Derby Conservatives News

Concern over Government housing plans

2010-03-09T18:48:00.006+01:00

Thousands of new houses could be built in and around Derby due to government imposed plans. It means Derby City Council and other nearby authorities are required to build 21,400 houses in our area.

The Derby City Boundary is a prime target for planners. These houses would not be in Derby City but would have a major impact on our neighbourhoods.

� Amber Valley Council has earmarked 600 houses near Mackworth.

� South Derbyshire Council is having to look to build more than 3,600 houses in the areas around Mickleover, Littleover and/or South of the City.

Sign the Conservative petition against the plans here:- http://www.stephenmold.com/sayno.htm

The Conservatives have also spelt out what changes would be made to housing policy by a change in government.

A new Conservative Government will mean change...

Local Planning not Regional Planning.

We will scrap all regional planning and housing powers exercised by regional government - saving the Green Belt currently under threat through unwanted regional plans. A Conservative government will abolish the unelected regional planning bodies. We will hand their powers back to local councils.

Strengthening Community Consultation.

Local planning authorities will continue to be required to undertake consultations and to place great emphasis on their quality.

We will legislate to make pre-application consultations between the developer, local people and other local groups mandatory. We will encourage and facilitate the use of planning approaches which genuinely involve local people in helping to create the vision for the development of their local area, building on the existing community consultation schemes like 'Enquiry by Design'.

More Local Engagement.

We will return power from Whitehall to rural communities so that people have a genuine say over matters that affect them locally. We will abolish the unsuccessful regional planning system and pass planning responsibility back to local authorities.

Planning for Growth.

We will simplify the planning system in order to strengthen local decision-making, avoid confusion and make it easier to understand and use.

We will ensure national planning guidance is based on our priorities for the countryside as a whole and give local decision-makers the power to include in their plans those types of business and enterprise which are suitable for their areas. We will abolish regional planning, and Regional Spatial Strategies, which are imposing unsustainable development on the countryside and eroding valuable Green Belt protection.

Disappointment as Lib Dems & Labour block plans to protect local people against inconsiderate builders

2010-01-22T17:18:00.009+01:00

Conservative Councillors have reacted with disappointment over the rejection by Lib Dem and Labour councillors of their Considerate Builders Scheme motion at full council last night.

The motion was proposed by Cllr Matthew Holmes and would have seen the Council work to adopt a Considerate Builder & Contractors Scheme across the City.

Matthew Holmes said, " I'm disappointed that Labour and the Lib Dems voted against this. To be honest, I don't think they really understood what we were proposing. Other council's have successful schemes, and putting it into place in Derby would be something that would benefit every ward in the City.�

Harvey Jennings who seconded the motion said, " We believe that any scheme can be self-financing and were genuinely looking for cross-party support on this. It wasn't brought to council intended to be a political issue.To get opposition from the Lib Dem councillors in Mickleover and Littleover who know the impact back garden developments have on residents was particularly surprising. As things stand, we will now press ahead with making a firm pledge in our local election manifesto to implement this regardless of the opposition from the other two parties. "

Matthew Holmes added, " This is just part of a package that needs to be put in place to tip the balance back in residents favour with regard to planning and building development. Local people can really suffer due to high density developments close to their homes. As a party, we're also working hard to give local councillors a far bigger say on whether planning applications should go ahead coupled with reclassifying gardens as Greenfield to protect them. "

Be part of our 2010 Manifesto

2009-12-18T15:45:00.004+01:00

Derby City faces important local elections in 2010, 11 and 12.

City-wide, residents will be given the opportunity to decide who runs Derby City Council. Currently the political make-up of the Council is split, roughly, three ways (15 Conservative, 15 Labour and 18 Lib Dem) along with with two independant Councillors.

As the largest party in terms of Council seats, the Liberal Democrats have been running the Council as a minority administration since May 2008.

