Market Site Development - 88% DISAPPROVE

88% of residents responding to the Town Poll in the last edition of Henley NEWS Online disapproved of the latest proposed development and many indicated that they wanted an early meeting to review the proposals and decide on future representations. In response to these request, there will be a Town Meeting in the Memorial Hall on Tuesday 17th August at 7.30 pm. The following organisations have been invited to speak: Taylor Wimpey, Stratford District Council, Warwickshire Highways, The Environment Agency, The Henley Society and the Headmaster of Henley High School. Many residents fear that if an effective campaign is not launched IMMEDIATELY, the planning application will be approved. Leaving any action until the planing application was submitted would not be prudent. Therefore, you are encouraged to attend this important Town Meeting and to take part in the discussions and any votes which are called.

All residents agree that the Henley Market site needs to be redeveloped but are concerned that the character of the Town could be destroyed forever if the development is solely driven by profit. Residents are particularly concerned about the following issues:

1. The number of houses.
2. The height of the proposed houses, particularly those exceeding 2 storeys.
3. The increased traffic congestion on the Warwick Road.
4. The danger to pupils from the adjacent High School.
5. The loss of social focus away from the High Street by opening another supermarket.
6. The increased car parking for the new residents, staff at the supermarket and the shoppers - estimated at 100 vehicles.
7. The increased flood risk to the area because of over development.

Comments from our readers

The plan completely disregards the increased traffic which the development will undoubtedly generate, especially if shopping is included. There is already significant congestion on Warwick Road and the plans for this development will do nothing to alleviate the problem.
 
The proposed supermarket is remote from existing the retail 'footfall' in the High Street and is inappropriate in a residential development. It appears that the supermarket is included in the scheme as a means of providing funding the developer rather than any proven need from residents.
 
The proposed 3 floor housing is not in keeping with the contiguous housing in Prince Harry Road and the High Street. The flats on the old Golden Cross site prove the error of allowing development which is inconsistent with the surrounding area.
 
Overall the developers seem to have taken little heed of the previous objections to the proposed development, relying instead on bullying and stonewalling local residents
 
John Tristram

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I am against the existing plan for the market site on the following grounds:

• There is just not enough room for a 4,000 square feet retail unit; 18 car spaces is not nearly enough. Delivery access for artic lorries is ludicrous. It is sited  at the only access point for the development. The traffic chaos, especially the 39 weeks the school is open, would be unimaginable.
• Building a supermarket on the site would close down Somerfields and/or One Stop which would destroy the High Street as a trading area and - even worse - take the soul out of the town. No longer could we wander along the High Street knowing we would be sure to meet someone we know to have a chat and make us feel what a special place we live in.
• One access for traffic and pedestrians is not enough - especially as it is so close to the traffic lights. There should be another access into Prince Harry Road for vehicles and into the High Street (via the Horsefair) for pedestrians.
• It is unfair to have the 3 storey properties backing on to High Street properties and invading the privacy that they have enjoyed for 150 years. They should be moved to another part of the development.
• There is no provision for the cars parked outside cottages in Warwick Road or the fact that there are 600 pupils attending the school using the same stretch of road.
• The provision of 19% for affordable/social housing should be a minimum of 30% if it is to have any impact.

I would ask that the Joint Parish Council and/or Henley NEWS Online organise a town meeting ASAP for a full debate.

John Latham

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As someone living in Prince Harry Road, I welcome the revised plans for the market development and wholly oppose the amendment suggestions from John Latham. I oppose his suggestion that there should be another entrance on Prince Harry Road. We do not want three storey properties overlooking our homes either, nor do we want to see an increase in social housing.

Passing the problem over is not a solution.

Mike Faulkner

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Like Mike Faulkner, we do not want further access to the site from Prince Harry Road.  This is a narrow road, sufficient only for two cars passing, and an essential route to the Medical Centre and the rest of the estate.
 
Our main concern is that the proposed housing on Prince Harry Road would appear to have no frontages and will therefore be built immediately adjacent to the existing grass verge;  and since the garages for these houses will be at the rear of the properties, residents and visitors will then park on Prince Harry Road, thus causing unacceptable congestion.
 
We are also concerned about the congestion on the Warwick Road should there be a retail outlet, and we would also want reassurances about the proposed anti-flood measures.
 
Roy Eastwood

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I agree that a meeting is required.

