someone from Leeds area. Barry Davies ( Head of Legal FCC) must have asked someone from outside Flintshire County Council. As mentioned Penyffordd Community Council have complained I think about three times to Flintshire County Council over comments I have made about their conduct including lack of action on speeding in Chester Rd.
I have to remention that allowing 10 "Independents" candidates to stand on one election sheet is not good for local democracy. No having to do publishing your own election literature or delivering it or paying for it. It costs at least £80 to do the election literature and that price includes free desk top publishing. Last election local councillors stood who should have been long and gone years ago.
One councillor who shall remain nameless brought up what he considered a new suggestion that had been discussed at the previous three meeting. Perhaps he was on the wrong tablets that day ..........
keywords: Barry Davies Head Legal Officer
1000+ speeders every day through the village councillors.
Unofficial - A Personal View
Monday, November 16, 2009
Financial Assistance for local organisations 2009 - 2010
Here are the details of the applications for financial assistance from the Penyffordd Community Council.
Local organisations
1 Penyffordd Wine Society
2 Penyffordd Flower Club
3 First Penyffordd Brownies
4. Penyffordd and Penymynydd Pre School Playgroup
5 Penyffordd and Penymynydd Community Bowling Club
6 Penyffordd and Penymynydd War Memorial Institute - Bonfire and Firework Display
7 St John the Baptist Church Penymynydd
8 Red Lion Cricket Club
9 Penyffordd Seniors Football Club
10 Penyffordd and Penymyndd Todler Group
11 Trinity Chapel Penyffordd
12 Red Lion Strollers
13 Penyffordd Area Community Association.
All the above afforded £220 each
Non Local
1 Pontblyddyn Cricket Club
2 Nightingale Hospice
3 Wales Air Ambulance
4 Macmillan Cancer Support
5 Crossroads Caring for Carers.
All the above afforded £50 each.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Batten down the hatches
I bought a 12 foot polytunnel off Ebay and half put it up yesterday, not good timing. I have perhaps an hour or two to bury the base with soil before the weather turns.
Otherwise it will end up on the Institute field.
Postscript: looks like South Coast will bear the brunt
Otherwise it will end up on the Institute field.
Today:
Areas of heavy rain will move east ( to Wales) this morning, accompanied by severe south or southwest gales. Gusts of 60 to 70 mph, perhaps reaching 80 mph or more over high ground and exposed coasts. Becoming dry this afternoon, wind easing. Maximum temperature 12 °CPostscript: looks like South Coast will bear the brunt
Friday, November 13, 2009
Penyffordd Land Sale Prices
Wright Manley sold 26.42ha (65.28acres) of arable and pasture land at Lower Mountain Road, Pen-y-Ffordd, Flintshire for £514,000 equating to £19,446/ha (£7,873/acre). Bank Farm
The seven lots ranged from £4,427/acre to £10,227. The same auctioneers sold 1.71ha (4.23 acre) of pasture/amenity land at Vounog Hill, PenFfordd for £65,000 (£38,011/ha - £15,366.43/acre).
Link Farmers Guardian
Thursday, November 12, 2009
House sales in Penyffordd
Sales recently added within 500 metres of CH4 0LJ
• 14, Well House Drive, Penymynydd, CH4 0LB - Sold for £165,000 on 01-09-2009
Sales recently added within 500 metres of CH4 0HP
• Coedllai, Rhos Road, Penyffordd, CH4 0JR - Sold for £127,500 on 10-09-2009
• Also 2 Penymymydd Rd, Penyffordd has been sold.
You can search all these sales and more totally free of charge by going to OurProperty.co.uk.
• 14, Well House Drive, Penymynydd, CH4 0LB - Sold for £165,000 on 01-09-2009
Sales recently added within 500 metres of CH4 0HP
• Coedllai, Rhos Road, Penyffordd, CH4 0JR - Sold for £127,500 on 10-09-2009
• Also 2 Penymymydd Rd, Penyffordd has been sold.
You can search all these sales and more totally free of charge by going to OurProperty.co.uk.
Rigging postal voting in local elections
If you are a new candidate trying to get elected postal voting works against you.
Established politicians will have lists of grandads and grandmums who can't get out.
No need to ferry them down to the polling booth these days.
What better way to get votes than to get them to sign up for a postal vote. Just put your crosses there Mrs Edwards in those boxes there, yes that's fine, we will do the rest...........................
My report to Local Government Minister Brian Gibbons will discuss the above
Links
Spectator Electoral Fraud
About my Vote
Rigged Voting
The Scotsman
Difficult to detect but you could start by visiting the oldest after the election and ask them to describe how they came to use the postal vote and who helped them. I'm sure a pattern would develop.
Established politicians will have lists of grandads and grandmums who can't get out.
No need to ferry them down to the polling booth these days.
What better way to get votes than to get them to sign up for a postal vote. Just put your crosses there Mrs Edwards in those boxes there, yes that's fine, we will do the rest...........................
My report to Local Government Minister Brian Gibbons will discuss the above
Links
Spectator Electoral Fraud
About my Vote
Rigged Voting
The Scotsman
Difficult to detect but you could start by visiting the oldest after the election and ask them to describe how they came to use the postal vote and who helped them. I'm sure a pattern would develop.
Penyffordd Land Grab
First we had the fields bought to put stables on in Terrace Lane. (planning application now withdrawn)
The Terrace lane fields are fenced off so walking dogs on the field is now impossible.
Then we have had land sold at auction owned by Bank Farm which includes a field next to the swings which is used by Penyffordd people as common land. The unofficial common land next to the Station House that has also been used for decades now also sold.
The Terrace lane fields are fenced off so walking dogs on the field is now impossible.
Then we have had land sold at auction owned by Bank Farm which includes a field next to the swings which is used by Penyffordd people as common land. The unofficial common land next to the Station House that has also been used for decades now also sold.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
I am being Investigated
Penyffordd Community Council have made complaints about allegations I have made with regards local election sheets. I am talking about the list of 10 which allows cronies and deadwood to stand for local election on one sheet without any effort, blocking new blood from getting on the council.
