Last word on the October 22 edition of the Herald.
In addition to the news that pedestrians who fail to look before they cross a road may be hit by cars, page 6 carries a full page article on Able Securities, a car park management company. ‘Dougie clamps down on illegal parkers’ explains how Mr. Mooring (Dougie) helps to solve parking problems.
The article appears to be an attempt to set the record straight over an unsavoury incident which saw Mr. Mooring ‘hit the headlines in September after clamping disabled Roy Jones, 68, in Folkestone.’
According to yourdover (I am sure this was in the Shepway edition but cannot find it - http://www.yourdover.co.uk/kent-news/Veteran-demands-refund-from-clamping-firm-newsinkent28336.aspx?news=local) Able securities clamped Mr Jones’ car despite a disabled badge being displayed. The clamper (unnamed in the article) recommended that Mr Jones walk home. Mr Jones has two false legs.
The article ends ‘despite repeated attempts, yourdover was unable to get a response from the proprietor of Able Securities.’
In the Herald, Mr. Mooring responds “The newspaper reports didn’t tell the full story. Mr Jones did not display his disabled permit. Disabled people are not entitled to park wherever they like. And I did not tell him to walk home.”
Mr Mooring also makes the point that he has a Security Industry Authority (SIA )License. The SIA clearly state (http://www.the-sia.org.uk/home/licensing/vehicle_immobilising) that a car displaying a disabled badge must not be clamped / blocked / towed.
It is Mr. Mooring’s word against Mr. Jones on the issue of whether the badge was displayed. However, how hard can it be upon meeting a man with two prosthetic legs to understand that he is disabled?
The tone of the article is also slightly odd, describing Mr Mooring as ‘wearing black boots and combats that would not look out of place in a paramilitary. His head is shaven and piercings adorn his face.
‘From a distance he looks absolutely terrifying.
‘What is disarming … is that Dougie is actually a placid chap who can whip on a car clamp faster than most in his game and extract £125 cash or by card … with a smile on his face.’
Hardly a ringing endorsement of Mr Mooring. Sounds more bully boy than civic guardian. Perhaps the clearest example of Mr Mooring's approach and appearance is shown half way through the article, where the use of the name Dougie changes to Mr Mooring.
Able Securities provides services to Kent Regional News and Media. Kent Regional News and Media owns the Herald. The Herald did not carry the story about Mr. Jones.
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Monday 26 October 2009
Exhibition an Overwhelming Success
An exhibition of interpretations of popular views has surpassed all expectations, with an impressive number of visitors viewing the works.
Folkestone based photographer Dan Desborough and local artist John Cotter have been showcasing their work at Georges House Gallery at the top of the Old High Street.
The exhibition, titled 2View, is based on popular local views. Artist John Cotter, who has a work hanging in the Metropolitan Gallery, New York, explained “We asked our friends to supply us with snapshots of our favourite views, which Dan and I then interpreted in our own way.”
Dan Desborough’s impressive landscape photos are displayed alongside John Cotter’s more abstract take on the view.
Both artists have been pleased with the interest in their work. Dan said “This has been one of the most popular exhibitions held here. The number of visitors has been overwhelming. Normally exhibitions here attract around 200 people per week. We have had nearly 1000 people come and take a look.”
The artists also helped raise funds for Amnesty International, allowing Googies cafe to hold a charity auction on Saturday 26. Donated items included Dan Desborough print, a designer handbag, meals at local restaurants and a haircut at Divas salon in Hythe all going to the highest bidder.
Money was also raised through the sale of tickets to the Lonestar Comedy club night in the Lanterns club, with £1 from each ticket donated to Amnesty. Googies café supplied canapés and service for the evening.
Although most originals have now been sold, prints are available and the exhibition is highly recommended. The exhibition runs until Wednesday 28.
Dan's homepage http://www.dandesborough.co.uk/
Folkestone based photographer Dan Desborough and local artist John Cotter have been showcasing their work at Georges House Gallery at the top of the Old High Street.
The exhibition, titled 2View, is based on popular local views. Artist John Cotter, who has a work hanging in the Metropolitan Gallery, New York, explained “We asked our friends to supply us with snapshots of our favourite views, which Dan and I then interpreted in our own way.”
Dan Desborough’s impressive landscape photos are displayed alongside John Cotter’s more abstract take on the view.
Both artists have been pleased with the interest in their work. Dan said “This has been one of the most popular exhibitions held here. The number of visitors has been overwhelming. Normally exhibitions here attract around 200 people per week. We have had nearly 1000 people come and take a look.”
The artists also helped raise funds for Amnesty International, allowing Googies cafe to hold a charity auction on Saturday 26. Donated items included Dan Desborough print, a designer handbag, meals at local restaurants and a haircut at Divas salon in Hythe all going to the highest bidder.
