Portas Pilot
 

Not seen it mentioned but suprised nobody has.

The video for the Portas Pilot is on You Tube. Definately a 'warts and all' viewing .

Hyndburn Borough Council - Portas Pilot - YouTube!

Re: Portas Pilot
 

'So far at least 350 towns have applied to be pilots.'

Portas retail park demand rejected - FT.com

Stiff competition, for the 12 places that will be chosen.

A pity her idea has been rejected, that all out-of-town retail parks, and large supermarkets, would need ministerial approval, before being given the green light.

Would have lessened the temptation for local councils to accept a large financial bung, from Tesco say, if their planning applications are approved.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

The film did make laugh.

Hearing the narrator drone on, and mentioning the Market Hall having won the 2011 'indoor market of the year'.

Oh the irony.

It doesn't seem two minutes since certain people met that announcement with total derision.

When it turned out the last lot in control at H.B.C. had paid to enter the 'competition', and apparently glittering prizes were therefore two a penny, once you'd paid the hefty entrance fee.

:rolleyes:

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I cannot see how the Portas Pilot will change very much in Accrington.

I don't want to pour cold water on the idea, but it isn't going to work.
People only have so much money to spend....and sensibly, they look out for where their money will go the farthest.

To regenerate the town, you have to have something that will draw in people from surrounding areas.......something which isn't available in their own area.

In reality, what has Accrington got to draw in the crowds?

We have crap Market. A Market hall that has no vibrancy(I don't care that it has won an award - I feel that was done by the greasing of palms) and is like a mausoleum most days.
We have an uninspiring Shopping Mall which is approached by a down at heel, peeling Broadway.

On the plus side.....yes, I have to say there is a plus side.......The Town Hall is an imposing building, as is the Market Hall, but then so many other towns have similar buildings.......the parking is free.
As for seeing the new bus station as a draw to people....it is akin to the free parking.......there has to be something here to bring the people in their cars(to use the free car parks and the swanky new bus station) and sadly, it is there that I think Accrington fails.

People will still take their money to Retail Parks, or shop on the 'net' because that is where they feel they can get value, for the money they have.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I am always pleased to see external funding coming into the area and I do hope that any negative comments found in the local press/radio/forums/facebook won't be taken into account when the are deciding who gets the money.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Does anybody seriously think we will get any money from this project, over 350 applications, quite a lot from the south:rolleyes:

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Money that could have made the area much pleasanter has been squandered in the past.......you only have to look at the fiasco that was the resurfacing of the area that is Broadway to see that.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

If the council did get any money it would be far better spent actually relocating a certain business and it's customers out of the town centre. Would be by far the best thing that could happen to the Town Centre

Re: Portas Pilot
 

You talking about the business on Abbey Street Dave;)

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I think this particular fund looks difficult because of the figures mentioned but I don't know any details but so are many of the funding opportunities available.
One thing is certain though, if you don't apply you definitely wont get and fortunately we have a lot of people in our borough who don't give up easily.

I think the figure secured by community groups that work with the parks department is over £4 million in the last 5 or 6 years now.

St Mary's football club secured well over a £1 million for the the Heys football fields project.

I know of other recent successful funding bids for the area but I cant name them as I am not sure if they have been publicly announced yet.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Ya your quite right Neil if you don't buy a ticket you don't win the raffle

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I don't see anyone here disagreeing with you.

However, despite all the hype from the council, there are 12 towns, who'll be selected from over 350, who have so far applied.

Accrington, quite rightly, has made a bid, like many, many other places.

External funding will only appear, if we are lucky enough to be one of the chosen twelve.

We've bought a lottery ticket.

Not won the jackpot.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

The waiting is the worst part of a bid after all the time spent gathering information and submitting it

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Probably one the reasons why I don't buy a lottery ticket, or gamble.

Prefer certainties myself.

Dislike wasting my time, and money, when all something comes down to is luck.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Its not all down to luck but it does have an part to play. You need to be able to fill a bid in well with all the evidence of need and required statistics etc. Not something I could do well personally I don't think, there is a skill to it like everything else.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Oh, I agree.

