‘Sorry for outburst against Croft School campaigner,’ says Swindon council leader

Rod Bluh Rod Bluh

SWINDON Council’s leader, Rod Bluh, has apologised to Croft School campaigner, Kareen Boyd after “losing it” and branding her a NIMBY during Thursday’s full council meeting.

Coun Bluh (Con, Old Town) said he told Mrs Boyd that she only cared about what she could see out of her window, and not about children’s education, after she shouted out a comment on the controversial school, from the public gallery of the Civic Offices, in Euclid Street.

He claims Mrs Boyd and other residents in the gallery had already been asked several times to keep quiet and his response provoked her to make further comments, which resulted in her being asked to leave by mayor Coun Mick Bray.

Coun Bray said she refused, so he threatened to call security unless she went voluntarily.

He adjourned the meeting for 15 minutes to give her the opportunity to leave, which she eventually did.

Member of the public do not have the right to speak at full council except when asking questions during public question time.

The incident took place at about 10pm during a debate on a motion, later withdrawn, about the council’s level of borrowing a decade ago, which provoked Coun Bluh to mention the funding of Croft School.

Speaking after the meeting, Coun Bluh said: “When I said we had to borrow the money to built Croft, she said: ‘Waste of money in the wrong place.’ “What I said was ‘Unfortunately Mrs Boyd only cares about what she sees out of her window rather than the children that need educating.’ “In other words, I called her a NIMBY, which means ‘Not In My Back Yard’.”

Coun Bluh said he was subsequently cross with himself for losing his cool, retracted his comment, apologised to the council and intended to apologise to Mrs Boyd, whom he said needed to get elected if she wanted to speak at meetings.

“I lost it, I’m sorry, I just lost it,” said Coun Bluh, who has been the council leader for eight and a half years.

“I was so angry with what she said I just lost it and I snapped.

“I cannot believe I did that, because in eight and a half years I have never done that, I have always managed to bite my lip, but for whatever reason last night it didn’t work.”

Mrs Boyd said: “I was shocked I was treated in that way. I have received an email from Coun Bluh and I have contacted the mayor to ask for clarification of what happened after I was asked to leave.

“I’m considering the mayor’s response and I will get back to him.”

Commenting on her decision to react to Coun Bluh’s NIMBY claim, she said: “Coun Bluh named me and made personal allegations against me. I have a right of reply.”

Coun Bray said: “The point is, I warned people in the public gallery before that there was too much noise coming from the public gallery and if this was to continue I would clear the public gallery.

“I also I asked her twice to sit down and she didn’t, she continued, so I asked her to leave and she refused and I said if she didn’t leave voluntarily I would call security.”

Comments(92)

LordAshOfTheBrake says...
9:16am Sat 19 Jan 13

However when she said the wrong place she was absolutely correct as is shown by the school places take up compared to the lack of places in North Swindon.

I can't help but think there is some connection between the fact that Bluh represents the old town area and the timing of the announcements/buildi
ng the school and the political landscape going into elections!

There is still no firm plans for increasing school places in North Swindon; both primary and secondary..

Empty Car Park says...
9:38am Sat 19 Jan 13

If only council meetings were recorded on a video link.

It would put Prime Ministers' question time to shame.

Some of the more egotistical councillors might even welcome it as they already act as if they're in some kind of "plastic Westminster"

Always Grumpy says...
10:12am Sat 19 Jan 13

That dreadful woman got what she deserved.
She seems to like dishing it out, but isn't very good at taking it.
For once in his life Bluh said the right thing and shouldn't be apologising to her or anyone else.
There's a lot he should be apologising for though.

Empty Car Park says...
10:21am Sat 19 Jan 13

we had to borrow the money to build Croft


Why?
Did children from Croft not go to school before?

Do developers have a "free for all" courtesy of SBC without the need to consider school buildings?

Wellfire says...
10:34am Sat 19 Jan 13

An arrogant man who believes he's 100% right 100% of the time, and a mouthy campaigner. They deserve each other, don't they?

RichardR1 says...
10:51am Sat 19 Jan 13

The lack of accountability by this Council is staggering. They virtual give our resources away to encourage the building of things that we neither need or want and when challenged behave like bar room thugs stifling debate.

But I guess voters get what they deserve.

Ian13 says...
11:02am Sat 19 Jan 13

Empty Car Park wrote:
we had to borrow the money to build Croft
Why? Did children from Croft not go to school before? Do developers have a "free for all" courtesy of SBC without the need to consider school buildings?
No, this is the children's first school.

LocalBob80 says...
11:09am Sat 19 Jan 13

But I guess voters get what they deserve.


Hardly

dglaholm says...
11:36am Sat 19 Jan 13

I agree the Croft campaigners are NIMBYS....

Peter Mallinson says...
12:01pm Sat 19 Jan 13

Just what is Mrs Boyd's end game?

She has complained about The Croft School from the beginning as is her right to do so, but it is now becoming an obsession.

Please, please,please give it a rest.

The school is built and functioning, with children attending.

