Council hits back after company puts Blackburn in top 10 worst for empty shops (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Lost in the high street, where the dogs run
Roaming suburban boys
Mother's got a hairdo to be done
She says they're too old for toys
Stood by the bus stop with a felt pen
In this suburban hell
And in the distance a police car
To break the suburban spell

Let's take a ride, and run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia
You can't hide, run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia

Break the window by the town hall
Listen, the siren screams
There in the distance, like a roll call
Of all the suburban dreams

Let's take a ride, and run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia
You can't hide, run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia
I only wanted something else to do but hang around
I only wanted something else to do but hang around
I only wanted something else to do but hang around
I only wanted something else to do but hang around

It's on the front page of the papers
This is their hour of need
Where's a policeman when you need one
To blame the colour TV?

Let's take a ride, and run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia
You can't hide, run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia

Take a ride, and run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia
You can't hide, run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia

Run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia
You can't hide
In Suburbia

Dave, I wonder, if, yet again, this decline ( in MANY of our towns) will ever be linked to parking policies? Plenty , other than just me, from all over the country, reckon so in their own locality.

If a shopper cannot afford £2-£3 to park their car, how much are they going to spend in the shops?
.
Driving to a town with free parking - don't you spend more in petrol than parking costs?
.
Perhaps the decline is because shoppers don't want to traipse up and down the high street in inclement weather and would rather go to a supermarket or shopping centre? Adverts leave us to believe that supermarkets are always better value for money than local shops and people shop accordingly.

discrimination and rent increases and incorrect parking tickets are to blame

I used to shop in Blackburn all the time, but I'm so scared of what they might have done to the road system this week I'm just no prepared to put my self through it any more.

Whilst I appreciate that empty shops is an issue for Blackburn - as indeed it is for many other town centres across the country, using a picture of a row of shops which are earmarked for imminent demolition smacks of sensationalism on the part of the LT to me. Prior to the demolitions plans coming into force, every shop on that stretch was open and thriving: correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't they all moved to new premises in the same area?

lol the parking charges, high business rates and stupid road systems and crazy town planning...the council hits back? LOL...you lot destroyed it!

"Regeneration boss" Dave Harling, in the real world, would have been sacked years ago, along with the rest of the useless parasites in Blackburn council.

But in local gov la la land, he will probably get a pay increase.

The Tax Payers' Alliance have an article on their site at the moment, by Tim Newark, on this very issue: How councils are doing a fine job of killing our town centres.

Keep paying your extortionate council tax bills people!

w w w.nonjob.tumblr.com

Just hang it with the best run council awards!

Blackburn is not in the top ten worst in country for number of empty shop premises.Blackburn has some number of empty shop premise in the town centre and small number of empty shop premises in the Mall.I travelled to many towns in UK believe me some towns have a lot of shops closed down and many shop premise are empty.We are in middle of reccession and many high street stores have closed down for good,we need to help our town centre by doing more shopping in our town.The major threats are coming from online shopping,retail parks and many out of town large superstores offering more choices.Shopping habits have changed over the twenty years or so.So the town centre need to fight back these new threats.The only way is to offer more free parking in the town centre and extend shops opening hours from 9 to 10pm ,that would boost sales.THe world is changing in 21st century and we can't live in the past no sunday trading,9 to 5 opening hours,parking charges too high these measures put off modern shoppers of today.

nonjob wrote:
"Regeneration boss" Dave Harling, in the real world, would have been sacked years ago, along with the rest of the useless parasites in Blackburn council.

But in local gov la la land, he will probably get a pay increase.

The Tax Payers' Alliance have an article on their site at the moment, by Tim Newark, on this very issue: How councils are doing a fine job of killing our town centres.

Keep paying your extortionate council tax bills people!

w w w.nonjob.tumblr.com

Could you put your money where your mouth is and explain why people who work for the council are parasites?

@ jack Daniels.

Read my blog w w w.nonjob.tumblr.com

That may fill in some of the gaps for you.

If that fails, consider the difference between what Dave Harling and his ilk are saying about Blackburn centre, with the reality of the situation.

nonjob wrote:
@ jack Daniels.

