As you may know, the two Conservative party candidates scored a resounding victory in Flitwick East, demonstrating the value of hard work and tenacity.
I would like to thank all those who voted for me and my colleague Stephen Mitchell, sadly we were not strong enough on the day. However, I am sure that the LibDems will be a force to be reckoned with in Flitwick East at the next election in two years time.
The owner of the mill has lodged an appeal against Mid Beds District Council Development Control Committee’s January decision to refuse his to convert the mill into a domestic dwelling. The deadline to submit written comments and representations to the planning inspector is June 18th, with the hearing likelt to take place in August. The Friends of Flitwick Mill (now subsumed by the Flitwick Preservation Group) will submit comments, based on its original representations to the committee, which focused on restoring the mill as a commmunity asset that would include its use as:
- a heritage centre and visitor attraction, working as a demonstration mill on a limited number of days per year;
- an education facility for local schools and adult groups, supporting a range of activities and projects;
- a focal point for visitors to the Flitwick Moor SSSI, the Two Moors Heritage Trail, and a proposed Flit Valley walk;
- a small meeting space and exhibition gallery for groups
- a drop-in cafe;
- a location for environmental organisations;
- a focus for training placements where adults can learn a range of heritage craft skills, both during its restoration and subsequently.
Show your support by signing a petition in favour of purchasing and restoring the mill here.
Click to view the provisional business plan and indicative floor plans.
In the meantime, both myself and my colleague, Steve Mitchell have been applying pressure on Central Bedfordshire officers to enforce an order on the owner requiring him to carry essential repairs to the structure of the mill and make it safe.
A restored mill will continue a one-thousand year tradition of the existence of a watermill at Flitwick and its contribution to the local economy culture. It holds a unique documentary record of its operation as a working mill and evokes priceless memories of the past for many older residents of Flitwick, Flitton and Greenfield It is vital that it continues to create memories for future generations and plays a key role in the life of the community.
To read a text only version of the March 2008 SPAB Report on Flitwick Mill click here.
If you would like to see copies of the planning application documents, you can access them here by clicking on the application number:
Application No. 07/01836/LB Listed Building approval
Application No. 07/01837/FULL Conversion of existing mill to dwelling house.
Do you have any memories or old photographs of the mill that you would like to share?
Contact me at: les.thompson@btinternet.com
The FOCUS team carried out a sample survey of 400 residents in Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill on Saturday 18th April. The response was excellent and has given myself and Stephen Mitchell a clear understanding of your views on some key election issues.
To see a copy of the feedback report, please click here Survey Report
Coniston Road - the crime hot-spot of Flitwick
The latest six-monthly crime figures for Flitwick published by Bedfordshire Police reveal Coniston Road to be the worst area for crime in the town. Almost a half of all the incidents of theft and just over a half of all fraud occurs on and around Coniston Road. It also shares the dubious honour of having the highest incidence of violent crime with Maulden Road, both recording 10 cases, with St Peter’s Close not far behind with 8 cases. Perhaps the figures for Coniston Road are not a total surprise, given the number of shops and public houses in the area, but it is a concern that the same area continues to top the league table.
What is more worrying is that the overall figures for October, November and December 2008 are higher than the same months in 2007. This coming after an overall fall in the crime rate since May 2008. Lib Dems have long argued the case for a more substantial and permanent police presence in the town – our police officers are doing the best they can, but they are overstretched and can’t be on duty all the time.
Improving the level of policing and providing a permanent base in Flitwick must be an integral part of the plans for the new town centre, but of equal importance is the need to create lively and safe community facilities for all the residents of Flitwick. There is no doubt that one of the causes of crime and anti-social behaviour in the town is the lack of entertainment and activities for young adults. This leaves them with little option but to meet and socialise on the streets and in public places, which often gives the wrong impression and can lead to anti-social behaviour. The Town Council and Mid Beds must put the community first when the developers put forward their plans, especially the young adults
The article in the latest edition of Horizon from Mid Beds District Council giving an update on progress towards the new town centretells us very little about what is really happening. An agreement between all the developers about exactly what is being delivered has yet to be signed. What is certain though is that the value of the housing element of the scheme unveiled earlier this year is now totally unrealistic. This puts some important elements of the scheme at risk and leaves the biggest player – Tecso - in the driving seat, especially when it comes to their responsibility for delivering the public facilities, such as a replacement library when they take its current site to build their new petrol station.
Flitwick Lib Dems have consistently highlighted the dangers of the various developers involved in the scheme going-it-alone, or worse, doing nothing and leaving it all to Tesco. We say Flitwick deserves the best. Mid Beds District Council and its successor, Central Beds must make sure that we get it.
