Telford & Wrekin Council Watch - Only Fools Make The Same mistake twice

Only Fools Make The Same mistake twice

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Written by John Franklyn

Wednesday, 10 September 2008

Only Fools Make The Same Mistake Twice

The Leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, Cllr Andrew Eade has issued an apology, saying

“We made a mistake and I’m Sorry”

I’ll credit to Andrew Eade for having the courage to say such a thing and we must admit, this kind of apology is a rarity.

In a letter to the Shropshire Star, John Evans who is a former Community Worker and Social Worker has said

I understand council leader Andrew Eade has apologised over the mis-use of power in the town park fiasco. This is to his credit and he has shown wisdom in accepting others were in the wrong , had insulted the public, and embarrassed the council.

It is hoped that positive action will be taken regarding councillor Allen's position as cabinet member for community Services and against Mr Odunaiya who is ultimately responsible for the letter sent out by his department and for coming on radio stating that such as myself were not telling the truth despite quoting from his departments letter. He has in effect behaved in such a way that it may be defined as ultra vires,in that he has exceeded his powers and has made several mis-leading statements with regard to policy

These sentiments have also been echoed by other residents.

Whilst Mr.R.Odunaiya is ultimately responsible, It has also been suggested that the legal department backed up every statement and letter sent out, they even interpreted the CRB Regulations incorrectly.

One thing must not happen, and that is simply, Mr.Dave Ottley, who sent out the letter, must NOT be used as a scapegoat.

The responsibility for this extremely embarrassing episode rests fairly and squarely with someone in a more Senior Position.

Mr.Ron Odunaiya is quoted in the Shropshire star as having said,

“The Situation would be reviewed”

And so it should be, I would even say that any person who agreed with this ridiculous idea, should take time out and do a complete rethink, after all, you don’t need to be an expert on Telford Town Park in order to identify poor policy, practice and procedure.

I for one intend to go ahead with the Protest on Saturday 13^th September at 1030am at the Arena,

Why?

Because I firmly believe, that if we take our foot off the accelerator and do not maintain our momentum, the issue will go to sleep and no real change will be implemented.

Unfortunately, recent events have caused a great many people considerable upset, discomfort and embarrassed Telford and Wrekin Council because someone exceeded their powers.

It has been suggested that a petition could be raised expressing a vote of No Confidence in the Chief Executive, the legal department and others who allow such stupid statements to be made.

The only route forward, is to maintain public pressure on Telford and Wrekin Council, attend meetings such as Full Council and Cabinet Meetings, examine information available, listen to everything that is said and report on it thoroughly.

No longer can we trust those operating in Telford and Wrekin HQ, no longer can we trust our elected members and for those that are good people and hardworking, unfortunately you will be painted with same brush because of the ineptitude of some of your colleagues.

It is time that Telford and Wrekin Council now open themselves to the resident. Actually deliver on the promise to be open and honest, allow residents to actually have a say and an input to policy, practice and procedure.

Residents now need the right to speak at Full Council, at planning meetings, I for one have had enough of some Councillors churning out a load of blurb and on occasions even being insulting and we can only listen.

I invite Councillors and Officers to attend our protest and let’s see if the wind of change will finally blow in our favour.

Comments

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chrispy

|Registered |2008-09-11 08:52:06

If only people would talk more to the Friends of Telford Town Park we could have assured them that no such policy had ever been implemented and if it had, the Friends would have been the first to question it. We are in almost daily contact with park staff and know what is going on, or not, more than anyone. We are not lackies of the Council as some would believe but are an independent body of willing volunteers who have the future enjoyment of our wonderful park at heart.

johnfranklyn

|SAdministrator |2008-09-11 10:31:34

But They Don't speak to others Chrispy, they never assisted anyone else when they were campagning to save the Arena. FOTP put in a half hearted effort to register it as a Village Green.

You want people to talk to you, but will not talk to others, practice what you preach.

ajcobbler - the park and the friends

|SAdministrator |2008-09-11 11:41:19

Obviously I entirely agree with you John re making sure we continue Community action. The Friends are so utterly naive I find it difficult to comment on them. The question I ask is why they never see what the council is up to until someone else discovers it?. Do they notice all the litter on their patrols?

johnfranklyn

|SAdministrator |2008-09-11 16:27:53

Its funny how they want support, communication, but do nt afford the same for others.

Unfortunately, I feel they are too close too the Council to be objective.

johnfranklyn

|SAdministrator |2008-09-11 16:31:25

The FOTP Say

The Friends of Telford Town Park were established in 2004. The group meet regularly at Spout Farm House and are involved in the management of the Park.

The aim of the group is to promote and conserve

the sustainable use of the Park
the biodiversity of the park
the existing boundaries of the Park
the built structures in the Park
and protect it from inappropriate use or development

The existing boundaries, what about the original boudaries.

Yet a Friend voted for building on the arena - go figure!!

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