Subject: News Bulletin from Aidan Burley MP #41 Date: Thursday, 21 June 2012 12:35:48 United Kingdom Time From: To: Aidan Burley MP news@aidanburleymp.org

In this edition:Aidan Burley MPs Diary Website of the week: Trudys Trust Aidan in Parliament: MP in plea to Minister over Chase Line electrification BC ONE Crossfit Cannock Photo news: Rugeley Charter Fayre Aidan urges local residents to track crime outcomes on Police.uk website Aidan backs campaign to stop British taxpayers money supporting World Bank loans to Argentina MPs appeal for entrepreneurs to showcase their work at national conference Photo News: Sir Ian Botham visits Parliament to promote Cage Cricket Kids of Norton Canes Activity Scheme (KONCAS) MPs nomination for Tiffin Cup makes it to the final Nominate your favourite local business as deadline for awards is extended Aidan in Parliament: Support for Community Sports Clubs and the CASC Scheme How to contact Aidan Burley MP

Issue 41 Thursday 21st June 2012

Since the last edition, Aidan has:Secured and led an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons calling for the electrification of the Chase Line. Met with local constituent Mark Leeson, founder of Trudys Trust - and became the patron of the Charity, which seeks to raise awareness about brain tumours and raise funds for research. Met with Sir Ian Botham to discuss and support his bid to make Cage Cricket more accessible. Judged the floats at the 2012 Rugeley Charter Fayre. Given his backing to a campaign to stop British taxpayers money supporting World Bank loans to Argentina. Questioned the Minister of State for Education on his departments guide to the law for school governors. Extended the deadline for nominations for the Cannock Chase Business Awards 2012. The deadline is now 1pm on 2nd July 2012. For more see below. Tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) in the House of Commons congratulating the Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) scheme. Sat on and spoke during the Finance Bill committee. Visited Rowan Croft sheltered housing development to meet with residents and take up their concerns. Attended the Cannock Rugby Club Awards night and presented a prize for outstanding contribution.

Website of the week:

www.trudystrust.co.ukThe website of Trudys Trust, which Aidan serves as a Patron of. Trudy's Trust is committed to raising awareness of Brain Tumours and funds for Brain Tumour Research. Our aim is to get a better prognosis for Brain Tumour sufferers, and ultimately a cure".

Aidan in Parliament:

MP in plea to Minister over Chase Line electrification

Click on the image above to watch Aidan Burley MPs Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons calling for the electrification of the Chase Line. Aidan Burley has stepped up his efforts for the Electrification of the Chase Line by leading an Adjournment debate on the issue in the Chamber of the House of Commons. The upgrading of the Chase line has been one of Aidan's key priorities since his election and he has been working closely with all the key players, including Councils, Centro, Network Rail and London Midland, the operator of the trains on the line. The MP has already hosted two successful stakeholder meetings, bringing together all the key players to discuss the development of the line. During his twenty minute speech, Aidan highlighted the positive business case and wider economic benefits of the scheme and the resulting impact it would have on his constituents. The scheme, estimated to cost around 30 million, would electrify the route between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley thus delivering ongoing operational cost savings, improved journey times and reduced crowding for passengers. The MP said that the Chase Line now had the second highest levels of passenger growth in the Centro area with over half a million passenger journeys a year are now made from the 3 stations in Cannock Chase. Despite this, he said "the route has actually seen a reduction in services and shorter trains, most recently last December through the Service Level Commitment changes, as a direct result of the shortage of diesel trains". Pressing the Minister in the Commons he highlighted the work carried out by Network Rail and KPMG which has shown the scheme having a benefit cost ratio of over 2.0. He said: "An investment of 30 million will give the West Midlands Regional Gross Value Added benefit of 113m per annum, while the West Midlands Regional Employment Impact will create 1,370 jobs. That seems like a very good return to me, and one which meets the Network Rail investment criteria." During his speech Aidan also highlighted the wide support the proposed scheme has from local councils, LEPs, Centro, the train operator London Midland and Local MPs along the route, many of whom attended and spoke in the debate. Indeed, the Adjournment debate came just three weeks after a recent letter signed by key stakeholders was sent to the Transport Secretary Rt. Hon Justine Greening MP urging her to consider the Chase Line Electrification as a named scheme in the forthcoming High Level Output Statement. In her response to Aidan, Rail Minister Theresa Villiers MP paid tribute to the Cannock Chase MP saying "I pay tribute to the work of my hon. Friend, who has this evening put the case for that improvement to the House with passion, clarity and detail." She went on to say that although no final decision had been made "The benefits of electrification could be considerable and I am clear that this project is a serious contender for funding." Speaking after the debate Aidan said: "I was very grateful to have the opportunity to put the case for electrification of the Chase Line to the Minister just weeks before the Government announcement on which projects will be funded over the 2014-19 period. I was also grateful for the cross party support of fellow MPs along the route." He added: "I am acutely aware of the importance of this rail route for my constituents, thousands of whom use the line daily to commute to and from work, and I am clear that electrification is the solution the reduction of services in December 2011 which was a direct result of a shortage of diesel trans, which have to operate on the line north of Walsall."

