Andrew Moss promised here before Christmas that work would start "Early in the New Year".
It is now nearly the middle of March.
Kate Lawson, chief SLDC planning officer, writes:
"Thank you for your email and I am sorry that you are continuing to experience problems on Union Lane due to the unfinished highway work. Although I appreciate nothing appears to have happened on the ground, I am trying to investigate what the situation is.
However, as previously advised, it is Cumbria County Council Highways who are responsible for the specification and enforcement of the highway works (including road markings/ double yellow lines) in Union Lane under the Section 278 Agreement they have with Persimmons.
I have forwarded you email onto the Nick Raymond and Graham Wheelhouse so that they are aware of the situation with the parked vehicles. I will let you know as soon as I hear anything further."
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
Horrendous backup on the A590 at Ulverston
Yesterday, Tuesday 11th March at 16:30 onwards there was a back up of traffic travelling east along the A590 through the town. This caused gridlock on the main roundabout at the bottom of Market St to the extent that it was impossible to access the roundabout if approaching it in the opposite direction or from the Ellers. Turning into town along Brewery St across the blocked up traffic became impossible: the island itself had become full of cars. Instead drivers wishing to access the town turned into the opposite side of town and abandoned their vehicles.
The situation was reported to the police on a mobile phone requesting a constable to control access onto the island at 17:00. Had emergency vehicles needed to use the blocked up roads, severe delays would have endangered life and property.
Where you involved with this situation? If so when and in which direction were you travelling?
Steps need to taken immediately. This situation needs to be controlled if a traffic hold up is not to pose a danger here in the immediate future.
It is frightening to think that building plans in the town pose even higher use of roads in a town that were designed for horse and cart. A halt to any increase in the population needs to be imposed until Ulverston's roads have been improved to cope with projected traffic requirements.
The question needs to be answered :
"What is our MP John Woodcock and Ulverston's two county councillors, Mark Wilson and James Airey doing about this?"
" Who is checking that Cumbria's Head of Highways, Andrew Moss and area chief Nick Raymond are doing there jobs satisfactorily?"
The evidence from the inaction along Union Lane, when work was promissed to start in January, is that Ulverston's Highways are not being supervised properly. (see separate report where Planning officer Kate Lawson is critical).
The situation was reported to the police on a mobile phone requesting a constable to control access onto the island at 17:00. Had emergency vehicles needed to use the blocked up roads, severe delays would have endangered life and property.
Where you involved with this situation? If so when and in which direction were you travelling?
Steps need to taken immediately. This situation needs to be controlled if a traffic hold up is not to pose a danger here in the immediate future.
It is frightening to think that building plans in the town pose even higher use of roads in a town that were designed for horse and cart. A halt to any increase in the population needs to be imposed until Ulverston's roads have been improved to cope with projected traffic requirements.
The question needs to be answered :
"What is our MP John Woodcock and Ulverston's two county councillors, Mark Wilson and James Airey doing about this?"
" Who is checking that Cumbria's Head of Highways, Andrew Moss and area chief Nick Raymond are doing there jobs satisfactorily?"
The evidence from the inaction along Union Lane, when work was promissed to start in January, is that Ulverston's Highways are not being supervised properly. (see separate report where Planning officer Kate Lawson is critical).
Monday, 10 March 2014
Parents with toddlers were obviously enjoying themselves in the sun
Ford Park's Bistro Cafe´was a big draw today for the above.
It has ideal conditions of Good Food and Drink outside and is proving a great meeting place for parents (mothers mainly) with very young children. The latter can take a stroll and explore the lovely kitchen garden and even play at gardening with the child size wheelbarrow on the many alternative paths. Ideal for an easy cycle around with no traffic at all.
It has ideal conditions of Good Food and Drink outside and is proving a great meeting place for parents (mothers mainly) with very young children. The latter can take a stroll and explore the lovely kitchen garden and even play at gardening with the child size wheelbarrow on the many alternative paths. Ideal for an easy cycle around with no traffic at all.
BBC Radio Cumbria in Trouble - again
You'd have thought that the BBC would want to bring us positive stories. Particularly ones that tell us of people who have struggled and been helped through hardship -
for instance a story that was passed on to me from London:
A Taxi driver's wife ran off with his car so that he could no longer ply his trade, which led to depression, the loss his home, living in a shed, being without food. Helped by a Foodbank, then picking himself, growing his own food and finally regaining his self esteem and getting a home of his own again. A credit to human fight back.
