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Posted by: Blake Dec 8 2014, 09:15 AM

The NWN has generated more waste for my recycling bin straight out of the press.

Why oh why does the newspaper run pages and pages of what children want for Christmas? How is this considered news????

It is of supreme indifference and a complete waste of time. Do you see The Telegraph running pages on what children want for Christmas? I don't think so.

I think it reflects a move downmarket.

Posted by: motormad Dec 8 2014, 11:20 AM

As a child all I wanted for Christmas was a daddy.

Posted by: NWNREADER Dec 8 2014, 01:37 PM

No, it sells papers and advertising

Posted by: Cognosco Dec 8 2014, 04:08 PM

I don't think it is too well known for it's investigative reporting though is it?
What with local councils like Newbury has I would have thought they could fill quite a few pages with worthwhile news of what is going on.......providing of course they really wanted to find out?

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 8 2014, 04:09 PM

You have a choice.................buy it, or don't buy it.

Posted by: Blake Dec 8 2014, 05:18 PM

Well I want to buy it but what I do not want is a load of pointless dross which goes straight to recycling!

The NWN never used to run all this drivel.

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 8 2014, 08:34 PM

Hmmm............are you sure??
I seem to remember it being the same for many years.
There's generally not much news in West Berks you see.

Posted by: Andy Capp Dec 8 2014, 08:43 PM

It was once said that no news is good news.

Posted by: user23 Dec 8 2014, 08:55 PM

Yes. The NWN is a publication designed to make money for the company that owns it, and this means keeping the product appealing to its target audiences. We've seen the demise of print versions many local papers across the country in recent times yet the the NWN keeps going, which is a good thing.

The people that run it aren't obviously aren't stupid to be able buck the national trend, and I guess they've done the research that "pages and pages of what children want for Christmas" makes a more sellable product, which keeps it going.

This is pure speculation, but be careful what you wish for as your request of no pages of what children want for Christmas, might result in no pages altogether.

Posted by: Andy Capp Dec 8 2014, 09:11 PM

Hear, hear!

Posted by: Blake Dec 9 2014, 09:13 AM

I'd like to see proof of such research.

Posted by: Andy Capp Dec 9 2014, 10:31 AM

The proof is in the pudding; the paper is still going, which was user23's point.

Posted by: blackdog Dec 9 2014, 11:30 AM

I'm not convinced - but then again it used to be a much smaller paper. What is it not printing that it used to print? Or is the drivel simply additional stuff to gain new readers? and if so what's the problem?

Posted by: Blake Dec 9 2014, 05:25 PM

The problem is, we don't want to look at and pay for drivel.

It was not a smaller paper; it was actually a bigger paper, in broadsheet form. It seems to have gone down a puerile and sensationalist route since. It seems very heavy on photos and is much shorter on written articles.

Oh and spelling and grammar....still needs much more attention!

Posted by: Andy Capp Dec 9 2014, 06:16 PM

Maybe you don't, but presumably others do. 1/52 editions have this list, so never mind, back to squabbling councillors, hunter trials, traffic jams and charity hair cuts this week then.

Posted by: MontyPython Dec 9 2014, 09:05 PM

User did say it was speculation - but if every family who has a letter published buys at least one copy that's probably an increase in circulation

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 8 2015, 04:12 PM

Another reason I do not buy any more.
Sensationalist headlines such as this........
"Two months of waterways hel| for Newbury boaters"
(The website software edited the word used in the headline!! )
This is not The Sun or Star or other trashy national, this is supposed to be a local paper reporting local news in what I would expect to be a non-hysterical, quality fashion.
This type of reporting is now used regularly in the NWN.
Can anyone think of a better headline for this story which would be more suited to a local news-sheet??

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 8 2015, 05:50 PM

I think this is the real issue.

Posted by: On the edge Oct 8 2015, 06:17 PM

What about 'Canal forces increase in Town centre footfall'

or 'Town attracts old barges'

Must admit, it would be good to see some real local reporting again.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 8 2015, 08:31 PM

Yes I expect you're right.
Do you know what, I think I'll keep my mouth shut.
It's all dying on here anyway.
Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 8 2015, 10:29 PM

Here we go again!

Posted by: motormad Oct 8 2015, 11:36 PM

You'll be back!

