Blog

 

Date 31st August 2007

Wow the months are flying past before we now it Christmas will be here, talking of which I have already seen Christmas cards for sale in the shops. Of course I always believe that as soon as the illuminated carnival circuit begins (tomorrow at Seaton) that Christmas soon arrives as the carnival season carry's right through until the beginning of December. Our Tango Juvenile float isn't finished yet and wont be out until Axminster which is of course followed by our own procession here in Sidmouth. Anyway September blog starts tomorrow.  

Date 30th August 2007

Well Sidmouth Connaught Gardens have done it again by picking up one of the 538 Green Flag awards. This I believe is the fourth consecutive year that the gardens have retained this accolade and the Streetscene team who maintain and keep the gardens in tip top condition deserve a pat on the back. Winning awards like this one helps promote tourism here in Sidmouth. We now await the results of Britain in Bloom so green fingers crossed X

Date 29th August 2007

Today is the official opening of the revamped state of the art skateboard park at Manstone Recreation Ground. Skateboarding was originally seen to be just a passing fad but it is still going strong and is now an Extreme sport. The revamped park was made possible by £60k from East Devon, £9,500 from Sidmouth Town Council £6k from the Sidmouth Lions Club and £500 which I donated from my County Councillors Locality/Community fund. This facility will I'm sure be well used by the towns youngsters.

 Date 28th August 2007

Well that's the last of the Bank Holidays until Christmas and as per usual the news is full of representations being made to Gordon Brown to consider introducing a further Bank Holiday in either October or November. I believe that this would be ideally suited to fit in with the school half term holidays in October. An additional BH would have considerable benefits for the tourism industry and by and large the weather at the end of October is pretty good which is a bonus......so once again the gauntlet has been laid down lets see if GB will pick it up.

Date 27th August 2007

Summer has finally arrived and the forecast for the week ahead is wall to wall sunshine so slap on the sunbloc and enjoy yourselves. Now we all know its the silly season but surely the Lib Dems can't be serious when they say they will put road tax up to £2000 for 4x4 vehicles. This policy would have serious implications on those living in rural areas who depend on 4x4's. A vote loser if I ever heard one. 

 Date 26th August 2007

Gun culture in this country is getting out of control what is happening in and around Liverpool is frightening, I have certainly been stunned by the amount of pellet type guns and catapults that are on sale at markets and seaside gift shops not in Sidmouth I'm pleased to say. I was under the impression that these type of guns had been removed voluntarily from sale as they could well be mistaken for the real thing. The police have a hard time as it is without this and therefore it is surely up to the government to act and act swiftly in introducing legislation that will take these items off of general sale in shops and markets/boot sales once and for all.

Date 25th August 2007

I am receiving more and more complaints about boy racers in cars and on scooter type motor bikes on the Esplanade and now even travelling up one way streets in the opposite direction. The police are always appealing for descriptions of vehicles and registration numbers well thanks to one eagle eyed complainant the police will now be supplied with all these details and hopefully some action will be taken that will go towards stamping out this dangerous practice.  

Date 24th August 2007

Another spectacular cliff fall at Sidmouth surely highlights the case for consideration to be given to the coastal protection scheme in the area around what used to be Pennington Point (now looks like a cove) to prevent the eastern town of Sidmouth being flooded should there be a severe south easterly storm. 

Date 20th August 2007

There are many questions that need answering regarding the fire at the hotel in Newquay. Why were both Cornwall's Fire and Rescue Services Arial Appliances out of commission? Whilst I know that the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service own Arial Appliance attended, that actually took precious time to get to the scene of the fire. What would have happened if there were to have been a serious fire in either Devon or Somerset where this appliance were needed? Why were the fire escapes at the Newquay hotel made of wood? Surely this is something that needs addressing at the earliest opportunity in making sure that ALL wooden fire escapes are replaced at ALL hotels and I shall therefore be raising this issue at the next meeting of the Fire Authority.  THIS WILL BE THE LAST BLOG UNTIL FRIDAY AS THE WEBSITE IS BEING REVAMPED.

 Date 19th August 2007

Yet another local event suffered the effects of our beautiful summer weather yesterday. The Sid Valley Horticultural Society who this year celebrated their 79th year and who for the first time moved to Saturday were sure to have made less money than they had hoped for. Both Roger Giles and myself put some of our Community funding towards this event. Lets hope that they have made enough to survive and I look forward to their 80th Anniversary.

