Commenting on today’s speech by Ken Clarke in which he outlined the need for radical prison reform, Liberal Democrat MP, Tom Brake said:

“Stopping vast numbers of people being locked up for non-violent crimes on short sentences was a key Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment.

“The Labour Government liked to talk tough on crime while reoffending rates in this country rose sky-high. We know that short-term prison sentences don’t reduce reoffending or cut crime.

“Liberal Democrats believe that criminals should be caught and punished, but they should also be set back on the straight and narrow. Prison places should be for violent criminals not first time petty offenders.

“Labour spectacularly mismanaged our prison system. The Government’s decision to review the number of short sentences is a welcome first step to getting it right.”

The following article was written by Lib Dem MP, Don Foster and first appeared on the Liberal Democrat Voice website:

A few months ago, I was lucky enough to see the Brit Awards 2010 at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre. When people say that UK live music is doing well, this is what they mean – an enormous venue, world class talent, and an ecstatic crowd. I was particularly impressed with Florence Welch and Dizzee Rascal’s performance, which combined both of their distinct musical outlooks with great success.

Now that Labour has been booed offstage, the coalition partners have got up for a similarly ambitious duet. For such established solo performers, trying to make our different styles gel will be a challenge. But for the Liberal Democrats, it also represents an opportunity to bring about many aims for which we have long campaigned.

One of these is to resuscitate live music in small venues. Large premises such as Earls Court or the O2 Arena have had great success. But new artists need a place to hone their craft and gig goers want a diverse music culture. Meanwhile, small venues such as pubs, clubs and cafés have suffered in the recession. They need the freedom to stage music events and get punters through their doors.

What they have instead is the Licensing Act 2003, which is nothing short of a bureaucratic minefield. The Act removed previous exemptions for smaller performances and requires most live music to have a licence. For too many organisers and venue owners, it simply isn’t worth the effort. Even when music isn’t the main focus – when a restaurant only wants a pianist in the corner – the owners have to fill out the same amount of paperwork as they would for a much larger venue. Instead, they don’t bother, and a musician is out of a job.

The House of Commons DCMS Select Committee concluded that the Act hampered live music performances, especially ones by young musicians. The previous government had promised an ‘explosion’ in live music; instead, they are impeding the next generation of performers. A DCMS report claimed that live music was ‘thriving’, but could provide no evidence that this was true in small venues.

Making it easier for smaller venues to put on live music would not open the floodgates for anti-social behaviour, as some fear. There’s no evidence that staging live music leads to crime or disorder any more than other kinds of public gathering. Excessively noisy premises can already be served noise abatement orders under the Environmental Protection Act, or fined under the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act. And the exemptions we have been calling for would still be subject to review should residents complain.

The last government dithered endlessly in the face of our fears, offering no fewer than nine consultations and no improvements. Our Live Music Bill, championed by Lord Clement-Jones, made impressive headway but didn’t receive the government support it needed to get onto the statute books.

‘Styles of music are never disturbed without affecting the most important political institutions’, said Plato, and we are finally starting to see a ripple of effect in Parliament. The Coalition Agreement specifically states that the new government will “cut red tape to encourage the performance of more live music”. I questioned ministers about this commitment only last week, and their aim remains to bring about changes as quickly as possible. That’s why I am confident that, very soon, British musical talent will be flourishing in small venues once more.

Following consultation about the appearance, maintenance and security of North East Lincolnshire’s cemetery and crematorium facilities, A ‘Friends Of’ group will be set up to allow people to have their say and further develop the service offered.
The aims of the group will be to discuss matters of interest for Scartho Road Cemetery, Cleethorpes Cemetery and Grimsby Crematorium.
Councillor Peter Burgess, portfolio holder for environment and the green agenda, said: “Residents were asked to fill out a questionnaire on this subject earlier in the year and interested people came forward with their feedback and ideas about these facilities.
“A ‘Friends Of’ group will now be set up to discuss these views further and all are welcome to join, regardless of whether they took part in the first survey.”
The first meeting of the group will take place at 6.30pm on Wednesday, August 18, in the Assembly Room at Grimsby Town Hall.
For more information, call Karen Ford, deputy cemeteries and crematorium registrar, on (01472) 326500 or email karen.ford@nelincs.gov.uk or, alternatively, call Lisa Logan, cemeteries and crematorium registrar, on (01472) 324868 or lisa.logan@nelincs.gov.uk

Public conveniences across the borough have undergone a complete refurbishment thanks to a £1million investment by North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC).

The latest project has seen NELC and Immingham Town Council working in partnership to improve the provision of public conveniences in Immingham town centre as part of NELC’s commitment to invest and provide safe, fit for purpose and clean public conveniences across the borough.

