Unreliable Notes from the night Labour gained control of Thanet Council

This is my personal view of the night Labour gained control of Thanet Council, made more unreliable, in that my smartphone didn't save the notes, from the first half of the meeting, so I'll go big on atmosphere and er backdrop.

I left early for last night's council meeting thinking everyone knew that Labour would be taking the reigns of power, that is except for Cllr. Clive Hart who apparently didn't, and claimed he didn't think he would be getting the support of Cllr Worrow toward the end of the meeting, even though its likely everyone else thought he would be doing the dirty, to his former colleagues, that is voting against his former Leader Cllr Bob Bayford, anyhow as I parked the car , the Harts strolled past, I'm not sure they saw me, because I'm sure Clive & Sandra would have given me a smile and a wave.

Shared the lift up to the council chamber with Cllr Driver, didn't seem he was in any mood for chit chat particularly not since my conversation with him over that publicity stunt at the Turner Contemporary, when his Labour membership was not clear, still it good to see that he still has a home with Labour particularly after all that independent talk earlier in the year.

I must say things were crowded in the public gallery, good to see, fellow bloggers James Maskell, and Luke Edwards, taking an interest, in addition to a couple of proper bods from the Gazette.

Still although change was obviously on the way, the atmosphere was fairly muted, I guess the Tory group dreading losing and the Labour lot dreading winning, since they'll have to put their money where their mouth is.

Mention was made of Conservative Cllr Simon Moores being on his way back from Amsterdam or somewhere similar, a quick metal image formed of Thanet's most qualified, strapping himself into a cessna and battling the elements in what would have been a futile effort to save the day.

In my view it didn't take long for Labour gloom to pervade the atmosphere of the Chamber, particularly , with our new leader quickly adopting the victim role for Thanet with mentions of the area being badly treated and injustice, lets hope things lighten up.

Still I can't help thinking that, the next few years will be dominated by political minows, chopping and changing, I still have difficulty with councillors who jump ship, I'm fairly sure I could ingratiate myself with either Labour or the Tories, and get elected but having always been a Liberal it would be just like asking Mrs Me to swap her Chelsea season ticket for blimin Arsenal, it aint going to happen.

Not sure how little old ladies of Birchington South will take to the news that two councillors Worrow and Cohen are voting with Labour, or indeed just how shallow Cllr Worrows allegiance to his colleagues in the conservative party.
Still Worrow has got support for his free parking in Birchington, campaign, which I dare say his constituents will need once Labour start jacking up council tax.

Anyway Good Luck to Cllr Clive Hart lets hope he can do a better job running the council than has done with Labour, who might well of won the district elections, had it not been for that unseemly business of removing Mark Nottingham, or fighting against social housing and lets not forget jobs.

Finally it was good to see that the temperamental sound system was working, although the timer isn't however, a lashed up system was created courtesy of www.online-stopwatch.com a laptop and projector.

Resignation big deal? - No Worrows as councillor deserts Tories

News that Thanet Cllr. John Worrow has resigned the conservative whip on a point of principle concerning the banning of live animals exports, sounds like a humongous event but is it such a big deal.


I myself cannot quite understand what Cllr. Worrow is worried about, rather than showing disdain as John says, it would appear to me that Thanet district Council, has done a lot more than most elected bodies would do in similar circumstances, in representing and promoting the concerns of animal welfare activists.


I'm sure that some cynics might think that John Worrow by resigning the conservative whip is attempting to make himself more important as an independent (than was previously the  case) who now has to be placated either by the ruling Conservative group or won over by the Labour opposition.


Still having spoken to John in the past, I'm sure that he is above all that sort of malarkey and such notions are completely way off the mark, I myself don't doubt that neither he or Labour activist Cllr Ian Driver would use such an emotive issue as animal welfare, to manipulate the public, just to make themselves more important.


Just on Cllr Ian Driver, it seems that although it was unclear whether he was in or out of the Labour party earlier in the year, he has not been resigned or been removed from the Labour group as he is still listed on their website, presumably Cllr Clive Hart still has ambitions to lead Thanet to the promised land.


