Ulverston Market on its last legs?

I talked to David at the plant stall and he says that the internet is taking over.

For his part he is able to remain flexible and achieve sales by tailoring what he sells to the pockets of his customers. We're lucky to have someone like him coming so regularly , especially on Saturday when he has the choice of so many different markets across the North of England.

Local elections are coming up.

What are we doing about the state of our town. The choice of councillors is dire. No one with credibility wants the job.

Few will even be bothered to vote.

Apathy has meant that the North Ward has had no representation on South Lakeland District Council ever since the death of Colin Hodgson.

Few want to get involved and those that do are only interested in party politics not the welbeing of the town.

The Greens are once again going to be offering candidates but only because the want to support the Green Party - you'll find they know little about and do little for the town at present.

Those of us that care need to work together to get some independent thinkers involved who know their town inside out.

I'm willing to strongly support anyone intersted in standing.

Any offers?

Correspondence with Cllr Colin Hodgson and Tony Naylor of SLDC

Email sent Wednesday 8th December to both.

Subject: Latches on the gates at Mill Dam

Colin and Tony,

Are you both aware that, having waited so long for the Council to replace the  latches on the gates at Mill Dam,  one of them is already broken.

This is almost certainly due to normal usage which has resulted in work hardening at the weakest point in their design.

Surely the council can come up with a better design and way of installing it. (A single washer at the breaking point would have helped enormously).

This result reenforces the view that if you want something done, you are better doing the job yourselves.

We are still waiting for repairs to be done to the bench and the provision of a picnic table as was promised by Tony Naylor to replace the one that was there before and was removed by the council.

It was there until recently - see the attached photo. ( The one that is now in the park, we provided - and repaired - at a cost of £125).

Could you give a date when you anticipate the latches will be replaced with more substantial ones; the bench  repaired and a picnic table be supplied.

We can then determine whether it would be more expedient for us to make and install latches; repair the bench and buy a picnic table ourselves.

Many thanks for your anticipated speedy reply

Geoff

Outrageous statements that shook the Town Council

This is the second:

"Why did councillors not come to me for an explanation of the abusive emails that they received rather than cause two police officers to send their valuable time coming to my house for an explanation."

From the Mayor's reply at the council meeting, their seemed an irrefutable logic that because the person who was sending the abusive emails claimed to be my second in command, then this must be true. I was therefore responsible.

It was clear from the behavior of the councillors present that they believed this to be the case and that I was behind the abuse. I can still remember the scowl of Colin Hodgson and Norman Bishop-Rowe who are normally friendly, not giving me eye contact and carrying a long drawn tense face. Most of the councillors present totally ignored me and were hostile.

My replies could not change the attittude of the Mayor, Phil Lister. He was clearly convinced that I was involved with the sending of these abusive emails and had a case to answer.

He was adamant, I was clearly involved , and he was very angry.

There was only one of the councillors who had asked me privately for an explanation previous to the meeting and had checked out that I too had received abuse. This was Colin Williams.

The result was that I left the council chamber totally stunned as I have already described.

I couldn't believe that so many people would be convinced by Mayor Phil Lister's faulty logic.

What kind of people were these councillors?

The mood in the council chamber was that a public lynching was highly appropriate.

Thanks to the action of Colin Williams I wasn't completely shattered.

As I left the council chamber after this exchange he came running after me calling my name and repeating "They've got it all wrong, Geoff. They've got it all wrong"

At least there was one person who had checked their facts and believed I was innocent.

My initial reaction was to sue the Mayor and council for slander. I had three reliable witnesses and asked them to make a written record of what  had happened and would use the best solicitors in the country to press my case. I was sure I could win and get the council to pay the enormous court costs that would ensue.

On reflection I realised that what the councillors believed would have little impact on my life in Ulverston. The public present in the chamber were more likely to believe me than them. My impression is that there are few people here in the town that have much respect for the kind of people these councillors are and certainly not believe them rather than me.

My word against theirs - no contest.

There was really nothing to be gained by clearing my name. I have better things to spend my life doing.

An apology for jumping to the wrong conclusion would be good and help future relations and this is what I would expect from the councillors if I am to respect them in the future.

I would request (not demand) this.

An email to the Mayor requesting an apology has resulted in a long rambling statement containing several inaccuracies that seek to justify his  assertion that "There will be no apology".

He clearly feels he is right and that I was at fault.

