tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67088332011-10-11T08:22:08.513ZDiary of Halewood Lib Dem Councillor Dave SmithsonDave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1148930020918887672006-05-29T19:10:00.000Z2006-05-29T19:13:40.933Z

Monday 29th May 2006 - Is anyone else already sick of hearing about the build up to the World Cup?? Or am I the only one tired of hearing what Wayne did next.................hold the front page Wayne managed to go to the toilet today all on his own.....the medical team reported this was great news for Sven and the boys..................come on surely to goodness there are more important things

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1146995166919538922006-05-07T09:42:00.000Z2006-05-27T20:00:20.413Z

Sunday 7th May 2006 - We're back now the elections are over and how with one seat held and another gained last Thursday in the local council elections.As well as defending my own seat we won Halewood South from Labour with Dot Birch winning with a majority of 43 in a tight fought contest.Now the biggest party in Halewood, the Lib Dems are justifiably well chuffed with those resuts!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1142794474567999232006-03-19T18:44:00.000Z2006-04-23T15:39:04.546Z

Sunday 19th March 2006 - New Lib Dem Leader Sir Menzies Campbell MP was at our Regional Spring Conference in Rawtenstall yesterday and gave a rousing speech to delegates as we prepare for the coming local elections in May.Ming took time out to launch our "Police not Plastic" campaign and Sarah and I joined him for a photo opportunity to promote the issue in the coming campaign.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1141524459099183582006-03-05T01:15:00.000Z2006-03-05T02:07:39.153Z

Saturday 4th March 2006 - Spent the day at the Party Spring Conference in Harrogate and spoke in the debate on Education reform, citing Knowsley as an example of good practice in delivering Lib Dem policy, even though it is a Labour controlled council!!Good to catch up with old friends and familiar faces and all the post leadership contest gossip!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1141341828051109312006-03-02T22:48:00.000Z2006-03-06T07:21:07.350Z

Thursday 2nd March 2006 - Delighted with the news this afternoon that the new Party Leader was Sir Menzies Campbell who I had been campaigning for during the leadership contest, but disappointed this evening with the result from the Whiston Town Council by-election result where our candidate - Mike Lappin - lost by only 12 votes.However, 19 postal votes were not allowed to be included by the

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1140994706732118842006-02-26T22:52:00.000Z2006-02-26T22:58:26.746Z

Sunday 26th February 2006 - Just three days to go in the Liberal Democrat Leadership election. Ballot papers for the election must arrive with the Electoral Reform Society by 12 noon on Wednesday 1 March 2006. So, today is probably the last day to post your vote.Let's hope members use it wisely and I hope Ming is our new Leader next Thursday!!Meanwhile back on the ground here in Knowsley we have

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1140602218420539962006-02-22T09:48:00.000Z2007-02-19T17:40:57.366Z

Wednesday 22nd February 2006 - An additional Halewood Area Forum has been arranged for next week to discuss the development of our new approach to neighbourhood management and neighbourhood service delivery.This is an opportunity for local people to shape the way the Council tackles their problems and issues, no doubt there will be some good debate!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1140165381520918562006-02-17T08:11:00.000Z2006-02-17T08:36:21.533Z

Friday 17th February 2006 - Apologies to regular readers for the lack of updates recently, it has been a very busy week.It all started with a trip to the Police Authority on Monday to discuss the police budget and precept for next year, the final decision to be taken by the Authority on Thursday.On Tuesday we had a very lively Area Forum in Halewood with lots of concerns and complaints about the

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1139771763797578812006-02-12T19:12:00.000Z2006-02-12T22:29:32.200Z

Sunday 12th February 2006 - As some regular readers of my diary will know, I write a regular column on local topical issues for another site www.knowsleyonline.com.Pay a visit and you can read my views this coming week on the proposed merger of Merseyside Police with Cheshire Police.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1139560624600266152006-02-10T08:34:00.000Z2006-02-10T08:37:04.610Z

Friday 10th February 2006 - In his victory speech Mr Rennie said: “Tonight the voters of Dunfermline and West Fife have sent a powerful message to Downing Street that will rock the foundations of both No 10 and No 11.“Labour has taken the people for granted up and down the country for too long. It is time Tony Blair and Gordon Brown both got the message — too much spin and not enough delivery.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1139476125927270032006-02-09T08:52:00.000Z2006-02-09T09:08:46.350Z

Thursday 9th February 2006 - The Leadership campaign has generated a lot of material for Lib Dem blog sites and some very interesting entries and debates on the merits of all three candidates.Reading one this morning that was criticising one of the contender's efforts it struck me there may well be a good reason for some of the criticism I have read about the campaigning efforts of all

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1138990029229475452006-02-03T18:00:00.000Z2006-02-03T18:07:09.240Z

