Coate: ‘This is not a fair contest’ (From Swindon Advertiser)
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Coate: ‘This is not a fair contest’
7:20am Friday 20th February 2009 in News
Protester Jean Saunders
PROTESTORS against the Coate proposals said they had been left to fight their campaign without the support of environmental organisations.
Numerous people from campaigners, to parish councils, to residents stood up at the Coate inquiry to plead the case for why the land should be left untouched.
Speaking outside the inquiry Save Coate campaigner Felicity Cobb said: “We’re amateurs, it really is an unfair contest. It’s like playing rounders with your hands tied round your back.”
The inquiry is looking at Swindon Gateway Partnership’s proposal to build a university campus and 1,800 homes on land near Coate Water.
Also outside the inquiry Jean Saunders said that in recent weeks a number of key organisations had dropped their objections – including the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the Environment Agency.
She added: “There’s that big black hole where nobody is responsible for taking decisions.
“As a result this is what we get, bad planning because it’s somebody else’s responsibility and they haven’t objected.”
They finally got to have their say as the Coate Inquiry went into its seventh day.
Felicity Cobb said: “The land is much loved and there is exceptionally strong concern felt that its special qualities should not be harmed by nearby development.”
Signatures on the Save Coate campaign have now reached 52,000 and listed numerous local and national celebrities.
Mrs Saunders pointed out to the inquiry that the plans would not benefit Swindon greatly because of its proximity to major roads like the M4 and that she did not feel that the effect on people and wildlife had been properly outlined.
“It is very easy to argue a case that students and office workers can readily commute by car and never make any use of the facilities,” she said.
“Housing in the area with close proximity to these roads is more likely to attract workers who commute out of Swindon.”
She said she had seen the flood risk assessment conducted by the developers, which conclude the development wouldn’t add to the flood risk of the properties.
“They were advised to go and consult with existing property owners,” she said.
“As far as I’m aware this didn’t take place.”
In response planning inspector David Richards, officiating, said: “My understanding is that the problems of the flood risk is that the Environment Agency has withdrawn its objections.”
Mrs Saunders responded: “So have a lot of people – it doesn’t mean they’re right.”
Comments(102)
Always Grumpy
says...
7:36am Fri 20 Feb 09
We agree on something at long last!
"Mrs Saunders pointed out to the inquiry that the plans would not benefit Swindon greatly because of its proximity to major roads like the M4 and that she did not feel that the effect on people and wildlife had been properly outlined."
But that's one of the key selling points to this development, the closeness to the M4 and A419. It just shows how naive and completely out of touch with reality this woman really is.
"Also outside the inquiry Jean Saunders said that in recent weeks a number of key organisations had dropped their objections – including the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the Environment Agency."
Well, that's a turn-up for the books, if they're not worried then why should anyone else. No doubt Ant and Dec will now want to have their names removed from the petition.
It's all looking much better for the development to go ahead isn't it? All we need now is this short sighted and totally unimaginative council to see sense at long last and remove their objections.
RFM
says...
8:04am Fri 20 Feb 09
"in recent weeks a number of key organisations had dropped their objections – including the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the Environment Agency"
now highlight the fact that the only real objections to this proposed development are from NIMBYs?
If the major environmental organisations have withdrawn any objections then this is the only conclusion that can be drawn from the 'outcry' from certain individuals!
As for it not being fair - is this 'toys from the pram' time?
bampi
says...
8:41am Fri 20 Feb 09
zultan
says...
9:07am Fri 20 Feb 09
flicky
says...
9:12am Fri 20 Feb 09
Stranger things have happened and Christopher Lockhart-Mummery has NOT won ALL his cases, in spite of the rumour of his being paid £1000 per hour.
NOT toys from the pram....merely a situation heavily stacked onto one particular side!
We await the summing up with interest.
Home Boy
says...
9:35am Fri 20 Feb 09
Is that not because the environmental organisations are now satisfied that their concerns have been taken into account?
With the council (the organisation that originally put this site forward) being the only body still objecting, it seems pretty clear cut which way this appeal is going to go.
RFM
says...
9:35am Fri 20 Feb 09
You have, allegedly, been fighting this proposed development on environmental issues.
How can you continue when you have LOST the support of environmental agencies? Not wishing to be rude, but these organisations are probably far more experienced and knowledgeable about such developments and their impacts than you, or I, are.
If they have dropped out of the fight against this development because there will be no detrimental impact then why don't you acceept that and cease to be against it? Which brings me back to NIMBYism.........
flicky
says...
9:44am Fri 20 Feb 09
Of course we have to continue to support their wishes.
It has not been an easy time, believe me, but you have to do what YOU think is RIGHT.
I am proud of those people who spoke so eloquently yesterday in representation of their views.
I am also proud of those stalwart members of the public who attended the Inquiry daily to support us.
Billy-o
says...
9:45am Fri 20 Feb 09
Just because she's maintained her objection, doesn't mean she's right, does it?
At the end of the day, this is a balance of issues, and a compromise has to be found. No-one can be wholly 'right'. This is the beauty of an inquiry like this - all sides have a chance to forcefully put their planning objections to an independent inspector. He will go away and digest these on planning grounds.
This is a democracy. The volume and number of objections is irrelevant. The quality of the argument - in this case on planning matters, and nothing else - is what is important. Too many objectors seem to forget that. Equally, developers shouldn't think that they have a right to develop regardless of people's concerns.