I was just saying why I don't gamble.

It does take skill, to make sure your bid stands apart from all the rest.

As stated, I think we were right to enter this competition, as there's nothing to be lost.

You never know, a few brushed steel gates and a bit of tarmac on Broadway cost £450,000, so a million quid divided by twelve, we might just be able to replace the benches outside the Market Hall.

Which were 'damaged beyond repair', when they were 'temporarily removed' as part of an 'experiment', to deal with town centre drinkers.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Anyway, don't put yourself down.

I bet you could brown-nose with the best of them.

;):D

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I can when needed but I can't fill the bids in :rolleyes:

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Maybe you could if there was enough riding on it.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Oh yes.

I keep forgetting you went to Clitheroe Grammar.

:D

Re: Portas Pilot
 

arnt there people out there who get paid to fill application forms in or get a percentage of money they get as a result of a successfull application or something like that?

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Just noticed at the end-' Produced by Councillor Ken Moss and Hyndburn Borough Council'.
Good for Councillor Moss, although the video is certainly a ' warts and all ' viewing, makes you think Accrington needs more than a one twelfth share of that £1 million.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Thought that the video made the town look pretty grey and didn't show it at it's best -it was obviously filmed in winter which didn't help.

Wish them well with the bid, though I think they'll be lucky to get into the chosen twelve.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Presumably the idea is to show warts and all rather than the town at its best, that's why they're asking for the money, to improve things. Actually I didn't think it looked too bad, could have found a few more eyesores and depressing corners.

Think it was early spring judging by the flowers in the planters and some daffs. I guess they couldn't wait for summer and blue skies, just had to get on with the filming.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Besides the heritage stuff, what makes this place different is the people.

Generations of people all working in the same associated industries.

Now, we don't.

Though their ancestors still remain here.

Still as generous of spirit, warm-hearted, good humoured, and hardworking...even when there's no work.

That's what I think makes this area different, from countless other places, and would be what I'd have concentrated more on.

Not that we bought an award for our Market Hall.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Not all funders will allow you to use some of the money to pay someone a management fee to do the hard bits for you and many local community type groups dont have the money to pay for someone themselves.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

It WILL be very interesting to see who actually IS selected, when will the announcement be made, do you know Neil

Re: Portas Pilot
 

According to the article in The Observer, just says sometime in May.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

There was something on BBC Breakfast News on Friday morning about it Kate, and it was giving the impression the announcement was imminent, they had a reporter actually in a town who had applied

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I don't know anything about this bid and was just talking about bids in general

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Oh sorry thought you were in the know Neil:o

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I know nothing about that at all.
When I mentioned knowing about some other bids they are ones groups I know are involved with. Sorry for the confusion.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I was asked by Cllr Clare Pritchard and the Town Centre manager to produce this film sometime in February with a closing deadline of March 28th, there wasn't the time to wait for better weather unfortunately. They wrote me a script, I worked around that and had to fit it in when I had the chance which left me around a day to film and edit the final presentation. By far the hardest part was uploading the thing to YouTube which has 'improved' itself recently and is worse than before.

It's not meant to show off Accrington at its best, the whole point is that we need the money.

Sorry for those who think I drone on in the narration, that's what you get for free.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

If you've got it, flaunt it.

If the film brings money into Accrington, however small an amount, I'm pleased to have played a part.

Far better than sitting on my arse whinging.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Well thats what you wanted and thats what your paid for Ken shouldn't be any other way really;)

Re: Portas Pilot
 

One tries, John.

;)

Re: Portas Pilot
 

For what its worth Ken, I think you did a really good job. Hope it gets results.

BTW - Accy's got a town centre manager? Why couldn't they have done it??

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Was it you, doing the narration?

Then I apologise.

I thought Kenneth Williams must have done it, before he popped his clogs.

As part of the bid, it's very professionally done.

As I would expect.

Well done Ken.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

There should be a goofy smiley, after the Kenneth Williams line, but it didn't look very pleasing to the eye, in the middle of the post.

So he's here instead.

