London To Brighton Bike Ride

Simon Kirby has completed the 54 miles from London to Brighton on June 21st to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. As someone who hasn't ridden a bike for many years, Simon would appreciate you sponsoring him! "It's for a great cause!"

The British Heart Foundation is a charity organisation in the that funds research, education, care and awareness campaigns aimed to prevent heart diseases in humans.

Simon would be very appreciative of any support in sponsoring him.

To sponsor Simon simply visit www.justgiving.com/simonkirby1

Woodingdean

Simon Kirby is surveying people's opinions about how the Down's Hotel Junction could be improved.

Bus Lane

The Newhaven to Brighton bus corridor is now completed and is designed to improve bus connectivity along the busy A259. Simon Kirby is busy monitoring the effectiveness of the scheme and is interested in listening to local people's opinions. He has surveyed 15,000 local people and lobbied the Councils for changes to make the A259 work better for all road users.

"We have to keep working hard to make the best of this scheme. I am all in favour of public transport improvements but these should not be at the detriment of other road users."

Travellers

A permanent travellers’ site at the former BMX track in Sheepcote Valley - is this appropriate?

Members of the city council's cabinet will meet to discuss a permanent traveller site on the BMX track in Sheepcote Valley at a specially convened meeting on Thursday July 31st at 10.30am in Hove Town Hall.

Simon Kirby hopes that other sites, elsewhere in the City will also be considered and consulted upon.

Sheepcote Valley is against the council’s own policies and guidelines: travellers should not be accommodated on or near former waste sites, nor should sites be established on or near sites that have scientific or natural designation. Sheepcote Valley is both a landfill site with large amounts of methane underground, and is designated both a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) and an Area of Important Landscape and Environmental Value.

Only recently a nearby site was fenced off by the city council due to the very high levels of methane.

The council’s own policies also state that travellers’ sites must be on land that could be considered for housing development.

Surely land east of Wilson Avenue including Sheepcote Valley is not suitable as an area for large scale house development.

The Labour Government requires the Council to identify a permanent site for travellers. However, we must consider all the opinions and consult with local residents before coming to a final conclusion.

"I am very worried that we haven't seen proper consultation, especially with local residents and groups who use Sheepcote Valley. Is this the most appropriate location and could we ignore the Labour Government's requirements?"

Marina

Marina tower development rejected

A second tower block development at Brighton Marina has been rejected by councillors by nine votes to three. Conservatives and Green both voted against the scheme, Labour voted for the scheme against the wishes of many thousands of residents.

The Inner Harbour plans were to include the demolition of McDonald's, Asda and a petrol station, replaced by 1,300 flats and a new store and restaurant.

Residents had opposed the scheme and held a protest as councillors entered the planning meeting on Friday. Simon Kirby was supporting these residents:

The tower block was among several new buildings proposed, with a mix of one, two and three bedroom homes, 520 of them affordable housing although much of the housing fell below the Council's minimum size requirements. Councillors were concerned about the mass and size of the development, the sustainability and architectural design and its proximity to the cliff face.

A separate development including a 40-storey tower block was approved in 2006 when the Council was controlled by the Labour party. This scheme had the support of Labour's Des Turner MP and the then Leader of the Council Simon Burgess.

Local resident Brian Simpson said the new plans would destroy the marina.

"It could and should be the jewel in Brighton's marine crown," he said.

"We cannot believe that anyone with common sense would take this forward."

Campaigner Vicki Davies said the views of the white cliffs to Peacehaven would be obscured.

"It is not a price worth paying at all," she said.

Simon Kirby is delighted that the Council have listened to local residents and users of the Marina.

Residents were worried about over development, a lack of infastructure, and access issues. Brighton Marina has its own very special character and Simon doesn't want this to change. Simon attended the planning meeting on 12th December, the site visit on 9th December, the Full Council demonstration and many of the residents' meetings in the run up to the committee meeting.

"Please let me know your views on the Brighton Marina Development. "

Simon Kirby attended the Peacehaven Residents' meeting to listen to the debate as to how best to oppose the Southern Water application which is likely to be heard by the planning committee in May or June. More details of how to object soon.

Southern Water have just submitted a revised planning application for a new wastewater treatment works and sludge recycling centre at Lower Hoddern Farm, Peacehaven.