Money was also raised through the sale of tickets to the Lonestar Comedy club night in the Lanterns club, with £1 from each ticket donated to Amnesty. Googies café supplied canapés and service for the evening.
Although most originals have now been sold, prints are available and the exhibition is highly recommended. The exhibition runs until Wednesday 28.
Dan's homepage http://www.dandesborough.co.uk/
Sunday 25 October 2009
Herald Latest – Bears May Defecate in Woods.
Odd edition of the Herald this week. Some interesting stories inside the paper.
Page 2 has a story about police getting more powers to counter anti-social behaviour in a particular area of Folkestone. Page 3 reports on a licensing review for Gillespies, again covering anti-social behaviour and some impressive sounding rucks.
Page 4 has ‘£30K parking white elephant’, where the council put £30,000 toward some extremely expensive signs for the Bouverie Place Shopping Centre, which still have not been used.
With these, the question is why has the Herald led on the front page with ‘Driver warns of hotel road risk’. Underneath the headline is ‘Fears for pedestrians who cross street without looking’. The point is emphasised in the article, with the quote “someone could be seriously injured as they walk into the busy road…without looking both ways first.”
Whatever next? Exclusive – ‘Pope Catholic’?
Page 2 has a story about police getting more powers to counter anti-social behaviour in a particular area of Folkestone. Page 3 reports on a licensing review for Gillespies, again covering anti-social behaviour and some impressive sounding rucks.
Page 4 has ‘£30K parking white elephant’, where the council put £30,000 toward some extremely expensive signs for the Bouverie Place Shopping Centre, which still have not been used.
With these, the question is why has the Herald led on the front page with ‘Driver warns of hotel road risk’. Underneath the headline is ‘Fears for pedestrians who cross street without looking’. The point is emphasised in the article, with the quote “someone could be seriously injured as they walk into the busy road…without looking both ways first.”
Whatever next? Exclusive – ‘Pope Catholic’?
Wednesday 21 October 2009
Sainsbury’s Decision Deferred as Tillson Rails Against Supermarket Giant
Permission for a large Sainsbury’s supermarket with 267 parking spaces on the Smiths Medical site on Military road in Hythe was deferred at the Planning Control Committee meeting last night (Wednesday 20).
The application provoked lengthy debate with strong and differing opinions from councillors and members of the public. The meeting was repeatedly interrupted by heckling from members of the public opposed to the application.
Opposition has been more vocal and organised, even with a central website, DEVSTOP. Letters objecting to the development far outweigh those in favour. The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and the Hythe Civic Society have raised objections. However, some councillors inferred that the ‘silent majority’ wanted the development to go ahead.
The main discussion points were the effect on high street shops and on local residents living close to the site.
Chamber Council of Commerce Chief Executive Mr Peter Hobbs spoke in support of the application. Saying “town centre footfall will increase dramatically,” Mr Hobbs was met with jeers from the gallery. Mr B Moore, speaking on behalf of the applicant said “We want to be part of the local community,” “the majority [of people in Hythe] shop elsewhere, we want to draw people back to the town,” provoking further jeers.
Local resident Mrs Claire Massey, who lives in Military terrace next to the Smiths Medical site, expressed concern that the large number of HGV deliveries, up to 15 per day, would cause noise vibrations and stress for local residents.
Concerns were also raised that the development would not be in keeping with the surrounding area. Interestingly, a slide showing a computer generated image of the site appeared to show Military terrace significantly higher than in reality, which drew further jeers.
In the ensuing committee debate members repeatedly disagreed on many points. Conservative Cllr Tillson nailed his colours to the mast early, saying “I’m from New Romney. We have a Sainsbury’s and it has had a deleterious effect on our high street.”
Cllr Tillson continued to object to the development throughout the meeting. He later quoted research from Cambridge University showing that money spent in local shops is on average re-spent 3 times over in the local area, whereas ninety percent of money spent in supermarket chains leaves the local area immediately. Criticising the report accompanying the application, Cllr Tillson noted “I can find specific statistics for job creation, but couldn’t find any for job losses.”
Speaking on the issue of Sainsbury’s promoting link visits to the town centre, Cllr. Tillson poured scorn on the suggestion Sainsbury’s would do this effectively. Having been told similar promotional conditions were in place with the New Romney store, Cllr. Tillson scoffed “unless I missed it, I don’t know of any promotion. If there was a condition it sounds like it is being breached.”
Other councillors, including fellow Conservatives, did not agree. Conservative Cllr Goddard said “I never went to New Romney before the Sainsbury’s was built. It hasn’t done too much damage to New Romney.” Conservative Cllr Monk also disagreed, saying Cllr Tillson “was making points about the arrival of a supermarket in town – we already have three supermarkets in town.”
