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Posted by: Bill1 Jul 26 2009, 06:44 PM

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?

Posted by: Iommi Jul 26 2009, 07:05 PM

'cause they're thick.

Posted by: GMR Jul 26 2009, 09:39 PM

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

Posted by: dannyboy Jul 27 2009, 09:29 AM

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

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 27 2009, 09:46 AM

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.

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 27 2009, 09:47 AM

Thats a very sweeping statement GMR.

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 27 2009, 09:47 AM

Who are?

Posted by: Iommi Jul 27 2009, 10:41 AM

Er... the 'powers that be'!

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 27 2009, 10:51 AM

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.

Posted by: Darren Jul 27 2009, 10:59 AM

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.

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 11:30 AM

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.

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 11:31 AM

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.

Posted by: Chesapeake Jul 27 2009, 11:50 AM

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?

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 27 2009, 12:46 PM

Very well said.

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 27 2009, 12:49 PM

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.

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 01:21 PM

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

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 01:22 PM

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

Posted by: Iommi Jul 27 2009, 02:32 PM

Nothing's been done yet.

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 02:52 PM

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

Posted by: Strafin Jul 27 2009, 03:10 PM

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".

Posted by: Andrea Jul 27 2009, 03:18 PM

I have worked at the council and I agree entirely with you. I'm glad I left when I did, I didn't realise how unhappy I was working there until after I left.

Everything at the council is in black and white, there are no grey areas. You're expected to follow a certain process, no exception.

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 03:20 PM

I must admit that is a good reply; an observer.

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 03:25 PM

That is my experience, but to be fair on Chesapeake's husband he might not be somebody who has to confront the public - he might be holed away out of harms way - thus retaining his integrity in-tacked. For some reason upon joining our illustrious council they lose that bit of humanity that is so much needed in other walks of life; actually it is needed in the council, but they must have skipped that part

Posted by: Andrea Jul 27 2009, 03:29 PM

I didn't work with the public either. The people who did work with the public were way worse than I was! Those I spoke to didn't have a nice thing to say about the council

Posted by: spartacus Jul 27 2009, 05:32 PM

Well if we’re going to make large sweeping statements of a general nature and tar all council workers with the same lazy, arrogant and ineffectual brush, let’s also consider the definition of a ‘‘Sweeping Statement’.........

“A statement presented as a general truth but based on limited or incomplete evidence.”

Councils eh? Large organisations they are........ WBC is one of the small ones but still employs several thousand people in our area.

But are ALL council employees thick automatons?

And are ALL employees in the private sector overloaded with good manners, super-intelligence and an ability to act without following ‘Company Rules’?

Really?!!

Teachers are employed by the Council..... ‘Thick’ or ‘not thick’?

Council solicitors......’Thick or ‘not thick’?

Highways engineers..... ‘Thick’ or ‘not thick’?

(I could go no............ )

Doubtless strafin and GMR have ‘Employee of the Year’ certificates pinned on their office walls, alongside their degree certificates and their gold ‘Customer Service’ medals (was it gold stars you got in McDs strafin?? Perhaps you get the rude and ineffective treatment because you treat them rudely? Maybe just a little bit?)

I don’t think EVERY Council worker just spends their day leaning on a broom and watching others work (though some probably get away with it )

But I’m also sure that the same sort of daft ‘sweeping statement’ could be made about the police, squaddies, ‘teenagers’ or ‘people from an ethnic background’.... It’s just rubbish.

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 06:13 PM

They are not alone

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 06:19 PM

A sweeping statement can be pointed anywhere but in this instance we are talking about council employees and not other trades connected to them; i.e. teachers etc.

Secondly I am never rude to anybody; when I visit any official I am always polite, but it never gets me anywhere.

I know you were pointing the finger at a few but I did say that a lot of what I said was tongue-in-cheek.

