What a Day

Jeeez, what a day. You really don’t want to ask about the day – or afternoon and evening, I should say – I’ve had at work.

Just don’t ask about power cuts. I’m just hoping the branch of Londis, near were I work, comes out of the hour and a quarter long power-cut we had.

But on to other things.

One upside to the End of the King Harold quiz is simply the fact I’ve more time to work on a table round/main round for the 17th of March – Saint Patrick’s night – and this week’s table round. I will be blogging, though. I’ll probably have more time pontificate about stuff …

Like movies. One nice thing about the week, is that my two sisters have offered to take me to see Watchmen, this weekend; – something I’m looking forward to.

But being able to walk to my nearest cinema to see it would be nice

Brentwood Council has now approved the cinema complex: you can read the Gazette’s coverage, here.

But let me quote it, though: this is from this week’s edition of the Brentwood Gazette, dated Thursday the 5th of March, and I’ll apologise for not giving the by-line of the writer, but a name’s not been given.

“AFTER four years of wranglings, a multi-million-pound cinema, retail and residential complex is coming to Brentwood.

The decision to allow development of a six-screen cinema, 10-level 654-space car park, shops and 14 new homes on the William Hunter Way car park was passed with a clear majority of 20 to eight.

Protesters, dismayed at the decision and insisting the development's size and scale is too big, have vowed to fight on.

The atmosphere during Wednesday's council debate was the most fraught in years.

The council chamber was packed with more than 80 residents many holding placards proclaiming ‘Ignored Town’.

Many more, who could notsqueeze inside, watched from a remote screen next door as proceedings were halted on several occasions due to heckling.

The decision has been described by some as the most significant since the A12 Brentwood bypass was built in 1964.

And while several councillors spoke out against the scheme, complaining that the size and scale would wreck the quality of life for those residents in Chestnut Grove, North Road and Western Avenue, only one Tory councillor – Margaret Brehaut – voted against it.

She described the £25million development as a carbuncle.

Lib Dem leader Cllr David Kendall said councillors were in danger of appearing reckless.

Tory councillor Russell Quirk, who had already ruled himself out of voting by speaking against the plans, appealed to councillors to follow their conscience.

Cllr Jan Pound was among the 20 Conservative councillors who voted in favour of the proposals.

She said she moved to Brentwood because Chelmsford had lost its soul and the development was vital to keep it from dying and to put some vibrancy back.

Phil Mynott, a member of Swan Paddocks Residents' Association, which is opposed to the plans in their current form, said: ‘This is not the end, we will we fight on.’

Cllr Mike Le Surf, leader of the Labour group, said: ‘The depressing decision by the Tories to push through this planning application in the face of such strong opposition, shows their disregard for the residents of the borough.’

"The administration were so keen to tell us that the town is dying but still supported a move that could kill off any real chance of recovery in the long term."

But Cllr Brandon Lewis, borough council leader, said: ‘This was a difficult decision for councillors to make, but one which had to be made.’

‘On balance, we have had to look at Brentwood as a whole and make a decision as to what is best for the entire borough.’

‘Whilst we acknowledge and understand some of the concerns raised by residents at the ordinary council meeting and during previous consultations, we are also aware of the vast numbers of people in Brentwood who support the development and wish to see it go forward.’

He said the development would bring significant economic benefits to the town bringing many new jobs.”

And, although I’m a touch more left wing than most, I’m can’t help but agree, to a point, with conservative Cllr Brandon Lewis’ basic point about job’s in this town of ours. I’m one of those people who’d like to benefit from applying for one.

And mildly shocked that Cllr Le Surf hadn’t brought this up. That could well be bias in the case of the journalist; – but shocking from someone representing a party founded to help and represent the working classes.

Which I’m not: but I work, and want more work.

I’ve also benefited from some of Brentwood’s new developments. My flat is in the unused industrial area around the gasworks, near Brentwood station.

So I can’t help but, generally welcome this: complete horlicks though the parking is.

You know, I think I might just email the link to the various named councillors. Just to get some idea of their views.