Trains and journey times

Time is approaching when I have to make a trip to Manchester, to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. Normally the journey is a doddle, 2 hours to London (60 miles), 1 hour in London, 2hour 15mins to Manchester.

Not so on the Sunday I have to travel. 2hrs 10mins to London, followed by 5hrs and 4 changes to get to Manchester. (plus the obligatory 1 hour in London). Why is it that Sunday travellers have to face these delays, they are still paying for their tickets?

I understand the need for improvements for the West Coast main line, but why is there only one route to the North west?

National Health Service.

Having had some 'up close and personal' experiences of one of the 'Failing' NHS trusts in the west of the county, I can say, with some authority, that even a 'Failing' trust is good, staffed with caring people who, even though they are vastly underpaid, are a credit to the trust they work for.

Locally we are also well served, but it does make a mockery of the 'performance' targets and figures that so riddle our society today. How many people are paid to 'tot' up the figures, and more importantly, would it not be good to publish how much public money is spent on the whole system of 'Performance Figures and Targets'? (perhaps in percentage terms of the organisation's budget.)

Re-cycling

Disturbing piece in the Times the other day. Apparently because of the recession no one wants to buy all the stuff we recycle. So it has to go into 'Storage' until the economy sorts itself. (first choice sites of this government are said to be old military airports!

Network Rail

Sad to see that many improvements to our rail network have been ruled out due to financial restrictions.

As a regular user of the West Coast mainline I would have loved to see our rail network improved for the future.

I actually think that Beeching did a good job in rationalising our rail system, but it seems that we have lost the plot over railways in the future.

We should be investing public funds in our railways, to ensure that, when air and road travel become prohibitavely expensive, we have a reliable, cheap, and quick transport solution. (and also you can have a swift 'half' to make the time spent more convivial)

Power Cuts (again)

Those of you who are regular readers will know that, from time to time, I have a real moan about EDF energy because of their tardiness in rectifying 'power outages'. Well last night, guess what, 1 lightning flash and the power was gone.

Now the difference, a call to the emergency number told the tale of woe that was power supply to a large swathe of the South East. Snow, ice, and freezing rain. Made our 'outage' seem like small fry, but NO. A lovely lady called Nadine was polite , explained that a sub station had been struck by lightning , but that as we spoke engineers were trying to effect repairs. (this was at 0030hrs in the Pi**ing rain.)

Seems that EDF have at last got their act together and married technical skill with customer service. Hats off to them!

Ps power was back in just a flash (1 hour)

Words that come back and Bite (series 1)

Anyone who gets involved in public life will know that inevitably, some your sayings will come back to haunt you.(I know this personally to be a fact). My favourite to date has to be the words of the then chancellor (G B) a few years ago. ''an end to the 'Boom and Bust' economy is my aim''.

Xmas is coming.

I saw a long range forecast today that predicts a mild winter, that would make it a straight run since 1987. Are we global warming, or just lucky?

Labour, The Party of the workers?

Unemployment is up. Bring on David Cameron!!!!!!!!

RNLI Radio

Worrying to hear that OFCOM want to increase massively the cost of radio licences for the RNLI!

Their excuse ' It puts them on the same level as the Ambulance and TAXIS?

I am at a loss as to the simularities between the Ambulance Service and the Taxis.

Lewis Hamilton, Hero or Zero?

So Lewis got into a little bother in Japan, Is he being picked on by Formula 1 bosses, or is he not so good?

Big Cats In Thanet

I notice in the Fortean Times, that thanet has become a bit of a 'Hot spot' for sightings of large cats in the wild.

Have you seen any? I have not , though some people I know well have.

China Gateway

OK , The debate is over, the application was passed. The result, IMHO, was the right one, but I do have to say that I was really impressed by Malcolm Kirkcaldie's comments at the meeting. I hope we have put enough checks in place to ease his concerns.

Me, all I want to see is a Thanet that has a future as a vibrant and exciting economy, what I do not want to see is a community that has no future, no jobs, and no young people. Change is good for all of us, me, I'm retired, but I do want my grandchildren to have a chance of working and becoming part of a community that is forward looking.