Friday 3rd February 2006 - Sir Menzies Campbell MP called into Liverpool to meet members today during a whirlwind visit to the North West region.It was a good opportunity for some local media interviews as well while also providing an opportunity to update Ming on how well the canvassing was going on Merseyside.Dinner with Simon Hughes MP again this evening, the second time in a week, hope he

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1138876969919882622006-02-02T10:35:00.000Z2006-02-02T10:42:49.920Z

Thursday 2nd February 2006 - Have been canvassing members and colleagues this week to get them to support Ming's campaign in the leadership election and am getting some very positive feedback.There is a lot of support and sympathy for Simon among colleagues as well but many feel Ming is the best choice and a lot of people saying are they do not know enough about Chris Huhne.Many are waiting until

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1138608031920732162006-01-30T07:53:00.000Z2006-01-30T08:01:53.716Z

Monday 30th January 2006 - caught up on the press coverage and web feedback of the candidates' performance at the first official hustings event in Plymouth at the weekend.Good performances by all three I understand, with Ming cracking a very funny joke at George Galloway's expense.Read the full text of Ming's speech here http://www.campbellcampaign.org/2006/01/28/

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1138559304763429302006-01-29T18:24:00.000Z2006-01-29T18:28:24.776Z

Sunday 29th January 2006 - Attended a very enjoyable North West regional dinner on Friday night to celebrate the success we have had over the last two years in the region and it was a great way to put the events of the last couple of weeks out of our minds and talk about more positive things.We were joined by party President and leadership candidate Simon Hughes MP and our own Regional President

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1138265187512470012006-01-26T08:13:00.000Z2006-01-26T08:46:27.523Z

Thursday 26th January 2006 - Another day another exclusive story about someone's private life. But as I wrote the other day senior elected political figures have to accept they face the glare and scrutiny of the press when they choose to stand for high office and they have to be honest when questioned about themselves however intrusive they may be.I do not care one hoot whether Simon Hughes has

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1138220332347973182006-01-25T20:10:00.000Z2006-01-25T20:18:52.363Z

Wednesday 25th January 2006 - An interesting campaign has been launched - "Reflecting Britain" - designed by a number of Liberal Democrats to coincide with the current leadership contest.They are concerned that the party needs to better reflect 21st century Britain and want to see the leadership contenders (and eventual winner!) take their issues on board.I think this is a very valid and

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1138179266333080022006-01-25T08:50:00.000Z2006-01-25T09:11:30.770Z

Wednesday 25th January 2006 - I was pleased to see leadership candidate Sir Menzies Campbell setting out his environmental agenda during a visit to the Eden Project.Ming is right to highlight environmental issues as a key concern during this leadership debate, the Lib Dems have been the leading political party out of the main three to address these concerns and it gives us a distinctive

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1137920551077902412006-01-22T08:47:00.000Z2006-01-22T09:02:31.980Z

Sunday 22nd January 2006 - I was shocked and stunned to learn of Mark Oaten's resignation as Home Affairs spokesman last night.Let's be clear from the outset I have no issue whatsoever with anyone's sexuality or what they do in their private lives, I never will have and I agree with the many views I have read this morning regarding people's private lives. However, a high profile public figure

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1137873747600419302006-01-21T19:48:00.000Z2006-01-21T20:02:27.613Z

Saturday 21st January 2006 - I had to go to London today for the first meeting of the Lib Dems English Council Executive (ECE) of the new year and needless to say much of the general chit chat between the "official" business centred on the Leadership contest.People appeared to be generally guarded about who they were backing, not surprising given the number of senior Party officers present, but I

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1137657448186297192006-01-19T07:50:00.000Z2006-01-19T07:57:28.196Z

Thursday 19th January 2006 - The start of my third day in my effort to quit smoking, going well so far but I have to admit I have had to have the odd puff over the last couple of days.But after 30 years of smoking 40 a day I guess stopping overnight was always going to be extremely difficult, I ahve cut down to almost a quarter of that in my first 2 days which is quite a significant step

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1137485604662442232006-01-17T07:55:00.000Z2006-01-17T08:13:24.673Z

Tuesday 17th January 2006 - After a visit to the local pharmacy yesterday for some advice on quitting smoking I was given a prescription for NiQuitin patches and have now started my determined fight to quit smoking. Today is the first day!!I will keep you posted on my progress!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1137450341535284872006-01-16T22:20:00.000Z2007-02-16T15:00:48.120Z

Monday 16th January 2006 - I have just visited the campaign web site of Sir Menzies Campbell which so far as I can tell is the only one of the four candidates' sites up and running right now.In keeping with his Olympic sprint credentials it looks like Ming has once again got off to a flying start!!Looking forward to see what the others look like when they go live and to read what they have to say

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1137078697013583702006-01-12T15:05:00.000Z2006-01-12T15:11:37.013Z

