9. I think Marshall is a climate change denying twit and one wonders if his job selling fossil fuel to farmers motivates him in anyway. However he raises a very legitimate point regarding farming and what Labour have done. The somewhat patronising tone of Sue Woodward implying Marshall should not raise this issue because he is not collegiate is distasteful. Suggesting politics should have no debate tends to suggest Ms Woodward is scrabbling around to find a defence. Other than we should not talk about it. Tends to suggest she is on the back foot. Could the Conservatives not have found… RFW
  17. What a ridiculous load of nonsense from Patrick Young. Acting like some paranoid Trumpist and that The Labour Administration is purely attacking the countryside on a class basis. Whether or not this policy is correct or not, please do not use the pathetic old excuse that Townies have no idea about the countryside is run and that any attempt to introduce legislation to make any change is an attack on their lifestyle etc. They trotted out the same absurd rationale to try and defend the vile sadistic spectacle that is hunting with dogs, which well over 80% of the population… Andrew Steed
  19. It would be great for our labour MP to actually make positive statements. There is no verifiable £22bn back hole. What has labour done to resolve the missing £300m support they talk about? I have heard nothing on this topic. What has labour done about reducing the number of closures of agricultural businesses if such an action is appropriate according the reasons for the closure of the businesses? How will the increase in inheritance taxes for farms improve the situation for Lichfield and surrounding area farmers? How will the increase in National Insurance on farm workers assist farms? Could it… Ian
  21. I find it absolutely staggering to see the amount of negative comments about this development, as well as previous posts regarding the paddle courts in Lichfield. I can't tell if this negativity is simply out of apathy or if some people believe that if they’re not interested, then no one else should be! Let’s be honest: the park is meant to be a space for sports and recreation. Anything that inspires people to get active and lead healthier lifestyles should be encouraged. I walk around the park at least once a week during my lunch break, and during the summer… Adrian
  22. Labour have taken a blunderbuss to ordinary farmers when they needed to snipe those abusing the exemption. Land has gone up in value because tax avoiders (not evaders) have exploited a reasonable exemption. No doubt they will be happy for Chinese and Dutch agro concerns to hoover up small farms to create mega industrial farms. It does amuse me somewhat though when this climate change denier Marshall raises concerns regarding farming. I would have thought with all these Autumn rains we are having and the resulting waterlogging of farmland the penny might drop. For every extra 1C air can hold… RFW
  23. There have always been loopholes in the tax system which are exploited by rich investor's. Farm land is just one of them. For it to work properly it needs better definition. Which farms are owner occupied and involved in food production. Is the food produced for home consumption or to be sold abroad (as is much of our meat products). Is the land used for food production and not solar sites, holiday sheds, theme parks, pumpkins and much else that is not strictly farming. Farms have always benefited from subsidies and tax breaks. I have no problem with that but… Philip
  25. I wished people would stop bickering which or who voted either way . It’s pathetic and childish. It is abundantly clear the younger generation are being treated like fools. Realistic and simple simple fact of housing needs to be addressed once and for all . We cannot sustain anymore people coming here for a free ride on the tax payers . There are hundreds of thousands of young people in the Uk will never afford to buy a home of their own . House and look after our own before we get into point where we run out of money… Bill
  27. I understand that the government want to build more housing but my biggest issue is the road networks and how each development adds up to one large future gridlock, which is already starting to show. If the council are happy to put these developments in than they need to cough up the capital investment to alter the networks around them such as reconfiguring kwickfit island which is gridlock, widening wood end lane, which is not fit for purpose with Lorry’s on either side (hence the drains falling apart) altering the network rail bridge on watery lane. They won’t because it… Local person
  29. Haven't we been hearing that the park won national recognition recently? This must be an anathema to our planners. A box like structure is unlikely to add anything to our park. There has been plenty of land sold off for housing that could have been used for a proper leisure centre. They have already stolen Stychbrook park for a less than impressive one. Leave Beacon Park alone! It is the people's park, part given by a local philanthropist. Knowing this council, as we do, it will probably be there a few years then pulled down for housing as it will… Philip
  32. LDC: biodiversity is really important (https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2024/11/29/council-unveils-plans-for-mini-nature-reserves-in-lichfield-and-burntwood-to-help-replace-biodiversity-lost-during-housing-developments/). Also LDC: let’s build over the park. It’s almost like they don’t do joined up thinking. Just leave the park alone. If there’s money for a minority sport (albeit apparently growing in popularity) build the facility at the new leisure centre. Surely that makes more sense. Nature lover
  37. Having tables and chairs outside provides customers with choice (yes even in winter as some dog walkers may also like to sit outside and enjoy a coffee or cake) in warmer weather sitting outside allows customers to enjoy eating in the warm and pleasant weather while enjoying the sites and history Lichfield can offer – its not just about extra seating capacity its giving the customer a different experience, one that might bring in more people to Lichfield. Unlike some other larger towns, Lichfield does not have an abundance of shops that people might travel some distance to visit, so… Headshim
  38. Year after year the Conservatives at SCC have told us how good they are, unlike the previous Labour administration, yet demands the maximum allowed without having to ask residents. This is why you haven't seen any potholes for 14 years and why the Youth Service is so visible. It's a shame that Cllr Parry as Deputy Leader, and his Leader at the time Cllr Atkins, said they wanted opposition member's as Chairs of Scrutiny- when in opposition- then completely reversed it when they were in control a few months later! Steven Norman
