WINNERS: For Darwen candidates, from the left, Philip Jones, Tony Melia, Andrew Graham, Anthony Meleady and Trevor Maxwell celebrate after the election count
THE ruling coalition in Blackburn with Darwen looks set to continue after a disastrous election for Labour.
Speaking after the four-hour count, party leaders indicated the partnership between the Tories, Liberal Democrat and For Darwen parties, set up a year ago, was likely to carry on.
But power-sharing talks are set to take place over the next few days and other permutations could emerge.
Labour lost four of its councillors, while For Darwen strengthened its hand by picking up three seats.
The Conservatives won a seat in Ewood, taking their total to 18, while the Lib Dems lost one key councillor but picked Bastwell from Labour to remain on 11.
A Labour and For Darwen alliance would have 32 seats - enough to take control with incoming mayor Mohammed Khan's casting vote.
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Or the Lib Dem and Labour groups together would have a total of 38 councillors, although the Lib Dems are unlikely to split with the Tories as the two parties did not stand against each in Blackburn.
It is likely For Darwen leader Tony Melia will now demand a bigger role for his party on ruling executive board of the council.
After the count, he suggested a coalition would again be formed, adding: "We will be pretty much the same as before, only bigger."
Liberal Democrat leader David Foster was due to chair a party meeting last night to discuss the way forward.
He said: "There will be negotiations on the same basis as last year.
"It depends on whether For Darwen can be part of an effective team and it depends on their attitude."
Conservative leader Colin Rigby said he was "delighted" Labour had lost four seats, but was sorry to see Lib Dem Kevin Connor, the lead member for resources, lose his seat to Phil Jones of For Darwen.
He added: "Lots of good stuff has been done by this council in the past year."
Labour leader Kate Hollern, who remained tight-lipped on possible power-sharing arrangements, was left ruing national politics that she said had damaged the party's chances locally.
She said: "There has been an early warning here for Mr Brown and he will listen.
"That's what politics is all about. But I am very disappointed.
"We have lost some exceedingly good long-serving councillors."
There were emotional scenes as long-serving Labour member Florence Oldfield lost her seat in a nail-biting battle with the Conservatives' Joe Smith.
The former member for Ewood was embraced by supporters of all parties as it was announced she had lost by just three votes after three recounts.
Coun Smith said: "I am delighted, but I am just sorry it was Florence that had to go, because she gave a fine service to her ward."
Soon afterwards it was announced that Labour stalwart Dave Smith had lost his Sunnyhurst seat after 22 years, to 24-year-old For Darwen candidate Andrew Graham.
He said the row over changes to income tax was a factor in his defeat, and Blackburn MP Jack Straw admitted national headlines had been "mainly responsible" for his party's poor showing.
He admitted a "mistake" over the abolition of the 10p tax band, and said: "We all feel a strong sense of responsibility.
"But we have bad times as well as good, and locally the party is in good heart."
Posted by: Shafted employee, darwen on 12:31pm Fri 2 May 08
Goodbye Kevin Connor - we said we would remember who authorised our pay cuts!! Never mind - Colin Rigby will offer you debt counselling for your loss of expenses ;o)
Goodbye Kevin Connor - we said we would remember who authorised our pay cuts!! Never mind - Colin Rigby will offer you debt counselling for your loss of expenses ;o)
Posted by: Blackburn Lad, Blackburn on 12:39pm Fri 2 May 08
Another sad day for Blackburnians.
It will be interesting to see who will really be running the council.
With the likelihood of another coalition, both the tories and the libdems will be sucking up big time to the For Darwen motley crew.
A classic case of the tail wagging the dog I think.
Vote for an independant Blackburn I say. The Darweners are taking our money and our jobs, now they are trying to run our town ... [bold]send them back where they belong[/bold]
Another sad day for Blackburnians.
It will be interesting to see who will really be running the council.
With the likelihood of another coalition, both the tories and the libdems will be sucking up big time to the For Darwen motley crew.
A classic case of the tail wagging the dog I think.
Vote for an independant Blackburn I say. The Darweners are taking our money and our jobs, now they are trying to run our town ... send them back where they belong
Posted by: Impartial, Darwen on 12:44pm Fri 2 May 08
I say well done to the For Darwen party. They were the only party to canvass in my area (Earcroft) and set a POSITIVE agenda. Their ideas may be a bit fantastical, but at least they are trying to set a more ambitious agenda for the people of Darwen. Obviously that was good enough for the voters of Earcroft, who won't be sad to say goodbye to the ineffectual ex-Cllr Barrett.
I say well done to the For Darwen party. They were the only party to canvass in my area (Earcroft) and set a POSITIVE agenda. Their ideas may be a bit fantastical, but at least they are trying to set a more ambitious agenda for the people of Darwen. Obviously that was good enough for the voters of Earcroft, who won't be sad to say goodbye to the ineffectual ex-Cllr Barrett.
Posted by: Joe Gazdula, Darwen on 1:58pm Fri 2 May 08
OK - Darwen sub - area 7 North - eat your heart out This is for the folk from Redearth, the stupid death trap of a one err.. two no make that three way system you imposed on our town! the City of Darwen strikes back!
OK - Darwen sub - area 7 North - eat your heart out This is for the folk from Redearth, the stupid death trap of a one err.. two no make that three way system you imposed on our town! the City of Darwen strikes back!
Posted by: Joe, Marsh House on 2:04pm Fri 2 May 08
Area 7 - Darwen North (o/w Capita City).
This one was for all the people of Redearth and the stupid 3 way system you imposed on our town centre. The City of Darwen strikes back. Who needs independence when we've go a whole town -sorry area)working for us!
Area 7 - Darwen North (o/w Capita City).
This one was for all the people of Redearth and the stupid 3 way system you imposed on our town centre. The City of Darwen strikes back. Who needs independence when we've go a whole town -sorry area)working for us!
Alan, you have the right idea... It's only when the For Darwen Party formed that the real issues have come onto the agenda... As for Dave Smith in the Sunnyhurst ward, he did'nt help himself by having a clearly pi55ed alocholic sat in the reception of Holy Trinity asking for our polling number?.. Any undecided voters would have soon made the right choice!
Alan, you have the right idea... It's only when the For Darwen Party formed that the real issues have come onto the agenda... As for Dave Smith in the Sunnyhurst ward, he did'nt help himself by having a clearly pi55ed alocholic sat in the reception of Holy Trinity asking for our polling number?.. Any undecided voters would have soon made the right choice!
Posted by: Unconvinced, Darwen on 2:18pm Fri 2 May 08
Sad to see a hard working local Councillor like Dave Smith lose his seat as a result of the unpopularity of the Labour government.
He was always around in the Sunnyhurst area taking up people's problems and complaints. And, whether you agreed with him or not, he never left you in doubt what he thought about things. Perhaps people really prefer spin.
Sad to see a hard working local Councillor like Dave Smith lose his seat as a result of the unpopularity of the Labour government.
He was always around in the Sunnyhurst area taking up people's problems and complaints. And, whether you agreed with him or not, he never left you in doubt what he thought about things. Perhaps people really prefer spin.
Posted by: Disillusioned, Shadsworth on 2:18pm Fri 2 May 08
So the New Labour fascists have clung onto yet another term in the Shadsworth area.