Liberal Democrat Cllr Matthews spoke in favour of the application, saying “Many local residents want this store.” Citing statistics contained in the council report that 64% of Hythe residents shop outside the town, Cllr Matthews said the supermarket would help to keep people shopping in the town, and the number of jobs created would offset the number lost.
After well over one hour of discussion, an attempt to approve the application with altered conditions for deliveries to the site was not passed. After suggestions that the supermarket be moved to the West of the site to minimise the impact on residents, a decision to defer the application and ask for changes was passed.
Speaking after the meeting David Plumstead, who helps to organise opposition to the proposal, cast doubts on the statistics used in the council report and by Cllr Matthews, claiming they had no backing and were “smoke and mirrors”. He vowed to continue to fight the application.
DEVSTOP – against the development - http://www.devstop.org.uk/
Application Y09/0627/SH - http://www.ukplanning.com/ukp/findCaseFile.do?appNumber=Y09%2F0627%2FSH&action=Search
The application provoked lengthy debate with strong and differing opinions from councillors and members of the public. The meeting was repeatedly interrupted by heckling from members of the public opposed to the application.
Opposition has been more vocal and organised, even with a central website, DEVSTOP. Letters objecting to the development far outweigh those in favour. The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and the Hythe Civic Society have raised objections. However, some councillors inferred that the ‘silent majority’ wanted the development to go ahead.
The main discussion points were the effect on high street shops and on local residents living close to the site.
Chamber Council of Commerce Chief Executive Mr Peter Hobbs spoke in support of the application. Saying “town centre footfall will increase dramatically,” Mr Hobbs was met with jeers from the gallery. Mr B Moore, speaking on behalf of the applicant said “We want to be part of the local community,” “the majority [of people in Hythe] shop elsewhere, we want to draw people back to the town,” provoking further jeers.
Local resident Mrs Claire Massey, who lives in Military terrace next to the Smiths Medical site, expressed concern that the large number of HGV deliveries, up to 15 per day, would cause noise vibrations and stress for local residents.
Concerns were also raised that the development would not be in keeping with the surrounding area. Interestingly, a slide showing a computer generated image of the site appeared to show Military terrace significantly higher than in reality, which drew further jeers.
In the ensuing committee debate members repeatedly disagreed on many points. Conservative Cllr Tillson nailed his colours to the mast early, saying “I’m from New Romney. We have a Sainsbury’s and it has had a deleterious effect on our high street.”
Cllr Tillson continued to object to the development throughout the meeting. He later quoted research from Cambridge University showing that money spent in local shops is on average re-spent 3 times over in the local area, whereas ninety percent of money spent in supermarket chains leaves the local area immediately. Criticising the report accompanying the application, Cllr Tillson noted “I can find specific statistics for job creation, but couldn’t find any for job losses.”
Speaking on the issue of Sainsbury’s promoting link visits to the town centre, Cllr. Tillson poured scorn on the suggestion Sainsbury’s would do this effectively. Having been told similar promotional conditions were in place with the New Romney store, Cllr. Tillson scoffed “unless I missed it, I don’t know of any promotion. If there was a condition it sounds like it is being breached.”
Other councillors, including fellow Conservatives, did not agree. Conservative Cllr Goddard said “I never went to New Romney before the Sainsbury’s was built. It hasn’t done too much damage to New Romney.” Conservative Cllr Monk also disagreed, saying Cllr Tillson “was making points about the arrival of a supermarket in town – we already have three supermarkets in town.”
Liberal Democrat Cllr Matthews spoke in favour of the application, saying “Many local residents want this store.” Citing statistics contained in the council report that 64% of Hythe residents shop outside the town, Cllr Matthews said the supermarket would help to keep people shopping in the town, and the number of jobs created would offset the number lost.
After well over one hour of discussion, an attempt to approve the application with altered conditions for deliveries to the site was not passed. After suggestions that the supermarket be moved to the West of the site to minimise the impact on residents, a decision to defer the application and ask for changes was passed.
Speaking after the meeting David Plumstead, who helps to organise opposition to the proposal, cast doubts on the statistics used in the council report and by Cllr Matthews, claiming they had no backing and were “smoke and mirrors”. He vowed to continue to fight the application.
DEVSTOP – against the development - http://www.devstop.org.uk/
Application Y09/0627/SH - http://www.ukplanning.com/ukp/findCaseFile.do?appNumber=Y09%2F0627%2FSH&action=Search
Tuesday 20 October 2009
Major Changes for Hythe
Controversial planning applications for the Hotel Imperial and former Smith's Medical site were discussed this evening (Tuesday 20) at a lengthy Planning Control Committee meeting.
