Hmm …
Well …
I seem to have got a response, there …
Remember, a few days ago, I told you about the whole wheeling clamping situation, here in Rollason Way … ?
Now, granted it’s gone quiet about it, in the media.
But at least I can tell you that, after emailing Eric Pickles, the MP for Brentwood and Ongar, has sent a response.
Or rather, I should say his Parliamentary Assistant has: the former Brentwood Borough Councillor, Karen Sheehan.
Hmmm …
Who I’ve got to admit never impressed me, when she was in post. (Councillor Holmes and Chilvers, on the other hand, did. Well, Councillor Chilvers did and does: Councillor Holmes is also one of Brentwood’s Conservatives: but, much like Councillor Chilvers, at least got herself in the papers, occasionally, and tried to at least look like she was making an effort on behalf of her constituents.)
Let’s get moving on, shall we … ?
My point is that — so far — I’ve had a response from someone.
It does leave me with a question I think I’d like an answer to.
May be a couple …
Firstly, I’d like to ask you, if you’re one of my neighbours, to email or write to Eric Pickles, yourself: here’s the link to do that.
I think the more of us who write to him to complain about this bill — or, at least, this provision of this bill —, the better.
Secondly … ?
I think I’d like to ask both Councillor Chilvers and Councillor Kendall — who’s the Lib-Dem leader for the area — to comment on this post: I think I’d like to hear their views and have them publicly available.
Yes, I know both their and Councillor Clarke’s* view on this: after all, many have said that the Lib Dem’s and Conservatives aren’tin a coalition locally.
But I think we should hear what they have to say.
* Councillor Clarke is the other Lib-Dem councillor for the Brentwood West ward. So you know!
Thanks for the kind words Mr Downie! I do actually care though!!
ReplyDeleteThis indeed is a tricky one, as the clamping or the threat of clamping has had an effect on the problem we had in Rollason Way hence, we had a low turnout at the last meeting we had because people were, generally, OK.
However, it cannot be denied that there are some terrible clamping companies out there as this article demonstrates (especially the nurse getting a £350 fine whilst seeing a patient): http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10993473. I am afraid it is one of those sad situations where the few spoil it for everyone.
As I said in a posting earlier this week, I don't want to stick my twopenneth worth in just yet, as this really is a Circle Anglia issue (the car parks are not council land) and they are hosting a meeting on Thursday evening.
If there is a real strength of feeling, I have no problem with writing to Lib Dem government minister Lynne Featherstone MP about it outlining our case (we don't do "nodding dogs" in the Lib Dems). But let's discuss that on Thursday.
However, we should consider a number of other things:
- that this won't come into force for a while yet, by which time we may have made our point and deterred errant parkers
- that ticketing (at £70 - not small change) may be as much a deterrant as clamping (Sara has information on this)
- that we have made it very clear that parking is an issue in Rollason Way and not exactly somewhere people would make a dash for!
Anyway, Sara is talking to the clamping company in preparation for Thursday so let's pick up the topic then, and via our blogs the next day!