Last updated at 09:33, Saturday, 04 October 2008

AS chairman of Barrow Borough Council's Executive Committee, Ray Guselli is one of the town's chief decision makers. Here, he shares his vision for Barrow's future.

SETTING THE SCENE

TAKING over as chair of the council’s executive committee has already enabled me to better appreciate the views of other councillors. On many occasions we are often not that far apart, but simply see a different route, to achieve the same outcome.

I therefore try to move politics out of the role and always focus on the best outcome for Barrow.

I already recognise the immense knowledge and skill of our officers, so often overlooked, who provide the help and advice that ensure we can achieve the improvements required and regeneration of the Borough.

Forgive me if I make specific reference to Barrow, it is not at the exclusion of other areas but simply a geographical reference for the Borough.

HIGHWAYS AND STREET LIGHTS

FAILURES of the county council to address issues relating to highways and street lighting, are all too easy to identify and criticise.
Our infrastructure is complex and widespread, requiring repair, maintenance and refurbishment, at a time when government funding is reduced.

However, all can be achieved if “people” pay for it; “people” being you and I, the council tax payers. Would we accept a “potentially” significant increase in council tax to fund the improvements we require?

If elected as a county councillor next year, I intend to “probe” the finances to ensure the efficient provision of services and to identify, through consultation, what requires additional funding to meet the aspirations of local people.

I believe that we deserve enhanced services, better facilities, improved highways and efficient street lighting, but must be aware that these come at a cost; the key however is efficient working practices.

COUNCIL TAX

THE Labour Chancellor confirmed that the UK is facing its ‘worst economic crisis in 60 years’.

With the cost of food, fuel, energy, services and other essential items increasing, I have a duty to keep as low as possible any taxes that have to be imposed locally, such as council tax.

Where people cannot afford to pay this tax, there is help through council tax benefit, which in many cases meets the liability in full.
That is why, with the help of officers, I will pursue policies which will enable the council to provide services efficiently, to help keep council tax to a minimum; the burden of taxation and rising prices is, in my opinion, too great.

I am not in favour of subsidies for services used by a minority, which have to be paid for by the majority through council tax. I prefer, as we have done recently, to identify and use alternative means of funding, so that council tax is not increased beyond the very minimum required.

That is efficient management of resources, which, if supported by other parties, will enable increases in council tax to be kept to a minimum. 

TAXATION AND MONEY IN YOUR POCKET

THE government’s abolition of the ten pence tax band was, in my opinion, a catastrophic error of judgement and failure to support those in most need.

It should not be allowed to be forgotten. As a borough councillor, my ability to help cushion this further burden of taxation is limited; this is why I have personally written to the Chancellor, Alistair Darling.

I have asked that this tax band be reinstated and/or personal allowances be increased to provide some respite from the current unacceptably high levels of taxation.

It seems to me that if we can bail out financial institutions, the hard-working people of the UK also deserve some
support. I await his response but will pursue every avenue open to me to help the people of Barrow.

TOWN CENTRE

BARROW of the 1950s and 60s enjoyed a wonderful selection of small independent shops offering a wide choice of services and goods. However, as elsewhere, with a small customer catchment area and changes in shopping habits, the introduction of out-of-town shopping centres and supermarkets has adversely affected the town centre.

With officer help, I am trying to address the issues local traders have raised through the provision of alternative car parking arrangements, to allow people to spend more time in the town centre.

Our request to the Chancellor for additional funding to support a “free parking” initiative has been refused. Without funding, this initiative would require an increase in council tax; something I could not support. I am therefore working to establish an alternative means of assistance which the traders approve and which also matches our budgetary requirements.

A roof over the town centre/Portland Walk, is also under consideration; which in principle, is an excellent opportunity to make town centre shopping more attractive. This is, however, a long-term task of enormous magnitude requiring funding from many sources and a substantial feasibility study.

I will, therefore, pursue every avenue to rejuvenate the town centre, so that it once again becomes the thriving hub of our community; supported by out-of-town developments which provide a valuable and essential facility to those who prefer that style of shopping. There is room for both; and for both to succeed. Improvements to the lower section of Dalton Road are encouraging – we are moving in the right direction.

Emlyn Hughes House, criticised by so many as being a white elephant, is far from that. It was built with European funding at no cost to the people of Barrow. Council officers have worked hard to negotiate the best terms providing a long-term benefit for the borough with prestigious clients.