An application for alterations to the Hotel Imperial, which include an 'enabling' development of 75 dwellings comprising of houses and flats on the land between the Hotel and the Royal Military Canal, was approved by 11 votes to 2. The developers argue that the housing development is necessary to fund the works in the hotel.
The application has been in the planning process for over a year. During this time there have been several changes, including the deletion of blocks of flats that would have stood by the canal, and increases in developer contributions for affordable housing in Hythe.
Speaking at the meeting Mr. J Davis, a local resident, raised concerns that planning policy LR 9 - Open Space Protection and Provision - was being breached, echoed later by Liberal Democrat Councillor Neil Matthews. Cllr Matthews also attacked some changes in the application saying "this is not the hotel they said they would build in the beginning, but there is still the rest of the development."
The financial position of GSE Group which the Campaign to Protect Hythe Imperial Lands claiming GSE Group has a zero credit rating was the target of repeated questioning.
Mr. S McGhee, local resident, spoke in support of the application, saying the silent majority supported the application and that "negative attitudes would be the ruination of the town." Mr. M Turpin, the applicant, hit back at claims that GSE Group couldn't commit to the project, "This is a low impact, high return development. GSE is fully committed to the Imperial."
Conservative Cllr Russell Tillson asked if the money for the affordable housing could be aquired early on in the project. Planning Manager Chris Lewis said that payments to the council would be phased with the development, and reminded the committee that they were voting on the application, rather than the finances of the developer.
An application for alterations to the Hotel Imperial, which include an 'enabling' development of 75 dwellings comprising of houses and flats on the land between the Hotel and the Royal Military Canal, was approved by 11 votes to 2. The developers argue that the housing development is necessary to fund the works in the hotel.
The application has been in the planning process for over a year. During this time there have been several changes, including the deletion of blocks of flats that would have stood by the canal, and increases in developer contributions for affordable housing in Hythe.
Such was the public interest that the gallery was full, and proceedings from the council chamber were relayed to 2 rooms upstairs.
Speaking at the meeting Mr. J Davis, a local resident, raised concerns that planning policy LR 9 - Open Space Protection and Provision - was being breached, echoed later by Liberal Democrat Councillor Neil Matthews. Cllr Matthews also attacked some changes in the application saying "this is not the hotel they said they would build in the beginning, but there is still the rest of the development."
The financial position of GSE Group which the Campaign to Protect Hythe Imperial Lands claiming GSE Group has a zero credit rating was the target of repeated questioning.
Mr. S McGhee, local resident, spoke in support of the application, saying the silent majority supported the application and that "negative attitudes would be the ruination of the town." Mr. M Turpin, the applicant, hit back at claims that GSE Group couldn't commit to the project, "This is a low impact, high return development. GSE is fully committed to the Imperial."
Conservative Cllr Russell Tillson asked if the money for the affordable housing could be aquired early on in the project. Planning Manager Chris Lewis said that payments to the council would be phased with the development, and reminded the committee that they were voting on the application, rather than the finances of the developer.
The plans have split opinion locally. Concerns have been voiced over the effect the development will have on traffic, whether it will fit in with the area and whether it breaks certain planning regulations. English Heritage has continually objected over the impact it will have on the Royal Military Canal, and since October 2008 over 170 letters of protest have been received.
Given such a history many expected a raucous gallery, but the application discussion passed with no major incident, and the decision to approve was met with a large round of applause.
Will complete Smith's medical tomorrow - really must go to bed!
Sunday 18 October 2009
Breaking News (Herald Style)
Keen readers of the local press may have a feeling of deja vu when flicking through the Herald this week (Oct 15 edition).
On page 36 ‘Police warning for motorists’ cautions motorists of the dangers of driving in wet weather. PC Ian Clark provides helpful advice for safer driving.
On page 36 ‘Police warning for motorists’ cautions motorists of the dangers of driving in wet weather. PC Ian Clark provides helpful advice for safer driving.
Readers may have been briefly concerned they were stuck in Groundhog Day, as page 35 carries the story ‘Warning to drive carefully in wet’ complete with PC Ian Clark providing helpful advice for safer driving. Yep, same story, one page apart.
Continuing past this to page 37 ‘The council forced to clear garden’ is a somewhat self-congratulatory tale of the council clearing the garden of a house in Foord Road.
Having sent several letters to apparently absent owners, the council employed a local firm to clear the garden, which had become a ‘magnet for fly tippers.’ Completing the article are two nice pics of workers clearing the garden.
This looked suspiciously like a story titled ‘Rubbish tip of a garden gets cleared’ which appeared the previous week on page 9 of Kentish Express. The same pics were used and around 50% of each article was identical. At least part of the press release was rewritten although without seeing the original it’s hard to tell who was lazier in this respect.