Pam Notman

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It is important to hold a public meeting because any proposed development on this site will be of significance to the whole town as well as those living in that particular area. All issues should be able to be debated in a democratic and orderly fashion, so that a satisfactorily outcome may be achieved, for the better of those living in and around Henley.

Ruth McCormack

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Traffic chaos is guaranteed & another Supermarket is not needed in our town. Go back to the drawing board & consider the problems, instead of the profit, before coming back with another plan!
                                                                                                           
D. Heath

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I am totally against the Market Development - they should leave well alone. We do not need a supermarket as we already have a sufficient one (Somerfield) in Henley. As for the housing - well the 19% affordable housing can't be many if there are only 42 dwellings being built! As usual there is no consideration for the people who live in the town it's just all about money!

Lynda Maine

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I do not approve. It would ruin the high street, no need for further supermarket
 
Mandy Znajda

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LATE BREAKING NEWS - Villages could get housing development powers

The government plans to enable villages in England to build homes without seeking council planning permission.

The Right to Build initiative aims to provide small numbers of affordable homes in rural areas where high home prices are driving people away. It is part of David Cameron's "big society" idea of allowing more decisions to be made locally. But the Campaign to Protect Rural England says building development should be democratically accountable.

BBC UK affairs correspondent Tom Symonds says: "The government believes there are many rural communities eager to see more houses built to stop the countryside, as ministers put it, becoming a museum."

Under the plan, villages would be able to hold a referendum to decide if house building should go ahead. A large majority would be needed. Crucially, local councils which currently decide planning issues would have little say beyond enforcing modern construction standards.

Read the full report on the BBC NEWS Website

Electric bus goes head-to-head with diesel

A comparative trial between Britain’s first viable, full-size, battery-powered bus, the Optare Solo EV, and its conventional diesel-engined equivalent is expected to yield valuable findings that could accelerate the introduction of cleaner buses to Britain’s roads.

Leading Warwickshire independent bus and coach operator Johnsons Coach & Bus Travel is a key partner in the pioneering six day trial, which takes place in Stratford-upon-Avon in July. The company brings to the project over a century of practical experience of public transport provision.

The project takes a ‘hands on’ approach to addressing air and noise pollution on congested town streets.  Key data will be gathered by two local academic institutions. Aston University will focus on the practical findings and Coventry University on the socio-economic impacts.

Emissions, fuel consumption and running costs will be compared for both the diesel and the electric vehicle.  Identical in design and appearance, the main difference is in the engineering, resulting in an electric bus that is truly zero emissions and does not emit potentially harmful fumes or gases.  

Coventry University will be looking at the human aspects of the trial. These will include the reactions of passengers, pedestrians, motorists and other road space users as well as local businesses and drivers of the buses. It hopes to identify any significant differences in view about, or attitudes to, the two types of propulsion system in a real operating environment.

It is expected that publication of the research will provide a sound environmental case and demonstrate commercial viability for the use of electric buses as well as creating a bank of practical advice for operators.

Glenn Saint, commercial director of Optare, said: “This is a very important trial backed by some serious and intense evaluation by two top academic bodies. The fact that a leading bus operator with immense practical experience and a local authority are also key partners gives it added value. From this trial we expect to gain constructive experience of the merits of electric buses over conventional diesel backed by real and substantial measurement of the relative environmental and human impacts.”

Mr Saint added that he does not see electric vehicles replacing diesel buses entirely. “Electric buses will form another but important part of the portfolio of solutions by which we will balance our need for good public transport services with our wish to enjoy a clean environment.”

The electric bus trial is being co-ordinated by South Warwickshire sustainability consultants Greenwatt Technology and has been jointly funded by Stratford District Council and Stratford Town Trust. Mike Woollacott, Managing Director of Greenwatt Technology, said “We have to address the issues of air quality in our towns as well as our cities. This is an exciting and unique initiative that should put Stratford upon Avon on the environmental map as a UK leader in low carbon, low emission public transport.”

Stratford Park and Ride is a Warwickshire County Council scheme that seeks to improve access to services and facilities while managing the impact on society, the environment, our economy and resources.

Councillor Simon Jackson, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Stratford Council, said: “Stratford on Avon District Council is very pleased to be involved with this project; it is an excellent opportunity to push forward with the development of a more sustainable public transport system for the UK. I am very much looking forward to seeing this project lead to real positive environmental outcomes for Stratford residents and visitors.’’

