The Wyre Forest Agenda

GRATIAS HODIE AGIMUS

23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I bookmarked a local website a while back both for the 'agenda and also for a member of my family. I was just going to link it to a blog but I thought it would be fun as a quiz. Yes I have a new quiz for you. Name the school from the logo and motto. Here is the first one:

GRATIAS HODIE AGIMUS, but which school?

Guess through comments. Good luck...

How open?

22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a joke for you, 'When is a council not open? When it's ajar.' Not very funny but neither is the headline from Openly Local, a project to develop an open and unified way of accessing Local Government information. Its headline on the project's 'UK Councils Open Data Scoreboard' reads, "18 out of 434 local authorities publish open data (but only 9 are truly open)"

There classification is as follows:

'Councils with open data'
Councils that are open are ones publishing a page on their website listing the open data sets they publish. Fully open means with a licence that explicitly allows free and open reuse, including commercial reuse, and at the most applies share-alike and attribution restrictions to the data (see here). An example is the data.gov.uk licence.

'Councils with semi open data'
Semi-open data means with a licence that allows some reuse but is more restrictive than this (for example prohibits commercial use), or where there is no explicit licence, but where the data is declared to be open data.

'Councils with no open data'
Well, those councils with no open data sets.

So guess which category our council, Wyre Forest District Council, is in?

Has anybody seen Lowry?

21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Brazil is one of my favourite films, and one of the scenes always seems to stick in my mind and make me smile is where Sam Lawry goes to a restaurant to speak to his mother. While sitting at the table trying to get his mother's attention, a waiter, called Spiro, persistently tries to get Sam's order:

Spiro: Monsieur?
Sam Lowry: Steak, please, rare.
Spiro: Monsieur, quel numero?
Sam Lowry: I don't know which number.
Sam Lowry: That one. There.
Sam Lowry: Thanks.
Spiro: Say the number, please.
Spiro: You have to say the number!
Sam Lowry: Go away!
Sam Lowry: Number three.
Spiro: Numero huit.
Spiro: Braised veal in wine sauce.

What makes me smile are those odd occasions in real life where there is a small inkling of the same hopelessness and pig-headedness portrayed in this scene and the whole film. The odd occasion now is the views of the community sort by the council on the way the council is run.

The situation is this: the council has before the end of the year to change its current system. It has to change by law (The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007) and we have two options _ "quel numero?". The council provide a document for you to read to help you make an informed decision _ "Say the number, please." The council are asking for our input via a questionnaire on their website which is so rigid and inflexible (as you would expect) that I doubt they will truly get the mood of the people¹ _ "You have to say the number!".

However, before you even get to the council website there is a hullabaloo over the partiality of the terminology of this campaign. Neville Farmer [Liberal Democrat] states, "The phrase 'Mayor or Strong Leader' is slanted", and, "...it�s wrong and anti-democratic and the council has a duty to be impartial." Although I agree is does sound slanted, the 'strong leader' terminology has become to ipso facto definition.

However, let's get straight to it, but just for fun let's also consider the current system (faggots and peas) and a third option (Seared Tuna with a sweet chilli glaze), the hybrid.

Option 0: Faggots and peas (current system)
Model: Leader Cabinet
Appointment: Appointed by council every year
Dismissal: no dismissal.
Cabinet Makeup: Council decides upon how many Cabinet Members there should be and what jobs they do.
Councillors: Elected by all residents on a ward-by-ward basis on a staggered basis (every three years out of four).

Option 1 : Steak, rare
Model: Elected Mayor
Appointment: Elected by all residents every 4 years.
Dismissal: no dismissal.
Cabinet Makeup: The Mayor decides upon how many Cabinet Member there should be and what jobs they do.
Councillors: Either election on a ward-by-ward basis on a staggered basis (every three years out of four). Or an election a ward-by-ward basis every 4 years.

Option 2: Braised veal in wine sauce
Model: Strong Leader
Appointment: Appointed by council every four years
Dismissal: Can be removed by council
Cabinet Makeup: The Leader decides upon how many Cabinet Member there should be and what jobs they do.
Councillors: Either election on a ward-by-ward basis on a staggered basis (every three years out of four). Or an election a ward-by-ward basis every 4 years.

Option 3: Seared tuna with a sweet chilli glaze
Model: Charter Mayor
Appointment: Elected by all residents every year
Dismissal: Voted out of office by referendum of all residents.
Cabinet Makeup: Candidates offer the jobs of the cabinet before the annual election. Cabinet Members are elected by all residents annually to the jobs of elected Mayor (after Mayoral Election).
Councillors: Elected by all residents on a ward-by-ward basis annually (after Cabinet election)

That's the menu. The bottom line is we have got to put the Cabinet structure in the hands of one person. Its either have that 'one person' be elected democratically (ie. by the many) or appointed by council (ie. the few). I refuse to use the term election when councillors appoint someone because in my opinion 'election' is a sacred work that means voting by all (everyone). The term shouldn't be bastardised. The big downer for the Elected Mayor is there is no dismissal, which is why I have offered my system, the Charter Mayor.

Notes:
I think in option 0 (the current system) the leader can be dismissed by council but I am unsure.
I named my model the 'Charter Mayor' after the Chartist Movement who campaign for annual elections.
You can't have non-of-the-above (even if you don't participate)

This consultation is happening all over the country and for some reason councils seem to recommend the 'Strong Leader' model. To be fair on this council (and others) the 'Brazil' type mentality is coming from above ie. Central Government (Brazilian translation: Central Services). The council provide some information for you to read (see here). You should read it before you undertake the questionnaire. Although, in my opinion I think it's biased. In it you will find that whooo a Elected Mayor means a referendum (which costs thousands) _ but there are no proof of costings; putting too much power in the hands of one person" _ same weakness as the 'Strong Leader' but its not mentioned as a weakness there; "clash in identity between Elected Mayor and Town Mayors" _ no completely different role only the name is the same; and the clincher: "...what if the Elected Mayor was incompetent " _ incompetence is a matter of opinion, under the 'Strong Leader' model 50,000 residents could feel the leader is incompetent but if 23 councillors think he isn't you're stuffed! The weaknesses of the 'Strong Leader': ' '. Oh typical!

Surprisingly the website has linked to two versions of the same document here (version -1?) and here (version 1). Have a little fun; see if you can spot the difference (answers via comments)?

As I read through it, all I could hear was Mr. Helpmann the Deputy Minister (played by Peter Vaughan): "Bad sportsmanship. A ruthless minority of people seem to have forgotten good old-fashioned virtues. They just can't stand seeing the other fellow win. If these people would just play the game..."

Footnotes:
¹ Note this is a questionnaire on the council website, so anyone around the world can complete the questionnaire.

Red, white and blue roses

20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I attended the Cabinet Meeting, albeit a little late. I was the only member of public there, and even then Cllr. Jamie Shaw [Areley Kings, Labour] queried whether I was a member of the press. Cabinet Meeting are rubber-stamping exercises but that shouldn't put you off, as they are also an opportunity for Cabinet Members to put in the last word on the success of the item and offer a thank you to all those councillors and staff involved. However, it is also a chance for non-Cabinet members to give a short synopsis of the item which can range from a congratulation, self-congratulation, approval, disappointment, disapproval, or dismay.

The reason for me being there was an interest in the proposed revamp of Coronation Gardens in Kidderminster. This item was all very civil and apart from questions and comments from three councillors (I come to than in a bit) it was all very unanimous. Before you blurf any further it may be wise to read my blog, 'Common-or-garden or garden common' if you haven't already done so. It gives a chronological recap. (FlipC style) of the site.

OK welcome back. Cllr. Anne Hingley [unelected Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Rural Affairs, Conservative] gave a well briefed historical introduction to the site and well as a less-detailed brief of the proposed re-landscaping of the site. This was the first time (I think) I have heard Cllr. Hingley speak and, I have to say, she is a god-send for taking notes _ a steady tempo with clear and pronounced words. Anyway down to business, the recommendation was for the council to spend �26,000 to, "...develop a colourful psychedelic painted paving area based on 60�s art work; ...retain the public art hoardings; include ...a small shrub bed and turfed area, wild flower bed, trees and kerbing; street furniture; and, the creation of an additional 4/5 car parking spaces."

The recommendation was approved but not without comments from the council. First up was Cllr. Graham Ballinger [Greenhill, Liberal] who commented on the history of the site (economic climate) and the erection and removal of the 'Coming Soon...' placards. He also mentioned the infamous 'Thumbs up Clee' press release (only I bring it out on special occasions!). Had he read my chronological recap.? Was he playing to the public gallery (ie. me)? Next came Cllr. Helen Dyke [Aggborough and Spennells, Liberal Democrat] who pointed out that Coronation Gardens doesn't look as proud as it was with the rose bushes removed. Cllr. Hingley disagreed; she visited the gardens the day before and thought the gardens are still well presented. They both agreed to disagree. Finally Cllr. Fran Oborski [Offmore & Comberton, Liberal] asked whether the parking spaces are off-street or on-street parking bays. She also asked if members could have any plans as soon as they are drawn up _ can I have see the plans and publish them on the 'agenda? (I'll ask).

Summing up Cllr. John Campion [unelected Leader, Conservative] quickly commented that this is better the painting the hoardings again. Strange that because I asked Peter Barber (the artist of the mural on the Worcester Street side of the hoardings) for a quote on the rest of the hoardings. He said around �2,500.

What made me smile during this item was FlipC's comment: " I'd be tired, hungry, and possibly a bit smelly. All that on the off-chance that something will occur in a meeting other than a discussion on exactly what flowers should be planted in this space." How did he know the subject of flowers would arise? I shield my eyes in the brilliance radiating from his foresight!

Councillor of the Cabinet (meeting):
It�s an easy winner and for a simple reason. Congratulations Cllr. John Campion, you win the coveted 'Councillor of the Cabinet (meeting)' award for your amusing idioms and terminology delivered in a timely manner. Terms like 'barn burner' and 'Sm�rg�sbord'.

lets get the Father back in on the game

19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

drbeat
16 July 2010

Any chance you could focus on the lack of Father's rights eh? You harp on about new schools yet completely overlook the feral kids that will occupy them? Education, moral standards etc starts at home! So lets get the Father back in on the game eh?

Social Networking - Wyre Forest Style

18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Back in April I stumbled across what was the start of local forum, called 'Wyre Live'. So I thought, fantastic, I can�t wait. Well wait no longer it's open for business:

Wyre Live

Oh yes! If it gets enough people involved (that's the key with social networking) it will be great.

Join up!

Common-or-garden or garden common

17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The council press release regarding the 'spruce-up' of Coronation Gardens (Worcester Street, Kidderminster) caught my interest. It seems that patience is a virtue. In FlipC style here is a 'chronological recap':

It's rather an up and down story. KTC3 (Kidderminster Town Centre) has been designated as a 'Key Regeneration Site' since I can remember. The 'cabin shops' (like Oxfam) were demolished and cleared, the indoor market and the former Magistrates Court were abandoned ready for redevelopment.

The area was cornered off with bland green hoardings. After a while traders and the public complained that nothing was being done. So in 2004/05 the Wyre Forest Conservatives promised a new cinema and bowling alley complex would be started by 2006, but nothing materialised. The large 'KTC3 Coming Soon' placards, on the green hoardings, were removed without trace. It all went quiet, and it didn't seem as if anything was happening.

However, as time went on traders and the public complained that nothing was being done. So by 2006 plans were ready for public/press scruntiny. It all went quiet, and it didn't seem as if anything was happening.

After a while traders and the public complained that nothing was being done. So the council made it a prioity and they proposed a plan: to sign the agreement with the developers by June 2007; publish the planning application by September 2007 and start (again) in March 2008. All went quiet, and it didn't seem as if anything was happening.

It was April 2008 and traders and the public complained that nothing was being done. To reassure the traders and public some placards, larger than the last lot, were erected stating, 'Leisure Development Coming Soon'.

There was some optimism that the council might just pull this off. However, around this time (September 2007) there was a run on Northern Rock and the start of the 'Credit Crunch'. The developers felt the crunch and became involved in aquisitions and takeovers. The placards were removed (history repeating itself!). All went quiet, and it didn't seem as if anything was happening.

All this time the bland green hoardings were standing. By January 2009 traders and the public complained that nothing was being done. Now, instead of placards showing a promising future, a different tack was taken _ art work glorifying the past. Along one side of the green hoarding a 'Get Your Kicks On the A456' mural was painted by artist Peter Barber and volunteers.

Traders and the public liked the mural, but they complained that the other sides of the green hoarding were still, well green. Well actually at least I did. So by July 2010 the council will decide to add some art and some street furniture.

As usual if anyone can point out any inaccuracies or something I should add to my 'chronological recap' then please speak up. This is a public participation weblog.

So here we are, at the Cabinet meeting on 20 July 2008 the Cabinet are recommeneded to agree to, "...develop a colourful psychedelic painted paving area based on 60�s art work; ...retain the public art hoardings; include ...a small shrub bed and turfed area, wild flower bed, trees and kerbing; street furniture; and, the creation of an additional 4/5 car parking spaces." OK, it's not a multi-million pound 'leisure development' but it will stop traders and public complaing that nothing is being done.

If I can get to the meeting, I'll blog about it. Why not come down too, it gets lonely in the Public Gallery.

On the phone again

16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Honest Ricardo Lampshade
13 July 2010

He appeared at questions to the Chancellor for about ten minutes... no questions, just sat looking bored playing with his phone, then he disappeared. He told us he was the 'man for the moment' as finance was the big issue but he does and says nothing. He is a disgrace.

On the phone again [BBC Democracy Live]

Three strikes and you're out!

15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you know Baseball you know that the Pitcher (Bowler) throws three pitches (bowls, throws) to the Batter (Batsman). If the Batter fails to hit the ball it's called a strike. If the Batter gets three strikes, the Referee (Umpire) calls 'Batter Out', and the Batter is out. Simple, but why am I whittering on about this? Well it's a metaphor I'm using to compare the trials and tribulations of our MP Mark Garnier MP [Wyre Forest, Conservative].

Now before I go on, I am trying to give Mark Garnier some slack over the BSF affair, taking heed of John Campion's [Conservative] suggestion, "How about cutting Mark some slack and working with him to make things better..."^[1]. There still are a few grains of opportunity that Mark can save the day. The Worcester News reports that, "He hopes to make a special case for ~~the~~^[2] Wyre Forest on the basis that the work was tranferring schools from a three-tier to a two-tier education system." So he may get to first base after all. However, a Conservative colleague of Mark has raised another election promise made by Mark Garnier, so I'm back on his case (unfortunately).

Cllr. Ken Henderson [Areley Kings East, Conservative] has written a letter to the Shuttle explaining the need for a Stourport Relief Road. "Evesham has two bridges, and a bypass he elucidates, and "Our County Councillors need to try and bring some of this money 30 miles up north into Stourport". Well I actually agree with Ken Henderson, the Stourport Relief Road would benefit Stourport, even (dare I say it) make Tesco at Carpets of Worth site that bit more palatable.

So what has this to do with Mark Garnier MP? Well he did promise this a few years ago, I think maybe the 2005 election. I'm going to have to dig out some only election leaflets that I had boxed and put away. I believe from memory this was something the Labour Government put on their to-do list, but it was too expensive, then the Conservative opposition criticised it, and then the Conservative County Council didn't add it to their Transportation Plan. This is a bit sketchy and all from memory but I will do some research for you and report (blog) back.

In fact years ago I was going to blog about this wholesale, and I even met with Mark Garnier at Margaret Thatcher House in Kidderminster (Wyre Forest Conservatives HQ) and we had a chat about it. I think the premise of the promise was to elect Mark Garnier as MP, have a Conservative County Council, and a Conservative Central Government. Well apart from having a ConDem Government we have met the requirements.

I suppose the next hurdle is money. With the ~~big~~ ~~huge~~ gargantuan deficit we are all led to believe we have, can we afford the Stourport Relief Road?

Update:
Wow! (and 'owh'). I has just written out this blog and was about to publish it. When I thought I would have a quick scan of the Interweb. What do I find? FlipC at The Mad Ranter has beat me to it!

I see that FlipC has already answered that question!

Note: I have added a series of links entitled 'Stourport Releif Road', see below.

Footnotes:
^[1] John Campion obviously believes the 'agenda must have some pulling power. That is a surprise to me as well.

^[2] I do wish people from outside the district wouldn't refer to the Wyre Forest district as 'the Wyre Forest'. It bloody annoying _ and this is coming from Worcester!

Stourport Carnival

14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I saw this and it made me laugh. Doesn't Carnival Queen look pretty? ...and the politically incorrect children's fancy dress...

reply to email

13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I thought yesterday's blog would be the last we hear from the BSF scandal _ well from our MP anyway. However, Mark Garnier MP [Wyre Forest, Conservative] has kindly responded to my open email:

Mark Garnier MP,

I would like to ascertain the decision making process of the cuts announced by HM Government of the 'Building Schools for the Future' [BSF]. From a public viewpoint it looks as if the 'cut list' announced by Michael Gove (Education Secretary) on Monday 5 July 2010 and the revised list today (7 July 2010) was made with impunity and regardless of consultation. As we are constantly informed that we live in a democracy, this must have not been the case. Therefore as your constituent I would like to ask for the following information:

Merely from a Wyre Forest perspective were you, as a representative of the constituents, schools and BSF projects, given the opportunity to put forward cases against each BSF project being stopped? If so what form(s) of consultation or liaison were undertaken between you and the Government in preventing all six BSF projects from being stopped (e.g. meetings, correspondence, etc.)? How much time or resources were allowed by the Government for you to put forward you cases for each BSF project? Did the Government give specific reasons for the cuts for each individual BSF projects within the Wyre Forest constituency? If so, what were the specific reasons for each of the six BSF projects stopped in Wyre Forest?

Thank you in advance for your time, consideration and reply.

Your Constituent,

-Tav.-

Tavis Pitt
The Wyre Forest Agenda

His reply:

Hi Tav,

Apologies for the late reply.

In reply to your specific points, no, I was not consulted in any way regarding the specific cancellation of the BSF programme in Wyre Forest. The normal process is that Parliament debates this after the announcement and there is no back room negotiations for selected few. That is the broad democratic process, and it means that we all get a chance to talk openly about this. I am seeking a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss this.

One thing you are mistaken about is that there are only five schools in the BSF process in Wyre Forest. The special school is separately funded, but will be indirectly affected by the announcement affecting Baxter.

I am as disappointed as anyone about this. As you know, the early indications were that anything that had been signed off by either the Education Secretary or the Treasury would go ahead. The Wyre Forest BSF had been signed off in both these instances and so I was initially satisfied that wave 6a was safe (as were my colleagues at County). However, given that BSF is an incredibly inefficient way to produce a highly desired result (as I am sure you will be aware with your meticulous scrutiny), it seems that Michael Gove has raised the bar to only allowing those projects that have secured �close�. For the purposes of this, �close� means those projects that have signed the PFI agreement with the providers. The first time I had any worries about this was when there was the �20bn project cuts and the BSF programme was referred to by way of it being handed over the Secretary of State for Education to deal with separately (about 2 weeks ago).

This is not the end of the process and the cancellation of BSF is not a cancellation of school building per se.

I hope that answers your question in one way or another. On a personal note, I am aware that you are very enthusiastic about the democratic process. You ought to get involved more � I am sure Wyre Forest would welcome your insight and contribution on the hustings!

Best wishes,

I guess that's it from Mark on BSF, I'm sure he's hopping the dust will settle and it will all go quiet.

Tetris or emails?

12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I noticed that FlipC has taken up the Wyre Forest Building Schools for the Future fiasco, and has provided us with a 'chronological recap'. At the summary FlipC listens to John Campion's [Conservative] suggestion to give Mark some slack, and says, "let's see what he does with his next appearance in the House. If he does nothing then we can metaphorically lynch him."

So today in the House of Commons our MP Mark Garnier [Wyre Forest, Conservative] makes an appearance on the benches for 'Education Questions'. He sits no less than four seats back from Michael Gove, you know the guy who let him down big time, and says nothing _ absolutely nothing. No, Mark Garnier prefers to play on his cellphone:

Tetris or emails? [BBC Democracy Live]

Do you know Tav?

11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mark Garnier does... Mark Garnier MP [Wyre Forest, Conservative] appeared on the Politics Show (West Midlands) regarding the BSF cuts:

Colin Pemberton reports from Stourport...

Colin Pemberton at Stourport [BBC Politics Show West Midlands]

Colin Pemberton: Welcome to the tent. This is the temporary students' reception they've built here at Stourport High School. It's meant to tide them over until they get their new school, but now they're not going to get it.

Colin Pemberton: Stourport is one of six schools in Wyre Forest whose rebuilding programme has been cancelled. The school is among the top ten performers in the country, achieved despite its dilapidation. It's fifty-four years old, it's cramped, the roof leaks, the windows need replacing, and the drains don't work. Pupils and staff are desperate for a new school to meet their aspirations.

Liz Quinn [BBC Politics Show West Midlands]

Liz Quinn, Headteacher, Stourport High School: We're ambitious; we don't just want to be an OK school. We want to be at the cutting edge, the vanguard of changing the way students learn so they are fit for the 21st century.

Colin Pemberton: These pupils sit on a BSF Council at the school. They took at direct part in interviewing the bidders for the contract. They say the Government should rethink.

BSF Council, Stourport High School [BBC Politics Show West Midlands]

BSF Councillor #1, Stourport High School: I don't think they have made a good choice. They are just going to have to keep patching it up. To be honest, in the long run they might actually have to spend more money.

BSF Councillor #2, Stourport High School: We are trying to compete with rising economies such as Brazil, China and India, and we need students who are prepared for new jobs that are there and also haven't been developed yet.

BSF Councillor #3, Stourport High School: The Government says that we can't afford to do this but I think the truth is we can't afford not to.

...over to Walsall...

Colin Pemberton: Back in Wyre Forest the disappointed Headteachers of the six affected schools met their Tory MP on Thursday. He has surely been left in no doubt about the strength of feeling in his constituency.

...back to the studio...

...back at the studio [BBC Politics Show West Midlands]

Patrick Burns: I am joined by Mark Garnier, as we just heard is the Conservative MP for Wyre Forest, where six schools are on that cancellation list. I'm also joined by Valerie Vaz, the Labour MP for Walsall South where, as we've also just seen, the Joseph Leckie College is another of the schools to have missed out.

Patrick Burns: Mark Garnier, it has been quite a week for apologies hasn't it? Did you apologised to those Headteachers for the fact that six schools in your constituency have been cancelled?

Mark Garnier MP [BBC Politics Show West Midlands]

Mark Garnier MP: Well we have a very productive meeting. One of the things I really would say is...

Patrick Burns: Did you apologise?

Mark Garnier MP: Did I personally apologise?

Patrick Burns: Yes

Mark Garnier MP: Well, no, I didn't personally apologise. What we did talk about was how we are going to move forward and try and deliver new schools for those six colleges.

Patrick Burns: I asked if you had apologised because you said in your maiden speech that you could see no reason why BSF, this programme, wouldn't go ahead in Wyre Forest^[1]. Obviously we have had a lot of hopes built up and then knocked down and so that's really the point behind my question.

Mark Garnier MP: It�s a very fair point Patrick and I as far as I was concerned right up until the point when the BSF was pulled I was under no misapprehension that is was going to go ahead. I always thought it was going ahead, so I was as surprised as those Heads were.

Patrick Burns: What did they say to you?

Mark Garnier MP: They re-iterated the point they are incredibly disappointed. The point I would like to get across now is just how much work they have put into this whole BSF process. How much work has been put in by the kids. How enthusiastic they were with the whole delivery of these new schools and how bitterly disappointed they are, as indeed I am, that this rug has now been pulled out from underneath them at the last minute.

Patrick Burns: Valerie Vaz, the key point to all this is surely that the Labour Government's BSF project. The progress has been absolutely pathetic hasn't it, just a handful of schools _ just eight over six years. It has been, as Michael Gove says, over bureaucratic, over expensive. There are simply better, more efficient ways of delivering this programme.

Valerie Vaz MP [BBC Politics Show West Midlands]

Valerie Vaz MP: Well Patrick, the audit commission said in May 2009 that it presented better value for money than the academies. So I think we need to look at exactly why this is happening, and it's clearly political. This is a reallocation of resources away from Building Schools for the Future. This is exactly what it is, it's the future of our children.

Patrick Burns: Michael Gove is saying that he wants to help specifically those places that have been disappointed.

Valerie Vaz MP: We all sit in nice offices in the House of Commons, these children have to learn in buildings with leaking roofs and walls that are crumbling. We own them a better future, and that's what the Labour Party were trying to do for the last 13 years.

Patrik Burns: But Mr. Gove says that he will invest in school building but will just find a better, more efficient way of doing it than your Government was doing it.

Valerie Vaz MP: He wants to have a free economy in the relation to schools and that is not what we are about. In May 2010 he actually said that something had to be done about the school state. That is what the Labour Party were doing. We are in partnership with the Partnership for Schools with Building Schools for the Future, and that's what is says _ It's the future of our children.

Patrick Burns: Mark Garnier some of your fellow Conservatives are actually leading deputations to Downing Street because of this. Would you think of doing this given the scale of disappointment? We have had a contact from one of our viewers. Tav has contacted us via the blog and he says there a real sense of betrayal in your constituency over what's happened.

Mark Garnier MP: Well I know Tav and I think he's probably being a bit more far-brow perhaps. Am I going to lead a deputation? No, because I think there are more constructive ways of doing this. What I am going to do is after having a meeting with the Heads is that we do need to get a meeting with Michael Gove. The reason we need to see Michael is that

The reason we need to see that is because Wyre Forest is in a very ## situation. It is halfway through converting from a 3-tier system to a 2-tier system and from moving from over 50 schools to just over 30 schools. So what�s happened here is that we have just been left in the lurch with a least two of those schools working on split sites. This just isn't good enough and we have got to do something. I would just get back to a point you made earlier. Is that while the outcomes of BSF are very very good, it couldn't be a worst way of getting to that outcome. It is very very expensive and Worcestershire County Council has already invested �3million pounds just in the process. Nothing has actually happened _ just the process.

Patrick Burns: You say you want to see Michael Gove about this, and he's obviously going to Sandwell pretty soon. Don't you think he should also go to Wyre Forest while he's at it?

Mark Garnier MP: Sure, I'll take my Heads to see him or I can bring him to see my Heads. One way or another, we'll work his diary out.

Valerie Vaz MP: I will definitely be inviting him to Walsall South and Joseph Leckie School.

Patrick Burns: He's going to have a busy itinerary.

Valerie Vaz MP: Absolutely. You know, he's end of term report is pretty bad. If you had seen the shambles at the House of Commons on the statement, I asked him a specific question finding out whether Joseph Leckie was on the list, and he couldn't tell me. This was a huge discourtesy to the House. We don't want to see Ministers apologise or Secretary of State's apologise. We just wanted the facts, we just wanted the truth.

Patrick Burns: But surely enjoyed the Governments discomfort, that we have seen?

Valerie Vaz MP: Not really, if they have done something wrong, then clearly we want them to put it right The fact is there were lots of people waiting for this announcement and in the end we got a photocopied list on the following day on the day of his announcement which was correct. Then later we were told that it wasn't correct.

Patrick Burns: It is a mess isn't it Mark Garnier? We say Simon Hughes of the Liberal Democrats earlier in this programme doing his best to speak reassuringly about it. But you have got to be worried about Liberal Democrats becoming increasingly disincentive. Also people on your own party feeling, well disillusioned is the word isn't it?

Mark Garnier MP: I think it's fair to say that when we all stood for election two or three months ago, we were not standing for election because we wanted to bring cuts. We want to make the world a better place. The reality is that as we get further and further into understanding just how bad about the economic mess of this country. We're beginning to realise that there are going to be more and more tough decisions that have got to be made.