I have heard nothing but fire and brimstone from the residents here in regards to our completely useless and redundant NuLab councillors,but amazingly,like a pitbull with a ten seconds attention span,they unbelieveably vote them in yet again,with no thought as to how we have been repeatedly let down in the past.
I truly despair for this god-forsaken area.
Gangs of hoodies prowling the streets,drug dealers given free reign,all of this old news to the residents,but yet again they vote in the people who could not really give a toss.
You deserve everything that you are going to get in the near future,residents of Shadsworth...
So the New Labour fascists have clung onto yet another term in the Shadsworth area.
I have heard nothing but fire and brimstone from the residents here in regards to our completely useless and redundant NuLab councillors,but amazingly,like a pitbull with a ten seconds attention span,they unbelieveably vote them in yet again,with no thought as to how we have been repeatedly let down in the past.
I truly despair for this god-forsaken area.
Gangs of hoodies prowling the streets,drug dealers given free reign,all of this old news to the residents,but yet again they vote in the people who could not really give a toss.
You deserve everything that you are going to get in the near future,residents of Shadsworth...
Posted by: michelle, blackburn on 2:29pm Fri 2 May 08
Well done to For Darwen, a supreme example of local politics. About time the arrogance of some of those long standing malingerers got well and truly checked.
Well done to For Darwen, a supreme example of local politics. About time the arrogance of some of those long standing malingerers got well and truly checked.
A sad day for Darwen and Sunnyhurst in particular. Lets see how much work your new Cllrs really do. You'll soon realise how much Dave Smith did - as they saying goes - you don't know what you've got 'til its gone.
A sad day for Darwen and Sunnyhurst in particular. Lets see how much work your new Cllrs really do. You'll soon realise how much Dave Smith did - as they saying goes - you don't know what you've got 'til its gone.
Posted by: Just wondering, Darwen on 2:32pm Fri 2 May 08
Just wondering in what way was stating my opinion that my new council representative is ineffective waste of space not allowed on this site.
Or is the Telegraph really *that* much under the For Darwen thumb?
Just wondering in what way was stating my opinion that my new council representative is ineffective waste of space not allowed on this site.
Or is the Telegraph really *that* much under the For Darwen thumb?
Posted by: a resident of, fernhurst farm on 2:37pm Fri 2 May 08
well done the good people of the fernhurst ward ..... labour tried to farm us out to darwen, as for somebofy from the 'far darwen' party standing ..... please!
well done the good people of the fernhurst ward ..... labour tried to farm us out to darwen, as for somebofy from the 'far darwen' party standing ..... please!
Well done to For Darwen, its about time people in the Borough finally see how bad the council has treat Darwen over the years, the town's traders are losing their lively hoods because of Blackburn council's incompetance... At least the voice of Darwen will finally be heard in Council chambers!
Well done to For Darwen, its about time people in the Borough finally see how bad the council has treat Darwen over the years, the town's traders are losing their lively hoods because of Blackburn council's incompetance... At least the voice of Darwen will finally be heard in Council chambers!
Posted by: Disgusted by the Voters of Darwen, DARWEN on 2:40pm Fri 2 May 08
Well the voters of Darwen really deserve what they get now, voting in a tin pot party like the "For Darwen Party". Ok I am a conservative, but Counciller David Smith has given 22 years of excellent service to Darwen he has always put the interests of his ward above party politics and served our ward with much aplomb and dignaty. Lets see what happens now?
Well the voters of Darwen really deserve what they get now, voting in a tin pot party like the "For Darwen Party". Ok I am a conservative, but Counciller David Smith has given 22 years of excellent service to Darwen he has always put the interests of his ward above party politics and served our ward with much aplomb and dignaty. Lets see what happens now?
Posted by: Jim Royle, Darwen on 2:40pm Fri 2 May 08
Yes Unconvinced, i was always impressed at ex-Cllr Dave Smiths views being expressed in ale houses across the darwen area. He can now spend a few years out trying to understand why the people of darwen have booted him out with his band of socialist lunatics. Perhaps they may even learn how to listen and be humble in opposition...but i won't hold my breath.
Yes Unconvinced, i was always impressed at ex-Cllr Dave Smiths views being expressed in ale houses across the darwen area. He can now spend a few years out trying to understand why the people of darwen have booted him out with his band of socialist lunatics. Perhaps they may even learn how to listen and be humble in opposition...but i won't hold my breath.
See what happens Florence when you build a play area outside my house. For the first time ever the wife and I vote against Labour we oust you. Power to the people.
See what happens Florence when you build a play area outside my house. For the first time ever the wife and I vote against Labour we oust you. Power to the people.
Posted by: Urban Spaceman, I Don't Exist... on 2:51pm Fri 2 May 08
[bold]AUDLEY[/bold]
[bold]BEARDWOOD WITH LAMMACK[/bold]
[bold]LITTLE HARWOOD[/bold]
[bold]QUEEN'S PARK[/bold]
[bold]SHEAR BROW[/bold]
[bold]WENSLEY FOLD[/bold]
None of the above areas surprises me that New Labour have held on to their seats,as it is in the residential populations' interests to keep New Labour in power,but what I find somewhat surprising is:
[bold]
HIGHERCROFT[/bold]
[bold]MILL HILL[/bold]
[bold]SHADSWORTH WITH WHITEBIRK[/bold]
I would have hoped that as the three above areas have been let down and deserted by New Labour,even a vote for the Conservatives might,[bold]just might[/bold] ,have been worth at least [bold]ONE[/bold] shot!
The whole of Blackburn has suffered at the hands of Neo-Labour for more years that I care to remember,but just like a dirty,fithy bad penny,they turn up again.
What on earth were you voters [bold]REALLY[/bold] thinking?!Just like the post from the Shadsworth resident illicited above;they have let us all down time after time after time!I recall something I heard in relation to the British public's understanding of political parties,and it goes something like:'We have been crapped on so many times by politicians,that now,we just think that it's a light shower of rain...'
I think that may be closer to the truth should this inept government still be here after the next National Elections...
[bold]VOTE WISELY.[/bold]
AUDLEY BEARDWOOD WITH LAMMACK LITTLE HARWOOD QUEEN'S PARK SHEAR BROW WENSLEY FOLD
None of the above areas surprises me that New Labour have held on to their seats,as it is in the residential populations' interests to keep New Labour in power,but what I find somewhat surprising is:
HIGHERCROFT MILL HILL SHADSWORTH WITH WHITEBIRK
I would have hoped that as the three above areas have been let down and deserted by New Labour,even a vote for the Conservatives might,just might ,have been worth at least ONE shot!
The whole of Blackburn has suffered at the hands of Neo-Labour for more years that I care to remember,but just like a dirty,fithy bad penny,they turn up again.
What on earth were you voters REALLY thinking?!Just like the post from the Shadsworth resident illicited above;they have let us all down time after time after time!I recall something I heard in relation to the British public's understanding of political parties,and it goes something like:'We have been crapped on so many times by politicians,that now,we just think that it's a light shower of rain...'
I think that may be closer to the truth should this inept government still be here after the next National Elections... VOTE WISELY.
[quote][bold]b[/bold] wrote:
See what happens Florence when you build a play area outside my house. For the first time ever the wife and I vote against Labour we oust you. Power to the people.[/quote] You objected to a play area????
