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Unofficial - A Personal View
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Flintshire County Council Cockups
Read Alison Halford's account below. I take the unusual step of copying it in full. There needs to be more than one copy on the net.
Link Council Capers Alison Halford
-------------------------------------------------------------------
A special Audit meeting was held on 22nd January because members had been shocked by findings of Internal Audit review of Housing Maintenance and Repairs (Canton) at the Audit Committee of 16th December 2009. Sixteen nasty problems were listed and it seemed we needed to ask why were the work force allegedly running the stores and from the faults found, it also seemed that some might be running off with the goods too in unchecked Council vans that staff are allowed to take home.
The “significant” categories ranged from tickets are not authorised, work instruction tickets are not validated nor are weekly routine stock checks conducted. Stocks held in vans, that staff are allowed to take home; are not checked either.
Rumours that Canton had big problems have circulated for years. Now was the long awaited proof. What were management doing, we needed to know. The Housing Supremo and newly appointed deputy were summonsed before this Special Audit Committee to explain what had gone so dreadfully wrong. A simple question of problems of tickets not being validated seemed to floor the Director completely. Enough time had elapsed to find answers to the expected questions surely? Waffle but no substance was the verdict from members who had watched the debacle from the back. All were very unimpressed, and there were mutterings about ‘needs to know what she’s talking about and get a grip.’
Was this appearance a “Kodak moment” for this Director? Members of Community & Housing Committee, responsible for scrutinising Canton had fought for months to be kept informed of progress and policy. We were tired of having very little shared with us and felt that we were superfluous to the Director’s managerial style. We had been told that things improving. This scathing catalogue of missing stores and sloppy supervision came as a shock.
A deafening silence had stalked the corridors of County Hall ever since that amazingly inept performance on 22nd January. When after a week of ‘no show’ despite missing several important meetings and several Community and Housing budget meetings, people began to ask about this absence. When I asked why the Director had failed to appear to introduce a financial report, all I got was a black look stare from the Committee officer. Rumours ran rife but the Chief Executive was not saying.
‘Highly paid people are paid to perform’- kept drumming through my head. Despite months of patience, some aspects of Housing performance was generally deteriorating. Time for action! The report in which I hammered out my long standing and growing concerns, almost wrote itself. It’s not that I had not been scrupulosity fair, having visited various officers including our Head lawyer and the Chief Executive himself to express my worries. Nothing was done!
As I needed feedback from other members to ensure I had not wrongly criticised the officer, I despatched an early draft to a chosen trusty few. (One failed my trust).
No one objected and I sent the finished article to our Monitoring Officer on 26th January. I asked that the first one should be destroyed but the second one needed official attention.
Unbelievably, it was shoot the messenger time with the opening salvo via an email from Head of Legal Services that made no sense at all. It went from seeking amicable resolution to ‘You have potentially made difficulties for yourself’ and the intervention of the Ombudsman was not ruled out. Reeling from this bizarre email, I met my Group Leader on 5th February as he reported that things were “quite serious now”!
Message was simple. Head of Legal Services wanted me to withdraw the report and I was provided with a draft letter which suggested that I write in his words to Sue Lewis and to the Chief Executive.
The meeting spilled over into a Group meeting where I explained that was going on and I was given the warmest support. “If she wants a pay out”, she’ll have to fight for it” was the instant and unanimous response. I felt very relieved.
When I read the Monitoring Officer’s email passed over by my Leader, I could not believe what I was being asked to do. The draft report suggested that I “had inappropriately and mistakenly sent to a number of colleagues….I understand that the contents of the report have caused you (Mrs Lewis) distress resulting in arrangements being made for special leave of absence”…I (Me) would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologise for any distress caused you by publishing my concerns in the way I did.”
I had already been told that my initial report has been copied to both the CE and to Mrs Lewis. I DID NOT SEND MY REPORT TO THIS OFFICER. The culprit, (and suspect it is an Executive “she”) did a foolish and hurtful thing. Whoever leaked this highly critical document must surely consider their position. To blame me for sending the Director into extended leave was wrong!
The Coalition is drifting, a senior member has admitted as such recently and more drift must surely follow as we are effectively leaderless. Cllr Woolley is too deeply involved with the Ombudsman investigations and writings in his Journal, used to make life difficult for Patrick Heesom and myself will come back to bite him. The manner in which this highly paid Director leaves the Authority is important. I am seeking information on how many other big pay offs have been made to disaffected staff over the years.
We pay huge salaries and we need accountability. There must be an end to this culture of secrecy that allows ineffective management on some occasions to hide their own failings by buying the organisation/themselves out of trouble. Thankfully, with sufficient committed and determined members willing to override the leadership vacuum we can correct this. Bureaucrats are accountable to the public who pay them and our Council role is to make that accountability real.
There is so much more to tell. How the Local Authority now reacts is very important in financial terms. A fair and sensible resolution must be found that does not pay out for incompetence. Those in charge of paid staff must take responsibility for this debacle. The County’s Whistle Blowing policy offers me no protection as those charged with ensuring justice and fair play prevails are those who seek to bring me down.
No wonder such emphasis has been placed on demanding that I withdrawn/rewrite/apologise for my report about the Director. Unwittingly, I have cast huge doubts on the strength of the Ombudsman’s case as a hole has been blown in the Corporate Managements’ Team’s unsteady boat. Whether irreparably holed and thus it will capsize with all hands on board, only time will tell!
Link Susan Lewis
Postscript: This is now the only copy on the net. As a Flintshire ratepayer I question why a director gets paid for doing nothing. Why criticism brings threats of £800,000 payoffs.
Is Flintshire County Council corrupt?Link Council Capers Alison Halford
-------------------------------------------------------------------
A special Audit meeting was held on 22nd January because members had been shocked by findings of Internal Audit review of Housing Maintenance and Repairs (Canton) at the Audit Committee of 16th December 2009. Sixteen nasty problems were listed and it seemed we needed to ask why were the work force allegedly running the stores and from the faults found, it also seemed that some might be running off with the goods too in unchecked Council vans that staff are allowed to take home.
The “significant” categories ranged from tickets are not authorised, work instruction tickets are not validated nor are weekly routine stock checks conducted. Stocks held in vans, that staff are allowed to take home; are not checked either.
Rumours that Canton had big problems have circulated for years. Now was the long awaited proof. What were management doing, we needed to know. The Housing Supremo and newly appointed deputy were summonsed before this Special Audit Committee to explain what had gone so dreadfully wrong. A simple question of problems of tickets not being validated seemed to floor the Director completely. Enough time had elapsed to find answers to the expected questions surely? Waffle but no substance was the verdict from members who had watched the debacle from the back. All were very unimpressed, and there were mutterings about ‘needs to know what she’s talking about and get a grip.’
Was this appearance a “Kodak moment” for this Director? Members of Community & Housing Committee, responsible for scrutinising Canton had fought for months to be kept informed of progress and policy. We were tired of having very little shared with us and felt that we were superfluous to the Director’s managerial style. We had been told that things improving. This scathing catalogue of missing stores and sloppy supervision came as a shock.
A deafening silence had stalked the corridors of County Hall ever since that amazingly inept performance on 22nd January. When after a week of ‘no show’ despite missing several important meetings and several Community and Housing budget meetings, people began to ask about this absence. When I asked why the Director had failed to appear to introduce a financial report, all I got was a black look stare from the Committee officer. Rumours ran rife but the Chief Executive was not saying.
‘Highly paid people are paid to perform’- kept drumming through my head. Despite months of patience, some aspects of Housing performance was generally deteriorating. Time for action! The report in which I hammered out my long standing and growing concerns, almost wrote itself. It’s not that I had not been scrupulosity fair, having visited various officers including our Head lawyer and the Chief Executive himself to express my worries. Nothing was done!
As I needed feedback from other members to ensure I had not wrongly criticised the officer, I despatched an early draft to a chosen trusty few. (One failed my trust).
No one objected and I sent the finished article to our Monitoring Officer on 26th January. I asked that the first one should be destroyed but the second one needed official attention.
Unbelievably, it was shoot the messenger time with the opening salvo via an email from Head of Legal Services that made no sense at all. It went from seeking amicable resolution to ‘You have potentially made difficulties for yourself’ and the intervention of the Ombudsman was not ruled out. Reeling from this bizarre email, I met my Group Leader on 5th February as he reported that things were “quite serious now”!
Message was simple. Head of Legal Services wanted me to withdraw the report and I was provided with a draft letter which suggested that I write in his words to Sue Lewis and to the Chief Executive.