Labour Says Its The Best Place

Southern Water are saying that "the (Labour) Government confirmed in July 2007 that there was no better location than Lower Hoddern Farm site at Peacehaven for a new wastewater treatment works to serve Brighton and Hove, Woodingdean, Ovingdean, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs and Peacehaven."

Southern Water Agree

"This conclusion supported our own exhaustive analysis."

Visual Impact

"The new planning application includes planted mounding, which will be more sympathetic to the Downland landscape."

Exhibition

Residents will be able to see detailed designs of the proposed works at an exhibition to be held in February. the dates are:

Friday, Feb 22 Community House, Meridian Centre Peacehaven

12 noon to 7.30pm

Sat, Feb 23 Community House, Meridian Centre Peacehaven

11am to 4.00pm

A series of exhibition boards will show in detail how the plant will blend in with the surrounding landscape

Disappointed

Simon Kirby is deeply disappointed with the Government Inspector’s recommendation that Peacehaven is an appropriate site for a sewage treatment works.

“Labour have tied the Planning Committtee's hands by endorsing Peacehaven. We must do all we can to stop this proposal and I urge local residents sign our petitionso we can present it to the County Planners.

They should NOT be building on a greenfield site, close to a large number of residents and adjoining the National Park.“

Peacehaven's Conservative County Councillors John Livings & Phil Howson urge you to sign the e-petition below and to write to the County County at County Hall, Lewes objecting to the scheme.

Is Gordon Doing A Good Job With Our Economy?

Over the past twenty four months Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, Simon Kirby has listened to many local residents and one of the biggest and most important issue raised is the economy.

Thousands of local people are struggling with rising prices and increasing taxes. Recently, we have seen the 10p tax fiasco - where millions of hard-working families will be worse off. We have also seen rises in car tax for ordinary family cars of hundreds of pounds.

For eleven years Mr Brown has spun the facts about Britain’s economy - the stealth tax rises, the fiddled figures, the bad news buried in the small print.

All along he was ripping off Britain’s pensioners, wasting taxpayers’ money, and building up a mountain of debt that now overshadows our future.

Economic crisis

Gordon Brown believes that, before the credit crunch, the British economy was fundamentally strong, which is why he won't apologise or take any responsibility for what went wrong. He said he had ended boom and bust, but we are now facing one of the deepest recessions in the developed world. If Gordon Brown can't admit his past mistakes then how can he offer a way out of our problems?

Conservatives understand that, under Labour, the economy was built on debt. We offer a different routemap to economic recovery, based on savings and ownership not borrowing and debt. We will build a new low-carbon, high-skilled, productive and balanced economy that will be the engine of sustainable growth for years to come. And we will reform the public finances and the system of financial regulation so that no Labour Government is able to bankrupt us again.

Five Conservative measures to help victims of the recession

A big, bold and simple National Loan Guarantee Scheme to help get credit flowing and save jobs.

A two-year Council Tax freeze, worth over £200 for the typical family.

Tax breaks for companies which create new jobs, and cuts in National Insurance and Corporation Tax for all small companies.

Up to £6,500 worth of energy efficiency improvements for every household, saving energy and reducing bills.

Abolish stamp duty for nine out of ten first-time buyers.

Stop Labour’s Garden Grab

Simon Kirby has expressed his support for Conservative plans to protect local gardens from being concreted over and to stop the over-development of neighbourhoods in Brighton Kemptown.

Under planning rules originally introduced by John Prescott, house gardens are no longer classed as ‘green space’. Councils must now follow rigid guidelines demanding that new plans cram in as many buildings as possible.

Conservatives are calling for local people to be given a greater say on planning decisions. They would help communities like Rottingdean, Saltdean & Ovingdean to protect the character of local neighbourhoods and garden space. They would also ensure that more affordable family homes are built with gardens and sufficient parking spaces.

MPs Expenses

Conservative action on MPs' expenses

MPs, from all political parties, have done things that are unethical and wrong. David Cameron has apologised for the behaviour of some Conservative MPs. And he has announced reforms to start to rebuild trust in politics and to take action on expenses.

