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News + Views

Welcome to my News + Views page. Look at my latest news and views, and see links to articles.

Crime & Policing

Defending police services: David Maclean challenges the Home Secretary over his woeful police funding proposals, asking if he supports the cuts in local bobbies on the beat which will result.

Fair police funding: David Maclean highlights the Government’s paltry funding for local policing, with Cumbria’s force set to receive the lowest settlement of almost any other county.

Backing Cumbria’s police: David Maclean condemns the Government and backs the Chief Constable of Cumbria for warning of the twin threats facing the county’s police force: funding cuts and possible amalgamation with the Lancashire force.

Crime soars, funding slashed: David Maclean lambasts failing Ministers for cutting funding for the Cumbrian police force just as it is announced that violent crime in the county is rising rapidly.

Assault on police: David Maclean slams the Government for undermining Cumbria’s police force with a triple assault of capping, possible abolition and cuts in bobbies on the beat.

Save Cumbria’s police: David Maclean urges the Boundary Commission to meet the Cumbria Police Authority before the county’s already weakened force is abolished altogether.

Labour cuts bobbies on the beat: David Maclean attacks the Government for threatening plans for 300 extra bobbies on the beat in Cumbria, particularly as Labour have now banned delegations from the police authority going to see Ministers about funding.

Meeting crime victims: David Maclean is set to meet a sub-postmistress who is demanding a public enquiry into why police supposed to be investigating a raid on her premises went to the wrong address.

'Regionalisation' threatens police: David Maclean writes to the Boundary Committee to express his concern that regionalisation could lead to the abolition of the Cumbria Constabulary.

Police funding rally: David Maclean meets Cumbria's Chief Constable Michael Baxter at a police rally in Westminster highlighting a £350m shortfall in police funding which could harm the force on the frontline.

Supporting police over ID scheme: David Maclean has joined forces with local police and Eden District Council to give his backing to a 'No ID, no sale' campaign initiative which creates a strict code for the sale of alcohol, cigerettes, lottery tickets and cinema tickets to young people.

Booze crime needs joined-up policy: David Maclean argues that the Government's recent 'crack-down' on alochol related disorder is just headline grabbing and that a joined-up strategy is needed, including reform of licensing and better education about the perils of boozing.

Policing of Melmerby during Appleby Fair: David Maclean gets assurances on policing of Melmerby during Appleby Fair

David Maclean Demands Fair Pay for Police: David has written to the Cumbria Police Federation supporting their calls for police officers to be fairly paid.

Maclean calls for continued road crash funding: Road Crash Victims are Denied Funding from the Government

Too Many Young Men Die On Our Roads: “Let’s Plan to Save Lives” says David Maclean

Cumbria Police Amalgamation Shambles: "This ‘Carry on’ Police Authority should resign in disgrace” says MP

Cumbria Police May Have to Pay Up: Committee Members May Be Personally Liable For Merger Costs

New Home Secretary: Lets think again on police amalgamation: Maclean calls on Cumbria Police Authority to think again over police amalgamation

Police Should apologise for Houghton Custody Suite Attempt: Cumbria Police should apologise for pursuing the Houghton Custody suite which they now know was utterly the wrong location

Keep Police Jobs in Cumbria: Maclean wants guarantees that Cumbria Police are committed to keeping as many jobs as possible

“Police merger; Tell us the facts first” says Maclean: David Maclean has set out some key questions he says must be answered before Cumbria Police is sucked into a larger force controlled from Preston.

COUNCIL TAX SHOCK FOR POLICE MERGER: Paul Goggins, Home Office Minister makes statement about the cost of merger

Cumbria Probation Service speaks out: Cumbria Probation Service Concerned about Police Amalgamation

Speeding traffic in Newton Reigny: Maclean contacts Cumbria police about speeding traffic in Newton Reigny

Loss of Brampton and Longtown Bobbies: Just the first taste of how we will suffer under regional policing

Houghton Cells: Police Appeal “A slap in the face to the democratic process”

Police Restructuring: Decision of Cumbria Police Authority not to respond to Home Secretary’s Deadline is “the right one at long last”, says David Maclean

Police Authority Should Trigger 4 Month Consultation: Maclean urges Cumbria Police Authority to trigger a four month consultation period to discuss properly the Cumbria Police amalgamation into Lancashire or Liverpool

Police Amalgamations: Minister admits Cumbria does not have to follow Home Office options

Cumbria Police Over Inspected: Maclean asks for details of police inspections

Concerns Over Houghton Custodial Suite: Proposed Custody Suite in Houghton is met with deep local concern

Health

Crisis in long term care: David Maclean demands action from the Government to stop care home closures and address the growing crisis in long-term care for the elderly.

Protect Chiropody Services: David Maclean supports action to halt the loss of local NHS Chiropody services, so vital to many elderly and vulnerable people in the Penrith and Carlisle area.

Keep taking the pills: David Maclean defends the right of people to choose to take perfectly safe vitamin pills and slams the Government for failing to resist a European Directive that will ban them.

Proper nursing for Alzheimer’s: David Maclean calls on the Government to address shortcomings in nursing offered to sufferers of Alzheimer’s, arguing that those who suffer from Alzheimer’s in Penrith and the surrounding area deserve nothing but the best nursing care.

Vitamin pill madness: David Maclean votes in favour of renegotiating an EU directive banning vitamin pills, arguing that the Government is being totally inconsistent - on the one hand supporting 24 hour drinking and the declassification of cannabis, whilst on the other removing the right of shops to stock perfectly healthy food supplements.

Funding needed for hospice: David Maclean gives his backing to Carlisle's Eden Valley Hospice after it was revealed that it faces huge debts of £383,000.