As for other councillors:

I have had a warm smile from Janet Jenkinson at a subsequent council meeting.

We'll see what the future holds but no point in dwelling on this any longer.

The state of our roads on BBC Radio Cumbria

On prime time BBC coverage at 07:45 am Radio Cumbria tomorrow when I'm being interviewed about taking action illegally to repair our highway - the setts - in The Gill.

No doubt thousands of you will be tuned in specially

Flier for the Tourism Meeting next Monday

A flier has been designed and distributed on Monday to all the businesses that could be found in Ulverston concerning the need for our Town Council to be more supportive of the Tourist Industry in the town.

Please feel free to download this flier (as a word document) and distribute it by email or as a paper print out to all those interested.

A meeting is to be held

Monday 23rd August 5:30pm - The Lantern House.

to review the present situation regarding the imminent closure of the Tourist Information Centre and the lack of a good web site promoting the town to potential tourists.

Several councillors including our mayor , Phil Lister, and multi councillor, James Airey (Town, District and County) have said they will be there.

For more information on this topic click here

Revised letter to The Gazette

My letter last week was too close to the deadline and was not published.

This gave me the opportunity to rewrite it a little.

Here I hope is an improved version:

Dear Sir,

Your report published on July 15th, though very welcome, described only the tip of the iceberg.

First , the size of the problem. One photograph of one group of totally dislodged setts fails to convey the fact that in a stretch of 50 yards there are 81 loose setts in 15 different places. Three of these have 13 to 21 grouped together.

Second, the behaviour of a dysfunctional Cumbria County Council. Much of the article dwells on the statement of the county council spokesman.

However this problem has persisted for over a year yet our county councillor, James Airey, has been unable to achieve any repairs. It was first reported to him in June 2009 , then again in August with the attached photos, a site meeting followed in September 2009.

The above two photos illustrate the state of the cobbles a year ago when they were reported to James Airey for the second time.

Nothing happened and the state of the setts became increasingly worse. A further site meeting with Cllr Airey took place on June 7th 2010. It was only when a video demonstrating the enormity of the problem was placed on Youtube on July 9th did anything happen.

It is clear that our county councillors are not in charge of their council.

The County are a law unto themselves. They ignore everyone : the guidelines set down by the Department of Transport; their elected bosses the County Councillors; other SLDC councillors and requests from Ulverston Town Council as well as those from the Plebs , the members of the public.

This is because the executive are firmly in charge and unresponsive to anyone. The program "Yes, Minister" illustrates the situation well. The Chief executive earns £170,000 with six below her having salaries that add up to £733,000. Maria Fallon, salary £125,000, the corporate director responsible for running the county's roads and highways, amongst other things has a staff who can be totally unresponsive to councillors and public alike. How does she justify her high salary? Head teachers have a far more difficult a job and work for less.

In 2006 when a new water main with some ten openings in the road was laid down Market Street, there was an outcry from people on every level Town Council to County Cllrs, as well as members of the public at the shockingly low standard of the work done in replacing the cobbles.

The Highways totally ignored the protests even when they were responsible for overseeing the work. They are hand in glove with Capita of the private sector and cosy up to them in the same office. How can this work without corruption and mismanagement?

It was only when an employee of United Utilities and myself started to chase this up nearly three years later that United Utilities came to examine the work and admitted that their work was far below the standards they find acceptable. They then returned and repaired all their mistakes over the full length of the street, even though legally they were not obliged to do so.

What is the difference?

United Utilities have a reputation to maintain. The County Council do not. The last time they were appraised by the Audit Commission in 2008 Cumbria CC were in the bottom 20% in the country. Since then the independent Audit Commission has been disbanded. They were to embarrassing too local government.

For over a year we in The Gill have had to stand by and watch what is potentially a dangerous situation getting worse as our Council behaves irresponsibly.

In the future we will tolerate this situation no longer. People are getting hurt in some cases severely. It would appear that the only way forward is for us to maintain the highway to our own standards which will be a lot safer that those of The County. There is a feeling that they can take us to court if they wish, the threat of insurance claims doesn't bother us as we will only be doing work to a high standard and we foresee no claims. The existence of claims is a myth spread by insurance companies. With the present appalling conditions maintained by the county - there are no claims . Why should there be any in the future with superior workmanship?

There have been no complaints from either the public or the county to our illegal work on the highway in Lower Brook Street roughly a year ago when we replaced unsightly tarmac with the loose cobbles that had been left lying about.