It's inevitable that petty squabbles will erupt from now until, the next local elections, maybe I should have commented earlier but frankly I had bigger fish to fry this weekend, including wading through a box set of "Mad Men" which is infinitely more entertaining than this event.


To be honest reading the first para of John's resignation address, despite criticising his former colleagues, he neither explains specifics of just how "there has been a concerted effort to undermine those campaigning to ban live animal exports" speaking of These campaigners are good respectable people goes on with this" I will not have their efforts undermined and ridiculed by an administration....... and so it goes on.


Here's my suggestion to John Worrow, try being a bit more explicit? I consider myself a supporter of animal welfare I signed the petition promoted by himself and all the other councillors and the council website, what more can we do? perhaps Cllr Worrow could elucidate?


At the end of the day of course we elect politicians to represent us, how exactly John Worrow is doing this, is frankly obscure, what does he expect of his colleagues, perhaps instead of Cllr Bob Bayford using his position as leader of the council, to influence law makers, perhaps John expects Bob Bayford and his tory colleagues to hold a vigil at Ramsgate port 24/7 and if necessary throw themselves in front of lorries.


Try coming up with a clear message John otherwise the public might just take a cynical view and assume your talking...

Thanet Crematorium to be Solar Powered

Please look away now if your a sensitive soul who has "conservative" views on the pomp and circumstance surrounding the tricky etiquette of death, for myself I have a view that the whole business of leaving this world and entering the next, is all a bit fussy and flippin expensive.

Myself I'd be quite happy to be collected up on bin day and carted off with the rest of the household waste, then recycled by the council, however they see fit, still that's not going to happen, and when viewing the subject from the point of view of a grieving relative or friend, such a send off would be inadequate in the case of anyone else.

I see Thanet Council's Cabinet meeting tonight will be consdering sticking solar panals discretely at the back of the Crematorium in Margate, I assume that the actual process of cremation, will not be solar powered and the panels will be feeding the conveyor belt, curtains, lighting etc and pressumably the national grid.

Still it makes me think that, during the old incineration process there must be a lot of energy waste, I just wonder if maybe we couldn't have a regional crematorium, perhaps one in East and West Kent and recover some energy,  generate a bit of electricity, maybe power those street lights which the county council are turning off, perhaps saving death and injury.

Also on the agenda tonight is the subject of expansion of the Crematorium, which has for some reason, they never adequately explain been labelled as "eyes only" restricted to jobsworth "officers" and our talented councillors ( who will not doubt disclose the details at some future point down the pub) meaning that the public and press are turfed out, unusually a welcome relief, assuming the security guard hasn't wandered off, again leaving the door locked for no good reason.

Thanet Council does the camera ever lie?–We’ll never know

Well when I clicked the link on TDC’s website to find the answer, it came up with this,

so I’d been inclined to say yes, still maybe Cllr Simon Moores is helping out in IT, you know how tricky these links can be, remember this incredible mistake.

I assume it will be sorted out soon.

Still if you’ve ever looked at traffic wardens, particularly in London, if it wasn’t for their uniforms you’d get the impression that they were fashion photographers as the wrestle to get the best angle’s to “prove” a vehicle is half an inch outside a parking bay.

Clearly TDC is reacting to reports focussing on the rather selfish use and abuse of taxpayers money at Mill Lane car park which, as we recently discovered has more cameras, looking after council staff’s cars and free priority parking space, than looking after taxpayers like you and I in the rest of Margate.

Thanet Council first priority to protect officers cars and the public last?

The Isle of Thanet Gazette's front page story, this Friday concerns Margate's Mill Lane car park (an occasional topic here on Bignews Margate),  as you might expect with Thanet council, money is no object when it comes to looking after the interests of officers.

Although ostensibly Mill Lane Car Park is a public car park for use by shoppers, residents and visitors, it is effectively commandeered by Thanet Council staff as their comfort and convenience outweighs the public interest.

So it comes as no surprise that the car park itself, which during the week is almost exclusively occupied by TDC staff, has more cameras (34) protecting it, than the rest of Margate.

