BLOOMFIELD IS an area comprising a section of the Promenade enclosed at the bottom by the north side of Waterloo Road and top by the south side of Chapel Street, and extends east to the western side of Central Drive. A section enclosed by the north side of Ashton Road, south of Palatine Road and west of Park Road is also included. It is an area of relative deprivation comprising high density residential housing, former industrial property, some tourism related retail and some holiday accommodation.
Some areas of note are Festival Park, comprising an Odeon multiscreen cinema, McDonalds, Bannatyne’s Fitness Centre and various other units; Rigby Road tram depot; the former Illuminations depot; Central Coach Station and masses of car parking; Central Gateway and climbing towers (upside down V shapes visible to the right on the above picture); Blackpool FC’s football stadium (centre of the picture); Manchester Square and a soon-to-be housing development of 400 homes in the former Mecca (green hoardings to the left of Blackpool FC)/Tyldesley Road area if the council can find a developer willing to build them.
The Promenade of Bloomfield had significant money spent on it during the previous Conservative council, with the creation of St. Chad’s and Waterloo headlands as well as the modernisation of the walkways and beach access (some of this is visible in the picture at the top).
The Foxhall area, a former tourist mecca which had various masterplans including a Mediterranean style makeover attached to it during the previous Conservative council, is enclosed within the boundaries of Bloomfield ward. The brown building behind the yellow tram in the picture at the top is the former Foxhall pub (now Reflex).
Bloomfield has a population of 7,289 residents of which 51.4% are men and 48.6% women. In terms of resident numbers Bloomfield is the third largest ward in Blackpool, behind Brunswick and Claremont. The smallest ward is Bispham, with 6,121 residents.
In 2009/10 Bloomfield saw 2,392 reports of antisocial behaviour (1 report for every 3.3 residents), and was the third worst ward behind Talbot (2,517 reports) and Claremont (2,523 reports). There are 14 CCTV cameras in Bloomfield compared with 58 in Brunswick and 50 in neighbouring Talbot.
The ward had a 26.47% turnout in the 2011 local elections, which was the lowest turnout of all wards (the highest for 2011 were Anchorsholme and Norbreck with around 48%). The low turnout didn’t stop Labour’s Mary Smith and Graham Cain romping to victory with a clear majority but historically it has not been so clear-cut and even saw the Liberal Democrats hold a seat in the ward for a period, with the Conservatives not far behind.
Bloomfield had a turnout of 29% in 2007 which again was the lowest turnout, having fallen from 43.5% in 2003 when Simon Blackburn made his political debut (assisted on the ground by none other than Tasurraf Shah).
Of course, a low turnout means that even a few votes can make a massive difference.
The Candidates
In this by-election there are two seasoned political campaigners who will stand anywhere in order to get power, and two newcomers who have never appeared as candidates before.
John Jones – Labour
TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER: John Jones and Simon 'Two Jobs' Blackburn
- Distance from ward: 4.3miles
- Election history: 2009 Stanley by-election, 2011 Stanley, 2012 Bloomfield by-election
John is Blackpool South Labour MP Gordon Marsden’s man on the ground. A political man through-and-through, he stood for Labour both in the 2009 Stanley by-election and the full local election in 2011. Whilst on both occasions John failed to get elected, he and Labour almost managed the impossible in unseating a Tory from Stanley ward.
John lives out in the country in leafy Staining, which isn’t even in a Blackpool ward, so it is little wonder he used to leave his address blank on the signing in sheet for the Stanley PACT meetings that he attended when he was standing there.
He was a hotelier in Bloomfield for ‘a number of years’, and has been Gordon Marsden’s office manager ‘for many years’. Does John have any connection with Bloomfield now?
Interestingly, in an article on the Unite union website which describes how the militant union has infiltrated the ranks at Blackpool Airport, John Jones is referred to as a ‘Blackpool Councillor’ and was even invited in this capacity to open a staff Learning Centre at Blackpool Airport. Jumping the gun a bit!
On his Labour site, John says;
I am extremely proud to have been chosen to represent Labour in Bloomfield. If elected I promise to represent all those living in the ward. Labour has a proud record in Bloomfield and we want to continue the good work that has been done and strive to make everyone’s lives that much better.
Sue Close – Liberal Democrat
- Distance from ward: 1.8miles
- Election history: 2007 Claremont, 2008 Park by-election, 2011 Squires Gate, 2012 Bloomfield by-election
Bloomfield in recent years has been something of a stronghold for the Liberal Democrats, with Doreen Holt winning the most votes in 2007. Sadly, the popular councillor lost her battle with cancer in early 2011, and the subsequent local elections showed that people were voting for Doreen, not for the Liberal Democrats. The door swung open for Labour to take the ward at a stroll in 2011, which they did.
Sue Close is the candidate standing for the Liberal Democrats in this by-election; according to her party website she is the treasurer for the Blackpool and Fleetwood association. Even though her surname suggests that she lives in the area, Sue Close actually lives up in Claremont ward on Eaves Street and is a political nomad who has appeared as a candidate in many elections.
Most recently she replaced the popular Robert Wynne as a Liberal Democrat candidate in Squires Gate for the 2011 elections but unfortunately, perhaps due to her lack of locality, won the least number of votes and saw Conservative newcomer Christian Cox storm to an unexpected victory.
Sue also stood in the 2008 Park by-election which saw the Conservatives’ Peter Collins score a thumping victory against Labour pariah and former council leader Roy Fisher. Going back further, Sue represented the Liberal Democrats in the 2007 local election, standing in Claremont this time.
Clearly, like John Jones, Sue will stand anywhere and has no particular love or passion for any ward. I’ve searched on the local Liberal Democrat website, but no propaganda for Sue is available and the election isn’t mentioned.
Ged Walsh – Conservative
BROTHEL BUSTER: Tory candidate Ged Walsh
- Distance from ward: 0.3miles
- Election history: none
In a previous life, Sandgrown’un Ged got his degree and worked in IT management, but now lives on the doorstep of Bloomfield and runs a successful block of holiday flats on Coronation Street, so he is well acquainted with the area.
He is a newcomer to the political fray and has not appeared as a candidate before, however he has been active locally, in particular campaigning against issues which have damaged local holiday businesses, such as the proliferation of Houses of Multiple Occupation. Ged was the driving force in successfully closing down an illegal brothel, a campaign which saw the issue of a Community Crime Fighter award by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
On his propaganda Ged says that he, ‘is a man with a history of getting things done through challenging the council and finding answers to questions they would rather he didn’t ask!’
He goes on to say;
For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on our care and concern for each other. I feel that it is my duty and honour to serve the people of Bloomfield and help bring a better quality of life to those who live here.
Bev Keenan – Independent
INDEPENDENT: Bev Keenan
- Distance from ward: lives in ward
- Election history: none
Bev lives on Ribble Road and is the only candidate who actually lives in the ward. As with Ged Walsh, Bev is a newcomer to the political scene and has not appeared as a candidate before.
As a child, Bev was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 2, yet despite having undergone many painful operations to remedy the effect of this debilitating disease, Bev is still going strong and is ready to put Simon Blackburn to the sword in the council chamber. Being close to her family has helped her to deal with her condition so she can live a good quality of life.
Bev is a passionate campaigner against knife crime and the carrying of knives. Tragically, Bev’s only brother Wayne was stabbed to death in 2000 after moving from Leeds to Blackpool to start a new life with his family. The murderer, who butchered Keenan 6 times with a kitchen knife, received just 7 years in jail. Bev quite rightly asks where the justice is.
Bev is an active commenter on many Gazette articles. She represents a common sense local view which is against the stag and hen invasion and wants to see council resources spent on local people. She told the Gazette, “Does Blackpool only cater for stags and hens? I thought they were trying to clean it up!”
Lovely summary Phil;
As there are many other councillors nearing retirement it wont be long before we see other Bye elections in the near future. Could this be the ward election that bucks the trend? If so! this ward has high priorities for many of the issues that effect the town and It will be interested to see if an Independent gets in; what committees she will be invited to attend?
What the residents of Blackpool want are councillors of whichever party to actually do something, actually represent the views of the residents, are prepared to vote (if they ever get chance) against something they don’t agree with not just do as they are told to, and above all work for the benefit of Blackpool not to prop up their political party. Blackburn’s labour party seem to have lost sight of being the “residents party”, the Conservatives have really got to be seen to totally distance themselves from the undemocratic unlistening Callow regime , the Liberals ……., and Independents ,yes right now, we certainly need some to help break up the yo yo system and maybe bring some sense of purpose to the pantomime of Full Council meetings
lets see Bev keenan win, anybody excpet the lib/lab/con shower, shes obviously a woman of extreme courage and character.
If Bev wants any help campaigning, she only needs to ask.
I’ve just messaged philtheone on facebook to thank him for the write up, thanks also to Harold and Greg for their support, I’m actually 47 not in my 30s (as stated above and diagnosed age 2 not 6) 30s I wish I was!
I am a late contender in this by election after a night sat with my neighbours moaning about the state of Central Drive and how the kids can’t go to the cinema or college without being accosted, how elderly neighbours get put to bed at 4 in the afternoon I decided to get off my soapbox and actually make a stand thats why I decided to stand as a local Independent. I actually rang the election office on the last day of nominations to be told I had to get down to the council offices collect the nomination forms and have them back in filled out within 2 hours, fortunately Bloomfield is 2 minutes away from Ribble Road and my fantastic neighbours soon had their signatures on the form 30 mins later I was back at the council and I was in the race.
Yesterday I did a big leaflet drop,
I’m not door knocking
1, because I vehemently hate cold callers,
2 because of my arthritis,
I have my teenage niece and nephew letting all their friends tell their mums and dads to vote for me and also a lot of their friends have turned 18 this year so I may get a few new voters.
I didn’t buy a house in a red light area and am livid that I now live in one, I recently had neighbours from hell who played music all night long, I rang the police and they tell me they have no power to do anything, I rang the council they have no noise abatement officers during the day or weeknight and at weekends they are over run, I only got my neighbours sorted after going through the local governement ombudsman, then a lovely lady from the council showed up she hadn’t had the messages passed to her about what I was having to endure, and within a week we were getting the noise evicted. They left leaving the bath running, took the boiler and radiators from the house they were renting and put a scratch right down the side of my car, (nice people)
Useless landlord, he was warned!
I now have her on redial so whenever we have a noise in Ribble Road, she gets called, So the issues we have around Bloomfield happen everywhere but someone sorting them out for people is what is needed. I’m not trying to be a politician, although I don’t think I could make a bigger hash out of it than them in office. All I want to do is represent this area and try to clean it up, to make it safer for everyone, and make sure that Bloomfield resident don’t get the short straw when it comes to council spending. I think some new blood in the council offices is well and truly needed, I realise I won’t make a major impact in the council if I did get elected, but at least my neighbours would have someone on their doorstep who they can bring there problems to and together we could resolve them. I’ve lived here 15 years and the only person who did ought for Bloomfield was Doreen Holt, since Doreen passed away this area has been forgotten. I know by elections are notoriously known for low turnouts, so we will have to see, if there is election apathy I may win, and if I lose I’m very tenacious so in three years time I’ll be prepared for the next one.
Hi Bev, apologies for getting a few figures wrong. I assumed the bios that were on some of the various sites you are on were correct. I will edit and correct it!
no worries, I don’t mind being in my thirties
I’m not sure how this works, but if Phil can pass on my e-mail address to Bev I’ll get busy. I’ve got a lot of pals in that ward.
it is on my election leaflet, bloomfieldbev@hotmail.co.uk any help is gratefully accepted x
You seem very keen on sorting out the issues in your local area (Ribble Road,Central Drive) but seem to be overlooking the rest of the Bloomfield ward perhaps you should be looking slightly further afield than your own doorstep something many political figures have done. I certainly would not vote for someone who is only interested in their own little bit of the ward I wonder if you know about the issues on the fringes of the Bloomfield ward?
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to amend my biog and add some additional information.
Factually, I left Blackpool for a period of 4 years and not the aforementioned 20. My absence was due to my attendance at University in Leicester and working for BT as a computer analyst in Preston.
As the selected Conservative candidate, I am extremely honoured to be fighting for the future of all those who live and work in Revoe, Foxhall and Bloomfield areas.
As a true Sandgrownun of 44 years, I have witnessed the shocking and dreadful decline in the Bloomfield ward. Seriously, it is a complete joke, albeit an unfunny one!
For over 15yrs both Labour and the Lib Dems have represented both the residents and businesses owners within Bloomfield. So I ask myself;
What’s the problem?
Well, take a walk down Tyldesley Rd, Lytham Road, Central Drive and many of the surrounding streets and you tell me if their 15 yrs of management has been effective!
Do I need to say anymore?
Seriously folks, both Labour and the Lib Dems should hang their heads in shame. They have let down the fantastic people of Bloomfield and Blackpool as a whole.
Now please do not get me wrong, some of the residents have indeed been championed by the odd “people person” and this is great. Unfortunately though, it’s simply not enough. Once these so called champions of the people have solved their specific “local” problem. They then have no business acumen to move on and improve the area as a whole. As a local businessman I bring to the table new strategies, new ideas and more importantly a new voice for an area in decline.
For many residents within the Bloomfield ward I understand that it must be strange seeing a young (ish!) man vying for the position of “councillor.” In fact, it must be even stranger seeing a true Conservative representative in the area. Well it is, but let me let you into a little secret; it’s about aspirations, drive, commitment and a little thing called hard work. Yes folks, you can be working class and be a Tory, you just need the aforementioned attributes built into your DNA.
The people of Bloomfield deserve better and I am taking the fight to the “no ideas” Labour party. I will see you on the streets, not in the Town Hall.
well Ged you are member of a group whose leaders have wrecked the town,The Callows, 2 of the most inept councillors the world has seen.If I were you I would stand as an independent conservative, for association with these 2 cretins is damning for you.I am no labour supporter by the way,just think that regardless of party the town has been mismanaged by its cartel of officers that noone will stand up to.Tell you what Ged, how about publicly calling for the removal of John Donellon and Peter Cross?,that would get you plenty of votes!
Apologies for the incorrect figures I stated, they were from some information I was sent. I’ll correct it.
For such a long post bragging about new ideas and bigging yourself up you forgot to mention the wonderful things you propose to do for the area? Bloomfield stretches further than Central Drive,Lytham Road and Tydesley Road by the way and again if these are the only parts of the Bloomfield ward you are interested in you wont get into power. I agree these areas are in need of regeneration however you are in no position to do anything about this,the last Tory council had the run of the town and did nothing so why should we believe you that you standing as aTory councillor under a labour administration can make a difference? The Tory plan to buy houses and sell them on the cheap failed to win votes perhaps you can enlighten us on how your relatively small ward budget will turn around an area needing substantial amounts of cash to sort its problems out? Looking forward to hearing your “big” ideas.
By the way not seen you on the streets yet!!!!
Would you like to name the street?
Shows what is important to you clearly not the “BIG IDEAS” same old Tory bullshit all talk and no substance,at least Bev came up with a credible answer 1-0 to Bev I would say
Hi Cardy what is needed besides big ideas are councillors who sill have the guts to tackle the admin empire of the bureau-ants, the John Donellons, Peter Crosses etc and get em out.Whoever is in ‘power’ will never be able to advance the town with these public sector numpties wasting millions on wedding sheds and botched schemes, get the basics right and the rest will follow on.Its time councillors asserted themsleves and deal with them,otherwise it will be another decade of botched projects and managed decline,this isnt about political parties its about removing power from the incompetent council officers and giving it to the councillors who are ELECTED to lead the town.
Are you refering to anything specific or is this one of those funny posts where I try and guess the next surreal question / answer?
It’s all very exciting isn’t it?
As you can see Ged, Cardy is a boring troll: if you feed him he only gets worse.
As you can see Ged, Philtheone is a Tory kiss arse and you obviously do not understand that when a question mark finishes a question it normally means a reply or answer is required.If you read the post you will see several questions are raised I know you will not answer them as that would show you actually did have a plan of action to deal with the problems in the named areas.Still waiting to hear your “Big Ideas” because as I see it arguing that challanging “no ideas” doesnt take a lot of doing as there is nothing to challenge. I also wonder if you will be brave enough to condem the last Tory administration for wasting all that money on Crystal road.I dont expect you to reply because this would show just how little you do actually know of the problems and solutions required to solve the issues of the people in the Bloomfield ward.So the challenge is laid down tell us your plans to sort the area out. Yours sincerely the troll. I actually thought this was a debating website just how wrong was I? Clearly if you do not follow the Tory line you get called names for having a difference of opinion just what the town needs isnt that right Philtheone?
Phil a tory Kiss arse???? No way, it was this site that demolished callows crew last election, in fact this site was the axe that fell on callows regime.Being to the right does not necessarily mean you are tory as well,the tories havent been conservative for a few yaers now.If in doubt read the column by Peter Hitchens, he lambasts them.
You get called a troll Cardy because you are one.
You are brain dead if you think that because someone on here labels Ged a twat that he therefore must be a twat. You’ve never met him but you are judging him. So not only are you a troll but you are stupid and ignorant as well.
Add into this the fact that you claim to be a BNP supporter and openly admit you are racist, that makes you a stupid ignorant racist troll.
Need I go on?
Still no response from the Tory big ideas candidate no surprize there. Philtheone I wonder if your bitterness is because you have never managed to win an argument with me when I disprove your theories. So sad that you have had to resort to Councillor cox’s level of petty name calling (the similarities are there for all to see) perhaps this is inherent in all Tory’s as the PM stoops to those levels as well. I do vote BNP and admit to being racist but so are many Tory mps and voters I at least have the conviction to admit this. Im glad you have shown your true colours a name calling Tory bigot. This says a lot about you and just how serious people should take your political opinion.
Why would I be bitter about a name on a screen? I’m just bored of your trolling, it’s impossible to ‘win’ or even conclude arguments with trolls like you.
Example. I said BVH were recruiting nurses like mad.
You said I was wrong and spewed out your Tory cuts stuff like you always do.
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/local/dozens-of-new-nurses-hired-at-vic-1-4469494
1-0 to Phil
“Goading” or “Gauntlet”
Either way, it does not matter.
I am aware of a number of issues surrounding the “old guard” and how various issues have placed some doubts on the credibility of the Conservative Party within Blackpool.
As I was not privy to the initial issues / scandals. I am not sure that any comments relating to these stories would be of any benefit.
