About Gordon
Gordon Wheeler was elected to Nottinghamshire County Council in June 2009 to represent the West Bridgford West division.
Gordon and his family have lived in West Bridgford for nearly 20 years. His wife is a teacher and they have been married for more than 30 years. Their three children, who are now all adults, were educated at local state schools.
Gordon has served for more than 30 years in the public sector, his job having brought him to Nottingham in 1991. He says he feels privileged to live in West Bridgford, not only because his home is a short walk away from his beloved Nottingham Forest FC, but also because it offers all the facilities expected of a busy town and yet also affords easy access to beautiful rolling countryside nearby.
Gordon is currently serving on Nottinghamshire Police Authority and Nottinghamshire Fire Authority where he is Chairman of Performance Management and also a member of the Human Resources and Personnel committees.
In addition to being a County Councillor, Gordon is also a member of Rushcliffe Borough Council, where he represents the Compton Acres Ward. He is Vice-Chairman of Performance Management, serves on Development Control (Planning) and is Chairman of the Local Area Group (LAG) covering the Compton Acres and Lutterell Wards. He also attends LAG meetings for Musters Ward.
Gordon's latest Councillors' Divisional Fund awards...
Each Nottinghamshire County Councillor now has an annual fund of £10,000 to support worthy initiatives in the division they represent. The Councillors' Divisional Fund aims to make use of each councillor's 'grass roots' knowledge to identify projects, events, people and clubs that work hard to benefit and promote their local area, but often lack access to resources. Even a small amount of funding can sometimes make a huge difference.
If you know of a deserving initiative in the West Bridgford West division that might be eligible to receive a CDF grant, please contact me. You can click the following link to read the eligibility guidance criteria.
Follow this link to the Councillors' Divisional Fund web page to see some of the latest projects I have been able to support.
Gordon's latest news
Council plans to adopt a committee system
Pending approval at the Council’s Annual General Meeting on 17th May 2012, Nottinghamshire County Council plans to exercise its new power under the Localism Act 2011 to adopt a committee system of decision-making. This will replace the current Leader and Cabinet model adopted under the Local Government Act 2000.
The rationale for a committee system is that it is the most democratic and transparent form of governance. It ensures all 67 democratically elected Councillors are able to fully participate in decision-making and shaping the policy of the Council. It ensures greater transparency in that all reports are publicly available prior to any decision being made, and all decision-making meetings are held in public.
Reports were taken to the Full Council meetings in January and March (Item 11), with final approval being sought, as stated above, in May.
(Posted 17/4/2012)
Council tax frozen again in 2012/13
At the Nottinghamshire County Council budget meeting on 23rd February it was agreed to freeze county council tax for a third consecutive year. With public finances under strain across the country, the council has saved £87 million so far, £44 million of which has been reinvested directly into frontline services. In the coming financial year we will spend: -
- £2.8 million more safeguarding children;
- £5.2 million more on care for older people;
- £2.7 million more on adults with mental health & learning disabilities;
- £1.4 million more on adults with physical disabilities; and
- £1 million more to support young carers.
We are also committed to invest £289 million in capital over three years on:-
- Improving school buildings;
- Modernising day centres;
- New youth clubs;
- Improving libraries;
- Improved broadband services;
- Improved roads and pathways;
- New and improved bus stations.
Councillor Reg Adair is the council's Cabinet Member for Finance & Property. In his speech presenting the budget, he outlined the results of the council's budget consultation. In response to public feedback, we are: -
- providing additional library opening hours at 15 locations across the county;
- holding Meals at Home charges at £3.95 for 2012/13; and
- not increasing charges for Blue Badge holders in 2012/13, unlike many other local authorities.
(Posted 28/2/2012)
Success! The A453 gets the green light!
I am absolutely delighted by the Chancellor’s announcement that the Government is fast-tracking the widening of the A453. This is the best Christmas gift that businesses and residents in Nottinghamshire could have, bringing a £540m boost to the East Midlands economy.
In May this year, Nottinghamshire County Council pledged £20m towards the scheme if it was bought forward. Since that pledge was made, the campaign to widen the road has garnered support from the local business community and other local councils, including a pledge of £500,000 towards the scheme from Rushcliffe Borough Council in October.
