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!
Back to map"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
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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.
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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.....
Back to mapSupporting 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.
Back to mapChase 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
Back to mapHolocaust 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.
Back to mapLabour'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.
Back to mapBurlgary 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.
Back to mapResident 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.
Back to mapSanta 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!
Back to mapWedding 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.
Back to mapthank god for that!
great news
- R.W.
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!
Back to mapJenny 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.
Back to mapVisit 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.
Back to mapWebcast: Nick de Bois talks about NGAR on Bullsmoor Lane
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Yes fully support this well done. I like the video put the case very well indeed. Great that we have someone fighting our corner, regards. Tony.
- Tony S
Thank you for your support. I know I speak for EVERY resident when I say we would welcome a Northern Gateway Access Road. I live on Colvin Gardens and regularly suffer the stress and frustration caused by a frankly unacceptable volume of traffic. Now that the Innova Science Park is open we have even more LGV / HGV vehicles using Bullsmoor Lane as the "quickest" route to the M25.
Bullsmoor Lane was never designed nor intended for the kind of commercial / commuter traffic we face. So giving individuals and companies an alternative is of utmost importance.
Now that Tollgate Road is closed off (to prevent rat running) we, the residents of Colvin Gardens, Langdale Gardens, Holmesdale, Tollgate Road and others are FORCED to compete with commuters and lorries. We have no option. It's our only route to and from our homes.
Some mornings it takes me over five minutes just to pull out on to Bullsmoor Lane (thanks also to the ridiculous introduction of a bus lane) and the noise and pollution from Bullsmoor is tangible. It's the one thing visiting friends and relatives comment on... "Isn't it noisy at night?" and "Doesn't it smell of diesel around here?" Yes it is. And yes it does.
Well done on championing our cause. Very best of luck. I hope somebody sees the logic and sense of your argument and grants permission / funding for the NGAR.
- Kris Didymus
This is an thought that I put to Joan Ryan on one of her visits. The whole area would be transformed if the heavy traffic was diverted away from Bullsmoor Lane - not to mention the number of fatal accidents that happened around this area. I would whole heartedly support this idea.
- Z.T
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.
At last someone who is actually listening. I can not understand how Prescott could not have anticipated the problems that would be caused when they drew up the plans initialy. Someone either did not do there homework or did not care.
I live on Bullsmoor lane and it is incredible the amount of traffic in particurlarly HGV's that pass along this road. They hurdle down the road as if it is the M25 it self travelling at way above the speed limit one after the other all through the night.
In the summer months I cannot even leave my front windows open because the noise is so loud and it is more often not possible to have a restful night without being woken up by an HGV passing.
I can not even hear the TV because the lorries are so loud.
My house is constantly vibrating when lorries go past.
As if this was not bad enough we have the background noise of the M25 to live with as well as the Standsted flight path.
When I walk my children to school I end up covered in soot from the hydraulics on the lorries. The road itself is used as a race track as there are no speed cameras and any other deterant for speeding motorists. There have been a multitude of road traffic accidents some of which have been fatal. The fact there are a number of schoools in the area would make you question what the labour government were thinking in the first place when they built the linking road.
Bullsmoor Lane was simply not designed to take these lorries and this amount of traffic and sadly if it is aloud to continue on its present path it will only get worst and more people will suffer.
I totally agree, this plan needs to be reassessed and quickly please. Take these lorries out of the equation and cut down the traffic and I would agree this area has huge potential, nice people great local shops with room for more besides. I will back any one that can put this wrong right.
- Tuncay Pascal
The NGAR would not provide direct access from Mollison Avenue to the M25; it would provide a route from Mollison Avenue to junction 26 of the M25, so only lorries wishing to travel clockwise round the M25 would use it, the rest (those wishing to travel anticlockwise round the M25) would continue to use Bullmoor Lane to access the M25 via junction 25. Also, the NGAR would provide a new route for lorries from the Waltham Abbey area (including those from the massive Sainsburys depot) to access the M25 via Bullsmoor Lane. This would negate some of the advantages of the reduction in lorries coming from Mollison Avenue
What is required is a new junction (junction 25A?) direct ly linking Mollison Avenue vwith the M25.