Thursday 12th January 2006 - No I am not talking about Gorgeous George and the Big Brother escapades, although I can forgive you for thinking that was the topic of this posting!!But events yesterday in the House of Commons and the way the other two parties turned Prime Minister's Question Time into an opportunity to have a knock about at the Lib Dems expense!!Yes actually I thought it was very

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1136801875788651722006-01-09T10:06:00.000Z2006-01-09T10:17:56.456Z

Monday 9th January 2006 - What an incredible start to the new year this has been already!When I resolved to try and maintain my blog more regularly as the fireworks exploded above my head at midnight on 31st December I had no idea that another fuse was about to be lit that would result in the resignation on Saturday of Lib Dem Leader Charles Kennedy.Whatever your views abut his leadership style

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1136532751618698382006-01-06T07:32:00.000Z2006-01-06T07:47:46.350Z

Friday 6th January 2006 - So after all the speculation and gossip the press have finally got their man and forced Charles to go public with his drink problem.I, like many others, have continued to back and support Charles Kennedy 100% despite the rumours flying around for some months now and still beleive despite his problems he has done a terrific job for this Party and we have reached record

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1136371902102996402006-01-04T10:40:00.000Z2006-01-04T11:57:52.593Z

Wednesday 4th January 2006 - OK the holidays are over now, I am back from my jaunt down under, we have exchanged presents and broken most of the resolutions we set ourselves at midnight last Saturday so let's get back to work shall we!!There are two resolutions I am determined to crack this year though, 1 - regular updates to this blog including my views on some of the topical political stories

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1134766829354783562005-12-16T20:59:00.000Z2005-12-16T21:00:29.356Z

Thought you might like to see this pic as well!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1134766652723916552005-12-16T20:43:00.000Z2005-12-16T20:58:38.010Z

Saturday 17th December 2005 - Almost at the end of our trip down under and will soon be back in the UK!! Looking forward to getting back to the cold winter and away from all this sun in Oz - not!We managed to climb the Syndey Harbour Bridge while in Sydney last week, great view from the top!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1134330669272318232005-12-11T19:44:00.000Z2005-12-11T19:51:09.283Z

Monday 12th December 2005 - Apologies for the lack of updates but as you can see from the pic above Sarah and I are currently "down under' in Australia having a great holiday. The weather is great, we have been diving on the Great Barrier Reef and are off to Sydney this morning.Regular service will resume in the very near future!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1133356446971678932005-11-30T13:10:00.000Z2005-11-30T13:14:06.986Z

Monday 28th November 2005 - I was invited to the official launch of the Aboutknowsley.com web site on Monday evening which formally went "live" in a ceremony performed by the Mayor and Mayoress of Knowsley, Cllr Jim Keight and his wife Josie, and the Squire of Knotty Ash Ken Dodd!!Ken was on fine form, presenting the Mayoress with her very on tickling stick during the official launch ceremony!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1132997655403477462005-11-26T09:11:00.000Z2005-11-26T09:34:15.453Z

Friday 25th November 2005 - Lib Dem Shadow Education Secretary Ed Davey MP joined us as our guest speaker for our annual Christmas dinner in Knowsley this week and entered into the Xmas spirit. Ed was also able to meet Council Officers earlier in the day to discuss our 14-19 Collegiate and Building Schools for the Future plans.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1131579377931461082005-11-09T23:26:00.000Z2005-11-09T23:36:17.943Z

Tuesday 8th November 2005 - I was delighted to be asked to deputise for our Regional President this week and present Reggie Lane from Rossendale & Darwin with his Regional President's Award for services to the Party. The event took place in Rochdale Town Hall and we were fortunate to be joined by former Regional President and Rochdale MP, Sir Cyril Smith MBE who was the man behind the first ever

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1129968269848407172005-10-22T07:58:00.000Z2005-10-22T08:04:29.853Z

Friday 21st October 2005 - I attended another excellent evening of entertainment with the Liverpool Philharmonic Gospel Choir led by Tyndale Thomas at Prescot Parish Church on Friday.The evening was very uplifting and inspirational and as usual a credit to the quality of events provided by the Council while the local young children and choirs who supported the Gospel Choir were

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1129830665808844042005-10-20T16:24:00.000Z2005-10-20T17:51:05.873Z

Thursday 20th October 2005 - As part of Local Democracy Week I was shadowed by two young people today - Jack and Rachel - both pupils at Halewood College where I am also a Governor.I arranged meetings with various Officers to discuss the Raven Court development, Neighbourhood Management issues and the Government's Green Paper "Youth Matters", all of which gave the young people a good insight into

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1129190355883883972005-10-13T07:51:00.000Z2005-10-22T08:46:23.920Z

Wednesday 12th October 2005 - Following on from the LGA conference on Young People Matter conference I attended yesterday, I was invited to an awards evening on Wednesday by the Halewood Project Youth Trust at Halewood College.It was great to see how many positive activities local young people had been engaged in as part of a series of projects aimed at giving them something positive to achieve,

