Archive for May, 2009

Amess: House of Commons is in “paralysis” due to expenses scandal

May 22, 2009
By ottermojo
Amess: House of Commons is in “paralysis” due to expenses scandal

In a speech to the Commons today, Conservative Southend West MP David Amess called for change within the House to revamp the expenses system and the second homes allowance. Mr Amess told the House of his disappointment at the situation in Parliament since the expenses scandal broke: “Before my party leader called for an election, I...
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Outgoing Mayor claims charities are priced out of market by Southend Theatres

May 20, 2009
By ottermojo

 The former Mayor Gwen Horrigan said as she formally handed over her office to Cllr Brian Smith that Southend Theatres should reduce their charges for charities using their venues. Mrs Horrigan said: “I would urge the theatres to look at their charges for charities. It is difficult to raise money in the current economic climate. “I’m...
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Amess questions Tessa Jowell on Olympic impact in Southend West

May 20, 2009
By ottermojo
Amess questions Tessa Jowell on Olympic impact in Southend West

Southend West Conservative MP David Amess has launched a series of questions about the impact of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Yesterday, Mr Amess fired off a round of written questions to Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell, in an attempt to find out how much research had been done into the specific impact of the...
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Southend Council launches competition to redevelop pier

May 19, 2009
By ottermojo
Southend Council launches competition to redevelop pier

 Southend’s iconic pier has suffered a marred history in the past few decades. The landmark, which is a grade II listed structure and the longest pleasure pier in the world, has been ravaged by fire and boat crashes. Despite recent neglect, the pier still attracts 250,000 visitors a year, but the local authority is determined to improve...
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Duddridge continues inquiries into steroid misuse

May 18, 2009
By ottermojo

Conservative MP James Duddridge has again requested information on the government’s actions to tackle anabolic steroid abuse. Mr Duddridge this time wrote to Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, asking “what recent discussions she has had on the classification of anabolic steroids.” In a written reply, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Home Office Alan Campbell said:  ”Anabolic steroids are controlled...
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Horrigan hangs up Chain of Office as Smith becomes Southend’s mayor

May 18, 2009
By ottermojo
Horrigan hangs up Chain of Office as Smith becomes Southend’s mayor

Liberal Democrat Brian Smith took over as mayor of Southend yesterday at the Civic Centre. Mr Smith replaces Gwen Horrigan as mayor. He has been a member of the council for 14 years, and is the owner of the Ace of Cards greetings card shop in Shoebury. Mr Smith’s appointment was proposed by Liberal Democrat group...
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MP expenses: Duddridge blames rule book whilst Amess denies wrong-doing

May 15, 2009
By ottermojo
MP expenses: Duddridge blames rule book whilst Amess denies wrong-doing

The MP expenses row has been the biggest national news story of the week, and yesterday Southend MP James Duddridge finally made a public statement about his own expenses. Mr Duddridge promised that he would publish all of his receipts online for constituents to examine, and would pay back any amount that the public thought...
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Southend Labour councillor leads taxi drivers in license row

May 14, 2009
By ottermojo
Southend Labour councillor leads taxi drivers in license row

Labour group leader David Norman has revealed his plans to fight a possible rise in the cost of issuing licenses to private hire drivers. Mr Norman claims that the proposed increase from £260 to £310 for licenses will price many taxi drivers out of the market, particularly in the current economic climate. Talks are being held...
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European elections draw near

May 13, 2009
By ottermojo
European elections draw near

On Thursday 4th June electors will be able to vote for people to represent them on the European Parliament. The European Parliament represents residents of European Union’s 27 member countries. It has powers in many areas including animal rights, consumer rights, the environment, international trade, regional economic development and workers’ rights. There are 12 European Electoral...
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Duddridge welcomes investment in offshore windfarm

May 13, 2009
By ottermojo
Duddridge welcomes investment in offshore windfarm

Conservative MP for Rochford and Southend East James Duddridge today welcomed the investment of various corporations in the London Array wind farm project. The project is a joint venture developed by three international companies with interests in renewable energy. The wind farm, once completed, will be situated in the outer Thames Estuary, 12 miles from...
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