Read my blog w w w.nonjob.tumblr.com

That may fill in some of the gaps for you.

If that fails, consider the difference between what Dave Harling and his ilk are saying about Blackburn centre, with the reality of the situation.

No big man. That's not an answer! Why should I consider anything. That's drawing my own conclusions; not yours. You're made a statement on this site about council employees being parasites so lets see the proof!

nonjob wrote:
@ jack Daniels.

Read my blog w w w.nonjob.tumblr.com

That may fill in some of the gaps for you.

If that fails, consider the difference between what Dave Harling and his ilk are saying about Blackburn centre, with the reality of the situation.

No big man. That's not an answer! Why should I consider anything. That's drawing my own conclusions; not yours. You're made a statement on this site about council employees being parasites so lets see the proof!

@ jack daniels

Do you pay council tax, Jack? Council tax went up 70% under blair/brown. Why is that? To pay for all the stuffed suits busy doing nothing on the council gravy train.

Maybe you don't pay council tax, Jack. Or maybe you just don't mind funding the lifestyles of public sector parasites.

Ignorance is bliss, Jack.

Council employee's ARE parasites. They dont work in the interests of the public they are meant to serve...they are cogs in a machine that only have contempt for the tax paying public, and are all about revenue generation and self interests, not realising or being ignorant of the implications of their incompetent behaviour to the public they are supposed to serve. They are the arm of state control in disguise...they are an outdated and abused concept of democracy in action, and are failing the people through sheer incompetence and self interests...a disgusting legacy to leave future generations.

Perhaps if you understood what Councils are meant to do then you would be in a position to formulate some sort of arguement. Council employees aren't servants and sometimes they might not just jump to your beck and call with a doffed cap.
.
What is in your "self interest" might not be in the interest of others.

@nonjob

You said -
"Do you pay council tax, Jack? Council tax went up 70% under blair/brown. Why is that? To pay for all the stuffed suits busy doing nothing on the council gravy train. Maybe you don't pay council tax, Jack. Or maybe you just don't mind funding the lifestyles of public sector parasites. Ignorance is bliss, Jack."

None of that actually explains why the council employees are parasites? Who are these stuffed suits that do nothing? Do you have names and evidence that they actually do NOTHING? Surely these simple questions can't be that difficult?

@HairyBowls.

Have you got evidence to back up your OPINION? Are you not confusing democratically elected people (i.e councillors and MPs) with the very people who empty your bins?

Can you give me an example of when the last time your bin man became an ‘arm of state control in disguise’ – as you put it. Are the ‘parasites’ in the tower block monitoring your e-mails and very thoughts?

Err no, no, they’re not.

Maybe you should consider that the council tries to work in the best interest of the WHOLE POPULATION and not just one bitter individual such as yourself who may need to update their depo injection as the word ‘paranoia’ springs to mind.

midas wrote:
Perhaps if you understood what Councils are meant to do then you would be in a position to formulate some sort of arguement. Council employees aren't servants and sometimes they might not just jump to your beck and call with a doffed cap.
.
What is in your "self interest" might not be in the interest of others.

We know all too well what councils do and how they operate... Maybe you are happy living under their false democratic ways, but increasing numbers of us see through them.

jack daniels wrote:
@HairyBowls.

Have you got evidence to back up your OPINION? Are you not confusing democratically elected people (i.e councillors and MPs) with the very people who empty your bins?

Can you give me an example of when the last time your bin man became an ‘arm of state control in disguise’ – as you put it. Are the ‘parasites’ in the tower block monitoring your e-mails and very thoughts?

Err no, no, they’re not.

