Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

As I have stated frequently, Hyndburn Borough Council is facing severe cuts in the immediate future, not helped by the fact that the current administration is spending money hand over fist like there is no tomorrow on ludicrous pet projects.

Whilst my feelings on the Market Hall entertainments and public arts are well known, I firmly believe that if tiny economies were made across the board we would come out of this with smaller wounds. The same principle applies at home during times of need so why not at council level?

As an example, Peter Britcliffe had a medal minted for himself at our expense in 2008 to denote that he is Leader of the Council which cost £72.11 plus VAT (£84.73 by my reckoning). Now whilst that isn't much in itself, it was unnecessary to his function, no other council leader has such a medal and it served only to flatter his ego at events where former Mayors are wearing their medals.

My belief is that Hyndburn Borough Council, along with every other council in the country, should exercise restraint in all this flippant spending and apply three criteria to absolutely everything which is requested:

1. Is it absolutely essential to the function of the department?
2. What purpose does this item/event serve?
3. Can it be done for less money?

If we boil this down even as far as stationery (examples being the special 'Hyndburn' pencils and metal badges such as 'I Love Wind Power') then we probably wouldn't get past point 1 for many requests.

The Freedom of Information Act has allowed requests regarding council spending to be made by anyone and the link to Hyndburn's e-mail address can be found here for anyone wanting to know the cost of a project:

Freedom of Information Act - About Freedom of Information

My view is that we are not here to prove to everyone what an 'excellent council' Hyndburn has, we are here to govern well and ensure that the borough runs smoothly. At the moment it feels like an inter-council version of The X Factor where each borough competes for the biggest applause.

Are my feelings shared or am I just a cynical old miser?

Discuss.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

A medal?

A medal, cast because he is Council Leader?

Is it like a nurse's watch? Upside down, so when he's wearing it, he can look down at it, and is reminded who he is.

I'm of the same mind. Pennies looked after, turn ito pounds.

I hope the medal will be passed on to the next incumbent, or was it made just for himself?

I can't remember seeing anything in the press about it.

I hope to God that it's not worn on any lapel on Rememberance Sunday.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

You won't miss it, it's on a bright yellow ribbon. It was very tastefully worn at John Griffiths' funeral just to remind everyone who was centre-stage.

Mind you, I've got room to talk. I'll be wearing my Rishton UDC medal on Remembrance Sunday along with Cllr Grayson, the only difference being that we were very kindly given ours by widows of ex-councillors in return for personal donations to charities.

I'm still waiting for the cost of The Beacon election leafl...sorry, newspaper for all residents of Hyndburn.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Not hard at all, you just need someone to be completely ruthless with the finances and make tough decisions which you know are not going to go down well. I know a man who would love such a job....

It does depend on teamwork within the political party however. Decisions at Cabinet level work can be rammed through but are best made when the entire party agrees and works as one rather than having jitters in the ranks, something the Conservatives are suffering from at the moment but are all obliged to support Peter Britcliffe's decisions in full council.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Yellow ribbon.

How lovely.

Perhaps he'll take it off, and tie it round an old oak tree, in rememberance of all the things that are going to perish under the drastic cuts we're about to endure.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I believe medals were offered to all previous Hyndburn Borough Council leaders when it was minted in 2008, although every last one of them is said to have turned it down.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Doubly appropriate that Lulu sang that song....

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

How many were made?

If there's a drawer full, he should get his money's worth, and wear them all on his chest at the same time, like Idi Amin, or one of the other tin-pot dictators.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I suspect it was just the one.

Brass plaques, on the other hand....

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Wearing a brass plaque round your neck would be a little ostentatious, and in bad taste.

Or perhaps just too heavy.

:rolleyes:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

plus it might choke him......................

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Anyone got a screwdriver?

:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

What for?! ;)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Now that is far too much common sense to succeed Ken......C'mon, you know the drill.
It has to have less function than mammaries on a bull, it has to promote and massage the ego of a said person.....I don't need to say who it is do I ?
And it has to cost the borough great chunks of money to be even put into the 'To be considered' pile.

On the sensible side. I think that every person in the borough would hope that our council would budget in the manner that you sugest. Is that too much to hope for?

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

We could only hope......PBWY(and the PB in that acronym has nothing at all to do with a certain short rotund man).