The A453 has been on the Council’s wishlist since the 1970s. At last it is going to happen and I am thrilled for local businesses and commuters alike. I want to particularly thank East Midlands Airport, Boots, RH Freight, Hardstaffs, the Nottingham Post newspaper and partner authorities for their support in this campaign.
In the five years up to October 2010, there were 185 accidents involving personal injury on just the Nottinghamshire part of the A453. The Nottinghamshire section of the road is the second most congested part of the national road network after a short section of the M25. This congestion has been costing larger businesses as much as £100,000 a year because of increased fuel usage, difficulty reaching customers, abandoned journeys and accident costs.
Finally, we can look forward to smoother and safer journeys on this vital road link through Nottinghamshire from the M1 and I am immensely pleased that the Government has listened to our determined campaign.
(Posted 29/11/2011)
West Bridgford GPs merger
Five West Bridgford GP Practices intend to co-locate on a single site. Four of these practices intend to merge into a single large practice on Wilford Lane. The practices concerned are Ludlow Hill, Southview, Trent Bridge, Compton Acres and Musters. Four intend to merge into a single large practice, with the other practice co-locating to the same site and working alongside taking advantage of joint working within the building.
Councillors from the Overview & Scrutiny Committee were provided with a briefing on the proposals from NHS Nottinghamshire County on 8th November 2011 at a meeting convened to discuss this issue. A public consultation page has been set up by NHS Nottinghamshire County, giving residents until 6th January to submit their views.
(Updated 24/11/11)
West Bridgford Library
West Bridgford Library will close at 6.30pm on Friday 18 November for major re-development. This will provide a new, larger and improved library, which will be built on the current site, opening in spring 2013.
A temporary library will be open on Monday 5 December at 52A Rectory Road, West Bridgford, NG2 6BU. The temporary library is much smaller so will provide a basic service with a reduced stock for adults and children and fewer computers. The opening hours of the temporary library will be: -
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Monday 9.30 - 7.00
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Tuesday 9.30 - 6.00
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Wednesday 9.30 - 4.30
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Thursday 9.30 - 7.00
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Friday 9.30 - 6.00
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Saturday 9.00 - 4.00
(Posted 16/11/11)
Budget Conversation underway
Nottinghamshire County Council has announced proposals for its 2012/13 budget.
Nottinghamshire residents are invited to give feedback on the budget proposals and take part in our Budget Conversation, which is open until Friday 29th January 2012. The results of last year's consultation led us to change some of our proposals and we will be listening very carefully once again. Please let us know your views.
(Posted 11/11/2011)
Bridgfest success
The 'Bridgfest' youth festival in West Bridgford on 14th August 2011 clocked up its biggest attendance since this became a regular annual event on the summer calendar.
Out of the 1,200 plus young people coming along to the day of free music, sport and fun organised by Nottinghamshire County Council, 700 also signed up to a charter of non-violence condemning the recent spate of anti-social behaviour demonstrated by a small number of people in some of Britain’s cities. Those adding their names to the charter also called for the media to increase their coverage of the positive behaviour and activities that most young people are involved with on a regular basis.
Bridgfest is a great example of youngsters enjoying a great afternoon of outdoor music and positive activities peacefully. Their behaviour was outstanding - a real credit to them. The atmosphere was fantastic and high levels of respect between those at the event were evident.
Since the first Bridgfest in 2009 when less than 500 teenagers attended the event, the festival’s popularity has kept on growing. Along with the 1,200 eight to 25-year-olds it attracted this year, a further 2,500 adults and younger children also attended.
Twelve rock and pop youth bands from the Rushcliffe area performed on the main stage and the urban marquee hosted MC-ing, DJ-ing, street dance and poetry. The fun activities on offer, including body zorbs, sumo wrestling with inflatable suits, graffiti art and circus skills, were mainly aimed at young people between 10 and 19, but children from five were also catered for. In the science gazebo, there was a chance to experiment with chemical balloons, hoop planes, make an iodine clock, and test your visual powers with optical illusions. Youngsters could also scale the climbing wall, check out the bungee run or join in football activities.
A big thank you to all our partners and providers who helped make Bridgfest such a success.
