Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: On the edge Nov 23 2016, 08:28 AM

Although this is no longer strictly Newbury it could reinforce a trend which will affect the town. Big question; can Greenham Parish really afford to create and run this project; particularly at a time when other long established public services are being cut or curtailed? Sure, it's a nice thing to have, but now?

Posted by: blackdog Nov 28 2016, 10:16 AM

Can they afford it? Of course they can - parish precepts are unconstrained, even with the proposed increase to pay for the project Greenham residents will still pay a far lower precept than Newbury. The question is should they afford it?

I don't see why not - the district council cuts should not be used as an excuse for parishes not to do things, if it is a nice thing to have why not have it?

Perhaps if they used it as a day care/respite centre a couple of days a week everyone would be happy?

Posted by: blackdog Nov 28 2016, 10:16 AM

Can they afford it? Of course they can - parish precepts are unconstrained, even with the proposed increase to pay for the project Greenham residents will still pay a far lower precept than Newbury. The question is should they afford it?

I don't see why not - the district council cuts should not be used as an excuse for parishes not to do things, if it is a nice thing to have why not have it?

Perhaps if they used it as a day care/respite centre a couple of days a week everyone would be happy?

Posted by: blackdog Nov 28 2016, 10:18 AM

I see the Conservatives are not putting up any candidates for the forthcoming by-election to Greenham PC - so it's Lib Dem v Labour. Have any of the candidates stated whether they are pro or anti the control tower project?

Posted by: On the edge Nov 28 2016, 05:38 PM

No problem with that; as you say, it would certainly have some uses; a library springs to mind. I've a friend in Greenham who says as the Parish Council thinks it has the competence, to take over pot hole repairs first. There is always one!

This also gives lie to the myth that local government is desperately short of money, clearly it isn't. The ripping out function from the main bureaucracy is really designed to achieve centralisation by stealth. Lets just hope that the Boundary Commission turns its attention to Parish level Councils. To make this work some of the larger ones need slimming down. No reason why Wash Common, Clay Hill etc shouldn't be enfranchised.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Nov 28 2016, 06:10 PM

How about a monorail?

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 28 2016, 06:14 PM

Or a discounted pub?

Posted by: On the edge Nov 28 2016, 06:49 PM

Shaw House ought to be transferred to the Parish Council; that doesn't even need a building project.

Posted by: user23 Nov 28 2016, 08:44 PM

It is only a matter of time before Newbury gets a monorail.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Nov 28 2016, 08:58 PM

A swift-half at the expense of the taxpayer?

Posted by: blackdog Nov 29 2016, 01:55 AM

Shaw has enough problems finding parish councillors now, add in the responsibiity of Shaw House and I doubt there would be a parish council.

Posted by: On the edge Nov 29 2016, 06:45 AM

Oh dear, outlook for voluntary libraries looking bleak then!

Posted by: blackdog Nov 29 2016, 11:53 AM

I'd guess that it is a lot easier to find volunteers for libraries than parish councillors.

Posted by: On the edge Nov 29 2016, 07:57 PM

Yes, you are probably quite right. From what I can make out, even the small rural parishes have problems. Little wonder then that their politicised bigger siblings are often serviced by double dippers. Isn't this, coupled with the apparent lack of any real formal oversight rather a problem? Public disinterest could lead to individuals following their own agendas which damages the credibility if not the integrity of local governance?

Posted by: blackdog Nov 30 2016, 02:29 PM

Shaw *** Donnington is a fairly small parish (pop about 1800) - it just happens to border Newbury, a fair chunk of which is often thought of as being in Shaw.

Posted by: On the edge Nov 30 2016, 07:17 PM

Quite so; therein lies the fundamental problem; which illustrates the logical reason for having a unitary council!