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”

Peterborough Youth Unemployment – The Lost Generation?

08:24 Thursday 17th March 2011
Peterborough Breakfast
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

PAUL STAINTON: Unemployment is continuing to rise in the city. In the last two months, the number of people claiming JobSeekers’ Allowance has risen by over 800 people. That’s about 20%. The increase is even steeper for those between 18 and 24. Continue reading “Peterborough Youth Unemployment – The Lost Generation?”

Loose Ends

As we await the final publication of the Council’s Review into its use of consultants ..

Extract from an interview with Cllr Mike Fletcher November 10th 2010 titled:
Call for Minister to Intervene on Consultant Secrecy.

MIKE FLETCHER: I doubt it. There might be a report, but I’ll bet these questions aren’t answered, such as who determines what rate is paid, who actually hires these people. And yesterday I saw again we’re hiring consultants to look into whether we need travellers sites in the town. (LAUGHS) And so it goes on.
PAUL STAINTON: And we smile at this, and we’re smiling this morning, but it’s serious business. This is our money, isn’t it. Millions of pounds of our money.
MIKE FLETCHER: It is. And when this comes up in group meeting or committee, some councillors grin, and snigger, and think it’s funny. Well it damn well isn’t funny. And I’m absolutely beside myself with rage over this.
PS: There’s sniggering going on is there?
MIKE FLETCHER: Oh yes. Yes. From fellow councillors, snigger and grin, and think, hello, here he goes again.
PS: Well I’m glad they think it’s funny that twelve million pounds of our money could have been wasted. I’m glad they find it something to snigger about.

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Extract from Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald’s Twitter account dated November 9th 2010

“Police panel meeting went well then went for some entertainment at town hall listening to Cllr fletcher speaking always fun.”

Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald

 

Stewart Jackson – Extracts from the Andy Harper Show

17:42 Friday 11th March 2011
Drivetime BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

ANDY BURROWS: Today the MP for Peterborough joined Andy Harper in the studio this morning here on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. He was answering questions from listeners on a range of topics, including whether the Government is going to do anything about the spiralling cost of fuel. Continue reading “Stewart Jackson – Extracts from the Andy Harper Show”