IF YOU are as big a fan of Cllr Ian Fowler as I am, you will be aware of the Crystal Road scheme which saw Blackpool Council buying up property in the Foxhall area of town, supposedly to renovate them and release them as high quality family accommodation.
Mr Fowler banked a delicious £180,000 from the sale of his property on Crystal Road, which seemed rather convenient if nothing else, given the indicators of current subsidance on the external walls of the property and the apparent lack of diligence on the valuation.
The council didn’t just buy property on Crystal Road though: Rawcliffe Street, Pleasant Street, Dean Street and Moore Street all saw property purchased by the council, the total spend being a smidgeon under £2.8million.
I suggested that these properties would end up under the ownership of an out of town housing association after hearing this from a local hotelier, and in a trilogy of executive decisions yesterday (PH/181/2010, PH/182/2010 and PH/183/2010), this was made so.
Portfolio holder Cllr Lily Henderson demonstrated that not only can you buy tacky watches, christmas decorations and kiss me quick hats in Blackpool for £1, you can actually buy a whole street as she signed away 18 properties to Manchester-based social housing group Great Places for just £3.
This move signals a loss of £2,791,494 to the taxpayer.
Here’s the breakdown;
- 10 properties on Crystal Road - £1
- 7 properties on Dean Street, Moore Street and Rawcliffe Street – £1
- 1 large property on Pleasant Street – £1
There are a couple of reasons why the council is doing this. The first is that it cannot afford to do up the Pleasant Street property, which has planning approval for conversion to 25 flats. The second is that it intended to sell the other properties to developers who would do up the houses and place them on the open market. I guess they had no interest.
Clearly, putting these properties into the hands of a housing association is not going to be the catalyst to bringing Foxhall out of the doldrums.
Ian Fowler must be laughing all the way to the bank.
I am sure Phil the council can justify this they are not incompet….. Sorry medication just kicked in.
There’s room on the Prison Ship with Convi… Holdontoyourwallet on its way to the Penal Colony.
Is it the Jingle of Bells? No they’re not involved…’scuse me while I choke on today’s good deed.
Is it the clanking of chains? Hope so, but it could be the rattling of collection boxes..
Is it Good Will to All Men?………………………..
I wonder if the Scrutiny Committee has had a look at it. Shit, that the funniest thing I’ve said for years.
Scrutiny –noun, plural -nies.
1. a searching examination or investigation; minute inquiry.
2. surveillance; close and continuous watching or guarding.
3. a close and searching look. My Dog, that’s funny.
Crazy
So we can expect planning permission to be passed for a few more Talbot Rd Building Projects Shortly.
Is there a completed sell on levy set on this deal ?
Something like 50% of profit would seem fair to me
http://www.greatplaces.org.uk/ApplyForHousing/Documents/Great%20Places%20accommodation%20application%20pack.pdf
Oh right, you fancy relocating to Crystal Road Shoggy?
Interestingly, the Gasjet has avoided this story completely – I would have thought it would have been a subject of great public interest given the cuts and all of that.
Ther Gasjet has gone quiet on a few stories. New Reporter received an open email that highlighted the insidious nature of the Scrutineer Extraordinaire, calling for another secret meeting of another cabal under rules that he had just invented, and denying the MEMBERS access or participation.
And people vote for them!!!!
It’s enough to make anyone shop at Tesco. Well, no! Its all on http://fylde-bootnecks.blogspot.com/2010/12/fylde-ex-service-liaison-committee-open.html.
Same council members, another murky story. Will that end up like the Kensington fiasco? So what’s a quid in a suspect council chamber?
I think Mr Callow should declare his real intentions for the Conservative party and come clean about his under handed back stabbing towards loyal conservative members of the council. You will have seen over the past week or so allegations into certain conservative councillors. Who have now been de-selected by the party, coincidence that these councillors are the ones who either voted against or stood against Mr Callow as leader, he in fact only became leader by one vote HIS VOTE.
Surly for the good of the conservative party and the town of Blackpool, Mr Callow should do the most decent and honest gesture of his political carrier, RESIGN, bite the bullet Peter and go now.
To coin a phrase, “Blackpool is a right Pickle” and Mr Callows antics and snide ways are not helping the town. He is fighting for his political survival not the town’s survival.
Could he also explain why £3 million pounds of council owned property’s (including some bought from his deputy leader Ian fowler at market value) have been sold to an un-named housing association for only £3, yes folks £3 pounds GB Sterling. What a massive profit for this housing association once these properties have been developed. The whole of the Housing Department under its Expensive £100k a year director David Lund and Councillor Lilly Henderson should also be held to account and resign. The conservative party have fought for years to get away from the sleaze and corruption mantle they got labelled with in the 80’s/90’s but its still there good and proper here in Blackpool.
I am convinced that instead of running this town, Councillor Callow sits in his cosy town hall (rate payer funded) office deleting anything on this site he don’t like. So No Doubt I will go that way soon.
Voice of ‘Reason’ aka Lancashire Lass 500, I demand an apology for your very offensive and insulting remarks about Paul Galley on the Labour newspaper Blackpool Gazette website. You made some very insulting comments and called him a ‘pratt’. You should apologise for that now. I have had the pleasure of meeting Paul and he is a fantastic bloke who is passionate about Blackpool unlike your beloved Gordon Marsden who doesn’t give a stuff about Blackpool.
not my beloved Gorden Marsden
I only said that because you are a Labour supporter, I apologise if I got the wrong end of the stick but I found those comments about Paul Galley very offensive.
oh noes. Shut down the internetz!!!!!!!!
And who do you champion? Ron Bell of Kensington cash fame and implicated in the CIC cum charity shop on Bank Hey Street? http://fylde-bootnecks.blogspot.com/2010/12/fylde-ex-service-liaison-committee-open.html illustrates part of his working practises.
Or Saint Major of Marines Jim Houldsworth? I have provided enough evidence as to his credentials to fill a library. I will add but one last shot. Jim Houldsworth, knowing that I was heavily involved as an active caseworker for service charities, promised me all the assistance he could provide in my endeavours to provide comfort to service families and former service personnel. He then became Mr Unfindable, never answering his telephone or replying to letters an emails. This to such an extent I told a meeting of my association precisely who and which local politicians were amenable to our objectives. This hero then conspired with him at the top to silence me, denying me redress or my right to be judged by my fellow full members. A letter sent by this hero has been denied the disinfection of public scrutiny by the other hero at the top and a cabal with interests contrary to openness.
If you scan back thru Phil’s old blog you will read evidential proof of this complicity, if you really are a Voice of Reason. You may also ask why I resigned as deputy chair of Blackpool South Conservatives and you will get a reply you won’t like.
77 year old Blackpool born Andy Miller was a veteran, has a large immediate family in this area, and died under damning circumstances two weeks after being discharged from intensive care. Have the two heroes shown the slightest interest even though Andy has four young children whose mother now struggles to get justice? Not a beep. Nothing from the Fylde Ex Service Liaison Committee. What a wonderful sinecure to promote self interests. And who are at the fore?
There is a little of a nasty smell around this. Now doubt Fowler declared an interest and took no part in the debate on which properties were purchased and which were not.
But very possibly not before a few nudges and winks to his colleagues to ensure Crystal Road (out of all the roads in Blackpool with suitable housing) was chosen.
The knowledge of the fact that entire blocks were being bought (to facilitate the conversions to flats with the roof line and knock through s) would have been enough to square the circle.
What a load of tory twadle TB comes out with, typical tory bullshite……
Personally I think party politics should be put to one side in the current climate. Disolve the council as it stands and each and every one of you councillors get round the table, and work out what the hell to do to get blackpool on an even keel.
We dont need idiot comments from TB and his supporters licking his hairy arse…………
This town is in a right bloody mess, and if Blackburn and Callow have any balls between them, they should put party and personal differences to one side and TALK…. Remember talking fellas.
Nope doubt. it.
You are right in this current climate the town is in for a bad time with rising unemployment and reducing social support (no matter what Paul Maynard says). It is time the council stop trying to play big time politics and start to try to mange the resources of the town. Now I know the same could be said about Simon Blackburn (and as I know the man I do find TB comments on him fairly offensive myself) but until the present leader of the council makes the first move to offer cooperation he can’t agree to it. So it is in up to Cowell to make the first move to use the best our council has to offer and not just the best that the conservative council has to offer.
“You know you watch too much X Factor when… “
…..?
Last sentence
Got you I am slow but steady
AMEN
No he is not ‘right’, there is no need to be so abusive and offensive. My comments are NOT ‘twaddle’ I am entitled to an opinion. Something you deny other people Old Etonian aka Dolly the Sheep.
john; I do not find my comments about Blackburn ‘offensive’, I am entitled to an opinion and I feel he is arrogant. He makes no effort to co-operate with the Council. He was rallying the trade unions picketing outside the town hall because like most socialists he thinks money never runs out. Labour left this country in a right mess and now the Coalition is having to clean up that mess and there is bound to be cuts, which I support. Blackburn needs to live in the real world. All he ever does is tries to score points by launching negative smear campaigns against the Conservatives. On his website he wrote about the excellent Coun Peter Collins in Park Ward (NOT Grange Park Ward as Coun Brian Doherty calls it, wonder why?). When Collins crushed Fisher in the by-election. A cocky Blackburn said ‘I wish him all the best for the next 3 years because that is as long as he’ll be there’, I find that comment very childish. Peter Collins is doing a wonderful job in Park Ward unlike the seldom seen Labour councillor Doherty. Just for the record I have a friend who lives in Heron’s Reach (which is Park Ward). All Blackburn ever does is campaigns negatively and I despise negative campaigning. My friend alerted me to a leaflet Labour put out in Park Ward recently claiming regeneration is a waste of money. I laughed at Labour’s ineptitude but was also appalled by their lack of care about my beloved hometown.
