Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris (Post 887735)

Had a detour through the Market Hall yesterday afternoon on my way up to the Oaklea, as I needed to pay a visit after getting off the X41. Couldn't believe how dead it was. When I think of the thriving, bustling place it used to be on Saturday afternoons 20-30 years ago. The toilets were very nice, though. ;)

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris (Post 887735)

The toilets were very nice, though. ;)

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 887739)

No community artists, knocking about in the 'liberated empty terrain' in the Market Hall, to comment on?

:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris (Post 887735)

Had a detour through the Market Hall yesterday afternoon on my way up to the Oaklea, as I needed to pay a visit after getting off the X41. Couldn't believe how dead it was. When I think of the thriving, bustling place it used to be on Saturday afternoons 20-30 years ago. The toilets were very nice, though. ;)

Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson (Post 887744)

Those toilets are state of the art apparently.Whatever that means.

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris (Post 887742)

Nope, just a few people sat round on the benches, staring into space...and there's plenty of it to stare into!

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris (Post 887746)

Are they? Just look like ordinary, everyday bogs to me (very clean and well-maintained I must say).

Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson (Post 887744)

Those toilets are state of the art apparently.Whatever that means.

Originally Posted by Less (Post 887756)

IF, the estimate for footfall is accurate at 3,000 & IF, the cost of hiring these so called celebs is accurate:-

Row after council spends £9,000 on celebrity pair | Accrington Observer - menmedia.co.uk

Then we only paid £3.00 per head to get these people to come and nosey, it must be a bargain.

:D

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 887739)

No community artists, knocking about in the 'liberated empty terrain' in the Market Hall, to comment on?

:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 887749)

They are some of the community artists employed by the borough!

They were bussed in from Hebden Bridge. No expense spared.

They're the 'Not So Flash Mob People of Age Community Sitters & Starers Troupe'.

Philistine!

:eek::D

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 887759)

I don't get the concept 'liberated empty terrain'....what a terrible phrase.
It never used to be empty...it had market stalls in it, commercial enterprise happened.
Why did the powers that be think it needed to be liberated...and for what?
So that half a dozen benches could be placed to...... allow oldies to sit and stare!
That doesn't bring in any revenue.....you don't have to buy something to park your bum on a bench.
Priceless!!!

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 887758)

Putting it that way, it was worth that for the little chap who was inside K9 alone.

:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris (Post 887760)

I wonder how much the grant is? ;)

Originally Posted by Less (Post 887756)

IF, the estimate for footfall is accurate at 3,000 & IF, the cost of hiring these so called celebs is accurate:-

Row after council spends £9,000 on celebrity pair | Accrington Observer - menmedia.co.uk

Then we only paid £3.00 per head to get these people to come and nosey, it must be a bargain.

:D

Originally Posted by Less (Post 887762)

happy go lucky peenist

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 887764)

Is there no end to your philistinism?

What price can you put on the value of community art?

It's priceless.

Apparently.

;)

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 887765)

If only Stanley could attract 3000 every home match, they could even do a bit of shopping in the club shop :D

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 887758)

Putting it that way, it was worth that for the little chap who was inside K9 alone.

:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by flashy (Post 887797)

wrong film love, K9 was in Dr Who, the little chap was in Star Wars and wasn't a dog

Originally Posted by heth (Post 894301)

Well the Accrington Observer is moving back to Accrington!:D

Originally Posted by JCB (Post 894348)

Peter Britciffe's words : " ...right at the vibrant part of Accrington.....beating at the heart of Accrington.....genuinely delighted.....a very important part of our community.....a key way for us to find out what's happening in our community....."

My words : " :tongueout" .

Originally Posted by JCB (Post 894348)

Peter Britciffe's words : " ...right at the vibrant part of Accrington.....beating at the heart of Accrington.....genuinely delighted.....a very important part of our community.....a key way for us to find out what's happening in our community....."

Originally Posted by Ken Moss (Post 894436)

However, they really do need to exercise a bit more political balance in my opinion.

Originally Posted by Less (Post 894453)

Yes I agree with what your saying, balance is essential, not enough input from P.B. in the old Obbo' and wouldn't it be nice if now and again we could have a picture of our glorious leader unveiling a plaque, accepting a medal or even closing the odd toilet?

Originally Posted by flashy (Post 894464)

i'm convinced Uncle fester has shares in The Observer

Originally Posted by Ken Moss (Post 894457)

Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre was re-opened again last Thursday by the Leader of the Council.

It's possible that there will be a story on it in this week's Observer....

Originally Posted by flashy (Post 894464)

i'm convinced Uncle fester has shares in The Observer

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 894492)

It would be immoral and dishonest :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by Ken Moss (Post 894493)

You all invite anger upon this forum with your unfounded allegations, I cannot be party to this.

Having said that, I was told in full council that I don't know when to keep my mouth shut so what sort of hypocritical councillor would I be if I tried to silence the people?

Originally Posted by Josie Bloggs (Post 894862)

Keep it up, Ken. I am also pleased to see the paper in the heart of Accrington, but they would be so much more readable of they challenged, rather than just promotted the leaders view.