It is futile to continue carping on, even with the excuse that it is the process that should be looked at !!

That is being done anyway.

Tim Newroman says...
12:40pm Sat 19 Jan 13

By definition, the anti-Croft campaigners who live in the direct area of the new school ARE Nimbys - it's hard to see how they're anything else.

It seems Ms Boyd has reached a new low if she's reduced herself to shouting her opinions in the council chambers and being ejected by security at the request of the mayor.

What strikes me as most bizarre is that, surely, the people who live near the school must be more aware than anyone that it's ALREADY BEEN BUILT. So why they seem to still be persuing a campaign against it being there is mystifying.

twasadawf says...
1:03pm Sat 19 Jan 13

mr bluuuuhhhhhhhhhh

Empty Car Park says...
1:41pm Sat 19 Jan 13

Just what is Mrs Boyd's end game?


Perhaps trying to get future schools built in the right area

Perhaps trying to prevent further waste of our taxes

Perhaps pointing out that arrogant councillors don't like to listen

RichardR1 says...
2:35pm Sat 19 Jan 13

Heavens I agree totally with Empty's last post, so I guess he will change his stance now.

Isn't Mr Mallinson the former Tory councillor who threw his dummy out of his pram when questioned on a similar decision over utilities for the Front Garden. I guess he learnt that from his leader

sn5 says...
2:44pm Sat 19 Jan 13

Ms Boyd lost in the election to Rod Bluh, the school is built & educating children - sore loser is what comes to mind.

now she's got thrown out of the chamber by Mick Bray (who I do know) - she must have really been out of order to have been thrown out by Mick, who is one of the most level headed & quiet people.

Oldtownmum says...
3:52pm Sat 19 Jan 13

The councillor was right. They are a bunch of NIMBYs. I'm sure she'll use this as an excuse to claim some compo for hurt feelings!

Peter Mallinson says...
4:07pm Sat 19 Jan 13

RichardR1, what utilities on the Front Garden are you talking about.

Please try to stay on subject and stop trying to be too clever. You never could when I knew you better.

Davey Gravey says...
4:24pm Sat 19 Jan 13

Peter Mallinson wrote:
RichardR1, what utilities on the Front Garden are you talking about.

Please try to stay on subject and stop trying to be too clever. You never could when I knew you better.
He is the site troll, Robert feal Martinez. As for blabbermouth Boyd, Bligh is right. She is a nimby.

Empty Car Park says...
4:48pm Sat 19 Jan 13

I AM A NIMBY

So is any other respectable person when nonsense happens in their neighbourhood.

Not sure why the wannabe politicians think that being a nimby is a personal fault to be despised

They should be more concerned with

Is the school built in the correct manner in the best possible location?

Did the school cost tax payers an unnecessary amount of money?

Should the site and build costs have been governed by the developers creating urban sprawl all around Swindon?

Name calling and arrogance will do nothing to improve Swindon or its' dire image

Peter Mallinson says...
4:48pm Sat 19 Jan 13

Empty Car Park wrote:

"Perhaps trying to get future schools built in the right area

Perhaps trying to prevent further waste of our taxes

Perhaps pointing out that arrogant councillors don't like to listen”

On he first point, the school is in the right area as advised by senior officers of the council during and before the planning process.

On the second point, how can building a school in an area where it is required be classed as wasting taxes.

On the third point, there is some truth in what is said. No councillor likes to listen to repetitive carping from NIMBYS.

LordAshOfTheBrake says...
5:06pm Sat 19 Jan 13

@Peter,

The school was not in the area with the most pressing demand for places.

The most pressing demand was in North Swindon as has been shown in school place projections. The fact that a saving of £180k due to staff costs is yet more evidence that less people were employed than expected; because the intake was lower.

School places in North Swindon have been oversubscribed for over 2 years, with schools having to take extra pupils in portacabins.

These are facts, so you rebuff to points one and two are fundamentally invalid!

That said it would appear to be time for Mrs Boyd to let go specifically over Croft School and if she wishes to continue campaigning on wider issues that should be welcomed.

Empty Car Park says...
5:19pm Sat 19 Jan 13



Good grief Mr Mallinson.

Swindon is subject to lots of expansion and urban sprawl.
Those areas will sooner or later require schools.

The self approving "clever" folk at the council must have found a way to incorporate that into the development agreements

Surely they are not just completely idiotic, arrogant cretins

Yours sincerely

Nimby Andproud

Empty Car Park says...
5:23pm Sat 19 Jan 13

Don't know the quote didn't come through just now but never mind....

On the second point, how can building a school in an area where it is required be classed as wasting taxes.


How can money be wasted building a school?



Good grief Mr Mallinson.

Swindon is subject to lots of expansion and urban sprawl.
Those areas will sooner or later require schools.

The self approving "clever" folk at the council must have found a way to incorporate that into the development agreements

Surely they are not just completely idiotic, arrogant cretins

Yours sincerely

Nimby Andproud

MrAngry says...
5:23pm Sat 19 Jan 13

RichardR1 wrote:
Heavens I agree totally with Empty's last post, so I guess he will change his stance now.