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 9 2015, 11:55 AM

Just slag the trains for a bit will have him fuming at our ignorance!

Posted by: On the edge Oct 9 2015, 06:15 PM

That's sad, but a reasonable observation.

On the original post, I certainly don't think you are alone. However it seems that local press is having significant difficulties right now. The BBCs 'free' on line service isn't helping, we are reducing our consumption of all hard copy media, costs are increasing sales are dropping so very few trained reporters have to resort to ever more desperate measures. That includes 'shock / horror' headlines. Not sure about the answer, after all Reading has even lost the Post. Anyway, it looks as if NWN has a bit of competition - a new 'newsy' free one has appeared, distributed at local retailers.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 9 2015, 09:04 PM

WTF is the big deal about an attention grabbing headline! FFS



FAULTY LOCK TO HINDER CANAL NAVIGATION

A lock in Newbury has failed and due to a lack of resources, it will be a while until it is operational. This is likely to impact casual and professional users for the next month or so.





Now that's much better.



I have a feeling a few people on here have a sense of humour failure!

Posted by: On the edge Oct 9 2015, 09:23 PM

What's funny about the continued decline of local newspapers, Ah, I know, as a comic once said 'as funny as woodworm in a cripple's crutch'.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 9 2015, 10:57 PM

Who said the decline of local newspapers was funny? My point is that people do get narked about the silliest things: things like the hyperbole in headlines.

Posted by: x2lls Oct 10 2015, 07:42 AM

In order for something to fail, it has to be working properly first!

Posted by: Nothing Much Oct 14 2015, 10:23 AM

The Regents Canal through Islington was shut for a couple of weeks as they replaced wood
and a new set of gates. It was opened for public to view. The City Road basin was created for Pickfords who would unload stuff for destinations within the City in about the (actually I don't know when)! I can find out but I am not that bothered.If Simon K is interested I do have a couple of snaps of the empty lock though.
CE

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 14 2015, 03:40 PM

Except it was a bridge, not a lock gate. Pointless the NWN printing a story if you don't read it.

Posted by: On the edge Oct 14 2015, 05:22 PM

Bet that was interesting; did they find anything?

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 14 2015, 06:01 PM

It was only meant to serve as an example of a mundane, hyperbole-free headline!

Posted by: Blake Nov 8 2015, 10:36 PM

A load more pointless tut in last week's edition...a huge pullout section on school classes along with endless daft photos: and this is news because????

It went straight to my green recycling bin.
Newbury Weekly News: stick to news...not pointless frivolity or I will stop buying the paper for good.

Posted by: blackdog Nov 8 2015, 11:04 PM

Because it sells papers.

Posted by: Blake Nov 8 2015, 11:14 PM

Your evidence for this is?

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 9 2015, 01:26 AM

Perhaps they do it just to annoy you.

Posted by: newres Nov 9 2015, 06:56 AM

It's a local newspaper for an area without a lot of "news" and in order to sell newspapers and profitably provide what little news there is, it has to tap into other revenue streams. I imagine it sells copies of the photos as well as attracting "Johnny's' parents to buy the paper. It's not like those sections replace actual news as there isn't any. If you don't like it, don't buy it.

Posted by: blackdog Nov 9 2015, 12:18 PM

That they print the school pictures year after year. It's obviously a standard circulation boost - parents, grandparents all buying a copy or two because their little cherub is in it.

Posted by: On the edge Nov 11 2015, 08:16 AM

Too right! And why shouldn't they? It's a pretty clean way to earn a living and at least we still have a truly local paper!. Few other communities can make such a boast, so we need to be careful what we wish for.

Posted by: Blake Nov 11 2015, 11:09 PM

But it's not news though is it??

The Newbury Weekly News has managed for decades without running this pointless tut so there is no justification for it now. I think it will lose far more readers than it will ever gain. The focus needs to be on news. It's supposed to be a newspaper!

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 12 2015, 12:53 AM

To coin a phrase: and your evidence is?

Do you think newsworthy items are making way for these articles? I doubt that is the case.

Managing decades without running this, does not guarantee that it could continue to do so. It is a logical fallacy.

A newspaper is not simply a 'newspaper'; it is an advertising medium too. So your premise is false from the off.