*shakes head* you can't please some people. Would you have prefered a homeless hostel or a drug rehab centre.
Of all the reasons to vote against someone this was yours.
b wrote:
See what happens Florence when you build a play area outside my house. For the first time ever the wife and I vote against Labour we oust you. Power to the people.
You objected to a play area????
*shakes head* you can't please some people. Would you have prefered a homeless hostel or a drug rehab centre.
Of all the reasons to vote against someone this was yours.
Posted by: Iqbal, Blackburn on 2:54pm Fri 2 May 08
I am a Labour supporter but its time we had a new face in Bastwell,Labour had the chance to sort the area out but failed,Parvez likes to sit in his nest but Rizwan&Sajid please sort the area out wich is neglected for Decades by Labour councilors.
I am a Labour supporter but its time we had a new face in Bastwell,Labour had the chance to sort the area out but failed,Parvez likes to sit in his nest but Rizwan&Sajid please sort the area out wich is neglected for Decades by Labour councilors.
Posted by: ewood.eddie, Blackburn South on 2:54pm Fri 2 May 08
A bad, bad day for both towns, NOC councils achieve only the agenda of the smallest representatives,ie For Darwen, who will achieve their agenda of promoting Ted Ward, at the expense of Blackburnians and darrenners real concerns. Darwen is being wrecked becaude of the disunity in the Borough the two tows should pull together to acheive things for the whole borough and Darreners should acnowledge that they are not traeted as badly as the Darrener Nespaper makes out. [bold]bold[/bold] T H I N K F O R Y O U R S E L V E S ![bold]bold[/bold]
A bad, bad day for both towns, NOC councils achieve only the agenda of the smallest representatives,ie For Darwen, who will achieve their agenda of promoting Ted Ward, at the expense of Blackburnians and darrenners real concerns. Darwen is being wrecked becaude of the disunity in the Borough the two tows should pull together to acheive things for the whole borough and Darreners should acnowledge that they are not traeted as badly as the Darrener Nespaper makes out. T H I N K F O R Y O U R S E L V E S !
[quote][bold]Jim Royle[/bold] wrote:
Yes Unconvinced, i was always impressed at ex-Cllr Dave Smiths views being expressed in ale houses across the darwen area. He can now spend a few years out trying to understand why the people of darwen have booted him out with his band of socialist lunatics. Perhaps they may even learn how to listen and be humble in opposition...but i won't hold my breath.[/quote] What? A councillor who goes into pubs? Disgraceful! No wonder you got rid of him.
Jim Royle wrote:
Yes Unconvinced, i was always impressed at ex-Cllr Dave Smiths views being expressed in ale houses across the darwen area. He can now spend a few years out trying to understand why the people of darwen have booted him out with his band of socialist lunatics. Perhaps they may even learn how to listen and be humble in opposition...but i won't hold my breath.
What? A councillor who goes into pubs? Disgraceful! No wonder you got rid of him.
[quote][bold]GP[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]b[/bold] wrote: See what happens Florence when you build a play area outside my house. For the first time ever the wife and I vote against Labour we oust you. Power to the people.[/quote] You objected to a play area???? *shakes head* you can't please some people. Would you have prefered a homeless hostel or a drug rehab centre. Of all the reasons to vote against someone this was yours.[/quote] Do you want to live next to a football/basketball court where all the local teenagers congrigate? I can't even watch TV without hearing a constant bang, bang, bang or having a football bounce up against the front of the house. Maybee you should come and live here. Originally it was suppossed to be a set of swings and a slide for the little ones before the Labour Council stepped in and changed it to a basketballl court, before this I did not object to it at all. See there's more to some situations than you think.
GP wrote:
b wrote: See what happens Florence when you build a play area outside my house. For the first time ever the wife and I vote against Labour we oust you. Power to the people.
You objected to a play area???? *shakes head* you can't please some people. Would you have prefered a homeless hostel or a drug rehab centre. Of all the reasons to vote against someone this was yours.
Do you want to live next to a football/basketball court where all the local teenagers congrigate? I can't even watch TV without hearing a constant bang, bang, bang or having a football bounce up against the front of the house. Maybee you should come and live here. Originally it was suppossed to be a set of swings and a slide for the little ones before the Labour Council stepped in and changed it to a basketballl court, before this I did not object to it at all. See there's more to some situations than you think.
Posted by: margaret james, blackburn on 3:16pm Fri 2 May 08
This is in response to the remarks on Page 16 of Thursday's LT.
Blackburn town centre will not be a busy area again till:
The market and fish market are up and running again.
There is free parking for those who wish to shop there.
******************
People who wish to take their cars into town are not welcome, so they will go shopping in towns where there is free parking - eg Darwen.
I walk into town from Buncer Lane and the amount of rubbish on the streets that lead into the town centre is a disgrace.
If I wish to catch the bus home with my shopping, I have to walk to the furtherst bus stop on the boulevard - across from the railway statio; or at the bottom of Montague Street.
This is in response to the remarks on Page 16 of Thursday's LT.
Blackburn town centre will not be a busy area again till:
The market and fish market are up and running again.
There is free parking for those who wish to shop there.
******************
People who wish to take their cars into town are not welcome, so they will go shopping in towns where there is free parking - eg Darwen.
I walk into town from Buncer Lane and the amount of rubbish on the streets that lead into the town centre is a disgrace.
If I wish to catch the bus home with my shopping, I have to walk to the furtherst bus stop on the boulevard - across from the railway statio; or at the bottom of Montague Street.
[quote][bold]b[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]GP[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]b[/bold] wrote: See what happens Florence when you build a play area outside my house. For the first time ever the wife and I vote against Labour we oust you. Power to the people.[/quote] You objected to a play area???? *shakes head* you can't please some people. Would you have prefered a homeless hostel or a drug rehab centre. Of all the reasons to vote against someone this was yours.[/quote] Do you want to live next to a football/basketball court where all the local teenagers congrigate? I can't even watch TV without hearing a constant bang, bang, bang or having a football bounce up against the front of the house. Maybee you should come and live here. Originally it was suppossed to be a set of swings and a slide for the little ones before the Labour Council stepped in and changed it to a basketballl court, before this I did not object to it at all. See there's more to some situations than you think.[/quote] I'd prefer the teenagers in my area congregating at a basketball court outside my house giving them something to do than what I currently have - Local teens gathering outside the working mens club getting pi$$ed out of their faces, thinking its funny to use my car as a climbing frame, fighting and shouting 'til all hours. I'd love for it to be a ball bouncing bothering me.
I think yours is a classic situation of 'not in my back yard' and have no idea how bad things really could be.
b wrote:
GP wrote:
b wrote: See what happens Florence when you build a play area outside my house. For the first time ever the wife and I vote against Labour we oust you. Power to the people.
You objected to a play area???? *shakes head* you can't please some people. Would you have prefered a homeless hostel or a drug rehab centre. Of all the reasons to vote against someone this was yours.
Do you want to live next to a football/basketball court where all the local teenagers congrigate? I can't even watch TV without hearing a constant bang, bang, bang or having a football bounce up against the front of the house. Maybee you should come and live here. Originally it was suppossed to be a set of swings and a slide for the little ones before the Labour Council stepped in and changed it to a basketballl court, before this I did not object to it at all. See there's more to some situations than you think.
