Dawlish Discussion

Due to a councillor resigning within weeks of being elected (see previous thread "One Less Tory") those of us who live in Central Ward, Dawlish will have the opportunity to go to the polls again on Thursday 11th August 2011.

I would like to make some observations.

The Calling of the By Election - as they were perfectly within their rights so to do,10 electors living in Central Ward have called for this by-election to take place. The by-election needn't have taken place however (thus saving some £000s in costs) had the10 electors not called for the election as in that case the council would have just co-opted someone. Although who the 10 electors are is in the public domain, it is only if you go to TDC's offices at Forde House in Newton Abbot that you can see the relevant document. It is not online. As I write this I have no idea who those are who called for the by election but if any of you know can you share the info?

The Issuing of Polling Cards - or, as it turns out, the non issuing of polling cards - I understand that the decision as to whether or not to issue polling cards was discussed at the last town council meeting and due to wanting to keep costs down the Cllrs decided that polling cards should not be issued. Whilst I totally hear the 'we must keep the costs down' argument I am concerned that electors who live in Central Ward and who do not have access to a computer, and/or read the local papers could be totally oblivious to that fact that this by-election is taking place and, even if they do get to hear of it, where it is they should go to vote.

Who lives in Central Ward? - good question. For if you don't get a polling card how do you know that you do? And even if you do have a computer there is nothing online giving the boundaries or the names of the streets/roads/avenues etc. A street index can be obtained from TDC by contacting the Election section but how can that information be gotten out to all in Central Ward in the absence of polling cards?

Just some Sunday morning musings.

I agree about the non-issuing of polling cards. I think that was shortsighted of the council. There always money somewhere that can be jiggled about to pay for polling cards. I think that it'll be a poor turnout.

Candidates are definately going to have to put literature out for this one!

Nominations for candidates for this by-election have to be submitted by 12 noon on 15th July.

For more info contact the Returning Officer at TDC.

A parish by-election of interest? Well, usually I'd say "No" in great big capital letters. But what with all the nasty brown stuff that's being flung about at the moment this particular by-election could take on a life of its own.

Hands up those who know they live in Central Ward?

Not many days left for HellishBells, MugOnHead/Fronteraman and every other loser who thinks they can do better... Come on, put your money where your mouth is...

Does anyone know what sickness John Winchester and Penny Cracknell have, or how long they will be off.

Or are they back now??

Just found the answee to my own question, ran into a councillor who says J Winchester's illness is stress related. Poor soul

Ahh , poor thing .

Stress related illnesss can be very debilitating

Is Penny Cracknell suffering from the same problem. is so what a coincidence? ??@?//////

Thanks for the insult AndyMac - loser indeed!

I've always strived not to insult anyone personally as, with a few exceptions, I don't know the identity of the posters here - therefore I know nothing about them.

I don't want to stand for Council, I have no political ambitions yet I'm fairly certain that I could do a better job than some of our current lot, not all just some.

If Mrs Cracknell is suffering the same problem I wouldn't be surprised - can't be easy covering for the Clerk and working with temps who don't know the ropes. Is it self-inflected? Who knows....

Are they trying to hold the council to ransom? I have had personal dealings with the Town Clerk so it would not suprise me.

Hells Bells, your very quick to attack councillors, and claim you can do a better job. So stand.

Its easy to criticise everything , so do something positive. Get your name on the ballot paper , tell everyone how you can improve things and them see if they agree and vote.

As for the "sicknote two". it seems they'll do anything to put a spanner in the works.So much for caring for the people of Dawlish. Just like our ex Tory/Liberals they only cared for themselves.

The next Town COuncil meeting is on Wednesday evening 13th July starting at 7pm. You are welcome to attend and make your own judgement about the capabilities of the present Council. It's better done ther than from the comfort of the fireside.

@Lynne - do you know what is happening to postal voters, will a card get sent through to them, or are no cards being sent out at all?

@flo - i don't know is my honest answer.

The person you (and anyone else with questions about this by-election) need to contact is Cathy Reulens who is the Deputy Returning Officer at TDC.

cathy.reulens@Teignbridge.gov.uk

Hope that helps and if you do contact her any chance you could share the answer you get with the rest of us?