May the best argument win.
Felix A
says...
9:51am Fri 20 Feb 09
Thank you so much.
RFM
says...
9:51am Fri 20 Feb 09
So what you think is right is now no longer backed by any of the nevironmentla groups. These are the same groups that you, and others, said HAD to be listened to as they know what they are talking about. Have you changed your mind about them now that they no longer agree with you? Or will you at long last admit to being a NIMBY?
PeeveD
says...
9:56am Fri 20 Feb 09
flicky wrote:The taste of victory for common sense is almost too much to handle.
We have ben fighting because to date 52,003 people have wanted us to!! Of course we have to continue to support their wishes. It has not been an easy time, believe me, but you have to do what YOU think is RIGHT. I am proud of those people who spoke so eloquently yesterday in representation of their views. I am also proud of those stalwart members of the public who attended the Inquiry daily to support us.
Well,go on then,just one more bite....Yummy!
So even the large,well established "green" groups now have no objection to the Coate development plan. If the case against was so strong and backed up with stone cold FACT you can bet your house that the various wildlife trusts and environmental groups would continue to support the anti-coate brigade. But if they,with their vast experience and knowledge on such matters, are happy then so should everyone be.
Home Boy
says...
10:01am Fri 20 Feb 09
flicky wrote:Despite my personal view on this site I do have a lot of respect for the private individuals who have fought this. Although I am in favour of this development it is reassuring to know that there are members of the public willing to stand up for what they believe in. I also don't think that there is necessarily anything wrong with being a "NIMBY". Local do-gooders, NIMBYs, environmental action groups, etc. all add to the arguement and hopefully help the inspector make a balanced decision.
We have ben fighting because to date 52,003 people have wanted us to!!
Of course we have to continue to support their wishes.
It has not been an easy time, believe me, but you have to do what YOU think is RIGHT.
I am proud of those people who spoke so eloquently yesterday in representation of their views.
I am also proud of those stalwart members of the public who attended the Inquiry daily to support us.
PeeveD
says...
10:03am Fri 20 Feb 09
Could this woman BE any more pompous and arrogant??
On their own admission the Save Coate campaigners are amateurs... the Wilts Wildlife Trust,Natural England and the Environment Agency all say they have no issue with the development and THEY are the professionals... so they should know a little more than a motley crew of misguided do-gooders!
Beak Out ladies and let the building commence!
Osho
says...
10:10am Fri 20 Feb 09
Osho
says...
10:14am Fri 20 Feb 09
PeeveD wrote:Pompous middle-class do-gooder,... can't wait to put down my deposit on a nice 5 new bed-detached down there !!... roll on indead !!!
Mrs Saunders responded: “So have a lot of people – it doesn’t mean they’re right.” Could this woman BE any more pompous and arrogant?? On their own admission the Save Coate campaigners are amateurs... the Wilts Wildlife Trust,Natural England and the Environment Agency all say they have no issue with the development and THEY are the professionals... so they should know a little more than a motley crew of misguided do-gooders! Beak Out ladies and let the building commence!
IRofE
says...
10:52am Fri 20 Feb 09
I wonder now, if Swindon is not becoming another Town experiencing a white flight modernising its periphery whilst leaving the centre to disadvantages classed and immigrants.
Poor Old Swindon
zultan
says...
10:53am Fri 20 Feb 09
Osho wrote:In amongst all those students? good luck
PeeveD wrote:Pompous middle-class do-gooder,... can't wait to put down my deposit on a nice 5 new bed-detached down there !!... roll on indead !!!
Mrs Saunders responded: “So have a lot of people – it doesn’t mean they’re right.” Could this woman BE any more pompous and arrogant?? On their own admission the Save Coate campaigners are amateurs... the Wilts Wildlife Trust,Natural England and the Environment Agency all say they have no issue with the development and THEY are the professionals... so they should know a little more than a motley crew of misguided do-gooders! Beak Out ladies and let the building commence!
IRofE
says...
10:55am Fri 20 Feb 09
RFM
says...
11:04am Fri 20 Feb 09
IRofE wrote:Troll displaying his/her xenophobic attitudes!
Swindon white flight has begun
Home Boy
says...
11:22am Fri 20 Feb 09
IRofE wrote:Anyone else confused?
Swindon white flight has begun
bampi
says...
11:36am Fri 20 Feb 09
Home Boy wrote:Yep!
IRofE wrote: Swindon white flight has begunAnyone else confused?
IRofE
says...
12:27pm Fri 20 Feb 09
bampi wrote:Definition of White Flight: the retreat of the white middle classes from city centres. This is nothing xenophobic, it is called a Demographic trend!
Home Boy wrote:Yep!IRofE wrote: Swindon white flight has begunAnyone else confused?
Oh Oh I am racist by mentionning the word white!! Trust the PC brigade.
Anyway, by again avoiding the Town Centre and build at the periphery of Swindon, this project is just accelerating the Town centre degeneration. Thats all I meant.
No trolling, no xenophobia: Just discussing, expressing an opinion, something becoming increasingly difficult in this Labour Regime.
TKD4ever
says...
12:32pm Fri 20 Feb 09
Home Boy wrote:Some of us objected to the proposal to build on the old St. Joseph's school field on the grounds that it would cause flooding.