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1129189708621847642005-10-13T07:42:00.000Z2005-10-13T07:48:28.623Z

Tuesday 11th october 2005 - I attended a Local Government Association conference in London today focusing on the Government's plans published in their Green Paper Youth Matters. I find I am very impressed with some of the proposals in the paper and the speech by Children's Minister Beverly Hughes MP convinces me the Government's plans and thinking are on the right track.There are still some

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1129188843104308282005-10-13T07:34:00.000Z2005-10-22T08:47:27.563Z

Monday 10th October 2005 - Back to work after a week's break in Cyprus to attend a friend's wedding, I was lucky enough to find time for some diving and thanks to Q Divers (that's their specially adapted vehicle and trailer in the picture above) I was able to dive the wreck of a ferry - The Zenobia - that sank off the coast of Larnaca.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1127730389510361132005-09-26T10:26:00.000Z2005-09-26T10:30:25.260Z

Saturday 24th September 2005 - At the National Association of Local Councils conference and dinner in Eastbourne on Saturday Halewood Town Council was again recognised by its peers.As well as being shortlisted for Council of the Year and Website of the Year, we were commended for our Annual Town Council Report and Town Manager John Green was nominated as Runner Up in the Clerk of the Year

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1127457711591300602005-09-23T06:39:00.000Z2005-09-23T06:41:51.596Z

Friday 23rd September 2005 - Barely time to draw breath after the Party Conference in Blackpool and its off to Eastbourne for the National Association of Local Council's conference this weekend!!Halewood Town Council has been nominated for several awards again this year and watch this space to see if we are successsful, details to come on Sunday!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1127401974385286142005-09-22T15:12:00.000Z2005-09-22T15:19:36.923Z

Wednesday 21st September 2005 - This year's North West Conference delegates' reception was again sponsored by the North West Development Agency and ITV Granada and being held on the eve of ITV's 50th birthday celebrations was a great evening and a fantastic way to celebrate both ITV's success and the Lib Dems success in the region this year.I was delighted as North West Chair to welcome Mark

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1127207046183495242005-09-20T09:04:00.000Z2005-09-20T09:11:48.740Z

Monday 19th Septemeber 2005 - I was delighted as Chair of the North West Region to join Party President Simon Hughes MP and Lord Tom McNally of Blackpool, Lib Dem Leader in the House of Lords, during the official opening of our Autumn Conference in the Winter Gardens on Monday by the Mayor of Blackpool.We have been lobbying the Federal Conference Committee for a number of years to get Blackpool

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1127030972945006912005-09-18T08:06:00.000Z2005-09-18T08:09:32.946Z

Sunday 18th September 2005 - It looks like the final nails in the coffin of Merseytram are being lined up as Sefton and Knowsley make it clear they are not prepared to fund the scheme trough an increase in the Transport Levy which would mean an increase in Council Tax.Read my thoughts on this subject tomorrow in my latest column on www.aboutknowsley.com!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1127030697481623132005-09-18T08:00:00.000Z2005-09-18T08:06:06.963Z

Saturday 17th September 2005 - A busy week ahead started with a busy day on Saturday! The day started with a brief visit to the Mayor of Prescot's Charity Recod Fair at Prescot Leisure Centre where there was a good turnout. The event raised £285 for the Mayor's charity fund.Then a quick trip to Whiston to deliver some more by-elecction leaflets before heading to Blackpool to prepare for the Party

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1126595873364796032005-09-13T07:04:00.000Z2005-09-13T07:17:53.370Z

Tuesday 13th September 2005 - The impact of Hurricane Katrina is starting to be felt in Halewood and across the UK as threats of more fuel blockades leads to petrol rationing and soaring prices.I visited my local garage Sunday to be told I could only have £10 worth of fuel as other local garages closed their doors. It is a sensible precaution to take to make sure everyone can at least get some

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1126424879469608462005-09-11T07:47:00.000Z2005-09-11T08:05:27.636Z

Saturday 10th September 2005 - North West Lib Dem MEP Saj Karim visited Whiston South today to give our by-election campaign a boost.Saj met candidate Yvonne Southern and supporters at Whiston station before helping with some canvassing of local residents on a a nearby estate.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1126031733076563292005-09-06T18:31:00.000Z2005-09-06T18:35:33.076Z

Tuesday 6th September 2005 - A new web site dedicated to news, views and information for Knowsley residents went live yesterday and is sure to be a winner with local people.I suppose I shoiuld declare an interest here as the Editor very kindly asked me to contribute to the site and I have agreed to write a fortnightly column called "The Opposite View" to air some of my thoughts on topical local

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1125822343353922432005-09-04T08:15:00.000Z2005-09-04T08:25:43.360Z