Isn't Mr Mallinson the former Tory councillor who threw his dummy out of his pram when questioned on a similar decision over utilities for the Front Garden. I guess he learnt that from his leader
Are you refering to Peter Greenhalgh who made a complete a*se of himself on BBC's Inside Out.

Oliver_Donachie says...
5:34pm Sat 19 Jan 13

Kareen Boyd has the right to voice her opinion, which she does, often.

Kareen Boyd has a right to voice her opinion during the public question period of the council session.

Kareen Boyd does not have the right to heckle at other times during the council session.

The Mayor removed her after numerous requests to stop as he is required to do.

Seems fairly straight forward when the facts are presented, or are those defending her actions saying that people should be allowed to scream and shout as they like during meetings?

Davey Gravey says...
5:57pm Sat 19 Jan 13

What is wrong with the location of the school anyway? Seems ideal to me. Also, just because schools are needed elsewhere,that doesn't mean other schools shouldn't be built.

Localboy86 says...
6:37pm Sat 19 Jan 13

Don't understand why rod is apologising, a couple of his decisions in the past need apologies but calling this moany old cow a nimby doesn't need an apology IMHO

Empty Car Park says...
7:01pm Sat 19 Jan 13

You would be biased Olive

Being married/partner to a Tory cabinet member.

Grimwald says...
7:48pm Sat 19 Jan 13

www.talkswindon.org makes interesting reading on this subject. Please do not let facts get in the way of a good story!

Oliver_Donachie says...
8:15pm Sat 19 Jan 13

I think Grimwald that most if us prefer our news and discussion from sources that are not tainted.

http://www.bbc.co.uk
/news/uk-england-wil
tshire-16593550

I think any forum operated by a person suspended by the national labour party (the BBC words) is best ignored by normal people in mainstream politics, and lets not get started about sweary bob...(you can borrow my copy)

RichardR1 says...
8:20pm Sat 19 Jan 13

Mr Mallison tomy knowledge we have never met, and it seems I got the wrong Peter for which I apologise.

However my remarks with regard to the serial wasters of money in the administration needs to be monitored.

I note another absent barmans stalker comments again. Really scary stuff.

Davey Gravey says...
8:38pm Sat 19 Jan 13

RichardR1 wrote:
Mr Mallison tomy knowledge we have never met, and it seems I got the wrong Peter for which I apologise.

However my remarks with regard to the serial wasters of money in the administration needs to be monitored.

I note another absent barmans stalker comments again. Really scary stuff.
So you got your facts wrong and still wont admit your identity. Good one Bobby baby. Nothing scary nor am I a stalker. You're Bob feal Martinez though. Observing posts a stalker doesn't make.

http://Www.Swindon.Org.UK says...
9:05pm Sat 19 Jan 13

If SBC has had to borrow money for last 10 yrs, why did Bluh give away err lend £400,000 to Tricky Dicky ????
With out even involving the council.

Just Bluh and 2 others gave away err 'lent' £400,000 and on top off that paid £70,000 to same guy to learn how to be
"Remote admistration"???

The public should be allowed to question in council meetings but this council does all it can to make that hard.
The public should be able to deliver question on topics for discussion in writing.
Limit it to less than say 256 words or 500 char.s and then read it out before each point.
Limit it to max 4 public statements and only to statements where that person is attending.

Because the public do not feel they can get to comment at the moment, you get people heckling..

Empty Car Park says...
9:31pm Sat 19 Jan 13

Oliver_Donachie says

I think Grimwald that most if us prefer our news and discussion from sources that are not tainted.


Yes, that's what I like about www.talswindon.org

Proper open discussion

Very informative, without all the sniping that certain people demonstrate on here

Care to comment on this topic Olive

http://www.talkswind
on.org/index.php/top
ic,7738.msg63859.htm
l#msg63859

Oliver_Donachie says...
10:59pm Sat 19 Jan 13

I dont care to visit a website operated by a person who has been removed from the Labour party and prevented from standing as a Councillor because of his extremist views to everyone apart from the Labour party in Swindon who still have "no comment" regarding the Nazi incident.

Its amazing that the conversation is so "open" that no mainstream political party will go near it or its operator. Funny really when you consider its handful of members constantly demand "engagement" , perhaps as the years of pointlessness in which they have achieved precisely 0 changes to any political process anywhere you think they would change to a different tactic. Like normal conversation.

Anyway...despite typical TS tactics to divert attention from the actual issue I will repeat my question that is actually related to the story:

"Are those defending her actions saying that people should be allowed to scream and shout as they like during public meetings?"

Dick-Turpin says...
11:22pm Sat 19 Jan 13

LordAshOfTheBrake wrote:
However when she said the wrong place she was absolutely correct as is shown by the school places take up compared to the lack of places in North Swindon.

I can't help but think there is some connection between the fact that Bluh represents the old town area and the timing of the announcements/buildi

ng the school and the political landscape going into elections!