The meeting spilled over into a Group meeting where I explained that was going on and I was given the warmest support. “If she wants a pay out”, she’ll have to fight for it” was the instant and unanimous response. I felt very relieved.
When I read the Monitoring Officer’s email passed over by my Leader, I could not believe what I was being asked to do. The draft report suggested that I “had inappropriately and mistakenly sent to a number of colleagues….I understand that the contents of the report have caused you (Mrs Lewis) distress resulting in arrangements being made for special leave of absence”…I (Me) would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologise for any distress caused you by publishing my concerns in the way I did.”
I had already been told that my initial report has been copied to both the CE and to Mrs Lewis. I DID NOT SEND MY REPORT TO THIS OFFICER. The culprit, (and suspect it is an Executive “she”) did a foolish and hurtful thing. Whoever leaked this highly critical document must surely consider their position. To blame me for sending the Director into extended leave was wrong!
The Coalition is drifting, a senior member has admitted as such recently and more drift must surely follow as we are effectively leaderless. Cllr Woolley is too deeply involved with the Ombudsman investigations and writings in his Journal, used to make life difficult for Patrick Heesom and myself will come back to bite him. The manner in which this highly paid Director leaves the Authority is important. I am seeking information on how many other big pay offs have been made to disaffected staff over the years.
We pay huge salaries and we need accountability. There must be an end to this culture of secrecy that allows ineffective management on some occasions to hide their own failings by buying the organisation/themselves out of trouble. Thankfully, with sufficient committed and determined members willing to override the leadership vacuum we can correct this. Bureaucrats are accountable to the public who pay them and our Council role is to make that accountability real.
There is so much more to tell. How the Local Authority now reacts is very important in financial terms. A fair and sensible resolution must be found that does not pay out for incompetence. Those in charge of paid staff must take responsibility for this debacle. The County’s Whistle Blowing policy offers me no protection as those charged with ensuring justice and fair play prevails are those who seek to bring me down.
No wonder such emphasis has been placed on demanding that I withdrawn/rewrite/apologise for my report about the Director. Unwittingly, I have cast huge doubts on the strength of the Ombudsman’s case as a hole has been blown in the Corporate Managements’ Team’s unsteady boat. Whether irreparably holed and thus it will capsize with all hands on board, only time will tell!
Link Susan Lewis
Leader Letter Title - Police Hot Air over Danger Drivers
cc Chief Constable
Dear Leader
A letter for consideration
I see name and address supplied writes that dangerous drivers are ignored. He/she says that nobody seems to care. The above remarks are so true. Politicians, Councillors, North Wales Police, Arrive Alive and North Wales Police Authority are to blame for the continuing carnage and bad driving on our roads.
Penyffordd has over 700 vehicles a day that hammer through the village. Roads at night are like race tracks. Until the above press North Wales Police do the job for which they are paid to do you can expect more of the same. The Balance your Bobby and Policing Pledge initiatives just so much hot air.
Penyffordd has over 700 vehicles a day that hammer through the village. Roads at night are like race tracks. Until the above press North Wales Police do the job for which they are paid to do you can expect more of the same. The Balance your Bobby and Policing Pledge initiatives just so much hot air.
Colin Hughes
Chester Rd, Penyffordd
The above letter has been published in The Leader today. I wrote it when I was ill but it still stands up. There has been two deaths on Sealand Road within 3 yards of one another on successive days.
Why is this?
1. Mud and/or ice on the road.
2. A speed limit that should have been changed years ago
3. There is no traffic policing
4. Inappropriate speed.
I've also had an letter from Mark Tami MP today. It's from Gosafe cataloging my interactions with them . On first reading it makes me out to be a right plank. Lisa has read it and pointed out various issues. To be continued.
keywords gosafe.org
keywords gosafe.org
Monday, February 22, 2010
I hate pain
The link below shows how doctors up until fairly recently did not take pain seriously enough.
My tonsils have been swollen and painful for over a week. Paracetomol will not stop the pain, Cocodomol will. Over the years I have been dismayed at how doctors view pain with little importance.
I once developed severe food poisoning from a holiday abroad and the pain from it was so unbearable I had to get Lisa to take me to Wrexham Casualty. Food poisoning gets you to the front of the queue. The doctor asked me some questions gave me an antispasmodic jab in the leg. I asked when the pain would stop to which he replied two or three days. The indifference to my agony by this ahole incredulous.
Anyway I want some hill billy heroin for emergencies
My strep throat appears to be getting better, as am I.
Link Huge Rise in Pain Prescription drugs
My tonsils have been swollen and painful for over a week. Paracetomol will not stop the pain, Cocodomol will. Over the years I have been dismayed at how doctors view pain with little importance.
I once developed severe food poisoning from a holiday abroad and the pain from it was so unbearable I had to get Lisa to take me to Wrexham Casualty. Food poisoning gets you to the front of the queue. The doctor asked me some questions gave me an antispasmodic jab in the leg. I asked when the pain would stop to which he replied two or three days. The indifference to my agony by this ahole incredulous.
Anyway I want some hill billy heroin for emergencies
My strep throat appears to be getting better, as am I.
Link Huge Rise in Pain Prescription drugs
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Pain relief upgrade
Co Codomol gives a good nights sleep. My cold gallops along and so does the cold front. Three inches in Penyffordd, nine inches in Llandegla.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Colds and Cold
Green Lodge Farm Llandegla
My cold seems to be half way through. Very sore tonsils and a desire to do nothing. The second bit binds the most as the first symptom can be avoided with paracetomol.
Lisa is looking for better "mickey finn's" in Tesco's. Lemsip Extra come highly recommended, we shall see.
The blackbirds have started territorial wars before dawn and we appear to have further cold weather to a week next Monday.
The normal spot for the dog walk will not be available due to snow so its up to Green Lodge Farm, Llandegla. The snow will be 6 inches deep but you can park just off the main road. There is always Elwyn to pull me out, that's if he has his tractor going. Last time I spoke to him I gave him details of a new starter motor that was on Ebay.
Elwyn's lambs will be due shortly. His wife Ruth takes time off work to help with the births. One year Elwyn bought a ram that looked ok but malfunctioned in a certain department. This was not realised until Ruth had booked the time off but no lambs appeared.........................
The lambs apparently start coming the 22nd which is next Tuesday.
My cold 8 days old and getting worse...........
Friday, February 19, 2010
CASTLE Cement’s neighbours outline to Mold Crown Court how their quality of life was damaged by factory
CASTLE Cement’s neighbours outlined to Mold Crown Court how their quality of life was damaged.
In statements read to the court Anthony Poultney said he and his family had lived at Penyffordd for 40 years with a clear view of the site. He said: “Since Kiln Four was put into production there have been excessive dust emissions.
“My quality of life has been affected to the point where I have considered moving house.”
Dr Kenneth O’Hara said: “I’ve been reporting noise problems to Castle Cement and to the Environment Agency for nearly two years and the problem is still ongoing.
“The noise can reach a level such that on occasion we have had to move to sleep in another room at the other side of the house.”
Link The Daily Post
The fact is traffic noise off Penyffordd Bypass and traffic in Chester Rd is the main environment irritant NOT Castle Cement dust.
In statements read to the court Anthony Poultney said he and his family had lived at Penyffordd for 40 years with a clear view of the site. He said: “Since Kiln Four was put into production there have been excessive dust emissions.
“My quality of life has been affected to the point where I have considered moving house.”
Dr Kenneth O’Hara said: “I’ve been reporting noise problems to Castle Cement and to the Environment Agency for nearly two years and the problem is still ongoing.
“The noise can reach a level such that on occasion we have had to move to sleep in another room at the other side of the house.”
Link The Daily Post
The fact is traffic noise off Penyffordd Bypass and traffic in Chester Rd is the main environment irritant NOT Castle Cement dust.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Do not try this at home
Last year my melons went no where. They sulked. I put this down to cold soil. Ralph who Lisa saw in the Post Office says spuds were traditionally sown on Good Friday. I have some ideas for soil warming including solar water panels and 50 gallon plastic drums insulated with Kingspan.