Patrick Burns: Impacting on the public sector but also the private sector. It�s a joined up problem isn't it? As you've seen from those constructors in Coventry?

Mark Garnier MP: Yep, it is.

Valerie Vaz MP: I think it's clear the decision was flawed. A lawyer looking at it will see, what did he take into account when he made this decision? He clearly didn't take need into account. He took about the financial situation into account and that clearly is a reallocation of resources to what the Tory Party want. It's not about the schools and what they need, it's about the Tory Party want.

Patrick Burns: Your Party accused the Conservatives of gerrymandering. Well there is no gerrymandering in Wyre Forest _ Tory MP (points to Mark Garner MP) _ one of the worst effected constituencies, so that was a bit of silly statement wasn't it.

Valerie Vaz MP: No I think if you have a look at some of the constituencies, I think the Labour Party constituencies make up 39% of the ones that are affected.

Patrick Burns: This debate will run on and on. Thank you both very much for coming in.

Footnotes:
^[1] Its true, Mark Garnier MP did say this in his maiden speech. I missed it, even though I have the full text of his maiden speech here on the 'agenda (see 'Maiden Speech'). Here it is: "The BSF programme has been signed off this year by the Treasury, so although I have no reason to believe that the rebuild will not go ahead as planned, I cannot understate the importance that this investment will have in Wyre Forest, where there is a need to deal with issues relating to certain pockets of local deprivation. These areas will benefit immeasurably from this investment."

Update (12-July-2010):
I think their may be hope yet for Mark Garnier MP, I believe he is going to speak (ie. rebel) against Michael Gove in the House of Commons! See: 'BSF Controversy continues'.

Also I missed this, please read: 'Shadow Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove meets with local Wyre Forest teachers'.

This story is gaining momentum...

Jeanne

10 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A bit of light fun. Guess the theme:

Guess the theme?

Down at Duke House

9 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I'm not sure but I think yesterday was the first 'Corporate Resources Scrutiny Committee' meeting I have observed, well at least by name. I went in a disguise that took me one month to create, however, it wasn't long before Cllr. Graham Ballinger [Greenhill, Liberal] spotted me and, as Chairman of the Committee, welcomed me to the meeting.

There were a few new faces and the usual suspects. I met Cllr. Fran Oborski [Offmore and Comberton, Liberal], the council solicitor and a quick nod and smile with Nathan Desmond [Conservative]. The Chairman, Graham Ballinger, allowed me to ask questions after councillors, for which I would like to thank him profusely for (I know he's reading this). I'll have to remember the protocol 'through the Chairman' next time I get the opportunity.

The main reason I attended was because of the Single Site. I would feel hypocritical if I didn't attend since Fran said here on the 'agenda, "[If you] ... are REALLY interested, there is an update on Single Site at the end of EVERY meeting of the Corporate Resources Committee chaired by Cllr Graham Ballinger".

However, I learnt early on to read (or at least scan through) the agenda before you attend the meeting. The agenda can be found here, three pages but it doesn't take you long to read. Its so light and 'post-decision making process' that I didn�t hold much hope getting 'agenda fodder out of it. Honestly, listening to this debate was like watching a film from half way through. You never know though, attending a meeting you often hear gold nuggets of information from councillors' comments and questions. Since the minutes only document the decisions, votes and propositions made you have to be there.

Cllr. Douglas Godwin [Rock, Conservative] presented to the committee. He started off with a lot of emphasis (this is the first time I've heard him speak), with a sort of 'go-for-broke' type of mentality, although he use more admirable proverbs. He informs us that this is a chance to demonstrate and set an example to the community on best practice for sustainability (that is rain water toilets, ground source heat pumps, solar power, a wormery! etc.). This is strange because I thought the single site was about saving the haemorrhaging of taxpayer's money. I have two theories for this. The first is that councillors have debated the taxpayer's saving and the specifications for the single site (i.e. number of offices, car park spaces etc.) that they are now up to the finer details (note I said councillors, and I mean only councillors). The other theory is more cynical, if the finances don't add up (which I suspect) then everyone concentrates on other details. If everyone is concentrating on using grey water, planting trees and woodchip boiler systems, then when the finances are finally published they are more of a footnote than revelations.

Luckily (sort of) there was one Labour councillor, Cllr. Michael Kelly [Habberley and Blakebrook, Labour] who pointed out he has been against the single site right from the start. 'How can we spend money on a multi-million pound office when we are constantly being told by the Government to cut and save' (I'm paraphrasing). Well, John Campion [Conservative] promised the funds would come from the sales of the assets, so we are not spending money just 'recycling our assets'. This is a Tory promise so it must mean something () ?

I will offer a word of caution here, wrapped up in a premonition. I'll write it here because 20 years down the line it may happen, and then I can add a little bit of kudos to enjoy in my retirement. The Crown House in Kidderminster was build with the latest technological white panels on the outside that can 'self-clean'. Obviously they don�t self clean, perhaps we were pushing the edge of technology back then. I'm not sure how far we are pushing the edge of technology with 'ground source heat pumps' and the like but once you have build a building on top of them, the only way to replace them might be to knock the whole thing down again.

As this was a committee meeting not a public consultation, all the committee are asked to do is agree on the 'key issues' and a report to Cabinet. The key issue ranges from post completion registration, noise testing, project planning, etc.. you know the stuff you do when you just bought a block of land (what the council have done). Then is skips straight to sustainability (lights activated by movement, trees for carbon offset) which was the main debate with councillors. Am I missing something here? I could be I'm only a member of the public. Shouldn't we be debating the number of offices required, the number, the size of the reception area, the number of customer counters, etc.? Perhaps they already have and this was part of their secret meetings.

All things considered the council should be congratulated that they are starting to be more transparent by debating all the finer point of the single site in front of the public. I would offer a personal thank you to whoever made that decision to do so. However, the public are still in the dark on everything but the tiny details. We don�t know whether the single site can be paid for by selling all the council assets, we don't know the fate of the offices at Green Street depot, or the fate of the Civic Centre and Stourport Town Council, we don't know how much of taxpayer's money was wasted in planning for the Crossley Park site, or how much money we are haemorrhaging every year, what were the reasons for the delays and the change of sites, and so on, and so on.

What is the idiom _ 'be thankful for small mercies'

Councillor of the Committee:
Now its time to bestow the coveted 'Councillor of the Committee' award. I heard Cllr. Godwin speak for the first time and Cllr. Helen Dyke [Aggborough and Spennells, Liberal Democrat] make a good point about proper procedure. Likewise, Cllr. Julian Phillips [Bewdley and Arley, Conservative] gave us a most interesting idea for the old recycling bins. Cllr. Ballinger and Cllr. Paul Harrison [Greenhill, Conservative] made good jobs an Chairman and Vice-Chairman. However Cllr. Graham Ballinger gave out a free plug for the Wyre Forest Agenda, so I'll reciprocate and offer the 'Councillor of the Committee' to Graham. Congratulations Graham.

Note: The meetings actually had a better debate on Waste Management. I made not of this so I'll blog about it later...

Ephemera Museum of Wyre Forest

29 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Much to the disapproval of my wife I have added a few more items to my ephemera collection, the veritable Ephemera Museum of Wyre Forest. Let me share them with you...

Fix My District

28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The local elections are over (even the Parish Elections) and councillors are keen to spot a fault with street lights, litter, or something a bit more exotic to get the face in the paper, sorry I mean get some local issues resolved. However, why should councillors only partake in this civic duty? Well they have the tools: a mandate from the electorate, help from other councillors; direct links to council officers and workforce, etc... However, councillors and the public also have FixMyStreet.com. Although I know of only one councillor, Cllr. Paul Gittins [Bewdley East, Labour]^*, who uses this 'tool', it has been used quite frequency of late, mostly anonymous postings, but sometimes from community groups like Disability Action Wyre Forest.

So I'm interested in this enough to blog about it. Hey, I may be able to add some more information, or photographs, let's see...

Footnotes:
^* Credit where credit is due. Cllr. Gittins seems to have different approach to ward issues that�s, shall we say not patronising. To illustrate this, his 'Illumination of Bewdley War Memorial' blog is an example other councillors should follow. It has the issue in full frame of the photograph with not cheesy smile or thumbs up of Cllr. Gittins; it explains exactly the current situation and the objectives he hopes to achieve, to an extent that the Shuttle could only dream about; and to top it all off you can add you own comments (it's a blog afterall). Good work Cllr. Gittins!

Horsefair til I pie

27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's been a long time since I scanned Facebook and found myself smirking with joy, but today changed that. It seems that the 'Horsefair til I pie' graffiti (Comberton Hill subway) is getting more infamous. It's now the kool' and phat' thing to get your photo taken next to it:

Horsefair til I pie I [Claire Gillings]

Horsefair til I pie II [Claire Gillings]

Horsefair til I pie III [Claire Gillings]

Horsefair til I pie IV [Claire Gillings]

Horsefair til I pie V [Claire Gillings]

(smirk)

Spend a little ... save a lot

25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Even without 'our' savings, which are still "frozen" in Iceland, the Council is so a-wash with cash that they can spend an undisclosed sum to buy land on which to site its new "Super Offices" and "Management Suites" - part of its planned �10,500,000 'Hunker-Bunker' at 'Finepoint Business Park'.

Where's that ? You might well ask...

It's 'conveniently' located (within shopping-carrying & pram-pushing distance) off the A451 Minster Road.

Within sight of that other 'hidden headquarters'... that of the Housing Association. Perhaps they intend to 'save money' by semaphoring to each other?

ICHC Leader Howard Martin questions the whole economic basis of this plan, saying, "How can it be justified in the current economic climate? Our position is still that they have yet to show any justification for spending in excess of �10M at this time.
If they are going to spend this money, it would be better spent on re-generating the local economy. And will they now 'come clean' and say what they are proposing about the Stourport Civic Centre?"

John Campion [Conservative] the Council Leader is quoted as saying, "Having modern, flexible civic headquarters will save council taxpayers money..."

So the reason we are spending �10.5M... is to save money? It must mean some mighty big savings.

Right, John Campion; we'll be keeping our eye on the cash figures and be asking HOW MUCH you have saved us. .. every moment... Which you'll obviously be only too happy to show us ...because you're doing it to save us money ...Right?

Smoke but no fire

24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On 2 May 2010 I sent two similar emails to Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Service and the Fire Brigades Union asking for information on allegations made in the Daily Mail (see below).

Trebles all round in Trumpton [Daily Mail]

The rag alleged that unelected fire chef Paul Hayden used, "...a legal loophole to take early retirement" and, he avoided a tax lump-sum on his pension by, "...changing his job title to 'Brigade Manager'.... I thought my emails must have been lost in bureaucracy, and I was happy that Fran Oborski [Liberal] stated these concerns are being investigated. Then I find this letter through my door:

Letter from Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Service

This is why I don�t read the Daily Mail.

What to wear...

22 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I like this comment from FlipC, "See that's what happens to open threads you start off discussing planning and end up with sartorial advice.". I liked it so much I decided to do some de-threading, but first to get you up to speed: Wyre Forest District Council issued a press release on the purchase of land for council headquarters. The press release came with a photo of John Campion [unelected Leader of the Council, Conservative] shaking hands with the Tom Gormley of HIghcross (the seller). This is the photo:

Cllr. John Campion, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council, with Tom Gormley of Highcross at Finepoint Business Park. [WFDC]

Apart from the cheesy angle, the attire of John Campion has sprung the following discussion...

Taylor Tim
19 May 2010

What a bloody disgrace John Campion looked in the photo of him with the landowners.

FlipC
20 May 2010
The Mad Ranter

I do have to agree that John's ensemble (or angle) really isn't that flattering. It looks like he was going to wear a suit then changed his mind halfway through getting dressed.

Tav
20 May 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

I'm not bothered about what John Campion wears. As long as he is comfortable in whatever he wears I don't mind. The photo viewing angle is, shall we say, a bit cheesy.

Taylor Tim
20 May 2010

John Campion is the Leader of WFDC ...he is the representative of the Council in all major matters ...the way he dresses reflects the image of the Council... ...that's why companies have uniforms as the staff represent the business... ...in this instance he was a disgrace and makes the Council and area look sloppy and scruffy.

Tav
20 May 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

Well I speculated to myself that the Shuttle called him up for a photo opportunity at short notice, but then I found out the photo is from the council in a press release! You have given me a thought though, we (the taxpayers) as the employer could demand that all councillors conform to a uniform, like a specially designed tie and blazer. Just a thought!

FlipC
21 May 2010
The Mad Ranter

While I agree that uniforms make people look smart they also distinguish the wearers from the general public and I'm not sure we want to put up such a barrier for councillors. That said if we went for blazers that would be an added expense, if we went for ties that's not a general female garb. How about pins? You wear the pin it might make you consider the rest of your dress. For all I know they may already have such.

Taylor Tim
21 May 2010

I'm not advocating a uniform... that would be stupid... I am advocating that the person who represents us the council tax payer who receives about �50,000 a year from the public purse dresses accordingly not in a scruffy pair of jeans.

Tav
21 May 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

I did get your point, and to add gravitas to your argument, as you can see I have de-threaded and create a new blog specifically on this subject.

I would like to point out the Leader of the Council represents the councillors not the taxpayers, because the councillors selected him, not us (the taxpayer).

I attended the Full Council Meeting on Wednesday (19-May-2010), I'll blog about this latter, however at the meeting the use of cellphones/PDAs in public meetings was debated. It was suggested that the use of cellphones/PDAs (e.g. reading emails) was disrespectful to the public and gives out an unprofessional image. So this issue, dress code, could be raised in the same route?

Apart from this photo, where I think John looks smart'ish-casual (perhaps like a stereotypical music teacher, bar the leather elbow patches), at all the meetings I have attended John wears a suit and looks very professional and smart in appearance. Of course more people will view the photo ?in the Shuttle? than at public meetings.

Firsts...

21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We have two firsts for Mark Garnier MP [Wyre Forest, Conservative]. Well he is a new MP, so I suppose they are all first. The first Shuttle column, 'View from Westminster', appeared on 13 May 2010 and today was Mark's first surgery.

Clee Towers II

20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I was going to wait for the planning application before blogging on the new single site (Minster Road) but there has been a little discussion from Fran, Tailor Tim and FlipC, so oh well here goes...

The basic premise is that Wyre Forest District Council has various offices (including a depot) dotted around the district. Apart from two locations (Green Street and Stourport Civic Centre), the offices are on privately owned land, so we (the taxpayers) have to pay rent. The rent and the communication/logistical costs of multiple sites are "haemorrhaging" (John Campion's words) taxpayers money. The amount of money wasted varies depending upon who and when you ask. There are even councillors of the opposition who don't know how John arrives at the values he states. John Campion [unelected Leader of the Council, Conservative] has promised that the sale of assets of the multiple sites will fund the development of a �10 million single site (again the calculations for this are secret).

It was originally promised to build the single site office at the back of Sainsbury's in Kidderminster, starting end of 2009. This is council owned land so the taxpayers would not have to pay for rent. Traffic, flood and other studies were conducted and it all looked fine. Then there were major floods and it was found that it actually was not fine. Never mind the council had two other suitable locations for the single site (but they won't tell the public where). Just this week in the Shuttle the public learn that one of these suitable sites was on the Finepoint Business Park, Minster Road (between Kidderminster and Stourport).

The real bug-bare of all this for me is the secrecy and suppression of the figures. If the council were open and transparent on this I think more people would be behind them. If the information is not shared with the people paying for all this (the taxpayers) then the Administration cannot be surprised when everyone starts thinking this project is just, "...fancy offices for councillors and staff.�. If this is truly a means for, "...protecting local services and saving money...", then it's obvious that you need to show us how it protects local services and saves us money.

This latest drip-feed of information just goes to show that the council are carrying on as usual _ i.e. telling us a little as possible. How much has this land on Finepoint Business Park costs us? Can we pay for this land from the sale of the other sites? Fran suggested that the Stourport Civic Hall was being replaced, so if the Civic Centre/Hall site is not going to be sold are we still going to be able to pay �10m for the single site?

The new single site

19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hurray! Some news on the Single Site! You know the �10m council headquarters that John Campion promised here on the 'agenda would be behind Sainsbury's in Kidderminster by end of the year 2009.

It's now going to be on the Finepoint Business Park on Minster Road, with planning applications due 'this summer' and work starting by 'early 2011'. Ok, I'll look forward to those plans and also, "The council ... is working with Stourport Town Council to establish a project board to look at civic facilities for the town". Which reading between the lines means 'what are we going to say to people when we demolish the Civic Centre, Stourport'. Fun times ahead, I think...

The Sun Sharer

18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Marriage breakdown, explicit sexual and spiritual content, riches to rags _ sounds like East Enders? No, it's Kidderminster!

'Kidderminster millionaire gives up his old life to live in a caravan and write books'

The thing is, I'm sure I recognise 'Jack Edmunson' from somewhere!

Wyfopedia Boost

17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I'm sure Don (if he is reading this) will be pleased to know that I have found a MediaWiki expert who has volunteered to sort out and upgrade Wyfopedia for us. I have also planning to allocate my free time to the project. When it back up and running at full capacity I'll help try and get some more publicity towards the project.

Class of 2010

14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

See, I told you there would be more to come...

The class of 2010 is a photograph of all new MPs in Parliament, can you spot Mark Garnier MP [Wyre Forest, Conservative]?

The majority of the 232 new MPs in Westminster Hall [Anthony Devlin/PA Guardian]

Woodbury Road play area

13 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This is the first public appearance of Mark Garnier MP, our new MP. He is opening the new i-play play area in Birchen Coppice. Which is quite canny really because I blogged on Saturday, "Is there going to be a time when he has to miss the opening of a playarea to make a vote in the House of Commons?". Fortunately Mark has made it and duly opened the play area. Unfortunately it was in the day and I had to go to work, so I couldn't snap a photo like I wanted.

So that's it, the first 'MP Watch', which should be the start of many and it has been short and sweet. Catch you later Mark...

Subway Deluxe

12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Subway Deluxe

The 'agenda and I get a mention on Facebook. Well actually on a message to members of the 'Subway Deluxe' Facebook group. 'Subway Deluxe' is a fringe event on the final day of the Kidderminster Arts Festival (28 August 2010), whereby the walkthroughs of the Comberton Hill Subway will become, "plush walkthrough 'art galleries' with 'flock wallpaper' and lavishly framed artwork painted onto the walls".

They have allowed me to document the event with video and camera shots. I'm looking forward to it.

Bankers in our midst

11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This is something I should have done more with Dr. Richard Taylor when he was MP. However, a fresh start for Wyre Forest and a fresh start for the Wyre Forest Agenda. Here is my new series, 'MP Watch', where I will be blogging on the goings-on of Mark Garnier MP [Wyre Forest, Conservative] from the residents point of view (well my point of view really).

It had to be done. It was done by a local Liberal Democrat candidate weeks ago in the election campaigns, someone has tallied up all the bankers after the election. Of course, Mark gets a mention: "...Mark Garnier, an emerging markets specialist". Strange there is no mention of Sajid Javid [Bromsgrove, Conservative].

'General Election 2010: bankers become MPs in new Parliament'

A fresh start

8 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to Mark Garnier MP [Wyre Forest, Conservative], our newly elected Member of Parliament. Mark's speech upon being elected had the tagline 'a fresh start for Wyre Forest'. He reeled off a stream of tasks needed, '...in forging a new future for our district'. So in order to scrutinise his achievements in 'our fresh future', we need to determine the starting baselines...

Rebuild the local industrial base
I'm sure Mark is referring to bringing businesses (I presume industrial and commercial) into the Stourport Corridor. So we need to know how much space is available for new businesses to move in and how much space in the Stourport Corridor that is already in use. Then in, say, one year's time see if those figures have changed. I'll do some research, and perhaps this weekend take a wonder down Stourport Road, to have a look myself.

Build on the district as a leading tourist destination
Um, this is a difficult one. We need to know who many tourists visit the district and how much they spend. Are there any surveys on this?

Drive Forward Retail Opportunities
Ah, similar to 'rebuilding the local industrial base', we need to find out the retail space used in each town and how much is available. If the Piano Building and top floor of Slingfield Mill can be occupied on Mark Garnier's watch then that will be 'job done' on this task.

Improve Public Services
Mark mentions the Police, schoolchildren, and more services to Kidderminster Hospital. Ok, there are quite a few tasks bundled in here but since they are 'public' getting some statistics here should be easier then statistics from the private sector. What Mark can first start to do is tackle the 'Paul Hayden' issue,

OK, that's fine for 'a forging new future', how about the hurdles.

'The Kidderminster Effect'
The main question is whether a 'Kidderminster Effect' version II is going to happen? The ingredients are a local institution being closed or downgraded balanced against an offer from the party headquarters. There isn't much we can do here but second guess what might or could happen. For instance, let's say the NHS Trust wants to close down Kidderminster Hospital to make way for new social housing; or Brintons wish to move out of their headquarters in Kidderminster and move their production facilities to East Europe or Asia; Stourport Civic Centre being flatted for a hotel/housing; the Government wish to demolish the Crown House _ arh, that one doesn't work! You get the picture. The trouble is we can't do anything until it starts happening, so we need to be prepared _ but how?

Mark the Constituency MP or the Parliamentarian?
With a balanced parliament (that's what I'm calling it from now on) it is inevitable that MPs are going to have to work harder for ~~their~~ our money (hooray!). Remember Mark Garnier said, "A hung parliament would be terrible"! So is Mark going to have to be in parliament more than amongst his constituents? Is there going to be a time when he has to miss the opening of a playarea to make a vote in the House of Commons? It may not seem important in the grand scheme of things, but for the local community their MP not turning up is going to be a big blow. Will this happen?

MP of Wyre Forest as a status symbol
I have met Mark and I think I can read him well. Although he is a public school Tory, I'm confident that he has the community at heart. What can the future hold that would dent this confidence? Will he update his business profile? Will he accept Executive Directorships?

The Speeches (2010)

6 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The speeches:

Mark Garnier MP
6 May 2010
Conservatvies
Wyre Forest Conservatives
Wyre Forest Conservative Future
Mark Garnier
Mark Garnier for Wyre Forest
Mark Garnier on twitter
Mark Garnier on Facebook

This evening marks a fresh start for Wyre Forest. From today Wyre Forest will no longer be looking back over its shoulder, angry at the injustice imposed on us all when the Government threatened our local hospital. We can now look forward to tackling the important issues that are affecting us all right now. I am of course hugely honoured to have been the man chosen by Wyre Forest, not just to take on the problems with have now but to take the lead in forging a new future for our district. A future where we can start to rebuild on our local industrial base. We can build on our current success as a leading tourist destination. We can work with our three towns of Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley, to help them drive forward each of their unique retail opportunities. And we can drive forward for much needed infrastructure projects needed for those problem parts of our district. But is also important that all our public services are supported. It is vital that I, as your local MP, help the police to improve the services and meet the expectations of the local community. That we find fairer funding for our local schoolchildren. That finally the fighting between the local health authorities comes to an end, and a new area of co-operation starts to help [Worcestershire] Acute Hospitals Trust deliver more services to Kidderminster Hospital meeting the requirements of the local community in full.

Whilst I take absolute delight at being elected Wyre Forest's next Member of Parliament, I take no personal pleasure that in so doing I have had to oust the popular and very much respected Dr. Richard Taylor. Richard has worked incredibly hard for the causes he believes in, and he must rest assured that I will not cease in his endeavours to improve the local services at Kidderminster's hospital. I've heard Richard described as many things, but the one adjective that is repeated more often than others is 'gentleman'. In this era of miss-trust in politicians it is a fitting tribute to him that as he starts his retirement he is often singled out for his integrity.

Now to win a parliamentary campaign takes a huge amount of effort. This victory here, unique in that it was against an independent MP, is a culmination of years and years of work. Started not just recently, but way back in 1997, when the Wyre Forest Conservative Association, like so many others, picked itself up, dusted itself down and carried on with the hard work of serving its local community. There have been huge numbers of people who have been working hard to achieve this victory tonight. I can't name all of them, but I do want to single out just three people. Tracey Onslow, as our election agent, has for many years been a live wire in the office, producing our leaflets and keeping order. Phil Green who has been the Chairman of our association for nearly all of my six years as a Parliamentary Candidate here has been a pillar of strength to the association and to me personally. But at the heart of our association there's been one individual, working both as a professional but also as one our leading volunteers, organising us all for a decade, and being at the heart of our recovery and the growth of our strength. She's known to us as 'mum' but she's known to the rest of the world as Gill Onslow.

On a slightly sadder note I would also like to pay tribute to two further individuals who were devoted Conservatives but who sadly aren't here to celebrate this victory. Frank Butters, our Association Chairman just a few months ago died last year of cancer and Councillor Mickey Partridge, who was a hard working local champion, died also suddenly last year. Both are sorely missed and both would have been proud of part of this victory tonight.

So in finishing, I would like to thank the Returning Office, all the staff and the Police for organising an extemporary election here in Wyre Forest. I want to thank Dr. Richard Taylor for his nine years of very hard work for the people of this constituency; to all of the support of the Wyre Forest Conservative Association; and to my wife, Caroline, who I missed her birthday on Sunday because I was out canvassing when I should have been buying her presents. Importantly I would like to thank the people of Wyre Forest for this extraordinary honour that has been afforded on me for being their local Member of Parliament. This may not be the fresh start we had hoped for for our country but it is certainly a fresh start for Wyre Forest. Thank you all very much indeed.

Dr. Richard Taylor
6 May 2010
Independent Community & Health Concern

Mr. Returning Officer, Ladies and Gentlemen. I'm not going to on as long as Mark I can tell you that.

Firstly I have had the most marvellous nine years and I would like to thank everybody those who have put me there for those nine years. I feel I've achieved a lot and there were many more battles I would want to fight. I have no regrets at all in handing on some of my worst problems to Mark and I hope he will enjoy trying to sort them out.

I could have retired, but I didn't want to retire, I'm much happier to go because the majority of the people don't want me to stay on because I now go with an absolutely clear conscience and I shall start my next retirement and see what comes up and what to do. Thank you very much for all the hard work everybody has put into today, the polling booths, the counters here and above all my supporters. Thank you very much.

Nigel Knowles
6 May 2010
Labour
Wyre Forest Labour
Wyre Forest Labour Weblog
Nigel Knowles
Labourblogger on twitter

Congratulations to Mark for winning the seat for the Conservative Party. I would like to thank Barry McFarland, my agent, and stalwart worker in the Labour Party organisation, also all of the Labour Party members who have worked have incredible hard for me and for us to get here to today. I'd also like to thank Jenny, my wife, Natasha and Kieran who are here; to thank them for their support. It's not always easy for people like myself, and there are many them, who put ourselves forward and we all need support. Congratulations, and yes there is one result in Wyre Forest for the Conservatives. I think that it's going to be a hung parliament. It's going to be a really interesting few months ahead. Who knows maybe we may be back here before the year turns out and I for one will be up for the fight. Although I regret not winning for the Labour Party, I think that one of the issues to needs to be settled is that of local politics. For the reason that Richard has lost, I'm not at all suggesting that things are back to normal, because anyone that knows Wyre Forest knows that politics are never ever normal in Wyre Forest. Actually we know now what we have got to do for next time to get Mark out. Thank you.

Neville Farmer
6 May 2010
Liberal Democrats
Wyre Forest Liberal Democrats
Neville Farmer
Neville Farmer on twitter
Neville Farmer on Facebook

I'd like to thank the Returning Office, the Police, and everybody who has worked so hard and for so long this evening here and on the polling booths all day. When I stood for selection a couple of years ago as the Liberal Democrat Candidate we were coming back from a position of pretty well nowhere. In fact when I looked at the polling website it said that if I took the seat I would definitely loose my deposit. It's thanks to a large group of people who I can't name one by one, that we have managed to do something much more than that. I am really pleased that we have done as well as we can. This is just the start for the Liberal Democrats in the Wyre Forest.