I suppose if you didn't reply in the way you have - and very politely, I must say - we wouldn't have a debate... so keep up the good work my friend. At the end of the day it is all about debate

Posted by: Strafin Jul 27 2009, 06:48 PM

And I didn't say anyone was thick, just rude and ineffective. And I did follow the rules of the sweeping statement, and made it clear that it was based solely on my personal experience and nothing else. I have been commended and do have awards directly related to my empathatic nature and ability to remain reasoned and calm when dealing with people. I have not experienced anyting like the rudeness (and it is rudeness and not my interpretation), anywhere other than WBC. Teachers and other external workers (who are not employed by the council, just get their wages from their fund) are not included in my statement as you suggest.

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 27 2009, 06:55 PM

Right, here comes the bombshell.



I work for WBC!

Posted by: Iommi Jul 27 2009, 07:01 PM

That explains a lot!

Posted by: spartacus Jul 27 2009, 07:45 PM

Noooooooooo! Gah! You’re ‘one of them’!! A useless automaton! Grouped with the traffic Mafioso which are so despised in this town.........

Good God man! ‘Outing’ yourself to the Great & Good of the Newbury forum!! You’ll be ostracised and sent to Coventry (where I understand they also have a bollard problem and a local forum which debates on the intelligence level of their local government untermensch.......)

From now on your posts will be subjected to an intelligence sweep and discounted as the ramblings of the lower order council swine.

And yes, it wasn’t strafin who claimed that council staff were thick..... it was tommi
“Where are ye tommi?! Get yer fists up......”
“Bill1? ATTACK!!”

BTW......... my stuff’s all tongue in cheek with a large dose of nonsense thrown in for good measure too.......

But curious that teachers and the like have been excluded from the group of sub-humans that form ‘Council employees’. Why? Do you just include binmen as Council employees. (which they’re not.....)

Or is it the guys that fill in potholes and sit in their cabs all day by the side of some traffic lights doing fek all that are council staff (which (again) they’re not)

Just curious about which employees get on your man jugs......

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 07:52 PM

Don't worry Bill we won't hold it against you. We won't have any prejudices where board members are concerned.....

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 07:56 PM

Just a small point; it is not Tommi with a T but Iommi; taken from Toni Iommi the great Black Sabbath guitarist. Unless we've actually got Toni Iommi on here. Maybe he could give us a song to prove it one way or the other

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 07:57 PM

Good; at least I am not alone

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 27 2009, 08:05 PM

So now you know.

This automaton has a mind of his own, just like all the people in my department.

And no I'm not telling what that is.

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 27 2009, 08:08 PM

Oi!

Traffic Mafioso is my line. See the start of this thread.

Just copying other peoples ideas is a sign of an automaton!

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 08:25 PM

You are not borg are you? I watched them take over Voyager Star Trek and they can be pretty ruthless... and they are part of a collective; just like the council Can you see where I am going and the similarities:lol:

Posted by: JeffG Jul 27 2009, 08:29 PM

Let me guess... Parking Enforcement? Bollard Repair Unit?

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 27 2009, 08:33 PM

PEEESSSSSSH!

Posted by: Strafin Jul 27 2009, 08:34 PM

Bill, think it is quite big of you to admit you're a council employee on this forum, especially on this thread. Everyone else, a council employee, I consider to be someone who is employed directly by WBC and recieves their wages directly from them. Anyone working for Veolia, a school, or ISS landscaping or any other "contractor" is not a WBC employee.

Posted by: Iommi Jul 27 2009, 08:37 PM

I agree, we shouldn't exclude any, teachers, bin men, the lot of 'em... dumasses!

In truth, the people that some people here like to hate are ones that plug into the market street office every work day.

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 27 2009, 08:37 PM

Strafin.


It is my thread!

Posted by: spartacus Jul 27 2009, 08:48 PM

Computah says no............

Posted by: spartacus Jul 27 2009, 09:06 PM

I have been assimilated......

(wibble...)

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 09:10 PM

specialised drain cleaner?

Posted by: Strafin Jul 27 2009, 09:26 PM

I meant for "coming out" after all the negative comments, and knowing there would probably be more.

Posted by: GMR Jul 27 2009, 09:33 PM

Are you telling us that Bill has "Come out"?