Also I have some rope lighting. I have some beds made out of Kingspan. I intend putting the rope lighting in the bottom coverd by some slate then filled up with rotted manure and compost. The temperture to be initially controlled by a timer ie. 15 hours. I also have a soil thermometer. Melons like above 20degrees C. Rope lighting uses very little current. Best to keep the fork and shovel away from rope
Link http://www.gardengrapevine.com/BottomHeater.html
Also I have some rope lighting. I have some beds made out of Kingspan. I intend putting the rope lighting in the bottom coverd by some slate then filled up with rotted manure and compost. The temperture to be initially controlled by a timer ie. 15 hours. I also have a soil thermometer. Melons like above 20degrees C. Rope lighting uses very little current. Best to keep the fork and shovel away from rope
Link http://www.gardengrapevine.com/BottomHeater.html
My cold and the Bolero
The cold started with tiredness folowed by lack of appetite, then nothing. Now my tonsils start hurting late afternoon onwards. Mr Paracetamol sorts them out. Now the mucous and the coughs. It builds as the beat in the Bolero does. Nights seem to last a thousand hours. I went to bed last night woke up for the toilet and was amazed to see the Chinese still open and quite a few cars around. Insomnia the curse of the masses. I wake myself from silly circular abstract dreams. Perhaps I should re-read the books I have on Astral Projection to try to control my nightly meanderings. The idea is to wake up inside the dream. The first stage in this is to know you are dreaming and just watch.......................
Improvements in Penyffordd
Penyffordd Youth Club is being kitted out, new double glazing and floor.
Work has started on a site for allotments behind the swings. I am of the opinion these are for children. The grown ups were asked and didn't want one.
Work has started on a site for allotments behind the swings. I am of the opinion these are for children. The grown ups were asked and didn't want one.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Climb down by the climate lobby
No global warming since 1995.
Hockey stick data lost.
The earth has been warmer when there was no industrialisation.
Suck on that Prime Minister and Minister Milliband who called us all "flat earthers"
Link The Daily Mail
and further..........Professor Andrew Lacis
So, bearing all of these facts in mind, here is Andrew Lacis's comment on the Executive Summary of Chapter 9 of the IPCC's AR4. [Emphasis by The Devil.]
Links
The Devil's Kitchen
Dr Andrew Lacis
Hockey stick data lost.
The earth has been warmer when there was no industrialisation.
Suck on that Prime Minister and Minister Milliband who called us all "flat earthers"
Link The Daily Mail
and further..........Professor Andrew Lacis
Chapter 9 is possibly the most important one in the whole IPCC report - it's the one where they decide that global warming is manmade. This is the one where the headlines are made.
So, bearing all of these facts in mind, here is Andrew Lacis's comment on the Executive Summary of Chapter 9 of the IPCC's AR4. [Emphasis by The Devil.]
There is no scientific merit to be found in the Executive Summary. The presentation sounds like something put together by Greenpeace activists and their legal department. The points being made are made arbitrarily with legal sounding caveats without having established any foundation or basis in fact. The Executive Summary seems to be a political statement that is only designed to annoy greenhouse skeptics. Wasn't the IPCC Assessment Report intended to be a scientific document that would merit solid backing from the climate science community—instead of forcing many climate scientists into having to agree with greenhouse skeptic criticisms that this is indeed a report with a clear and obvious political agenda. Attribution can not happen until understanding has been clearly demonstrated. Once the facts of climate change have been established and understood, attribution will become self-evident to all. The Executive Summary as it stands is beyond redemption and should simply be deleted.
Links
The Devil's Kitchen
Dr Andrew Lacis
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Further sickness
Then perhaps I can leave it alone. My symptoms do not appear to be as bad as Lisa's perhaps I got mine last Wednesday off someone else?
My wife's friend's husband has got prostate cancer. Not the standard one but a fast developing one that has perhaps reached his bones. He's done the female hormones which shrink your parts. This stabilised the psa reading for sometime. It's supposed to be single figure but his first check revealed 200+.
Anyway things have started going down hill again the psa shooting up. First opinion is 5 months extra life if he subjects himself to chemotherapy. To which he and I when I heard were heard to say "F".
He is to have a second opinion.
The medical profession and many people seem to have little interest in the way nutrition has a part to play in illness.
I would imediately start taking five omega 3 oil capsules of a very high purity.
( I currently take one a day)
Fresh grapefruit* ( I take every day) , carrot and beetroot juice would be on the daily menu.
Red meat would be stopped.
Perhaps just fish.
10 grams of vitamin C a day.
Perhaps a raw fresh wheatgrass mixed with the carrot juice.
That would be for starters to build up the immune system.
Mild exercise to stimulate the lymph.
and no chemo.............................
Cancer cells are produced all the time by our bodies. The immune system kills them. An immune system damaged by chemo is no defence against............
My wife's friend's husband fights for his life.
*grapefruit and quite a few drugs including some statins do not get on together inside you. In fact reactions can be fatal.
My wife's friend's husband has got prostate cancer. Not the standard one but a fast developing one that has perhaps reached his bones. He's done the female hormones which shrink your parts. This stabilised the psa reading for sometime. It's supposed to be single figure but his first check revealed 200+.
Anyway things have started going down hill again the psa shooting up. First opinion is 5 months extra life if he subjects himself to chemotherapy. To which he and I when I heard were heard to say "F".
He is to have a second opinion.
The medical profession and many people seem to have little interest in the way nutrition has a part to play in illness.
I would imediately start taking five omega 3 oil capsules of a very high purity.
( I currently take one a day)
Fresh grapefruit* ( I take every day) , carrot and beetroot juice would be on the daily menu.
Red meat would be stopped.
Perhaps just fish.
10 grams of vitamin C a day.
Perhaps a raw fresh wheatgrass mixed with the carrot juice.
That would be for starters to build up the immune system.
Mild exercise to stimulate the lymph.
and no chemo.............................
Cancer cells are produced all the time by our bodies. The immune system kills them. An immune system damaged by chemo is no defence against............
My wife's friend's husband fights for his life.
*grapefruit and quite a few drugs including some statins do not get on together inside you. In fact reactions can be fatal.
I'm Sick
As you get older I'm sure health issues become larger especially in the head. Lisa has had a cold all last week with conjunctivitus thrown in for good measure. So when Lisa's cold started I had a talk with her about ways to stop me getting her cold. This did not go down well but I can't see why we should have to share everything.
Anyway I was doing realy well until yesterday. 8 days with Lisa's cold fading and me not getting it. So yesterday afternoon I felt tired so I lay down for half an hour, this turned into two hours, then another two hours and then another two. Guests arrive for meal at 8 and I do not feel like eating even though I have only had a bacon sandwhich at lunchtime. So I feel very tired with no appetite but no other symptoms.
Fast forward this morning. Tiredness nearly gone but the snuffles have started plus the sore glands.
Anyway I was doing realy well until yesterday. 8 days with Lisa's cold fading and me not getting it. So yesterday afternoon I felt tired so I lay down for half an hour, this turned into two hours, then another two hours and then another two. Guests arrive for meal at 8 and I do not feel like eating even though I have only had a bacon sandwhich at lunchtime. So I feel very tired with no appetite but no other symptoms.
Fast forward this morning. Tiredness nearly gone but the snuffles have started plus the sore glands.
Properties sold in Penyffordd district
Sales recently added within 500 metres of CH4 0LJ
• Stone Cottage, Penymynydd Road, Penymynydd, CH4 0LJ - Sold for £155,000 on 12-11-2009
There have been no recent sales added within 500 metres of CH4 0HP, but you can view all previous sales information by visiting OurProperty.co.uk.
• Stone Cottage, Penymynydd Road, Penymynydd, CH4 0LJ - Sold for £155,000 on 12-11-2009
There have been no recent sales added within 500 metres of CH4 0HP, but you can view all previous sales information by visiting OurProperty.co.uk.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
FOI data report for Chester Rd Penyffordd June 2008
Data supplied by Flintshire County Council
Speed Limit 30 mph, a major route to school
Recording device position near bus stop
Dates 6 June 2008 to 16 June 2008
Number of days 10
Number of vehicle speed recordings 25225
Speeds are static which do not show that most vehicles are accelerating or deaccelerating
Highest speed 74 mph
Lowest speed. 8 mph
No of speeds below 20 mph 4400
Number of vehicles deemed to be using not Penymynydd Rd to and from Chester Rd 20385
Since the speed data is affected by traffic coming out and going into Penymymydd Rd plus buses stopping and starting at the bus stop everything below 20 mph will be removed to give a clearer picture
Vehicles speeds 25mph and under 7829
Vehicle speeds over 25mph 17396
3 vehicles equaling 70 mph
6 vehicles equaling 60 - 69 mph
76 vehicles equaling 50 - 59 mph
1274 vehicles equaling 40 - 49 mph
7321 vehicles equaling 30 - 39 mph
Speed Limit 30 mph, a major route to school
Recording device position near bus stop
Dates 6 June 2008 to 16 June 2008
Number of days 10
Number of vehicle speed recordings 25225
Speeds are static which do not show that most vehicles are accelerating or deaccelerating
Highest speed 74 mph
Lowest speed. 8 mph
No of speeds below 20 mph 4400
Number of vehicles deemed to be using not Penymynydd Rd to and from Chester Rd 20385
Since the speed data is affected by traffic coming out and going into Penymymydd Rd plus buses stopping and starting at the bus stop everything below 20 mph will be removed to give a clearer picture
Vehicles speeds 25mph and under 7829
Vehicle speeds over 25mph 17396
3 vehicles equaling 70 mph
6 vehicles equaling 60 - 69 mph
76 vehicles equaling 50 - 59 mph
1274 vehicles equaling 40 - 49 mph
7321 vehicles equaling 30 - 39 mph
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
FOIE News
In May 2007 and June 2008 Flintshire County Council's representative for Arrive Alive now called the All Wales Safety Partnership recorded traffic data on Chester Rd, Penyffordd.