Posted by: On the edge Nov 12 2015, 06:28 AM

So by your reckoning, Sainsbury's should stop selling petrol because they are a grocer and should focus on food? As for losing readers, given that the number and size of these specials have increased of late, the facts in terms of sales stats. clearly suggest otherwise! There is competition so you have a choice.

Posted by: Nothing Much Nov 12 2015, 12:06 PM

I don't know OTE. Iwas drained...sorry it was drained.

There was a body strapped to a shopping trolley found about a month later.
It was at the other end of a 2 mile tunnel at Kings Cross.Normal for Islington.

I never would have guessed that it was brick lined at the base.I will upload a photo.
ce

Posted by: On the edge Nov 12 2015, 05:51 PM

I've been trying to work out where this came from CE, then I remembered! Your comment about your local Regents Canal. So why in a thread about decent local press? Why, of course, you must get the Camden Free Press, a real gem and dished out free.

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 12 2015, 07:00 PM

I find The Metro just about the best paper of them all, but if you cannot make it in London, then you won't make it anywhere!

I was up at the Electric Ballroom the other week!

Posted by: motormad Nov 13 2015, 12:01 AM

They're also free on every train ever. Lol.

Posted by: James_Trinder Nov 13 2015, 10:22 AM

The Metro is a good read on the train but unfortunately since it is owned by the same company as the Daily Mail, their reporting can be slightly biased at times. When travelling by train in and around London the Evening Standard is also now free, which is a bonus.

Posted by: Nothing Much Nov 13 2015, 11:59 AM

Yup OTE ... 2 local free papers clogging up the recycling bin with identical stories.
There is a 3rd Ham and High express,although up on the hills it is not about stabbings,
it is usually ladies who lunch losing their diamond watches. By theft .
ce

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 13 2015, 12:41 PM

The Evening Standard is good too.

Posted by: Nothing Much Nov 13 2015, 02:14 PM

Sadly the Metro.Standard, Ham and High, Camden free, Islington Tribune.
all seem to use one person adept at cut'n & paste
ce

Posted by: Biker1 Sep 30 2016, 07:05 AM

Thought I'd bump this one with the hilarious headline on the main page at present "Failing to look, sudden breaking, alcohol and illness have all been factors in crashes along an eight mile stretch north of Newbury"
The same error is also used further down in the text
Where do they find these "professional" journalists?
Unless of course they mean the use of the word "breaking" in it's correct sense.
Possibly the road or a vehicle suddenly breaking up in which case I stand corrected!!

EDIT. Corrected now.
Someone on NWN does read this forum!!

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 30 2016, 08:14 AM

I suspect the definition of words like break and brake will merge, or verbs like brake will die out.

Posted by: je suis Charlie Sep 30 2016, 09:15 AM

I don't.

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 30 2016, 12:33 PM

I'll alert the media.

The meaning and spelling of words is fluid and many have done this and as such I believe for that reason break and brake could too.

Posted by: blackdog Sep 30 2016, 03:32 PM

Undoubtedly true

I read this and can easily come up with examples - of words gaining new meanings and of spelling altering - but I can't think of an example where two homonyns have merged in spelling and meaning.

Posted by: user23 Sep 30 2016, 06:14 PM

Breaking news?

Posted by: spartacus Sep 30 2016, 08:08 PM

It's lazy English and it's ignorant though. This is a newspaper not just someone's blog. Yeah, "leave it, it's just part of language evolving naturally" is one way of responding, but there are enough examples of people thinking it's correct to type 'would of done' or 'could of done' and before you know it that will be accepted and in a newpaper article...

Posted by: Simon Kirby Sep 30 2016, 08:37 PM

Newbury firefighters had to http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/home/19375/independent-school-flooded-in-newbury.html the other day.


Incidentally, https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-observer-style-guide-b agrees with the NWN's usage - except bail comes from the French baille - bucket.

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 30 2016, 09:03 PM

That is true but I find myself wondering does it matter?

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Sep 30 2016, 09:05 PM

Their there....👍

Posted by: Simon Kirby Sep 30 2016, 09:09 PM

Your rite.

Posted by: Biker1 Sep 30 2016, 09:12 PM

That's rubbish Andy.
The two words mean completely different things. How can you "merge" them?
Bring back grammar schools quickly!!

