| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Do I smell a rat? | |
| Posted by: | Phil Andrews | |
| Date/Time: | 21/04/16 10:42:00 |
| I'm pleased if local people who turned up to support this event had an enjoyable time. Anything which promotes community is to be welcomed. What is less welcome is the use of such an event as a gloatfest, to rub the noses of local people in the fact that the relatively small number of residents who are enjoying the closure of Church Street at the expense of the much larger number have, through whatever means (and inevitably speculation is rife), won the support of the ward councillors and, through them, the local authority itself. A few days ago I had the benefit of quite a long conversation with a friend who lives in Church Street who told me that, whilst he supports the closure, he is worried that the triumphalism of certain others may have the effect of creating a lasting "us and them" scenario which it could take years to reverse. I agree with him. A local authority which is prepared to dispense with the consultation process at a whim and ride roughshod over local people to accommodate one small interest group will do the same in the future if it suits. Next time it could be at your expense, and if it is you may appreciate the support of the wider community (think, for instance, of the present Leader's mania for development). Divide and rule is their speciality, please don't play their game by burning your bridges. |