I then made an FOIE request (R001967) to FCC for the above data in MS Excel format. The FOIE was denied telling the outright lie that the data could not be exported in Excel format.
It's at least a year and maybe 18 months this nonsense has been going on. I have been bombarding officers and councillors over this issue. Finally Council Leader Arnold Woolley got involved which led to Lisa my wife and me in Arnold's office with the FOI guy and the road safety officer who recorded the data.
I was allowed to see data on the screen and could ask for reports but they were still stonewalling on handing over the data. Came away with little except a posibility that the 30mph limit would be pushed back.
Three weeks on after further pushing I have finally got 2008 data. They say 2007 data has been lost. I must be the only person in the UK who has ever asked for this data and they have "lost" half of it.
They were having a little trouble exporting the data so I supplied them with the software manual that I had asked the traffic data collection company for.
So the data arrived by email in PDF format protected by a 128 bit encrypted password. I can browse data but not copy it. Also there are various conditions such as asking permission before publishing data on the net.
The time stamp has also been removed in case I logged registration numbers and times while the recording device was installed. They are suposedly protecting drivers identities.
What a laugh.
The above data should be supplied free to communities so they can see the exact danger that vehicle spose to communities.
Instead Arrive Alive fool communities with averages. For example Chester Rd average at a certain point in the 30 mph zone is 28mph. This hides a 1000 speeding vehicles a day.
It stinks.
I hope to be able to move on from that above.
Many thanks to Council Leader Arnold Woolley.
keywords gosafe.org
I then made an FOIE request (R001967) to FCC for the above data in MS Excel format. The FOIE was denied telling the outright lie that the data could not be exported in Excel format.
It's at least a year and maybe 18 months this nonsense has been going on. I have been bombarding officers and councillors over this issue. Finally Council Leader Arnold Woolley got involved which led to Lisa my wife and me in Arnold's office with the FOI guy and the road safety officer who recorded the data.
I was allowed to see data on the screen and could ask for reports but they were still stonewalling on handing over the data. Came away with little except a posibility that the 30mph limit would be pushed back.
Three weeks on after further pushing I have finally got 2008 data. They say 2007 data has been lost. I must be the only person in the UK who has ever asked for this data and they have "lost" half of it.
They were having a little trouble exporting the data so I supplied them with the software manual that I had asked the traffic data collection company for.
So the data arrived by email in PDF format protected by a 128 bit encrypted password. I can browse data but not copy it. Also there are various conditions such as asking permission before publishing data on the net.
The time stamp has also been removed in case I logged registration numbers and times while the recording device was installed. They are suposedly protecting drivers identities.
What a laugh.
The above data should be supplied free to communities so they can see the exact danger that vehicle spose to communities.
Instead Arrive Alive fool communities with averages. For example Chester Rd average at a certain point in the 30 mph zone is 28mph. This hides a 1000 speeding vehicles a day.
It stinks.
I hope to be able to move on from that above.
Many thanks to Council Leader Arnold Woolley.
keywords gosafe.org
Monday, February 08, 2010
The Duke of Westminster's Garden Centre
Veg plugs will be coming in this week the following varieties will be available.
capsicum hot-cayenne
Capsicum Sweet Green
Capsicum Sweet Red
Capsicum Sweet Yellow
Capsicum Sweet Banana
Strawberry Temptation
Tomato Gardner's Delight
Tomato Italian Plum
Tomato Money-maker
Tomato Sun gold
Super Marmande
Tumbling Tom Red
Other varieties of veg plants will be in stock from the beginning of April i.e. carrots, lettuce, cabbage,beans, raddish, leeks, onions, beetroot, cauliflower etc
Penyffordd Community Council Meeting Wednesday 10th February 2010
It is now 36 months since I sent a polite letter to PCC pointing out we had a lot of speeding traffic passed the house. Nigel the clerk came on the phone saying that speeding was nothing to do with the council.
This of course is not true. Are the council still risking lives of Penyffordd residents by not pressing the agencies* in charge of traffic policing to do their job?
There is also the matter of environment.
*North Wales Police, All Wales Safety Partnership.
This of course is not true. Are the council still risking lives of Penyffordd residents by not pressing the agencies* in charge of traffic policing to do their job?
There is also the matter of environment.
*North Wales Police, All Wales Safety Partnership.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Black Gold
After the walk today we went up to Green Lodge farm Llandegla. Elwyn the farmer said I could help myself to his pile of well rotted cow manure. I went up with three empty sheep vitamin buckets to put the black gold in. When I got into the field I was suddenly surrounded by about 30 expectant sheep who spotted the vitamin buckets. They must put good stuff in the vitamins. Elwyn says the vitamin buckets are £20 a throw. The empty buckets are good for growing tomatoes in.
The black gold does not smell and has red wrigglers and nematodes in it. Not so sure about the nematodes though.....
Link
Invertebrates of the compost pile
Red wrigglers
The black gold does not smell and has red wrigglers and nematodes in it. Not so sure about the nematodes though.....
Link
Invertebrates of the compost pile
Red wrigglers
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Friday, February 05, 2010
Carl Sargeant AM receives black belt
Last week Carl's minister's car was reported to have been involved in an accident. The details were brief but didn't look serious. So I fired off a get well soon email that was a bit flippant. It now turns out the accident was a head on with seat belts locking and air bags initiating. Carl has been in some discomfort since the accident.
I would imagine just sitting or lying will be causing great discomfort.
Carl is a heavy chap and would require a lot of stopping by seat belts.
Unless you have been in an accident* you may not know that seatbelts cause large black bruises and airbags make your nose bleed.
*thankfully not me
Anyway Carl hopes to makes it to next weeks WAG important voting.
Get well soon Carl
Link Daily Post
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Impass
With regards ongoing unpoliced speeding through Chester Rd.
1. Mark Tami MP has written to Chief Constable Mark Polin on my (and others on Chester Rd) behalf
with regards no traffic policing of Chester Rd.
2. Penyffordd Community Council have had postponed meetings due to snow, ice and panto rehearsals.
3. Arrive Alive ?
4. There is a possibilty that the 30 mph limit can be pushed back.
keywords gosafe.org
1. Mark Tami MP has written to Chief Constable Mark Polin on my (and others on Chester Rd) behalf
with regards no traffic policing of Chester Rd.
2. Penyffordd Community Council have had postponed meetings due to snow, ice and panto rehearsals.
3. Arrive Alive ?
4. There is a possibilty that the 30 mph limit can be pushed back.
keywords gosafe.org
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
On our dog walks
we see buzzards most days. The crows and ravens dive bomb buzzards who never offer any retaliation even though they are larger and have the ability to inflict damage. However here are two buzzards fighting over food.
Link The Mail Online
Link The Mail Online
Cllr Colin Bithell in The Leader on Padeswood bridge lorry incident
As Roland Cleth says stupid lorry driver, no more no less.
My comment at the bottom.
Link The Leader
My comment at the bottom.
Link The Leader
Monday, February 01, 2010
My next letter to The Leader
is constructed and they have not even put the article on their website. The Daily Post are running a story about getting more Flintshire County Council workers on their bikes for better fitness. Bikes and vehicles do not mix especially on A roads. Lisa, myself and the dogs were nearly seriously injured / killed in our car last week when a Dragon Fuel Oil lorry came 3 foot over a white line on a bend on the notorius A5104 outside Penyffordd going to Treuddyn.
A and many B roads are race tracks there is no traffic policing.
Until Sustrans and the like construct alternative cycle tracks to A roads, deaths of cyclists will just rise.
Link Daily Post
A and many B roads are race tracks there is no traffic policing.
Until Sustrans and the like construct alternative cycle tracks to A roads, deaths of cyclists will just rise.