But no, the BBC reporter from Radio Cumbria when they interviewed the Foodbank at Barrow recently, was only interested in a 'hard' story. Of all the things that could have been asked about they picked one about what might have been going wrong rather about all the things that were going right. Only one question was asked. I couldn't believe it:
"What instances of fraud existed in the distribution of the food?"
And even when they got the answer, "Extremely little" they couldn't accept it.
"How can you be sure?" They had to go on. "Because the people that receive the food are only approved by people that know their needs personally, and then only three days emergency supply is given"
That was it. No chance to talk about all the positive work this hard working team of dedicated people put in. How volunteers who started by offering just ten hours a week, then felt the need to put in six days a week because they saw that someone needed them to do this if an efficient service for disadvantaged people in our area was to be provided. No question that enquired about the efficiency of the operation. How the shelves are lined with baskets and baskets and baskets of food to suit different sizes of families so that on Friday last 14 families were helped. How this is provided in supermarket bags so that the public wouldn't be able to spot that the food was in reality a hand out. Many receiving the free food are ashamed that they've been brought so low. How freezers are being used to take advantage of large quantities of excellent bread that would otherwise would go to waste from a market stall every week. Bread that was on sale one minute on a Saturday afternoon was wrapped and in a freezer ten miles away only an hour later in our Foodbank. My what a slick operation we have!
There were lots of tales to be told of how successful the Barrow Foodbank is being and how it enabling some to claw their way back up to self respect and a more positive outlook.
The dedicated helpers at our Foodbank know that they are providing an essential service . They know that there are lots of 'soft' stories to be had. It sickens them that the only interest shown by the media, like the BBC, that we all think would give us good reporting chooses to denigrate the hard work of wonderful people by going on a witch hunt for errors in the operation. Errors that just aren't there. In future let's have some decent reporting . Stories that will encourage those that are positive . Stories we'd all like to hear about because it will put a Spring in our step to think how well a group of dedicated volunteers are coping with a very real need.
No this isn't the first time the BBC has been in trouble. A similar pattern has been observed in my contact with them. My friends and I now refuse to give them an interview because the outcome makes them angry and gives a completely distorted story. In this case the Evening Mail has given a far more balanced and positive view.
for instance a story that was passed on to me from London:
A Taxi driver's wife ran off with his car so that he could no longer ply his trade, which led to depression, the loss his home, living in a shed, being without food. Helped by a Foodbank, then picking himself, growing his own food and finally regaining his self esteem and getting a home of his own again. A credit to human fight back.
But no, the BBC reporter from Radio Cumbria when they interviewed the Foodbank at Barrow recently, was only interested in a 'hard' story. Of all the things that could have been asked about they picked one about what might have been going wrong rather about all the things that were going right. Only one question was asked. I couldn't believe it:
"What instances of fraud existed in the distribution of the food?"
And even when they got the answer, "Extremely little" they couldn't accept it.
"How can you be sure?" They had to go on. "Because the people that receive the food are only approved by people that know their needs personally, and then only three days emergency supply is given"
That was it. No chance to talk about all the positive work this hard working team of dedicated people put in. How volunteers who started by offering just ten hours a week, then felt the need to put in six days a week because they saw that someone needed them to do this if an efficient service for disadvantaged people in our area was to be provided. No question that enquired about the efficiency of the operation. How the shelves are lined with baskets and baskets and baskets of food to suit different sizes of families so that on Friday last 14 families were helped. How this is provided in supermarket bags so that the public wouldn't be able to spot that the food was in reality a hand out. Many receiving the free food are ashamed that they've been brought so low. How freezers are being used to take advantage of large quantities of excellent bread that would otherwise would go to waste from a market stall every week. Bread that was on sale one minute on a Saturday afternoon was wrapped and in a freezer ten miles away only an hour later in our Foodbank. My what a slick operation we have!
There were lots of tales to be told of how successful the Barrow Foodbank is being and how it enabling some to claw their way back up to self respect and a more positive outlook.
The dedicated helpers at our Foodbank know that they are providing an essential service . They know that there are lots of 'soft' stories to be had. It sickens them that the only interest shown by the media, like the BBC, that we all think would give us good reporting chooses to denigrate the hard work of wonderful people by going on a witch hunt for errors in the operation. Errors that just aren't there. In future let's have some decent reporting . Stories that will encourage those that are positive . Stories we'd all like to hear about because it will put a Spring in our step to think how well a group of dedicated volunteers are coping with a very real need.