Its not the point that you don’t find your comments offensive the point is others may well do.
TB why do you always have a negative campaign against the Labour party shouldn’t you tell people what is good about the conservative party. I personally find such negative campaigning very off putting.
Why are you copying my comments John? I campaign negatively against them because they were in power for 13 miserable years and did a lot of damage to the country. Yet now they are in opposition they act like none of it is their fault even when it is. It is the Labour way, they claim credit for the good times, then wash their hands of the bad times.
PS Labour are the MASTERS of negative campaining it is all they ever do.
So double standards then, In the fact that it is all right for you to campaign negatively but not for the Labour party to do it. Personal I feel the conservative have been in power in Blackpool long enough to be able to say positive things about them and generate support that way. Perhaps it is hard to do that with this present council.
Both parties are as rotten as each other, I want Callow and co to go,to save Blackpool,he isnt fit for purpose nor his acolytes.Blackpools parlous state is beyond party politics.Whats needed is for a ‘commisar’ from outside to be parachuted in to form a cabinet made up of the most honest and able members of all parties to form a working cabinet for the council and then sack Weaver and his executive team.
Blackpool Council are open to any solutions to the current dire situation that can be offered…. The door is always open for dialogue.
very interesting reply, looks like the olive branch is being offered. Or is this an admission of not having a clue ha ha…. pmsl.
What can you say vote Monster Raving Loony Party.
In fairness I have just been thinking about Callow (got it right this time) comment about the door being always open. Isn’t it up to him (as the present leader of the council) to go out and search for these solutions and actively encourage other non conservative councillors to get involved in looking for these solutions?
The door to the loony bin /gas chamber is always open for fallow Callow and his geriatric shitbag rectum feeding acolytes,along with his wart infested,piss perspiring,excrement sucking,prune faced,lizard skinned sister, sorry wife………….
Interesting? Not really, since it was you that posted it.
Peter Callow is a very decent man surrounded by greedy, selfish twats. The chances of him leading a coalition of anyone to get us out of the middin will be neigh on impossible.
The leader of the opposition by design, a creation of dogma impracticalities. No “Social Scientist” has ever solved any problem because they just don’t ever understand the problem, so scratch Blackburn and his twin and wife.
I have never heard of either party sitting down and debating any problem, it just has not been done. Mr Green from South Shore ought to an obvious addition to any cabinet but his geniality may be his downfall, but I bet he’s as steely as anyone and I don’t imagine him getting embroiled in dodgy CIC’s.
A few suggestions are made in http://fylde-bootnecks.blogspot.com/2010/12/blackpool-and-district-under-knife.html but they just scratch the surface. To close central Blackpool down has been a folly on gigantic proportions but I bet it has been a continuum of half baked planning policies from Labour to Conservatives. If they sell the prom to Kensington Housing we could have a beach with a ready made slum and some very rich former councillors. The world revolves on a very old axle greased with the indifference of the mindless masses. Even the local clarion of truth subscribed to their own propaganda and ignored the warning screams because occasionally there was a “story” and a couple of pictures, but get a correction to a false editorial you might try suggesting God in a Jew.
Peter Callow has offered, get your minds into action and accept his challenge.
NARG, do you believe it was really Peter Callow who came on this site and made that comment?
Hesres a suggestion for you Peter, resign and take your crooked scum acolytes with you,btw I dont want to see Simon Blackburn in as leader either.
Harold, it’s like standing naked before my full length mirror and repeating, “my, you’ve got a Big Willy!”
Unfortunately the steam in the shower mists my glasses… and melts the ice in my Single Malt. Now that’s multitasking.
lol lol lol splendid creative articulation Sir!
I think you will find that Councillor Callow will not comment on here doubt he even knows of the sites existance. Its more than likely a wind up, fictious post, however the sentiment is correct, they should all sit down and talk like adults, including Simon Blackburn. Now is not the time for any tory/labour politics, its time to get the “Real life” matters out in the open and a workable solution found.
Stop being children please Councillors Callow and Blackburn, have a brew as Simon is fond of saying, and talk not back stabbing or petty squables.
GET THIS TOWN OUT of the sodding mess we are in and bloody dam quick if we are to survive.
Fair points Voice of Reason, I firmly believe that the local pool of councillors regardless of party is very poor,hence the state Blackpool is in,but some of these errors are monumental and avoidable,particulary the traffic management of the town,imho these people are unforgiveable.
Both labour and the tories have wrecked the town over the years, from that twat Percival to Fisher to the Callows,a lineage of crass ineptitude.
Mr Callow does know the site exists as Phil can tell you. I believe it is him, I have had meetings with Mr Callow and he as notareargunner says a very reasonable and decent guy who cares about Blackpool. Don’t be fooled by the Gasjet spin that always makes him look like the baddie and Blackburn as the ‘goodie’ coming to save the day. That’s Labour papers for you. Blackburn doesn’t care about Blackpool, he is just power-hungry like Fisher was, he just wants to score points and smear the Tories. Mr Callow tries to be reasonable and Blackburn and his union friends are making life hard.
TB I am astounded that you have been taken in by this mans bullshit.Saying you care does not mean that you can improve Blackpool.Adolf Hitler said he cared about his people and look what the madman did.Its about policies that can help the town and its people and PC is not up to it.His transport policies, along with tha lunatic harridan ofa wife are causing mayhem.If he really cared he wouldnt allow this nor the dodgy deals with kensingtons and that other cunt Fowler.They are a pair to be ridiculed, as pair of fuddy duddy old farts;quite frankly they should retire and let peopel like Paul Galley step up to the plate.
But its not bullshit, I really have met Mr Callow and he is nothing like the pro-Liebour Gasjet would have people believe. Paul Galley is a fantastic bloke and I sincerely wish him all the best with Anchorsholme in May but Mr Callow is not as bad as he is made out to be. Blackpool will suffer if people make the grave error of voting hardline socialist Blackburn in as Council Leader.
I agree about simon blackburn but callow is a spent force,he is part of a political calss that has regardless of party,managed blackpools decline over the last 30 years.The whole lot have to go and young blood like paul galley step up to the plate.
It’s not that TB has been taken in by Callow, TB is one of his troops, a duly selected conservative candidate – he won’t be even slightly critical of anything Callow or Fowler says. Paul Galley is the only one of the many candidates that frequent this site who has come out. The fact that he has been viciously attacked on here will not encourage others like TB to come out too.
I am a great fan of democracy and transparency Lets all put our cards on the table, unless you have something to hide!
Interesting Jon,well TB are you a candidate?
Yes Harold, Jon is right I am a candidate, I have got nothing to hide. But I am not one of ‘Callow’s troops’ I have met the man and I genuinely think he is a thoroughly decent bloke, and that is ME talking not the candidate in me. That sounds fair enough to me Jon, lets all put our cards on the table. I feel Peter Callow actually cares about Blackpool unlike Marsden and unlike Blackburn who’s only ambition for Blackpool seems to be ‘get the Tories out’.
Well good for you TB,but if Simon Blackburn gets in next year,its down to the Callows,as they are winning him support hand over fist on account of their crass management of the town,especially with regards to traffic issues which will be a big issue next year.
Thanks Harold, have ever considered standing for WBC?
I have TB BUT I do not identify with any mainstream party and WBC is controlled by a cabal of crooked contemptables,as the traetment of an excellent councillor Mark Hamer has shown.If I stood and got in, I would be sidelined,there needs to be wholesale change and not just one or 2 councillors.
Well thats explains alot.
What is that supposed to mean interested?
All Night Drinking Party?
I don’t think I need to explain that.
A lot of unrest lies with the difficulties of having a coalition government. Partnerships in private businesses are rarely successful accept perhaps for law firms who are able to join forces and share their expertise in prosecution, defence and corruption. There is no doubt Blackpool Council has a number of serious issues to deal with. Much of these problems are down to years of underhand behaviour and very poor forward thinking complacent council administration dating back to the 1970′s/80′s which has come back to haunt the Town Hall officials of today. Putting it bluntly too many people have too much ‘on each other’ An old variety comedian Dave Morris once famously said, “Blackpool Council is the best Council money can buy” I hold overwhelming evidence of corruption in particular by the former Corporation Transport Department.
There is nothing illegal or corrupt with the Council purchasing and then selling on the properties for £1.00. This kind of port across style investment and rejuvenation process happens with councils and housing associations all over the UK. I just hope those who have duly inherited these properties stick to their obligations by doing a good quality job and give something back to the town during these difficult times.
but stephen its a Blackpool councillor who has made a pile of cash out of this! taht cunt fowler who is screwing motorists and deterring visitors.