  39. It beggars belief, both the ham-fisted enforcement and also the comment from the council spokesperson. Why are they putting time and effort into something that as far as I can see, isn't even a problem as it stands? Ladies and gentlemen, you're paying for that! Here's an idea: as and when the cafes and city centre become so amazingly popular that there is a chance that there may not be room everyone, we could perhaps look again at the rules. That would be a nice problem to have, yes? Until then, set the people free! Let them stroll, let them… Stormwatch
  41. Most of the on street dining areas only came in because of COVID, I could be wrong, but definitely saw an influx. How many of these eateries are so full to the brim that people have to sit outside? Theres plenty that survive with have 5 tables on the street. We're all of these areas on owners original leases, or something they added on? Pedestrianised areas obviously still, rightfully, allow cars with access needs through. Stop crying and market your establishments better if not having 4 tables outside is going to end up ending your business… Also, it's winter… Why… Street Cat Bob
  42. Hard to know where we are going with this. Again just below the 5% threshold which would require government approval, but again taking more and giving less! Where will this end? The whole of household expenditure is being squeezed. Shrinkflation ( where you pay more for smaller size or amounts). Inflation, where you pay more for everything, and sneakflation, where costs are increased as high as they can get away with. Benefit cuts to many (not just pensioners). And, of course, National Insurance increases, where you don't pay through your income but those who have to pay will pass on… Philip
  49. Without a hint of embarrassment or self awareness they put out statement saying we will have a meeting to discuss the matter in almost two months, two months! People wonder why many people consider the public sector to be hopeless and incapable of delivering anything. OK can Labour or anyone not call an emergency meeting ahead of this date, a mechanism must exist? So typical of people who do not understand the pressures or earning their income. Alternatively how about a holding position, of all enforcement action is on hold until the outcome of this meeting. 46 is not the… RFW
  54. I agree the "kettling" of folk (that is, the use of high 6 foot fences to ring-fence the market square, effectively leaving a 5 foot wide gap to move people from Conduit up to Market Street) was a foolish and dangerous mistake, leaving people restricted and claustrophobic. Which no-brain in the council thought this was the ideal plan to deploy? And why was the alleyway from B&M car park to Market Street and Lombard Street to Conduit Street down the side of Lloyds bank blocked? Dam Street (where I live) was blocked because the folk walking down towards the market… Citizen Smith
  55. Why don't these greedy developers give a thought to the fact our Drs Surgeries are already full? Plus it can be distressing if you are poorly – and cannot see a doctor for weeks? I know as I'm one of those people! When there's a waiting list for a BLOOD TEST?? It's no good some people saying – "oh it's like that country wide! Maybe but WHY? I also think if homes are built on a known flood plain – the developers should be made liable! No such luck! Why are all the 'powers that be so powerless to stop… Miss Sardine
  61. Do you remember when Boley Park was in the planning stage many years ago ? Space was allocated for a health centre and a school but after building the houses the developer said those facilities were no longer needed !! and built more houses on the allocated spaces !, watch this space folks there's NO such thing as a free lunch ? Netherstowe and Watery Lanes are going to be busy for country roads aren't they ? Have you been along there and met a tractor ? Good Luck , welcome to LOONY land folks ? Grumpy old man
  76. I have walked many once railway lines across the country. The Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail being two quite near by. It is hard to imagine they could operate on the basis being proposed by British Rail for this 'greenway'? Like many deals of late our council is inclined to take all the risks. The expenditure over a fifty year 'take it or leave it' period has the potential to be very high. Perhaps our new MP could appeal to the Minister of Transport to have this disused line bought back into use as a public amenity. Philip
  77. @Mr Harper. This is exactly why we can't have nice things. People complaining. Moaning constantly about any initiative. Particularly when those people have no idea about how things work, how projects are funded, or even how elections work. It's no wonder why a lot of people, decent people, don't stick their necks out to get things done. You want all the potholes filled? Great. Who does that? How is it funded? What do you choose not to do to find the money, or do you put the taxes up? Cut adult social care, or child protection to fill the pot… Mr C Yuenti
  81. Wow that is quite a risk for a little district council to take on, for a cycle track. Look what happens to embankments on operational infrastructure with climate change and the resulting wet land slips that require tens of thousands of tons soil to be removed and stabilised. Significant bridges a Fosseway Lane and Pipe Hill. It is almost like these councillors need to justify their existence with grand and risky projects. Could we not get the canal at least half done first? Network Rail will be laughing, to palm all this risk off. It was never residual BRB-Beeching stuff… RFW
  89. The sentiment seems to be its a kindness for dying people who are in pain. With caring partners and families. Some dying people will feel they are a burden and that their legacy is being wasted on care homes. Some families might feel an earlier death might benefit them overall. Other countries have seen their safeguards slip over time with neurological conditions and children now involved. I am compassionate by nature but fear that unintended consequences might not always bring about the good intentions of this policy. Philip
  99. I would have to agree with Local Man on this. It's a con. You don't increase biodiversity by greening parks that are already green. The developers are being allowed to get away with it yet again. Meanwhile, the Council is also planning to concrete over a green space with mature trees outside Lichfield City train station to make way for a bus station that will be a totally inadequate replacement for the far more sensible one we already have. And who's the beneficiary of that – developers who are set to make a killing out of building luxury flats on… Carl Sholl