Moderation

Some of you may have noticed that I put moderation on from time to time.

There is no sinister reason for this, just that if I get a spate of either 'actionable' comments or just plain 'rude' comments, I will use my 'editors' right and stop people being very silly.

I know it sounds autocratic, but I set the terms of this particular blog, and if you do not like that then please post elsewhere.

New Minister!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hellooooo Gordon Broon,

Did you not notice that Peter Mandelson has been 'sacked' before

Euro Kent

Most of you will have seen the front page of the I O T G.

I can assure you all that

1, I have no knowledge of these plans.

2, The Planning committee will deal with them impartially,

and

3, I have not been party to any discussion about these'Plans'

Ruth Kelly

Never had much time for this lady in the past, but she has gone up in my estimation!

How to get free prescriptions

Did I hear Mr Brown right,? If you want free prescriptions you have to smoke a lot and get cancer? I would have thought it would be easier and less life threatening to move to wales?

Pyotr Veliky

Some times do you wonder what news is being 'buried' under Boris J's planned airport, or Gordon Broon's 'dodgy' 're-launch' ?

The news article about Mr Putin's fleet having an autumn break in the caribbean is the one that springs to mind with me.

Seems the americans need a new Kennedy to sort this one out!

A 'Crippled' Government?

So dear old Gordon lumbers on, propped up by the USA who have begun to solve the financial problems that beset us all.

But now he tries to claim the credit,

1, by 'sorting out the Northern Rock problem (how much will that cost us?)

2, By allowing one bank to take over another, thus creating a bank that has a third of the UK mortgage market. (That is surely putting the death knell on cheap mortgages?).


Excuse me for being cynical. But I get the feeling we will all pay for this, each and every one of us

Planning Again!

Well is it really 4 weeks since the China gateway landed on our laps.?

I see elsewhere that comment has been made on the way I voted on that issue. I can only say that I listened to the debate, and formed a view, much as I will at 'Full Council'.

It is nice to get back to the basics of planning, which is the decisions that are more important to individuals than one issue groups.

A short Break

Back from a short break in the countryside, near a pub. I have now removed moderation again, so you can all get back to writing comments normally again

The Economy

Should the Conservative Party stick to the sepending plans of Labour, if they win the next election? (Bearing in mind the dire state of our economy as admitted by the Chancellor) ?

Confused.com

Had a real issue trying to post the last oen, Thanks to Michael, managed it. Us bloggers must stick together

Early Fall

I notice on my perambulations that the Horse Chestnut Trees are all losing their leaves, about a month early. Is this our changing climate or some disease that is afflicting our beloved 'conker trees' ?

Two Sides to Every Story

Those of you who are up to speed will know that one of my roles is that of Chairman of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for England and Wales. A case was brought to my attention last Wednesday that highlights the need to understand that Local Authorities are getting better at their proceedures.

An appeal reached our adjudicators that rested on a local authorities slowness in issuing a replacement 'Blue Badge'. As a result someone had been issued with a ticket for parking on an onstreet parking place.
At least that was what was said to the tribunal.
Reality was, backed up by picture, that the person had bought a ticket,(why when they 'had' a blue badge? Also, they gave the attendent a load of 'verbal'.

I think the lesson to be learned is that motorists need to realise that councils have the full use of technology to prove their argument.

Pound versus Euro

Time was when it made good sense to go to France on a booze cruise, now its often cheaper to buy the booze at home. Does this mean we should have joined the Euro, or should we have a weak pound?

I am, I am afraid to say, leaning more to the euro at present. (after all they are only 'drinking vouchers')

Technical Hitch Solved

Unlike the Labour Government my new computer is now working.

Gordon the Highwayman.

I see in the Times today that our beloved Prime Minister has a cunning plan to fund a package of 'help' for 'poorer' families to cope with fuel, food,and housing costs. This 'Plan' is to auction off pollution permits.

This means that fuel companies will be able to buy permits to pollute our country.

Who will pay? Not the fuel companies. The real payers will be the likes of all of us, because the price of fuel /energy will rise as these companies protect their profits. Ironically, the poorer housholds will be the hardest hit as they use more of their disposable income to buy energy.