I want to say thank to Richard Taylor for being such a gentlemen; but not just a gentleman, he has been encouraging and helpful despite being in opposition. Also to Mark and the other candidates as well, who we have all got on surprising well in our debates over the last few weeks and over the months before that. I think that is one of the things that Wyre Forest should be pleased about is that politicians in this area do get on a lot better than it might seem. I think one of the most important things to look forward to in the future is that Wyre Forest needs the help of all of us whatever political colour we come from to turn it into the place it needs to be if we are going to get through the next 5 years of quite tough times. I going to be here and I would just like to say to my team, particularly people like Pam Dixon, my agent, Adrian who never stops printing and running around telling people what they are supposed to be doing, and the dozens of others who I'm sorry I haven't mentioned. Let's get ready for the next one; I think we start tomorrow morning. Thanks a lot.

Michael Wrench
6 May 2010
UKIP

Morning, I won't keep you too long. I would just like to thank all the people in Wyre Forest who voted UKIP, it wasn't a wasted vote. There are issues that need to be addressed and we need to make sure the main parties get their heads out of the sand and address this immigration issue. As you have seen tonight the BNP are here and they didn't even canvass and we can see how many votes they have collected all around the country. Now we need to keep our eye on the ball and listen to public opinion. Thank you.

Gordon Howells
6 May 2010
BNP

He's quite right, this is the first time the BNP have stood in Wyre Forest. He's quite right; people are sick and tired of what's happening in this country. I would like to thank the people who voted for me. Thank you very much.

The Count (2010)

6 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I had been lucky enough to be invited to 'the count' tonight, and I just couldn't go and not blog about it so here you go. Firstly I would like to thank enormously for the invitation, I was so chuffed to witness upfront democracy in action.

This was a significant historical event, in Wyre Forest our incumbent MP, Dr. Richard Taylor [ICHC], has lost the seat to Mark Garnier [Conservative] and it looks likely we will have a hung/balanced parliament. I have been to three of these events before, so this time I wasn't walking around in awe and wonder like I did at my debut 'count'. At the count I noticed old faces and new, I met up with previous acquaintances and was introduced to new people.

Before election night, to cope with anticipation of trying to guess who is going to win, I have adopted a great stress relief. I just pick out the (local) positives of each candidate and look forward to them coming to fruition, when they are elected. So with Neville Farmer [Liberal Democrat] I'm looking forward to Foley Park shuttle service, Mark Garnier [Conservative] I'm looking forward to businesses buzzing again along the Stourport Corridor (I'm actually excited about this), Gordon Howells [BNP] it�s different and I care not to think about it; for Dr. Richard Taylor [ICHC] its him playing a major role in the Independent Network and the overall Party Independence movement; with Nigel Knowles [Labour] it is the Lea Castle Science Park; and, with Michael Wrench [UKIP] it's the trams! It�s a win-win-lose-win-win-win situation!

Obviously we all know now that Mark Garnier [Conservative] won, so now I'm looking forward to seeing his work in the constituency. This means I'll be blogging about it in the future. Also I didn't do this much before, so I'm starting now with this term. I going to blog on the appearances, speeches and voting of our MP. Watch this space...

2010 General Election results

6 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wyre Forest
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	�%
	Conservative	Mark Robert Timothy Garnier	18,793	36.9	+7.8
	Health Concern	Richard Thomas Taylor	16,150	31.7	-6.9
	Labour	Nigel Knowles	7,298	14.3	-8.2
	Liberal Democrats	Neville Mackenzie Farmer	6,040	11.9	+10.6
	UK Independence	Michael James William Wrench	1,498	2.9	+0.6
	BNP	Gordon Clifford Howells	1,120	2.2	+2.2
Majority (spoilt papers: )
Turnout (electorate: )
	Conservative gain		Swing

Congratulations Mark

Thefts in Bewdley!

5 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Statesman
5 May 2010

See third press release down "Thefts in Bewdley"

Unbelievable!

Ok, Statesman is talking about the 'latest news about health concern' which is more like the rambling of 'Ed' (I think that is Editor, not Edward). It's like a weblog, but the 'articles' are not indexed; they disappear of the end; and you cannot comment. So with these vast disadvantages I rarely go and visit, which is a shame really because they are often comical, but also controversial and sometimes irreverent.

So here you are Ed, stand up to the podium...

Last Wednesday evening, 21 of Richard Taylor's election boards were erected along Bewdley By-Pass, on private land, the owner having offered us the facility.
By 8.00 am the next morning they had been removed by a number of individuals, who were seen by passers by removing them.
We have checked with Worcs. County Council who confirm the boards were legally sited on private land and that they did not remove them.
So, following trespass (with felonious intent), the boards were, therefore, stolen.

We need to inform you all that this theft has been reported to the Police - who are now currently investigating who was responsible - and attempting to locate the stolen materials.

All responsible persons involved in the election are asked for their co-operation in identifying those involved.

Please keep a careful watch-out while you canvass, for election boards being "stored" in gardens and garages in and around the Bewdley area.
Whoever it was, has probably not had the chance to dispose of them.

Health Concern would be pleased to receive any information about the group of persons involved, whose intent was to disrupt and interfere with the democratic process - and, in so doing, be-little everybody's efforts to achieve an honest outcome in this election.

In the meantime, join with me in thinking just WHO could be those mean-spirited, dishonest, extremists, intent on disrupting the election process, yet living within easy-distance of the Bewdley By-Pass .. and pass their names and identities to the Police.

On my way to work I have noticed a similar thing happen to Mark Garnier's posters on the downgrading AB449 Birmingham Road.

Through Kidderminster... a brilliant day!

4 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Umm, a canal user (an outsider I think) has passed the 'challenging Perceptions...' mural under St. Marys Ringway and he hasn't commented upon it. I wonder if he liked it or not?

Through Kidderminster... a brilliant day!

Update (6-May-2010):
It also appears that dog walkers have noticed. In the Shuttle letter Cynthia Styles said about the mural, "What a pleasant surprise from the grotty dirty mess it was a few weeks ago."

Update (6-May-2010):
True to her word, Sue provides use with a blog on the mural. It's worth a read.

Comments:

Sue
5 May 2010
Retirement with No Problem

Tavis, I am sorry I didn't mention it on my blog, I should have done. The mural was absolutely fantastic, in fact we dwelt a while under the bridge to inspect it more closely. The painting was extremely good, and showed the aspects of the decades perfectly.

It was a pleasant surprise and makes a change on what we would expect to see painted on town bridges.

I will mention the mural on my blog tonight for sure, only sorry I didn't yesterday.

Tav
6 May 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

That�s good to hear, I'm glad you enjoyed it. It is certainly a marked improvement to the graffiti scribble wall that was once there.

It should be an even better view from a boat as you can't stand back to admire the mural on foot.

Trouble in Trumpton

3 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Like I promised, here is a blog on the fledgling row (at the moment) on Paul Hayden of Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Service. If you haven't read my 'Down at the Baptist II' blog, then let me explain.

At the 'Question Time' style event with the parliamentary candidates for the 2010 General Election a member of the public asked the candidates' views on the article in the press where Paul Hayden, of Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Service, has changed his job title in an attempt to leverage a loop-hole to avoid paying a 40% tax lump sum payment. Of all six candidates only one (Dr. Richard Taylor [ICHC]) had remembered 'reading something about this'.

There is nothing official on this at the moment and unfortunately I have only two sources of information. The main one being Richard Littlejohn's short article 'Trebles all round in Trumpton'...

Trebles all round in Trumpton [Daily Mail]

See, not very reliable, however after some desk research I find another (rather minor) nugget of information from the Worcester News. The Worcester News article, '###' explains that the Fire Brigades Union have challenged Mr. Hayden for not gaining permission for his retirement before he had turned 55. Whether this is linked to the 'loop-hole' story from the Daily Mail I'm unsure.

So I have written to both the Fire Brigades Union and Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Service for more information. Let's see if anything else appears from this...

Comments:

Fran Oborski
5 May 2010
Wyre Forest Liberals

As a Member of the Fire and Rescue Authority I can tell you that concerns are being investigated.

Tav
5 May 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

Glad to hear it and as an employer of Paul Hayden (like the rest of us taxpayers) we would like to know the outcome of the investigations.

Down at the Baptist II

2 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I made it to the Question Time 2010, and I was not disappointed. It was fantastic and made me mourn for missing the first event in Kidderminster.

The pre-prepared questions were a bit convoluted and the candidates used it as a staging post for their answers anyway. I found out that the candidates were given the subjects of the questions that would be asked before the event. The open questions from the public were more revealing, but lets get the pre-prepared questions out of the way first...

Oh, I missed each candidates opening statements, however, I arrived in time to hear the first question...

Debt:

Dr. Richard Taylor, ICHC

Dr. Taylor first spit debt into personal and national. For personal debt he blames the 'plastic' and how easy it is/was to run up debt. He said if they can set limits on mortgage borrowing, they should do the same for personal loans and credit card limits/rates. As for national debt the Government are wrong to use National Insurance and should be targeting tax more, like extra value-added tax on luxury items.

Mark Garnier, Conservative

Mark said the utmost single important issue in this election is the budget deficit.

Neville Farmer, Liberal Democrat

Neville mentioned the 1980's and admitted he had also been taken in by the 'plastic'. He said the economy can only be boosted if the workers and entrepreneurs are protected. On personal debt, 'let's have less materialism and more community spirit'.

Michael Wrench, UKIP

The 'crazy rules' (EU regulation) are stifling businesses, and costing businesses more to operate. He mentioned the UKIP sound-bite (�45m per day to the EU), obviously getting that in early, but, surprisingly, admitted that he (we) didn't know what comes back [from the �45m]. Um, could we be making a profit out of the EU?

Nigel Knowles, Labour

According to Nigel, the Labour Government will half the debt of the next 4 years. During the recession, Nigel reassured us that 'not many jobs were lost in Wyre Forest'. Nigel mentioned extortionate credit card rates and said this was not tolerated.

The Environment (and Climate Change):

Mark Garnier, Conservative

Yes, Mark supports initiatives against climate change. He mentioned the fate of Bangladesh if sea levels rise. He agrees with the Liberal Democrats to join with our European partners to tackle climate change together. Mark then stated that 37,000 refrigerators per year in the UK are dumped/disposed so we have got to change our lifestyles.

Neville Farmer, Liberal Democrat

According to Neville, the Liberal Democrats are the greenest party out of the three main parties, and have had endorsements from the Green Party. 'Copenhagen was a disaster', but dialogue must be sort. Neville said that dialogue is needed, for instance to get the USA and China to the table.

Michael Wrench, UKIP

A change from Michael from 'I' to 'my party': 'My party hold a sceptical view of climate change. We need more development of hydro-electric plants, wind farms and electric cars. He then started name dropping: the Hartlebury incinerator, burning recycling is 'crazy'; and he name dropped BP. This opened up his plan to connect the three towns (Kidderminster, Stourport, Bewdley) with trams. Apparently when he lived in Germany he never had to use his cars locally because the trams were inexpensive and easily accessible. I have a ~~simple~~ complicated answer to this: Germany have a federal system of government/administration which means there is not central point of funding and governance (how London is to the UK). So each State of Germany tends to develop their towns/cities more on self-sufficient lines (as apposed to the commuter model were have in this country). So I suspect that the majority of the working population of the three towns of Wyre Forest commute out of Wyre Forest, so to have a cheap and reliable mass-transit system here locally would be difficult to get off the ground. Of course, that shouldn't be a reason not to try it.

Nigel Knowles, Labour

Nigel agrees we need to move to public transport. I think here Michael started the name-dropping bandwagon, as Nigel came out with his CV mark that he was involved in the anti-Kidderminster Incinerator campaign.

Dr. Richard Taylor, ICHC

Boy, all name-dropping from Richard. From his visits to schools in Wyre Forest he believes the right messages are being given to students (playing the 'don't forget the children' card). He then goes into name-dropped overdrive: Lawrence's (on Stourport Road) and their efforts in recycling; then the 'Bewdley Farm Shop' and how it sells local produce; the crazy situation where because of competition a Whittle comes by and then closely followed by a First Bus; and Bewdley Residents group that have challenged flooding at the Queensway.

Europe:

Neville Farmer, Liberal Democrat

Neville was emphasising his key point here: 'we are not able to work without Europe (the EU), we have to work from inside with debate'. The EU provides at least 3million jobs, we pay a fraction of �45m per day UKIP proclaim (they do not mention this is a 'gross payment' _ my bit) and nowhere near are there 75% of laws enforced by the EU.

Michael Wrench, UKIP

Oh 'Europe', the spotlight is now on Michael. Michael got fired up here, 'Europe has been termed an empire', 'it's not a democracy' (to some extent here I agree), the main political parties do not want a referendum because it would break their political dreams, and then (going a bit to far�) Europe is worse that then United States of Europe its more like the Soviet Union. At this point there was a lot of noise from the audience, with background boos, and laughs. At this point I would like to point out that, although there was on heckler (pro-UKIP) sitting behind me in the upstairs gallery, on the whole, the public at the event were very professional.

Nigel Knowles, Labour

'UK is part of Europe and the EU'� heckling from behind me in the upstairs gallery. We (the Labour Party) do not want a federal system. We are not in favour of a referendum on the EU. At this point, unfortunately the heckling (from behind me) got worse, but Nigel handled it and said you will have your voice heard on 6 May, if you agree with the Labour polices, vote Labour.

Dr. Richard Taylor, ICHC

Richard was very specific on this subject: everyone agrees with free trade in Europe; no to federalism; no to Euros. Then Richard came onto the 'Working Time Directive' which obviously he has witnesses a bad experience of this. This was the directive on working 48hours and its effect on doctors.

Mark Garnier, Conservative

'Europe always brings up passionate responses' he proclaimed. He said we should not get into the Euro.

Education (particularly early years 'Sure Start'):

Michael Wrench, UKIP

At this event this is the first time I have heard Michael speak and it was moderately impressive. I gather that he is a better speaker 'on the streets' than in a more controlled organised event such as this. For this subject he was a bit flaky, however he managed to portray that children have to much stress as school though tests and children start to early at school. In Germany (and most of Europe) students start school at 7 years old. I have been keeping an eye on this myself, and I fully agree with Michael that starting school at 7 years old is a better way forward for early years education.

Nigel Knowles, Labour

There is a commitment from Labour that the Sure Start scheme will be continued without payments from the parents (this was the actual question). He re-iterated, 'Yes, funding will continue'. In a pre-emptive rebut to the Tories he proclaimed that Funding will be cut if the Tories get in and 'this is not a broken society' but he admits there are some areas under pressure.

Dr. Richard Taylor, ICHC

Once you get Dr. Taylor started on 'name-dropping' he doesn't stop. He has visited the Sure Start schools and Children's Centre (in Birchen Coppice) and they are great and he supports them but they aren't targeted to specific groups only all children. This means that those parents from deprived areas will not have the inclination to take their children to the Children's Centres.

Mark Garnier, Conservative

I think we have consensus here, as Mark stated that the Sure Start scheme is now underway so the Conservative Party will not stop it. They will fund 4,500 Sure Start trainers and 'we involve more local church groups' (also part of the question).

Neville Farmer, Liberal Democrat

Neville also claimed that the Liberal Democrats support Sure Start (you see consensus). He also ran out a couple of Liberal Democrat education policies: smaller class sizes a primary level and local elected education boards. He also warned of the Tory idea of parent run schools.

The 'Kidderminster Effect' question (need I explain more?):

Nigel Knowles, Labour

Now as Nigel spoke I realised that he still have no clue about the feelings of the people on what happened in Kidderminster in 2001. I think Mark Garnier has thought about this subject and it shows, but Nigel still seems to 'not get it'. He contradicts himself (which I'll point out later). Nigel describes himself as a free-thinker and an individual but this is only after he said ideologies (i.e. party politics) is important to me as it is with many others. Hello? Nigel you do realise that only 1% of the population belong to political parties? He made the admission that not one party suits everyone but between-the-lines this just means that an independent will suit everyone because they can choose the best of the policies of each party. He needed an example and he gave us one, he said he was once sacked from the local Labour Party because he voted on his beliefs when in the Hereford & Worcester Fire Service.

Dr. Richard Taylor, ICHC

Ok, this is Richard's podium and he then came out with a diamond: While in parliament he often had backbenchers coming up to him asking for the bottom-line of some law their party whip ordered them to vote on. Yes people, we have law makers voting on matters they know nothing or very little about _ boy what a democracy we have (not)! He then gave us a bit of experienced philosophy: In parliament there are the 'whens' and the 'whys'. The 'whens' ask when they are going to get promoted, the 'whys' ask why the law should be passed.

Mark Garnier, Conservative

At this point you could tell that Mark Garnier has been asked the 'Kidderminster Effect' question before, and, to give him credit, he seems to have thought a lot about it. This is evidence as he has rationalised his response (obviously after some analysis) into three points. The Tory Chairman asked parliamentary candidates where their loyalty lies, the three loyalties (in order) are: 1, your constituency; 2, your country; and 3, your party approach. He then came out with the same sermon as his 'video address', namely; a doctor was the moment in 2001, so the moment now (the economy, business development, and jobs) was me (no mention or heckling that he was/is a banker). To be perfectly honest here, I think Mark has done all he can do on the independent � non-independent issue. Unfortunately later on in the event we reveal the next issue which only highlights the second front of the 'Kidderminster Effect', namely the 'balanced (or 'hung' depending on your view) parliament'. This wasn't brought up here, but during the open questions (I'll cover later).

Neville Farmer, Liberal Democrat

A very careful approach was needed from Neville. In 2005 the Liberal Democrats supported Dr. Richard Taylor, now they (Neville) are (is) standing against him. He said explained the morality of himself and the Liberal Democrat Party (part of the question) then used an anecdote to example his independence from party politics, at a Liberal Democrat conference all policy is democratically decided upon (at which point I want to should out 'One Percent, one percent' (the percentage of the population in political parties)). He and a group of Liberal Democrats got together at the conference and formed a pressure group and against the Liberal Democrat policy on the Digital Economy Bill. He moral of his anecdote is that if he can do this for this policy he (and others) can do it for other policies.

Michael Wrench, UKIP

I think Michael could have sat back on this question, he is new to politics and his party is relatively new (more like a pressure group in my opinion). Well, He sort of did, he appealed to populism: 'I'm fed up with politics'; 'I am a why' (see Dr. Richard Taylor's response above) _ 'why flip?' (MPs flipping taxpayer paid mortgages); 'Why Iraq, when people said no'; 'Politicians don't listen to people'; 'Policies should be where there's common sense'??

Boy I once I got started on this I could not stop. Right, open questions from the public next... There were six and things got juicy:

Benefits (as in benefit claims):

Dr. Richard Taylor, ICHC

"28 benefits?" The question was an anecdote of someone claiming 28 different benefits. Dr. Taylor couldn't even think of 28 different benefits and asked for the information from the questioner after the event. He admitted that it was a minefield claiming a benefit.

Mark Garnier, Conservative

'There are lots of benefits around, and they are there for a reason [to help], but they are not there is there is no contribution to society. Before anyone could think who judges 'contribution to society' he comes out with Tory manifesto policy: refuse a job equals no benefits.

Neville Farmer, Liberal Democrat

'Some people have a PhD in benefit form filling.'

Michael Wrench, UKIP

You are honest on the form you get nothing so people have learnt which the right boxes to tick.

Nigel Knowles, Labour

I do not approve of the benefits culture and we need more scrutiny.

Joining the Euro (questions directly aimed at Neville Farmer):

Neville Farmer, Liberal Democrat

Neville only had to open his mouth about the Euro and he was heckled over the Liberal Democrats policy to join the Euro.

Mark Garnier, Conservative

Mark mentioned good government and 'pig' countries (was part of the question)

Michael Wrench, UKIP

Michael was on the podium: No to the Euro; EU is a political straight jacket; and, keep the Pound.

Nigel Knowles, Labour

Nigel was very much like Mark here, he mentioned Portugal, Greece and Ireland.

Dr. Richard Taylor, ICHC

I wouldn't want to join the Euro.

Weak criminal sentencing:

Mark Garnier, Conservative

The question pointed out a newspaper story about a weak sentence passed to a vile crime. To this Mark indicated that newspapers do pick out only the sensational stories.

Neville Farmer, Liberal Democrat

Neville believes there is far too much control (from Government) in the judicial review _ 'Judges are more of than not controlled in their sentencing'. There needs more clarity.

Michael Wrench, UKIP

'We have lot the plot' _ victims are left alone and criminals are given all the help. He also squeezed in that PCSOs are powerless and ridiculed by kids. Sorry Michael, but listen to Mark when he said 'newspapers do pick them'.

Nigel Knowles, Labour

He states, the Labour Government (not the people's government then?) have put 120,000 more police officers on the street and PCSOs are a good idea in his opinion, also the Neighbourhood Watch initiative is successful.

Dr. Richard Taylor, ICHC

Richard proclaims that we need more visibility of police (i.e. more police on the streets). He then goes into anecdote mode and tells us of when he travelled around the area with a police patrol. He was shocked that the police officers in the car pointed out the drug dealers dens, and how the police knew that when the light was on the dealers were trafficking drugs.

Women in politics:

Mark Garnier, Conservative

Mark explained how Margaret Thatcher was the longest servicing Prime Minister and first woman party leader and how David Cameron was trying to address the lack of women candidates (and also those from ethnic minorities).

Neville Farmer, Liberal Democrat

Neville came along with a shocking fact: The House of Commons only recently installed women toilets.

Michael Wrench, UKIP

A confused answer in my opinion, 'we have all gone down the political correctness route' umm?

Nigel Knowles, Labour

Nigel was almost as confusing as Michael, 'politics is anti-social'? He said that in most cases an outgoing male MP/candidate is replaced with a female one.

Dr. Richard Taylor, ICHC

Richard just praised women!

Paul Hayden:

Wow! This was the shocker question that's definitely getting its own blog on the agenda. A newspaper (tabloid) published a story of the Hereford & Worcester fire chief, Paul Hayden, changing his job title to fiddle a legal loop-hole.

None of the candidates knew about this, although Dr. Richard Taylor said 'he read something about it', so the answers were standard responses:

Michael Wrench, UKIP

Michael blabbered on about the 'EU and the change of the constitution' (you mean the one we, the UK, haven't got?). He also spoke about the 'job-for-life' (that's MPs) culture.

Nigel Knowles, Labour

He (Paul Hayden) could not have done this without debate of the committee. This would not have happened under my watch (he was Chairman of the said committee). I think Nigel is going to investigate this more.

Dr. Richard Taylor, ICHC

Richard brought us a NHS comparison, and then admitted he didn't know about but had 'read something about it'.

Mark Garnier, Conservative

Mark went into Tory Manifesto mode (otherwise known as robot mode) and announced that the Tory policy is to sort this out from the top down.

Neville Farmer, Liberal Democrat

Neville made this an opportunity to sound out his objection to public posts been market linked in pay to the private sector (I fully agree here by the way) and then went on to the Liberal Democrat approach to first clean up the civil servants then parliament.

Ok, this is being carried on to another blog, watch this space...

3-Tier Education System to 2-Tier and BSF:

Nigel Knowles, Labour

The final question and Nigel warns us that the BSF is directly threatened by the Tories, so we need to elect a Labour Government. Arrrrr, the guy definitely does not get it. You vote Labour and if a Labour candidate does not win your votes are wasted as they do not count toward a Labour Government.

Dr. Richard Taylor, ICHC

Local name-dropping still coming from Dr. Richard Taylor, he visited a school in Sutton Park which was fitted out with a new theatre that is 'just crying out for theatrical performances'.

Mark Garnier, Conservative

The BSF has been signed off, so contrary to what Nigel said there will be no change in BSF. Oh, he then broadcasts he like of academies.

Neville Farmer, Liberal Democrat

Neville was very clear on this point. [With the Liberal Democrats] BSF funding will stay in place. Locally Neville wishes the school building programme would build the schools quicker and then stated head teachers and teachers should be in charge of the schools, but not parents (Tory policy).

Michael Wrench, UKIP

Michael was sort of lost here, he reminisced about his schooldays in Porta-Cabins and wondered why school students are still today in Porta-Cabins. He then went to UKIP policy mode and affirmed that they will offer vouchers to students for university or vocational training. However, give Michael some credit here as he was the only one who touched on the 3-tier � 2-tier differences on how students get lost in bigger schools.

The wrap-up speeches from each candidate came up next and this was revealing.

Michael Wrench, UKIP

Michael was still locked into a political party election broadcast and sound-bitted: 'illegal wars'; 'expenses scandals'; 'people need to be listened to'; 'UKIP are straight talking'; � One sound-bite that stuck was, "what do political parties have to do to not get elected" (i.e. how bad do they have to be?). End tagline: Don't vote tactically, vote on your principals.

Neville Farmer, Liberal Democrat

Neville was quick sophisticated and thank us (the audience) for our opinions. He said that politics has become too centralised. His tagline: "I want to be an MP who is a member of the community [who] has lived here". (luckily (or tactically) for Neville, Mark was next�)

Mark Garnier, Conservative

It will be a very different scene in Westminster on 7 May, Mark said. A hung parliament is a threat!. Oh no, the public were stirred! From the groans and huffs you could sense distaste to what Mark had said. You see, like I said before, Mark has done what he can on the 'independent-party' issue, now there is a new front: a hung/balanced parliament. As much as I'm sure Neville would have loved public support in the 'local � non local' issue it seems the public were more behind this issue. Richard Taylor of course picked up on this�

Dr. Richard Taylor, ICHC

'I would love a hung parliament, it would be great'. Just as much as the public distasted Mark's response they applauded and loved Richard's. As the public cheered I saw Mark nod his head. One other nugget from Richard was to the dislike of Mark was that he said the other parties do not have to give up a seat on the Health Select Committee because the system has changed. This was directed at Mark because he has publically acknowledged the fact that the Conservative Party gave up one of their seats on the Health Select Committee for Richard.

Nigel Knowles, Labour

Unfortunately for Nigel, this dampened his closing statement. His dismissed the myth of a hung parliament being beneficial to us a 'hung parliament does not work', he said. His statement (on the state of the House of Commons really) was that 'Labour will not work with the Tories'. The guy still doesn't 'get it'!

(Wo)man of the meeting:
This is not really a fair competition award, I have heard new speakers (Michael, Neville and Nigel), and I think the other two (Mark and Richard) have improved. So I'll stay on the fence and go with the Chairman of the event, who I don't actually know who he is!

Comments:

Statesman
4 May 2010

I couldn't make it, so thank you Tav for an overview. It sounds as though it was very interesting.

Tav
5 May 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

You're welcome. Although it's my opinion, a different person may have had a different view.

Cabbage Ear Craig
5 May 2010

Your continual remarks about Richard namedropping prove one thing... at least he has been around the constituency visiting various organisations, schools etc. and knows what he is talking about... a TRUE constituency MP.

Tav
5 May 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

Welcome to the 'agenda Cabbage Ear Craig. That's true.

Thinking about this... if this is a powerful vote catcher then it can't be good for David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg in Witney, Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, and Sheffield Hallam respectively. I mean those candidates haven't been in their constituencies for weeks!

The fabulous WFA

1 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Roll the dice take your chances, at...

Welcome to the fabulous WFA

Empty commercial properties

30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A fresh FOI request to Wyre Forest District Council from Natalie Davis:

"(a) addresses and rateable values of empty Commercial properties with a current rateable value between �18,000 and �20,000 that are within Wyre Forest District Council area; and,

(b) the names and addresses of the owners of those properties referred to in (a)"

The request has been send to all local authorities so we should get a national view. WFDC have to, by law, response to this request by 28 May 2010.

Meetings of the Mile High Club

29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever looked up and seen an airliner in the sky? Have you then wondered where it took off from and where it is going? Well ponder no more...

Flights over Wyre Forest

BNP Leaflet 2010

28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

BNP's turn.

FlipC
26 April 2010
The Mad Ranter

...and a BNP one for good measure...