Ta.

L.

Lynne - will do.

Lib Dems out canvassing this afternoon.

Anyone heard anything from any of the other candidates?

I received the following reply -

The decision not to send poll cards has been taken by the Town Council. However, you will receive a postal vote as normal.

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=30066&p=0

if you live in any of the roads, streets, avenues, closes etc shown below then you live in Central Ward in Dawlish and you will be able to vote in the by-election (but I don't know where - presumably at the polling station you normally go to).

Street Index

(Dawlish Central)

Alexandra Road

Ashley Way

Barton Hill

Beach Street

Belvedere Court

Brookdale Cottage

Brookdale Terrace

Broom Close

Brunswick Cottages

Brunswick Place

Burch Gardens

Carhaix Way

Carlton Terrace

Celtic Fields

Cleveland Place

Coastguard Cottages

Commercial Road

Cousens Close

East Cliff Close

East Cliff Gardens

East Cliff Road

Elm Grove Close

Elm Grove Drive

Elm Grove Road

Elmwood Crescent

Exeter Road

Fairlea Close

Fairlea Road

Fay Road

Firbank Road

Gatehouse Cottages

Gatehouse Hill

Gatehouse Rise

Gilpin Close

Goodridge Close

Grove Court

Haldon Terrace

Henty Avenue

Henty Close

High House Close

High Street

Higher Drive

Holman Close

Hospital Hill

Iddesleigh Terrace

Kingsdown Close

Kingsdown Crescent

Lamacraft Close

Lambert Close

Lanherne

Lawn Hill

Lawn Terrace

Leigham Court

Little Week Close

Little Week Gardens

Little Week Lane

Little Week Road

Lower Drive

Marine Parade

Marston Close

Mayflower Close

Meldrum Close

Mews Court

Newlands

Oak Park Villas

Old Gatehouse Road

Orchard Close

Orchard Gardens

Park Road

Pidgley Road

Piermont Place

Plantation Terrace

Priory Gardens

Priory Hill

Priory Park Road

Priory Road

Queen Street

Richmond Place

Riviera Terrace

San Remo Terrace

Sandy Lane

Sea Lawn Terrace

Secmaton Lane

Secmaton Rise

Shaftesbury Close

Shorland Close

Springfield Gardens

Stanmore Rise

Stewart Gardens

Stockton Avenue

Stockton Hill

Strand Hill

Swallows Acre

The Drive

The Lawn, The Strand

The Mews

The Strand

Third Court, High Street

Thompson Close

Treston Close

Trumans Place, High Street

Veryan Close Wallace Avenue

West Cliff

Wilbury Way

Wychwood Close

I've had a leaflet for the Lib Dems, nothing from VFD and I understand the Conservatives are putting up the chap who lost by 3 votes to the one who stood down!

I wonder what the turnout will be. Combine general apathy with summer hols and no polling cards - it could be quite low.

Thanks for the list Lynne

I've now had sight of the document showing the names of the ten electors in Central Ward who have called for this by election to take place (see my first posting above). The names were all handwritten and as a consequence I couldn't quite figure out the seventh name. So below is what I think it is.

S.A. Collins, D.R. Collins, R. Humphries, H.M. Humphries, T. Bush, J.I. Bush, ? Ashley(?), A. Ashley, K.Williams, T. Warne.

T. Bush .

I hope this does not mean the self serving arrogant, the one and only Rev. Dr T Bush of Teignmouth is trying to get back into the council.

Dr of what I have never been able to find out, anybody else know??

User 4549 - I think Lynne has posted a list of the electors who called for the election not the candidates.

The first six on the list are either former Lib Dem councillors or their husband/wife.

I heard today that VFD do have a candidate, but I know nothing about him/her.

To confirm. The list above is that of those electors who have called for the by-election to be held . As Hells Bells points out it is not the list of candidates who are standing. (that should be available soon - nominations closed at 12 noon today).

And yes I agree - as there are names on that list that I deffo associate with the Lib Dems it seems therefore that it was the Lib Dems who called the by-election.

