Collingham Comment

Is change a bad thing?

In the recent local government elections people were asked to vote for the people to represent them at District council and, for the first time in as long as I can remember, Parish council levels.  District councillors come and go, but Parish councillors seem to go on forever, which of course provides some continuity, but is that necessarily a good thing?  Personally, I think it is to a certain extent, we need experienced councillors to carry forward ongoing tasks, but on the other hand a few changes can add to the effectiveness of the whole council.

I can hear someone saying it now, “Well that’s OK for you, you’re one of the new councillors!” and that’s true, I am, but if I don’t uphold my end of the business you lot will have me out on my ear with a bump come the next election!  The important thing to remember here is that it actually was an election and the people had the chance to choose.  That only 28% of the voting population chose to exercise their franchise is a different matter, one that I’m sure I shall comment on at some point.

Perhaps at this point I ought to point out that some people may think I have a conflict of interests with being a Parish Councillor and editing this comments page.  Understandably there will be some things discussed in Council that I won’t be able to comment on for legal reasons, but I would expect to be able to comment on most things provided I maintain a balanced view, but if anyone thinks I’m getting the balance wrong they’re free to take me to task either in this column, personally, by telephone or email.  It would be pretty difficult for me to hide!  Whenever I do put forward a view though, I will endeavour to label it as my own view, the Parish Council’s view or someone else’s view so you know exactly what is happening.  Another point of view I may occasionally pose is that of CART (Collingham Action for Reducing Traffic) as I am a member of that group and feel there is much that could be done to make Collingham a safer and more environmentally sound place to live.  There is another alternative of course, it may be that nobody ever reads this and that anything I say will be totally irrelevant anyway, but I don’t like to think about that one!

I hardly dare mention this, but it’s about the flagpole on the corner of the Medical Centre car park.  Now I personally love to see flags flying from it, but of course there are local elements who like to steal the flags (is this the face of a surprised person?).  The Parish Council is looking at the possibility of replacing the flags with at least a St George’s flag and a Union flag to be flown on specific days.  Maybe you would like to see other flags flown or even none, I’ll start a thread on “Have Your Say” that will allow you to post your comments if you so wish.  Please though, no rude words or defamatory statements though humour is quite acceptable. grin

Just to let you know, It’s possible I may edit these articles from time to time, so if you’re interested you might wish to check back occasionally.  If you’re not interested, well, what can I say?

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