Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

As I said, they don't want to look at any evidence which would show them to be wrong in the route they want to take for Accrington.Looking at such figures would just underline the incompetence of those who make these decisions.
What is the old saying ' there's none so blind as those who don't want to see' ??

Whitebirk Retail Park
 

I don't think there has ever been a consensus in a decade of various meetings I have sat in with the public, councillors, retailers, interested parties. Everyone sees the common sense of their own ideas and there's been no shortage of 'if only'...

Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

That is just the saddest phrase in the English language......'if only'.

Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

Perhaps you've spent 10 years going to the wrong meetings?

On this one single forum there appears to be a consensus about the new bus station, the market, removal of benches, Europe, parking on Blackburn Road to name just a few.

The Whitebirk story in the LT drew not one single comment agreeing with council policy all were pro retail park...isn't that a consensus?

Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

And there lies the problem, if those Elected with the task of looking after the interests of the people, for the people, by the people cannot do it, why of why do you not all resign and allow someone who will get things done to take charge.
I am happy to offer my services as I am sure others on here would as well.

Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

I thought the whole idea of a Party having a majority on a council was that it could then do all the things it had promised for the benefit of the people who had voted it in? And make new plans for the future.
If, even with a majority for a 13 year stretch, no one can decide to do anything about anything what's the point? That even a majority party can't reach a consensus with its own ranks?
Management is about making good decisions and getting on with them. Preferably popular decisions but primarily good ones
A council is management. Its primary duty is to manage for the benefit of its public. The interests of 'retailers and interested parties', while useful, come second to that.
So what are you saying, Graham. That all we have is ' if only' and the town will continue to decline? Chernobyl but without the radiation?

It's not good enough!

Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

Like you said the people decide by voting for who the want to make decisions for them

If you wish to offer your services that's great news. Which ward will you be standing for at the election and which party or will you be an independent?

Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

Okay, well assuming I am still in the UK at the next election, just looking at working overseas again.... I will be happy to stand as Independent and for Church ward, seeing I live on Dill Hall.:D

Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

It will be dismissed as this forum only consisting of a few people who aren't representative of the local population

You only need to look around any digital/social media platform where there is a possible discussion/comments to see what people think. Always strikes me as odd that the same responses applied when the town is mentioned yet nobody in politics sees them.

Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

That's the question. Are the views on this forum representative of the local population?
From the mix of people on here(mainly older, I agree) I suspect they are.
Perhaps you who live in Accrington and talk to lots of people can tell us.

Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

In general the views are the same as the numerous people I speak to in town, and see the various comments of on the internet. Makes no difference though.

Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

And there's the standard twee response from someone who doesn't take the time to think things through...

a) How when only 28% of the people vote is it considered a majority?..surely the 72% who don't are saying they don't want to choose from the offered selection, shouldn't they be offered an alternative until more than 50% vote? Even someone on trial is allowed to refuse some of his jurors, how come voters can't refuse the candidate selected by the party suits?

b) Even Ken Moss admitted on this forum that he had zero chance of being elected without aligning himself with a political party, and he approached the tories first, but was ignored :eek:...now he's a dyed in the wool labour guy and boy has he started to toe the party line since his election despite any protestations he's made (or about to make :p).

c) Independents unless they are well known and have money to burn for a campaign usually get around 5% of the protest vote

d) A fortune is spent on demographics and surveys...you won't find our Graham canvassing in safe areas, except for photo ops, he knows he has these votes, demographics and surveys..all paid for by the party...what chance would a little known airline pilot have against the party machine?

Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

It's my standard don't moan about people who think they can do it better. It's more polite than step up and show us or shut up

Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

Polite?? see what becoming a mods done to yeh.:D:D

Re: Whitebirk Retail Park
 

I can be polite when I have to be, or when I want something :D