The townsfolk have lost out on that money,thats fuckin scandalous for a town of such deprivation!
TB to quite hones with you dear chap I find your comments, racist, and offensive. Your obviously a die hard blue rinse tory, probs in the Maggie Thachter Mold. You VERY rarely put up a decent reasoned arguement.
We all know the gazette as a paper can be a tadge blurred, however they are in the business of selling newspapers so they will go with the best headline grabber for the front page. And which ever of our leaders Callow and Blackburn can give the best quote/story will get the headline.
You will find that Simon Blackburn is better versed in PR and communication and that Peter Callow often comes over as a bumble head. I know both of them and they both have good qualities.
But its time to put aside party politics and sit down round the big town hall table. WITHOUT The overpaid Chief Executive Mr Weaver to influence the agenda as he normally does…. Trust me I have seen it.
And for the two main partys to work out a “Do-able” plan of action. One that benefits neither party but for the good of the Town. Personally I dont think the current goverment will last that much longer the cracks are getting bigger. But why cant the 2 partys in blackpool work for the good of the town.
Mr Callow appears intent on ridding his party of the people that oppose him…….. or vote against him, sort of weird democracy.
Mr Blackburn whilst having good ideas, policys etc has not got the experience yet to implement them.
SO WORK TOGETHER Gentlemen………….
After all its our town.
As For Paul Galley, I with hold judgement…………… but really think he has stood on to many toes of locals to get elected…………… however theres nowt so QUEER as folk is there TB
I am NOT ‘racist’ at all, don’t be so offensive and don’t be so ridiculous. Also my comments are NOT offensive. My comments are as valid as anyone else’s and I do put up reasoned arguments. I do not appreciate you coming on this site and insulting me. Blackburn is NOT well versed at all, I think he sounds just like the bumbling die hard socialist he is.
Paul Galley is a good bloke and I find your comments about him very offensive. I am NOT ‘racist’ at all, I demand an apology for that grossly inappropriate remark. You are not welcome on this site if you are going to go around insulting people like that. Either make constructive comments or please go away.
see reply below. Old chap………….
Apologise now, you have no right to speak to me like that. I am NOT ‘racist’ at all, there is no need for such nasty and libellous remarks.
Callow could have got rid of that wanker weaver but didnt,slash his salary by 50%, then he can fuck off for good.
As I was told it Mr Weaver did in fact offer the new Leader of the Council Mr Callow his resignation at the last local election. But Mr Callow declined……… BET HE HAS regretted that ever since.
Our Elected Members really have no power its all placed with Mr Weaver, Lund and his side kick Shirley Young…….. NOW THERE is a one…….. She is responsible for the decimation of the local communites and various other depts of the council… This is her who arrives in a cloud of perfume and armani suits to her lowley (recently refurbed) Council Office.
IF Phill the one can do a quick Blog on Shirley Young, he would have fun and be supprised.
Thank VOR,anyone who declines Weavers resignation deserves to be put on trial for crimes against humanity;that is unforgiveable,especially as his massive salary continues to be paid in the climate of cuts etc.
Never heard of her… ?
The Council is clueless as to how it can cut its costs, so let us all give them a few tips.
No salaries to be paid to anyone which exceeds that of the basic pay of the Prime Minister.
All political publications, propaganda and spin to cease forthwith.
All literature to be published in English and English only.
If anyone needs an interpretor, let THEM pay for one.
Stop daubing paint all over the roads and streets.
No more road signs other than Welcome to…….., Please drive carefully.
If motorists can’t behave, throw the book at them. If they kill a pedestrian, charge them with murder. If they park on the pavement – already a criminal offence – make them pay fully for repairs to the pedestrian paths.
Make it an offence to have a dirty forecourt – public or private. A couple of hefty bills through the door will soon make you challenge the fly tipper.
Now that’ll save towards a Kensington Home, on Council Land, with charity shops run by councillor owned CIC’s and give lots of employment to Human Rights lawyers who ignore the plight of an ancient and once civilised people.
here here!
TB I will not appologise to you as that is my view point, same as yours about other people, so there and I stand by my comment re Paul Galley, I had the mis-pleasure of meeting the bloke once…… sanctimonious to say the least…
Not a rear Gunner, some very good intersting points of view agree with most them to be honest.
For information : I was under the illusion that we had two world wars to give us the freedom of speach not to be censored or deleted like on the Gazette Website.
If we all had the same point of view we would be nothing but SHEEP is that what you Want TB, you sound very much like Mr Callow, if a councillor in his party disagrees or votes against him then be gets de-selected…………. Petty minded twaddle.
You can shut up now and stop insulting me. I am NOT ‘racist’ at all and I demand an apology. That is libellous and I find it very offensive, now apologise. Paul Galley is NOT sanctomonious at all, you clearly never have met him.
U can’t libel a pseudonym.
Well there was still no need for such a nasty and outright offensive remark. I will keep on until I get my apology.
TB lets just call it a draw, we will never agree that I can see, so lets just call it a day on this one eh…….. peace to all man kind and that at this time of the year the so called festive season.
You are NOT being ‘censored’, but you have no right to call me a ‘racist’ which I am NOT, now apologise.
My dad and our family waited 30 years for an apology. It was well deserved don’t you think?
I’m sorry but what does that have to do with anything on this thread?
Apologies, I have just realised what you are saying, I wasn’t thinking straight when I wrote that last comment, please ignore it.
Neither was a member of your family many years ago…..
Careful! I see where this is going!
Wots fred got to go wiv it?
P
30 yaers too late stephen your dad was shabbily treated by some low life, still if that apology helps you to attain peace of mind, then tahts fine.I would prefer to see those crooks brought to account for what they did to your dad.
It will all be in the book why it took 30 years to for Blackpool Council to say sorry..and why those involved in this cover up after all these years are still too afraid to speak out. There will be a good few volumes in the chapter of my dads life story one entitled ‘the head-on collusion’. There is one quite notorious Blackpool internet blogger who often has quite a lot to say!, but when it comes to the biggest cover up in public transport history story this chap I am referring to says nothing…. I wonder why? I think he now knows I know who he is related to….. oh matron!
sounds like a book not to be missed.
This book is long over due. The truth is never libellous and the truth always remains the same. How can a local authority or high court still hold my dad 20% responsible yet the person with 80% majority blame remain unknown? The truth of the matter is too many people find this story extraordinary and it seems NO-ONE is willing to defend the position of the former Blackpool Corporation Transport mal practise with this case.
I can tell you that BCT instructed perhaps the very best QC Cecil Henriques around at the time. This same chap would on a regular basis meet several lawyers and they would play bridge together at the Castle Casino at talk shop. I have since learned that the head of my fathers legal team had received the privileged pupillage of Cecil Henriques some years earlier. Mr Henriques at the time was also a respected figure as one of the pioneers to save the Grand Theatre from demolition alongside other trust members Tony Depledge. I can’t add much more as my legal adviser will be not best pleased if I do
I can conclude that my endeavours over the past 2 years have unearthed a great deal of other shocking information. It is my view the Council officials of today should have asked the former BCT bosses to explain their actions or publicly apologise. Instead of allowing BTS to take the flack with their inconsiderate approach and evasive attitude.
Has the person responsible for this crash just received a very large compensation payout for an an injury at work, does that person still work for Blackpool Council? Does that person now drive an expensive car?
I agree TB this story has little to do with properties purchased for £1.00, but what it has done is silence you!
OK TB I withdraw the racist comment, ok
TB See below
Fair enough, Voice of Reason. I accept your draw.
To label Galley as sanctimonious is a bit unfair. I can see where you are coming from, but the super-positive and upbeat frontage that you meet doesn’t change behind the scenes. Either that or he’s very, very good at keeping it going.
head on collusion, excellent statement/title,Stpehen I look forward to this book, good for you sir!
Ah well as long as I receive credit for coming up with that stellar title in my article
ah the genius of Philtheone always enthralls me!
On the 20th December Councillor Kensington Clanger hopes to chair a secretive meeting at the RBL Kings Street. Will someone please inform him that I have it confirmed by a High Court Judge that as a member of an associate body, The Royal British Legion, I can attend even though I may not speak. I shall be asking the Fraud Officers of the investigating police force to accompany me and my notebook, camera and recording player.
I am awaiting a reply from the Legion Chair to my request to attend as a delegate of the Legion. The title of the miscreant body is Fylde…
NOTTHEREARGUNNER : who is councillor kensington clanger…….. not that I disagree with your protest as such, but will it actually do any good, what will it achive.
Would it not be best to allow our wonderful constabulary to carry out there investigation with out any possible prejudice of the case.
Just a thought, the truth will come out eventually.
I am sure the Royal British Legion Branch in Blackpool are beyond reproach and not connected in anyway with this debacule.
Ron Bell?
I couldn’t possibly say that..