BC ONE Crossfit Cannock

Aidan taking part in an Olympic Workout at BC ONE Gym with Cannock Olympian James Fair and gym owner Ian Stanley. Cannock Chase MP Aidan Burley was put through his paces with Cannocks very own Olympian recently, when he visited the BC One Crossfit Cannock gym. Cannock man James Fair is the Team GB hockey team goal keeper, with 27 caps for Great Britain and 87 caps for England to his name. The facility is situated at the former Bristols and Round Building at Walford Works in Longford Road, and styles itself as having a revolutionary concept in fitness training. They focus on functional technique and endurance but also creates a fun environment in which to train. Using a blend of cardiovascular and resistance training they not only provide a complete physical body workout, whilst group sessions also encourage drive and determination on both a personal and competitive level. Commenting after the visit Aidan said, Im exhausted, but it was an enormous privilege to train with our very own Olympian at BC One Crossfit Cannock. James is an incredible athlete and I am sure I speak for all of Cannock Chase in wishing him the very best of luck for the Olympics this summer. The facility at BC One Crossfit Cannock is absolutely first rate and I encourage anyone who wants to see getting fit in a new light to give them a go.

Photo news: Rugeley Charter Fayre 2012

Aidan with members of Rugeley Youth Centre at the 2012 Rugeley Charter Fayre.

Aidan chats to participants on one of the floats at the 2012 Rugeley Charter Fayre.

Aidan with his fellow judges at the 2012 Rugeley Charter Fayre. Aidan was judging the best floats.

Aidan urges local residents to track crime outcomes on Police.uk website

A crime outcomes map from police.uk. Aidan has welcomed a new online tool which for the first time means local people can track what happened after a crime was committed in their neighbourhood. In the next stage of development of the groundbreaking website Police.uk, local residents will not only be able to access street level crime data but also see what action the local police have taken as a result and whether offenders went to court. Commenting, Aidan said: "We are all used to reading the report in the papers when a crime is committed in the area. But local residents don't just want to know that a crime has been committed; they want to know what is being done about it. Was someone arrested for the crime? Did it go to court? This new tool puts that information at their fingertips." Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice Nick Herbert MP said: "The Police.uk site is helping to revolutionise the way the police and the wider criminal justice system are held to account by making this information available at the touch of a button. It will help drive up performance and allow the public to make informed choices in the upcoming elections for Police and Crime Commissioners." The additions to the site come after the public showed a huge appetite for more information on every aspect of crime in their area, with more than 47 million visits on Police.uk since it launched in January 2011. Police.uk has already undergone a series of innovative updates, providing the public with more criminal justice information than ever before. This includes mapping crimes at points of interest including supermarkets and nightclubs, introducing new crime categories such as shoplifting, and increasing accuracy by placing crimes to within eight postcodes instead of 12.