Posted by: Simon Kirby Sep 30 2016, 09:25 PM

That's a very difficult question. What I would say is that for me if you get your spelling and grammar "wrong" then you come over as ignorant and uneducated - that's a bit of a problem for me as my spelling isn't particularly good and I not infrequently get your/you're and its/it's wrong - I know the difference very well, but I seem to make the mistake quite regularly.

It's hardly an issue on a forum and I think it's generally the height of bad manners to pick someone up on their grammar and spelling (unless I'm choosing to be bad mannered, and then it's fine), but in any situation where what you're communicating is important, then yes, for me it matters.

Posted by: Biker1 Sep 30 2016, 09:25 PM

I think the two words we are talking about here are actually homophones?
Homonyms are spelt the same?

Posted by: Biker1 Sep 30 2016, 09:26 PM

Stop wondering Andy.
Yes it does!

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 30 2016, 09:32 PM

Why? Did you know I spelled the word wrong when I spoke?

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 30 2016, 09:34 PM

You cannot legitimately state it is rubbish when it is something I suspect might happen.
Our vocabulary is littered with misspelled, or misheard words which are now established as correct. Besides, both words are linked; it seems someone has beaten me to it:


Brake

(archaic) simple past tense of break
Exodus 32:3, KJV:
And all the people brake off the golden earrings […]

https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/brake



Main definitions of break in English: break1. break2

break2
NOUN

1
former term for breaking cart

2 historical
another term for brake

https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/break

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 1 2016, 12:52 AM

Therefore the reason you make the mistake is because you're careless, not because you are a bit thick.

Posted by: blackdog Oct 1 2016, 07:38 AM

Fair cop guv!

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 1 2016, 08:07 AM

I stand corrected Andy.
I seems my English teachers were all wrong at school.
I wish some of them were still alive so I could correct them in the error of their ways.
In essense you are obviously write, the spelling of words in ritten English is irrelivant.
Try it on a CV!!

Now, I regard white to be white and black to be black.
What do you think?

Posted by: Simon Kirby Oct 1 2016, 08:32 AM

Someone said that yesterday on Radio4 and I went on for five minutes about how pretentious it was to say that rather than "I think". I know you were using it ironically but it's an example of how we judge the reliability of others on a whole raft of social clues, and how those clues are almost certainly personal to the life-experience of the receiver. For you and me word choice is important, and I can accept that it might not be so for others.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 1 2016, 09:13 AM

You are right Simon, it does sound somewhat pretentious and on reflection realise that it is not a term I would use in oral communication.
Corrected now, see above.
What do you think of the revised version?

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 1 2016, 09:21 AM

Pedants often find it hard to concede a point without being sarcastic!

The issue I have is language is about being understood. As far as I know I spelled my query correctly, yet you have failed to comprehend me. You have delibertly misspelled yours and I believe I have understood you.

Of course context is important. A dictionary littered with spelling mistakes is of limited value, but one doesn't have to spell well to be understood. A CV written with spelling errors by a non-English writer might not be so important for a painter/decorator's apprentice job application, but it will be a problem for an application for a English language tutor.



You may be better confirming your view with a painter decorator!

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 1 2016, 10:03 AM

Doh!

All those hours wasted staying behind after school writing out words until I spelled them correctly.

"Write down necessary 100 times lad. You won't get it wrong again!"

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 1 2016, 10:30 AM

I must have written embarrassed a thousand times and still need a spell check! My spelling is hopeless, almost to a point of dyslexia, but like with mental arythmatic: you have it or you don't, but what we are talking about here - in the main - is carelessness more than knowing how to spell words.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Oct 1 2016, 02:05 PM

Honestly, it wasn't a criticism, the phrase read right in the voice you were using.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Oct 1 2016, 02:17 PM

What you're missing is that communication is frequently about influence, and the degree to which you're influenced by a piece of information depends hugely on the presentation of that information and all of those social clues like spelling that help your subconscious assess the reliability of the message.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Oct 1 2016, 02:23 PM

My comprehensive education sent me out into the world confident of spelling just two words; Mississippi and pharaoh - and that was thanks to an exasperated history teacher.

Posted by: newres Oct 1 2016, 02:54 PM

Do you mean exasperated?

Posted by: Simon Kirby Oct 1 2016, 03:10 PM

Indeed.