"PROTESTORS against the Coate proposals said they had been left to fight their campaign without the support of environmental organisations." Is that not because the environmental organisations are now satisfied that their concerns have been taken into account? With the council (the organisation that originally put this site forward) being the only body still objecting, it seems pretty clear cut which way this appeal is going to go.
We lost the battle because the Environment Agency said it was satisfied that the extra building would not cause a flood risk.
In the two years since the houses have been there roads and houses had flooded on six occasions, all of these being described as "once in a lifetime event".
So the fact that the agencies now say Coate can be safely developed, just fills me with dread, as my house is likely to be one that floods. If is does with the environment agency pay for the repairs as my insurance company will do it the first time and then just refuse to insure me.
Keep up the good work Felicity and Jean, you have 52,000 supporters.
PeeveD
says...
1:02pm Fri 20 Feb 09
I maintain that if ALL the facts were made clear BEFORE the petition was started even Ant and flippin Dec would probably have to think twice about signing it!
writer
says...
1:30pm Fri 20 Feb 09
What next... closed Condos in Swindon?
flicky
says...
1:41pm Fri 20 Feb 09
TKD4ever wrote:Thank you for that kind comment.
Home Boy wrote: "PROTESTORS against the Coate proposals said they had been left to fight their campaign without the support of environmental organisations." Is that not because the environmental organisations are now satisfied that their concerns have been taken into account? With the council (the organisation that originally put this site forward) being the only body still objecting, it seems pretty clear cut which way this appeal is going to go.Some of us objected to the proposal to build on the old St. Joseph's school field on the grounds that it would cause flooding. We lost the battle because the Environment Agency said it was satisfied that the extra building would not cause a flood risk. In the two years since the houses have been there roads and houses had flooded on six occasions, all of these being described as "once in a lifetime event". So the fact that the agencies now say Coate can be safely developed, just fills me with dread, as my house is likely to be one that floods. If is does with the environment agency pay for the repairs as my insurance company will do it the first time and then just refuse to insure me. Keep up the good work Felicity and Jean, you have 52,000 supporters.
The collection for petitions was stopped in September, when all were withdrawn from public places. By this time the Gateway group had apppealed to the Secretary of State so we felt we already had a good number of supporters.
To all the people starting to criticise us let me say that the Inquiry is not yet over, nor has a decision yet been reached.
Of that I have no doubt. The Planning Inspector, David Richards, seems to be a very fair man.
How IRONIC would it be if he found in favour of SBC, the underdog in this Inquiry!!!!
Felix A
says...
1:41pm Fri 20 Feb 09
I presume that these experts are not supporting the planning application for Coate.
flicky
says...
1:48pm Fri 20 Feb 09
Felix A wrote:Thank you for that, Felix A.
I am most grateful to the volunteers who have put up such a brave fight on behalf of myself and 52,000 others who believe that these proposals are wrong. Thank you so much.
It is much appreciated by us and by the 52,000 who signed our petition.
Home Boy
says...
2:19pm Fri 20 Feb 09
As I say I'm in favour of the development from the evidence that I have seen, but I would completely respect his decision if he found against, he had access to a lot more of the evidence than the rest of us and has been assessed as being able to decide fairly in these cases.
Jiver
says...
5:07pm Fri 20 Feb 09
The planning legislation is usually biased, in favour of the developers.
We have RDAs and spatial strategies, condemning certain towns to build a minimum number of houses. These organisations are often not directly connected to the town in question.
Environmental organisations are also limited, by legislation, to how and what they can object to.
Having removed their objection does not mean that these organisations wholeheartedly agree with the planning.
Sometimes the wrong people win
BEATEN Labour leader David Sutton declared victory for his party despite losing his seat in Katesgrove.
Labour lost its 20 year control of Reading but remain the largest single party with 20 seats, ahead of the Tories with 18 and Lib Dems with eight.
Mr Sutton said: “What happened in Katesgrove is disappointing for me personally
Jiver
says...
5:18pm Fri 20 Feb 09
3. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRS 2008/2009
It was proposed and duly seconded that Councillor Don Phillips remain in the chair for a
further year.
In speaking against the proposal, Councillor J Patterson reminded members that the principle
of rotating the chairmanship had operated in ACTVaR since its inception in 1997.
I Too
says...
5:26pm Fri 20 Feb 09
Installing empty business units will not ensure financial success to anyone, but the developers.
I'm all for a Swindon university, but not at unlimited sacrifice. Certainly not at the demands of property developers.
There are plenty of towns, with a university, that are not places I would chose to live in. Not the "be all and end all" that our codenamed councillors, ex-councillors and developers chums would have us believe.
The same people promised us that the Great Western Hospital would be the only building, in the area.
The town is not "in a state" due to lack of University.
It lacks character, due to the destruction and demise of its heritage and culture. The result of greedy bullying developers, and councillors with a condescending attitude towards their constituents.
Jiver
says...
5:33pm Fri 20 Feb 09
"There are plenty of towns, with a university, that are not places I would chose to live in."
Yeah. Like Reading, with the IDR system
Always Grumpy
says...
7:54pm Fri 20 Feb 09
Jiver wrote:I wouldn't want to live in Reading either, along with Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool etc etc. I would be happy to live in York though, or Lancaster, or Durham etc etc., all towns and cities with universities. It's purely a matter of choice as to where you live, as no doubt there are at least a couple of hundred people who are happy to live in Liverpool for instance. I'm quite happy to live in Swindon, preferably with a university.