This seems to be a cynical, short term, way of making people think this government is helping the poor.

Olympic Games

So they are over at last, From my point of view Hurray. I am only really interested in three sports, Motor racing, cricket and ***. none of these are at the olympics. I, personally am glad the whole lot is over for another 4 years. I can tell you I will not be in London in 2012.

More importantly, if the money was invested in medical research, how many lives would have been saved?

ill, Sell your possesions to pay for treatment

Front page of the times today. Those of you who cannot bring yourselves to buy the Times, do go to the pub and look over someones shoulder.

Patients are being forced to sell their homes and cars to get the treatment they need. I could understand this in the past, but not under a labour government. It reinforces my move from Labour to Conservative. Sorry to the labour party, but the NHS is not safe in your hands.

Nato vs Russia

Looking at a report in the Times today, is it possible that our illustrious NATO allowed the Russians to have a free hand in Georgia to gain an accurate assesment of their military capability?

I am not sure , but to look at it in the cold light of day it seems possible

Hotel experiences

A friend of mine tried to book a night at a Travel Lodge a couple of nights ago. Not an easy task apparantly. Long car journey results in standing at 'Reception'

Bloke says 'How may I help you'.

Answer 'I'd like a room please have you one spare?'.

Response 'Yes, but I cannot take your booking until 8pm. you can book now on our premium rate telephone line, it will take about 10 minutes or on the internet.'

Question 'why can't you take my booking now?'

Response 'Company policy, we don't know how many rooms we have left until 8pm'

Answer ' Poke your hotel I'll go to a real one'

The friend did, had a great nights sleep and was able to pay with real cash as well.

Do these companies want our trade or not?

(

Horse Tax

Am I alone, Why do people who take their horses on the road not have to have Insurance? These fine animals, poo on the road, (try hitting that with your bike), and are generally frightened of cars.

My concern is that there is no way anyone can tell if the horses or riders are insured. Is it not time for mandatory insurance for horses and their riders on the road?

Power The future?

I have just seen that the venture capital company who are backers of the Thanet Array wind farm are off loading their share of the company. Is this because renewable energy is doomed to failure? Perhaps our future source of power should be nuclear? I am not sure if either way is the answer, but am trying to get my average sized brain around a problem that is facing us all.

Black Gold ! mk2

The oil price is now at $105 a barrel. And yet my clapped out 4x4 still costs the same to fill up. I understand about it taking time to filter through the supply chain, but how does that work when the price goes up? Is it a law of physics that the price takes a day to reach the pumps on the way up, but an age when it goes down?

Climate Camps

I look with interest at the folk who are getting hot under the collar at the northern Ebbsfleet. Whilst I would support their right to protest, what I do not support is their action in pitching camp in a farmers field without permission.

If it had been my land I would have decided that now harvest was over the land needed fertilizing, right now. As an organic sort of chap I suppose that would mean spreading organic manure!

More relavent to us, how long before we have our very own protest camp at Richborough. Todays East Kent Mercury warns us that the waste incinerator is yet again a possibility for the old power station site.

As there is (a) no application with our council, and (b) 98% of the site lays within Dover District, I could freely comment. However I won't as once again, it falls on me to talk about facts and not my view point. ( having not seen the full story I have not got one yet)

Black Gold.

The fuel companies seem to have it made. Crude Oil has just dropped in value by 18% since July. It now stands at $119.48 a barrel. When the price of oil rose to $147.27 the price of our fuel went up over night. Have just filled up the knackered old 4x4 I drive, £76 for the diesel. same as 3 weeks ago.

Someone, some where is making loads of money by being a tad tardy when it comes to reducing prices.

Its not cricket!

One of life's little mysteries is the way the English treat failure in the world of sport.

If a football team get a run of failures, Out Goes the Manager! If the England cricket team falls, Out Goes the ...............Captain. Why?

I can understand the football side, after all the manager picks the team. In cricket the selectors pick the team, the captain, and just give the captain the job of making a silk purse out of a sows ear.