Johnsons Coach & Bus Travel has been awarded a Green Bus Fund grant of £280,000 by the DfT for the purchase of alternatively fuelled vehicles. As a result, the success of the trial could result in seeing more electric buses on the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon very soon.

The Big Society - What does it mean for Henley?

The Government’s Position

Our Conservative - Liberal Democrat Government has come together with a driving ambition: to put more power and opportunity into people’s hands.

We want to give citizens, communities and local government the power and information they need to come together, solve the problems they face and build the Britain they want. We want society – the families, networks, neighbourhoods and communities that form the fabric of so much of our everyday lives – to be bigger and stronger than ever before. Only when people and communities are given more power and take more responsibility can we achieve fairness and opportunity for all.

Building this Big Society isn’t just the responsibility of just one or two departments. It is the responsibility of every department of Government, and the responsibility of every citizen too. Government on its own cannot fix every problem. We are all in this together. We need to draw on the skills and expertise of people across the country as we respond to the social, political and economic challenges Britain faces.

This document outlines the already agreed policies that we believe will help make that possible. It is the first strand of a comprehensive Programme for Government to be published in the coming days, which will deliver the reform, renewal, fairness and change Britain needs.

1. Give communities more powers:

• We will radically reform the planning system to give neighbourhoods far more ability to determine the shape of the places in which their inhabitants live.
• We will introduce new powers to help communities save local facilities and services threatened with closure, and give communities the right to bid to take over local state-run services.
• We will train a new generation of community organisers and support the creation of neighbourhood groups across the UK, especially in the most deprived areas.

2. Encourage people to take an active role in their communities:

• We will take a range of measures to encourage volunteering and involvement in social action, including launching a national ‘Big Society Day’ and making regular community involvement a key element of civil service staff appraisals.
• We will take a range of measures to encourage charitable giving and philanthropy.
• We will introduce a National Citizen Service. The initial flagship project will provide a programme for 16 year olds to give them a chance to develop the skills needed to be active and responsible citizens, mix with people from different backgrounds, and start getting involved in their communities.

3. Transfer power from central to local government:

• We will promote the radical devolution of power and greater financial autonomy to local government, including a full review of local government finance.
• We will give councils a general power of competence.
• We will abolish Regional Spatial Strategies and return decision-making powers on housing and planning to local councils.

4. Support co-ops, mutuals, charities and social enterprises

• We will support the creation and expansion of mutuals, co-operatives, charities and social enterprises, and support these groups to have much greater involvement in the running of public services.
• We will give public sector workers a new right to form employee-owned co-operatives and bid to take over the services they deliver. This will empower millions of public sector workers to become their own boss and help them to deliver better services.
• We will use funds from dormant bank accounts to establish a Big Society Bank, which will provide new finance for neighbourhood groups, charities, social enterprises and other nongovernmental bodies.

5. Publish government data

• We will create a new ‘right to data’ so that government-held datasets can be requested and used by the public, and then published on a regular basis.
• We will oblige the police to publish detailed local crime data statistics every month, so the public can get proper information about crime in their neighbourhoods and hold the police to account for their performance.

The opportunity for Henley
There should be an open door to find ways of funneling money directly to those groups presently providing services via the Parish Council and thereby eliminating all the wasteful administration.

There is a clear opportunity to reduce the Precept (Parish Council Tax) whilst providing more money to the societies and trusts doing the work.

The Parish Council should concentrate on its strategic role and allow the societies and trusts to get on with the delivery unfettered, for the benefit of the whole town.

Mike Willmott - Chairman, The Reform Association

Henley Market to move to Wootton?

Despite rumours of closing since 2007, Henley market has continued as a poultry, produce and stall market for 3 years following a vote from member share holders. The majority agreed to sell the market to Taylor Woodrow. Following the sale, market supporters and traders approached the then chairman Mr Peter John Amor to see how long the market would have until Taylor Woodrow would commence redevelopment on the site. He approached Taylor Woodrow and made an offer to secure a leasehold until building commenced. This would help with the winding up process of the stall holders. However this has continued now for three years which has provided a lot of unforeseen problems, for example the parking has only become worse, it is impossible to keep the market maintained to satisfactory standard due to its “stay of execution” - not knowing what to spend as it is only there on a month by month basis.