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Perhaps the medal does represent good value for money for us.

It's always wise to test the quality, and skill of someone, before commissioning a larger piece.

A statue, for instance.

:rolleyes:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I too was considering the thought that yellow ribbons these days are used to remind us of lifes really sad & tragic cases.
http://www.advocates4dos.org/pri/upl...on%20Front.jpg

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

news to me.:confused: though she did do a cover of Bowies "The Man Who Sold The World" pmsl.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I too find that very hard to justify G. Very bad jugment in opinion, why give your opponents fuel to throw on the fire, probable one of PBs poorer decisions

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Blimey O'Riley.

I think this might be a first!

I'll check through the Accy Web archive.

Respect.

:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

And Boom - Bang - a - Bang.:D

Tony Orlando & Dawn did the other one.:theband:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Yes it's quite remarkable, firstly admitting PB is capable of making an error and then implying that there are in actual fact more than ONE poor decisions from his hero.
:eek:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Its hard to justify the unjustifiable G;)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Sorry Less that isn't anywhere near the truth, first PB is not my hero, he is some one I worked with for 13 years, we share a lot of principle (not all may I add) and Ideals, you may choose to look through the Market thread, which is quite long, and nowhere have I back any controversial decisions made on that project, it is true I do put my two penneth in a lots of political threads which is my right and I did support him on the candidature saga and in fact resigned from the party over it and for the first time in my life did not vote Tory on principal in May:p

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

HBC don't pay the VAT so why add it on?

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

But if you're not eligible to pay V.A.T. you still pay it, then have to claim it back.

Meaning the money will be out of council coffers until that's done.

Though I do concede your point.

Still, to quote Jaysay, it's only 'two bob', and nothing at all to do with the principle of whether it was justified the medal was cast in the first place, right?

:rolleyes:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Sorry I don't understand the term 'two bob' so can't comment

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Jaysay dismissed H.B.C.'s spending on community art projects, as being only 'two bob', even though it was apparently much more.

I'm multi-dexterous, and like to cross reference threads, when applicable.

:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

...and on a more serious note, whether V.A.T. is paid, or not, this is really about whether a medal should have been cast in the first place.

I always presume medals are issued for an act of bravery.

Perhaps it's a brave step to have a medal commissioned for yourself.

:rolleyes:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Are there any previous HBC Leaders still alive? Prior to PB, it was George Slynn, and prior to that it was Councillor Bramley Haworth. Am I missing someone?

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

:surprise:Do my eyes deceive me???

Time for another pot of Earl Grey, I feel faint.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Possibly not, but that's the official line.

Perhaps they were asked in the bedside prayers?

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Why couldn't Britcliffe have made a medal for himself? All that's needed is a bit of kitchen foil, some cardboard and a safety pin and hey presto! One medal. It could be a big 'un as well, about a foot in diameter so everyone could see it. And if he was really clever he could have sent his idea up to Blue Peter, so that all the kids in the country could make their own Britcliffe Hyndburn Medal....what a wasted oppoutunity for a bit of advertising for the town.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

there you go again, prompting people to 'discuss' like we need your permission, at the moment you are enough to change anyone from red to blue, you are being rather irritating, and thats coming from a so called friend, it would be good if you could take your political head off sometimes and just try to be yourself

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

....but then they wouldn't see HIM, which would defeat the object. :(

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

He said 1 foot diameter not 10ft :D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

He'd have to buy a whole roll of silver foil, so he'd have enough left over to make medals for every Councillor.

The size of the medal could reflect how important each Councillor is.

I foot diameter for the Leader of the Council
6 inches for Cabinet Members
3 inches for Controlling Party Members
1 1/2 inches for Opposition Members............

and 1/2 inch for Independents.

;)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

A common use of tin foil is to wrap up Turkey's. I think you got that list spot on in relation to the size of Turkey's :D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I'm sorry Ken, I'm having a bit of difficulty with all this. I am not sure whether I need to have my eyes tested or what, but I could swear that you wrote that the Idiot-in-Chief has had a medal minted for himself, is that right?

Several questions suggest themselves, the first among which is Why?

I know that you are probably busy, but I, and I am sure many other members would welcome a more detailed account of how this medal came to be struck and the response of members of the council to it.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I remember seeing it years ago on an edition of Room 101 and she cocked up the chorus, although in fairness to her at least she was actually singing and not miming.

