In the ward:
Protection of resident amenity by getting the planning policy governing horticultural development areas upheld. In particular:
Got local farmers, mostly Langmeads, to conform to NFU code for audible bird scarers
In the district:
A forceful supporter of alternating weekly waste and recyclate bin collection. This has proved its worth across the district in terms of recycling levels and operating in severe weather conditions.
A supporter of funding for the arts, namely the Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery both of which in this period have established themselves as leading national even international artistic institutions. We didn't get the endowments I favoured but my committee did get eight year funding agreements for both.
At the Council:
Chairman for four years of one of the principal committees, Policy Development, subsequently renamed Overview and Scrutiny. Presided over its restructuring and the creation of a planning group and standing panels to extend the role and effectiveness of scrutiny in the Council. Highest profile scrutiny was the challenging in public of the PCT's proposals for Fit for the Future reorganisation of tertiary care.
Failed to get a permanent change of timing of meetings from morning to late afternoon or evening to accommodate members who have to take time off work. The wrinkleys got their way.
Failed to stop the new Novium District Museum in Tower Street. I couldn't even get all the Lib Dems to back me never mind the Conservative members who were whipped to oppose my motion at Full Council. It will prove to be a white elephant we can neither afford in capital or revenue.
Advice to my successor
He will get plenty of good advice from parish councils, residents groups and his party group. But mine would be to continue my policy of opposing by every legitimate means available Mr David Langmead's two operations, Nature's Way Foods and Langmead Farms not in principle but wherever they are threatening the amenity of residents and wherever they are violating planning policy. Their footprint continues to grow as Langmead Farms takes over more and more land for rent.
Finally, the one thing I will not miss is 'meetings, bloody meetings'. My successor should go to as few as he can get away with and, as appropriate, stay at none of them beyond the point where he can learn or contribute.
He has my very best wishes, both for a swift and complete recovery from the accident, and for an interesting and rewarding tenure as member for this ward.
Stephen Quigley
May 10, 2011
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