But don’t forget the bogus Marine Major in Convict Territory, the late wife swap Councillor Heap, those councillors who are former servicemen and think they are covered in Teflon, note a scaffolding going round the citadel…
For VOR(I think), having spent two years trying to get the Lancashire constabulary to investigate fully the death of Andy Miller, and despite destroying the false evidence provided and accepted by the Minister of Justice,Jack Straw, any confidence in the local constabulary is somewhat optimistic. In reality, looking at the number and occasions of malfeasance within the constabulary – one police sgt running a mafia type gang and an inspector perverting the course of justice, forgive others for not having your faith in the establishment. Are not Councillors part of that very same establishment? And do not councillors sit on a panel that oversees the constabulary?
PS it is NOTTHEREARGUNNER I am NOTAREARGUNNER.
ooooooopppppppppppsssssssssssss trip to specsavers coming up in new year me thinks .
Much better by Braille
lol perhaps your right, its an age thing……… ha ha
Thought you might like to know this story is on the front page of today’s early edition Gasjet.
Peter Callow was unavailable for comment! lol
I saw it Phil, well done, you deesrve a medal,these rotten crooked cunt-bastards should be sacked for abuse of public money.
Anyone who backs callow needs to sectioned.
Would someone like to borrow my scanner? The Gasjet is showing its true colours. THE ARTICLE HAS BEEN PULLED.
Someone phoned me and told me the headlines but unfortunately I am presently housebound…stop cheering you feckless bastards…its because I’ve got a Philippino illegal and I’m test running HER before the Queer Brigade charge me with sexual deviance and the Border Police kick my door in. Don’t bother people, coffee is always hot.
And then I wake up
Keep taking the tablets Royal (it’s giving us lots of entertainment)
Why is this Callow’s fault? Any political party can get some real corrupt people in it – they don’t wear badges. All Callow can do is expel anyone who’s found guilty – but sadly for him that isn’t going to happen before the election and it’s difficult to expel someone just because they’ve been arrested because they’re still innocent until proven guilty. At least Callow’s learnt from last year’s gritting scandal – Fylde have excelled in not gritting anywhere. Just been to the Crem and I think they’re looking for new customers by the state of the road there.
I cannot believe the gazette has not published this story on line, so that we can comment on it,although no doubt the council deleter’s would have been on overtime to protect the establishment. I feel a freedom of information request going to the council to see which developers have been approached. I am sure that plenty would have been interested in purchasing property at knock down prices,especially if the council were forth coming with the necessary planning consent to convert the property’s into family homes or apartments. The property’s should have gone out to auction or tender,to achieve the best possible price,after all they have a moral duty to protect the tax payer from this huge loss. I said in the earlier article Phil did on Crystal road that the price they paid for Fowler’s property was well over the top given its present condition and said that it would result in large scale losses,how right was I. I only hope that these property’s go to local residents and not to problem family’s from Manchester and other out of town locations as we seem to be the dumping ground for such family’s. I am going to have a letter sent to the housing Minister on this as I find it absolutely disgraceful that the council can act so irresponsible with tax payers handouts. Blackpool councillors and officers responsible for such waste, should hang your heads in shame. Anyhow I will start the bidding off for this property portfolio. I offer £50,000, that is a profit of £49,997 on what you have already been offered,do I hear any further bids?
it’s on there now Dave!
Not like the comments will last very long once the Tories get on there and delete them all. I’ve had a few deleted already!
Free Speach getting a very rare these days.
Actually I am a tenant of Great Places (used to be Manchester Methodist Housing Association) and so far (nearly two years) they have been a very good landlord. However, returning to the topic, the selling of 18 properties by the council for £3 is downright insane and I am sure that Great Places would have paid much, much more if the proposition was put before them. This smacks of council apathy and laziness and an offload of responsibility to the private sector (as it was when I became a tenant of Great Places in the first place).
Integrity: a thing of the past?
Well integrity appears to be in short supply given the latest antic of this council. It is noteworthy that the council, in order to avoid scrutiny of the present Government have devised a tactic to circumvent the legislation in force. Careful consideration of Local Government Act 1972 allows a council to dispose of properties under 2M without the transaction calling for Government attention by the designated Minister.
In essence it is noteworthy that there were/are three transactions namely: -
a) 505K;
b) 1.161M;
c) 1.125,500M
Total amount £2.791.500
It follows that if the council were not concerned about this matter being brought to the attention of a Minister then it could have merely shown the full transaction as one (which in reality it is).
Well it would appear that this council or it leaders were not prepared to be faced with public scrutiny let alone Parliament hence the split deals. It matters not as in real terms the council should now be faced with the scrutiny of the District Auditors.
It real terms it is inapt of any public body to behave in such a manner. Of course it is equally noteworthy that one councillor benefited greatly from the tacit deal, in terms that he sold a defective property at an over inflated price, and yet in real terms such a deal was only self-serving in terms that he benefited greatly and as the evidence of the latest stunt proves the properties are only worth a fraction of the actual purchase price.
Moreover we have a council that is more than happy to spend taxpayers money at will and yet with no obvious forward planning. Perhaps this merely demonstrates why the town is in such a mess. It really is time that someone tells the council to either come clean and pass this matter onto Parliament or be faced with a Judicial Review challenging its decision. Clearly the only reason for the three transactions is to hide from Parliament the antics of this council.
Perhaps we should set up a fund to challenge this council in the above way. In the meantime I have already contacted the Housing Minister and would urge you all to write to Grant Shapps at Parliament, also to be found on Face book.
In essence at least three councillors should in my opinion resign as clearly the device put in place is not only damming of good management but also reflects badly when the council who undertook the task now look to circumvent Parliament in the split transactions.
What is clear that the time for action is now and therefore the action ventilated above should be implemented in the shortness of time!
As per usual all my comments on this issue, keep getting deleted from the gazette comment page,although I have reposted them several times. I have emailed Paul Maynard about this, so hopefully will get his comment or explanation in due course,in the meantime I would like to see these property’s go to auction to try and rescue the tax payers from this huge cock up.
I would definitely like a answer from the council for the points put across from integrity,perhaps now that you are a member of the inner circle TB, perhaps you could get some answers from that nice Mr Callow to explain to me why this is good for Blackpool, as me been a bit thick cannot get my head round it,perhaps it is the way forward,maybe I am missing something and should sell some of my property’s for a pound each,at least it would save me paying capital gains tax,if god forbid I make a profit.
I thought Labour were the party to waste money,but our council can give them a run for the money any time,I say like Harold all these long serving councillors are equally to blame,no matter which party they represent, most are as bad as each other, we need a total clear out of this dead wood as well as these highly paid council directors who have only driven Blackpool down hill,we would all be failing Blackpool if we did not get together and act now to help get rid us of these morons come May,fresh ideas and fresh blood is the way forward. Do what other towns are doing to attract business which create employment, with enterprise grants to reduce rents and business rates allow start up grants ect after all we need to get more people into employment,it is the only way forward.
Dateline to destiny
Does anybody know when did the council purchase 22-30 Pleasant St properties ?
The reason for the question:
With any building scheme there is an large amount of work to do prior to submitting planning
as per the planning approval
The scheme must have been drawn up with feasability studies etc. months prior to the sale for £1.00.
So was this already a part agreed deal prior to purchase by the council.
The development must of been sat on the shelf waiting for the approval by B.B.C
Time scales don’t add up !
As most of you know I am not a big fan of our Tory council. I must admit the proposal to build houses on the Mecca site is good news for short term employment at least.
However the council (Tory) state they have to find £12 million pounds.I would again now like to question the decision to buy the properties on Crystal Road. How wise was it to spend £2.7 million pounds when the council claim this was their plan b for the Mecca site?
The argument put forward by Tory supporters was that this money had to be spent on housing. The council now have to buy properties on Tyldesley Road for housing ( I asked the question at the time why these properties were overlooked because they are in the designated holiday area).
This I am afraid adds to the suspicion that the purchase of these properties was indeed for the personal gain of a Tory councillor who owned a property on Crystal Road.
I would hope that a full investigation into the purchase of these properties goes ahead. This shows the forward planning of our Tory council…. There isnt any roll on May the 5th
Christian and Chris your thoughts please
I am not defending anyone except accuracy. was not the £2.7m Government money for the specific task of purchasing multiply occupancies and updating/converting them?
Does not the Central Region need investment into the Industry which provided employment in Blackpool, Tourism. The West Country found a benefactor to build the ultra-modern Eden project and the only think Blackpool chinwaggers talk about is HOUSING!?!? Cardy is right; shorttermism, then neglects to add a viable alternative.
There are entrepreneurs out there who can build new cities in semi deserts – Sun City – to attract tourist from all over the world; yet while Blackpool has to finance pathetic small minded bureaucrats with no ambition and NO VISION other that their own pensions, we will continue to degenerate into a large slum with only expansion for self interested mediocre political no-bodies.
Turn Central Drive into the largest theme park, covered against our unpredictable weather, with sports and entertainment facilities for entire families, with 21st Century transport feeding the whole area, or become a larger Morecambe.
“I am not defending anyone except accuracy. was not the £2.7m Government money for the specific task of purchasing multiply occupancies and updating/converting them?”
The properties on Tyldesley Road are exactly the same as the ones on Crystal Road former hotels which could have been used as HMOS. In fact some of the properties on Tyldesley road were shut down because they were operating as HMOS without a license.
It was stated that the properties were bought to stop them becoming HMOS,this would imply that Tyldesley Road fitted the same bill. The only difference I can see is that T.R. is plan B and needs £12.5 million of property purchasing… oh and no councillors own property on that road.
I wonder when plan B was thought up? It must have been after the purchase of property on C.R. If that is the case did the council not realize how stupid it would make them look by giving this property away and claiming they need to find the revenue for T.R.
All in all its exactly what I expect from B.B.C.
http://planning.blackpool.gov.uk/acolnet/dc/acolnetcgi.gov?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPSESSION=%7B%5B%2A%212B303C21253A247F727660757476647C096260607608737E7E637E212720252F3B366078617C717E77766003747F647C096162747562132B283A2131213C0F2F22366F172129283D3B362060767E2E286A616201212D283D263C3C36681C081E01121F00791C2E213B7660001429241C2A2027293002283D3B7F072B2D3F342B1B322022213A080A72616073707C747A6A611670717D7877%21%2A%5D%7D
———————————————————————-
http://planning.blackpool.gov.uk/PlanningApplicationDocs/images/38447/BcvplanappAccolaid_docs$AcollateLoaderV220101109DAPP10-1324.pdf
I must be missing something here ?
New homes from old houses? Surely that would apply to Tydesley Road
In reply to Cardy, I do not have the full details regarding the Council’s purchase of the Crystal Road housing. Clearly the area is in need of regeneration and there is also a need to avoid more Houses of Multiple Occupation in the area.
Regarding Councillor Fowler. It is important that councillors are treated no differently from other residents. If their properties are subject to compulsory purchase orders they like all other residents are entitled to appropriate compensation. I am not sure how Cllr Fowler came into possession of the properties on Crystal Road. He may have always owned them, he may have inherited them from a relative. If the latter happened it is difficult to see how he could have avoided coming into possession of the properties on Crystal Road. I am also unaware as to whether Cllr Fowler will have made any capital gain on the council’s compulsory purchase of the Crystal Road properties. If he did any capital gain would be subject to capital gains tax (potentially at a rate of 28%).
Regarding the sale of the Crystal Road properties etc to a Manchester social landlord. I understand that the price paid is so low in order to take into account the cost of refurbishing the properties to a suitable standard.
The key issue from what I see it is whether Cllr Fowler received an excessive valuation from the council. Given the fact that there has been a property crash and a credit shortage in the aftermath of the compulsory purchase taking place, the original valuation may look excessive. The economic crisis has certainly had a massive impact on the council’s original plans for the Crystal Road area. However responsibility for the economic crisis, property crash and credit shortage lies with the Government that irresponsibly failed to regulate Britain’s banks – Gordon Brown’s Labour Government.
If the purchase had taken place before George Osborne’s Emergency Budget in June 2010 Capital Gains Tax of 18% would have applied as that was the rate for all taxpayers.
The Conservative led Government increased Capital Gains Tax from 18% to 28% for higher rate taxpayers as part of its plans to balance Britain’s books and to reduce the massive debts left behind by the previous Labour Government.
Chris in light of the new development plan B should the Tory council have bought the property on Crystal Road?
If your answer is yes, should they then have made sure they had the correct budget to re-furbish these properties before buying them?
£2.7 million is nearly a quarter of what the council have to find for plan B. If the council run out of money half way through plan B do you think they will give these properties away?
In view of the recent news on bankers bonuses would you say that this Government led by Mr Cameron are controlling the banks?
These cunts couldnt control their bowels let alone the banks,evidenced by all the shite everywhere.
Tory = labour =fibdem = shite!
Cardy, I do not possess the full facts regarding Development Plan B or the council’s development plans.
However I would argue that the area around Crystal Road is in need of regeneration. Ultimately regeneration costs money and there is no guarantee that it will return a financial profit. A key reason for regeneration is often the social benefits that come from it rather than a desire for financial profitability.
Clearly the council should always seek to ensure value for money for Blackpool taxpayers, and that any regeneration project provides noticeable social benefits even if it does not generate a financial profit.
What exactly is regeneration here?
Fowler getiing 200k whilst teh taxpaeys lose out?
someone define regeneration?
I have one definition: The removal of Callow and Co cartel.
Cardy,
The Government should not be controlling the banks. State controlled banks did not generate public gain in Soviet Russia, they are not going to do in Britain.
I totally opposed Gordon Brown’s decision to prop up failed banks like RBS and HBOS with taxpayers’ money. By doing so the last Labour Government has encouraged a culture of moral hazard in the banking sector where governments will step in if banks get into trouble, thus encouraging irresponsible risk-taking.
The proper process for dealing with RBS and HBOS was to place these banks into administration. In this way, the assets and liabilities of these banks would have been fully disclosed, thus avoiding taxpayer exposure.
In effect by bailing out the banks, the Labour Party safeguarded the interests of wealthy bond holders and depositors with financial holdings in excess of 50k at the expense of taxpayers. The 800 billion pound cost to British taxpayers was absolutely disgraceful and should rank as the biggest financial scandal in British political history. Why should a young family on 25k a year be burdened with higher taxes to bailout an investor who had 100k invested in RBS?
Regarding bankers’ bonuses. This is a matter between a bank and its employees. I would not like the Government involving itself in my contract of employment with my employer. I take a similar view regarding bankers and their bonuses.
but dont the govt own a substantial part of some of the banks?
Thats the point here, billions of our money was thrust upon the banks,so the govt therefore has a say on bonuses? if it didnt put our money on the banks I would agree withyou chris.The govt should say, ok you want bonuses, fine,give out the same amount as loans to business to help them grow.
I hate bankers, hope they die of cancer….slowly.
Yes, the Government holds shareholdings in RBS and Lloyds TSB.
However the only reason why the Government continues to hold them is that they are effectively bust – their liabilities exceed their assets. In a free market, RBS and the old HBOS would have exited the market leaving space for other banks and building societies (the ones that didn’t engage in irresponsible risk-taking and empire building) to expand into.
Regarding the nationalised banks the Government should use its shareholding to ensure that labour costs are not excessive in order to improve the banks’ profitability in preparation for floating them back fully into the private sector. This would seem to be common sense. Nevertheless the price of labour is ultimately set by the market and it is therefore necessary to ensure that RBS and Lloyds TSB do not end up becoming a dumping ground for poorly performing bankers because they are offering uncompetitive pay packages.
The reality is that UK taxpayers are dependent upon US and UK property prices returning to 2006-07 levels in order for the banks’ assets to exceed their liabilities. If they don’t (Japan’s property prices have never returned to 1989 levels which is why they continue to have a zombie banking sector) then UK taxpayers will be left with hefty losses on their shareholdings.
That is the problem they will become a dumping ground because like the Pollitts (scroungers),they know theres someone always there to pick up the tab;in short they are taking the piss.I agree fuck em and let them collapse and imprison the directors like that crooked mp who got nailed yesterday.I would like to see a GREEN revolution in this country like the industrial revolution, our economy like our local economy has become lop sided.
Labour = Tory = Fib dem = SHITE.
Tony Benn – Cabinet Minister in the 1964–1970 Labour Government
“As a minister, I experienced the power of industrialists and bankers to get their way by use of the crudest form of economic pressure, even blackmail, against a Labour Government. Compared to this, the pressure brought to bear in industrial disputes is minuscule. This power was revealed even more clearly in 1976 when the IMF secured cuts in our public expenditure. These lessons led me to the conclusion that the UK is only superficially governed by MPs and the voters who elect them. Parliamentary democracy is, in truth, little more than a means of securing a periodical change in the management team, which is then allowed to preside over a system that remains in essence intact. If the British people were ever to ask themselves what power they truly enjoyed under our political system they would be amazed to discover how little it is, and some new Chartist agitation might be born and might quickly gather momentum.”
Harold,
You should look over to the States. A lot of the anger that motivated the Tea Party was anger over taxpayers’ money being used to prop up the banks.
When I was in the States in 2008 working for on behalf of a Republican Congresswoman I was surprised at the depth of anger there was over the bailouts in comparison with the UK.
Chris #if the Government was wrong to support the banking system in the UK then I suppose you will not defend the Tory Government for agreeing to bail out the Eurozone till 2013?
You surely cannot defend bailing out other countries and not protecting our own can you?
Why if the bonuses are between the banks and its employers are the Tory party making statements telling them that the bonuses are wrong and threatening the banks with tax levies?
Could you explain how giving away £2.7 million is good value for the tax payer? It certainly appears to be good value to the housing association.
These few houses dotted around a few streets are hardly going to get people flocking back to Blackpool or change the social problems in my opinion that is a waste of money. If your argument is that these few houses will totally change the structure of the area I would disagree there will be more hotels changing to HMOS in the area hopeful that the council will buy them out at full market value if that were the case.
Harold is right the loans to these banks will be paid back with interest so how is this a scandal? Will the loans to Ireland be re-paid? Possibly not as Ireland is expected to dump the Euro.
Could the problems in the Eurozone also be labours fault?
whta i really hate is how bankers are allowed to dominate the political agenda and we never voted for them, financial fascism if you ask me.