Meeting hospital's Friends: David Maclean meets Friends of Alston Hospital to discuss the future of community hospitals, amid concerns that plans to restructure local health services could undermine community hospitals.

Cumbria's dental crisis: David Maclean warns that the lack of NHS dentists in Cumbria has left an increasingly 'dire' situation for those wishing to use one.

Fighting for community hospitals: David Maclean takes out an advertisement in the Cumberland News warning of the risks posed to local community hospitals by Government policy, urging people to support his campaign to fight proposals which could undermine community hospital services in Penrith, Alston, Brampton and Wigton.

Cancelled operations in Cumbria: As statistics are released showing a rise in the number of cancelled operations in local hospitals in recent months, David Maclean says that politicians are right to raise real cases such as that of Margaret Dixon, used by Michael Howard to draw attention to the problem of cancelled operations, pointing out that he has a constituent in Penrith with a similar case to Mrs Dixon.

Food Supplements Directive latest comment: David Maclean emphasises Conservative attempts in Parliament to get the Government to reconsider its position on the Food Supplements Directive, and pledges that a future Conservative Government would move to renegotiate the Directive.

Backing Alzheimer's sufferers: David Maclean signs a House of Commons motion calling on the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to reconsier its u-turn on Alzheimer's drugs.

Defending local NHS services: David Maclean threatens to take NHS chiefs to court unless they count in their consultation the opinions of local people who replied to an advert placed by David in a local newspaper.

Wigton Community Centre “Immediate Closure is outrageous”: Wigton Community Centre closes without any prior warning

CATS - the “Bogus Health Debate”: CATS – Not the “Great Health Debate” but the “Bogus Health Debate”

Community Hospital Update: “Community hospitals are safe” – says Trust “I don’t believe a word of it yet” – says David Maclean

Maclean brings Cumbria’s Hospital crisis to Parliament: David Maclean has tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to maintain Cumbria’s community hospitals.

Give us Physiotherapists in Cumbria: David Maclean is supporting a campaign by the Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley to get jobs in the NHS for physiotherapy graduates.

No CATSS Before Consultation: David Maclean has written to the North West Strategic Health Authority demanding that they do not impose CATSS

Maclean asks for help with health fight in Cumbria: What can the Commission for Rural Communities do to help with health fight in Cumbria

The Future of Community Hospitals in Cumbria: David asks what action the Trust is taking to maintain community hospitals

Save North West Ambulance Control Rooms: I believe there is no case for removing and ambulance control centre from Cumbria

Save Cumbria's Ambulances: Maclean says, “Cumbria’s Ambulance Services must be protected.”

Even the Government want to keep our community hospitals...: ...So what is the PCT playing at?

PCT Board Papers show community hospitals are still under threat: The fight to save our community hospitals goes on

Goodbye Cumbrian Control of our Health Service: Maclean condemns a decision to create one giant North West Strategic Health Authority

Maclean gets assurances for £18 million from NDA: £18 million “are being made available solely to assist in maintaining the Cumbria cottage hospital estate"

Demanding Assurances on Alston Hospital: Update requested on the situation at Alston Hospital and how money from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is expected to be spent

Community Hospitals Come to Parliament: Maclean last night joined Members from across the political spectrum in presenting a record number of petitions to the House of Commons

REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH CONDEMS NHS RESTRUCTURING: “Government’s top man in the North West is opposed to the new SHA &PCT arrangements – Why will they not listen to him?” says David Maclean

Maclean Supports Commons Motion on Dentists: Maclean will tonight vote for the Opposition Day Debate motion on dentistry and is supporting it

Maclean writes to PCT CEO: "The fight for our hospitals must continue"

The White Paper backs community hospitals: “So drop your abolition plans now”, David Maclean tells Trust

Community Hospital Partial Victory: Community Hospital Partial Victory but Threat Remains

Community Hospital Partial Victory: Community Hospital Partial Victory but Threat Remains

WIGTON MUST FIGHT & WIGTON WILL WIN: Maclean's Message to Wigton's League of Friends

NHS Consultation Document on ‘Provision Stoma Appliances’: “Bad for people of North Cumbria,” says David Maclean

PPI slams hospital closure plan: David Maclean has seen a copy of the report independent PPI into the future of community hospitals

Paramedic and Ambulances in Alston: David Maclean writes to PCT

“Hospices and Palliative Care Essential Services”: David Maclean signs Commons Motion calling on Government to recognise their role

Community Hospital EDM: David Maclean puts down special Motion on Community Hospitals in Cumbria

Health Protest March Gathers Steam: Latest indications are that the march in Penrith will be a big success

The Hospital March Goes Ahead: They Have Cancelled the Meeting But Not The Cuts

Hospital Consultation Delay: Threat is Greater than ever

THREAT TO OUR COMMUNITY HOSPITALS: March and Protest, Penrith, 15th December

David Maclean calls an emergency meeting: The Destruction of the Health Service in North Cumbria

Urgency Required to Save Alston Hospital: David Maclean has written to the Chief Executive of North Cumbria PCT’s, Nigel Woodcock, in outrage at news he has received from constituents.

“Cumbria Needs Dentists”: David Maclean Urges Government

Cumbria Health Service Threatened: Liverpool and Manchester will be in charge of Cumbria Health Service

Not Again!! More NHS Reorganisation: David receives letter from Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority

Maclean Wants Answers on Hospital Health Hazard: What action is being taken taken on North Cumbria NHS Trust's Bug Watch Report

Restore chiropody services to the elderly: Support for EDM 66 which condemns the removal of chiropody services

Carers Week 2005: David shows his support for Carers Week 2005

Dehydration not an option in our hospitals: David Maclean has signed a House of Commons Motion entitled, “Water-Related Malnutrition for Patients in Hospital.”

Cut CATS from Cumbria: David Maclean, has tabled a Motion in the House of Commons asking the Government not to proceed with the proposed CATS (clinical assessment, treatment and support) experiment for Cumbria.

Cumbria’s Ambulance Services must be protected: David Maclean has set down an Early Day Motion in Parliament showing his support for the maintenance of an ambulance service delivery unit in Cumbria in light of the amalgamation of ambulance trusts in Cumbria.

No premium rate racket phone numbers for docs: David Maclean, has followed Conservative colleagues in signing early Day Motion 108 which calls on the Secretary of State for Health to stop GP’s using high rate numbers for their surgeries.

Maclean supports Osteopathy in the NHS: David Maclean, has signed Early Day Motion 1360 which calls on the Government to include osteopathy as part of the Fit to Work strategy.

Education

Opposing top-up fees: David Maclean votes against top-up fees and warns that the Government’s narrow victory will harm poorer families aspiring to a university education for their children.

Resisting school closures: David Maclean secures an adjournment debate in Parliament to raise the threatened closure of two Carlisle Secondary schools - during the debate he put questions from local parents directly to the Education Minister and warned that the proposed restructuring would 'tear the guts out schools such as Caldew and William Howard'.

6th form threatened: David Maclean describes proposals for a 6th form college in Carlisle as 'unwanted, unneccessary and ill thought-out', and he seeks permission from the Speaker of the House of Commons for a special debate in Parliament to highlight the threat that such a move poses to excellent existing 6th forms at schools such as William Howard and Caldew.

Defending special needs schools: David Malcean welcomes the Conservatives’ pledge to call an immediate halt to the closure of special needs schools, believing this will be a great relief to many parents in Cumbria who are worried about their children’s future as a result of Government policy.

Cumbria Schools lose out on funding: Cumbria ranks 116, the lowest in the whole of the North West

Kirby Moor Hotel: Kirby Moor in Brampton is Needed for William Howard

Outward Bound Ullswater Praised: Maclean meets Centre Manager and other staff

Pensions and the Elderly

Crisis in long term care: David Maclean demands action from the Government to stop care home closures and address the growing crisis in long-term care for the elderly.

Backing better pensions: David Maclean sponsors a Parliamentary debate urging the Government to address pension scheme closures and wake up to the full scale of the pensions crisis.

Tax

Time for action, not words: David Maclean slams Labour’s failure to deliver on its promises, as yet another Blair Queen’s Speech passes without the radical solutions needed to give over-burdened taxpayers better school discipline, more police, cleaner hospitals and controlled immigration.

David Maclean to meet Penrith Tax Office workers: David Maclean has requested an urgent meeting with union staff of the Penrith Tax Office to discuss the threat to their jobs and the service.

Cumbria’s Shock Tax Credit Statistics Revealed: The Shadow Chancellor reported that 17,600 Cumbrians were affected when statistics were calculated April 2005.

Conservatives insist Government deals with Tax Credit crisis: Maclean is today supporting an Opposition Day Debate to hold the Government to account on tax credits.

Families

Standing up for families: David Maclean calls on the Government to sort out the massive problems at the Child Support Agency which have hit thousands of children and families, including many in Penrith and the Border.

Defending special needs schools: David Malcean welcomes the Conservatives’ pledge to call an immediate halt to the closure of special needs schools, believing this will be a great relief to many parents in Cumbria who are worried about their children’s future as a result of Government policy.

Farepak raised in the Queens Speech Debate: David Maclean raised the issue of Farepak in the House of Commons during his speech in the Queen’s Speech Debate

Registration Offices raised in House of Commons: Maclean raises Kirkby Stephen and Appleby Registration Offices

Fraudulent Farepac: Maclean has asked for a full investigation to be carried out by both the police and the Government into the conduct of Farepac

Maclean supports Carers Week: David Maclean is once again lending his support to this year’s Carers Week (June 11-17) by signing early Day Motion 1340.

Defence

Save Our Soldiers: David Maclean pledges that a Conservative Government would reverse Labour’s disgraceful decision to scrap proud regiments including the Kings Own Royal Border Regiment, promising instead to address over-stretch in the armed forces by increasing – not cutting – the number of soldiers.

Labour’s regiment shame: David Maclean hits out at local Labour MPs for suggesting that the abolition of the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment was the fault of ‘the colonels’, when it is the Labour Government itself that is to blame for axing a proud and prestigious regiment.

Regiment shamefully terminated: David Maclean slams the Government's decision, announced by the Defence Secretary, to subsume the King's Own Royal Border Regiment into a newly amalgamated 'Lancashire' regiment and promises that a Conservative Government would reverse the decision.

Proud of 'Border' regiment: David Maclean tables a House of Commons motion condeming the idea of dropping the word 'Border' from the name of the county's local regiment, warning that to axe the KORBR as part of a wider 'amalgamation' of regiments in the north west would hit recruitment into the forces in Cumbria and be an insult to all those who have proudly served their country with the KORBR.

Remembrance Sunday: David Maclean attends the annual Remembrance Sunday parade in Carlisle as Cumbria unites to remember and honour the fallen.

Early run down of Longtown: “A bitter blow” says David Maclean

Longtown Munitions Depot: David Maclean Urges Government to Redevelop Longtown Munitions Depot

Longtown DMC to Stand Down but Keep a Watching Brief: Government will not change their mind just yet

Longtown Ammunition Depot: David Maclean, Neighbouring MP’s and Unions Reps Meet Minister

Martlew's comments "despicable" says Maclean: Martlew’s Attack on the secretary of the KORBR, Simon Strickland is “despicable”

Save Jobs at DMC Longtown: David Maclean Chairs Meeting of the DMC Longtown Action Group

Regional Fire Control Centre Uproar: Regional Fire Control Centres could be Disastrous for Cumbria

Maclean Praises the Poppy: David Maclean has signed a House of Commons Motion calling on continuing support for the British Legions Poppy Appeal

Our soldiers need to be given greater priority: David Maclean, has spoken out about the assurances and commitments he believes should be given to our military personnel.

Maclean backs our Forces: David Maclean, has signed two Early Day Motions celebrating both the bravery of our soldiers and calls urgently on the Government to keep its promise and give the Forces and their families the support whilst out on duty and when back at home after serving abroad.

Maclean supports Homes for our Heroes: David Maclean, has swiftly signed a Parliamentary Motion calling on the Government to maintain military housing.

RAF Spadeadam to stay: David Maclean, has given a warm welcome to the decision of the Defence Minister to leave Spadeadam alone and not try to get a fully contractorised solution.

Countryside and Environment

Stop post office closures: David Maclean stands up for rural communities in Cumbria hit hard by the loss of local post offices and demands Government action to halt further closures.

Supporting red squirrels: David Maclean joins in the 10th anniversary celebrations of Red Alert North West by doing his own bit to encourage a thriving red squirrel population in Cumbria.

Wrong right of way: David Maclean calls for the closure of a legal loophole in rights of way legislation which could destroy ancient paths and bridleways.

‘Buy British’: David Maclean backs British food and farmers by calling on supermarkets to stock more home-grown produce.

Securing postal services: David Maclean seeks assurances from the Post Office that the mobile post office will not be withdrawn from rural areas unless alternative services are available.

Saving rural phone boxes: David Maclean accepts the growth in mobile phone use but appeals for more information on BT’s plans to remove many phone boxes in Cumbria, pointing out their value in emergencies, particularly in remote rural areas.

Re-thinking windfarms: David Maclean welcomes the Conservative Party’s official re-think on wind farms, warning that they pose a great threat to the local economy and environment for precious little reward.

A way ahead on radio masts: David Maclean successfully chairs a meeting to reach a sensible compromise on building the new TETRA mast at Patterdale, ensuring that the new site is located away from homes and schools.

Repairing storm damage: David Maclean calls for a statement from the Government on the violent storms that have inflicted so much damage across Cumbria, urging Ministers to make special funding available for emergency measures such as bridge repairs.

Fighting for rural communities: David Maclean calls on Labour to stop damaging the countryside and start taking measures to build prosperous, working rural communities, free of interference from an urban-centric Government.

PM and flood prevention: David Maclean writes to the Prime Minister urging him to ensure that the village of Crosby on Eden, which suffered 100% flooding damage, is fully incorporated in any upgrade of Flood Prevention Schemes for Carlisle.

Cumbria’s flooding emergency: David Maclean has backed Cumbria County Council’s call for the Deputy Prime Minister to make emergency funding available to deal with the widespread damage wrought by the recent flooding, pointing out that businesses and communities across the county have been devastated in the floods.

Questioning Malcolm Wilson Rally: David Maclean questions why the Malcolm Wilson Rally has been extended into the Greystoke Forest without proper consultation, given the concerns raised by local wildlife and residents groups about the rally's potential environmental impact .

Windfarms inquiry sought: David Maclean renews his call for a public enquiry into plans for a windfarm at Whinash, near Tebay.

Core Vote: David Maclean backs a Commons motion urging supermarkets to stock British-grown apples.

FAM company mistreated: David Maclean questions Ministers over their failure to settle a £7m bill owed to Cumbrian firms who played a key part in the Foot and Mouth Crisis.

Funding for the floods: David Maclean asks the Government to make £6m available to Cumbria County Council to deal with the effects of the flooding.

Mourning John Peel: David Maclean joins fellow hunt supporters to mark the 150th anniversary of the death of John Peel, the most famous huntsman of all time.

Backing locals over radio masts: David Maclean backs calls from a group of Eden villagers to halt the building of a radio mast.

Fighting for freedom: David Maclean writes for the News and Star arguing that the debate over hunting is really about freedom and that all freedom-loving people should back the cause of the rural minority.

Post office closures: David Maclean urges the Government to address post office closures, which are vital part of the rural social fabric.

Article for Cumbria Farmer: David Maclean writes an exclusive article for the Cumberland News condemning the Government's basic failure to understand farming, and calls for the removal of a raft of burdens on farmers introduced and entrenched by Labour.

Government's fridge failure: David Maclean signs a Commons motion condemning the Government's record on fridge disposal and arguing that the environmental risks require Ministers to get a grip on the one million appliances that are unaccounted for.

MPs' joint Whinash submission: David Maclean and Tim Collins (MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale) issue a joint submission to the Whinash Windfarm Inquiry highlighting detailed research showing that wind power is not as cheap as first thought and can be enormously damaging to the local economy.

Flooding: Maclean seeks reassurances that all efforts will be made to minimise the risk of homes and property

Flood Defence Works in Carlisle Area May be Cut: Maclean has written to the Regional Director of the Environment Agency to express his concerns at the announcement of big cuts in the DEFRA budget.

Make them pay by Christmas Day: Maclean has signed a Motion calling on the Government to make sure the Single Farm Payment Scheme for 2005 is fully paid up by 25th December 2006.

David Maclean calls on Government to recognise Rural Poverty: David Maclean, has added his name to a House of Commons Early Day Motion highlighting that 1 in 5 people live in poverty.