However, I can tell you that there is a really good mood within the current crop of Conservatives and as a result, many positive changes are taking place. Yes we have a little more weeding to do, but then again what garden doesn’t need sprucing up now and then (I would have used a plough but hey, it’s not my decision).
Would I tow the Tory line? Well the honest answer is that It all depends what the subject matter was and what was the view of my constituents i.e. would I agree to the planning application of a Mosque when clearly 3000 people did not want it. Then “no” I would not. I am there to represent the people who elected me. If the party had issues with my decision then they would have to act accordingly and do whatever they see fit.
Moving onto my “Big Ideas,” (your words not mine). If you have read any of my literature you will know the issues that I aim to tackle. I find it quite ironic that neither the “no ideas” Labour Party or the “forgotten” Lib Dems are producing literature that does not even represent the ward that they are canvassing for. I was under the assumption this is a local by-election and not the “generals”.
Then again, this just outlines one of the many problems facing the ward. Earlier l commented on the 15yrs of miss-management under both Labour and the Lib Dems. No other ward in Blackpool has so much depravation or dilapidated buildings. Why would this be if we are all facing the same economic hardship? There is such a huge disparity between the wards.
Let me give you a real example of total neglect from a serving councillor:
As we all know Graham Cain is the Labour Councillor for Bloomfield. He resides on a street that has a large number of excellent properties. However, it also has a number of run down dilapidated houses. Some of these houses have unsightly household goods strewn around their respective front gardens.
Question:
What is a “serving” councillor doing to improve the lives of the decent people who live on his street and within that ward. Does he leave the comfort of his very own bunker and try to engage in any worthy dialogue with the residents or landlord?
Likewise, when he is on his way to the Town Hall and he travels down Central Drive, does he think “I know, I must try and get that building sorted as it is having such a negative impact on the surrounding businesses!”
Cllr Cain and the Labour machine are bereft of any ideas and they are simply not fit for purpose. And to think he is the portfolio holder for tourism! What chance do we have with councillors like that?
If the problem does not come to them, then they simply turn a blind eye. Unfortunately, too many councillors have operated like this in the past and regrettably many still do.
Please do not get me wrong, this is a two-way street.
Another example of this “turn your back on your own community” was a Conservative councillor running a nice family newsagents (nothing wrong with that). However, 5 doors away a lunatic prostitute was running an open brothel (day and night). Did the councillor do anything about it? No, he was simply not interested in improving the area.
Councillors need to stop turning a blind eye and start looking after their own backyard (unfortunately Labours John Jones lives in Staining, so realistically what chance has Bloomfield got).
So Cardy, one of my “new ideas” is simple. Look around, identify the problems and become accountable for your respective ward.
This is where I come into play. For over 10yrs I have been cleaning up my backyard under the banner of “me.” The only problem so far, is that I recognise my backyard as “Blackpool” and not just a ward.
If at all you would like to meet me for an indepth discussion on the “many” other ideas I bring to the table, then by all means let me know. I would be pleased to do so.
In all fairness phil if we are talking about the article you ran on this site you were saying (and I am paraphrasing because you did remove the article with no reason given) that the Government weren’t cutting front line nursing jobs quoting (from unnamed source) about the Victoria recruiting for jobs, and Blackpool is the exception to the rule in this case.
Nope, I said that Labour supporters would have you believe that all hospitals are shedding staff like there is no tomorrow, the point being that not all hospitals are.
As I recall, I said BVH (not the NHS, not other hospitals) was recruiting and both you and cardy said I was wrong.
You said, “I do disagree that BVH are recruiting like mad”.
Well said Harold! Agree with you 100%. What a brilliant start that would be.
philtheone cant find the nhs item perhaps youve deleted it after all it wouldnt look good on you being proved wrong I believe the article started if you believe with the words along the line of if you believe labour supporters like cardy they would have you believe the nhs is shedding nurses jobs in their droves (cannot remember the exact wording but you should get the gist) I also posted a news item which showed nurses had been served with redundancy notices,I never once stated Blackpool was losing nurses I have always maintained this was a national problem. Its easy to rearrange the wording to suggest I stated Blackpool vic I never did. Over 5000 nurses nationally have lost their jobs fact. The article you wrote was about using agency nurses because Blackpool couldnt employ nurses as there were no nurses available to employ, just how wrong were you? The fact that the Vic is employing nurses shows they could find staff now and previously if they so wished. You really need to take a close look at what is happening under this Government you have just made a statement in the gazette which again makes you look like a Tory die hard clutching at straws,even other posters on that forum have picked up on this now. The NHS is suffering under this Government.You have the cheek to slag people of for needing benefits and then bleet on about university fees. As an adult why not pay your own way in life rather than sponging of the state (applies to councillor cox too) The state doesnt have to provide further education,you chose to take the path you did so pay for it, or are you a scrounger like those on benefits? From a neutral position both these groups are costing the country money it does not have so why pick on one group and not the other the answer is simple self interest!!
Classic troll post, Cardy. Just accept I was right about BVH rather than trying to muddy the water with 50 million different (off) topics.
Cardy,
So only the rich should have access to further education? leaving all those on middle or low-incomes or from low-income families no way to better themselves?
In case you weren’t aware of how a student loan works.. You pay it back, with interest, hardly sponging.
I wouldn’t say you were in a neutral position, I would say you are in a misinformed and small-minded position.
No phil i do think i said BVH where the exception and like labour supporters say the NHS are sheding jobs.
So you are saying you didn’t say what I quoted, john?
Again phil in fairness if you want to talk about what I said on a post in which only you can see, that is going to be difficult. Why don’t you reinstate the article in full and all the posts in full and then I am happy to justify my comments, but until then I going to leave it alone.
If imitation is the best form of flattery then John Jones (Labour candidate for Bloomfield) has surpassed even my expectations.
The man who lives in Staining has now put out his 3rd leaflet which pretty much copies my literature in both style and content.
Yes folks, on his 3rd attempt at connecting with the people who he does not even socialise or live with, John finally mentions absent landlords (like he really cares) and local businesses.
What will he do next for votes, sell his house in Staining and move to Blackpool!
Is this a party political broadcast or a forum? Staining has become just another suburb of Blackpool except that its green no shame in being from Staining. I don’t like the man for my own reasons but even if I didn’t have an aversion because he was part of the Marsden machine I don’t like Bolsheviks anyway. Living two miles or three miles away from the ward is not the same as our MP being in Brighton. Being in Staining means he knows probably as much about what is happening around Blackpool as anybody else. This argument regarding where the candidate lives only really becomes an issue if you live out beyond the other side of Poulton-Le-Fylde IMHO.
I agree that it’s a suburb of Blackpool, however in political terms, Staining is in Fylde. I guess political boffins have determined that it’s not close enough to Blackpool to be Blackpool.
I can understand Jones standing in Stanley, as he did a couple of times, but I would argue that someone living in a £207,000 house out in the country with a garden the size of a football pitch has little in common with the massively deprived back-to-back, street terraced communities in Bloomfield. He’s hardly living the life, is he?
I must agree with you and Ged on this point.about Jones living in staining. Are you suggesting Bev is the right person for the job as she lives in the area unlike Jones and Ged?
No, I’m saying that John Jones has little in common with Bloomfield.
Even though he lives in Staining, in a property more expensive than any of the people who will be voting for him I personally still think he will win due to the relative popularity of Labour at the moment. Call me Dave hasn’t helped his local councillors and candidates one bit.
Labour are hammering Bloomfield like mad, loads of existing councillors are out there canvassing it and drumming up support for Jones. I don’t think any of the other candidates can match it. On the other hand Labour in Marton are few in number.
You come across as very anti labour should you not be revealing the prices of the other candidates homes out of fairness being the blog provider?
I’ve just said I think Jones will win, how’s that anti-Labour?
The fact is we have a relatively rich boy, John Jones, who lives in a relatively expensive house in a relatively affluent area standing to represent one of the most deprived areas in the UK.
John Jones doesn’t understand the problems that Bloomfield residents face because he doesn’t live the life of inner Blackpool. He’s a career politician that will stand anywhere in order to get power. He lives the life of a champagne socialist, pretending to stand up for the little people whilst supping Bollinger in his country mansion on the taxpayer.
We are in an era of massive disconnection between politicians and those who elect them; voting in people like John Jones serves only the Labour party and not the residents of Bloomfield.
Incidentally Cardy, why are you posting under another name?
In response to Jules, I haven’t had my property valued as I bought mine to live in not sell, I purchased it in 1998 for 23k, my neighbour recently sold his for 65k I do know a few years ago they were fetching double that. As for whether a candidate should live in an area, I feel someone who actually lives in the ward and sees the area daily and speaks to people daily is more in the loop than someone who lives miles away in a leafy suburb.
Phil is John something to do with the electrical store on Squires Gate, if so he probably will get in, he is quite ameanable, he talks to everyone who goes in the store personally, he passes the time of day and gets involved with his customers. Shame I dont have all the birth dates. I dont agree with Cardy at times unfortunately, yes he is educating himself which is great, he wants to better himself, but he seems to always want to draw swords with anyone on any subject, at times without substance to his argument. Its a shame, he needs to drop the issue of everyone being against labour as this is not the case on here, I dont get time to post as much at the moment, I have other work that takes up my time, but will check in from time to time, to comment. I miss winding up the ODD individual, but still love reading Harolds comments and Tang’s smart cracks. Good luck Bev, good on you for making a stand. I have my manager, and her CRB check is on its way John, so rest yourself on that score. All of you keep safe and healthy, that is far more important than falling out over issues that wont be changed at this level. This year will bring many shocking incidents, just be in the right place at the right time not the wrong place at the wrong time.