And may I say the same of Dalton. Whatever support Daltonians feel would help their ancient capital of Furness to develop, where feasible, we should consider and support, where it would lead to a sustainable enhancement of provision for residents.

LEISURE SERVICES 

I AM delighted to have presided, so early into my term of office, over the reduction in charges at the Park Leisure Centre. Most importantly, this has been achieved, once again, without the need to increase council tax. 

This will hopefully encourage more users and more people to develop healthier lifestyles. This decision has been taken at a time of great financial restraint, but I am committed to providing affordable quality services for the people of the borough.

Free swimming for senior citizens is another initiative I support and await details from the government as to how a similar initiative will be funded for those under 16 years.

BRIDGE OVER THE BAY

I AM happy to support this wonderful and technologically amazing initiative, but want to hear what the people of the borough think; in particular those of my own ward, Roosecote, who may be most affected by the development.

There have already been assurances that the bridge will have minimal environmental impact; however I seek reassurances from the public, local businesses and all affected, that they are comfortable with the commercial and other implications of the proposal.

However, for any vision for Barrow to exclude the bridge would be naïve and a disservice to the people of the borough. As with the academy, effective meaningful consultation must be the order of the day….I will ensure that this happens. 

CRIME AND DISORDER

WHILE appreciating the minimal input a borough councillor has regarding this issue, it still provides the opportunity to become involved at local level to work in partnership with the police where there may be specific problems or issues.

While we do not yet suffer the escalating violence experienced in some places, I believe it is only a matter of time. When a prisoner recently told me that prison is like a holiday camp, something is wrong. What message does that send out? Even he, as a first time offender, was surprised at the laxity of the regime where forbidden goods were easily accessible.

Every day, the Evening Mail features vandalism, petty and more serious crime at what I believe is an unacceptable level. I do not want to see an escalation of these statistics in Barrow.

I therefore believe that there should be more regular and close liaison with the police, to help deal effectively with these issues; where the courts have the ability to inflict a penalty, commensurate with the crime.

THE ACADEMY

AS the current political hot potato, we must put aside all political and pre-conceived ideas and work only for the benefit of our children and the educational opportunities available……the key is meaningful consultation.

An academy is coming to Barrow, be it on one or two sites. I have never before expressed an opinion regarding this initiative, promising instead to pursue only the majority wishes of my Roosecote constituents, a position I maintain.

However, given that it will happen: one or two sites? Again, I await guidance from those who elected me but common sense suggests a one-site academy is the right route.

The intention of a one-site academy was to bring all teaching, expertise and facilities under one roof; for all to enjoy; a successful business formula. We should attract the very best of the teaching profession, motivated and
managed by a dynamic principal who would develop the academy into a “Centre of Excellence”. I believe that two sites, (Parkview and Thorncliffe) some distance apart, dilutes this opportunity both financially, logistically and will inevitably affect quality. I would envisage one site being more sports orientated; the other academic; making it difficult for those pupils who wish to pursue both.

Inevitably, the savings in overheads enjoyed by a single site would be lost; removing the focus of spend from the children to increased
energy, maintenance and running costs.

Parental choice would still be available with that choice being to other existing schools. Furthermore, parents, churches and businesses can themselves, with sufficient pupil demand, seek government funding, to build and run their own school; what better opportunity for those seeking choice. 

Concerns regarding investment by business are now resolved, as Cumbria County Council has provided substantial funding. However, I believe that business should be encouraged to invest in education; to ensure that we are training people to meet the specific needs of employers.

I await the majority views of the people of Barrow, but one thing is for sure….the academy is coming. 

AND FINALLY...

MY vision for Barrow is one of prosperity, the marina, development of North Central to provide better housing, low unemployment and a shipyard with not only government contracts but more commercial work.

The continued expansion and provision of industrial units to create employment, greener areas, better highways, street lighting and pavements, with a more co-ordinated approach by the utility services and other agencies, to ensure roads are not dug up time after time.

A safer Barrow with a tangible reduction in crime. The continued development of educational facilities to build upon the success of Furness College and Barrow Sixth Form College.

I want a better Barrow. I hope you share my vision.

First published at 12:12, Friday, 03 October 2008
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk