Dear Resident,

Here is my latest update on things at Derbyshire County Council.

I have again continued to report pot holes and street lights that are faulty throughout the area.  All these issues are taking longer to resolve due to the continuing cuts that are taking place.

Another phase of youth club cuts are taking place with the second phase of buildings being closed.  Unfortunately Somercotes looks like being one of them and many of the youth workers have lost their jobs.

The controlling Conservative Group have now decided to no longer provide direct cleaning and caretaking services which will impact on school staff.  This provision and service will now be provided by Suffolk County Council – honestly you couldn’t make it up!

Again I have submitted highway schemes for the County Council to consider, hoping that they include some of the roads and pavements in this area.

On a fairly positive note I am extremely pleased that the village bus service is to continue after the sad news that Your Bus who provided the service had gone out of business.  I made representation to the Council on how important this service is to the community and was extremely pleased with the work done to organise a new provider for the village and the schools service which I am told will operate until at least May of next year.

On a personal note I would like to thank everyone for their best wishes when I married Julie.  We would like to say a big “Thank You” for the gifts and monies which we donated to the Royal Derby Hospital’s MacMillan Unit; a total of £1,990 was donated to try and improve people’s stay at the hospital.

I would also like to take this opportunity of wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Yours sincerely

Councillor Paul Smith