I Too wrote
"There are plenty of towns, with a university, that are not places I would chose to live in."
Yeah. Like Reading, with the IDR system
As to your earlier posts, what on earth are you on about? You seem to have lost the plot completely. Perhaps you can explain to us mere mortals what on earth you are on about.
Perhaps you can explain this:
"Jiver, Swindon says...
5:18pm Fri 20 Feb 09
Democracy is not always used evenly either. Even within the so called democratic organisations.
3. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRS 2008/2009
It was proposed and duly seconded that Councillor Don Phillips remain in the chair for a
further year.
In speaking against the proposal, Councillor J Patterson reminded members that the principle
of rotating the chairmanship had operated in ACTVaR since its inception in 1997."
I can't fathom it out, what has a Tory councillor for Chiltern District Council and living in Chalfont St. Giles got to do with all this?
Perhaps you have got the dose wrong on your medication or something, as you have had these funny moments in the past. My advice, is get yourself checked out by your doctor, we'd all hate to see you suffer any more!
Also, please don't start all you silly copying and pasting of quotes again - it all gets very tedious.
Jiver
says...
8:41pm Fri 20 Feb 09
He doesn't live there anymore
"it all gets very tedious."
So speaks the king of tedious
Home Boy
says...
9:33pm Fri 20 Feb 09
Did they? GWH was always designed to be a teaching hospital in the future. At the same time the council allocated the entire Coate site for a university, housing and commercial use. Presumably the idea was to use the possibility of a medical school to attract a university to Coate, use the university to attract business and use the housing allocation to ensure the plans were economically viable (i.e. get a developer to buy the land and gift the required area to a uni). The details of the allocation were on the SBC website along with a design guide complete with a suggested site layout that looked very similar to the master-plan for the planning application currently being appealed. Since then there seems to have been a complete U-turn by SBC.
Always Grumpy
says...
10:04pm Fri 20 Feb 09
Jiver wrote:Not going to answer the question as usual I see - just cut and paste my comments!
"I can't fathom it out, what has a Tory councillor for Chiltern District Council and living in Chalfont St. Giles got to do with all this? "
He doesn't live there anymore
"it all gets very tedious."
So speaks the king of tedious
Jiver
says...
10:32pm Fri 20 Feb 09
I did answer you, my silver haired little dumpling.
Did you also know that
Councillors are extremely concerned that controversial plans to build a 672km super-freight highway linking Liverpool with Lille in France, would be detrimental to rural Buckinghamshire.
Jiver
says...
11:08pm Fri 20 Feb 09
Jock Strap
says...
10:40am Sat 21 Feb 09
Lol!! Flicks you've finally realised what the rest of us outside of the 52 petitioners have known all along xx love and hugs - just off to carve a heart in lawn woods hun xx
ListenToReason
says...
10:44am Sun 22 Feb 09
Jiver
says...
7:49pm Sun 22 Feb 09
Local government must be at the heart of the
water debate, writes Cllr Don Phillips, chairman
of the Association of Councils of the Thames
Valley Region. -------
On a larger scale, the Thames Valley
faces the prospect of a new reservoir being
constructed near Abingdon in Oxfordshire
to meet the future needs of Swindon,
Jiver
says...
7:52pm Sun 22 Feb 09
water debate, writes Cllr Don Phillips, chairman
of the Association of Councils of the Thames
Valley Region. -------
On a larger scale, the Thames Valley
faces the prospect of a new reservoir being
constructed near Abingdon in Oxfordshire
to meet the future needs of Swindon,
Always Grumpy
says...
10:27pm Sun 22 Feb 09
Jiver wrote:Sorry, you've lost me completely.
Local government must be at the heart of the
water debate, writes Cllr Don Phillips, chairman
of the Association of Councils of the Thames
Valley Region. -------
On a larger scale, the Thames Valley
faces the prospect of a new reservoir being
constructed near Abingdon in Oxfordshire
to meet the future needs of Swindon,
What has this 'Don Phillips' got to do with the Coate enquiry?
If anyone out there can tell me what she on about I'd be grateful.
Jock Strap
says...
11:23am Mon 23 Feb 09
Futures
says...
6:24pm Mon 23 Feb 09
Oh yeah, the woman who stood outside New College in October asking students, some of whom don't even live in Swindon, to sign the petition? Of course!
UWE coming to Swindon would be an enormous blessing and would do this town a world of good.
flicky
says...
9:01am Tue 24 Feb 09
INTERESTING!
Jock Strap
says...
9:52am Tue 24 Feb 09
flicky wrote:Good to see you're getting some of your own medicine then! How many posts have you been the instigator of them disappearing may I ask? Or is that another question you will swerve around as usual when a fellow poster asks you a direct question?
I see my post asking who Don Phillips is has been wiped out. INTERESTING!
Jock Strap
says...
9:54am Tue 24 Feb 09
flicky
says...
12:22pm Tue 24 Feb 09
Indeed not.
I think it is very significant that someone felt threatened enough to have such an innoculous post removed.
After all, it was merely questions, not statements.
Why should a certain name make you reach for your reporting post finger???
Odd!!
Atomic_Pond
says...
1:22pm Tue 24 Feb 09
But back to the point of the post! My view is if the pros have backed out then surely that means its not a bad thing!!!
Can some ask me where the flood risk is from? Is this from the actual lake its self or rain fall?