Posted by: blackdog Oct 1 2016, 04:52 PM

All this shows is that, in the past there were two spellings for what was essentially one meaning - there are many such examples. However, 'braking' has come to have a distinct and different meaning from break. The two spellings have diverged in meaning - so swapping the spelling changes the meaning - which serves to reinforce and maintain the difference in spelling.

Posted by: spartacus Oct 1 2016, 09:10 PM

Hear here.....

Posted by: spartacus Oct 1 2016, 09:43 PM

'Affect' and 'Effect' are two words that I'll often use in the wrong context if I'm typing an email or letter out quickly.... and will then spend two or three minutes deciding whether I've got it wrong again when reading the email through before pressing <send>

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 1 2016, 09:59 PM

"...and promptly disappeard in a puff of logic!"



https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-N5e1R4-G9I

Posted by: On the edge Oct 3 2016, 06:44 AM

Has the paint dried yet?

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 3 2016, 03:13 PM

Nearly. Yawn!
I see you used "boarder" in the wrong context on another thread OTE!
Only joshing. It doesn't really matter on here I agree, but not acceptable in an official publication.

Posted by: On the edge Oct 3 2016, 03:26 PM

See if I care mate!! I voted Brexit so am officially classified as thick anyway.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 7 2016, 08:25 AM

According to the paper, Sainsbury's is installing a camera to check that only customers are using their car park. I'm not sure how ANPR will see to that! Reporter error me thinks!

Posted by: dannyboy Oct 7 2016, 08:46 AM

you have to log your car registration at customer services when you enter the store.

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 7 2016, 09:50 AM

And not before time!

Posted by: JeffG Oct 7 2016, 10:07 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought it was a condition of planning permission that the car park could be used by non-customers for a certain length of time (currently 2 hours). There are sensors in each space to enforce this.

I rarely use the car park other than to shop there, so I have no axe to grind. However, requiring customers to register at Customer Services each time would be madness! The queues would be out of the door.

Incidentally, I couldn't find this story on the NWN main web site.

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 7 2016, 10:16 AM

With only 3% of vehicles staying for more than that, yet, the camera has been installed and is working. Need to ask Mrs Turin when she gets in!

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 7 2016, 10:54 AM

And then walk out and go into town!

Posted by: Berkshirelad Oct 7 2016, 12:58 PM

Interestingly, as Sainsbury's car park is not classed as public highway for the purposes of vehicle registration, there is absolutely no requirement for any vehicle to display a registration once off the roundabout.

Revolving number plates anybody?

Posted by: On the edge Oct 7 2016, 01:38 PM

I've taken to using my WBC dump pass, it is actually quite useful I can even get served in pubs.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 7 2016, 02:35 PM

You'll have to wait, visit a library or stuff your hand in your pocket!

Posted by: On the edge Oct 7 2016, 05:34 PM

The sign is pretty clear, just enforcing the two hour free parking rule, which had been in place since the shop opened and was checked only when they felt like it.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 7 2016, 06:36 PM

In a nutshell, it seems the NWN misreported the story. It starts off by saying Sansbury's is clamping down on non-customer shoppers parking. It really should say it is enforcing 2 hour parking.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 8 2016, 09:09 AM

So I assume the machine records your plate as you go in and again as you go out and measures the elapsed time between the two.
If over 2 hours expect a "penalty/excess charge" request in the post??

Posted by: JeffG Oct 8 2016, 09:22 AM

Actually it was three hours initially, subsequently reduced to two. I asked an attendant once if the sensors actually worked, and was assured they do. If that's the case, I don't see the point of ANPR in addition.

Incidentally, I see the car washers are back - perhaps it's a new company prepared to pay for the privilege.

Posted by: On the edge Oct 8 2016, 07:44 PM

Yes, you are right, it did start at three hours, but being realistic, it would be pretty difficult to spend three hours in Newbury doing shopping, even with a visit to get your teeth done! Arguably, the original limit could have been seen as diverting revenue from WBC! I suspect the number plate recognition system simply automates the production of penalty notices - you don't need an attendant to log the number when the sensor reports an overstay. Equally, the recognition system probably requires far less maintenance; simply one bit of kit recording the ins and outs.

Posted by: blackdog Oct 8 2016, 10:28 PM

While I agree that 3 hours of shopping anywhere would be a trial I do find it easy enough to spend more than two hours in Newbury. A bite to east, a bit of shopping (not a lot), a chat or two with passing acquaintances, perhaps a concert or a film, a cup of coffee with a friend - time soon passes.