BNP Leaflet 2010 [The Straight Choice]

First the flyer is standardised, more so that other political parties. I'm also collecting and uploading election leaflets for the Bromsgrove constituency and they are near-identical. In the past they have been caught out using free stock photography, so I doubt whether this flyer is any different. However, Nigel Knowles [Labour] Mark Garnier [Conservative] have used photos of other party councillors or activists in the past (and present). So it's not a major shocker.

A photo at last of Gordon Howells and three bullet points of national policies (unabridged):

Bring Our Troops Home

Put a Stop to Immigration

Raise the Weekly Pension to �150

The BNP support our troops by 'bringing them home'. They want to stop immigration _ no surprise from them, and they appeal to the pensioners by directing the "�18billion [that] Lab-Lib-Con give China and India to 'adapt' to non-existent Climate Change" ...to the 'weekly pension'. All flashy taglines that try their best to find a glimmer of agreement without any insight into the implications of their 'wants'. Typical, we (white people in the photo) are "not second class citizens".

It's then followed by a sickening photo mash-up with Winston Churchill and, a photo of 'our troops' and appeals for you to sign-up and get more information. No local issues, or priorities, just two statements with photos. One, with a photo of a young lady, states, "I'm voting BNP because I'm sick of seeing asylum seekers coming here and being sent to the front of the queue! People who've paid in for years should be put first for pensions, housing and health care." You have to be explicitly careful here, Legitimate asylum seekers have fled persecution (which could include torture), they shouldn't be confused and mixed up with immigration.

That's it now, at least one flyer from each candidate. I'll scan and upload any new flyers that appear...

Tuxedos and smiles

27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I'm de-threading a comment thread from the 'Vote to sack' blog, because I feel this deserves special attention.

The story starts with Neville Farmer's [Liberal Democrat] blog, 'Don'y trust a Tory with your money'. In it a 'debate' occurs between John Campion [Conservative] and Neville Farmer over the loss and time-consuming recovery of our (WFDC) �9million with three Icelandic banks.

Go to Neville's blog read the blog and comments then come back here.

OK, on the 'agenda blog, 'Vote to sack', it is noted that Neville has put a footnote at the bottom of his 'electoral communication'. Namely, "[Conservative] ...the party that lost �9 million of Wyre Forest taxes in Icelandic banks and offers you an investment banker as its candidate"". Neville then comment on the 'Vote to sack' blog and received rebuts from John Campion:

Neville Farmer
24 April 2010
Neville Farmer
Wyre Forest Liberal Democrats

The naive mistake of the Wyre Forest Conservative cabinet was in its choice of financial advisors. If you compare the two reports of Wyre Forest�s Treasury Management Review Panel and that of the Communities Select Committee in Westminster, you�ll find a discrepancy which the Wyre Forest Review, understandably, failed to pick up.

Wyre Forest, like 51 other councils took their advice from a company called Butlers, which Cllr. John Campion told the review panel were professional financial advisors. 16% of those councils also used an interbroker company called ICAP to broker the bank deals in Iceland. Councillor Campion told the review panel that Butlers acted as “go between� for WFDC and ICAP. Yet, Butlers told the cross party select committee that they are only a credit rating agency and not financial advisors, at all.

Butlers also said that the fact that Butlers and ICAP both have the same chief executive, Michael Spencer is irrelevant and that the two companies are completely separate, which is also appears to contradict Cllr Campion�s position. The Parliamentary select committee recognised this contradiction and recommended that the FSA investigate the connection.

Butlers are still trying to get our money back, which is interesting for a mere ratings agency and are employed by Wyre Forest till September. Michael Spencer is the multi-millionaire Treasurer of the Conservative Party.

John Campion
26 April 2010
Wyre Forest Conservatives

Neville you are wrong on a number of points. I will name but a few:

WFDC Cabinet didn't appoint Bulters as its "treasury management advisors", and that's what they are, not financial advisors.

Butlers do not act as a "go between" WFDC and ICAP, Butlers maintain the Councils lending list and assist with treasury management policy matters.

Bulters are not trying to get Wyre Forests money back, Wyre Forest District Council is, including taking part in test cases. Butlers are advisors, that's it. I am also surprised by Neville's "our money" comment as from his parliamentary nomination he seems to be a Westminster resident.

Neville seeks to connect Bulters, ICAP and the Conservative Party. His approach could lead people to think he is nothing more than a "Westminster hack wannabe". Wyre Forest District Council appoints its advisors and professional services on a cost/quality basis, as do every other public body in the Country, to suggest otherwise including any political connection is a gross distortion of the facts.

WFDC has received a little over �2m to date on its deposits frozen in the Icelandic banking collapse. It continues to remain confident that it will receive the vast majority of its deposits back over time.

Ok, the debate has drifted over here on the 'agenda, so I'll do some digging...

How dare that Neville Farmer imply that there is a connection between Wyre Forest District Council, their financial partners and the Conservative Party. I must prove him wrong and defend the Tories who rely only on their policies and beliefs for influence...

Allegation: Wyre Forest District Council employ Butlers as 'Treasury Management Advisors'

Proof:

Butlers the treasury consultants [WFDC]

Source: Treasury Management Strategy Report 2009, Wyre Forest District Council

See.

Allegation: Butlers have no connection with ICAP

Proof:

Butlers, a division of ICAP [Butlers]

Source: Butlers (website)

Oh.

Allegation: Butlers (and also ICAP) has no connection with Michael Spencer, Treasurer of the Conservative Party

Proof:

CV of Michael Spencer [Telegraph]

Source: Stanley Fink: the new Tory Party treasurer, The Telegraph, 16 Jan 2009 9:30pm

Proof:

ICAP [Companies House]

Source: Companies House

Err, but it can�t get any worse? Can it?

Proof: "[The Conservative Party] ...treasurer, Michael Spencer, admitted he had secretly used shares in a City stockbroker as security for a loan." and, "In 2004 he was forced to explain his purchase of two million Marks & Spencer shares a day after a drinks meeting with Stuart Rose, who became the store's chief executive shortly afterwards."

Source: West, Karl (2008) 'Tory treasurer faces shares deal inquiry'; Mail Online, 24 December 2008 1:48am

OMG

There we have it, our �9million gone and in Westminster it's smiles all around in tuxedos...

Michael Spencer & David Cameron [Mail Online]

Postscript:
I just want to say I do agree and believe in John Campion when he says, "Wyre Forest District Council appoints its advisors and professional services on a cost/quality basis, as do every other public body in the Country�". I agree (and proved) there is a link to Michael Spencer [Conservative] and he has interests in both Butlers and ICAP, but I think Neville is 'pushing it a bit' here.

Question Time 2010

26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

At last, some proper electioneering. The Bewdley Baptist are organising a 'Question Time' session with five of the six candidates. They did a similar event last election and it was a fantastic opportunity to meet the candidates.

Like before I will also be submitting a few questions:

[1] With neighbouring MPs, like Julie Kirkbride [Conservative] and Sir Michael Spicer [Conservative], being involved in the expenses scandals, is now the time to trust political parties again?

[2] If elected, what skills or influence will you have at your dispose to bring jobs back to Wyre Forest residents?

[3] If there is a hung/balanced parliament, if elected, will you need to spend more time in Westminster than in Wyre Forest?

[4] Can A&E be returned to Kidderminster Hospital?

I would like to know why only five candidates are available, the missing two are Gordon Howells [BNP]. Were they invited? Did the other candidates refuse to attend if they were invited? Will we ever know? Hey hold on, I can ask...

[5] Why is Gordon Howells [BNP] not attending this event?

..although a bit of a silly question for the candidates. It should be directed towards the organisers. Oh well. I seem to remember last time they invited all the candidates, but Mark Priest [Monster Raving Looney] turned it down.

You can submit your own question(s), email families@bewdleybaptist.org.uk, or add your own to the comments here and I'll forward them on as a 'question from the Wyre Forest Agenda'.

Another board game?

25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Anonymous
26 April 2010

I am concerned about the number of sandwich boards around the town centre of Bewdley. Some are well away from the shop or pub they are advertising. If this is allowed could every shop do the same? Culprits are Wood Colliers Arms (outside Town Hall and Granies Tap?)

Place your bets! Are the Town Council or District Council going to follow the lead of Worcestershire County Council are write a letters to businesses with illegal a-boards? Did the Wood Colliers Arms have permission for their a-boards outside the Town Hall and ?Granies Tap?? Are the Shuttle going to write an article on this? Will David Taylor support the Wood Colliers Arms?

Wait a bit and we might find out...

Straight talking

24 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FlipC
23 April 2010
The Mad Ranter

They keep on coming. Say No, Say Yes, Say No; oh now I'm just confused.

UKIP 2010 [The Straight choice]

Michael Wrench's [UKIP] turn. Firstly I have always been confused with UKIP United Kingdom Independence Party. When they first started they protested about the euro and keeping the pound, then it did not want anything to do with Europe and now it's all about UK independence from Europe. I remember many years ago confronting a UKIP campaigner in Stourbridge. UKIP: 'You'll get a federal Europe!', Tav: '...but I want a federal Europe'; UKIP (looking puzzled): 'It won�t work'; Tav: 'It works in USA, Germany and Australia'; UKIP: 'Arh but Europe has loads of languages, it just won't work'; Tav: 'It works in India, they have hundreds of different languages'; it went on...

That conversation seriously tainted my opinion with UKIP, so I'll try my best not to be too cynical. All the UKIP flyers are the same with obviously the candidates name changed, the photo, and two bullet points of 'local issues'. Let's start with the policies. Like FlipC, it does get confusing with 'say NO, say YES, say NO' bullet points on the front page. With interchanging NO and YES it looses momentum. A better approach would be all YES or all NO. Let me explain: You read the first bullet point � 'yes I agree', you think. Next point � 'I also agree with that, hey they are on to something here'. Next point � you think, 'I also agree with that'. So a hat trick and you have probably got them hooked on reading more. With the 'NO-YES-NO' combination you mix up agree to say yes, don�t agree to say yes, agree to say no or don�t agree to say no. Oh well!

So with UKIP it is "NO to mass immigration". Umm, immigration is multi-faceted, in simple good-neutral-bad terms: legal immigration (outside EU) � good; legal immigration (inside EU) � neutral; illegal immigration � bad; failed asylum seekers � bad; legal asylum seekers � good. If you put immigration into a quick on-line bullet point its open to too much interpretation. You have to be explicit otherwise you come over as far right extremist. Then we have 'YES to referenda'. Umm, this I like, I need more information: "UKIP would introduce �Direct Democracy� whereby a fixed proportion of the electorate, depending on the nature of the constituency (and normally 5%), sign a petition demanding a referendum on any major issue that concerns them, within a 6 month period for national petitions and 3 months for local petitions, shall be granted a referendum. Online petitions with safeguards on identities would be allowable. ". Ok I like this but I can�t help thinking they have introduced this policy because they suggest leaving Europe because lack of democracy into the UK which has even less democracy. Then a switch back to 'wasting �45million a day'. I love Europe and yearn for the United States of Europe, but the EU at present has two problems, I'll concede that it's not as democratic as it should be and has really bad PR. The �45million UKIP are moaning about I think is the UK contribution to the EU. I'm sure that is a drop in the ocean to how much we save and benefit from being an EU member state.

Down to the most important part of the flyer, local issues/pledges/reasons to vote for Michael Wrench (abridged):

We can afford A&E [at Kidderminster].

Reintroduce trams

We can afford A&E ay? Well, can we trust a political party on this issue again?

The reintroduction of trams is an interesting one; I'm not sure whether Michael is referring to the shuttle service from Kidderminster to 'Foley Halt' to Bewdley on the Severn Valley line and/or the old tram service from Somerleyton Avenue in Kidderminster to Bridge Street in Stourport. Although without the Stourport Relief Road I don�t think Stourport High Street or Bridge Street would be able to cope with trams. I would be very interested in knowing more about this.

Do anti-politics vote?

23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Harry Phibbs
22 April 2010

Wyre Forest District Council has a minority Conservative administration. They are only just short of an overall majority and a third of the seats are up for election on May 6.

The constituency has the same boundaries and is held by Richard Taylor, an independent MP first returned in 2001 in protest at the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital. The Government have ignored the protest. The seat is the 82nd Conservative target.

The last time the 17 wards were fought 11 of them returned Conservatives, three Lib Dems, three Labour and one Health Concern. You would think the anti-politics mood would help Richard Taylor as an independent - especially as his expenses were pretty clean. But the Council election results don't give that indication. Furthermore for a saintly, anti politics grouping his supporters have engaged in some pretty scurrilous, negative campaigning. They also support a higher Council Tax.

The Conservative candidate Mark Garnier says the MP should not be a single issue politician. He says his business background will be helpful in attracting new jobs to the area.

Tav
22 April 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

This is a bit of a confused and twisted view of the district/constituency. Let me help you out.

Dr. Richard Taylor was first elected MP in 2001 (not returned), and then successfully won two terms (perhaps a third?). Your attack on Dr. Richard Taylor starts of as 'independent MP' (although there is nothing wrong with that) and changes to 'a single issue politician'. You need to be more decisive so we can understand where you are coming from.

You figures for the last local election are incorrect: Conservative: defending 6, lost 0, elected 10; ICHC: defending 1, lost 0, elected 1; Labour defending 1, lost 1, elected 0; Liberal Democrats: defending 1, lost 0, elected 1; Liberal defending 2, lost 1, elected 2; Independent: defending 2, lost 2 elected 0. (see Wyfopedia)

Generally the people of Wyre Forest and particularly the ICHC (Independent Community and Health Concern) group are not 'anti-politics', just anti-sleaze, pro-local and pro-independence. This means your 'indication' of the General Election results is seriously flawed. One Conservative Councillor was a convicted criminal [Cllr. Mumshad Ahmed] and all councillors on the District Council, including the Conservatives ones, are all local. Dr. Richard Taylor is a local retired doctor who not only lives in Wyre Forest but serviced the people of Wyre Forest as a doctor. His expenses, as you state, "were pretty clean". This is a stark difference to Mark Garnier, who is a Charterhouse educated Investment Banker from The Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

Actually, come to think of it, the people of Wyre Forest who are anti-politics don't vote (including not voting Conservative).

Fighting Talk

22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

They are coming in thick and fast. Then next 'General Election Communication' up for scrutiny is from Nigel Knowles [Labour].

Labour Leaflet 2010 [The Straight Choice]

My first impression is 'is that it?'

It's not good for Labour in Wyre Forest since David Lock [Labour] was booted out, and it shows. The tagline reads, "Nigel Knowles: Wyre Forest First", now tell me you didn't just think something like 'until Labour head office tell me otherwise'. It's this sort of think that ups support for Dr. Richard Taylor [ICHC], at Nigel's expense. There is more, "I will always put your interests first [until...]", and, "I will fight for Kidderminster Hospital [unless...] ...", and, "I have always fought hard for the interests of Wyre Forest and our local community [until they conflict with Labour policies].". I'm glad FlipC uploaded this flyer to StraightChoice, and I hope that the StraightChoice keep it until the next election, so we can compare. I would be very interest to compare this 'election communication' with Nigel's 'election communication' in Shrewsbury (or wherever he stood last election). Well he is trying, and he is local which an advantage from his predecessor candidate (Marc Bayliss).

The opening paragraph is a series of 'I will' pledges. All standard podium stuff but one stark approach I found between Mark Garnier [Conservative] and Nigel. Nigel pledges, "I will fight for jobs in Wyre Forest and for business", while Mark Garnier says he will, "...help drive our local economy: helping existing businesses grow; attracting more business and jobs...". Nigel is re-active, fighting some threat for businesses and jobs in Wyre Forest, while Mark is pro-active by helping businesses to grow and attract more business (and so jobs). One-nil to Mark. Just what is the threat Nigel?

OK, let's move on. Nigel has 5 pledges if he is elected:

Fight for Kidderminster Hospital and the NHS

Local people first and ensure pensioners and families are protected

Fight for public services, jobs, and the environment; and protect the green belt

Help young people in education and work

Secure the budget for armed and emergency services

I'm so glad that Nigel is not Nostradamus or Mystic Meg, because his giving out signals that something bad is coming. It sounds like we are electing a body guard or army: 'fighting for the hospital'; 'protecting families'; 'fight for jobs'; 'protect the green belt'; '(Keep a threat back) to allow young people into education and work'; 'beef up the armed and emergency forces'. Is this preparation for civil war or anarchy, I better start polishing my shotgun.

The Dark Lord?

21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I've been watching Star Wars too much...

David Taylor
21 April 2010

Well, I haven�t deviated from my view that one should be 21 to vote and pass a baseline intelligence test. When I see a 30-year-old man look blank when asked which city the Kremlin is in and hear a 25 year-old woman say “Chichester, that has to be in Cheshire somewhere� I shudder to think that the future governance of this country could be decided by readers of �Heat� magazine who like that �nice Mr Clegg because he�s tall and has nice hair�.

Alas! Elections are no longer settled by thoughtful folk weighing the issues but by floating voters who can�t see through the spin. If we denied the vote to sections of the population we might see sufficient indignation to raise voting levels to a decent figure.

Tav
xx xxxxxxx 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

Segregation leads to resentment. Resentment leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. This is the path to the dark side of the force.

Seriously, ask yourself who are the people who say we have the best democracy in the world? Politicians? No wonder, for it is the 'best' for them. They will tell you that voting is your duty and the most important thing you can do. If it's so important why only every four or five years? If your vote is your voice, then how can marking a cross in a box be an approval of a 50 page manifesto?

Young David, my Jedi youngling, only Siths deal in absolutes. Much to learn, you have. More votes, more frequency, more referenda and we will make a Jedi of you yet.

Wyre Forest's Future?

20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hooray! Another 'election communication'! This time I get the Tory flyer from Mark Garnier.

Mark Garnier. Working for ALL Wyre Forest on EVERY Issue [The Straight Choice]

It's glossy (of course); it's not a letter, not a booklet, not a leaflet, more like some origami! The first thought that rushes through my mind is Lord Ashcroft (the 'Sleaze from Belize'). I just keep thinking that the billionaire tax dodger has paid for this leaflet at the same time has having dodged out of our tax revenue. I imagine that part of this thought is due to reading one of Fran's recent blogs (Oborski (2010)).

The flyer has four main sections: a name to face cover; David Cameron; Mark Garnier; and, '3 positive reasons to vote for Mark Garnier'.

The cover is the standard Tory format used to reinforce the name and the face of the candidate. Even the tagline is standardised, except for the capitalisation.

The David Cameron is the usually blurb, half of it doesn't really tell you anything. They use the same words as the Liberal Democrat, 'huge debts' and 'tired government' (with no capitalisation!). However, the other half has quick phrases on employment, the NHS, education, and, social services. One point that took my interest and made me think was: "We will abolish taxes on the first ten jobs created by new businesses". Ok, thinking as a businessman, all I need to do is create a new business like every time I have a new product line or start to market my product/service in a new market. Perhaps, Mark Garnier, with his 27 years' ~~investment banking~~ business experience should have pointed this loop-hole out to him?

The centrepiece of the flyer has photo opportunities with short paragraphs. I've seen them before however; on the whole it is all positive and easy to read. The leading paragraph states, "Mark has been working hard for Wyre Forest, as an unpaid volunteer, for over six years. Mark has proven himself to be an effective voice for local people and has championed many important local causes: A strong local campaigner."

The most important section is at the back. Remember we are only being asked who (our of a list of people) do you want as an MP? We are not asked to vote for a political party or for a Prime Minister, so let's focus on this, our duty. Mark Garnier offers 3 reasons for vote for him (abridged):

A strong voice for ALL our public services with a strong voice in Westminster

His business experience makes him ideal to help drive our local economy

Mark is effective in tackling the important issues that face us all right now

Very weak I would say. First he is a strong voice (Liberal/Liberal Democrat use this term a lot) for ALL public services because of a 'strong voice in Westminster'. This is all old-hat, I remember a couple of months ago letters like this viewpoint appeared in the Shuttle. They were argued against and the letter writers disappeared _ perhaps they did a bit more research and understood this viewpoint is so weak? Now the nomination deadline has passed I would be interested to know if the ratio of Independent candidates has risen since the last election.

Note that there is no mention of investment banking, just 'business experience'. In the centre pages that is no quick photo-paragraph on Mark 'championing a local issue' that will 'help drive our local economy'. Perhaps, if he explained his ideas to 'help drive our local economy' he would get more attention.

I'm lost on Mark's third reason, what exactly are the 'important issues that face us all right now'?

At then end of the day, I think the flyer is well designed and very easy to read. The only weak points are the three reasons to vote for Mark Garnier. What happened to the promise of the Stourport Relief Road Mark?

Vote to sack

19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I still haven't received my 'election communication' from Neville Farmer [Liberal Democrat] so I'm very grateful that it has been uploaded to the Straight Choice election leaflet campaign for everyone to securitise.

Liberal Democrat 2010 [The Straight Choice]

A letter format with coloured graphics and signature looks professional ad personal; however, I have never been a fan of serif font. Anyway, the important part _ the content:

Quickly into attacking the opposition: "Times are tough and this tired Labour Government has let all of us down. Only the investment bankers are still living it up in "the age of greed"." Straight round the throats of Labour and a subtle reference to Mark Garnier ('a parachuted Investment Banker'?) which is backed up in the footer. This is similar talk to neighbouring Liberal Democrat candidate for Bromsgrove (see Ling (2010)).

Glance further down the page an we see the promises/policies/pledges, here they are abridged:

First �10,000 free from Income tax paid for by the mansion tax

Force energy companies to offer lower tariffs

Insulating homes and building affordable houses

Cutting primary class sizes and funding schools for the disadvantaged

Allow you to sack your MP

A stark contrast to the local pledges of Dr. Richard Taylor [ICHC], but this is what you would expect from a 'political party', even one that's supposed to be a break from the 'old skool'. I do however, like the suggestion that you can sack your MP. What's the details on this...

"You will have the right to sack your MP if they are proved corrupt. You will have as much influence as everyone else over our government because we will stamp out big donations, clean up lobbying and change the voting system so that every voter�s choice matters." (Liberal Democrats (2010))

Yep, that's all I could find. I understand the need for small paragraphs, then bullets points, then promotional phrases, then sound bites but if I want to know more they should provide it. Give me the detail!

Ok national politics (and system changes , which I like) out of the way, how can Neville Farmer compete with Dr. Richard Taylor on being our MP. After all, we the electorate are asked a simply question: Who do you want out of these people to be your MP?

Neville's answer to this is one paragraph: "Soon you will have the change to vote for Wyre Forest's next MP. Make sure you choose an MP who grew up here and who is committed to a fairer deal for us all." To me, a candidate who grew up in Wyre Forest is a major factor, however, this is still a Neville is still one of the 1% of the population and belongs to a national political party. So the real 'deal' is if the '...committed to a farier deal for all' carries the clause, '...as long as it fits the party plan'.

The Germans are coming...

18 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

"Kidderminster. Die Entfernungen nach den an den Ausfalstra�en angegebenen Orten betragen in Kilometer (von der rechten oberen Ecke im Sinne des Uhrzeigers fortschreitend)."

In the early 1940s the German Department for War Maps and Surveying (Abteilung f�r Kriegskarten und Vermessungswesen) within the German General Staff (Generalstab des Heeres) prepared town plans for German military staff in Berlin in connection with their intended invasion of Britain (Operation Sealion).

Kidderminster had such a town plan prepared.

Be careful: live wyres!

17 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

What's this a new forum?

wyre.live

Yes I think it is! Fantastic! I cannot wait...

Umm, maybe another business directory, (please no, please no, please no, please, please, please...)

Update:
It seems that a search of the web archives that wyre.live has been archived between 6 September 2007 and 1 July 2008. There are also a myriad of domains, wyrelive.co.uk; wyredesigns.co.uk; www.wyrechat.co.uk, etc�

Then a bit of Googling' comes up trumps, two live sites: a Facebook person and the JomSocial website with a forum.

Again!

16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Yes another interesting Shuttle article (Anon.(2010c)), reported well but then totally let down by the bloody lack of hyperlinking! Calm down Tav, calm down.

The shuttle have started a series of articles on the Kidderminster Arts Festival [KAF], and one of them tells us that, the 'Artists� network [KAF Creatives] gets creative and makes its festival debut. Anon. tells us that, "You can find out more about KAF on www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk or on Facebook KAF_arts or myspace.com/kidderminsterartsfes tival or in the festival brochure." NO YOU BLOODY CAN'T. Calm down Tav. OK, I'll provide the links here on the agenda, see it as a kind of free public service.

If fact after several minutes and several searches on Facebook I could not find the KAF page on Facebook. The KAF MySpace website (incorrect web address on the Shuttle) states, " We are thinking of only running the Facebook site and not MySpace, it's a lot of work to keep you all up to date. Just wondering if any of you are on Facebook ". Why test the water? Why ask people of MySpace if they use Facebook? It's not as if you have to pay to start a Facebook group (yet!). So I jumped in on their behalf _ well you know the Rewyre tagline: 'We are in this together'.

Update (16-Apr-2010):
Now I have a dilemma. Previously I had been searching the highs and lows of Facebook in a vane effort to find the KAF Facebook page. Then I find it tonight with a few seconds! It is a 'person' rather than a page, so that is probably why I couldn't find it.

So now we have two Kidderminster Arts Festival Facebook pages. What shall I do? Shall I close the one I started? I have (last time I looked) 8 members, shall I keep it open (the more the merrier)? I could hand the page over to the 'person' 'Kaf Arts' to administer. Oh, decisions, decisions...

No Need for Change Here

15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wow, my first General Election flyer. It's from Independent Community and Health Concern, 'An Election Communication From Dr. Richard Taylor'.

An Election Communication From Dr. Richard Taylor [ICHC]

According to the flyer if re-elected Dr. Taylor [ICHC] will, "...fight for increased services at our hospital...; to support the original ideals of the National Health Service; to speak out freely on national and local affairs without Party domination; to help constituents with their concerns; to support local organisations and events; to put Wyre Forest before Party power; to represent YOU without Party political interference." Umm, a bit of duplication here and a bit of nothingness. I'm sure every other candidate will 'support local organisations and events' and 'help constituents with their concerns' if elected.

However the front page grabbing story is the commendation from Lord Digby Jones [ex-Government Minister, ex-Director General of CBI] who says of Richard, "Wyre Forest can be proud of Richard and what he has done.", "...we need more like him..." and, "...his independence, proven integrity and honesty.". I can't really argue with that but is it wise to have a photo opportunity with Lord Jones? He was 'believed' to have been interviewed by the FSA as a non-executive director of iSoft when it admitted irregularities in its 2004 and 2005 accounts. This is the same Digby Jones that disclosed the shareholding to the parliamentary authorities six months after becoming a minister, an apparent contravention of official rules. Then straight after his meeting at Brockencote Hall, Chaddersley Corbett with Dr. Richard Taylor he was caught then banned and fined for driving 103mph on the motorway. Ok the last event was a matter of stupidity rather than a matter of ethics, however, this is sort of the equivalent of Mark Garnier [Conservative] standing next to Julie Kirkbride... hold on a minute I'm sure I have that photo somewhere...

The Stanley Baldwin Closet Supporter's Society

14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Little did I know, until I surfed Facebook, that the 'Stanley Baldwin Closet Supporter's Society' existed...

Stanley Baldwin [Scott Murphy]

" This Society was formed in 2006 to promote the image of one of britains greatest statesmen - Stanley Baldwin, who held the office of Prime Minister three times.

Born: 3rd August 1867 in Bewdley, Worcestershire
First entered Parliament: 2nd March 1908
Age he became PM: 55 years, 292 days; 57 years, 93 days; 67 years, 308 days
Maiden Speech: 22nd June 1908 on the Coal Miners Bill from the viewpoint of the employer and a manufacturer
Total time as PM: Seven years, 82 days
Died: 14th December 1947 at Astley Hall, near Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire "

Unity in the Community

13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I remember watching the 'inspiration video' from the Rewyre Project on the regeneration of Kidderminster. After the video I only remember two significant points: the tagline, 'We are in this together', and a few frames of 'BIRCHEN COPPICE' graphic public art. 'Where's that?' I thought. Obviously somewhere in Birchen Coppice, so a bit of desk research (see sources), some Google StreetViewing' and I found it. Time for a photo shoot...