At least this is an improvement on allegations that the Herald likes to ‘sensationalise’ stories at the expense of what actually happened.
September 3 had ‘Youtube, Jake – Folkestone is great,’ where local photographer Dan Desborough ‘slammed the maker of a Youtube clip slating the town.’ Looking at threads on Folkestone Forums (http://www.folkestoneforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4420&page=4) it seems that not only were quotes taken out of context and the location of his exhibition given wrongly, but when contacted with corrections the Herald were unconcerned.
In ‘’Strop’ fails to sway town council over Remembrance Sunday clapping’, Terry Begent (he who is accused of throwing said ‘strop’) has posted a lengthy reply on the Herald’s parent website refusing to play ball, opening with – “Let's get the facts straight here! Firstly, I did not get a "strop on" and storm out of the meeting.” (http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/news/Strop-fails-sway-town-council-Remembrance-Sunday-clapping/article-1340573-detail/article.html)
Tough Questions from Shepway Youth
Drugs, crime but not rock n roll were discussed at a Question Time event held in the Imperial Hotel on October 16.
Members of Shepway Youth Forum put their questions to a panel including Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Damian Collins, Labour PPC Donald Worsley, District Council Leader Robert Bliss, Leader of Shepway Liberal Democrats Lynne Beaumont and Shepway District Police Commissioner Martin Bradley.
Members of the panel listened to questions covering subjects such as ASBOs, crime, travel issues, drug laws and school pressures for over 2 hours, giving their opinions and offering to help.
Learning that Stagecoach bus service charge full fares to anyone over 14 years of age, Cllr Beaumont promised to help, “I think this is wrong. I will write them a letter and let’s start a campaign,” she said.
Damian Collins supported concessions for students “I think it’s reasonable to have lower fares for under-18s who are in full time education.”
Other areas provoked lengthy debate, with the audience unafraid to challenge their elders and highlighting differences of opinion. The issue of legalising drugs split the panel. Mr. Worsley and Mr. Collins were against changes to the law, reasoning that making soft drugs more available could lead to abuse of harder drugs. Cllr Beaumont disagreed, arguing that “if alcohol was invented today it would be banned.”
The last similar event was held was over three years ago. Hoping in increase youth involvement and interst in politics as part of Local Democracy Week, organiser and Shepway Youth Development officer Tamasin Jarret said “Unfortunately attendance was slightly down on last time but I am happy with the event. The feedback was very positive. The Youth Forum meets fortnightly at the Civic Centre and we aim to hold an AGM in November."
Members of Shepway Youth Forum put their questions to a panel including Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Damian Collins, Labour PPC Donald Worsley, District Council Leader Robert Bliss, Leader of Shepway Liberal Democrats Lynne Beaumont and Shepway District Police Commissioner Martin Bradley.
Members of the panel listened to questions covering subjects such as ASBOs, crime, travel issues, drug laws and school pressures for over 2 hours, giving their opinions and offering to help.
Learning that Stagecoach bus service charge full fares to anyone over 14 years of age, Cllr Beaumont promised to help, “I think this is wrong. I will write them a letter and let’s start a campaign,” she said.
Damian Collins supported concessions for students “I think it’s reasonable to have lower fares for under-18s who are in full time education.”
Other areas provoked lengthy debate, with the audience unafraid to challenge their elders and highlighting differences of opinion. The issue of legalising drugs split the panel. Mr. Worsley and Mr. Collins were against changes to the law, reasoning that making soft drugs more available could lead to abuse of harder drugs. Cllr Beaumont disagreed, arguing that “if alcohol was invented today it would be banned.”
The last similar event was held was over three years ago. Hoping in increase youth involvement and interst in politics as part of Local Democracy Week, organiser and Shepway Youth Development officer Tamasin Jarret said “Unfortunately attendance was slightly down on last time but I am happy with the event. The feedback was very positive. The Youth Forum meets fortnightly at the Civic Centre and we aim to hold an AGM in November."
Monday 5 October 2009
Shepway Cycling on a Roll
Folkestone / Shepway Cycle Forum will hold an open meeting this Thursday (October 8) at the Civic Centre in Middleburg at 7pm.
The group has been working with Kent County Council to influence Shepway’s Cycling Strategy. On September 12 the group had a successful awareness raising day in the centre of the town with representatives from Sustrans and Spokes organisations. To gather information for the Cycle Strategy, over 50 questionnaires were collected, which will be passed to KCC.
The group is proposing a cycle lane running North – South along Cornwallis Road and Earls Avenue, incorporating the existing path which runs under the railway bridge by South Kent College. Also proposed is an east – West route, taking in many schools along the way, hopefully making cycling to school a more realistic option for schoolchildren.
