Mione Goldspink's Article for the 'Bishop's Stortford Flyer' - January 2012 (Hertford and Stortford Liberal Democrats)

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Mione Goldspink's Article for the 'Bishop's Stortford Flyer' - January 2012

January 5, 2012 10:53 AM
By Mione Goldspink in Bishop's Stortford Flyer

As the Christmas festivities and holidays come to an end and people return to work and school, we all begin to plan for the year ahead. Unemployment, especially youth unemployment, is a cause for concern nationally, and it is also a worry locally. We are fortunate in Bishop's Stortford because we have the excellent organisation called "Kickstart" which helps the unemployed in their search for jobs. "Kickstart" is held in the Methodist Church Hall in South Street on a Thursday and Friday morning every week, and anyone can walk in without an appointment and ask for free help.

Citizens' Advice Centre, South Street Another voluntary organisation which provides a valuable and professional level of service to the people of Bishop's Stortford is the Citizens' Advice Bureau. This is also situated in South Street, opposite Halfords, and is manned by a mixture of volunteers and professionals. They are available to give advice on a wide range of matters, including finance and debt. The CAB is not open every day, but opening hours are printed on their front door. Housing advice is provided by the District Council from their office on the Causeway in Bridge Street.

It is heartening to know that there are so many volunteers in our Town who are willing to give up some of their time in order to help other people, but I do worry that there may come a time when the voluntary sector might be expected to do too much. In these times of economic crisis and government cuts there could come a time when the untrained amateur volunteers are expected to fill in the gaps. For instance, there is a possibility of cuts in the community support service for people with mental health problems. The County Council is consulting on these proposals at the moment. I would urge anyone who has a view on this matter in contact their County Councillor as soon as possible, before the decision is made.

The year ahead looks as if it will be very difficult for many people, trying to make ends meet, coping with possible redundancies, problems with pensions, and cuts in services. However, there are some signs of economic recovery in the Town - the Anchor Street units are now filled and busy again. Work has resumed on the Tanners Wharf flats and offices, and all the Town centre shops were busy before Christmas. Moreover, there are pleasurable events to look forward to: The Queen's Diamond Jubilee (and as I write this the whole country is pleased that Prince Philip has been successfully treated in hospital), and then the Olympic Games. There may be opportunities for street parties and community gatherings for both these events, and these do not need to be lavish or extravagant in order to bring a little bit of lightness and fun for us all. $o, perhaps this potential lightness and fun will help to soften the darkness and gloom. I do hope so.

I wish all readers as happy and healthy a New Year as possible.

Mione Goldspink. (Chairman Bishop's Stortford Liberal Democrats).