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Not Dark Yet #287: "A tawdry administration directed by a male-dominated clique of individuals"

25/10/2018

6 Comments

 
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As the Sox settle in LA, preparing perhaps to emulate the teams of ’04 and ’07 by winning the World Series on the road, European members of the Nation can, for one night only, turn our attention to other pressing issues while we await Game 3 on Friday night (or, rather, Saturday morning).
 
In my case, it is the public meeting at Leamington’s town hall this evening, to protest the Warwick District Council’s decision to sell off its current offices at Riverside and replace them with a new building on the site of the Covent Garden car park.
 
Leamingtonians will not need any exegesis. The Council’s plans have been the subject of much discussion and debate since they were first mooted and the resistance, led by MP Matt Western, has been growing. Matt has called a special debate in Parliament, written to the Secretary of State, and campaigned tirelessly to force a Tory re-think. This evening is the next stage, an opportunity to put the case of the town and its residents in the face of a plan which is projected to cost £8.6 million and will severely damage the viability of the town centre businesses.

​It’s good that Russ Allen, proprietor of one of the oldest established and most respected retail outlets in Leamington, will be on the panel tonight. I look forward to hearing his first hand experience of the changes to our town centre
 
But the arguments against are not solely from the business community. There is also uproar that the planned development of the current offices includes no social or affordable housing, a requirement of the Council’s own planning rules, at a time when some 2,500 families wait for social housing and increasing numbers of homeless sleep rough on our streets.
 
Significantly, the latest newsletter from North Leamington Conservatives does not even mention this.
 
But this omission is not really surprising. A Conservative councillor resigned recently, claiming that the Tory leadership is “a tawdry administration directed by a male-dominated clique of individuals."

"The Executive has believed its spin while being completely out of touch with real people and real life" she said.
 
The last time a public meeting was called the clique was otherwise engaged and unable to attend. Allegedly. It will be interesting to see if they turn up tonight.
 
I will and I’ll bring you up to date tomorrow.
 
 
Today from the everysmith vaults: I’m surprising myself by listening a great deal to Neil Young and enjoying almost every note, particularly those played by Crazy Horse.
6 Comments
Ed
25/10/2018 11:40:52

This is good. Parochial politics are crucial, because national parties reflect the attitudes of local activists. Sounds like Leamington has the measure of the Tory elite. Good luck tonight.

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Allan
25/10/2018 11:44:13

As Neil Young (no stranger to politics) sang, Tonight's the Night.

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Allan
25/10/2018 18:16:57

And to be serious, which I was about to be when your software cut me off, absolutely right that the battles fought at local level are at least as important as those at national level, and also more engaging. Your council leaders seem particularly unpleasant, even for Tories.

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Max
26/10/2018 09:54:26

Well, they didn't turn up. But hundreds did. Despite the Question Time format (and dodgy mikes), the contributions from the floor were well-argued and educated, and the ad hominem attacks on Mobbs ("a bully" said his ex-colleague Sue Gallagher) justified. The pressure is building, and WDC had announced a public meeting under their auspices for three weeks time. About time. Thanks to the panel, Sue Gallagher, Colin Quinney, Russ Allen and Jonathan Nicholls. Thanks to Friends of Victoria park. Thanks to all those who attended. And thanks to Matt Western who has fought this project since the start and made a great speech last night. La lutte continue.

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Ruth Loebl
27/10/2018 09:47:21

Thanks for attending the meeting. I considered being there myself, but for a very slight excuse I wasn't there - I hope I will find it in me to attend the WDC meeting. I am wholly against the project but detest sitting through speeches.

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Max
27/10/2018 12:07:50

Ruth, I understand. I am speech-intolerant myself. But hope you can make it to the Spa Centre to register your disquiet by your presence.

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    Max Smith

    European writer, radical, restaurateur and Red Sox fan. 70-something husband, father, step-father, grandfather and son. Resident in Warwick, England.

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