Drove my wife and son to have a look at the Waterways festival this afternoon. All the car parks were full and me and countless others were looking for the nearest alternative. I asked a traffic Mafioso if we could use the huge empty space next to the Library to which he accurately replied "It's a coach park". I politely pointed out that there wasn't a coach in sight and that many people were giving up and driving off to spend there time and money elsewhere, his response was "It's a coach park".

Now I know he was only doing his job, but my grasp of the English language already understood what he said the first time, why didn't the powers that be instruct him and his fellow wardens to allow it to be opened up to other vehicles on days such as this?

'cause they're thick.

They council employ automatons.... what did you expect?

And what would have happened if 3 Wallace Arnold coaches had arrived?

For reasons of fairness other coach brands are available.

The space I'm talking about would cater for more than 30 coaches, so assuming that they dont just randomly turn up a bit of forward planning would have allowed a part of it to be kept seperate for coach use and the rest for people in cars.

As I said though lets not worry I'm sure the potential punters enjoyed an afternoon and spent thier money elsewhere.

Thats a very sweeping statement GMR.

Who are?

Er... the 'powers that be'!

Possibly or perhaps they aren't even consulted on such matters.

I will be popping into the Tourist Info Centre this lunchtime to discuss it.

That wouldn't be a problem if you could rely on people to park sensibly. 30 spaces could soon become none. Just look at some of the on-road parking. Space big enough for 2 cars, and someone will park right in the middle.

It is, isn't it?

But shouldn't we first decide what an automaton is first before deciding whether I've over egged the pudding.

1. a mechanical figure or contrivance constructed to act as if by its own motive power; robot.
2. a person or animal that acts in a monotonous, routine manner, without active intelligence.
3. something capable of acting automatically or without an external motive force.


Anyone can apply to a council worker, however my prefered choice would be No. 2. Please inform me if I am way out order and I shall apologise.

To be honest I was going by Iommi's remarks on here ("thick") and observing them personally. On top of that it seems to be the consensus when you ask people about council employees and going by what I've heard and observed.

Good idea, when you come back give us a full report; we then might see the automatons, sorry, the council workers in a different light.

I am sorry to say this GMR but I am quite offended by the fact that you are suggesting that all council employees are "automatons" and fit point mumber 2. My husband is a "Council Employee" and although the majority of his work is routine and monotonous he deals with his job in an intelligent and very informed manner. He is probably one of the most inetelligent people I know and he works for the Council because it is convenient and he puts his family first.

I have no doubt that there are council employed people who do not act in an intelligent manner but that is the case with all sorts of people employed in the private and public sector, there is always a mix of intelligence and commitment to the job that they are doing. Please do not be so generalistic and tar everyone with the same brush as it is bound to annoy and upset someone?

Very well said.

They agreed with me entirely, especially when I suggested diverting the few coaches that use it on Sundays to the Bus Station (and I'm no Einstein!).

They suggested I discuss with head of car parks at WBC, Mr Martin Baker, which I will of course do.

I apologise. A lot of what I said was tongue-in-cheek and I am sure there are very good and dedicated council employers out there. Sadly the few that act as if they are automatons give the impression that they all are. However, and saying all that, from my personal experience a lot of council employees act as if they are 'jobs worth' employers and have no sympathy or understanding beyond their remittance.

I am sure your husband is a very hard working man, and again I apologise.



Glenn

It just goes to show you; that if you do put your head above the parapet you can get something done.

Nothing's been done yet.

True; but what I meant is if you push it you can usually get a reaction.

Every council employee I have had the misfortune to have to endure has been rude and ineffective, so based on my experience I will make the sweeping generalisation that council employee's, for some reason are automatons. And without meaning to sound overly harsh, unless you work alongside your husband Chesapeake, you are not in a position to judge him professionally. I'm sure he works hard but also I think (as with the police force) once you are part of an institution, you lose through constant dissapointment and lack of support or leadership, your passion and just become "that way".