As a result over the years Mill Lane car park has played a significant  part in the decline of Margate as a shopping centre, since five days a week its near impossible to park in that part of town without having to pay for the councils predatory on street parking and or

To make sure residents don't inconvenience staff by using what must be one of the safest parking facilities in the country, our sneaky local council close the car park over night so staff can park easily in the morning.

Its good that the Gazette is around to remind us (Subject to take over) anyway I made the  point I made back in December last year with this comment while bemoaning that they TDC couldn't find  money for local museums " Thanet's CCTV cameras £1.4 million in three years, which allow council staff to snoop and spy on you and I as well as check, that their car is still safely parked for free in Mill Lane car park.

I'm not getting at the front line staff but I ask why we be subsidising staff car parking particularly at the fat cat end of the scale. Still that's a question that might be aimed at Conservative group leader Cllr Bob Bayford, and his equally ineffectual cabinet colleagues.

Whatever excuses, spin, misinformation, Thanet council use to explain this, does not excuse this disgraceful policy of putting staff before the public.

BBC Advertising report - The missing link

Outside of national news we are used to superficial reporting from the BBC, an interesting case in point is reportage of Thanet Councils tough new campaign against "illegal" advertising.

Peter Wittlesea's report (Click) has Cllr Simon Moores firmly staring down the lens of his camera, looking uncomfortably formal on what must have been a hot day, anyhoo the councillor suggests, referring to advertising that businesses "go through a proper process.

Mr Wittlesea could have asked at this point, what proper processes other than compliances with the CAA, Mr Moores (as a businessman) goes through before dragging airborne banners across our sky I wonder why the reported didn't make the link?.

Maybe Cllr Moores will enlighten us, with what steps he takes to inform the authorities before he disturbs neighbourhoods with the noise of his plane droning above, with an incitement to marriage or a friendly message of support for some football team.

To be honest unless it's real nuisance I'd say it's none of our damn business as with some trader using there vehicles to advertise for business.

Finally how sporting of Simon to allow himself to be framed with a traders van in shot but how shocking seeing TDC using Stanley type knives to cut down advertising posters, on worksites these are frequently discouraged by Health and Safety zealots due to the open blade.

Council Busy Bodies - Road Side advertising and the problem is?

It seems rather ironic given that Cllr Simon Moores earns money from towing ads from a plane without any planning regulations, he is quoted in the council press release on "illegal advertising" so far the examples shown in the media, have yet to harm me in the deep psychological way that it looks to offend Thanet Council officers and those who are attracted to Cllr Moores. Apparently zealous council officers are about to wallop wrongdoers with the full force of criminal law.

Leader of Thanet council Cllr Bob Bayford (who he? exactly) made a good choice in placing Cllr Moores in his cabinet, as he (Simon) appears to be a willing target of or lightening rod for some of the more cranky council policy.

Anyhow this latest bit of nonsense will go down like a lead balloon with a lot of local traders doing what they can to attract business, who apparently dare to park business vehicles on the road, one presumes these are taxed etc. Why a tory council wish's to attack enterprise god alone knows, perhaps Cllr Moores would like to see honest traders criminalised and join the ranks of workless.

So what's the problem, well apparently people can get distracted according to Cllr Moores "As a council, we’re also worried about the impact it could have on drivers, as adverts like this tend to be distracting. We would clearly wish to avoid any potential for an accident, because someone is distracted by an advert, rather than concentrating on the road.”

I'm sure Cllr Moores has never been involved in advertising which could be provocative,  offensive or been in anyway a cheap publicity stunt, I'm sure he seeks local government approval before he interrupts the environment with his plane buzzing around. 

My view is this, if people are so feeble minded they cannot drive past an advert without getting excited then they should not be on the road, let alone as in the case of Moores allowed to fly a plane towing a blimin long advertising banner.

This is for me a typical example of how council's lose control of the fact that their sole purpose is to provide services to the community, no doubt there are some extreme cases of roadside advertising and these should be dealt without the ballyhoo or political codswallop.

It will be interesting come the next election whether Thanet council will be prosecuting local conservatives and criminalising them when the inevitable poster and bill boards appear on farmers land.

Conservative Thanet Council Bonkers Press Policy

As many observers are well aware, Tory councils in Kent are quite happy to misuse taxpayers money to present an "official" view of local Government,  Kent Council went as far as to produce it's own TV station and wasted many thousands of pounds.

Thanet council is no exception, with some Conservative's showing signs of near hysteria at the thought local people daring to comment, I myself have felt the wrath of KCC for daring to object to public money being spent on vanity projects, which amongst other things promoted Freemasonry using taxpayer funds.

Anyhow Michael Child, has made several FOI requests since the Conservative lead Thanet Council have introduced a repressive system of censorship, instead of taking a balanced approach to press enquires, using normal judgement, Thanet Council have drawn up an arbitrary system which discriminates against Bloggers like me and Michael Child.

I suggest you take a gander at Michael's enquires assuming you haven't already, anyway here's this list of those allowed to contact the press office (see below) , it doesn't mention that rather irritating multifaceted/talented councillors blog whom I'm sure wouldn't take advantage. God knows why the Local Government Association has access to TDC press office, when myself, Michael and others with thousands of local readers are censored, I suppose we should count ourselves lucky that TDC don't list Murdoch's rags.

Academy FM
BBC South East Today
BBC Radio Kent
Heart FM
ITV Meridian
KM-FM
KM Thanet Extra
Thanet Gazette and Thanet Times
Your Thanet/Kent on Sunday
Local Government Association

A subdued council

I won't go into to much detail, my overall impression was of a subdued meeting of tonight's first council, Labour were happy but not too irritatingly so, which I would ascribe to not having done as well to win but it could have been worse.

Tories are losers but not in any emphatic way, they still lead the council but not in the confident way of just a month back.

People don't necessarily appreciate the personal side of council, whilst their might be some real divide in political ideology, the council is like some big unwieldy family, however tonight evidenced much respect, friendship and acknowledgement of the positive contributions made by various officers staff and of course councillors past and present.

I was going to give more detail, but had other fish to fry (problem with the family limo). May add too later and of course more likely wont. The decrepit P A system failed so my notes are probably not too reliable anyhow my tweets from broadcast from the meeting ( I probably broke the law) are pictured below

Surely not

It seems to be taking an inordinate time for local councillors to agree on what sort of council, we will be getting, a clue as to what is going on comes from twittering Clive Hart (Thanet Labour), who failed along with his comrades to take control of the council, despite dragging in help from outside and trawling through the digital dustbin that is Facebook for dirt.

Its an uncertain world and my view is that the next four years will be a complete dogs breakfast of bitter rivalry, petty political point scoring, backstabbing and wasted opportunity etc., so business as usual.

 

It remains to be seen if former councillor, Mark Nottingham gets a chance to throw a spanner in the works and get Clive Hart and his pals to justify his somewhat contentious removal from Thanet Labour Party.

If anyone has insight on the wheeling and dealing don't hold back ( within reason). I just hope that should Clive Hart form the next administration someone leads it back from his parties recent swing to the right, which has seen Labour fight against social housing and job opportunities.

Whatever we end up I hope the new council will be strong enough to lead rather than be advised by "Officers".

Thanet council Caves in on misleading info again?

I always take information from Thanet council with a pinch of salt, and comments from some of our councillors with a large economy pack.

Its been noted that comments, made by those representing the council, over the hasty  destruction of Margate Caves entrance, are not as authoritative as you have a right to expect.

I suggest that you take time out, if you haven't already to read up on this, there are two excellent reports on this one from Luke Edwards of Thanet Waves and this from the Gazette written by Daisy Stemple, on page 3 of this weeks Gazette.

Communities need to be scrutinised, and I have say I enjoyed Luke's post which in my opinion, pretty much reigned in and corralled Cllr Simon Moores excitable ruminations, which sounded solid but crumbled under examination. Daisy Stemple has put further meat on the bone with her Gazette article, a nice explanatory comment from Doug Brown ( Head of Major Developments) , and the revelation that the alternative entrance mentioned earlier as I guess a sop a public tired of public assets being wasted, like the caves and of course the superb but mismanaged Tudor House.

Its amazing how councils can rustle up the best part of a hundred grand to top up the pensions of just one "officer" being made redundant, but cannot look after the things we cherish which unlike Thanet's conservatives is not the flipping fat cats!

Anyway in more important news, myself, I happen to working on an exclusive story which will blow apart the world of refuse collection, all I can tell you at this point my blue recycling bin got overlooked this morning. 

Why Thanet Council wont clear the air on Fat Cat payoffs

As mentioned in an earlier posting Thanet council recently replied, to an enquiry from local film maker Christine Tongue, that figures quoted suggesting a big fat pay off for the current Chief Executive, in local blogs had been wildly inaccurate.

Assuming this was true, you would think, Thanet District councils PR department could simply give the facts, so why don't they?

Well life is not simple and as I understand from conversations I've had, its clear that, pensions costs will be "sorted", which as I understand will allow pensions to be paid early. Leading to additional cost, as I understand around in a hundred grand in one case. This of course all remains conjecture because of a veil of secrecy.

Of course for most being made redundant, from struggling employers or otherwise, the likely outcome is that you get the absolute minimum, however in this case, this is the public sector, this is your money, which is administered by politicians.

So in whose interest is it, not to be open, well those employed by the council and of course politicians, for agreeing in this case, Thanet's Conservative administration lead by Cllr Bob Bayford. Still Thanet is not alone in giving away other peoples money away, here is an example from the Taxpayers alliance website of which there are many.

I have every sympathy for those in frontline jobs, but lets be honest, senior local government officers ,not just in these parts but across the country taking redundancy or early retirement, will have done well over the years and of course in many cases will continue those little jobs on the boards of various quangos, health authorities etc.

This year it's the top bods, going from the council, but I'd imagine next year, it will be the workers going and you can bet things will not be so amicable for the lower ranks.

Tomorrow if I get the chance I'll be looking at a big hole being dug by Cllr Clive Hart and his mates which might just bury local Labour if someone doesn't take away their shovels.

COUNCIL PAY OFFS, WHAT IS THE TRUTH?

THE PUBLIC SECTOR IS BANKRUPT! Its also worth reminding ourselves that the public sector is financed by taxpayers.

I mention this because both Conservative councillors including leader Cllr Bob Bayford  and council officers, need to be reminded just who pays the bills, as they seek to keep us in the dark about how and on what, they often fritter our money away.

I've had indications that officers at Thanet Council, have had, significant enhancements in redundancy payments or arrangements, Matt B of Thanet Star is suggesting that  the Chief Executive has been awarded £230,000.

Now I've heard bluster,  that this is a fiction, Christine Tongue a local film maker has been asking questions, and sent this

"TV Choice" <tv.choice@virgin.net> 10/02/2011 11:10 >>>

Dear TDC representatives

I have read on this blog site - link below-  about the amounts Richard Samuel is receiving to leave TDC. Is someone able to confirm whether this blog article is correct or not, please? Are the payments and salaries in the public realm anywhere?

http://networkedblogs.com/dOFCu

Best wishes
Christine Tongue
IMS
inmeds@yahoo.co.uk

Cheryl Pendry Replied

Christine

I can confirm that the figures quoted in the Thanet Star article are wildly inaccurate. The facts in the article were not checked with the council prior to publication.

The council does not publish individual information about staff members. The exception to this is that the council is required to publish salaries of its senior management team and these can be found here: http://www.thanet.gov.uk/advice__benefits/council_departments/corporate_management_team/corporate_management_team_pay.aspx?StyleType=LargeFont&StyleClass=FontSize

Regards,

Cheryl

Cheryl Pendry
Press and Media Manager
Thanet District Council
www.thanet.gov.uk

SO WHY NOT JUST GIVE US THE FACTS?

A key point Cheryl mentions  "the exception"  "senior management team" surely that's Richard Samuel Chief Exec.

WHY NOT TRUST  THANET'S CONSERVATIVE ADMINISTRATION?

Well at Kent county level, auditors, revealed that Conservative KCC had forgotten or simply not mentioned payments in excess of £200,000 pounds to keep former Chief Exec Peter Gilroy on for an extra year, of course no one would suggest that Tories were engaged in a cynical game of covering up another negligent waste of money.

No one begrudges, sensible payments to staff, particularly those at the lower levels, but stuffing up pension pay offs etc for top knobs is not on.

Until TDC comes clean with the facts, they can only expect more "widely inaccurate" reports in local blogs or what some of think might be closer to the truth than we are being told.

I look forward to Cheryl Pendry  of TDC PR, promptly sending out a clear and concise fact sheet detailing arrangements for senior officers.

update on Landlord tax

Attended last nights Landlords meeting ,at which the case, for the councils License scheme was in my opinion demolished bit by bit by speaker Mike Stimpson, in a clear and articulate manner and despite the sterling efforts of Cllr Chris Wells supported by a couple of TDC officers to defend the policy, I doubt any of the audience were persuaded.

 

The main criticisms focused on, Thanet councils case, evidence and or argument for the scheme being err tilted in favour of their desire to introduce it, secondly similar schemes have or are running elsewhere and if anything proven, that far from improving rental accommodation or curbing antisocial behaviour, the imposition of £500 pound tax, stops further investment and further blights areas of deprivation.

 

The suggestion that the scheme will in anyway improve the quality of property in Margate and Cliftonville as a result, would seem a nonsense, as landlords have obligations, as do Thanet council have powers to enforce and as I mentioned before which was also raised, the point that in general most landlords do not entice antisocial elements into their property.

 

Something Thanet council and landlords seemed to agree, was the fact, that an estimated half million pounds was coming the councils way and the source, I guess will be tenants who will presumably be, in many cases hardworking people, living in our low wage economy or those whom fate has chosen to live on money recycled by the tax system to benefit claimants. Thanks Bayford and crew.

 

I understand that several of the speakers believe TDC's decision to be unlawful unfortunately I left before that mechanics of potential legal action was discussed.

 

As a PS, I see despite all the kerfuffle, Cllr Clive Hart, Thanet  Labour leader, was present with Labour colleagues and has not allowed current controversy, to get in the way of following issues important to his ward.  Unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to ask him any questions on that other business, leaving when I did, since I have to get up at stupid O'clock most days.

THANET COUNCIL LANDLORD LICENSE - SCAM or TAX ON THE VUNERABLE?

Thanet Council are hoping to introduce a controversial new license scheme for landlords in Margate and Cliftonville.

Briefly the idea as I understand it, is this, Thanet Council are suggesting that landlords are responsible for the conduct of tenants, and it seems they are suggesting ,Margate residents who live in rental accommodation are, I guess unruly antisocial blighters and council officers and their Conservative masters are to punish local landlords accordingly with a hefty £500+ ransom scam license fee.

This will pay for council officers to presumably do what the do best and act like busy bodies doing god knows what.

Now it will have escaped the wit of both council officers and the Conservative run council, that as a rule, most landlords seek references from tenants, so as not to attract anti social vandals, in fact I'd be surprised if any landlord did anything whatsoever to encourage unpleasantness, presumably most people want a quiet life.

Cynics like me will just assume that Thanet council is just introducing the landlord license tax, purely to plunder the pockets of local landlords and since not all landlords are rich but often people who rent property to provide investment income, perhaps for retirement, they will no doubt have little choice but to pass on the costs to their tenants who will have been squeezed by an avaricious money grabbing bunch of heartless b*st*rds who are truly antisocial, the local council.

Anyhow I understand there is to be a public meeting tonight, arranged by local landlords which I hope will enlighten me, I must admit this is an issue I should have bought up before, and its been mentioned to me by several people.

Maybe the money raise will go to pay enhanced redundancies for senior TDC officers.

 

Thought for the day - Big pay offs at Thanet Council?

It appears that payoffs for casualties of the cuts, certainly for the higher echelons of officers at Thanet council, will be generous, how do I come to that conclusion, well if the Thanet Times is to be relied on, reporting that Chief Executive of Thanet council is to leave for an undisclosed sum, could perhaps be decoded as Thanet council has offered an embarrassingly generous pay off, which of coarse will not be available to the lower orders, that is, frontline staff, and the ruling tory group have no wish to look weak and feeble.

Further evidence would be past conversations with councillors, who come up phrases like "we have to pay high salaries" or "they have us by the short and ...." well my advice to Cllr Bob Bayford, leader of the conservative council, is couldn't you try a little harder to hang on to our money.

I wouldn't mind so much, big pay-outs, its just that you know that senior officers, will be given more consideration, than those at the bottom of the food chain.

Still Kent Tory council  led the way making extraordinarily generous  payments to top knobs, with no justification or reason whatsoever, so theirs no reason to think Thanet Conservatives will behave in any way different to their "county" cousins.

 

Margate are we there yet?

Driving along the front, Friday afternoon I paused for a moment to look see the nearly done, Turner Contemporary gallery and thought that this time next year, the harbour area would be awash with art connoisseurs  and wondered if,  the Kent highways/agency and southeastern railways will have the developed not just the technology but the blimin willpower to deliver travellers from London and elsewhere during modest snow falls such as those we have just experienced, like any other civilised society.

Will the TC gallery result in the renascence of Margate? Not alone, I think, it will take more, than the gallery, still efforts are being made, even small things like painting the light house on the Harbour Arm, with hoops which if nothing else will brighten the seascape even if it offends, Local Labour who recently appear to have a nutty nimby tendency. Local business cafes and gallery's are improving and particular mention ought to be given to those involved with the Harbour Arm I see this weekend, there is as is often the an exhibition, in this case by Martin Meyrick also worth a mention are Caitlin's Beach Cruisers (Bike Hire),  not sure if they were open for business but spotted one of their bikes tethered to the bike stands at the entrance to the Harbour Arm.

Any how, although not necessarily your typical gallery visitor, I can do the Tate Britain in a couple of hours including a cup of coffee and a muffin, Tate Modern in 45 minutes possibly less if I don't stop to mumble about most of it not looking out of place in landfill, so it lets hope local business and other organisations can rustle up other distractions to keep visitors amused.

One particular omission that ought to be rectified is the abysmal decision by local conservatives for whatever reason to close the local museums particularly Margate's, I can only imagine  of what pettiness or spite bought on that decision, perhaps Cllr. Bob Bayford leader of the council could redeem his apparent contempt for the Isle's citizens and do something positive.

Whatever rose tinted glasses, those involved in local regeneration might be wearing, the fact is for a whole new, type and generation of visitors, there wont be any second chance to give a first impression, Kent highways recent fanciful plans, wont matter a flying toss if we cock up the next 12 months.

Eric Pickles the governments communities secretary has suggested local councils dip into their reserves, and what better that dig up a few miserly thousand, for the museum, when there is always loads of money for nonsense like Thanet's CCTV cameras £1.4 million in three years, which allow council staff to snoop and spy on you and I as well as check, that their car is still safely parked for free in Mill Lane car park.

This time next year we will know whether the regeneration game has worked, Kent 's Conservative council is sitting on £100 million+ reserves, most of Kent's spending is carried out in the Maidstone and West Kent, they currently waste more than £5million pounds a year on self congratulatory advertising which I would argue is not in the public interest. 

Labour in disarray? And a bit of Clarity from Michael Child

Is it me or are Labour in disarray, on a national level Labour's new union appointee, Ed Milliband, has as yet to impact on any level, OK he nipped off, on, er paternity, and this time got his name on the birth certificate, but you'd think anyone with a bit of ambition or any idea, would have put some sort of stamp on his party as to its direction.

As leader of the opposition, Ed's making some of the Conservative failed opposition leaders, look damned good including Ian Duncan Smith, William Hague, and perhaps the worst even making Labour's most uncharismatic and inept leader Michael Foot, look good, if nothing else these guys had personality.

Labour has been reduced to name calling, the construction of the Con-dem tag is about as good as it gets and of coarse blaming Liberal Democrats for giving the country a stable government, locally I see "Local Labour" run by Cllr Clive Hart, has little to offer although it looks like they managed to send from the Thanet bunker a minor attack* on Tory leader Cllr Bayford.

Apparently from a quick gander, it seems Conservative leader Cllr Bob Bayford might have made a grumpy comment about councillors being elected to make decisions, and Thanet residents lacking basic language skills, no surprise really, a typical offensive Tory view, if true, one might say.

Still as entertaining as it is to read of Bob Bayford's offensive remarks, it hardly contributes to any knowledge as to what Labours own views are on say proposals to tart up Margate seafront.

An item raised on Michael Child's weblog Thanetonline is the near invisible "consultation"  by TDC, on how or what sort of Leader is appointed to run the council, two choices a leader appointed for 4years by councillors or a Mayor elected by we the people.

Imagine the fun, if us mere mortals could vote for a Mayor, you could I guess have Labour's Cllr Clive Hart as Mayor, with a majority tory group, brilliant!

Still whilst we don't know what Local Labour stand for these days. apart from a photo opportunity, and a bit of nimbyism, we do know that a dedicated blogger, like Michael Child does a good job in trawling through the nitty gritty of Thanet Council to bring to light items, the council appear to deliberately wish buried, no press release no mention on their consultation pages and no mention in the local press, or even our local parties Labour and Conservatives

Whether Labour have a mature and business like approach is debatable, still if they want to make any head way in next years local elections or not get trashed, Thanet's Labour group are going to have man up and get a few policies, pointing out rude remarks made by conservatives is not going to get anyone elected.

PS. What's happening with Labours professional politician Cllr Mark Nottingham? He seems quiet on the blogging front.

Death, Snooping, Spy cameras, Flood and a Fiery end - on offer for one night only in Margate

Tomorrow night, a unique and little publicised event takes place, that few are ever party to.

Hidden away, on the third floor of a bland characterless building an exclusive group of middle aged busy bodies will meet, they will be divided some will make proposals on topics as diverse as snooping,  disposal of the dead and Flood, others will then make constructive comments on these proposals.

In reverential attendance, will be deferential officers, only to willing to assist your elected representatives, I am of course referring to the Thanet District Council's Cabinet meeting. Most likely the only witnesses in attendance of this quaint product of our democracy, will be the one poor local journalist, who drew the short straw and the odd crank. (often me).

I for one will probably not turn up, having had grief on my previous visits, barred due to what the council called "an incident"  (a TDC Porky, I think since an employee pointed to his routine as being the reason) also being mauled by the barb tongue of one tory boy scout with all the personality of a robot, ironically the same muppet who frequently drones on about being polite.

Still don't just send letters and comments to blogs and papers, you have a right to attend these meetings and some councillors actually welcome interest from the public, although as an institution Thanet Council has an attitude to scrutiny on any level.

What else can entertain you tomorrow Thurs 11th,  in a week in which TV has already given us the resurrection of Vera Duckworth and death of Jack. And yes all those topics mentioned at the top of this post are up for discussion.

Read the agenda here if you don't believe me by clicking this. 

I didn't mention Heritage day does this make me anti-Semitic?

An odd question I know, having read Michael Child, of Thanet Online blog, waffling on about the council recently, not mentioning synagogues being open in Ramsgate, in a press release referring to Margate, in fact, a cursory glance of his blog and it looks like quite a campaign.

I've not had much time or inclination to blog this week, but I have to say Michael's claims are extraordinary, not having mentioned last weekend's Heritage day, I'm not sure what I might be guilty of can you be anti history, culture?

In my defence, I have mentioned such events and taken the trouble to visit some of those places mentioned when the opportunity has been available including the Montefiore synagogue where I bumped in to Michael.

Easy as it is to accuse Thanet Council of incompetence, inefficiency et cetera, I don't think you can accuse TDC of anti-Semitism, and frankly its a much overused insult and almost meaningless, having been overused by the Israeli state, to slur critics of its continued United Nations & human rights violations.

Still to save accusations of anti-Catholicism or being anti-royalist I will just mention two heads of state will be meeting this week the Queen and the Pope, I would however point out that neither of the these two have been elected to office by a proper popular democratic process.

Just a quick mention on the Margate's Tudor House, great as it was to see it open to the public, its a pity, that the council don't have it open more often.

PS I'm happy to confirm I'm anti the flipping lot of religions, as I see it they're all about controlling, what you do and what you think. My advice is never trust any man in a dress.