:D

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Ken, I wondered if it was you narrating. You didn't sound like you were just reading from a script(if you were?) and came over quite well.
Anyone who has tried to add narration to a video(even just a holiday one) will realise how hard it is to sound natural! I only tried it once-never again!
Let's hope the video helps.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Nice.

I presume that's aimed at myself, since you quoted me.

Somehow I didn't expect you'd be very supportive of disabled rights.

After your wholehearted support for the removal of Accrington's public seating debacle.

Do be careful though, if you attempt to go kissing any babies, whilst out electioneering.

Make sure you pucker up to the right end of the lucky little tot.

Or you could end up with a mouthful of crap.

:dummy2:

I could sort of accept it, you playing the poor little me, victim card.

If, whilst in opposition, you hadn't used this very forum to launch such vitrolic attacks, against your political opponents.

I really can't help who's nowadays as popular as rickets.

I just wish you luck.

You might need it.

Give, give, give.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

If any money does turn up, do we know what is planned for it ?

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Whinge?

Never.

Too much energy wasted.

Bitch. Yes...if needed.

Terrible judge of character, some people.

Simply amazing.

The filth they're so happy to share with you.

Shocking.

Give, give, give.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Every town centre business owner gets a free ginger bob.

;):D

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Well so far, the general consensus seems to be....could try harder.

3/10

;)

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Well I have watch this town go to the dogs for the last 20+ years & you think a little bit a cash is going to change it ? :mad:

you lot have destroyed this town & many other round the country & that goes for the other parties as well .. you are all useless

If you disagree please feel free to explain what good you have done!

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Wrighty, you've seen it happen over the last 20+ years-that means you've adjusted to the gradual deterioration and don't really realise the disaster that has hit Accrington!
Coming back for the first time after 30 to 40 years as I did-I was totally stunned and so sad to see what had happened to that vibrant little town of the 50's!
Of course it's not just Accrington, it's happened to the whole area, all the towns around it.But Accrington was my town and seeing the others didn't have the same effect.
You're right, a twelfth of the Portas money won't change anything, it needs a Government which cares what happens north of Birmingham and we haven't had one for years and I doubt we'll ever get one.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I wonder who wrote the script?

Surely not anyone involved in the Labour-run ruling party on Hyndburn B.C.?

No way would any of them have mentioned the Market Hall's 'prize', which actually cost us the grand sum of £636.00 + V.A.T., to enter the ever so generous 'competition'.

We all clearly remember the disdain that Labour poured on this fatuous gong, when we were awarded the glittering prize, early last year.

Did Cllrs. Britcliffe and Haworth perhaps get roped in to pen the script?

It's the only logical explanation.

:rolleyes:

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I am fully aware of the disaster that has hit this town fella & its going to get worse .. great future for our kids :mad:

Re: Portas Pilot
 

But thankfully this lot have removed the public seating in the town.

So at least we don't have to sit and look at what a pig's ear they've made.

Vision?

Planning?

Most of those we elect to represent us couldn't plan to organise an erection in a brothel.

Long-term vision's a definite no-no.

Politicans can only see as far as the next election.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

And there are some who are so short sighted they can only see what the party can do for them....and not what the party can do for the electorate. No names, no pack drill.(but I am sure that 95% of the electorate couldn't give a damn)

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Haha get a demo going demanding the seating back :D

The most laughable thing is .. they think they are doing a good job.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

'Ninety five percent.'

That's going to go down in the annals of political history.

Like 'Peace in our time'.

Chamberlain didn't last much longer either.

For having his head up his arse.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

The party in power, whether local or national....always think they are doing a good job, but that is because they haven't asked those who elected them....and if they did ask they wouldn't listen to the replies.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I don't think that figure is going to be forgotten....ever, and the person who quoted it, is going to regret ever saying it. It will follow him around like a bad smell.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

They're also very happy to at tell you how good they will be.

Whilst safely neutered, in opposition.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

...and we'll be there to waft it.

;)

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Nope, actually thinking of my younger self whilst in opposition.