Link Daily Post
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Car making in the UK
Not exactly local but Penyffordd people do work at Vauxhalls, Ellesmere Port. Toyota are looking for 750 redundancies in Derbyshire from a work force of 4000. If Toyota who make perhaps the most reliable cars in the world are making cut backs what's in store for the rest of British auto plants? There has been over capacity for quite a few years in the global auto industry. More pain to follow?
Link The FT
Link The FT
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Proposed Penyffordd and District Ward Boundary Changes
Hawarden, Penyffordd and Higher Kinnerton would be combined.
Link
The Leader
Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales Proposals for Flintshire (pdf)
Link
The Leader
Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales Proposals for Flintshire (pdf)
Highlights
4. REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED PRIOR TO DRAFT PROPOSALS
4.1 We received representations from the following town and community councils:
Bagillt Community Council; Broughton and Bretton Community Council; Buckley
Town Council; Caerwys Quay Town Council; Connah’s Quay Town Council; Flint
Town Council; Gwernymynydd Community Council; Halkyn Community Council;
Holywell Town Council; Holywell Town Council; Hope Community Council;
Leeswood Community Council; Llanasa Community Council; Llanfynydd
Community Council; Mold Town Council; Nercwys Community Council; Northop
Community Council; Pen-y-Ffordd Community Council; Saltney Town Council;
Treuddyn Community Council
4.1 We received representations from the following town and community councils:
Bagillt Community Council; Broughton and Bretton Community Council; Buckley
Town Council; Caerwys Quay Town Council; Connah’s Quay Town Council; Flint
Town Council; Gwernymynydd Community Council; Halkyn Community Council;
Holywell Town Council; Holywell Town Council; Hope Community Council;
Leeswood Community Council; Llanasa Community Council; Llanfynydd
Community Council; Mold Town Council; Nercwys Community Council; Northop
Community Council; Pen-y-Ffordd Community Council; Saltney Town Council;
Treuddyn Community Council
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hawarden, Higher Kinnerton and Pen-y-ffordd
5.48 The existing Hawarden electoral division consists of the Hawarden ward of the
Community of Hawarden with 1,512 electors (1,598 projected) represented by one
councillor which is 8% below the current county average of 1,650 electors per
councillor. The Higher Kinnerton electoral division consists of the Community of
Higher Kinnerton with 1,286 electors (1,334 projected) represented by one
councillor which is 22% below the current county average of 1,650 electors per
councillor.
The existing Mancot electoral division consists of the
Mancot ward of the Community of Hawarden with 2,645 electors (2,861 projected)
represented by two councillors. This gives a level of representation of 1,323
electors per councillor which is 20% below the current county average of 1,650
electors per councillor and is 24% below 1,750 electors per councillor.
- 17 -
5.49 We noted the representation from Councillor Carver (Hawarden) who considers that
Hawarden’s boundary does not encompass the entire Hawarden village. A realignment
of this boundary together with reference to future developments indicates
that there need be no further changes to electoral arrangements in the area.
the Community of Higher Kinnerton, and the Community of Pen-y-ffordd would form
an electoral division with 8,392 electors (9,380 projected) which, if represented by
four councillors, would have a level of representation of 2,098 electors per
councillor which is 9% above the proposed county average of 1,924 electors per
councillor. It was noted that the divisions adjoin each other and are connected by
the A55 offering good links between them. This amalgamation would result in a
division a working name of Llys Edwin. We would welcome any suggestions for
alternative names.
5.48 The existing Hawarden electoral division consists of the Hawarden ward of the
Community of Hawarden with 1,512 electors (1,598 projected) represented by one
councillor which is 8% below the current county average of 1,650 electors per
councillor. The Higher Kinnerton electoral division consists of the Community of
Higher Kinnerton with 1,286 electors (1,334 projected) represented by one
councillor which is 22% below the current county average of 1,650 electors per
councillor.
The existing Pen-y-ffordd electoral division consists of the Community of
Pen-y-ffordd with 2,949 electors (3,587 projected) represented by two councillors.
This gives a level of representation of 1,475 electors per councillor which is 11%
below the current county average of 1,650 electors per councillor and is 16% below
1,750 electors per councillor.
The existing Mancot electoral division consists of the
Mancot ward of the Community of Hawarden with 2,645 electors (2,861 projected)
represented by two councillors. This gives a level of representation of 1,323
electors per councillor which is 20% below the current county average of 1,650
electors per councillor and is 24% below 1,750 electors per councillor.
- 17 -
5.49 We noted the representation from Councillor Carver (Hawarden) who considers that
Hawarden’s boundary does not encompass the entire Hawarden village. A realignment
of this boundary together with reference to future developments indicates
that there need be no further changes to electoral arrangements in the area.
Councillor Williams (Pen-y-Ffordd) made a similar suggestion and provided
mapping in support. We have also noted the representation from Pen-y-Ffordd
Community Council suggesting changes to the community ward boundaries and
suggesting that the projected increase in the number of electors would imply that no
changes are necessary. As we have explained in paragraphs 5.1 to 5.4 we are
unable to consider such changes as part of this review. We have, however, noted
the existing levels of electoral parity in the area and are of the view that it would be
desirable to make changes to the electoral arrangements in this area in order to
achieve improvements in that electoral parity.
5.50 Combining the Hawarden and Mancot wards of the Community of Hawarden withthe Community of Higher Kinnerton, and the Community of Pen-y-ffordd would form
an electoral division with 8,392 electors (9,380 projected) which, if represented by
four councillors, would have a level of representation of 2,098 electors per
councillor which is 9% above the proposed county average of 1,924 electors per
councillor. It was noted that the divisions adjoin each other and are connected by
the A55 offering good links between them. This amalgamation would result in a
reduction of two councillors representing the area but it will improve the electoral
parity. We put this forward as a proposal. We have given the proposed electoraldivision a working name of Llys Edwin. We would welcome any suggestions for
alternative names.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Penyffordd Community Council Website progress
Cllr David Williams has been busy. One hopes he allows content from all political parties. Even me from the Penyffordd Environment Party? Que!
Link Penyffordd Community Council
Postscript: A quick look through the website deems my enquiries to be so.
Link Penyffordd Community Council
Postscript: A quick look through the website deems my enquiries to be so.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Is Chief Constable Mark Polin really Walter Mitty?
Treating us like Morons
Click to enlarge
Myself and Penyffordd Councillors have a few issues with Flintshire County Council too.
c
Do you want to be a member of the Great and the Good?
note: Cllr Ian Roberts head of North Wales Police Authority has currently blocked my email address. So much for communication and accountability. It seems NWPA have given up traffic policing just like North Wales Police. Are North Wales Police Authority just an anachronism?
Traffic calming and 20 mph zones
in The MailOnline
You of course have the continuing argument by police that traffic is not policeable.
It is if you try and have a strategy.
NWP currently have no interest in traffic policing whatsoever.
You of course have the continuing argument by police that traffic is not policeable.
It is if you try and have a strategy.
NWP currently have no interest in traffic policing whatsoever.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Computers
do my head in. I had two motherboards, one gig of ram, two cases with power supplies. To save money as I need another computer I have spent two week trying to make one up. I nearly got there. Emergency boot disk ran on computer but the operating system would not. I have given up. Today Dell have sent me an email saying they can do me a new one for £430 plus gordon brown (vat). I await a Dell £55 (inc post) bargain bought on Ebay......
Penyffordd News in brief
It's raining and will do most of the day.
We have to take the dog for a walk in the rain.
He doesn't like it neither do we.
Penyffordd News in brief
It's raining and will do most of the day.
We have to take the dog for a walk in the rain.
He doesn't like it neither do we.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Further benefits of Ads by Google
Not only am I 38p in pocket from my Google advertising revenue. I have also had an indignant email from my County Councillor David Williams. David has not replied or sent an email to me for about 2 years. This is partly my fault as I told him off for not doing his job.
Anyway David is incandescent that I am advertising lawyers who get you off speeding fines. I also see I get the ambulance chasing brigade. The other side of the coin is that NWP are spending serious money on Google advertising " Balance your Bobby".
I have no control over Google ads at all. I talk protest over speeding on the blog, I get the ads mentioned.
As David had copied his email to the great and the good I of course had to do the same. After half a bottle of wine my answer a little more free than normal.
Anyway David is incandescent that I am advertising lawyers who get you off speeding fines. I also see I get the ambulance chasing brigade. The other side of the coin is that NWP are spending serious money on Google advertising " Balance your Bobby".
I have no control over Google ads at all. I talk protest over speeding on the blog, I get the ads mentioned.