(Posted 15/8/2011)
West Bridgford Library
On 6th July 2011 the Cabinet considered the latest report on proposed works to replace West Bridgford Library and create a Young People's Centre whilst retaining the 1938 original library building. Provision of a Registrar's office and Shopmobility service are also included in the scheme. It is anticipated that building works will start on site in November 2011 and be completed in February 2013.
(Posted 14/7/2011)
More grass cuts
Nottinghamshire County Council is increasing the number of times it will be cutting grass verges this year.
As part of this year’s budget savings it was originally intended to reduce the frequency of routine grass cutting in urban areas from six to four times a year. However, we have listened to public feedback and have now increased that frequency to five cuts. In rural areas the frequency remains at two cuts a year.
At the same time we have issued guidelines for a growing number of residents who are happy to cut the grass verges outside their homes. Again, this is a direct result of feedback from the Council’s Big Budget Conversation consultation process, when hundreds of people said they would be prepared to cut verges if it helped to release money for use on other priorities, such a repairing potholes.
The guidelines highlight what needs to be considered when cutting grass near the roadside. They can be found online at: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/roadverges
(Posted 14/7/11)
Pledges of support sought for A453 widening
As you may have seen in the Nottingham Post newspaper, Nottinghamshire County Council has stepped up the campaign to convince the Government of the urgent need to improve the A453. A letter has already been written to transport secretary Philip Hammond pledging £20m towards the cost of widening the route.
The Leader, Councillor Kay Cutts, has now also written to major businesses in the region, urging them to support the bid. The importance of improving the A453 to Nottinghamshire and the regional economy cannot be underestimated.
In order to maximise our chance of success we need to gather pledges of support from as many local people and businesses as possible. There is now a dedicated A453 web page on the Nottinghamshire County Council web site where you can read about the campaign and sign up to pledge your support.
(Posted 17/6/2011)
Boundary Road
Following representations I made to officers at the County Council, a temporary Interactive Speed Sign (ISS) has now been installed on Boundary Road. Interactive Speed Signs have already been installed on Loughborough Road (outside West Bridgford School) and Wilford Lane and both have had a marked effect in encouraging motorists to slow down and keep below the 30mph restriction. The Police are delighted with the outcomes.
The Boundary Road ISS is intended to be an addition to a ramped zebra crossing. Following extensive consultations with the local community the ramped zebra crossing was installed. In addition, yellow lines will be laid down in the next few weeks to stop motorists from parking on the other side of the road outside the park. These measures will greatly improve road safety for the local community.
(Updated 24/5/11)
Interactive speed sign (ISS) trial in Compton Acres
The temporary ISS employed in Compton Acres was a huge success. I am delighted that a permanent ISS is now in place.
(Updated 24/5/11)
Musters Road
I remain concerned that the refuge at the junction of Eton/Musters Road is inadequate. Discussions with officers are ongoing despite the fact that a pedestrian and vehicle movements survey produced disappointing outcomes in my bid to secure a ramped zebra crossing. The temporary ISS (Interactive Speed Sign) on Musters Road is to be replaced by a permanent feature and road markings at the Eton/Musters junction have been improved. The road surface by the refuge has also been significantly enhanced.
(Updated 24/5/11)
Sharphill
The Secretary of State has, regrettably in my view, allowed an appeal to build a mix development including 1,200 houses on land near Sharphill Wood. Although the Secretary of State recognised that the development would be harmful to the green belt, he allowed the appeal because of what he perceived to be the urgent need for land for housing. He has however attached many conditions, including the preparation of a Master Plan and a requirement by the developers to submit detailed plans for approval.
The new Council administration is pledged to 'vigorously defend our green spaces and protect the environment from unsuitable development'. In both my county and borough capacity I have maintained a dialogue with local residents and am fully aware of disappointment felt by the local community at the decision by the Secretary of State to allow the appeal. I have had several meetings with residents of Musters Road cul-de-sac in order to secure road improvements and a control arm/CCTV facility to regulate traffic.
(Updated 24/5/11)
Compton Acres shopping precinct
At my request, on behalf of residents, the managing agents have installed 'No Entry' signs down the central corridor of the car park, which has created a one way system. This measure will, if motorists comply, enhance safety in the car park, particularly as the shops in the precinct attract a considerable number of young people. The agents have also upgraded the lighting in the car park.