If someone could let me know i would much appricate it!
flicky
says...
2:22pm Tue 24 Feb 09
So you were in my class at Sevenfields???
I 'm glad you enjoyed the lessons but I did have to be rather strict, if you remember? (boy/girl/boy/girl etc so that behaviour was good)!!
Don't believe all you read that people withdraw for reasons of support...it is more complicated than that, and we did have a few apologies from individuals who were regretful that their organisations withdrew opposition.
The flood risk (which will be debated next Wed onwards at the Inquiry) concerns the effect that all the concrete will have on land lying lower than at Coate.
Did you know at present that parts of Covingham flood regularly because it is on lower ground>? Rain falls everywhere but if you are on higher ground the rain trickles to a lower level to flood. If there is too much building on a high area, the rain cannot escape into the fields (as it does now). There is nowhere for it to go but to drop down onto lower levels.
Flooding is a reason why the Govt do not now allow people to totally pave their front gardens. Rain falls and drops to the lowest level.
The 2 underpasses near Coate Water flood regularly, sometimes being almost completely filled with water and goodness knows what else.
Imagine how much concrete would go into the building of not only 1800 houses but a school, factories, a University etc. All of this would prevent rain being absorbed, as it is now, into green fields.The water would then fall onto lower levels....with disasterous flooding on many areas at a lower level.
Not good.
What are you doing now you have left school??
I would LOVE to know.
PeeveD
says...
2:41pm Tue 24 Feb 09
flicky wrote:The environment agency obviously beg to differ.... but then what the hell do they know compared to the knowledge of a retired teacher!!
Hi Atomic Pond, So you were in my class at Sevenfields??? I 'm glad you enjoyed the lessons but I did have to be rather strict, if you remember? (boy/girl/boy/girl etc so that behaviour was good)!! Don't believe all you read that people withdraw for reasons of support...it is more complicated than that, and we did have a few apologies from individuals who were regretful that their organisations withdrew opposition. The flood risk (which will be debated next Wed onwards at the Inquiry) concerns the effect that all the concrete will have on land lying lower than at Coate. Did you know at present that parts of Covingham flood regularly because it is on lower ground>? Rain falls everywhere but if you are on higher ground the rain trickles to a lower level to flood. If there is too much building on a high area, the rain cannot escape into the fields (as it does now). There is nowhere for it to go but to drop down onto lower levels. Flooding is a reason why the Govt do not now allow people to totally pave their front gardens. Rain falls and drops to the lowest level. The 2 underpasses near Coate Water flood regularly, sometimes being almost completely filled with water and goodness knows what else. Imagine how much concrete would go into the building of not only 1800 houses but a school, factories, a University etc. All of this would prevent rain being absorbed, as it is now, into green fields.The water would then fall onto lower levels....with disasterous flooding on many areas at a lower level. Not good. What are you doing now you have left school?? I would LOVE to know.
flicky
says...
4:09pm Tue 24 Feb 09
I was giving MY explanation to an ex-pupil.
I hope he will trust my judgement now as he did at an earlier time when we last met.
Atomic_Pond
says...
4:28pm Tue 24 Feb 09
Surley though if they no its a flood risk cant the prevent it by putting more storm drains! Maybe take a few tips from america with there drainage system! If we have a better drainage system them i really dont see the problem!
PeeveD
says...
4:30pm Tue 24 Feb 09
flicky wrote:YOUR explanation....!
Mr PeeveD...you've said it! I was giving MY explanation to an ex-pupil. I hope he will trust my judgement now as he did at an earlier time when we last met.
NOT a fact then!!!
Hence the reason your campaign was doomed from the start.... not enough facts just a load of toffee!
flicky
says...
7:17pm Tue 24 Feb 09
PeeveD wrote:How wonderful it would be if , in spite of thousands of pounds of money being put towards the Developers' proposals,(at their instigation) the Planning Inspector and Hazel Blears, Secretary of State, both found in favour of SBC.
flicky wrote: Mr PeeveD...you've said it! I was giving MY explanation to an ex-pupil. I hope he will trust my judgement now as he did at an earlier time when we last met.YOUR explanation....! NOT a fact then!!! Hence the reason your campaign was doomed from the start.... not enough facts just a load of toffee!
flicky
says...
7:19pm Tue 24 Feb 09
Were you particularly good at sport in those days?
(I am just trying to work out who you might be).
flicky
says...
7:25pm Tue 24 Feb 09
Luckily, as you have noticed AG, I am thick skinned, insensitive and have no conscience ...so none of this even touches me....
I am FAR too busy trying to learn my many lines for a play to be performed soon.
I shall just base the role on my estimation of you three...misguided, crass and belligerent.
It should be a success.
Always Grumpy
says...
7:55pm Tue 24 Feb 09
flicky wrote:What are you playing then, Nora Batty in Swindon's own version of Last of the Summer Wine?
I need to be strict to have PeeveD, Ag and the other one onto my case.
Luckily, as you have noticed AG, I am thick skinned, insensitive and have no conscience ...so none of this even touches me....
I am FAR too busy trying to learn my many lines for a play to be performed soon.
I shall just base the role on my estimation of you three...misguided, crass and belligerent.
It should be a success.
Misguided, crass and beligerent certainly fit Nora's character. God help the poor bloke playing Compo - you have to feel sorry for him!
flicky
says...