Sunday 4th September 2005 - The Cheadle blisters have barely healed and it's back out on the campiagn trail today working in Whiston South where there is a by-election on Sept 22nd for the vacant Knowsley Council seat.We have a terrific candidate in Yvonne Southern and are confident we can pull off victory this time after Yvonne lost out last year by only 130 votes.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1125821284811534972005-09-04T08:08:00.000Z2005-09-04T08:13:50.666Z

Saturday 3rd September 2005 - I was delighted and honoured to be asked in my capacity as Regional Chair to open the new offices of North West MEP Saj Karim in Nelson on Saturday. I was joined by Tim Farron MP, Westmoreland & Lonsdale, Lord Tony Greaves and many local Pendle Councillors, activists and campaigners to celebrate the opening of Saj's new premises which will be a beacon for Liberal

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1125417855419209432005-08-30T16:04:00.000Z2005-08-30T16:07:39.696Z

Tuesday 30th August 2005 - Back to work today after the Bank Holiday which alllowed Sarah and I some time off and a rare break from politics!! We took advantage of the opportunity to spend some time with family over the weekend and for Sarah - as you can see from the picture above - that meant some time playing with our nephew and godson Charlie!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1124261997622925082005-08-17T06:53:00.000Z2005-08-17T07:01:40.660Z

Tuesday 16th August 2005 - Knowsley hosted a delegation from the Chinese city of Nanning today as part of the Memorandum of Friendship that has been established between our two communities. It is still early days but let's hope with China's growing position in the global economy that this arrangement can bring positive developments to the people of Knowsley and who knows maybe some jobs can be

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1123487040134403952005-08-08T07:44:00.000Z2005-08-08T07:49:16.720Z

Sunday 7th August 2005 - The 7th Knowsley Flower Show was held at the National Wildflower Centre in glorious weather and with huge crowds flocking to see the wealth of horticultural talent on show from gardeners around the local area.The show continues to grow and grow ( no pun intended!!) and has become one of the most popular events in the local calender.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1122797910465659082005-07-31T08:14:00.000Z2005-07-31T08:18:30.476Z

Sunday 31st July 2005 - Many local residents have been shocked by the horrific murder of Huyton student Anthony Walker on Friday night. Let us hope the animals who committed this crime are caught quickly.Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony's family and friends this weekend.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1122534783098482662005-07-28T07:13:00.000Z2005-07-28T07:45:51.606Z

Thursday 28th July 2005 - Litter and the quality of street cleaning was high on our agenda yesterday when the new Chief Executive of Knowsley visited Halewood North ward as part of her induction into the new post. We also highlighted areas of anti-social behaviour and traffic problems while also looking at how the rural areas of the ward are often overlooked. Hopefully we will see some

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1122372903259279892005-07-26T10:15:00.000Z2005-07-26T10:20:14.370Z

Tuesday 26th July 2005 - I have been spending a lot of time looking around my ward and the Halewood area in general in recent weeks and am very disappointed with the amount of litter on the streets and fly tipping going on. The Knowsley Pride campaign was designed to address these problems but so far I am yet to be convinced that the extra investment has made any real impact, something I will

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1121503740812220252005-07-16T08:49:00.000Z2005-07-16T08:53:49.556Z

Saturday 16th July 2005 - A petition in Knowsley against the Boundary Commission's proposals for the reorganisation of Parliamentary boundaries on Merseyside is growing daily. Both political parties on the Council have supported the objections to the plans to split our Borough with Halewood joining Garston while Whiston and parts of Prescot go to St Helens South. It is a barmy scheme which will

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1121418246843788542005-07-15T09:04:00.000Z2005-07-15T09:08:34.776Z

Friday 15th july 2005 - Mark Hunter - the new MP for Cheadle - and myself thanking party workers for their help during the election.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1121415708627392752005-07-15T08:19:00.000Z2005-07-15T08:22:57.740Z

Friday 15th July 2005 - All the hard work has paid off and the people of Cheadle have given a big thumbs down to the negative Tory campaign when Mark Hunter was elected as the new MP for Cheadle in yesterday's by-election! Oh and Labour even managed to loose their deposit!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1121339255368964112005-07-14T11:04:00.000Z2005-07-14T11:07:35.366Z

Thursday 14th July 2005 - It has been busy week so far, as well as helping out in Cheadle where I could we had a Council meeting last night where we supported the oppositoin to the Boundary Commission's proposals to carve up Knowsley's Parliamentary seats and gave our backing in principal to supporting the Merseytram project.However, despite all political parties across Merseyside working

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1121339048028322922005-07-14T11:01:00.000Z2005-07-14T11:04:08.033Z

Thursday 14th July 2005 - Today is polling day in the Parliamentary by-election in Cheadle and like many of my colleagues from around the region I will be going to help out as much as I can before and after work. It is vital for the Party we hold this seat and see off the threat from the Tories who have been running a very nasty and negative personal campaign, let's hope it backfires on them!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1121017661622116382005-07-10T17:47:00.000Z2005-07-10T17:54:01.756Z