Get off your arse and do rather than sitting on the internet and moaning I could do better.

I learn from my mistakes, nothing stopping me in opposition, I just didn't realise I could.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Well out of order given G's condition, reckon if he were fit he would give the lot of you a run for the money. You all seem quite adept of dishing it out but not being able to take it"rolleyes"

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Perhaps it's official Labour party policy.

Trying to undermine, and silence any opposition, by criticising anyone in Hyndburn who's unable to be actively involved with political life in our area.

Well dream on.

That ain't going to be happening anytime soon.

Speaking personally, I feel I'm still able to do many useful and worthwhile things, from the unfortunate position I find myself in...'sitting on my arse'.

Indeed, sometimes such a postition allows you to be a little reflective, when it comes to deciding what's right...and what's wrong.

Running around like headless chickens, removing public seating, involving yourself in international Asian politics, and blabbing to journalists with off-the-cuff remarks about dog turds, isn't always the wisest plan of action.

Perhaps if some took a moment or two, sat on their arse contemplating their actions, they too would be able to see this...as clearly as we can.

:rolleyes:

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Ya ones very trying at times:rolleyes:

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I love how some Accyweb members try and read everything in the most offensive way possible. With respect Bernadette, climb down off the moral high ground and read it again.

As for Gary, I'm afraid that someone who I once considered to be a witty contributor to this forum has also proven himself to be a bit of a spin doctor by blithely ignoring the facts given to him in favour of berating the wrong people and reading posts in a manner that suits.

I anticipate yet more railings against absent benches, internationalist policies and the loose cuffs of amateur politicians with regard to the press, harping on about the same old topics day in day out in the hope that one day someone else will give one iota of a damn about it.

Like a dog with a bone. Sooner or later they will have to drop it.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

To be honest Rindi I was once in the position where I didn't sit on my arse and believe me you don't win any prizes no matter what you do, believe me you get far more reward and pleasure working for charitable causes that political ones any day.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Thanks Susie. The Town Centre team knew that I had the right equipment and it was far easier (and cheaper) just to ask me than pay someone to do it.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Thanks for clearing that one up Ken. I haven't been an Accy resident for a long time so I'm not au fait with these things.

I won't ask what your equipment is - just glad to see that it works (nudge nudge wink wink!).:o;)

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Although in fairness I suppose it could quite easily be read in the wrong way this time.

Just to be clear, I was referring to myself.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Not specifically Dave, although I'm not really involved with that department anyway.

Clare Pritchard will be able to give you a much better idea.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Perhaps a new plaque in the Market Hall?:hehetable

Re: Portas Pilot
 

We've only had control of this council since last May and certainly in Rishton a few long-standing problems have now been resolved. I know that members in other wards have also had issues dealt with which should have been addressed years ago. Launching money at people in the hope that they will vote for you is not a good way of spending public money and I would ask you to take note that there are no 'surprise' cheques being dished out to local community groups this year. A far better approach is to look at what you have and make the best of it so funding bids are being made left, right and centre in the hope of getting the best deal for Hyndburn.

If you don't agree then let us know in the form of a letter, email or phone call and we can hear you out.

Your posts are almost uniformly negative, would you care to give us some positive ideas instead?

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Oh dear.

Was I only 'witty', when I was criticising some of the stupid things the council did, when the Tories happened to be in control of the council?

Tough titty.

Stupidity is wrong...whoever's done it, in my book.

As for dropping my 'bone'.

Bit rich, coming from someone who gleefully encouraged my long-running thread about Tory councillor's calendars, amongst other things.

You can't have your cake, and eat it.

So on that score you have two hopes.

Bob Hope, and no hope.

As I posted, the film you made is very professional, and can only help our bid. So well done to you...for that, at least.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I have never minded questioning stupidity but unfortunately the things I rallied against during the Britcliffe era almost always involved spending thousands of pounds of public money in a way that didn't really benefit the area.

You've got issues with some actions during the HBC Labour tenure but which have cost any money?

Benches - no cost, antisocial problems highlighted at Market Hall largely resolved.

