Thursday, June 13th, 2013
Christopher Pincher MP said this week that he supports the Government’s Right to Buy Scheme and is encouraging council tenants to take advantage.
The right to buy scheme encourages those who are council tenants to buy their properties at a reduced cost. The scheme was launched April last year and offered its tenants up to £75,000 discount.
Chris Pincher said, “The right to buy scheme is a fantastic initiative pushed forward by this Government and I strongly encourage residents to speak to Tamworth Borough Council to find out more about the right to buy and if they qualify.
“It is great news that the number of people buying their own council home has doubled since 2010. This is real evidence that the Conservatives are helping people who work hard or save hard and want to get on. We want everyone to have an equal chance to own their own home.”
Tamworth Borough Council have written to every council tenant in Tamworth encouraging them to take up the offer, so far 18 Tamworth residents have purchased their council homes.
Thursday, June 13th, 2013
Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth, this week discussed the expansion of Birmingham airport on the Sunday Politics show.
Mr Pincher supports the plans for the airport development and the re-opening of the Whitacre link – reducing the time between Tamworth and Birmingham International.
The proposed development for a second runway at Birmingham Airport, if approved, will result in a 4-fold increase in passenger capacity. It is being proposed that a Brownfield landfill site will be used as the site for the second runway.
The proposed site near Packington Heath south of Meriden will not affect Tamworth nor will flight paths be affected. Such an expansion could result in 60 million passengers using the airport every year and tens of thousands of new jobs in the Midlands.
The redevelopment and opening of a new rail link to between Coleshill Parkway and Birmingham International has also been proposed as part of the airport expansion. The proposed links will mean there will be a direct route via rail from Tamworth to Birmingham international cutting journey time from 48 to 18 minutes. The redevelopment of the line will open up new destinations direct from Tamworth such as Coventry and Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon.
Mr Pincher said, “The expansion of Birmingham airport will bring great benefit to Tamworth and the Midlands as a whole. A new runway at Birmingham airport will result in thousands of Jobs being created within 20 miles of Tamworth.
“We are in a global race and if want this country to be competitive then we must commit to the development of regional hubs such as Birmingham and “future proof” our airports. We need an airport that can reach the new and expanding markets in East Asia and South America in one hop.
“That will help tourist travellers, business people and local investment. And vitally, the expansion of Birmingham airport is necessary regardless of HS2 and whether or not those plans go ahead.”
If plans go ahead to expand the airport, up to 250,000 jobs could be created. It also means that the pressure would be taken off West London and British air travel will be able to double.
Monday, June 10th, 2013
Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis will be meeting members of the public in one-to-one meetings to discuss any concerns they may have about crime, policing and their community.
Matthew will spend time where you can come and have a chat with him about your community and how he can help make it an even better place to live.
If you would like to book a place please click here and complete the feedback form, alternatively come along on the day.
Location and dates:
TAMWORTH – Saturday 15th June
10.00 – 11.00 am Tamworth Information Centre (one-to-ones) Corporation Street B79 7DN
TAMWORTH – Saturday 15th June
11.30 – 12.30pm Asda Tamworth – come along and chat with Matthew Ventura Park Road B78 3HB
LICHFIELD Saturday 13th July
10.00 – 11.00 am St Mary’s Heritage Centre (one-to-ones)
Thursday, June 6th, 2013
Fazeley’s new Conservative councillors Alex Farrell and Doug Pullen
Christopher Pincher, Member of Parliament for Tamworth and Fazeley, has congratulated the two new Conservative Party councillors for Fazeley ward – Cllr Doug Pullen of Lichfield District Council and Cllr Alex Farrell of Fazeley Town Council who won election last Thursday.
Christopher Pincher said, “Congratulations to both Doug and Alex for all their efforts. This is a clear demonstration that hard work on local issues and a commitment to Conservative policies on welfare reform, immigration and rebuilding the economy are paying off.
“I am sure that both Doug and Alex will work hard in representing the people of Fazeley, Bonehill and Mile Oak.”
Friday, May 31st, 2013
Staffordshire Police have seized 100 vehicles since the launch of its ‘Cars Behind Bars’ campaign to clampdown on uninsured drivers.
Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis, launched the campaign earlier this month as part of his ambitious plans to make Staffordshire a no-go area for insurance dodgers.
He said, “This is great news, 100 law breakers already caught and dealt with. This sends a clear message to those people driving irresponsibly on our roads. This is a no go area for insurance dodgers and whether it’s wrong doing or serious criminality, Staffordshire is not the place to be.”
Chief Superintendent Jon Drake, said, “Police will continue to step up their fight against uninsured drivers. It is illegal and can have long-term effects on other road users.
“We would urge all motorists to check their insurance is up-to-date and those who are driving illegally should get insurance cover straight away.”