Originally Posted by Ken Moss (Post 894457)

Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre was re-opened again last Thursday by the Leader of the Council.

It's possible that there will be a story on it in this week's Observer....

Originally Posted by Ken Moss (Post 895359)

And lo....

Originally Posted by flashy (Post 895361)

He makes me sick

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 895586)

Can I share the bucket with you Shaz???

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 894932)

I wonder if they got a special deal from PB, along the lines of 'You keep me sweet & I'll keep you sweet'.

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 916852)

Councillor Howorth says she is devastated....but only because at long last she has been proved wrong.......that must be a very bitter pill to swallow.

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 916909)

I am glad that the traders are now being left to decide if it is worth their time to open on a Wednesday.

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 916911)

That is the crux of the whole matter, which was ignored by merry marlene n P.B.:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by Neil (Post 916917)

Sometimes you have to be able to admit when you were wrong. I think the Tories could have helped themselves a lot by listening to the traders and letting them open when they want. They could have been the caring listening party instead of handing that to Labour on a plate. Silly mistake in my opinion.

Originally Posted by Neil (Post 916917)

Sometimes you have to be able to admit when you were wrong. I think the Tories could have helped themselves a lot by listening to the traders and letting them open when they want. They could have been the caring listening party instead of handing that to Labour on a plate. Silly mistake in my opinion.

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 916928)

There was another motive for opening the Market Hall more.

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 916932)

:confused:

Go on.

Spill the beanz.

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 916933)

I'll meet you for COFFEE and let you know :D

Originally Posted by Atarah (Post 777737)

We have lost the old stalls used by Nolans (2 of theirs) and the old sweet shop, but they have both moved elsewhere in the market hall I believe.

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 944121)

How long were Nolans in the Market Hall, rumour has it they have now moved out ?

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 944121)

How long were Nolans in the Market Hall, rumour has it they have now moved out ?

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 944126)

I've also heard a rumour that the Upstairs Cafe may be closing soon too, don't know if anyone else has heard anything about that?

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 944136)

Oh thats a crying shame.:D;)

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 944138)

Yeah that's what i thought too Cashy! ;-)

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 944168)

Mo matter who it is, it's a shame if any new business closes.

There'll be more than one job loss if it's true.

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 944178)

It's not just new businesses, it's long term established ones as well.

I don't think anybody realises how difficult trading has become in Accrington, the past few months we have seen an alarming decrease in trade, not just us but other traders I speak to.

The basic problem is that there is a constant stream of people with money to spend moving out or choosing to spend elsewhere while the deadbeats and low lifes with a shopping list of drink and drugs constantly move in to the area and occupy the housing and town centre. Not helped by the small village now occupying Abbey St which encourages them even more.

The council of course are doing there best to encourage people in to the town, they can advertise the fact it's so busy it's standing room only and the cabaret is rocking and rolling in the streets :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by Atarah (Post 944288)

Yes, I was in the Market Hall today and was saddened to see NOLAN's have indeed gone. They have a sign up saying CLOSED from 1st Nov 2011.
Says a lot for the "market refurbishment" eh!
Wonder what the councillors who altered the market hall beyond recognition have to say about it all now!

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 951778)

I believe the people from the "upstairs cafe" have now departed & relocated back to Infant Street which i think is "papa bears place"

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 951780)

Genuinely, that's a shame.

It was always going to be a struggle.

It takes much less effort to go to the downstairs cafe.

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 951783)

The Footfall just isn't there for a Cafe upstairs really, plus the ones downstairs seem to keep their prices a bit lower too.

I honestly think we will see more places close in there after Christmas too!

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 951784)

Thr florist didn't sound too happy in the Observer, at being shifted, so that councillors can play at being Father Christmas, in the grotto where her business stood.

She said she'd already seen her takings plummet, since being forced to move from the base of the stairs, into an empty unit.

Still, ho, ho, ho.

A councillor gets to wear a beard.

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 951790)

Lol!....Yes so i saw,....Apparently Claire Pritchard, who is now in charge of Markets, said "Historically" the Grotto has always been there???...Since when was that exactly?...I recall one being there last year after the refurbishment, but i can't remember one being in the Market Hall before..although i must admit i've not particularly looked for one so i may be mistaken!

Just as a side issue, but certainly as a matter of interest, how doe,'s the Council go about appointing people to various roles? Does Claire Pritchard, for example, have expertise in running markets or business?..I assume she must have some knowledge in that kind of area to be offered that kind of appointment, but i've no idea, or are these appointments made Carte Blanche?

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 951797)

I think 'historically', when said by some of our councillors, is the same as a goldfish, thinking it recognises something, the next time it swims round the bowl.

http://www.gardenpondforum.com/publi...t/goldfish.gif

What some in postions of power know about the history of this borough could be written on the back of a festive crumpet.

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 951790)

Lol!....Yes so i saw,....Apparently Claire Pritchard, who is now in charge of Markets, said "Historically" the Grotto has always been there???...Since when was that exactly?...I recall one being there last year after the refurbishment, but i can't remember one being in the Market Hall before..although i must admit i've not particularly looked for one so i may be mistaken!