The refurbishment project has now come to an end with the completion of the final stage, the refurbishment of Grimsby Market Hall toilets. The project was delivered through a cross party working group attended by Cllr Beasant, Cllr Brookes, Cllr Burnett, Cllr Hocknell, Cllr Shaw and Cllr Swinburn.

Standard disabled toilets often do not meet the needs of thousands of people. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as other serious impairments often need extra facilities to allow them to use the toilets comfortably. ‘Changing Places’ toilets have extra features and more space to meet their needs. Each Changing Places toilet provides the right equipment, including an adjustable, adult-sized changing bench, tracking or mobile hoist, (slings need to be provided by the user) enough space for the disabled person and carers, a screen or curtain to allow for privacy, a shower, where possible and a safe, clean environment.

Following on from the success of the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme’s commitment to introduce ‘Changing Places’ into North East Lincolnshire, the first Changing Place was installed at the Boating Lake in 2010. Aiming High believed the inclusion of the Changing Place to Immingham Civic Offices public conveniences was an excellent opportunity. The search for suitable locations within Grimsby town centre is ongoing.

Leader of the council, Councillor Andrew De Freitas, said: “The refurbishment of the public conveniences of the borough will benefit both residents and visitors. It is very important step in making disabled people and, where applicable, their carers, more confident when leaving their home

“The introduction of Changing Places ensures that adequate facilities are in place so families will not have to change the person they care for on a cramped floor or limit how long they are able to leave their home for. They will provide greater opportunities for people with a disability to visit Cleethorpes and Immingham safe in the knowledge that high quality, clean, hygienic and accessible Changing Places are available.”

NELC and Immingham Town Council held discussions in the summer of 2009 to identify opportunities to work in partnership to improve the provision of the public conveniences in Immingham town centre. NELC contributed to the refurbishment of the existing toilet provision in Immingham Civic Offices while Immingham Town Council has agreed to take over the management of the new facilities which replace the public toilets located in Kennedy way, Immingham.

The Mayor of Immingham, Mark Sandford, said: “The council has worked closely with disabled access groups and other partners, such as North East Lincolnshire’s Care Trust Plus and the Aiming High initiative, to identify suitable locations for Changing Places to be incorporated. As part of the council’s refurbishment programme, Aiming High has kindly funded the purchase and installation of the Changing Places fixtures and fittings to introduce the facilities to the borough.”

Angie Kershaw, Aiming High for Disabled Children programme manager, added: “Aiming High for Disabled Children is part of the government’s transformation programme which aims to improve service provision, enhancing equality and opportunity for all.

“The commitment to make a difference and recognise the diverse needs of disabled residents and visitors is thanks to several years of campaigning, awareness raising and hard work by a number of individuals. This dedication is being echoed in North East Lincolnshire; too many people struggle to get out and about due of the lack of facilities; the opening of our second Changing Places Toilet is great news and will mean that many more people will be able to enjoy a great day out in the borough with their family.”

The Changing Places have been designed in accordance with the latest British Standards. Access to the Changing Places at The boating Lake will be controlled by the use of a RADAR key with alarm monitoring provided by NELC security controlled room to ensure any activation is responded and assistance provide as necessary. Access to Immingham Civic Centre requires no RADAR key with the access to the centre being improved to ensure access to all is possible within the normal opening times.

Changing Places are open as follows: The Boating Lake – summer, Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm, winter, Monday to Sunday, 8am to 6pm. Immingham Civic Centre – 8 am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.

The OSCAs, or Outstanding Safer Community Awards, are back and open for nominations of individuals or groups who go above and beyond by making a difference and working hard to improve safety in their communities.

The aim of the night is to give praise and recognition to individuals, communities, groups and organisations that have helped to reduce crime and the fear of crime in North East Lincolnshire.

This year’s Outstanding Safer Community Awards will take place the evening of Friday 12th November 2010, at the Grimsby Town Hall. Local star of stage and screen, Julie Peasgood has once again agreed to be our host for the evening.

Safer and Stronger Communities feel it is important to recognise the hard work from the groups and individuals that are working towards making North East Lincolnshire a better and safer place to live, work and visit. 

The awards categories include: standing up against anti-social behaviour, encouraging engagement and community participation, outstanding community safety project, and the lifetime achievement award.

Other awards categories are for young people, communities, professionals, teams, volunteers, and newcomers who make outstanding contributions to the community.   

The closing date for applications is midday on Friday, September 3, and applications can be submitted by using the form attached or by filling in a form from your local  library. It can either be posted into a box within the library or returned to Safer and Stronger Communities, North East Lincolnshire Council, 1 Burwell Drive, Grimsby, DN33 1PH.