Derby Conservatives decided in 2008 that they would not enter into a power sharing agreement with the Liberal Democrats or Labour and in 2010, leading into the local elections to be held in May, the Derby City Conservative Group will be presenting a manifesto to the people of Derby.

It will detail our abmitions, policies and pledges for Derby should we be given the opportunity to take control of the Council - under a full majority or, if required, as a minority administration.

We would like you to be a part of that manifesto. Of course, we are already working hard to present our vision to the City in 2010 - but what are your aspirations, thoughts or views on Derby City Council and how we move forward in the future?

Please get in touch and let us know, we want you to be part of plans for Derby.

>Click here to send us your views, questions and comments.

Backing Derby's World Cup Bid

2009-11-05T15:04:00.005+01:00

The Derby Conservative group have pledged their full support for Derby City Council to submit the Cities application to be a host City if England is chosen to host the World Cup in 2018.

At a meeting of the full council last night, a motion was passed unanimously by all Derby City Councillors.

Derby is one of 16 cities competing for the right to stage matches if England is chosen to host the tournament. The Football Association will choose 12 suitable venues next month.

It is understood that the City would host around 4-5 matches, with the possibility of a quarter final. A month long 'carnival' of football and entertainment events would also be staged across the City during the month-long tournament.

Councillor Matthew Holmes, deputy Derby Conservative leader, said: "This is an opportunity to tell the FA that we believe Derby will embrace the World Cup and to tell them we want to help strengthen their bid.

The FA does not need to look elsewhere in the East Midlands, Derby is ready to be chosen as a host City. We are at the heart of England with superb transport links and the perfectly sited Pride Park Stadium that will, with investment, meet the required seating capacity.

Derby will strengthen the FA's bid to host the World Cup in England and the long-term benefits for local people and local businesses will be more than outweigh the initial investment we will be making."

You can pledge your suport for Derby's bid by visiting, www.derby2018bid.com

Derby Voters may decide General Election.

2009-10-03T13:08:00.005+02:00

The PoliticsHome.com Electoral Index, in September 2008, was the largest representative opinion poll of its type ever conducted and gave the best ever picture of what would actually happen were there to have been a general election at that time.

PoliticsHome has now released the 2009 report, detailing the largest, most detailed and accurate prediction of the results of the forthcoming general election.

The poll carried out over the last year, which re-enforces private polling data collected by the Conservative party, shows a swing of 11% from Labour to the Conservatives in Derby North. This would see our candidate, Stephen Mold elected to Parliament.

Stephen said, � This is excellent news and gives us even more reason to keep working hard in Derby North on ths issues that really matter to them locally and nationally. We know that people in areas like Mickleover, Littleover and Darley want to see the back of Labour and are turning to the Conservatives to make absolutely sure that this government is kicked out of office.�

Derby North is also now recognised as a �tipping point� seat in the forthcoming general election. John Curtice, Professor of Politics at the University of Strathclyde has recently analysed voting intentions and has stated that winning Derby North would secure an overall majority for the Conservatives in the next General Election.

Stephen continued, � Everyone is now realising what we have believed for a long time, a vote for anyone but the Conservatives in such a vital seat like Derby North risks another four years of Gordon Brown. It is now likely that the people of Derby will decide the next government. I find that incredibly exciting. All eyes will be on Derby in calling the next election. �

Conservatives Win Allestree By-Election

2009-10-02T02:39:00.003+02:00

Conservative candidate, Saadia Davis has been elected in the Allestree Ward By-Election that was held on October 1st. Saadia joins fellow Conservative ward Councillors, Roy Webb and Philip Hickson.

The By-Election was held to replace former Councillor Steve Willoughby who has moved to Germany as part of his ongoing work for his employer, Rolls-Royce.

Saadia said, "I would like to thank the people of Allestree for putting their faith in me. We ran a very positive campaign based on the issues we know people want addressing in the local area.

Along with Philip, Roy and the local Conservative team, I will be working hard all year round to resolve those issues and to keep residents updated on our progress."