Cheers Kate, xx
So you haven’t followed CQC best practice then Kate.
John you have ADHD, I am convinced of it. I have followed it to a TEE, I didnt state the contract depends on the outcome of the CRB check but then I dont have to explain every detail to you darling. Get a life, I or anyone else on here dosent answer to the likes of you.
More childish insults Kate you know (if you have followed CQC to the TEE) that before you offer anyone a contract you should have your own CRB in place. You don’t answer to me kate but the CQC and the patients in your care. I didn’t bring this subject up on this post kate you did I just responded to it sorry I forgot you don’t like this.
Today’s gasjet has an article on the candidates for Bloomfield. As predicted, the write-up favours the Labour candidate JJ.
So far the gasket has had 3 sympathy stories in favour of Labour. One even had an old “stock” photo of Joan Humble wearing a vote Labour badge. Given that it was on the front page I have to concede it was a master stroke in subliminal advertising.
Oh dear. Are the wheels coming off Ged?
Lol. You wish!
I have really enjoyed the whole experience. It’s such a shame it’s now coming to an end as there’s nothing better than converting Labours “hard core” voters.
Also, as an added bonus (on a personal level). It has certainly given me the impetuous to carry on.
By the way, the Vaccines (indie pop group) are playing in the Empress Ballroom on Friday night and I can’t wait. So regardless of the result, I can be assured of a cracking night to finish off my campaign.
The world can be a great place, especially when music has the power to sooth ones soul.
The world can be a great place, especially when music has the power to sooth ones soul.
First sensible thing you’ve posted. Good luck on Thursday.
Been a funny few days, I had a couple of Gordon Marsdens defectors at my door asking to help me, I declined on this occassion as I have said I will not be knocking on doors so have to stick to my promise. (But will bear them in mind for next time).
Whilst out delivering leaflets had some really good feedback and some interesting conversations about matters the local candidates have been asked to help with and have done nothing. My mobile has received quite a few calls from voters calling that were not going to bother voting in this election as they are sick of ths same old same old, but have told me I have their votes, so for a first attempt it will be really interesting to see the results. I just hope the people get out and vote, as we all know talks cheap,and let’s hope the rain stays off.
had some really good feedback and some interesting conversations about matters the local candidates have been asked to help with and have done nothing
I meant local councillors not candidates,
Well obviously it is the issues on my own doorstep I know about, as I said the issues I am focused on noise abatement, litter, elderly/disabled care these are issues happening all over Bloomfield, if I was elected I would have regular surgeries all over the area, where I could meet and listen to all Bloomfield residents and work to resolve their problems.. As I’m sure you can appreciate I have a disability and there is no way I could at this moment knock on everyones door to find out what everyones issues are. But as I have said if elected I would be working for them all.
I am known round where I live for helping people, if anyone local to me has a problem they call round and I can usually sort it for them, whether it’s being charged too much gas or electric to getting a parking ticket or being let down by the Judicial system, I usually resolve it for them, I had one man released from prison who was serving five years for a crime he never committed, no one would listen but I made them, once I found a solicitor he looked at the case he could see the miscarriage of justice was as plain as the nose on his face, and we all went to the high court in London he had the sentence quashed, I asked the solicitor shouldn’t he be paid for being in prison for 18 months and he replied he has his freedom, so once again I relentlessly fought and he received a 200k payout. (He never even bought me a drink)
Also when no solicitor would touch the case of a local man who was found guilty of having indecent images on his phone, (after it had been stolen and found in an asian mans house in Derbyshire whose home contained millions of indecent images and the asian man was bailed never to be seen again) he was on the verge of suicide, after I read the police and prosecution papers, I relentlessly found one (they were all saying they could take no more cases on as funding being stopped) I rang all around the UK and drove him to many offices in Manchester Burnley Leeds until one agreed there is a miscarriage of justice, this case is ongoing but is moving in the right direction and he should be cleared very soon, the Gazette has said they will make it a big story once he has this quashed. I have helped several disabled residents to have a better quality of life by having special toilets or shower rooms fitted, when the council has refused them I have told them how to appeal and they have and won, so I’m not just a fly by night, it would be a real shame if I didn’t get elected because to be honest I think personally I could be a good asset for this area, I have knowledge, a lot learnt after losing my brother to murder. A lot of people apply to the council for things and are refused and they accept it, but what they do not realise is the council does have a duty to help people there is an appeal systems in place, but people do not know about them or how to fill out all the forms. I also know the council wastes a lot of money on inferior work and having to rip out and redo jobs they had already done, I would want answers to why this is allowed to occur, if the jobs were done right to begin with then they could afford to do twice as much work. The other 3 parties are working for the Government, they talk about political matters, I’m trying to be a local candidate that makes sure while these other 3 parties tell the council how much they have to spend and what they need to cut back on, they don’t leave Bloomfield behind. Let’s be fair if the council had £5000 to spend and a decision has to be made between Bloomfield or Ged Walsh’s neighbourhood or Sue Close’s neighbourhood, do you believe they would vote for Bloomfield, I don’t.
Again I put it to you. If you are so keen to help the people of Bloomfield, when did you attend the last PACT meeting at St Peters church?
Are you aware of the issues surounding the owner of a certain off-licence and young girls?
How are you dealing and assisting with the issues facing the businesses on Waterloo Rd? Are you even aware of their plight?
Are you looking into the recent drug activity at Bay House? Do you even know what Bay House is?
What are you doing for the many home owners who are being blighted by Anti-Social Behaviour?
How are you dealing with the many HMO’s that are having a negative impact on our town. Do you know we have over 3000 in Blackpool.
I do not doubt your intentions but can I suggest that at some point you leave Ribble Rd and meet your fellow citizens.
owners of an off licence
Consider my iPad sacked. Where did I put that keyboard.
probably in the fridge with your beer,
Ged,
Regarding HMO’s, what are your thoughts on Blackpool not Implementing an Article 4 Direction to control the spread of HMO’s as per Manchester’s current stance? Given the adverse effect it is having on neighbourhoods I would have assumed this would have been an option worthy of exploration?
Changes to Planning legislation (On 1st October 2010 superseding original amendments April 6th 2010) the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No.2) (England) Order 2010 was introduced where Class 1 (a) states that it is permitted development to move a use falling within Class C3 (dwelling house) of the Schedule from a use falling within the Class C4 (houses in multiple occupation).
Class 1 (b) also states that it is permitted development to move to a use falling within Class C4 of the Schedule from a use falling within Class C3.
However in introducing the new powers, the Government stated that where Local Authorities consider that there is a local need to control the spread of HMO’s (C4), they can use existing powers in the form of Article 4 Directions to remove this form of permitted development.
I answered you earlier on this, of course I know about Bay House The Foyer is over the road from me, I expected the Labour councillor to be doing what he was voted in to do, I am not like you working for a political party, you can go to as many pact meetings as you want but I haven’t seen you on Ribble Road or Central Drive yet you live 3 streets away, the anti social behaviour around here was sorted out by people like me dealing with the police and council, I’m so sick of people who do get elected and do nothing, I think you are probably a good choice your young your local, but once you get your foot in the door will you really care? will anyone see or hear from you again until election time, telling us how many pact meetings you attend? You go on about landlords should provide good quality housing, a landlord could have the best house in Blackpool but if he puts scum in it, who wreck it play music do drugs and totally wreck the lives of all them around them what are you gonna do? I lived it, no one came to help me, no councillor helped, if it wasn’t for Conservatives letting everyone buy council houses residential areas would not be over run with tenanted properties. Good Old Maggie, she ripped the heart out of communities. I would have probably voted for you had you have stood as an Independent but Tory Labour Lib Dem you all sing from the same hymn sheet. I hope Bloomfield think the same.
Beverly,
I don’t think you can blame Thatcher for ripping the heart out of our communities, there have been far more social and political factors at play that are responsible for the diminishing sense of community spirit and civic pride including our own apathy.
I assume that you do not agree with council housing being sold off? Would you rather have large social housing/council estates on one side of a large wall and the rest living in tree lined utopian gated neighbourhoods? Hardly a balanced community you would be advocating.
Does the man who was accused wrongly of child porn on his phone have the initial ‘A’? If so fair play to you love and more power to your elbow. Vote Bev.
Hi Sue, have you attended any of your local PACT meetings in Bloomfield? I must have missed you.
Likewise, Bev I must have missed you as well. How odd.
Sorry Ged hope you didn’t think I was ignorant, I never got chance to say hello or goodbye, had to dash off other matters to deal with, but I thought it was an interesting meeting. Me and Mr Jones seated together.
Sat so close to each other, I thought you and John were an item!! lol just kidding.
I was talking to John before the meeting and if you take him away from the Labour party, he’s actually a nice guy.
If he wins today, then he has a lot to live up to. There are a hell of a lot of people who use their councillors in the Bloomfield ward.
I know Bloomfield is a “serious” Labour stronghold but I never wanted to be a paper candidate. So if by any chance I actually manage to increase the tory vote, then I did my job well and I’m more than happy with that.