Animal welfare: “Animal welfare level playing field in Europe is essential” says David Maclean

Biomass and Wind farms in Cumbria: David Maclean has laid a special Motion in the House of Commons calling on the Government to abandon wind farm technology in Cumbria and concentrate on biomass instead.

Shap Giant Wind Turbines: An unacceptable blot on the landscape, says David Maclean

Wind farms will destroy Cumbria: Maclean says, “Proposed Wind Farm Sites Will Destroy Our Landscape and Cumbria”

Proposed wind farm sites will destroy our landscape: Maclean says, “Proposed Wind Farm Sites Will Destroy Our Landscape and Cumbria”

Unscramble Egg Permit Mess: Maclean calls on the Government to waive for 3 years the punitive permit charges

The Mast at Patterdale will be moved: The National Trust have advised that they will permit the Airwave Site Share to proceed at Patterdale

Support those who support our farmers: Congratulations to the Rural Stress Information Network

Milk Prices: Maclean demands, “Farmers must receive a fair price for their milk"

Cumbrian Declaration: A Declaration on Nuclear Power and Reprocessing by all of the senior Conservative Party representatives in Cumbria

Spread Of Bovine TB By Badgers Must Be Stopped: Maclean comments on Bovine TB

Parliamentary Motion demanding farm payments now: Emergency measures needed to alleviate the plight of farmers in Cumbria

Pay Our Farmers RPA Now: Why is England now the only country in the EU so far behind with RPA payments?

Whinash Wind Farm: Inspector rejects Application and Minister rejects Application

Whinash Wind Farm: Inspector rejects Application and Minister rejects Application

Maclean Discusses Plight of Hill Farming: David meets National Trust Officers to discuss plight of hill farming in Cumbria

No Reason to Ban Strychnine for Mole Control: No cases of wildlife poisoned by strychnine in 10 years

Opening of Bird Hide at Watchtree: Watchtree receives a new lease of life with the opening of a new bird hide

North West Regional Assembly to destroy Cumbrian landscape: NWRA tells Cumbria that by 2010 it must have four times as many wind turbines operating as now and by 2020 five times the number

Protect our marine resources and wildlife: David Maclean has signed Early Day Motion 549 urging the Government to protect and manage our marine resources.

Time to re-instate litters bins on A69: David Maclean has signed Early Day Motion 1260, which calls on the Government to tackle the growing problem of fly-tipping.

Maclean's invite to Government to visit Cumbria: David Maclean has written to the new Secretary of State at DEFRA, Hilary Benn inviting him to visit Cumbria at the earliest opportunity.

Shap wind turbines: Gamesa should withdraw and go away

Berrier Wind Turbine: ‘A grotesque idea which will destroy Blencathra’ says Maclean

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones could cripple dairy farms: DEFRA plans for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones could cripple dairy farms just as they begin to recover.

Time to re-instate litters bins on A69: David Maclean, has written to the Department for Transport asking if they will reinstate litter bins in lay-bys on the A69

Investigation needed into sewage dumping at Nicholforest: Maclean demands full investigation into sewage dumping at Nicholforest

Sewage Sludge in Nicholforest: David Maclean, met with Carol Romero, Senior Environment Officer on Friday to discuss at length the situation at Nicholforest.

“Dumping good fish is obscene” says David Maclean: David Maclean, has signed EDM 28 which calls on the Government to press all EU countries to stand by EU discarded fish regulations as we in Britain do.

The lungs of the world must be protected: David Maclean, has signed Early Day Motion 84 which calls on the Government to make illegal logging imports an offence.

He’s not British, not a red squirrel, but one has to save the orangutan: David Maclean has signed Early Day Motion 34 entitled “Orangutans and Palm Oil” which calls for action to be taken to protect the habitat of the much loved.

House of Commons Committee confirm that Government must finally eradicate TB: David Maclean, has shown his support on the findings of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee which concludes that the Government must now come to early and firm decisions on the eradication of badger and cattle TB

A chance to save a rainforest: David Maclean, has signed EDM 893 which calls on the Government to send development aid to Guyana in return for the country’s 50 million acres to be put under the protection of a British led coalition.

“No Sewage at Nicholforest – Victory for local people, common sense from the Environment Agency,” says David Maclean: David Maclean, has reacted warmly to the announcement today by the Environment Agency that they have deregistered DIGIT who will not be allowed to dump sewage sludge in Nicholforest.

Sheep ID: “Sheep ID will leave farmers questioning their viability once again” says Maclean

Housing

Housing freeze: David Maclean writes to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott urging him to reconsider the freeze on house-building in Carlisle and Eden, arguing that the decision reflects urban priorities steamrolling the housing needs of rural areas.

Labour’s house not in order: David Maclean demands action from the Government to address the housing crisis, particularly the problems faced by the homeless and struggling first time buyers, and argues that local people have been hit hard by an ill-judged housing freeze that demonstrates the urban-centric nature of Labour’s housing policy.

House prices hit locals: David Maclean predicts that house prices will continue to rise in the region, as a Bakery firm announces plans to build 5 'locals only' houses in Eden to ease the acute housing shortage there.

Housing restrictions hit Cumbria: David Maclean calls for action to lift restrictions on new housing in Cumbria, blaming a 'one-size-fits-all' policy for the limits, which are hitting local people already suffering from the housing crisis.

“Telegraph poles, utterly unacceptable” says David Maclean: David Maclean, has been contacted by residents of Margaret’s Way, Appleby who have raised concerns about the erection enormous BT telegraph poles which have appeared in the last few weeks.

Transport

Don’t bypass us: David Maclean reminds Transport Ministers of their promise to build the Temple Soweby by-pass and urges them not to delay any further on a project that is so vital to the local area.