Getting back on thread, Huncoat Prospects have had some planters donated to them by HBC for their railway station. If we did that across the borough with the Floral Market Town planters I daresay they could do a better job and for less money.

We've just been told in Rishton that there isn't any money in the pot to replace the shrubs in one of the rose beds on the Esplanade. It's a sign of the times and another non-essential thing which has been cut back but the roses will last for decades while the bedding plants will last a summer at best.

I just wish a bit more common sense was applied.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I'm afraid you read correctly, A-B.

It isn't for me to speak on Peter's behalf, although you could ask him yourself:

Councillors - Peter Britcliffe

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

For once, I am speechless!

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

To be honest Ken I wouldn't want to waste the cost of an email on that fat, arrogant waste of space. Though one does wonder to what further excesses the odious little toad's vanity will drive him? But I suppose that as long as the electorate of St Andrews Ward, or Britcliffopolis as we must now call it, have their mouths stuffed with HBC gold there is little hope of unseating him. Petty dictators and their aparatchiks, couldn't you just spit on them.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I can confirm that as a resident of Britcliffopolis, my mouth isn't stuffed with gold. Well, perhaps a few blingy fillings.

I can also confirm that we also have a pot hole so huge, and which delivers more thrills than the Big Dipper, that people come from miles around to ride it. Cllr. Moss went on it, and was left speechless. Which must be a first.

I do get a first edition, presentation copy, of the yearly Britcliffe calendar, but I think that's just hand delivered so I give another glowing review of the many beautiful pictures.

(For any new members, reading Acidic-bab's scathing, neigh vile and vicious attack, his natural political stance is way to the right of centre. Which makes it even funnier Whoops, meant poignant)

:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

"neigh" is a sound that horses make, dearheart. The word you were obviously groping in the gutter for is 'nay'.

Do you remember a while back someone posted a link to another website where, following a series of question regarding current affairs, you were then scored as to your position on the political 'left-right' scale? I took the test and fell out with myself for over a week. It said I was to the left of Harold Wilson!
And there was I fondly imagining myself to be a camp follower of Atilla the Hun.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I'd never have guessed you were camp.Surprising!

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

You'd have to fight the fragrant Marcia, Lady Falkender, for the honoured position at old Harold's left-hand side.

As for my equine neigh, it also applies when a silly ass does it.

So I was correct.

:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

...and we didn't know you could be bitchy.

Live and learn.

We live and learn.

;)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Oooh, Lady Falkender. Whatever happened to her?

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Will Mr Britcliffe be wearing his medal at the Rememberance Day Parade on Sunday?

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

As a row of tents darling....and don't you forget it. In case you do I'm sure Garinda will remind you, he's quite good at that sort of thing.;)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

If it wouldn't be wanton disrespect of our Glorious Dead, it might be worth turning up just to point at him and snigger, loudly.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I have my moments.
Going back to the thread, does anyone know what it says on this infamous medal or are you not allowed to get so close? If it just says 'Leader of the Council' perhaps he's reached that certain age!

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

It says '21 Today' :)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

......and there is a little price tag on it saying 72.11 + VAT.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I know what it should say.....:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

If Mr Britcliffe had been really clever, he could have claimed the VAT back.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

There hasn't been that many. Michael Hindley and Ian Ormerod are names that come to mind. Jean Battle, stood in for Ian when he was ill as leader. But I told her that doesn't count. Peter is hardly likely to let her have one of those medals for standing in for two months.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

'Harold Wilson's personal doctor suggested murdering the former prime minister's secretary when she threatened to reveal an alleged affair with Mr Wilson, it was claimed yesterday.'
Harold Wilson's doctor plotted to kill Marcia Falkender - UK Politics, UK - The Independent

This could explain some of the stains on the Gannex.

:eek:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Perhaps PB used to frequent the WMCs of Oswaldtwistle and became jealous of the old codgers with an inflated sense of self-importance who used to have six ballpoint pens in the breast pocket of their blazer and a rather large enamel badge on their lapel telling everyone they were concert secretary, chairman or something similar. This is the image conjured up in my mind when I read of his medal.:)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

This is the image conjured up of Ossy Con, when I read your post.

:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I never had a badge when I was on the comittee:rolleyes:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Bernard was Ed Saville never leader:confused:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I think you're probably right, I think Ed was the leader for a short while. I was trying to remember whether Ken Curtis was also the leader of the Council for a couple of years.

Betty Court is another name that comes to mind. I've feeling Betty was the leader of the Council for a couple of years. It's embarrassing really, I should really know all the leaders in the last thirty years.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Another name has just come to mind Bernard, John Culshaw, was he not leader before becoming Mayor, I know he died not long after his mayoralty, thought he took over when ED Savill when he left to go into the ministry

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

No john was never the leader. He was the deputy to George Slynn. He was also a very good deputy to George. John no doubt would have made a good leader in his own right , but he was happy to support George.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

John was a really nice bloke spoke to him on a number of occasions, he and his Wife were friendly with one of my Daughters and was at her engagement party at Sydney Street Club, it was very sad when he died, he was a very genuine person and an excellent councillor who has been missed

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Could have sworn I posted on here - mybe dementia is setting in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! or did I touch a nerve somewhere??????????????

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I just checked and no posts have been removed so it must be dementia :p:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Don't let it bother you Barrie Ken Moss as started so many BB sites its hard to keep check which is which:rolleyes:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

:confused:

Boys Brigade?

Brigitte Bardot?

Bertie Bassett?

Billy Bremner?

Bed & breakfast?

Big brother?

:confused:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Oh come on G your much brighter than that:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Nope.

As I have no idea what you mean by 'BB sites'.

:confused:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Think he means BIG BOLLOX

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Sorry my fault should have said threads, that any help:rolleyes:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Thats something I wouldn't know Shaz;)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Ball bearings?

Perhaps unsafe sexual practices?

Honestly John, I have a lot of respect for you but sometimes you post absolute gibberish. What the hell are you on about?

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Back Biting ? Eeew like a little competition this.:)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Your the nearest Kate, Britcliffe Bashing, thought everybody would have got within seconds:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I think we may have a lot in common then Ken only my gibberish is usually only a couple of lines long, unlike yours which very often are a contender to overtake War And Peace in the length stakes

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Nope.

Though now we know the first 'B' stands for Britcliffe, my stab at guessing the other 'B' would have been wrong.

:rolleyes:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Well what would it have been then G;)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

I told you, I'd have been wrong, and it would probably have been illegal anyway, without consent.

;)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Ummmmmmmmmmm:rolleyes:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Barn dancing.

Consent could be given, if it was a gentlemans' excuse me, I suppose.

Don't go making up your own 'vile, and vicious' jokes.

;)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: who me, now would I do that;)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

No.

Of course not.

You'd just write the the press, accusing others of doing it.

:rolleyes::D:p

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Na don't bother with the press anymore, can ruffle enough feathers on here:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Strangely enough, (but don't tell anyone), I have no respect for him, any well educated Tory that deluberittly makes speeling musteks just to fit in with the common man, must be treated with suspension.
:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Hoo r yu calin comon?

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Well educated Less :D:D:D:D I'll have you know my school was aproved mate:D:D:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

My lexicographical musings may only succeed in inflaming your Conservative-leaning anger, but rest assured my good man that would that it were that I were capable of writing such an epistemologically challenging tome such as War and Peace I would not presume such a liberty within the confines of such a popular internet discussion forum embodied in the manifestation that is Accyweb.

Innit?

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

wat?

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Ah, the wag reveals himself.

Don't worry, according to my own source within the Tory party he will be able to get his own back by making his presence felt on Tuesday night at the Rishton Area Management Council meeting.

Brave decision. I must admit to a certain admiration for the man if he goes through with it, particularly considering that I will be in possession of a microphone and he won't.

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Perhaps he's found a little rule somewhere that if the Main man says he will turn up then cancels, the meeting can't continue?

He's found a reason for everything else to be cancelled.
:)

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

For some reason, John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, Jack Ruby & Mr.Gryle come to mind, can't quite think why though. :rolleyes:

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Have you been watching that episode of Blackadder,concerning Dr Johnson and his dictionary?

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

Yes, but who'll have the Vaseline?

Let battle commence.

:eek:

:D

Re: Synergistic Spending in Hyndburn
 

You're so worldly.

I was picturing Citizen Smith.

Up the Tooting Popular Front!