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

I like it very much.

One step at a time...

12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One of my pet hates is that of the local newspaper (the Shuttle) and their consistent inaccuracies and lack of hyperlinks on their website (http://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/). The article, 'Wyre Forest views sought on economy' was of interest to me, so I tried the URL (website address) provided. Note it wasn't a hyperlink just text that you have to copy and past into your web browser.

So, "...following the impact of the recession..." a new strategy is being drawn up to change from a focus on "...high-tech industries and supporting a highly-skilled and well-paid workforce..." to "...job creation, business retention and creating a stable economy to build upon...". OK, I'm interested, so where do I go Mr. Clive Joyce? "To get involved, visit haveyoursay.org.uk and search for the Worcestershire Economic Strategy." OK...

'No Results Found' for 'Worcestershire Economic Strategy' on 'Cumbria's consultation and community database'

Why would the 'Worcestershire Economic Strategy' be in 'Cumbria's consultation and community database'?

They are improving we have made it from a mention in a paragraph to a partial (but inaccurate) website address. However, thanks to bit of web searching (Google) the correct URL is: http://www.haveyoursay.whub.org.uk/.

I'll have a look at this and ~~report~~ blog back (at you should expect by now)...

Stourport's little treasures

11 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I thought I would visit the StourportTalk Forum to see if there is anything new. It's been a long time since I last visited and unfortunately the last post was 29 August 2009. However, one pinned topic is 'Stourport Treasures' . Here the forum owner asks...

Scott
5 August 2008

Do you know of anything that is unique to the local area, something that you have only ever heard about in Stourport, we would love to find out any little treasures that are tucked away in the history of the town and its people.

A few months later Shirl shares a 'treasure' with us...

Shirl
30 January 2009

My partner is a builder and has found several gardens surrounding Brindley Street and Warwick Streets have wells.

We uncovered our own in Brindley Street to find it half full of coal. We think this was used to fill it up when the railway was in use. A secrete stash?

When we emptied the well (some 14 ft later) it was unfortunately dry... the water table seems to have dropped

Such a shame...

I thought that was interesting.

St. Marys Tunnel

10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I couldn't wait until the weekend, so on Friday (yesterday) after work I zoomed down to the canal tunnel under St. Marys Ringway to shoot the finished mural. The mural I'm calling 'Changing Perceptions...' is a marked improvement to the graffiti scribble wall that was once there, however, unlike 'Get your kicks...' (KTC3 Boarding Mural) it didn't have that initial wow factor.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

The mural depicts what I presume are ?canal people? of certain decades. Each decade has a graphic swirl pattern, a face and stylised lettering. The decades are 1900s, 1940s, 1980s, 2000, and 2020 and run from the Sainsbury's end to the McDonalds end. There is a no art on the other side of the canal and one wall section has what I term a 'credit wall'.

Firstly the 'canvass' has many limitations including a lack of natural light, dodgy 1960s florescent lighting (although bright enough), and, no room to stand back to admire the work (unless you are on a canal boat). Nevertheless, with these cards been deal, the result is reasonably welcoming. I'm just not sure about the amount of greys that have been used. Perhaps I will re-look at this mural a year from now, and appreciate it more.

Stern faced lady

9 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the 33rd What & Where quiz. Here we have a stern looking lady sitting alongside a shield, a tree and a laurel? Where and What can this be? That's the quiz...

What & Where is this lady?

Good luck, happy guessing...

A good resolve for 1916

8 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I came accross this newspaper cutting (unsure of the source). I thought I would share it with you...

A good resolve for 1916

Nicky's Flowers

7 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Nicky's Flowers, Stourport:

Nicky's Flowers, Stourport

A wizard in Kiddy'

6 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Did you know Wizard Sleeve performed in Kidderminster on Saturday?

Wizard Sleeve in Kiddy' [Wizard Sleeve]

Ogden Nash once said...

5 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I think that I shall never see
a billboard lovely as a tree.
Perhaps, unless the billboards fall,
I'll never see a tree at all.
Ogden Nash (1902 - 1971)

It has been an extremely busy (and so tiring) Easter weekend for my family and I so have haven't had much 'agenda time. Now I'm catching up on the agenda I have noticed, like I predicted, that the a-board debate has taken off. So let's see what others have to say...

David Taylor makes some interesting points in his blog and also mentions me by name, placing me into a 'Red Ribbonistas' group. Firstly David dismisses the probability of the advertising boards on Worcester Road being a problem and noted that the sponsorship boards on traffic islands debunk the council distraction theory. Then he gets to the crux of his blog, the 'Red Ribbonists' are walkerno5, FlipC, and me, after expressing our opinions on Primrose's blog. Our idea of a 'Pavement Licence' (to use David Taylor's expressions) would mean the cost would be an addition business cost and so result in 'rip-off' prices.

I have responded to David Taylor on his blog, however, I would share his bewilderment in regulatory interference if the money collected from the 'Pavement Licence' was re-routed to other funds (like a refurbished county hall, as an example). No I would insist that the money is somehow used to support the businesses, the 'somehow' needs to be worked out but the businesses and taxpayers together.

Jane Welsh's letter in the Shuttle regales her experience of the advertising boards causing an obstruction while driving.

Another letter from B. Lloyd (I know Mr. Lloyd) supports the main consensus on this debate, that pedestrians along Worcester Road would be very silly (or blind and silly) to be obstructed by the signs.

Two more short letters. Howard Jones points out the council's duty of care is ignored when it comes to unlawfully parked cars on the pavements. H. Pimble wonders why the fast foot van on Homebase carpark (round the corner from Worcester Road) hasn't been order to remove their signs. Umm, the y are not shown on Google Street View.

St. Marys Mural

4 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's a times like this I wish I was a teacher or back at high school. Peter Barber, the artist that brought us the KTC3 mural is back in Kidderminster. The next art project is for the canal tunnel under St. Marys Ringway in Kidderminster.

If I didn't have to go to work I would have attended the initial volunteer meeting held on Tuesday at the Boars Head Pub, Worcester Road, Kidderminster. The meeting is a 'design workshop' used to collectively develop the deigns.

I remember photographing the canal tunnel a few months ago when there were some interesting designs but nothing welcoming. I tried to find my photos for this blog but I have seemed to have lost them. Never mind though, I thought, it's light after work so I can pop down there and photograph it before it goes, a sort of before and after. Sadly I left it too late, it looks as if the background setting has already been added:

St. Marys Ringway Canal Tunnel (recently)

St. Marys Ringway Canal Tunnel [WFDC]

I can't wait to get down there this weekend, when the project should be complete by then.

Metropolitan-Vickers

3 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

"The new Power Station... at Stourport, is equipped with two J-phase banks of " METROVICK " Transformers...". (well did have)...

Metropolitan-Vickers electrical equipment for Stourport-on-Severn power station, advert � 1925 [mikeyashworth]

Thanks to mikeyashworth for use of the image

A board game

2 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I've picked up on the 'Front Page Story' blog by Primrose Coley. This is the Shuttle news regarding the order from Worcestershire County Council to Worcester Road (Kidderminster) traders to remove their street signs from the street. The story was last week and this week we see responses in the letters section from both sides of the argument.

Board signs on Worcester Road, Kidderminster [Google StreetView]

This, however, it's a battle on many fronts.

First there is Worcestershire County Council who send letters to traders on Worcester Road to remove their temporary advertising board as they are causing an obstruction. It seems like a blanket ban on all temporary advertising along Worcester Road. I'm unsure whether this only extends to Worcester Road.

Primrose Coley in her blog has questioned the council's reason for this action. The council say it is to prevent accidents occurring from both pedestrians and motorists. However, the Highways Department haven't provided any accident figures involving advertising boards, yet on a stretch of narrow road where motoring collisions have occurred no action is taken.

Primrose's blog prompted comments from the usual suspects (including me). Walkerno5 refers to the point of ownership. Since the, "...pavement doesn't belong to the shop, and they have no more right to permanently occupy that space than any other individual."

FlipC points out responsibility. If an accident occurs like the council think might happen, then this, "... the business gets its free advertising and taxpayers fork out the compensation."

OK, my turn. I'll play Switzerland or perhaps the United Nations:

Tav
30 March 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

Worcester Road (the long one) does have a lot of street signs, but the number of pedestrians down there is the bare minimum and the signs are all on grass verges or in the central reservation. So I figure that the council believe the signs are a distraction to drivers by.

I'm siding with walkerno5 and FlipC on this one, if anyone can put up a street sign, then I should be allowed to put up a sign of my own (mine would read 'soup'). The sign owner should be responsible from any consequences that arise from putting up the sign.

However, there should be a small scale planning permission for such signs. The businesses or anyone else should submit a mini planning application to show where, when and what they want displayed. Along with the planning application they pay a fee which goes towards the upkeep of the rod in question (e.g. removing litter, repairing potholes).

I've added a bit too much bureaucracy and made it overly complicated; however, FlipC is at hand to sort this out:

FlipC
30 March 2010
The Mad Ranter

Or the council could simply charge them for the space just as the owner of a billboard would. The question of exactly what can be put there and the obstruction it may or may not cause can be decided at that point and can be kept on file and used as precedent.

Tav
30 March 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

Yes! Less bureaucratic and still achieves the objectives!

Then next week we get a bit more insight into what might of actually happened. Remember the council are never democratic, open and transparent so we have to rely on a mix of drip-fed information, unofficial comments, leaks and speculation. For instance we get another battlefront from Peter Bylett [Chairman, Sight Concern Worcestershire, Kidderminster Branch] who in his letter, 'Safety hazard is on the increase' explains that members of Sight Concern has expressed concern as the placing of A-boards, not just on Worcester Road but elsewhere including Coventry Street recently. So... (here comes the speculation)... members of Sight Concern complained to their group, then the group complained to the council, and the council banned advertising boards taking the credit by saying they are thinking of the safety of pedestrians and motorists.

Also another letter returns the initial shot from the council. Peter Willoughby, supported with photographs, points out the hypocracy of the council, when the council failed their duty of care to pedestrians when, "...despite numerous objections, a fingerboard sign was erected by the county council in the middle of an already narrow busy footway in Bridge Street, Stourport...

So there you have the story so far. The council bureaucrats ban something and make up a feeble reason as to why, the businesses are up in arms but don't want people to realise they are getting free advertising and with no compensation repercussions; and the signs are causing pedestrians, "...confusion, loss of confidence and fear that they might injure themselves...".

Let's have some positive thinking here. FlipC and I have the solution: The council charge an advertising fee, and all the terms of the contract set out the responsibilities of all parties. If someone complains or is injured by advertising boards all parties sort out the issue as per the contract on a case by case basis.

Will the council listen? ...I doubt it! ...well unless we complain...

Drink and Drive

1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Lemonhead Lionel
31 March 2010

Can I draw your urgent attention to the Wyre Forest Liberal site and a very hot potato concerning Cllr. Ahmed.

Welcome to the 'agenda Lionel...

Arh, Cllr. Mumshad Ahmed, the Tory councillor that was convicted of driving while disqualified and then expulsed from the Wyre Forest Conservatives. The Wyre Forest Liberals and Wyre Forest Liberal Democrats have written an open letter to the unelected leader of the council, John Campion [Conservative].

Well, what people do in their private life is up to them and this is no exception. However, elected councillors have a duty to their constituents and what they do or don't do matters to them. In return the constituents ~~can~~ should be able elect or 'unelect' them in or out office each year. Therefore I find it interesting that Cllr. Ahmed was once regularly in a photo opportunity in the papers when first elected has never appeared since this controversy. Surely you don�t need a political party to issue press releases to the papers _ perhaps you do? Otherwise he has been keeping a low profile.

Since the electors of Broadwaters have four years to wait and are powerless to de-elected him, I would, if I was a Broadwaters elector, have preferred Cllr. Ahmed to have called a by-election at his expense. Failing that I would have expected him to be more proactive (and seen to be more proactive). That's the least I would have expected, as that is what I would have done in Cllr. Ahmed's shoes.

In short the article in the Shuttle, 'Party has no plans to readmit shamed Tory', says it all.

Stats of the Month

31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It�s the end of the month so I though I would take the opportunity to bore you with my monthly statistics for March.

Visitors per day:

Visits per day

This is the number of unique visitors each day to the 'agenda. We almost broke the 100 visitors per day mark (99 on Friday, 19-Mar-2010). For some reason the number of visits steadily grew then dropped on 24-Mar-2010.

Most read blogs:
On the right side menu I provide the top ten most read blogs of the month. Tomorrow that will be reset, so here is the top 25 most read blogs of the month, enjoy...

1st	The Horsefair Public Art Project	102 reads
2nd	Election results!	72 reads
3rd	Council-Graff	65 reads
4th	Town Hall Rich List	59 reads
4th	Flycapture	59 reads
6th	Hieroglyphics	57 reads
6th	Staying overnight?; 12:05am	57 reads
8th	Boy	56 reads
9th	Thanks for coming!	55 reads
10th	Door	54 reads
11th	Hooty's	52 reads
12th	A456 Light-greyspot!	51 reads
13th	20 is plenty unattainable	50 reads
14th	Rat Book	42 reads
15th	Swim Bus	38 reads
16th	Photographer, Kidderminster	37 reads
16th	Titton Mill	37 reads
18th	Tasers	36 reads
18th	We need Tar	36 reads
20th	The White Lady of the Seven Stars	35 reads
21th	The Straight Choice	34 reads
21th	I found a ghost sign	34 reads
21th	Kidderminster Railway Station	34 reads
24th	I got eaten by a swan!	31 reads
25th	Elvis Lives!	30 reads

Search Terms:
The terms used to search and arrive at the 'agenda are always fun and sometimes strange, so here we go for March 2010:

wfa.org.uk	Wyre Forest Agenda	Tesco presentation	Ian Mille Wyre Forest District Council
Health & Safety Checks at Wyre Forest Glades Kidderminster 2009	Mrs. Stango Wilden Village Hall	show me where Hay-On-Wyre is	Weavers Wharf car park
Map & Reading Club, Wyre Forest kids	railways in Kidderminster in 1880	93-94 New Road Express & Star Kidderminster January 2008	Fran Oborski blog
Wyre Council Cottage by Dowles Brook	Swan Centre Kidderminster 1960	Weavers Wharf	Wyre Forest Liberals
Wyre Arena what's on in June	Nick Carroll architects	Park Lane pussycat parties	Drakelow Tunnels layout
Saint Michaels Church Stourport plan of grave yard	Titton Mill	92-94 New Road Kidderminster	The Audacity Kidderminster
rights of way in Wyre Forest	postcard Bewdley Load Street	low flying German aircraft by M40	archive photos of Kidderminster
Wolverley car boot	birds eye view of Tesco office near canal park Coventry UK	Wyre Forest	What's on in Wyre Forest Easter weekend
Wyre Forest School	advantages and disadvantages of skateboard parks	Mayor's Ball Stourport 2010	Rowland Hill Kidderminster history
skate area	Brinton Carpets	church Scotland org uk boards guilf gd dtc totals project	Tavis Pitt
jobs for 14 year olds in Bewdley and Kidderminster	Kidderminster's the biggest shithole in the world	Wyre Forest blog	old Woolworth store in Stourport
warehouse planning applications March 2010 UK	Tavis Harvey Wales	Stourport Power Station	postmen in court for theft fraud West Midlands 2009 2010

Blurfers of the month:
As a way of a thank you here are all the blurfers (surfers of blogs) who commented or otherwise contributed to the 'agenda this month:

Graham Ballinger	FlipC	rubared	Keith Slater
John Campion	Fran Oborski	Philip Lench	John Scratch
Julian Phillips	Smiling Bob	Harriers9	Paul Biggs
Statesman	Dudley Doolittle	Don Barton	Quality Management Team
arrowmaker	Kiddi' Kevin	Howard Martin	ghostsigns
Alexis Komodikis	Corina Harper	Jackie	Lemonhead Lionel

Kidderminster Railway Station

30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I attended the Kidderminster Railway Station consultation tonight. It was sparse to be honest, just two A3 aerial view plans, however that is OK. I mean, isn't it better to talk and listen to the people at the start of a project rather than after our decisions have already been made by someone else (like the Horsefair Emmental Horse)?

The consultation

Derek Prodger [unelected Transport Commissioner, Conservative] was there to answer any questions and ample copies of the questionnaire were available. The two plans are only "preliminary" and "further detailed investigatory work needs to be undertaken". The first plan shows the traffic situation, the two traffic islands are going and split into one for bus traffic and the other for car park traffic. I'm unsure where the taxi rank should go.

Plan 1

The other plan was the pedestrian and cycle access on Comberton Hill, but it was very basic with labels like "Possible new pedestrian crossing with central refuge".

Plan 2

On the whole it was thumbs up for providing a consultation especially for providing two venues in the evening. However, the plans and other information should be provided on the council website. The last paragraph on the website says it all...

"Finally - there is some good news on the cobbles. Following the Project Board meeting at the beginning of March it has been decided to keep the cobbles, which will now be lifted from the forecourt, refurbished and re-laid on the main access to the new forecourt. This maintains a link with the original features of the railway station when it opened in the 1840s and complements the heritage setting of the Severn Valley Railway, which shares the site."

Great so people have been concerned with the cobbles? Who attended this meeting? What other things were said in the meeting? Can we see the minutes of the meeting? When is there another meeting? Where is the 'main access to the new forecourt' exactly?

You see we are drip-fed little bits of information. I don't mind providing headlines, but there should be access for people to get more detail more information if they so required, all at the click of a hyperlink.

The questionnaire? Let's look at that at another blog�

We don't need no education...

29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I am really please to have stumbled upon this photo of graffiti by Steve Oliver Imagery. It was taken at the ex-sugar site on the side of a oil tank bund, which has most likely been demolished now.

We don't need no education... [© Steve Oliver Imagery 2010]

Cowabunga

28 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cowabunga

I got eaten by a swan!

27 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I started a thread on the Kidderminster Forum (remember that?). It was called 'Whatever happened to... ...can we have it back?'. The thread was there for anyone to reminisce about building and statues etc. that once stood in Kidderminster but have since disappeared. I was writing some blogs to re-instate the series here on the 'agenda, things like the Spennells Waterfall, Blakebrook Drinking Fountain, Horsefair Clock, the Swans, etc. Then all of a sudden I hear of a Facebook group reminiscing about one of the 'Whatever happened to's. It was the Swans in the Swan Centre.

The group has some very interesting objectives, apart from people's memories of the swans they want to know where they are now, why they went, and any pictures of them. One member submitted the following photo:

This is the one that bit me... [Gavin Webb]

I added my experience of the swans. I remember it well, my mother let me play inside them, but a rough kid came along and bullied me into turning around inside the tunnel inside the swans. As I turned around I became stuck and panicked. My mom had to call the Centre Manager to release me. After that incident I would never go near them again. I must have been about 4 or 5 years old.

Ring, ring...

26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

OK a very quick FOI Friday today. Did you know following a FOI Request the Department for Culture, Media and Sport released the addresses of each de-listed building, names of the county and or local authority and the date of the decision.

The only item that came close to the Wyre Forest district: K6 Telephone kiosk (#0299 401455), Arley Station, Upper Arley, Wyre Foest, Worcestershire on 25 April 2007.

Umm, this one?

K6 Telephone kiosk (#0299 401455) [Google View]

...and #0299 401455, is that the telephone number probably now: 01299 401455. Umm, it rings out but no one answers...?!?

Boy

25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

My next What & Where quiz (number 32)

What & Where is this boy?

Guess therough comments. The prize is a flower:

20 is unattainable

24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Like I promised, if I come across election material I will submit it to The Straight Choice election leaflet project. I have done so with the latest 'Focus on Greenhill' election flyer from the Wyre Forest Liberals:

Focus from your local Greenhill Liberal Team [Wyre Forest Liberals]

OK this is aimed at the County Election (for County Councillors) that may happen along with the General Election (for MP) which may happen on 6 May 2010. They state, "However you vote at the General Election...". So I guess they have no Liberal parliamentary candidate and they no longer support neither Dr. Richard Taylor MP [ICHC] nor Neville Farmer [Liberal Democrat], which they have done in the past.

Most of the news/articles printed are fine but one I was interested in was on the front cover entitled, 'St. Ambrose School MUST have Road Safety Action NOW!' I do know a bit about this, albeit from word-of-mouth and multiple sources. A child was struck by a car on Leswell Street. The car must have been travelling so slow, thankfully, because no serious harm came to the child. The father then started a petition for road safety measures.

Tim Ingham [Liberal] and the Liberals are backing illuminated school warning signs, traffic calming (unspecified) and a 20mph restriction. Now hold on, let's take a step back. First the road: Leswell Street is narrow and most residents have no garages or driveways so they park on the street. Next the school: the school has no drive-in-out loop system because its short on space; there are less spaces to park that the demand required to pick up students from school; and, the school does not offer multi-staged school closing. Next the County Council: They do not offer a school bus service for this school. Ok now the traffic: The traffic at school opening and closing times (the important times in this case) is very slow (SLOWER THAN 20MPH) because of the all factors already mentioned.

Leswell Street at quiet times (note the speeding traffic) [Google Street View]

Now you see how stupid the Liberals sound demanding enforcement for under 20mph speed limits when at the school opening and closing times the speeds barely reach 20mph. Not that I'm against road safety measures, but putting up zig-zag lines will antagonise local residents and prevent them from parking outside their own house, same with speed bumps; illuminated school warning signs will be a waste of money because the people who use Leswell Street during school opening and closing times are residents and those on the school run (i.e. everyone knows it�s a school zone).

Instead, how about using the money to pay for road safety lessons for both parents/adults and children? How about some money toward promoting the walking bus initiative the school has? How about a school bus that takes children home, where you have to pay (or walk) to opt out?

Why do councillors and political parties always use the same tools (e.g. '20 is plenty') for all cases? When there is a warning like this isn�t it an opportune time to wean people off their dependency of using the car for the school run. If you use the same old tools (road safety measures) you're just shifting responsibility towards the road system, overloading it until it bursts. Then I suppose it's easier to blame an inanimate object like the road, instead of road users (drivers), pavement users (pedestrians), the school, the council, the parents, the students, etc...

I found a ghost sign!

23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I knew that it would only be a matter of time beofre I would found one. Since I discovered ghost signs, I think I'm now tuned into spotting them. I found this in Stourport:

Ghost Sign in Stourport [TavMan]

It is viewed from Raven Street in the side of a Bridge Street property. I don't know what it once said as it is very worn, however, with a little research or help from 'agenda blurfers we might solve the mystery.

Swim Bus

22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's always encouraging and wonderful to see something like the 'Swim Bus' become reality. The Swim Bus Project, funded by the Health Improvement Fund, started in June 2009. It has been organised by the Forest Glades whereby every Saturday a bus follows a route around Foley Park, Broadwaters, Greenhill, Comberton or the Horsefair. It picks up adults and children and drops them off at the Forest Glades to go swimming.

This is a fantastic idea that I fully congratulate.

Council-Graff

21 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I saw this on posted on Facebook by Dom 'deed' Dunlea and I liked it:

(stuff) [Dom 'deed' Dunlea]

Alexis Komodikis
18 March 2010

Dude, you're not gonna' believe this - I was looking at those same marks the other day thinking: These would make a great abstract piece. Kinda' like modern hieroglyphs. I was puzzled as to what the numbers actually mean. Any idea..?

Corina Harper
19 March 2010

We saw this too, I think it really questions art, maybe we could do this everywhere!

The council were cutting down trees by where my mum lives and they marked all the trees to cut with a big orange blob. My mum thought she could outsmart the system, she wanted her tree trimming so she could see out of her window so she marked her tree with an orange blob. It didn't work! Now we have to look at the tree with an orange blob....maybe we could decorate.

Alexis Komodikis
19 March 2010

Maybe we should all take pictures and build up a portfolio of day-glo scribbles? Then have an exhib'?!

Hello from ghostsigns

20 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I just realised that a group discussion was posted, three weeks ago, on a flickr group I'm an administrator of. I do hate it that flickr doesn't email me any newly added discussions (perhaps it does and I haven't worked out how to set it up). The message, entitled 'Hello from ghostsigns', was posted on the 'Ghost Signs from Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley' group. It reads:

ghostsigns
Ghostsigns

I've just come across this group while reviewing some pictures for the History of Advertising Trust Ghostsigns Archive. It's great to discover some fellow enthusiasts. Keep up the good work and do have a look at what's happening with the project here: www.ghostsigns.co.uk.

Wow, I am very interested in ghost signs, so I joined the ghostsigns group and contributed to the History of Advertising Trust Ghostsigns Archive. From now on I'm looking out for more ghost signs to shoot. Hey in my spare time when it's dark or I'm away from the area I can search for them on Google Street View!

Tasers

19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Freedom of Information [FOI] request can often spout national newspaper articles. The same FOI request to all authorities in the country and can form a fairly accurate picture on a specialised subject. This has what has happened with the police force and the use of tasers, and the article produced is in The Mail (sorry) called, 'Revealed: The shocking truth about Tasers'.

In this article we find out that: "The youngest case disclosed involved a 12-year-old boy who was threatened with a Taser after West Mercia police were called to a school in Kidderminster in February 2008. The boy had threatened staff with a pair of scissors. After officers with Tasers were deployed he surrendered his weapon and was arrested."

Thanks for coming!

18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thank for coming! [WFDC]

I attended the public consultation, but I arrived a bit late and in my work clothes. After a Rewyre presentation there was a council presentation. Then it was down to questions and answers. I thought I heard it before from my FOI request, but there were 11 points I noted down. So I'll get straight on with it:

[1] The council presentation stated on the overhead projector that not having a horse would have cost implications, but how much and where from was never mentioned. This slightly conflicted with the officers who said the horse was 'only a concept'.

[2] Marcus Hart [Conservative] said that legally the council has 5years to spend the money otherwise they lose it. Hold on, the 106 agreement (the planning application) was approved 10 years ago! Then later on in it was pointed out that the law had changed recently and the money wouldn't be lost. So it�s an irrelevant point really!

[3] Fran Oborski [Liberal] was first to the floor and explained in her usual loud confident orator voice (that's a complement) that it wasn't good enough that the board of Horsefair, Broadwaters and Greenhill Partnership hadn't been informed. I spoke to a friendly down-to-earth guy from Horsefair Housing Tenant Consultative Committee who said the first his organisation heard about it was in the newspaper.

[4] The point where the consultation became its weight in gold was when people come up with good ideas, and at this consultation there were a few. One was putting the public art in the middle of Blackwell street traffic island. Firstly I understood, perhaps more than other members of the public, the 106 agreement was under the instructions for public art inside the triangle. However, never knock down an idea before it has blossomed. The benefits of this suggestion was that traffic travelling around the traffic island would deter potential vandals and graffiti artists and passing motorists will be able to see the art. The call, 'if it can be done in Dudley why can't it be done in Kidderminster' was pointed out more than once.

The important factor here is whether the art is aimed at pedestrians or motorists. There is a difference. Fountains with an edged wall you can sit on or an art piece in the form of a seat, throne or chair are pedestrian art. While the Pegasus statue in Dudley is motorists art, and I suppose akin to a horse statue. Also one of the first paragraphs of the brief says, "The triangle is located on a main thoroughfare in and out of Kidderminster, which is crossed by a road heavily used by local traffic". The final dampener as a warning when Marcus enlightened us that officers when through 5years of bureaucracy to get small sponsorship signs on the traffic islands. However, its still a great idea and more of a 'gateway presence' than art in the triangle.