Date 18th August 2007

Tomb stoning has reared its ugly head once again and even here in Sidmouth youngsters have even been seen diving from the Alma Bridge into the river Sid now that is suicidal. There have been umpteen warnings given out at the risks involved and already this year there have been five fatalities to my knowledge around the country. We don't want this to happen here in Sidmouth or anywhere in East Devon and I do believe that a bye law should be introduced banning such activity. I would welcome your views and look forward to your emails.

Date 17th August 2007

And so how did you commemorate the 30th Anniversary since the kings death (ELVIS). First of all I did some reminiscing, in recalling the time when I first stood for the County Council in 1989 and actually nominated Elvis Presley as my election agent he was after all in Sidmouth having attended my wedding and was a witness along with David Sutch (best man) on the wedding certificate. I was taken back when East Devon's Returning Officer declared 'You can't have Elvis as your election agent'....'Why' I asked.........'Because he's dead' came the reply. Those were the days. Then the rescheduled Presidents Cup match between Sidmouth Town and Sidbury United and what a win for Sidbury 2-1 and it was a pleasure presenting the cup to Dickie Selddon the Sidbury Captain. This was in fact the 13th year of playing for this cup Sidbury have won it four times and Sidmouth nine.

Date 16th August 2007

Went to a very interesting meeting yesterday evening at East Devon regarding the Local Development Framework and how we would like to shape Sidmouth in the future (20 - 30 years). Those that remember when I first was elected to the District Council as a Raving Loony nearly 17 years ago may recall that I was pushing for a Park and Ride scheme for the town along with pedestrianisation and it was heartening to see and hear at the meeting from others who now share my vision. We also discussed in some great detail the issues of employment/industrial, further housing development at Stowford Rise along with the much needed Community Centre, waterborne transportation and climate change. I certainly look forward to some action being taken to deliver the vision.

 Date 15th August 2007

Looks as though Trading Standards and Consumer Direct are going to be busy with the Mattel Toys recalls. There is a recall list as long as my arm and that's pretty long and I am including a quick link so you can see if your children or grand children have any of the toys. I have found one in my sons toy box a Cars 'Sarge' which is supposed to have a high level of lead in the paint. What I can't find out is who the toys have to be returned to and how long will you have to wait for a replacement to arrive.
Well here's the link www.service.mattel.com/uk/recall/recall_info.asp 

Date 14th August 2007

I was delighted that members of the town council supported both my call for Alma Bridge to be listed and the suggestion to reduce the speed limit to 50mph on the A3052 between Trow Hill and Seaton Down Hill which I strongly believe will help reduce the number and severity of crashes on that stretch of road. The town council will also take over the campaign for listing of Alma Bridge. Today is the last chance to listen to what it was like 40 years ago in the heyday of the pirate radio stations. I've been well impressed and all the memories have flooded back listening to the likes of Johnnie Walker, Rosko on Pirate BBC Essex www.bbc.co.uk/essex/local_radio/    go on take a listen before its too late.

Date 13th August 2007

Well the football didn't happen yesterday and is now scheduled for this Thursday evening so fingers crossed. Its the town council meeting tonight and several items on the agenda of interest, two of which I have requested regarding the possible listing of Alma Bridge which is picking up momentum with the Sid Vale Association throwing their weight behind it and the issue of whether the A3052 between Trow Hill and Seaton Down Hill should have a 50mph speed limit on it. There have been three further crashes along this stretch of road since I made the initial call five weeks ago.

Date 12th August 2007

Its amazing just how quiet Sidmouth is following the exodus of the folkies anyway the football season has started and this afternoon at 3.00pm its the annual derby for the Presidents cup which I put up to encourage the local sides Sidbury United the holders will be taking on Sidmouth Town at Manstone recreation ground so lets hope the weather is fine and that there are plenty of spectators.

 Date 11th August 2007

The firework finale to Folk Week 07 was truly spectacular as was the sight and sound of hundreds of seagulls making their way out to sea following the initial rocket going off to signal the start of the display....its a pity that come tomorrow they will all be back creating a nuisance. As for the festival goers many will be heading home and others will be off to Dartmoor for their folk weekend. There can be no doubt the week has been good for local businesses and for the organisers the work now starts on folk week 08 and I wish them all well.

Date 10th August 2007

Wow its really a touch of deja vu 'Bringing on Back the Good Times' with Pirate Radio back on air and live from one of the pirate ships anchored off of Essex. I'm afraid that its one week only however you can tune in by connecting via following link  www.bbc.co.uk/essex/local_radio/  and listen to the likes of Rosko, Johnnie Walker, Ed Stewart, Tony Blackburn and many more DJ's from the pirate era. Do you remember my former late party leader Screaming Lord Sutch who had his own radio station Radio Sutch in one of the forts in the Thames estuary. It later became Radio City. Those were the good old days.....tune in and listen. The other strange coincidence yesterday was the sighting of a UFO somewhere over Primley,  now they also were huge in the late 60's around Warminster.......you never know Elvis may re-appear watch this space.

