Chatbox

Question which I doubt you will print again !!
How can they call a meeting asking for a mandate on turnpike field car park when there has been no obligatory council meeting .
Only four councillors hardly democratic !!

Population of Audlem just under 2000 at 2011 Census against a MAXIMUM licenced capacity of Audlem Town Hall (in the unlikely event of a full house for this meeting) 200 people. What kind of democratic process is this ? It's a pity the meeting was not not discussed with the PC appointed Turnpike Field Working Group – but again democracy seems to be out of favour with the 4 councillors actively left serving on the present Parish Council. What is the point of voting on something the village has already agreed to support ? Do they want us to keep voting until they get a different answer ? I'm all for keeping the public informed – that is the only bit that actually does make sense – but why do we need a separate meeting to the Village Meeting, incurring extra expense ?

I am shocked that the Parish Council is calling a public meeting to ask villagers to vote again on the provision of a car park at the top end of Turnpike Field. I cannot understand why, bearing in mind that the villagers endorsed the provision of such a car park when previously asked, and the purchase of Turnpike Field was a direct result. It is wrong to ask villagers to vote again – what right has the PC to ignore the vote three years ago? Is the PC hoping that they can ignore the wishes of the electorate as previously clearly expressed? If so, that is undemocratic. One cannot keep going back till one gets the answer one wants.
I would contend that the forthcoming public meeting should start from the fact that the proposal to construct the car park is a fait accompli (i.e. the car park will be provided), and the PC should now keep itself to practical matters related to how it will be done, materials, cost etc.
With that in mind, I agree with Mr Leeson on Chatbox that we need more information about the car park, in writing, and in advance of the meeting, to allow there to be informed discussion.
Finally, if the PC decides not to go ahead with the car park, it should immediately put Turnpike Field up for sale, as the majority of those voting last time put a car park as their reason for approving its purchase. The PC will be acting outside its authority if the car park proposal is dropped, but still retains the land.

Hi Eric

I will release a statement closer to the meeting with as much information as I can regarding the car park. As well as that At the meeting members of both the council and working group will be there to explain everything and answer all questions they are able to

Regards
James

Turnpike Field Car Park – UPDATE

It is good to read in AoL this morning that the PC is inviting villagers to attend a public meeting 30/03/2022 to vote on your proposal and continue with the construction of the Turnpike Field Car Park.
In preparation for this public meeting, can you please provide AoL a summary project plan?
And, What exactly are your proposals?

This would enable the attendees to be up-to-date and prepared with suitable questions at the meeting.

Re news article and public meeting – I trust full information from the Parish Council will be made available to all village people prior to any vote being taken. Many villagers may not be able to attend the meeting, will these people get the opportunity to register their vote or will it be carried solely by those attending the meeting.
The costs involved will be being paid by all villagers not just those who were able to attend the meeting. Also will people living outside of the village boundary be allowed to vote ?

Well done on your beating up of defenceless flowers. What a brave person. Please, stand up and take a bow for 'bravery'. My other words would not be allowed on AOL.

I have just returned from a walk along the canal. On reaching The Bridge I saw a young lad, about 10 or 12, pulling up daffodils and smashing their heads against a tree. I told him to stop and was subject to a torrent of abuse. The village is particularly attractive at this time of year. What a shame that someone has to indulge in mindless vandalism

Last Sunday four "Young Ladies" enjoyed a delicious meal (and a few drinks) at Linden Stores. A great way to spend a Sunday with friends – Try it you will not be disappointed !

Hello Nigel, many thanks for your comments throughout. One thing I found out during this adventure is that there are penty of boats looking for crew members for trips all around the world. Highly recommended for any youngster considering a gap year or anyone who is looking for a bit of adventure Just need to look at www.worldcruising.com or www.oceancrewlink.com.

In response to the comments about not having rates of pay on job adverts if this was relating to our SureCare news article I wanted to give a response. This was a jam packed article which I didn't want to make any longer by adding the rates of pay and other benefits as you need the context for it. I included a link to our jobs page which does include the rates of pay, other benefits and what the role fully entails. I totally agree that rates of pay should always be included in an advert, which we do, but felt this was a piece more about our fabulous team and explaining what we want to do as a company rather than a direct job advert. Great to see the feedback though as it helps shape us and I hope you all give our lovely ladies a smile if you see them out and about. Thanks

Re comments about the 'Nursing Home and Vicarage Lane' -The 'Nursing Home no longer own it, no doubt the new owners have plans for its future development, and as we all well know this doesn't happen over night. Also things take longer as it is a listed building. The same remarks could be said for every empty property in the area and country as a whole.

Thanks for the two final instalments Bob; great read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
When is Freeway returning....??
Nigel.

I'd be very happy to help with any community initiative to support Ukrainian refugees.

What an excellent idea Mike and Celia. Don't know how we move on it or whether the Nursing home company still own the site.
I have always thought it a shame that those bungalows lie empty when they were recently built.

Thank you Anna Murray, My thoughts exactly. When Audlem community comes together they can move mountains. Count me in.

Thanks, Chris. I've also reported it via Shropshire Council's online system & intend to ring their helpdesk tomorrow.

I'm in the same boat as Paddy . Struggle to manage without Michelle and Sevvie. The Dry Cleaners is a massive help to me .

Hi All,
Audlem is a hub of community spirit and would be well placed to provide support to people. Are we going to discuss this as a community to see whether we can sponsor refugees?
Thanks

Every time I walk down Vicarage Lane I think its a shame the Old Grammar School OAP bungalows lie empty and going into disrepair. Wouldn't it be a great gesture by the owners (whoever they are) and Audlem that they were offered as temporary accommodation to Ukrainian refugees and repeat that WW1 act of kindness that Celia mentions?

I reported that pothole and another in the same area to https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/ about a week ago....If more people report it, it may prompt action

For anyone not already aware, there is a dangerous wide and deep pothole on the southbound carriageway of the A529 opposite a gateway just north of Adderley School.
This pothole could damage car tyres and/or suspension and, more importantly, could throw a motorcylist or cyclist off his/her bike, especially if not seen in the dark.
I have today contacted Adderley Parish Council about this, asking whether Shropshire Highways have been informed and if so whether there is a timescale for the repair.
I have also asked the PC whether they could put a traffic cone in or beside the pothole, or if not ask Shropshire Highways to do so pending a repair.

Came through Audlem just after 7am this morning and came across the fantastic volunteers loading a lorry of aid for Ukrainian refugees. They had been there since 6am – feel very humbled. Well done everyone involved.

The present situation reminded me that at the beginning of WW1 when Belgium was invaded a collection was made and enough money raised to rent a house in Audlem for a family of refugees!

As a (retired) personnel management professional, I would say that the wage/salary should always be included in job adverts, otherwise the advertiser is likely not to attract a fair number of potential candidates. Omitting the salary suggests to me that you intend to pay less than a reasonable market rate.