British Energy

Why is anyone surprised that EDF called a halt to the aquisition of British Energy?

Lets think, The British Government are talking about a windfall tax on Britains energy supply companies, EDF is one, The Government want EDF to build new nuclear Power plants. (and the are the only company interested.

add that lot together, and work out who has the upper hand.

Police texting

So now , instead of junk mail we are to get junk texts from the dear old Kent Police. (page 2 Thanet Times).

One stated message that those dear old folk in blue will be sending us is '' Don't advertise your phone to thieves, keep it safe keep it hidden''.

Question , what is the first thing you do when you get a text message? YOU GET YOUR PHONE OUT' of course all the scrotes who nick phones will obligingly look the other way won't they.

Shock News Tory Councillor supports Brown

Well it had to happen. I am declaring my support for Gordon Brown as Leader of the Labour Party!

Why, well to be honest, I want to get David Cameron into number 10.

The best chance to get Mr Cameron elected as Prime Minister is to keep Gordon as Leader of the Red Corner.

That way the conservative party needs to spend no money, and no time electioneering to take over as the governing party.

Just imagine how easy it would be if the Conservative Party really tried. (As we will) I'm not taking the p*** out of the electorate, just 'Outing' a long term 'Sleeper' that the Conservatives have 'placed' in the Labour Party. ie Gordon B.

Energy Prices people out of their lives

In the last few days I have noticed a marked increase in my post of letters from some of my older constituents who are very worried about possible and actual increases in heating costs.

I know that my role as a District Councillor does not give me much opportunity to help, other than to liase with the Benefits Agency, but In reality, is the price of keeping warm in the coming winter going to be this Government's 'Poll Tax'.

Unfortunately for them, they don't seem able to have much control over the welfare of the needy of our country.

Temporary interruption to service

I may be off for a few days, but nothing serious (shame some of you may say) but I have a couple of family problems to sort out, so aside from scheduled meetings, I am exercising my right to have a life.

I will still be watching so beware

TRIPE

No not the bovine type, but the written word.

Elsewhere on the strange world that is the internet, people are refering to how local councillors can have some form of employment and serve on specific types of committee.

I have been on the council for 13 years plus now, and have represented wards in all our major towns, does that mean I am qualified to speak or not when an item from one of those towns comes to planning.(bit of a pointless discussion,now, because as chair of planning I should not express a view during the debate, and as some of you will notice, I rarely vote, unless there is a tied vote, then its my responsibility to do so).

I am sorry, but my previous employment covers Police/Fire/ Media/ and agriculture, so should I refrain, as a councillor from having a view on those matters?

Some councillors have a past and present in education, shop keeping, security, building, homemaking, Health, oh the list is endless.

My point is that Councillors make up nearly all sectors of society, and are there to represent their constituents,(even if they did not vote for them). I have always tried to do that, and am pretty sure that most other councillors, of whatever political party, have done the same.

Some of the comments I have seen on the web make me sure that those individuals would not be able to vote on some of the issues that are current. Strange then that they seem to want to alienate the very councillors who's support they want.

But this , of course, is the way that society is going, elect someone, and when they try and take into account ALL views, castigate them for not agreeing with one side or the other.

I am pretty sure that I speak on behalf of a great majority of the 56 councillors who represent Thanet, when I say that we are all here to do as best we can for the community as a whole, not to further our own interests!

Inflation

Pleased to see that local authority workers in Thanet are not on strike.

However, the bubble seems to have burst in regard to inflation. the accepted rate seems to vary between 1.2% to 5.6%. I suspect it may be even higher.

Fuel continues to rise, despite Mr Darlings announcement that the fuel duty escalator will not apply in october. Food also is on the rise, and energy prices are also on the up.

Does our 'Government' not realise that we have to pay the bills, or are they so cosseted that it escapes them that the people are hurting.

Gardens to visit

Over the last couple of weeks I have had a chance to visit some of the attractions of East Kent. I have been amazed by what we have to offer.

to pick out a few,
The gardens at Northdown Park. (avoid the dog walkers and their leavings)
South Foreland Lighthouse,(stupendous views).
The gardens at St Margarets, (but does contain some very 'Dodgy' arty stuff)
Mt Ephraim Gardens near Faversham (brilliant for kids, and a credit to those who tend it)
and finally, The Gate at Marshside, (check out the food((and the beer))).