- Chris James
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
Back to mapThanks for posting this Nick. It seems your website is the best way to find out what the council is doing....seems they like to keep their consultations quiet!
- Paul Dart
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!
Back to mapWhat 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.
Back to mapArmed 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.
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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.
Back to mapMarch 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
Back to mapWillow 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
Back to mapMobile 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.
Back to mapHelping 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
Back to mapNick,
Please include Lancaster Road in your campaign for local shops which surely must include planning regulations as to the type of shop allowed to open. I have watched Lancaster road deteriorate over the last 20 years. At one time it could boast two chemists, 3 greengrocers, a butchers, art shop to name a few. Now it is mainly fast food outlets and estate agents although a few local shops like th childrens bookshop survive. I don't know what can be done to encourage local shopping like this but I feel a national strategy where the supermarkets don't get away with everything is in order.
- Paul D
Paul, thank you for your comments. I am pleased to say that we have some posters along Lancaster Road already and have won general support todate. You are right, and we need to do two things in my opinion. Ensure local councils work hard to encourage wider choice of shops through the properties they own ( subject to demand and ensuring they get a fair value rent of course which they are obliged to do) and as you say a national strategy which is not undermined by short term tactical decsions. For example closing a post office can be the beggining of the end for local sho parades. Thanks for getting intouch.
- Nick de Bois
Keep the streets clean and have a shuttle bus service running the length of Baker Street. Incentive to lower rents/rate if people improve and maintain exterior of properties. Plants and green spaces with seating: local community projects. It needs a good traditional green grocers at the north end. And what about a library in this neck of the woodsy?
- Isobel
Isobel Thank you for your feedback and suggestions. I agree that if shop keepers and residents do work maintain the exterior of their homes and premises it encourages more people to the area to shop and improves the quality of life for local residents. However in the case of business rates the council have absolutely no control over the rates since the government set the rate and all councils do is act as an unpaid tax collector. The system is wrong and I believe it should change.
In respect of local council tax, so long as governments ask councils to take on more responsibilities without funding the pressure on council tax increases every year. For example the council has had to pick up the costs of additional social services due to shortfalls in other providers budgets. However I know that the Conservative council in Enfield is working hard to control council tax levels through efficiency savings whilst maintaining the improving standards of our street scene, street cleaning, resurfacing etc.
Finally I would welcome a green grocers at the north of of Baker Street, but this of course needs private investment from some one wishing to run such a business from that location. I have no doubt an application for such a premise would be given a fair hearing.
- Nick de Bois
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.
Back to mapSituation 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.
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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.
Back to mapFlying the flag
Delighted to see that Enfield Conservative Council flies the flag every day, not just on the forthcoming St George's Day
Back to mapChase 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."
Back to mapLet'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).
Back to mapAnother 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!
Back to mapSorry that I was a bit "grumpy" when you and your helpers were handing out the newsletter this morning, I did not realise that you were trying to help us and what a good job you are doing!
- Jean
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.
Back to mapMeeting 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.
Back to mapEastern 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.
Back to mapEnfield 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.
Back to mapMeeting 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.
Back to mapTrying 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.
Back to mapthe rights of the criminal have always seemed to outway the rights of the victim.. responsibility for ones own actions seems lacking in todays society.
- susan
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!
Back to mapGood to see you all out campaigning for an improvement to the services, NICE ONE!
- John
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!
Back to mapLabour 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.
Back to mapKeeping 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?
Back to mapDoor 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.
Back to mapVisit 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.
Back to mapTeaming 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
Back to mapLabour 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.
Back to mapWould the Conservatives want to revitalise the small Post Office counters network?
- stuart
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.
Back to map9000 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.
Back to mapMeeting 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.
Back to map
I know that above all else, local people want their MP to stand by them and defend local interests. I have listed here some of the local matters that we have been involved with, feel free to leave a comment. Or just click on one of the map markers to see what is happening in that area.
Nick on Twitter
@ACCESSANDY further east!
2 hours ago
Have just canvassed BATMAN and Bruce Lee....work it out!
3 hours ago
Burglars don't shave!
- Mr Poorun