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 27 2009, 10:44 PM

As a rule I tend to treat people as individuals and not tar everyone from a certain category with the same brush.

Just because I thought one individual was a bit uncooperative in this instance does not mean that it's everybody from WBCs fault.

In fact he couldn't have just said "Yeah go on park there then' without having authorisation. I am attempting to make changes to ensure this doesn't happen in the future and more people can get to events in town if they wish without such problems. I am also going to ask why Bayer only allows their staff car park to be used for free on Saturdays and not Sundays too.

Posted by: Iommi Jul 27 2009, 11:03 PM

Hmm, I'm not sure they could cope with all this in one go! Indeed, you might want to ask the NRA why most of the shops in Newbury close on a Sunday!

Posted by: Bloggo Jul 28 2009, 07:59 AM

Does that mean that I as a tax payer are paying for you to spend your time contributing to this forum instead of working on my behalf????

Posted by: Hugh Saskin Jul 28 2009, 08:33 AM

Maybe a better way of looking at is as an exercise in community relations?

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Jul 28 2009, 08:35 AM

That explains why you have so much spare time to post on this board! One of the biggest contributors sitting at the WBC offices on-line with no work to do!!!!

Posted by: Chesapeake Jul 28 2009, 08:39 AM

OMG I cannot believe that somebody used that old worn out comment. Don't forget that council workers, police etc are also Tax Payers and therefore along your line of arguement Bill1 is using his tax contribution to pay for his time on this forum!

Posted by: Chesapeake Jul 28 2009, 08:44 AM

I cannot believe that I missed the debate that was happening on here last night. I was busy with family and home and did not get a chancce to say anything til now and I have quite alot to say if you will give me a little time to formulate my responses. My husband by the way was not amused with what he saw.

I also need to try and work out how to respond to several posts and include their quotes in my one post (hope that makes sense). Any help anyone?

Posted by: JeffG Jul 28 2009, 08:44 AM

I was wondering what the National Rifle Association had to do with this, then I realised you've invented a new meaning for the acronym

You might remember there was a time when no shops at all were open on a Sunday. I'm not sure if the change is a good thing or a bad thing.

Perhaps the shop workers like to have a day off, too.

Posted by: Andrea Jul 28 2009, 08:48 AM

Hi Chesapeake, it's easy, just click on the quote button on each post you want to quote then press 'addreply' at the bottom of the thread. This will bring up all the quotes you selected and you can delete any bit that you don't want to respond to in a certain post..

Good luck

Posted by: Bloggo Jul 28 2009, 08:51 AM

No, Bill1 is using the time that he should be working on Council business that we the tax payer are charged for to contribute in no small way to this forum.
This is an example of the way that Council staff are allowed to waste yours and my money by not being managed properly.
I guess we can feel comforted that he is at his desk at least and not swanning around M&S or the Coffee shops as many do exercising their "flexitime" benefit.
You may think it's fine for the Council to be wasting your money but mine is hard earned and I object.

Posted by: Strafin Jul 28 2009, 09:07 AM

I agree with Bloggo, but to be fair we don't know Bill's exact position, or his working hours. He could even be on a week off for all we know and writing from home.

Posted by: Chesapeake Jul 28 2009, 09:07 AM

Thanks Andrea

Posted by: Bloggo Jul 28 2009, 09:13 AM

Well, you could be right but lets ask chesapeake to ask her Hubby if in his opinion there are a lot of wasters at the Council who seem to get away with it!

Posted by: Bloggo Jul 28 2009, 09:23 AM

Hey Strafin you're right, we should ask Bill1 to explain why he has so much spare time instead of jumping to conclusions.

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 09:31 AM

It could be possible, and not out of the realms of fantasy, that the majority on here are from the council; maybe their hopes, plans, inspirations and aspirations are to assimilate us into the collective? Only a thought, but thoughts do come true occasionally

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Jul 28 2009, 09:35 AM

416 posts from Bill1 since he joined on the 13th May. Thats a lot of posting. Still I expect he did all his posting whne on flexitime.

