Same old, same old

WHY does the council keep coming up with the same old official claptrap?

Why do they never in public enter into a meaningful and reasonable dialogue that isn’t meant to deceive or mislead or attempt to defend the indefensible? For instance their attempt, yet again last week, to convince us that the new seafront shelters are “architecturally striking” and that the orange box seats are “comfortable” with backs and views in all directions. What utter rubbish! Are they hoping one day to convince us of the truth behind these blatently untrue statements? Do they not realise we have eyes to see these useless monstrosities and bums that know what “comfortable” really feels like? And the statement that suggests twenty people could fit on these benches makes me wonder if the officers at the town hall have gone collectively completely mad. I would love to see twenty of them sitting in a row in there, hair blowing in the wind, and trousered knees sopping wet in the gale lashed rain.

Altogether, I wonder if they know anything about the western seafront at all. The chief executive last week stated that formerly there was no fence between the grass and the road. No need, because there were three foot walls so the children did not play on the grass. Anyhow, by planting a hedge the council are acknowledging the need for a safety barrier. But the present temporary fence with, in parts, two taut wires stretched between two posts reminds me of a device used in the last war to decapitate enemy motorcyclists. Not good enough. Time for a rethink, methinks. Also a check needs to be made on the play logs. They are cracked all over like burst sausages and splinters are poking out. Why have the town hall officers not noticed?

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Finally, in future public reports, I hope the council will come up with no more snide remarks which insinuate that old people all resent the young. I have never seen so many happy smiles as last week when everyone, even we oldies, watched the little ones playing on their new equipment in the sunshine. In all their reports the council should check that it is coming up with fresh and honest pronouncements, not regurgitated old ‘council speak’.

JACKIE BIALESKA

Vox Pop.