which made the whole forum a bit of a charade. This month lots of talk on the poor bus routes 279 and 121 and good for the council getting along a representative from TFL.
Enfield North Conservative Party AGM
I attended the Enfield North Conservative Party AGM last night, very encouraged with the large turn out and number of questions asked about the political situation, and more importantly questions on key local issues. Dr Charles Tannock MEP was there to meet people and talk about the upcoming European elections. As a former doctor he was very up to date on the threat to Chase Farm Hospital and urged us to carry on with the campaign.
Meeting residents in Higlands Ward
Great day out delivering campaign literature and meeting residents in Highlands Ward. The cuts that the government are imposing on Chase Farm Hospital are still at the top of most people's minds. We are awaiting to hear if the Judicial Review the council have launched to oppose the decision by the government to scrap services can go ahead. We should hear any day now.
Trying to tackle crime
The monthly Community Action Partnership meeting took place today where we get the local crime reports from the Safer Neighbourhood team and review residents priorities for policing. This week we heard about increased graffitt and anti social behaviour. I was concerned to note an increase in Daytime burglaries around Severn Avenue, Pentrich Avenue and Great Cambridge Road. We have increased our activity around there to try and deal with the problem. It is unacceptable that residents have to put up with this, and I still believe our criminal justice system does not protect the victims of crime by allowing sufficient punishment for offenders.
Campaigning with Rail commuters
This morning I was out with campaigners at Turkey Street station delivering our latest newsletter updating how we are getting on with our attempts to persuade National Express to let us have more carriages and a semi fast service re-instated on the Turkey Street & Southbury commuter services. Lots of support from people, getting to work should not be as hard as it is!
Have your say on the European constitution
Syed Kamall MEP spoke to voters tonight on his campaign trail, at a gathering in Enfield Highway at the Octupus Restaurant where you get some fantastic fish courses!
Labour fight judicial review of their decision to cut services at Chase Farm Hospital
The Labour government are opposing the Conservative councils decision to seek a judicial review of the governments plans to close our 24hour A&E unit, and stop consultant led maternity services at Chase Farm.
Keeping in touch with readers
Wrote my first column for a local newspaper which was giving out some advice to small businesses that will be facing tough times in this recession. I know from experience that just staying afloat is the key priority, and it is not easy in these tough times, and the banks and government need to do more to help. For example can someone explain to me why we make it hard for people to park to get to their local shops, particularly in the east of the borough around Brimsdown and Hertford Road?
Door knocking in Enfield Lock
After an evening meeting people on the doorstep in Enfield Lock, I attended the Conservative Party Branch AGM. Membership up, social events planned for the year and a focus on the European elections seem to top of the agenda. Great meeting.
Visit to Enfield Turkish School, Enfield Highway
Nick has often visited the school to see it in action. This is a great example of a voluntary school trying to provide additional education to children, regardless of background or religion. The schools meet during weekends and evenings and help pupils and their families with an all-round education that encourages a better attitude to classroom studies, introduce a new level of discipline sometimes not found in other schools, increase the children's chances of getting better exam results, improves language understanding and helps integrate youngsters into society, avoiding the pitfalls of crime and social exclusion. For example, by teaching English as a second language, the school helps the wider community cohesion.
These people run this school on voluntary contributions with no help from the government, but they still have the rent to pay. I think we should be helping voluntary schools across the whole community and my recent meeting was to explore ways to do just that. Our children are our future and they deserve as much help as possible.
Meeting the management of National Express at Enfield Town rail station
Along with other members of the Enfield Rail Campaign we met with xxxxxxxx from National Express. We just want the trains to be less crowded and more frequent on some lines across Enfield. Forming a pressure group seemed the best way to get our message across, and in fairness he did listen.What we did learn is that National Express have put in their bid for more rolling stock to the government, and if they get it, we know we will have to fight hard to make sure National Express do let Enfield commuters see the benefit by making sure we get an increase in carriages to reduce over crowding.
Teaming up with MPs to save Chase Farm hospital
Conservatives Nick de Bois, David Burrowes MP and Charles Walker MP present case for Saving Chase Farm to the Independent Review Board at the House of Commons
Labour approves Post Office closures
The Labour Government has approved the closure of Post Offices in Chase Side, Freezywater and Green Street. The Labour government ignored the very real concerns of local residents who opposed the closures, and opposed the Parliamentary amendment proposed by the Conservatives to save the Post Offices from closure earlier this year.
Protest against Post Office closures
Over 100 people turned out to show their support for one of Enfield's doomed Post Offices in Chase Side. The reception we received from passers-by was fantastic- and it proved just how much local residents want to keep their local Post Office's open.
I was disappointed that our local Labour MP Joan Ryan did not attend the protest, but not surprised. Having voted in Parliament in March to close Chase Side Post Office (despite saying in the local newspapers that she was against the Government’s closure plans), many people feel that putting the Labour Party first and Enfield last is unforgivable.
9000 strong petition against Chase cuts handed in
I delivered a PETITION containing 12,000 signatures to local health chiefs, demanding an end to plans to close Chase Farm Hospital's Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit. I had to Deliver the petition to the NHS Project Board based at Imperial College Hospital, It's time NHS bureaucrats listened to local people and took their hands off our hospital.Thousands of people are united in demanding that the 24 hour A&E stays open, and that vital services, such as the children's, women's and maternity units should not close or be downgraded.
Meeting with David Cameron
I met with David Cameron at the Party Conference last week and urged him to come to Chase Farm hospital and support the campaigners in opposition to the proposed cuts to Chase Farm Hospital . He agreed to come up immediately, and sure enough the week after the conference he has done just that.
During the visit he promised that if a Conservative government was elected on November 1st, it would stop the cuts to Chase Farm on November 2nd.
Gordon Brown denied us a general election. Now Labour are denying us access to local, 24 hour A&E services.
It's unforgivable. It's time for change.
Here is a record of the General Election campaign where I ran a blog for almost every day of the formal campaign. It is packed with photographs and notes from what seemed like a very long election camapaign!
Nick on Twitter
Should Enfield Council continue to fund £52,000 for a Unison official at tax payer expense?..... http://www.tinyurls.co.uk/Y11566
4 hours ago
RT @WilliamJHague: Working at home today - feel I must say a big thank you from Ffion and me for the huge public support, on twitter, in ...
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