Just goes to show, Kent has got it all.

A word of caution, avoid the Kent show like the plague, £17.50 per adult, and on Sunday 3hours to leave the car park.

David Davies

Well, as suspected he regained his 'seat'. Was it worth it? IMHO no. Whilst a matter of principle, it has not helped on the 42 day debate.

I support the man for his principles, but have to question his judgement.

On a lower income ? Vote for anyone but Labour

I never thought I would see the day when the title of this post could be true.

Dental Charges/New Contract, 10p tax band, Fuel Duty, Road Tax, Food prices, Electric and Gas prices, Mortgage rates, Mortgage availability, and to cap all that, most peoples main asset (their House) is falling in value.

Where has the Labour Party gone? or where is it going?

Food Waste

We all waste abot £8..40p worth of food each week according to our 'Prime Minister' .

Like most of you I saw an item in my newspaper today listing the menu he had to choose from at the G8 summit.

At the prices charged at Gordon Ramsey's nosh bars, he had only to leave half of his 'Smoked salmon and Sea urchin 'Bread surprise style' to have achieved this at one sitting.

Looking at the other courses, it gets potentially worse.

Last night I left nothing of my cheese omlette, home grown courgette and mangetoute rissotto, with kenyan beans, with a tomato dressing. (all home grown except for the cheese and the gas to cook it).

I suppose thats a bit like carbon offset, I cancelled out his waste.

Sport

As a habitual avoider of anything 'sporty', (excluding pub games , cricket and formula 1) All I need is a cracking game of skittles to make my season complete. British success in motor racing (please) Kent at last in a cricketing final, and England not in the last football fest.

Local Developement Framework

Formerly we had a local plan, it ran for 11 years and was constantly being updated. Now Central Government has told us we must change and have an LDF. In simple terms, a loose leaf file that can be constantly updated.

The mind boggles at how these civil servants think up these stunning ideas.

The new document will be 'Slimmer' but have huge wedges of supporting documentation!

I do know that 5 of us councillors will be working on this for a year or so.

Henley

I refer dilligent readers to my earlier comments re Crewe and Nantwich.

Livingstone ideas take over New Labour

Equality.

If two people apply for a job now, it will be possible to pick one candidate over another if they are 1, Female, 2, of Ethnicity, or 3, Disabled/Disadvantaged.

Old fashioned I may be, but I always thought the best person got the job, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation etc?

Perhaps some one should tell Ms Harman that her policy is a vote loser?

Planning

So the government has passed the legislation taking away the power of local determination over major projects.

Is this good or bad?

Please let me know, as we can still change the legislation.

Basic question is, would you like a quango to decide your future major projects or your local councillors, after all they are elected by you.

From that last comment you will gather I am not a supporter of the new legislation!!!!

Death of a local man

Sad to hear of the death of one of our local police constables. PC Andy Eley was a friend and a respected member of the local police.

Whatever the reason for his death he will be missed locally. My sympathy does go to his surviving family.

Its all Carp!!

Okay I may be a carp speller, but I watched 3 people today, in my home village, and 2 in the village I represent, letting their dogs do the business and leaving it steaming on the street.

Next time i will have the camera ready.

More importantly, these are mostly our residents, the same ones who pay council tax, and complain when it goes up. (because its costs more money to clean dirtier streets!)

If I were a pessimist I would be really worried

Labours County Manifesto

I have just had sight of the Labour Party's Manifesto for the County Elections next year!

Before some of you start saying that I saw these from a certain source, No , the document came from a friend who is a county councillor, who is considering 'Jumping Ship' and joining the Conservative Group. Watch the press for details.

I have to say that Its the worst manifesto I have seen for years, Full of B**l Sh** and politic speak, but no substance, except for a vague hint that grammer schools should be abolished, oh and to promise to work with trade unions to stop people trafficking and to stop the exploitation of temporary workers. (I thought that was the trade unions job) .