Maybe you should consider that the council tries to work in the best interest of the WHOLE POPULATION and not just one bitter individual such as yourself who may need to update their depo injection as the word ‘paranoia’ springs to mind.

lol...Paranoia doesn't come into it...facts do, and because you neither have the IQ or willpower to resist your democratic smokescreen, dont assume the rest of us are blind followers like yourself...start turning things golden again when you touch it, Midas, not golden brown ;-)

HairyBowls wrote:
Council employee's ARE parasites. They dont work in the interests of the public they are meant to serve...they are cogs in a machine that only have contempt for the tax paying public, and are all about revenue generation and self interests, not realising or being ignorant of the implications of their incompetent behaviour to the public they are supposed to serve. They are the arm of state control in disguise...they are an outdated and abused concept of democracy in action, and are failing the people through sheer incompetence and self interests...a disgusting legacy to leave future generations.

Ok, I 'm with you..... While we are at it, once we've got rid of the "outdated and abused concept of democracy in action" which you refer to as parasites, when are we going to get together to empty the bins, clean the streets, supervise school kids at lunchtimes / crossing the road before and after school, repairing the roads, looking after those who are in care homes........

Do you really have nothing else to do than write such unbelievable drivel?

Oops sorry Midas, I gave the wrong name there...looks like my IQ is plummeting to your depths now!

HairyBowls wrote:

jack daniels wrote: @HairyBowls. Have you got evidence to back up your OPINION? Are you not confusing democratically elected people (i.e councillors and MPs) with the very people who empty your bins? Can you give me an example of when the last time your bin man became an ‘arm of state control in disguise’ – as you put it. Are the ‘parasites’ in the tower block monitoring your e-mails and very thoughts? Err no, no, they’re not. Maybe you should consider that the council tries to work in the best interest of the WHOLE POPULATION and not just one bitter individual such as yourself who may need to update their depo injection as the word ‘paranoia’ springs to mind.

lol...Paranoia doesn't come into it...facts do, and because you neither have the IQ or willpower to resist your democratic smokescreen, dont assume the rest of us are blind followers like yourself...start turning things golden again when you touch it, Midas, not golden brown ;-)

But you haven't stated any facts - just opinion. Maybe you are the one with the IQ problem if you don't know the difference.

Until you substantiate your comment - your opinion is worth zilch.

ladysal wrote:

HairyBowls wrote:
Council employee's ARE parasites. They dont work in the interests of the public they are meant to serve...they are cogs in a machine that only have contempt for the tax paying public, and are all about revenue generation and self interests, not realising or being ignorant of the implications of their incompetent behaviour to the public they are supposed to serve. They are the arm of state control in disguise...they are an outdated and abused concept of democracy in action, and are failing the people through sheer incompetence and self interests...a disgusting legacy to leave future generations.

Ok, I 'm with you..... While we are at it, once we've got rid of the "outdated and abused concept of democracy in action" which you refer to as parasites, when are we going to get together to empty the bins, clean the streets, supervise school kids at lunchtimes / crossing the road before and after school, repairing the roads, looking after those who are in care homes........

Do you really have nothing else to do than write such unbelievable drivel?

lol most of those very jobs you covered there are the very ones that wont exist much longer under local council control...

HairyBowls wrote:
Oops sorry Midas, I gave the wrong name there...looks like my IQ is plummeting to your depths now!

Or it's found it's natural level......

HairyBowls wrote:

ladysal wrote:

HairyBowls wrote: Council employee's ARE parasites. They dont work in the interests of the public they are meant to serve...they are cogs in a machine that only have contempt for the tax paying public, and are all about revenue generation and self interests, not realising or being ignorant of the implications of their incompetent behaviour to the public they are supposed to serve. They are the arm of state control in disguise...they are an outdated and abused concept of democracy in action, and are failing the people through sheer incompetence and self interests...a disgusting legacy to leave future generations.

Ok, I 'm with you..... While we are at it, once we've got rid of the "outdated and abused concept of democracy in action" which you refer to as parasites, when are we going to get together to empty the bins, clean the streets, supervise school kids at lunchtimes / crossing the road before and after school, repairing the roads, looking after those who are in care homes........ Do you really have nothing else to do than write such unbelievable drivel?

lol most of those very jobs you covered there are the very ones that wont exist much longer under local council control...

Proof?

