Whilst many commentators continue to sit on their backsides and pontificate about the benefits of a hotel development, the Save Our Seafront Association follows the power of their convictions in their desire to seek public opinion on the venture. This weekend they were out in force in the Jarrow area, obtaining 1200 signatures against any development on the site of Gypsies Green. The total against so far is well over 6000 names and addresses. Contrasted with the efforts of those who wish to see the development go ahead, clear ground is emerging between the yes and no camps. Unless those who favour the development do more than put pen to paper and outline asinine arguments, the SOS group are going to win the moral argument hands down.
With this level of success, the development is highly unlikely to go ahead within the next five years.
Perhaps certain Councillors should recall the “Fellgate Effect”.
Monday, 3 December 2007
OUR (FEWER) FRIENDS IN THE NORTH
Today’s Times contains a first class article on the Labour Party’s influence in the north east of England. The issues of the Northern Rock, missing computer discs and dubious political donations all have their origins in our region, intrinsically linked to the Labour Party’s influence and domination that has existed for generations.
With parallels to the T.D. Smith scandals, political writers are packing their bags to book train tickets past the Watford Gap.
Rather than regurgitate the article, follow the link below. Ben Macintyre’s article is a pretty sincere piece of journalism and a great summary of northern politics since the early 1960’s.
Regardless of the recent political issues, the region has a lot to be politically proud of. The Times article still manages to capture that element of independence which characterises the area, and for all that we should be very proud.
However, there is a scandal a foot, and the region is at the centre of it!
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2988504.ece
With parallels to the T.D. Smith scandals, political writers are packing their bags to book train tickets past the Watford Gap.
Rather than regurgitate the article, follow the link below. Ben Macintyre’s article is a pretty sincere piece of journalism and a great summary of northern politics since the early 1960’s.
Regardless of the recent political issues, the region has a lot to be politically proud of. The Times article still manages to capture that element of independence which characterises the area, and for all that we should be very proud.
However, there is a scandal a foot, and the region is at the centre of it!
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2988504.ece
NUMBER CRUNCHING POLICE STYLE
Heather Brooke, author of the must have book “Your Right To Know”, has looked at misconduct issues within police forces in England. Brooke’s findings have been outlined in today’s Time’s, and the results are pretty entertaining.
Police forces have paid out more than £44 million in compensation and damages in the last 5 years
From 2002 to 2007, 55 police forces received 31,000 claims
The Police Service of Northern Ireland received 150 claims every 100,000 people in the province, and paid out £9.5 million in court judgements, settlements and compensation.
More than half of the countries police forces do not keep accessible records of claims, complaints or court cases.
There were 1825 court actions over 5 years, but only 24% reached court, the remainder were settled out of court or paid off.
Pay out league table;
NORTHERN IRELAND - £597,801 PER 100,000
CLEVELAND POLICE - £597,169 PER 100,000
GREATER MANCHESTER - £394,703 PER 100,000
Figures include all money paid out, including compensation or lawyers legal fees.
That’s a lot of money and a lot of claims. So should we be up in arms about the incompetence of our police forces? The short answer is no. With the American influence of litigation, society is now a legal claims paradise. Putting that to one side, it still isn’t that impressive. It looks like the good old English police force has joined the ranks of the NHS, social services and teaching professions; poorly paid, under resourced and over stretched. The result, under performance and bad practise prevails. Whilst there will be some just cases, the only people who really gain are the lawyers.
Police forces have paid out more than £44 million in compensation and damages in the last 5 years
From 2002 to 2007, 55 police forces received 31,000 claims
The Police Service of Northern Ireland received 150 claims every 100,000 people in the province, and paid out £9.5 million in court judgements, settlements and compensation.
More than half of the countries police forces do not keep accessible records of claims, complaints or court cases.
There were 1825 court actions over 5 years, but only 24% reached court, the remainder were settled out of court or paid off.
Pay out league table;
NORTHERN IRELAND - £597,801 PER 100,000
CLEVELAND POLICE - £597,169 PER 100,000
GREATER MANCHESTER - £394,703 PER 100,000
Figures include all money paid out, including compensation or lawyers legal fees.
That’s a lot of money and a lot of claims. So should we be up in arms about the incompetence of our police forces? The short answer is no. With the American influence of litigation, society is now a legal claims paradise. Putting that to one side, it still isn’t that impressive. It looks like the good old English police force has joined the ranks of the NHS, social services and teaching professions; poorly paid, under resourced and over stretched. The result, under performance and bad practise prevails. Whilst there will be some just cases, the only people who really gain are the lawyers.