Aidan backs campaign to stop British taxpayers money supporting World Bank loans to ArgentinaAidan Burley MP is backing a campaign, run by The TaxPayers Alliance, calling on the British Government to use its votes at the World Bank to oppose any further loans to Argentina. The key points from the campaign are: Outstanding loans from the World Bank and affiliated institutions to Argentina were worth $16.2 billion in March 2012. Based on UK shareholdings in the two responsible institutions, that means a total British taxpayer stake of over 225 million (according to written parliamentary answers from DfID). The Obama Administration in the United States currently has a policy of voting no to any new loans, in response to Argentinas treatment of existing creditors, so British representatives could and should be instructed to support that policy. With the Argentinean Government continuing to dispute Britains sovereignty over the Falklands, as well as advocating a boycott on British goods, it seems only fair and reasonable that we shouldnt be underwriting any more loans to the country. An e-petition to this effect which Aidan has signed has gone live on the Government e-petition website, reachable via www.StopFundingArgentina.org. Aidan has also signed an Early Day Motion backing the campaign in the House of Commons. Commenting, Aidan said, I congratulate the Taxpayers Alliance for running this powerful and important campaign. It is utterly unacceptable that Britain should continue to prop up funding for a country that boycotts our products and outrageously lays claim to one of our overseas territories. I urge local people to add their names to this petition. The Taxpayers Alliance have also produced a powerful video as part of the campaign, which you can watch by clicking the image below:

MPs appeal for entrepreneurs to showcase their work at national conferenceAidan is calling on start-up businesses and entrepreneurs across Cannock Chase to get involved in this year's Conservative Party Start-up Hub competition and win the opportunity to showcase their work in front of thousands of visitors at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. Launched last year, the national competition is a chance for 12 new businesses to demonstrate their ideas or designs during the four day national conference running from Sunday, October 7th to Wednesday, October 10th 2012 at the ICC in Birmingham. Aidan has already written to key business groups in Staffordshire including the Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Business to promote the competition and is calling on start up businesses across the area to apply directly online. Commenting Aidan said: "This is a unique opportunity for budding entrepreneurs here in Cannock Chase to show off their work to thousands of delegates, the nation's media and business leaders from across the country. Over the past two years I have met many fantastic local entrepreneurs and start up businesses and I would be extremely proud to see a Cannock Chase business represented, particularly this year when the conference is close to home in Birmingham." The competition is open to any business which has launched since May 2010 and in order to win a chance to appear at the Start-Up Hub, ideas must be submitted to the Conservative Party before June 30th. Application forms are available from www.conservatives.com/startuphub. The 12 winners will be chosen by a panel of experts, chaired by Damian Collins MP, and including leading business representatives from Fujitsu and Blackberry who are supporting the competition. To enter applicants must: Be a UK resident Be 16-years-old or over at the time of entry Run a UK based company was formed during or after May 2010 or have a viable business idea Be available to showcase your idea at the Party conference which runs from Sunday 7th October to Wednesday 10th October 2011 and takes place at the Birmingham ICC

Photo News: Sir Ian Botham visits Parliament to promote Cage Cricket

Aidan experiencing Cage Cricket outside the Palace of Westminster. Aidan was delighted to meet with England Cricket legend Sir Ian Botham this week (pictured right) to discuss and experience Cage Cricket. MPs, including Aidan, took part in a game of Cage Cricket outside the House of Commons which was set up in a bid to make the game more accessible, proving it can be played in a smaller place than the traditional sport. Sir Ian Botham was promoting the game and said it was "cheap and easy" with fewer players and no kit needed.

Kids of Norton Canes Activity Scheme (KONCAS)Aidan is encouraging local families to get involved with and support KONCAS (Kids of Norton Canes Activity Scheme). KONCAS is a local volunteer based charity providing facilities for the young people of Norton Canes. KONCAS is based at Unit 13, a community facility which can be hired out for all occasions, clubs and events; party's, birthdays, scouts, beavers etc. Unit 13 is a purpose fitted facility with a large sports court, IT and internet facilities, table tennis, table football, pool tables, arts and crafts, tuck shop, office, chill area and band/music area. They run youth clubs on Monday nights from 7 until 9pm for 11-17 year olds for just 1 per person and on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 until 5:45 for 7-11 year olds, again for just 1 per child. The group are also looking for people to hire unit 13 (main hirer must be 18). This costs just 12.50 per hour providing the hirer has Public Liability and Insurance. However public liability and insurance can be provided for an extra 2.50. Fully heated facility. Disabled access and toilet facilities. The unit is available 7 days a week. The full address is KONCAS @ Unit 13, Jerome Road Industrial Estate, Jerome Road, Norton Canes, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 9TL. For information and enquires please contact info@koncas.org or call Jean Dyde on 01543 450873. Commenting, Aidan said, KONCAS and Unit 13 is a wonderful facility that is going to be lost if people in Cannock and Norton Canes do not start using the unit. It would be a great shame for all of the people involved in KONCAS to close, as the facility is not being used by the young people or community and like so many groups, funding is a big struggle.