@User 4549. being a 'reverend' he is probably a doctor of theology or divinity. i'm sure it is not hard to find out what his doctorate is in.

I understand that in the old days the only doctors your average peasant would come in contact with (if they had the money) were medical doctors, however someone with the title of 'doctor' is someone with a doctorate which is an academic qualification. It doesn't mean they have to be a GP, surgeon or dentist.

You can check it out on wikipedia if it bothers you.

Hopefuly the slimey Liberals will get another kicking. I'm suprised they can find enough people to nominate them a candidate. Vote Liberal or Tory and you end up with the same lame duck.

Steve j, I tried your suggestion but he does not appear.

Martin, you could always make an FOI request if it bothers you that much... x

Want to vote by post in this election?

Will you be busy working on the day of the election? (after all it is being held in the height of the holiday season and we are a holiday town).

Or will you, yourself, be away on holiday?

What if it pours with rain on the day? (good ol' British summertime weather)

Or maybe you just can't be wotsitted to go along to your polling station.

Whatever the reason, if you wish to vote by post in this by-election then you have to apply to do so by 5.00pm on Wednesday 27th July 2011.

The link below should give you the appropriate application form.

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1689&p=0

AndyMac, You are so smart, make an FOI to who

Dunno Martin mate, you're the expert on such matters it would seem lol :-)

AndyMac, I am positively not your mate. You make a suggestion and then cant back it up!

!

@Andy Mac (if that is your real name) do you not respect posters wishes to remain anonymous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But surely it's merely transparency mate - freedom of information if you like? Martin told us how to identify him in a different thread anyway. He's on here viciously abusing real named people such as Rev. Bush, yet doesn't have the balls to put his name to his diatribes. Is this what the Internet was invented for?

Theer you go again andy mac I have never identified myself in anyway, with regard to the Rev Bush I speak from experience having dealt with him over a long period.

I also remember you outing someone elso who was not very happy about it, but I guess you think its clever.

Did you ever sue the person from Shepshed who made some really strong accusations about you, if not why not, if they were not true. now that would be transparency.

Jambuster you left yourself wide open on that 'Password' thread. You said there was nothing about you on Google - lol how wrong you were! :-) That strange person was from Rugby, but dont let facts get in the way - courts bore me anyway... As for the other person on here that you refer to - everyone knows who PJD/Smokey is!!!

And on that note, I shall gracefully retire from here. There are some witty and incisive posters on here, but some of the old school, bitter, and twisted anonymous posters make this a shallow lake for those who cast their bait.. I'm down here in Dawlish, and the wider area of South Devon, to enjoy my new life - ans some of the older posters on here need to realise that you only live your life once. Good luck and farewell to those of you that understand the difference between real life and a bit of banter. :-)

Its looks like its goodbye to another on this forum.Yet again the same 2 or 3 posters drive someone away .

The reason , anyone who doesnt agree with thier views gets driven out. The count of posters that have left is endless, and each time we are left with the same old individuals , spluttering out thier anti Dawlish claptrap.

At times you have been controversial Mr mac, but at least you have used your real name, and been prepared to stand up to some of the arseholes on here , that when an argument is going against them, resort to posting under numerous names, to try to justify themselves.

Cant wait for the volley of abuse coming my way , as like you , i believe they have little else in thier lives, but to sit on here having a go at the council, parking regulations and anything good about Dawlish.

As for outing you Martin, its bloody obvious who you are.

Warrener, People who leave make theri own decisions, as for you throwing your toys out of the pram, I didnt choose my login name it was the webmaster who did..

"Same old individuals"? you are still here.

I think the numbers voting for this by election are going to be very low. I've spoken to quite a few people, particularly the older generation and they generally don't know there is going to be an election or if they do when it is or if they are eligible to vote.

I think its a real crime that voting cards haven't been sent out - it shouldn't be possible in my opinion.

From other information given in this discussion it almost feels like a set up by the Lib Dems and if they don't get someone in I will be very surprised as I expect only their supporters will know what's going on! The only person I've had at my door was a lib dem, nothing from anyone else.