The market however has seemed to improve, a number of people have approached us and asked for an alternative site which the Amor family have been looking into. Unfortunately there is no suitable alternative in the town of Henley itself; options looked at included a high street market or Beaudesert Lane, neither of which would be suitable to hold the large volumes of people attending the market. Therefore the Amors have explored the possibility of moving the market to their farm in Wootton Wawen off the main A3400 Stratford Road which is approximately one mile from the existing site. The council have been approached,  the initial problem being that it is a green belt site. We have had to commence a petition and approach non local and local businesses, residents and traders who support the move to help justify much needed business into Henley's economy. Currently there are 158 people drawing their income from Henley Market, which is only set to increase if the market were to move to a new site. Henley could keep its market town status and also would fall in line with all neighbouring markets who have also moved Stratford, Worcester and Rugby, these markets have relocated to outside of their local town.

If planning permission was granted for a new site the Amors would make a much more purpose built site with ample parking and focus on the needs of the local people, whilst remaining to encourage business from the outside area. At present the poultry sale is one of the leading poultry markets in the country drawing in customers from as far as Devon. The new site aims to promote local produce and provide consumers with traceable products and recreate the historic market rather than a glorified car boot sale.

We would like to work with the local people and welcome any views, ideas or proposals. A petition is available to sign at the office of Henley Market every Wednesday where staff will be happy to speak to you. Alternatively you can email David Amor or Emma Benton, pictured above, with your views or simply provide us with your name address and postcode for support.

Finally, the Henley High School coach turn-around car park is now open for market visitors every Wednesday from 9am - 2pm. For any information please email the above address or telephone 07967 015 921.

Emma Benton -  emmabenton@live.co.uk

Guess the Weight of the Headmaster

In his efforts to raise £10,000 in ten weeks the headmaster of Henley High School, Mr Paul Wright, paid a visit to Westmacott's shop in Henley and customers were asked to guess his weight! Mr Wright's personal effort towards the fund raising effort was to lose 10lbs in ten weeks.

Our High Bailiff Mr Roger Sutton can be seen having a guess. In the final week of term various social events were held at the school to help fundraising, beginning with a Charity Concert in St John's Church and culminating with a Talent Show in the Main Hall. What a lot of wonderful young talent we have at the school, we were treated to a varied, colourful and extremely entertaining evening.

What else is happening down at our school? The field which is going to be used for ELBS (Environmental Land Based Studies) now has a brand new fence thanks to the good people of Henley attending a fundraising dinner for this purpose, making the field useable for the students.

Sue Westmacott - Governor

Jazz in the Garden 2010

On Saturday 17th July 2010 the 17th annual ‘Jazz in the Garden’ took place in the Guild Hall garden, organised by Marijana and Duncan Bainbridge in aid of the Memorial Hall. Not the summer's hottest evening but Henley residents have fortitude so came armed with jumpers and umbrellas. 

The Ad Hoc Jazz Band regard the Henley venue with affection and are always delighted to entertain us with some great jazz. Alison and Ruth, their singers, were in fine voice.

Using the new entrance in Beaudesert Lane, guests arrived with some rather wonderful picnics that could have competed with Glyndebourne. For afters, there were Strawberries, cream and Fizz included in the ticket price. After supper those who wished danced, others enjoyed  the wonderful atmosphere. The finale of the entertainment was a dazzling  firework display which lit up the night sky.

Thanks go to all those who worked before, during and after and helped the evening to be such a success.

This is the 15th Jazz in The Garden and we have been supported every year by Lodders and John Earle and Son and this year Henley News Online paid for the fireworks. Their funding means we made almost £2,000.00 for Memorial Hall Funds which will go towards updating the heating system.

View Slideshow of Event

'Buy a Brick' - Second Panel  Commissioned

The next stage in the development of the Riverland Garden will take place in August when more of the paving around the garden and in the stage area will be laid.  This has largely been funded by those who have recently contributed to the Buy a Brick campaign.  Their donations will be recognised in the second panel of engraved bricks which will be laid at the same time.  The first panel has been on display in the Garden since early June.  The inscriptions on bricks to be included in this second panel are set out below.  We should all be grateful to the donors for their generosity.

If you have not already done so, please complete the form included in the June issue of Henley Focus or contact Douglas Bridgewater on 793633 to get another copy or Click Here to Download the form. Don't leave it to everyone else - make your own contribution to help complete the Riverland Garden.