Mr Barry Davies Head of Legal and Democratic Services Flintshire County Council has assigned an officer to investigate allegations I have made against various organisations.
Shall we form a list?
1. Arrive Alive (All Wales Safety Partnership) not doing their job. (speeding in village)
Also they hide traffic speed data from the community.
2. North Wales Police not stopping the serial mass speeding.
3. Penyffordd Community Council disregarding village safety.
4. Flintshire County Council trying to stitch the village up with a second trunk road ( Chester Rd)
There is a WAG consultation going on to improve local democracy and to give them more powers. I have already sent in my recommendations on what needs changing.
I will be writing a further email to WAG Local Government Minister Dr Brian Gibbons who has initiated the consultancy. Barry Davies will be on the cc list.
Mr Barry Davies Head of Legal and Democratic Services Flintshire County Council has assigned an officer to investigate allegations I have made against various organisations.
Shall we form a list?
1. Arrive Alive (All Wales Safety Partnership) not doing their job. (speeding in village)
Also they hide traffic speed data from the community.
2. North Wales Police not stopping the serial mass speeding.
3. Penyffordd Community Council disregarding village safety.
4. Flintshire County Council trying to stitch the village up with a second trunk road ( Chester Rd)
There is a WAG consultation going on to improve local democracy and to give them more powers. I have already sent in my recommendations on what needs changing.
I will be writing a further email to WAG Local Government Minister Dr Brian Gibbons who has initiated the consultancy. Barry Davies will be on the cc list.
Our MP Mark Tami supports Chester Rd Election Manifesto
Our Manifesto.
1. The banning of HGV's to the bypass.
2. A 20 mph zone for the village centre.
3. A road calming system that makes it impossible for traffic to speed.
Ken Skates emails saying "Mark said he supports all three manifesto points. They would be a huge help in making Penyffordd a safer, better village."
1. The banning of HGV's to the bypass.
2. A 20 mph zone for the village centre.
3. A road calming system that makes it impossible for traffic to speed.
Ken Skates emails saying "Mark said he supports all three manifesto points. They would be a huge help in making Penyffordd a safer, better village."
Best wishes
Ken
Bulls, cows, calves and walking in fields with dogs.
We have two bull terriers who would just love to chase bulls around the fields where we walk. The chance of a lethal kick in the head or body by a bull or cow does not seem to deter in the slightest, it's in the genes.
Earlier this year we had two stand off's with young bulls on bridle paths. The dogs keen to engage, us keen to retreat.
We have modified our walks on two occasions. Yesterday we met Morton who farms sheep and cows on fields where we walk. He said that he hadn't seen us for ages. I said that's due to the cows and calves blocking our way on the footpaths.
Because farmers earn little money these days items like fencing and gates tend not to be replaced, they are old and delapidated. Gates which have a couple of dozen bulls behind standing up with use of wire strands. There have been at least two deaths and one near miss in Brynau in the last century usually with calves and cows present in fields. Walking with dogs in fields with cows and calves should be avoided at all costs.
Most of the fencing where we walk needs replacing. I had an idea bulls could jump but not 5 foot fences. Another farmer fatally wounded in The Post. That's about 5 people killed in UK this year.
Sheep will also stand their ground especially with lambs around. I've been waiting for one to headbutt the dog. Trolly would not feel a thing.............................
*Trolly is never let off the lead.
Earlier this year we had two stand off's with young bulls on bridle paths. The dogs keen to engage, us keen to retreat.
We have modified our walks on two occasions. Yesterday we met Morton who farms sheep and cows on fields where we walk. He said that he hadn't seen us for ages. I said that's due to the cows and calves blocking our way on the footpaths.
Because farmers earn little money these days items like fencing and gates tend not to be replaced, they are old and delapidated. Gates which have a couple of dozen bulls behind standing up with use of wire strands. There have been at least two deaths and one near miss in Brynau in the last century usually with calves and cows present in fields. Walking with dogs in fields with cows and calves should be avoided at all costs.
Most of the fencing where we walk needs replacing. I had an idea bulls could jump but not 5 foot fences. Another farmer fatally wounded in The Post. That's about 5 people killed in UK this year.
Sheep will also stand their ground especially with lambs around. I've been waiting for one to headbutt the dog. Trolly would not feel a thing.............................
*Trolly is never let off the lead.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Winning the Lottery
is a life changing event and not everything positive. The instant the news is released your relationship with all your family, relatives, friends and workmates alters forever. If you give some of your money to relatives there will be others who feel they should have some. Where do you stop?
Then there are the begging letters and phonecalls. Long lost friends appearing out of the woodwork. Every new aquaintance you meet needing to be given scrutiny.
There is the worry of where to invest the newly won fortune. Will criminals find out where you live?
The sharks advising on all sorts of ways to "invest" your money.
Lisa thinks £45 million is a little much for a couple.
Anonymity saves an awful lot of bother.
Too late for these these.
Do you give up work or carry on?
Not working and loosing your work mates does not suit everyone.
The mental and emotional baggage may start to build...........................
Then there are the begging letters and phonecalls. Long lost friends appearing out of the woodwork. Every new aquaintance you meet needing to be given scrutiny.
There is the worry of where to invest the newly won fortune. Will criminals find out where you live?
The sharks advising on all sorts of ways to "invest" your money.
Lisa thinks £45 million is a little much for a couple.
Anonymity saves an awful lot of bother.
Too late for these these.
Do you give up work or carry on?
Not working and loosing your work mates does not suit everyone.
The mental and emotional baggage may start to build...........................
An open letter to Chief Constable Mark Polin hopefully through The Leader letter page
Dear Chief Constable,
I read in The Leader of the "Balance your Bobby" initiative.
As far as Chester Rd, Penyffordd is concerned Neigbourhood Forums and the Policing Pledge have been a gross failure. Speeding is wholesale and I am ignored totally by North Wales Police. I am banned from their Police Forum and the NWP website ignores speeding in Penyffordd.
Hardly a listening caring constabulary. Death by speeding seems to have become an acceptable risk for Penyffordd children.
Hardly a listening caring constabulary. Death by speeding seems to have become an acceptable risk for Penyffordd children.
