Month: March 2011

The Mysteries of AV

07:35 Thursday 31st March 2011
Peterborough Breakfast Show
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

PAUL STAINTON: To AV, or not to AV, that is the question. On May 5th we’ll be asked to vote in a referendum on changing the way we elect MPs. The choice is between keeping the current system, or switching to Alternative Vote, where you can rank candidates in order of preference, rather than just putting one cross in one box, the old traditional way. A series of TV and radio adverts to promote the referendum is launched on Friday, and from next week all of us will get an information pack posted to us. But we’re going to give you the low-down first, starting with these five facts from our political reporter Alan Soady. Continue reading “The Mysteries of AV”

Police Cuts – What is a Front Line Officer?

07:37 Wednesday 30th March 2011
Peterborough Breakfast Show
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

PAUL STAINTON: What is a police officer? As police forces have their numbers axed, there’s a debate over what is a front line police officer. In Cambridgeshire we’re being told front line policing will be protected. But what is it? Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary has done a study into the definition, and Zoe Billingham is the HM Inspector for the Eastern Region. Morning Zoe.
ZOE BILLINGHAM: Morning Paul.
PAUL STAINTON: What is a policeman? Continue reading “Police Cuts – What is a Front Line Officer?”

Shadow Chancellor Campaigning in the East

11:31 Monday 28th March 2011
Mid-Morning Show BBC
Radio Cambridgeshire

ANDY HARPER: The Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls is in Cambridge this morning, in his new role as Labour’s East of England Champion. He’s hosting a fightback summit with Party members on how they can win back seats here in the Eastern region. So, is this an admission that the Party’s going to have to work hard to win back votes in Cambridgeshire and across our region? Well let’s find out. Good morning to you.
ED BALLS: Hi there.
ANDY HARPER: Now then, would it be fair to say that really this part of the world is bandit country for Labour politicians at the moment? Very little representation these days. Continue reading “Shadow Chancellor Campaigning in the East”

State Oppression: Memories of the Cambridge Garden House Riot

10:08 Friday 25th March 2011
Mid-Morning Show
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

PAUL STAINTON: We are talking about the protest march against the cuts tomorrow, and if you think it’s really worth protesting. We’ve been talking about it all morning. Is it worth putting on your fur-lined sheepskin jacket and your red beret? (MUSIC-CITIZEN SMITH) Joining me is Rod Caird, who did just that as a young undergraduate 40 years ago. He went from Cambridge University to Wormwood Scrubs, after taking part in a student demo that got way out of hand. And, Rod, it affected the rest of your life, didn’t it? Continue reading “State Oppression: Memories of the Cambridge Garden House Riot”

Mike Fletcher on the Use of Consultants Report

08:13 Thursday 24th March 2011
Peterborough Breakfast Show BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

ANDY GALL: 31 recommendations have been put before Peterborough City Council, after a report was produced into the authority’s use of consultants. Opposition politicians were concerned that spending millions of pounds on them was too much money. The report was commissioned after Councillor Mike Fletcher complained that the Council was spending too much on consultants. And Councillor Fletcher was at the meeting last night, and joins us on the line now. Good morning Councillor.
MIKE FLETCHER: Good morning Andy..
ANDY GALL: You wanted answers regarding consultants for some time. Continue reading “Mike Fletcher on the Use of Consultants Report”

Use of Consultants – Task and Finish Group Final Report

07:23 Thursday 24th March 2011
Peterborough Breakfast Show
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

ANDY GALL: A special meeting was held last night to discuss whether Peterborough City Council has spent too much money on consultants. It stemmed from complaints made by Councillor Mike Fletcher, who said that payments to consultants need to be more transparent. A group of three councillors were asked to investigate. One of the working group is Liberal Democrat councillor Nick Sandford, and joins us now. Good morning Nick.
NICK SANDFORD: Good morning Andy.
ANDY GALL: So can you remind us of how the investigation came about. Continue reading “Use of Consultants – Task and Finish Group Final Report”

Stanground Central: Goldspink Targets Cereste

07:00 Tuesday 22nd March 2011
Peterborough Breakfast Show
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

EMMA MACLEAN: The Leader of Peterborough’s English Democrat Party has decided to run against the Leader of the City Council in the forthcoming local elections. Councillor Stephen Goldspink will stand in the Stanground Central Ward against Marco Cereste. Ben Stevenson reports.
BEN STEVENSON: Councillor Stephen Goldspink used to represent the Conservative Party in the East Ward of the city, but left after Marco Cereste was elected as the new Leader. He and fellow councillor Graham Murphy then defected to the newly-formed Peterborough English Democrat Party, back in October 2009. If Councillor Goldspink isn’t elected in the Stanground Central election, then he will still remain as a councillor for the East Ward.
EMMA MACLEAN: And Paul Stainton will be talking to Stephen Goldspink on the Peterborough Breakfast Show after this bulletin. Continue reading “Stanground Central: Goldspink Targets Cereste”

The Vacant Chair

17:20 Monday 21st March 2011
Drivetime BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

ANDY BURROWS: Let’s talk about changes at the University of Peterborough, because Peterborough City Council has agreed a deal with Cranfield University in Bedfordshire, to create a, what they’re calling a centre for renewable energy and bio-fuels in Peterborough. So let’s first of all speak to Councillor John Holdich. He’s the Cabinet Member for Education. He joins us now. Good evening to you Councillor. (PAUSE) Hello John Holdich.
JOHN HOLDICH: Hello there.
ANDY BURROWS: Is this happening at the University of Peterborough, or is this a separate development? Let me make sure I’ve got this absolutely clear. Continue reading “The Vacant Chair”