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

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 952090)

Don't know about acting the Goat but apparently Santa is bringing live Reindeer next week! Just hope none of the Councellors imbide too much on their extended lunch hours once its in situ...otherwise Rudolph won't be the only one with a red nose! :D

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 952094)

Oh I can't wait to come to the grotto.

Only three quid, to sit on a councillor's face.

Whoops.

Lap.

Lap, as in land.

Three quid.

Bargain.

Don't know why I mentioned face, in regards to councillors.

Unless it's something to do with some councillors having two of them.

Yo ho!

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/mo...anta-claus.gif

Oh.

:eek:

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 952090)

Don't know about acting the Goat but apparently Santa is bringing live Reindeer next week! Just hope none of the Councellors imbide too much on their extended lunch hours once its in situ...otherwise Rudolph won't be the only one with a red nose! :D

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 952098)

Perhaps our council has seen n opportunity? n are after imposing a £1000 Fine fer Reindeer Crap as well.

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 952098)

Perhaps our council has seen n opportunity? n are after imposing a £1000 Fine fer Reindeer Crap as well.

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 952101)

If anyone gets to know the rota, when our councillors are taking it in turn to dress up as Santa, please could you let us know.

I'll happily pay to sit on 'em all.

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 952101)

If anyone gets to know the rota, when our councillors are taking it in turn to dress up as Santa, please could you let us know.

I'll happily pay to sit on 'em all.

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 952109)

will it be made public ?

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.


Best Regards - Taggy