Caring doesn't cost yet the rewards can be invaluable. Be selfish, say yes to helping others.
Gary Bland
Working in Bermondsey & Old Southwark to Make a Difference
A BIG THANK YOU
I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me or even considered voting for me in the recent council elections.
Although, as was expected, I did not win the election, your votes have given me the desire to continue to work for and with South Bermondsey residents, privately. I have been developing some ideas which includes a Job club opening in the autumn.
As you will already know there has never been a conservative councillor in South Bermondsey; however, through your faith in me, your voting has resulted in a historic count of 722 votes.
In 2006 the highest conservative vote was: 295.
The turnout was higher than usual this year, but at just 50.8% - it wasn't brilliant. If we can engage more people, and with a lot of work, we may have a better chance to getting much closer in the next election.
MY PLEDGES
My election pledges haven't changed, although they can not be achieved through being a councillor in the next 4 years. Therefore, I am leaving them on the website.
I will continue with my Support Our Small Shops campaign. Hopefully, the newly elected Labour Council will be more willing to give time, energy and ideas to truly develop the Blue into the exciting shopping venue it could be, and once was.
Can Bermondsey Lead the Way?
Speaking with residents in Bermondsey about what frustrates them hasn't been an eye-opener, because nothing is new. However, what is enlightening is the passion in which their frustrations are delivered.
Although there is nothing new, no action appears to be taken by the local councillors, Southwark Council, or the Police in regard to certain behaviours; such as:
littering on the pavementsdrivers or passengers throwing rubbish from their vehiclemobile phone usage whilst drivingtexting whilst drivingspeeding - especially through amber and red lights.
A Zero Tolerance Zone (ZTZ)
I would like to see the setting up of Zero Tolerance Zones. I would like to see the Police, Community Officers and Traffic Wardens, investing time to educate and catch people breaking the laws that cover the points mentioned.
I find it strange that people would abuse their own home, which in essence they are doing if the act in such a manner. People must learn the lesson that abusing themselves and their neighbours is simply not acceptable under any circumstance.
You Don't have to be a councillor to make a difference
Neighbourhood Watch
Perhaps more controversial, I would like to see Neighbourhood Watch Teams being given powers to check cars for speeding, recording cars jumping lights, and recording people littering.
The junction of St. James's Road and Southwark Park Road is particulary dangerous with vehicles of all sizes jumping the lights. Do we really have to wait for a death until something is done?
Fines, Points & Community Service
Fines work for some people, but often a court has to enforce the fines, which can clog up the system. Therefore, a court would need to choose what punishment best suits the person facing them.
For drivers who are using a mobile phone for calls whilst holding the phone, there should be an automatic fine and 4 points on their licence. This can hit the pocket hard for insurance. For people who are texting on their phone whilst driving, I would recommend 8 points on their licence.
People who are caught littering should have to attend community service. This should be from the age of 11. Parents who allow younger children to litter should have to attend community service too. Much of the negative behaviour we see stems for the example parents give to their children.
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