No this isn't the first time the BBC has been in trouble. A similar pattern has been observed in my contact with them. My friends and I now refuse to give them an interview because the outcome makes them angry and gives a completely distorted story. In this case the Evening Mail has given a far more balanced and positive view.
Sunday, 9 March 2014
Wonderful people in our local NHS
I've just been referred to the "Creaky hips and joints" man at Furness General in Barrow.
My, what a priveledge to be given this kind of treatment.
His name is Matt Freudmann. He's English and took all the time that was needed to give me a thorough examination including X-rays and to answer all my questions in detail so that I now have a thorough understanding of my problems and how best to help myself. Yes I had two pages of questions lined up and had every one answered clearly. These great people still operate within the our NHS. Don't let anyone out there try to persuade you differently.
So if you are referred to the Orthopaedic Department, consider yourself very fortunate.
Excellent , caring treatment within the NHS is very much alive and well.
Enjoy. As they say.
And that's not all: I'm seeing the same kind of people at Ulverston Health Centre. My Physiotherapist there is of the same top quality and is totally in tune with the advice being given by Mr Freudmann.
Doesn't it feel good to be given this quality of care.
My, what a priveledge to be given this kind of treatment.
His name is Matt Freudmann. He's English and took all the time that was needed to give me a thorough examination including X-rays and to answer all my questions in detail so that I now have a thorough understanding of my problems and how best to help myself. Yes I had two pages of questions lined up and had every one answered clearly. These great people still operate within the our NHS. Don't let anyone out there try to persuade you differently.
So if you are referred to the Orthopaedic Department, consider yourself very fortunate.
Excellent , caring treatment within the NHS is very much alive and well.
Enjoy. As they say.
And that's not all: I'm seeing the same kind of people at Ulverston Health Centre. My Physiotherapist there is of the same top quality and is totally in tune with the advice being given by Mr Freudmann.
Doesn't it feel good to be given this quality of care.
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
Being a gadfly
Some of my knowing friends accuse me of being a gadfly - let's look it up :
"an annoying person, esp. one who provokes others into action by criticism."
Yes. That's me! This is exactly what I aspire to on this blog - and often succeed:
I've discovered my most effective weapon is the video on Youtube - it works a treat. Of course no one ever acknowledges that the video has been effective but time and time again the matter highlighted gets sorted. If you want examples I can do a post in this very subject - but not now.
Now I'm focusing on the words of abuse I receive from various quarters.
Let's start with the most obvious.
"You're so opinionated". To which I reply "Duh" in the best Homer Simpson voice I can manage:
This is my blog dammit. No wonder it's opinionated.
The next term that pops up frequently from several directions is that I'm abusive - this comes from people who take themselves very seriously . People that most people wouldn't dare ask a plain question - people like "the Commander" of The Broughton community. These people are used to the people around them being excessively 'polite'. This term is used in response to me simply asking straight forward questions that they don't expect mere mortals to ask of their illustrious highnesses. "When are you going to pay me back the money you owe me" is clearly an abusive remark.
The latest term that has appeared a couple of times now is that I'm patronising. This clearly a powerful criticism that will knock me flat and win the argument. I've just had it from Cllr Colin Pickthall. He isn't used to ordinary people asking him straight questions like "Aren't you taking your eye off the ball in the way you run Ford Park" which I did a couple of days ago. A question that others of you claim needs asking loud and clear but apparently are reluctant to ask except behind closed doors to your neighbours and friends.
Oh well Geoff - get used to it - you're clearly getting through and doing a great Gadfly impersonation!
Yes when I stop being accused of being - opinionated, abusive and patronising, I should start to get worried. What will the next devastating word that gets used and will it register or have I developed a thick skin? The problem is that there are more and more people get out there fly swatters. They will delight in inflicting me a death blow. That's why I heed the advice of Doris Lessing and take her warnings very much to heart. It's a viscious world - people will always want to swat gadflies- they are so bloody irritating. One change I'm trying to make that will help is to ask questions rather than make statements - it's a lesson that is taking a long time to sink in. I had to adjust my blog when dealing with people like Persimmons and Howard Whittaker.
"an annoying person, esp. one who provokes others into action by criticism."
Yes. That's me! This is exactly what I aspire to on this blog - and often succeed:
I've discovered my most effective weapon is the video on Youtube - it works a treat. Of course no one ever acknowledges that the video has been effective but time and time again the matter highlighted gets sorted. If you want examples I can do a post in this very subject - but not now.
