The February meeting was held on Thursday at the Expanse Hotel. Jim Hornsby, acting as chairman, welcomed members and the guest speaker Richard Burton, East Riding County Councillor for Bridlington Old Town and Central. Jim reminded members of a visit to Beverley Probus Club on 1st March when the speaker will be the head gardener at Sledmere House and of a possible visit to Elvington Air Museum
After lunch Len Collins, speaker finder introduced Richard who began with some interesting facts about the East Riding. It has 337,000 residents, covers 240,000 hectares. There are 67 councillors of whom 8 represent the residents of Bridlington. It has a budget of 780 million pounds, much reduced by recent cuts in Government spending. Richard’s first role was on the planning committee after being elected for the first time in 2006. The most controversial issues being strategic ones like windfarms, which often went to appeal if turned down by the County Council. The East Riding is the busiest of all local authorities for planning applications. He was also a member of the Local Action Team, a think tank that tried to alleviate the effect of cuts in such areas as police, fire and the NHS
In 2010 Richard was re-elected and became a member of the ten person cabinet, each with their area of responsibility. His area is Culture, Leisure and Tourism. They have adopted a policy of trying to generate revenue as an alternative to making cuts. In this area the local authority is being looked upon as an example by Central Government. The Spa and Sewerby Hall are both doing well and are either breaking even or running profitably.
As a neighbour the East Riding has an interest in the success of Hull’s Year of Culture and made a 1 million pound contribution to its funding. The East Riding will stage three flagship events. On 10th February there is the World Wildlife Photographic Exhibition at the Treasure House in Beverley, in May Radio One stages the Big Weekend at Burton Constable Hall and Manchester Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Classically Yours.
A few years ago the question being asked was “How will we manage the decline of Bridlington?” Now the question is “How will we manage the success of Bridlington?”
Councillor Burton concluded on a positive theme. With new hotels, the real prospect of a marina, excellent leisure facilities and the return of the Tour de Yorkshire and other events the future looks bright.
The vote of thanks for a very competent analysis of Councillor Burton’s area of responsibility was given by Mike Thompson.
The next meeting is on 2nd March when Jeff Wardlow will talk about “The Bempton Climmers”.
Further information on the club’s activities can be found on www.probusbridlington.weebly.com
After lunch Len Collins, speaker finder introduced Richard who began with some interesting facts about the East Riding. It has 337,000 residents, covers 240,000 hectares. There are 67 councillors of whom 8 represent the residents of Bridlington. It has a budget of 780 million pounds, much reduced by recent cuts in Government spending. Richard’s first role was on the planning committee after being elected for the first time in 2006. The most controversial issues being strategic ones like windfarms, which often went to appeal if turned down by the County Council. The East Riding is the busiest of all local authorities for planning applications. He was also a member of the Local Action Team, a think tank that tried to alleviate the effect of cuts in such areas as police, fire and the NHS
In 2010 Richard was re-elected and became a member of the ten person cabinet, each with their area of responsibility. His area is Culture, Leisure and Tourism. They have adopted a policy of trying to generate revenue as an alternative to making cuts. In this area the local authority is being looked upon as an example by Central Government. The Spa and Sewerby Hall are both doing well and are either breaking even or running profitably.
As a neighbour the East Riding has an interest in the success of Hull’s Year of Culture and made a 1 million pound contribution to its funding. The East Riding will stage three flagship events. On 10th February there is the World Wildlife Photographic Exhibition at the Treasure House in Beverley, in May Radio One stages the Big Weekend at Burton Constable Hall and Manchester Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Classically Yours.
A few years ago the question being asked was “How will we manage the decline of Bridlington?” Now the question is “How will we manage the success of Bridlington?”
Councillor Burton concluded on a positive theme. With new hotels, the real prospect of a marina, excellent leisure facilities and the return of the Tour de Yorkshire and other events the future looks bright.
The vote of thanks for a very competent analysis of Councillor Burton’s area of responsibility was given by Mike Thompson.
The next meeting is on 2nd March when Jeff Wardlow will talk about “The Bempton Climmers”.
Further information on the club’s activities can be found on www.probusbridlington.weebly.com