As David had copied his email to the great and the good I of course had to do the same. After half a bottle of wine my answer a little more free than normal.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Someone has been spying upon me
It would appear I am drinking 37 bottles of vodka a year.
There must be lots of people out there drinking an awful lot to get the average to 37 bottles.
There must be lots of people out there drinking an awful lot to get the average to 37 bottles.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Balance your Bobby South Flintshire - Inspector Martin Best writes....
http://www.balanceyourbobbies.com/results.aspx?wardid=171&respid=1296
The District of South Flintshire
Following the launch of Balance Your Bobbies , I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have already identified their policing priorities and In response I would like to provide an update regarding the points raised. You Said….. Generally speaking the most prominent issue highlighted for the residents of South Flintshire is that of the need for an increased visible policing presence. This has always been a priority for your South Flintshire team and we have made some real progress recently in ensuring that in particular your Neighbourhood Policing Team is visible and accessible in the community. We did The latest figures that I have show that PCSO's are spending just under 80% of their time out and about in the community, your Community Beat Managers are spending just under 70% of their time out and about and we are actively looking at ways to increase these further.
You Said Another issue raised by residents across the district is that of speeding and anti social driving. We did This has long been held as a priority right across North Wales and a number of years ago whilst working with the Eastern Roads Policing Unit I had the opportunity to develop The Roads Policing Community Sergeants role . I was initially tasked with integrating Neighbourhood Policing into the daily business of what is now our Protective Services Division and co-ordinating a roads policing response to address significant community concern regarding Road Safety. Concern was evidenced by statistical data from the Neighbourhood Policing Management Database.. I initially developed a “Structure” for solving community problems The structure defined the roles of those involved and ensured a multi-agency response placing emphasis on quality of service, identification of issues and feedback to the community.
To support this “Structure” and to ensure that officers had the ability to undertake the tasks training was delivered to Community Beat Managers and Police Community Support Officers on Road Safety issues. As a result in area's of concerns Action Plans are raised, ensuring a coordinated response from the police, our partner agencies, and the public. So what have been doing to tackle speeding and anti social driving today? Enforcement Speed gun regularly deployed on roads which are identified by officers and the public as suffering from speeding vehicles. Section 59 notices issued to people driving in an anti social manner. These notices allow officers to seize vehicles from them should they do it again. This has been very effective in dealing with off road motor bikes and mini motos. Untaxed vehicles have been seized. We have been targeting persons using mobile telephones whilst driving and those not wearing seatbelts. Deployment of our Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) team to area's of concern. But this only forms one element of a wider education campaign aimed to improve road safety of pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and other road users in South Flintshire . Other measures are designed to improve safety of our most vulnerable groups including children and the elderly. Education
Visits to vulnerable young offending drivers offering advice and support to beak the chain of offending. A “pimp your ride” training unit which is deployed to locations where young people/drivers from across the County meet up. This allows officers to interact with young people and educate them as to the dangers of speed and advise them as to sensible driving. Working with schools and the Local Authority to introduce and maintain a "safer routes to schools plan" Engineering joint community meetings with Flintshire County Council highways Authority to identify long term engineering solutions to area's of concern. Please continue to utilise this excellent system to highlight your priorities and I will ensure regular feedback on action taken. Kindest Regards Martin Best
For more information on your Policing Team, please visit your Neighbourhood Team page on the
North Wales Police Website
Should you have any information related to a crime that you wish to impart anonymously,
please visit the Crime Stoppers website - www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Keywords. Inspector Martin Best
The District of South Flintshire
Following the launch of Balance Your Bobbies , I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have already identified their policing priorities and In response I would like to provide an update regarding the points raised. You Said….. Generally speaking the most prominent issue highlighted for the residents of South Flintshire is that of the need for an increased visible policing presence. This has always been a priority for your South Flintshire team and we have made some real progress recently in ensuring that in particular your Neighbourhood Policing Team is visible and accessible in the community. We did The latest figures that I have show that PCSO's are spending just under 80% of their time out and about in the community, your Community Beat Managers are spending just under 70% of their time out and about and we are actively looking at ways to increase these further.
You Said Another issue raised by residents across the district is that of speeding and anti social driving. We did This has long been held as a priority right across North Wales and a number of years ago whilst working with the Eastern Roads Policing Unit I had the opportunity to develop The Roads Policing Community Sergeants role . I was initially tasked with integrating Neighbourhood Policing into the daily business of what is now our Protective Services Division and co-ordinating a roads policing response to address significant community concern regarding Road Safety. Concern was evidenced by statistical data from the Neighbourhood Policing Management Database.. I initially developed a “Structure” for solving community problems The structure defined the roles of those involved and ensured a multi-agency response placing emphasis on quality of service, identification of issues and feedback to the community.
To support this “Structure” and to ensure that officers had the ability to undertake the tasks training was delivered to Community Beat Managers and Police Community Support Officers on Road Safety issues. As a result in area's of concerns Action Plans are raised, ensuring a coordinated response from the police, our partner agencies, and the public. So what have been doing to tackle speeding and anti social driving today? Enforcement Speed gun regularly deployed on roads which are identified by officers and the public as suffering from speeding vehicles. Section 59 notices issued to people driving in an anti social manner. These notices allow officers to seize vehicles from them should they do it again. This has been very effective in dealing with off road motor bikes and mini motos. Untaxed vehicles have been seized. We have been targeting persons using mobile telephones whilst driving and those not wearing seatbelts. Deployment of our Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) team to area's of concern. But this only forms one element of a wider education campaign aimed to improve road safety of pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and other road users in South Flintshire . Other measures are designed to improve safety of our most vulnerable groups including children and the elderly. Education
Visits to vulnerable young offending drivers offering advice and support to beak the chain of offending. A “pimp your ride” training unit which is deployed to locations where young people/drivers from across the County meet up. This allows officers to interact with young people and educate them as to the dangers of speed and advise them as to sensible driving. Working with schools and the Local Authority to introduce and maintain a "safer routes to schools plan" Engineering joint community meetings with Flintshire County Council highways Authority to identify long term engineering solutions to area's of concern. Please continue to utilise this excellent system to highlight your priorities and I will ensure regular feedback on action taken. Kindest Regards Martin Best
For more information on your Policing Team, please visit your Neighbourhood Team page on the
North Wales Police Website
Should you have any information related to a crime that you wish to impart anonymously,
please visit the Crime Stoppers website - www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Postscript. Chester Rd residents hope that traffic policing of Chester Rd will become a reality
Keywords. Inspector Martin Best
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Beauty and the Beast
Click on image to read all details
Penyffordd Panto 2010 on
Friday 5th February at 7 pm
Saturday 6th February at 1.30pm
Also Saturday 6th February at 7pm
Sunday 7th February at 2 pm
Tickets at Penyffordd Post Office - Telephone Number 01244 550462
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
I am to become a Google millionaire
The other day I signed up for Google Adsense. I have made 30p which is somewhat below the minimum wage.
I have made 1912 entries. There is also the research and photo manipulation that is required for the entries. So if we say I took 10 minutes to write each one that would be 19120 minutes (13 days non stop) . This is 318.6 hours which is perhaps understated because of the research factor. Never the less this is a good start 30 p for 318.6 hours work.
The future's bright the future is Google.
I have made 1912 entries. There is also the research and photo manipulation that is required for the entries. So if we say I took 10 minutes to write each one that would be 19120 minutes (13 days non stop) . This is 318.6 hours which is perhaps understated because of the research factor. Never the less this is a good start 30 p for 318.6 hours work.
The future's bright the future is Google.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Computer blues continued
You might ask why I have a few motherboards floating around. Soon after the last local election my computer, pocket computer and camera all went "tits up". Computer wouldn't start, pocket pc said it needed a new battery and the zoom lens on the camera would not work.
I opined it was the work of the police, I feel Microsoft have given them ways to mess with protester's computers. The link was that all items were joined to the internet. Someone else opined that a councillor's wife had put a hex on me.
So I had kit worth nearly a £1000 not working.
1. I decided to buy an upgrade for the computer. New motherboard with processor and ram. Could never get it to work (my fault)
2. Bought a new battery for pocket computer then the old battery decided to work.
3. The camera zoom lens system and special settings messed around for a fortnight then the issues went away.
The end result is I had two motherboards of a good specification that would not work.
Zoom forward two years to now. I have swapped MB's, ram, hard drives and power supplies about 36 times. The many failures recorded are:
1. NTLDR is missing - I say FB 30 times.
2. txtsetup.sif is corrupt or missing - another 30 Fb's
and I tell you I have Google'd............................................................
So grasping at straws I downloaded what was supposed to be a boot disk for £4 which resulted in failure. The boot cd did bugger all.
On Ebay I spied another boot disk to start the computer. Looked at the detail with great scrutiny as I was getting fed up of being stitched up. The boot cd seemed to be the bees knees.
So the disk turned up today and it works. Images appear on the screen. I can look at what's on the hard drive. I think the disk loads the Linux operating system. The designer of this disk should be made a saint.
I have now found out why the MS operating system would not load. I was trying to load win2k over Windows XP but MS will not tell you up front.
I say a pox to Microsoft and hope Google blast you off the planet with their free Chrome operating system.
Still haven't got it working though lol.
I do however have access to the computer and can copy files and format hard drive for a new operating system.
Link BartPE
Postscript:: After having one computer for years that occasionally gave me great grief because it would not connect to the internet ( you will have been there perhaps) I now have six.
You may say overkill but there is safety in numbers.
I have a great project that requires a million records (public domain), this will take sometime to download, so the more slaves the better. Computers do not need tea breaks either.
Lisa's Kitchen Cod in Beer Batter
With dauphinois potatoes, glazed carrots and pan fried sprouts with chilli
I'm to become very rich
I have signed up for Google Adsense. In future the blog will display adverts at Google's discretion. With my 5 readers I'm expecting to make at least 5p a week. It takes about 48 hours to kick in.
On a more serious note Google has various free options that have the ability to make serious money.
On a more serious note Google has various free options that have the ability to make serious money.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Alison Halford Blog January 2010
Tony hides the gritting salt from Bernie. A speed protester bites the dust. RIP John Edwards.
Link http://www.alisonhalford.co.uk/2010/01/councillor-capers-jan-2010/
Link http://www.alisonhalford.co.uk/2010/01/councillor-capers-jan-2010/
An email to Mark Tami MP
I have asked Mark if he will make representations to the Chief Constable Mark Polin and
Jim Moore, Head of The All Wales Safety Partnership over speeding in Chester Rd, Penyffordd.
I have asked Mark what intentions NWP have with regards speeding on Chester Rd in 2010.
I have also asked Mark to ask Jim Moore why AWSP do not come to Chester Rd and why they will not hand over raw traffic data recorded on Chester Rd for May 2007 and June 2008.
Mark has kindly agreed the above.
Jim Moore, Head of The All Wales Safety Partnership over speeding in Chester Rd, Penyffordd.
I have asked Mark what intentions NWP have with regards speeding on Chester Rd in 2010.
I have also asked Mark to ask Jim Moore why AWSP do not come to Chester Rd and why they will not hand over raw traffic data recorded on Chester Rd for May 2007 and June 2008.
Mark has kindly agreed the above.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Forecasts for the next decade from Penyffordd District
1. We will have a level of inflation that will be painful for a considerable period.
2. Food and energy prices will rise considerably.
3. VAT will go up to 20%
4. House prices? May stay constant instead of falling due to a severe shortage of housing stock.
5. The above items may lead to social unrest.
6. Crime will rise.
7. Public services will have to be cut. Private industry is taking double digit reductions in profits year on year. The golden goose is laying less eggs to pay for public services which have not contracted yet.
8. Company and personal bankruptcies will increase in 2010.
9. Britain will become less of an economic force in the world.
10. China will become the most powerful country in the world.
11. North Wales which is part of the poorest country in the United Kingdom will struggle with employment.
12. The Internet will continue it's vast change to the commercial and community life in villages, towns and cities.
Many business types will continue to dissappear very quickly.
Lets hope I am wrong.
Actions to be taken at Penyffordd district to counteract the above
1. Super insulation of home as we have solid walls.
2. Fix the roof lol.
3. Expand year on year garden for vegetable and fruit growing.
I have found out how to build a large polytunnel for £80
4. Invest in solar electric and solar water (DIY).
5. Use solar and wood for space heating.
6. Finish using mains gas unless we can find a company who allow low connection fees.
7. Find partners for food swaps.
8. Find as many legal ways as possible to avoid paying tax increases either green or otherwise to
pay for the £Trillion of debt this government have built up over the last 14 years. It has been estimated by the Ratepayers Alliance that us in Flintshire are already paying £500 per year extra for so called greenhouse gas taxes.
Links about the above
2. Food and energy prices will rise considerably.
3. VAT will go up to 20%
4. House prices? May stay constant instead of falling due to a severe shortage of housing stock.
5. The above items may lead to social unrest.
6. Crime will rise.
7. Public services will have to be cut. Private industry is taking double digit reductions in profits year on year. The golden goose is laying less eggs to pay for public services which have not contracted yet.
8. Company and personal bankruptcies will increase in 2010.
9. Britain will become less of an economic force in the world.
10. China will become the most powerful country in the world.
11. North Wales which is part of the poorest country in the United Kingdom will struggle with employment.
12. The Internet will continue it's vast change to the commercial and community life in villages, towns and cities.
Many business types will continue to dissappear very quickly.
Lets hope I am wrong.
Actions to be taken at Penyffordd district to counteract the above
1. Super insulation of home as we have solid walls.
2. Fix the roof lol.
3. Expand year on year garden for vegetable and fruit growing.
I have found out how to build a large polytunnel for £80
4. Invest in solar electric and solar water (DIY).
5. Use solar and wood for space heating.
6. Finish using mains gas unless we can find a company who allow low connection fees.
7. Find partners for food swaps.
8. Find as many legal ways as possible to avoid paying tax increases either green or otherwise to
pay for the £Trillion of debt this government have built up over the last 14 years. It has been estimated by the Ratepayers Alliance that us in Flintshire are already paying £500 per year extra for so called greenhouse gas taxes.
Links about the above
Further on Global Warming
Acording to Dominic Lawson in The Sunday Times, The Met Office have still got us down for a mild winter. They use statistics to bend the reality. Similar to Arrive Alive traffic data for Chester Rd, Penyffordd.
He also discusses the continuing export of Britain's heavy industry abroad. How long before Corus Shotton goes the same way?
Link
Times Online
The Met Office Prediction for 2010
He also discusses the continuing export of Britain's heavy industry abroad. How long before Corus Shotton goes the same way?
Link
Times Online
The Met Office Prediction for 2010
Houses sold in December 2009
in Penyffordd district.
• 7, Fammau View Drive, Penyffordd, CH4 0JQ - Sold for £100,000 on 20-11-2009
• Jesmond Dene, Wrexham Road, Penyffordd, CH4 0HU - Sold for £75,000 on 27-09-2009
You can view all previous sales information by visiting OurProperty.co.uk.
• 7, Fammau View Drive, Penyffordd, CH4 0JQ - Sold for £100,000 on 20-11-2009
• Jesmond Dene, Wrexham Road, Penyffordd, CH4 0HU - Sold for £75,000 on 27-09-2009
You can view all previous sales information by visiting OurProperty.co.uk.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
We have a new neighbour
moving from Perth in Australia I kid you not. He has relations in the village. Our previous neighbours have slunk off with no goodbye, a strange couple, socially crippled, by parents? who knows.
I had just one meaningful conversation with wifey over the height of hedges, because they were selling it turned out. They usually went in the garden about three times a year. You think I joke?
I used to cut their side of the hedge for them.
They would avoid conversation like the plague.
One of the last couple's who moved in to the row were "put right" about me. Lets hope I can get to him first. Although anyone of substance will make their own minds up.
I had just one meaningful conversation with wifey over the height of hedges, because they were selling it turned out. They usually went in the garden about three times a year. You think I joke?
I used to cut their side of the hedge for them.
They would avoid conversation like the plague.
One of the last couple's who moved in to the row were "put right" about me. Lets hope I can get to him first. Although anyone of substance will make their own minds up.
Realities and Statistics
Earlier this week I went to Shire Hall at the invitation of Council Leader Arnold Woolley. I have had an occasional email exchange with Arnold after I went "Nuclear" over my FOIE for traffic data for Chester Rd chucked in the bin for the 5th time. I emailed every county councillor and county council boss whose email's I had stored up to say they were breaking FOIE law.
Thursday's meeting was frustrating for me. For one thing Arnold plays Devil's Advocate asking searching questions to both sides. On the other side you get an FCC officer quoting daily average speeds of 28mph for Chester Rd. Saying that Chester Rd is no different to many other roads in Flintshire. Lisa was very good, I feel she will make a good councillor. Lisa asked very pertinent to the point questions.
One of the statistics is that Chester Rd has over 800 vehicles each day that are doing more than 30 mph. For me increasing speed as vehicles put their foot down starting at the Post Office towards the limit is one of the main issues. It cuts like a knife, so I stay away from the road.