[5] Another idea was to find/re-create the trough that used to be there and put flowers inside and amongst it. The other 'usual suspects' were also mentioned including the 'Johnny the Cobbler' statue (it was said he never came from Horsefair); 'Alf Tabb' statue (Alf's wife and granddaughter were there!); and getting the Horsefair Clock back (which we think has now gone missing).

[6] Would you believe it, Weavers Cottages was mentioned. There was a of difference of opinion on whether they should be knocked down or restored, but a everyone seemed to agree that we were promised restoration before the local apartments were build and that promise was broken. The irony here (that perhaps only a few people understood) was the restoration of Weavers Cottages was a 106 agreement as is this piece of public art.

[7] At this stage of the consultation I had to get out my pen and paper. I was excited that so many ideas and suggestions were coming from all areas. You see, this is the greatness of consultations, we want more! It was noted (and accompanied by nodding of heads) that people driving into town through the Horsefair would not realise a car park was around the corner of Maureen Aston Court. This was confirmed when during the day the car park appears empty. It was suggested that motorists think the four or five spaces at the 'triangle' are the only ones and so they by-pass the area. OK this is off-topic but I think they have got something here.

[8] Howard Martin [ICHC] did a speech and sound-bited, 'this is a cherry on top of the cake, however, we haven't made the cake yet'. Yup, I entirely agree with that. Howard goes on to suggest that the buildings on the one side of Blackwell Street should be knocked down to create a second triangle to sort out the air quality problem that has plagued the area for so long. I understood where he was coming from: major facelifts to the area would be better down before public art, then when done adding the public art would be the finishing touch. I agree with his notion but perhaps disagree with his approach (another blog�)

[9] Someone suggested a mural painted on the wall of the Vauxhall garage at the end of Dudley Street. It could be painted with a scene of the Horsefair of years ago. You see another idea; this is great, just for this I'm so glad I went.

[10] My only gripe of the consultation was something I picked up on from a comment made by Marcus Hart. He was explaining 106 agreements for about the third time. They are legal and occur all over the nation _ yes they are. He then went on, they are all a matter of public record _ yes they are, but they aren�t really publicised or collated are they? Then Marcus mentioned 'consultation' of 106 agreements _ ummm, no not really. Unless I am mistaken the 106 agreement is made from the consultation of the planning officers and the developer. I'm not knocking this but planning officers are fuelled by their expertise and legal knowledge of planning law, and developers are fuelled in paying as less money as possible. There is no 'consultation' with the public who then to have motives for a better quality of life in the local area (you know the thing 106 agreements are supposed to support).

[11] Finally the use of taxpayer's money, particularly officers' salaries in undertaking the processes and consultations was raised by a few people. In the councils defence, I am pleased that the council staff are doing this, that's there job and what we pay them for. If fact, the more the do and the more they are seen to do, the more efficiencies and value for money the taxpayer's get. Keep up the good work.

Person of the Consultation:
If you are a regular 'agenda blurfer (someone who browses weblogs) you will know that at public events (usually council meetings) I award a 'councillor of the committee' award or in this case 'person of the consultation' award. So who will it be? Howard made a great speech, Fran made a funny observation, Marcus did well answering questions and explaining 106 agreements� No, I'm going to go for the lady at the front door, who was polite and smiled a lot as you were greeted at the entrance. Congratulations to you.

Election results!

17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Statesman
16 March 2010

Tav - How does one suggest a new post for you to blog about - I am thinking: Foundation Trust elections result announced.

Well before I was forced to update my comment functionality I had a 'inform' button where anyone could add their own blog or suggest a blog. However my new comment functionality does not allow this.

I prefer fellow blurfers to write their blog rather than suggest a blog to write, but let's give it a go...

I did read the 'Foundation Trust election results announced' article with interest including the comment by John Campion. In truth I remember the article, ' Elections for Wyre Forest hospitals trust governors' caught my eye because I'm all for elections. However, it passed by and I thought not much else about it.

The deal is that Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has successfully applied for Foundation Trust which gives, "freedom to decide locally how to meet ... obligations", and, accountability, "...to local people, who can become members and seek election to the Board of Governors. In 2 February 2010 nominations were in, between 22 February 2010 and 12 March 2010 the votes are collected; the election results published on 15 March 2010 and the first meeting to be held 18 March 2010.

I'll wait and see what happens before pass more opinion.

However the candidates for Wyre Forest were: Gill Atkin; Stell Baldwin; Richard Brine; Howard Eeles [ICHC]; Nigel Knowles [Labour]; Howard Martin [ICHC]; David Palmer; Merle Robson (Chaplaincy Volunteer at Kidderminster); Donald Sey, Dixon Sheppard [ICHC]; David Slade; and John William Stevens [Labour]. So on 15 March 2008 (source provided, unlike the Shuttle) the results were announced and all three ICHC candidates were elected. Congratulations to the elected governors.

Umm, Howard Martin was so keen and instrumental in getting a public meeting for the Horsefair Public Art Project. That public meeting is on 18 March 2010 @ 7pm the same day as the first meeting of the Council of Governors. Luckily the Council of Governors meeting starts at 3pm.

Meanwhile, John Campion commented on the Shuttle,

John Campion
16 March 2010
Wyre Forest Conservatives

It's good to see Health Concern widening their interests away from being just a single issue party...

12:05am

16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Did anyone else have a watch or clock stop at midnight last night?

arrowmaker
13 March 2010

Just got up made some coffee got the breakfast on then looked at the clock stopped at 5mins past twelve not weird you say now listen to this

4 battery clocks 5 battery watches and 1 wind up all stopped at between 12- 05 to 12- 10 last night.The wind up my be my fault it is a 1938 ROLEX and you have to wind the begger.1 Clock purchased in the States 1 in KIDDERMINSTER 2in LONDON.The watches in the Midland and London the Rolex swapped from a German Officer in 1945 for 8 packets of Americain fags.Thats the story my father always told .Now can someone work out the ODDS of that happening.

Staying overnight?

16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After a browse through past blogs I came across one about the imminent arrival of a Travelodge hotel in Kidderminster. The Express & Star reported that Stephen Clee, unelected Regeneration Chief, "...welcomes the interest shown [in Kidderminster] by several hotels... [including Travelodge who,] ...definitely want a hotel in that area.... This has 'thrilled' civic leaders (and me), however, that was two years ago and not one of the 'several hotels' has appeared in Kidderminster. I guess we will have to put this down to another broken promise.

I know Travelodge recently moved in to Hartlebury on the Worcester Road, but that doesn't count as Kidderminster does it? So to clarify this issue I contacted Travelodge:

Tav
10 March 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

In February 2008 the Express & Star newspaper reported that you, Travelodge, were, "actively targeting Kidderminster as a prime location" and you, "definitely want a hotel in that area". I would like to know if this is still the case, and if so which specific locations in Kidderminster would you like to place your hotel.

I also provided a link to the said article. Then I get a reply...

Quality Management Team
13 March 2010
Travelodge

We appreciate your interest in helping us develop the Travelodge estate and would ask you to visit the following link with regards to property development: http://www.travelodgedevelopment.co.uk/thl_website/

Yes in the New Hotels Target Location List for 'Birmingham, South East & West Midlands' Kidderminster is listed as a location for a Travelodge hotel between minimum and maximum of 50 and 60 beds. Would the top floors of Slingfield Mill (above Debenhams) make up between a 50 and 60 bed Travelodge hotel?

Now that pretty much wraps that up _ well that is until I start to think again! I guess Travelodge (and other retailers) haven't got the time or resources to check out every town in the UK for potential hotels. I guess this is why the Travelodge corporate website has a section asking for suggestions of new locations of hotels.

Then I thought... they won't know if a new development has been build that could accommodate their presence. I then thought that the council and other organisations must be pro-actively contacting organisations about opportunities in Wyre Forest. Then from past experience I reckon they are either not doing this or they are doing this and not telling anyone.

So let's do it here on the 'agenda! Everyone can suggest a location (empty shop; redevelopment land; brownfield site, etc..) and a prospective tenant(s)/purchaser(s). I'll send out letters (WFA headed notepaper) and emails, publish them on the 'agenda and see if anything happens. What do you think? I'll call this new feature... ummm... The Rewyre Project. Yes that's a good play-on-words, and rewyre.org.uk is available. Since the council and other organisations have unelected members, so will I. I have just appointed myself Regeneration Commissioner of the Rewyre Project.

I'll buy rewyre.org.uk before someone beats me to it ;-). Please use the comments to this blog to suggest some sites and prospective tenants and we'll get this ball rolling...

A postcard from Bali

15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I found this blog and thought it was interesting...

A postcard from Bali with no address still reaches a UK home

Hooty's

14 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I read in the Shuttle that Hooty's are coming to Kidderminster. "Hooty�s, based in Willenhall, � is taking over the former Littlewoods store in Kidderminster town centre." Who are Hooty's, I have never heard of them.

Arh, on their website under 'about us' it states, "With over 20,000 stocked products available for delivery from our 100,000 sq. ft. superstore in the West Midlands, customers from around the UK can now enjoy the same great savings as our store customers.".

Long Acre Street, Walsall [Google Maps]

Ok that's Littlewoods sorted, now for Woolworths.

We need Tar

13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I'm trying to persuade Mrs. P to allow me to buy a German pothole _ it isn't working. The town council of Niederzimmern are selling their potholes for €50 each. For your €50 you get a named coin (badge) which is placed in the pothole when it is filled up.

It's a neat idea, could we do it here in Wyre Forest or Worcestershire?

The Horsefair Public Art Project

12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Come and have your say... [WFDC]

Like I promised in the 'SAY NO TO THE ~~EDAM~~ EMMENTHAL HORSE IN THE HORSEFAIR' Facebook Group I sent a Freedom of Information [FOI] request to Wyre Forest District Council [WFDC] to get some answers to the myriad of questions that arise when authorities fail to liaise and connect with the community. Here is my response.

[Q1] How much funding has been allocated to the project and where has the funding come from?
[A1] �12,000 was allocated to the project from a section 106 agreement from Cox Homes relating to the Horsefair development (WF897/00). An additional �1,000 was used from WFDC to pay 2 artists for concept designs to be worked up.

I pieced together this information anyway, and Fran Oborski confirms that is was 106 money here on the 'agenda¹. The planning application number WF897/00 means it was a planning application made in 2000. Unfortunately only planning applications after 2004 are available on-line. I'm slightly confused that �1,000 was paid by the council when in a separate FOI request I asked details of any public art projects funded either partly or fully by Wyre Forest District Council over the past 12 months. In that separate FOI request the answer was �100 for the KTC3 Hoardings Project (separate blog, to come).

[Q2] What is the timescale of the project?
[A2] The process was commenced in June 2009 when an advert was placed on the ArtsHub UK website requesting expressions of interest from artists. There is no current timescale for this project, no order has been placed and a contract has not been issued to the preferred artist.

What surprises me here is that the project started in June 2009, 5 months later discussions were going on in the Shuttle which fuelled interest, then 2 months later (see question #5) ward councillors were involved, then not until the end of January 2010 did the public get 'told what they are getting' (effectively). I can accept that the early stages of a project aren't that interesting to the majority, but to not liaise with the public and councillors while a public debate is going on is just crazy. It just creates a 'them and us' feeling rather than a 'we are all working together' feeling which is what should happen.

Also this answer states, "there is no current timescale for this project..., yet the brief, under section 'Timescales', it states, "The wider works program will be completed by the end of February 2010...". Odd?

[Q3] Please supply a copy of the brief.
[A3] See the enclosed.

Here is a PDF copy (also see sources). Note the brief consists of page 6, 7, 8 and 9 (appendix)!?

I was looking forward to seeing the brief. I'll let you pick at it if you so wish, however what caught my eye was section 'Population and consultation' where the council is asking the would-be artist: "Consultation with stakeholders must be completed and reported on in depth before the design process is completed, this element will be conducted by Wyre Forest District Council. The artist must demonstrate they have responded to public comment where possible." Umm, that didn't happen did it? Well I actually spoke to the artist that won the tender, Finn Stone, who said to me that usually he goes into the local schools and asked the students to design the art work. The artist then works from that. Note he said usually, I guess he was never given the chance to do it properly.

[Q4] Which artists applied?
[A4] There were 67 expression of interest. A shortlist of 6 was drawn up. From this, 2 artists were then selected to draw up concept designs. Following this, 1 was selected. All personal details of non-contracted individuals are exempt from disclosure under section 40 of the Freedom of Information Act. The two artists selected to draw up concept designs were:

a) Finn Stone: www.finnstone.com
(Various different concept designs provided).

b) Andy Hazell: www.andyhazell.co.uk
(Different concept designs with a 'Fair' theme).

I'm grateful to the Information and E-Government Officer for collating this information together. What I wanted was a list of all artists that applied for the tender so I could sort through the data to determine if any local artist had applied and so been considered. I accept that 'personal details' exempt but I would have been OK with just a website address which I would not consider 'personal details'. I should have been more explicit and asked for a list of artist that applied and their location. Oh well.

[Q5] What criterion was used and what judgements were made in deciding on the winning offer?
[A5] The criteria were set by the project coordinator in her capacity as the Council's Arts Development Officer and in accordance with Council policies and the brief.

The criteria were:

Does the artist have the capacity to complete the work?

Has the artist responded directly to the requirements of the brief?

Will the artwork come in on budget?

Can the artist demonstrate that the work will be as proposed in their response to the brief? This is judged on their portfolio of past work and references where applicable.

Can the artist provide all the technical requirements needed to install and maintain the artwork?

Is the work proposed fir for purpose? i.e. does it comply with health and safety requirements, is the material robust enough for the environment?

Can the artist deliver the work by the deadline?

Will the artist comply with data protection laws and agree to copyright requirements?

Does the artist have a recognised profile (this may mean that the artwork will increase in value in time and represent a true investment)

Are all the stakeholders happy with the artist's proposal?

I'm actually impressed with the professionalism and scrutiny the criteria portray. They seem to have covered all the bases. It is these policies/procedures that should be iterated at a public consultation at the beginning of the project. This shows the council in a good light and installs confidence.

[Q6] When were the Ward Councillors consulted?
[A6] Ward Councillors received a project update by letter dated 19 January 2010.

This is really the billion dollar question. This 'letter' must have been the shock letter Cllr. Martin Howard [Broadwaters, ICHC] mentioned in the Shuttle article 'Yea, or neigh to statue' [Anon. (2010)b]. It's a bit late therefore for a 'project update' to Ward Councillors a couple of weeks before, "�the wider works program [is to]be completed by the end of February 2010...". Oh but, Marcus Hart, said, "The plan has always been to ask for views once the concept was chosen"². Right!

[Q7] Which other organisations/key stakeholders were contacted?
[A7] Stakeholders were Community Housing Group; Horsefair, Broadwaters and Greenhill Partnership Co-ordinator, Cllr. Marcus Hart as the Cabinet Member and 3 employees from WFDC. Contact was by email and by verbal means on a number of different dates.

The weakest link in this chain seems to have been the Horsefair, Broadwaters and Greenhill Partnership, as Fran Oborski said on here on the 'agenda, "Apparently the Council contacted the Admin. Officer for the HGBP who for some AMAZING reason felt that HE was competent to get involved WITHOUT the courtesy of bothering to inform the HGBP Board who technically "employ" him!"². However, it should have been up to Marcus Hart, as unelected Community & Partnership Services Commissioner, to have realised that the policy of public consultation and Ward Councillor communication was not being followed. In effect the whole process is a mess. However, a public consultation has been planned for 18 March 2010 @ The Salvation Army, Jerusalem Walk. So the council (and Marcus) get a second chance.

Footnotes:
^{1 Fran said, "You are right about it being from a Section 106 Agreement." [Pitt (2010a)]}
^{2 Badsey (2010)}
^{3 Pitt (2010c)}
^{3 I have marked out the council officer's name and signature, my home address and the email addresses of the two shortlist artists.}

A456 Light-greyspot!

11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Although there was no official announcement (or public consultation :-( [Angry]) I had a feeling this would happen. The A456 Birmingham Road between Blakedown and Kidderminster (Land Oak) was recently been 'de-trunked' which means the responsibility of the road was handed over from the Highways Agency to Worcestershire County Council. Worcestershire County Council have then "listened to one or two residents"¹ and without warning or consultation decided that, "sections of the dual-carriageway will be funnelled down to a single-lane", all in the name of safety.

There have been some serious accidents on this stretch of road which have in some cases resulted in fatalities. I think, (because I don�t know) that these accidents have been where a vehicle has veered of the road into a hedge/ditch/tree. Since there have been no vehicle-to-vehicle collisions I guess all these accidents have happened because drivers were driving to fast to compensate for a change in conditions (curve in road for first-time users, slow moving vehicle in road, etc.) and/or driving without due care and attention (changing radio stations; on cellphone, etc.). Of course the usual practice would be for the County Council to hold a public consultation, that way we would be able to know the true facts, but we don�t so I (and others) have to speculate and this is how rumours are spread.

Some years ago I had the opportunity to speak to an officer from Worcestershire County Council about the single-lane funnelling they made on the A449 Hartlebury to Ombersley. I asked her if the changes made to this road had saved lives. She said with great assertion, 'they had'. Note there have been some fatalities since she made this statement.

I have travelled along this road tens of thousands of times and to my knowledge I have not been seriously injured or killed. I know the present road system is safe for me. The issue I have therefore is if the road system is changed how can I be assured that the changes will keep me safe for the next tens of thousands of journeys along this stretch of road? The council have been hardly fair and consulted me or any other of the thousands of people who drive along this route. They haven't presented me with any facts, plans and assurances. Also from past experience I know that 'single-lane funnelling' has disastrous effects not on the single-funnelled road by the adjoining roads. As a case in point is the A491 Lydiate Ash � Hagley, which has caused stationary traffic to pile up on the M5 northbound motorway, merging 'incidents' at Lydiate Ash, and speeding fines along the Stourbridge Road (A491). In fact the queues that regularly form on the M5 motorway have been deemed so dangerous that I know drivers avoid the Lydiate Ash junction M5 J4 like the plague. Instead they take the minor roads, you know pass schools, pedestrians, pelican crossing, school buses, ice cream vans... I also know drivers avoid speed fines at travel through Belbroughton, you know pass schools, pedestrians, pelican crossing...

Another concern is that when, a few days ago, only a thin layer of sleet fell on this road I was in a traffic jam for 2 hours! Will this single-lane funnelling mean that a drop of sleet will bring me to a standstill for four hours? Gee, I may as well not go to work!

On the whole then since the accidents have all been due to a few drivers travelling too fast and without due care and attention then I can see that, although we are penalising the majority of drivers to compensate for the few, if it's going to save one of those drivers its worth it. The only problem I have now is I don�t trust that the county council have thought this through and these changes will force drivers to take other routes, you know pass schools, pedestrians, pelican crossing...

Update:
I asked the Association of British Drivers [ABD] for their comment on the ~~proposals~~ work to be done. I provided a link to the Shuttle article. Wow, I got an immediate response. I'm impressed and only wish local authorities and public paid services would respond as quick as voluntary public services seem to do. This is what Paul Briggs states...

Paul Biggs
Spokesman
Association of British Drivers
8 March 2010
The Association of British Drivers

The proposed measures sound sensible. If the measures are directly related to the causes/contributory factors as identified by expert accident investigation work, then safety should be improved. At least they haven't lowered the speed limit, put up a speed camera and proclaimed 'job done' as we have seen all too often in the past.

The statement "speed has been a factor" by the councillor needs clarifying and supporting by good evidence. Driving 'too fast' can certainly cause or contribute to accidents, but 'too fast' is often not related to 'a number on a stick' - 'too fast' should mean driving at a speed that isn't consistent with the road layout and/or the prevailing road conditions.

We're on Google!

11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

St. Marys Ringway [Google Maps StreetView]

Ohhh, I'm so excited!

Hieroglyphics

10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Here is the 31st What & Where quiz...

What & Where are these hieroglyphics

What is this and where is this, extra points if you can decipher the hieroglyphics.

Door

9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Yippee! I'm quite excited about my next quiz, and I think this is a little bit harder than the last two. So what and where is this door?

I know it is a door, but to get the 'what' you need to tell me the building you think this door is [almost] attached to.

Happy guessing...

Guesses:

Graham Ballinger
5 March 2010
Wyre Forest Liberals

Draklow Tunnels, Wolverley?

Tav
5 March 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

It does have that door to a tunnel type of appearance, but sorry you are wrong. However, keep on guessing.

I honestly cannot think of a clue as I don't know much about the building, I'll have to do a bit more research into it.

Julian Phillips
5 March 2008
Wyre Forest Conservatives

One of the smaller buildings in the grounds of Harvington Hall?

Tav
5 March 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

How did you get that?! No seriously how did you do it?

I honestly thought this quiz would last at least eight or nine guesses with clues mixed in. I was going to go over there tomorrow (Saturday) to get some information about the building.

So we have a winner. Congratulations to Julian Phillips who gets a prize 'a teddy bear'.

Thanks to Matthew Walters for permission to use this image. The title of the photo is 'Malt Kiln Door', so the building must have been a malt kiln _ whatever one of those is. It is according to the map on Panoramio one of the buildings at the back of Harvington Hall like Julian has stated.

Titton Mill

8 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Titton Mill [TavMan]

The remains of Titton MIll, a fulling mill on Titton Brook. These mills were important to the cloth trade of the City of Worcester for centuries, certainly as far back as 1302. A boat, known as the Cloth-house Boat, regularly took cloth from the City looms to the fulling mills of Titton.

The importance of these mills was so generally recognised that, as 1644, the height of the Great Civil War, army commanders were forbidden to plunder the Titton fulling mills.

Philip Lench
Philip Lench

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Stourport, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Can't believe how bad this building has become in recent years. Like the mill at Island Pool, Cookley, it's being left to rot on purpose.

TavMan
TavMan

added to the group...

It is a shame, I did a little research and found a photo of the mill taken in March 2009, back then it had a gable end on the entrance side of the building. It seems that since then this has collapsed.

John Scratch
John Scratch

Hi, would be interested in who owns the mill and whats going to happen to it, if anybody Knows; email me john.scratch@btinternet.com.

TavMan
TavMan

@John Scratch: The mill is clearly on private land with a house next to it (to the right of the photo). I know someone who would like to buy it and renovate it into a home, so I also would like to know if anything is going to happen to it.

When I took this photo I tried to ask for permission to photograph it at a closer distance. However, the residents were not in. This photo from taken from the public road.

If I am down that way again, I'll call in to the house opposite and ask.

The Straight Choice

7 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Straight Choice

Here is a project that would welcome your help 'agenda blurfers. 'The Straight Choice' (http://www.TheStraightChoice.org/) project an real-time election leaflet project. Electioneering is a high-stakes game, and political parties have support from millionaire tax dodgers. The Straight Choice, believe that it�s time for that game to become a spectator sport.

The ambition is to create a live visualisation of the flood of party political leaflets as they are delivered across the country during an election campaign. If you have recently received any election leaflets through your door you can help by photographing or scanning them and uploading the images to their server.

Please dig out of the bin any election leaflets you've recently received. Or ask friends or neighbours, or wait a few days until you get one through the door. I know there are some political leaders who read the 'agenda, so why not add your own leaflets to the site or even your opponents.

I'll do the same and also cross-post them here on the 'agenda.

Why am I being asked to do this?
Leaflets normally get thrown away and the authorities do not have an official process for monitoring dodgy election leaflets, so it's down to us to make sure there is no funny business going on where we live!

The Straight Choice is creating a live online archive of election leaflets throughout the campaign. There are 3 reasons why this is a helpful thing to be doing:

(1) Promises that candidates make in their leaflets can be compared to what they promise to do elsewhere, for example in responses to the local issues you helped collect over the last few weeks. In the future we can also compare the voting record of MPs with what they promised on the campaign trail.

(2) It helps catch parties or candidates who are breaking electoral law - 2 parties have been reported to the authorities based on leaflets uploaded to The Straight Choice in the past couple of weeks.

(3) A complete electioneering map of the country can be created, to see how inconsistent or otherwise the polticial parties are campaigning.

Rat Book

6 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With all the awful news stories coming up in the news lately, it can't be that bad around here? Can it?

Worcestershire [The Rat Book]

Town Hall Rich List

5 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On 22 October 2009 Wyre Forest District Council appointed a new Chief Executive, Ian Miller. Ian was previously Chief Executive of Denbighshire County Council. John Campion [unelected Leader of the Council, Conservative] stated, "We are extremely pleased to welcome someone of Ian's calibre to Wyre Forest District Council. Ian's wide experience means we have recruited a first class individual with a public sector background who can build on the work we've been doing on the major projects and tackle the challenges ahead..

Although I see nothing wrong with this I would like to note that Ian Miller has been listed in the Town Hall Rich List 2008, and 2009. The Town Hall Rich List is produced via FOI request by the pressure group, The Taxpayer's Alliance. They ask each local authority for the total remuneration of senior staff earning over �100,000 per year.

I suppose the Ian's 'calibre' and 'wide experience' comes at a cost:

Town Hall Rich List 2009:

Town Hall Rich List 2009 [The Taxpayer's Alliance]

Comparison (provided by The Taxpayer's Alliance): Police constable �29,493; Community Nurse �23,345; Soldier (Private) �20,573

Town Hall Rich List 2008:

Town Hall Rich List 2008 [The Taxpayer's Alliance]

Comparison (provided by The Taxpayer's Alliance): Nurse �21,985; Police Officer �20,000; Soldier �15,359

Stourport on Severn Life

4 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Brain McHale said, "In a previous post I mentioned that a second (of 3) petrol stations had closed. In fact it has now re-opened, but I still wonder if it will be here after Tesco�s open their new store?"

Hey, he's blogging about Stourport!

Photographer, Kidderminster

3 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This is a photograph of a photographer taking a photograph of St. Mary's Church in Kidderminster.

Photographer, Kidderminster [TavMan]

rubared

Didn't realise Kidderminster was so popular.... I used to live there.

Keith Slater

Good capture..hope he got the same.

Tav
The Wyre Forest Agenda

I would tag him on this photo if I knew who he is.

The White Lady of the Seven Stars

2 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Saturday I purchased the book 'Haunted Worcestershire' by Anthony Poulton-Smith. In it are accounts of ghost and spirit sightings in Worcestershire organised by city, town and village. One of the Kidderminster entries was a woman in white appearing in Ye Olde Seven Stars public house on Coventry Street.

The first sighting was in the 1914 of a woman in a white apron in late nineteenth century clothing. The next sightings were in 1974 where on one occasion two customers saw a woman in a white dress (not apron) sitting in a bar. She appeared for about half a minute and then faded away. Also in another occasion in 1974 six customers saw the same middle-aged woman figure appear and then vanish before their eyes.

Spooky, ay?

Flycapture

1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It has now been six years of the Flycapture database. 'Flycapture' is a record of flytipping across local authorities, collated by Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs defra. So let's see how Wyre Forest and its neighbours are doing:

Rank	Local Authority	Total Incidents	Successful Prosecutions
#1	Wychavon	4,554	9
#2	Bromsgrove	4,191	1
#3	Wyre Forest	3,481	0
#4	South Staffordshire	2,470	11
#5	Malvern Hills	1,633	0
#6	Bridgnorth	1,504	0
#7	South Shropshire	496	0

Great, we are third worse in terms of the number of flytipping cases and yet after 3,481 flytipping incidences there are no (zero) successful prosecutions!

Elvis Lives!

28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's amazing, Elvis has been spotted in Wyre Forest, and I took his photo. What and, more importantly, where is this?

Elvis Lives! What & Where?

Good luck gusessing. The prize is a candy cane.

This train will not stop at the Glades

27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another new series, which I'll try a few times to see how it goes. At Full Council meetings the public and the 'members' of the council have the opportunity to ask questions to the administration. Its called 'Question Time' funnily enough. This is my favourite part of full council meetings as they are always full of variety either some bad press, some grass-roots or hyper-local issues, or some admittance of a fiasco. The questions and answers are all recorded in the minutes of the meeting and available from the council website (sources given of course). So I thought I would reproduce them here along with follow-up research and links for more information. Here is the first one I picked...