Sunday, 2 December 2007
GROUND RULES
Visitors to this site will have seen a great upsurge in comments of late. Congratulations I say to myself for getting it right……unfortunately most have come from the same person, “Billy Boy”. Never complementary, he seems for some reason to take all posts very personally, especially those relating to a certain Councillor Potts. He has also been active on other regional sites where Mr Potts has been mentioned by the hosts or where I have commented. Again he is less than courteous.
For the record, I don’t really mind his comments, in fact I enjoy them. Something or some one has motivated him to such a degree that he wants to target every post I write. Fair enough, a little controversy goes a long way. However, let’s set out some ground rules so that “Billy Boy” knows how far he can go.
Comments including or containing reference to the following elements will not be posted:
1. RACISM
2. SEXISM
3. HOMOPHOBIA
Neither will I allow:
4. SWEAR WORDS
5. COMMENTS ON PEOPLE IN MY FAMILY OR PEOPLES FAMILIES WHO I HAVE POSTED ON (I AM THE ONLY PARTY WHO POSTS, SO WHY ATTACK THEM?)
6. UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS, ISSUES OF LITIGATION, SLANDER OR COMMENTS ON PEOPLES SEXUALITY.
I will allow;
7. CRITICISM OF ME, AS LONG AS THE ABOVE IS APPLIED
8. CRITICISM OF OTHERS, AS LONG AS THE ABOVE IS APPLIED
After all these issues, just about anything goes. If you have a good argument, I will reply to your comment. If I ignore it, assume you don’t!
I won’t engage it protracted arguments on other people’s sites. If you feel the need to comment in depth on their posts, I will reply on my site. Why should they be the cuckoo in the nest! Correspondingly, if you feel the need to comment in depth on my site, I will reply via a post, not a comment.
Whilst I operate a comment moderation policy, it has always been to incorporate the above restrictions. To date, I have never stopped a comment on this site. Over the next couple of days I shall incorporate the above codicils within the side bar with a “Rules of Engagement” section so that every body is aware of the restrictions.
Finally, returning to Billy Boy (lets drop the italics) and others, you have raised a couple of issues of late, so here is your response.
GYPSIES GREEN
My posts on this issue remain clear. I am not a member of the SOS committee or the group as a campaign body. Therefore follow the link to their site for any further updates.
http://www.gypsiesgreen.blogspot.com/
COUNCILLOR DAVID POTTS
A very old and but still relevant subject, but to detailed to look at here. You can however, do the leg work yourself by visiting the following sites;
http://www.northernuproar.blogspot.com/
http://www.metromayhem.blogspot.com/
Also search on the Shields Gazette archives re my name and the Councillors and you will also find relevant information.
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sectionhome.aspx?sectionid=1111
You could do more by looking at the attendance rates and expenses claims on the following;
http://www.southtyneside.info/localdemocracy/
Whenever I post on this particular individual, it is always factual. As he has never attempted to sue me is proof of this. However, he never comments on my posts (in his own name) which he is welcome to do (I do however, suspect that he encourages other people to do so. How could he counter the allegations otherwise?)
To be honest, I would relish the chance to engage in a public dialogue with him. However, perhaps it is to close to an election for the Councillor to conceded any ground (for the record, I have perhaps the same amount of contempt for the “Badger” as he does!).
If he attends as many parliamentary debates in Scotland as he does council related meetings, the constituency will be unrepresented)
So there you have it, the rules, the regulations, the engagement, etc etc.
However, keep on posting people, it’s all appreciated never mind what you have to say.
For the record, I don’t really mind his comments, in fact I enjoy them. Something or some one has motivated him to such a degree that he wants to target every post I write. Fair enough, a little controversy goes a long way. However, let’s set out some ground rules so that “Billy Boy” knows how far he can go.
Comments including or containing reference to the following elements will not be posted:
1. RACISM
2. SEXISM
3. HOMOPHOBIA
Neither will I allow:
4. SWEAR WORDS
5. COMMENTS ON PEOPLE IN MY FAMILY OR PEOPLES FAMILIES WHO I HAVE POSTED ON (I AM THE ONLY PARTY WHO POSTS, SO WHY ATTACK THEM?)
6. UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS, ISSUES OF LITIGATION, SLANDER OR COMMENTS ON PEOPLES SEXUALITY.