Posted by: Bloggo Jul 28 2009, 09:39 AM

You know, I had the same thought. Wouldn't that be ineresting.
Anyone else want to "own up".

Posted by: Bloggo Jul 28 2009, 09:40 AM

You reckon!

Posted by: Andrea Jul 28 2009, 09:44 AM

Ex-council employee thankfully. But I will admit that I moved onto another 'evil' - Vodafone (which I really do enjoy!)

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 09:48 AM

Strafin; there is a slight flaw in your logic about holidays. Bill is the second highest poster on here and on the forums most days so unless he is permanently on holiday or that he is replying from work then I doubt that he is off for a week or two.

Knowing a few council office workers and the facilities they have at their disposal I’ve got to go for writing while at his terminal while at work.

If that scenario is true I just want to point out that I am not criticising Bill for this; if I was in his position I would do the same. After all that is what I would have thought the reasons why I was employed by the council; community liaison person/ officer. He is liaising with us to eventually assimilate us into his/ their thought pattern.

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 09:50 AM

I replied before I saw this; great minds and all that

Posted by: Andrea Jul 28 2009, 09:51 AM

I know that all internet usage in the council is monitored and managers are given a report of their staffs usage. It's then up to the manager to speak to the staff member in regards to their usage. (this was the case when i was there, not sure if things have changed in a the last couple of years!) But to be honest, I bet Bill is one of the lesser offenders when thinking about all the young people who work their and have access to facebook, hotmail, myspace, etc!

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 09:53 AM

He might actually be one of the managers who controls computer usage.

Posted by: Bloggo Jul 28 2009, 10:00 AM

Yep, he could be!

Posted by: Chesapeake Jul 28 2009, 10:01 AM

Unfortunately for you Strafin I am very much in a position to judge my husband in a professional capacity. We met at work in the call centre for a large multi-national company. My husband's abilities to deal calmly, professionally and effectively (for the customer as well as the company) meant that he was very quickly promoted. I headed the Training and Development department! He has qualifications in Customer Service and is now fully qualified as a Trainer to train in many different areas that include "Effective Customer Service" and "Dealing with DIFFICULT People". And he DOES practice what he preaches.



Your comment is quite correct Andrea. The majority of council workers have to work within very strict legal perameters which means there is very little scope for manoeuvrability. The law is the law and if there are any grey areas they become case-law and then consequently points of law. Council workers are in general not automatons but there is only so many times you can quote the same rulles and regulations to people, no matter how often they ask the same basic questions, before you begin to sound like a parrot. They have to follow rules and so in general they are not being unhelpfull of 'jobsworths' they are just unable, because of the laws controlling them, to be flexible. If they do it for one they then set a precedent and have to do it for everyone.




My husbands job does bring him into contact with the public at times but the employees based at WBC also see 1st hand a LOT of the less desirable Newbury residents. Council workers, male and female, have been verbally and physically attacked and injured by members of the public and they are often thrown that dreadful quote "I pay your wages". There is absolutely no reason to assault somebody verbally or physically for just doing their job within the restrictive peramenters that are set for them. The majority of people that my husband works with try their hardest to solve whatever problems that are brought to them but it is not always possible. No system and no person is perfect. Not even my husband (but don't tell him)!



I think that I have covered some of this in my above comments but I must quote a Buddhist life philosophy of CAUSE AND EFFECT. Smile at someone and they will smile back, be nice to someone and they will be nice back, be aggressive towards someone and they will be deffensively aggressive back.

Love you all and am smiling at you all.

Posted by: Bloggo Jul 28 2009, 10:02 AM

I bet Bill1 hopes you're wromg otherwise he is in for an embarassing interview.

Posted by: Bloggo Jul 28 2009, 10:04 AM

Best of luck as VF can be a tough place to work.

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 10:51 AM

I agree, but the truth is people have a go at the first person they can get their hands on, as the true culprit, people higher up, are always unavailable. I’ve been a manger where what you’ve described has happened to me. My daughter worked as an assistant manager at Woolworth and she has been assaulted and abused.