To be fair you were not in charge of NWP whilst the above has carried on these last two years. The question is are you going to allow this charade to continue?
Myself and residents of Chester Rd want answers. It might also be a pertinent time to ask why Penyffordd councillors
Myself and residents of Chester Rd want answers. It might also be a pertinent time to ask why Penyffordd councillors
continue to sit on their hands whilst out main route to school is a race track.
Colin Hughes
Penyffordd District
ps Pity you cant do an article on that waste of money called the All Wales Safety Partnership
Links
Association of Police Officers
The Leader
keywords
Rhian Rees Roberts, a policy officer with the Police Authority,
James Sutton, head of management information at North Wales Police.
North Wales Police Authority.
Links
Association of Police Officers
The Leader
keywords
Rhian Rees Roberts, a policy officer with the Police Authority,
James Sutton, head of management information at North Wales Police.
North Wales Police Authority.
A blogger who comments on The Leader website
Link http://yachydda.co.uk/blog/
Yachydda has harsh words to say about those politicians he thinks are wrong.
Warning adult content.
Yachydda has harsh words to say about those politicians he thinks are wrong.
Warning adult content.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Vounog Hill Land sale.
The amount of money raised by the sale of land will be put here when they update their website.
Land sold - part of Bank Farm
The amount of money raised by the sale of land below will be put here when they update their website.
Link Wright Manley (pdf format)
Link Wright Manley (pdf format)
Sold
We are to have new neighbours, not me leaving. Have the new people not done due dilligence before signing?
The Government goes mad
Environment boss wants to put carbon tax on driving, heating and holidays.
"Economist Ruth Lea, of Arbuthnot Banking Group, said: 'This is getting beyond a joke.'This is all about the control of the individual - and you begin to wonder whether this is what the green agenda has always been about. It's Orwellian. This will be an enormous tax on business.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1226268/Environment-boss-wants-carbon-tax-driving-heating-holidays.html#ixzz0WLo5cBIr
Postscript: Paying for the banking crisis brought on by the banks.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Remembrance Sunday 2009
Lest we Forget
CBM Howie Williams with a chest full of medals discusses the route with the standard bearers.
Penyffordd Scouts
The Remembrance March attended by Cllr Cindy Hinds (Penyffordd Community Council Chairperson) Cllr David Williams, John Martin and wife, Decima and Tony Hodge and many others whose names I know not.
The Remembrance March attended by Cllr Cindy Hinds (Penyffordd Community Council Chairperson) Cllr David Williams, John Martin and wife, Decima and Tony Hodge and many others whose names I know not.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Bonfire Night 2009 Pictures
A very good turnout for the organisers the weather held, no rain. Many hundreds of villagers attended. Not as many explosions as in previous years, a little more gentle. The fireworks normally start with a loud explosion which leads to quite a few distressed children being led away. A good social success for the village, much money raised.
Bonfire Night Weather - Gates open 6.00 pm
Today:
Sunny intervals and showers this morning, although eastern parts of Powys may remain largely dry. This afternoon widespread heavy showers will spread east across all areas, the showers becoming squally with hail and thunder. Maximum temperature 11 °C.
Tonight:
Scattered showers, initially often heavy with possibly hail or thunder. Overnight the heavy showers will gradually become confined to the west coast, elsewhere showers will become lighter and less frequent. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
Courtesy of the The Met Office
keyword: fireworks 2009 Penyffordd
Friday, November 06, 2009
Chester Rd General Election Manifesto
cc The Independents and Conservatives
1. The banning of HGV's to the bypass.
2. A 20 mph zone for the village centre.
3. A road calming system that makes it impossible for traffic to speed.
Postscript. I've sent this to Mark Tami MP, perhaps wrong representative as
Wales looks after the above stuff, never mind!
1. The banning of HGV's to the bypass.
2. A 20 mph zone for the village centre.
3. A road calming system that makes it impossible for traffic to speed.
Postscript. I've sent this to Mark Tami MP, perhaps wrong representative as
Wales looks after the above stuff, never mind!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Afghanistan - a quagmire with no end in sight
We got beat there 100 years ago.
The Russian's got sorted recently.
Now it's our turn again with the yanks.
Tomos Livingstone in The Western Mail
The Russian's got sorted recently.
Now it's our turn again with the yanks.
Tomos Livingstone in The Western Mail
Gordon Brown touring the area
The Prime Minister is in North Wales. He has been interviewed by Kevin Hughes* editor of The Chronicle. Kevin looks serious, the PM looks on amphets, grinning.
The PM has also been to Airbus Broughton.
Is GB the architect of our downfall?
* I used to go to Kevin's pub when he had a quiz on a Sunday night. Can't get a letter in The Chronicle though, gave up 2 years ago never mind.
Link
Wales Online
The Chronicle Video
The PM has also been to Airbus Broughton.
Is GB the architect of our downfall?
* I used to go to Kevin's pub when he had a quiz on a Sunday night. Can't get a letter in The Chronicle though, gave up 2 years ago never mind.
Link
Wales Online
The Chronicle Video
Lisa's Kitchen - Food for Thought
Indian Scrambled Egg
Hotdogs Lisa Style with root vegetables
Bananas and Custard dusted with chocolate
Traffic calming and speed limits for Chester Rd - WAG - An email to the Council Leader
cc Chief Constable Mark Polin
Dear Cllr Woolley,
Hope you are well. The Deputy First Minister and the Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones has announced that councils in Wales should review speed limits.
As Chester Rd, Penyffordd has over 1000+ speeders each day on a major route to school even though we have a bypass I hope that Flintshire County Council will prioritise our road for review.
I and others in Chester Rd find it very unfair that FCC consider Chester Rd to be still very much part of the county trunk road network.
As Chester Rd, Penyffordd has over 1000+ speeders each day on a major route to school even though we have a bypass I hope that Flintshire County Council will prioritise our road for review.
I and others in Chester Rd find it very unfair that FCC consider Chester Rd to be still very much part of the county trunk road network.
One hopes that FCC will change it's transport strategies and put communities before transport where expensive bypasses have been provided.