The Conservatives gained 52% of the vote with 1988 votes.

Saadia Davis - 5 Key Pledges for Allestree Ward

2009-09-18T13:33:00.003+02:00

Saadia Davis, the Conservative Candidate for Allestree Ward in the forthcoming By-Election to be held on Thursday October the 1st, has made five key pledges to residents.

1. Working to achieve a long-term solution to the University parking problems.

2. Continuing to improve facilities for young people in Allestree.

3. Supporting the ongoing partnership work with the Police to address anti-social behaviour and public safety issues in the ward.

4. Continuing to oppose planning applications which will harm the special residential nature of the area - especially unsuitable back garden developments.

5. Working to improve facilities and access to services for older people in the ward by making sure that needs are consulted on and met.

Saadia Davis lives and works in Allestree. By voting for her on Thursday 1st October the people of Allestree can help ensure that all three of their local ward Councillors remain Conservative.

She said, "It would be a privilege to represent local people as a Councillor. I am asking for their support to enable me to join the two current Conservative Councillors and work hard for all the residents of Allestree."

Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm.

Allestree By-Election Called

2009-08-14T17:26:00.002+02:00

Derby City Conservative Councillor for Allestree Ward, Steve Willoughby is stepping down due to a year's work in Germany for his employers, Rolls-Royce.

This triggers a by-election in Allestree to be held on October 1st.

Steve said, "I was given the opportunity to work in Germany for a year on a joint project between Rolls-Royce and other European partners. This is an exciting opportunity for us as a family and will provide my three young children with the experience of living in another culture.

I would like to thank the voters of Allestree for allowing me to have two enjoyable years as their elected representative."

Saadia Davis has been selected as the Conservative candidate for the by-election and, with residents support, is very much looking forward to working hard in Allestree.

Conservatives Move To Become Official Opposition

2009-07-12T02:04:00.004+02:00

The Derby Conservative Group are presenting a motion to full council on the 15th July 2009 that, if passed, would see them installed as the official opposition group. It would also see them form the shadow cabinet within Derby City Council.

Both the Conservative and Labour groups have an equal number of councillors (15) just 3 seats behind the ruling Lib Dem group, but Conservative leader Harvey Jennings, who is proposing the motion, believes it is right that his group be recognised as the main opposition.

He said, "In any council vote, head-to-head, we are able to defeat Labour because we have the support of at least one independent member. This motion seeks to recognise that as well as offer the Conservative group a platform to work towards our aim of controlling the council. However, it�s much more than just a statement of intent. We would be given far more access to officers and be given vital briefings that we are currently denied."

Conservative deputy leader, Matthew Holmes, who is the motion's seconder said, "We intend to use this opportunity to ensure that the group are ready and waiting to take the City forward. We are determined to use the increased access to officers and the key briefings to help us form our manifesto and policies for the local elections next year.

The next few years are going to be vital for the City. We want to offer the people of Derby something they can have absolute confidence in and that offers them a clear vision."

16th July Update.

The Conservative group motion was successful and the shadow cabinet has now been official recognised by the council.

Conservatives Well Placed For City Success

2009-06-08T13:06:00.010+02:00

The Conservatives have polled ahead of both Labour, UKIP and the Liberal Democrats in the European Elections in the East Midlands.

The Conservatives secured two East Midlands MEP's, Roger Helmer and Emma McClarkin from the five seats available as part of the proportional voting system used in the European Elections.

In Derby City, the Conservatives jumped from third place into first increasing their vote share by over 6%. In contrast Labour, the Lib Dems and UKIP saw their vote share fall.

The Euro results are the closest indicator of how votes will be cast in Derby during the forthcoming general election, to be held within the next twelve months.

It confirms that Conservative Derby North Parliamentary candidate, Stephen Mold is the main challenger to sitting Labour MP Bob Laxton and also raises serious questions as to whether former Labour cabinet minister, Margaret Beckett can hold on to her Derby South seat. Prior to the result, Derby South Conservative candidate, Jack Perschke had already reported, from his work in the area, that support for Beckett and Labour was crumbling.