Full Council Meeting 2 December 2009:

Cllr. Dixon Sheppard
Lickhill
Community Concern

Is the Council satisfied with the recent management of the Glades Leisure Centre?

Marcus Hart
Unelected Leisure Service Commissioner
Conservative

I can confirm that the Glades is managed by DC Leisure and yes I am satisfied regarding the management of the leisure centre.

Cllr. Dixon Sheppard
Lickhill
Community Concern

How is it that two longstanding bookers of the arena received phone calls recently from the Glades to advise that they were double booked and that they must move their booking date? Wyre Forest Model Railway Club had no alternative venue and could not change the date as too many people were involved and therefore this was cancelled. I am aware that Kidderminster Town Hall had received several enquiries from other organisations that had been turned away from the Glades for the same reason.

Marcus Hart
Unelected Leisure Service Commissioner
Conservative

I am sorry about the exhibition however I will take this away and liaise with the Director of Community and Partnership Services and will investigate and ascertain the facts from DC Leisure.

This is a classic 'the-key-is-in-the-supplementary' type of question. The questioner asks for their position and then tries to undermine that position with their supplementary question.

That's the politics, what about the issue? Every year in March the Wyre Forest Model Railway Club [WFMRC] hold an exhibition at the Wyre Forest Glades leisure centre on Bromsgrove Street (locally known a Nipple City). The exhibition is, "known for its high quality and standard of exhibits from across the country." I took my son there one year and we really enjoyed it (well I think I enjoyed it more than my son). Nipple City (Wyre Forest Glades) is owned by us, the council and management of the centre has been outsourced by DC Leisure Management Limited [DC Leisure].

So according to Cllr. Sheppard DC Leisure telephoned the Wyre Forest Model Railway Club and said, "...they [WFMRC] were double booked and � they must move their booking date." So we have to presume that they originally booked the arena beforehand otherwise DC Leisure wouldn't have been calling them to change. The WFMRC had to cancel the exhibition and they made a notice on their website. Note Cllr. Sheppard also states that another booker received a dreaded cancellation telephone call.

Cancellation Notice [Wyre Forest Model Railway Club]

The cancellation notice dishes gives us more information in a less diplomatic nature than Cllr. Sheppard gave us, "Due to an administration error by [DC Leisure] our booking has been lost and an alternative event booked for the weekend of our Exhibition. Despite our protests they have refused to honour our original agreement." So our presumption was correct, WFMRC booked the arena and DC Leisure messed it up and booked someone else in on the same weekend. Who was that? Arh, the Chinese State Circus.

Ok, mistakes happen, and when they do we all need apologies, openness, and transparency so we can move forward. Mark these words, Cllr. Hart's response to this mistake was "I am sorry�". So that's the apology sorted out, how about 'openness'? Well Cllr. Hart goes on to say, "I will take this away and liaise with the Director of Community and Partnership Services and will investigate and ascertain the facts from DC Leisure". That's openness, what about transparency? Well Cllr. Hart must have liaised with the director and DC Leisure by now, this was in December last year. However, we don't seem to have anymore information (I have searched). Without transparency the next process of speculation and questions starts. For instance would an administration error have occurred twice to double-book two bookers? What was the administration error? Who booked first the WFMRC and other or the Chinese State Circus? Were the Chinese State Circus treated differently? That is as far as I'm going with this as I try my best no to fall into speculation and conjecture.

Parking Ticket Data

26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I'm introducing a series (feature) I have wanted to do for some time but never got around to it. The occasionally Friday (perhaps every Friday) I'm going to blog on Freedom of Information [FOI] requests that are relevant to the Wyre Forest district. These may have been FOI requests I have sent out or FOI request others have sent out. With the help of WhatDoTheyKnow.co.uk I think I'll have enough 'agenda fodder to work with.

So let's start with this one, a FOI request from ####. ### is asking for a spreadsheet of parking charges (see sources). This is absolutely fantastic data, but I haven't been able to really sink my teeth into it. I would have liked to have created a mash-up with other data and also some geo-mapping but alas I haven't enough time to do so. However, feel free to do this yourself. If you achieve anything comment me back with your results.

Here is some analysis I have done:

Parking Fines by Day of Week

Day of Week	Parking Fines
Sunday	2,265
Monday	1,807
Tuesday	1,969
Wednesday	1,966
Thursday	2,198
Friday	2,117
Saturday	2,544

Top Ten Paking Fine Revenue per Location

Rank	Location	Parking Fines
#1	Weavers Wharf Car Park	2,056
#2	Bromsgrove Street Car Park	892
#3	Market Street Car Park	836
#4	Church Street	772
#5	Load Street Car Park	607
#6	Dog Lane Car Park	587
#7	Pike Mills Car Park	496
#8	Bull Ring	452
#9	Coventry Street	441
#10	New Road	434

There were only two faulty machines ('Cancelled - PD Machine Faulty'), one at Aldi Car Park and another at Gardners Meadow Car Park.

Parking Fines (Monthly)

Long live indepdendence (when we get it)

25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Long live indepdendence (when we get it)

Long live indepdendence

Dave's 2.5%

24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After a family meeting was called off until tomorrow I seized the opportunity to get down the Stourport Civic Centre tonight and witness the Full Council meeting. I was late and missed my favourite part of the 'show': Question Time. The public gallery was full and I soon figured out it was full of council employees interested in agenda items 14 'Revised Redundancy Policy' and the shared regulatory services (part of the budget agenda item #15).

The council have to debate and vote upon whether to stop discretionary lump sum payments and payment in lieu of notice in cases of termination of employment. In the previous year 30 employees were made redundant and they had these payments. The debate was fairly heated but best summed up by Cllr. Ken Stokes [Broadwaters, ICHC], 'moving the goalposts half way through the game'. The vote was carried.

The main debates of the whole meeting were on the budget. Although I must confess my favourite meeting is the Full Council Meeting, but when it's the budget it gets too procedural and predictable.

The public gallery call out some huffs, puffs and cheers (and a couple of round of quiet applause) when the shared services point was raised. This is the proposal to share regulatory services (Licensing, Environmental Health and Trading Standards, etc.) among seven councils. Firstly I was shocked and disappointed when Cllr. Howard Martin [Broadwaters, ICHC] ask to remove paragraphs and parts of the Health Concern budget amendments. However, as he spoke in the chamber he received some 'here-here's from the public gallery. The sound bite for this was used by most and credited to Fran Oborski, as 'the only show in town' . The thinking behind this is there were no alternatives offered and there is a strong need make savings, so we should take it. Must to the disapproval of the public gallery the Tory budget to share services was voted for and the Labour and last-minute Health Concern amendments to no share services was voted out.

Even though I was late there were plenty of 'agenda fodder and I have 6 A4 pages of notes. The one part that intrigued me was something mentioned by Cllr. John Campion [unelected Leader of the Council, Conservative] who said that the 'single site' was 'about replacing what we have with something more efficient'. Couple this with agenda item #11 (which I missed) which wants to change the name of the 'Centralised Office and Transformational Change Board' to 'The Transformation Board', and I begin to feel that perhaps the Tories are shoehorning of a change of policy in the hope that nobody notices. The single site is morphing from a 'single office site to be build by 2009' to a 'transforming to something more efficient'. I can see it now in a few years time the Tories will be saying that they spent single site money (�400,000 at the moment) on some short-term efficiency programme instead of a single site building because, well, the single site has always been about efficiency and not just a building.

Councillor of the Council:
I have to award someone but who could it be. I heard Cllr. Julian Phillips [Bewdley & Arley, Conservative] speak for the first time, but he went off on his hobby horse: free nationwide bus travel. An interesting point of view which I have read on the Wyre Forest Conservative Future website many months ago but it wasn't relevant to the agenda and yet the chairman said nothing. Cllr. Stephen Clee [Bewdley & Arley, Conservative] made a joke in the chamber and said, "Hello Tavis" at the end of the meeting. Cllr. Christopher Nicholls [Cookley, Labour] was in usual form but I felt Cllr. James (was Jamie) Shaw [Areley Kings, Labour] was not. Cllr. Graham Ballinger [Greenhill, Liberal] mentioned the secret single site report.

Umm, a very difficult one... Ok the award goes to Cllr. Christopher Nicholls because he introduced a new buzz phrase that might catch on, 'Dave's 2.5%'. Originally mentioned by Cllr. Martin, there is a pattern among Conservative-lead local authorities to keep council tax at 2.5% as if dictated from head office (i.e. David Cameron i.e. Dave). I wonder if that is actually the case? Cllr. Martin's proposed 2.9% would account to roughly a bag of sugar extra per council taxpayer. So congratulations Cllr. Nicholls.

Empty shops

23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I have a lot of things on at the moment so this is a quite blog. When I was researching my 'Shop Canvass' idea I sort to find some statistics to back up my idea. I came across a recent study by the Local Data Company on empty shops. It ranked Kidderminster as 11th worse shop vacancy rates (I'll link the report to this blog when I can) in the West Mdlands. I then read in the Shuttle that the Bwitish Property Federation did a similar study. Obviously the Shuttle doesn't provide a link to the report, but I got to thinking what about Stourport, Bewdley, Wolverley, Cookley, etc..

Perhaps we need a localised study.

My wife and I

22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Tav
18 February 2010
Fleurbl

Found on a lamppost in Kidderminster near the Wharf. Someone please explain...

Wtf? [Fleurbl]

KIDDERMINSTER in stone

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 21 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I�ve decided to bring back my �What and Where� quiz. Here is KIDDERMINSTER carved in stone, but what and where is this?

What and where?

The prize is a horseshoe added alongside your comment gravatar.

Good luck, keep on guessing... (guess through comments)

I want to go home

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 20 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Beer bottles from Kidderminster...

beer bottles [TavMan]

Batman, help us!

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Batman and Robin [Batman Comic Generator]

Don said,

Don Barton
18 February 2009
svr_p_way's photos
Galahad's Homepage
Slow Food

Tav, Whatever has happened to the automated bits of WFA? For example, this blog and the next 5 blogs are not automatically appearing on the "Most Recent Blogs" section on the right-hand side of the WFA site and the Recent Comments section appears to have given up altogether.

Actually Batman is wrong its not a technical hitch, more like a human error or lack of 'agenda time by the author (me). Sorry Don and 'agenda blurfers. Although it made appear automated, it is far from being automated. I now have 'rss' which means another process I need to do when crafting the 'agenda.

Graffiti Art Workshop

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I have made a date: my camera and St. George's Park, Kidderminster. On Monday 15 February (and also on Friday 19 February) the Friend's of St. George's Park are holding a Graffiti Art Workshop with artist Marko Stankovich.

(before and after) [Spike Horsefair]

The first day seems to have brought some great results. I'll photograph them and add them to the 'Kidderminster,Stourport and Bewdley Graffiti and Street Art' group.

events [Spike Horsefair]

Shop Canvass

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I did a merge of two issues a l� Edward do Bono style and came up with a great idea. With the blunder over the Horsefair public art project it's obvious that the council lack the foresight for public consultation even though the Wyre Forest Local Development Framework states that for public art we should be, "...involving communities within projects" (p.4). Another issue was highlighted by the 'Local Data Company' who came up with updated figures (I think) of the number of empty shops in the high street. So then lateral thinking snapped into gear and I came up with this proposal:

When a shop becomes empty the interior and fa�ade are cleaned and painted white. They are then used as a public consultation room, like a model of the proposed development, some proposal documents, posters, comment/vote box & slips, etc.. They would probably only need one member of staff. Alternatively the whitewash shop ('shop canvass') could become a mini art exhibition or a display of museum exhibits. The shop would still be on the market, but rather than derelict and boarded up it would be alive.

The newly canvassed shop would encourage footfall because it would keep the area busy, nothing deters potential shoppers in an area than boarded up shops. For the same reasons when selling a house, the whitewashed appearance of a shop would help potential developers visualise their idea for the shop. The council and landlords would agree to free (or peppercorn) rent/rates as long as the 'shop canvas' consultation/exhibition/museum does not charge entry or sell anything. The 'shop canvass' could quickly be converted into a new store when the developer moves in. If there are enough 'public consultations' going on it will become part-of-the-course to consult with the public, and another 'Horsefair horse' fiasco would probably never happen.

Obviously the downside would be the staffing and logistical cost, but if retail estate agents, landlords, local authorities and other community groups all 'chipped' it may be sustainable.

At this point I was quite chuffed with myself about this idea, until I stumped upon a Shuttle article entitled, 'Wyre Forest gets �52,000 empty shops grant'. It states, "Wyre Forest has been given �52,000 of Government cash to spend on getting empty shops back in use, it was revealed today. Ideas suggested include using the vacant units for art exhibitions or nativity scenes. ". Arh, bugger it's not an original idea! However, has the �52,000 been used yet, where are the 'shop canvasses' in Wyre Forest, anyone know?

The people win!

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Horray, the council have redeemed themselves and have apologised and promised a public meeting for the public art project in Horsefair. There is no place or time mentioned. Now I have fingers (and everything else) crossed that this meeting will be held on a weekend or after 8pm in the week. Please, please don't let us down.

Ummm, time for some more photo editing...

Alf Tabb (in colour)

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Another colour find! It's Alf TAbb...

Your browser does not support iframes.

Miniature Cycles [British Path�]

Mark Garnier's Priorities for Wyre Forest

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 14 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Asking yourself what Mark Garnier's prioirties for Wyre Forest are? Well see for yourself...

Mark Garnier's Priorities for Wyre Forest [MarkRTGarnier]

Kidderminster train station (in colour)

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wow, what a find! While blurfing and surfing the Interweb I came across a colour photo of Kidderminster train station, yes a colour photo:

Kidderminster Station [Rob & Yvonne's website]

Save Stourport Delivery Office

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 'Save Stourport Delivery Office' group held a petition signing event last week and gained between 400 and 500 signatures. If like me you missed the event, you can sign on-line on a 'Number 10' petition.

Save Stourport Delivery Office Petition Event [Save Stourport Delivery Office]

Your money, your choice (well no not really)

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 11 Feb 2010 23:16:01 GMT

It's been over two weeks since Wyre Forest District Council announced their 'Budget 2010-11' consultation. Yet, I have only just contributed. The deadline is this Friday 12 February 2010, so if you haven't contributed I suggest you do, either filling in a questionnaire from the whub or complete it online like I did (see sources for hyperlinks). However before you do you might want to read this...

The consultation is split into three distinct groups: tax; savings; spending; the council and demographics.

Council Tax
The council tax section is fairly pointless and you get just two questions, one yes/no the other higher/lower _ just like the old TV show, 'Play Yours Cards Right'. I swear you will immediately find yourself saying 'yes, but it depends...' or 'higher if this, lower if that...'. Here are the questions:

(1) Is it acceptable to increase the overall Council Tax by approximately 2.5%?
(2) Would you prefer the Council Tax increase to be higher, lower or around 2.5%?
This has the sound of John Campion or Tory mantra (they are the same thing) all over it. I think the '2.5% increase' is a red-herring; it means diddle-squat to me. Since we have to pay our tax or go to jail if we don't (a definition of extortion) the increase or decrease means nothing and I, like everyone else I presume, just off-set the tax from their income and try not to think about it. Answer these questions how you like but just remember depending upon the results, in March/April you'll get you unelected leader stating how 'everyone' in Wyre Forest find the 2.5% increase acceptable. By the way, you cannot pass on any question.

I answered (1) 'Yes' and (2) 'Higher' because for question #1 I was neither found the increase acceptable nor unacceptable but I could only answer 'Yes' or 'No'. For question #2 I'm in the fortunate position that I have deposable income at the end of every month which I would quite happily hand over (some) to the council if they were open, transparent and democratic.

Making savings on...
This is a clump of unexplained how strong to you agree/disagree type questions.

"The Council is looking to make savings of �4 million over the next three years ." First of all you have to realise this statement does not mean a empty room will be filled up, banknote by banknote, to find that in three years time there will be �4 million of 'savings' in there. It means how are we going to cutback �1,333,333 between March 2010 and March 2011. The '�4 million' is smoke and mirrors. Before you answer the questions read this line, "Each is being suggested as it can save money and the figure in brackets is the projected saving that could be made over the three years." (my bolding). The values in the brackets add up to �1,235,000!

What must go, or be cutback? Here are your options:

(3) Do you agree that the Council should introduce new working practices and review staff benefits to save �210,000.
What the consultation also does not tell you is exactly what 'new working practices' and 'review of staff benefits' means? At a guess I think this might have something to do with working-from-home. I don't know!

(4) Do you agree that the Council should join up with other authorities to deliver services to save �200,000.
What services, which authorities?

(5) Do you agree that the Council should stop its contribution to Destination Worcestershire Partnership to save �30,000.
Wait, you do get an explanation here, albeit one line (bracketed) bit still an explanation: "the Worcestershire group that promotes tourism in the County."

What I don�t like about Destination Worcestershire are the unelected members, but that is my usual mantra. I would prefer to spend �30,000 of our money other business promotion organisations (not just tourism) such on 'Business Worcestershire' (if an organisation exits), or better still 'Wyre Forest Business Development Trust', or better still 'Stourport Corridor Business Development Trust'.

(6) Do you agree that the Council should reduce spending on community based services (museum, arts, play activities, events and parks) to save �275,000.
Probably the only sane and interest question ever asked in the consultation. I would be very interested in seeing the results of this question, even more interested if an answer was given from every council taxpayer in the Wyre Forest District.

This is how this should work. When you pay your council tax bill you are given a series of tick boxes of where you want your money to go. A tick box for Bewdley Museum, one for all play area facilities, one for events etc� When the taxes a collected the results are tallied up, then each area of funded proportionally. Voila! You have clean, transparent and democratic method of tax funding, where everyone gets their voice heard.

(7) Do you agree that the Council should use its savings rather than borrow money to introduce new technology and save �630,000
There are a lot of factors here. The presumption is that new technology is needed and the Council are getting it. All they are asking us (the taxpayers) is whether we should pay now or buy 'on-the-tick'. The first question you should ask is 'how much does the new technology cost?' If it costs �500,000 then we are getting our money back and saving �130,000 at the end of the year. Again no information what is the new technology?

(8) Do you agree that the Council should introduce new technology into its fleet of vehicles to save �90,000
I have purposely omitted the part, "...to become a more efficient service and provide better information for customers." part of the question because they do not explain how 'new technology' achieves this, they don�t even tell us what this 'new technology' is and if this is the same 'new technology' in question #7. So let me guess. The new technology for fleet vechiles is a hover conversion (as in Back to the Future). This will mean no new tyres and suspension required for converted vehicles and they will be able to pick up refuse and recycling even with inches of snow.

(9) In what other areas would you choose to make savings?
Wow, an open question _ I'm so excited. The key here is to keep you open answer as bullet points; they will be picked up easily.

Spending more on...
It's at this point you being to see they lack of neutrality in the questioning. Take for instance, question #8 in the 'saving' section was do you agree to spend your money on new technology for vehicles, whereas in the 'spending' section you could disagree to give parish councils grants so saving money! Never mind though, we are grateful that we are given at least a bit of a chance for input.

Amazingly (not) there is no magical three year figure like the saving '�4 million', well let me oblige: �747,000 of spending over three years.

(10) Do you agree that the Council should spend �90,000 to the upkeep of the Council�s car parks
Obviously this would depend on the state of the car parks, the effectiveness of the traffic wardens, and the amount of vandalism of ticket machines etc.

(11) Do you agree that the Council should spend more money on cleaning the streets.
Note the question is worded as spending "an extra �100,000", so we how much do we currently spend on street cleaning?

(12) Do you agree that the Council should give �30,000 to the North Worcestershire Care and Repair Agency.
Well it would help to know what the North Worcestershire Care and Repair Agency is other than, "to ensure that the most vulnerable (the old and disabled) are able to continue to live independently.". I want to know the salaries of the management, how much the other authorities are paying into this organisation, how much activity is undertaken in each authority contributing to the organisation, etc...

(13) Do you agree that the Council should give �29,000 to Town and Parish Councils?
In principle yes, but how much have we given in the past?

Value for money
Without an introduction you find yourself sailed into the 'Value for Money' section otherwise know as 'the-usual-'about-us'-questionnaire-questions'. Here you are, four agree/disagree questions:

(14) The quality of Council services is good overall.
(15) The Council has enough money to meet all the demands on its services.
(16) The Council provides adequate communication to council tax payers about its spending.
(17) The Council takes reasonable steps to consult with council tax payers about its spending.

Then we get to the converse 'about-you' questions. Remember you cannot pass on any question, not even your age...

(18) Are you male or female?
(19) What was your age last birthday? (YOU MUST ENTER A NUMBER)
(20) How long have you been living in the Wyre Forest District?
(21) To which of these groups do you consider you belong? White; Mixed; Asian and Asian British; Black; Chinese/other ethnic background
(22) To allow us to analyse the results geographically by area, plese (sic) write you postcode in the [huge] box below.

At the end of this you get the promise, "The survey results will be published on our website www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk at the end of March." Great I'll blog about the results then.

Conclusion:
Overall this is a typical 'look-we-do-listen' consultation that has greater PR power than any democratic or 'view-of-the-people' results. It creates more questions that it answers, and the public are just answering blind because there is no back up information. Sure there is a 150+ page collection of reports, but come on, how are you expected to listen to the public when you ask them single line questions without any executive summary. I give the council 2 out of 10 for effort, but overall very poor and disappointing.

Postscript:
What is never mentioned in the 'consultation' is the 'single site' golden child that promised electoral sunshine to shine down on the Wyre Forest Conservatives (with the Liberal group getting the tail bits of sunlight beams). With great fanfare the Tories (and Liberals) trumpeted how they alone would save us �750,000 every year with a new single council office (and depot) site (nicknamed Tory Towers). They did everything in their powers, including secret meetings and secret reports, to get this thing built. They promised the Earth that it would be built, without any financial inconveniences, but all failed in an embarrassing whimper.

A pub in need is a pub indeed?

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A pub in need is a pub indeed?

Wolves at Wolverley

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 9 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wolves at Wolverley...

Wolverley [True Wolf]

Ghost Signs from Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 8 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I have created a new flickr group, ' Ghost Signs from Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley '.

Ghost Signs from Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley

"A ghost sign is a term for old hand painted advertising or signage that has been preserved on a building for an extended period of time, whether by actively keeping it or choosing not to destroy it. This group is intended to collect examples of ghost signs from around Kidderminster, Stourport, Bewdley and surrounding areas."

If anyone wants to be an administrator or moderator just ask.

Stencil Art

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 7 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It has been almost 6 months since stencil artist, Dom Dunlea, visited Kidderminster, and like FlipC and many other people who would have been interested in seeing his art, I missed it because it was organised in the daytime!

Never mind as his website has some great Kidderminster art...

Subway [domdunlea]

Dom Dunlea @ KAF [domdunlea]

Openly local

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 6 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

When it comes to making local government more transparent, who you goin' call?

Hyperlocal Sites around Wyre Forest [Openly Local]

Should he stay or should he go?

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If this the end of the world, or the end of people power? The 'Edam Horse' saga has taken a political twist. Cllr. Howard Martin [leader, ICHC] has called for the resignation of Marcus Hart [Conservative] as unelected Community Partnership Chief. There is still no apology or a hold on the whole project.

An over-reaction? Well may be, but what are our alternatives? A call for resignation from the opposition is the only minuscule spec of democracy we have left. Marcus Hart, the person responsible for this mess, was not elected. We can't elect someone else, we can't vote him out, he doesn't have to apologise if he doesn't want to, he can hang on to his position and take allowances if he wants, he can even switch parties or become independent. We have no power. It is up to the decency of Marcus Hart, does he apologise and leave or just apologise?

More hidden bits of information are being drip fed to the public (as usual), the 'key stakeholders' Marcus was talking about earlier are apparently the 'Horsefair, Greenhill and Broadwaters Partnership [HGBP]'. Now we have a confusion and possible contradiction (as usual). Fran Oborski [Liberal] has mentioned that the HGBP could have easily arranged a public consultation. So am I lead to presume that Marcus Hart contacted the HGBP and not ward councillors (never mind the public)? Then the HGBP kept the information under their hats (even from Fran)?

Democracy Club

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

'I recently joined Democracy Club, a non-partisan website for helping you volunteer to improve democratic accountability in your local area.

They're trying to recruit as many volunteers as possible, and I thought you'd be interested in joining.'

Dog Poo Sting Ops

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I picked up on a 'I'm-a-councillor-get-me-in-the-paper' article in the Shuttle today. The article, entitled 'Council 'failing on dog fouling'' reports what I presume (because can't find it in the minutes) was a question raised by Cllr. Graham Ballinger [Greenhill, Liberal] in at the July Full Council meeting. The question was, " how many fines had been imposed on offenders...". The answer, "...in the previous 18 months [Jan-2008-July-2009], the council had issued two fixed penalty notices for dog fouling, 16 for littering and 18,271 tickets for parking offences." Obviously the conclusion is that the 12 'civil enforcement officers' are "...opting for the quiet life..." and "...generating income..."

The unelected overlord, Tracey Onslow [unelected Environmental Chief, Conservative], states it is... "...unfair to compare the number of fines for parking offences to those issued for litter and dog fouling [because] ... as catching offenders is about being in the right place at the right time.". She is absolutely right, but what is the solution? "We ask residents to take pride in their area and be vigilant about depositing litter and dog mess in the bins provided." What? So the solution is to be proud when we tread in dog shit? ...and watch out for offenders.

Let's be a bit more proactive and creative. First Cllr. Ballinger should have found out the ratios of fixed penalty notices of dog fouling against parking offences of other local authorities (factored in with population and car ownership levels) and judged where Wyre Forest District Council is within that league table. This sounds an easy and simple calculation that could be automated with a handheld computer, but getting at this information would be difficult and time-consuming even for a district councillor. However, this is the sort of analysis I would expect to be undertaken for my tax money.

Secondly, it is the persistent dog fouling offenders that cause the most grief and most worth for a fixed penalty notice. Since they are persistent, local residents would know when and where the dog fouling would take place. I'm sure every dog owner has a defined walking route and time. So residents just need to enter the details on fixmystreet.com or telephone the whub (if not online) with the time, frequency and location of the dog fouling offences. The 'civil enforcement officer' then just hides around the corner and nabs the offender. Now my question, 'Of the 2 fixed penalty notices for dog fouling, where they both opportunities (being at the right time and right place) or were they part of a sting operation?

'Edam Horse' update

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 'Edam Horse', as its named, is now becoming infamous and so much is happening that I guess we won't be hearing the last of this. Cllr. Howard Martin [Broadwaters, ICHC] has put in a FOI request and I'm planning to do that too. Fran Oborski has blogged about it saying, "Local Councillors AND the local Community have been treated in a shabby and arrogant manner by the District Council.". Then a new Facebook campaign has been started (171 members and counting) entitled 'SAY NO TO THE EDAM HORSE IN THE HORSEFAIR'.

An alternative to the 'Edam Horse'? (Johnny the Cobler Statue)

No official rebuttal from the council, nor the unelected overlord in charge of this, Marcus Hart [unelected Community Partnership Chief, Conservative]. So one impetus is on what will be the excuse the council will come up with...

(1) 'There was not time'
However, Fran informs us that the �12,000 money was part of a official Section 106 Agreement for a piece of public art at the toilet block in the 'Horsefair triangle'. This agreement was made and publicly minuted 10 years ago!

(2) 'There weren't enough resources'
No way. Fran has made a valid point here: "Horsefair, Broadwaters and Greenhill Partnership which brings together: County and District Councillors for Broadwaters and Greenhill, Community Groups (including representatives of the Bangladeshi and Polish Communities), local Faith Groups, Police, Health, Housing, schools etc. This organisation could have organised a Public Consultation"

(3) 'This isn't public money'
This debate has been going on in on-line comments in the Shuttle. Technically it isn't public money, but if you change the word 'public' to an adjective you can see that the money hasn't been treated as money from the public.

