James Barber

You should'nt need to but was your bike locked with a Gold Secure lock to a floor or wall anchor? Had you registered your bike with Immobolise?

I can categorically state no paid delivery of East Dulwich ward Lib Dem literature. Its all been delivered by really kind helpful volunteers and the candidates including Jonathan Mitchell. We're all experts on how horrid vertical letter boxes, dogs that head butt the front door, low down letterboxes really are. We find gates with a spring that make a rackets after 9am when after a hards days work at the regular job we're trying to catch up with our deliveries without disturbing people are alarming. Paying for deliveries mean you have less money for printing and staying within the election limits. You also have to raise the money which for Lib Dems means relatively small donations from members. Now, what do we suppose Lord Ashcroft's multi millions has all gone on? Tess Jowell has a slight ?20,000 pa advantage in the form of her MP's Communications Allowance + free postage and packing for letters to remind people she once replied to a letter from someone. Apologies for grumpiness. I'm exhausted from delivering election leaflets.

I've spoken to Jonathan Mitchell today and he apologises that events have meant he has been unable to pop back onto the forum. But he'd like to thank everyone for such a warm reception on the doorstep and all the kind offers of help and assistance. He did ask that I highlight that the Lib Dem propose a drastic reduction in VAT for home renovations and DIY. With over 5,000 empty homes in Southwark alone that should encourage many to be brought back into use. To pay for this equalising onto a very low rate of VAT on new homes with the same rate of low VAT for home renovations. Hope I've explained it clearly. Also that earn citizenship is not an amnesty. That to earn citizenship will require good english skills, no law breaking, completing community service. This one time earned citizenship programme aiming to sort out the last 30 years mess so that those that don't meet this tough criteria can have their cases resolved once and for all rather than live in their current twilight zone of not paying taxes, national insurance etc. Lastly, that he thinks it really important an MP lives amongst the voters that elect them.

Certainly for local elections its always the first thursday in May every fourth year. So it would make sense to plan inset days teacher training. Elections at weekends. What a great idea. It would require parliament to effect such a change. Suggest it to the new MP from Friday.

Hi Trump, I'm sorry you've been so easilly misled by some press reports of the Lib Dem policy of one time Earned Citizenship. When the conservatives ran the country they effectively introduced an amnesty for anyone who'd been in the UK for over 14 years - policy to stop chasing them. Labour didn't change this. It's now believed around 1 million people fall into that category. The Lib Dems are saying lets all stop pretending they don't exist. IF they can speak/read/write good english, have not been in trouble with the law, are willing to do community service then they should be considered for Earned Citizenship. Many wont meet the criteria. Whoever doesn't meet this criteria should be dealt with rather than ignored. To help deal with this we believe everyone entering and leaving the country should be recorded. Ridiculous that we don't know when people over stay visas as virtually no recording of people leaving. Currently three different bodies accountable for policing our borders. We want clear accountability and one border force. Clear choice tomorrow. Conservatives and Labour who have created the current shambles jointly over the last 30 years or Liberal Democrats with a clear programe to resolve this historic mess.

Hi trump, To my knowledge not in East Dulwich. Had one of our volunteer deliverers last night being questioned on Ashbourne Grove by someone who jumped out of a car with Labour poster in it. Started by asking him whether he worked for 'the agency' and was he 'also getting paid ?10 as hour'. Really not nice for our volunteers to have it suggested we paid others for delivering. Pretty underhand. To pick on only BME volunteers for this treatment also not very nice. We've also had a rash of Lib Dem stakeboard bashing. Why do you ask?

Hi dc, Real votes for completely different elections with significantly lower turnouts and significantly different implications. You must be pollster to spin such information.

For East Dulwich ward Heber School will be closed for the day. I met a very happy excited Heber school child yesterday looking forward to the elections.

Rubbish on Cyrena road removed. A household was visited this morning very early that has dumped such items before. Fingers crossed they'll now start using the bulk rubbish collection when they need it and generally be more considered in how they dispose of their rubbish.