The Liberal Democrats in Derby will be disappointed to have failed to capitalise on Labour's huge fall in support, seeing their vote also drop to just 15% - narrowly beating UKIP into third place.

The result is a huge blow to the Liberal Democrats' chances in Derby North, which includes Mickleover and Littleover wards. They had previously been optimistic that the area was a target for them in the General Election.

Derby City Conservative leader, Harvey Jennings said, " This proves that the Conservatives are the party of choice locally. We are the only party to have increased our vote share compared to Labour, the Lib Dems and UKIP who all lost out.

There is a lot of work to do, but we are increasingly confident that the people of Derby are turning to us to take the City forward as well as supporting us to replace this failing Labour government as soon as possible. "

Conservatives Take Derbyshire County Council

2009-06-05T17:25:00.004+02:00

The Conservatives have taken control of Derbyshire County Council after 28 years of a Labour administration.

Incoming Conservative Council leader, Andrew Lewer said the result showed the Labour Party was 'in terminal decline'.

Large swings made it a landslide and completes a comprehensive 'wipe-out' of Gordon Brown's Labour Party in the 2009 local elections.

Euro Election results are due on Sunday and the Conservatives are confident of holding their two East Midlands MEP seats.

Vote For Change Today

2009-06-04T15:39:00.002+02:00

Today is local and European Election Day, your chance to Vote for Change.

In the European Elections, a vote for the Conservatives will help us get the referendum on the EU Constitution that every major political party promised in their 2005 election manifestos.

In today�s local Elections, voting for the Conservatives will help keep your council tax down and get value for money.
In his Election Day message, David Cameron explained the importance of today�s elections and stressed, �Above all, vote for the Conservatives today to send a message to Gordon Brown that his time is up; we need change; we need a General Election.�

The polls are open from 7am to 10pm.

David Cameron returns to Derby

2009-05-13T01:40:00.006+02:00

Conservative leader, David Cameron returned to Derby yesterday. He met with Derby City, Derbyshire and European Conservatives to support the forthcoming European and County Council Elections on June 4th.

Derby City Council Conservative party leader, Harvey Jennings and deputy leader, Matthew Holmes met Mr Cameron (pictured) and spoke about how Derby Conservatives are helping campaign to retain two East Midlands European seats and gain a third along with supporting Derbyshire Conservatives in their aim to end Labour's 28-year control of Derbyshire County Council.

Mr Cameron has also repeated his pledged that if the Conservatives win power in the next general election, any council which budgeted for a council tax rise of 2.5% would get financial help from Government to effectively keep any council tax rise to zero.

Derby Conservative Leader, Harvey Jennings has already pledged that if the Conservatives took control of Derby City Council his group is committed to freezing council tax at zero percent under the scheme.

Local Parliamentary Candidates, Derby North's Stephen Mold, Derby South's Jack Perschke and Mid Derbyshire's Pauline Latham also met Mr Cameron and discussed the importance of next years local and general elections for the party. Both Derby and Mid-Derbyshire are seen as a key battle grounds.

Conservative East Midlands MEP Roger Helmer is standing again in the European elections on June 4th along with Emma McClarkin and Rupert Matthews. Fiona Bulme and George Lee join them in a bid to take all of the the five seats available for the region. They were given a boost by Mr Cameron as he launched their campaign at Derby County's Pride Park Stadium.

New Leader & Deputy for Derby Group

2009-04-25T02:04:00.012+02:00

The Derby Conservative Group has unamiously chosen Harvey Jennings as their new leader and Matthew Holmes as deputy leader at their annual meeting today.

This follows the recent decision made by Cllr Philip Hickson to step down from the role of leader after nearly ten years. He remains a City Councillor for Allestree Ward.