Now, will James Airey and his fellow councillors take charge of our county council and ensure that executives earn their inflated salaries?

On the subject of cobbles versus tarmac, the latter is fine as long as the surface is not broken but repairing potholes in tarmac quickly leads to more potholes. Cobbles can be fixed to last almost indefinitely if done well, the trouble is that many contractors do a poor job giving cobbles a bad name.

Dr Geoff Dellow

Qualified Engineer.

Silla Carron - Pride - "The Estate We're In "

Just finished watching episode 3 and discovered the series has finished on live TV.

So I'm having to play catch up:

Episode 3 Two days to run: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00t1f4w/The_Estate_Were_In_Series_2_Episode_3/

Episode 4 Three days to run: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00t1f95/The_Estate_Were_In_Series_2_Episode_4/

Episode 5 Four days top run: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00t1fcw/The_Estate_Were_In_Series_2_Episode_5/

Join me in watching all these and make notes and pool information. We need to find out how she does it.

Step one form a "Official Group".

Then what?

What's her secret? : Self-belief and perseverance?

Are we too polite and afraid to put councillors on the spot when we have the opportunity?

I know I could have been a lot more forthright at the recent Flood Meeting in the Coro.

It's hard putting up a fight when all you expect is failure.

Our councillors have a lot to answer for.

Believe it or not at least two councillors are gunning for me because I'm doing too much and have complained to a SLDC officer. He called me to a meeting last Friday and I asked why the meeting as we were getting on fine by email:

"Was it because some SLDC councillors are complaining?"

He was silent and evaded the question.

"It's important for you to form an official group." He said.

It's incredible.

Some councillors actually want to stop others doing stuff for the community.

There's going to be an article in the West. Gaz. about the state of the setts in The Gill.

Will I be able to put my case clearly and forcibly?

I ask myself.

Reading between the lines

It would seem (though no one has actually said so) that some Cllrs are gunning for me because I'm too involved in Gill Banks, The Gill, Union Lane and Mill Dam Park.

My my - I live there and have toddlers to take care of .

Join twenty of us as we form a "Supporting Environtmental Improvements in Ulverston" Group to help them feel better!

South Ulverston - flood meeting at the Coro last Monday

I have delayed writing about this as I was so disgusted with the outcome.

The 'officials' made a mockery of the purpose of the meeting by hardly offering any new information. Their presence, sitting there to provide explanations and field questions showed severe contempt for the public by avoiding giving any useful answers.

The politicians were for the most part absent.

The Mayor , Phil Lister tried to do a good job of chairing the meeting, ex-mayor Norman Bishop-Rowe helped proceedings by being friendly and carrying the mike to members of the public that wanted to speak. Only one Town Councillor, apart from Lister and Bishop-Rowe, - Jack Rice spoke up in concern for what had happened.

Despite the key SLDC Councillor Mark Wilson being present he offered nothing of note.

John Woodcock MP sent a representative who offered nice words and an offer of involvement- which remains to be seen.

Where were the other SLDC councillors, and why were the County Councillors totally absent?


Heather Shepherd, a representative form a National Flood Forum organisation whom had come to the meeting specially from the Midlands was very helpful giving advice on obtaining insurance.

David Myers a representative for a new South Ulverston Flood Action Group was a welcome breath of fresh air, presenting challenging facts.

In the end , the only way to obtain information as to the precise cause of the flooding in people's houses was for Dr Geoff Dellow to offer explanations and ask Mike Fell of the Environment Agency whether he agreed - he said the explanation that Was offered was quite probable.This was that because of the sandy soil in the area (similar to that to be found on the adjacent allotments)this allowed to water to travel underground through the soil as a result of the pressure from the lake behind the defense and up through cracks in peoples concrete floor.

Similarly Paul Whitby of United Utilities came totally ill equipped not knowing anything about the existence of the drains in the area. He in turn agreed with Dr Dellow that the surface water drain from South Ulverston to the sewage works by the sea was inadequate which was why the extremely high volumes of water coming from the town instead of taking water away from So Ulverston actually acted in reverse resulting in drain water actually coming out of downstairs toilets into people's houses.

Only trivial agreements were given to the public for the future.

SLDC said that the problem was highly complex and offered nothing more - they showed no sign of caring either. No undertaking was given to clear any of the 14 (out of 15) blocked drains in the area.