Saving the bypass: David Maclean has challenged Transport Ministers for delaying construction of the new Temple Soweby bypass still further, urging them to stop dragging their feet and start getting on with the job.

Safer roads, insured drivers: David Maclean supports moves to clamp down on uninsured drivers, urging the Government to take measures to drive them off the road in order to protect the public from the threat of suffering injuries for which they may not be compensated.

A74 needs improving: David Maclean calls on Ministers to improve Cumbria's roads, particularly the A74, after a report from Cumbria Chambers of Commerce highlights the cost of the gridlock which followed a fatal crash on the A74 in the run up to Christmas.

Delays hamper A74: David Maclean slams the continued delay in the construciton of the upgrade for the A74 'Cumberland Gap'.

More pressure over bypass: David Maclean keeps up the political pressure to ensure that construction of the Temple Sowerby finally gets going, as he writes to the Transport Minister warning the local people's patience is 'wearing thin'.

Car park concerns: David Maclean writes to the Highways Agency urging them to listen to the concerns of Appleby residents about the proposed redevelopment of the town centre, particularly in relation to parking.

Keswick-Penrith rail link: David Maclean expresses the concerns of local people regarding the proposed Keswick-Penrith rail link, particulalry that the scheme might be unworkable and lack Government backing.

Cumberland gap - delays go on and on: David Maclean criticises the seemingly endless delays in the Cumberland Gap construction project, accusing the Government of being anti-road and anti-motorist.

HGVs pose crash risk: David Maclean acts to highlight the risk posed by HGVs taking 'rat runs' through country lanes around the Wigton area, pointing out the potential for harming other motorists.

Graduated Driving Tests: Maclean has given a welcome to the call by the Chief Constable of Cumbria for graduated driving tests

Maulds Meaburn Potholes: “Maulds Meaburn Potholes are a dangerous disgrace” says local Councillor

West Coast Mainline: Massive Threat to Our Rail Services on West Coast Mainline

Carlisle to Newcastle: “No ‘New Beeching’ on the Carlisle to Newcastle Route” says David Maclean

Bus Pass Scheme: “Government Concessionary Bus Pass Scheme Flawed and Under Funded”, says Maclean

No More Worthless Motorway Signs: Government say they will put up no more “worthless signs” on motorways

Kirkby Thore Bypass: Bypass Now Depends on North West Regional Assembly Opinion

Motorway Signs Scandal: Worthless signs on M6 cost £76,000

Kirkby Thore is Bypassed by Government Again: David receives news on Kirkby Thore bypass from Government

No Further Delay on the B6263: David Maclean's letter to the Environment Agency reads as follows:

Demanding Explanation on Kirkby Thore Bypass: Maclean outraged that he has not been informed by the Minister over a possible delay on the announcement of the preferred route for the A66 until 2006.

Morland wins its battle against HGV’s: David Maclean has received confirmation from Cumbria County Council that Morland will be getting “Unsuitable for HGV” signs this summer.

Morland wins its battle against HGV’s: David Maclean has received confirmation from Cumbria County Council that Morland will be getting “Unsuitable for HGV” signs this summer.

“Signs at Temple Sowerby; Highways Agency have a nerve and a cheek”: David Maclean has condemned the spokesman from the Highways Agency who invited local businesses who could not get signs on the bypass to “drop him a line with their concerns and the Highways Agency, along with the contractor, will have a look at them.”

Local Government

Setting fire services free: David Maclean slams the Government’s plans to undermine local Fire and Rescue services with yet more red tape.

Fighting for Cumbria: David Maclean hits back at Labour for criticising Cumbria council when it is their Government which is responsible for higher taxes and failing public services.

Defeating Regional Assemblies: David Maclean welcomes the overwhelming vote against Regional Assemblies in Carlisle but warns that Cumbria’s voice on the issue could yet be sidelined.

Welsh warning on devolution: David Maclean highlights a new poll showing that 70% of people in North Wales believe the Welsh Assembly favours the South, warning that a Regional Assembly could cause similar problems, as cities would inevitably be favoured against under-represented Cumbria.

Defending local government: David Maclean attacks the Boundary Committee for giving in to Labour’s regionalist agenda and failing to defend local government in Cumbria.

Defending local democracy: David Maclean urges the three local District Councils and Cumbria County Councils to ignore the unelected North West Regional Assembly, and to continue providing excellent local government that is truly accountable to the people.

Backing ID scheme: David Maclean has joined forces with local police and Eden District Council to give his backing to a 'No ID, no sale' campaign initiative which creates a strict code for the sale of alcohol, cigerettes, lottery tickets and cinema tickets to young people.

Regional referendum postponed: David Maclean slams the Government's decision to postpone the referendum on a North West Assembly, arguing that the move ultimately stems from the fact that Ministers know that people in the region don't want an assembly.

TV debate on regional assembly: David Maclean appears in a televised debate on Regional Assemblies to argue against the plans, warning that they could threaten institutions such as the Cumbrian Constabulary.

Prescott visit: As the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott sets a date to visit Cumbria ahead of the referendum on regional government, David Maclean warns that Cumbria's proposed representation of just two members on any assembly would give local people a fair less effective voice than provided by county and district councils.

Public don't want to be inconvenienced: David Maclean has been inundated with complaints about Eden Council's plans to give up responsibility for various public toilets.

Don't axe toilets: David Maclean calls on the council to reconsider plans to close or downgrade public toilets in Eden.

Sympathy for Lib Dem: David Maclean expresses sympathy for Steven Tweedie's decision to stand down in Penrith and the Border and instead stand as Lib Dem candidate in Carlisle.

