Residents in Oakhurst know that some politicians enjoy putting party literature, that comes out of the blue, through their letter boxes. What motivates them? Keeping the leaflet business ticking over or actually informing residents what's important in their locality? Are some politicians determined to follow a leaflet, bald of facts, with a dose of disingenuiness on the doorstep?
Oakhurst residents turned out for a consultation yesterday in their droves. Some were surprised that there was now another possible site for a primary school in the Oakhurst area - Tadpole Farm. Others were angry, having already completed an on-line consultation form based on the information given to them, that Mouldon Hill Country Park was the preferred option. This option appeared at the same time as the MP and local councillor were putting out a pros and cons leaflet that Mouldon Hill Country Park was the only viable option and Redhouse/Tadpole weren't. Does this mean that people will be completing the on-line consultation two or three times and how valid does that make the consultation? Are the councillor and MP encouraging a consultation of obfuscation for their own political agenda?
The look of bewilderment on people's faces to learn that Tadpole Farm is now very firmly in the frame was not received too well by a local councillor, who represents St Andrews ward. Is this because the local councillor is interested in not having the school in her ward? As we know, a suitable piece of land has been identified in Redhouse for the primary school and there is a proposal to build 33 houses next to this site.
However, the other thing that Oakhurst residents did not appreciate was when this councillor from another ward began to say that Clifford Meadow, the SSSI field in Oakhurst beloved by locals and the existing primary school, was to be considered for a future site of a school.
The councillor had been informed by a solicitor that at least 18 months had to elapse before consideration could be given. Yet today when residents read the Adver a coy approach by this normally robust councillor belies the actual stance she holds; leaving residents bemused when she says, "All these sites are not 100 per cent, we have just got to get the one that is best for most people. We have been out leafleting giving the pros and cons of both sites and have already had 400 responses. We would urge as many people to give their views on this to make sure the right decision."
Oakhurst residents dispute this as the council is carrying out this consultation not the councillor for another ward. If there have been 400 responses, then a lot of that has come about because people are talking to Oakhurst Residents' Association about this matter. ORA is made up of local people working in their local area. They are not driving their own agenda like some councillors, from other wards, or the MP who are pushing for the Country Park to be built on.
Is the MP going to get a pat on the head from Eric Pickles for building all over a Country Park? What will this councillor from another ward get for pushing this school away from Redhouse Village Centre or from Tadpole Farm?
Is the MP going to get a pat on the head from Eric Pickles for building all over a Country Park? What will this councillor from another ward get for pushing this school away from Redhouse Village Centre or from Tadpole Farm?
