Gypsies, gypsies and more gypsies!
This week I have had three meetings regarding the issue of gypsies and travellers in North Lincolnshire so I shall use this blog to update people about what has gone on.
On Monday I had three petition hearings. There was an excellent presentation from three people in Barton and we enjoyed a very constructive and adult discussion. I was very impressed with the way they had done their research and the way in which they presented their argument. There was also a presentation from three representatives of the Scunthorpe Speedway team regarding the Conesby Quarry site. Even though I explained before the meeting started we would not be going to the press about what was discussed I was dismayed to pick up the Telegraph today to see comments about the meeting from someone who wasn't even there! I would have hoped that person would know better. Contrary to what this person has said, no final decisions have been made. I have said it before, but it seems as though I will have to say it again - the final decision on gypsy and traveller sites is not made by the council, it is made by the Planning Inspectorate. Anyone who accuses the council or myself of 'already making up our mind' is completely wrong. We can put forward sites following consultation, as we have done, but we can be overruled. Most importantly we will be starting the second phase of the consultation process in the New Year - when we have all the details I will ensure they are posted on this blog. Any racist or abusive comments received will not be tolerated. But the consultation does not start until next year so please do not send any comments in now. They will not be accepted. We will give people plenty of notice and warning when it will start.
On Wednesday afternoon I sat in on a scrutiny call in as the Conservatives made their first desperate attempt to block and stall the issue of traveller sites. There is no real logic to their argument, they basically believe our decision to announce our findings early is a bad thing. It seems as though the Tories are against informing people of decisions and against explaining how they can object! The call in was thrown out and the original decision stands.
Then last night the Tories put forward a poorly phrased motion to council which wanted us to scrap the work we have done so far and bring all of the gypsy and traveller sites back into play - even those we have so far ruled out. Again the arguments they use lack substance. The Tories from Barton have been very clear they don't want sites in their town and feel they'd be better suited somewhere else - Brigg! Their arguments are a blatant act of Nimby-ism! The motion they put forward, which was thankfully defeated, suggested all decisions made are scrapped and that we should start again. All this would do is bring Brigg back into play and is not at all helpful.
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Regards
Paul Duff
By avoiding further press coverage of their failed and inept execution of this latest tactic, perhaps they have anticipated and tried to rule out the opportunity to further expose demonstrations of their inept calibre, double standards and hypocrisy!?
I have to inform all concerned that when the Tories had control of NLC:
NLC leadership and management ignored the repeated challenges and complaints of the real undemocratic and unethical conduct and collusion between Bonby PC, Brigg ward councillors and Highways officers to unjustly suppress the community opposition and to impose the damaging, unwarranted and inappropriate provisions of a highways improvement scheme.
Brigg ward councillors failed to exercise the rules, spirit and intent of the Council's Constitution and were negligent in failing to democratically and to consistently advise one group of their Bonby constituents of their rights to call a petition panel, as part of their community camapign of opposition to this scheme;
Lead Cabinet Member for Highways and his officers undemocratically and arrogantly dismissed a significant residents' petition (and their requests for more appropriate and environmentally sensitive scheme provisions), that was belatedly submitted to NLC following the support and directions from our MP Ian Cawsey.
During their attendance at many Bonby PC meetings; ward councillors were inconsistent in their directions and influence of parish councillors to comply with their obligations to their code of conduct; particularly in respect of correctly declaring evident personal and prejudicial interests?
As a result of these failings and negligence, their undemocratic and disrespectful conduct and particularly in consideration of their experience from long established positions of chairing and as members of NLC's various scrutiny committees; the ward councillors were referred to the Standards Board.
I rest my case, in that how staggeringly rich for the NLC Tories to pull a scrutiny card stunt. I wonder where they got their idea from!?
I am a long time Scunthorpe Speedway fan and like all fans we do not want to see any development which could harm our team in any way.Like football, rugby or any other sports fan, we take pride in our team and we feel we represent the area in a great way.A lot of people, headed by Rob Godfrey, are doing a lot of work to put Scunthorpe on the map. I feel that creating a gypsy site next door would probably lead to death of our team and that would be very sad news for a great number of people. However, I want to say that despite all of this there are a umber of speedway fans who deplore the comments and tactics of those so-called "fans" who have left you abusive remarks.I signed the petition which was presentedto you and I believe if we put forward our case democracy will have its way and the right decision will be made.I don't think childish insults as those on the speedway forum show will help our cause.I know a great deal of fellow supporters agree with me, perhaps we are the silent majority.I plead with you to listen to our thoughts but plese by assured not all of us are as childish and dare I say racist as some of those who claim to represent our club.
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