10:09pm Tue 24 Feb 09
I'll read your postings to get me into the right frame of mind.
Atomic_Pond
says...
11:12am Wed 25 Feb 09
So you might rememeber me lol If you dont never mind!
flicky
says...
12:10pm Wed 25 Feb 09
Atomic_Pond wrote:Did your first name begin with M?
I was not good at sport really! It was 10 years ago i last saw you! I doubt you will remember me! But to help i was a attention seeking little brat!!! That talked to much! So you might rememeber me lol If you dont never mind!
Just tell me your first name and I will remember.
I really enjoyed teaching at Sevenfields but as you gather it was not easy!!
(There were LOTS of difficult children, as I remember, not just you!!!)
Atomic_Pond
says...
12:12pm Wed 25 Feb 09
flicky
says...
2:09pm Wed 25 Feb 09
You were NOT at ALL one of the really naughty ones.
It is good to hear from you.
Always Grumpy
says...
6:22pm Wed 25 Feb 09
flicky wrote:Try using Friends Reunited for this sort of drivel.
Thanks, Amy, I can picture you now.
You were NOT at ALL one of the really naughty ones.
It is good to hear from you.
flicky
says...
6:34pm Wed 25 Feb 09
pascoe
says...
10:20am Thu 26 Feb 09
AG is well out of order with some of the things he has called you 2 ladies. Don't take notise of him, he talks as you put it a load of drivel.My kids did that online vote too you know,they love coate water.
You keep going for them and every one else who did the vote.
Always Grumpy
says...
2:07pm Thu 26 Feb 09
pascoe wrote:Looking at the standard of your written English, you must be another of flicky's ex students!
Flicky you have my respect for putting up with all the knocking youve had also Jean Saunders.
AG is well out of order with some of the things he has called you 2 ladies. Don't take notise of him, he talks as you put it a load of drivel.My kids did that online vote too you know,they love coate water.
You keep going for them and every one else who did the vote.
pascoe
says...
2:36pm Thu 26 Feb 09
flicky
says...
3:23pm Thu 26 Feb 09
Aren't you fortunate to have had a reasonable education whereby you can express yourself in a clear, if impolite, manner?
Not everybody has had your advantages, as I well know from my many years of teaching in "difficult" situations.
But you are NOT a good example of education enriching the mind, as you demonstrate daily in these posts.
Always Grumpy
says...
4:01pm Thu 26 Feb 09
flicky wrote:Why do you keep SHOUTING?
Mr AG...you are TERRIBLY rude....
Aren't you fortunate to have had a reasonable education whereby you can express yourself in a clear, if impolite, manner?
Not everybody has had your advantages, as I well know from my many years of teaching in "difficult" situations.
But you are NOT a good example of education enriching the mind, as you demonstrate daily in these posts.
You're not at school now you know!
Atomic_Pond
says...
4:04pm Thu 26 Feb 09
I could have a levwels and degrees but i chose no to so please dont insult my education because i have got by and i am now in a well paying job!!!
Always Grumpy
says...
5:36pm Thu 26 Feb 09
Atomic_Pond wrote:What job is that? Proof reader for the Adver!
Unforntaly AG i dont put essay standerd comments on here as its just a quick post to get my point across!!! I am perfectly able to when i concentrate but if you like i could send you my essay standerd views but i would rather no got over my spelling every two seconds as i know i have a spelling problem but hasent stoped me acheving 5C's!
I could have a levwels and degrees but i chose no to so please dont insult my education because i have got by and i am now in a well paying job!!!
Jiver
says...
10:01pm Thu 26 Feb 09
The Coate campaign has gone past the point of influencing the public now.
Jean, and other campaigners, have fought a long uneven battle, to save something they cherish.
They have maintained a level of dignity throughout, despite your constant goading.
They have openly confronted a high level QC, funded by the developers. They have maintained a challenge, despite having no finacial gains to achieve from the process.
Regardless of the outcome, I would like to express my sincere thanks to them, for all they have done.
You, and your chum / alter ego have by contrast, hidden behind a codename, despite having experience of politics. Very cowardly, and more than a little sad.
To also mock people, who have struggled with education, but still earn an honest decent living, is crass beyond even your vile standards.
People don't need to have a high acedemic standard to have a worthy opinion.
Indeed, in your case, your "superior knowledge" seems to blinker the concept of this debate.
It was never intended to be a verbal "happy slappy" site.
Your pals, at the lodge, would be so proud I'm sure.
Must be fate that I moved all the way from the Cokes Lane area, to tolerate more of your attitude
pascoe
says...
11:12pm Thu 26 Feb 09
pascoe
says...
11:15pm Thu 26 Feb 09
flicky
says...
11:57pm Thu 26 Feb 09
Atomic_Pond wrote:Well done Atomic Pond.
Unforntaly AG i dont put essay standerd comments on here as its just a quick post to get my point across!!! I am perfectly able to when i concentrate but if you like i could send you my essay standerd views but i would rather no got over my spelling every two seconds as i know i have a spelling problem but hasent stoped me acheving 5C's! I could have a levwels and degrees but i chose no to so please dont insult my education because i have got by and i am now in a well paying job!!!
Don't let the sarcastic comments of an ex-councillor get you down.
Great that you are working at a good job.
I don't think Mr AG knows just how hard it is to succeed from the area where you lived.Poor behavior and difficult children as well as many other factors like money and jobs (or lack of them) all combine to make achieving 5 grade Cs really tough.
