Greenham's Banana Council Options

[Andy Capp]

Anyone read the header in the Newbury this week? I think Greenham would be better off without a council!

Damning report into handling of Control Tower project

[Exhausted]

I'm quite pleased I don't reside in the Greenham parish, it was a nice idea, but it was obvious from the beginning that it would end in tears. The leadership was faulty, the idea that a café would cover the running costs was faulty, the way the money was used was faulty and outside influences, **** bent on disrupting the project (BBOWT) along with planning screw-ups (WBC) were perhaps the last straw. We mustn't also forget that somewhere along the line a survey and engineering cost analysis might have been carried out or was this overlooked. Something that is standard when buying any property.

If I was the responsible councillor, I might want to fade into the background but it seems that the personal, Trump like belief in his popularity, knows no bounds. What I find disturbing is that being voted off the tower committee, he is now able to poke his nose in and also get a vote on any further decisions by the working party. This because he is now leader of the parish council. Have these parish councillors got their heads up their respective backsides when only one councillor it seems, has the sense to get out before more problems erupt.

Just as a matter of interest, if nobody voted for any parish councillors when the next election takes place, would that mean that the parish council would have to be disbanded. That way, the debt racked up by the council would go where I wonder. Perhaps that would be the path the residents could take if it relieves them of what will be hiked up Greenham precept. A carefully worded letter to every resident asking them not to vote.

[blackdog]

Just as a matter of interest, if nobody voted for any parish councillors when the next election takes place, would that mean that the parish council would have to be disbanded. That way, the debt racked up by the council would go where I wonder. Perhaps that would be the path the residents could take if it relieves them of what will be hiked up Greenham precept. A carefully worded letter to every resident asking them not to vote.

You'd never get no one to vote. And didn't they announce that the precept wasn't going up.

[Exhausted]

You'd never get no one to vote. And didn't they announce that the precept wasn't going up.

Well I thought the former was optimistic but as far as increasing the precept, that will have to bite later if not sooner. There could be a lot of cash having to be repaid.

[blackdog]

Well I thought the former was optimistic but as far as increasing the precept, that will have to bite later if not sooner. There could be a lot of cash having to be repaid.

If they wait for a few years there will be 3,000+ more homes paying the precept - a big increase in income without raising the precept.

[Simon Kirby]

If they wait for a few years there will be 3,000+ more homes paying the precept - a big increase in income without raising the precept.

Though they might then have to start providing some actual public services rather than just milking the proles for vanity projects so the precept will go up soon enough. Dipping into reserves to mask the present embarrassment is pretty shabby.

[On the edge]

Though they might then have to start providing some actual public services rather than just milking the proles for vanity projects so the precept will go up soon enough. Dipping into reserves to mask the present embarrassment is pretty shabby.

At least the myth that parish councils aren't political is now totally shattered. The elimination reserves to preserve even 'nice to have' projects must be LibDem policy So, then, no reason at all for any Library cuts, why aren't the LibDims screaming at WBC to empty their reserves?

.....and why isn't the District Auditor taking much more of an interest. Yet another expensive dead watchdog.

[blackdog]

At least the myth that parish councils aren't political is now totally shattered. The elimination reserves to preserve even 'nice to have' projects must be LibDem policy So, then, no reason at all for any Library cuts, why aren't the LibDims screaming at WBC to empty their reserves?

.....and why isn't the District Auditor taking much more of an interest. Yet another expensive dead watchdog.

The elimination of reserves and disosal of assets seems to be all part of the Govt's austerity process. Personally I think WBC should be using reserves and, if possible, borrowing, to fill the temporary gap in funding.

[Simon Kirby]

The elimination of reserves and disosal of assets seems to be all part of the Govt's austerity process. Personally I think WBC should be using reserves and, if possible, borrowing, to fill the temporary gap in funding.

I agree. The Tories are using the situation to reduce expectation on public services so what we lose now we will never see again.

Don't worry though, there are no cuts at the Town Council, so while we might lose respite care for disabled children, adult mental health services, school transport, and a library service, we'll always have those essentials like a fur-robed ceremonial mayor.

[On the edge]

I agree. The Tories are using the situation to reduce expectation on public services so what we lose now we will never see again.

Don't worry though, there are no cuts at the Town Council, so while we might lose respite care for disabled children, adult mental health services, school transport, and a library service, we'll always have those essentials like a fur-robed ceremonial mayor.

Yes and a lovely new cafe in Victoria Park, who needs stuffy libraries in the suburbs anyway?

[Cognosco]

Yes and a lovely new cafe in Victoria Park, who needs stuffy libraries in the suburbs anyway?

Don't forget the nice new splash pad and it's bacteria filled water! That may be used by the homeless etc for having a thorough wash! See care in the community is what our ermine robed council are about. Don't know why everyone keeps mocking them? We are spreading false news no doubt sad!

[dannyboy]

Don't forget the nice new splash pad and it's bacteria filled water! That may be used by the homeless etc for having a thorough wash! See care in the community is what our ermine robed council are about. Don't know why everyone keeps mocking them? We are spreading false news no doubt sad!

What a lovely post.

You must be a really nice person.

[Cognosco]

What a lovely post.

You must be a really nice person.

Oh I do despair! You once stated you were not associated with any of our local authorities but by your reply it shows the complete lack of understanding of irony so superbly suitable me thinks!

[dannyboy]

Oh I do despair! You once stated you were not associated with any of our local authorities but by your reply it shows the complete lack of understanding of irony so superbly suitable me thinks!

hit a nerve eh?

[Cognosco]

hit a nerve eh?

Pah! I am confident you would be unable to get anywhere within a mile of my steel nerve ends with your paltry attempts! But your welcome to keep trying of course it does give me the odd moment of distraction from fighting the good fight!