The statistics and the actuality in my opinion differ greatly.
Some Penyffordd councillors have some sympathies towards the predicament of myself and others in Chester Rd. Others take the attitude that we should just go away.
There is perhaps some light at the end of the tunnel. There is possibility of extending the 30 mph. As we have a bypass I can't see why we can't be allowed to follow the model of Rossett village centre. Compulsory 20mph with road bumps. That however is another matter.
This does not I think go along with Derek Kirby's plan for Chester Rd. Derek is Head of Strategy for Flintshire roads. There are I think maybe one or two councillors in Penyffordd who are aware of what I perceive to be Derek's plans. That Chester Rd should remain an unofficial trunk road. Traffic leaving the new A55 Warren Bank exit will be heading straight through the middle of the village instead of using the bypass.
Now that I have FCC woken up on FOIE's perhaps a few more need to be made.
Lots vehicle from North of Chester to John O'Groats in Scotland who wishes to visit or return from Mid Wales will be looking to use Chester Rd/Corwen Rd as a short cut.
Thursday's meeting was frustrating for me. For one thing Arnold plays Devil's Advocate asking searching questions to both sides. On the other side you get an FCC officer quoting daily average speeds of 28mph for Chester Rd. Saying that Chester Rd is no different to many other roads in Flintshire. Lisa was very good, I feel she will make a good councillor. Lisa asked very pertinent to the point questions.
One of the statistics is that Chester Rd has over 800 vehicles each day that are doing more than 30 mph. For me increasing speed as vehicles put their foot down starting at the Post Office towards the limit is one of the main issues. It cuts like a knife, so I stay away from the road.
The statistics and the actuality in my opinion differ greatly.
Some Penyffordd councillors have some sympathies towards the predicament of myself and others in Chester Rd. Others take the attitude that we should just go away.
There is perhaps some light at the end of the tunnel. There is possibility of extending the 30 mph. As we have a bypass I can't see why we can't be allowed to follow the model of Rossett village centre. Compulsory 20mph with road bumps. That however is another matter.
This does not I think go along with Derek Kirby's plan for Chester Rd. Derek is Head of Strategy for Flintshire roads. There are I think maybe one or two councillors in Penyffordd who are aware of what I perceive to be Derek's plans. That Chester Rd should remain an unofficial trunk road. Traffic leaving the new A55 Warren Bank exit will be heading straight through the middle of the village instead of using the bypass.
Now that I have FCC woken up on FOIE's perhaps a few more need to be made.
Lots vehicle from North of Chester to John O'Groats in Scotland who wishes to visit or return from Mid Wales will be looking to use Chester Rd/Corwen Rd as a short cut.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Vauxhall's turn off gas so householder supplies remain secure
Vauxhall's car plant at Ellesmere Port on Merseyside and British Sugar's refineries at Bury St Edmunds and Newark are among nearly 100 factories that have had their gas cut as Britain's energy infrastructure creaks under the strain of the great freeze.
Link The Guardian
Link The Guardian
Shire Hall supplemental
Whilst Lisa and myself were waiting to see Council Leader Arnold Woolley I spied Cllr Bernie Attridge, Flintshire County Council Member for Connah's Quay Central. So I introduced myself and Lisa to him. Good to see the face behind the letters in The Leader he said. We had a few minutes conversation about his extra duties as a county councillor before being ushered upstairs. Bernie is a regular in the Leader due to his position as deputy opposition leader and head of Licensing.
Link Cllr Bernie Attridge
To Shire Hall
To meet Flintshire's representative of Arrive Alive now called Go Safe. The meeting was to discuss my request under FOI law for electronic traffic data recorded at Chester Rd, Penyffordd stored by Arrive Alive. The meeting lasted an hour. I came away from the meeting without the data.
I was shown the database and requests were invited for me to question the databases reporting system.
There was however possible light with regards slowing traffic in Chester Rd, Penyffordd. Still over 800 vehicles speeding in Chester Rd.
Many thanks to Council Leader Cllr Arnold Woolley for making yesterday's meeting in this office possible and for his valued comments and suggestions.
Lead up to yesterdays meeting.
Traffic measurement by FCC of Chester Rd by FCC April 2007
Traffic measurement by FCC of Chester Rd by FCC June 2008
FOIE that just got "lost" by FCC
FOIE R001967 got through, well sort of.
The above FOIE not answered within the legal time limit
The FOIE eventually avoided.
My legal right to an explanation for the refusal to supply data ignored.
Cllr Arnold Woolley gets involved.
Meeting yesterday where it was admitted that April 2007 data may be "lost"
Continued refusal to hand over base data.
The FOI officer involved is looking into the export of data further.
Links
Geograph.org.uk
keywords gosafe.org
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Alun Pugh a man with vision for North Wales
Presently the Director of Snowdonia Society/Cymdeithas Eryri, Mr Pugh, of Gellifor, Ruthin, said: "I would like to see the speed reduced to 20mph in residential and urban areas such as Bethesda and from 60 to 50mph in areas such as outside Llanberis for example. Knocking off 10mph would be a big incentive for foreign truckers to use the A55 instead of the A5 and A470.
"I am reflecting the opinion of many people fed up with high-speed motor-bikes racing around Snowdonia and lorries speeding through Bethesda to catch the ferry."
A Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson said: "Increasing the use of 20mph limits is a One Wales commitment. Currently there are 481 20mph limits in Wales."
Link
The Daily Post
The Snowdonia Society
"I am reflecting the opinion of many people fed up with high-speed motor-bikes racing around Snowdonia and lorries speeding through Bethesda to catch the ferry."
A Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson said: "Increasing the use of 20mph limits is a One Wales commitment. Currently there are 481 20mph limits in Wales."
Link
The Daily Post
The Snowdonia Society
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Snow Chaos
Yesterday the A55 between Ewloe and Holyhead a disaster. Big trouble getting school children home. Airbus sent their workers home.
There have been numerous accidents everywhere mostly minor. Looking out the window one still sees muppets pushing other cars to go faster. The amount of thick people in this country amazes. I suppose they will learn the hard way.
We have to go to New Broughton near Wrexham this morning..........................
Penyffordd seems to be ok today with regards more snow. The same cannot be said for Mid and South Wales.
Link The Daily Post
There have been numerous accidents everywhere mostly minor. Looking out the window one still sees muppets pushing other cars to go faster. The amount of thick people in this country amazes. I suppose they will learn the hard way.
We have to go to New Broughton near Wrexham this morning..........................
Penyffordd seems to be ok today with regards more snow. The same cannot be said for Mid and South Wales.
Link The Daily Post
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Gas and Salt
Current heavy snow freeze weather is supposed to be ongoing for the next 14 days. here
The Conservatives say we have 8 days of gas left here
Cllr Tony Sharps says we have 7 days of salt left. here
Not quite enough?
postscript: You find folks that live in the hills have more than one heating medium.
We have gas and will have wood burning for next winter.
link: 1 day of grit left
The Conservatives say we have 8 days of gas left here
Cllr Tony Sharps says we have 7 days of salt left. here
Not quite enough?
postscript: You find folks that live in the hills have more than one heating medium.
We have gas and will have wood burning for next winter.
link: 1 day of grit left
Penyffordd Community Council January Meeting
Tomorrow night at 6.30 pm in the back room at The Penyffordd Institute. All are welcome to attend although you normally cannot speak Usually finishes before 8.30 pm.
Snow stops school
So you are Head of a school in Penyffordd district, you live near Nannerch. You leave your car in Nannerch and it is a three mile walk from your house to Nannerch as the road is unpassable with the snow. Three miles takes nearly two hours so you have leave two hours early. You get to school and over half of the staff have not turned up so you have to close the school..........................
Link School closures in The Leader
Link School closures in The Leader
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Getting the weather and global warming wrong
It has a gigantic supercomputer, 1,500 staff and a £170m-a-year budget. So why does the Met Office get it so wrong?
The Mailonline
The Mailonline
Friday, January 01, 2010
Samizdata Blog
A blog for people with a critically rational individualist perspective. We are developing the social individualist meta-context for the future. From the very serious to the extremely frivolous... lets see what is on the mind of the Samizdata people.
Samizdata, derived from Samizdat /n. a system of clandestine publication of banned literature in the USSR
[Russ.,= self-publishing house]
A new blog Left Foot Forward
It is for me anyway.
I'm not party politics motivated just environment motivated. Here is a blog that is admired by quite a few of the good political blogs, even the great Guido says its good. Cllr David Williams thinks I am a left wing sympathiser, this not is the case, its issues not political parties David.
If you are Labour motivated the above site is good.
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