Day: April 2, 2014

Hove MP Weatherley highlights First Capital Connect failures to Minister

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has written to his colleague the Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport, to draw attention to the dissatisfaction of rail users from Brighton & Hove with First Capital Connect whose rail franchise is up for renewal shortly.

Mike says he regularly receives correspondence from angry constituents who highlight countless examples of failings of and poor levels of service from First Capital Connect. Mike frequently writes to rail operators to highlight problems that commuters face on a daily basis, but knows that the franchise bidding process is an important place to highlight traveller feelings.

In his letter to the Minister, Mike wrote: “Since my election, I have been contacted by a huge number of my constituents who have been appalled by the service that is provided by First Capital Connect. Indeed, I am confident that a great many more are also dissatisfied but have not taken the trouble to get in touch. I know I speak on behalf of my constituents when I say that it is astonishing that a company with such a poor track record should be so seriously considered as a contender in the future of the franchise.”

Commenting, Mike said: “I was keen to highlight to the Secretary of State for Transport that it would make a mockery of the whole franchise process should a company such as First Capital Connect have its contract renewed. Commuters are forced to put up with overcrowded and delayed trains as well as regular fare increases. The franchise bidding process is a good place to highlight exactly how rail users feel.”

The Brighthelm Centre has teamed up with a generous benefactor to award £5,000 worth of grants.

The grants are intended for a number of smaller community groups who wish to use the facilities at Brighthelm but have not yet grown to sufficient size to pay for them or cannot afford the whole cost of the services requested.

Brighthelm originally offered the grant scheme in autumn 2013 and the number of applications has been steadily growing. The charity still has approximately £2,300 of grant funding available and would love to hear from anyone who would like to put on an event at Brighthelm.

Brightonhelm Director, Rik Child, said: “We are delighted to offer our first batch of grants to a number of community and voluntary sector groups. We would encourage people to apply. Priority will be given to the smallest groups and the terms and conditions are all explained in the form that can be downloaded from our website.”

Funding has been awarded to the following groups.

Open Strings

Overview: Over 50s group giving adults and disadvantaged people the opportunity to participate in music workshops. Focuses on Cello, Violins & Violas.

Outcome: Agreed to 6 months funding for weekly meetings.

Grassroots

Overview: Suicide Prevention Organisation (Charity) to hold a one-off event for World Suicide Prevention Day for the community, voluntary & private sectors.

Outcome: Agreed to cover room hire cost as a one-off event due to the importance of the subject.

Cruise

Overview: Bereavement Counselling Service,

Outcome: Agreed to fund weekly drop-in service and evening workshops for a limited period of time while funding is being sought elsewhere.

Brighton Peoples Assembly

Overview: non profit making organisation against austerity measures arranging talks for the community on hot topics – Fuel Poverty, Sustainability, Healthcare, Living Wage etc on a localised basis

Outcome: Agreed to cover half of the room hire charge for 6 sessions.

Adult Learner of the Year (B+H Council/NHS – Community Learning)

Overview: Awards Ceremony for Learners from Brighton and Hove. Celebrates the achievements of learners studying whilst overcoming adversity.

Outcome: Agreed to cover room hire costs as a one-off event.

A27 Alliance

Overview: An new unfunded organisation trying to establish a network for dialogue between Friends of the Earth, Better Transport, CPRE, Sussex Wildlife Trust, Bricycles etc. Mainly dealing with the Government’s proposals for the A27 and the impact upon people and the environment.

Outcome: Agreed to cover room hire costs as a one-off event.

The view the Grant form detailing the terms and conditions, CLICK HERE: