Reptilian Tory fires second salvo

Today I’ve been leafletted again by Ronald Bell, and this time it’s a glossy, double-sided A3 sheet entitled “Change”.

I have to say, it’s rather better than the last one and focuses more on positive campaigning than trying to fob us off that he doesn’t support Kensington when we all know otherwise. That topic still creeps in, though.

The front page is set out with two main topics; the national insurance rise from Labour and how the Conservatives will boost NHS spending.

I do get a bit bored of reading about the NHS and seeing it constantly used as a political tool, but I understand that it’s very important to some people to be reminded that no mainstream party is going to get rid of it. Particularly those that work in it.

Along the right hand side you’ve got three smaller issues under the heading “Out and About”. These three issues relate to antisocial behaviour.

Ron states that tackling graffiti is very important to him. Finally, Ron, you’re talking my language here. Issues like this are very important, because graffiti can destroy an area. If left alone, it confirms that nobody is bothered about an area and encourages congregations of layabouts leading to antisocial behaviour. This kind of laissez faire attitude is endemic within the current council, though. Many buildings and areas are left to degenerate and it has been argued by some residents in Foxhall that the Conservative council are doing this on purpose to devalue their property in advance of issuing Compulsory Purchase Orders.

He states that he backs alley gating and believes it to make them “no-go areas” for druggies and fly tippers. Fair enough, alley gater Bell.

Finally he mentions antisocial behaviour in general and the “economic nightmare” which has had a severe impact on the elderly. I’m going to pick him up on this one.

You see, Conservative councils batter pensioners just as much, and in the case of Fylde even more, than Labour when it comes to council tax. Pensioners living on their own are still forced to pay the same as a large family, and the Conservatives are doing nothing to fix that. In addition, the state pension is still pathetic and will continue to be pathetic under the Tories, and none of the gimmicks like the free TV license are being scrapped and put back into the pension pot.

Anyhow, on the back of the leaflet you’ve got a cork pin-board graphic with a map of all the Blackpool South wards pinned to it in the middle. Around this graphic there are small notices pinned up with things that Ron has done. I’ll summarise them.

As Ron is from Blackpool and in particular Bloomfield ward, he supports the regeneration of this area and accepts that the new college campus is lost. He states that he wishes to see HMO’s and bedsits replaced with affordable homes.

He states that he wants to keep South Station open and wishes to encourage regeneration of that area. Note that this is directly opposite to what the current Conservative council want.

He states that he wants to protect Marton Moss and see homes built in the centre of Blackpool. This is also the exact opposite of what the current Conservative council want, and is basically pissing in the wind because he knows full well that his council colleagues have in recent weeks approved all the plans to build there.

He states that he wishes to cut red tape within the Police.

He states that he understands there are problems with parking in the Whitegate Drive area. I’m not sure what he’s on about here, but I’m guessing that that massive new health centre with the smallest car park in the world is something to do with it. Wasn’t it his Conservative council that approved that construction without any foresight? Sorry Ron, but you can’t take credit for fixing problems that you created. Peter Callow tried it with his tough talking about banning St. John’s Square traffic, but it was he that created the debacle in the first place.

Post offices are mentioned again, as Ron states that he fought long and hard to keep them open. But it’s still in WH Smith and nobody likes it.

Ronald mentions that he supports Lidl, thought I’m not sure which one and why. In the same segment he states that in conjunction with local NIMBYs he successfully opposed the opening of a drugs (rehab?) centre on Whitegate Drive.

Finally he states that he supports local organisations such as Blesma, the Blind Society, 177 ATC and all cadet organisations. Can’t argue with that.