In reality, a contract to work with trade unions to ensure that we are all paying a few more, to provide us with less( like the Shell Tanker Drivers) .

Secret Planning Application

I notice from today's local paper that all the fuss about some of the larger planning applications has been overshadowed by the moving of London's Canary Wharf developement to Monkton.

(Letters, Page 13 Isle of Thanet Gazette).

Hands up, I did not see the application, but will be asking questions!

Rain Again

Does anyone understand that the rain we had last week was what is classed as 'exceptional weather'?

The comments I have received about flooding have all revolved around the 'fact' that the council are to blame!

I am reminded of the title of a new book by local authors, available at Michaels book shop. Its about second world war air raid sirens, Check out the title at the Thanet on line link to your right.

Power Cuts

I am convinced that EDF is run by someone who hates me.
I know its my fault I live in a village, but why do my powercuts go on for hours?

2am the lights went out, and as I write they are still out.

At 7am they had not yet dispatched an engineer/eers to deal with the problem. 11 am some folk were re connected, but not the few who live in the houses around Village HQ.

I feel sorry for the call centre staff, but dispair at the unplumbed depths of the incompetance of the company.

Crewe & Nantwich

To quote John Prescott, in May 1997, '' I've been told its unwise to gloat, well s*d it, I'm going to ''

Bank Holiday Alert

So are we to have a hot half term or a cold wet one?

Whatever, I'll bet that the traffic jams will be gone around our schools.

Lets have half term every week

Growing Up

Hats off to the young lad, who at the age of 15 stole a boat, and had to be rescued by the coastguard helicopter, cost £20,000.

At the age of 18 he is now doing a sponsered walk around the Uk to raise £20K for the Dorset air ambulance. He says it is to repay the money he caused to be spent on himself.

I do wish more of our society would take such a mature view. When he gets to Thanet I will be one of the first to donate.

Annual Council

An interesting time was had by all but the public at last thursday's Annual Council.

Some serious political posturing, and some seriously childish rants.

End result, Council set up for the following year, public bemused by the rants of some of the Labour Group, and the image of the council seemingly tarnished by the apparant inability of certain (left of centre) councillors to understand the rules of debate.

But then I would say that being a Conservative Councillor!

It's a new broom for London

Boris has won it,(well, with a little help from his political party and the electorate).

More importantly we should all read Matthew Parris's article in todays Times.

This is a serious message to Mr Brown ( in case he hasn't registered, our Prime Minister) . You have got it wrong!

Perhaps he will have the decency to go for an autumn election, and let us all get it over with, or maybe he will wait until 2010.

If so, expect more of the 'Clunking Fist'. (you have upset me, so I will take more of your money)

Future posts

There are reasons why I shall be standing aside from some of the future comments on this and other posts. It does not mean that I do not have an opinion, just that I will not be in a position to express it.

I did have the option of closing down this blog, but I chose not to do so. In my opinion everyone has a right to express their POV. I will , however, not bring myself into conflict with the law of our country.

Please accept that I do not feel that I have been 'gagged'. I do understand that I may well have an obligation to 'Listen' rather than 'Lead'

Energy Companies

Visited today by a charming young Lady from a certain energy supplier, who told me I should change to her company, as it was soooo much cheaper than the one I use. I asked her to come back in half an hour as I was 'busy'. By the time she returned i was able to show her the print out from 'U' switch, showing her that her company was one of the dearest. Result, said Lady became foul mouthed old bag, accusing me of wasting her time!.

Any of you had one of these visits?

Will be a little busy with Council stuff this next week, but will try to keep up to speed with all you 'Bloggers'

Fuel Crisis?

The refinery strike in Scotland is threatening our fuel supplies (source. the times ) . Is this a plot by the Scots to ruin our economy? (along with Gordon the clunking fist)

Inadvertant deletion of links

Sorry all you peeps,

Pressed the wrong button and deleted you all. You will all be up and running tomorrow, after a night of sin and debauchery here at village HQ

Holidays

In response to an article on David Greens web log, where would, or do, you spend your holidays, given loads of cash and loads of time?

