Cinema update. Both the Environment Agency and the District Auditor have written demonstrating that neither of them is blocking the new cinema. Indeed the Environment Agency has heard nothing whatsoever from either the Council or Henry Boot for 12 months. Cinema operators Apollo Leisure tell me they have been ready to go for several years alongside KFC and Frankie& Benny's.

So why the delay? I suspect that Henry Boot is refusing to spend money and the council has got itself trapped by Henry Boot. I suspect that the Council will now announce that they are dropping the bowling alley. If so, who was contracted to build the bowling alley and where are they now, after all this plan is six years old? I smell another delaying tactic. Could it be a Retford council leader is refusing to spend council money in Worksop?

I notice that a reason given for privatising our leisure centres is to help with the application for grants. However Lottery funding is not available to profit making companies. The way to draw down grants is to give community ownership of facilities. If the Council were to assist say Firbeck Cricket and Bowls Club to set up as a community interest company and give them the lease for the facilities then they can apply for grants. They could still contract the council staff to maintain their grass as well, leaving council workers in their jobs. Handing leisure facilities to a private contractor means fewer jobs and no likelihood of outside lottery or other grants.

I have had another run in with the Government over the CSA, probably the most useless body ever created by any government. New voluntary agreements are now an option and I have proposed that Bassetlaw could help trial these in order to remove the hassle and uncertainty that the CSA repeatedly creates on all sides for those parents who are prepared to negotiate.

Well done to the Bassetlaw Hospital staff for another outstanding quality rating. Yet again its nationally rated as a top performing hospital. From porter to consultant, cleaner to junior doctor, receptionist to nurse each and every staff member employed at Bassetlaw Hospital should be proud of your achievements. We are certainly very proud of you.