Hi Mellors, Both types of enforcement have been involved for some time. The circumstances have kept changing and promises made and broken. But its now clearly with Planning Enforcement and Environmental Enforcement are clear that they have no powers in this situation.

Hi Mellors, Both types of enforcement have been involved for some time. The circumstances have kept changing and promises made and broken. But its now clearly with Planning Enforcement and Environmental Enforcement are clear that they have no powers in this situation.

Hi DulwichResident, I've never said only the Lib Dems can win Dulwich & West Norwood. I've explained how talk about what I think MOST LIKELY. I really do think it telling that Labour have delivered literature talking up the tories. They would only do that where we live IF they thought Lib Dems bigger threat.

Hi Duncan, So we can all agree that the Labour vote will be significantly lower than the local elections 2006 you've quoted and GLA elections 2008 you've quoted. Tory vote broadly the same and Lib Dem much much higher. Labour putting out literature stating tory main threat to them describing why they think that. Why would they do that unless they are desperate for non Labour voters in Dulwich & West Norwood to vote Tory. It's even clearer that if a voter is sick of Gordon Brown they should vote Lib Dem on Thursday in Dulwich & West Norwood.

The last four years have been a great opportunity to help people and getting so much done. The last nine months seeking casework and issues to help with via the forum has been challenging, very challenging at times, but worthwhile. Its magnified the role of councillor to some extent. Thank you all. I hope after the election to be in a position to continue on the forum as one of your East Dulwich councillors. If that's what you'd like please do vote. If you have any time during Thursday and would like to help please contact me.

Dulwich Van Hire. Environmental Enforcement officers have confirmed that they are powerless to stop vans being parked on the public highway while they are taxed, ensured and have MoT. The matter is now with Planning Enforcement to fully examine where this business is being conducted from and does the premise have the correct designation.

Hi DulwichResident, Yesterday Labour in Village ward put out literature saying Conservatives so strong they are the only real contender against them. Why would they do that unless they're desperate to stop people voting Lib Dem. Gordon Brown even visited 'safe' seats including dulwich at the weekend. Why when Labour are fighting for survival would he spend time doing that unless they're no longer safe. The boundary changes will have an impact. But the Lib Dem in national polls being 50% higher than 2005 elections will have far more significant effect. Labour actions are clear who they think are the real threat to them.

Hi DulwichResident, Talking with Jonathan Mitchell we both explain his and the Lib Dem electoral chances for the parliamentary seat in the following. In 2005 Labour received 19,000 votes, Lib Dem 10,250, Tory 9,000. At that time Lib Dems in the national polls on 19% and we're currently much higher at around 29% and have been as high as 33%. Labour nationally much lower and Tories roughly the same (from memory). Even with border changes we can expect Labour to get fewer votes. In fact much fewer votes. Lib Dem many many more votes and Tories around the same. Comparing council election ward results is incredibly simplistic and then aggregating them together to make assumptions about parliamentary seats makes easy copy for the media. We fight local elections but target our limited resources on wards we have a really good chance of winning. We operate under first past the post. We don't fight all wards equally in local elections. That would be silly. For parliamentary elections we fight to win the seat and fight all wards. Different campaign for different elections. I wont pretend we're not incredibly stretch fighting both national and local elections no the same day. We don't have Lord Ashcroft or tradue union money. We rely on local volunteers which we really could use more of and achieve even more.

Hi Dulwich Resident, The BBC website you mention. When was it last updated? A lot has changed in the last 3-4 weeks. I've explained to residents the Lib Dem chances in the following way. In 2005 Labour received 19,000 votes, Lib Dem 10,250, Tory 9,000. At that time Lib Dems in the national polls on 19% and we're currently much higher. Labour nationally much lower and Tories roughly the same (from memory). Even with border changes we can expect Labour to get fewer votes. In fact much fewer votes. Lib Dem many many more votes and Tories around the same. Ignoring these siesmic changes would be bizarre. Local wards. You've mentioned the council elections. With first past the post spreading our efforts in local elections across all seats would be plain stupid. So in local elections we concentrate on ward we can win. With a general election we have to put effort into all wards. This means we stand a really good chance of winning Dulwich Village ward from the Conservatives. You would'nt happen to live in Dulwich Village ward and be a conservative?