There is still no firm plans for increasing school places in North Swindon; both primary and secondary..
I think the reason Cllr Bluh now represents the Old Town area is because he jumped ship from the Dorcan Ward when the ward boundaries changed to include Park South - perhaps worried that he wouldn't get elected back in? I don't think it was for any reason other than to preserve his elected Cllr status, and that was only marginally if you look at the results.

Empty Car Park says...
12:37am Sun 20 Jan 13

Were you there Olive ?

semitonic says...
6:38am Sun 20 Jan 13

RichardR1 wrote:
Mr Mallison tomy knowledge we have never met, and it seems I got the wrong Peter for which I apologise.

However my remarks with regard to the serial wasters of money in the administration needs to be monitored.

I note another absent barmans stalker comments again. Really scary stuff.
You are the resident troll on here Robbo, no amount of lying and identity changing on your part will ever disguise your blundering stupidity.

It's a shame the adver can't seem to recognise that you are the troublemaker they have banned on multiple occasions from these pages.

RichardR1 says...
9:06am Sun 20 Jan 13

I do find it mildly amusing that a person who has more character changes than James Bond comments about the absent barman. A bit hypocritical Semitronic don't you think.

I'm Important says...
10:53am Sun 20 Jan 13

RichardR1 wrote:
I do find it mildly amusing that a person who has more character changes than James Bond comments about the absent barman. A bit hypocritical Semitronic don't you think.
I find it hilarious that a person refers to himself as "Absent"

Do try to stay on topic.

I know it's difficult when you are "Vacant" :):):):)

Davey Gravey says...
11:25am Sun 20 Jan 13

An absolute laughing stock along with arch enemy itsamess.that pair of clowns deserve each other.

Empty Car Park says...
11:33am Sun 20 Jan 13

I'm guessing Oliver wasn't there.

Just using the opportunity to post under his real name in order to get some browny points.

The report says nothing about the run up to this event.

Apparently there was much discussion about wasted money.
Wifi, water features, etc

As I understand it there was to be a motion to prevent financial information being revealed

There was talk of government funding for a much greater needed school in North Swindon but SBC chose to bed a developer for a "concept school" at Croft

I suspect Croft was just the tip of the iceberg of an infuriating evening.

Mr Bluh has presumably given thought that the apology WAS necessary

Is Oliver suggesting his idol has made a mistake

Best to talk to any non-councillors/non politicos who attended

semitonic says...
11:57am Sun 20 Jan 13

Davey Gravey wrote:
An absolute laughing stock along with arch enemy itsamess.that pair of clowns deserve each other.
Incredible isn't it, Robbo spent literally years boasting about himself and ensuring everybody knew who he was. Constant attention-seeking, courting controversy at every turn and always ending up playing the victim.

Suddenly he's realised what a self-seeking bungling idiot he's made himself look and out of sheer embarrassment he makes up some old pony about leaving Swindon and changes his identity on here. Such a clever little twist though, calling himself 'Richard' to throw anyone off the scent (haha, as if).

Poor Robbo, he's failed again and made himself look even more stupid, if that were possible.

RichardR1 says...
11:58am Sun 20 Jan 13

Oh dear another new, or re-invented troll. Still it keeps the Advertisers numbers up.

As for the topic perhaps DG should heed your advice.

Tim Newroman says...
12:06pm Sun 20 Jan 13

Empty Car Park wrote:
Apparently there was much discussion about wasted money.
Wifi, water features, etc

As I understand it there was to be a motion to prevent financial information being revealed

So, you weren't there then?

Needless to say, you picked up your 'understanding' of events from the entirely biased local Labour forum website. A forum which the anti-Croft campaigners frequent and whose members generally supported due them desperately trying to secure a few votes for the Labour wannabe councillors that also frequent the site.

Although, of course, you're not a Labour man. At all. Ever. No, seriously, you're really not.

Peter Mallinson says...
12:10pm Sun 20 Jan 13

Thanks RichardR1, your comment on the Front Garden caused me to spend some time trying to remember. I thought old age had finally got me (maybe it has).

No offence taken.

I think Rod was correct in what he said, even he should be allowed to express himself as people do in this forum.

His apology should be seen for what it is, the action of a decent person trying to calm down a situation.

abbotboy says...
12:25pm Sun 20 Jan 13

Central Gov gave Swindon the money to build a school in Northern Swindon, where there is a demand for places, instead, they built it, in Croft, spent over 11 million, and have places to spare its unreal, like the so called school in Moulden Hill park, where the councillor said its was unaccessible for people due to overhead wires and railway lines etc.
the blind leading the blind..

abbotboy says...
12:34pm Sun 20 Jan 13

Im a tory voter, (just) and I go on TS SITE, what is being said is for real, would you pay £70,000 for a man who was bankrupt to give admin lessons to your staff, or give away £400,000 and have nothing to show for it, and then hide the facts when presented..

The Real Librarian says...
12:35pm Sun 20 Jan 13

Empty Car Park wrote:
Just what is Mrs Boyd's end game?


