Elected … !

Hmmm … 

You know, I’ve got to admit, I’m actually finding Mike Oldfield’s Ommadawn a touch on the moreish side.

The more I hear it, the more I’m liking it.

Although, granted, the more I’m ALSO getting the urge to Morris dance, but the less said, the better, I think.

‹‹‡››

But let’s get moving on, shall we … ?

I’ve got to admit, I’ve been seriously keeping an eye on this years local elections.

And wishing Karen Chilvers well for it!

Here’s hoping!

But at any rate … ?

I’ve got to admit, I’ve had a leaflet from Joan Holmes, the Conservative candidate for the area, and someone I’ve very little time for: ever since this little incident.

There’s several things I could say.

But one thing does strike me about Councillor Holmes flyer: the fact she highlights she’s the only candidate to live in her ward.

Good for her.

But I’m ALSO very aware that her fellow Conservative candidate — Margaret Brehaut, who’s standing in Shenfield — doesn’t.

She lives in Great Bentley*.

Near Colchester, miles away from Brentwood.

Now, I hate to sound picky, here, I really do.

But I think Councillor Holmes really shouldn’t be making an issue of exactly where she — or others — lives in the ward.

Especially when one of her colleagues is from seriously outside of the area she represents.

*        I know I may ghet in trouble for publishing that.   But I’d also ask anyone thinking of saying anything to me also say it to BT.   AND to Councillor Brehaut: she may wish to go ex-directory.

Brunel House: Once More … !

I have to confess, when I need to concentrate, there’s times when the TV goes off, and the stereo — so to speak — gets switched on.

Although these days, ‘the stereo’ tends to either be the 1990s era Mac Performa at the other end of my front room.

Or the copy of iTunes 10•5•2 I have on Bruce, my Mac Mini.

Right at the moment?

Right a the moment I have iTunes on, and am playing Amon Tobin’s Foley Room.

Riveting stuff, so you know: if you can imagine Delia Derbyshire reborn as a mad Brazilian free-jazz/Music-Concret fan, you kind of get the idea …

At any rate … ?

As fun as I’m finding Foley Room, that’s NOT what I was going to tell you about.

»»•««

No, I was going to tell you about the recent planning application that’s gone into Brentwood Council, for the patch of undeveloped ground in Saint James Road.

Now, that patch of land has been famously argued about, for some time: in fact, back in 2010, I actually was the token objector when the flats back then, went before Brentwood Council’s planning Committee.

But, as you may know — if you’ve been following me for a while — plans have been resubmitted to the Council, for a mixed development of flats, offices and shops, as listed here. (Ref: 11/01195/FUL, so you know.)

Like I’ve said, I’ve already objected: firstly, on the grounds that this is a perfect place to put a small public park, or at least a bit of green space.

And secondly, on the ground the proposed developments — this, and the previous ones — would generate enough overflow parked cars so as to seriously impede emergency vehicle access to the area.

However, for those of us in the area … ?

Those of us in the area can formally object to the plans.

By going to the link on Brentwood Council’s site, here, and filling in the form.

Just as a final thought … ?

Former Councillor Chilvers was instrumental in helping residents in her (former) patch getting the plans rejected back in 2010.

The photo she has in her blog post about the recent application … ?

Seem to have vanished.

Now, I don’t know if that’s a normal part of procedures such as this. But can’t help feeling that’s a BIT whiffy …

The Gazette and the Town Hall.

You know, it’s been a while since I’ve written to the local newspaper, the Brentwood Gazette, for a while.

But — in last week’s edition, and I’m blowed if I can find it on the Gazette’s site — they ran a stiry about how Councillor Louise McKinley, the conservative party leader on Brentwood Council, and Barry Fagg, the former planning officer for the Council, had had secret meetings with representatives of the supermarket chain, Waitrose.

About selling off parts of the Town hall, to be turned into a branch of the store.

Well …

As you can appreciate, I shot off a letter to the Gazette, which has just got itself published … !

Here’s what I wrote.

I’ve got to admit, I read the article in this week’s Gazette — about how Councillor McKinley and former planning chief, Barry Fagg are having meetings with representatives of Waitrose — with a certain amount of shock.

Shock. But no real surprise.

Because ever since I read of how the Conservatives forced through their options for full or partial demolition of the town hall, I’ve personally felt that the Conservatives are becoming less representative of the people of this town: especially when you consider that this is an option the conservatives didn’t put forward in the consultation they’ve put forward.

Or in the original planning meeting.

I’ll be honest, here, if I may.

And state a personal believe.

I think that we here in Brentwood are going to be ignored by the Conservatives: despite many of my fellow residents voting for them.

To put it bluntly? In dealing with Waitrose, and in doing so in secret?

The Conservatives are stitching up this town up.

Good and proper!

Nice to be able to say I’ve got it published … !

But on top of that … ?

On top of that … ?

This little piece got brought to my attention, by one of my neighbours.

It looks like Brentwood Council’s staying where it is … for now …

Brentwood Town Hall, and Its Associated Controversy

Hmmmm …

Well, there’s a thing …

I’m assuming you remember the fuss over the fact that Brentwood Council has voted to demolish Brentwood Town Hall.

Or, at least, PARTS of Brentwood Town Hall.

At least, the two options put before the Council’s planning committee, a while ago, didn’t include any that included renting out the various empty parts of the building.

»»·««

The trouble is … ?

Is that there’s news …

Isn’t there just … !