Now I'm focusing on the words of abuse I receive from various quarters.
Let's start with the most obvious.
"You're so opinionated". To which I reply "Duh" in the best Homer Simpson voice I can manage:
This is my blog dammit. No wonder it's opinionated.
The next term that pops up frequently from several directions is that I'm abusive - this comes from people who take themselves very seriously . People that most people wouldn't dare ask a plain question - people like "the Commander" of The Broughton community. These people are used to the people around them being excessively 'polite'. This term is used in response to me simply asking straight forward questions that they don't expect mere mortals to ask of their illustrious highnesses. "When are you going to pay me back the money you owe me" is clearly an abusive remark.
The latest term that has appeared a couple of times now is that I'm patronising. This clearly a powerful criticism that will knock me flat and win the argument. I've just had it from Cllr Colin Pickthall. He isn't used to ordinary people asking him straight questions like "Aren't you taking your eye off the ball in the way you run Ford Park" which I did a couple of days ago. A question that others of you claim needs asking loud and clear but apparently are reluctant to ask except behind closed doors to your neighbours and friends.
Oh well Geoff - get used to it - you're clearly getting through and doing a great Gadfly impersonation!
Yes when I stop being accused of being - opinionated, abusive and patronising, I should start to get worried. What will the next devastating word that gets used and will it register or have I developed a thick skin? The problem is that there are more and more people get out there fly swatters. They will delight in inflicting me a death blow. That's why I heed the advice of Doris Lessing and take her warnings very much to heart. It's a viscious world - people will always want to swat gadflies- they are so bloody irritating. One change I'm trying to make that will help is to ask questions rather than make statements - it's a lesson that is taking a long time to sink in. I had to adjust my blog when dealing with people like Persimmons and Howard Whittaker.
Monday, 3 March 2014
Note
As you may have noticed I'm adding some 'pages' - across the top of this blog. The idea is that these will enable visitors to find key posts easily - without doing a search.
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"A man needs something to believe in"
Here at the Ulverston Sports and Leisure Centre at the Swimming pool this Friday 7th March at 8pm
"a busker, a barman, a kerb counter, a warehouse hand, a copywriter and an engineer. His musical odyssey began in 1987 fronting a bash-em-out band at school, and has seen him play in seven countries either as the lynchpin of pop-punk upstarts Lithium Joe or hammering out his unique brand of folk, punk and blues in his own right. "
For me, he seems a singer worth listening to.
"a busker, a barman, a kerb counter, a warehouse hand, a copywriter and an engineer. His musical odyssey began in 1987 fronting a bash-em-out band at school, and has seen him play in seven countries either as the lynchpin of pop-punk upstarts Lithium Joe or hammering out his unique brand of folk, punk and blues in his own right. "
For me, he seems a singer worth listening to.
Sunday, 2 March 2014
Great meal at the Bistro, Ford Park
The theme night was French and it lived up to expectations.
Not only was the food very special and the presentation was superb but the people there are exceptional. A real class act. Once again it was one of the best meals I've had. I know of nowhere in this area - including going to Lancaster where you can eat to this standard.
Here's the menu
Not only was the food very special and the presentation was superb but the people there are exceptional. A real class act. Once again it was one of the best meals I've had. I know of nowhere in this area - including going to Lancaster where you can eat to this standard.
Here's the menu
Saturday 1st March 2014
Food served between 7pm and 9pm
Starters
French Onion Soup with Gruyere cheese croutons
Roquefort cheese, pear and caramelised walnut salad
With watercress leaves
Lamb kidneys with 3 mustards Cooked with smoked bacon in a creamy mustard sauce
MainCourse
Pork Medallions with fondant potatoes and a green peppercorn and Dijon mustard sauce
Pan-fried chicken supremeserved with truffle mash,fresh spinach and tarragon jus
Baked fillet of Sea bass With lemon crushed new potatoes , mixed olive tapenade and sauce vierge
Aubergine relish and goats cheese tart With a garlic cream sauce
Desserts
Vanilla crème brulee served with sable biscuits
Poached pear coated in hazelnut praline with vanilla ice cream and wine caramel
Chocolate nemesis Flourless chocolate cake with coffee syrup and whipped cream
All served with gratin potatoes and mixed vegetables
Three courses for £20 ish
Three courses for £20 ish
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