I do not agree with the UK bailing out the Eurozone. Any UK support for the Eurozone should come via the IMF of which the UK would be providing support together with other non-Eurozone countries.
The key problem with the Eurozone is that so many of its economies are out of sync with each other. This is why Britain suffered such a prolonged recession between 1990-92 due to our membership of the ERM. Ultimately you cannot have monetary union without genuine economic union.
Since the start of the decade Germany has made a big push to improve labour productivity and efficiency whereas countries such as Greece, Spain and Ireland made little attempts to do the same. This is a key reason why Germany has weathered the downturn so well in contrast to the likes of Greece. It has also meant that Germany is increasingly out of sync with countries such as Greece and Spain.
Regarding the money spent on regeneration we cannot tell at the moment whether it represents value for money until the regeneration has been completed.
However as I mentioned above there are other returns such as social improvements to an area that may be more important in assessing regeneration than a financial return.
Personally I believe that Cllr Fowler and the Conservative Party in Blackpool need to do more to explain the reasoning behind what has happened regarding Crystal Road regeneration.
The timescales for some of these projects beggar belief, you will have a long wait, TATbot gateway is something like 2023/2025, by which time Preston will have acomplete tram system like Blackpool and be on its next round of regeneration.
Callow out 2011.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12145612
Looks like the PM is after controlling bankers bonuses and trying to have a say.
The Tory Government have a knack of shooting their supporters in the foot!!!
I believe the properties were owned by Mrs Fowler’s mum and passed on.
The issues are whether the scheme was steered by Fowler in conjunction with Helen France in order for him to sell a property that he wanted to sell (it was up for sale at the time) and as you say whether the valuation is fair. Almost 200 grand for a property which needs huge amount spending on it in, lets face it, a shite area seems obscene to me.
Essentially what I think has happened is Fowler was trying to sell his property, couldn’t find a buyer and conveniently the council came up with a scheme that paid him top dollar for it.
Another key question is whether it was always the intention to hand these properties over to a social landlord. According to hoteliers in the area, it was.
It smells worse given the Pleasure Beach loan shenanigans too, with Fowler’s (relatively new) scaffolding firm conveniently having a contract at the PB whilst Callow and Co approve an unprecedented secret loan to them – a facility not extended to other private businesses.
It’s like the Julian Mineur thing. He hasn’t on the face of it done anything wrong, but it just doesn’t look good.
It has to have been the intention to hand these properties over to a social landlord in some form of agreed deal. There just not enough time to get a scheme and planning application together and submitted without some form of back door deal already in place for Great Places.
The council need to make a statement on how Great Places managed to submit planning and got approval so fast.
I have no objection to them investing and developing in the town.
But the truth should be given to the rate payers without hiding the facts.
The recent conspiracy theory’s would never of needed to discussed on here, If this was the case and they gave the reason for the cloak and dagger deals.
I am sure more support would then be given to the council and show they are doing a good job even though it is done behind closed doors.
This is how business deals are done and if it benefits the town all the better.
“Final Thought”
I haven’t seen anybody complain about Great Places, Who are about to Invest a lot of there non-profit funds into the town. And I assume will continue to do so in the future. (It’s only how Manchester have managed to get so much investment into the city by buying up areas and giving them away to gain rateable income in the future.
Maybe Callow and Friends are correct about that move after all.
Phil,
Regarding the valuation for Cllr Fowler’s property. I do not know how it compares with the valuations offered for other properties purchased by the council in the Crystal Road area. If Cllr Fowler received comparable compensation to the other property owners I do not see how he has received preferential treatment.
Crystal Road is an area that needs regenerating. If the regeneration money had been spent in say Norbreck or Highfield wards I would have been concerned that council money was being spent inappropriately as they are not amongst the most deprived wards in Blackpool.
Given what you have stated, I am not sure how Cllr Fowler could have avoided accusations of impropriety without excluding Crystal Road totally from regeneration investment. This clearly would have been unfair on the other property owners in the area.
Had Cllr Fowler say bought up the property in anticipation of regeneration investment I think serious questions deserved to be asked but given the fact that the property came into his possession through an act of God – namely the untimely death of Cllr Sue Fowler’s mother I do not see what’s wrong with Cllr Fowler receiving compensation from the council in line with other property owners in the area.
Crystal Road isn’t the only road in that area that needs investment. Who selected Crystal Road out of the 250-odd miles of roads in Blackpool? Did Ian Fowler have involvement in the inclusion of this road?
It should be noted that none of the properties were compulsory purchased, they were bought because the owners had “indicated a willingness to sell” i.e. they were up for sale already and purchased as a private sale.
Phil,
Crystal Road was chosen as it was an area in need of regeneration. Other roads in the area have also been in receipt of similar regeneration funding.
However I must state that had I been Cllr Fowler, I would probably have handled this matter differently to avoid accusations of impropriety. In particular I feel more openness on the matter would do much to assuage public concern.
Phil,
I understand that as well as properties purchased on Crystal Road, that properties on Dean Street, Moore Street and Rawcliffe Street were also purchased as part of the council scheme.
There are 4 maybe 5 properties on Rawcliffe Street all adjacent to each other. Starting on the South Side from the junction with Moore Street the former Blakely and Linton hotels are two of them and the two properties abutting these.
The Council is running them well. Last winter the central heating could be heard firing up in the Blakely heating an empty space at public expense no doubt. This went on for weeks until they finally took the hint and turned it off.
This winter the fire alarm decided to go off at irregular hours in the former Linton hotel notably over Xmas when it took days for a Blackpool Council security man to come out to silence it. (I was on holiday at the time so never had to listen to it.
There is incidentally a Planning application to alter these properties to flats.
The Moore Street one is a single property formally known as Davinnas Flats whose roof it seems is leaking like a sieve. Water damage can be seen through a front window and the top of the bay window has collapsed.
I am not so sure there is one in Dean Street?
The fact remains that this property and others where valued far to high as a private investor would have not paid anything like these prices. The other thing that a private investor would have insisted on would have been a proper structural report, knowing that the property had been subject to an insurance claim and yet no proof has been given ie invoices to show that this has been fixed, there are emails in my possession from the valuers stating that they have seen invoices from the vendor but these were for camouflaging the property to try and hide the fact it had suffered from structural movement, nothing contained within them suggested that the property had been repaired properly. The other problem I had was a out of town valuer had the task of valuing these property’s,quite a valuable contract which obviously they would not want to lose,did the valuers know that the vendor of this property was a high ranking councillor, if so did they offer a higher valuation than what they would have done otherwise,who was responsible for selecting this valuation company, in the valuation report it mentioned about the income from this property being in the region of £20,000 but they never had proof of this and indeed I spoke to a hotelier opposite this property who claimed that all the flats were not rented out, only a couple of them and the valuer never saw any leases to prove this figure.
I suggest you have a walk down Crystal Road and have a look at this property yourself especially the gable wall and rear elevation, not much can be seen at the front has it has been rendered and had new windows, and then come to your own conclusion. I still maintain that the valuation given the present economic climate in 2010 and given the condition of this property was far to high,and the fact that they claim that they have not found a developer to take these properties on just proves my point, although I have my doubts whether this statement rings true, but the fact remains they wasted thousands of pounds of tax payers money by paying far to much for these properties. I am waiting for Paul Maynard to do a freedom of information request for me as I would like to know what developers have been invited to tender for this property portfolio, as I’m sure a lot more would bid more than £3.00 as I have said earlier pointed out I have a consortium who would have bid a lot higher that this amount, as indeed so would many others.
Cardy,
My understanding is that the valuations would have had to take in account both the property’s value together with any earnings generated by the property.
Simple economic forces are driving the change of B&B accomodation to HMOs. Running a HMO can be extremely profitable for the property owner. Demand for flats in HMOs are on the increase not decreasing. Were the council to take a neutral policy with regard to HMOs the effect would be to increase property prices in the area. Clearly in calculating fair valuations, the council must take into account the fact that its own policies against HMOs are penalising property owners.
Sorry Chris your wrong about the demand for HMOS. from own personal knowledge of this sort of rented property the demand is significantly less.
The reason most of the bedsits are empty at queens park is because the benefit claimants know they can get a flat with separate bedroom,living-room and kitchen.
If you drive down Park road town end you will see HMO property for sale there as it is not being filled.
A lot of the hotels taking in permanent tenants are not HMOs and are acting illegally I personally know of three and I dont get out a lot!!
Phil,
I do not know the full details of the loan to the Pleasure Beach. However given the ongoing credit crunch and the refusal of banks to provide credit facilities to businesses, it is understandable that the Pleasure Beach may have needed a loan from the council. I personally would see the Pleasure Beach going bust as a disaster for Blackpool.
Its strange behaviour for a council whose supposed conservative ideology supports neo liberal economics, on the other hand it shows whilst bankers are getting massive bonuses (Calble and co are toothless tigers), they arent lending enough credit to busineses who are supposed to take up the cull of public sector jobs.2011 is a critical year…………
I know we do not have the answer for this question but how stupid was it buying the properties on Crystal Road when there was a “plan B” which the council states needs £12.5 million pounds finding?
I am not fussy how Fowler got the property,the fact he is has benefitted financially from the choice of area.