Incidently, one thing I did learn on my travels was that Bloomfield does not have many people “actually” from Blackpool, living in it. Second generation yes, but the majority of the mums and dads are out of towners.
“Does that matter?” I hear you all cry.
Well, I think it puts a different slant on how you run your campaign. Something to consider next time around.
Well Vote Day, I never finished delivering my leaflets til 10.30 last night, but I’m pretty sure we covered everywhere me and my 2 little helpers, I look at it every vote I get takes one away from the big party’s and sends a message they’re not listening to the local people. Good Luck Ged, see you at the count. I’m in court all morning and afternoon so timing of the election is not great for me, just hope the neighbours rally round telling everyone to vote for me!
Well just chilling after an eventful few weeks, I came 3rd Labour won with 700 odd votes, Ged won with 216 and I got 193 (23 votes between us) lib dem 70 something, (should have took a pen,) I think I sent a message, listen to the locals.
Not bad for a candidate that never knocked on a door, wonder how many I would have got if I had. Great result, Simon blackburn had a bet I wouldn’t get 50 so he lost a tenner lol
Yep, hats off to you Bev, well done “me-lady!” lol.
As for the results on a party level:
Bloomfield remained the same ie, 700 Lab, 200 Con (so it’s more a case of “as is really,” nothing has change!).
Given the rest of the nights results (up and down the country), I thought it was a pretty positive result given that the Tory’s never “actually” lost any votes in Bloomfield!
On the other hand and taking nothing away from John Jones, he is now able to celebrate a hollow victory. Labour clearly won the day in their (equivalent), safe seat of Norbreck.” So for them, it’s Job done / business as usual.
I will have to delay my meeting with Napoleon at “Waterloo,” for another day.
well done BEV, you stood love, sadly the great British Sheeple have followed the punch and Judy line and voted labour,they never learn, would loved to have seen a massive swing towards UKIP and independents to show their revulsion at 3 rotten lamestream parties who stand for nothing and fall for everything,this is the pronlem in the uk, the sheeple still see it as a 2 horse race and wonder why we alternate from one load of shite to another.Fuck zanulabour, Fuck the tory scum, fuck the fib dems
On the other hand and taking nothing away from John Jones, he is now able to celebrate a hollow victory. Labour clearly won the day in their (equivalent), safe seat of Norbreck.” So for them, it’s Job done / business as usual.
Quite right Ged the lack of COMPETITION made this a one horse race
I’ll be back! watch this space. I will only stand for Bloomfield, my area, I’ve got 3 years to make a mark for myself and will get more active with the residents and the council. I’ve learnt quite a lot through this election and I honestly didn’t expect as many people to vote for me, as I said I never knocked on doors, I haven’t been out promoting myself apart from my 2 leaflet and using the Internet, I think this is the way forward because I do really believe people hate you knocking on their doors. I will send out a leaflet every year to Bloomfield up to the election asking what changes they have seen, keep Mr Jones on his toes, and lets see what happens at the next one, I’ve got the bug. I think I ruffled a few feathers last night, that thought I was not a contender, I think the amount of votes I received showed I was. Might persuade my new friend Ged to become an Independent, We’d be a forceful twosome!!
2nd May bet were all there Ged!, I liase with the police and the council more or less daily sorting out issues as no one else around here does. I am an unofficial councillor! I stand up for the residents because I love to not because I’m representing a load of stuffed shirts who do not live in the real world! I live it, I see it and at least I do something about it. I may not have the business acumen as you put it, but I’m nobody’s fool, If given the chance I would find out what actually is available to this area and I would fight tooth and nail to get the people around here what they deserve, and what their entitled to.
The three main parties all promise the world until they get in, Con/Lib Dem have gone back on everything they promised, bet you didn’t pay to go to Uni? My niece couldn’t afford to go with a massive debt hanging around her neck for the rest of her life.
After the election we will never hear from any of them again until the next election, I realise that Mary Smith was ill for an awful long time, I have never seen or heard from Graham Cain the labour councillor. Thats why someone local has to be a voice for the local people. May the best Man/Woman win!
It’s misleading to say that about uni fees. Whilst I resent uni fees and have resented them ever since Labour forced me to pay them, the student loans structure and the new system are paid off in a progressive way, i.e., the more you earn the more you pay, and if you earn less than a certain amount you don’t pay any. Nobody will ever be faced with debt collectors or a damaged credit rating because of an unpaid student loan.
you sound like cox here Phil are you sure your not him using an alias for this site?
Grow up, Cardy.
Sorry Phil but Cox always bleated on about labour and tuition fees ,he then went on to tell me to grow up when I disagreed with him!!!!
If he said that, then quite right he was. Just because two people say similar things does not make them the same person.
Right off to do some more leaflet drops
Excellent, it’s all very emotional isn’t it. However I have lived here all my life, so unfortunately I won’t be going anywhere. Especially after May 3rd.
When you get back from your leaflet drop, can you let me know if you have any plans for creating jobs within Blackpool South and can you tell me if you have any plans to restore the commercial district on Waterloo Rd?
Incidentally, I did pay for my education. So you’re sadly wrong.
I know this does not fit in with your stereotypical view of me but I so wish people like yourself would not jump to conclusions. Ask me, as i’m more than happy to tell you about my shelf-stacking days at Sainsbury’s whilst I was a student.
I’d like to see a kid nowadays earn £9,000 from stacking shelves in Sainsbury’s. Can you tell me how many local people worked on the Blackpool Seafront? I have spoken to many local builders that tendered for work on it and none got jobs from it, one even told me that the only local person working on it was the security man. I don’t necessarily believe that but I know the builders were brought in from out of town, so when they got their pay packets the money didn’t go back into Blackpool economy it went home with them. I am not backed by a large political party, I’m a small fry in a big sea in this by election, I say it as I see it, and if I lose perhaps people like you may take these points onboard.
Bev can I just point out that these so called “out of town” workers stayed in local b&b’s, they ate in local eateries and they drank in local bars. Thus, contributing to the local economy. It’s not all bad.
actually most drove home to manchester.
By the way Ged I may not have been born and bred here, I’m a straight talking Yorkshire lass from Leeds (I still supported Blackpool last week) but I own my own home and I have 3 sandgrowners groing up IN this deprived area called Bloomfield, 2 are teenagers one is one year old, the eldest gets £20 a week EMA to go to college used to be £30 until Conservatives got in, her bus fare is £12.50 to Lytham St Annes she is supposed to buy all her lunches and equipment from that. She cannot even afford a night at the cinema, she worked through Christmas at Primark seasonal staff, and has applied for hundreds of jobs since, she’s 17 so most places will not employ her until she is 18 as they serve alcohol. What if anything does the council do for the kids around here? Both of the eldest went to Revoe and Palatine. My sister had a hairdressing shop on central Drive the rates were astronomic, how are we supposed to tidy up an area with rates so high, small businesses can’t survive. The council should give all new decent ventures on Lytham Road, Central Drive, Dale Street a rent/rates free period of a year to give the businesses chance to grow, The only people surviving and still trading are the second hand shops or charity shops or fast food shops oh and the “illegal” brothels. All eyesores! Give local enrtrepreneurs a chance, bringing decent businesses to the areas and not have empty shops all over has to be good in the long term.
By the way my response number 9 was to Cardy earlier, but you slipped inbetween.
Cardy is just a troll, beware of replying to him.
You have just proved you are councillor cox a Tory bigot
Au contraire, you have just proven that you are a troll with your off-topic, pointless, inflammatory drivel.
Cardy. I’ve been posting on this forum for some time and I can tell you that Phil is definitely not Chrisitan Cox. Phil and Christian (formerly True Blackpudlian) have had many a head-on collision on here when they’ve disagreed with each other. Stop being a troll and pull your head out of Simon Blackburn’s arse and see the daylight.
Its very nice to hear such passion and interest from Both Bev and Ged, My only hope is that which ever candidate gets in; the other will remain interested and continue to support their beliefs about Blackpool and the current political and managerial situation. We need more people challenge what is wrong within the town and fight for what is good.
Good luck to you both.
Thank you Fred.
It is extremely important that we remain positive.
Over the last 10 years I have been very active in supporting our town and I can assure you that regardless of the outcome on May 3rd I will continue to do so.
Do you actually live on Coronation Street Ged or is that just where your business is? I noticed a Bispham address on your Touch newsletter, I presume thats Conservative offices.
Oops replied in the wrong area. Please see answer below.
Info not opinions on this….. there are reports that Joan Humble has had a finger bitten off by a dog while putting out election leaflets.
It could be a different former Blackpool MP???? And it could be in the Marton Ward ( seen as more of a close battle)
Now that’s scary.
It is my biggest fear when delivering any type of leaflet.
My nephew got bit delivering mine, thats awful if it’s true.
I heard the Tory candidate in Marton got their head bitten off by a Labour voter!
Jovanka’s had her finger bitten off? How’s the dog?
It is in the gasjet today.
“Bloomfield bites back against Labours 15 years of miss-management.”
Let’s hope Joan makes a speedy recovery.
Yes I saw that, her hand got mauled as she put some literature through a letterbox….
The one thing that did strike me about the report…..
“The neighbourhood policing team have been several times to the address to speak to the owners but there has been no reply.
Why are not they using statutory powers to enter and ensure everything is ok, there could be a child in there?