Perhaps trying to get future schools built in the right area

Perhaps trying to prevent further waste of our taxes

Perhaps pointing out that arrogant councillors don't like to listen
Perhaps it gives a purpose to her otherwise empty life, and she enjoys the attention.

Stupid woman..

abbotboy says...
12:40pm Sun 20 Jan 13

For those who have made nimby comments, were you at the council meeting when they were talking about the pickards field fisaco, a scots lad, was shouting and shouting on his own and above others when they tried to reply, he was warned about 6 times that he would be evicted, but he never was, so if it is ok for the mayor on that occasion why evict Jenny??

abbotboy says...
12:42pm Sun 20 Jan 13

the 'real librarian wants to get two books and hit his head from either end.....

MrAngry says...
12:48pm Sun 20 Jan 13

I am no fan of Rod Bluh. I think he is an egotistical bully who doesn't like to be challenged. However, on this occasion he has apologised.

Rather than act the victim, Karen Boyd should also apologise for her behaviour which led to her being expelled from the public gallery.

As a wannabe councillor Mrs Boyd should respect the rules of the chamber and the authority of the chair.

abbotboy says...
12:58pm Sun 20 Jan 13

for those who say nimbys etc hee is a brief breakdown of the cost of the croft school,
build - £7,421,901
drainage - 1.65 million
groundworks - £1.545,000
adverts for school - £10,000
temporary school last seen onits way to Hull for painting -£1 million.
total cost approx 11,626,901 million pounds, now ask Mr Bluh to confirm and I bet £5 he denies costs...

Empty Car Park says...
1:04pm Sun 20 Jan 13

@ Tim Newroman.

I was talking to Oliver....

Oh yes I see

Although, of course, you're not a Labour man. At all. Ever. No, seriously, you're really not.


Correct

Anyone studying this topic from the "library" of information that is Talk Swindon will quickly realise that from my comments on there.

Job done.

fatman says...
1:46pm Sun 20 Jan 13

The only thing Bluh should do is resign for his part in his dealings with Hunt and the WI FI How Brasen he is ,a bit of a Del Boy I M H O

Tim Newroman says...
2:04pm Sun 20 Jan 13

Empty Car Park wrote:
I was talking to Oliver....

Good for you, and I'm sure Oliver will reply to you if he sees fit.

My point was to take your comments and show that you were clearly not at the meeting and are basing your entire take on the situation on biased comments from a biased pro-Labour forum.

This comes as absolutely no surprise as you have a pathological hatred of anything the local council does. It makes no difference to you what they do, you oppose and snipe about it regardless.

And then claim you're not a Labour supporter, despite very clearly wishing Labour to take control of the council. Which you will no deny, just like you deny you're pro-Labour.

This is why nobody takes your comments seriously - no matter which of your numerous logins you post them under (and I note you've recently gone and registered yet ANOTHER fake login!)

Empty Car Park says...
2:47pm Sun 20 Jan 13

Good for you, and I'm sure Oliver will reply to you if he sees fit.


Maybe he has

My point was to take your comments and show that you were clearly not at the meeting


Well thanks for that.
I already knew that I wasn't at the meeting but thanks for the research.

Not sure where you think I said otherwise

you have a pathological hatred of anything the local council does


No.
Mostly I just think they're incompetent an incapable of listening.

A huge number of Swindonians, certainly football fans, would have seen the obvious error of the deal with Rikki

No amount of brown nosing will correct that huge whopper

And then claim you're not a Labour supporter, despite very clearly wishing Labour to take control of the council.


That's the silly pathological nonsense that gives your identity away every time

I don't care who takes over the council so long as there is a change of the current dictatorship

which you will now deny


No

Denying who I am is the realm of yourself and barman buddy.

This is why nobody takes your comments seriously ........


Thankyou for speaking on behalf of ....... nobody

Job done

I just haven't admitted anything :-)

abbotboy says...
3:12pm Sun 20 Jan 13

What the needs of this town are for a 'party' to take over, and from what has gone on in the past this should be a party of independants and then run the town for the sake of the town and not for the honour of being council leader..
Oliver can rant all he likes about TS etc and the rest also , but are you happy with £63,000 worth of stones lying in the fields at wroughton, are you happy with the money wasted on the wifi fisaco, are you happy with the town centre paving slabs at around 5 million, railway station, new car park 15 million, and yet you ask for a road to be resurfaced or even gritted, and youll get the same old routine your not on the bus route... oliver rants because his partner and he for that matter dont like the trruth to be told..

abbotboy says...
3:15pm Sun 20 Jan 13

Going back to the croft school, for those who shout 'nimby', that figure of 11 million is what it costs, now ask the council how much they actulally got from the gov, take that away from the cost and then ask the same council person, where the extra is coming from,, yes its 'borrowed'..........

house on the hill says...
4:04pm Sun 20 Jan 13

"""abbotboy says...
3:12pm Sun 20 Jan 13

What the needs of this town are for a 'party' to take over, and from what has gone on in the past this should be a party of independants and then run the town for the sake of the town and not for the honour of being council leader.. """""

Couldnt agree more, sadly politics just messes everything up. Decisions should be made for the benefit of those who pay their council tax with total openess and responsibility for their actions too instead of hiding behind party politics. All the main parties are just as useless as the others in the end, they have all made mistakes which have cost the town dear.

abbotboy says...
4:15pm Sun 20 Jan 13

Yes agreed, but those in power like the council solictor and CEO etc should also, face up the facts and make things happen for real and not hide behind data protection rules etc.. and if a man is to be made redundant then what he is paid is also the regard of the tax payer, and not some payment that makes his family afraid etc.. more lies etc..