Appleby Toilets – Closed because Town Council complained: Closed because Town Council described them as “not being fit for purpose.”

Cumbria Does Not Need Unitary Authority: Maclean has said that it would be madness for Cumbria to demand unitary authority status

Coroner Cuts: Lord Chancellor Admits Government is Behind Coroner Cuts

Government Behind Coroner Cuts: David Maclean has accused the Government of being behind the planned cuts to Coroner Services in Cumbria

David Maclean Urges Action on Penrith Pong: New smell emerging from Alba Proteins

Demanding “EU Regional Aid for Cumbria”.: Maclean bring attention to the need for Cumbria to benefit from EU Regional Aid

Innovative Solutions for People to use Library’s: “Send books and newspapers into pubs and double up with school library’s,” says Maclean

Maclean Assured of Hump Improvement: Cumbria County Council have assured that the unusually high speed bumps in Raiselands Croft will be improved in the next financial year

Kirkby Stephen footpath: Lack of Footpath between Station and Town is highly dangerous

Raiselands Croft: “Speed Bumps need Altering,” says MP

Re-think on Postal Voting: David sponsors Opposition Day Motion: Electoral Integrity and Democratic Accountability

The Launch of Lazonby Parish Plan: David was principal guest at Lazonby Village Hall

Disadvantaged Cumbria: Bellwin Scheme looks disappointing for flood victims

Maclean Supports Carlisle City Council’s Motion on Sustainable Communities Bill: David Maclean, in full support of Carlisle City Council’s Motion and has placed an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons.

Auction parking problems resolved for Kirkby Stephen: David Maclean has warmly welcomed the efforts of the police, Kirkby Stephen Town Council, Eden District Council, County Council Highways Department, Harrison & Hetherington Ltd and local residents to resolve the parking difficulties in Kirkby Stephen on auction days

Wigton Community Centre “Immediate Closure is outrageous”: David Maclean said he was outraged at the overnight closure of Wigton Community Centre without any prior warning which gave the 400 users and the community groups no chance of finding alternative accommodation.

Cumbria Does Not Need Unitary Authority: David Maclean, has said that it would be madness for Cumbria to demand unitary authority status when the Government is not compelling us to go down that route.

Wigton benefits from Tory Allerdale: David Maclean today phoned Joe Milburn the leader of Allerdale Borough Council to thank him and others for reversing the decision on Wigton Community Centre.

Cumbria Unitary Bid Bites the Dust: “The right decision” says David Maclean

“Not so ‘finger lickin’ good”: David Maclean has written to Ms Jennifer Holliday who is the Project Manager of Penrith Market Town Initiative in support of the Initiative’s concerns for a proposed 33 foot tall KFC sign on Bridge Lane.

Wigton benefits from Tory Allerdale: David Maclean today phoned Joe Milburn the leader of Allerdale Borough Council to thank him and others for reversing the decision on Wigton Community Centre.

Maclean submits paper on Unitary Authority proposal to Ruth Kelly: David Maclean, has submitted to Ruth Kelly the following report “Local Government Reorganisation Submission” to argue against a unitary authority for Cumbria.

Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill – Statement: I have drafted an ammendment to put in the face of the bill a statutory requirement to publish annually the expenses of Members of Parliament.

Success for Clifford Road: Confirmation from Cumbria County Council that the worst parts of Clifford Road will be replaced next year.

Eden Council to be congratulated on sign posting Temple Sowerby business: David Maclean, has praised Eden District Council’s planning committee for accepting sign positing at either side of the Temple Sowerby bypass for the businesses which are being bypassed.

Supermarket planning must be tightened: Member of Parliament for Penrith and the Border, David Maclean, has signed Early Day Motion 1371

Business

Business hit by gridlock: David Maclean calls on Ministers to tackle transport problems in Cumbria, particularly on the A74, after a report from Cumbria Chamber of Commerce highlights the harm to local businesses resulting from gridlock on the A74 in the wake of a fatal crash in the run up to Christmas.

Business benefits from broadband breakthrough: David Maclean's long-running campaign, in conjunction with local business groups, to bring broadband to Penrith finally achieves its goal as the fastest lane on the information superhighway arrives to benefit companies and households in the area.

Praise for local business: David Maclean uses his invitation to switch on the Christmas lights in Wigton to praise local shops and businesses who add so much to the town, reserving special praise for Wigton industrialist Bill Lowther.

Best Rural Retailer 2006: 11 out of 16 finalists in NW are from Cumbria

Maclean praises Border TV: Last night David Maclean praised the work of Border TV in a speech he gave during the Queen’s Speech Debate

Post Office Card Account to be scrapped: Continued Post Office closures and service withdrawal

Southend Road: “The Co-op Plan convinces me the Southend Road is a good idea,” says Maclean

David Maclean sees refurbished Dufton Youth Hostel: David made a special visit to Dufton Youth Hostel ahead of the official opening to see the refurbishment for himself.

Tax con not a tax cut….says David Maclean: Maclean responds to Chancellor's Budget

Best Rural Retailer Competition 2007: David Maclean is encouraging all shops and rural enterprises to be put forward for the Countryside Alliance Best Rural retailer competition

The possible loss of ITV Border: Devastating News for Cumbria

Maclean on nuclear: David Maclean has set out his belief that it is time to turn to nuclear power. David has always been a great supporter of renewable energy but firmly believes that the time is right to re-boot the nuclear programme

Unfair bank charges need to be given proper legislation: David Maclean has called for legislation that will give the Office of Fair Trading and the Competition Commission power to deal with increasing unfair banking practices.

Whole Border economy will be hit by loss of Border TV: David Maclean, has hit out at the proposal by ITV to base all programming in Gateshead by signing Early Day Motion 155.