Have any of you driven or been past Tyldesley Road recently? If an area was screaming out for investment (with the boarded up hotels owned by the council by the way) this was it. The fact the council have started buying these hotels must add to the case that there was a plan B before the Crystal Road sage which again makes me ask why buy on C.R.?
I am not against a loan to the BPB and would hope they repay it back quickly as they are now back in profit. Having worked on the Thompsons houses I am surprised they could not get a bank loan secured on the value of their private homes.
Having bought these houses could the council instead of giving them away for a nominal fee to a non profit making company (I bet the directors are in line for a big pay rise) perhaps have sold then to Blackpool first time buyers for say 50k with a condition that they renovate the houses and could not sell or rent for 10 years. This would benefit the council generating the tax people have stated and re-generate the area. This housing association propose to sell shares in the property and collect rent I will bet they want 75k minimum for a half share then rent on the other half. Will they spend 75k on doing each of these houses up? (Directors pay rise!!! to get rid of the profits)
What ever your political beliefs from a business point of view that is £2.7 million wasted. A few houses developed in one area or a whole area redeveloped? I know which I would prefer.
Why would the Thompsons secure a business loan on their private holdings? Especially if their business is up the creek, which it appears to be if they need to seek public money to prop it up.
I agree on the houses, I think it’s a disgrace that they didn’t sell them on to local people at a discount, instead just giving them away and the £2.7m spent being lost in the big vat of public sector write-offs.
As Shoggy has suggested, there must have been a deal done at the outset for Great Places to acquire these homes.
It just stinks that it’s all been kept under wraps.
Phil if they cannot get a loan on their own considerable estates (worth a lot more than 5 million) and their business is up the creek does this imply you are concerned the council may not get our money back?
I say this because if you imply they are struggling and wouldnt get a bank loan that must raise the question of re-payment. I would hope the deal was secured on some of the BPB assets, land or whatever to safeguard our money
It is my belief that the £5m loan will end up as a council ‘stake’ in the Pleasure Beach.
well said Phil, callow out 2011!
Regarding the Pleasure Beach, I suspect that the key cost that is causing it financial difficulties during the recession were labour costs.
The easiest way to resolve this would have been to temporarily close the park for a season thus avoiding the seasonal labour costs. However the effect on Blackpool’s image of the Pleasure Beach closing down for even one season would in my opinion outweigh any problems with the loan from the council.
You can’t have it both ways Chris.
In another post you said you didn’t support the bank bailout (which had it not happened would have had far worse consequences than the PB going bust) yet you do support the PB bailout.
It’s the same thing, isn’t it?
In both cases another company would have come in and mopped it up; just as Lloyds did with HBOS; Merlin or someone may have come in for the PB.
Phil,
I believe the Pleasure Beach to be a viable business which has simply suffered from the financial consequences of the recession and the credit crunch. In normal banking circumstances I suspect that there would have been no need for the council to step in.
Regarding Lloyds TSB and RBS, for these banks to have assets in excess of their liabilities requires UK house prices (for Lloyds TSB) and US house prices (for RBS) to return to 2006/07 levels. If they don’t the long term prognosis is continuing government support and more bailouts especially if house prices continue to fall. This is the main reason why both banks would fail to attract private sector investment.
It has been said on here by those more qualified than I to do so that the Pleasure Beach accounts up to the end of 2009 tell us they are have already used all of their assets to secure lending, with the £5m from the council being on top of this borrowing.
Both Lloyds and RBS as I understand it have returned to profit after writing off lots of bad debt, meaning these too are viable businesses, like the Pleasure Beach, that have suffered from the financial consequences of the credit crunch.
Peter Callow has told us in his Norbreck triumph edition that he has doubled visitors to Blackpool from 8.5m to 13m in the last few years. So why would the Pleasure Beach be suffering?
” Peter Callow has told us in his Norbreck triumph edition that HE has doubled visitors to Blackpool from 8.5m to 13m in the last few years”
Hi Phil I didnt know, callow now runs the PB, does he?
Whats 2x 8.5 surely not 13
according to callow it is,lol!
Phil,
I am not fully aware of the financial circumstances that triggered the Pleasure Beach’s request for a loan from the council. However I do know that like most businesses they have probably experienced difficulties in getting finance from banks.
Yes you are right that RBS and Lloyds TSB have returned to operating profitability after writing off sizeable chunks of debt. Effectively the debt has been written off with taxpayers money. However they still confront the problem that their liabilities exceed their assets and should house prices in the UK and US worsen rather than improve their financial position will deteriorate requiring yet another bailout from taxpayers. This is what is happening in Ireland, falling house prices are causing the financial position of Ireland’s banks to worsen, which is why one bailout of bank bondholders by taxpayers has followed another.
It is highly probable that there will need to be another multi-billion pound financial injection by UK taxpayers into RBS and Lloyds TSB in 2011 and 2012 as these banks rollover maturing bonds.
The problem with the bailouts of RBS and Lloyds TSB is that it is almost impossible to quantify the potential losses for taxpayers (the level of which depend upon how the UK and US housing markets perform) which is why administration in 2008 would have been the best option.
I agree cardy,this stinks.
The question still has to be answered regarding who were the “world class players” that our leader spouted on about that submitted tenders to operate the council bought properties.
Was it really just a one horse race for Merlin
Its a simple Question but who can answer it
Only the commitee that opened the sealed bid tenders I suppose.
If it was indeed a one-horse race, then I am fairly sure we will never see it confirmed!!
just a thought re merlin and sealed bids, Would a freedom of information request give the required details. In reality I have no objection to lending Blackpool Pleasure Beach money, as it is a big draw to blackpool. What I do object too is the Thompson Family Swanning around blackpool like the own it. I saw nick thompson at morrisions saturday, in his shinny black jag. If business is bad cut backs should be implemented from the top, a bit like our 2 bit council freinds.
Would this council make preferential loans to other business;s in blackpool, Lets Say ITP/Funny Girls who are a major draw in the evening culture, after all they are struggling as a business, rise in vat, rise in beer and spirt duty also,plus the cost of running the place. WILL THIS COUNCIL lend Mr Newby of ITP money. Would this council lend money to the people that own abingdon street Market this could do with some investment, i can name a few other independent business’s that need and extra 10/ or so in the coffers.
I am all for supporting local business’s but it should be a clear playing field for all. not one rule for one and another rule for the likes of us.
Open and fair thats all we ask.
I think the Council owns Abingdon St Market??
not from Callow,all under wraps and dodgy is his motto.
whilst I support rejuvenation of the properties. I am still surprised that the Crystal Rd scheme is for seperated projects. The overall design of these premises are excellent but the value of the property will not be increased dramatically when there are adjacent premises that are in poorer condition than the existing developed buildings.
Chris I refer you back to comment 23 on this article,please read it as I would like yours and Mr Cox’s comments on what as been said, if the council had nothing to hide then why did they split it up into 3 parcels when it was all bought with the same allocation of funds, No doubt to keep the loses below the 2 million mark so that it would not be referred to the relevant government department for investigation.
The answer is easy it’s the Labour parties fault…. No that’s wrong the answer is that Blackpool Council doesn’t want this looked into to closely mainly because they badly misspent this money. They paid high prices for these properties (two years ago I was on a team which went around to value properties for my company and I learnt how the valuations can be fudged) and they had no overall plan, which they must have, to present to the government before they received the money. So for some reason the original plan that Blackpool council showed the government didn’t live up to its original brief and that’s why the council doesn’t want anyone looking to closely. Or at least that’s the only legal reason I can think have that would justify trying to hide the sale.
Interested; Try a freedom of information request, that will enlighten you considerably.
David,
I am not sure why the council decided to allocate the funds in the way it did. Perhaps the funds were paid out in separate accounting periods hence the fact that the three spends fell below the 2 million mark.
Regarding the valuation of the properties on Crystal Road. I note that one property on Crystal Road (that was comparable to the Fowlers’ property) was sold for 235 grand in 2006. Consequently the valuation given by the council to the Fowlers to purchase the property would not appear to be excessive.
Re Pleasure Beach and How Much Accounts etc.
This information copied below is freely available from companies house for a fee, £1 or so. Look how many morgates etc are on the accounts. How many new directors have been apointed, change of particulars from there own home address’s etc (so no charge can be made on that property i believe, could be wrong…… ANY IDEAS Folks.)
Makes interesting reading. See Entry for 3/3/10 this shows how much cash is available I think…….