Councillor Harvey Jennings said, "I am deeply honoured to have been selected to lead the Derby City Conservative Group for the forthcoming year and privileged that Matthew Holmes will be working alongside me as my Deputy in these exciting times.

Following in the footsteps of Councillor Philip Hickson, who has ably led the Group for many years will be a challenge, but one I am looking forward to.

I firmly believe we are on the threshold of change in Derby City and that substantial gains can be made by the Conservatives across the City in 2010".

Cllr Matthew Holmes steps up from the back benches to become deputy leader and is relishing the challenge. He said, "I'm very proud to have been given this opportunity by my colleagues in the Conservative group.

I will be drawing from the experience and significant talent we have in the Conservative group to work towards our aim of taking control of Derby City Council. I very much look forward to working alongside Councillor Jennings. We know that there is a lot of work to do and we plan to hit the ground running".

The new partnership will be seen for the first time at the City Council's Annual meeting on May 20th.

Conservatives force lower Council Tax

2009-03-03T12:20:00.001+01:00

A council tax rise of 3.25% for Derby residents was decided at last nights full council meeting after the Conservatives forced the Lib Dem administration to scrap their plans for a much larger increase.

The Conservatives proposal put forward to achieve a 2.5% increase was voted down by both Labour and the Lib Dems meaning a compromise was needed to agree a budget for the City. Conservative leader Philip Hickson said, "It is clear that the political situation in the council is such that no one group can deliver its budget and compromises and accommodations have to be made."

" We look forward to offering the people of Derby no council tax increase at all should we take control of this council in next years local elections and there is a new Conservative Government. All the people of Derby get from Labour and the Lib Dems are large increases in Council Tax year-on-year. " he continued.

The Conservatives also forced the Lib Dem Administration to adopt several key proposals in their budget, including;

�170,000 given to local Neighbourhood Boards to spend on Footway and Pavement improvements and repairs / highways projects.

A reduction in the council's overall salary costs by 1%. Assurances having been made by the council that this proposal could be met without compulsory redundancies.

Retention of Derby Community Transport services that were going to be cut by the Lib Dem Council. This is a service that many elderly and disabled residents in the City rely upon.

Retention of the Council House Cash Office that was being closed by the Lib Dem Council.

Anger at Derby Bombardier 'snub'

2009-02-13T14:27:00.008+01:00

There is growing anger over the government's decision to snub Derby trainmaker, Bombardier by awarding the �7.5bn contract to build a fleet of inter-city 'super express' trains to Japanese firm Hitachi.

The government has claimed the contract would "create and safeguard" 12,500 UK jobs but the Conservatives have said that the transport secretary has not provided details to back up the jobs claim.

The consortium gaining the contract is known as Agility Trains and, as well as Hitcahi, includes John Laing and Barclays Bank.

Soon after the contract award was announced it emerged that much of the new trains' construction will take place in Japan, with only final assembly being carried out in Britain, creating about 500 new jobs. Sites in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, (Leicestershire), Sheffield and Gateshead are being considered according to Agility Trains.

Conservative Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers MP said the announcement was 'typical spin' from Gordon Browns government, " We need to clarify what on earth is going on and how much work will be done in this country.

Only around 500, at most of the 12,500 jobs, announced today will be created in the UK by the train builder Hitachi and Labour have produced no convincing evidence to back up the rest of their claims on jobs.

Geoff Hoon needs to stop the spin and tell the UK's hard pressed train manufacturing industry the real truth about his decision on replacing intercity trains."

Derby Conservatives are dismayed at the decision. Cllr Philip Hickson, leader of the Derby City Conservative Group said, "Gordon Browns Labour Government have let Derby down.

By snubbing Bombardier, they have turned their backs on thousands of Derby workers. This announcement raises further questions about Gordon Brown's claims about British jobs for British workers."

Meeting fails to get apology from Council Leader.

