“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”
Dr. Seuss
For the first time, this May, residents who are registered to vote across the country will be asked to show photo ID at the polling station before their ballot paper is issued.
Here in Bradford, there have been the predictable wailings from the ruling Labour group as to how unfair this all is. How is it unfair asking somebody to prove who they are before they exercise the right to vote which is the very basis of our society?
What could they possibly fear?
Many years ago a local council candidate told me – off the record – some of the antics they suffered when out campaigning. There is a long-held mistrust of our elections here in Bradford so anything that might go some way to making them more policeable has to be a good move.
Unless the current situation suits you perfectly…of course.
Let It Rain
In these hard times it is comforting to know that money continues to rain down on certain parts of Bradford.
Plans for a new swimming pool at Squire Lane, near Bradford Royal Infirmary, date back years. The scheme was given a huge boost in 2021 after the scheme was awarded £20m through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
This week came news that this project will actually cost £48m – see here – but, as ever, how the other £28m is found is all a bit vague.
Interestingly the council have not even agreed final designs so how they could have any idea of costs is open to question. The report going to the Executive reveals that the scheme will be funded through a mix of the £20m Levelling Up Funding and £28.9m capital and borrowing.
Reading the quotes attributed to the council suggests this project remains a big fat pie in the sky and that, should it ever happen, £48m may well sound optimistic.
Still, if it keeps the voters happy…
Cracked It
A man who stole 200,000 Cadbury Creme Eggs, causing a police panic about Easter, has been convicted in court. Joby Pool was surrounded by a mountain of the foil-wrapped chocolate when police caught up with him at the weekend. Recognising he was foiled too, he surrendered to officers with his hands up, prosecutors said.
I read this story with disbelief. What do you do with 200,000 Creme Eggs?
Prosecutor Owen Beale said the offence was not “spur of the moment”, and there had been “significant planning”. Is it April Fool’s already?
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