How many company’s are registered at BPB
BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH LIMITED
PLEASURE BEACH
OCEAN BOULEVARD, PROMENADE
BLACKPOOL
FY4 1EZ
Company No. 01876267
Name & Registered Office:
BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
PLEASURE BEACH
OCEAN BOULEVARD, PROMENADE
BLACKPOOL
FY4 1EZ
Company No. 01837026
Name & Registered Office:
BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH NOMINEES LIMITED
OCEAN BOULEVARD
SOUTH SHORE
BLACKPOOL
LANCASHIRE
FY4 1EZ
Company No. 01836966
Name & Registered Office:
BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH (1910) COMPANY
OCEAN BOULEVARD
SOUTH SHORE
BLACKPOOL
LANCASHIRE
FY4 1EZ
Company No. 00110367
AA 15/11/2010 FULL ACCOUNTS MADE UP TO 31/03/10
MG01 05/08/2010 PARTICULARS OF A MORTGAGE OR CHARGE / CHARGE NO: 9
MG01 05/08/2010 PARTICULARS OF A MORTGAGE OR CHARGE / CHARGE NO: 8
AP01 09/04/2010 DIRECTOR APPOINTED ROBERT OWEN
TM01 18/03/2010 APPOINTMENT TERMINATED, DIRECTOR PHILIP MACCANDLISH
AR01 03/03/2010 01/02/10 FULL LIST
LATEST SOC 03/03/2010 03/03/10 STATEMENT OF CAPITAL;GBP 120000
CH01 03/03/2010 DIRECTOR’S CHANGE OF PARTICULARS / MRS AMANDA JEAN THOMPSON / 01/02/2010
CH01 03/03/2010 DIRECTOR’S CHANGE OF PARTICULARS / MRS FIONA CAROLYN GILJE / 01/02/2010
CH01 03/03/2010 DIRECTOR’S CHANGE OF PARTICULARS / PHILIP DAVID MACCANDLISH / 01/02/2010
CH03 03/03/2010 SECRETARY’S CHANGE OF PARTICULARS / MR DAVID EDWARD CAM / 01/02/2010
CH01 03/03/2010 DIRECTOR’S CHANGE OF PARTICULARS / JOHN PATRICK CHAMBERLAIN COLLINS / 01/02/2010
CH01 03/03/2010 DIRECTOR’S CHANGE OF PARTICULARS / MR NICHOLAS WILLIAM ROBERT THOMPSON / 01/02/2010
CH01 03/03/2010 DIRECTOR’S CHANGE OF PARTICULARS / MR PETER JOHN CORNTHWAITE / 01/02/2010
CH01 03/03/2010 DIRECTOR’S CHANGE OF PARTICULARS / MRS BARBARA JOAN THOMPSON / 01/02/2010
CH01 03/03/2010 DIRECTOR’S CHANGE OF PARTICULARS / MR MICHAEL BROWN / 01/02/2010
CH01 03/03/2010 DIRECTOR’S CHANGE OF PARTICULARS / MR DAVID EDWARD CAM / 01/02/2010
AP01 12/02/2010 DIRECTOR APPOINTED JOHN PATRICK CHAMBERLAIN COLLINS
AA 24/12/2009 FULL ACCOUNTS MADE UP TO 05/04/09
288b 23/04/2009 APPOINTMENT TERMINATED DIRECTOR ARTHUR KENNEDY
288b 23/04/2009 APPOINTMENT TERMINATED DIRECTOR WILLIAM WILEY
363a 31/03/2009 RETURN MADE UP TO 01/02/09; FULL LIST OF MEMBERS
AA 03/02/2009 FULL ACCOUNTS MADE UP TO 30/03/08
288a 10/09/2008 DIRECTOR APPOINTED MR NICHOLAS WILLIAM ROBERT THOMPSON
363a 26/02/2008 RETURN MADE UP TO 01/02/08; FULL LIST OF MEMBERS
AA 01/02/2008 FULL ACCOUNTS MADE UP TO 01/04/07
287 17/12/2007 REGISTERED OFFICE CHANGED ON 17/12/07 FROM:
G OFFICE CHANGED 17/12/07
WHITEHEAD HOUSE
PACIFIC ROAD
ALTRINCHAM
CHESHIRE WA14 5BJ
363s 08/03/2007 RETURN MADE UP TO 01/02/07; FULL LIST OF MEMBERS
AA 05/02/2007 FULL ACCOUNTS MADE UP TO 02/04/06
288b 16/01/2007 DIRECTOR RESIGNED
395 07/12/2006 PARTICULARS OF MORTGAGE/CHARGE
288b 23/10/2006 DIRECTOR RESIGNED
288b 23/10/2006 DIRECTOR RESIGNED
288b 31/08/2006 DIRECTOR RESIGNED
288a 02/08/2006 NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTED
288a 25/04/2006 NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTED
363s 06/03/2006 RETURN MADE UP TO 01/02/06; FULL LIST OF MEMBERS
363(288) 06/03/2006 DIRECTOR’S PARTICULARS CHANGED
AA 02/02/2006 FULL ACCOUNTS MADE UP TO 24/03/05
288c 19/04/2005 DIRECTOR’S PARTICULARS CHANGED
363s 09/03/2005 RETURN MADE UP TO 01/02/05; FULL LIST OF MEMBERS
363(288) 09/03/2005 DIRECTOR’S PARTICULARS CHANGED
288b 10/02/2005 DIRECTOR RESIGNED
288b 10/02/2005 DIRECTOR RESIGNED
AA 01/02/2005 FULL ACCOUNTS MADE UP TO 31/03/04
288b 02/12/2004 DIRECTOR RESIGNED
288b 20/07/2004 DIRECTOR RESIGNED
287 07/07/2004 REGISTERED OFFICE CHANGED ON 07/07/04 FROM:
G OFFICE CHANGED 07/07/04
CHARTER HOUSE
WOODLANDS ROAD
ALTRINCHAM
CHESHIRE WA14 1HF
288b 30/06/2004 DIRECTOR RESIGNED
363s 08/02/2004 RETURN MADE UP TO 01/02/04; FULL LIST OF MEMBERS
AA 03/02/2004 FULL ACCOUNTS MADE UP TO 31/03/03
AUD 07/01/2004 AUDITOR’S RESIGNATION
288a 13/10/2003 NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTED
288a 18/03/2003 NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTED
363s 02/03/2003 RETURN MADE UP TO 01/02/03; FULL LIST OF MEMBERS
AA 18/12/2002 FULL ACCOUNTS MADE UP TO 31/03/02
287 07/10/2002 REGISTERED OFFICE CHANGED ON 07/10/02 FROM:
G OFFICE CHANGED 07/10/02
SPECTRUM HOUSE
20-26 CURSITOR STREET
LONDON
EC4A 1HY
363s 05/03/2002 RETURN MADE UP TO 01/02/02; FULL LIST OF MEMBERS
AA 01/02/2002 FULL ACCOUNTS MADE UP TO 01/04/01
288b 14/11/2001 DIRECTOR RESIGNED
288a 15/10/2001 NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTED
395 09/04/2001 PARTICULARS OF MORTGAGE/CHARGE
363s 16/02/2001 RETURN MADE UP TO 01/02/01; FULL LIST OF MEMBERS
363(288) 16/02/2001 DIRECTOR RESIGNED
Name & Registered Office:
BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH (1910) COMPANY
OCEAN BOULEVARD
SOUTH SHORE
BLACKPOOL
LANCASHIRE
FY4 1EZ
Company No. 00110367
AR01 03/03/2010 01/02/10 FULL LIST
LATEST SOC 03/03/2010 03/03/10 STATEMENT OF CAPITAL;GBP £60, 6000
That figure is capital available so i am told……… Looks like the council has boobed this time.
This is all thompson family money…………………
Dont get me wrong, I support BPB wholeheartedly they are THE Major draw to familys in town and dam good luck to them in some ways.
What amazes me is that I remember a artist impression in the gazette showing what these ex hotels and guest houses would look like once they were remodelled into family homes Now anyone with common-sense with a pot of money to invest of say £2.7 million pounds to purchase and renovate houses would not spend the lot in one go buying up properties without keeping something in reserve to enable you to renovate them.
So here is a lesson for theses clever directors of Blackpool council who have just wasted £2.7 million of tax payers money. You start off by buying a few properties, say spending a million pounds thus leaving you 1.7 million pounds in the bank surplus to renovate the homes you have acquired, you get a architect to do the designs and then put the plans out to tender to various builders for costing and quotes and impose time clauses,so the job does not take forever ( remember we are in a recession and builders are desperate for work, so there has never been a better time to hire these services,quotes would be very competitive ) with the architect drawings you contact some estate agents to get valuations and get them started in marketing the properties straight away, (like you would a new build) even though they are not finished yet with the idea of getting a deposit and commitment to buy, to speed things up.
Once you have completed on these properties you put the money back into the bank and see how much money is back in your piggy bank and start the process again always keeping at least two thirds in reserves for the renovations,easy isn’t it. and this advice is from a simple taxi driver.
Mind you I forgot if they had done it this way then the question would have to be asked would they have enough money in the pot left to buy Fowlers property, given that it was one of the last ones to be purchased,I would not of thought so, oh well we will just lose 2.7 million pounds instead at least it keeps two of our councillors happy.
The question has never been answered, why was Crystal Road picked out to take part in this scheme, and who was responsible for passing the motion,which is in the middle of the holiday area with many hotels and guest houses on the street after it as well as the one before it, Crystal road was mainly holiday accommodation and should have remained so,why did they not pick Shaw Rd that only has a few hotels on it as the rest are made up of residential properties like many other streets in Blackpool,these would have been better to make into proper residential areas. Perhaps we could have some comments to this from these so called experts who are receiving in excess of £100,000 per year in salary to run Blackpool just in case I have got it wrong, or councillors feel free to add your tuppence as well.