Douglas Bridgewater

Rotary Charity Walk

BBC's Nick Owen, together with the town's High Bailiff Roger Sutton, saw the first walkers on their way on Sunday for the Rotary Club's
Charity Walk. The weather was kind and those taking part had the option of a 6-mile or 10-mile course centred on Warwickshire College
where everyone could enjoy a delicious pig roast.

Whilst the main Rotary charity to benefit was Cure Leukaemia, individuals taking part were able to donate 75% of their sponsorship money to a charity of their own choice.

"Everything went like clockwork," said Rotary President David Brain. "We're grateful to all who took part, to Nick Owen, to Warwickshire College and to all the Rotarians who were involved. It's not possible to quantify the total money raised, but we know that a number of different charities will benefit."

View Slideshow of Event

Henley-in-Arden Property Gazette.co.uk

Can you help with Jazmine's wish list?

Calling All Residents of Henley

At just nine years old young Jazmine Lewis has been handed the news that she has terminal cancer.

The brave schoolgirl from Prince Harry Road was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, when she was just six after months of suffering with pains in her right leg. After lengthy and painful treatments including chemotherapy and operations, Jazmine was declared in remission last November but tragically the cancer has returned.

Now Jazmine, who lives with her mum Jade and little sister Jessenia who is four, has compiled a bucket or wish list of things she really wants to do in the time she has left.

Mum Jade, who is 34 said: “Jazmine is being very brave. She did have a long journey and now she has relapsed. We thought we had beaten it but in the last month her eyes started to swell and she was getting headaches. Then my mum found a lump the size of an egg on her head and we got her booked in for a scan. They said the cancer’s back and it’s terminal.”

Determined Jazmine has already crossed off one of her wishes - meeting singer Peter Andre - and is set to record a TV programme ‘Secret Millionaire’ on Sunday when she will meet the cast of East Enders.

Other wishes include a party with all her friends, a cinema trip and a celebrity makeover and photo shoot.

Jazmine’s devastated mum is also hoping that as one of the faces of Be Child Cancer Aware, her daughter will raise awareness among parents and teenagers in recognising the signs and symptoms of cancer in young people.

Jade said, “The thing is that if I hadn’t had a child and she hadn’t had cancer, I wouldn’t have known any of her symptoms. People need to be aware.”

The Rotary Club of Henley-in-Arden has made a donation so that Jazmine can start to achieve her bucket list. These are the events which Jazmine has listed on a website which has been set up by a friend. Please spend a few minutes reading her website and help this single mum give her daughter a wonderful time this summer.

Brian and Sue Westmacott have placed a collecting box in their sandwich shop.

Click Here to Read the Full Story

Reprinted from Solihull News

Hotel  Key Cards update - True or False

Last week we reported on that the hotel magnetic key cards might contain your credit card details.

Two readers have told us this is not true. However, we believe that it is important to remind readers to be constantly on their alert for identity fraud. Last week's story should act as a reminder of how easy it can be to divulge one's personal details.

Stay Alert!

Henley Primary visit Gurdwara

On 29th June, Year Three and Year Four travelled in a coach to the Gurdwara in Leamington Spa as part of our current topic about India.

As we approached the Gurdwara the girls had to put scarves around their heads and the boys had to put handkerchiefs on their heads. We also had to take our shoes and socks off upon entering the Gurdwara as a sign of respect.

Firstly, we put our food donations in a box and gave it to the men who were showing us around. Then we went down to the basement. Whilst we were walking down the stairs, I was amazed to see that the carpet was full of beautiful reds, golds and blues. When we got down to the basement the men told us about the five Ks of Sikhism which were called Kachera, Kesh, Kanga, Kara, and Kirpan.

Next we went to the rooms of worship where we learned how Sikhs pray. They have to put coins into a little slot if they wanted to pray there. After that we had a sweet dessert. Then we went into the ‘Free Kitchen’. It is called the ‘Free Kitchen’ because when it is open anybody can get food and drink for free.

The day was a great experience and helped me to understand the Sikh religion much better.

Report by Olivia Cox-Jones - Aged 9 years

Summer catch-up with Mat Jackson

With the BTCC well and truly in the middle of the mid-season break, Joel Newman caught up with Airwaves BMW driver Mat Jackson from Henley-in-Arden for a quick interview.