Kashmir motion - no cost, put up by a Conservative councillor in the first place.

Dog muck stories - no cost, non-story blown completely out of proportion by the Accrington Observer.

I accept that not everything will please everyone but just take a step back and look at the facts.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Always remembering the old saying self praise is no recommendation, and in politics everything the other lot do is wrong, you've a lot to learn grasshopper:rolleyes:

Re: Portas Pilot
 

The rest of yer post i have no issue with, "But" largely resolved this un? I suppose it is if yeh account fer the fact "All" suffer, whilst these knobs have just moved elsewhere.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Precisely, Kemo Sabe. You'll notice I didn't post my own video and shout from the rooftops what clever fellows we are for applying to be a Portas Pilot town.

One thing that still gets mentioned to me repeatedly is over-exposure of Cllr Britcliffe in the Observer.

It's a fine line between not being seen enough and people getting sick of the sight of you.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Oh, but it didn't cost us anything, other than perfectly useable seating was damaged beyond repair, whilst being removed, by people in employ of the council.

So that's just hunky-dory.

Nothing at all to do with finance.

If something's stupid, it's stupid.

Sweeping things under the carpet fixes nothing.

Regardless of how much money it's cost us.

I guess we'll just have to see what Mary has to say, once we've been succesful in our bid.

I always found her very amenable, and at least she has her head screwed on right.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

All you lot are bothered about is pandering to the minority & promoting cultural Marxism!! :mad:

For years as I said in a past post .. the town has gone to the dogs & many other people see the same ....

I do not believe a word you lot say & imo you are not doing a good job , I mean look at the town centre .. full of charity shops , betting shops , a few pound shops .. Cash generator & cash converters , loads of empty shops!

Then you have the surrounding areas - a lot of run down houses! & areas people cant go

you say you only took control last may , did you not see how bad of a job the last councillors where doing ?

What this town needs is jobs .. better prospects for the youth because atm there is not much hope for anyone

And finally we need an MP who will speak for the borough instead of going against his constituents like Mr Jones did :rolleyes:

I will ask again seeing as you didn't answer me last time - What good have you done for this town ?

Re: Portas Pilot
 

How would you suggest the local council can improve on those problems?

How would you suggest the local council achieve that?

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Perhaps our borough councillors could first have a stab at dealing with things that directly relate to the borough of Hyndburn?

Instead of passing their time in pointless political posturing, by voting to pass motions condemning the Indian side in the Kashmir conflict, the withdrawl of working tax credits, cuts in benefits and pensions, and the Health and Social Care Act.

Bit or a radical idea, I know.

Local government, dealing with local issues, and not involving themselves in national, and international issues.

You never know, it might just catch on.

Local councils.

Local problems.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Totally agree ... and in Canada, the idea ain't all that radical. Kingston has just been voted the third best community in Canada in which to live. Tuktoyaktuk and Moose Jaw hold down the first two places:D ... sorry for the obscure in-house humour;) But the bloody potholes. I hit one the other day and am now looking at almost $700.00 of front end work.:mad: So I phoned my councillor and bitched about it. Jim said that he knew of the problem and that city crews were working all hours to fill in the holes. That's what I like to hear. And I can see the evidence on my own street. Holes are being filled.:alright: Now, it's been a bad winter for the streets. Lots of freezing and thawing; and this, as most of you are aware, is hell on the paving. Little cracks become big cracks, big cracks become holes. No doubt City Council could pass a motion urging world governments to act against climate change, but they won't. They will spend our tax dollars filling in the damn holes. This is what they are elected to do.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Gotta go up another tier to get holes filled in over here - that's the county council's job not Hyndburn.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

So I take it we won't be seeing you for a couple of weeks then:D only kidding Ken:rolleyes:

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Ya susie there were those of us that wanted to do away with this two tier system back in the nineties so that local people from Hyndburn would use money raised in Hyndburn not designated from county hall, but the likes of Loise Ellman used council tax payers money to run a no campaign to abolishing a two tier system and keep the status que, and the perks that went with it :(

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Similar over here. Some communities are just too small to have their own police, fire and ambulance services ... and their tax base is too small to deal with even small holes in the road, let alone snow removal. So a larger authoriy deals with the problems. But it is still local. And, though it's none of my business, I don't think Lancashire County Council should be messing about with global, even national, political issues either. There are fires to put out, emergencies to be transported to hospital, streets to be policed, garbage to be removed, snow to be cleared, and ... yes ... potholes to be fixed. That's more than enough to keep local councils and county councils busy.

