Crawley Observer - Columnists Feed

Crawley Labour leader Peter Lamb - Working together to solve parking issues

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:29:04 GMT

There’s a political cartoon from an old newspaper I came across recently. A politician is out knocking doors, in preparation he is working through arguments in his head about the big party political issues of the day. But, when the door finally opens, he is instead confronted with a barrage of local issues around bin collections and dog mess. Clearly politicians don’t get to decide what matters locally, voters do.

Crawley council leader Bob Lanzer - New legislation builds on our achievements

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:27:16 GMT

Last week’s Queen’s Speech heralded a new programme of legislation for the coalition government. This is to build upon some of the achievements already delivered since 2010.

Crawley MP Henry Smith - Support for people who want to get on

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:25:12 GMT

I was delighted to see in last week’s Queen’s Speech a programme for government for the next year which is solely targeted towards backing people who work hard and want to get on in life.

What’s up Doc?

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:21:02 GMT

‘What’s Up Doc’ is a health column in association with Spire Gatwick Park, your local private hospital, which gives you the opportunity to ask questions regarding general health and wellbeing.

Do you feel like getting all creative, like me kids?

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:18:52 GMT

THIS week we had the day off school on bank holiday Monday, so I went shopping with my mum.

Crawley labour group leader Brenda Smith - Labour will fight for a fair deal for Crawley

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:36:37 GMT

Last Thursday Crawley went to the polls and voted in the West Sussex County Council elections.

Crawley council leader Bob Lanzer - Votes to right cost Conservative seats

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:34:10 GMT

We have elections in Crawley every year. A third of the Crawley Borough Council is up for election for three years in a row – 2014 to 2016, and then the West Sussex County Council in 2017. There are also the European Elections in 2014, the General Election in 2015 and the Police and Crime Commissioner Election in 2016. So we have a significant number of real opinion polls.

Crawley MP Henry Smith - Ed Miliband cannot be taken seriously

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:32:18 GMT

“One man who asked a question had no idea who Ed Miliband was and started wandering off before he’d answered it. Two others hadn’t the first idea who he was. I said he was running for prime minister and one of them said: “… of Crawley?” “No – the whole country,” I said. “Jesus”, came the response.”

What’s up Doc?

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:25:57 GMT

‘What’s Up Doc’ is a health column in association with Spire Gatwick Park, your local private hospital, which gives you the opportunity to ask questions regarding general health and wellbeing.

Answers are provided weekly from our specialist consultants at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital.

What’s up Doc?

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:31:41 GMT

‘What’s Up Doc’ is a health column in association with Spire Gatwick Park, your local private hospital, which gives you the opportunity to ask questions regarding general health and wellbeing.

Answers are provided weekly from our specialist consultants at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital.

Labour councillor Colin Moffatt - 17% of children living below the poverty line

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:07:06 GMT

The recent Campaign to End Child Poverty report, looking into child poverty figures in Crawley has shown many families are struggling to afford basics such as meals and school uniform.

Crawley council leader Bob Lanzer - Indiscriminate killing is just morally wrong

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:05:25 GMT

It is sometimes said that one person’s terrorist is another person’s freedom fighter. This is particularly the case with liberation movements such as the ANC (African National Congress) which fought to move South Africa away from white supremacist rule. It can though be difficult to apply the comment to all circumstances.

Crawley MP Henry Smith - St George’s parade was a joy to behold

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:03:57 GMT

I was delighted to be part of Crawley’s growing St George’s Day parade last Sunday which represents many sections of the community and people from all backgrounds. The parade’s fun events and the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts gathering in Queen’s Square later in the afternoon were a joy to behold.

What’s up Doc?

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:00:46 GMT

‘What’s Up Doc’ is a health column in association with Spire Gatwick Park, your local private hospital, which gives you the opportunity to ask questions regarding general health and wellbeing.

Answers are provided weekly from our specialist consultants at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital.

Let’s FACE It! teams tackle three projects in one day

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:06:10 GMT

The diversity of the Let’s FACE it! initiative shone through at the weekend with three projects on the same day.

Crawley Labour councillor Chris Mullins - Who is paying price for economic failure?

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:15:22 GMT

Last week, the Labour Party launched a campaign to highlight David Cameron’s decision to cut the top rate of tax for the richest people in the country, which has now come into effect.

Crawley council leader Bob Lanzer - Lady Thatcher was a truly great leader

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:13:48 GMT

My first vote in an election was on 3rd May 1979 to support Margaret Thatcher in becoming our first woman Prime Minister. I was studying in Leicester. My vote was cast in the South constituency and I helped in the East constituency, watching the result in the Old Humberstone Conservative Club.

Crawley MP Henry Smith - People benefit from council tax freeze

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:12:34 GMT

Households across Crawley are benefitting from a real terms cut in their council tax bills, official figures reveal. This is thanks to the third year of the Conservative’s council tax freeze initiative whereby West Sussex and Crawley have worked with the Government to keep council tax down.