Sincerely Colin Hughes
for Chester Rd Penyffordd.
ps One hopes Chief Constable Mark Polin will restore traffic policing as part of police duties in North Wales especially Chester Rd, Penyffordd
keywords: Cllr Tony Sharps
keywords: Cllr Tony Sharps
New Guidance on speed limits by WAG have been published
As yet are not available on the WAG website. So much for business at the speed of light.
Link Daily Post
keywords: Deputy First Minister and the Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, 20 mph.
Will the dinosaurs on Penyffordd Community Council push for road calming in Chester Rd or will Flintshire County Council retain Chester Rd as a spare trunk road?
"COUNCILS are being encouraged to review their speed limits in new guidance published by the Welsh Assembly Government today.
The guidance covers 20mph zones, speed limits on urban and rural roads and aims to ensure all limits are appropriate for their locations."
“WAG is committed to reducing road traffic collisions and injuries, and developing safer environments for all road users,”
Link Daily Post
keywords: Deputy First Minister and the Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, 20 mph.
Will the dinosaurs on Penyffordd Community Council push for road calming in Chester Rd or will Flintshire County Council retain Chester Rd as a spare trunk road?
Penyffordd Bonfire Night
Saturday evening. Gates open 6.00 pm.
The case for public diplays over private celebrations. I always wonder what Roman Catholics feel about bonfire night.
Link Daily Post
The case for public diplays over private celebrations. I always wonder what Roman Catholics feel about bonfire night.
Link Daily Post
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Penyffordd Community Council Meeting November 2009
Tomorrow night Wednesday at 6.30 pm in the back room of The Institute. All are welcome to attend. Will speeding get discussed?
Still over a 1000 a day councillors.
Still over a 1000 a day councillors.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Penyffordd looses George Formby Society
GFS made enquiries to Penyffordd Institute and were quoted twice the going rate. Penyffordd British Legion cancelled three bookings with 30 minutes notice. GFS are now happily ensconced in Connah's Quay Labour Club. They have a membership of 70. Penyffordd's loss.
Halloween
We managed to avoid it. Call me a stuffy old fool but I cannot see its point. It gives children a license for trouble. So the front gate was locked.
Link A S Wilson
Link A S Wilson
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Greetings to the new Chief Constable Mark Polin
Croeso y Cymru Chief Constable.
I'm sure you will enjoy your time in North Wales.
I hope you will consider the following issues.
1. That Neighbourhood Forums become more than a talking shop. ( speeding ignored in Penyffordd)
2. The Police Complaints System should become more than a mere sham.
3. Press Arrive Alive to show full traffic speed data to communities which they currently hide. This allows them to tell lies on their website. We have over a 1000 speeders a day, it has been as high as 2000.
4. Speeding in communities to be policed. ( there is no traffic policing in Chester Rd, Penyffordd)
5. North Wales Police website to show an accurate record. (speeding is currently left out for Chester Rd, Penyffordd).
6. That CBM's and Inspectors be made to communicate with complainants. ( I am currently being ignored)
7. The North Wales Police Forum be open to robust discussion. ( I am currently banned)
8. That North Wales Police will enforce vehicle exhaust decible levels.
9. That North Wales Police support an HGV ban for Penyffordd as we have a bypass.
10. That North Wales Police become an accountable authority to communities.
Diolch.
I'm sure you will enjoy your time in North Wales.
I hope you will consider the following issues.
1. That Neighbourhood Forums become more than a talking shop. ( speeding ignored in Penyffordd)
2. The Police Complaints System should become more than a mere sham.
3. Press Arrive Alive to show full traffic speed data to communities which they currently hide. This allows them to tell lies on their website. We have over a 1000 speeders a day, it has been as high as 2000.
4. Speeding in communities to be policed. ( there is no traffic policing in Chester Rd, Penyffordd)
5. North Wales Police website to show an accurate record. (speeding is currently left out for Chester Rd, Penyffordd).
6. That CBM's and Inspectors be made to communicate with complainants. ( I am currently being ignored)
7. The North Wales Police Forum be open to robust discussion. ( I am currently banned)
8. That North Wales Police will enforce vehicle exhaust decible levels.
9. That North Wales Police support an HGV ban for Penyffordd as we have a bypass.
10. That North Wales Police become an accountable authority to communities.
Diolch.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Blogger gets Town Council to disband
A town council has disbanded after members staged a mass walkout in protest at being constantly criticised by a lone internet blogger.
"'Here we have a cosy group of people who are so used to residents taking them at face value that when they are challenged they can't take it."
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1224013/Council-collapses-lone-bloggers-sniping-forces-mass-walkout.html#ixzz0VSYJzJPc
Postscript. No one is pressing CBM Howie Williams to do his job. Promises made at Neighbourhood Forum ignored and forgotten. 1000+ speeders every day.
"'Here we have a cosy group of people who are so used to residents taking them at face value that when they are challenged they can't take it."
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1224013/Council-collapses-lone-bloggers-sniping-forces-mass-walkout.html#ixzz0VSYJzJPc
Postscript. No one is pressing CBM Howie Williams to do his job. Promises made at Neighbourhood Forum ignored and forgotten. 1000+ speeders every day.
Relative calm ends
After three days of relative calm with three way traffic lights at Penymynydd Rd and Chester Rd junction reality returns with traffic hammering through the village again.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Airbus ‘to match 2008 planes total’
EUROPEAN planemaker Airbus expects to match the number of planes it delivered last year in 2009 but said the A380 superjumbo programme was still challenging.
So it's a good job we had the credit crunch?
Link Daily Post
So it's a good job we had the credit crunch?
Link Daily Post
Further Financial Troubles?
The Dow and FTSE 100 yesterday both threatened a secondary correction — on the 80th anniversary of the great crash of 1929. Today the Shanghai Composite fell below 3000 and the Nikkei 225 below 10000, both warning of another down-swing. The Australian All Ordinaries index closed below 4600, signaling a correction, but final confirmation will come from the Dow.
We have involved ourselves in a colossal muddle, having blundered in the control of a delicate machine, the working of which we do not understand. The result is that our possibilities of wealth may run to waste for a time — perhaps for a long time.