Seems like Hyndburn is big enough to deal with a few holes in the road. And if they had more to do, they wouldn't have all that free time on their hands to waste on worrying about what is going on halfway around the world.

Question: does Hyndburn council collect its own taxes?

Oh ... and don't be so damned grumpy;):D

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Grumpy, moi? :nono8::flasher8::eek: That better? :biggrin8::biggrin8::biggrin8::biggrin8::biggrin8: :biggrin8::biggrin8::biggrin8::biggrin8::biggrin8:

Just wanted to add that ambulances are separate again from local and county councils :hesoff: They have their own bit of the NHS.

We all pay council tax which is divided up between local and county councils and the police and fire services. The county council gets the lion's share.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Ya about 81 pence in every pound:mad:

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Your own local councillor, Leader of the Conservative group, is the person you should be asking about the Kashmir motion as it was his party that put it to Council. Neither Labour nor the Independents had anything to do with it.

Leaving the Kashmir motion aside, something which I feel has been explained and explained and yet is still causing you plenty of angst, all of the motions at the last Full Council affect quite a sizeable portion of our residents. Would you prefer that the council kept its mouth shut or spoke up on behalf of the people we represent?

Or is it a case of 'not our job so we shouldn't bother'?

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I was going to post a very similar point. Many national issues have a bearing on local residents and go some way towards affecting those problems Wrighty keeps mentioning.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

To my mind susie National issue, should be dealt with at Westminster not in the council chamber, after all that's why we have an MP

Re: Portas Pilot
 

That's better, hon ...

Funny you should mention ambulances ... it's similar here. Frontenac Ambulance and Paramedics are separate from Kingston as they service a large area ... I won't go into detail about the numerous small jurisdictions that use the service. But they all pay for it. The City of Kingston contributes most of the money.

Now ... the air ambulance service. The Province of Ontario used to run the service, mainly choppers flying the severly sick and injured to major referral hospitals such as Kingston General. But it was privatized:mad: And those who believe that the NHS would benefit from some privatization, take a look at ....

Canada News: ORNGE scandal: Auditor General to release probe Wednesday - thestar.com

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Oh it sounds like the anti-Indian contingent received more than a warm welcome, at H.B.C. last November, from all the Internationalist numpties that we elect to represent us...supposedly.

Including Labour.



'Misfar Hassan, the County Councillor who lobbied the Labour group for this resolution expressed gratitude to the Leader of the Labour group Mr Miles Parkinson, Councillor Munsif Dad, Councillor Ciaran Wells, Councillor M Ayub and all members of the Labour Group in the Hyndburn Council for supporting the resolution.'
UK City Council supports ‘Kashmiris' Right to Self determination’ | GroundReport

http://www.indianaopenwheel.com/imag...es/redflag.gif

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Please explain specifically how you arrive at this conclusion.

Correct, although to be honest I have never thought it is as terrible as people make out. There is bags going for Accrington town centre with more big name players than you think. Costa and Wetherspoons have just moved in during the past 12 months and we are always actively trying to attract bigger names. You then get a situation where the big names are accused of driving independent traders out of business.

Could you draw up a foolproof business plan for me, you obviously see the solution.

You make parts of Hyndburn sound like demilitarised zones but I have never felt unable to go to any part of the borough (with the possible exception of St Andrews). As far as I am aware, Woodnook is by far the worst of the run down areas and Cllr Pritchard has been working endlessly on getting the necessary funding to sort this out, including a workable business plan. As far as I am aware this is now in motion and the funding has been sorted out. In Rishton we had a much smaller scale problem that the previous administration ignored. This too has been sorted out.