I'd prefer the teenagers in my area congregating at a basketball court outside my house giving them something to do than what I currently have - Local teens gathering outside the working mens club getting pi$$ed out of their faces, thinking its funny to use my car as a climbing frame, fighting and shouting 'til all hours. I'd love for it to be a ball bouncing bothering me.
I think yours is a classic situation of 'not in my back yard' and have no idea how bad things really could be.
Posted by: bigrick, oakenhurst farm on 3:32pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]a resident of[/bold] wrote:
well done the good people of the fernhurst ward ..... labour tried to farm us out to darwen, as for somebofy from the \'far darwen\' party standing ..... please![/quote] Why shouldn't a "For Darwen" candidate stand in Fernhurst. When the ward was created, it encompassed the north of Earcroft and all of Lower Darwen, which has always considered itself to be part of Darwen, not the hole that is Blackburn. Well done "For Darwen" for giving us Darreners a voice !!!!
a resident of wrote:
well done the good people of the fernhurst ward ..... labour tried to farm us out to darwen, as for somebofy from the \'far darwen\' party standing ..... please!
Why shouldn't a "For Darwen" candidate stand in Fernhurst. When the ward was created, it encompassed the north of Earcroft and all of Lower Darwen, which has always considered itself to be part of Darwen, not the hole that is Blackburn. Well done "For Darwen" for giving us Darreners a voice !!!!
[quote][bold]GP[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]b[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]GP[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]b[/bold] wrote: See what happens Florence when you build a play area outside my house. For the first time ever the wife and I vote against Labour we oust you. Power to the people.[/quote] You objected to a play area???? *shakes head* you can't please some people. Would you have prefered a homeless hostel or a drug rehab centre. Of all the reasons to vote against someone this was yours.[/quote] Do you want to live next to a football/basketball court where all the local teenagers congrigate? I can't even watch TV without hearing a constant bang, bang, bang or having a football bounce up against the front of the house. Maybee you should come and live here. Originally it was suppossed to be a set of swings and a slide for the little ones before the Labour Council stepped in and changed it to a basketballl court, before this I did not object to it at all. See there's more to some situations than you think.[/quote] I'd prefer the teenagers in my area congregating at a basketball court outside my house giving them something to do than what I currently have - Local teens gathering outside the working mens club getting pi$$ed out of their faces, thinking its funny to use my car as a climbing frame, fighting and shouting 'til all hours. I'd love for it to be a ball bouncing bothering me. I think yours is a classic situation of 'not in my back yard' and have no idea how bad things really could be. [/quote] Excuse me for wanting a better quality of life.
GP wrote:
b wrote:
GP wrote:
b wrote: See what happens Florence when you build a play area outside my house. For the first time ever the wife and I vote against Labour we oust you. Power to the people.
You objected to a play area???? *shakes head* you can't please some people. Would you have prefered a homeless hostel or a drug rehab centre. Of all the reasons to vote against someone this was yours.
Do you want to live next to a football/basketball court where all the local teenagers congrigate? I can't even watch TV without hearing a constant bang, bang, bang or having a football bounce up against the front of the house. Maybee you should come and live here. Originally it was suppossed to be a set of swings and a slide for the little ones before the Labour Council stepped in and changed it to a basketballl court, before this I did not object to it at all. See there's more to some situations than you think.
I'd prefer the teenagers in my area congregating at a basketball court outside my house giving them something to do than what I currently have - Local teens gathering outside the working mens club getting pi$$ed out of their faces, thinking its funny to use my car as a climbing frame, fighting and shouting 'til all hours. I'd love for it to be a ball bouncing bothering me. I think yours is a classic situation of 'not in my back yard' and have no idea how bad things really could be.
Posted by: Hellboy, Shadsworth Hell... on 3:45pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]ghel[/bold] wrote:
wheres highercroft in bburn? they seem to be getting alot of bnp votes in that area only[/quote] I think you know EXACTLY where Highercroft is...
A hell(boy)hole a little up the road from myself...Don't take the mickey out of them,[bold]ghel[/bold] ,as they are only normal folk just like yourself.
Shadsworth were not given the option to vote BNP this time around simply because there is no direct 'threat' from New Labour's open door policy at the moment.
We have a number of Eastern European drunks up here,but other than that,it's not a real problem right now...but only for right now,you understand...[bold]AFTER[/bold] that,I shudder to think...
ghel wrote:
wheres highercroft in bburn? they seem to be getting alot of bnp votes in that area only
I think you know EXACTLY where Highercroft is...
A hell(boy)hole a little up the road from myself...Don't take the mickey out of them,ghel ,as they are only normal folk just like yourself.
Shadsworth were not given the option to vote BNP this time around simply because there is no direct 'threat' from New Labour's open door policy at the moment.
We have a number of Eastern European drunks up here,but other than that,it's not a real problem right now...but only for right now,you understand...AFTER that,I shudder to think...
[quote][bold]Hellboy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]ghel[/bold] wrote: wheres highercroft in bburn? they seem to be getting alot of bnp votes in that area only[/quote] I think you know EXACTLY where Highercroft is... A hell(boy)hole a little up the road from myself...Don\\\'t take the mickey out of them,[bold]ghel[/bold] ,as they are only normal folk just like yourself. Shadsworth were not given the option to vote BNP this time around simply because there is no direct \\\'threat\\\' from New Labour\\\'s open door policy at the moment. We have a number of Eastern European drunks up here,but other than that,it\\\'s not a real problem right now...but only for right now,you understand...[bold]AFTER[/bold] that,I shudder to think...[/quote] hellboy im just wondering because of the amount of bnp votes they got there, im asian myself and i regularly visit the shads leisure centre, ive never had any problems
Hellboy wrote:
ghel wrote: wheres highercroft in bburn? they seem to be getting alot of bnp votes in that area only
I think you know EXACTLY where Highercroft is... A hell(boy)hole a little up the road from myself...Don't take the mickey out of them,ghel ,as they are only normal folk just like yourself. Shadsworth were not given the option to vote BNP this time around simply because there is no direct 'threat' from New Labour's open door policy at the moment. We have a number of Eastern European drunks up here,but other than that,it's not a real problem right now...but only for right now,you understand...AFTER that,I shudder to think...
hellboy im just wondering because of the amount of bnp votes they got there, im asian myself and i regularly visit the shads leisure centre, ive never had any problems
Shame on you Sunnyhurst voters for getting rid of Dave Smith. I've never voted Labour in my life and probably never will. But if I lived in Dave Smith's ward I'd have certainly broken the habit. You must all be mad. Good luck to young Andrew who could perhaps polish his introductions. "Hiyay'awright?" isn't cool me old son. A voice for Darwen from the For Darwen Party. I really don't think any of 'em will have much to say for themselves. Anyway Dave. good luck. Don't lose heart. Sit back for a bit and watch the fun. Pity it's our money they'll be wasting.
Shame on you Sunnyhurst voters for getting rid of Dave Smith. I've never voted Labour in my life and probably never will. But if I lived in Dave Smith's ward I'd have certainly broken the habit. You must all be mad. Good luck to young Andrew who could perhaps polish his introductions. "Hiyay'awright?" isn't cool me old son. A voice for Darwen from the For Darwen Party. I really don't think any of 'em will have much to say for themselves. Anyway Dave. good luck. Don't lose heart. Sit back for a bit and watch the fun. Pity it's our money they'll be wasting.