Jackson will return to competitive racing in August when the BTCC races take place at Snetterton on August 7/8, and the former championship runner-up is expected to be taking part in the test session at Snetterton tomorrow (Thursday).

So Mat, what have you been up to over the summer break?
Nothing really that exciting – work, work and more work alongside my father at his Ford dealership in Henley-in-Arden; on the fun side a visit to the British GP with my sponsor The Moneyshop.

What’s been your highlight of the 2010 BTCC season?
To win at Brands in the rain from 12th on the grid stands out for me, but fighting my way through the field at Croft from 21st on the grid to finish seventh was also a great feeling, but a few more points would have been nice!

What’s been the worst moment of your season so far?
All the bad luck that the team and I have suffered so far, through no fault of our own! I was taken out at Rockingham and Croft by silly manoeuvres, costing valuable points! On both occasions I don’t think there was much I could have done differently so I guess you look back at moments like that and wish you could have been anywhere else on the track!

How are you and the team coping with the new Dunlop tyres?
It’s common knowledge that the new tyre doesn’t really favour the rear wheel drive cars, the front wheel drive cars have the benefit of 70% of their weight over the front axle which means they can generate heat faster and keep it there. With 50:50 weight distribution our Airwaves BMW is a great race car, but during qualifying we can struggle to get the temperatures we need and that means on a hot lap we can lose out. Starting from the middle of the pack obviously makes our job harder, but we have the right guys in the right place to understand the tyres and how to get the best from them. I honestly believe our car has the potential to win the championship.

Which of the next few races are you most looking forward to?
Hopefully all of the remaining races will be worth looking forward to; with 5 rounds remaining we need to outscore our rivals by 40 points to be in with a real chance of claiming the top spot! 8 points per weekend, easy ehh!

Do you expect to see another classic finish like we had in 2009?
You can rest assured I will be trying my hardest to emulate what I achieved last year and with the car we have I don’t see any reason why not. The team is very strong and there is a common goal that we are all fighting for – points. I would love to reward everyone’s hard work by winning as many races and scoring as many points as I possibly can.
The BTCC can be a bit of a battle ground come race day with the inevitable bumps, bangs and scrapes. 

Is it difficult to be friends with the other drivers in the paddock if there’s been an incident?
As a driver you have to accept that we are all out to win and sometimes contact will be made but this is racing and you just remember for next time!!! Generally you will never see eye to eye on the situations but it’s usually all ok on Monday.

Is there another driver on the grid you really admire or look up to?
No, I don’t think I look up to any other driver and I’m not sure it would be helpful to. I respect what they have achieved and I appreciate there are talented drivers in the field but I treat every other racing driver the same – I just want to get past!

What do you drive when you’re not racing?
I drive anything ‘Ford’, usually a demo of some kind or something that’s got fuel in it. You won’t see me tearing about on the road as I get all that out of my system come race day. Plus I’ve got to sell them and mirrorless, dented saloons just don’t fly out the door like they used too!

Half way through the season, are you where you wanted and expected to be in the Championship standings?
It has been a very tough start to the season and luck has not been on our side. In fairness a couple of the usual front runners have had a tough time also and this is reflected in the championship standings, hence it is reasonably close, so overall I think we’re in a relatively strong position with half the races still to come.

In one word, what’s the key to your success as a racing driver?
Dedication. You need to work on the areas where you are losing time and push yourself and the car as far as humanely possible if you want to win a championship. You have to be determined and believe and you also need a strong team around you, either that or an incredibly fast LPG engine!

Article content – Jeol Newman

Rogue Traders Alert

Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Officers are warning householders to beware of a group of rogue traders pressurising people in to accepting offers of gardening, guttering and tarmacing work, door to door.

The Trading Standards Service has received several complaints this week from residents who were approached on the doorstep and ended up paying for very poor quality work. The traders did not provide any cancellation rights, (a criminal offence) nor reveal their names, addresses or telephone numbers.

Householders are advised to:

• Put the chain on
• Check the seller’s identity
• Take control – you ask the questions
• Don’t agree to buy on the spot – take time to think and shop around.
  

John Garner's Business Column

Equality Act

Yet another change in the law for businesses to understand is almost upon us.