~ John Maynard Keynes: The Great Slump of 1930
------------------------------------------------------------------------
An alternative lesson from the double dip the economy took in 1938 is that the GDP created by massive fiscal stimulus is artificial. So whenever it is eventually removed, there will be significant economic fall out.
~ David Einhorn - Greenlight Capital
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Cllr Arnold Wooley on life in Flintshire
In The Leader Cllr Woolley describes Flintshire as our diverse and beautiful county. Flintshire County Council is commited to the well being of our environment.
Cllr Woolley describes a situation I do not find in Penyffordd. Lorries that use the village instead of the bypass. Buses that pile through. Unpoliced traffic by the 1000.
Flintshire County Council have on record that Chester Rd, Penyffordd has over a 1000 speeders each day. I and others in Chester Rd await action by Flintshire County Council to slow down the constant speeding in our village which resembles a race track on a major route to school by our children.
Cllr Woolley describes a situation I do not find in Penyffordd. Lorries that use the village instead of the bypass. Buses that pile through. Unpoliced traffic by the 1000.
Flintshire County Council have on record that Chester Rd, Penyffordd has over a 1000 speeders each day. I and others in Chester Rd await action by Flintshire County Council to slow down the constant speeding in our village which resembles a race track on a major route to school by our children.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Noise - I hate it
Today I have had to work near the front of the house. Buses and lorries roaring through, cars hammering through. It's the noise that drives me mad. After all God's sake we have a bypass.
Anyway here is a good article on noise and listening. I am not on my own.
Link Timesonline
Anyway here is a good article on noise and listening. I am not on my own.
Link Timesonline
Further re Cronyism in Community Councils
My letter here has been published by The Leader today. (edited version). I have also forwarded my email to the Expert Panel who have been looking at local democracy in Wales.
They say
All comments on the recommendations made by the Expert Panel in their report will be recorded and forwarded to the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Dr Brian Gibbons. The comments made in your email regarding the *banning of "Independent" election sheets do not relate to a specific recommendation made by the Panel - so it will be recorded in the "general comments" section.
* should say group election sheets
postscript: I'll explain what is unfair about 10 councillors on one election sheet be they Independent, Labour, Conservative or BNP shortly.
They say
All comments on the recommendations made by the Expert Panel in their report will be recorded and forwarded to the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Dr Brian Gibbons. The comments made in your email regarding the *banning of "Independent" election sheets do not relate to a specific recommendation made by the Panel - so it will be recorded in the "general comments" section.
* should say group election sheets
postscript: I'll explain what is unfair about 10 councillors on one election sheet be they Independent, Labour, Conservative or BNP shortly.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Salmon with ginger, chilli and coconut lentils
Heat oil and soften a dessert spoon of finely chopped root ginger, 2 green chillis and 1 clove of garlic. Add 165 mil coconut milk and 1 x 410g tin of green lentils drained. Simmer uncovered for 10 mins and then stir in a handful of chopped parsley. Top with cooked salmon.
Served with glazed carrots and steamed brocolli.
Served with glazed carrots and steamed brocolli.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Community Council Websites
At the moment Cllr David Williams is struggling with ours which is here. I did offer to set one up for free with free ongoing technical help but David decided against. He then criticises me for doing nothing for the village. One can't win.
There are also the costs for the website space and website name which are ongoing and yearly. Also the site needs modifying and updating by someone who can program in html or a similar language. A knowledge of cascading style sheets is also needed.
Northop Hall Community Council have a website here. I notice they too wish to deter traffic taking a short cut through their village . At the bottom of the page is a free software to set a community website, it will not be as easy or functional as mine though.
Blogger which is what you are looking at is the best way forward for Penyffordd Community Council.
Its free.
The website name is free.
Its easy to use.
Items can be added by most councillors who are familiar with computers within a few minutes of their machines being set up. No learning of html code. Cllrs Cindy Hinds, Linda Vidamour, Jane Hopwood and David could add content.
Information will be indexed by Google in seconds, a private website like the one David is currently stuggling with can take 9 months to start to get indexed by Google. I know I have been there with our commercial website.
Access permissions can be granted or removed.
Polls can be carried out online.
There can be a forum area.
You could have a donation page through Paypal which allows secure payments from all credit cards.
There are various other options available and many more continue to be added.
Instead David struggles on with a website that costs money to run annually and which he will struggle for ever to master. It's time to give up the struggle David and get real.
There are also the costs for the website space and website name which are ongoing and yearly. Also the site needs modifying and updating by someone who can program in html or a similar language. A knowledge of cascading style sheets is also needed.
Northop Hall Community Council have a website here. I notice they too wish to deter traffic taking a short cut through their village . At the bottom of the page is a free software to set a community website, it will not be as easy or functional as mine though.
© 2009 Northop Hall Community Council
Joomla! is Free Software released under the GNU/GPL License.
Blogger which is what you are looking at is the best way forward for Penyffordd Community Council.
Its free.
The website name is free.
Its easy to use.
Items can be added by most councillors who are familiar with computers within a few minutes of their machines being set up. No learning of html code. Cllrs Cindy Hinds, Linda Vidamour, Jane Hopwood and David could add content.
Information will be indexed by Google in seconds, a private website like the one David is currently stuggling with can take 9 months to start to get indexed by Google. I know I have been there with our commercial website.
Access permissions can be granted or removed.
Polls can be carried out online.
There can be a forum area.
You could have a donation page through Paypal which allows secure payments from all credit cards.
There are various other options available and many more continue to be added.
Instead David struggles on with a website that costs money to run annually and which he will struggle for ever to master. It's time to give up the struggle David and get real.
Clocks go back tonight
Clocks move backwards one hour.
Sunday 25 October 02:00 BST** (01:00 GMT )
**As the UK will be on BST (British Summer Time), we will change our clocks at 2 am on Sunday 25th October.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Letter to The Leader - Cronyism in community councils in Wales
cc Welsh Assembly Government, Barry Davies, Head of Legal Services Flintshire County Council
Dear Leader
A letter for consideration
At present the The Welsh Assembly Government are holding a consultation on local democracy in Wales. An expert panel have made 35 recommendations to improve our perception and involvement in local government. One area they have looked at is the retaining and recruitment of a diverse group of councillors.