I will allow;
7. CRITICISM OF ME, AS LONG AS THE ABOVE IS APPLIED
8. CRITICISM OF OTHERS, AS LONG AS THE ABOVE IS APPLIED
After all these issues, just about anything goes. If you have a good argument, I will reply to your comment. If I ignore it, assume you don’t!
I won’t engage it protracted arguments on other people’s sites. If you feel the need to comment in depth on their posts, I will reply on my site. Why should they be the cuckoo in the nest! Correspondingly, if you feel the need to comment in depth on my site, I will reply via a post, not a comment.
Whilst I operate a comment moderation policy, it has always been to incorporate the above restrictions. To date, I have never stopped a comment on this site. Over the next couple of days I shall incorporate the above codicils within the side bar with a “Rules of Engagement” section so that every body is aware of the restrictions.
Finally, returning to Billy Boy (lets drop the italics) and others, you have raised a couple of issues of late, so here is your response.
GYPSIES GREEN
My posts on this issue remain clear. I am not a member of the SOS committee or the group as a campaign body. Therefore follow the link to their site for any further updates.
http://www.gypsiesgreen.blogspot.com/
COUNCILLOR DAVID POTTS
A very old and but still relevant subject, but to detailed to look at here. You can however, do the leg work yourself by visiting the following sites;
http://www.northernuproar.blogspot.com/
http://www.metromayhem.blogspot.com/
Also search on the Shields Gazette archives re my name and the Councillors and you will also find relevant information.
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sectionhome.aspx?sectionid=1111
You could do more by looking at the attendance rates and expenses claims on the following;
http://www.southtyneside.info/localdemocracy/
Whenever I post on this particular individual, it is always factual. As he has never attempted to sue me is proof of this. However, he never comments on my posts (in his own name) which he is welcome to do (I do however, suspect that he encourages other people to do so. How could he counter the allegations otherwise?)
To be honest, I would relish the chance to engage in a public dialogue with him. However, perhaps it is to close to an election for the Councillor to conceded any ground (for the record, I have perhaps the same amount of contempt for the “Badger” as he does!).
If he attends as many parliamentary debates in Scotland as he does council related meetings, the constituency will be unrepresented)
So there you have it, the rules, the regulations, the engagement, etc etc.
However, keep on posting people, it’s all appreciated never mind what you have to say.
DONORGATE
With 4 full pages, today’s Sunday Telegraph has the best coverage of Labour’s latest sleazy goings on. Highlighting the 12 major players in the affair, it is its “7 question scenario” which catches the eye. Here’s a synopsis;
1. Who was Abraham’s handler at the Labour Party?
2. Who at the top level of the Party knew about the donations?
3. Did Abrahams receive any favours?
4. Is Abrahams a front for another donor?
5. How many other anonymous donors exist?
6. Why did Brown’s team refuse donations, but recommended Harman?
7. Why did Mendelsohn not raise his concerns with Brown?
The answer to any of these questions is likely to open the flood gates for more revelations.
Brown may attempt to deflect criticism with his promises of reform, but it is highly likely that he will be the second serving prime minister to be questioned by police over corruption and more prudently, the second Labour leader in a row. This is a disgraceful position for any party to be in.
Rest assured however, I suspect the Conservative party will be trawling its account books to ascertain its own position on the issue, as it did with the interest free loan scenario. The next seven days will be very interesting, not just for Labour, but for all political parties.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?_DARGS=/core/search/genericSimpleSearch.jhtml
1. Who was Abraham’s handler at the Labour Party?
2. Who at the top level of the Party knew about the donations?
3. Did Abrahams receive any favours?
4. Is Abrahams a front for another donor?
5. How many other anonymous donors exist?
6. Why did Brown’s team refuse donations, but recommended Harman?
7. Why did Mendelsohn not raise his concerns with Brown?
The answer to any of these questions is likely to open the flood gates for more revelations.
Brown may attempt to deflect criticism with his promises of reform, but it is highly likely that he will be the second serving prime minister to be questioned by police over corruption and more prudently, the second Labour leader in a row. This is a disgraceful position for any party to be in.
Rest assured however, I suspect the Conservative party will be trawling its account books to ascertain its own position on the issue, as it did with the interest free loan scenario. The next seven days will be very interesting, not just for Labour, but for all political parties.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?_DARGS=/core/search/genericSimpleSearch.jhtml
KOSOVO
With an Albanian led administration calling for full independence from Serbia, Kosovo looks like it may once again spiral into ethnic conflict. Serbian residents of the region are leaving in droves as tensions between the two communities increases. With a citizen’s army once again being mobilised, the Serbian mainland has promised that it will meet force with force. They also have the additional support of the Russians, keen to keep Serbia as a loyal and militarily well supplied friend.