(4) 'Its only �12,000'
The council would be very brave to come up with this excuse. Let's not go down that route.

(5) 'Too expensive for a public consultation'
Fran said, "When the Friends of St Georges Park wanted to consult residents around The Horsefair and Baxter Avenue area about plans for the park we held a drop-in session in the Radford Avenue Sure Start Centre and put up pictures of proposals and asked the public to write their comments and choices. That consultation cost about �5 and we got residents views."

(6) 'It was a matter of confidentiality'
Another brave excuse to try. Let's see what Howard's FOI request brings up.

Are you a geek?

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Just a tiny detour from the usual 'agenda fodder. Here is a test, if you find the following joke funny you are a geek:

There's no place like 127.0.0.1.

Well did you laugh? Are you a geek? Or is it all geek to you?

petrol stations, next sports clubs

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 31 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Yet another 'No' campaign, and they have some professional 'No' noticebills _ loads of them.

So what is all the fuss about? Well Wyre Forest Community Housing (you know the group with millions in the bank who avoided re-development of the historic Weavers Cottages) have applied for permission to knock down the Bowling Club and build 33 2/3 bedroom apartments.

Saying no to this development is a difficult one there have been similar developments along Chester Road and there ?I think? is a demand for 2/3 bedroom apartments. The concerns of the no-campaign are summed up nicely from Mr. Name Supplied back in September last year...

"(1) The density of the development greatly exceeds the density of the surrounding area."
Yes there is truth in this, perhaps lessened after the nearby Land Oak House development and the two fuel station re-developments on both sides of Chester Road North. However, so? What is their point?

"(2) The plans show three-storey properties fronting Chester Road North, which is totally out of keeping with the surrounding properties."
No it's not, the two fuel station re-developments are three storey. Again what's their point?

"(3) The provision of only 31 parking spaces for 33 properties will lead to parking and access problems. The volume of traffic on Chester Road North, which has double yellow lines along its entire length in this vicinity, is unbearable at the current time."
This is their strongest point, and I think this point alone it would be very foolhardy to grant permission for this development. It would only take a couple of residents to hold a dinner party, or Christmas dinner invites to spill parked cars on Chester Road North (which they can't) and the end of Linden Avenue, Linden Grove, and Lyndholm Road. The only thing is I have seen developments approved that have these silly parking-to-dwelling ratios.

"(4) The schools in the catchment area are full to capacity and over subscribed."
A donation to education via a Section 106 agreement will sort this out - apparently.

"(5) There are no play areas in close proximity to the development to cater for the influx of children."
Yes absolutely correct but unfortunately the developer's attitude is that�s its not up to them. However, if the developers say they cannot accommodate a play area the group should just mention nearby 'Tabbs Gardens'.

The other criticism from the group is the traffic problems this development will cause, particularly pulling onto Chester Road North. Yep, there will be traffic problems, but since when did traffic congestion and problems ever stop a development!

Photo Exhibition

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 30 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Amazingly I had some spare time on my own this Saturday so I seized the opportunity, loaded my camera and set out on the streets of Kidderminster. I went to the Photo Exhibition at Kidderminster Art Gallery (inside Kidderminster Library) held by the Kidderminster Camera Club.

Kidderminster Camera Club Photo Exhibition 2010

It was quiet and I was the only one there when I visited, but that it how I liked it. I enjoyed the exhibition and loved the photographs. There was a fair mix, a photo-edit, a few scenic, a few actions photos and a few micro-photography flowers and a bee.

Of course, I had to play my game _ judging the photos. In looking at all the photographs from multiple angles here are my favourite:

#1 To The Sea, Richard Rathbone
An extra wide landscape of a beach with small specks of families playing in the sand. It was my favourite because every time I approach a beach I always look at the whole beach. What I see when I do this with my eyes is what was in this photo, something I have never emulated after several attempts at photography.

#2 Eilean Doman Castle, Rob Hunt
My second favourite is the picturesque Eilean Donan photographed by Rob Hunt. OK, the subject is prime photo fodder, with the tranquil Loch Duich in the foreground reflecting the island of Donn�n and mountains as a backdrop. However, it shined out from a distance when other photos seemed to dim (does that make sense?)

#3 Out of a Sardinian Tunnel, Richard Rathbone
Another winner from Richard Rathbone, which I only discovered after I make my shortlist. This is an action shot of a steam train exiting a tunnel (a Sardinian Tunnel presumably). I liked it because the bellowing steam seemed to be caught in great detail.

For runners up I picked the unusual and the contemporary namely 'Clips by Eddie Humphries' and 'Severn Side South Bewdley by Eddie Humphries'.

I recommend a visit, why not pick your three favourite photos and see if it matches mine.

Wilden Lane, Wilden Lane, Wilden Lane

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thanks to Harriers9, Richard Maguire (on FixMyStreet) and Anonymous (on FixMyStreet) we are all aware that there are seriously deep potholes on Wilden Lane. Here you go...

Harriers9
16 Januaary 2010
Harriers-Online

Have to agree that the holes in Wilden Lane are terrible Tav.

There's a whole patch of them in one direction towards Stourport, just by the quarry entrance. The only way to avoid them is to slow right down and then steer completely into the Kidderminster bound lane.

I hit them this morning and waited for the sound of air leaving my tyres. Thankfully it didn't but I can guarantee the damage will show up when I go for new tyres and the fitter tells me to come and look at the crack in my alloys.

Harriers9
16 Januaary 2010
Harriers-Online

Some pictures of the holes on this important minor road that has wrecked the nearside tyre of my car.

Wilden Lane potholes [Harriers9]

Harriers9
16 Januaary 2010
Harriers-Online

I've informed the Highways Agency and no doubt they'll rush round in two weeks time to throw a bit of hardcore at it.

They could put some cones in place as a temporary measure though.

Richard Maguire
19 January 2010

There is a huge pothole here, the thud when hitting was massive. I have just had my wheels re-aligned because of the other potholes down Wilden Lane - I am going to have to do again. This is not good enough.

Richard Maguire
16 January 2010

The whole of Wilden Lane is pepperred with Potholes, the area marked has always been bad but is even worse now. The holes are so big it made a huge bang when I hit it and it through a drinks can from the cupholder. Please fix before they cause an accident / damage

Anon.
16 January 2010

The pot holes are terrible and have got worse since the cold spell.

Anon.
16 January 2010

Numerous potholes between Bigbury Lane junction and McDonalds roundabout (Worcester Rd Kidderminster) on both sides of road.

Anon.
16 January 2010

On northbound side of road around 50 yards from the Hartlebury Road junction.

Wyre Forest unemployment

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Although the hot potato for party politicos is the Stourport Postal Sorting Office (see here and here), the next PR subject seems to be unemployment. Since Nigel Knowles [Labour, PPC] as yet to answer my question (see below) I decided to try and answer it myself.

Firstly, Nigel Knowles blinds us with national statistics then relates it to Wyre Forest with one sentence, "In Wyre Forest the level is lower than the average". Umm, not giving much away are you? Never mind, I'll tell the people the way it is if you don't. He then turns the argument on the Tories, but only by using a national newspaper headline. Credit where credit is due he does mention the newspaper and date but fails to provide a link to it. Come on people, this is the Interweb, you know, a web of links!

Nigel says...

Nigel Knowles
20 January 2010
Nigel Knowles

Good news on the economic front � unemployment fell by 7,000 in November and now stands at 2.46 million. The number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance has also fallen to 1.61 million. Unemployment nationally is 7.8%, down from 7.9%. In Wyre Forest the level is lower than the average. The Labour Government has intervened into the British economy, protecting jobs, families and public services. What do the Tories offer? According to the Tory House Magazine “The Daily Telegraph� (15th January 2010) the headline read “We�ll slash spending on day one, say Tories�. There is a real choice for the electors in Wyre Forest. Vote Labour for jobs, public services, and to protect our living standards, or vote Tory to “slash spending� and therefore slash investment in jobs and services. Perhaps the ballot paper should actually spell this out, rather than just listing the candidates?

...and my comment (still to be answered)...

Tav
21 January 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

You haven�t mentioned that since the recession (end of 2007) unemployment in Wyre Forest has consistently risen, doubled in fact. If elected as MP how are you going to reverse this trend?

Let's get this into the numbers: There are roughly 64,000 people in Wyre Forest of workable age, this will also include those people too rich to need to work (maybe?) and those not wanting to work (housekeepers, full-time careers, etc...). Now there are roughly 2,500 people in Wyre Forest searching for work (taking Job Seekers Allowance) and this figure has risen from late 2007 (the start of the recession). Now I work that out at 3.9%.

To be fair though Mark Garnier also shows the figures, well actually he quotes the figures. However is does provide a good indicator by mixing the number of job seekers and the jobs worth seeking (but only in the Job Centre): "...4.5% of Wyre Forest (including Kidderminster) residents are now claiming unemployment benefit. But in the Jobcentre Plus, there are just 205 vacancies meaning that there are 13 claimants for every vacancy". Umm, let me try that, 'for every 1 person claiming unemployment benefit there are 25 working'.

Ok, numbers are boring but at least I show them (and my sources). Let's get down to the grass roots. Back in August last year Mark Garnier found political leverage with the closure of the Stourport Job Centre on Bridge Street.

So that has happened, what about the future? Here Mark Garnier plays his club card with the 'Stourport Road Corridor', according to Mark Garnier we need him to act as 'Wyre Forest�s ambassador' (i.e. MP) to make 'Stourport Road Corridor' an attractive area for businesses to locate. I find this interesting, when at the 'Say No to the [Hartlebury] Incinerator' Peter Luff MP [Conservative, Mid Worcestershire] said there isn't much he can do. Now wouldn't it be great if the 'Say Yes to the Stourport Road Corridor' campaign group held their inaugural meeting and had as many people turn up in support as the 'Say No to the [Hartlebury] Incinerator' campaign. Then their next meeting they elect a leader, spokesman, committee members, etc. and they get all the volunteers together to clean the place up; write to businesses and billionaires; liaison with government and funding opportunities; etc.. Surely if the 'Stop Kidderminster Incinerator' and 'Drakelow Development Trust' can stop unfavourable developments the 'Say Yes to the Stourport Road Corridor' can start a favourable one!

PS. On another note, if you want the unemployment rate to lower in Wyre Forest, just get more 'unsociable' (expensive or canal side) housing development built. The job seekers count won't fall but the working commuters count will increase.

Angle

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I saw this artistic photo on flickr...

Angle [Mark H. Roberts]

The photographer, Mark Roberts, also has a two photos in the Kidderminster Camera Club exhibition at Kidderminster Library.

Poo!

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I saw this on my travels...

Dog poo sign

I fully agree that dog shit is disgusting and irresponsible dog owners who allow their dog to defecate on public rights of way are despicable. However their solution is to, “PUT IN BIN AT END OF ROAD“. What bin? Oh, that bin...

Dog poo bin?

uh!

Great Photo

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wow, I found a great photo on Facebook. Which part of Kidderminster is this though?

untitled [Aitch Edwards]

X-Men, The Fantastic Four and The Jury Team

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wow, I get my letter published in the Shuttle...

Attacking the people

Then an exact opposite letter from the 'Tory Toastmaster' himself, 'Howard Jones'...

Hoping for change of colour

I'm tempted to comment on these letters, but walkerno5 and FlipC have made some excellent points.

With all the 'local vs. national politics' combined with the 'independent (singularity) vs. political party' debates going on I'm starting to wonder if this is the beginning of the end of the party system. Our 'independent' MP has been independent for nine years and counting. We elected him, not a party nor leader, and in return he represents the people and not a political party. I dismissed my wondering, since this must be a localised 'Wyre Forest' phenomenon.

Now I'm wondering if we in Wyre Forest are not alone, so I do a bit of research to see if the 'independent (singularity) vs. political party' debate is being discussed or even actioned elsewhere. Then I only have to travel down the A449 and see that Paul Judge [President, Mid-Worcestershire Conservatives] has been instrumental in starting the 'Jury Team', an umbrella organisation set up to help independent candidates stand in elections. Ummm, perhaps this really is the beginning of the end of the party system.

Umm, I think I will add a comment...

Tav
19 January 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

If the 'credible option' is the Conservative party, why has Sir. Paul Judge, President of Mid-Worcestershire Conservatives started the 'Jury Team', an umbrella organisation set up to help independent candidates stand in elections?

IE8 - Suggested Sites

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Like the German and French governments, at work we have been given orders to use Firefix, Giggle Foam or upgrade to Internet Exploder 8. I upgraded to IE8 and this is the suggested sites for the 'agenda...

WFA Suggested Sites

RIP James Williams

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

RIP James Williams, industrial chemist, antiquarian, and a Stourportian. (Is that right, 'Stourportian'?)

Sim-Kiddy 2000

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This could be the start of something big...

The city of Kiddy [Facebook]

speaking of Wilden Lane...

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wow, talk about gritting on Wilden Lane. What a fantastic endorcement of my scenario, I wonder if the person who wrote this thinks, 'stuff the County Councillor'?

"The pot holes are terrible and have got worse since the cold spell."

Trouble is Tavis...

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I got carried away with my reply to Neville's comment on the 'Who ya' goin' a' call?' blog that I thought I would repeat it here as a blog in itself...

Neville Farmer
11 January 2010
Neville Farmer
Wyre Forest Liberal Democrats

Trouble is Tavis, there has to be a line drawn somewhere on electing people. Too many elections and nobody does anything except chase votes. I'd much rather spend my time getting on with the job but I've chosen this route. The best transport chiefs are not necessarily the best political campaigners.

The US elects its sheriffs but would you want that kind of system, where justice is doled out on the say-so of the people who shout loudest? It's no surprise that minority groups get arrested more, get longer sentences, get the death penalty.

As for transport - if there were limited numbers of votes in Wilden Lane and more influential votes on Chester Road South, where would you send the gritters?

I am totally in favour of elected members of the public overseeing education, policing, health but the officers themselves need to be experts at doing the job, not campaigning to be elected to do it.

Tav
15 January 2010
The Wyre Forest Agenda

Ok sorry for the delay in my response. '...too many elections...' We only have three different types of elections every 4 or 5 years, how you can you comprehend 'too many elections' that yet alone make an assumption that 'nobody does anything'?

The campaigning, especially at a local level like Transport Commissioners, is not as important as the campaigning we have at the moment for councillor elections. A retired VOSA inspector is just going to be more appealing to voters more than a young chap with a few years experience at the young Conservatives. Although we are talking annual elections so the campaign could be 'stick with experience' or 'try the young guys new ideas'.

Re. US Sheriffs: If this was endemic (or continually happening in small pockets) in the USA we would have heard about it or if it happens it is being dealt with quickly. However, let's give a better scenario from the UK. While Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister the trade unions were, quite frankly, taking liberties. On occasions when the shop floor were on strike employers would employ people to take their place. They would turn up on their first day at work and promptly join the strike. Legislation was brought about to make it a condition that a ballot was taken before industrial action (along with other legislation). Since then there have been strikes that have been prevented from lack of votes, other times the ballot was found to be illegal and it effectively became a cooling-down period. Before this legislation a union leader would raise his hand and say something like '3000 members say yes to that motion' from talking to those members who shout loudest. Sounds familiar? It should do because this is what elected councillors do everyday throughout the country.

I can't see how your 'gritters' on Wilden Lane scenario helps your argument. Let's look at this scenario now under the current regime. You live in a country lane and you are annoyed that the main routes are being gitted and your lane is not. Other residents in other lanes also feel left out. So independently you all think, 'stuff the County Councillor' I'm not re-electing him. If after two years you haven't forgot about it a planning application for an incinerator has been put forward up your lane. The same County Councillor you wanted to oust for lack of gritting is fighting with you against the incinerator. When election time comes around how can I make my vote heard to say I don't like your management of gritting, but I like it that you were enthusiastic against the incinerator? Added to this you are not asked these questions, only 'who do you want as a councillor for the next 4 or 5 years (and you can't change your mind later)'.

The system (annual elections on all specific heads) lends itself to sorting out the doers from the think-they-can doers. I'm sure the residents of Broadwaters would love the chance to vote for or against Cllr. Ahmed again!

The Incinerator #3

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I made my first public appointment for 2010. I attended the Public Meeting regarding the proposed Hartlebury Incinerator. The turnout was massive, and by 7pm (start time) there was still a queue of people wanting to enter.

'Say No to the Incinerator' meeting

The chair was Cllr. Jenny Jones [Chairman, Hartlebury Parish Council] and along the table there were representatives from the Environmental Agency; Friends of the Earth; Clare Cassidy from SKI (Stop the Kidderminster Incinerator); the liaison group; 'Say No to the Incinerator' group; a representative from the County Council, and Peter Luff MP. Wychavon district councillor, Cllr. Mathews [Hartlebury, Conservative] sent her apologies but it was reported that she is against an incinerator.

The basic gist of the meeting was an initial 'lets-get-started' type of affair. Cllr. Jones said she was overwhelmed by the turnout. She stated that Elmley Lovett and Hartlebury parish councils were against. The county councillor (sorry I didn't get his name) gave us some facts and figures from the County briefing session. The 'Say No' campaign stated that 85% of the proposed for incineration is recyclable, and then mentioned 'Anaerobic Digestion' which I had never heard of. The liaison group came up next and reinforce some more anti-incinerator arguments (they were the first to bring up toxins). Peter Luff MP then took the stage and stated that if the two parish councils are against the incinerator so he will be. 'Enough-is-enough' argument was mentioned before and also reinforced by Peter Luff MP. One thing he did say was that waste management of many micro sites would be a better alternative that one big central location (logistically not geographically!) for both Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Then Friends of the Earth came up next and mentioned fair arbitration and also the UK Without Incinerator Network. He then introduces Clare Cassidy from SKI Stop the Kidderminster Incinerator who was having a d�j� vu experience, she was purporting 'you are not alone'.

There were questions raised from the public and a few key players made themselves known, the solicitor for the Drakelow Preservation Trust; a Green Party candidate calling to make this an election issue; and, someone from another campaign group who discovered that the County Council had suddenly found some objection letters after the group did some investigation. (!)

After a suggestion from the public to have a collection box, someone produced two huge buckets outside the exits for a collection.

For an initial meeting the turnout was extremely good, remember the application has not even be drawn up yet. Cllr. Jones admitted she was worried about the meeting but was relieved with the considerate manner everyone held in listening and asking questions. I can't imagine what she thought it was going to be.

Overall I'm glad I went.

With every visit (usually council committee meetings) I award someone with an award for public speaking, so this should be no different. The award, 'Man of the Meeting' has to go to the 'Friends of the Earth' representative (I didn't get his name). His speech wasn't what I had expected to be honest, but it delivered a sense of hope and comradely that I could feel among the audience. Also he had a little anecdote which helps. Well done.

Wow, it's Wednesday

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wow, it's Wednesday already. I have had a jam-packed family weekend and Monday & Tuesday was chock-a-block with personal chores and blurfing on the Shuttle defending an attack on our democratically elected MP. Right so 'agenda time now and it's catch up. If I make it before my 'agenda time runs out I post something more substantial otherwise you have just got this.

Doctor doctor #1

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 7 Jan 2010 17:40:12 GMT

Well election fever is certainly starting to spread in the blogs and letters of the Shuttle newspaper. I hesitate to use the term election year, because, quite frankly that would be a lie, it's an election quad-year because we only get to play democracy once every four years (or twice a decade).

One letter that had my interest and also got me puzzled was from Cllr. Jannette Adams [Conservative, Bewdley East] entitled, ''Them and us' stance costs vital NHS funds'. The interest was a politically motivated letter from a Tory councillor (Bewdley Town Council) who only states her past medical and patient liaison credentials. The puzzlement comes from her un-sourced reference (grrrr!) to a 'negative statement' from Dr. Richard Taylor [Health Concern, Wyre Forest].

So in researching this blog I sent her an email (see my burfings (rss) for the complete text) asking for sources. This is something a good newspaper (hint, hint The Shuttle) should have done. In the mean time Fran [Cllr. Fran Oborski (Liberal, unelected Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee Representative)] jumps on the bandwagon and, as usual, misses out the background information, you know the stuff that she will keep from you until you ask.

I'm still confused and I don't want to add my opinion until I have all the information. Then Cllr. Howard Martin [Health Concern, Leader of ICHC) let's the cat out of the hat, “Also the attack on Richard Taylor is clearly politically motivated and unworthy. After all isn't Jan Adams also a Tory Bewdley Town Councillor?".

Then an amazing event happens I get not one by two replies from a Tory! Yes, imagine that, a Tory replying to your message! She explains that the 'negative statement' was in the MP's Viewpoint column in the Shuttle before Christmas. OK let's have a look...

MP's Viewpoint - 17-Dec-2009 - nothing

MP's Viewpoint - 10-Dec-2009 - a bit about the NHS IT system and the Equality Bill (so nothing)

MP's Viewpoint - 3-Dec-2009 - conference in Kidderminster on mental illness (nothing)

MP's Viewpoint - 26-Nov-2009 - school visit - nothing

MP's Viewpoint - 19-Nov-2009 - Motoveight, RoadPeace and school visit - nothing

MP's Viewpoint - 12-Nov-2009 - nothing

MP's Viewpoint - 5-Nov-2009 - nothing

MP's Viewpoint - 29-Oct-2009 - (this is still 'before Christmas', right?) - Baxter College (I covered this) - so nothing

MP's Viewpoint - 22-Oct-2009 - the Associate Parliamentary Health Group and bit about our lack of democracy is mentioned but nothing on KTC.

MP's Viewpoint - 15-Oct-2009 - oh is this it? No it's the NHS Constitution

MP's Viewpoint - 8-Oct-2009 - now I'm in the archives and at this point the Shuttle have closed (and deleted) old comments (grrrrr!). - no nothing!

MP's Viewpoint - 1-Oct-2009 - nothing

Surely September isn't classed as 'Before Christmas'. Perhaps I have missed it?

So I'll trawl through the articles again and also reply to Cllr. Adams for some more clarity. Looks like this will turn into one of those #1, #2, #3, etc... type of blogs.

Bewdley Station

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 8 Jan 2010 07:32:05 GMT

Bewdley Railway Station, in all its glory:

Bewdley Station Building [Matthew Black]

Snow!

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 5 Jan 2010 13:46:52 GMT

Just in case you forgot the last time is snowed and stuck, here is Waterside Grange, Kidderminster in August 2009:

Waterside Grange Winter 2009 [Facebook Member]

Feed me!

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 5 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After a comment on The Mad Ranter, FlipC has prompted me to move with the times. So I have thrown away my CD player and my fax machine and I'm saying hello to RSS. I have decided to create two RSS feeds, one for the 'agenda (as requested by FlipC) and the other a track of my burfing of the blogosphere. This is more for my benefit than anything else, especially since I have recently discovered that the Shuttle removes comments after a certain period of time. Obviously they do not value their readers' opinions! Anyway the 'Blurfings of Tavis Pitt' will track any comments, profile, blurfings, or joining something that has a potential for 'agenda fodder.

I have also published the feeds on the various sites, so let's see what becomes of this!

The Wyre Forest Agenda
The Blurfings of Tavis Pitt

School's nostalgic exhibition

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 4 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

From Stourport News and Kidderminster Times, Friday 3 June 1977...

School's nostalgic exhibition [Stourport News & Kidderminster Times]

???WFDC?

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 3 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Now I thought all the commotion of date and computers was 2000, apparently it 2010...

[WFDC]

The council have gone Chinese!

NHS KTC is A-OK

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 2 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hey, Kidderminster Treatment Centre gets good reviews.

Happy New 2010

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Happy New Year

2009 Photos

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As a end-of-year-treat I thought I would display all the photos and images from 2009:

New Years Day, Thursday 1 January 2009: Happy New 2009!

Foam party [BBC]

Saturday 3 January 2009: Postensplain

Postensplain [running (slowly) in forests (mainly)]

Wednesday 14 January 2009: Sunflower, sunflower, where are you from?

Sunflower mystery....! [Wyre Forest Liberals]

Friday 16 January 2009: Come back Lassie

HAMSTER THEFT [BBC]

Saturday 17 January 2009: Infamy again!

Outtake TV, 17/01/2009 [BBC]

Sunday 18 January 2009: Birds eye view of Bewdley

untitled [Jules Philips]

Sunday 25 January 2009: Illusions of grandeur?

KTC 3 Coming Soon [Wyre Forest Conservatives]

Sunday 8 February 2009: Spenalls?

SPENALLS SUK DIK

Sunday 15 February 2009: On the buses...

Kidderminster: The exhibits arrive [Christopher Leech]

Wednesday 18 February 2009: Stourport & Kidderminster Convalescent Home

Stourport & Kidderminster Convalescent Home [yorkshirebidding]

Thursday 19 February 2009: Locked in

locked in [Lisa B]

Tuesday 10 March 2009: Move Wyre Forest

The Wyre Forest Visitor Centre

Tuesday 17 March 2009: The Making of Snuff

The Making of Snuff [Bewdley Museum]

Thursday 19 March 2009: Is this bridge by �Capability� Brown?

Is this bridge by �Capability� Brown? [Jo Bloom]

Monday 27 April 2009: Julian Tank

julian tank (comberton hill) april 14th 1918 [Mandy Harmon Was Arnold]

Friday 24 July 2009: Kangaroos found fighting in Kidderminster

Kangaroo Boxing Suits Hire [Cosmic Castles]

Tuesday 11 August 2009: Bewdley is lovely in the sunshine

Sarah and Simon in Bewdley

Friday 14 August 2009: Stourport is lovely in the sunshine

Stourport from the riverside path

Wednesday 26 August 2009: Flashing in Kidderminster

Flashing in Kidderminster � A Hairy Moment [Frank Anthony]

Thursday 15 October 2009: Kidderminster tonight!

untitled [Stagecoachuk]

Friday 4 December 2009: Read the weblog, got the t-shirt

WFA T-Shirt [Magic Widgets]

Sunday 7 December 2009: TP Toys - Urban exploration?

TP Toys Stourport [TinyFizzyPop]

Thursday 10 December 2009: Kidderminster Tourist Board

untitled [Kidderminster Tourist Board]

Friday 18 December 2009: Argyfyngau

untitled [sell73out]

Sunday 20 December 2009: Hyde Lock

Rebuilding the towpath at Hyde Lock [George Wood Collection]

Chirstmas Eve, Thursday 24 December 2009: Sign of the times unfortunately

Have you seen this sign? [Bewdley Labour]

Tuesday 29 December 2009: Kidderminster Art(ist)

A Postcard From Kidderminster (detail) [James Howorth]

...surprisingly there are more than I thought.

The Incinerator #2

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hot off the press from the 'Say No To The Incinerator' campaign...

This is how you will be affected [Say No to the Incinerator]

Kidderminster Art(ist)

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey, Kidderminster art by a Kidderminster artist!

Kidderminster Through Time

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey a new local history book. I'll get it with my Christmas money...

The Wyre Forest Agenda Facebook Application

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I'm just messing around with my new comment functionality and I tried to link it to facebook. Now there is a Wyre Forest Agenda Facebook application! Like the icon?

Christmas Day UFO

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 26 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Apart from one of our family members taking a serious accident Christmas has been on the whole an enjoyable one. I got a photo of my wife and I with Father Christmas as he visited our house and in the evening as we returned home (walking) we saw two orange lights in the night sky. Great opportunity... 'Kids, look in the sky there is Farther Christmas returning to Lapland'.

Quarries of Wyre Forest

tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk (Tavis Pitt) — 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

From my reckoning from the 'Quarries Old and New: The Severn north of Worcester and the Teme Valley' article there were ten quarries in the Wyre Forest district...

Wolverley

Puxton

Hoo Road

Zenith

Highfield

Hoo Farm

Stourhill

Bonemill

Brant Farm

Lickhill