Posted by: dannyboy Oct 8 2016, 11:17 PM

There are more reasons to park than shop.....

Posted by: On the edge Oct 9 2016, 10:33 AM

True, you might want to visit the museum; that's 10 minutes added straight away.

Posted by: dannyboy Oct 9 2016, 11:01 AM

I see you have cheered up a bit.

Posted by: Cognosco Oct 9 2016, 04:06 PM

Oh please enlighten me? As there is no value in paying the expensive charges for the standard of shops in Newbury is there?

Posted by: dannyboy Oct 10 2016, 07:32 AM

I thought you went to Swindon.

Posted by: Cognosco Oct 10 2016, 10:45 AM

Any where apart from the moribund Newbury with its attitude to rip off visitors!

Posted by: dannyboy Oct 10 2016, 10:47 AM

Fantastic news.

Posted by: Cognosco Oct 10 2016, 10:55 AM

Yes indeed ........helps explain why we have a practically disappeared Charter market and empty shops eh? Let's hear it for your Supreme leader!

Posted by: dannyboy Oct 10 2016, 10:59 AM

Posted by: Blake Dec 8 2016, 07:45 AM

YET MORE C R A P in the Newbury Weekly News....Why on God's earth does this (former) newspaper run pages and pages of pointless dross on what children want for Christmas????

What a complete waste of time, money and otherwise good newsprint. It's little wonder why so many newspapers are shutting down and losing money like a flood.

Editor: Please understand that we don't want "features" like this; they are pointless and of supreme indifference.

Posted by: Andy Capp Dec 8 2016, 07:49 AM

Well some do it seems.

Posted by: Berkshirelad Dec 8 2016, 09:12 AM

Parking charge - no private company can issue a fine or penalty of itself.

Interestingly, as Sainsbury's car park is private land, there is no requirement for a number plate top be displayed...

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 8 2016, 09:34 AM

You could try not buying it 'till they get it right!
Unfortunately though, by doing that, you contribute to the remaining purchasers being hit by yet more of the regular, above inflation, price rises.
Also annoying "sensationalist" reporting such as "Cocaine-snorting grannie stole £10,000 to feed her habit".
Surely could be reported in a local newspaper as "elderly cocaine user"?
This is not The Sun or Daily Star for goodness sake!
Also I thought the correct spelling was "granny"?

Posted by: Andy1 Dec 8 2016, 11:47 AM

Don't buy it then. It's not that difficult.

Posted by: On the edge Dec 8 2016, 01:25 PM

The word penalty is not limited to law a penalty can be issued by anyone; even footballers. You are quite right, no need to obey any traffic regulation on private land, but on the other hand there is no need for Messrs Sainsbury to let anyone use their property; where they do, they are entitled to expect us to keep their rules and indeed the law would support them.

Posted by: On the edge Dec 8 2016, 01:29 PM

Trouble is, that's exactly what a good portion of their readers do want. They even buy extra copies for Nan in Newcastle and Aunt Rene in Cardiff.

Posted by: Berkshirelad Dec 8 2016, 01:36 PM

1) the use of the car park was a planning condition over which Sainsbury's have no control

2) many private parking companies really do wish that the law backed their speculative invoices - but it doesn't. Just the opposite in fact

Posted by: Andy Capp Dec 8 2016, 02:06 PM

https://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/motoring/cars/using/2016/parking-fines-on-private-land#

"The most common type of parking ticket is a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) issued by local authorities if you park incorrectly or for too long on public land.

Private companies can issue parking tickets and may call them Parking Charge Notices, but they are not the same as the Penalty Charge Notice.

They are not backed up by law. Instead, they are invoices for a breach of contract.

If the car park operator wants to force you to pay, they will need to take you to the civil court, which is costly and time-consuming.

If the car park operator takes you to court and wins, you then have pay the costs in addition to the original charge. If you lose and still refuse to pay, you could find the judgment going on to your credit file and damaging your chances of borrowing or taking out contracts, such as for mobile phones."

Posted by: JeffG Dec 8 2016, 02:17 PM

If Sainsbury's needed to take the court route, I am sure they would as they could afford to make an example of someone breaching their conditions as a warning to others.