Sunday 10th July 2005 - Another glorious day in Cheadle and still plenty of work to be done with only four days to polling day to ensure Mark Hunter wins on Thursday. If ever anyone needed motivating to work in a by-election the latest examples of Tory dirty tricks are enough to make the laziest person want to work all day to get Mark elected!! They really have stooped to an all time low in

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1120913035336393512005-07-09T12:39:00.000Z2005-07-09T12:43:55.343Z

Friday 8th July 2005 - Another wonderful evening of musical talent at the Knowsley Summer Concert in the Huyton Suite where the Knowsley Youth Orchestra was joined by children from Knowsley Concert Band, St Margaret Mary junior band, St Thomas Beckett Steel Pan group and Y11 GSCE group and St Jospeh Primary and Sylvester Primary joint band. As usual everyone heard some great music and enjoyed a

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1120807000013572172005-07-08T07:16:00.000Z2005-07-08T07:25:29.823Z

Party Leader Charles Kennedy visited Cheadle on Thursday only hours after the horrific attacks in London. Charles joined Lib Dem candidate Mark Hunter and myself to meet and thank the many activists and members working in the campaign HQ for all their hard work, although the mood was slightly more sombre than had been anticipated due to the tragic events in London earlier in the day.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1120689454172089912005-07-06T22:37:00.000Z2005-07-06T22:46:51.593Z

Wednesday 6th July 2005 - After watching another hilarious PMQ's with John Prescott deputising for the Prime Minister I headed to Cheadle this afternoon, my 3rd visit in 5 days, and was delighted to see so many people at the campaign HQ working hard.Every time I see a new Tory leaflet here in Cheadle, there's an extra reason to make sure we hold Patsy's seat in the by-election in 8 days time.It's

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1120462976723678192005-07-04T07:42:00.000Z2005-07-04T07:46:50.953Z

Monday 4th July 2005 - Halewood Community Radio started broadcasting live this morning at 8am for 2 weeks from Asda in Hunts Cross. Run by the community for the community this project has been in the planning for over 2 months and I have been listening to the young people presenting the breakfast show this morning, tune in they are doing a great job!! 87.7 FM HCR

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1120462329187525882005-07-04T07:32:00.000Z2005-07-04T07:34:46.886Z

Sunday 3rd July 2005 - poster sites have been popping up all over the constituency and from my last visit I would estimate we are winning by about 3 to 1!! Let's hope that is a sign for July 14th, but we still have a lot of work to be done, hope to see many more familiar faces in the coming week!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1120462118672092102005-07-04T07:26:00.000Z2005-07-04T07:28:38.673Z

Sunday 3rd July 2005 - Very funny joke in the Sunday Times today, how many Conservative leadership candidates does it take to change a light bulb? None, until they recognise the bulb needs changing it looks set to remain in the darkness for another five years!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1120379091169586142005-07-03T08:24:00.000Z2005-07-03T08:28:31.876Z

Saturday 2nd July 2005 - A beautiful day for the Halewood Festival yesterday where Dave met Max the Tiger!! Lots of people attended despite the competition from Hyde Park and it was terrific to see so many local community and voluntary groups involved.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1119857165615639702005-06-27T07:10:00.000Z2005-06-27T07:27:46.410Z

Friday 24th June 2005 - I attended a performance by Knowsley Orchestra and Prescot Parish Church Choir at Prescot Parish Church this evening, one of a series of events in the 1st Annual Prescot Festival of Music & the Arts, and as usual the performance was excellent, truly uplifting music and wonderful to see so many young people proudly showing us their music skills. Congratulations to the event

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1119476662683050042005-06-22T21:44:00.000Z2005-06-22T21:49:46.773Z

Hotting up in Cheadle!! Wednesday June 22nd - What a glorious day to get out and help our excellent candidate in the Cheadle by-election, Mark Hunter, and with the date almost certain to be known soon we have no time to loose! I am sure I will be seeing plenty of familar faces and Party friends in the coming weeks as we all look to get a good tan BEFORE we go on holiday!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1117697786271113642005-06-02T07:32:00.000Z2005-06-02T07:36:26.276Z

Thursday June 2nd 2005 - After a suitable break for the General Election Dave's Knowsley Diary is back!!I hope you have missed it although I am not really sure how many people actually read it!! Maybe nobody has even noticed I was "off the air" so to speak!!Nevertheless I will continue to write regular updates in the hope some people like to know what I am doing as their elected representative,

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1112740748605945862005-04-05T22:35:00.000Z2005-04-05T22:39:08.606Z