But we won't end the current paralysis in government and in politics just by electing a new Speaker and setting new rules. We've got to give the public their voice and the country the chance of a fresh start. The only way that can happen is through a general election. It's time to let the people decide.

The scale of the problems facing Britain today - the recession, the debt crisis, and above all, the political crisis - all point in one direction. There is now only one way of sorting out the mess, and that is for Parliament to be dissolved and for a general election to be held right away.

Latest allegations against MPs

It's up to each individual MP to justify their expenses claims to the public. It is then up to the public to decide. As David Cameron has said, the only way they can do that is by holding a general election.

June 4th Election

We have two types of election in Brighton Kemptown: the Europen Election across the constituency and in Peacehaven, Telscombe Cliffs and East Saltdean: County Council elections.

Polls are open from 7am to 10pm and the County Council candidates are Philip Howson & John Livings

Phone 01273 587319 for more details or help.

Postal Vote

Any voter can now vote by Post at any election - you no longer need a special reason to do so.

A postal vote will mean that your vote will not be wasted - whenever the election is called. You merely need to telephone us on 01273 587319 and we arrange for the easy to complete form to be sent to you.

Force Gordon Brown to hold an election

Join our campaign to force Gordon Brown to hold an election. David Cameron: "I think the scale of the problems facing Britain today - the recession, the debt crisis, and above all the political crisis - all point in one direction. I think there is now only one way of sorting out the mess, and that is for Parliament to be dissolved and for a General Election to be held right away."

Simon Kirby Outlines Some Conservative Policies

Abolishing stamp duty for nine out of ten first-time buyers and increasing threshold for inheritance tax to £1m;

Ending Labour’s early prisoner release scheme, and scrapping ID cards and using some of the funds to build more prison places;

Cutting police paperwork so that officers can spend more time out on patrol;

Scrapping tests for seven year olds, making sure that every child who is capable of doing so can read, and imposing discipline in the classroom;

Offering a referendum on the EU Treaty - the European Constitution in all but name;

Introducing a new system of decentralised energy production, helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases we produce;

Shifting the burden of tax away from families and onto pollution;

Increase spending on the NHS - and making sure that the money is better spent by increasing out-of-hours duty services, protecting Hospitals and putting patients first.

Save Our Hospitals Petition

Tell the Government to keep their hands off our hospitals:

We, the undersigned, want the Government to know that people think that LOCAL hospital services are a key part of the NHS. People have put money into the NHS, they have paid increased taxes under Labour and they want to see their local hospitals improve. We simply do not understand why materity units & accident and emergency units are being merged when admissions for both are up.

Say No to a Sewage Treatment Works in Peacehaven

Simon Kirby has written to Southern Water asking them if they have identified any alternative sites for the location of the Sewage Treatment works.

In light of the recent Secretary of State's refusal for planning permission for a new wastewater treatment works and sludge recycling centre at Lower Hoddern Farm, Peacehaven, Simon has asked Southern Water:

Which other sites Southern Water are now considering (there were 66 sites initially considered).

What criteria makes a site more suitable than others.

What their current plans are to resolve this unfortunate situation

Simon looks forward to a reply!

[Feb 2008 update: Simon never received a reply !!]

Tell the Labour Government, Southern Water and Local Councils that Peacehaven isn't an appropriate location:

We, the undersigned are totally opposed to siting a Sewage Treatment Works at Lower Hodden Farm, Peacehaven. Not only is this a residential area but it is adjoining to the soon to be National Park.

There must be a better location.

ID Cards Petition

Tell the Government to scrap their ID card scheme by signing the petition:

We, the undersigned, call on the Government to scrap their ID card scheme, which is a waste of money, an invasion of privacy and won’t prevent terrorist attacks, illegal immigration, identity fraud or human trafficking.

Instead, we want the Government to make better use of the money by providing more prison places, more drug rehab in prisons, and setting up a new border police force.

Over-Development in Brighton Kemptown

We are concerned about the over-development of parts of the City and the potential for yet more high-rise buildings in both Hove and at the Marina.

We wonder if the present infra structure can cope with the relentless expansion of back garden development and the building of high rise flats. Government housing targets will inevitably put a strain on our hospitals, doctors, dentists and schools that are already over-stretched.

