Cllr Mike Butcher

Archive for July, 2010

Visited a council tenant in Gorleston this afternoon whose roof has not been properly repaired almost two years after the lead flashing was stolen.  Have spoken to department concerned and they will be sending someone out asap!

In preparation for the Maritime Festival on September 4th & 5th where Laura Goodman, myself and (hopefully) other Councillors will conduct guided tours around the Town Hall, I went round with Laura Goodman to see how it should be done…….very interesting indeed!  We were accompanied by a young German girl of 17 who was doing work experience with the Mercury office.  Hopefully, other Councillors will volunteer to conduct these tours?

As Chairman, I conducted an informal induction/information session with all but one of the new members of A & R Committee following the elections which resulted in some changes.  The meeting followed the Housing Appeals Committee Meeting as most of the new Councillors are on Housing Appeals.  It went very well and I hope that the good work that the committee has done recently, will continue!

We met this morning to discuss an appeal made by two families that wanted to exchange properties.  The Housing Officer had rejected this exchange and the people concerned appealed (which they are entitled to do).  The committee upheld the decision made by the Officer.

Took two ward residents around the almost finished village hall in the hopes that this will encourage more bookings for the hall.  Both were impressed with the facilities that the new hall can provide.

Spent some time at Planning Department today in an effort to resolve the issues surrounding a rogue Landlord/building workers disrupting neighbouring businesses during the peek season whilst conducting what appears to be unauthorised construction work.  It would seam that I have managed to get Enforcement and Building Control involved along with one of the Ward Councillors.  Hopefully we will eventually get a result

Submitted an application for the removal of a planning condition on the new village hall

Spent some time today attempting to stop a property owner in Regent Road, placing skips on our pedestrianised area during the peak season!  Some people just have no thoughts for other businesses!  I think I have succeeded as the skip left there today has been removed almost immediately after it was dropped off.

You win some you lose some!

Sat in on planning committee meeting this evening as there was a couple of contentious issues being decided…….very interesting and lively!

Attended Group meeting this evening where we had a lively debate on several issues, some around economising.