As you might be able to guess from the photo, I’ve just been up town and spotted that poster.

Seemingly …

For a march to protest the planned demolition of the town hall.

Firstly … ?

It seems there’s going to be more consultation about it: courtesy of Councillor McKinley, leader of Brentwood Council’s Tory group: and the group who put through the demolition ideas.

On top of THAT …

It seems there’s to be a protest march, on the 5th of July — advertised in just one shop window, as far as I could see — organised by Julie Morrissey.

The wife of Councillor Mike Le Surf, Brentwood’s only Labour councillor, and a man who’d voted for the two demolition options.

That’s nice.

It means Councillor Le Surf can’t — directly — be accused of outright hypocrisy.

I’ll let you make your own mind up, on that front.

Personally … ?

Mine already is …

The Gazette … And synchronicity …

Oh …

Now that’s …

Well …

Strange … ?

Weird … ?

Asymptomatic of deep-seated spiritual problems in the modern chicken-farmer … ?

Actually, I think we can ignore that last bit, unless you’re a chicken-farmer.

You see, I’ve just had a bit of a coincidence happen to me: something I think Jüng would’ve called a synchronicity: a meaningful coincidence, in other words.

You see, I’d bought a copy of the Brentwood Gazette, this morning.

And was drafting an email about the Town Hall: seemingly, Brentwood Council decided, after a rather noisier meeting than usual, to demolish it.

Here’s what I sent them …

Dear Sir,

I’ve got to admit, I read the article in this week’s Gazette about the Council’s heated discussion about Brentwood’s Town Hall.

And find myself having a certain amount of mixed feelings.

On the one hand … ?

On the one hand, I’m sympathetic to the idea of cutting the operating costs.

On the other, I’m thinking that the Council’s seeming incompetence at running the local economy means that the Town hall gets shut.

Definitely a disappointment, I’m thinking.

I’m one of Brentwood’s many socially housed tenants.

For me, and for many others, Brentwood’s Town hall is an important part of our lives: for those of us who pay rent — and Council Tax — to Brentwood Council, claim benefits for either, and many other thing’s, it is a first port-of-call.

Now, granted, the two options presented leave something as a focal point for residents.

But I — for one — couldn’t help notice that any options for renting out out the unused floors … seemingly hadn’t been costed: or presented at the meeting.

Given we know Brentwood Council can be a touch lax about these things … ?

I can’t help but wonder if Tory members had bothered.

Purely to make sure the options they wanted were mostly likely to go through.

The weird bit … ?

Or strange/odd/chicken-farmer-spiritual-crisisy, however you want to put it … ?

Was just as I was getting the draft copied over from the open Pages window and into an email to send to them … ?

I gat a call from Gazette Journalist, Paul Ainsworth!

See what I mean … ?

And about a subject I know I’d heard nothing about for a while.

The parking, here on Rollason Way …

Seems a few have been complaining about plastic barriers at the other end of Rollason Way.

I told him what I could, although I don’t know if I was any help: beyond giving Paul a certain amount of ‘insight’.

Which makes me sound like some sort of wizened ol’ hermit, on a mountain top, dispensing the odd bit of wisdom, as and when asked …

Oh, well.

If nothing else, it sounds like I’m going to get a mention in next week’s Gazette, whatever happens … !

Either way … ?

Enjoy the light-cycle race …

The Town Hall

You know, it has been a while since I’ve written to the Brentwood Gazette, it really has …

But the fact they’ve following the ongoing debate about the Town hall … ?

Got me thinking that I should at least sound off about it.

Well write an email, if nothing else …

Here’s what I’ve said to them, this time …

Dear Sir,

I’m writing in response to the Gazette’s article — and letter’s about — Brentwood Town Hall.

Now, I’ll happily admit I’m very disappointed with the Lib-Dems — nationally — for joining the coalition, and not collectively voting against university tuition fees. Seriously enough to vote against the reform of the voting system, come May.

However, I’m generally impressed with the work they and Brentwood’s sole Labour councillor in voicing Brentwood people’s concern over the idea of getting rid of Brentwood’s Town hall.

After all, that’s what opposition is for: we can’t all button-hole Councillor McKinley, whenever her and Brentwood’s Conservatives come up with a bad idea.

However, I’m fairly certain that suggesting that Brentwood’s local police take residence there … ?

Doesn’t necessarily strike me as a good one.

After all, while it may be useful to have the administrative side, there … ?

The police themselves may well have things that the council offices won’t be able to deal with.

Not just cells, either.

I’m thinking forensic labs, evidence lockers.

Things like that …

Moving that lot to a set of council offices designed for civil use, especially in view of ACC Lowton’s comments … ?

Seems a definite bad idea …

Hopefully, they’ll publish that.

»»•««

Actually, there’s a side point, there …

Something I know I’ve alway’s been fairly unfussed about, over the years, is voting reform.

After all, however much politicians assure us our votes matter, there’s been times — for me, and many others, I’m sure — that I’ve felt that there’d be very little point.

Now I know Councillor Chilvers has had a link to this site on her’s for a while, now.

I can understand that.

After all, the Liberal-Democrats have long supported voting reform, over the years.

I’ve generally gone along with that.

But given that most forms of Proportional Representation and Alternative Voting system seem to lead to various forms of coalition government … ?

And that I’m not pleased about the one we’ve now have … ?

Well, I’m not going to use the word ‘gerrymandering’, here.

But I’m really wondering …