A programme of weeding, pruning and general tidying-up is underway in the plant beds. Thanks to the work taking place, the precinct should be very welcoming to shoppers.
I organised a very successful 'Community Day' in December 2010. We had tremendous support from the local community. The young people from Trentside Youth Club put on musical entertainment and free food and soft refreshments which made for a very enjoyable day. Thanks to the local traders, in particular Dibleys and Tesco.
(Updated 24/5/11)
Eton Road
Eton Road was dug up on numerous occasions by uitility companies. It has now been totally resurfaced.
(Posted 24/5/11)
Europa Way traffic island
Shrubs and hardy vegetation have been planted recently on Europa Way traffic island to provide a greatly improved visual feature.
(Posted 24/5/11)
Compton Acres Roundabout
Compton Acres Roundabout will be significantly enhanced in May by the planting of shrubs and bedding plants. I hope the local community will enjoy and welcome this amenity.
(Posted 24/5/11)
The tram
On 24th September 2009 Nottinghamshire County Council voted to withdraw its financial support for the NET Phase Two transport scheme. As a Conservative County Councillor I was elected on a manifesto which stated: "We will avoid spending a small fortune on tram extensions which few people in the county will be able to use."
Unfortunately, under the terms of the Council's Constitution, I was advised that I had a prejudicial interest in this agenda item and therefore should leave the Chamber for the debate. It therefore fell upon my Conservative colleagues to present the argument for this change of policy. Several referred to the increasing costs of the scheme, whilst others supported the Cabinet Member for Transport & Highways' assertion that flexible bus services, rather than a fixed tram line, represent the most suitable public transport solution to serve the whole of Nottinghamshire.
Some of my colleagues took the opportunity to state that, contrary to some media reports, the Conservative position on the proposed tram extensions has not changed. They pointed out that the previous Labour administration had entered into certain legal agreements in relation to NET Phase 2 which must be respected to protect the interests of the County taxpayer, but the new Conservative administration is quite clear that it does not agree with the scheme.
The Government has nevertheless approved funding for NET Phase Two. I am working alongside community groups to encourage the Treasury to review the PFI contract with NET as I am arguing that it has not been vigorously challenged on operating performance and future delivery.
(Posted 24/5/11)
Workplace Parking Levy (WPL)
Also at the Nottinghamshire County Council meeting on 24th September 2009, the Cabinet Member for Transport & Highways, Councillor Richard Jackson, stated that the new Conservative county administration is opposed to Nottingham City Council's proposals for a Workplace Parking Levy (WPL). He expressed concern about the financial impact such a Levy could have on County residents who work in the City, and stated his belief that the WPL would be unlikely to cut congestion. Councillor Jackson argued that the scheme could frighten off economic investment in the City and County and hit business confidence at a time when it needs to be nurtured. The City Council has announced increases in the WPL even before the scheme commences.
(Posted 24/5/11)
Council Budget 2011/12
At the Nottinghamshire County Council Budget Meeting on 24th February 2011 I joined my Conservative colleagues in voting to freeze Council Tax for a second successive year. In doing so, I approved £4.1 million of changes to the Council’s original budget proposals in direct response to the outcomes of the Big Budget Conversation. Extra money has now been found from reserves for the Supporting People programme, grant aid to voluntary groups, libraries, country parks and welfare rights advice.
With less formula grant funding from the Government, Nottinghamshire County Council has to find more than £80 million of savings in 2011/12 by reducing management and administration costs and reviewing expenditure on non-essential services. Just over half of this is being reinvested to meet growing demand for our most vital services, including: -
The budget was approved at the Council meeting by 34 votes to 29.
(Posted 28/2/2011)
Gritter Twitter
Nottinghamshire County Council will now be advising the public of when the county’s roads will be gritted, using Twitter. During the cold weather last winter there were a number of calls to the Council’s Customer Service Centre asking when the roads would be gritted. Now people can sign up to the Council’s Gritter Twitter feed to receive the latest gritting alerts.
In an age of social networking and 24-hour news, the Council recognises the need to give people ‘live’ information that will help them plan their journey. You can sign up to follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nottscc
(Posted 11/11/2010)
Improvement Programme latest
At the full meeting of Nottinghamshire County Council on 21st October I joined my Conservative colleagues in supporting the recommendations for action contained within the Nottinghamshire County Council Improvement Plan Progress Report.