Dave Smith may have been a good councillor locally but he also suffered from the nasty afflication many Labour councillors under Bill Taylor's administration came down with: arrogance.
It's one thing to believe what you are doing it is right, it is quite another to make those who disagree with you feel stupid and isolated. With Dave Smith, this was most obvious when he was involved with planning meetings.
With that arrogance comes a habit of spending too much time in the Town Hall. Bill Taylor paid for that in Audley, and it is the very reason while Gail Barton lost in Mill Hill also.
Under Kate Hollern, Labour may have lost control but they have learnt they can't take the vote for granted.
What should Colin Rigby do now? In an ideal world, the party with the most votes should take charge with the part with second-highest number of votes. Could a Lab-Con partnership work? It would be much safer for Cllr Rigby, and, in all honestly, is he running the town hall that differently from the way Cllr Hollern ran it?
Dave Smith may have been a good councillor locally but he also suffered from the nasty afflication many Labour councillors under Bill Taylor's administration came down with: arrogance.
It's one thing to believe what you are doing it is right, it is quite another to make those who disagree with you feel stupid and isolated. With Dave Smith, this was most obvious when he was involved with planning meetings.
With that arrogance comes a habit of spending too much time in the Town Hall. Bill Taylor paid for that in Audley, and it is the very reason while Gail Barton lost in Mill Hill also.
Under Kate Hollern, Labour may have lost control but they have learnt they can't take the vote for granted.
What should Colin Rigby do now? In an ideal world, the party with the most votes should take charge with the part with second-highest number of votes. Could a Lab-Con partnership work? It would be much safer for Cllr Rigby, and, in all honestly, is he running the town hall that differently from the way Cllr Hollern ran it?
The success of the For Darwen Party has effectively knocked them out of any hope they had of wielding much influence. They won two Labour seats (yes they won a LibDem seat as well but the LibDems won one in Blackburn). Previously we had a "coalition" in which the For Darwen Party were integral to power. But now the Tories and the LibDems have control as an alliance. They have 29 seats to Labour's 27. Surely the FDP (5 seats) will not side with Labour? An alliance wouldn't need FD support to keep Labour out of the way.. Where Michael Johnson and the other two independents figure in all this is hard to figure. Finally, Dave Smith: sorry you were spun out. Probably the best ward councillor Darwen has had for yonks.
The success of the For Darwen Party has effectively knocked them out of any hope they had of wielding much influence. They won two Labour seats (yes they won a LibDem seat as well but the LibDems won one in Blackburn). Previously we had a "coalition" in which the For Darwen Party were integral to power. But now the Tories and the LibDems have control as an alliance. They have 29 seats to Labour's 27. Surely the FDP (5 seats) will not side with Labour? An alliance wouldn't need FD support to keep Labour out of the way.. Where Michael Johnson and the other two independents figure in all this is hard to figure. Finally, Dave Smith: sorry you were spun out. Probably the best ward councillor Darwen has had for yonks.
[quote][bold]ghel[/bold] wrote:
wheres highercroft in bburn? they seem to be getting alot of bnp votes in that area only[/quote] It's a big estate up above Ewood Park: used to be called Higher Croft when I was younger (i.e. two words, not one).
ghel wrote:
wheres highercroft in bburn? they seem to be getting alot of bnp votes in that area only
It's a big estate up above Ewood Park: used to be called Higher Croft when I was younger (i.e. two words, not one).
Posted by: Captain Blackburn, Blackburn on 4:36pm Fri 2 May 08
Well I'm fed up with the lot of 'em. I have now officially declared myself as Leader of Blackburn with Darwen and invite you all to join me at www.breakawayrepubli
x.com (search for Blackburn and Darwen separately).
Come on... Let's show 'em!!![bold]bold[/bold]
Well I'm fed up with the lot of 'em. I have now officially declared myself as Leader of Blackburn with Darwen and invite you all to join me at www.breakawayrepubli
x.com (search for Blackburn and Darwen separately).
Posted by: onlyonesimongarner, Vision on 4:50pm Fri 2 May 08
Noy a single Tory V Lib Dem ballot anywhere in the borough, and they say it`s just a coincidence or shoud that be a FARCE.
I think it`s time to take party politics out of Local Government, and make every cadidate stand on his own principals " if they can find any with principals"
Noy a single Tory V Lib Dem ballot anywhere in the borough, and they say it`s just a coincidence or shoud that be a FARCE.
I think it`s time to take party politics out of Local Government, and make every cadidate stand on his own principals " if they can find any with principals"
Posted by: THE ORIGINAL REALIST, Darwen on 4:58pm Fri 2 May 08
[bold]I would just like to congradulate the people of Sunnyhurst for the sterling job we did in voting out of office the biggest TRAITOR to the people,Darwen has ever had the misfortune of being lumbered with.
Dave Smith
No sooner did he evict people from their homes on redearth, they evicted him from his Sunnyhurst seat leaving him around a minimum of £10,000 in expenses out of pocket. Poetic justice Dave ha ha ha
I will be celebrating your loss tonight with a few beers,thinking about next year when we remove Dave Hollings cos he's next!!!
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha [/bold]
I would just like to congradulate the people of Sunnyhurst for the sterling job we did in voting out of office the biggest TRAITOR to the people,Darwen has ever had the misfortune of being lumbered with.
Dave Smith
No sooner did he evict people from their homes on redearth, they evicted him from his Sunnyhurst seat leaving him around a minimum of £10,000 in expenses out of pocket. Poetic justice Dave ha ha ha
I will be celebrating your loss tonight with a few beers,thinking about next year when we remove Dave Hollings cos he's next!!!
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
[quote][bold]GP[/bold] wrote:
The success of the For Darwen Party has effectively knocked them out of any hope they had of wielding much influence. They won two Labour seats (yes they won a LibDem seat as well but the LibDems won one in Blackburn). Previously we had a "coalition" in which the For Darwen Party were integral to power. But now the Tories and the LibDems have control as an alliance. They have 29 seats to Labour's 27. Surely the FDP (5 seats) will not side with Labour? An alliance wouldn't need FD support to keep Labour out of the way.. Where Michael Johnson and the other two independents figure in all this is hard to figure. Finally, Dave Smith: sorry you were spun out. Probably the best ward councillor Darwen has had for yonks.[/quote] As you say GP 'surely for Darwen won't side with Labour?'
Don't hold your breath.
as for the independants Michael Johnson has shown how fickle he can be in the past.
I hope For Darwen stick to the principles by which they got elected.
People don't seem to care or don't trust any of the councillors, this shows by the amount of people voting - onlt two wards had just over 50% of eligible people voting, with 3 wards less than 30%. Does anyone think people should be compelled to vote?
And I bet it's the ones who didn't vote that will be complaining and whining no matter what happens with the coalition.
GP wrote:
The success of the For Darwen Party has effectively knocked them out of any hope they had of wielding much influence. They won two Labour seats (yes they won a LibDem seat as well but the LibDems won one in Blackburn). Previously we had a "coalition" in which the For Darwen Party were integral to power. But now the Tories and the LibDems have control as an alliance. They have 29 seats to Labour's 27. Surely the FDP (5 seats) will not side with Labour? An alliance wouldn't need FD support to keep Labour out of the way.. Where Michael Johnson and the other two independents figure in all this is hard to figure. Finally, Dave Smith: sorry you were spun out. Probably the best ward councillor Darwen has had for yonks.