Posted by: Berkshirelad Dec 8 2016, 02:29 PM

Quite possibly.

However, are they the landowner? If not, do they have an adequate contract in place? What losses can they demonstrate to the Court (no loss of revenue in a free car park!)? Signs aren't enough - there must be a loss. Are any signs conspicuous and adequate?

Motorists only lose at the Court stage because they fail to respond properly to the Court and therefore a default judgment is entered.

Posted by: On the edge Dec 8 2016, 02:57 PM

I'm glad you aren't my solicitor!

Posted by: Berkshirelad Dec 8 2016, 03:05 PM

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?465231-Received-a-Court-Claim-From-A-Private-parking-Speculative-invoice-How-To-Deal-With-It-HERE***Updated-Aug-2016***(1-Viewing)-nbsp

Posted by: On the edge Dec 8 2016, 03:32 PM

And?

Posted by: Blake Dec 8 2016, 11:31 PM

I doubt it judging by the conversations I've had with lots of local people.

This used to be an excellent newspaper before it decended into tacky tabloids. How much more plebian and irrelevant is it going to get.

By definition, a newspaper should report news, not letters to Santa. Whatever next?

Posted by: On the edge Dec 9 2016, 07:01 AM

If, as you say, no one likes it, why is it still for sale? I know that Sainsbury's policy wouldn't let the store dis[play anything that wasn't selling; they've stopped publications I took periodically. Its not as if there isn't competition, at the same store, you can pick up a local paper for free (the publisher paying for the display space) which is thinner but appears to carry the same news content.

Posted by: spartacus Dec 9 2016, 08:18 AM

That's not strictly true. It may be private land but as it can be openly accessed by the general public it does still come under many traffic regulations including legislation relating to The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.

Posted by: Andy Capp Dec 9 2016, 09:12 AM

It does report news; it is also a paperback magazine. It would upset me if these columns replaced other news, but I have no evidence it does.

Posted by: Berkshirelad Dec 9 2016, 10:35 AM

And there is nothing in those regulations relating to VRN.

Posted by: newres Dec 9 2016, 05:38 PM

If you want more news, move to where more news happens.

Posted by: user23 Dec 9 2016, 05:41 PM

Or make some better news.

Posted by: nerc Dec 9 2016, 06:54 PM

Why do people moan about the NWN. If you think its crap then dont buy it.
Quite simple really (just like those who moan)

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 10 2016, 10:25 AM

Please don't follow the newres example of insulting those whose point of view do not agree with yours.
Thanks.

Posted by: On the edge Dec 10 2016, 10:40 AM

Great comment user23; made me smile at least.

Should I get the old Bill round to dig up the patio, or is it time to release my latest discovery to the drugs firms? This one really does seem to work!

Posted by: newres Dec 11 2016, 08:00 AM

Dork.

Posted by: Turin Machine Dec 11 2016, 01:05 PM

Cicero was here!

Posted by: JeffG Dec 11 2016, 01:42 PM

Was that a philosophical statement then?

Posted by: nerc Dec 11 2016, 04:43 PM

Why do people state things about the NWN and then complain.

If you dont like the way the paper is presented then dont buy it, quite simple

Posted by: Blake Dec 11 2016, 07:36 PM

I've long since given up buying it: I read (what little there is to read) at work.

It needs to return to a broadsheet, bring back TV listings and drop the pointless tut like school prom photos and irrelevant lists of what children want for Christmas: we're really not interested.

Posted by: On the edge Dec 11 2016, 10:06 PM

What about the rubbish on the telly then? No one wants those rubbishy talent shows and junk with z list celebrities no one has heard of. We aren't interested in that either. Bring back the wireless and the Home Service.

Posted by: spartacus Dec 11 2016, 11:51 PM

.....and the gramophone and a decent set of 78s...

And while we're at it bring back the piano... in every parlour where families can entertain each other. And a smoking room where the chaps can wear smoking jackets while the womenfolk do what women do... cleaning and suchlike

Posted by: Turin Machine Dec 11 2016, 11:56 PM

And coal fires, and whale oil lamps, and little boys oop chimley like. aye grand days. may see t'like again if that Corbyn lad gets way. Grand.

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 12 2016, 05:26 AM

Because they are perhaps trying to highlight some of the issues that they perceive with the paper which leads to.....