Tuesday 5th April 2005 - After a break for Easter and a quiet week the announcement today that the General Election will be held on May 5th started with a bang with the Labour party candidate for Ribble Valley defecting to the Lib Dems and joining Charles Kennedy at a press conference at Manchester Airport to kick off our campaign.Unfortunately I think election law will prohibit me from

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1111567324639126532005-03-23T08:42:00.000Z2005-07-04T07:25:46.530Z

Wednesday 23rd March 2005 - Don't forget Halewood Area Forum next Tuesday March 29th at 6pm at Halewood Comprehensive

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1111404797021679052005-03-21T11:31:00.000Z2005-03-21T11:33:17.023Z

Sunday 20th March 2005 - Second day this weekend helping out colleagues in key seats across the region, this morning went to Liverpool Garston to help deliver a newspaper for our PPC Paula Keaveney after spending yesterday afternoon in Cheadle doing the same for Patsy Calton MP, both are two of our best prospects for electing more female MP's to Parliament.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1111404601192830272005-03-21T11:23:00.000Z2005-03-21T11:30:01.193Z

Saturday 19th March 2005 - Labour party have been busy again, delivering a constituency report from Eddie O'Hara MP telling us all how wonderful the Government is and claiming yet more credit for everything being rosy here in Knowsley. Wake up and smell the coffee Eddie life is not quite as wonderful in Halewood right now as you may think it is but then if you had more frequent surgeries in the

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1111403869894855062005-03-21T11:17:00.000Z2005-03-21T11:23:01.716Z

Friday 18th March 2005 - Visited the area of Okell Drive that we have asked to be cleaned up by Environmental Services. Good progress has been made with the undergrowth trimmed back to help remove the litter and street furniture has been painted to remove graffiti, new litter bins and dog fouling bins have been ordered.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1111403482563726172005-03-21T11:01:00.000Z2005-03-21T11:18:32.336Z

Thursday 17th March 2005 - Plantation Primary School's Talent Show this evening which Sarah was a judge for (The Simon Cowell of Halewood or should that be Sharon Osborne!!??), the children performed briliiantly and were all winners, shame there were not prizes for everyone, but they had all worked hard on their acts and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1111395616495227402005-03-21T08:15:00.000Z2005-03-21T09:00:16.496Z

Tuesday 15th March 2005 - Attended traning for Chairs and Vice Chairs of School Governing bodies, good to meet other school governors and share experiences/knowledge.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1111392938643831722005-03-21T08:06:00.000Z2005-03-21T08:15:38.643Z

Monday 14th March 2005 - As Regional Chair I attended two meetings this evening with our staff and other North West Region Officers to discuss plans for the widely expected forthcoming General Election, we are in good health and ready for the challenge!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1110731921360506292005-03-13T16:38:00.000Z2005-03-13T16:41:24.306Z

Sunday 13th March 2005 - So Halewood Labour Party have finally woken up!! Latest leaflet landed this weekend, must be an election soon!! We have been pointing this problem out to them for five years now!! Oh and by the way, it was the Lib Dem councillors for the area who got Church Road and Lydiate Lane cleaned up!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1110730590372942032005-03-13T16:15:00.000Z2005-03-13T16:16:30.373Z

Sunday 13th March 2005 - Apologies once gain for the slow posting of updates, things have been quite busy since I last posted with a range of issues being tackled from school closures to youth disorder, I have been at many meetings over the last two weeks.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1110703791391425192005-03-13T08:47:00.000Z2005-03-13T16:33:12.180Z

Thursday 10th March 2005 - Met with Officers from Environmental Services to discuss tackling the rubbish in hedgerows along Okell Drive, graffiti on street furniture, litter and dog bins and some loose rubble lying around the area. An action plan to improve the area has been agreed and we hope to see some real improvements soon.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1110703491656442972005-03-13T08:35:00.001Z2005-03-13T16:19:32.093Z

Tuesday 8th March 2005 - Met with local Inspector and an Officer from the Council to discuss youth disorder issues in and around Okell Drive. Stress we must do more and be more creative to tackle the problem and provide more engaging alternative activities.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1109665416482200032005-03-01T08:20:00.000Z2005-03-01T08:23:36.483Z

Monday 28th February 2005 - Another quiet day with just one meeting this evening in relation to schools performance which also provided me the opportunity to discuss a casework issue in relation to behaviour at the local comprehensive.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1109665175272129112005-03-01T08:19:00.000Z2005-03-01T08:20:25.130Z

Saturday 26th February 2005 - Andrew Stunell MP, Chief Whip, Dave Smithson, North West Chair, and Dr Vince Cable MP at the North West Spring Conference

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1109665025908902802005-03-01T08:12:00.000Z2005-03-01T08:17:05.910Z

Saturday 26th February 2005 - The North West Region's Spring Conference takes places today in Cheadle, Stockport, with Party President Simon Hughes MP and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Dr Vince Cable MP delivering key note speeches, a very upbeat mood among my colleagues from across the north west.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1109664711969950582005-03-01T08:08:00.000Z2005-03-01T08:11:51.970Z