Brown flies out (incogneto)

Our Prime Minister flew to America yesterday aboard a charter aircraft that seemed to be regaled in the stars of the EU.

Should we give our 'elected' leader a form of transport that indicates and advertises that he comes from the UK, or let him/her fly anonymously.

Return From War

Interesting to see in the press today how we treat our war casualties, and how the Canadians treat theirs. Have we lost the plot?

Iconic Kent

Interesting to see that not one of the National Iconic Buildings is thought to be in Kent.
I am sure that we have some of the best structures in the UK, at least two of which are in Thanet.

My nomination would be South Foreland Lighthouse, with Bleak House a close second.

The 'Grand National'

Is it really 'Grand' when horses have to be put down for giving us 'sport'?

New residents to the UK

So our illustrious leader (Gordon B) says that he does not favour limiting access to immigrants to the uk! (source today's Times newspaper)

Come on then , what are your views?

School Sickness?

My Grandaughter attends a primary school in Thanet, it has a 'role' of just over 100. I am told that just over a third of the children are 'off' with a sickness bug. It lasts for up to a week.

If this were a hospital there would be national headlines, why not with a school?

Traffic Management Act

Well its here now, we as a council can 'do' you for illegal parking by remote control. Well actually we can't, because our cameras are not modern enough 'Yet'!

But we can start to get tough on the services who dig our roads up, and cause problems for people who want to get from 'A' to 'B'.

Let me know and I will attempt to get an answer to your road excavation problems

Turner Contemporary

According to the Times, the Russians are to be loaned a selection of Turner's works in a cultural exchange.

As is well known, I do not like his art much, but I do feel, that if the Russians can view it first hand, perhaps the people of East Kent could get a loan of some of his originals!

Me, I will stick with the most well known 'Turner'

Joint Transportation Board

Last night was the latest in the series. Matters discussed ranged from the new planned extension of the Thanet Way, via St Lukes Avenue in Ramsgate, to Hartsdown Road in Margate.

There is so much on the horizon, I just wish it would come yesterday!

If any of you need to know more, just ask myself or your ward councillor, I may not be able to get you an answer straight away, but it will come.

Terminal 5

Seems that BAA's luggage problems have emerged again at the new Heathrow Terminal. Are they ever going to get it right?

Rate Rises

Having just received my rates bill, (yes us councillors do have to pay them!) I notice that the Police/Fire/County,and District managed to keep their rises to the 5% or below region.

However, my illustrious parish council came in with a huge 14.1% rise. What do they spend their money on? I should know as I used to be a parish councillor, but was booted out in 1999. Back then we kept our rises to inflation.

I hasten to add I have no urge to again become a Parish Councillor, 8years was enough.

Planning Committee

A sudden outbreak of unity seemed to happen at Planning last evening, Lots of good debate, and common sense.

Seriously, the Planning Department at Thanet has been slated for being slow and unresponsive in the past, now the figures finally prove that it is quick and dealing with more applications than anywhere else in Kent (I think).

A new staff structure should speed things up even more, and if members continue to behave as they did last night, I think we will have something to be proud of.

Of course , in any planning matter there will be someone who is unhappy, but I do feel, that in Thanet, a fair hearing is available.

Local Youth

Today I became a victim of our local 'YOOF'

Driving along I was startled to be 'distracted' by a lump of 'Something' appearing on my windscreen.

Suddenly I associated this with the two 10 year olds on the pavement with a catapult type instrument.

Upon giving chase I saw two local kids busy wetting themselves because someone had caught them.

Upon speaking to their parents, I was pleased to see that they were going to get some parental discipline.

Should more of us be confronting these minor indiscretions, thus stopping greater problems in the future

The Budget

No, only a joke, everyone will be blogging about this!

Really, what should be done about the lad we are going to send back to Iran. You know, the one who is gay. Certain death awaits him at the hands of the government there. Should we send him back, or should we give him a safe haven?

Queen and Country

Should our kids swear their support to the queen, or should they just promise to be good citizens?

Troops In Uniform

Disgusting news today about the members of OUR ARMED FORCES being abused by members of the public because they were wearing uniform.