Going off topic here but I have just had a meeting with a social worker who two weeks ago begged me to take in a 14 year old boy who had been thrown out by his parents, to save him going into care. Having looked after the lad and I can find no fault with him whatsoever, I’m not saying that I don’t believe he could be a little sod, can’t all teenagers, but I really think throwing him out is a bit OTT. I asked her why his parents were not prosecuted as he is 14 years old and this to me is neglect, she tells me there is no such law that can stop a parent throwing out a 14 year old? This strikes me as strange, so then why do they prosecute parents who try their best to get their unruly teenagers to school and sometimes send them to prison! What a society we live in. Then we wonder why kids are drinking on street corners causing Anti Social Behaviour, if this is true then surely a law needs bringing in. He at 14 is still a minor. I don’t know how they sleep on a night.
Dear Beverly and Ged
I and many others would probably prefer you both to identify the key aspects of challenge; first of all within the Bloomfield ward; secondly I would ask what departments you see as key in getting your opinions and views heard and finally I want to know how you will effect change as I am sure you will both find it very difficult under the current Labour regime.
I am glad to see that you are both using this site as it has “some” excellent contributors about the town; I only hope you continue to use this site following the election as a place to ask for constructive opinion and view as you will both need support outside of your immediate network of friends; family and political colleagues.
Whatever you do, Please don’t go down the usual political road of slagging each other off; its not pretty and will do neither of you any favours.
I am looking with keen interest at the first councillor or candidate in Blackpool who will publicly demand the removal of certain council officers and the change in the culture of adminstration where for years ceratin council officers have been dictating the agenda;they are the ones who control the town and are without accountability, they are the ones who have wasted millions,wrecked roads and degraded the town, yet the councillors regardless of party have remained silent.Who will be the first? Well Ged and Bev what are your views please?
Fred,
I could not agree more, the “slagging matches” only serve to reaffirm to everyone that politics is as much a game of egos and rhetoric rather than that of challenging agendas and a focus on delivering change.
Any new candidates would do well to bear in mind that the majority of the populous is being turned off from politics due to the constant juvenile bickering and tit-for tat mentality of elected members at all political levels.
I think we would all be more interested in hearing not only vague agendas and aims but actual details in how change is going to be delivered by cadidates, bullet-point solutions dont work and wont win votes.
spot on citizen 01,who will be the first councillor with the courage to demand substantial change in the administration,starting with John Donellon?
Indeed Harold, I agree 100%.
cheers phil its an issue that councillors remain silent on.
btw just emailed you an article with an addition, the original pwrs article done on march 28th, cheers
Yes that is correct, I actually live just 3 streets away from your good self. The Bispham address is the party offices.
I just wondered as 3 people have just called me to tell me I am not actually the only candidate in the ward, and that you reside on St Heliers Road according to your latest leaflet, as it happens I have just received the same leaflet, and I see how they could be mistaken.
Why would anyone be confused? Did I write something in Russian?
Having resided on St Heliers Road, I have watched for over a decade the Bloomfield ward being led by Labour and Lib Dems, Indeed they have been championed by some great people. However I watch in disbelief the continued decline in both our residential and local business areas. sic
Why did you wait so long Ged why didn’t you do something sooner?
Then the likes of me wouldn’t have to try to make a difference. Why haven’t you busted the brothels at the end of our road? I can only presume the one you closed affected your business.
The word “resided” meaning in the past tense. What is so hard to understand about that?
As for “waiting so long before I did anything” and “busting brothels affecting just my business.”
Well, there was an article in the gasjet 2 weeks ago referring to streetwalkers in and around the Central Drive area of Blackpool, guess where it came from?
There was also a discussion at a full council meeting relating to sex workers based on Cookson Street (Talbot Ward). Again, guess who highlighted and instigated the debate.
This is now the second time you have either stereotyped me or presumed the wrong thing about me. And this is why somebody like yourself would not make a good Councillor.
You are simply far to eager to pass judgement on people you know very little about.
As a verb it means you live there! misleading!
Not at all.
Resided is the past participle, Bev.
Bev, I’m a bit concerned you are running as a ward councillor but dont know the difference between past and present tense.
I understood it, I’m winding him up, just a few people called me who didn’t! they thought I was mistaken saying I am actually the only candidate that lives in the Bloomfield Ward. At least they are reading the leaflets. I explained it to them.
Beverley,
In all honesty I doubt you were winding him up.
But if you were, as I posted yesterday, that kind of juvenile behaviour is clearly what turns most people off from politics at a local and national level. And in my opinion actually reflects how you would actually operate and behave in a political capacity.
Focus on fighting the battles that are worth fighting, focus your energy on becoming familiar with a wide range of valid issues that affect the ward come up with some solutions and keep the playground bickering and taunting to yourself its disgraceful and embarassing.
Citizen01 Dont fret too much, There are many reasons why people become councillors – to represent their community, raise an issue they feel passionate about.
Councillors, can come from many different backgrounds. In fact it is best if councillors are diverse to represent the nature of the public they are elected to serve.
Councillors do not need any qualifications; they come from a variety of backgrounds and if anything, life experience is the most important attribute a councillor can bring to the role.
Do you speak russian? Privet, kak dela tovarich?
Yes it translates to;
“I’m voting for Ged Walsh”
Thank you.
Ged. You’re an ignorant and arrogant twat.
One of my favourite bands “the Subhuman’s” sang a song like that.
Incidentally they’re re on this year’s line up at Rebellion punk festival in Blackpool. I can’t wait to see them again.
Altogether now:
“Mickey Mouse is dead, got kicked in the head”
Now I’m very pleased that I vote UKIP.
Right Fred,
I am under no illusion that if elected I would be able to change anything significantly but that won’t stop me trying. Firstly I feel Bloomfield is not represented and that has to change, no one as far as I can see is representing the local people.
If elected I would like to get on the primary care trust panel, as I would like to know where in Blackpool is there a decent NHS dentist that actually is english and have english diplomas, I watch border force and see all those bogus credentials that are sold on the black market, I would want to vet them all. I speak to my neighbours who all say the same, one of my neighbours died due to a foreign doctor injecting him in the wrong lung, I dice with my life everytime I go in for a procedure, I have been in the NHS system since 1964 I have spent time in lots of different hospitals and I have seen them get worse, the patient is no longer there top priority. The majority of NHS dentists in Blackpool are Polish, Phillipine and Spanish and people are not happy with them, there must be a few good ones but unfortunately the 3 that I have seen in the past 18 months were all useless and lied on their bills about doing things they never did, one even curled up the print out so I could only see the signature box? so how much money did they steal from the tax payer. I sent complaints to the PCT and they said they would look into it, I was fobbed off, wouldn’t be so easy to fob me off if I was sat on a panel and I know that many people in Blackpool feel the same way, but dare not speak out (or do not know how to) same with Victoria Hospital.
Social Services Care for the elderly and disabled, I feel very strongly on these matters as I know only too well how these services make a difference, and Education, I was appalled when I was told of one of the local schools kitting the school out with plasmas and telling nuisance children to stay at home and all teachers knuckled down and taught the week ofsted came to visit, it is not good enough, the kids told me that they wished the school had worked like that all year they would have learned more, not just the week ofsted called.
I am now hearing (not sure if it’s true) another school is choosing the best pupils and leaving all the rest to go to Palatine next year, so Palatine ends up with all the foreign children that have moved into town having to have english lessons at the cost of our local childrens education. If this is true something should be done about it. Local schools should be for local kids, headmasters should not be able just to choose the most academic.
It would be a priviledge to work for Bloomfield, to be in a position to make a difference. I’m willing to put in the commitment and hard work If elected it would be all new to me, I would be starting as a novice, but once I learned the ropes, there would be no stopping me. I have strong views a lot of people disagree with me, but a lot agree with me, It is truly common sense, but all I see are pen pushers making everything so hard.
Harold I hear you loud and clear, but give me chance to get in and see how things work. No one frightens me, I like to listen and learn, and if I see something is not right I will say so, Whats the worst that could happen? They can’t shoot me, I’m not trying to make it big in politics, I don’t want to be Lord Mayor, I just want things that are so wrong put right. I’m here to represent the normal folk of the town who mainly think like me but do nothing about it. And as I say if I don’t make it this time, no worries I’ll make sure the next three years I’m well known and I do get in.
Beverly,
You are sounding slightly xenophobic regarding your comments on nationality and profession. Whilst I am sure there are numerous unscrupulous professionals in the health sector I do not think it’s solely restricted to those that are not UK citizens.
I admire your candor but what worries me is that you openly state that you would be starting as a novice and be willing to learn the ropes. I personally would be more comfortable in voting for individuals that have an element of expertise or experience in the fields on the issues which they wish to tackle.
My opinion is not solely restricted to yourself, so please do not take it personally. The same statement could be aimed at any of the candidates and more worryingly all the current elected members, who frequently sit on panels/committees making decisions that have a fundamental bearing on the town and yet have no experience in the actual matters or disciplines upon which they comment .
Interesting.
For the last 10 years I have been actively engaged in numerous campaigns throughout Blackpool.
99% of these campaigns have involved working with the many agencies and departments that make up Blackpool Council i.e. Trading Standards, Liecencing, Highways, Environment, Illuminations etc.
I have also attended many “full council” sessions in order to understand the working practices of such events (I do my homework).
Likewise, I have been both a supporter and critic of Blackpool Council. Of which neither phases me.
