On Monday 28th July, I joined the bus taking Planning Committee members to see the sites.  It’s all taken very seriously and, at each site, we are reminded of the rules of engagement, including that the objectors are not allowed to address us and we do not make any decision on the spot but wait until the committee meets later in the week.

A neighbour was objecting to the erection of a two-storey extension that would replace a smaller one.  Bus rolled up to a very smart part of Mold and we all trooped into the applicant’s garden to have the facts explained by our officers.  We then trotted round the corner to the garden of the objecting neighbours to look at things from their side of the fence.  The neighbours could only stare mutely at us as we wandered around observing and noting, as the rules do not allow objectors to address us.  I thought the objection was unsustainable and wondered how much this visit alone had cost, taking into account the bus, the driver and the time out for officers and councillors alike. (more…)

The Chester Chronicle came to my rescue last week by publishing the truth over a little “B—-s up” over a “No Ball game” sign wrongly placed in Level Road Park. Responding to frustrated constituent, whose garden backed onto the park (he was tired of footballs crashing into his garden), I had enlisted the help of Leisure Services supremo who suggested a sign as a temporary measure. We would meet to explore the siting of a kick wall facility which would direct footballs away from fences. Problem sorted I thought and moved on to the next job.

Next day, I lifted the phone to very angry resident who shouted:

“You’ve really blown it now, where are the children supposed to play now”.

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