Stuart Farquar wrote:
Lost in the high street, where the dogs run
Roaming suburban boys
Mother's got a hairdo to be done
She says they're too old for toys
Stood by the bus stop with a felt pen
In this suburban hell
And in the distance a police car
To break the suburban spell

Let's take a ride, and run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia
You can't hide, run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia

Break the window by the town hall
Listen, the siren screams
There in the distance, like a roll call
Of all the suburban dreams

Let's take a ride, and run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia
You can't hide, run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia
I only wanted something else to do but hang around
I only wanted something else to do but hang around
I only wanted something else to do but hang around
I only wanted something else to do but hang around

It's on the front page of the papers
This is their hour of need
Where's a policeman when you need one
To blame the colour TV?

Let's take a ride, and run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia
You can't hide, run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia

Take a ride, and run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia
You can't hide, run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia

Run with the dogs tonight
In Suburbia
You can't hide
In Suburbia

lol

Can I just clarify my earlier posts...I have nothing against ALL council employees, just the top brass...they cost the most and give least value for money. As for Mrs lardidar rattling on about lollipop ladies and binmen and dinner ladies, this lady must be behind the times...if those positions are not already outsourced to agencies and so forth, they soon will be...thus one cannot define them as true council employees anyway. Job security was once foremost for councils...those days are gone.

HairyBowls wrote:
Can I just clarify my earlier posts...I have nothing against ALL council employees, just the top brass...they cost the most and give least value for money. As for Mrs lardidar rattling on about lollipop ladies and binmen and dinner ladies, this lady must be behind the times...if those positions are not already outsourced to agencies and so forth, they soon will be...thus one cannot define them as true council employees anyway. Job security was once foremost for councils...those days are gone.

so is this a retraction of your statement that.. and I quote...

'Council employee's ARE parasites'

I think you'll also find that Mrs lardidar was making a point - not giving you a escape route to get you out of you vast hole you'd dug yourself in (sorry Mrs S if I've spoken out of turn).

P.S. Any proof, facts or evidence that ' the top brass...they cost the most and give least value for money'.

@ jack daniels.

Turn the computer off.

Breathe. It's a beautiful day. Go for a walk. Feed the pigeons in the park. Chat the barmaid up down your local. Anything.

Trust me, you'll thank me for it.

Your friend, Nonjob.

nonjob wrote:
@ jack daniels.

Turn the computer off.

Breathe. It's a beautiful day. Go for a walk. Feed the pigeons in the park. Chat the barmaid up down your local. Anything.

Trust me, you'll thank me for it.

Your friend, Nonjob.

So long as I stop asking you questions......

Check out my latest blog on this subject.

w w w.nonjob.tumblr.com

@nonjob

So you decide to dedicate your life to reforming the public sector because you see them as 'parasites'. You start a blog under what you consider to be a witty tag and support this by commenting on local media to maximize your digital presence.

Unfortunately, a couple of people take umbrage at your derogatory phrase and ask you to prove it; which you fail to do.

Somehow, I can't help but think that you need a new hobby, as this comment and your blog have one thing in common - nobody is going to read it.

@ jack daniels.

Go and cash your giro, Jack. The post office shuts early today.

jack daniels wrote:

HairyBowls wrote: Can I just clarify my earlier posts...I have nothing against ALL council employees, just the top brass...they cost the most and give least value for money. As for Mrs lardidar rattling on about lollipop ladies and binmen and dinner ladies, this lady must be behind the times...if those positions are not already outsourced to agencies and so forth, they soon will be...thus one cannot define them as true council employees anyway. Job security was once foremost for councils...those days are gone.

so is this a retraction of your statement that.. and I quote... 'Council employee's ARE parasites' I think you'll also find that Mrs lardidar was making a point - not giving you a escape route to get you out of you vast hole you'd dug yourself in (sorry Mrs S if I've spoken out of turn). P.S. Any proof, facts or evidence that ' the top brass...they cost the most and give least value for money'.

Thanks Jack, you got it perfectly.
As for Hairy Bowls/Nonjob/whateve
r you are calling yorself today, rather than outsourcing everything (which I note you have yet to provide proof of), I think you will find that the council is going the other way: HR for example has just been removed from the clutches of Capita and taken back in house......