Yes, which is why we wanted control. I fail to see your point.

If everyone had that attitude then there certainly wouldn't be. Fortunately, there are plenty of councillors who do give a damn and plenty of community groups that work bloody hard to improve their patch. Neil, moderator of this forum, is a good example of a hardworking member of his community. We have dozens in Rishton who really make a difference to the village and if it weren't for councillors working with volunteers then Hyndburn would be in a much poorer state.

Beyond the EU referendum which I assume you are referring to, how else has Graham Jones gone against his constituents?

We'll see if I personally have done a good job in 2014 when I either win again or lose. If you're talking about the council then I would politely suggest you take a more active interest in the borough's news.

Doomsaying without any positive ideas or prospective solutions is of very little value, in my opinion.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Borough councils under the guise of local government, has no direct influence on policy decisions taken at Westminster.

To pass meaningless, empty motions, is just political posturing.

Suprisingly it hardly ever happens when local councils, and national government are under control of the same party.

Odd that.

:rolleyes:

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Dated 12th November, following the Full Council on 10th November.

At the risk of sounding brusque, how many times do I need to say that we couldn't throw it out of Full Council?

What part of that don't you understand?

Re: Portas Pilot
 

That made me chuckle and is very true.
Those people who say nothing is being done to bring in big names will be the ones saying the big names are killing of smaller shops.

I will post this again, I first posted it in November 2010 when the the Council was under Conservative control and they were giving away free grit for the winter.

http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/a...ou-do-dont.jpg

Re: Portas Pilot
 

So we speak on behalf of the majority of residents affected and this is wrong.

Graham Jones MP supposedly doesn't speak on behalf of the majority and this is also wrong.

Can't win, don't try.

I'm really very grateful that I don't live in your world.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I remember living under another loony-left council, Lambeth, in the 1980's.

They involved us in all kinds of stupid, non-local nonsense, as a means to attack the government, whom they opposed.

I keep getting flash-backs.

Think I'll just slip some leg-warmers on, and lie down in some darkened corner, listening to Banarama.

Whilst repeating the mantra.

'Local council.'

'Local issues.'

'Local council.'

'Local issues.'

'Om Mani Padme Hum.'

http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/st...racter0066.gif

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I was merely pointing out what a hearty thank you the anti-Indian contingent gave ALL the Labour group, for affording them such a warm welcome in Hyndburn's council chambers, and for supporting their cause.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

I was talking to Ken about some of the issues here the other week. It's a shame councils don't get to decide which shops open and which don't. If the premises are already a retail outlet there is no planning application required ( correct me if I'm wrong ). I'm also going to work on an assumption that many charity shops get reduced or even free rent. Why don't the landlords offer those facilties to start up businesses etc.

As for attracting bigger names where would they go ? Are there really any premises big enough for some of the big names like Harrods ? :)

As for the youth, there are many of them desparate to work, but they are probably the ones you don't see round the town centre drinking alchohol ( in a non alchohol zone ), and stoned out of their heads from various substances, much of the evidence is left lying around on Peel St every morning.

I'll repeat myself again, the biggest issue in Accrington town centre is the people who roam it. Unfortunatley it's not a council job to police the town centre it's the police's job. Maybe if more of our county council tax was spent on proper services instead of ivory towered ego junkies then the job may get done.

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Well happily for you, that's an impossibilty.

Strict border control.

Standards, to maintain.

;)

Re: Portas Pilot
 

Labour is a Marxist party , Miliband`s dad was a proud Marxist .. I have read all about it Ken

The super markets have killed the town centre & to add people are struggling with finance's .. Costa & Wetherspoons doesn't help the surrounding areas .. which is in much need of attention & the direction we are heading is a concern for all.

Reversing the damage would be a start

All am saying is you will never be able to see what its like , you live in a different world compared to what some people of the town see

Thats great & good to hear , Is this all part of the big society ?

Being pro EU is bad enough , This country will be split into regions & no one wants any part of it

Even if i got involved nothing would change ....

Reality is things are getting worse financially for everyone & crime is on the up .