Archives for January 2017

An important part of my job is to chair the combined Conservative group at the Council of Europe.  The Council has no connection to the European Parliament, but in fact brings in a much wider range of Parliamentarians from countries including Russia. For this reason alone it is a very important …
Continue Reading …

Guess what. The dunderheads who devised Taunton Deane's sham public consultation have now owned up to the fact that people are shunning the sham in their thousands.  When the council's clipboard circus rolled into Minehead for an afternoon session the turnout was pathetic and local people complained …
Continue Reading …

.....but only if you CAN hear. That is the nub of the problem.  People with hearing difficulties find it increasingly difficult to obtain good jobs and keep them. Employers are not always sympathetic. There is, sadly, still a stigma surrounding any disability - including the least visible, like …
Continue Reading …

A quick plug for a worthy local business! I can testify to DJ Miles enthusiasm for a good cuppa. I have watched them at work They blend teas, coffees and even chocolate from all over the globe and have carved out a valuable niche in this highly competitive market. But now, I am delighted to report, …
Continue Reading …

 We now know the truth: if you give your opinion about the planned merger of West Somerset Council with Taunton Deane chances are they will not take any notice of what you say.  The Monitoring Officer and Assistant Chief Executive for both councils has made this abundantly clear in an email I …
Continue Reading …

It was very nearly standing room only at the Walnut Tree this morning. Bridgwater's best business brains were there for an exchange of views which left me in absolutely no doubt - this town is at the cutting edge of commerce and attracting new ventures all the time. It is not surprising when you …
Continue Reading …

Tidal energy is a potential source of limitless power for the future. A former Parliamentary colleague of mine, Charles Hendry, was appointed by the Government to examine the pros and cons of the idea and make recommendations.  His report is just out and it makes interesting reading. Much of the …
Continue Reading …

Taunton Deane Council is planning to squander £7.5million to do up Deane House, where most of the staff serving Taunton and West Somerset are based. But was West Somerset consulted first about the plan? Not a bit of it.  Taunton Deane did what its leader often prefers to do - namely, his own thing. …
Continue Reading …