The group has already had some success, working with Folkestone Town Council to increase the number of bike stands in Cheriton and Folkestone.
The group has been working with Kent County Council to influence Shepway’s Cycling Strategy. On September 12 the group had a successful awareness raising day in the centre of the town with representatives from Sustrans and Spokes organisations. To gather information for the Cycle Strategy, over 50 questionnaires were collected, which will be passed to KCC.
The group is proposing a cycle lane running North – South along Cornwallis Road and Earls Avenue, incorporating the existing path which runs under the railway bridge by South Kent College. Also proposed is an east – West route, taking in many schools along the way, hopefully making cycling to school a more realistic option for schoolchildren.
The group has already had some success, working with Folkestone Town Council to increase the number of bike stands in Cheriton and Folkestone.
Get in the Road!
Recently there has been much in the letters page of the local press concerned with cyclists on pavements, and cyclists on the Leas. A keen cyclist myself, I agree with many of the points raised in the letters. I am surprised by how many cyclists I see on the pavement. I am surprised at how many cyclists I see bombing down a busy Leas on a nice afternoon. I am less surprised that many of them seem to be teenagers.
Rather than assume it is another example of ‘Broken Britain’ and our ASBO laden ‘yoof’, could it be a failure of education? Like most of my peers, I was given basic cycle safety instruction while at primary school, with someone extolling the virtues of luminous green polystyrene ‘Tuff Tops’ helmets. My secondary school had bike racks and a teacher was present to ensure we had the relevant safety gear before setting off.
It seems this is a thing of the past. Speaking to the Folkestone / Shepway Cycle Forum I was told that despite offers of Sustrans officers to visit schools and give basic cycling proficiency instruction, only 2 schools had expressed any interest and none had been visited.
It seems reasonable to assume that most children have bikes, but with no instruction it seems unlikely that children would want to venture out on the roads. I would not be surprised if many parents advised their children to stick to the pavements and do not encourage them to cycle to school. Only the Academy has suggested cycle routes for pupils to follow. Existing cylce lanes offer little in the way of a transport network. At a time where children are portrayed as piling on the pounds, surely schools would jump at the chance to do something healthy?
Without education of cyclists, it seems likely that cyclists will be sharing the pavement rather than the tarmac for some time to come. Popular opinion will continue to decry the ‘degenerate yoof’ of today rather than think of a solution.
Rather than assume it is another example of ‘Broken Britain’ and our ASBO laden ‘yoof’, could it be a failure of education? Like most of my peers, I was given basic cycle safety instruction while at primary school, with someone extolling the virtues of luminous green polystyrene ‘Tuff Tops’ helmets. My secondary school had bike racks and a teacher was present to ensure we had the relevant safety gear before setting off.
It seems this is a thing of the past. Speaking to the Folkestone / Shepway Cycle Forum I was told that despite offers of Sustrans officers to visit schools and give basic cycling proficiency instruction, only 2 schools had expressed any interest and none had been visited.
It seems reasonable to assume that most children have bikes, but with no instruction it seems unlikely that children would want to venture out on the roads. I would not be surprised if many parents advised their children to stick to the pavements and do not encourage them to cycle to school. Only the Academy has suggested cycle routes for pupils to follow. Existing cylce lanes offer little in the way of a transport network. At a time where children are portrayed as piling on the pounds, surely schools would jump at the chance to do something healthy?
Without education of cyclists, it seems likely that cyclists will be sharing the pavement rather than the tarmac for some time to come. Popular opinion will continue to decry the ‘degenerate yoof’ of today rather than think of a solution.
Tabloid Hell 3
A recent blog post in Your Shepway had many cyclists spitting out their energy drinks in shock. Gary Wright, the mid-week editor, gave his two pence worth about ‘militant cyclists’ (http://www.yourshepway.co.uk/blog.aspx?bid=155&source=0). In a well researched piece, Mr. Wright gave a nuanced view of the problem of “the most dangerous green Nazi in existence.”
Predictably, the post got a huge response, mostly from irate cyclists.
But aren’t people missing the point here? In the digital age, the more clicks a website can manage the better. What better way to get people clicking than posting up an inflammatory article. Mr. Wright (and the company accountants) must be laughing, although probably not all the way to the bank. Turning digital visitors into profits is something yet to be perfected, hence Mr. Murdoch’s recent suggestions of making his online content paid for.
As I remember it, the section that Mr. Wright’s article appeared used to be for readers to send in their own columns. Presumably his appearance is not an indication that no-one can be bothered to send in stuff.