On the flipside of working with the council. I have also spearheaded a number of “large” public meetings which have involved every area of our town. So to say “I come in as a novice” is a little disingenuous. But I can live with that.
Can I ask you did you do this all off your own back or with the backing of the Conservative party holding your hand.
Everybody has to start somewhere. I don’t think Bev could do a worse job than some of the long-standing councillors in this town, could she? After all, people “voting for individuals that have an element of expertise or experience in the fields on the issues which they wish to tackle” is what got this town into the mess we find ourselves in today. The ‘xenophobia’ reference is a sort of ‘race-card lite’ and ought to be treated as such. As a matter of interest, Citizen 01, where do you stand on the ‘Bradford Spring’? Was it OK for George Galloway to mobilise the Pakistani-muslim vote by appealing to their common interests? Was that xenophobic? The strangers in that scenario, of course would have been non-Pakistani non-muslims, in erm, England.
Greg,
I dont know of any elected individuals in Blackpool with a level of expertise in the fields the influence, perhaps you can enlighten me?
I’m no going to even engage with you on the “Bradford Spring” issue as personally I have no interest in it, havent followed the issue and dont think its directly relevant to this discussion regarding candidate suitability and what their agenda is for the ward.
So we’re in agreement that Bev is at least as viable a candidate as any of the others? Good.
You mentioned ‘xenophobia’, thereby effectively throwing in the race-card. That road leads inexorably to Bradford, whether you like it or not. Would you care to identify yourself, Citizen 01? I’m always wary of spending too much time discussing important issues with imaginary people.
Greg,
I found Beverleys comments regarding her concerns over foreign health professionals slightly Xenophobic, it was my opinion on her statement, and how I interpreted her post. If it has caused you some offence I apologise.
And I did not question her personal viability as a candidate, I only pointed out my concerns regarding all candidates to which she responded.
I am not on here to squabble as you will know if you have read my other posts on other topics, I merely attempt to contribute. But if candidates come onto a forum I would assume they would expect to be questioned by residents and potential voters.
Well I’m not imaginary the last time I checked, and no, I would rather not identify myself as I come on here to debate on-going issues and provide some insight on particular matters, not to raise my own profile so I’ll remain in the shadows if that’s ok with you.
When anybody makes a stand for English people, the race card is thrown in, why is that?
easy answer Jeremy, its the mass conditioning by the PC brigade,cultural marxism, oikophobia,Happy St Georges day mate and FUCK POLITICAL CORRECTNESS,FREEDOM OF SPEECH RULES!
Jeremy, I dont see any evidence of anyone “making a stand for English people” in Beverleys statement, she pointed out her fears regarding foriegn health professionals which was slightly biased.
I dont think we need to “make a stand” against a massive invading force of eastern european, Phillipine and Spanish dental professionals and if some feel we do then it only reflects their own personal paranoia. Borders work both ways and I have personally undertaken quite a bit of work overseas.
Is it really true to say that; “The majority of NHS dentists in Blackpool are Polish, Phillipine and Spanish”?
Lets say it was true that they were all from abroad, does it matter as long as they are competent? There are many, many health professionals within the NHS from the nations you mention and others. Why single out dentists?
It does pose a question as to why it is necessary to recruit so many foreign health workers, but that is a separate issue which is up to the likes of Mr Marsden and Maynard to mull over.
Citizen01 I did expect that, I’m not xenophobic I’m frightened, I asked the local PCT to let me know what checks they did on the dentists I used, and was told they were qualified,
I asked how did they know, had they checked them, checked where they were trained abroad?
I believe the people I saw were hygenists not dentists, now whether that is through cost, or there are no uk trained dentists working in Blackpool for the NHS as a lot have gone private, I don’t know but I would like to find out. We are all supposed to have a say in our treatment.
As for being a novice, yep I can’t change that and it may lose me votes, but at the end of the day everyone has to start somewhere, but the things I would want to have dealings with are things I have a knowledge of, someone with a disability knows more of what a disabled person needs that a healthy person who has a degree and has sat on lots of committees. I don’t take anything personally.
Beverley,
I understand your stance. You can search online on the General Dental Council Register, this may answer your questions regarding their level of training and if they are registered with the council and able to practice in the UK.
I can appreciate everyone has to start somewhere, however it is my opinion that “learning the ropes” whilst in a position of potential influence is a very scary prospect and wrong decisions are easily made as we have seen numerous times in the town. Familiarity and expertise in what you will be expected to make decisions on is what I feel most want from candidates, for those are the ones that long term have the potential to change the bigger picture.
I would not question your statement regarding your disability and your unique knowledge of the requirements of those that are mobility impaired. I myself am very well versed in the Disability and Equality Act the Disability Discrimination Act and the access requirements for those who are mobility impaired and can understand the challenges such individuals face on a daily basis.
We are now into our second generation of leaders, on a national level, whose career progression goes. 1.School 2.University 3.Student’s Union 4.Civil Service/Local Government 5.Parliament.
They are crap at it. They could not possibly be any worse. Give me people with life-experience over career politicians, every time.
Greg,
I take your point regarding career politicians, but I think, regardless of background, over time individuals get indoctrinated into the political game and become more focussed on self-preservation than the “greater good”.
Although, as an example, I doubt a politician with no experience in infrastructure could make well-placed decisions on large-scale infrastructure projects. Whilst I am not advocating the career route you point out, experience in such matters should be essential and doesn’t have to be gained at university/college.
Blackpool is largely in the mess it is in today as the opinions and recommendations of outside consultants have not been questioned and there has been no-one at a high level that has been qualified or equipped with enough experience or the essential skills to know any better.
I totally agree. I confess to not knowing what the chain of command is at the town hall. I’m a comedian, not a politician but if councillors have any say over what council officials get up to, I would much rather an inexperienced person with some local interest said “that’s bollocks, sort it out” than a party apparatchik said “hang on, I’ll find out whether the party thinks it’s bollocks or not.”
Greg,
The problem is that the chain of command is far too convoluted with Heads of Services, Strategic Directors and portfolio holders far more concerned with empire building than facilitating positive change.
All of the above and the councillors have a say and often it is they that are actually pulling the strings and making the calls, but very quick to blame others.
The problem is due to a lack of vision and/or experience they don’t know the bollocks from the Beluga hence the shit decision making over the past decade.
To Greg and Citizen01
I did expect backlash over my remarks, I am definitely not a racist, my fathers side of the family live in Bradford and I have quite a colourful family.
If I was elected and had to make big decisions on something I was unsure of or had no knowledge of, I would make sure I did my homework before I commited myself. These people that are “supposedly” know what they are doing are making a complete hash of it.
I have family and friends visit and they say they will never come back here again, they would rather go to Bridlington or Scarborough, Leeds town centre or Manchester than come to Blackpool! yet when I lived in Leeds the Blackpool trips were a must we loved it, but lets be fair behind the front is a cesspit, We are all forgotten, too many empty shops filled with bedsits above them is not helping matters. Allowing saunas and massage parlours to pop up is not making this a family friendly town for holidaymakers, and definitely not for the families that live here. The town needs cleaning up, but who is actually going to say something and be heard? and who is going to do something? As I said previously in a post I have never yet had any councillor knock on my door and ask me what I would like to see a change to. Perhaps if once they got elected they kept in touch with their electors and they all got together and focused on changing things for the better they might be able to force change.
It’s the same as me fighting for Justice over the death of my brother, if all us victims had have fought together as one, things may change, but unfortunately when grief is in, we all become selfish and it’s justice for mine, never mind yours,
well said,so lets start demanding changes to the command structure, John Donellon, here is your p45!
And I am defo not xenophobic, I even printed my election literature in Polish and the local Polish shop owners read them and were very pleased.
Bev, I don’t work for the PCT but I have to disagree with you on the subject of foreign dentists. I know from experience that there are checks because a ukrainian lady (now resident in Scotland) who is a friend of my wife and I, was a dentist in her own country but was not allowed to practice here until she passed exams here proving her competence. Fact.
TT that is good to know, had anyone have told me that then I would not have made that comment, that is how transparent they were when I asked about it. And yes you know who I am talking about A. What him and his family have been put through is horrendous.
Off to bed I have a meeting with social services and school tomorrow.
If you’r DELIVERING LEAFLETS use this useful TIP and not lose the tip of your finger. Make yourself a strong cardboard or hardboard pusher about 9 inches by 5, double over leaflet , insert between fold and push leaflet through letterbox,……simples, if you get it snatched by a sneaky dog it’s better than a bloody finger.
Alternatively you could take a shotgun with you and on hearing a dog behind the door, push both barrels through the letter box and pull the trigger. No dogbites or bloody finger but the resident will need a painter and decorator. Simples.
“Cllr Cain and the Labour machine are bereft of any ideas and they are simply not fit for purpose. And to think he is the portfolio holder for tourism! What chance do we have with councillors like that”
Thats true but you could say the same bout Callows clots,their answer was to wreck the roads, increase congestion and build the odious wedding shed, and carry on with the tatbot gateway, yes new council offices,thats why they are out and labour are in.I beleive we need to move away from this ‘drug dependence’ on tourism , diversify the economy.All 3 parties have mismanaged Blackpool or managed its decline.Ged how about avoiding slagging off labour for a change (I dont support them) and address the core issue?The council officers and their empires, will you be the first to demand the removal of some of these officers,say John Donellon? They are the source of the towns planning problems.