We don't!!
Which may lead to the paper not existing at all eh?
Yes. it is simple but in your first post on the subject you added the caveat that those who do not are also "simple".
I politely asked you not to do this (as a small number dio on this forum) with the predictable outburst from one of the perpetrators.

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 12 2016, 05:31 AM

Well, that was "simple" wasn't it?!!

Obviously some are. Or at least that is the perception of the editorial.

Posted by: nerc Dec 12 2016, 05:55 AM

We're really not interested is a statement from you and probably not the majority.

TV listings can be found in daily papers and are probably more up to date than a weekly listing.

The local events (proms etc) sell the paper so it must be popular.

Posted by: Andy Capp Dec 12 2016, 12:53 PM

I'm glad it isn't a broadsheet. TV listings in a paper are not important to me and the other items occur once a year so I can live with that.

With a council like ours, I think it is important to maintain an independent media outlet. I know FB and others are popular for news but that is just the modern day equivalent of a lynch mob.

All things being weighed-up, I think the NWN is reasonable value, although sometimes the journalism can be a little 'rushed' or lazy.

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 13 2016, 05:51 AM

By "We" do you mean yourself or a group of people who you represent?

How do you know?

Posted by: nerc Dec 14 2016, 04:49 AM

You can easily check the sales of the NWN and yes they do increase when things like proms etc are published

Posted by: Blake Dec 14 2016, 08:59 AM

Please prove this.

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 14 2016, 09:52 AM

Proms?
American imported **** ...rubbish.
Merry Christmas!!

Posted by: JeffG Dec 14 2016, 11:20 AM

I'm sure the poster meant the annual concerts at the Albert Hall.

Posted by: Andy Capp Dec 14 2016, 01:03 PM

Is that really a problem, or are you just a curmudgeon?

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 14 2016, 02:56 PM

Oh sorry, yes, my misunderstanding!

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 14 2016, 02:59 PM

No and yes, probably!
I'm just challenging the statement that things such as "prom" photographs and reports contribute to selling the paper.
The only increase in sales it would produce I would have thought would be purchases by the parents of their little darlings being featured at and American style (expensive) extravaganza.
Oh and yes my offspring did both go to one! Little choice even for a curmudgeon!

Posted by: spartacus Dec 14 2016, 06:22 PM

You probably accommodated them when they were younger by going along with the whole 'Trick or Treat' thing? Another American import

Still at least at this time of year we can all gather round the traditional German Christmas tree,

Posted by: nerc Dec 14 2016, 07:02 PM

check out the NWN sales figures by asking them its not that hard.

Sales do increase when Proms etc are published by over 12%.

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 14 2016, 08:55 PM

Yep, forced to endure that crap as well. Little darlings using extortion to extract money / presents from unwilling householders.
"Give me the goods or who knows what I'll do to you or your property".
Nice one!

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 14 2016, 08:59 PM

Hello Admin!!!!!
Do you still monitor this?
How much do paper sales increase when Proms etc are published?

Posted by: spartacus Dec 15 2016, 12:25 AM

STILL monitor this site???!! STILL??!!! I can't remember Admin even admitting to being in existence from the time I joined all those years back. Neither can I remember it ever sticking it's oar in when some of the posts got a bit feisty. We mostly have had free rein as far as I can tell. 'Admin'... pah!

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 15 2016, 09:22 AM

Yes, it was intended as a kind of sarcastic / rhetorical type question!
However they DID appear on here a few times in the early years of its existence.
Apparently Blake has free access to weekly ups and downs of the NWN circulation figures.
I would just like to see them for myself.

Posted by: JeffG Dec 15 2016, 09:51 AM

Shame that that great Christmas tune "O Tannenbaum" was misappropriated by the Labour movement for the Red Flag. I remember reading that there were protests when it was played in some shopping centre as part of a medley of Christmas carols.

Posted by: user23 Dec 15 2016, 09:46 PM

Given the last new user joined getting on for two years ago, it's unlikely they look at it much these days

Posted by: motormad Dec 16 2016, 09:28 AM

Can't really blame them.

This was a good forum with good debate once.

Now it's just a few old men arguing.

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 16 2016, 01:15 PM

Yep, I'm sure you get a much more reasoned argument debate from the youngsters on FB!