If you look at some of the comments on here you will see that they’ve tried to engage with the council and have got no joy. So it is not surprising people verbally abuse them (and I am not saying it is right). I phoned up the council about cycle racks and I got apathy and when I said, “when will it be done... will it be done in the next 20 years?” the response I got back was “we'll, try.” People get so frustrated with bureaucracy that they feel the only option they’ve got is verbally attack.


Places like the council should try listening to people and actually helping instead of following their employers rules like automatons. They are speaking to people who have real issues and conerns.

By the way; keep up the good work, at least you are creating a good debate.

Posted by: Gumbo Jul 28 2009, 11:04 AM

Over 400 posts in a little over two months, keep up the good work Bill1

Posted by: Andrea Jul 28 2009, 11:08 AM

I'm actually interested to know what GMR does 854 posts so far!

Posted by: Strafin Jul 28 2009, 11:11 AM

Chesapeake, I stand corrected then - we are all wrong. Pleased to see that you have the same WBC attitude that no complaint is valid and we should all put up with be given no answers to our questions, no admissions of any mistakes, and certainly no sense of anything changing for the better. Perhaps if so many complaints are being made, and people are being verbally abused, and even attacked, then something is wrong at the councils end? I don't think you can judge your husband at work if you don't work with him and you don't! I know you are going to stick up for him and that's quite right, and I am sure he is hardworking, and commited. However, based on my experiences, and what I seem to hear from everybody else the service offered by councils employees isn't just bad, it's offensive, so how effective is the training being given? It seems to me that they all have their noses so far in the trough, they are unable to look around and see what's happening in the real world around them. And for the record, we do pay the wages so we have every right to complain.

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 11:15 AM

I knew that would come up; I work from home a lot of the time.

PS i should have said that I work for the council, that would have been more understandable

Posted by: Chesapeake Jul 28 2009, 11:16 AM

So, we've all been looking at each others profiles for Post Numbers. What a sad life we lead

Bloggo - 82

Tall Dark and Handsome (is he really?) - 116

Andrea - 102

Hugh Saskin - 126

Jeff G - 158

Stafin - 90

Are you all supposed to be working?


Love and good thoughts to you all

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 11:18 AM

Obviously these names you've mentioned don't work for the council otherwise they would have a lot more posts

Posted by: Chesapeake Jul 28 2009, 11:20 AM

Oooooooh. Steady. Who took the jam out of your doughnut?

With that attitude I wouldn't want to deal with you either.

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 11:21 AM

Posted by: Strafin Jul 28 2009, 11:31 AM

Why enter into the debate then? You see this is the point, there is a genuine complaint, you joined the conversation to say that actually the council workers are all excellent, and then with no evidence of reasoned points to back this up, say that my attitude is the reason for your non contribution? Nothing personal, I hope you don't take it personally anyway, but I will continue to stand by my sweeping statement. I would like to make one addition though, that when I meet or deal with anyone on an individual, they start with a clean slate, no matter what anyone else may have done before them. We are all individuals after all.

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 11:35 AM

Unless you work for the council; then you are part of the collective

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 28 2009, 11:36 AM

Quite!

Good afternoon all. I simply don't have time to read all the bull and spiteful drivel some of you seem to have had plenty of time to write whilst I have been working. (On a 15 minute break at present ok?).

The reason I started this thread was to show that there was a parking problem on Sunday which I , as a member of the public, might be able to help with.

Can't be arsed now.

Oh and by the way GMR sent me a PM a week or so ago begging me to get back on here as I had not posted for a few days (still have it and my response etc in my message box).

Posted by: Gumbo Jul 28 2009, 11:41 AM

If you haven't read them how do you know there has been bull and spiteful drivel written?

Posted by: Strafin Jul 28 2009, 11:42 AM

Oh well never mind, we'll all continue to go to other towns to spend our money then.

Posted by: JeffG Jul 28 2009, 11:43 AM

Not me - I've done my bit.

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 11:58 AM

A lot of what has been said has been humorous so there was no reason to get uppity.