Citizen 01# What is the difference between a benefit claimant and someone who wants free adult education? Both groups want something off the state for nothing,both groups expect the hard working tax payers of this country to support them. As an adult pay your way in life is what I am saying the state cannot afford the benefit culture it cannot afford adult education. Which of these groups is more important providing food for people or educating them in adulthood? The sponging comes in when you want it for nothing and bitch about having to pay your way in life as Philtheone does. Now before he moans about off topic it was philtheone who mentioned student fees first it was also philtheone who brought up the nhs.so perhaps philtheliar could explain how responding to his posts is off topic?
Philtheone was the MRI scan for your loss of memory? Who brought up tuition fees?Who brought up the NHS? That would be philthetroll. I suppose thats the good thing about running the site you can remove things were you have been proved ,perhaps you can prove to your good readers where I stated jobs were only being lost in the Vic? Of course you cant do that because I never stated that.Quite sad really that your political view has to resort to name calling when you are proved wrong the traits are so similar to Councillor Cox. 1 a name caller 2 against paying your way in life (sponger) 3 blinded by this corrupt Tory Government. I hope one day you can actually win an argument against this uneducated, working class BNP/Labour voting troll I wont hold my breath though
The most crazy thing about that rant cardy is that you actually think you have scored points against me.
Let me explain why you haven’t.
Beverley brought up tuition fees, I brought up BVH, you brought up the NHS, and looking at the names you have called me as well as “Osbum”, “Camercon” and so on, you can add hypocritical to ignorant, stupid and racist. I’ve called you an internet troll because the description fits perfectly, and every post you make reaffirms this.
Your policy on education is interesting. I am guessing from these anti-higher education comments that you didn’t attend any such education? School of hard knocks, right?
You said you think everyone should “pay their way” out of their own pocket and berated me for criticizing Labour’s introduction of tuition fees, but you think the NHS should be completely free. Is this a U-turn from cardy? Is he now going to support privatisation of the NHS and claim everyone should have to “pay their way” for treatment or take out medical insurance?
Incidentally, in the last year NHS consultant numbers are UP by 3.5%, NHS doctor numbers UP by 0.9% (4000 more doctors since the general election), NHS nurse numbers DOWN by 1%. Health minister Simon Burns said; “more clinical staff working in NHS than ever before”.
http://www.publicservice.co.uk/news_story.asp?id=19258
You said; “both these groups are costing the country money it does not have so why pick on one group and not the other the answer is simple self interest!!
Firstly, were you not the one claiming the country has the money to fund public services without cuts? Isn’t this the Labour policy? “Cuts too deep and too fast”? Now you say the country doesn’t have the money. Another U-turn from cardy?
Secondly, did you miss the tripling of tuition fees by the government last year, or does your brain not connect that to being a massive cut to higher education funding?
I’m more with the socialist point of view on education, and believe higher education should be free like it was until Labour grasped power in 1997. You seem to have a wierd view on it, that if you can’t afford education, you can’t have it. Even the Tories don’t think that.
Citizen 01# just to inform you I am paying for my education and am currently in my 3rd year studying with the OU. I have to pay my fees as I am not entitled to assistance this year will cost me just short of 5k. Tuition fees only become repayable when your income hits a certain threshold. Could you explain how this is unfair the state has provided that person with the education to reach a certain level in their careers earning well above what that person needs to live on (a far higher figure than benefit claimants) ,so is it not right that that person repays their debt to the state? As you see I am more informed than you assumed, I may have poor writting skills but I worked hard to get to where I am today and without assistance from the state so why should I as a tax payer fund philtheones education or anyone elses? As for being small minded perhaps you shouldnt jump to conclusions about people you dont know and assume what they dont know.
Education is the foundation of modern society. To implement barriers to education in the form of daunting amounts of debt following a degree is to deny generations the opportunity to better themselves. Education should be available for everyone with no exceptions, just like NHS care is.
Better education = more earnings = more tax paid which will easily cover education cost. Same argument as Ed Balls’ VAT cut which you support: lower tax = greater revenues. Same principle that provided Hong Kong’s massive growth under Cowperthwaite.
Unfortunately other things, like the welfare state and deficit interest payments, are in requirement of a larger slice of the pie so revenue is now raised by tuition fees.
Cardy, i dont think at any point in my post i claimed it was unfair that the loans are paid back??
Citizen 01# So only the rich should have access to further education? leaving all those on middle or low-incomes or from low-income families no way to better themselves? This statement alone proves how wrong your opinion is, firstly as you know the loans are only repayable when a certain threshold is hit,this in no way stops the middle classes or those on low incomes from attending university.It will always be easier for the rich as they can afford to have a reasonable or good lifestyle whilst attending university. Their fees will be payed as they go whereas the less well off pay later and over a period of time when they hit the payment threshold. The threshold is set at a very reasonale level allowing people who CHOSE to go to uni the chance to pay back later in instalments. Perhaps if these people after leaving Uni lived to their means they would not struggle to pay the debt back . You also state there is no way to better themselves that statement is also incorrect I left school with average cse qualifications Im semi retired well before retirement age through hard work. There is your alternative work and strive to better yourself. People who bleet on about fees dont want to pay their way in life just like benefit scroungers (wanting something for nothing). If I cannot afford a new car I do without, if I cannot afford a new house I do without simple economics something which Tory voters claim I do not understand.
Philtheone# in reply to your statement is the Vic not part of the NHS? Could you quote what I have put in the public domain that is Racist?
School of hard knocks not at all any mistakes I made as a youngster were my doing I just dont happen to bleet on about paying my way in life expecting something for nothing as you do.
I have always said that tuition fees should be paid for by those benefitting from going to University and always that the NHS should be free illness is not a choice education is.
philtheone u-turn are nurses losing their jobs or not? You state 1%
cost of redundancy payments to the nhs 2010/11 £195 million estimated total for 11/12 £616.6 million
NHS reforms to cost in total estimated £169 billion
As for the Tory hike in fees im all for it infact im all for it.Adult education should only be funded for those with disabilities.as they usually require extra assistance.
You seem to have a wierd view on it, that if you can’t afford education, you can’t have it. Even the Tories don’t think that.
wrong again every child upto adulthood should and does recieve free education.
Do children in this country deserve to have decent facilities to be taught in?
Not according to you, when I gave examples of the conditions of some schools you berated me. Children are influenced by the surroundings they are taught in. Perhaps distractions like water running down walls is acceptable to you but it isnt to me.
Education is the foundation of modern society. To implement barriers to education in the form of daunting amounts of debt following a degree is to deny generations the opportunity to better themselves. Education should be available for everyone with no exceptions, just like NHS care is
Almost 28% of UK graduates who left university in 2007 were still not in full-time work three and a half years later, figures have suggested.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-14758464
Better education = more earnings = more tax paid which will easily cover education cost
The above figures would suggest differently,why should tax payers fund those who CHOOSE to go into further education,if people are not prepared to invest in themselves . Why should I as a tax payer work to allow someone else to earn a better living off my hard work? What is wrong with students paying their way once they hit the payment threshold this is substantially higher than minimum wage which many of the population have to live off?
Education is free for everyone the only argument here is the cut off age.I believe adults should pay their own way,there are better things for the state to spend money on.
Back to the old days of only the wealthy being able to afford education, eh? You must be a fan of old fashioned pay-as-you-learn grammar schools as well!
Call yourself a Labour supporter!
I thought the idea of going to uni was to earn higher wages,so why cant the extra earnings be used to pay for their education?
Um, well the tax paid on earnings of 60,000 is more than the tax paid on 30,000.
28% of those cannot even find full time work,perhaps if they had looked for fulltime employment instead of going to uni they would have been better off.Tax on earnings of 10k is better than paying benefits going from the theory you have just put forward
Regarding you being a racist troll, you admitted it earlier in this topic. Selective amnesia perhaps?
I quote;
Cardy: “I do vote BNP and admit to being racist”
Click this link and be enlightened:
http://philtheone.com/2012/04/by-election-3rd-may-2012-bloomfield-ward/#comment-26529
Could you provide a racist comment I have put into the public domain? Admitting to having racist opinions (and by the way my racism is only against immigration and the EU not colour or creed.) is hardly offensive
Cardy,
You sir, are full of drivel and I am not going to justify any more of your posts with a response as you have selective memory and dont even put forward coherent arguements. Why waste your time coming on here if you dont intend to contribute in a positive way.
Citizen 01# I may be full of drivel but you sir havent justified anything or put forward a coherent argument for tuition fees. The idea of debate is to have conflicting or opposing views i wont come back on here so you can all agree with yourselves and say what a great job the Tory party are doing, should make for an interesting forum. NOT
Hooray!
Debate is rational , interesting and coherent, you are neither. I have stated my stance on tuition fees and fully agree with Phil. Its a fundamental building block of society and should be available to all, either through grants or loans. I myself have been through the system, coming from a low-income household, without the loan system I would not have been able to enter higher education and would probably have ended up on benefits or “sponging” as you call it.
Adios
Just wanted to say a “Big Thank You” to all those people who have helped me with my campaign. I know (or at least I think I know!) many of you visit this website.
I take nothing for granted and it’s very much appreciated. Cheers.
Bev knocked one of the 3 main parties into 4th – congrats.
Cheers TT x