Warrener, Having reread you thread, if you are referring to me when you say "spluttering out their anti Dawlish claptrap" that I do take exception to as it is completely untrue I think Dawlish is great, what I will continue to do is fight unlawful actions of any authority that acts outside the law, if you think thats wrong TOUGH.

Anyway I will do an Anymac and bow out. TOUGHTOUGHtT T

@flo

Your concerns and comments are precisely why I started this thread and have been posting whatever information I've been able to glean about this coming by election.

The election isn't until 11th August however, so it is still possible that the other candidates or people on behalf of the other candidates will come acalling between now and then.

If I were actively involved in party politics what tactics would I be using? Well.........I think I'd have lots of up to date info from the canvass returns relating to the local elections held in May so...........I'd be concentrating on calling on those that I have down as my supporters.

Perhaps a letter or two to the Gazette to bring attention to 1. The by-election and 2. the issues raised on this thread might not go amiss.

Anyone?

Can we please stop the personal bickering because it is upsetting some forum users? Also, can we please respect the wishes of users who want to remain anonymous?

The purpose of this forum is to invite healthy debate and inevitably people are not going to agree, but it is important not to resort to personal attacks.

Having lived in Dawlish for 3 years I am surprised at the negativity that surrounds the town toward the Parish Council after living all my life prior in Exeter. Dawlish was always the best resort in the area during my childhood, and adult yeras whilst bringing up my children, however over the last few years I have seen a decline in the town.

Probably due to Teignbridge Council that promotes TEIGNMOUTH which was always a bit dowdy and a working port which one would expect associated. It is obvious that TDC has no real interest in the town's apperance or prosperity with it's constant hounding of motorist, neglect of the roads, pavements and beach front ( one full-time attendent responsible for litter clearance.

The Environment Agency and TDC neclect The Brook and the obvious water testing after each deluge of rain resulting in the beach notifications of poor water quality and advise not to bathe! the weed on the Brook results because of the depth of water (no longer dredged) the excess of phosphates contained in the weed due to the fertiliser on surrounding agricultural washed down from the fields after each deluge.

What do you think the Victorians would have done with weed containing such phospates? they would remove and spread back on the land. No not our Local Council or Environment Agency they would much prefer the Brook to resemble a stagnant pond with litter, silt and debris to raise comment from tourists as to "What has happened to Dawlish", While we are it at they have chained-mailed the coastal cliffs and encourage the "rats-with-wings" to congregate within the houses and businesses of Dawlish swooping on people with food, excreeting on people and buildings and taking ducklings off the Brook as they are wild and cannot be protected. These sea gulls have destroyed swan eggs and have no natural predator or enemy and are a constant nuisance......mark my words they are getting bolder and it will not be long before they actually inflict serious injury to an adult or child!

Teignbridge Council charges the residents of Dawlish the highest Council Tax in its region however neglects our town with an obvious vengeance apart from it's constant pursuit in harrassing motorists whom live or visit the town with their idiot force of Civil Enforcement Officers who see themselves as some Eastern German Stasti Force. If I was a local businessman I would ban these individuals from my premises as I have observed they take great delight in "doing people".

Then we have the Co-Op who charge us more than Teignmouth for our shopping and offer a very poor customer service experience to local and holidaymaker alike. Coupled with this we have the Nat West and Lloyds Bank who are well aware the ATM's run out of cash Friday, Saturday's and Sunday evenings but do nothing at all ( perhaps we should all go to that Fantastic Teignmouth place if the machines are empty?).

Finally we have the atrocious railway bridge and viaduct !

First Great Western enjoy great revenue from working commuters and holiday visitors to the region. On arrival to the town there is a "WELCOME TO DAWLISH" by means of our tired, rusty, dirty bridge that takes you along our dowdy, rusty unkept viaduct area .

Residents of Dawlish should stop being negative and start being positive and encourage their councillors to serve the people to the best of their ability irrespective of their party politics and I applaud anyone who is prepared to represent their community for the good and do something about the obvious problems.

ason

Well said Goldenlad!

I must say that I had heard it said, and by more than one Conservative councillor, that the reason Dawlish was so neglected compared to Teignmouth was because TDC was Lib Dem controlled and that Teignmouth was a Lib Dem town as opposed to Dawlish which was Conservative.