I wouldn't use the word "begging" however, I did say that you were missed because at that particular time it was quiet and needed some input; being as you were a very prolific poster I thought you were the right choice to contact. If I was wrong I apologise.

Posted by: Chesapeake Jul 28 2009, 12:00 PM

I sincerely hope that I haven't hurt your feelings? I never said that ALL council workers are excellent I just said that they should not ALL be tarred with a negative brush as "We are all individuals after all". I am sure that at nearly every place of work in the world there are workers AND shirkers and I am also sure that this is the case with WBC as I see no reason why it should be any different. My comment of "With that attitude I wouldn't want to deal with you either" was meant as if I worked at WBC and you turned up with that attitude. Not on here as I am thoroughly enjoying the debates.

I really thought (maybe a little naively) that this forum was all about light-hearted debate on local issues that are a problem for the local people. I did not intend for any of my posts to be taken to heart and injure peoples feelings in any way.

I do think however, that Bill1 must be feeling a little victimised at the moment and I think that it is very unfair and appologies should be sent to him. He seems to be a great addition to this site and what he started innocently has ended up backfiring on him. That's not fair.

I should imagine that Bill1 is one of those people that is able to manage his time and commitments so well that he is able to add additional value with his input over and above those of his cohorts.

Posted by: Bloggo Jul 28 2009, 12:02 PM

Seems to me that not only have you had time to read all of the posts but you have a great deal of time to contribute to them over the past weeks.
It's a pity that you don't do it in your time and not your employers.
Just my opinion

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 12:04 PM

I don't think anybody was bad towards Bill or anybody else. A lot what was said was tongue-in-cheek and I don't think anybody was nasty.

I am sure that Bill - whatever he is doing - is managing to write and work with great efficiency, as one would expect from a council employee I say that good humorously as well.

Posted by: Bloggo Jul 28 2009, 12:09 PM

I should imagine that Bill1 is one of those people that is able to manage his time and commitments so well that he is able to add additional value with his input over and above those of his cohorts.
[/quote]

My point is that he is getting paid from mine and your contributions of Council Tax or Government tax to work seven and a half hours a day. If he and others at the Council can do their jobs in less time then they should do so and the tax payer benefit from less tax burden.
That seems fair to me or am I wrong!

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 28 2009, 02:08 PM

On second break of the day now (just after 3pm).

I said I hadn't read them all.

I also said that some were bull and spiteful drivel.

Anyway I dont have to justify myself to any of you as I know that I am a hard working, honest, family man.

Posted by: Chesapeake Jul 28 2009, 02:12 PM

Good for you Bill1.

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 28 2009, 02:13 PM

What you people having a go dont realise is that it is all very depressing to keep having generalisations and critical assumptions made against you when in fact you are trying to find solutions to problems.

Also I am sure I am not the only Council employee on here and as someone suggested earlier it could get me into trouble, despite the fact that I know that I never use this forum at the taxpayers (who include me) cost.

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 28 2009, 02:17 PM

Aaaagh!

I do do it in my own time.


It's called breaks, before work and after work.

Come on Bloggo stop jumping to conclusions.

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 28 2009, 02:20 PM

Not again!

I do work 7 and a half hours a day. This is only my 2nd break all day (had that 15 minute one for a coffee and a look on here earlier) and I'm not really enjoying it to be honest.

Posted by: JeffG Jul 28 2009, 02:22 PM

Bill, just to say I'm appalled at some of the petty sniping on here. We don't all have those views, in case you're feeling put upon.

Let's lighten up, folks.

Posted by: Strafin Jul 28 2009, 02:27 PM

Just to make the point, I'm not offended, mre worried that I might offend someone else. This thread is quite lively, and I have made my contribution so will be a bit quieter for now at least. I would like to add that I do feel this has been a quality debate rather than too much mudslinging, and has raised interesting points on all sides. Love you all.

Posted by: Iommi Jul 28 2009, 02:39 PM

Forums are unforgiving, forget 'em. Everyone must realise that we are all impeccable and that it is the others that are struggling to keep up.