Horsey business need insurance help: David Maclean has signed EDM 14 on Horse Riding Establishments and Insurance

Post Offices. Rural Areas to be Clobbered.: David Maclean has commented on the Government’s response to the public consultation on the proposed closure of 2,500 offices.

Post Office petition presented to Parliament: David Maclean will present a petition to Parliament on Tuesday 27th February containing 8000 signatures from constituents from all over Penrith and the Border protesting about the possible closure of Sub Post Offices.

A Bankrupt Budget and a Bankrupt Prime Minister: David Maclean has written to all members of the Conservative Association saying that the pre-Budget report was “a bankrupt Budget from a bankrupt Prime Minster.”

EU Referendum – We need one: David Maclean is backing David Cameron over his demands for a referendum on the European Constitution.

The fate of our Post Office’s draws nearer: David Maclean, has signed Early Day Motion 997 which supports his concerns on the proposal to close a further 2500 Post Offices around the country.

Disabled

Supporting access for guide dogs: David Maclean gives his support to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s campaign to make businesses more accessible for guide dogs, signing the Parliamentary motion urging restaurants and other enterprises to open their doors to the blind and partially sighted.

Guide Dogs in Parliament: David Maclean welcomes guide dog owners into the House of Commons as part of a campaign to encourage Cumbrian businesses to ensure that they are fully accessible to blind people with guide dogs.

Cobbles and Bus Shelters in Wigton: Improvements to be made to make the town more disabled user friendly

Maclean encourages audio description technology for all digital receivers: David Maclean, has signed Early Day Motion 900 which calls on the Government to work towards ensuring that audio description technology for the blind is built into digital receivers.

Culture and sport

Don’t handicap golf: David Maclean backs calls for the Government to listen to golf clubs and reconsider the potentially damaging effects of the Licensing Act which will undermine local clubs and force many to close.

Celebrating incredible scarecrows: David Maclean pays tribute to Langwathby scarecrow exhibition, congratulating the village on producing a unique collection of sculptures – and suggests that the works of art could be used to replace those lost in the Saatchi gallery fire!

Scarecrow festival: David Maclean is to open a very special local event in the village of Langwathby - a scarecrow festival which will raise funds needed to restore the village hall.

Royal Wedding: David Maclean wishes Charles and Camilla all happiness together as they prepare for their imminent wedding.

Abseiling for charity: David Maclean abseils from the roof of St Andrew's church tower to raise money for renovating the interior of the tower.

Maclean Opposes Incitement to Religious Hatred Offence: Continued opposition to the Government’s plans for Racial and Religious Hatred Bill

Everyone should back British Food Fortnight: David Maclean has issued a plea to all constituents and shops to support British Food Fortnight taking place from 22nd September until 7th October.

Appleby New Fair: Time for a rethink says David Maclean.

BBC on reachs 100% subtitling on all its programmes: Maclean congratulates the BBC on reaching 100% subtitling on all its programmes

Penrith and the Border MP makes parliamentary history: The first ever Member of Parliament to use a computer in a debate

Specific Rural Issues

Early Day Motion on the Post Office Network in Cumbria: Maclean puts down an Early Day Motion on the Post Office Network in Cumbria

Save Our Post Offices - Askham rally: Askham Post Office rally on Tuesday 20th February

Save Our Post Office Campaign: “Save Our Post Office Campaign Begins in January”, says David Maclean

Calls for Rural Anti-Discrimination Bill: David Maclean Calls for Rural Anti-Discrimination Bill

‘Local Food is Miles Better’ Campaign: David Maclean supports ‘Local Food is Miles Better’ Campaign

Posties to Parliament: Maclean's concerns about withdrawal support for the POCA when the existing contract expires in 2010

Genetically Modified Products: Producers and consumers should be able to choose between GM, conventional and organic products

Buy British during British Food Fortnight: Maclean is supporting British Food Fortnight and encouraging others to do the same by buying British

Cumbria Needs Urgent EU Funding: David Maclean has requested urgent EU funding

Reduction in Post Office Collection Services: Maclean demands new policy be suspended

Christmas Adjournment Debate: David makes major speech in the House of Commons

Do you want cashless payphones?: David asks for your thoughts on cashless payphones

Proposed Payphone Removal: Maclean asks for details from BT

Air Ambulance Essential for Rural Areas: Maclean requests an urgent meeting with CE of Great North Air Ambulance

Jobcentreplus need to be flexible for rural areas: David Maclean lobbies Jobcentreplus for flexible services for rural areas

Praise for Pentalk: David Maclean, has put down an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons praising the work done by Pentalk and asks for further funding to help this organisations work

Only two places to get a passport in Cumbria: David Maclean has been informed by the Home office that there will be only two interview offices in the whole of Cumbria for people who want a new passport.

Farmers must receive a fair price for their milk: David Maclean Demands, “Farmers must receive a fair price for their milk.”

Maclean demands restrictions are lifted: David has written urgently to the Secretary of State at DEFRA demanding that he urgently lift the restrictions which are causing a crisis to auctions such as Lazonby.

Cumbrian Farmers Dumped on Again Over F&M: David Maclean has slammed the Government’s aid package for farmers affected by the Foot and Mouth restrictions as grossly inadequate and dumping on Cumbrian farmers yet again who are absolutely innocent.

Stuff the imported turkey: "Buy local food for a better, greener, safer and more humane Christmas dinner” says David Maclean

“Nicholforest and Penton children deserve better,” says David Maclean: David Maclean, has written once again to the Chief Executive of Cumbria County Council following a meeting he had on Friday with parents from Nicholforest and Penton whose children will have to travel to William Howard School in September.

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