May I suggest they ban group "Independent" election sheets for local elections. This allows a local "Independent " godfather to surround himself with cronies and dead wood blocking those keen to stand. Currently if your face fits you get a free ride in Penyffordd elections.
If Leader readers in other areas of North Wales have had similar issues when trying to stand as a councillor now is the time to put your thoughts forward to the expert panel. You have one month.
The Leader has the contact information.
May I suggest they ban group "Independent" election sheets for local elections. This allows a local "Independent " godfather to surround himself with cronies and dead wood blocking those keen to stand. Currently if your face fits you get a free ride in Penyffordd elections.
If Leader readers in other areas of North Wales have had similar issues when trying to stand as a councillor now is the time to put your thoughts forward to the expert panel. You have one month.
The Leader has the contact information.
Colin Hughes
Penyffordd
Penyffordd
notes. I believe Penyffordd Community Council have approached FCC for a second time with a view to gagging my blog.
Apologies to Cllrs Jane Hopwood and Linda Vidamour you are not the target.
Postscript: Cllrs Cindy Hinds, David Williams and Colin Bithell published their own sheets. Clr Colin Bithell also appeared on the general sheet of community Independents.
Still over a 1000 speeders each day on a major route to school councillors!
Postscript: Cllrs Cindy Hinds, David Williams and Colin Bithell published their own sheets. Clr Colin Bithell also appeared on the general sheet of community Independents.
Still over a 1000 speeders each day on a major route to school councillors!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Cockups and Cuckolds
Thus speaks Cllr Alison Halford in her latest blog offerings about Flintshire County Council.
Link
Alison Halford
Cuckolds
The Leader
Link
Alison Halford
Cuckolds
The Leader
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Mervyn tells it as it is
That's the Governor of the Bank of England not Mervyn the tidy up man
Link This is Money
Link This is Money
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Mark Polin, New Chief Constable of North Wales Police
Mr Mark Polin was appointed Deputy Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary on 19th October 2007.
Mr Polin entered the Police Service in 1983 joining the City of London Police where he rose to the rank of Chief Inspector. His last posting saw him in charge of operations at Snow Hill, with particular responsibility for security operations at the Central Criminal Court and other high profile venues.
In 1998 he transferred on promotion to Gwent Police as Superintendent in charge of various central operational functions, including the Force Control Room and the firearms, public order and traffic units. This was followed by command of the Ebbw Vale Division.
December 1999 saw his appointment as Chief Superintendent and Divisional Commander of Caerphilly Division and in 2002 he assumed responsibility for Professional and Ethical Standards Department.
Prior to his appointment as Deputy Chief Constable he held two other Chief Officer portfolios in Gloucestershire Constabulary. As Assistant Chief Constable (Corporate Services) he was responsible for the Criminal Justice, Community Partnerships and Contact Management Departments and a member of the Local Criminal Justice Board and other strategic partnerships in the County.
In the role of Assistant Chief Constable (Operations) he was accountable for performance improvement and responsible for the three territorial Divisions and the Specialist Crime Investigation Services and Operational Services Departments. He also performed many national and regional roles and in particular was, and continues to be, the ACPO Lead for criminal justice reform issues and also the chair of the Regional Tasking and Coordinating, Firearms and Forensics forums.
He acts as an umpire on the national counter terrorism exercise programme focusing on Gold Command and associated structures and processes.
Mr Polin holds a Master of Business Administration Degree from the Open University.
Mr Polin starts in his new position of Chief Constable of North Wales in November.
Postscript Mark Polin comes from Gloucester Police Force which have a proper Police Pledge system in place. As opposed to North Wales Police whose current policing pledge is non existent.
Further 20 mph zones rolled out in Wrexham
Link BBC NE Wales.
Meanwhile its business as usual in Chester Rd. Foot to the floor.
Meanwhile its business as usual in Chester Rd. Foot to the floor.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
To Delamere Forest to support Bullies in Need
Bullies in Need is an unregistered charity that supports unwanted English Bull Terriers. They give money and support for the rehoming and temporary fostering.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Good news for Penyffordd Wine Circle
Penyffordd Community Council hand out grants to local organisations such as Women's Institute and Flower Club. Nigel Jones, Clerk to the Council has just delivered a cheque for Penyffordd Wine Society. This money will help us survive. The last few years have seen drops in membership but we have had new members join recently.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Bonfire night to go ahead
Last year the bonfire organisers stepped down after a complaint of sparks from the bonfire landing on someone's head. This year it will be run by Penyffordd Institute Committee. Well done.
Postscript. It's on a Saturday and starts 30 minutes earlier than normal. Gates open 6 pm.
Date. November 7th.
Postscript. It's on a Saturday and starts 30 minutes earlier than normal. Gates open 6 pm.
Date. November 7th.
Go Safe
This is the Wales Casuality Reduction Partnership.
http://www.gosafe.org/
They say they are no longer Arrive Alive. The North Wales web address tells a different story.
http://www.arrivealive.org.uk/
Mark Tami MP has sent me a letter he received from WCRP following representations made by Mark to the WCRP with regards Chester Rd Penyffordd speeding. Previously Carl Sargeant AM has made similar efforts. I am told CBM Howie Williams has also been in touch with WCRP recently.
keywords gosafe.org
http://www.gosafe.org/
They say they are no longer Arrive Alive. The North Wales web address tells a different story.
http://www.arrivealive.org.uk/
Mark Tami MP has sent me a letter he received from WCRP following representations made by Mark to the WCRP with regards Chester Rd Penyffordd speeding. Previously Carl Sargeant AM has made similar efforts. I am told CBM Howie Williams has also been in touch with WCRP recently.
keywords gosafe.org
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Cllr Colin Bithell in The Leader
over Warren Hall Business Park. Good points made by Colin but he forgot to mention all the extra traffic through the village. Mind you if his arguments are correct we will not be having any extra traffic.
Link The Leader
Link The Leader
Airbus 320 to be built for another 10 years
Ten years is a long time. We shall see. China will be making 1000's of Airbuses in 10 years time.