Just as a side issue, but certainly as a matter of interest, how doe,'s the Council go about appointing people to various roles? Does Claire Pritchard, for example, have expertise in running markets or business?..I assume she must have some knowledge in that kind of area to be offered that kind of appointment, but i've no idea, or are these appointments made Carte Blanche?

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 951778)

I believe the people from the "upstairs cafe" have now departed & relocated back to Infant Street which i think is "papa bears place"

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 951797)

What some in postions of power know about the history of this borough could be written on the back of a festive crumpet.

Originally Posted by susie123 (Post 951897)

What's one of those - a lady of easy virtue in a Santa Claus outfit?

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 951790)

Just as a side issue, but certainly as a matter of interest, how doe,'s the Council go about appointing people to various roles? Does Claire Pritchard, for example, have expertise in running markets or business?..I assume she must have some knowledge in that kind of area to be offered that kind of appointment, but i've no idea, or are these appointments made Carte Blanche?

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 951909)

So the Cabinet member with responsibility for Markets is likely to have little or no experience of running markets.

Originally Posted by Acrylic-bob (Post 951911)

One would assume that a normal person, in that position, faced with such responsibilities upon which rest the jobs and businesses of a good number of the electorate would want to canvas as wide a range of opinion as possible before making any recomendation for action. Surely, given what is at stake if the wrong decisions are made, any reasonable person would eschew dogmatism in favour of consulation and compromise - Wouldn't they?

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 951881)

From what I've been told they are still opeing both cafes. Upstairs one will also be same name as Infant St

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 951918)

They should seek advice and guidance from officers (in this case the Markets Manager), who are professionally experienced in running markets.

One of the downsides of Cabinet government is that it makes the Councillor the mouthpiece of the Council, rather than the Chief Officer. In the past, it would be the Officer answering the questions about where the crib should be placed, or when the market should be opened. It gave gravitas to the Council's position, because it always appeared that the situation was under the control of someone who knew what they were talking about, and was above petty party politics.

Too often when the Councillor speaks, their shortcomings are too well known by the listener, and nowadays, the officers are faceless backroom boys and girls.

Who, for example knows the name of the Market Manager? Or his boss the Town Centre Manager? Or HIS boss the Head of Regeneration and Housing Services? Or, for that matter, the Chief Executive?

In days gone by, they would be household names in the local press.

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 951920)

Just to clarify the issue, they have swapped over, Infant St is now Coffe Beanz and Market Hall is now Milly's

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 951864)

Taggy if any off um had experience at running a successful business they wouldn't make such stupid decisions, its jobs for the boys matey. It was a different kettle of fish when I started out in local politics people didn't get paid, but got involved to try and make a difference, not how much they could make out of doing the job, which seems the bee hole and end hole these days, which was highlighted by the parliamentary expenses scandal. Okay times have changed, but I actually think its time to go the whole hog with local government and make being a councillor a full time job, cut down on numbers and make it attractive for people with a bit of nous to get involved, then we might see our Town Halls being run effectively. Lets face it councils employ officers on quite good salaries, who are answerable to part time political activist, not a great recipe for success is it ;)

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 951918)

They should seek advice and guidance from officers (in this case the Markets Manager), who are professionally experienced in running markets.

One of the downsides of Cabinet government is that it makes the Councillor the mouthpiece of the Council, rather than the Chief Officer. In the past, it would be the Officer answering the questions about where the crib should be placed, or when the market should be opened. It gave gravitas to the Council's position, because it always appeared that the situation was under the control of someone who knew what they were talking about, and was above petty party politics.

Too often when the Councillor speaks, their shortcomings are too well known by the listener, and nowadays, the officers are faceless backroom boys and girls.

Who, for example knows the name of the Market Manager? Or his boss the Town Centre Manager? Or HIS boss the Head of Regeneration and Housing Services? Or, for that matter, the Chief Executive?

In days gone by, they would be household names in the local press.

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 951961)

As far as i'm aware i believe it was Claire Pritchard's decision that the Santa's Grotto had to be placed in this location, the Market Superintendent i believe was happy for it to be accommodated elsewhere, as were other stallholders.

The Crib i believe will still be outside as per usual.

Surely "Historically" though didn't Santa's Groto always used to be in the Arndale Centre? At least there it wouldn't interfere with anyone's business, but i dare say the owners of the centre would want the going rent for it.

Be interesting to see how popular the Grotto actually is, because looking at its varied opening hours printed in the Observer it seems to be operating for half a day on Saturday's with a nice long break inbetween to accommodate the Councellors lunch break!!

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 952068)

I hope there's no drunks frolicking in the vicinity of Santa's grotto.

Some bright spark might have it removed as an 'experiment', to see if it stops the inebriated acting the goat, and causing a nuisance in the vicinity.

Before it being damaged in transit, and them having to phone up their gypsy friends, and tell them to come and take it away, on the back of their wagon.

Ho, ho, no.

http://www.citysmiley.com/smiley/noel/vil-3cheers2.gif