And they think they got it bad in Afghanistan!

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 02:40 PM

I agree that we should lighten up.

I think we've got some interesting views and peoples concerns out of this debate. It is just a pity that the people at the top of the food chain don't take more notice of peoples anger towards them and their policies instead of letting their staff take all the flake.

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 02:41 PM

Good point

Posted by: Bloggo Jul 28 2009, 02:46 PM

Yep, me too. I've had my say and now I'm done.
Got a game of Solitaire to finish.

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 28 2009, 04:59 PM

Right.

Finished work for the day now.

Time to take my son to his football practice.

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 06:25 PM

You are working a bit late Billy... I hope the pay you overtime? Dedication is one thing, but you don't want them taking advantage of you. I've been in companies like that.

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 28 2009, 07:09 PM

No it's simple.

If I work longer I can take flexitime or have more than an hour break should I want to do other things (like go on here during the day occasionally).

Posted by: Hugh Saskin Jul 28 2009, 07:14 PM

Take no notice of the 'wind-up' (as in clockwork) merchants,Bill, you are a decent bloke and keep going as you are

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 28 2009, 07:56 PM

Thanks Hugh.

I've got so much happening in my life at the moment it is unbelievable so today has been tough!

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 08:13 PM

A lot of companies are doing that - flexitime - which I think is a good idea.

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 08:14 PM

If you've got a lot going then take care. I know what it is like to be in a stressful position.

Posted by: spartacus Jul 28 2009, 09:11 PM

Seems to me that Bill1 has been got at unfairly ...in particular by Bloggo with a few sharps digs below the belt. For all we know our e-mate Bloggo could be some spotty teenager sat in his room fiddling with himself, no job, claiming the dole but wingeing about 'wasting tax-payers money'. What's the problem with someone going online for a few minutes at work? As long as you don't take the proverbial.

I have quite a few colleagues who seem to disappear every 10 minutes for a 10 minute fag break! (It takes longer now because they have to walk away from the buildings and out of sight to the 'designated area') As a non-smoker I don't see the problem in having a 'web-break'.... It's healthier AND you can still answer the phone!!



Well for those who think that the management at the Council is wasteful of money contibuted to keep the machine going (Council tax-payers money... or in the case of VF, monthly bills) what do you make of the appalling ways that companies such as Vodafone squeeze their customers dry (often kids...) and lavish the perks on their staff! Do they need to charge so much? Do the staff REALLY need to have summer balls costing mega-millions? If the sum total of a so-called Council 'perk' is a car parking space then good luck to them.... VF staff (and other companies in the private sector) have so many perks they don't even see them as 'perks'. Just part of the job. But it's people with the phone contracts that end up paying for all the freebies.......

And have you had to phone up their so-called 'Help Line'? They could do with taking some tips from the Council.... (Now THAT's the ultimate insult)

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 10:28 PM

Most helplines are not that helpful or they are constantly engaged.

Posted by: blackdog Jul 28 2009, 11:07 PM

Seems to me that most (all) the criticisms of Bill1 posting during working hours have been posted during working hours ...

Ironically Bill's post that started it off was posted at 7.55pm

Posted by: GMR Jul 28 2009, 11:23 PM

Bill was probably at home at 7.55pm.

Posted by: Andrea Jul 29 2009, 07:35 AM

VF giving their employees perks and the council giving their employees perks are two completely different things. Although both companies get their money from the public, VF users have a choice (They could easily go to O2, orange, t-mobile, etc.) whereas the council, you can't choose which council you pay your taxes to.

And just to make it clear, VF no longer hold the Vodafone Ball or whatever it was called. The only perk VF employees really get now is green travel and cheaper (not cheap, but cheaper) monthly tariffs

Technically I'm not a VF employee I suppose as I'm a contractor so I don't get any of the perks (minus the free bus). But I'm quite happy with what I pay per month for my phone. £12.50 per month for 300 (maybe 200 can't remember) minutes and 1000 texts. That's plenty for me and I don't think I'd get that anywhere else. Not to mention VF coverage is definitely at the top along with orange and o2.