Times and circumstances have now changed though as since the elections in May TDC is now Conservative controlled and four out of the five of Dawlish's District Councillors are also Conservative.

I wonder if we will consequently see a change in TDC's attitude towards Dawlish?

"Well said Goldenlad!" I don't get involved in political discussion for obvious reasons, but agree with your comments! Incidentaly I believe the "train footbridge"is to be replaced this autumn? Also,I have heard for over 3 years now about the facelift for the town centre.Now when is this supposed to happen? This autum,maybe spring 2012??? Again,lots of talks and Ideas but alas no action! Like I said I don't want to get into politics or 2 siided discussions but agree with"Goldenlad" especially regards the "Flying rats"! lol

@goldenlad & karateka

Now that I am a Town Councillor I'm a bit more careful of what I say in public in case it gets me in trouble, but I hope I can give you some news to cheer you after your increasingly unhappy comment.

Meetings held with Network Rail have programmed the replacement of the station footbridge ( a lift off and replace job) next Spring, after the winter gales, and it's possible they may programme the scaling back and repainting of the viaduct for the same time, although their original intention was to start in September this autumn.

Devon County Engineer design team are due to return in September for a final public consultation over the options for repaving and improving The Strand, so watch for notices and have your say there. The work is also due to take place in the Spring and £1.5 million is reserved agaianst the scheme (the only one in Devon this year - so let's make the most of it).

The new Town Council have a number of things to wade through including the scum on the Brook. Because of the impact on water quality on the Beach we have to work out timing and method with the Environment Agency for something like this. You are right, the Brook has silted quite noticeably over ten years and it must affect its flow capacity in times of heavy rain. When we have some expert advice we will bring a paper to Town Council and the Press will be there to report the outcome.

Finally, the candidates for the By-election have been published, one Lib Dem, one Green Party and Howard ALMOND as and Independent Voices For Dawlish candidate.

What happened to the Conservative, Hells BElls?

Bob Vickery

p.s. Oh, and the Gulls are a protected species so can not be machine gunned.

Vanguard you have demonstrated by your post that things are moving in the right direction. I look forward to seeing the outcomes! especially the Environment Agency response. The gull problem can be looked at especially if a case can be made that they are a nuisance as I was informed by DEFRA and the Environment Agency. I personaly would like to see the gulls machined gunned especially when seeing them take ducklings off the Brook however in the P.C. society we all live in now know that is unacceptable.

Just a reminder that there is this by- election in two days time.

If you live in Central Ward you'll probably have received election leaflets from all the candidates by now - but if in any doubt as to whether or not you can vote see above for a list of all streets, roads etc that are in the ward. If you live in any of 'em, and you're on the electoral register then you can vote.

There are three candidates: Lib Dem, Voices for Dawlish and Green. There is no Conservative candidate.

You have one vote.

Well, so tomorrow's the election. Who's going to vote then?

Don't think I can be bothered this time - looking at the options and reading the leaflets it seems to be the same old same old. Greens banging on about saving the planet, Lib Dems going on about stuff that's already been done, Consevatives that can't be bothered and the Voices for Dawlish that seem no different to anyone else from what I hear.

Just a side point - three leaflets put through my door - only one printed in Dawlish, not really supporting local economy.....

Vote for the one that printed the leaflet in dawlish then. If you dont vote you cant moan about the decisions that are made.

But that was the Lib Dems leaflet printed locally. What's the point in voting Lib Dem when at the very most there would be one of them, the same with the Greens.

I haven't heard a good word about the way the Voices for Dawlish have behaved since taking office (as a group, not individuals I must point out) so why add to their number?

I didn't vote for the Labour government in 1997 or the subsequent elections but surely I was entitled to protest or express an opinion when disagreeing with their policies,

Why can't I have and express an opinion if I choose not to vote at this particular election, I voted in May, I've voted at every possible election since I turned 18 - it's just this one that puts me off.

And before someone goes for the 'people fought and died so I could vote' argument - they also fought and died so I could have the choice.

Spoil your ballott paper then. Write the name of the party you would like to vote for or write your all useless on it.