Looking down the list of previous blogs it seems that ‘shock blogs’ are posted fairly regularly, presumably to garner the same response. Mr. Wrights comedic tour de force is far from alone. “Immigrants – one rule for us and one rule for them” (http://www.yourshepway.co.uk/blog.aspx?bid=34&source=0) is another. Perhaps these ‘shock blogs’ are symptomatic of a nasty editorial line, and suspicion that this is a marketing ploy is actually the optimistic viewpoint.
Predictably, the post got a huge response, mostly from irate cyclists.
But aren’t people missing the point here? In the digital age, the more clicks a website can manage the better. What better way to get people clicking than posting up an inflammatory article. Mr. Wright (and the company accountants) must be laughing, although probably not all the way to the bank. Turning digital visitors into profits is something yet to be perfected, hence Mr. Murdoch’s recent suggestions of making his online content paid for.
As I remember it, the section that Mr. Wright’s article appeared used to be for readers to send in their own columns. Presumably his appearance is not an indication that no-one can be bothered to send in stuff.
Looking down the list of previous blogs it seems that ‘shock blogs’ are posted fairly regularly, presumably to garner the same response. Mr. Wrights comedic tour de force is far from alone. “Immigrants – one rule for us and one rule for them” (http://www.yourshepway.co.uk/blog.aspx?bid=34&source=0) is another. Perhaps these ‘shock blogs’ are symptomatic of a nasty editorial line, and suspicion that this is a marketing ploy is actually the optimistic viewpoint.
Constitution Changes Branded ‘Nuts’ at Council Meeting
Changes to the Constitution of the Council were branded ‘nuts’ by Liberal Democrat during a full council meeting held on September 30. Proposed changes alter the way citizens can present petitions and affect the process of scrutinising council decisions.
The number of signatures required for a petition to be presented to Council will be increased from 50 to 250. Accusing the Conservatives of making the council more remote from the people, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Lynne Beaumont said “Since the start of this council we have had four petitions. Why make it more difficult? How will small groups of residents voice their concerns?”
The debate descended into angry scenes as Conservative councillors refuted this. Conservative Councillor Malcom Dearden responded that to allow petitions of only 50 signatories would be “counter-productive and counter-democratic.”
Liberal Democrat councillors were reminded that in 2004 a petition of over 20,000 signatures protesting against the closure of public conveniences was collected against a Liberal Democrat administration. Struggling to be heard over the ensuing cheers and jeers in the chamber, Cllr. Beaumont protested that the petition referred to a “different council”.
Changes to the call-in-procedure, which allows certain decisions to be reconsidered, provoked further sharp exchanges. Under the proposed changes to call in decisions at least two points from the following list will have to be fulfilled:
· the decision is claimed to be outside or contrary to the budget and policy framework.
· there was inadequate consultation with stakeholders prior to the decision.
· there was inadequate evidence on which to base the decision.
· the action is not proportionate to the desired outcome.
· there is a potential human rights challenge.
· there is insufficient consideration of the advice of the statutory officers.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Matthews expressed disbelief at the change noting the changes appear to mean that a possible human rights challenge is not enough for a decision to be called in. “This is nuts, and places the Council at risk” he said.
The changes to the constitution are part of a wider debate on democracy in the district and provoked strong comments from Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in letters to local papers and postings on internet homepages. Conservative councillors repeatedly deny Liberal Democrat allegations that they are attempting to stifle debate and limit the opportunities for scrutiny of decisions and public representations and have accused Conservatives of ‘ripping up the Constitution in an arrogant power grab’. (http://shepwaylibdems.org.uk/news/001543/shepway_conservatives_rip_up_council_constitution_in_arrogant_power_grab.html)
Edit 19 October - Responding to questions from 'From under the stone' for opinions on the changes after the meeting, Cllr Matthews stated that the change to rules on petitions "just pushes the public further away - its as if their views are just not wanted," and that the Council is "arrogant, uncaring, and bluntly, undemocratic."
The Conservatives have not responded to similar questions.
Report A/09/08 – Review of the Constitution.
http://www.shepway.gov.uk/webapp/service/cads/doc/council/Reports/rcoun20090930%20Review%20of%20the%20Constitution.doc?download=download
The number of signatures required for a petition to be presented to Council will be increased from 50 to 250. Accusing the Conservatives of making the council more remote from the people, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Lynne Beaumont said “Since the start of this council we have had four petitions. Why make it more difficult? How will small groups of residents voice their concerns?”
The debate descended into angry scenes as Conservative councillors refuted this. Conservative Councillor Malcom Dearden responded that to allow petitions of only 50 signatories would be “counter-productive and counter-democratic.”
Liberal Democrat councillors were reminded that in 2004 a petition of over 20,000 signatures protesting against the closure of public conveniences was collected against a Liberal Democrat administration. Struggling to be heard over the ensuing cheers and jeers in the chamber, Cllr. Beaumont protested that the petition referred to a “different council”.