Posted by: Bloggo Jul 29 2009, 07:53 AM

[quote name='spartacus' date='Jul 28 2009, 10:11 PM' post='3918']



Seems to me that Bill1 has been got at unfairly ...in particular by Bloggo with a few sharps digs below the belt. For all we know our e-mate Bloggo could be some spotty teenager sat in his room fiddling with himself, no job, claiming the dole but wingeing about 'wasting tax-payers money'.

I added my contribution to this thread in a direct and polite manner and made my point of which I am entitled to do as we all are. I did not resort to, and hope I am articulate enough not to have make insulting remarks as yours above.

Posted by: JeffG Jul 29 2009, 04:47 PM

Andrea, are you "Jill Public", or is that a special deal you get being a contractor? Because I am still on the old Vodafone 20 tariff (20 free mins and no texts) and pay more than that. Methinks a call to 191 is in order...

Posted by: GMR Jul 29 2009, 06:30 PM

I went with my daughter to get a phone contract - as her old one has just run out - and she haggled so that she got a very good deal. it seems you just don't go in and accept what is on offer. I've still got my old pay-as-you-go

Posted by: spartacus Jul 29 2009, 06:53 PM

hmmm.... yes but quite a few 'assumptions' being made in your polite posts weren't there? 'Not being managed properly','It's a pity that you don't do it in your time and not your employers' When all Bill said was he works for the council and everyone assumed he was posting while he worked....

Anyway......at least you didn't spit your dummy out so hard it hit it smashed your monitor, which probably proves you're not a spotty teenager....

Posted by: spartacus Jul 29 2009, 09:20 PM

You've proved my point...... The only 'perk' you see is the free travel, when in fact you get a fantastic working environment, recording studio, subsidised staff restaurant, gym, shop etc etc etc.... "But that just comes with the job"

Posted by: JeffG Jul 29 2009, 09:24 PM

Sounds like the sort of environment a good employer provides for its staff. Nothing wrong with that.

Posted by: Hugh Saskin Jul 29 2009, 09:54 PM

As long as they decide to remain in Newbury, that is. Take it while ye may

Posted by: spartacus Jul 29 2009, 09:57 PM

But hardly compares to the 'perk' of a parking space for council staff which is often dragged up and complained about. I don't even think they get parking spaces anyway do they?

Anyway...Is that the time?

Posted by: Andrea Jul 30 2009, 07:15 AM

Contractors don't get deals for tariffs. That's just me being a normal member of the public. The reason being is I had an 18 month contract for £25 and my 18 months was up. Instead of renewing my contract and getting a new phone, I purchased a £30 pay as you talk phone and told them I didn't want to renew. Because of this they were able to half my tariff and my tariff can be cancelled at any time.

People just don't know that you can do that I suppose. I didn't know until they called me up about it!

Posted by: Andrea Jul 30 2009, 07:17 AM

What it doesn't say in there is that VF staff actually get charged for the use of that stuff. So although it's convenient, it's not exactly a perk like free parking for council staff.

And you missed my point. The reason why council staff parking is so controversial is because the tax payer are FORCED to fund it.

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 30 2009, 09:57 AM

Hello.

Just having a quick break.

Isn't it amazing where a thread about parking problems in the Wharf on Sunday afternoon can end up.....

Posted by: GMR Jul 30 2009, 10:06 AM

I know some won't agree; but I think that is the nature of the beast. I also don't think there is anything wrong with it. People can still carry on with the original topic if they want.

Good Morning Billy, I hope all is well?

Posted by: Strafin Jul 30 2009, 02:57 PM

I agree with your point, but I bet you don't pay full whack for the gym, the restaurant and all the other things do you? Therefore it is still a perk. And VF customers are forced to pay for it through extortionate bills (and VF have been done for price fixing - twice), and you can't just go elsewhere because you're on a contract.

Posted by: GMR Jul 31 2009, 09:18 AM

To be honest there is still a lot of free parking around Newbury Town if you are prepared to look.