As motorists are allowed up to 14 days to get insurance after their vehicle has been seized, police at this stage cannot say how many of those seized so far will be crushed or auctioned.
The consequences for those caught driving without insurance will face being summoned to court, pay £200 fixed penalty, have their licence endorsed with six penalty points and/or be disqualified.
Drivers re-claiming their car when they have proof of insurance have to pay £150 car recovery costs plus £20 per day.
People can view vehicles that have been seized by visiting www.staffordshire.police/carsbehindbars.
Friday, May 31st, 2013
Christopher Pincher launches his Troop’s shoe box campaign
Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth, has launched a local campaign to pack welfare boxes for our local battalion 3 Mercian, while in Afghanistan in Christmas 2013 and early 2014.
Christopher is working with the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Tamworth Herald, local residents, organisations, businesses and the Mercian Regiment Headquarters in Whittington to pack a box for every soldier on deployment from 3 Mercian (the Staffords) and 4 Mercian (Reservists) for their deployment from October 2013.
Together they will organise packing of boxes with a selection of items including biscuits, sweets, crisps, playing cards, puzzle books, toiletries and a personal handwritten note of thanks for our soldiers. Over 700 boxes must be packed to be sent out to our troops from Autumn 2013 providing a little cheer for their tour.
This campaign is about doing the small things, which together can add up to make a real difference and a positive message to our brave men and women. It is about showing just how proud Tamworth is of our local regiment, the Mercian Regiment. The regiment was formed in Tamworth and Tamworth will always be its home.
Christopher Pincher, Member of Parliament for Tamworth, said, “In the wake of a very successful beanie hat campaign this is another way in which local people can show their support for our troops on their final tour as the ‘Staffords’. Christmas is a time when we should all be with our families, yet unfortunately, some of our brave servicemen and women cannot be due to their valuable work in Afghanistan. This is why the Christmas box is such a good cause and a great way to show support for our troops.”
Boxes will be packed at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Curator of the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Danielle Pritchard said, “The Staffordshire Regiment Museum is very proud to support the Mercian Regiment, this is an important local campaign and we encourage everyone to get involved. The museum looks forward to hosting box packing parties later in the year.”
Mercian Regimental Secretary, Major Jim Massey (retired) said, “We are both delighted and very grateful for the work performed by the numerous voluntary groups and local people who want to support our soldiers. We know from past experience that receiving a parcel or message from members of the public is a huge morale booster to soldiers while on operations.
“It goes without saying that Tamworth and Lichfield have always been extremely supportive towards both the past the Staffordshire Regiment and it successor the Mercian Regiment. I will inform the commanding officer of 3 Mercian about what is going on and look forward to doing so.”
Below is a list of suggested parcel items but this is not by any means definitive. There are many other items which can be included but the key is to keep these small and light as parcels are size and weight restricted.
Travel or individual packs are ideal rather than family or bulk packs. We will also include a variety of items; these are far nicer to receive than for example a box containing just toiletries.
Toiletries
Moisturiser, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel, Roll on Deodorant, Razors, Shaving Gel, Talcum Powder, Foot Powder, Cotton Buds, Wet/Moist Wipes, Tissues, Lip Salve, Travel Wash, Sanitary Protection
Savoury Snacks
Pringles, Crisps, Nuts, Pork Scratchings, Beef Jerky, Savoury Rice, Noodles, Oatcakes, Crackers, Stock Cubes, Packet Soups
Sweet Snacks
Fruit/Cereal Bars, Fruit Flakes, Dried Fruit, Shortbread, Small Cakes, Biscuits, Small Tins Fruit, Packets Custard
Confectionery
Travel sweets, Toffee, Fudge, Kendal Mint Cake, Energy Sweets, Love Hearts, etc Fruit Pastilles, etc Lollipops, Mints Chewing, Gum
Clothing
Socks/Undies, T Shirts, Underwear
Recreation
Paperback, Books, Magazines (NOT TOP SHELF), Puzzle Books, Crossword Books, Playing Cards, Travel Board Games, Jigsaws, Pens, Pencils, Notebooks, Artists Paints, Sketch Books, Batteries
Pharmacy
Zinc Oxide tape, Imodium, Rennie, Paracetamol, Plasters, Ibuprofen, After sun/Aloe Vera, Insect Repellent, Sun Screen
Misc
Boot Laces, Blank Greetings Cards, Small Tins of Meat, Santa Hats, Message of Support
Items for the boxes can be delivered to Mr Pincher’s constituency office at 23 Albert Road, B79 7JS or the Tamworth Herald Offices at Ventura Retail park during normal office hours.
Christopher Pincher MP said this week that he supports the Government’s Right to Buy Scheme and is encouraging council tenants to take advantage.
This Saturday, 8th June, Tamworth Borough Council’s 3 Conservative Party councillors for Mercian ward will be holding a surgery for all residents.