Looks like we can expect exactly the same if flooding occurs again in the next five years.

The new flood action group have certainly got thier work cut out.

Heather Shepherd of the Flood Forum commented afterwords that it was meetings like this that totally turned people off that democracy made anything better.

Why did the Mail reporter offer such a poor article in the paper?

Again a second flood meeting with what Officials and Councillors do best : respectively - avoid clear answers and taking on any commitment to sorting a problem out.

Why bother going?

Shoddy repairs by our Highways Department

Shoddy workmanship leads the problem retuning and with time and neglect the problem spreads and spreads.

I'm hoping that our new County Councillor will take this matter up with enthusiasm and show that he can influence the standard of work done by contractors who at present do shoddy work.

James Airey met me to look at the setts. He is genuinely concerned about the way the Highways Department operates and recognises that in the long run we get very poor value for money because of the "stop-gap" way in which their contractors operate.



We talked generally about many subjects and he comes across as someone who has settled into his new job as County Councillor and is ready for some serious action on our behalf.

He's the only politician I know at a local level (other than Tim Farron who I shouldn't really 'bother' as he's not my MP) who comes across as a real person and not a politician cardboard cut-out that spouts politically safe soundbites that try to convince you that they're trying hard when all they are doing is attempting to 'conn' you into thinking that they have a worthwhile role in life.

Contact with my local councillors

Re: Mill Dam Park and Gill Banks

Councillor Jan Hancock (one of three town councillors representing me),

Should you want to be kept up to date or even take part in promoting the changes that are being made at these locations, you're very welcome.

One scheme where we have overlap is the Ulverston in Bloom project where I recently made a presentation on the theme of local people getting involved in taking care of their parks.

I am only too happy to share the credit for any work we do!

In the long term I am aiming to be elected for North Ward and would like to feel we are working together.

Geoff Dellow

The above was sent this last Thursday and checking by phone confirmed that that it arrived.

A reply is awaited.

Regular contact is being maintained with another of my town councillors, Colin Hodgson who is also my district councillor over repairs to a high wall in Union Lane. He replied immediately.

This correspondence will be published shortly.

My county councillor , James Airey, has been contacted but hasn't yet replied, even though the request was made by email to be contacted ASAP last Friday. He may well be away.

An email sent yesterday to Mayor Phil Lister regarding a public meeting regarding the Flooding in South Ulverston evoked an immediate response to say that such a meeting is being planned by the Ulverston Town Council for Monday June 28th in the Coronation Hall presumably in the evening.

Have our councillors missed another trick?

This looks like a great project. It's happening in Kendal.

Have we got something to learn about getting a similar project underway in Ulverston?

Perhaps our Ulverston leaders could pick up some tips as to how this got started in Kendal.

Grange also could give us a few ideas ; they seem to have been showing flair in what they do for several years.

Now Kendal are forging ahead.

While it's good to have the likes of Colin Hodgson involved with important projects like renovating Hoad Monument. Couldn't we have suggestions from councillors with a bit more flair like Colin Williams.

Surely we're not a one project town!

We have a much more attractive set of streets than Kendal and a much more friendly approach to visitors. So couldn't we make more of this in our town.

Instead we tolerate poor services on maintenance of our cobbles and keeping our street furniture in order (wonky sign below) and politicians act powerless to prevent this.

Yet in the case of the cobbles it was shown that a direct approach to United Utilities worked where the County Council failed. At least the former have a sense of pride in their public image; they admitted their poor workmanship and have repaired it even though legally they didn't have to.

Do we need to encourage are leaders to be more innovative? To bring people together and get things done rather than do a "Hodgson Moan" about lost services on the front page of the Mail . . . . when they've gone.

Talking toilets - a consultation

The consultation in the Coro last Wednesday raises a number of important points.

First the quality and thoughtfulness of the points made by the visiting public were impressive.Some of the post-its are shown below.

Why indeed does it cost SLDC an average of £405/week to maintain a toilet. This is incredible and surely shows gross mismanagement.

Second, why are we spending £24,000 on a consultation. One fears that it's going to be money down the drain resulting in a beautiful report with no action whatever.










The last time we had a consultation a year ago has resulted in nothing. Even the simple unanimous request for a sign in Market Street to the underused car park at Stockbridge Lane has been ignored. This inspite of the repeated assurances of the County Councillors at the time that we should "leave it to us".

We did. - Nothing.