People can also visit www.safercommunities.org to fill out the form online.

For more information, call Victoria Henley, community safety officer, on (01472) 324972. 

If you would like to  download the scambusting booklet provided by the Office of Fair Trading.

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Tukes Café, in Brighowgate, Grimsby, will host “Mr Lincoln”, a play by Herbert Mitgang presented by Uncommon Voice, on Friday, July 2 at 7pm.

The one-man show is a biographical monologue about the life of Abraham Lincoln staring Colin Carr. The production marks the anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg which was fought July 1-3, 1863, as well as the 150^th anniversary of Lincoln’s election as president.  

The play depicts Lincoln’s life story, from his humble beginning to how, with an ambitious nature and a little bit of luck, he became one of the most iconic American presidents. 

The play contains a great deal of humour and focuses on Lincoln’s personal life as well as tackling issues such as slavery and the civil war. It also includes some of his most famous speeches.

Mr Carr said: “I think the story is very relevant to the contemporary political situation and a lot of Lincoln’s philosophies can be applied to the modern world as he continues to be a relevant figure. 

“I have been doing this production on and off since I first revived Mr Lincoln about 12 years ago. I have had a great deal of support from Kevin Bond (director of mental health for North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus) who like me wants to bring drama to the wider audience. Tukes have also been very supportive.” 

It is widely accepted that Lincoln suffered from clinical depression throughout his legal and political life. Tukes offers people with mental health problems the opportunity to get back in to work and learn new skills by providing training and work placements.   

Tickets cost £5 and includes a buffet. They can be purchased from The Eleanor Centre, Tukes Conference Facility, Grimsby Central Library or The Caxton Ticket Office.

Residents are enjoying new outdoor gym equipment thanks to the North East Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus. 

The new equipment, which has been placed in six different parks around Grimsby and Cleethorpes, is free to use by the public and is part of the council’s initiative to improve the health and wellbeing of residents.

The funding for the project came from the public health department as part of their Community Pride scheme.

The apparatus is in place at Barretts Recreation, Sussex Recreation, Sidney Park, Grant Thorald Park, Hardy’s Recreation and Weelsby Woods.

Councillor Steve Hocknell, portfolio holder for healthy communities and adult social care, said:

“One of the main points made in our new council plan is that we are aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents.  Our new outdoor gym equipment is just one of the ways we hope to achieve this goal.

“I really hope people will make the most of the new equipment and start enjoying new, healthier lifestyles.”

Geoff Barnes, Acting director of public health, said:

“Men living in the most deprived parts of North East Lincolnshire live on average more than ten years less than men in the most affluent areas.

“Physical activity is vital to health improvement and if we can support people in becoming more physically active within their local community we will reduce this gap in life expectancy.”

For more information contact Andy Hartley on (01472) 324267 or email Andrew.hartley@nelincs.gov.uk

Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Ludford said she was delighted that the government intends to launch an inquiry into allegations that British security service officials were complicit in torture.”I’m absolutely delighted that the new government is delivering on its promise to set up this inquiry, which I think contrasts with the stance that we had from the Labour government, which was in denial and very evasive.

“I’m also pleased that it’s going to be a judge-led, independent inquiry, and I’m confident that it will be given the necessary powers to really establish the truth of these very widespread and consistent allegations.”

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg today launched a £1 Billion Regional Growth Fund to help areas and communities at risk of being particularly affected by public spending cuts. The fund, which will operate in 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 will help areas most dependent on public sector employment as the country makes the transition to private sector-led growth and prosperity. Both private bodies and public-private partnerships will be able to bid for funding by demonstrating that their proposal will bring in private investment and support sustainable increases in private sector jobs and growth in their area.

Speaking in Bradford after the first Coalition Cabinet meeting outside of London today, Nick Clegg said:

“While we sort out the nation’s finances we can also help to foster a thriving and more balanced economy so that no region or community gets left behind.

“The Regional Growth Fund will create the conditions for growth and enterprise in the regions by stimulating investment and create sustainable private sector jobs.

“Alongside our commitment to waive some employment taxes for new businesses starting up in targeted regions of the country, this fund can make a real difference to companies during difficult times.”

Nick Clegg also set out plans for Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) that will bring together councils and business on an equal footing with one voice, replacing the current Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). In a joint letter sent to councils and business leaders today, Business Secretary Vince Cable and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles have asked them to consider forming new Local Enterprise Partnerships that can provide strategic leadership in their local areas and create the right environment for business success and economic growth.

Vince Cable, the Business Secretary said:

“We are determined to rebalance the economy towards the private sector, so it’s important we create a more effective structure to drive economic growth and development across the country.”