Changes to the call-in-procedure, which allows certain decisions to be reconsidered, provoked further sharp exchanges. Under the proposed changes to call in decisions at least two points from the following list will have to be fulfilled:
· the decision is claimed to be outside or contrary to the budget and policy framework.
· there was inadequate consultation with stakeholders prior to the decision.
· there was inadequate evidence on which to base the decision.
· the action is not proportionate to the desired outcome.
· there is a potential human rights challenge.
· there is insufficient consideration of the advice of the statutory officers.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Matthews expressed disbelief at the change noting the changes appear to mean that a possible human rights challenge is not enough for a decision to be called in. “This is nuts, and places the Council at risk” he said.
The changes to the constitution are part of a wider debate on democracy in the district and provoked strong comments from Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in letters to local papers and postings on internet homepages. Conservative councillors repeatedly deny Liberal Democrat allegations that they are attempting to stifle debate and limit the opportunities for scrutiny of decisions and public representations and have accused Conservatives of ‘ripping up the Constitution in an arrogant power grab’. (http://shepwaylibdems.org.uk/news/001543/shepway_conservatives_rip_up_council_constitution_in_arrogant_power_grab.html)
Edit 19 October - Responding to questions from 'From under the stone' for opinions on the changes after the meeting, Cllr Matthews stated that the change to rules on petitions "just pushes the public further away - its as if their views are just not wanted," and that the Council is "arrogant, uncaring, and bluntly, undemocratic."
The Conservatives have not responded to similar questions.
Report A/09/08 – Review of the Constitution.
http://www.shepway.gov.uk/webapp/service/cads/doc/council/Reports/rcoun20090930%20Review%20of%20the%20Constitution.doc?download=download
Thursday 1 October 2009
Step-Short Launch - Go to this!
Referred to briefly in the post below, the Step-short campaign is organising a packed weekend of exhibitions, talks, walks and meetings.
Sadly I will be away from the town this weekend (blame the girlfriend!), but I sincerely hope that good weather and a great turnout greets the organisers, all of whom should be commended for their efforts in organising and promoting this event.
Focusing on the Road of Remembrance and taking its name from the command given to soldiers descending the hill on their way to the battlefields of WW1, anyone interested in local history, the appearance of the Road of Remembrance, how the town could be promoted in the future or just Folkestone in general should attend.
For further details, a full timetable and contact details please follow http://www.gofolkestone.org.uk/events/step-short.html
Sadly I will be away from the town this weekend (blame the girlfriend!), but I sincerely hope that good weather and a great turnout greets the organisers, all of whom should be commended for their efforts in organising and promoting this event.
Heralding a New Bias?
Today (October 1) the Herald carried a Conservative response to Lib Dem Councillor Neil Matthews' incendary letter of two weeks ago which accused the Conservative administration of 'their intention to keep democracy in the dark.' (http://shepwaylibdems.org.uk/articles/000122/shepways_tories__frightened_of_democracy.html). Perhaps the only blight on this barnstorming performance was the ending which appeared more on message for the Conservatives with the clarion call 'It's time for change'. (http://www.conservatives.com/).
The response (http://www.shepwayconservatives.org.uk/index.php?sectionid=3&pagenumber=427) is equally full of vim and vigour and worth a read, with counter examples and a sharp ending. Readers can (and of course should) decide themselves who wins this one.
What really caught this blogger's eye is that in addition to taking a swipe at the Lib Dems, Cllr Tillson also has a pop at the Herald. Next to the horrifically blown up head of Cllr Tillson (don't panic - I am referring to the terrible pixellation of his photo), the title bar and preamble are:
Sportingly the Herald have left off this rather bitter opening shot though the ususal 'anti-conservative bias' is in full force - directly opposite Cllr Tillson's letter is yet another 'Commons Touch' column from our-as-yet-unelected MP, Damian Collins.
The response (http://www.shepwayconservatives.org.uk/index.php?sectionid=3&pagenumber=427) is equally full of vim and vigour and worth a read, with counter examples and a sharp ending. Readers can (and of course should) decide themselves who wins this one.
What really caught this blogger's eye is that in addition to taking a swipe at the Lib Dems, Cllr Tillson also has a pop at the Herald. Next to the horrifically blown up head of Cllr Tillson (don't panic - I am referring to the terrible pixellation of his photo), the title bar and preamble are:
Sportingly the Herald have left off this rather bitter opening shot though the ususal 'anti-conservative bias' is in full force - directly opposite Cllr Tillson's letter is yet another 'Commons Touch' column from our-as-yet-unelected MP, Damian Collins.
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