We raised it at a subsequent SLDC cabinet meeting. - "The subject was under review"

Consultations a rapidly becoming a dirty word. Initially we feel pleased to be consulted then this leaves a sour taste in our mouth as we realise no action is forthcoming.

It is essential that the politicians are honest with the public and spell out before a consiultation just what is feasible so that false expectations aren't raised.

What money is available to implement the suggestions made by the public?

To be continued:

We want more control of not only our toilets but our Tourist Information Centre, the illegal car parking policy and particularly our town's car parks.

The SLDC want to ditch their responsibilities without surrendering a major source of income, badly administered, Car Parking Fees.

Town Councillor Colin Williams makes a comment on his blog

Snow and Ice

From Tim Farron MP:

"I've received hundreds of e-mails, phone calls and letters about the recent icy conditions in recent weeks - particularly from older people, some of whom have been trapped in their homes since before Christmas.

Like many of you, I am furious that the Conservative-led County Council failed to clear pavements and residential roads when they had the chance - and also that they did not provide sufficient grit for residents to use themselves.

Much of the current problems are being caused by the compacted ice left behind from the first snow-fall before Christmas. I will be asking for a full investigation into why gritting was not carried out in all areas earlier - and am determined to hold county council bosses to account for their failures.

On the positive side, even though gritting is the county council's responsibility, South Lakeland District Council offered up their staff to help with the clear up. In recent days in Kendal and Windermere, SLDC staff have been out clearing ice and snow. It’s at times like these when it’s really important that people pull together. Many people I've spoken to are still snowed in and have not seen gritters so I am working hard to make sure gritters go to those places. People in South Lakeland deserve so much better.
I spent time last week with a team of volunteers on Maude Street in Kendal, clearing a path through the ice and snow for elderly residents at Nobles Rest so that they could safely access the town centre. As with the recent floods, we have come together as a community and helped one another.

We desperately need the county council to pull their weight and give local council tax payers the service they pay for. I am calling for a full investigation into what happened to make sure it never happens again.

Finally, I just want to wish you, your family and friends a great 2010. And as always if I can help in any way please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes
Tim

Tim Farron MP
Acland House
Yard 2
Stricklandgate
Kendal
LA9 4ND

Tel: 01539 723403
Fax: 01539 740800"

From James Airey, County Councillor

"Hi Geoff

I know you mean well, I am sorry I am giving vague answers but that's what I am receiving from Officers. I am pushing them like mad for action and will continue to do so as soon as I have definite information I will forward it to you. The Town Council can request its own supply of grit as long as it can get it tipped and stored somewhere handy that would enable residents to
pick up their own supplies for community use.

Many Parish Councils have already done this.

I am interested in all issues in Ulverston or I would not have stood for Election.

Regards James."

Some of Tim's statements are rather hollow - blaming the Tories - when all parties are responsible for the workings of our Highways Department.

"Calling for a full investigation". He keeps doing this. Anyone can call for an investigation but do they get one. I've yet to see the results of the last investigation Tim called for - over gritting a year ago!

From James it seems that the officers don't surrender information readily. Isn't this that needs to change?

Town Council with it's own reserves of grit. Sounds great and would be impressive if they actually did it - but will they?

Write to a polician

This is a great web site to help us write to our politicians at all levels.

Worth using.

I'm trying it out - let you know how I get on!

Open Letter to Colin Hodgson

Colin,

As the SLD Councillor representing my area and the most prominant Ulverston Councillor at Kendal, could you help me with the following questions.

1. When will the issue of the locked toilets in the Gill be resolved?

Four things prompt my question.

a) I have just talked to visitors from Cambridge, needing a pee, who were dumbfounded to find the Public Toilet locked with it's lights on. Colin Williams raised precisely this issue aver a month ago. The visitors stated that if something like this happened at home, all hell would break loose. Here, you do nothing except wait patiently.

b) I was walking home along Upper Brook Street and came across a man about forty years old peeing in the corner right next to someone's front door.

I turned and asked pointedly in a loud voice" Do you have to?" He responded "I'm bursting for a pee and there's nowhere else to go."

There was no answer that I could give as the Gill and other toilets were locked.

c) A friend who lives next to one of the alleyways leading from the Gill to Soutergate came out one morning to find human shit by the entrance to her house and garden. She had no option other than clear it up herself.

d) During the Lantern Parade and when the Fair was in full swing the Gill Toilet was again locked at dusk.