In my view, any complaint should be expressed at the ballot box, not at the brave people who carry out the wishes of our government, (which, of course, we can change every 5 years or less)

Europe

Ok, straight question, do we want a referendum on the treaty, or not?

School Places

Well did you get the place you wanted for your children,? If not what will you be doing? Is it fair? I'm too old to be part of this, but as a councillor I would like to help, but the government say that people with a political involvement cannot attend appeals!

Kent Freedom Pass

I was at a meeting of the Kent Transport Board yesterday, where the issue of the above pass was discussed.
This scheme has been trialed in Canterbury and Tonbridge/Tunbridge Wells. 5,000 passes have been issued and over 100,000 trips per month have been made.

27% of users stated that the car was their previous form of transport to school.

The planned expansion of the scheme is as follows,

Scheme to be spread to Malling, Maidstone, Dover and Shepway in June 2008.

Thanet and Swale in January 2009.

Countywide in June 2009.

It is also planned to include companions for disabled young people and to waive the fee for low income families.

Network Rail

So NetworkRail have been 'fined' 14 million for the Xmas fun on the WestCoast Mainline. May be I am going mad, but this is a nationalised company, who's job is to keep the tracks safe, and improve them.

If so, 14 mill would have done a lot of track repairs. There are no private shareholders, just us 'Joe Public'.

What we have here is dear old Gordon taking back 14 million of our money to help budget his books, or maybe I'm wrong

Mortality

I was informed over the weekend of the death of someone I held in high regard.

I would not , probably, be welcome at the funeral, but would like to reflect on their life. Does our system make allowances for this type of situation, or should we make the facilities available for past friends/partners to express their grief away from the immediate family?

24hr Drinking

How do you all feel about the latest 'Daily Mail' scare about 24hr drinking, Does it cause a problem? Should it be stopped? or should we leave it alone and concentrate on other problems?

Green Waste

One of the largest post bags I have ever had is about the green waste collection.
As of the new financial year there will be a flat fee to join the scheme on an annual basis, but all residents will be able to do so. At present only a few get the scheme, but we all pay for it.

My mail tells me that 70% want the new scheme, 25% want the old scheme, and 5% want the scheme available to anyone, but funded by the rates.

What are your views?

Ps 1 letter was extremely rude.

Castro

So was he good or bad for his country? I do not really care what the rest of the world think of him, but his people seem to think the world of him!

Freedom Of Speech

So two of our more reactionary Bloggers are only allowing 'invited' readers/contributers.

If someone wants to take me to court over a comment made on this site, I will use the defence that I will remove any contributions that are ,in my view, inappropriate, as soon as I can. If it is my comment that causes problems, that is my fault and I will defend that as far as I can.

(ps I have no money or property in my name)

By all means carry on posting, just keep it fair.

The Budget

Once again the District Council Budget has been set.

As a previous member of the then ruling Labour Group, I was interested to hear their Leader propose a rise of 2.1% on the grounds that we should think of the ratepayers of Thanet!

This was the same individual who presided over a 11% rise in one year back in the late 90's,early 00's.
I am no financial wizard, but I do know that people want better services, how should we pay for them?

Urban versus rural

As is well kown, I live in a rural community, and represent an a urban village. I think this is useful as it results in a 'cross pollenation' between both communities. Do you agree, or am I wrong?

Before you post, please understand, your ISP identifier is available to me!"!"

Village Traffic

Does anyone have serious suggestions for slowing down traffic in our villages, including the urban ones? Issuing 'stingers' is not an option.

Northern Rocks

Now I have time to add a few posts I thought it prudent to raise the corpse of the famous northern bank.

It would be interesting to see anyone thinks the recent acceptability of the Nationalisation word could be applied to any of the former public utilities. Or do we think they are better in 'Private' hands. (bearing in mind the lumbering dinosaurs they were before being sold off, restrictive practices etc). Does anyone remember a BR sandwich?

Fearless Rescuers

So the brave crew of our Search and Rescue are heros! I for one agree.

Lets hope the governments words of thanks do not have to be used when these people are asking for a reasonable pay rise. (I bet that they do though)