Empty Car Park says...
4:21pm Sun 20 Jan 13

All the main parties are just as useless as the others in the end, they have all made mistakes which have cost the town dear.

I would go as far as to say "all but destroyed Swindon

The politics have taken priority over civic pride.

The heritage and past community spirit that Swindon should have as the
root of its image is subsequently destroyed. Leaving Swindon with its current reputation

Tim Newroman says...
4:59pm Sun 20 Jan 13

Empty Car Park wrote:
Denying who I am is the realm of yourself and barman buddy.


Why would anyone deny who you are? Very odd.

And for what it's worth, I've never met Mr Feal-Martinez in my life. Unlike you, I'm not obsessed with him.

@abbotboy - I agree with you entirely about wasted money. Our money. Sadly, the things you mention are the tip of the iceberg and actually fairly small beer compared to other things they pointlessly squander our money on. Unfortunately, it seems that politicians at all levels seem happy to waste the money they steal from us.

The only upside re. our heritage and money spent is that the Tabernacle Stones do, soon, appear to have a chance of being utilised.

abbotboy says...
5:29pm Sun 20 Jan 13

what saddens me, is when someone like Mrs Boyd, makes a protest about the school process, etc, she is shouted down, just ask those who are, when the money is borrowed, how much is put on their council tax..

Empty Car Park says...
6:50pm Sun 20 Jan 13

I doubt she will remain shouted down.

She'll probably rise like Phoenix from the ashes.

It beggars belief that anyone paying council taxes would wish to defend the current administration

KM1981 says...
8:07pm Sun 20 Jan 13

house on the hill wrote:
"""abbotboy says...
3:12pm Sun 20 Jan 13

What the needs of this town are for a 'party' to take over, and from what has gone on in the past this should be a party of independants and then run the town for the sake of the town and not for the honour of being council leader.. """""

Couldnt agree more, sadly politics just messes everything up. Decisions should be made for the benefit of those who pay their council tax with total openess and responsibility for their actions too instead of hiding behind party politics. All the main parties are just as useless as the others in the end, they have all made mistakes which have cost the town dear.
Amen! I just cannot believe that there has been no comeback RE: £400,000 lost to Wi-Fi failure. Just criminal.

I would vote for you if you ran, do you fancy it...?

abbotboy says...
9:06pm Sun 20 Jan 13

There are moves afoot to get an indepedant group up and running, anyone who fancies it come along..who knows if you get elected and get the right job, youll get another £2000 odd just for doing the job, your aleady being paid £7000 plus to do.. never mind its only tax payers money, what else can we build in the town..

abbotboy says...
9:08pm Sun 20 Jan 13

As for the wifi and the money nobody will say where its gone, you may find that 'people' in the know find themselves in the very near future in the law courts having to tell the truth..

Tim Newroman says...
9:11am Mon 21 Jan 13

Empty Car Park wrote:

I doubt she will remain shouted down.

She'll probably rise like Phoenix from the ashes.


And you accuse others of 'brown nosing'? Jeez...

A.Baron-Cohen says...
11:19am Mon 21 Jan 13

It is very sad but unfortunately there are many like Mrs Boyd....selfish and narrow minded, and for which the world seems to be confined to the boundaries of their homes.
I have no love lost for Mr Bluh, but I think that he was right, how can Mrs Boyd jeopardize the needs of children to protect her window view.

LordAshOfTheBrake says...
11:43am Mon 21 Jan 13

@ABC

He may be right specifically about the school being needed at some point; however his priorities were all wrong regarding the most pressing need for school places which is in the North of Swindon and not Old Town.

On that basis alone; it is Bluh that was jeopardising the needs of children possibly to protect his "new" council seat....... Especially since money was borrowed to build a school that is under subscribed.

There is still no firm plans for schools in North Swindon. What does that tell you about jeopardising the needs of children.

Grimwald says...
12:06pm Mon 21 Jan 13

A.Baron-Cohen wrote:
It is very sad but unfortunately there are many like Mrs Boyd....selfish and narrow minded, and for which the world seems to be confined to the boundaries of their homes.
I have no love lost for Mr Bluh, but I think that he was right, how can Mrs Boyd jeopardize the needs of children to protect her window view.
Mr Cohen perhaps you should read the many posts on the subject on www.talkswindon.org before you make such personal comments about Mrs Boyd's motives!!