Perhaps he should try living in Penhill and see how difficult it can be.?
Atomic_Pond
says...
9:26am Fri 27 Feb 09
If you really would like to see my writing skills i am more than happy to send you the story i wrote that i achived a B!
I personally dont see why i have worry to much about a quick post i have put on my local newspaper website! I have much more better things to be doing!
Hope you have a lovely day!
PeeveD
says...
8:18pm Fri 27 Feb 09
Jiver wrote:Yawn.....
Still the same Weasely little bully Don. The Coate campaign has gone past the point of influencing the public now. Jean, and other campaigners, have fought a long uneven battle, to save something they cherish. They have maintained a level of dignity throughout, despite your constant goading. They have openly confronted a high level QC, funded by the developers. They have maintained a challenge, despite having no finacial gains to achieve from the process. Regardless of the outcome, I would like to express my sincere thanks to them, for all they have done. You, and your chum / alter ego have by contrast, hidden behind a codename, despite having experience of politics. Very cowardly, and more than a little sad. To also mock people, who have struggled with education, but still earn an honest decent living, is crass beyond even your vile standards. People don't need to have a high acedemic standard to have a worthy opinion. Indeed, in your case, your "superior knowledge" seems to blinker the concept of this debate. It was never intended to be a verbal "happy slappy" site. Your pals, at the lodge, would be so proud I'm sure. Must be fate that I moved all the way from the Cokes Lane area, to tolerate more of your attitude
Hassanein
says...
9:21pm Fri 27 Feb 09
We must not yawn because this matters very much to me. We must respect ourgreen areas and try to stop them from having houses building on them.Sometimes I try to jog round the Country Park and it is always very quiet.that I like very much.Also it is cheap to visit. Build your University next to the new Snowdome in the town centre, that would make people spend money there.My nephews like to visit Coate Water when the whole family visits me.It is good and they enjoy themselves very much indeed.
flicky
says...
9:37pm Fri 27 Feb 09
Hassanein wrote:Thank you for your support, Hassanein.
It was not worth writing one word,yawn. We must not yawn because this matters very much to me. We must respect ourgreen areas and try to stop them from having houses building on them.Sometimes I try to jog round the Country Park and it is always very quiet.that I like very much.Also it is cheap to visit. Build your University next to the new Snowdome in the town centre, that would make people spend money there.My nephews like to visit Coate Water when the whole family visits me.It is good and they enjoy themselves very much indeed.
You have some good ideas here.
PeeveD
says...
7:39pm Sat 28 Feb 09
flicky wrote:No you don't!!
Hassanein wrote: It was not worth writing one word,yawn. We must not yawn because this matters very much to me. We must respect ourgreen areas and try to stop them from having houses building on them.Sometimes I try to jog round the Country Park and it is always very quiet.that I like very much.Also it is cheap to visit. Build your University next to the new Snowdome in the town centre, that would make people spend money there.My nephews like to visit Coate Water when the whole family visits me.It is good and they enjoy themselves very much indeed.Thank you for your support, Hassanein. You have some good ideas here.
Just because a VERY small minority of people like to go jogging around this "beauty spot" does not mean the economic future of MY town should be dented!
Just think Hassanein... when the new university is given the green light maybe you can find worthwhile employment in either the construction of said site or even maybe attend a few courses on completion!
As long as it's not a course in "twitching" which is clearly a preserve of the dear people with too much time on their hands or the retired.
Still, I suppose if you already live in the area of natural beauty maybe you could attend courses in how to be naturally hypocrtical!
Hassanein
says...
8:42pm Sat 28 Feb 09
It is not your town or my town , it is a town for all of us.
Jock Strap
says...
9:50am Sun 1 Mar 09
Jock Strap
says...
9:54am Sun 1 Mar 09
pascoe
says...
12:34pm Sun 1 Mar 09
Hassanein
says...
1:01pm Sun 1 Mar 09
I Too
says...
3:57pm Sun 1 Mar 09
Jock Strap wrote:The big difference, is that the majority of us don't "hide" behind codenames, purely to constantly goad certain individuals.
You, and your chum / alter ego have by contrast, hidden behind a codename, -says JIVER???? who also errr um oh yes hides behind a code name!
flicky
says...
9:25pm Sun 1 Mar 09
pascoe wrote:No thanks, pascoe...a nice thought...but it would DEFINITELY not be for me. I'm glad you think that Jean and I are both brave and strong, but as you can see from the remarks made about us and to us in these posts, we have to be!!
Jock, would you be brave enough to put your real name down,i have as pascoe is my name so noone can say i'm a cowerd.i do think your hard on those two ladies, i think theyre brave and are saying what every one beleives in this town.there's to many empty building sights all ready and we need to keep our green space away from any thing else.i would like to see them stand for us as our MP's,i think a lot of people in the town would vote for them as theyre both strong ladies and say what we all beleive.
Jock Strap
says...
10:02am Mon 2 Mar 09
I Too wrote:Well if they're stupid enough to bite who am I to deter them!
Jock Strap wrote: You, and your chum / alter ego have by contrast, hidden behind a codename, -says JIVER???? who also errr um oh yes hides behind a code name!The big difference, is that the majority of us don't "hide" behind codenames, purely to constantly goad certain individuals.