As you say GP 'surely for Darwen won't side with Labour?'
Don't hold your breath.
as for the independants Michael Johnson has shown how fickle he can be in the past.
I hope For Darwen stick to the principles by which they got elected.
People don't seem to care or don't trust any of the councillors, this shows by the amount of people voting - onlt two wards had just over 50% of eligible people voting, with 3 wards less than 30%. Does anyone think people should be compelled to vote?
And I bet it's the ones who didn't vote that will be complaining and whining no matter what happens with the coalition.
PS. I hope that fellow Darweners who do not support the idea of a Town Council get of their butt and make their views known if and when we get a referendum with the true facts and options and costs
PS. I hope that fellow Darweners who do not support the idea of a Town Council get of their butt and make their views known if and when we get a referendum with the true facts and options and costs
LT:It is likely For Darwen leader Tony Melia will now demand a bigger role for his party on the council's ruling executive board.
Speaking after the count, he suggested a coalition would again be formed, adding: "We will be pretty much the same as before, only bigger."
Who would like to place a bet that the bigger role on the executive board Cllr Melia would want are positions on planning or anything else that revolves around business regeneration. I bet they won't be interested in childrens services or adult social care etc.
Or maybe I'm just a little too cynical
LT:It is likely For Darwen leader Tony Melia will now demand a bigger role for his party on the council's ruling executive board.
Speaking after the count, he suggested a coalition would again be formed, adding: "We will be pretty much the same as before, only bigger."
Who would like to place a bet that the bigger role on the executive board Cllr Melia would want are positions on planning or anything else that revolves around business regeneration. I bet they won't be interested in childrens services or adult social care etc.
Or maybe I'm just a little too cynical
For me David Smith lost the plot over the closure of Sunnyhurst Post Office. He came round a few Sunday afternoon's ago along with Janet Anderson MP and Dave Hollings. I thought, well there go two hypocrites (?) "We don't want it to close" then she voted for the party line in Parliament and he "sat on his hands locally. That is what local elections are for - local issues, never mind the 10p tax. That is Mr GB our sullen, sulky PMs doing. In a way I am sorry to see David go but there is always another day but I hope not!!
For me David Smith lost the plot over the closure of Sunnyhurst Post Office. He came round a few Sunday afternoon's ago along with Janet Anderson MP and Dave Hollings. I thought, well there go two hypocrites (?) "We don't want it to close" then she voted for the party line in Parliament and he "sat on his hands locally. That is what local elections are for - local issues, never mind the 10p tax. That is Mr GB our sullen, sulky PMs doing. In a way I am sorry to see David go but there is always another day but I hope not!!
When it comes to national politics, I would certainly not vote Labour. But those in Sunnyhurst who have allowed a brainwashed schoolboy to oust an experienced Councillor who really does care about his community should hang their head in shame. Wait until you need help and he will be as invisible as his mentor!!
When it comes to national politics, I would certainly not vote Labour. But those in Sunnyhurst who have allowed a brainwashed schoolboy to oust an experienced Councillor who really does care about his community should hang their head in shame. Wait until you need help and he will be as invisible as his mentor!!
Whilst most of the old guard are still there, there will be little change. It is all about prestige expenses and having people call you councillor, getting your picture in the paper, no bad thing for those running their own busineses, then there is the chance to go to far waway places with strange sounding names on fact finding missions and wandering around the town hall into places that the general poll tax paying public are not allowed, then there is the chance of free meals, free to the councillor that is.
As for answering e-mails from constuents, say from people who object to planning applications then there is always the cop out "I can't say anything I am on the planning committee so I can't comment" So the constituent is only worth representing when elections come around, you then get the faithful few to stuff pamphlets through letterboxes telling everyone what a great job you are doing, but don't knock on doors in case a LOCAL issue is presented to you that you have managed to ignore for the past couple of years, and that is it really have a prosperous year
Whilst most of the old guard are still there, there will be little change. It is all about prestige expenses and having people call you councillor, getting your picture in the paper, no bad thing for those running their own busineses, then there is the chance to go to far waway places with strange sounding names on fact finding missions and wandering around the town hall into places that the general poll tax paying public are not allowed, then there is the chance of free meals, free to the councillor that is.
As for answering e-mails from constuents, say from people who object to planning applications then there is always the cop out "I can't say anything I am on the planning committee so I can't comment" So the constituent is only worth representing when elections come around, you then get the faithful few to stuff pamphlets through letterboxes telling everyone what a great job you are doing, but don't knock on doors in case a LOCAL issue is presented to you that you have managed to ignore for the past couple of years, and that is it really have a prosperous year
Posted by: Darwen The Brave, Darwen on 6:35pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Blackburn Lad[/bold] wrote:
Another sad day for Blackburnians. It will be interesting to see who will really be running the council. With the likelihood of another coalition, both the tories and the libdems will be sucking up big time to the For Darwen motley crew. A classic case of the tail wagging the dog I think. Vote for an independant Blackburn I say. The Darweners are taking our money and our jobs, now they are trying to run our town ... [bold]send them back where they belong[/bold][/quote] [italic]italic[/italic] An independant Blackburn vote will be welcomed by us in Darwen, we can separate from your council and we have the nerve and backbone to be independant ourselves...Thank You for your comment!
Blackburn Lad wrote:
Another sad day for Blackburnians. It will be interesting to see who will really be running the council. With the likelihood of another coalition, both the tories and the libdems will be sucking up big time to the For Darwen motley crew. A classic case of the tail wagging the dog I think. Vote for an independant Blackburn I say. The Darweners are taking our money and our jobs, now they are trying to run our town ... send them back where they belong
An independant Blackburn vote will be welcomed by us in Darwen, we can separate from your council and we have the nerve and backbone to be independant ourselves...Thank You for your comment!
[quote][bold]Iqbal[/bold] wrote:
I am a Labour supporter but its time we had a new face in Bastwell,Labour had the chance to sort the area out but failed,Parvez likes to sit in his nest but Rizwan&Sajid please sort the area out wich is neglected for Decades by Labour councilors. [/quote] What are you on about Iqbal? Neglegted for decades? I remember when Bastwell and the surounding wards were decent places to live before they became overspill areas for pakistan and bangladesh, and that wasn't decades ago. You're right though it needs sorting. Lets start with you and your ilk, ie. the people who are causing the problems. Lets start by demolishing and landscaping the eyesore on Ash St. Then all the bazars which are obstructing the pavements etc. etc.....then illegal parking... I could go on all night but you know what I mean.
Iqbal wrote:
I am a Labour supporter but its time we had a new face in Bastwell,Labour had the chance to sort the area out but failed,Parvez likes to sit in his nest but Rizwan&Sajid please sort the area out wich is neglected for Decades by Labour councilors.
What are you on about Iqbal? Neglegted for decades? I remember when Bastwell and the surounding wards were decent places to live before they became overspill areas for pakistan and bangladesh, and that wasn't decades ago. You're right though it needs sorting. Lets start with you and your ilk, ie. the people who are causing the problems. Lets start by demolishing and landscaping the eyesore on Ash St. Then all the bazars which are obstructing the pavements etc. etc.....then illegal parking... I could go on all night but you know what I mean.