Thursday 24th February 2005 - A quiet couple of days ahead with no meetings allows me time to catch up on some casework and follow through some outstanding issues.If you need to contact me on any subject email dave.smithson@knowsley.gov.uk

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1109235129072580702005-02-24T08:25:00.000Z2005-02-24T08:53:37.096Z

Wednesday 23rd February 2005 - Economy & Employment Scrutiny meeting in the evening looking at the business start up element of the enterprise strategy among other topics.Con't forget if you want to contact email to dave.smithson@knowsley.gov.uk or send me a text message to 07780 602243.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1109146117407504682005-02-23T08:08:00.000Z2005-02-23T08:15:45.556Z

Visiting the scene of a recent act of vandalism Tuesday 23rd February 2005 - Receive more reports of youth disorder in Torcross Way and drop by to see for myself the extent of the damage.Speak to the local inspector and reassure residents that we are continuing to put pressure on the police and Council to do more to tackle this problem, it is unaceptable that a small band of yobs are making so

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1109059680637988202005-02-22T08:08:00.000Z2005-02-22T08:14:14.156Z

Tuesday 22nd February 2005

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1109027701769684902005-02-21T23:15:00.000Z2005-02-21T23:18:14.936Z

Knowsley News will be delivered to every household in the Borough from 28th February Monday 21st February 2005 - The new Council magazine Knowsley News was officially launched at a lunch time event at Knowsley Hall today. The new magazine contains news and features about the Council and the services it provides and it will be interesting to see what residents feel about it.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1108896208686425962005-02-20T10:43:00.000Z2005-02-20T10:46:53.446Z

Saturday 19th February 2005 - Cllr Dave Smithson tests the strength of the Zip Wire at Bendrigg Trust!!

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1108894794327871232005-02-20T10:16:00.000Z2005-02-20T10:30:11.493Z

Friday 18th February & Saturday 19th February 2005 - Head of to Cumbria after lunch to join the Halewood Project Youth Trust's Escape project trip to Bendrigg Trust near Kendal.A fantastic weekend spent meeting and talking with local young people while joining in the wide range of activities including a Rope Course, Archery, Canoeing, Zipe Wire and an Initiative test.A very worthwhile trip and a

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1108894511522614032005-02-20T10:10:00.000Z2005-02-20T10:26:27.600Z

Thursday 17th February 2005 - A quiet day with no meetings for a change, a chance to catch up on local casework!!If you have any issues you wish to contact me about please email me at dave.smithson@knowsley.gov.uk or send me a text message to 07780 602243.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1108894025136125072005-02-20T10:01:00.000Z2005-02-20T10:27:11.273Z

Wednesday 16th February 2005 - Attended the elections of Knowsley's representatives to the UK Youth Parliament, spent some really valuable time talking to some local young people about their concerns and views on local issues.It is tremendous to see these young people wanting to take part in these elections and play a part in local and national democracy and ensure their voice is heard.We also

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1108893697884446532005-02-20T10:00:00.000Z2005-02-20T10:27:56.526Z

Tuesday 15th February 2005 - Attended a very interesting media training course, designed to help us understand and deal with the press more effectively. Even though my porfessional background is in this area it was good to listen to someone else and learn some new tips from them.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1108893568784990902005-02-20T09:53:00.000Z2005-02-20T10:28:38.470Z

Monday 14th February 2005 - An interesting meeting of a Scrutiny Exit Strategy working group looking at how we fund some important schemes when the "funny" money that provides the funding currently eventually runs out.It is a challenging topic as at some point we may have to decide that there is simply not enough money to go round and face having to cut some of the desirable but not essential

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1108452654931921582005-02-15T07:27:00.000Z2005-02-15T07:30:54.933Z

Friday February 11th - Another meeting with the Finance team to discuss our alternative budget proposals. A difficult process especially with the poor settlement from Government this year but we have identified some potential efficiency savings to fund some of the priorities we want to address.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1108451438947688642005-02-15T06:50:00.000Z2005-02-15T07:10:38.946Z

Thursday February 10th - Inaugural meeting of the New Hutte working group to set out the scope an terms of reference of the review of facilities in the New Hutte/Torrington Drive area.This is an ideal opportunity to address the lack of resources and facilities in this area and one that should not be lost.

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708833.post-1107942580114491202005-02-09T09:40:00.000Z2005-02-15T07:22:29.550Z

Tuesday February 8th - A Governor's meeting at Plantation Primary School where we had good feedback about the School Council visit to Huyton last week, the children really enjoyed it.I then attended the Halewood Area Forum in the evening, a good turnout as usual and a lot of good healthy debate on local issues, no doubt this is a very useful forum for local people to have their say on the

Dave Smithsonnoreply@blogger.com0