Date 9th August 2007

What it appears many Sidmouthians want is an additional bus stop at the Sidmouth Garden Centre. I have mentioned this to the powers that be in the past and I fully support such a move. All we can do now is to keep our fingers crossed that this can be achieved. This Folk Week must be one of the driest I can ever recall which has got to be good news for the organisers. I have certainly taken the opportunity to visit many venues and have been impressed with the programme of events. The Anchor Gardens has been excellent and so well done Tony Day.

Date 8th August 2007

And so the Esplanade railings are to be painted in a British racing green colour...well certainly an improvement on their present battleship grey colour, however I personally would have preferred black with gold highlights which would match the other Esplanade/street furniture bins, lights, finger posts etc. Charging for Road Closures rumbles on and now the police have been named as the instigators, well whoever is responsible it would have been appreciated by all concerned if a full and meaningful consultation was carried out first.

Date 7th August 2007

Now we know the silly season is here however we surely aren't as silly as some would wish us to be. The County are now denying that they will be taking in house the issue of road closures or a £160 fee to process them for events held on the highway, which up until now have been dealt with by the District Council's. Even I am aware that processions, Remembrance Day parades and the like don't require a road closure as they are covered under the Town Police Clauses Act and are known as 'rolling road closures'. It is the road closures that are required for street parties, line up areas for processions, music activities such as this weeks Folk Week where artistes appear in the likes of Market Place etc...they will require a road closure order which up until now HAS been issued by the District Council and will if it goes ahead will in future be dealt with by the County Council and a fee of £160 will be charged.

Date 6th August 2007

The Folk Week has got off to a great start with wall to wall sunshine. Yesterday the town, esplanade and beaches were packed and cars were parked everywhere. Went down to the Esplanade yesterday evening a caught a glimpse of Nick Stephen East Devon's Communications Officer playing with Street Heat and just to prove it here is the photo.
                      

Date 5th August 2007

Good news on the F & M front is that the source behind the outbreak has been identified to a laboratory based at Pirbright in Surrey and therefore fingers crossed this could hopefully be an isolated case, we certainly don't want a replay from 2001. Went to the opening ceremony for Folk Week 07 at the Ham Marquee proceeded by a reception at the Royal York and Faulkner Hotel. What I really want to know is has the law gone mad as part way into the performance a fire drill was carried out with everyone who had just parked their bums on their seats having to vacate the marquee. How on earth will they apply this law at Glastonbury next year??? Could be interesting.

Date 4th August 2007

Just when agriculture appeared to be getting back on its feet another bitter blow was struck with a confirmed case of Foot and Mouth in Surrey. Lets just hope and pray that this is an isolated incident at least there hasn't been any movement of cattle around the country which caused the disease to spread around the country. On a lighter note could County Hall become a major holiday park....when I called John Hart the leader of the Conservative group yesterday at County Hall he answered the phone and said Bovisand Lodge which is his tourism business down in the South Hams.

Date 3rd August 2007

Why I wonder do the County Council want to take back in house from the District Council's the issuing of Road Closures for local events such as carnivals, street parties, regattas etc without even bothering to consult with them or the town or parish council's. Why haven't the County Council members been informed? Somebody must have given the instructions to go ahead with this idea which will have a cost involved. No doubt if this goes ahead the local event organisers will be expected to pay for road closures and this may well lead to even more events folding due to ever increasing costs. 

Date 2nd August 2007

Trading Standards is seen as the unforgotten service provided by the County Council however it is so essential and plays a vital role in Community Safety. Powered roller skates are the latest cause for concern to the service. These skates which can reach speeds up to 20mph have been found in this country and a shipment has recently been seized at Southampton Airport. The tank is built into one of the heels and can take a litre of fuel and the throttle is hand held. Should you see any of these on sale at Markets or Car Boot Sales then please report it to Trading Standards or give me a call on 01395 578414

Date 1st August 2007

As previously predicted in my blog the Executive at County quite rightly agreed to seek a judicial review on the Government's decision to give Exeter Unitary Status. Interesting times ahead. The folkies are starting to arrive in Sidmouth and for the next ten days or so the sounds of bells, accordions, violins and the like will be the norm, lets just keep our fingers crossed that the weather is going to be kind to us. The organisers must be congratulated in putting together such a varied programme of events, there is something for everyone and so lets all put on our bells and get out our hankies and get down to the Esplanade including Dave from County Hall. 

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