Memo to Pascoe - names are irrevelant - and for yours and the five other save coate campaigners - you and they DO NOT! represent the views of everybody-I do not care about their petition - you cannot count Ant & Dec and co. who live milesaway so how on earth can anyone give it any credence to start with! How many more times do you have to be told - Coate will still be there -brownfield sites are all well and good -when they're suitable but Coate is definitely the best option -IN MY OPINION -which ~I am perfectly entitled to express in just as forthright a manner as the anti-brigade. God help us Mr P if we had Saunders & Cobb as our MP's -the two current incumbents are an absolute joke - we'd be in even more of a state of permanent mirth if they were our parliamentary representatives.
MEMO to Hassanein - I'm afraid, my out of work Egyptian jogger & benefit hand-out recipient, paid for by the uk tax payer (i.e. me)that Mesdames Cobb & Saunders would be just as unlikely to get you a job as anyone else. Have you and the rest of your family considered moving back to Egypt -tourist season 's just kicking off isn't it - must be loads of jobs - ripping off the tourists in Luxor or Sharm, Nile boat trips, desert sandcastles, barman/waiter, camel trip driver/guide - there you go -give it some thought!
flicky
says...
12:01pm Mon 2 Mar 09
diatribe from Jock Strap. His name should indicate his views..anal in the extreme...and very patronising to people he has never met and does not know.
I have not met you yet but we welcome any help for our save Coate campaign.
Please do not let the unpleasant stream of abuse from the mouth of someone who should know better (educated, I imagine, in the sense of being articulate, if not totally misguided and lacking in common decency)put you off expressing what YOU believe is right.
So..please keep on posting.
Not everyone on these threads is as unpleasant as the writer of the above post.
Jock Strap
says...
4:28pm Mon 2 Mar 09
flicky
says...
5:36pm Mon 2 Mar 09
We welcome support from anyone who feels the need to use the Save Coate campaign to broadcast their views, no matter what their circumstances.
Hassanein is right...Swindon is the town that belongs to ALL of us, regardless of circumstances, and we all should have a say in its future.
I'm sure we must, also, have signatures from Greek, Russian,American, Polish, French and Canadian citizens.
My neighbours are from Cyprus.
Does that mean they, too, should not have signed the petition?
You know nothing about Hassanein.
It could be that he is an out -of -work white-collar worker/professional who is just down on his luck.Who says he finds life "tough" here? For all you know, he may spend every day job hunting....
I look foward to meeting him soon.
Hassanein
says...
7:24pm Mon 2 Mar 09
You call yourself a man using nancy name like Jock Strap, what have you got against me/ i am British citizen and proud of it, born in Cairo, my parents arab, i married a lovely English lady and we lived in Portsmouth but she died from Cancer. I came to live near my brothers in chippenham, also my nephews. i am proud of them, very clever boys to go to university soon.i bought my own house with my money and am looking for a job.i would like to work very much, also to take another wife. my wife was beautiful lady with fair hair so i want another lady like her, very kind too. not all people are like you Jock Strap, i have not been here long ,that is why i have no job, but i will get one because i am a hard worker and strong.
sorry you think i am good for nothing lay about type. that is not true. i am good man, i try to do the best always, that is why i offer help to jean, i don't want paying, just help her. she sounds nice lady, also kind like my wife was.i am proudto be egyptian and have passoport of egyptian and british.
Hassanein
says...
7:29pm Mon 2 Mar 09
Jock Strap
says...
1:49pm Tue 3 Mar 09
Finally Hassanein there is an old British saying or proverb" Sticks and Stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me" so carry on your own insulting name calling it matters not one jot to me. I reserve my right as a British born citizen to hold the views I do in respect or in regard to this nation's current immigration policy. You would not find the same leniency extended to yourself if you tried to gain residency or citizenship in many other countries and with respect -it is high time this government introduced the system they are now talking about of a points scoring system(similar to Australia)of which the first criteria should be - What skills and attributes can you bring to this country and do you have any real job prospects - if not then the answer should be Sorry no entry. I have a very good friend who is mixed race and a foreign national -who works over here pays for her children to be educated here, is not entitled to NHS or any benefits such as family allowance or tax credits etc and pays full uk taxes and is making a valuable contribution to the economy by being here. Something wrong with the system wouldn't you say. I'd respectfully venture to suggest you get a lot mre than my friend does in terms of financial support wouldn't you say?
Hassanein
says...
2:57pm Tue 3 Mar 09
always you say flicky not answer your questions but she is busy person, also Jean. if you so rude why should she reply to rude man? perhaps your friend earns a lot of money, it is good to have children privately educated.i was also privately educated,i am better at science than writing English also my wife privately educated, she was social worker, she deal with people who break the law,she was very kind lady, she had two degrees, she would never talk like you,howmany degrees do you have, also her father he had oBE for his job with ministry of defence.both parents now dead, also my parents in Egypt that is why i come to england,to be near brothers and nephews.now you understand my position a little more.also i was brought up in egypt with wealth so it hurts me you talk like that.
do you talk like this to your wife,i expect no so do not talk to me or flicky or Jean like that,flicky and Jean they remind me of my wife,they are good and honest and help others. so what do you do?
Hassanein
says...
3:13pm Tue 3 Mar 09
Jock Strap
says...
5:02pm Tue 3 Mar 09
Hassanein
says...
6:14pm Tue 3 Mar 09
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