Posted by: JIMBO, darwen (gods town) on 6:48pm Fri 2 May 08
Did I hear someone say we couldnt do it? Well wake up an smell the roses. A lot of you feeling sorry for Dave Smith but as a Darwen councillor he should have been fighting in the corner with his constituents who voted for him. Let`s be right about one thing - where was his voice when they took people out of their homes to build an accademy? (YET TO SEE IT) a logical thinking person would have built new houses an THEN started proceedings to move people out -LEGALLY.The labour council have walked all over the borough for too many years AND got away with it. They have continued to wreck Blackburn and spend a fortune on peices of scrap metal to stick in the middle of rounabouts and on church street and now they are doing it in Darwen. A traffic system that beggars belief and take a look along the A666 Blackburn Road and see all the carbon that`s queued up trying to travel through the centre of Darwen. I sincerely hope we don`t feel sorry for any of the Labour councillors because THEY NEVER FELT SORRY FOR US - THE VOTERS WHO TRUSTED THEM.
Did I hear someone say we couldnt do it? Well wake up an smell the roses. A lot of you feeling sorry for Dave Smith but as a Darwen councillor he should have been fighting in the corner with his constituents who voted for him. Let`s be right about one thing - where was his voice when they took people out of their homes to build an accademy? (YET TO SEE IT) a logical thinking person would have built new houses an THEN started proceedings to move people out -LEGALLY.The labour council have walked all over the borough for too many years AND got away with it. They have continued to wreck Blackburn and spend a fortune on peices of scrap metal to stick in the middle of rounabouts and on church street and now they are doing it in Darwen. A traffic system that beggars belief and take a look along the A666 Blackburn Road and see all the carbon that`s queued up trying to travel through the centre of Darwen. I sincerely hope we don`t feel sorry for any of the Labour councillors because THEY NEVER FELT SORRY FOR US - THE VOTERS WHO TRUSTED THEM.
Posted by: Darwen The Brave, Darwen on 7:03pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]JIMBO[/bold] wrote:
Did I hear someone say we couldnt do it? Well wake up an smell the roses. A lot of you feeling sorry for Dave Smith but as a Darwen councillor he should have been fighting in the corner with his constituents who voted for him. Let`s be right about one thing - where was his voice when they took people out of their homes to build an accademy? (YET TO SEE IT) a logical thinking person would have built new houses an THEN started proceedings to move people out -LEGALLY.The labour council have walked all over the borough for too many years AND got away with it. They have continued to wreck Blackburn and spend a fortune on peices of scrap metal to stick in the middle of rounabouts and on church street and now they are doing it in Darwen. A traffic system that beggars belief and take a look along the A666 Blackburn Road and see all the carbon that`s queued up trying to travel through the centre of Darwen. I sincerely hope we don`t feel sorry for any of the Labour councillors because THEY NEVER FELT SORRY FOR US - THE VOTERS WHO TRUSTED THEM. [/quote] Canvassers at my door, I won't say who, said Tony Melia was evil and only in it for the power...Did they explain why they said that?...No... It could be said those canvassers were evil then,[italic]italic[/italic] trying to sway my vote their way and also the power that comes with it I suppose...but what power, the only one I know is seeing our people happy with smiles on their faces. If the For Darwen Party have this in mind they will need support and I congratulate them. Instead of stupid bickering, lets get together on a true coalition and make our borough the best.
JIMBO wrote:
Did I hear someone say we couldnt do it? Well wake up an smell the roses. A lot of you feeling sorry for Dave Smith but as a Darwen councillor he should have been fighting in the corner with his constituents who voted for him. Let`s be right about one thing - where was his voice when they took people out of their homes to build an accademy? (YET TO SEE IT) a logical thinking person would have built new houses an THEN started proceedings to move people out -LEGALLY.The labour council have walked all over the borough for too many years AND got away with it. They have continued to wreck Blackburn and spend a fortune on peices of scrap metal to stick in the middle of rounabouts and on church street and now they are doing it in Darwen. A traffic system that beggars belief and take a look along the A666 Blackburn Road and see all the carbon that`s queued up trying to travel through the centre of Darwen. I sincerely hope we don`t feel sorry for any of the Labour councillors because THEY NEVER FELT SORRY FOR US - THE VOTERS WHO TRUSTED THEM.
Canvassers at my door, I won't say who, said Tony Melia was evil and only in it for the power...Did they explain why they said that?...No... It could be said those canvassers were evil then, trying to sway my vote their way and also the power that comes with it I suppose...but what power, the only one I know is seeing our people happy with smiles on their faces. If the For Darwen Party have this in mind they will need support and I congratulate them. Instead of stupid bickering, lets get together on a true coalition and make our borough the best.
Posted by: Andy Newton, Sunnyhurst on 7:09pm Fri 2 May 08
Very sad to see David Smith lose . I just hope we don't live to regret it . As said by others . He's always been there for the people of Sunnyhurst , very helpful and friendly .These sentiments are also echoed by my family .
Very sad to see David Smith lose . I just hope we don't live to regret it . As said by others . He's always been there for the people of Sunnyhurst , very helpful and friendly .These sentiments are also echoed by my family .
Posted by: Merlin, The Voice of Reason, Ramsbottom on 7:11pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Alan Barnes[/bold] wrote:
Well done to For Darwen Party. Now is the time to start a For Blackburn party and deal with issues special to B'burn above party polotics[/quote] Go ahead then Alan. Get on with it. Put up or shut up.
Alan Barnes wrote:
Well done to For Darwen Party. Now is the time to start a For Blackburn party and deal with issues special to B'burn above party polotics
Go ahead then Alan. Get on with it. Put up or shut up.
Posted by: Merlin, The Voice of Reason, Ramsbottom on 7:13pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Unconvinced[/bold] wrote:
Sad to see a hard working local Councillor like Dave Smith lose his seat as a result of the unpopularity of the Labour government.
He was always around in the Sunnyhurst area taking up people's problems and complaints. And, whether you agreed with him or not, he never left you in doubt what he thought about things. Perhaps people really prefer spin.
[/quote] Usually in the pub!
Unconvinced wrote:
Sad to see a hard working local Councillor like Dave Smith lose his seat as a result of the unpopularity of the Labour government.
He was always around in the Sunnyhurst area taking up people's problems and complaints. And, whether you agreed with him or not, he never left you in doubt what he thought about things. Perhaps people really prefer spin.
Posted by: Merlin, The Voice of Reason, Ramsbottom on 7:15pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Blackburn Lad[/bold] wrote:
Another sad day for Blackburnians.
It will be interesting to see who will really be running the council.
With the likelihood of another coalition, both the tories and the libdems will be sucking up big time to the For Darwen motley crew.
A classic case of the tail wagging the dog I think.
Vote for an independant Blackburn I say. The Darweners are taking our money and our jobs, now they are trying to run our town ... [bold]send them back where they belong[/bold][/quote] Be careful what you wish for my friend.
Darreners also fill major sections of Ewood Park.
If they all stop supporting your football club, you will have a very empty ground.