Parking for cars needs to be considered carefully and also the additional pressure these extra cars will put on our busy roads

Labour's mess over rubbish taxes

Thursday 25th October

There was confusion today over Labour's planned bin taxes, as a Government report backed the taxes less than 24 hours after Downing Street had moved to delay any announcement on the issue.

On Wednesday, the Government intervened to delay the publication of a Ministerial statement pledging to go ahead with the new rubbish taxes.

But today, the Department for Communities and Local Government praised the proposed taxes, saying they would "encourage behaviour change" and have a "positive impact".

Eric Pickles MP, who has been leading the Conservative campaign against the taxes, said:

"Chaos and confusion reigns across an increasingly discredited Government. Less than 24 hours after putting the bin tax announcement on hold, another part of Whitehall is backing these plans for new taxes on family homes."

And he accused Mr. Brown of losing control of the Whitehall machine, saying the Prime Minister had all the stability of a "wobbling jelly."

Communal Bins

Simon Kirby would like to know your opinion on the introduction of communal bins in Kemptown

Please let him know what you think

Simon Kirby, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Brighton Kemptown

From the Palace Pier to Peacehaven & from Moulsecoomb to the Marina

Local Conservatives have selected Simon Kirby as Brighton Kemptown’s Parliamentary Candidate for the next General Election.

Speaking to reporters after a packed meeting in Brighton, Simon (42) said, “Brighton Kemptown is one of the best places to live in the country, I am truly honoured to be representing the Conservatives here at such an exciting time for the party nationally and locally. Brighton Kemptown is going to be a keenly-watched contest and I am looking forward to leading a positive campaign here which offers local people a genuine choice when they go to the polls at the next General Election.”

He adds, “Our country faces many grave challenges at the moment, I believe we need a real change of direction after a near decade of New Labour. I am very concerned for-instance about the terrible crisis facing patients and staff in our health service at the present time. Gordon Brown has spent billions pounds of our money trying to run the NHS from London, yet health workers in Brighton are worried about their jobs and wards face closure”.

"Locally people are concerned about the potential Sewage Treatment Works in Peacehaven, over-development, schools admissions and the management of our large housing estates," says Simon.

Simon was first elected to represent the people of Brighton in 1992. He has served Kemptown on East Sussex County Council, Brighton Borough Council and Brighton & Hove Council. He is currently a Cabinet member of East Sussex County Council responsible for delivering regeneration across the county.

Simon is married to Elizabeth, the mother of his six children. He has run a number of Brighton-based businesses including the leisure company C-Side. Simon is passionate about Brighton Kemptown!

Join The Brighton Kemptown Conservatives

By being a member, you are playing your part in helping elect Simon Kirby and securing a future Conservative Government.

Read more about the benefits of membership.

Donate To The Kirby For Kemptown Campaign

Other ways to donate

By phone

Call the Kemptown Conservatives on 01273 587319.

By post

Send a cheque made payable to the 'KTCA' and send it to:

KTCA, 370 South Coast Road, Telscombe Cliffs, Peacehaven, East Susex BN10 7ES.

How your money will help

By donating to the Conservatives today, you can help us stop Brown's stealth taxes going up and up in the future:

£30
The cost of producing 1,000 leaflets asking people to vote forSimon Kirby

£50
The cost of sending 200 new membership letters.

£100
1,500 newsletters in key areas. The Kirby for Kemptown campaign needs to keep people informed.

£450
Telephone canvassing 500 floating voters.

£2,000
A survey of voters in key areas.

Contact Us

Your views are important. Make them count with the Kemptown Conservatives

Contact us by email

Conservatives are tackling the issues that matter to the mainstream majority.

We can do that because we are istening to local people -- and will never stop listening

Brighton@Tory.Org

Stay Informed

We can make sure you are the first with news about the Kemptown Conservatives

We promise to:

Keep you up to date with all our latest news

Let you know the ways you can get involved, and

Make you aware of new developments on kirbyforkemptown.org

Brighton@Tory.Org

Volunteer

There are plenty of ways you register your support for the common sense ideas being put forward by the Kemptown Conservatives and send a clear message to the Government over their failure to deliver. Your involvement and support are crucial to our efforts in electing Simon Kirby as Brighton Kemptown's next MP.

You can register as a volunteer and join the campaign team online.

