Sure there are dishonest men in local government. But there are dishonest men in national government too.
Richard M. Nixon
Councillors have approved a controversial housing application, despite advice from their own heritage officers. So began this article in the T&A. Read and weep for our once proud heritage sold down a river of ignorance.
Planning decisions in Bradford are often called into question; the competence and integrity of those involved in decisions like this should too. This is a consistent theme destroying our heritage and also sowing suspicion, when there is no reason were there one set of rules.
The plans went before…Bradford Area Planning Panel last week, with members advised to refuse the application to protect the heritage of the area.
But members went against advice of their own officers…during their discussion, when it appeared the committee would unanimously pass the application, the Council’s legal advisor had to remind them that as Councillors…their duty was to protect the district’s listed buildings.
And still they nodded it through.
Cllr Hussain should simply resign and if issues like this do not concern the lavishly paid Kirsten England, CEO of Bradford then so should she.
Smoke And Mirrors Finance
About a decade too late the Council have turned their attention to the top end of town, prompted I suspect by the constant flow of tumbleweed and the lack of “well heeled punters”. The other key factor may be a pot of central government money available to try stem the carnage on UK high streets – see here.
“Best ‘ave some ‘o that!” you can hear them say down in the dark chambers at City Hall.
Yet the trouble with making such a pot of money available to amateurs is that you get amateurish responses. With Hapless absent from any comment, it was left to Cllr R U Sure to explain how the planned new entry for ugliest building in Bradford would be funded – see here.
In the readers’ comments there was this gem from RUS attempting to explain his funding model. “A number of sources including markets reserved put aside from profits every year and borrowing against future income of the markets.”
How novel the last part borrowed – no pun intended – from the classic football model that bust amongst others Bradford City and Leeds United. Let’s borrow against what we’ve not got but might have?
It is acknowledged that high streets are under pressure like never before and councils are stepping in to purchase assets that private finance has no interest in. Therein, lies a clue but this looks ill-thought and, frankly, ugly.
Furthermore, Bradford’s Darley Street is no longer the hub of town so to spend in excess of £20m on a new market relies on footfall and spending power that few would argue Bradford can sustain. Where is the payback here?
Equally, oodles of snazzy architect drawings promoted enthusiastically by councillors remind Bradfordians of many similar ill-conceived schemes. It seems they never learn.
Lollipop Man
Cllr R U Sure has been a busy boy supplying the T&A with this quote to justify blowing £120,000 on new road signs – see here.
“By including a programme of 20mph zones…protecting children from the dangers of speeding and promote responsible driving and road safety across the district.” Responsible driving in Bradford? Has he got a driving licence?
Given Bradford’s uninsured, untaxed and under cannabis mob have trouble driving at less than 70mph I suggest the councillor is hopeful at best. Hapless and RUS bleat about austerity yet blow money on frippery.
There is a long-term problem with the perennially thick element that make driving on Bradford’s roads a daily challenge. There is a similar issue with the perennially inept draining the public purse who should get proper jobs.
The Scruffy Diet Plan
Ignore Weight Watchers and the gym, having been on this miracle plan for the last two weeks I can confirm it really does work! Start with a high-intensity walk to the pub as the heart rate intensifies at the sight of the open door.
Although the heart rate calms quickly at the sight of the fierce looking serving wenches, there is a wide availability of nutritious, organic smoothies.
For core exercise, try sitting in ‘Nob ‘Ed Korna for at least half an hour where the continuous belly-laughs will give you the perfect six-pack. Drinking in copious amounts also offers a step workout climbing at least two to get to the toilets – more if you start from a stool. Once a pint is recommended as is speed for you may lose your space in the core Korna.
Forget Dry January, try the Scruffy Plan!
The Trumpit
Back soon!
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