2009-01-24T12:34:00.002+01:00

The Leader of Derby City Council, Lib Dem Hilary Jones has refused to apologise after comments made by her were released on the internet video website, YouTube.

The embarrassing YouTube video shows Cllr Jones during heated debates, shouting loudly and being rebuked by the Mayor of Derby.

She also is seen and heard to refer to those who choose to watch council meetings via the internet as 'those unfortunate enough to have nothing better to do but watch this on the internet...'

At the recent full council meeting, Derby Conservative deputy leader, Cllr Harvey Jennings presented a formal question to Cllr Jones asking for her to apologise for her comments.

He said, "I was very surprised that she refused to apologise and that she said that she didn't think the YouTube video painted her in a bad light. She had an opportunity to set the record straight, to repair some of the damage to her credibility and move on, but totally refused. I think that says all we need to know about what kind of leader she is."

It was also revealed by Cllr Jones that, via its officers, attempts were made to block the video from being broadcast on both local and national news. These attempts were unsuccessful.

It is not known how much Council officer time, or what cost to the Derby tax payer has been incurred by the attempts to suppress the video's broadcast.

Watch the video below:-

Also at the meeting, Derby Conservative Councillors pressed the Council over the current poor state of our roads and pavements as well as expressing real concern over the current eight month repair back log and the viability of the whole maintenance contract - which they believe is in 'crisis'.

It was also revealed, following a question by Chaddesden Conservative councillor, Alan Grimadell that Derby City Council has spent �1.8m on publicity and advertising during the current financial year.

Your Conservative ward councillors also raised many othe issues on behalf of local residents and they also voted unamimously to reject a motion that would have seen an increase to all councillor's allowances along with a �10,000 pay rise for Lib Dem and City Council leader, Cllr Hilary Jones.

The move would have seen her total allowances rise to around �50,000 per year.

Derby Conservatives Oppose Council Tax Rise

2009-01-15T12:52:00.001+01:00

The Conservatives have reacted with anger over the Lib Dems proposals to increase Council by almost 5% for Derby residents.

Speaking to the Derby Evening Telegraph, Council leader Hilary Jones stated the rise of was needed to help the council face a difficult financial year ahead.

Derby Conservative group leader Philip Hickson has reacted by stating, " We cannot and will not support such a high council tax rise. If the Conservatives were in control of the council, we would be delivering a budget with half of that amount of increase.

In the current financial climate, we should be mindful of the financial pressures that are falling on the ordinary man and woman."

"Other areas have had to take steps to reduce posts and I think we have go to go for the soft areas like press and publicity and marketing where we spend substantial amounts of money." he continued.

The budget will be presented to the full council meeting in March.

New Year Message - David Cameron MP

2008-12-30T01:07:00.000+01:00

So far from dropping our green agenda because of the recession, we will this year step up the pace because leadership on the environment will help create the jobs, wealth and opportunity Britain needs.

Far from dropping our commitment to make British poverty history, we will this year intensify it because we must not allow this recession to create social problems and costs for the future. And far from dropping our commitment to help the poorest people on the planet because times are tough at home, we will re-affirm in 2009 both the moral and the practical case for fighting global poverty.

For us, the strong economy of the future will be built on a strong and responsible society. The Emperor Hadrian, when asked how Rome would be rebuilt after a devastating fire, replied: �Brick by brick, my citizens; brick by brick.�

That is how we will rebuild our broken economy and our broken society � business by business, family by family, community by community. Not through imposing some kind of state blueprint from above, like Gordon Brown wants to do, but by allowing the talent and effort and incredible character of British people to shine. That is the greatest source of hope we have. That is why I�m optimistic about our country�s future. And that is why we need change now.

People can see that Labour have been in power too long. They have been corrupted by power, and their arrogance means they cannot now even see their mistakes, let alone correct them. It�s no surprise that the person who helped break our economy and our society won�t admit they�re broken.