You can help us wherever is best for you and in many different ways.

Brighton@Tory.Org

Vote By Post

Make your vote count - DO IT NOW!

Don't leave it to others

- They may be leaving it to you!

Any voter can now vote by Post at any election - You no longer need a special reason to do so. You merely need to fill out a form and send to your local council. Alternatively, you can ask your local Conservative association to send your signed form to the council on your behalf.

Do you live in the Brighton part of the constituency ?

Rottingdean, Saltdean, Ovingdean, Roedean, Woodingdean, Sussex Square, Marina, East Brighton, Queen's Park, Moulscoomb & Bevendean

Brighton & Hove Council Electoral Services

or phone 01273 291999

Do you live in the Lewes part of the constituency ?

East Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs & Peacehaven

Lewes District Council Electoral Services

or phone 01273 471600

Brighton@Tory.Org

Simon Kirby Writes To The Argus

08/01/2008

I spent last Sunday morning at a packed meeting of over 250 Brighton Marina residents at the Seattle Hotel, attended by Rottingdean Coastal Conservative Councillors Mary Mears and David Smith.

Under discussion were council officers' efforts to push through a new Brighton Marina Master plan. I was very surprised to learn that the consultation period expired the following day: Monday 7th January and that many residents hadn't had the opportunity to comment on this important document. A document that will define the future development of the Brighton Marina for years to come.

Surely it is crucial that the Master plan is right? Surely what happens to the Marina in the years ahead deserves the proper and considered input of all those affected? Surely the Council must extend the consultation period, or even better, upgrade the process into a Supplementary Planning Document exercise which would allow full, open and transparent consultation?

The Brighton Marina is a great place to live in and visit, let's make sure everyone has a proper chance to shape its future.

Peacehaven School Question Time

Simon Kirby was very pleased to take part in a "Question Time" event at Peacehaven Community School and to be quizzed on topics as wide ranging as the Sewage Works to teenage pregnancy. Simon was very impressed at the knowledge and interest demonstrated by the Year 8 and 10 pupils.

We Demand A Referendum on the EU

Simon Kirby asks Des Turner MP about the EU Referendum (in the Argus)

Gordon Brown has refused to grant a referendum on the EU treaty, arguing that ratification is a matter for Parliament alone.

If I take the Prime Minister at his word, can I ask on behalf of Brighton Kemptown residents , two questions of our current MP, Des Turner?

Does Des intend to remain true to the Labour election manifesto pledge to hold a referendum on the EU Constitution — which the treaty is in all but name?

Will he also confirm that he will support any amendment tabled during the parliamentary debate that would trigger a referendum?

Dogs On Beach

Simon Kirby has written to Brighton & Hove City Council urging it to maintain the current regime where dogs are allowed on some of the beachs/for some of the year. "As a responsible dog owner I think that this is the sensible way forward and what the majority of residents want to see", said Simon.

Sewage

Simon Kirby has written to Southern Water asking them if they have identified any alternative sites for the location of the Sewage Treatment works.

In light of the recent Secretary of State's refusal for planning permission for a new wastewater treatment works and sludge recycling centre at Lower Hoddern Farm, Peacehaven, Simon has asked Southern Water:

Which other sites Southern Water are now considering (there were 66 sites initially considered).

What criteria makes a site more suitable than others.

What they current plans are to resolve this unfortunate situation

Simon looks forward to a reply!

Disappointed

Simon Kirby is deeply disappointed with the Government Inspector’s recommendation that Peacehaven is an appropriate site for a sewage treatment works.

“Although I am delighted that the current proposal has been refused, the Government Inspector’s recommendation is very unhelpful. We must do all we can to look for an alternative site and I urge local residents sign our petition so that we can try hard to stop this scheme. Southern Water have got both Portobello and the Peacehaven applications wrong.

They should NOT be building on a greenfield site, close to a large number of residents and adjoining the National Park.“

Simon Kirby has written to Matthew Lock at ESCC

Heavy lorries are banned from the A259 between Peacehaven and Brighton. Simon Kirby has written to ask what steps are taken to police this ban.

Simon Kirby has written to Cllr Matthew Lock at East Sussex County Council to ask him what can be done to better enforce the HGV weight limit in Peacehaven.ly