Both Boeing and Airbus seem to be biding their time on new models.
Amounts of energy for flying might also be an issue.
Link Daily Post
Both Boeing and Airbus seem to be biding their time on new models.
Amounts of energy for flying might also be an issue.
Link Daily Post
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
North Wales Police Horses in Penyffordd
Horse box parked in The Millstone. There are ongoing issues with "youth". CBM Howie Williams is on the case. This must be part of a program to reassure residents of North Wales Polices' commitment to neighbourhood policing. They must have been riding around in the dark. There is horse muck near the Millstone always gets Leader readers going. Cow muck is better for the garden as they send the grass through 2 stomachs which gets rid of the grass seed or so I am told.
Snouts in the trough
Having had a few issues over the years with the Inland Revenue and VAT including CCJ's one is a little incensed with how MP's are treated. Former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith was let off with a Common's apology. The Revenue don't normally do apologies, it's repayment with interest and stern warnings about withholding any other issues they have not been told about.
Link Guido
Link Guido
Monday, October 12, 2009
Penyffordd Community Council receives its first FOIE
Well I think I am the first. It was about a CCTV camera placed in the village. I placed the FOIE last Tuesday. It took 6 days to answer. Nigel pushed the answer through my door this morning.
In light of ongoing planned improvements the above FOIE now answered with satisfaction if not puzzlement.
They knew nothing............
In light of ongoing planned improvements the above FOIE now answered with satisfaction if not puzzlement.
They knew nothing............
Castle Cement Dust Outage continued
Hanson Cement (nee Castle Cement) have hired valeeters to deal with 100 vehicles with dust issues. One lady in the affected area was heard to say that her car had not had any dust on it. It might have had something to do with the fact she keeps car in a garage..................
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Pubs continue to close
We tend to walk in areas between Penyffordd and Llandegla.
1. The Poachers in Ffrith has shut.
2. The Railway in Coed Talon is shut.
3. The Cross Keys in Llanfynydd have applied for planning permission to turn pub into a house.
Meanwhile another pub we pass has few customers...............
1. The Poachers in Ffrith has shut.
2. The Railway in Coed Talon is shut.
3. The Cross Keys in Llanfynydd have applied for planning permission to turn pub into a house.
Meanwhile another pub we pass has few customers...............
Lisa's Kitchen
Chicken pasta with green salad
Tofu mango kebabs with quinoa, soya beans, peas and avocada
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Friday, October 09, 2009
Recent house sales in Penyffordd District
Sales recently added within 500 metres of CH4 xxx
• 1, Towers Way, Penyffordd, CH4 0JS - Sold for £175,000 on 03-08-2009
Sales recently added within 500 metres of CH4 0LJ
• 8, Green Park, Penyffordd, CH4 0LY - Sold for £157,000 on 31-07-2009
Sales recently added within 500 metres of CH4 0HP
• Gilwell House, Abbotts Lane, Penyffordd, CH4 0HW - Sold for £249,995 on 03-08-2009
Link OurProperty.co.uk.
• 1, Towers Way, Penyffordd, CH4 0JS - Sold for £175,000 on 03-08-2009
Sales recently added within 500 metres of CH4 0LJ
• 8, Green Park, Penyffordd, CH4 0LY - Sold for £157,000 on 31-07-2009
Sales recently added within 500 metres of CH4 0HP
• Gilwell House, Abbotts Lane, Penyffordd, CH4 0HW - Sold for £249,995 on 03-08-2009
Link OurProperty.co.uk.
Dust outage at Castle Cement
Cllr Colin Bithell on the war path in The Leader. Not sure if they are going to put it on their web pages. Anyway here's my letter. If Cllr Colin Bithell is standing as a county councillor at the next election he needs to get moving on speeding in the village.
Dear Leader
A letter for consideration.
It would be fair to say that Hanson Cement (formerly Castle Cement) have cleaned up their act very considerably with the new kiln in operation. Cement dust on cars has become a thing of the past. They make one small mistake that affects one small part of the village and Cllr Colin Bithell is out of his box like a greyhound out of the traps. It's a pity Cllr Colin Bithell can't get interested in the safety of children and older residents in our village centre. Last local election his literature said he "stood for the families of the village" Why does he continue to ignore our daily rat run on a major route to school?
Colin Hughes
Penyffordd District.
Postscript Link
The Leader
Daily Post
Postscript: Pity no one is interested in speeding through the village. Speeding kills people the dust will not.
Postscript Link
The Leader
Daily Post
Postscript: Pity no one is interested in speeding through the village. Speeding kills people the dust will not.
Your energy bills are set to rise.
This is in exclusion to any credit crunch issues. It's due to lack of government, foresight and investment. China is also hoovering up energy resources all over the world just to make matters worse.
Link Reuters
Link Reuters
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
An exert from Wordsmith by John Williams
to rid me of the previous post.
This was about his father who returned from WW2 a much altered person.
Adolf, his part in my father's downfall.
"But he had not the nous to capitalise on his talents as an artist, a natural pianist and a skilled carpenter. Instead he chose to assiduously train for a place in the Welsh national drinking team".
War can damage your health.................
This was about his father who returned from WW2 a much altered person.
Adolf, his part in my father's downfall.
"But he had not the nous to capitalise on his talents as an artist, a natural pianist and a skilled carpenter. Instead he chose to assiduously train for a place in the Welsh national drinking team".
War can damage your health.................
Penyffordd Community Council meeting tonight
cc Chief Constable Mark Polin
It is aproximately 960 days since I first wrote a polite letter to Penyffordd County Council about speeding in Chester Rd. This was met by a phonecall from Clerk Nigel Jones saying that speeding was nothing to do with the council.
I calculate conservatively that 226,000 cars have sped through the middle of the village since the phonecall from Nigel
North Wales Police sit on their hands. Their neighbourhood forum promises just talk.
Arrive Alive remain unaccountable as ever. I have spotted their van in Pontblyddyn three times in the last month. Why aren't Penyffordd councillors pressing Arrive Alive. Do some councillors have too many mates who speed through the village?
Chester Rd is a major route to school, it's where your children go to school, grandad and grandma get their pensions.
