[Acrylic-bob]

Further to the Fountains Saga, did anyone see The Observer yesterday?
It was announced that the inactive fountains at the bottom of Ormerod Street by the Globe Centre are going to be replaced at a cost of £30,000. According to the Observer, "...when the fountain is removed the area will be paved over and replaced with seating, trees, plants and floral borders."

Oddly enough, Peter Britcliffe (the leader of the Conservative group, for those of you who have never heard of him.) is quoted as saying "I am querying the price because I think £30,000 is a bit expensive."

Jean Battle, (who has been on a course and has a certificate, so she should know everything about being a councilor.) is quoted as saying " Anything will be better than what we currently have. It is a shame that we won't have a water feature because, personally, I like them. Also this plan will still require lots of maintenance."

Right, Jean. Lets forget about the fact that the Pavement on broadway is an absolute disgrace and a hazard to pedestrians. Or that the whole of the town centre is going down the toilet. Or that violence in the town centre is spiralling out of control. Lets worry about whether we get the environs of the Globe centre right. That is obviously much more important than the personal safety of your constituents or the economic survival of the town.

And Peter Britcliffe? Thirty grand might be a bit expensive? A pity you weren't afflicted with such scruples before squandering £150,000 on the fountains in the first place?

The thing that really makes my blood boil is that these two are supposed to represent the best that Accrington has to offer. Some days you can feel the will to live just drain away.