22 June - Something for the weekend
I need a break so this is all you will get until Monday.
The reports of Broadway traffic problems continue to flow in and I went there
equipped with the trusty Pentax at lunchtime Friday. I understand the potential for the
reported problems, some I have seen for myself, but there were none today
because there was very little traffic. Maybe
the morning’s motor cycle crash in Albion Road had something to do with it.
A letter from Teresa O’Neill in my possession says that one of the advantages of
the new Broadway is that it could exist without a load of street clutter. If you
look at the large version of this photograph you will see that within the past
week Broadway has gained a speed indicator and two No entry signs. I do not
dispute that they are needed, indeed I suggested No entry signs were required at
the beginning of the pedestrianised section. What amazes me is that our road
planners and their highly paid consultants did not predict that
requirement. They appear to be keen advocates of trial and error.
Bexley council being stupid is always good for the web stats. There were 1,295
visitors on Thursday and 1,473 by 21:45 Friday - the time at which these words
are typed. That’s quite a good score for a local blog, just think how different
it would be if Bexley council possessed an iota of common sense.
If councillor Cheryl Bacon had said “Yes” to Nick Dowling when he scared her rigid with his
ancient broken tape machine we would have had no audio recording, no complaints
to the DCLG or questions on LBC radio. I would have had to come on line with my
tail between my legs trying to find words that didn’t come across as too
disappointed or humiliating. 600 or so people would have gone away thinking that Bexley council
is not so bad after all.
But she said “No” and we have no tape. If Nick had recorded the meeting preamble as Cheryl must
have believed, it would be on line to prove that Bexley council lied to the Bexley Times. Their
spokeswoman told the paper they couldn’t continue with the meeting because of the serious
disruption. Nick Dowling said very little, he just sat there waiting to be
ejected. No one else said anything at all. Because of Cheryl’s “No” the
council’s top brass has been in session cobbling together
a new strategy - which
won’t work if mischievous people choose to rebel. Not that they ever have. Thanks to Cheryl
Bacon, 1,200 or more people have had their opinions confirmed. A brilliant bit of PR.
I am not one to find pleasure in other people’s misfortunes but Bexley council’s
influence must be rubbing off on me. I take a certain amount of delight in the thought
that if Teresa O’Neill harbours ambitions for higher political office, there is a
plentiful supply of data out there for anyone researching her career history. I suspect
I am writing the content for UKIP’s election leaflets. Glad to be of assistance chaps.