Mr DNA - rest assured.

This is what started it all - for me a red rag to a bull - when this sign was left over three months without repair in our main square.

I'm finally informed that the DNA samples and other evidence in connection with my 'Straighten that Sign' activity, have now been destroyed.

And that's without hassling them.

However they've certainly taken their time - for which the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Officer writes:

"I apologise to you again for the delay in dealing with your request"

So that's sorted, let's move on to the Tomlinson case and get that sorted in the limelight and not brush it under the carpet.

DNA and the police

Still no sign of my DNA samples being returned.

These were taken on April 24th following my action to straighten the parking sign outside Tesco which resulted in the sign snapping at the base (Click the label DNA). This action was taken in reponse to the inaction of the County Highways to replace the sign in spite of repeated requests over a three month period from our Mayor.

This makes it two months since they were taken. Their return was promised the following week following the police's decision not to press charges for criminal damage.

I don't plan to kick up a fuss but just wait and see how long it takes for them to fulfill their promise, given at the time, that thes samples would be returned.

Gone are the wonky lines outside Tesco

Now just a small hole!

A return to sanity .

Great feeling of relief in spite of an hour in the police station "helping police with their enquiries".

An enlightening introduction to police paperwork, finger printing, mug shot, DNA sampling and a recorded interview.

Update:

Yes the leaning sign outside Tesco has now gone.

I attempted to straighten the sign with a stronger cable (my second attempt) very early Saturday morning with the result that it snapped instead of straightening - always a possibility - it was clearly unstable and this could have happened any time. It was done with practically no one around.

I made sure the least police time was spent on this event by informing them immediately and went down to the station to make a recorded statement and be processed - something that takes over an hour.

The reason I did it is that I was totally frustrated by the inaction by the County Council to rectify an eyesore in such a prominent place which had drawn complaints from the The Mayor and Town Council.

In the event I believe the sign should have been taken down immediately it happened . It could have then been replaced quickly with a wooden post using the existing hole at minimal cost. This could then have been replaced when time permitted.

This I believe will be the best procedure for the future. Though it's unlikely to happen again!

I believe the Town Council should have the power to take action it considers appropriate immediately even though that may incur a small cost to the rate payer.

The present system insults our town and conveys the message that no one cares about the town when in reality, a lot of us do, but we can do nothing except operate illegally. The Law needs to change.

In the mean time, in similar circumstances, I shall do the same except that I will act faster if it appears that no immediate action is evident. ie action within a fortnight.

The phrase "in similar circumstances," is absolutely crucial. Each case must be considered separately. I am NOT advocating taking the law into our own hands in all but a minute number of cases.

I think the Town Council should have the power to effect repairs if it so decides. I would then cease to act illegally and I would lobby the town councillors for action. Unfortunately they appear powerless, so then I feel the need to take action myself.

I don't know about you but . . . .

I've had enough of looking at this wonky sign for the last two months!



What message does it send out?

A job that could take just five minutes to straighten.

Who's the SLDC councillor for this area - Jamie Samson Conservative.

How about Colin Williams Labour, the Town Councillor - I would have thought he would have had it fixed!

I'm minded to give SLDC two weeks to fix it - or else - someone may have fixed it themselves!

What do you think - a couple (three - I'll direct the traffic) of us with a rope?

Or do we need a tug-of-war team.

What are the bets it can be done by a 75 year old on his own ?

It's amazing what strength you get when you get all excited!