Surely this is a matter for an urgent solution and you appear to do nothing. In your position I would be livid with rage and would have immediately demanded from the officer who made this cost cutting decision that the toilets be kept open immediately. This clearly has not happened.

I am so furious with this situation where my perception is that local government has lost its senses that I plan to take action myself.

I plan to buy my own locks and lock these toilets open until common sense returns.

2. When will the Stockbridge Lane Car Park be used sensibly.

You were present with me at the consultations with Nick Raymond of CCC last year in November and December when four out of five groups rated the need for a sign to this car park at the Market Cross as a high priority. The decision by Raymond that this would "promote the use of the car" and thus place it at nearly the bottom of priorities for the county appeared to pass by the Ulverston Councillors present without reaction, yet a resident who like me, had taken the trouble to attend all three of the two hour long consultations left the final meeting with the comment "What a farce".

I am appalled that non of the councillors appears to get upset with this decision. This issue sits firmly as your responsibility as SLDC for the area.

As you will be aware, a few weeks ago, I raised this issue in the full council meeting held here in Ulverston. I received a totally unacceptable answer that "the situation is under review" and hence no action is proposed. This situation has continued for well over a year and probably several years. The fact that the situation is still "under review" speaks volumes.

If we had Councillors of the calibre of Tim Farron in our town we would have councillors leading demonstrations over many issues through the streets of Kendal, yet non of you, and you in particular, do anything.

The people of the town are looking for some dramatic leadership at a time when democracy not only at a national level but even more so here at a local level has become a laughing stock.

Having followed all the processes open to me, I am looking at more effective ways of expressing my feelings and this is a route i would prefer not to have to follow.

I can assure you that I am work with all my energy to get the vast majority of our local councillors voted out of office at the next elections in three years time.

As you will gather I am very upset and I haven't mentioned other burning issues like the need to have strong leadership to promote Tourism (close the TIC !) in the Town were we are failing dismally as is demonstrated by all our empty shops as compared with similar towns in the Newcastle area which have been forward looking and are benefiting from the weak pound in attracting European visitors. Here Car Parks, web sites, Town initiatives, Sunday closing are along letting us down. True Jayne Kendall does what she can but the councillors seem to do nothing themselves as compared with those in Grange over Sands.

I look forward to receiving a convincing reply.

Geoff Dellow

A visit to Grange on Sunday

Made me realise how Grange is leading us in showing how to make the town attractive.

Well painted street furniture - attractive varied and interesting flower beds ; lots of visitors (hundreds) with a real choice of pleases to eat on a Sunday. One gets the impression that this is a place with good decisive leadership . . . . .

Councillors in Ulverston

Frankly they don't make a very good impression in my view which is why Ulverston lags behind other towns in spite of an enormous range of talent here. Grange used to be a town for the oldies but now it comes across as far more go ahead than Ulverston.

The South Lakeland District Councillors, here, make out that they can't do anything because they are outnumbered by Kendal which initially seems true until you take into account that if the non-Kendal councillors got together they would outnumber the others. However none of the Ulverston councillors would ever try this - they're too defeatist. There's nothing that we can do - they bleat. Meanwhile Grange over Sands forges ahead.

SLD Councillors: -

In order of preference!

Norman Bishop-Rowe Also Town council (present Mayor) Highly thought of by many in his ward at Croftlands. One of only two that were mentioned as visiting them at home and working hard on their behalf when I visited door to door in note the East half of Ulverston. Attends a lot of meetings. Has a mind of his own, sits away from other Cllrs at meetings and makes shrewd and worthwhile comments. Has been known to be a pain in the neck at SLDC meetings by going on over some silly point he wanted to be recognised. Is Now Mayor (and can't help thinking "Mr Maaayor" as in Larry the Lamb of old). Likes to claim credit for things where possible and comes across as pompous and wordy but not a fool. Won't reply to emails.

James Airey A quiet one. The only one I feel comfortable with as he relates to me as human being. When he says something in meetings it is very much to the point and concise - great contributions. Somewhat of a doer - look forward to seeing more action from him as a County Councillor. Good email correspondence and one meeting for a chat.

Mark Wilson New and keen. The other cllr that received accolades from his flock for the work he had done on their behalf. One resident immediately mentioned him but in the context of a broken promise. Other councillors of all parties have a high regard for him and seek to work with him. Can't escape the feeling that I'm talking to a politician. Fairly good email contact (improving).

