Over the past week or so I have been accused of being the “local Freemasons’ dogs-body” and “subservient to other councillors” and it has been suggested I should stop posting on social media. More generally, local councillors have been referred to as “rogue individuals”, “like a cancer”, “corrupt crooks who are abusing the public”, and … Continue reading Online abuse and Cyberbullying
Author: Amanda Dodwell
I am a Councillor on Leighton Linslade Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council. I am Deputy Leader of LLTC, and Deputy Executive Member for Familes, Education and Children.
On LLTC I chair the Cultural and Economic Committee, and the Personnel Committee.
On CBC I chair the Coporate Parenting Panel, and sit on both the Fostering and Adoption panels.
I have a particular interest in children with disabilities and special needs, and disadvantaged young people. As the mum of a son with ASD I believe I can use my first-hand experience to help my residents and help drive Council policy in this area.
Accidents do happen …
I remember a time – not so many years ago – when an accident was just that. An accident. Nobody was at fault. There was no malice. There was no question of someone acting irresponsibly or recklessly. It was quite simply an accident. And there were no ‘lessons to be learned’. No retraining. No ‘root … Continue reading Accidents do happen …
Planning and local development
Every now and again, we see the same misleading commentary on local social media regarding planning decisions, development and infrastructure around Leighton Buzzard and Linslade. Few, if any, local Councillors would support the level of development we have seen and continue to see if there was a choice. If there was anything that could be … Continue reading Planning and local development
Traffic matters
This week’s meeting of the Traffic Management Committee at CBC has two items on the agenda for Leighton Buzzard. Hockliffe Road crossing The first is to consider a petition for an additional crossing on Hockliffe Road. The petition has received 109 signatures, and calls for for the Council to implement an additional around the junction … Continue reading Traffic matters
The end of lockdown
Tomorrow – May 17th – we reach the next major milestone in the easing of Covid restrictions. We will be able to meet with friends and family indoors, larger numbers will be able to attend weddings and funerals, and many indoor entertainment venues – cinemas, play areas and the like – will re-open. And if … Continue reading The end of lockdown
South of the High Street and free parking …
A few weeks ago I wrote on my blog about the land south of LB High Street. In that post, I made what I considered to be a realistic assessment of the likely future use of the site and the timescales. At the same time, I urged residents to be wary of promises of community … Continue reading South of the High Street and free parking …
The new normal?
Like many of you, the past 12 months or so has brought about very significant changes to my life and my work as a Councillor. Although I had to adopt a lower profile – no delivering leaflets, no monthly surgeries, no knocking on residents’ doors - I have still been very busy at both Councils … Continue reading The new normal?
What does ‘the council’ actually do?
So, just what does ‘the council’ do? When you ask someone what ‘the council’ does, you will get a variety of answers, but with some common threads. Firstly, you will get those who don’t think ‘the council’ does very much. Each month they pay a not inconsiderable amount of Council Tax, and yet feel they … Continue reading What does ‘the council’ actually do?
A little common sense goes a long way …
I am conscious that I haven't posted on my Blog since October … unfortunately I had some health issues and I had to take a little time out for myself. However, I am now getting back in the saddle which means I will be starting my Blogging again … and if all goes to plan … Continue reading A little common sense goes a long way …
This week on social media …
There have been two hot topics on local social media sites this week. Firstly, there have been accusations flying around that I – together with my colleagues representing LB South ward on CBC – have been trying to block Councillors from other Leighton Buzzard and Linslade wards from ‘calling in’ planning applications for scrutiny by … Continue reading This week on social media …