A.Baron-Cohen says...
12:48pm Mon 21 Jan 13

Grimwald wrote:
A.Baron-Cohen wrote:
It is very sad but unfortunately there are many like Mrs Boyd....selfish and narrow minded, and for which the world seems to be confined to the boundaries of their homes.
I have no love lost for Mr Bluh, but I think that he was right, how can Mrs Boyd jeopardize the needs of children to protect her window view.
Mr Cohen perhaps you should read the many posts on the subject on www.talkswindon.org before you make such personal comments about Mrs Boyd's motives!!
Mrs Boyd's motives are as puerile as there are selfish.
If I was to give this woman a budget and a decision, she wouldn't be able to deliver. Sometimes, a person should know his/her place and let the "pro" do their job.
We are wasting too much time and money delaying important investments in this town.
Time to shut up and get on with it.

Empty Car Park says...
12:54pm Mon 21 Jan 13

let the "pro" do their job.


Lol

abbotboy says...
3:06pm Mon 21 Jan 13

abc go to the school in whichelstowe, which is not so far from the croft one and see how many empty places they have, and this was built way before croft, go to croft and see the school children coming in the taxi to school, who pays for that, as for important building, what another 15 million car park indeed, you should keep your comments to the role model whose name you have taken and he was a fool as well.

A.Baron-Cohen says...
3:55pm Mon 21 Jan 13

abbotboy wrote:
abc go to the school in whichelstowe, which is not so far from the croft one and see how many empty places they have, and this was built way before croft, go to croft and see the school children coming in the taxi to school, who pays for that, as for important building, what another 15 million car park indeed, you should keep your comments to the role model whose name you have taken and he was a fool as well.
Maybe you need to consider the facts:
People move, Demographic changes......
Building schools is about anticipating and planning for the future.
Mr Bluh has managed a lot more than building a car park.....check the local news for the last few years.
As for my name, well it is Aaron not Sacha, time to pick up a mag and brush up your who's who:-)

Tim Newroman says...
4:31pm Mon 21 Jan 13

abbotboy
go to croft and see the school children coming in the taxi to school, who pays for that


The taxpayer, naturally.

It's got nothing to do with Croft, though. You would be astonished at home much councils a various other public sector organisations spend on taxis for a certain demographic. Many taxi firms are set-up and run almost exclusively to take advantage of these payments (they usually charge much higher prices than they would to you or I).

Empty Car Park says...
7:44pm Mon 21 Jan 13

Speaking of Whichelstowe,
That reminds me of the time Councillor Peter Greehalgh lost his rag with the mild mannered "Inside Out West" interviewer

Empty Car Park says...
8:54pm Mon 21 Jan 13

There has been talk of video recording council meetings (Rod disapproves)

That would prevent sock puppets deliberately misinterpreting activities.

Here's an example.

http://www.plymouth.
public-i.tv/core/por
tal/webcast_interact
ive/93362

abbotboy says...
9:11pm Mon 21 Jan 13

several points, that taxi firm who bring the pupils in, comes from Shrivenham, so work out that daily cost. I have just had a telephone call, and if you did take the £5 bet, then you have lost, as Im told in some sort of meeting tonight, he denied it cost 11 odd million, and in fact Im told he said it would in under the budget laid down, which is around 5 - 6 million. Now those who did shout Mrs Boyds, down, should think if he did deny it, and it cost more, what else is he hiding. Im also told he told the meeting that he would produce figures for the cost, but Ill bet another £5, that those figures wont be avaiable to the general public. For abc, or whatever your name is, not oliver is it, can you tell me if he has a pointed nose??

abbotboy says...
9:27pm Mon 21 Jan 13

several points, 1 if you took up the £5 bet, then you would have lost, Im told, that at some council meeting tonight, he denied it and even said the school would be within the budget of 5 - 6 million, so those who threw comments at Mrs Boyd, should ask if he denies this, what else is he doing wrong. as for taxis, one of those bringing children to the school comes from Shrivenham and the firm only do contract work, so work out that daily cost. for abc, or is it oliver, you want to go and see if there is any money left in the council budgets, ask your partner.. and please reply and tell me if Mr Bluh has a pointed nose..

Tim Newroman says...
7:11am Tue 22 Jan 13

Why do so many Left wingers on here seem to believe that anyone who doesn't share their rabid and pathological hatred of the Tory council must be Oliver Donachie using numerous logins?

It is blatantly obvious from the posting styles that A.Baron-Cohen is not Oliver Donachie and, as most know, previously posted for a very long time under a different login.

Has it not occurred to the Talk Swindon posse (the posts content and style somewhat gives it away) that the town's council is dominated by Tory councillors and that we have had two Tory MPs for almost 3 years.

Quite clearly and obviously, the Labour mentality is a minority one in the town. In fact, the hardcore really does just seem to be their own councillors, 12 or so people at Talk Swindon (half of which are Labour councillors, or wannabe councillors) and the last remaining bastions of Labour voters - ie, Manchester Road area and the large council estates.

