Attended
John Peach CON
Beki Sellick LD
Mohammad Yousaf CON
Ali Shan GREEN
Absent but sent apologies
Richard Ferris LAB
Arfan Khan CON
John Shearman LAB
Graham Whitehead UKIP
Absent and no apology received (or read out)
Sabra Yasin LAB
This account is a transcription of my notes, intended solely for me and makes no pretensions to completeness. In view of some snide and bitter comments in the latest In Touch I am setting the record as straight as I can. The chair was Tony Forster. All are welcome to add statements or comments.
As the person coordinating for the Greens, I did get all the preceding emails and the decision making process was perfectly clear. No date will suit everybody, and ultimately it is the decision of the host when to hold an event. In my view people can wear two hats, and often have no choice but to do so and can do so with style and skill. And there is nothing wrong with missing an event.
Statements from candidates who were present
John Peach CON
Has been a councillor for 28 years and a community activist. Produces an eight page monthly newsletter and a weekly email.
Is concerned about HMOs and private rented properties. Says we need to check ownership.
Beki Sellick LD
Part time transport consultant. FOR selective licensing. AGAINST the super council and why it isn’t really devolution.
Said quite a lot, but I didn’t transcribe it.
Ali Shan GREEN
Said he was new to the Green Party. Wants to see safer roads and green spaces better protected.
Mohammad Yousaf CON
Went to St Paul’s School (no longer exists), then to Peterborough Regional College and is now an accountant, with an office opposite Kings School. Opposed the unitary authority move. Said that Stewart Jackson wants to take a stick to slum landlords.
Concerned about fly tipping, drug dealing, green spaces, anti social behaviour and cyclists on pavements. Unclear about 20mph limits, but wants safe routes to schools.
Thinks we need a CANDO approach to rubbish and an education campaign, enforced by letting agents and landlords.
New property owners already get a booklet from the council: this should include waste.
Has a soft monotonous voice which almost sent me to sleep.
Statements received from absent invitees
Richard Ferris LAB
FOR selective licensing and 20mph speed limits. Has introduced community skips and is working to identify fly tip hot spots.
Arfan Khan CON
Apologies and was visiting a sick relative in hospital.
John Shearman LAB
Apologies and why he can’t ever get to events on Sunday evenings. That he will remain committed to his work for the ward, despite being a carer and having as a consequence rather awkward personal circumstances.
City Council administration is dithering over 20mph.
Graham Whitehead UKIP
Sorry he couldn’t come, but had to take his children to a pop concert. Had organised the slate of 29 UKIP candidates this year. A long & (I thought) well written (compared to last year’s) statement was read out.