Europe is therefore faced again with a region teetering on the brink of another outbreak of ethnic cleansing. With British forces due to take over control of the area on behalf of NATO, we could find ourselves over stretched with regards to our defence commitments. What then for Brown, all ready under fire for not financing our obligations abroad?
Europe is therefore faced again with a region teetering on the brink of another outbreak of ethnic cleansing. With British forces due to take over control of the area on behalf of NATO, we could find ourselves over stretched with regards to our defence commitments. What then for Brown, all ready under fire for not financing our obligations abroad?
NUMBER CRUNCHING ONE NORTHEAST STYLE
Today’s Sunday Sun has a “number crunching” exercise worthy of any edition of the Private Eye.
The regional development agency One NorthEast has caught the eye of journalist Eleanor Gregson (via a FoI enquiry by Norman Baker MP) for the following items of expenditure;
£1 million cost of maintaining offices in Australia, Japan, China and Korea
£5450 for a business class seat to Chicago, and within a month had paid for 15 more air tickets which included flights to Shanghai, Tokyo and Australia at a combine cost of almost £10,000
Agency spent £108,000 hosting just four events last year
£25,000 taxi and train bills
All these items have been paid for by the tax payer. Matthew Elliott, head of the Taxpayers Alliance, condemns the waste of tax payers money by what is an unelected body. However, this is only the tip of a very big iceberg. Every region is this country has the equivalent of One NorthEast. Can you imagine a combined total for this type of expenditure? That’s where the real scandal lies.
http://www.taxpayersalliance.com/
The regional development agency One NorthEast has caught the eye of journalist Eleanor Gregson (via a FoI enquiry by Norman Baker MP) for the following items of expenditure;
£1 million cost of maintaining offices in Australia, Japan, China and Korea
£5450 for a business class seat to Chicago, and within a month had paid for 15 more air tickets which included flights to Shanghai, Tokyo and Australia at a combine cost of almost £10,000
Agency spent £108,000 hosting just four events last year
£25,000 taxi and train bills
All these items have been paid for by the tax payer. Matthew Elliott, head of the Taxpayers Alliance, condemns the waste of tax payers money by what is an unelected body. However, this is only the tip of a very big iceberg. Every region is this country has the equivalent of One NorthEast. Can you imagine a combined total for this type of expenditure? That’s where the real scandal lies.
http://www.taxpayersalliance.com/
MISSED THE TARGET
The Sunday Sun also highlights the £45 million pot of money which the government has earmarked for the regeneration of coastal resorts. North Tyneside is mentioned with regards to Whitely Bay. South Shields is not. I wonder why? Could this be because the Council has passed the problem over to a firm of private consultants (Target) to decide what is best for the Borough? By the time they report back, the money will be gone. Or is that the idea?
Saturday, 1 December 2007
RIP
Evel Knievel 1938 - 2007
Wonderful childhood entertainment.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6253535.stm
Wonderful childhood entertainment.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6253535.stm
LETTER TO THE EDITOR, SHIELDS GAZETTE
Dear Sir
I wish to complain about today’s edition of the Gazette. Sadly, your staff have failed to make any reference to the antics of Councillor Potts, and as such many people are disappointed. Rest assured, I do not make this complaint on my behalf, but for “Billy Boy”, who appears to trawl local sites (the details re relevant ones have already been passed on to him to make his job easier) looking for comments on Mr Potts, and correspondingly posts on him. Poor old “Billy Boy” has been dreadfully let down today, especially so close to Christmas. I realise that you are a busy man, but perhaps you could arrange for some coverage next week so that I can post some new comments. Poor old Billy has nothing better to do, and is at something of a loose end. Idle hands and all that…..
Yours faithfully
Peter Shaw
I wish to complain about today’s edition of the Gazette. Sadly, your staff have failed to make any reference to the antics of Councillor Potts, and as such many people are disappointed. Rest assured, I do not make this complaint on my behalf, but for “Billy Boy”, who appears to trawl local sites (the details re relevant ones have already been passed on to him to make his job easier) looking for comments on Mr Potts, and correspondingly posts on him. Poor old “Billy Boy” has been dreadfully let down today, especially so close to Christmas. I realise that you are a busy man, but perhaps you could arrange for some coverage next week so that I can post some new comments. Poor old Billy has nothing better to do, and is at something of a loose end. Idle hands and all that…..