Janette Jenkinson One of 'the bunch' Very courteous indeed. Brilliant at guiding meetings and formulating proposals. Works hard but I have no knowledge of how effective she is. A great figurehead. Little email contact.

Colin Hodgson One of 'the bunch' Fulfils my caricature of a politician. Always friendly and tries to appear helpful and on your side only to find he sides with the opposition. Good at getting a proposal voted on and taking the initiative at meetings. Occasionally works well on my behalf. Poor at replying to emails.

Brian Wilkinson One of 'the bunch'. Can say things that make a lot of sense but quite belligerent. I admire him for being a Doer. Not approachable and his allotment was hardly touched last year at Lund Road (here I am told by his wife that this is wrong and that this is her responsibility- if she's still unhappy with this assessment, could she clarify her view with a comment here - emails to me are difficult to understand - alternatively I could publish our correspondence in full. As she says she can be far more belligerent than her husband). Tries to ridicule my criticism of the Council's and SLDC web site for Ulverston. No email -" leave me alone"

Jamie Samson Know very little about him - could be because he's from Dalton. Seen occasionally at public meetings. Wise comments in the paper. A low working cllr as far as attendances at SLDC meetings. No replies ever, even to letter by post.

Maureen Nicholson Very friendly and has Ulverston and young people close to her heart though represents Holker area. Would be very Green. Good email when working!

Jane Carson Difficult to gauge what she thinks as with me she seems to play her cards very close to her chest. Also very Green. Good email.


Town Councillors: -


Colin Williams Great guy for thinking. Good creative ideas though takes extreme positions sometimes. Queries things . Good email

Judith Pickthall. Very friendly - has a gift for coming alongside of people and winning their confidence. Sensible and a doer - organised the high successful Ulverston in Bloom but not , as far as I can tell, a major influence. Good email

Jack Rice Comes across as very friendly and a "real person" but little contact so far.

Tom Watson Friendly appears to come alongside you and be sympathetic. No reply to email.

Brenda Marr Difficult to communicate with. Not a listener. Self important - which describes most of them.

Phil Lister. Far too self important and tends to witter on. Comes up with good proposals and work on Ulverston's behalf. Has let his constituents down in their view.

Dawn Wright. Not highly thought of in much of the Honeypot. Only come across in a negative light.

Margaret Hornby She made an offer regarding Skateboarding and then never followed it up.

Helen Irving. Could be impressive but know little about her

Jan Hancock Nothing of note

Pat Jones Not impressed so far

Jim Prosser Says little of import

Amanda Rigg Says little

Note : The Bunch tend to sit close to each other like penguins at meetings as if to protect each other - keep each other warm.

Coming up soon : my assessment of our officers.

A totally irresponsible Town Council

On Friday night I lost my cool when being barracked by Cllr Brian Wilkinson as I talked to them about their disgraceful handling of Ulverston's web site.

To see what I mean, put Ulverston and Kendal into Google and compare the top few sites.

Even Ambleside does a much better job than us.

Tourism is a very valuable source of the Town's income. The North East around Newcastle report a big surge of tourists since the £ has been weak. They attribute their success to some hard work at publicity over the last five years.

During that time Ulverston has been going downhill rapidly on the Internet stakes.

The Town Council promised us a new site having heavily criticized (quite rightly) Jayne Kendal's muddled attempts paid for by the SLDC.

After months of waiting when there was nothing to view we get a beautiful site promoting - - the Town Council and all its Councillors. Not a sign of a really good Ulverston Site geared to providing information to the potential tourist.

GoUlverston tries hard but is geared to earning money from providing information to the locals not the tourists.

With all the emphasis on Ulverston being a Festival Town - just try finding out about these wonderful events using the Internet.

Jayne Kendall's (SLDC) site doesn't even mention festivals, nor does the town Council's in detail. GoUlverston presents some information, but in a rather chaotic way.

Please spend a little time on the internet as though you were a tourist from say France, Germany or Japan and see what you can find out about Ulverston.

Have our Councillors ever tried this? Instead they behave in an incredibly smug way, standing by as the town's trade spirals ever downwards.

The only trade that is truly reliable at present is from tried and tested customers who know good service when they see it.

How much more will Ulverstonians accept ?

'Repairs' in Lower Brook Street.

"Never mind eh. It's only tatty old Ulverston !"

"Sling a bit of asphalt there. No one will notice"