Hi Nero, I'm sorry for those that received three items of Lib Dem literature in one day (Saturday). The three items composed - the free delivery via Royal Mail that all MP and MEP candidates are allowed. Weirdly the Lib Dem arrived 10 days later than requested and booked. Clearly would have been much more helpful to have it very close to when postal ballot papers issued as was planned. Indeed that is around when the labour free delivery delivered. Lib Dem HQ have noted the great cnavassing returns and believe we can win Dulwich & West Norwood and have organised a paid delivery across the consituency. It was meant to arrive this coming week closer to the election. Locally we have a delivery plan and taking into account when local volunteers can delivery. Hence local item. I can't account for why Royal Mail and postal workers have decided to deliver two different election literature meant to arrive on different days arriving on the same day. Hi bil, Electoral chances for the parliamentary seat. I've explained to residents the Lib Dem chances in the following way. In 2005 Labour received 19,000 votes, Lib Dem 10,250, Tory 9,000. At that time Lib Dems in the national polls on 19% and we're currently much higher. Labour nationally much lower and Tories roughly the same (from memory). Even with border changes we can expect Labour to get fewer votes. In fact much fewer votes. Lib Dem many many more votes and Tories around the same. Hi Eddie M, I can assure you that we've only ever printed poll results that are genuine. For my own peace of mind I've double checked with our campaigns manager earlier today (he was'nt happy me being his alarm clock). Clearly many many polls showing ranges of results. All the polls show that Gordon Brown is trailing after the polls and that Nick Clegg's standing has rocketed. The polls also show people believing Nick Clegg can lead real change to our political systems. The elections are three days away. Do read the literature to help you decide. If you want a particular result then do get involved.

Hi olly, I've left a message for relevant head of dept to tell me whether this has anything to do with council officers or contractors. I would absoultely amazed if it did. but let me confirm it doesn't and the generic policies. I'll then post the generic policies and if anyone see's anything to the contrary they'll know they should call the Police.

I've just spoken to Jonathan and he'll respond after the weekends campaigning. Hope that's ok for everyone. Hi Jeremy, Real time bus information. I reported that Transport for London said they thought it wasn't financially viable to have real time bus information at every one of circa 19,000 bus stops but planned to provide SMS instead. I made it clear I thought it barmy as the SMS text service would add 20p to every bus journey. As a telecomms manager amazed they could'nt add display to all bus stops for the budget they've allocated.

I apologise if my post was thought to trivialise issues. Clearly not my intention. One item of casework is trying to help with a Goose Green planning application + listed consent application around a new door from a reception classroom to outside space. I've been told this lack of direct access does affect how Ofsted rates Goose Green school and when it is likely to be considered out of special measures. Equally should a school be kept in special measures because it has'nt implimented a software package? Clearly Ofsted isn't reflecting on the schooling kids receive but about on facet of how that schooling is organised - sounds like tick box inspecting. Ofsted should be more than that. Were all schools bad at tracking pupil progress before software packages. The point should be does a should have a system for such tracking. Again, if anyone out their has experience of being an Ofsted inspector, or knows such an inspector, I'd be delighted to meet and learn more about the process and what should and should not be read into the inspections.

Hi intexasatthe moment, sophiesofa If you could email the road where this took place I'll ask. Does seem odd though.

Even those who claim you get used to the aircraft will probably take a while to cope with the proposed and planned 50% extra City Airport flights (that's an extra 40,000 pa). Heathrow plans to exceed 1/2million flights or more. Easy to reduce the amount of noise by carefully changing flights profiles and angles of descent. If the noise does bother you then join Heathrow Action Campaign Against Noise (HACAN).

I was kindly sent attached decision tree - made me smile.