Yours faithfully
Peter Shaw
GYPSIES GREEN
The Gypsies Green Action Group’s site contains a very interesting post about the proposed development. Follow the link below or cut and paste it to your browser to find out the details.
With no planning requests lodged to date, it will be the New Year before the full extent of the Tavistocks vision is revealed. Until, the SOS campaigners will continue to oppose any plans. I understand today’s exercise in Jarrow was a resounding success. Details to follow.
With no planning requests lodged to date, it will be the New Year before the full extent of the Tavistocks vision is revealed. Until, the SOS campaigners will continue to oppose any plans. I understand today’s exercise in Jarrow was a resounding success. Details to follow.
OOPS!!!!!!
With Browns funding problems continuing, and the case of the missing Inland Revenue discs still commanding column inches, the Prime Minster would have been glad to find that The Times had managed to find something else to put on its front page.
According to MI5, the Chinese are mounting cyberspace attacks via the internet on banks, accountancy firms and legal concerns. Through the use of sophisticated hacking techniques, Chinese state organisations have been targeting leading UK companies via their own sites. A summary of MI5’s findings have been placed on…….. a government website which has restricted access. Now just a minute, if the Chinese have already managed to by pass internet defence systems, surely the last place we should be outlining the details is on a website?
It’s nice to know that the countries security is in the hands of people with such foresight!
According to MI5, the Chinese are mounting cyberspace attacks via the internet on banks, accountancy firms and legal concerns. Through the use of sophisticated hacking techniques, Chinese state organisations have been targeting leading UK companies via their own sites. A summary of MI5’s findings have been placed on…….. a government website which has restricted access. Now just a minute, if the Chinese have already managed to by pass internet defence systems, surely the last place we should be outlining the details is on a website?
It’s nice to know that the countries security is in the hands of people with such foresight!
NOT IN THIS BOROUGH
Whilst Morrissey may no longer be welcome at the NME headquarters, he may find himself wishing to tour certain areas of South Shields. Today’s Gazette reveals that the BNP wards within the Borough in the hope of securing a council seat at next years local elections.
Copies of their newsletter “South Tyneside Patriot” have been circulated in the Primrose area, where a right wing candidate finished second in this years vote.
With an active presence in Sunderland, there is always a danger that voter apathy or discontent will allow a seat to be finally secured. The people of this Borough have always had a tolerant attitude when it comes to the cultural influences that shape the area. It is therefore up to the local politicians from all parties to ensure that racial hatred is not fuelled by poor and ill conceived municipal policy. We need a united front which clearly distances itself from BNP candidates and the lies they peddle.
Perhaps a few letters to the Gazette from leading councillors would be a good way to start!
Copies of their newsletter “South Tyneside Patriot” have been circulated in the Primrose area, where a right wing candidate finished second in this years vote.
With an active presence in Sunderland, there is always a danger that voter apathy or discontent will allow a seat to be finally secured. The people of this Borough have always had a tolerant attitude when it comes to the cultural influences that shape the area. It is therefore up to the local politicians from all parties to ensure that racial hatred is not fuelled by poor and ill conceived municipal policy. We need a united front which clearly distances itself from BNP candidates and the lies they peddle.
Perhaps a few letters to the Gazette from leading councillors would be a good way to start!
Friday, 30 November 2007
STOP ME IF YOU THINK YOUV'E HEARD THIS ONE BEFORE..............
Poor old Morrissey, the iconic lead singer/song writer from The Smiths and purveyor of some pretty fine solo material. Never one to avoid controversy or keep his own thoughts to himself (I can appreciate that) he has once again embroiled himself in the “racism” row. The latest edition of the NME carries an article quoting some less than pleasant views of the Manchurian’s feelings re immigration and the nature of “England”.
Whilst Morrissey threatens to sue, this is to be honest a tirade to far. Sadly, his view point is increasingly echoed on the web, particularly within the better established sites, some of which regrettably post from this Borough.
With a long and unfavourable record on issues relating to the National Front and racism, this has become embarrassing. The Smiths were excellent and his solo material contains many classics. However, that’s were it now ends: his name is removed from the Xmas card list and shall remain so forever!
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2971410.ece
Whilst Morrissey threatens to sue, this is to be honest a tirade to far. Sadly, his view point is increasingly echoed on the web, particularly within the better established sites, some of which regrettably post from this Borough.
With a long and unfavourable record on issues relating to the National Front and racism, this has become embarrassing. The Smiths were excellent and his solo material contains many classics. However, that’s were it now ends: his name is removed from the Xmas card list and shall remain so forever!
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2971410.ece
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