The Equality Act will become law in October this year although it’s been under discussion for some time. According to ACAS “It replaces previous legislation (such as the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) and ensures consistency in what you need to do to make your workplace a fair environment and to comply with the law.”

ACAS goes on to say “The Act covers the same groups that were protected by existing equality legislation: age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity, but extends some protections to groups not previously covered and also strengthens particular aspects of equality law.“

So you can see that it makes life even more complicated for employers – and leaves even more traps for the unwary.

It is a mixture of rights and responsibilities that have:

• Stayed the same: direct discrimination still occurs when "someone is treated less favourably than another person because of a protected characteristic".
• Changed: employees will now be able to complain of harassment even if it is not directed at them if they can demonstrate that it creates an offensive environment for them.
• Been extended: associative discrimination (direct discrimination against someone because they associate with another person who possesses a protected characteristic) will cover age, disability, gender reassignment and sex as well as race, religion and belief and sexual orientation.
• Been introduced for the first time: the concept of discrimination arising from disability which occurs if a disabled person is treated unfavourably because of something arising in consequence of their disability.

The table above right summarises what has changed. There is lots of guidance on the ACAS website – which is just as well as it can get very complicated.

As an employer you will almost certainly need to review and change some of your policies and practices to make sure you don’t fall foul of the legislation – even for something that is not your fault. Parts of this seem to be a terrible imposition on employers – in fact I wonder how long it will be before the new government wakes up to what its predecessors have brought in and abolishes it.

ACAS has produced a Guide for Employers

John Garner

Make Henley Greener
Save Money - Help Save the Planet

Who is responsible for most of the world’s Carbon Pollution ?

No surprise, it’s the United States…… but who is second? Big surprise, it’s the UK. The diagram below shows the league table of carbon pollution per person on an historic basis. Although the UK is a relatively small nation we invented the industrial revolution, the point in history which marks the beginning of large scale use of fossil fuels (originally just coal) and the consequent carbon pollution.

The UK has been carbon polluting for longer than any other country so our total carbon pollution is rather disproportionate to our size. This fact puts an obligation on the UK to take a lead in reducing carbon pollution and the last government did just that with all party support. The Climate Change Act 2008 set the target for reduction of UK greenhouse gases at 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. We are well on our way being about 20% down already but clearly there’s a lot more to be done. So, take steps to reduce your carbon pollution; it's only fair that we should take the lead.

From ‘Sustainable Energy Without the Hot Air’ by David MacKay www.withouthotair.com/ to see the whole superb book for free.

For a brilliant overview of the world energy scene: - Click Here

John Stott - Make Henley Greener

Stratford District Council

Planning Applications - Search on-line Stratford-on-Avon District Council Website

Jem Jones

Stephen Thirlwell

JPC Watch - Maintenance of the Riverland Park

Grass cutting is one of the biggest costs in the JPC budget. Many readers have observed that the west bank of the river has not been maintained to the previous standards. The JPC changed contractor earlier this year.

Letter to the Editor

As a resident of Riverside Gardens, can I ask if the concerns of some of my neighbours about the maintenance of the Parkland along the river land between Prince Harry Road and Riverside Gardens (extending to Warwick Road) is shared by others who visit this beautiful part of our town?

The people currently responsible for cutting the grass, collecting the litter etc, seem to be decent people who just don’t have the proper equipment to do the job. They use a tractor mower with a rotor blade as against the previous contractors who had barrel mowers on hydraulic mountings which enabled them to cut the grass right up to the river bank and around the trees. Barrel mowers also give a much better cut and disperse the grass cuttings rather than the untidy clumps left by the rotor blades.

This enabled people walking the river bank on the west side to enjoy the river and the varied and interesting wild life which exists there and must be fascinating to the children of the town. It would also be more user friendly for children if the nettled undergrowth was cut back to its original parameters. It would also look a lot tidier.

The only alternative to using the proper, professional equipment would for the grass to be cut much more often to stop it getting too long and then to use strimmers to keep the west side riverbank tidy.

John Latham - Riverside Gardens

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Sue Dalby Catering is providing a lunch preceded by a welcoming drink at Stockton House on Sunday, 1 August.  The time is 12.30 for 1.00 pm and proceeds are in aid of the Riverland Garden.  Tickets are £20 each and can be obtained from John Latham (795239).  You will know that Sue's catering is always first class - perhaps the best in Warwickshire.