It's still like a race track.......................................................
Councillors should resign and North Wales Police forced to do their job.
keyword. Chief Inspector Ruth Purdie
postscript grammatical errors remedied.
It is aproximately 960 days since I first wrote a polite letter to Penyffordd County Council about speeding in Chester Rd. This was met by a phonecall from Clerk Nigel Jones saying that speeding was nothing to do with the council.
I calculate conservatively that 226,000 cars have sped through the middle of the village since the phonecall from Nigel
North Wales Police sit on their hands. Their neighbourhood forum promises just talk.
Arrive Alive remain unaccountable as ever. I have spotted their van in Pontblyddyn three times in the last month. Why aren't Penyffordd councillors pressing Arrive Alive. Do some councillors have too many mates who speed through the village?
Chester Rd is a major route to school, it's where your children go to school, grandad and grandma get their pensions.
It's still like a race track.......................................................
Councillors should resign and North Wales Police forced to do their job.
keyword. Chief Inspector Ruth Purdie
postscript grammatical errors remedied.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Books to be read
One book that makes me smile and chuckle whenever I open its pages is Wordsmith by John Williams. John wrote (past tense) for The Liverpool Daily Post. Perhaps their greatest columnist, his writing style masterful, wry and witty. Something to try and emulate.
Lisa says it will not get me far ridiculing Penyffordd Community Council however.
Link Bookfinder
Postscript. One of the few books that will make me laugh hysterically.
Lisa says it will not get me far ridiculing Penyffordd Community Council however.
Link Bookfinder
Postscript. One of the few books that will make me laugh hysterically.
Letter re Warren Hall Business Park
A letter published in today's Leader
The Leader comment last Friday talks about " not rejecting the creation of new jobs" with regards Warren Hall Business Park Development. So far the Welsh Assembly Government, Flintshire County Council and the Planning Inspector have ignored the real issues of vastly increased traffic levels for Penyffordd and Kinnerton.
How can we have any faith in the planning process if the real concerns of local communities are just steam rollered aside? Support for this development will happen after our communities are protected and not before.
Colin Hughes
Penyffordd District.
Arrive Alive Safety Partnership to be disbanded?
Arrive Alive have so far ignored representations made by Carl Sargeant AM and Mark Tami MP with regards speeding in Chester Rd, Penyffordd. They are an unaccountable organisation whose main purpose in life is keep themselves in jobs.
Their description of Chester Rd on their website under Flintshire a complete fabrication that hides a 1000 speeders a day.
In The Mail
"The Tories will also scrap the Safety Camera Partnerships quangos and force local authorities to take a lead on the location and running of cameras."
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1218377/Tories-promise-brake-number-speed-cameras.html#ixzz0T8vd28V1
keywords gosafe.org
Their description of Chester Rd on their website under Flintshire a complete fabrication that hides a 1000 speeders a day.
In The Mail
"The Tories will also scrap the Safety Camera Partnerships quangos and force local authorities to take a lead on the location and running of cameras."
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1218377/Tories-promise-brake-number-speed-cameras.html#ixzz0T8vd28V1
keywords gosafe.org
Neighbourhood forums, just talking shops?
Dear Leader
A letter for consideration.
A letter for consideration.
cc Chief Constable Mark Polin
Dear Leader,
At the recent Penyffordd Neighbourhood forum North Wales Police promised to tackle speeding in Chester Rd, Penyffordd which is the village centre and a major "route to school" for young children.
One month on nothing. No communication with Chester Rd residents and no action. Of what use are Police Pledges, Balance your Bobby and other initiatives if North Wales Police do not act on community concerns?
Colin Hughes
Penyffordd District
keyword: Inspector Martin Best
keyword: Inspector Martin Best
Monday, October 05, 2009
So, you think the recession has bottomed out.
Read the link below plus comments. Quite a lot of talk about M3 money supply. It is possible however to get the general drift of the UK situation with regards our economy and how far we are up the creek without a paddle.
Link The Telegraph
Link The Telegraph
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Friday, October 02, 2009
Cllr Chris Bithell having trouble with boy racers in Mold
cc Chief Constable Mark Polin
Dear Chris,
I have followed your ongoing struggle against boy racers in Mold in The Leader. We have boy racers in Chester Rd, Penyffordd perhaps more but ours are spread over a wider period. A 300 speeding morning rat run is ignored everyday by Inspector Martin Best in Chester Rd, Penyffordd.
Is it not time in your position on North Wales Police Authority to persuade North Wales Police to forget the "soft touch" and to book them. They speed and have illegal exhausts.
We in Chester Rd are not happy, you in Mold are not happy. What's going on?
ps. No councillors in Penyffordd will stand up to our rat run. It's been going on for more than three years. Why is this?
Dear Chris,
I have followed your ongoing struggle against boy racers in Mold in The Leader. We have boy racers in Chester Rd, Penyffordd perhaps more but ours are spread over a wider period. A 300 speeding morning rat run is ignored everyday by Inspector Martin Best in Chester Rd, Penyffordd.
Is it not time in your position on North Wales Police Authority to persuade North Wales Police to forget the "soft touch" and to book them. They speed and have illegal exhausts.
We in Chester Rd are not happy, you in Mold are not happy. What's going on?
ps. No councillors in Penyffordd will stand up to our rat run. It's been going on for more than three years. Why is this?
We also have over a 1000 speeders a day.
Colin Hughes
Chester Rd Penyffordd
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Britain's broadband worse than Bulgaria
Technologically advanced countries like South Korea and Japan dominated the league table, largely due to their commitment to super fast networks. The South Korean government recently promised universal
speeds of up to 1 Gbps (gigabit per second) by 2012.
BT sucks.
Link The Telegraph
speeds of up to 1 Gbps (gigabit per second) by 2012.
BT sucks.
Link The Telegraph
Chief Inspector Polin prepares for new position
The Daily Post
keyword: deputy chief in Gloucestershire, Colwyn Bay, Cllr Ian Roberts, Cllr Chris Bithell.
keyword: deputy chief in Gloucestershire, Colwyn Bay, Cllr Ian Roberts, Cllr Chris Bithell.
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