LOCAL CONSERVATIVES’ POSITIVE PLAN FOR SOUTH DERBYSHIRE
Safer and More Pleasant Communities
Too many of our communities in South Derbyshire are blighted by issues such as antisocial behaviour, litter strewn roads, fly-tipping, and dog mess on pavements and the District Council under its current leadership isn’t doing enough to tackle these issues.
We believe it’s the Council’s role to improve life for local residents and we will work with the police to take tougher action on crime, anti-social behaviour, and HGVs contravening Weight Limits. We will also put more resources into tackling the menace of fly-tipping, litter, and dog fouling.
Improving Planning & Infrastructure
The Council will create a new Local Plan in the next 18 months and to say that the new Local Plan is important is an understatement. Once adopted the Local Plan will steer all housing and economic developments in South Derbyshire for the next 15 years and will have a huge impact on our daily lives.
We aim to make sure that your concerns are listened to, and that housing only goes in areas where the supporting infrastructure can cope. Our small towns and villages must keep their local character. We don’t want to see building on green fields and farmland and we will prioritise brownfield sites.
Resources and Investment
Through your Council Tax, all householders contribute to the Council’s resources, and this should be reflected in good services and facilities for all communities. Money and resources should be allocated fairly across the district and money must be spent wisely.
We will ensure all areas in South Derbyshire receive a fairer allocation of resources, including any Government levelling up funds that come on stream. We will also stimulate sustainable investment into the district, particularly encouraging and promoting tourism locally. We believe in quality services delivered to all our residents at the lowest possible Council Tax.
Fixing the Council’s Housing Service
The District Council’s housing department is in crisis with over 100 properties standing empty on average for six months or more while elderly and vulnerable tenants are in desperate need of accommodation. The Council has lost over £400,000 in rent due to this sorry situation in the past year and the repairs service is also in chaos with basic jobs often taking multiple visits to fix.
We will completely review the Council’s housing department so it provides the vital services required for local people and we will work to deliver much-needed affordable homes throughout the district, particularly so young people are able to set up home in their communities. We also want to ensure local homes are of the best possible standard, energy efficient, and well insulated.
A Greener, Healthier South Derbyshire
Residents have told us that the District Council needs to lead the way on environmental matters and improve its recycling offer by reducing the amount of refuse that goes to landfill. Local people also want to see improved leisure facilities across the district to promote healthier lifestyles.
We want more items to be recycled via the green bin scheme so items such as tetra packs, egg boxes, and a greater variety of plastics should be collected instead of going to landfill. We will work to ensure that leisure facilities across the area are up to standard and are fit for residents’ needs.
If you have any questions about the manifesto, please contact [email protected].