It�s no surprise that a Prime Minister whose decisions over a decade helped cause the Debt Crisis; who failed to prepare the country for the gathering storm, and whose irresponsible extra borrowing will now deepen and lengthen the recession turns round and tells us the recession will be a test of everyone else�s character.

The Prime Minister tells us to find our blitz spirit when he is the one dropping the bombs � the tax and debt bombshells that are taking Britain to the brink of bankruptcy.

This government has lost its moral compass. Where is the morality in asking our children to pay off our debts?

Where is the morality in encouraging people who have already borrowed too much to borrow a little more?

Where is the morality in trying to reflate the bubble and return the country to the age of irresponsibility that led us to this mess?

It has to end � and the sooner the better. The longer Labour are in, the worse it gets. So let�s make sure we�re ready for an election at any time, and let�s do all we can to make sure that 2009 is the year when change comes to Britain too.

Lib Dem Council Leader Embrassed by Online Video

2008-11-25T23:07:00.001+01:00

The Leader of Derby City Council, Lib Dem Hilary Jones has spent today having to jusify her performance and comments she recently made in council meetings. Footage of meetings has been recently posted to the video sharing website, YouTube.

The clips made by a YouTube user called 'limpdimsinderby' show Cllr Jones during heated debates, shouting loudly and being rebuked by the Mayor of Derby. She also is seen and heard to state that 'For those unfortunate enough to have nothing to do but watch this on the internet...' and 'I don't need to justify myself to anybody'.

Those comments have been widely condemmed and Derby Conservative leader Philip Hickson said, "I think the attitude of the leader of the council brings the whole system of local government into disrepute. Saying things like 'I don't have to justify myself to anyone' is disgraceful. If she thinks that, she is deluded. All of us are accountable no matter what office we hold."

Watch the video below:-

Conservatives halt Lib Dem toilet closures.

2008-11-20T16:40:00.001+01:00

Local Conservatives forced a reversal on the City Toilet closures last night.

The budget strategy for 2009/10 had been drawn up by the Lib Dem administration, which included City-wide public toilet closures and presented to full council for approval but the Conservatives spoke out against it.

Derby Conservative leader, Cllr Philip Hickson moved an amendment which said the strategy must include provision for public toilets.

Cllr Hickson's amendment was opposed by the Lib Dems, but in the debate that followed Conservatives gained the support they needed to see it approved.

He said: "The decision on the closures has been reversed and a commitment to public toilets has been restored into the budget strategy. The Lib Dems have steadfastly refused to listen to the public on the issue however I made it very clear that local Conservatives would fight against the closures of our public toilets across the City. Last night we did just that and were successful."

Public toilets at Markeaton Park island, High Street in Chellaston, Boulton Lane in Alvaston, Nottingham Road cemetery along with the library and cemetery in Spondon were in the process of being closed already.

City Centre toilets at The Spot and Victoria Street were scheduled to close in the new year and facilities at the Assembly Rooms and Eagle Market were due to be closed once the new bus station opened sometime in 2009.

Conservatives gain new City Councillor.

2008-11-18T12:44:00.001+01:00

Derby Conservatives are delighted to be welcoming City Councillor, Philip Ingall to their council group.

Cllr Ingall's move gives the Conservatives all three seats in Chellaston & Shelton Lock ward. He joins Cllr's Harvey Jennings and Matthew Holmes.

Derby Conservative leader, Cllr Philip Hickson said, " I'm delighted to be welcoming Cllr Ingall to the Derby Conservative Group. He will be joining a very strong team in Chellaston ward. "

Deputy leader and Chellaston Ward councillor, Harvey Jennings added, " I know that Philip will be an asset to the local team and all three Conservative councillors will be continuing to work very hard to represent local people on the issues that matter to them. "

The move gives the Conservatives 15 City council seats.

Cllr Ingall will be joining his new colleagues at full council (Weds 19th of November, from 6pm) which can be viewed live via the Derby City Council website. Click this link to watch.

You can also watch a recording via the council webcast archive by visiting the same page.