The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Martin Suthers set out the financial challenges facing local authorities across the country and stated that Nottinghamshire County Council needed to save £150 million over the next three years.
He said this would require savings of £69 million in 2011/12, to be achieved through a series of major initiatives including reprioritisation of services, improvements in business management and a review of property owned by the Council.
Of this £69 million, it is intended to reinvest £39 million largely in services for our most vulnerable service users. The council has faced a 59% increase in children’s social care referrals over the last year and a 25% increase in the number of children in care over the last two years.
For Children and Young People, a proposed reinvestment of £22.5 million will provide:-
Our Adult Social Care & Health services are under similar pressure, with 500 extra people aged over 80 and 4,000 extra people over the age of 65 in Nottinghamshire every year. Our proposed reinvestment of £13 million in 2011/12 will provide: -
- the care and support services necessary to meet this increased demand
- more support for adults with physical disabilities
- more support for adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs
- extra resources for independent sector care.
I joined my Conservative colleagues in arguing that Nottinghamshire County Council must live within its means and ensure frontline statutory services are maintained.
(Posted 5/11/2010)
County Council Budget 2010/11
At the Nottinghamshire County Council Annual Budget meeting on Thursday 25th February 2010 I joined my Conservative colleagues in voting for a freeze in council tax for the forthcoming financial year 2010/11.
My colleague Councillor Reg Adair, Cabinet Member for Finance & Property, presented the first budget of the new Conservative administration which included a range of management and efficiency measures to save £30 million. This money will be re-directed into front line services including key priority care services: -
In Councillor Adair's speech introducing the budget proposals he pointed out that even with a council tax freeze, Nottinghamshire County Council will still be spending £11 million more in 2010/11 than in the previous year.
(Posted 8/3/10)
Improvement Programme
Like every council in the country, Nottinghamshire County Council faces ongoing, significant and unavoidable increases in demand for key services. At the same time, it faces an unprecedented and long-term reduction in the resources available to it. Present forecasts are that the Council must reduce its current expenditure by at least £88m, or 18% of its revenue budget, over the next three financial years. Most of this reduction will be used to fund increased demand in other service areas. £30m of reductions have already been identified for 2010/11, leaving a further £58m to be found in 2011/12 and 2012/13.
In the past, reductions have been achieved through a process of allocating savings targets across departments. However, the scale of the financial challenge is now such that a more strategic approach is needed to achieve reductions in a structured and consistent way.
At the County Council meeting on 25th February 2010 the Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Martin Suthers gained approval for a new Improvement Programme to deliver these aims, called ‘One Council - One Business - One Plan’. This will involve an estimated investment of £21 million over five years to deliver total aggregated savings of over £200m over a five year period.
The Improvement Programme will include: -
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a complete overhaul of the Council’s approach to procurement
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implementation of an integrated Business Management System and changes in processes
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rationalisation of the Council’s property portfolio and improvement in flexible ways of working
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a fundamental review of all services followed by a comprehensive programme of organisational redesign
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departmental improvement programmes that deliver service-specific developments and
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the Chief Executive’s own programme to deliver improvements in partnership working, communications and organisational development.
The aim of ‘One Council-One Business-One Plan’ is to drive out inefficiency, target resources, minimise the impact on service delivery and create an organisation that is fit for purpose and financially sustainable in the long term.
(Posted 8/3/10)
New Strategic Plan
Nottinghamshire County Council's new Strategic Plan 2010-2014 sets out our promise to the people of Nottinghamshire; our priorities for the next four years; and how we aim to support the people of our county to be aspirational, independent and to share with us responsibility for the future.
This Plan complements the wider Nottinghamshire Sustainable Community Strategy which is the collective plan that outlines how organisations in the county will work together to promote and deliver a better Nottinghamshire.
Our plan is ambitious. It is a plan based on what local people tell us they want, and what they want to see happen. The success of our plan relies on us working well together with local people and organisations. Whilst we face challenging financial times, nevertheless we have opportunities to promote and deliver a better future for Nottinghamshire.
(Posted 8/3/10)