Empty Car Park waffles on about 'phoenixes rising from the ashes' as if Ms Boyd is some kind of martyr... and then has the gall to call others 'sock puppets'. Honestly, it's all quite hilarious. For even more comedy, do visit Talk Swindon. It's spectacularly amusing how deluded they are over there, apart from about 3 people who at least try and point out to them how partisan they are.

Localboy86 says...
8:20am Tue 22 Jan 13

ABBOTBOY - guess u don't work? Have u ever worked?

Bobfm , says...
8:41am Tue 22 Jan 13

Tim Newroman wrote:
Why do so many Left wingers on here seem to believe that anyone who doesn't share their rabid and pathological hatred of the Tory council must be Oliver Donachie using numerous logins?

It is blatantly obvious from the posting styles that A.Baron-Cohen is not Oliver Donachie and, as most know, previously posted for a very long time under a different login.

Has it not occurred to the Talk Swindon posse (the posts content and style somewhat gives it away) that the town's council is dominated by Tory councillors and that we have had two Tory MPs for almost 3 years.

Quite clearly and obviously, the Labour mentality is a minority one in the town. In fact, the hardcore really does just seem to be their own councillors, 12 or so people at Talk Swindon (half of which are Labour councillors, or wannabe councillors) and the last remaining bastions of Labour voters - ie, Manchester Road area and the large council estates.

Empty Car Park waffles on about 'phoenixes rising from the ashes' as if Ms Boyd is some kind of martyr... and then has the gall to call others 'sock puppets'. Honestly, it's all quite hilarious. For even more comedy, do visit Talk Swindon. It's spectacularly amusing how deluded they are over there, apart from about 3 people who at least try and point out to them how partisan they are.
Haha the irony. YOUR posting style gives you away every time Tim aka Oliver aka I 2 Could B aka Mr Blackwell aka 20 eyes.

A bit sad.

Empty Car Park says...
9:56am Tue 22 Jan 13

Kareen Boyd is not a member of the Labour party, any more than I am.

So the sock puppets' determination, to excuse all the errors of the current SBC administration as just "winging from lefties" does indeed give him away every time

abbotboy says...
10:56am Tue 22 Jan 13

localboy86, yes I worked, 25 years in the army, defending prats like you, and then 25 years in the post office, I done my time, so I speak as I find, and as others have said, Tim or whatever guise you are going under, you need to get a life, look hard at the town, and the way its being dragged down, yes we have two MPs but after the way the councillors are behaving, they wont be in office as an mp for much longer, which is a pity, because that would let people like annie get your gun in.. ask Mark dempsey about the higher rate of tax during '97 - 2010.. dont worry its only your council tax they are spending..

Tim Newroman says...
1:26pm Tue 22 Jan 13

Empty Car Park wrote:
Kareen Boyd is not a member of the Labour party, any more than I am.

So the sock puppets' determination, to excuse all the errors of the current SBC administration as just "winging from lefties" does indeed give him away every time
Er, who said that she was?

More to the point, why are you brown nosing her?

abbotboy says...
3:13pm Tue 22 Jan 13

much as I regret to say it, Tim, the council has at the moment, a tory majority of 1, yes 1, so nothing is for real, and there is a bye election soon, so get your thoughts in mind if the majority goes..

Empty Car Park says...
5:51pm Tue 22 Jan 13

Bobfm says...

A bit sad


Extremely sad

abbotboy says...
8:21pm Tue 22 Jan 13

if these two abc and tim keep it up, theyll be in order of a council upgrade for their services, thousands to throw around and dont forget if people are getting shoved out of a job and redundancy money, you mustnt talk about it as it causes the family embarrassment, never mind those workers slung out with almost nothing..

Empty Car Park says...
9:37pm Tue 22 Jan 13

The poetic irony is that, by trying to sabotage discussion on this thread, the sock puppet has merely proven his aliases and prompted even more failings of the current administration to be discussed

The sock puppet has shown the extremes of his lowly effort by not just using other pseudonyms but actually inventing characteristics for each of his other aliases (an activity that he so overtly condemns of others)

Unfortunately the sock puppet is overtly venomous and unable to accept that critics of the administration are not so simply to promote "the other party"

The current administration of SBC have let Swindon down badly and continue to do so. They are as arrogant as he is

He has done neither his councillor partner, himself, or the Tory administration any good service ( via any of his "characters")

In fact he has just portrayed himself as a complete nutcase.

I remember when he said he would use "robust treatment" that would drive me from these threads (such is his arrogance and self importance)

No names necessary. This thread has been well read.

Now if only SBC would stop wasting our taxes, on silly projects and bizzare road schemes.

Start listening to the citizens instead of claiming some misguided supremacy

abbotboy says...
1:31pm Wed 23 Jan 13

Let me think, ah yes, can the following please let me know if they have received from Mr Bluh, or from your partner the revised and actual cost of the croft school??. I would not expect a yes reply, but you might be told on the qt as they say!!.
blog to:
Tm, Oliver, ABC, Localboy86, and etc etc, I wonder if the adver actually looks at these registrations or is it imput from the council direct!!.

click2find

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