MPs nomination for Tiffin Cup makes it to the finalChase MP Aidan Burley has welcomed the news that his nomination for the 2012 Tiffin Cup has made it through to the Grand Final. The Dilshad restaurant located at Chadsmoor in Cannock, and famed for serving the UKs Hottest Curry, is one of 13 national finalists in the prestigious Tiffin Cup competition which looks to find the UK's best South Asian restaurant. The Dilshad, which had been nominated by Aidan, has beaten off tough competition to be selected to represent the whole of the West Midlands region against 12 other South Asian restaurants from across the country. The final is to be held at the Bellamys restaurant in Parliament on the 27 June with TV Chef Ainsley Harriott heading the panel of judges. This is the seventh year that the Tiffin Cup has been held and to celebrate the fact that over 500 restaurants have been nominated during that time, they will be publishing a Tiffin Cookery Book with a recipe from each nominated restaurant. The competition not only celebrates the diversity of South Asian food in the UK, but also raises money for the Tiffin Cups chosen charity. This years charity is 'World Vision' which works globally to speak out for children affected by injustice and poverty. Commenting Aidan said: I am thrilled that the Dilshad has made it to the final and I look forward to supporting them on 27 June. The Tiffin Cup is a great opportunity to promote South Asian food and the high quality of local restaurants. Having sampled the food at the Dilshad on a number of occasions I know it would be a worthy winner and so I wish them all the very best.

Nominate your favourite local business as deadline for awards is extended DEADLINE EXTENTED UNTIL 2ND JULYAidan has urged local people and businesses to get involved in Cannock Chase's first ever Business Awards. His call comes as the deadline for nominations has been extended until 1pm on 2nd July 2012.. Nominations have been flowing in but there is still time to put forward your favourite local business for one of the prestigious awards, and to buy a ticket for the awards dinner and ceremony in the Premier Suites. The awards, which are being organised by The Best of Cannock and the Cannock Chase MP, will be a chance for local business success stories and achievements to be recognised. The Award Ceremony itself will be held on Friday 6th July at the Premier Suite in Cannock and hosted by TV presenter Llewela Bailey. Up to 250 local people are expected to attend. Anyone is welcome to nominate businesses by completing a short online form at www.cannockchasebusinessawards.co.uk. Local businesses are also able to nominate themselves using the same website, where they will be able to detail their achievements and successes. Awards up for grabs on the night include Most Innovative Business, Promising New Business, Family Owned Business and Notable Charity with all the winners decided by a panel of respected local community members. Commenting Aidan said: "We have already had a fantastic response from businesses and charities - all of whom are hoping to win one of the prestigious awards. However, in order to ensure more businesses are represented, I would urge all local people to get involved before the deadline on 14 June by nominating a local firm or charity they feel deserves recognition. "The Cannock Chase Business Awards are my attempt to highlight the unsung businesses in Cannock Chase which are the life blood of our economy. Local people are welcome to attend the event and can easily purchase tickets online." The Cannock Chase Business Awards are open to any company located within the Cannock Chase area including Cannock, Hednesford, Rugeley, Norton Canes and everywhere between.

Aidan in Parliament:

Support for Community Sports Clubs and the CASC SchemeAidan has tabled the following Early Day Motion (EDM) in the House of Commons this week. EDMs are a way of MPs raising awareness of an issue and attracting the support of other MPs for particular causes. That this House congratulates the Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) scheme on its success in registering 6202 clubs; welcomes the financial benefits of the CASC scheme particularly in terms of rate relief and Gift Aid in this difficult economic climate; recognises the central role of CASC-registered clubs in growing and sustaining participation in community sports clubs nationwide; notes the role that community sport plays within the legacy for the 2012 Games; and urges the Government to continue to support the scheme in order for a greater number of clubs to benefit and for community sport to thrive during this memorable year for sport.

5 ways to contact Aidan Burley MP:By Phone: 01543 502 447 By email: aidan.burley.mp@parliament.uk By post: Aidan Burley MP 6 High Green Court, Newhall Street Cannock, WS11 1GR In person: Click here for details of how to book an appointment at Aidan Burley MPs regular help and advice surgeries.

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Aidan Burley MP Putting Cannock Chase First!Published & Promoted by Aidan Burley MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA