Blast from the past award of the week (1) goes to former Boston Borough councillor Ernie Napier who echoes our feelings in a letter to the Standard in taking Councillor Major (retired) Ramonde Newell to task for his recent "rotten borough" comments.
Blast from the past award of the week (2) goes to Mr Napier's former colleague Ossy Snell who also has a letter - this time in the Target - slating the galloping major for a string of inaccuracies in an even earlier letter. We think he speaks for each and every one of us when he says: "Until Councillor Newell knows what he is writing about, it might be better if he stopped writing."
Blast from the present (1) and (2) come from the blogs of Boston Borough Council Tory duo Myles Larrington and Raymond Singleton-McGuire, both of whom give Councillor Newell a thrashing. Councillor Larrington wryly suggests that as Councillor Newell seems so keen on writing, he should take up blogging as well. Now there's a thought!
Taking their ball away award. Boston College may have had its plans for a new campus in the town thwarted, but undeterred, it is playing a major role in a £6 million "food centre" to provide a focal point for the Lincolnshire food and drink Industry. The location? Red Lion Street. The problem? It's Red Lion Street in Spalding!
Local traffic management gone mad award goes to the Blackfriars Arts Centre. Although the traffic signs indicate that it is possible to use Spain Lane to drive between John Adams Way and South Street, it seems that the luvvies have other ideas. On Wednesday, two cars double parked at the point where the lane narrows made it impossible for traffic to use the lane. And if that wasn't enough, Blackfriars had further blocked it with display boards advertising their forthcoming shows. Let's hope they never need the fire brigade in a hurry!
Class half empty award goes to our old friend and white elephant the Princess Royal Sports Arena. Despite all the efforts to get people to use the facilities, membership is stagnant at around the 1,000 mark, and some classes are seeing a turnout of ten per cent. But even those looked good compared with Wednesday's core ball classes (whatever they are) which drew no participants for the entire month of May. Good to know that the few who do use the place are getting value for the taxpayer's contribution - although the council is apparently refusing to be quite as generous as previously. Whilst Boston Sports Initiative rattled the bowl for more, they have had to settle on a miserly £176,000 for 2009-10. Time for some radical action here, wethinks.
Drugs, rock 'n roll (but no sex) award of the week) goes to the court report in the Boston Standard which describes the discovery of a "rap" of heroin. You hum it and I'll play it, son.
Usual old claptrap award of the week awards goes to .... guess? "The engagement days we have got lined up follow on from our local survey ... with a number of residents providing important information about quality of life issues and local ... expectations. We plan to tackle many of the issues raised through a partnership approach. One of our key priorities will be looking to encourage a positive relationship between local youths and older people, which we hope will help address misconceptions between two very differing generations." Answer? The useless Police Community Support Officers ... aided and abetted by Boston Borough Council, Mayflower and Longhurst housing, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and South Lincolnshire Community and Volunteer Service. The words describe a series of days manning a caravan in a local play area. These time-wasters need to find something useful to do rather than ticking boxes!
Clue to tougher times ahead? We note that an anagram of interim chief executive Richard Harbord's name comes out as "Hard horrid crab." If there's any nipping to be done, we can suggest a few nominees!
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Friday, July 31
Thursday, July 30
At least one more resignation is needed
The Audit Commission's annual audit and inspection letter has just been published - and it makes gloomy reading.
The lowlights take just a few words.
"The Council does not have the financial or managerial capacity to deliver its plans.
"The level of constructive member scrutiny and challenge is insufficient.
"Key objectives are not being achieved and monitoring of performance and value for money is poor."
The report says that the council must strengthen its capacity to manage service improvement and finance. It must also "strengthen the capacity of members to understand, scrutinise and challenge performance, and policy and strategic developments."
Here, we are obviously not talking about the opposition having to work harder. They are already doing the best that they can given the circumstances.
What the report is saying is what others have said for years.
The BBI membership to date has largely been the cat's paw of the leader, and until recently the deputy as well, and the time has come for that to change.
If, as is so often churned out as its mantra, the BBI is a coalition of independents, with like minds rather than a political party per se, then the Audit Commission wants challenges that are beneficial to the electorate of Boston rather than beneficial to the BBI.
The Commission also wants the council to introduce rigorous member monitoring of budget and service performance throughout the year - something we thought they should have been doing already.
And finally there's a call for action to improve both cultural and strategic housing services.
The council is now ranked 330th out of 388 authorities.
Disappointing isn't the word for it.
It shows what many have feared all along, that the BBI is a well intentioned bunch of amateurs who simply aren't up to the task of running the affairs of the borough.
With almost two years still in power they need to get their act together, and soon.
We had heard that the report was to have been published on the borough council website by now - but somehow it has slipped through the net. The council probably feel that it is better not to publish it than try to "spin" as was tried with the damning housing report.
The Audit Commission letter is long and detailed - too long and detailed to go into here.
You can read it on the Audit Commission website.
Using the now familiar trademark of putting his telescope to his blind eye, council leader Richard "Papa Dick" Austin is quoted in the local press as welcoming the report and trying to shove most of the blame in the direction of the previous administration ... a stunt that he has used time and time again, and which he apparently still believes that the voters will fall for!
Let us hope that the interim Chief Executive, whose appointment was announced on Tuesday, will take a no-nonsense stand against this bunch of amateurs who think they know best.
And wouldn't it be nice if Councillor Austin had the decency to follow in the footsteps of the late chief executive by himself resigning and giving the borough the fresh start it so badly needs.
Austin? Decency?
Don't hold your breath!
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
The lowlights take just a few words.
"The Council does not have the financial or managerial capacity to deliver its plans.
"The level of constructive member scrutiny and challenge is insufficient.
"Key objectives are not being achieved and monitoring of performance and value for money is poor."
The report says that the council must strengthen its capacity to manage service improvement and finance. It must also "strengthen the capacity of members to understand, scrutinise and challenge performance, and policy and strategic developments."
Here, we are obviously not talking about the opposition having to work harder. They are already doing the best that they can given the circumstances.
What the report is saying is what others have said for years.
The BBI membership to date has largely been the cat's paw of the leader, and until recently the deputy as well, and the time has come for that to change.
If, as is so often churned out as its mantra, the BBI is a coalition of independents, with like minds rather than a political party per se, then the Audit Commission wants challenges that are beneficial to the electorate of Boston rather than beneficial to the BBI.
The Commission also wants the council to introduce rigorous member monitoring of budget and service performance throughout the year - something we thought they should have been doing already.
And finally there's a call for action to improve both cultural and strategic housing services.
The council is now ranked 330th out of 388 authorities.
Disappointing isn't the word for it.
It shows what many have feared all along, that the BBI is a well intentioned bunch of amateurs who simply aren't up to the task of running the affairs of the borough.
With almost two years still in power they need to get their act together, and soon.
We had heard that the report was to have been published on the borough council website by now - but somehow it has slipped through the net. The council probably feel that it is better not to publish it than try to "spin" as was tried with the damning housing report.
The Audit Commission letter is long and detailed - too long and detailed to go into here.
You can read it on the Audit Commission website.
Using the now familiar trademark of putting his telescope to his blind eye, council leader Richard "Papa Dick" Austin is quoted in the local press as welcoming the report and trying to shove most of the blame in the direction of the previous administration ... a stunt that he has used time and time again, and which he apparently still believes that the voters will fall for!
Let us hope that the interim Chief Executive, whose appointment was announced on Tuesday, will take a no-nonsense stand against this bunch of amateurs who think they know best.
And wouldn't it be nice if Councillor Austin had the decency to follow in the footsteps of the late chief executive by himself resigning and giving the borough the fresh start it so badly needs.
Austin? Decency?
Don't hold your breath!
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Wednesday, July 29
Behind the scenes insight from blogging councillor
We keep a weather eye open on the three elected bloggers who are reporting their take on politics in the Boston area. Two of them represent the borough and the county, whilst the third, Councillor Raymond Singleton-McGuire has a seat in both chambers.
Of the three, he is far and away the most outspoken, as the number of visits to his blog are showing - proof, as we have already said, that the blog is a powerful yet sadly undervalued tool in informing the electorate.
Recently, Councillor Singleton-McGuire shed some interesting (but probably unwelcome light) on the goings on at Worst Street in the wake of the change in deputy leadership.
It appears that whilst Councillor Peter Jordan has resigned, he is hanging on to the Deputy Leader's half of the Leader's Office.
"Even more magical is that it’s the Leader, Richard Austin, who has surrendered his tenancy of the Leader's Office and taken up residence in the office across the hallway next to the (now resigned) Chief Executive office," writes Councillor Singleton-McGuire.
What, he asks is different or special about Councillor Jordan?
"Oh yes, he now wants to spend more time working on his portfolio! So wait a minute, what was Councillor Jordan doing before with his portfolio? Anyway, most councillors work on their portfolios from home, or liaise with Officers/Corporate Management Board via phone or come into West Street and have meetings in the officer's office, as councillors do with most other council business.
This prompts him to ask the obvious question ... "if it’s the leader’s office, and you are the leader – would you not want to stay in your own office, or would you let yourself be evicted by someone who was not even your landlord? So who’s in charge in West Street?"
He concludes: "All I know is, if it was my leader, I would be questioning his authority and leadership"
So would we, and we've recently received e-mails from readers that support this suggestion that all is not well in the ranks of the Bypass Independents.
You can read Councillor Singleton-McGuire's blog in full at http://www.smgblog.co.uk/
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Of the three, he is far and away the most outspoken, as the number of visits to his blog are showing - proof, as we have already said, that the blog is a powerful yet sadly undervalued tool in informing the electorate.
Recently, Councillor Singleton-McGuire shed some interesting (but probably unwelcome light) on the goings on at Worst Street in the wake of the change in deputy leadership.
It appears that whilst Councillor Peter Jordan has resigned, he is hanging on to the Deputy Leader's half of the Leader's Office.
"Even more magical is that it’s the Leader, Richard Austin, who has surrendered his tenancy of the Leader's Office and taken up residence in the office across the hallway next to the (now resigned) Chief Executive office," writes Councillor Singleton-McGuire.
What, he asks is different or special about Councillor Jordan?
"Oh yes, he now wants to spend more time working on his portfolio! So wait a minute, what was Councillor Jordan doing before with his portfolio? Anyway, most councillors work on their portfolios from home, or liaise with Officers/Corporate Management Board via phone or come into West Street and have meetings in the officer's office, as councillors do with most other council business.
This prompts him to ask the obvious question ... "if it’s the leader’s office, and you are the leader – would you not want to stay in your own office, or would you let yourself be evicted by someone who was not even your landlord? So who’s in charge in West Street?"
He concludes: "All I know is, if it was my leader, I would be questioning his authority and leadership"
So would we, and we've recently received e-mails from readers that support this suggestion that all is not well in the ranks of the Bypass Independents.
You can read Councillor Singleton-McGuire's blog in full at http://www.smgblog.co.uk/
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Tuesday, July 28
The guffmeister strikes again!
Once again the Boston Bypass Independents' guffmeister Councillor (Major ret'd) Ramonde Newell has taken to the letters pages of the local paper - this time to explain why he called the administration prior to the 2007 landslide which propelled his party into power as "the old, 2003 largely unelected council."
He tells us that in the period before the BBI the borough had sunk into what may be described as a "rotten borough."
"Up to May 2007, local democracy in Boston was effectively dead. Boston Borough Council has 32 elected councillors. In the 2003 Borough elections, over a third of the seats were not even contested!
"The seats were effectively carved up by the existing political parties or hierarchies. They effectively 'appointed' 11 councillors.
"13,785 electors in seven of the wards wards did not cast a single vote.
"The 11 'returned' councillors did not receive a single vote! But the electoral situation was even more undemocratic — even more "rotten."
"In Fishtoft ward, for example there were three council seats but only four candidates. Other wards were in a similar position. Over half the councillors were not 'properly elected'.
"The BBI first stood in May 2007 and put a stop to this undemocratic activity — only one of those former 'unelected' councillors is still a councillor. The BBI had 32 candidates in the May 2007 Borough elections thus giving all voters in Boston Borough the opportunity, some for the first time, to have a vote for those they wished to represent them."
What a load of tosh.
What happened in the past was typically representative of the national tri-party political malaise. Where seats are not contested - and again this is not uncommon - is is merely indicative of indifference of people to challenge for them.
And where the fight is between Conservative, Labour or the Lib Dems, it means no more than that other opponents are unwilling to take their chances at the polling station.
Councillor Newell's rant also implies something far more serious than what he is actually saying.
The term "rotten" or "decayed" borough was a parliamentary borough or constituency with a very small population used by a patron to exercise undue and unrepresentative influence in parliament.
For many years, constituencies did not change to reflect population shifts, and in some places the number of electors became so few that they could be bribed.
We're sure that Councillor Newell is not suggesting that money has changed hands in exchange for a seat on Boston Borough Council in the past.
What we are sure of is that the Bypass Independents snatched power under false pretences, and have since proved themselves completely unworthy of the electors' trust. They did not stand for elections to " put a stop to this undemocratic activity" - we seem to recall the promise of a bypass! They are certainly not the champions of democracy as Councillor Newell amusingly claims.
Councillor Newell should be very careful when he uses the word "rotten" to define his predecessors at Worst Street.
Many would apply it to the BBI as well - and not without cause!
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
He tells us that in the period before the BBI the borough had sunk into what may be described as a "rotten borough."
"Up to May 2007, local democracy in Boston was effectively dead. Boston Borough Council has 32 elected councillors. In the 2003 Borough elections, over a third of the seats were not even contested!
"The seats were effectively carved up by the existing political parties or hierarchies. They effectively 'appointed' 11 councillors.
"13,785 electors in seven of the wards wards did not cast a single vote.
"The 11 'returned' councillors did not receive a single vote! But the electoral situation was even more undemocratic — even more "rotten."
"In Fishtoft ward, for example there were three council seats but only four candidates. Other wards were in a similar position. Over half the councillors were not 'properly elected'.
"The BBI first stood in May 2007 and put a stop to this undemocratic activity — only one of those former 'unelected' councillors is still a councillor. The BBI had 32 candidates in the May 2007 Borough elections thus giving all voters in Boston Borough the opportunity, some for the first time, to have a vote for those they wished to represent them."
What a load of tosh.
What happened in the past was typically representative of the national tri-party political malaise. Where seats are not contested - and again this is not uncommon - is is merely indicative of indifference of people to challenge for them.
And where the fight is between Conservative, Labour or the Lib Dems, it means no more than that other opponents are unwilling to take their chances at the polling station.
Councillor Newell's rant also implies something far more serious than what he is actually saying.
The term "rotten" or "decayed" borough was a parliamentary borough or constituency with a very small population used by a patron to exercise undue and unrepresentative influence in parliament.
For many years, constituencies did not change to reflect population shifts, and in some places the number of electors became so few that they could be bribed.
We're sure that Councillor Newell is not suggesting that money has changed hands in exchange for a seat on Boston Borough Council in the past.
What we are sure of is that the Bypass Independents snatched power under false pretences, and have since proved themselves completely unworthy of the electors' trust. They did not stand for elections to " put a stop to this undemocratic activity" - we seem to recall the promise of a bypass! They are certainly not the champions of democracy as Councillor Newell amusingly claims.
Councillor Newell should be very careful when he uses the word "rotten" to define his predecessors at Worst Street.
Many would apply it to the BBI as well - and not without cause!
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Monday, July 27
Job share plan is insult that will only harm the borough
So by the end of this month (ie the end of this week) Boston's Chief Executive Mick Gallagher will have left the council - probably one of the shortest periods between announcing one's resignation and clearing one's desk in recent local government history.
Whilst he has had some nice things to say about his time in post, the generosity has apparently not been reciprocated by the leader of the council in the way good custom and tradition usually dictates. That's possibly because Mr Gallagher, whilst thanking his staff colleagues effusively, has made no mention at all of anything by way of contribution from the councillors, and there may well be good reason for that.
As he leaves "to take his career in a new direction" (which can only be up) it is being said that the council will discuss the chief executive's post this week and has refused to rule out sharing the role with another authority.
Another report claims that unconfirmed rumours say that sharing a chief executive with neighbouring South Holland Council could be explored.
Not that long ago a light-hearted suggestion was made that the council could save money by cutting the council's senior managers' hours back from five days a week to four. At the time Mr Gallagher was famously quoted as saying such a move would be most welcome, as he and his colleagues were currently working more like six or seven days a week.
Whilst we all enjoyed a jolly good chuckle about that at the time, it is now nonetheless little short of an insult to suggest that a full time chief executive can be replaced by someone working half the hours and whose existing loyalty, knowledge and expertise belongs to another authority entirely.
Implicit in this idea is the suggestion that South Holland's chief executive, Terry Huggins, has time on his hands despite being paid £106,922 for a full time post - a higher level of pay, incidentally, than the departing Mr Gallagher.
And if indeed such an idea went forward, how exactly would it work?
Boston Borough Council wants a chief executive but is too stingy to pay for one. To save, for the sake of argument, £50 thousand a year, they ask Mr Huggins to grind his way down the A16 for two and a half days a week to work for Boston.
And what does South Holland District Council do? Do they suddenly decide that their chief executive isn't really needed full-time? If so, will they cut his pay by 50% so he can come to Boston part-time, with Boston paying him half of Mick Gallagher's old salary.... which means he winds up with less pay and a load of hassle stuck in the traffic?
If nothing else, it would incentivise him to pursue the case for a bypass with considerable vigour!
Mr Huggins has been chief executive at South Holland for some time, and last month saw the Audit Commission rate his authority as excellent - moving it into the top 25% of district councils and representing a two place leap from "fair" in 2003.
If he's a man who wants to keep his eye on the ball, he won't want to be shackled to a lacklustre authority like Boston, whose last rating in October 2004 was "fair." The only change in the Audit Commission's view since then has been the condemnation of Boston's strategic housing service.
When the former deputy leader of the council resigns because of the excessive workload running a handful of portfolios, and bleats about the hardship of 12 hour days, the suggestion that Boston can prosper successfully without a full time professional at the helm is derisive.
To contemplate such a thing is to flush the borough even further down the tubes than it is already.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Whilst he has had some nice things to say about his time in post, the generosity has apparently not been reciprocated by the leader of the council in the way good custom and tradition usually dictates. That's possibly because Mr Gallagher, whilst thanking his staff colleagues effusively, has made no mention at all of anything by way of contribution from the councillors, and there may well be good reason for that.
As he leaves "to take his career in a new direction" (which can only be up) it is being said that the council will discuss the chief executive's post this week and has refused to rule out sharing the role with another authority.
Another report claims that unconfirmed rumours say that sharing a chief executive with neighbouring South Holland Council could be explored.
Not that long ago a light-hearted suggestion was made that the council could save money by cutting the council's senior managers' hours back from five days a week to four. At the time Mr Gallagher was famously quoted as saying such a move would be most welcome, as he and his colleagues were currently working more like six or seven days a week.
Whilst we all enjoyed a jolly good chuckle about that at the time, it is now nonetheless little short of an insult to suggest that a full time chief executive can be replaced by someone working half the hours and whose existing loyalty, knowledge and expertise belongs to another authority entirely.
Implicit in this idea is the suggestion that South Holland's chief executive, Terry Huggins, has time on his hands despite being paid £106,922 for a full time post - a higher level of pay, incidentally, than the departing Mr Gallagher.
And if indeed such an idea went forward, how exactly would it work?
Boston Borough Council wants a chief executive but is too stingy to pay for one. To save, for the sake of argument, £50 thousand a year, they ask Mr Huggins to grind his way down the A16 for two and a half days a week to work for Boston.
And what does South Holland District Council do? Do they suddenly decide that their chief executive isn't really needed full-time? If so, will they cut his pay by 50% so he can come to Boston part-time, with Boston paying him half of Mick Gallagher's old salary.... which means he winds up with less pay and a load of hassle stuck in the traffic?
If nothing else, it would incentivise him to pursue the case for a bypass with considerable vigour!
Mr Huggins has been chief executive at South Holland for some time, and last month saw the Audit Commission rate his authority as excellent - moving it into the top 25% of district councils and representing a two place leap from "fair" in 2003.
If he's a man who wants to keep his eye on the ball, he won't want to be shackled to a lacklustre authority like Boston, whose last rating in October 2004 was "fair." The only change in the Audit Commission's view since then has been the condemnation of Boston's strategic housing service.
When the former deputy leader of the council resigns because of the excessive workload running a handful of portfolios, and bleats about the hardship of 12 hour days, the suggestion that Boston can prosper successfully without a full time professional at the helm is derisive.
To contemplate such a thing is to flush the borough even further down the tubes than it is already.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Friday, July 24
Week ending 24th July
Home sweet home award of the week. At last a report tells us where the cheapest houses in Boston are to be found. Perhaps it comes as no surprise that they are in areas such as the notorious Daisy Dale and Revesby Avenue. Imagine the unpleasant surprise for anyone who unsuspectingly buys in areas such as these. Perhaps there should be another list - of places to avoid like the plague!
Balls-up award of the week goes to Boston College. We've accused our local equivalent of MIT of gimmickry before, but can someone please tell us what the point is of giving away free beach balls and then offering £500 in holiday vouchers to whomever photographs themselves in an unusual or funny way with the ball. Like our local police, who strive to avoid anything that involves getting out and about on the beat, Boston College seems keen to embrace whatever it take to avoid improving knowledge.
What's the point award of the week goes to Pam Kenny, better half of Paul who between them more or less comprise the Labour Party in Boston. In a letter to the local paper she pokes and prods at Tory MP Mark Simmonds's expenses claims with niggling references to how the utilities bill for his London residence implies that he is living in a mansion at a time when others are having to tighten their belts. We're non-political here at Boston Eye, and we really can't see what Mrs K is getting at. If it's an attempt to score political points, we don't think it will sweep Mr Kenny into power at the next election.
Most comfortable confinement of the week is created in the Boston Target. It's the interesting condition referred to as "gran-to-be." The Target scoops one or two other awards this week as well. With all the estate agents in Boston, what a shame their front page photo of a couple house hunting couldn't have been taken locally - rather than in London. And the Target also gets our "was the matter with you" award, with seven out of eight wedding reports containing the dreaded couplet in the first sentence. Time was when junior hack assigned the nursery slopes of wedding reports saw it as a challenge to their creativity, and give each newly married couple a story to remember But then they also knew that weddings took place at "register" rather than "registry" offices.
Among the items coming up next week...... why the idea of a part-time Chief Executive is a load of BBI-wash .... And rotten boroughs - the pot calls the kettle black!
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Balls-up award of the week goes to Boston College. We've accused our local equivalent of MIT of gimmickry before, but can someone please tell us what the point is of giving away free beach balls and then offering £500 in holiday vouchers to whomever photographs themselves in an unusual or funny way with the ball. Like our local police, who strive to avoid anything that involves getting out and about on the beat, Boston College seems keen to embrace whatever it take to avoid improving knowledge.
What's the point award of the week goes to Pam Kenny, better half of Paul who between them more or less comprise the Labour Party in Boston. In a letter to the local paper she pokes and prods at Tory MP Mark Simmonds's expenses claims with niggling references to how the utilities bill for his London residence implies that he is living in a mansion at a time when others are having to tighten their belts. We're non-political here at Boston Eye, and we really can't see what Mrs K is getting at. If it's an attempt to score political points, we don't think it will sweep Mr Kenny into power at the next election.
Most comfortable confinement of the week is created in the Boston Target. It's the interesting condition referred to as "gran-to-be." The Target scoops one or two other awards this week as well. With all the estate agents in Boston, what a shame their front page photo of a couple house hunting couldn't have been taken locally - rather than in London. And the Target also gets our "was the matter with you" award, with seven out of eight wedding reports containing the dreaded couplet in the first sentence. Time was when junior hack assigned the nursery slopes of wedding reports saw it as a challenge to their creativity, and give each newly married couple a story to remember But then they also knew that weddings took place at "register" rather than "registry" offices.
Among the items coming up next week...... why the idea of a part-time Chief Executive is a load of BBI-wash .... And rotten boroughs - the pot calls the kettle black!
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Thursday, July 23
Has starship Enterprise come a cropper?
We note that last night's meeting of the cabinet included a confidential report by the Assistant Chief Executive on the Boston Enterprise Centre.
The centre cost £3.6m, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund in partnership with Boston Borough Council, Lincolnshire County Council, and Lincolnshire Enterprise.
As you would expect, it's a "state of the art" business enterprise centre with 45 office suites from 250 sq ft to 760 sq ft on Boston's Endeavour Park.
It has a staffed reception and business support services, two meeting rooms, parking for 90 cars, CCTV protection and advanced broadband and WiFi facilities.
What it doesn't have are very many occupants.
Not long ago, we gave our Leap of Faith award to council leader Richard Austin, who reckoned that occupancy of Boston Enterprise Centre on Enterprise Park will surge from a meagre 17% to a stonking 75% - equivalent to 26 more tenants joining the eight who are already there.
At the same time he reminded us that the previous administration approved the budget and revenue implications of the centre. That's called having your cake and eating it - hopefully grabbing any credit for the success of something whilst pointing the finger of blame at someone else if things go pear-shaped.
At the time, we said that the whole concept had been a flop from the outset, which has largely seen existing local firms relocate from expensive in-town accommodation to tailor made accommodation at rock bottom prices.
When the centre opened, Councillor Gerry Clare, who accepted the keys from Lindum Construction Contractors, said: "The Enterprise centre will be an excellent facility for our business community."It will encourage and support existing and new local businesses, which are an essential part of Boston's economy." A bit wrong there, then.
Presumably whatever was being said about the centre last night isn't good news, otherwise it wouldn't be in the confidential section of the agenda.
It will be interesting to find out what it's all about - if we ever do!
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
The centre cost £3.6m, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund in partnership with Boston Borough Council, Lincolnshire County Council, and Lincolnshire Enterprise.
As you would expect, it's a "state of the art" business enterprise centre with 45 office suites from 250 sq ft to 760 sq ft on Boston's Endeavour Park.
It has a staffed reception and business support services, two meeting rooms, parking for 90 cars, CCTV protection and advanced broadband and WiFi facilities.
What it doesn't have are very many occupants.
Not long ago, we gave our Leap of Faith award to council leader Richard Austin, who reckoned that occupancy of Boston Enterprise Centre on Enterprise Park will surge from a meagre 17% to a stonking 75% - equivalent to 26 more tenants joining the eight who are already there.
At the same time he reminded us that the previous administration approved the budget and revenue implications of the centre. That's called having your cake and eating it - hopefully grabbing any credit for the success of something whilst pointing the finger of blame at someone else if things go pear-shaped.
At the time, we said that the whole concept had been a flop from the outset, which has largely seen existing local firms relocate from expensive in-town accommodation to tailor made accommodation at rock bottom prices.
When the centre opened, Councillor Gerry Clare, who accepted the keys from Lindum Construction Contractors, said: "The Enterprise centre will be an excellent facility for our business community."It will encourage and support existing and new local businesses, which are an essential part of Boston's economy." A bit wrong there, then.
Presumably whatever was being said about the centre last night isn't good news, otherwise it wouldn't be in the confidential section of the agenda.
It will be interesting to find out what it's all about - if we ever do!
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Wednesday, July 22
Gallagher quits. Who will be next?
They say that everything comes in threes .... so who will be next, we wonder.
First Peter Jordan quits as deputy leader of Boston Borough Council, and now Chief Executive Mick Gallagher has resigned his post.Gallagher became Chief Executive in 2006 and was previously Director of Development for four years.
His time in post has seen the creation and establishment of the Boston Area Partnership and the Boston Area Regeneration Company, the opening of the Enterprise Centre, the Haven Gallery, and the refurbishment of the Guildhall museum.
But enough about his crimes.
He says: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my seven years with Boston. It has been a privilege to play such a pivotal role in the development of our communities. After working for six different councils over the last 32 years I have decided to take my career in a new direction using the knowledge and experience I have gained in my time with Boston and elsewhere."
The phrase "take my career in a new direction" has a certain leaden ring about it, but we wish him luck. Certainly he now has the chance to work a mere five days a week once again.
Talking of things coming in threes, there are already permutations available.
Gallagher's resignation is the third among the senior officer cadre. It was announced in May that Bev Smith, assistant director of community services, and Richard Micklewright, assistant director (resources), will both be moving on later this year.
We suspect that there is more change to come.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
First Peter Jordan quits as deputy leader of Boston Borough Council, and now Chief Executive Mick Gallagher has resigned his post.Gallagher became Chief Executive in 2006 and was previously Director of Development for four years.
His time in post has seen the creation and establishment of the Boston Area Partnership and the Boston Area Regeneration Company, the opening of the Enterprise Centre, the Haven Gallery, and the refurbishment of the Guildhall museum.
But enough about his crimes.
He says: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my seven years with Boston. It has been a privilege to play such a pivotal role in the development of our communities. After working for six different councils over the last 32 years I have decided to take my career in a new direction using the knowledge and experience I have gained in my time with Boston and elsewhere."
The phrase "take my career in a new direction" has a certain leaden ring about it, but we wish him luck. Certainly he now has the chance to work a mere five days a week once again.
Talking of things coming in threes, there are already permutations available.
Gallagher's resignation is the third among the senior officer cadre. It was announced in May that Bev Smith, assistant director of community services, and Richard Micklewright, assistant director (resources), will both be moving on later this year.
We suspect that there is more change to come.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Tuesday, July 21
We know why confidence in police is lowest in the land
Is it any surprise, we wonder, that Lincolnshire Police have come bottom of the list of forces as far as public confidence is concerned.
Whilst we have always been pro-police, we have equally been critical of their reluctance to set foot on our litter strewn pavements and keep in regular contact with the public. This is what they really want, and the force's failure to do so it the most likely reason why confidence is so low.
Sadly this newest statistic was the one which caught the eye of Radio 4's Today programme on Friday, and not for the first time put Lincolnshire in the bad news spotlight.
Senior police and politicians say that they regard public confidence as the key measurement and it is now the only government target for police forces in England and Wales.
Out of the 43 forces in England and wales, Lincolnshire police came bottom - with only 38% of people having confidence in the way the police and the local councils were dealing with anti social behaviour and crime in the year to last September. The national average was 46%.
The force was unable to explain why people haven't got the confidence in Lincolnshire Police, but claimed that in more rural areas, the tolerance level, or the expectations of the public of what the police and local councils can deliver, tends to be higher.
The figures come from the BCS - the British Crime Survey - an authoritative poll commissioned by the Home Office.
Overall crime in Lincolnshire fell by 3% compared to 5% nationally, a 5% drop in violence against the person (the same nationally) and a 6% reduction in vehicle-related crime, ( down 10% nationally).
The general crime detection rate was 27% compared with 28% nationallyBut the main area of concern was in the robbery and home burglary figures.Robbery increased by 19% over the previous year and domestic burglary by 16%.
Chief Constable Richard Crompton tried to gloss over the satisfaction figures by saying that their own local independent survey, showed that 60% thought the police did a good or excellent job
Given that the police goals for the year ahead include overall user satisfaction levels of at least 85% plus cuts in the crime areas that are increasing, we feel that they have set themselves almost impossible task.
We know all about surveys at Boston Eye, because we've read the stuff and nonsense produced to justify the Into Town bus service using Strait Bargate as a rat run.
What we do know about policing in Boston is that the vast majority of people want to see the local force out on the streets, rather than expecting us to go to their twee little weekly coffee mornings and chew the fat about crime.
The answer to increasing public satisfaction is so simple, we just cannot see why the police have failed to grasp it.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Whilst we have always been pro-police, we have equally been critical of their reluctance to set foot on our litter strewn pavements and keep in regular contact with the public. This is what they really want, and the force's failure to do so it the most likely reason why confidence is so low.
Sadly this newest statistic was the one which caught the eye of Radio 4's Today programme on Friday, and not for the first time put Lincolnshire in the bad news spotlight.
Senior police and politicians say that they regard public confidence as the key measurement and it is now the only government target for police forces in England and Wales.
Out of the 43 forces in England and wales, Lincolnshire police came bottom - with only 38% of people having confidence in the way the police and the local councils were dealing with anti social behaviour and crime in the year to last September. The national average was 46%.
The force was unable to explain why people haven't got the confidence in Lincolnshire Police, but claimed that in more rural areas, the tolerance level, or the expectations of the public of what the police and local councils can deliver, tends to be higher.
The figures come from the BCS - the British Crime Survey - an authoritative poll commissioned by the Home Office.
Overall crime in Lincolnshire fell by 3% compared to 5% nationally, a 5% drop in violence against the person (the same nationally) and a 6% reduction in vehicle-related crime, ( down 10% nationally).
The general crime detection rate was 27% compared with 28% nationallyBut the main area of concern was in the robbery and home burglary figures.Robbery increased by 19% over the previous year and domestic burglary by 16%.
Chief Constable Richard Crompton tried to gloss over the satisfaction figures by saying that their own local independent survey, showed that 60% thought the police did a good or excellent job
Given that the police goals for the year ahead include overall user satisfaction levels of at least 85% plus cuts in the crime areas that are increasing, we feel that they have set themselves almost impossible task.
We know all about surveys at Boston Eye, because we've read the stuff and nonsense produced to justify the Into Town bus service using Strait Bargate as a rat run.
What we do know about policing in Boston is that the vast majority of people want to see the local force out on the streets, rather than expecting us to go to their twee little weekly coffee mornings and chew the fat about crime.
The answer to increasing public satisfaction is so simple, we just cannot see why the police have failed to grasp it.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Monday, July 20
Scanner's comments are short and sweet -- and bad news on the roads
I have two questions/comments concerning the resignation of Councillor Jordan and the elevation of Councillor Owen to the lofty position of Deputy Leader.
The first is; if we are to believe Councillor Jordan on how onerous and time consuming the Deputy Leader’s workload is, surely this is not the right time for her to take on even more responsibilities?
Surely Councillor Owen should be devoting more of her time to putting her own housing service in order after the bashing it has just received while under her guardianship?
Secondly: After Councillor Jordan’s comments about the council’s possible bankruptcy, and, I assume this is a subject he has some knowledge of, is he leaving the 'bridge' before it sinks completely - leaving the captain looking on helplessly as his crew gradually abandon ship? Scanner
"Scanner" ias the pseudonym of one of our regular contributors.
Changing the subject, we note that today is the first Highways, Transport and Technology Scrutiny meeting of the newly elected Lincolnshire County Council, which will see the attendance of Boston Councillor Ramonde (Major retired in Boston, but not in Lincoln) Newell. Councillor Newell, if you remember, renounced his BBI status and banded with the Independents at County Hall and succeeded in getting a coveted place on the committee from which he hopes to pursue Boston's claims for a by-pass.
We wish him luck when we read the news at the weekend that even main roads in Lincolnshire are "unlikely" to ever be dualled because of a cash shortfall, which shows just how much of a pipedream the bypass ideal really is.
New figures have revealed the cost of updating Lincolnshire's main 'A' roads to two lanes would be more than £6.5 billion.
But regional funding allocated for road builds in the East Midlands over the next 10 years is just £700 million – a drop in the ocean.
Assistant director for highways and traffic Paul Coathup said: "As our current regional funding allocation for the next 10 years is only around £700m this work is unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future."
As far as spending is concerned, roads like the A17 head the list for dualling with recent estimates of £1 billion for the 50 mile stretch.
Then there are other roads identified as being in need of upgrading including the A15 at £1.18bn, A57 between Lincoln and Gainsborough (£175m) and the A158 Lincoln to Skegness coastal route, which is estimated at £787m.
We fear that Councillor Newell has a hard road ahead.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
The first is; if we are to believe Councillor Jordan on how onerous and time consuming the Deputy Leader’s workload is, surely this is not the right time for her to take on even more responsibilities?
Surely Councillor Owen should be devoting more of her time to putting her own housing service in order after the bashing it has just received while under her guardianship?
Secondly: After Councillor Jordan’s comments about the council’s possible bankruptcy, and, I assume this is a subject he has some knowledge of, is he leaving the 'bridge' before it sinks completely - leaving the captain looking on helplessly as his crew gradually abandon ship? Scanner
"Scanner" ias the pseudonym of one of our regular contributors.
Changing the subject, we note that today is the first Highways, Transport and Technology Scrutiny meeting of the newly elected Lincolnshire County Council, which will see the attendance of Boston Councillor Ramonde (Major retired in Boston, but not in Lincoln) Newell. Councillor Newell, if you remember, renounced his BBI status and banded with the Independents at County Hall and succeeded in getting a coveted place on the committee from which he hopes to pursue Boston's claims for a by-pass.
We wish him luck when we read the news at the weekend that even main roads in Lincolnshire are "unlikely" to ever be dualled because of a cash shortfall, which shows just how much of a pipedream the bypass ideal really is.
New figures have revealed the cost of updating Lincolnshire's main 'A' roads to two lanes would be more than £6.5 billion.
But regional funding allocated for road builds in the East Midlands over the next 10 years is just £700 million – a drop in the ocean.
Assistant director for highways and traffic Paul Coathup said: "As our current regional funding allocation for the next 10 years is only around £700m this work is unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future."
As far as spending is concerned, roads like the A17 head the list for dualling with recent estimates of £1 billion for the 50 mile stretch.
Then there are other roads identified as being in need of upgrading including the A15 at £1.18bn, A57 between Lincoln and Gainsborough (£175m) and the A158 Lincoln to Skegness coastal route, which is estimated at £787m.
We fear that Councillor Newell has a hard road ahead.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Friday, July 17
Week ending 17th July
20:20 hindsight award of the week goes to borough councillor Mike Gilbert, who writes in the local press of his relief that the redevelopment of West Street is now on hold. "I am afraid that as a conservative, I accept that sometimes some things fail," he writes. What confuses us it that - although it was later in the administration - the development plans for West Street began life under a Tory dominated council.
Happy silly season co-incidence of the week. The Boston Standard, under its "Brighter Boston" banner devotes two pages to events taking place over the summer. The co-incidence? The feature appears just as the councils has issued its own, identical guide. Still, it saves hacks having to work out how to fill the paper!
Talking of what's on events, our high time for a tidy-up award goes to the council's internet what's on guide. An entry for the Boston classic car show, also (we hope inadvertently) published the plea " please add our event ...this is the third time I have sent this information to you." Third time lucky? We think not. The date for the event appears on the calendar for Tuesday 25th August, whilst the entry states it is taking place on Sunday the 9th, which gives you plenty of time to miss it. And if you planned to visit Boston Bike Night on Saturday 25th July, you'll have missed that as well - it took place last week.
Boobies on the beat award. Yet again, that risible claim appears -"Boston's bobbies are coming to your doorstep." The full story behind this latest claim is that the town's Urban West neighbourhood policing team are to hold surgeries at which locals can pop in for a talk, to catch up on crime prevention advice or report a crime. We especially like the idea of reporting a crime on Mondays between 11am and noon (but not on bank holidays) or Wednesday's between 3pm and 4pm. More and more our local PCSOs are following the example of the "real" police to do anything but tread those uncomfortable pavements.
Speaking of Lincolnshire police - they get our nought out of ten award award after coming bottom of the satisfaction survey of the 43 forces in England and Wales in yesterday's British Crime Survey statistics. Apparently they can't explain it, and say their own survey comes up with between 60 and 70 per cent, which is also very worrying. More on this next week
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Happy silly season co-incidence of the week. The Boston Standard, under its "Brighter Boston" banner devotes two pages to events taking place over the summer. The co-incidence? The feature appears just as the councils has issued its own, identical guide. Still, it saves hacks having to work out how to fill the paper!
Talking of what's on events, our high time for a tidy-up award goes to the council's internet what's on guide. An entry for the Boston classic car show, also (we hope inadvertently) published the plea " please add our event ...this is the third time I have sent this information to you." Third time lucky? We think not. The date for the event appears on the calendar for Tuesday 25th August, whilst the entry states it is taking place on Sunday the 9th, which gives you plenty of time to miss it. And if you planned to visit Boston Bike Night on Saturday 25th July, you'll have missed that as well - it took place last week.
Boobies on the beat award. Yet again, that risible claim appears -"Boston's bobbies are coming to your doorstep." The full story behind this latest claim is that the town's Urban West neighbourhood policing team are to hold surgeries at which locals can pop in for a talk, to catch up on crime prevention advice or report a crime. We especially like the idea of reporting a crime on Mondays between 11am and noon (but not on bank holidays) or Wednesday's between 3pm and 4pm. More and more our local PCSOs are following the example of the "real" police to do anything but tread those uncomfortable pavements.
Speaking of Lincolnshire police - they get our nought out of ten award award after coming bottom of the satisfaction survey of the 43 forces in England and Wales in yesterday's British Crime Survey statistics. Apparently they can't explain it, and say their own survey comes up with between 60 and 70 per cent, which is also very worrying. More on this next week
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Thursday, July 16
Booze and jeers for park drinks ban!
We're trying to decode the message sent out by Boston police with respect to the Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) which bans people from enjoying a can of beer in Central Park, amongst other places.
Boston's community beat manager PC Martyn Chambers is quoted as saying: "In an ideal world people would take notice of the signs and not over-indulge on alcohol within the DPPO.
"Sadly the reality is that there will always be people who say they didn't see the signs or just don't know when to stop.
"We do take these offences seriously. Alcohol-related verbal abuse and minor criminal damage can soon escalate to public disorder and assault.
"Equally to those wanting to enjoy the town, someone who is drunk and disorderly can be very intimidating and unpleasant and this is why we take a zero tolerance stance.
"Although we have yet to issue an £50 fixed penalty ticket there is always a first time for someone who ignores advice."
Since the DPPO's introduction hundreds of alcohol containers have been confiscated.
PCSO Bill Dorgan said: "People have on the whole been willing to hand over alcohol containers without a fuss.
"The main reason they do this is because although many know about the order being in place some continue to try their luck hoping they'll get a way with it.
"The fact is, they won't and they don't. Even if there's not an officer in the vicinity, thanks to the support of the local community, park rangers and CCTV we have eyes everywhere and can soon attend to deal with anyone causing concern."
We think that there is a difference between people having a drink in the park and getting drunk in the park.
If memory serves, there were occasional incidents but nothing really to require such a large sledgehammer to crack such a small nut.
And let's not forget, when it suits Boston Borough Council to do so, the alcohol ban is lifted - for events where alcohol consumption is actually encouraged as part of the entertaiment.
We've criticised this double standard before.
In particular, we disagree with Boston's neighbourhood panel chairman and chief killjoy Jeff Skinner, who is quoted as saying: "It is really encouraging that we're seeing fewer incidents of alcohol being drunk in our public areas, but we're by no means an alcohol-free town. To assist us in achieving this, the panel is looking to improve signage and ensure continued robust enforcement, focusing activity in the Central Park and Wormgate areas, where alcohol-related anti-social behaviour continues to cause us concern."
Who are these people to rule our lives?
There is an automatic assumption that opening a can of ale in a public place is the start of wholesale rioting.
This is just not the case.
The statistics did not justify the creation of a DPPO at the time.
But that doesn't hinder those people who would rule as maany aspects of our lives as they can.
Whilst we note that the police can blanket the park with busybodies so that they can pounce at the pfffft of a beer can, we are equally as sorry to read on one of our Booston county councillor's websites:- "This week I went to two Parish Council meetings in my ward, and was made to feel welcome at both, though both mentioned to me of the lack of support and presence from the local police. They only meet every two months and said that they would like to see a member from the police present at one of their meetings."
Sorry, they're too busy.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Boston's community beat manager PC Martyn Chambers is quoted as saying: "In an ideal world people would take notice of the signs and not over-indulge on alcohol within the DPPO.
"Sadly the reality is that there will always be people who say they didn't see the signs or just don't know when to stop.
"We do take these offences seriously. Alcohol-related verbal abuse and minor criminal damage can soon escalate to public disorder and assault.
"Equally to those wanting to enjoy the town, someone who is drunk and disorderly can be very intimidating and unpleasant and this is why we take a zero tolerance stance.
"Although we have yet to issue an £50 fixed penalty ticket there is always a first time for someone who ignores advice."
Since the DPPO's introduction hundreds of alcohol containers have been confiscated.
PCSO Bill Dorgan said: "People have on the whole been willing to hand over alcohol containers without a fuss.
"The main reason they do this is because although many know about the order being in place some continue to try their luck hoping they'll get a way with it.
"The fact is, they won't and they don't. Even if there's not an officer in the vicinity, thanks to the support of the local community, park rangers and CCTV we have eyes everywhere and can soon attend to deal with anyone causing concern."
We think that there is a difference between people having a drink in the park and getting drunk in the park.
If memory serves, there were occasional incidents but nothing really to require such a large sledgehammer to crack such a small nut.
And let's not forget, when it suits Boston Borough Council to do so, the alcohol ban is lifted - for events where alcohol consumption is actually encouraged as part of the entertaiment.
We've criticised this double standard before.
In particular, we disagree with Boston's neighbourhood panel chairman and chief killjoy Jeff Skinner, who is quoted as saying: "It is really encouraging that we're seeing fewer incidents of alcohol being drunk in our public areas, but we're by no means an alcohol-free town. To assist us in achieving this, the panel is looking to improve signage and ensure continued robust enforcement, focusing activity in the Central Park and Wormgate areas, where alcohol-related anti-social behaviour continues to cause us concern."
Who are these people to rule our lives?
There is an automatic assumption that opening a can of ale in a public place is the start of wholesale rioting.
This is just not the case.
The statistics did not justify the creation of a DPPO at the time.
But that doesn't hinder those people who would rule as maany aspects of our lives as they can.
Whilst we note that the police can blanket the park with busybodies so that they can pounce at the pfffft of a beer can, we are equally as sorry to read on one of our Booston county councillor's websites:- "This week I went to two Parish Council meetings in my ward, and was made to feel welcome at both, though both mentioned to me of the lack of support and presence from the local police. They only meet every two months and said that they would like to see a member from the police present at one of their meetings."
Sorry, they're too busy.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Wednesday, July 15
Wasting cash on people who couldn't care less
On the face of it, the news sounds good.
Boston Borough Council has got a grant of £100,000 from Lincolnshire’s Health and Well-being Fund to expand a neighbourhood scheme called Boston Placecheck.
The project will bring let communities decide on what needs to change in their locality and give them a budget to make the improvements.
It has been piloted in one ward of the Borough "to great effect" according to Lincolnshire County Council, and the cash will expand the project into five neighbourhoods in six of the most deprived wards in Boston.
Boston Borough Council and South Lincolnshire Community Volunteers Service will help to set up community steering groups to identify local issues, and issues such as litter, graffiti, poor street environment, traffic congestion, or parking can be dealt with and new initiatives such as community events started.
As we said, so far, so good.
However, the fact that the pilot area was the notorious Daisy Dale gives us cause for concern.
We've lost count of how many times the hapless residents of this delightfully named area have been bailed out by the do-gooders of Boston.
Back at the end of 2007, an inspection found illegal parking, littering, fly-tipping and discarded drug paraphernalia mainly on a patch of land at the end of Daisy Dale nicknamed "the wasteland."Turn the clock back to March,and "Operation Grime" was launched to tackle a major problem of rubbish dumping with a multi-agency scheme aiming to enhance the Daisy Dale area."The big clean-up is desperately needed in the area," said one of the town's PCSO's at the time "We have a problem with rats and this is due to people dumping their rubbish in the streets. It's a practice that really has got to stop. We are doing all we can to tackle the issue, but we can't do it alone."
Volunteers who came forward for to help spruce-up the area found mattresses, fridge freezers, broken glass and burnt rubbish – and after just two hours 14 tonnes of litter had been carted away.
"We hope that once the area has been cleaned up, there will be more of an incentive for people to keep it clean. We had installed a litter bin a while back, but it was set fire to soon afterwards and as a result the council would not collect from it. Litter in and around the area grew over the course of seven months, and rats and dogs started ripping open rubbish bags in the street. There is a big rat problem due to people dumping their rubbish in the streets – a practice which really has to stop. It only needs one person to fly-tip something and others follow suit. A big part of this operation is about educating people as we cannot keep doing these clear-ups. We now plan to install cameras and fine anyone captured dumping rubbish."
Again, in or around 2005 there was another clean up involving Longhurst Housing Association. At the time it was described as "a fantastic example of partnership working and it shows the commitment ... to ensure neighbourhoods are places people want to live in. I am sure residents in the area must be delighted with the outcome and I hope they will continue to keep up the good work already started.”
The clear message from the residents of Daisy Dale is that they don't give a monkey's about the tidyness of the area where they live.
We're also sorry to say that the same attitude probably exists among the residents of the other areas to get the "Placecheck" treatment.
At the end of the day this is using money that could and should be better spent elsewhere to do jobs that exist only because of the lack of a tougher line on the people who offend.
Perhaps if we policed the borough better we might not have black spot areas such as these.
We are also spending money to carry on tasks for which money is already theoretically allocated - the collection of litter is is the job of the council.
Yet we increasingly see tasks that used to be carried out by the borough being flanked off on to other organisations. Passing Boston in Bloom to Boston BID is another example, as is the combination of back office tasks and the privatisation of other council services.
The argument is that all of this saves money.
But it does nothing to enhance the borough in the long term - and what on earth is happening to all the money that's being saved?
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Boston Borough Council has got a grant of £100,000 from Lincolnshire’s Health and Well-being Fund to expand a neighbourhood scheme called Boston Placecheck.
The project will bring let communities decide on what needs to change in their locality and give them a budget to make the improvements.
It has been piloted in one ward of the Borough "to great effect" according to Lincolnshire County Council, and the cash will expand the project into five neighbourhoods in six of the most deprived wards in Boston.
Boston Borough Council and South Lincolnshire Community Volunteers Service will help to set up community steering groups to identify local issues, and issues such as litter, graffiti, poor street environment, traffic congestion, or parking can be dealt with and new initiatives such as community events started.
As we said, so far, so good.
However, the fact that the pilot area was the notorious Daisy Dale gives us cause for concern.
We've lost count of how many times the hapless residents of this delightfully named area have been bailed out by the do-gooders of Boston.
Back at the end of 2007, an inspection found illegal parking, littering, fly-tipping and discarded drug paraphernalia mainly on a patch of land at the end of Daisy Dale nicknamed "the wasteland."Turn the clock back to March,and "Operation Grime" was launched to tackle a major problem of rubbish dumping with a multi-agency scheme aiming to enhance the Daisy Dale area."The big clean-up is desperately needed in the area," said one of the town's PCSO's at the time "We have a problem with rats and this is due to people dumping their rubbish in the streets. It's a practice that really has got to stop. We are doing all we can to tackle the issue, but we can't do it alone."
Volunteers who came forward for to help spruce-up the area found mattresses, fridge freezers, broken glass and burnt rubbish – and after just two hours 14 tonnes of litter had been carted away.
"We hope that once the area has been cleaned up, there will be more of an incentive for people to keep it clean. We had installed a litter bin a while back, but it was set fire to soon afterwards and as a result the council would not collect from it. Litter in and around the area grew over the course of seven months, and rats and dogs started ripping open rubbish bags in the street. There is a big rat problem due to people dumping their rubbish in the streets – a practice which really has to stop. It only needs one person to fly-tip something and others follow suit. A big part of this operation is about educating people as we cannot keep doing these clear-ups. We now plan to install cameras and fine anyone captured dumping rubbish."
Again, in or around 2005 there was another clean up involving Longhurst Housing Association. At the time it was described as "a fantastic example of partnership working and it shows the commitment ... to ensure neighbourhoods are places people want to live in. I am sure residents in the area must be delighted with the outcome and I hope they will continue to keep up the good work already started.”
The clear message from the residents of Daisy Dale is that they don't give a monkey's about the tidyness of the area where they live.
We're also sorry to say that the same attitude probably exists among the residents of the other areas to get the "Placecheck" treatment.
At the end of the day this is using money that could and should be better spent elsewhere to do jobs that exist only because of the lack of a tougher line on the people who offend.
Perhaps if we policed the borough better we might not have black spot areas such as these.
We are also spending money to carry on tasks for which money is already theoretically allocated - the collection of litter is is the job of the council.
Yet we increasingly see tasks that used to be carried out by the borough being flanked off on to other organisations. Passing Boston in Bloom to Boston BID is another example, as is the combination of back office tasks and the privatisation of other council services.
The argument is that all of this saves money.
But it does nothing to enhance the borough in the long term - and what on earth is happening to all the money that's being saved?
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Tuesday, July 14
Why Jordan quit
More on the resignation of Councillor Peter Jordan as deputy leader of Boston Borough Council.
A statement from the borough said: "Councillor Peter Jordan has stepped down as Deputy Leader of Boston Borough Council and the new Deputy Leader will be Cabinet Member Councillor Brenda Owen.
"Leader of Boston Borough Council, Councillor Richard Austin has appointed Councillor Brenda Owen to the post of Deputy Leader of the Council – a post which will be noted at the next Full Council meeting. Councillor Jordan will remain on the Cabinet. "
Councillor Jordan said: 'I will be fully supporting the Council but felt I needed to spend more time focusing on my portfolio duties.
My stepping down from the Deputy Leader post is part of a reorganisation to provide more management capacity.
"Over recent weeks the workload caused by merged services has increased in frequency and volume. Most of these very important meetings call for the Leader and Deputy Leader to be present.
"I already have a large number of portfolios and three of these, Health and Safety, Human Resources and Risk are particularly onerous as they spread through every aspect of the Council's activities.
"This means I am finding inadequate time to fulfil all my duties to my satisfaction, in spite of a noticeable percentage of 12 hour days.
"I shall continue to fully support the Leader, Councillor Richard Austin and the new Deputy Leader in both of whom I have the utmost confidence. "
So, no pushing, and the usual loyalty oaths of the type made famous by Milo Minderbinder and Major --- de Coverley in Joseph Heller's legendary Catch 22.
Councillor Brenda Owen's portfolio is Housing, which was recently trashed by the Audit Commission who gave the service "nul points" and led to her response receiving the same from critics who described it as the worst case of spin from the borough that they had encountered since .... the last worst case of spin that they had encountered from the borough.
At one stage during yesterday's to-ing and fro-ing over the resignation, we understood there would be no announcement of a successor as the post of Deputy Leader was one that would need to be appointed by the full council.
But it now appears that "Papa" Dick Austin has resorted to type, named his successor, and expects his minnows to do as they're told at the next full council meeting, which appears to be an additional one slipped in for 20th July.
As we go to press, tributes to Councillor Jordan have resolutely failed to flood in.
The main mention of him we can find so far sums him up as something of a bully boy behind whose steely skirts the nominal leader has been cowering for quite some time - even to the point of sitting mutely back whilst his "deputy" answers questions in his stead.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
A statement from the borough said: "Councillor Peter Jordan has stepped down as Deputy Leader of Boston Borough Council and the new Deputy Leader will be Cabinet Member Councillor Brenda Owen.
"Leader of Boston Borough Council, Councillor Richard Austin has appointed Councillor Brenda Owen to the post of Deputy Leader of the Council – a post which will be noted at the next Full Council meeting. Councillor Jordan will remain on the Cabinet. "
Councillor Jordan said: 'I will be fully supporting the Council but felt I needed to spend more time focusing on my portfolio duties.
My stepping down from the Deputy Leader post is part of a reorganisation to provide more management capacity.
"Over recent weeks the workload caused by merged services has increased in frequency and volume. Most of these very important meetings call for the Leader and Deputy Leader to be present.
"I already have a large number of portfolios and three of these, Health and Safety, Human Resources and Risk are particularly onerous as they spread through every aspect of the Council's activities.
"This means I am finding inadequate time to fulfil all my duties to my satisfaction, in spite of a noticeable percentage of 12 hour days.
"I shall continue to fully support the Leader, Councillor Richard Austin and the new Deputy Leader in both of whom I have the utmost confidence. "
So, no pushing, and the usual loyalty oaths of the type made famous by Milo Minderbinder and Major --- de Coverley in Joseph Heller's legendary Catch 22.
Councillor Brenda Owen's portfolio is Housing, which was recently trashed by the Audit Commission who gave the service "nul points" and led to her response receiving the same from critics who described it as the worst case of spin from the borough that they had encountered since .... the last worst case of spin that they had encountered from the borough.
At one stage during yesterday's to-ing and fro-ing over the resignation, we understood there would be no announcement of a successor as the post of Deputy Leader was one that would need to be appointed by the full council.
But it now appears that "Papa" Dick Austin has resorted to type, named his successor, and expects his minnows to do as they're told at the next full council meeting, which appears to be an additional one slipped in for 20th July.
As we go to press, tributes to Councillor Jordan have resolutely failed to flood in.
The main mention of him we can find so far sums him up as something of a bully boy behind whose steely skirts the nominal leader has been cowering for quite some time - even to the point of sitting mutely back whilst his "deputy" answers questions in his stead.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Monday, July 13
Jordan "has quit as deputy council leader"
Boston Borough Council has officially confirmed this morning that Councillor Peter Jordan has stepped down as Deputy Leader of the Council - ending weekend speculation on which precise post he had quit.
It's understood that his resignation will take effect from the end of the month.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
It's understood that his resignation will take effect from the end of the month.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Trouble ahead as Jordan quits?
At the weekend we broke the news that Councillor Peter Jordan has resigned from something - but the question is what?
Two blogs by local councillors are commenting on the story.
One, by Councillor Raymond Singleton-McGuire* says that Councillor Jordan has resigned as deputy leader of the party.
The other from, felllow Tory Councillor Myles Larrington** initially thought that the resignation was as deputy leader of the council, but now says many people remain unsure.
The overwhelming number of e-mails to Boston Eye say he has quit as deputy leader of the council.
So far there is no suggestion that any resignation includes his role as a councillor, which would of course spark a by-election in the town's North Ward.
But if he stays on, we wonder how comfortable he will be as a "backbencher" after two years just a heartbeat away from the presidency, so to speak.
Councillor Jordan's entry on the borough council website only mentions his deputy leader status, and thinking back, we cannot recall any references to a deputy leader of the Bypass Independent Party - unless of course the role is a tandem one, with the deputy of one being the deputy of both. And of course the resignation from one role would mean the resignation from both.
Councillor Jordan has had a controversial time over the past couple of years, tending to shoot from the lip rather than from the hip on countless occasions - with his most recent outburst being the suggestion that the council was on the brink of bankruptcy. Shortly before that, we were reminded of his "bedmates" speech when the demise of Modus Developments saw the Merchants Quay plan sail off into the sunset. And who can forget the famous "We are the BBI. We walk on water" address?
By all accounts, Councillor Jordan has never topped the popularity stakes with many fellow councillors at Worst Street, although within the BBI there's no shortage for nominations as the party's Billy no mates.
But the speculation now is: did he go or was he pushed?
Pushed seems to be the favourite as the gossip gains momentum, though again the majority view suspects that his departure will be described with the usual BBI-wash as being made on health grounds.
Why pushed?
There was the mysterious case of the unscheduled cabinet meeting, at which Councillor Richard Dungworth was appointed to substitute as deputy when necessary, which must have meant that the deputy leadership was an issue some days ago.
But Councillor Larrington outlines another theory on his blog.
He reminds us that opposition groups are currently rejecting any chair or vice chairmanships of council committees and groups, due to a lack of trust between the BBI and opposition members after the BBI refused to allow Better Boston Group Councillors Anne Dorrian and Brian Rush any Chair or Vice Chairmanships, and tried to bar them from any committees.
"As such, this lack of trust has put considerable pressure on to many normally inactive members of the BBI, who now find themselves having to foot the majority of the committee work. Councillor Jordan was one those who consistently attempted to exclude members of the Better Boston Group from the proceedings of the council. Perhaps BBI members were unhappy with his uncompromising position and may have come to the conclusion that Better Boston Group members can do no harm chair or vice chairing committees, as the BBI will still make up the majority of members. They may have not liked the additional workload created by this situation, so could this be the cause of Councillor Jordan’s resignation?"
We also wonder where all this now leaves the Council Leader, Richard Austin. His leadership has seen problem after problem for the BBI, starting with internal arguments, dismissals and defections, and more recently the voters rejection of his candidacy for a county council seat. He has now lost his deputy, whom many think has papered over some of the cracks in his leadership. Such a change could see opinion in the rank and file BBI fancying a totally new leadership, and there is talk in some quarters that an internal power wrangle may well be underway.
We e-mailed Councillor Jordan for a comment, but are not holding our breath.
*http://www.smgblog.co.uk/
**http://myleslarrington.wordpress.com/
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Two blogs by local councillors are commenting on the story.
One, by Councillor Raymond Singleton-McGuire* says that Councillor Jordan has resigned as deputy leader of the party.
The other from, felllow Tory Councillor Myles Larrington** initially thought that the resignation was as deputy leader of the council, but now says many people remain unsure.
The overwhelming number of e-mails to Boston Eye say he has quit as deputy leader of the council.
So far there is no suggestion that any resignation includes his role as a councillor, which would of course spark a by-election in the town's North Ward.
But if he stays on, we wonder how comfortable he will be as a "backbencher" after two years just a heartbeat away from the presidency, so to speak.
Councillor Jordan's entry on the borough council website only mentions his deputy leader status, and thinking back, we cannot recall any references to a deputy leader of the Bypass Independent Party - unless of course the role is a tandem one, with the deputy of one being the deputy of both. And of course the resignation from one role would mean the resignation from both.
Councillor Jordan has had a controversial time over the past couple of years, tending to shoot from the lip rather than from the hip on countless occasions - with his most recent outburst being the suggestion that the council was on the brink of bankruptcy. Shortly before that, we were reminded of his "bedmates" speech when the demise of Modus Developments saw the Merchants Quay plan sail off into the sunset. And who can forget the famous "We are the BBI. We walk on water" address?
By all accounts, Councillor Jordan has never topped the popularity stakes with many fellow councillors at Worst Street, although within the BBI there's no shortage for nominations as the party's Billy no mates.
But the speculation now is: did he go or was he pushed?
Pushed seems to be the favourite as the gossip gains momentum, though again the majority view suspects that his departure will be described with the usual BBI-wash as being made on health grounds.
Why pushed?
There was the mysterious case of the unscheduled cabinet meeting, at which Councillor Richard Dungworth was appointed to substitute as deputy when necessary, which must have meant that the deputy leadership was an issue some days ago.
But Councillor Larrington outlines another theory on his blog.
He reminds us that opposition groups are currently rejecting any chair or vice chairmanships of council committees and groups, due to a lack of trust between the BBI and opposition members after the BBI refused to allow Better Boston Group Councillors Anne Dorrian and Brian Rush any Chair or Vice Chairmanships, and tried to bar them from any committees.
"As such, this lack of trust has put considerable pressure on to many normally inactive members of the BBI, who now find themselves having to foot the majority of the committee work. Councillor Jordan was one those who consistently attempted to exclude members of the Better Boston Group from the proceedings of the council. Perhaps BBI members were unhappy with his uncompromising position and may have come to the conclusion that Better Boston Group members can do no harm chair or vice chairing committees, as the BBI will still make up the majority of members. They may have not liked the additional workload created by this situation, so could this be the cause of Councillor Jordan’s resignation?"
We also wonder where all this now leaves the Council Leader, Richard Austin. His leadership has seen problem after problem for the BBI, starting with internal arguments, dismissals and defections, and more recently the voters rejection of his candidacy for a county council seat. He has now lost his deputy, whom many think has papered over some of the cracks in his leadership. Such a change could see opinion in the rank and file BBI fancying a totally new leadership, and there is talk in some quarters that an internal power wrangle may well be underway.
We e-mailed Councillor Jordan for a comment, but are not holding our breath.
*http://www.smgblog.co.uk/
**http://myleslarrington.wordpress.com/
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Saturday, July 11
Jordan quits as deputy leader
Boston's deputy council leader Peter Jordan has resigned.
More on Monday.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
More on Monday.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Friday, July 10
Week ending 10th July
Leading by bad example award of the week goes to Boston Borough Council. Having lumbered itself with a loan of £1m over fifty years it then proceeded to lose all the paperwork. Now it is demanding that the lender produces a copy of the agreement and the full terms and conditions, and is refusing to pay the latest installment until it does. Imagine what would happen if Boston punters treated the council in the same way. They'd be in court in pretty short order. We have to say we find it hard to believe that no mention of this loan can be found. Or is the council claiming that all its minutes have gone missing as well? It seems to us that the council is at fault here, and not the company that loaned it the money.
Left hand right hand award of the week. Boston Borough Council's invites us to discover the borough on foot with a series of walking leaflets setting out some of the great walks which people can enjoy around the borough. When we visited the library on market day we found a massive display of walk leaflets. Great planning? No, these leaflets are part of a county council display and offer strolls all around the county -- pretty well everywhere except Boston!
Living in the past award goes to the late lamented best Boston bedmate, Modus Properties. Despite going into administration, the Merchants Quay project remains on their website with a 2012 completion date - along with the Lidongate development in Lincoln, which has also left local traders fuming at its demise.
Challenge of the week comes from borough councillor Myles Larrington, who is publishing details of his allowances on his blog. "I would like to challenge any of the other councillors on Boston Borough Council, especially members of the BBI, to do this! In my view, transparency is always the best policy!" he writes. We suggest that he doesn't hold his breath, as transparency and Boston Bypass Independents are not normally words that sit well together.
Proof that blogging works comes from Councillor Raymond Singleton-McGuire, who reports 91 visitors in eight days. Take a look at his comments on an alleged unscheduled cabinet meeting held on a Saturday and the apparent use by the leader of the Data Protection Act as an excuse for refusing to discuss council business with opposition leaders. What on earth do they think they're doing, we wonder?
Not for the first time, our waffle of the week award goes to Boston College. We hear that the college and Boston United are teaming up in a venture to offer new academic courses ahead of the forthcoming football season. All courses will comprise a mixture of academic qualifications and football training and coaching activities. College principal Sue Daley says: "It is great to see two local organisations working together for the benefit of learners and sporting achievements. The partnership will provide great opportunities for all those involved." We've heard this line so many times that we assume that she has it printed out on a crib sheet for whenever the need arises. It reeks of gimmickry, and nothing more.
Time moves on award of the week. April and May are now behind us for another year. In that case it might be a good idea to amend the borough website what's on/events pages. If Boston is as vibrant as everyone says, how come there's apparently so little to tell visitors about? And many of our criticisms made some weeks ago have not been noted. The section "how to get here" has no information, and "the great outdoors" demands authorisation and a login requirement. This is Boston ... and you're welcome to it seems to be the message!
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Left hand right hand award of the week. Boston Borough Council's invites us to discover the borough on foot with a series of walking leaflets setting out some of the great walks which people can enjoy around the borough. When we visited the library on market day we found a massive display of walk leaflets. Great planning? No, these leaflets are part of a county council display and offer strolls all around the county -- pretty well everywhere except Boston!
Living in the past award goes to the late lamented best Boston bedmate, Modus Properties. Despite going into administration, the Merchants Quay project remains on their website with a 2012 completion date - along with the Lidongate development in Lincoln, which has also left local traders fuming at its demise.
Challenge of the week comes from borough councillor Myles Larrington, who is publishing details of his allowances on his blog. "I would like to challenge any of the other councillors on Boston Borough Council, especially members of the BBI, to do this! In my view, transparency is always the best policy!" he writes. We suggest that he doesn't hold his breath, as transparency and Boston Bypass Independents are not normally words that sit well together.
Proof that blogging works comes from Councillor Raymond Singleton-McGuire, who reports 91 visitors in eight days. Take a look at his comments on an alleged unscheduled cabinet meeting held on a Saturday and the apparent use by the leader of the Data Protection Act as an excuse for refusing to discuss council business with opposition leaders. What on earth do they think they're doing, we wonder?
Not for the first time, our waffle of the week award goes to Boston College. We hear that the college and Boston United are teaming up in a venture to offer new academic courses ahead of the forthcoming football season. All courses will comprise a mixture of academic qualifications and football training and coaching activities. College principal Sue Daley says: "It is great to see two local organisations working together for the benefit of learners and sporting achievements. The partnership will provide great opportunities for all those involved." We've heard this line so many times that we assume that she has it printed out on a crib sheet for whenever the need arises. It reeks of gimmickry, and nothing more.
Time moves on award of the week. April and May are now behind us for another year. In that case it might be a good idea to amend the borough website what's on/events pages. If Boston is as vibrant as everyone says, how come there's apparently so little to tell visitors about? And many of our criticisms made some weeks ago have not been noted. The section "how to get here" has no information, and "the great outdoors" demands authorisation and a login requirement. This is Boston ... and you're welcome to it seems to be the message!
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Thursday, July 9
This birthday is nothing to celebrate
It's forty years ago this year that Boston 's Conservation Area was designated, and according to English Heritage, the town is one of the most important in England in terms of its historic environment. That said, you would have to look hard to find much that reflects this importance in the overall look of the town's main areas.
English Heritage recently conducted a national survey of conservation areas, which Boston Borough Council couldn't be bothered to fill it in.
But that hasn't stopped the organisation declaring Boston to be at risk from a variety of threats.
It says: "Lincolnshire has suffered agricultural decline which has had a huge effect on the management and upkeep of the historic environment. Many of the town’s commercial and residential buildings are in need of repair, and there are several sites that remain undeveloped. Proposals for a large new development in the centre are welcomed locally, but the scale of them would harm the character of the area and the historic setting of 'The Stump'."
What, if anything, is being done to save it? By the council? By the residents?"
In 2004, the Heritage Lottery Fund granted the council a Townscape Heritage Initiative worth up to £860,000, but it was withdrawn in 2008 as it was unable to be delivered.
Looking back, this seems to be because the council decided to throw all the money at the High Street/London Road area, and when there was little enthusiasm for their ideas, and plan was kicked into touch.
How surprising - Boston Borough Council missing out on an opportunity. History repeats itself.
English Heritage says it is engaged in ongoing discussions with the borough council to develop a strategy for the town.
With the customary flair for noting only the good things in any report and dismissing the rest, our cabinet member for cultural services, Councillor Richard Dungworth, is quoted as saying: "I welcome this report which highlights our great town as one of the most important towns in England for our historic environment.
"We want to work closely with English Heritage to develop a strategy for Boston that will preserve our special environment while balancing the need to generate jobs and investment for the people of the area.
"A range of plans and studies have already been completed and we are working with Lincolnshire County Council at the moment to develop and implement specific proposals for Market Place.
"English Heritage's reference to a 'large new development', refers to the proposed West Street, retail scheme which has stalled due to the recession. It is disappointing that English Heritage is thinking that the scheme would harm the character of the area when the design details had not by any means been finalised and when we were still agreeing principles.
"We had also been working closely with English Heritage from the outset to develop the project and which if it could it be delivered would fantastically support and promote Boston, both in retail and heritage terms.
"Given English Heritage's huge interest in the time we will be speaking with them further to identify exactly how they can assist us to improve our conservation areas."
We thought that the Market Place has already been given a makeover, with the ridiculous bubble of paving slabs that bulges out near Boots, and which was primarily designed to make life easier for the sainted Into Town bus service.
In our view to say that Merchants Quay would not have had a detrimental effect on the area around the Stump is a load of old dungworth, as it could not have failed to have other than an adverse impact. To say that principles were still being agreed seems contradictory in light of the detailed architects' impressions that have been in display.
We go back to what we said a few blogs ago.
It is really high time that the great and the good of Boston accepted that the town is low on the development pecking order, and planned accordingly.
That is not to deny that we have a lot to offer.
What we should be doing is pressurising the national owners of some premises (Carphone Warehouse and Thornton's spring to mind) and encouraging them to keep their shopfronts well decorated and maintained.
We should make sure that Strait Bargate has the look and feel of an attractive shopping street, and see that future developments do not detract still further from the town's historic ambience - who can claim that the Pescod Square development harmonises in any way with a medieval market town?
And yes ... we should ban those noisy, smelly buses from destroying what was once a pleasurable shopping experience.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
English Heritage recently conducted a national survey of conservation areas, which Boston Borough Council couldn't be bothered to fill it in.
But that hasn't stopped the organisation declaring Boston to be at risk from a variety of threats.
It says: "Lincolnshire has suffered agricultural decline which has had a huge effect on the management and upkeep of the historic environment. Many of the town’s commercial and residential buildings are in need of repair, and there are several sites that remain undeveloped. Proposals for a large new development in the centre are welcomed locally, but the scale of them would harm the character of the area and the historic setting of 'The Stump'."
What, if anything, is being done to save it? By the council? By the residents?"
In 2004, the Heritage Lottery Fund granted the council a Townscape Heritage Initiative worth up to £860,000, but it was withdrawn in 2008 as it was unable to be delivered.
Looking back, this seems to be because the council decided to throw all the money at the High Street/London Road area, and when there was little enthusiasm for their ideas, and plan was kicked into touch.
How surprising - Boston Borough Council missing out on an opportunity. History repeats itself.
English Heritage says it is engaged in ongoing discussions with the borough council to develop a strategy for the town.
With the customary flair for noting only the good things in any report and dismissing the rest, our cabinet member for cultural services, Councillor Richard Dungworth, is quoted as saying: "I welcome this report which highlights our great town as one of the most important towns in England for our historic environment.
"We want to work closely with English Heritage to develop a strategy for Boston that will preserve our special environment while balancing the need to generate jobs and investment for the people of the area.
"A range of plans and studies have already been completed and we are working with Lincolnshire County Council at the moment to develop and implement specific proposals for Market Place.
"English Heritage's reference to a 'large new development', refers to the proposed West Street, retail scheme which has stalled due to the recession. It is disappointing that English Heritage is thinking that the scheme would harm the character of the area when the design details had not by any means been finalised and when we were still agreeing principles.
"We had also been working closely with English Heritage from the outset to develop the project and which if it could it be delivered would fantastically support and promote Boston, both in retail and heritage terms.
"Given English Heritage's huge interest in the time we will be speaking with them further to identify exactly how they can assist us to improve our conservation areas."
We thought that the Market Place has already been given a makeover, with the ridiculous bubble of paving slabs that bulges out near Boots, and which was primarily designed to make life easier for the sainted Into Town bus service.
In our view to say that Merchants Quay would not have had a detrimental effect on the area around the Stump is a load of old dungworth, as it could not have failed to have other than an adverse impact. To say that principles were still being agreed seems contradictory in light of the detailed architects' impressions that have been in display.
We go back to what we said a few blogs ago.
It is really high time that the great and the good of Boston accepted that the town is low on the development pecking order, and planned accordingly.
That is not to deny that we have a lot to offer.
What we should be doing is pressurising the national owners of some premises (Carphone Warehouse and Thornton's spring to mind) and encouraging them to keep their shopfronts well decorated and maintained.
We should make sure that Strait Bargate has the look and feel of an attractive shopping street, and see that future developments do not detract still further from the town's historic ambience - who can claim that the Pescod Square development harmonises in any way with a medieval market town?
And yes ... we should ban those noisy, smelly buses from destroying what was once a pleasurable shopping experience.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Wednesday, July 8
Whitehall farce "holds lesson for BBI"
What a farce the election of the House of Commons Speaker turned out to be!
John Bercow was voted in by Labour MPs whose only reason to do so, it seems, was to get their own back on the Conservatives who can’t stand him.
Please take note you members of the BBI, who naively followed your Oberfurher’s and UnterFuhrer’s (i.e. Messers Austin and Jordan) "guidance" and blindly voted to change Boston’s Mayoral election process.
Who knows whether you were only proving that you were in charge and could do whatever you wanted (in the name of democracy of course) - or did a certain someone have delusions of grandeur?
Whatever your reasons were, the election of our Mayor is now wide open to the kind of fawning behavior, petty bickering, backbiting and acrimony that occurred in Westminster.
Doesn’t do much for the dignity and the Mayor’s status either!
I suppose it is too much to hope you will reconsider reversing that decision, obviously made without considering the consequences, and go back to the previous method.
Incidentally, I spoke to a former member of the Borough Council staff recently.
The verdict was (and I don’t think there was any personal bitterness just a sense of regret) that the council is going to the dogs.
Staff are escaping weekly, morale is at its lowest level ever, and there is an almost complete lack of leadership from the top.
It doesn’t help that the ruling councillors have everybody running around trying to justify their decision to privatise of all the services, making it difficult for staff to carry on the day to day running of them.
Our leaders have obviously forgotten too (or have deliberately ignored) what happened last time the council went down this road.
They may get low tenders at first but, charges soon start to increase and services get worse as the council loses control.
Lincoln City Council, apparently, is doing its best to bring some services that were privatised a few years ago, back in house.
The BE BIGS* have two years left before they lose the elections.
Their legacy will not be a bypass – not even the smell of one - and, unless things alter drastically, they will leave a huge financial mess to be cleared up by whoever is brave enough to stand in 2011.
* Boston Bypass Independent Group spelled out a little ie Be B I G or BeBIG that, I think, aptly describes them.
Scanner
Scanner is the pseudonymn of one of our regular correspondents.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
John Bercow was voted in by Labour MPs whose only reason to do so, it seems, was to get their own back on the Conservatives who can’t stand him.
Please take note you members of the BBI, who naively followed your Oberfurher’s and UnterFuhrer’s (i.e. Messers Austin and Jordan) "guidance" and blindly voted to change Boston’s Mayoral election process.
Who knows whether you were only proving that you were in charge and could do whatever you wanted (in the name of democracy of course) - or did a certain someone have delusions of grandeur?
Whatever your reasons were, the election of our Mayor is now wide open to the kind of fawning behavior, petty bickering, backbiting and acrimony that occurred in Westminster.
Doesn’t do much for the dignity and the Mayor’s status either!
I suppose it is too much to hope you will reconsider reversing that decision, obviously made without considering the consequences, and go back to the previous method.
Incidentally, I spoke to a former member of the Borough Council staff recently.
The verdict was (and I don’t think there was any personal bitterness just a sense of regret) that the council is going to the dogs.
Staff are escaping weekly, morale is at its lowest level ever, and there is an almost complete lack of leadership from the top.
It doesn’t help that the ruling councillors have everybody running around trying to justify their decision to privatise of all the services, making it difficult for staff to carry on the day to day running of them.
Our leaders have obviously forgotten too (or have deliberately ignored) what happened last time the council went down this road.
They may get low tenders at first but, charges soon start to increase and services get worse as the council loses control.
Lincoln City Council, apparently, is doing its best to bring some services that were privatised a few years ago, back in house.
The BE BIGS* have two years left before they lose the elections.
Their legacy will not be a bypass – not even the smell of one - and, unless things alter drastically, they will leave a huge financial mess to be cleared up by whoever is brave enough to stand in 2011.
* Boston Bypass Independent Group spelled out a little ie Be B I G or BeBIG that, I think, aptly describes them.
Scanner
Scanner is the pseudonymn of one of our regular correspondents.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Tuesday, July 7
Blogs are letting in air and light
This time last week, we made our first mention of the blogs being run by our borough and county councillors.And in the short time that's elapsed since then, we can see just what a difference they are making by way of letting light and air in the council chamber and local democracy.
Take the blog run by Conservative Raymond Singleton-McGuire (http://www.smgblog.co.uk/)
On it, he has posted the copy of a letter "inadvertently" put into the wrong pigeon hole in the Members' Lounge at Boston Borough Council.
The letter, signed "Ray" (and we can think of only one) sets out the writer's view on the strategy being adopted by the opposition members on the council.
Words like "destructive", "derail" and "scam" are hurled around like confetti.
The writer seems somewhat naive, both in his surprise at what in many cases are standard political tactics to achieve what the opposition wants, and in his claim "our local position is strong given our reforming achievements, but they must continue."
The truth is that that the BBI is leaking authority like a sieve. It has failed over the PRSA, the Merchants Quay development is now out in the long grass, and now the only development likely to be a feature of West Street for the foreseeable future is a car park where the Regal Centre once stood.
The Geoff Moulder Leisure Centre debacle is just that, and we have no confidence in the BBI to resolve it.
Another council blogger, fellow Conservative Myles Larrington (http://myleslarrington.wordpress.com/ ) writing about a bid to amend a resolution to show that councillors needed to send a message that they had an ‘open mind’ about the future of the Training Pool, reports that the BBI voted en-bloc to defeat it, even though many of them didn't bother to express a view.
And he highlights some of the double standards he's encountered so far.
"The Bypass Party say one thing in public and vote another way in the Council Chamber. For example, Councillor Alison Austin voted against the amendment despite stating at the public meeting of the Boston Swimming Club, 'I think we need to look again at this issue,'” he writes.
Councillor Singleton-McGuire ends his blog by saying: As the letter states, we, the Opposition are attempting to damage some of the BBI as individuals and destroy the BBI as a Party. I believe the BBI are doing a very good job of that themselves and certainly don’t need help from anyone else."
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Monday, July 6
Here's my answer by George!
Better Boston Group member Councillor Brian Rush is back from his holidays, and after catching up with Boston Eye, and the local papers, decided to drop us a line to deal with events that cropped up whilst he was away....
He writes:
I see in the Target, another pop is made at the BBG by that 'Last of the Summer Winer' the never-retiring hack, George Wheatman. He opines, without naming of course, that troublesome councillors regularly stand in the way of progress and cause only frustration for good councillors!
He writes:
I see in the Target, another pop is made at the BBG by that 'Last of the Summer Winer' the never-retiring hack, George Wheatman. He opines, without naming of course, that troublesome councillors regularly stand in the way of progress and cause only frustration for good councillors!
How times change!It is interesting that George was amongst the first pseudo local VIPs who was clearly enthused by my selection in my past role as BBI Cabinet Member for Sport.
I recall clearly, amongst his congratulations, his support for my willingness to face challenge as most welcome, and how he was looking forward to the Boston Sports Initiative achieving some real progress for the PRSA and the wider sporting fraternity.
This support was previous, of course, to my call for Richard Austin's resignation as the Leader, due to my allegation that he and Peter Jordan had betrayed the people of Boston.
It seems I have been relegated.
Well George! maybe you will allow me to try to convince you otherwise.
You see I believe that councillors should never fear to challenge.
Was it not we 'troublesome councillors' who uncovered the disgraceful and infamous 'bypass sell out deal' attempt by Councillors Austin and Jordan?
Maybe he forgets that Councillor Jordan repeatedly denied that this 'deal' ever took place, but finally conceded through pressure that it had.....though he preferred to call it an agreement.
Who could forget his bad tempered BBC Radio Lincolnshire interview, when finally cornered, he slammed his phone down?
To loyal founder members of the Bypass Campaign this agreement was particularly offensive.
It may also be worthy of note that only five out of 20 other Elected BBI Councillors, had any connection with the Boston Bypass Pressure Group Campaign.
The final straw for us was when members were ordered to comply with an 'improper demand' by the Leadership, that all BBI Councillors give a written vote of Confidence in the Leadership, in which they were to indicate their full name and sign. (I will be pleased to provide a copy of this.)It was due to such disgraceful behaviour such as this, and an abandonment of manifesto promises, that forced four of us to resign as BBI Members.
It is also worthy of note that one of those broken manifesto promises was that the BBI would immediately begin 'A full investigation into the historical financial affairs of the PRSA,' which is overseen by a board of trustees, namely the Boston Sports Initiative of which he has been a long standing member.
But what George should also know is this:- The inspiration, and negotiations that delivered the Haven High and other schools to utilise the PRSA was solely an initiative of the - soon to be - BBG members.
It was the BBG that highlighted the Strait Bargate bus route, in an effort to allow the people of Boston to indicate their feelings in a public protest demonstration - whether you agree or disagree with the invasion, this was a public interest issue.
The BBG went on to create the opportunity of a 'clear and concise YES or NO poll for the people ' - and the results confirmed that the vast majority of the public were against buses using Strait Bargate.
We had in fact invited all councillors to attend this poll, we intentionally gave no indication of our group and conducted the event without coercion or opinion, but members of the BBI refused to attend.
Swimming Pool for a £1. The questioning of the exorbitant estimates for the demolition and refurbishment of the Geoff Moulder Leisure Pool was as a result of investigative work by the BBG.
It was the BBG who invited the committee members of Boston Swimming Club to meet with us on four occasions to consider a proposal to save the training pool. The subsequent, very heated, public meeting indicated the level of disgust by the users of this amenity towards the BBI Leadership.
George has also, in the past, criticised our role in the resignation of one BBI Councillor, who was later found guilty of a criminal act.
It gives me no pleasure to inform him that this was merely the culmination of many many genuine, but frustrated attempts to help, and this included seeking the assistance of Richard Austin, who took no action.
We have questioned and confronted officers on past actions, tested the validity of their proposals, evaluated projects, and given open support to those officers who work hard to enhance the quality of life for the people of the Boston area.
We have worked most satisfactorily with members of all other groups, thereby assisting in the creation of a much needed effective opposition.
When I was elected by the people of Frampton, I had no intention of being an invisible councillor.
The BBG may well ruffle the feathers and attack the egos of our ruling group, in contrast our small group do what they can to affect and examine the decision making process.
I am content that I carry out my ward duties, and my council responsibilities to the best of my limited ability.
Now if George would like me to dilute my resistance, be as compliant, inactive and silent as most members of the BBI in fact are, then he will, I am afraid, be disappointed.
Now if George would like me to dilute my resistance, be as compliant, inactive and silent as most members of the BBI in fact are, then he will, I am afraid, be disappointed.
I would like to know however:- Exactly who are these good councillors that he is so impressed by? And what is it that they have done that impresses him so much?
Councillors Austin and Jordan requested an apology from me, because they put candidates forward for County elections, after we had accused them of making a 'deal' on the bypass with Martin Hill, by ensuring the BBI would not stand against his Conservatives in county elections in exchange for a date a route and funding.
Well chaps, Here It Is ...
I am sorry that you did not field a 'candidate for every county seat in the borough' - which is what you promised the people of Boston.
I really am sorry and disappointed that you could only find four candidates for the County elections, because it would have given me great joy to see you lose even more heavily than you did.
But I am even more sorry than that because I believed you, when you said you would fight for a bypass!
So there you are. Apology Delivered!
Brian Rush
Brian Rush
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Friday, July 3
Week ending 3rd July
Blogging good news of the week. Congratulations to Conservative County Councillor Andrea Jenkyns, who represents Boston North West at County Hall, and who has joined Councillors Raymond Singleton-McGuire and Myles Larrington in setting up a blog. You can read it at http://andreajenkyns.blogspot.com/ . Councillor Jenkyns also has a website at http://www.andreajenkyns.com/. We hope that many more councillors will follow the examples being set. County councillors have a particularly important role to play here, as it is harder for electors to follow what goes on at Lincoln than it is at Boston. Having said that doesn't let local councillors off the hook, and we hope to see improved communication in the not too distant future. Meanwhile, the clock on the BBI's blog remains stopped at Tuesday, 29 May 2007 - and still with the original line up of councillors - which we think says quite a lot about the party, doesn't it? Former party members might not like to see their names still up in lights in this way!
Quote of the week comes after the decision to use the Cuckoo Land site at Wyberton as allotments. According to Councillor "Helicopter" Jim Blaylock: "Growing your own is being encouraged nationally and demand is rising. There's never been a better time to grow your own - it helps keep you fit and healthy you get great produce and it saves you money. The council has a duty to provide allotment land .... "
Obvious question of the week ... if the above is the case, why are once well-used and productive allotment sites at Broadfield Lane (which were designated as such just after the First World War) now producing nothing but weeds? Answer: the allotment holders were evicted by the borough council so that a minor local charity could cash in on selling the site to Longhurst Homes, who now seem to have gone very cool on the idea. The reason could be that no-one is currently building much in the way of new housing, and also that Boston Mayflower fancied putting in a bid for the land, which means that Boston Municipal Charities became even greedier. Either way, the council has neglected one duty whilst being keen to support another. Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose.
Taking the rich tea biscuit award. Boston Co-op is to give our fearless boys and girls in blue free drinks and use of their staff rooms in a bid to "strengthen links." A spokesman said: "They haven't got to return to the police station, which should save them time. And of course not being able to return to the police station can be the difference between perhaps them getting a break or not." A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said: "This offer from one of our leading retailers is gratefully received as being a constructive and positive commitment from local business to the wider community." We don't doubt that for one minute. Now police at whatever level - real PCSO, special, volunteer - know that if they ever depart the nick, they're guaranteed a free cuppa. Usually these days, when they do leave the police station, it is behind the wheel of a sponsored car, or on donated bicycles for a tough "meet the public" session at Tesco or Asda - that's if they leave the place at all. What next? Sponsored rickshaws for the few who manage to drag their overweight frames out of the office?
Living in glass houses award goes to Councillor Major (Ret'd) Ramonde Newell for his letter in this week's Boston Target. It's a self serving rant against the excesses of the previous administrations in charge of Boston Borough Council. Aside from being completely pointless and lacking any sort context in the current debates, it assumes that the current administration is fault free and running a financially tight and well run ship. It's the sort of letter that makes one question the credentials of the ruling party rather than the reverse
Lookalike of the week. Have you noticed the strong similarity between the Boston Standard's "Brighter Boston" logo and that of Rentokill's flower design advanced fly trap (pictured below)?
Speaking of the "Better Boston" campaign, after an initial fanfare, we're disappointed to see that this week's Standard has only one feature in this week's paper. Going through a sticky time, perhaps?
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Quote of the week comes after the decision to use the Cuckoo Land site at Wyberton as allotments. According to Councillor "Helicopter" Jim Blaylock: "Growing your own is being encouraged nationally and demand is rising. There's never been a better time to grow your own - it helps keep you fit and healthy you get great produce and it saves you money. The council has a duty to provide allotment land .... "
Obvious question of the week ... if the above is the case, why are once well-used and productive allotment sites at Broadfield Lane (which were designated as such just after the First World War) now producing nothing but weeds? Answer: the allotment holders were evicted by the borough council so that a minor local charity could cash in on selling the site to Longhurst Homes, who now seem to have gone very cool on the idea. The reason could be that no-one is currently building much in the way of new housing, and also that Boston Mayflower fancied putting in a bid for the land, which means that Boston Municipal Charities became even greedier. Either way, the council has neglected one duty whilst being keen to support another. Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose.
Taking the rich tea biscuit award. Boston Co-op is to give our fearless boys and girls in blue free drinks and use of their staff rooms in a bid to "strengthen links." A spokesman said: "They haven't got to return to the police station, which should save them time. And of course not being able to return to the police station can be the difference between perhaps them getting a break or not." A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said: "This offer from one of our leading retailers is gratefully received as being a constructive and positive commitment from local business to the wider community." We don't doubt that for one minute. Now police at whatever level - real PCSO, special, volunteer - know that if they ever depart the nick, they're guaranteed a free cuppa. Usually these days, when they do leave the police station, it is behind the wheel of a sponsored car, or on donated bicycles for a tough "meet the public" session at Tesco or Asda - that's if they leave the place at all. What next? Sponsored rickshaws for the few who manage to drag their overweight frames out of the office?
Living in glass houses award goes to Councillor Major (Ret'd) Ramonde Newell for his letter in this week's Boston Target. It's a self serving rant against the excesses of the previous administrations in charge of Boston Borough Council. Aside from being completely pointless and lacking any sort context in the current debates, it assumes that the current administration is fault free and running a financially tight and well run ship. It's the sort of letter that makes one question the credentials of the ruling party rather than the reverse
Lookalike of the week. Have you noticed the strong similarity between the Boston Standard's "Brighter Boston" logo and that of Rentokill's flower design advanced fly trap (pictured below)?
Speaking of the "Better Boston" campaign, after an initial fanfare, we're disappointed to see that this week's Standard has only one feature in this week's paper. Going through a sticky time, perhaps?You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
Thursday, July 2
Set sights lower for more realistic future
We hate to say we told you so .. but we told you so.
The Merchants Quay project (now we'll never know where the apostrophe would have gone) project is now "on hold" after Modus Eastern (Boston) - the company behind the scheme - called in the receivers.
We predicted something like this after the news that Debenhams had withdrawn from the proposed project. The store chain was the sole partner with Modus in many of its other similar developments, and its departure more or less left the firm high and dry unless anyone else was daft enough to consider such a huge investment in such an unrealistic location as Boston (and we're being realistic here.)
We suspect that it may be years and years before another plan is forthcoming - if in fact one ever does.
Ironically, we are reminded that the borough's head of silly quotes - deputy leader Peter Jordan famously described Modus as "a wonderful company. They are the sort of straight dealers I want to be in bed with."
Heaven help whoever he chooses as his next bedfellow. The word nosophoros* springs to mind.
The loss of the £80 million Modus proposal comes at the same time as the news that plans for a £79 million campus planned for Boston College has failed for lack of financial support.
We think that something of a pattern is beginning to emerge here.
The great and the good of Boston seem to be big on ambition, imagination and ideas, and poor on delivery.
We think that they would do well to set their sights on lower, but more achievable targets.
In that we would include the idea of a bypass for the town.
It's just not going to happen, and now would be a good time to admit it and look for a simpler and quicker solution.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
*The Greek word nosophoros is defined as “plague-carrier.”
The Merchants Quay project (now we'll never know where the apostrophe would have gone) project is now "on hold" after Modus Eastern (Boston) - the company behind the scheme - called in the receivers.
We predicted something like this after the news that Debenhams had withdrawn from the proposed project. The store chain was the sole partner with Modus in many of its other similar developments, and its departure more or less left the firm high and dry unless anyone else was daft enough to consider such a huge investment in such an unrealistic location as Boston (and we're being realistic here.)
We suspect that it may be years and years before another plan is forthcoming - if in fact one ever does.
Ironically, we are reminded that the borough's head of silly quotes - deputy leader Peter Jordan famously described Modus as "a wonderful company. They are the sort of straight dealers I want to be in bed with."
Heaven help whoever he chooses as his next bedfellow. The word nosophoros* springs to mind.
The loss of the £80 million Modus proposal comes at the same time as the news that plans for a £79 million campus planned for Boston College has failed for lack of financial support.
We think that something of a pattern is beginning to emerge here.
The great and the good of Boston seem to be big on ambition, imagination and ideas, and poor on delivery.
We think that they would do well to set their sights on lower, but more achievable targets.
In that we would include the idea of a bypass for the town.
It's just not going to happen, and now would be a good time to admit it and look for a simpler and quicker solution.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
*The Greek word nosophoros is defined as “plague-carrier.”
Wednesday, July 1
Mystery million £ loan still there -- and apparently for longer
Do you remember way back in February, the case of the mysterious million pound loan?It was taken out by Boston Borough Council at an eye-watering eleven and a quarter per-cent for a period of fifty - yes fifty - years and amazingly no one recollected why, and no paperwork apparently exists.A joint committee meeting was told that "an educated guess" was that a loan of that size may have something to do with the then-housing stock.The transaction pre-dated every officer and elected member of the council, and the meeting heard from Councillor Richard Leggott who said he had contacted previous members of the borough, but without any luck.
When it was suggested it be paid off early, the meeting was told that this had been considered in the past, but the borough had been quoted a figure in the region of £4 million to do so.
At that point an officer was trying to get hold of a copy of the loan agreement – without the State Street, the company concerned, realising that the borough didn't have the paperwork.
At that point an officer was trying to get hold of a copy of the loan agreement – without the State Street, the company concerned, realising that the borough didn't have the paperwork.
Now the loan is back on the agenda - but only as one figure among many.
It appears in a report to tomorrow's Overview and Scrutiny Policy and Projects Committee on investment and borrowings.
Although to add to the mystery, it appears to have 42 years still to run, rather than the 32 that we would have expected.
It's now almost five months since the loan came under the spotlight, but nothing seems to have been done to discover why it was taken out, as was promised back in February.
We think that someone needs to ask a question or two at tomorrow's meeting.We also note that the meeting is being asked to recommend the Cabinet to approve the extension of the Council’s existing overdraft facility with HSBC, up to £750,000, without which the Council risks incurring charges for unauthorised borrowings.
Maybe the deputy leader wasn't kidding when he declared that the council was on the verge of bankruptcy!
Maybe the deputy leader wasn't kidding when he declared that the council was on the verge of bankruptcy!
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
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