Blackburn Lad wrote:
Another sad day for Blackburnians.
It will be interesting to see who will really be running the council.
With the likelihood of another coalition, both the tories and the libdems will be sucking up big time to the For Darwen motley crew.
A classic case of the tail wagging the dog I think.
Vote for an independant Blackburn I say. The Darweners are taking our money and our jobs, now they are trying to run our town ... send them back where they belong
Be careful what you wish for my friend.
Darreners also fill major sections of Ewood Park.
If they all stop supporting your football club, you will have a very empty ground.
Posted by: michelle, blackburn on 7:27pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Captain Blackburn[/bold] wrote:
Well I'm fed up with the lot of 'em. I have now officially declared myself as Leader of Blackburn with Darwen and invite you all to join me at www.breakawayrepubli x.com (search for Blackburn and Darwen separately). Come on... Let's show 'em!!![bold]bold[/bold] [/quote] ay ay cptn - here's your first backer. Yeah lets show those out of touch labour cronies big time. General election's not far away! ha ha
Captain Blackburn wrote:
Well I'm fed up with the lot of 'em. I have now officially declared myself as Leader of Blackburn with Darwen and invite you all to join me at www.breakawayrepubli x.com (search for Blackburn and Darwen separately). Come on... Let's show 'em!!!
ay ay cptn - here's your first backer. Yeah lets show those out of touch labour cronies big time. General election's not far away! ha ha
To all those from the Sunnyhurst ward who are calling 'young Andrew', how many actually met him when he called round to canvass. How many other candidates bothered?
He is a young man who wants the best for his area which is why he stood and you are lucky to have someone who will give 100%.
He is not a brainwashed schoolboy, he is a man of 24 with his own ideas.
To all those from the Sunnyhurst ward who are calling 'young Andrew', how many actually met him when he called round to canvass. How many other candidates bothered?
He is a young man who wants the best for his area which is why he stood and you are lucky to have someone who will give 100%.
He is not a brainwashed schoolboy, he is a man of 24 with his own ideas.
[quote][bold]blackburn just[/bold] wrote:
For Darwen this,For Darwen that,cut Darwen loose and see how they go on,lets have two seperate towns and save all this ****.[/quote] Pleeeeeeze...
blackburn just wrote:
For Darwen this,For Darwen that,cut Darwen loose and see how they go on,lets have two seperate towns and save all this ****.
Posted by: ewood.eddie, Blackburn South on 8:03pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]milano[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]GP[/bold] wrote: The success of the For Darwen Party has effectively knocked them out of any hope they had of wielding much influence. They won two Labour seats (yes they won a LibDem seat as well but the LibDems won one in Blackburn). Previously we had a \"coalition\" in which the For Darwen Party were integral to power. But now the Tories and the LibDems have control as an alliance. They have 29 seats to Labour\'s 27. Surely the FDP (5 seats) will not side with Labour? An alliance wouldn\'t need FD support to keep Labour out of the way.. Where Michael Johnson and the other two independents figure in all this is hard to figure. Finally, Dave Smith: sorry you were spun out. Probably the best ward councillor Darwen has had for yonks.[/quote] As you say GP \'surely for Darwen won\'t side with Labour?\' Don\'t hold your breath. as for the independants Michael Johnson has shown how fickle he can be in the past. I hope For Darwen stick to the principles by which they got elected. People don\'t seem to care or don\'t trust any of the councillors, this shows by the amount of people voting - onlt two wards had just over 50% of eligible people voting, with 3 wards less than 30%. Does anyone think people should be compelled to vote? And I bet it\'s the ones who didn\'t vote that will be complaining and whining no matter what happens with the coalition. [/quote] People should only be compelled to vote if the political parties are compelled to stand in all wards, One of the reasons I won't vote Conservative is that by not standing in every ward, they are denying people their right to vote. Wheras the Labour Party stood in all the wards despite almost being beaten into fourth place by the spoiled ballot papers in Whitehall ward.
milano wrote:
GP wrote: The success of the For Darwen Party has effectively knocked them out of any hope they had of wielding much influence. They won two Labour seats (yes they won a LibDem seat as well but the LibDems won one in Blackburn). Previously we had a \"coalition\" in which the For Darwen Party were integral to power. But now the Tories and the LibDems have control as an alliance. They have 29 seats to Labour\'s 27. Surely the FDP (5 seats) will not side with Labour? An alliance wouldn\'t need FD support to keep Labour out of the way.. Where Michael Johnson and the other two independents figure in all this is hard to figure. Finally, Dave Smith: sorry you were spun out. Probably the best ward councillor Darwen has had for yonks.
As you say GP \'surely for Darwen won\'t side with Labour?\' Don\'t hold your breath. as for the independants Michael Johnson has shown how fickle he can be in the past. I hope For Darwen stick to the principles by which they got elected. People don\'t seem to care or don\'t trust any of the councillors, this shows by the amount of people voting - onlt two wards had just over 50% of eligible people voting, with 3 wards less than 30%. Does anyone think people should be compelled to vote? And I bet it\'s the ones who didn\'t vote that will be complaining and whining no matter what happens with the coalition.
People should only be compelled to vote if the political parties are compelled to stand in all wards, One of the reasons I won't vote Conservative is that by not standing in every ward, they are denying people their right to vote. Wheras the Labour Party stood in all the wards despite almost being beaten into fourth place by the spoiled ballot papers in Whitehall ward.
Posted by: non darrener, Blackburn South on 8:15pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]bigrick[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]a resident of[/bold] wrote: well done the good people of the fernhurst ward ..... labour tried to farm us out to darwen, as for somebofy from the \\\\\\\'far darwen\\\\\\\' party standing ..... please![/quote] Why shouldn\\\'t a \\\"For Darwen\\\" candidate stand in Fernhurst. When the ward was created, it encompassed the north of Earcroft and all of Lower Darwen, which has always considered itself to be part of Darwen, not the hole that is Blackburn. Well done \\\"For Darwen\\\" for giving us Darreners a voice !!!! [/quote] For Darwen standing in Fernhurst, and Turton is hypocrytical, to say the least, If they are complaining about Darwen being forced to be part of Blackburn then they should not stand in areas of Blackburn and Bolton forced to be part of Darwen.
bigrick wrote:
a resident of wrote: well done the good people of the fernhurst ward ..... labour tried to farm us out to darwen, as for somebofy from the \\\\'far darwen\\\\' party standing ..... please!
Why shouldn't a \\\"For Darwen\\\" candidate stand in Fernhurst. When the ward was created, it encompassed the north of Earcroft and all of Lower Darwen, which has always considered itself to be part of Darwen, not the hole that is Blackburn. Well done \\\"For Darwen\\\" for giving us Darreners a voice !!!!
For Darwen standing in Fernhurst, and Turton is hypocrytical, to say the least, If they are complaining about Darwen being forced to be part of Blackburn then they should not stand in areas of Blackburn and Bolton forced to be part of Darwen.
Posted by: David J Newton Esq.,, THE COUNTY OF LANCASHIRE on 8:20pm Fri 2 May 08
[bold]I am amazed at many of the comments from these so called Darweneers. How can any saine and right in the head voter stick a cross in the box for a kid who cant string to words together? What ever your politics, or party, Councillor David Smith has served his Ward and His Town Well. He has always been happy to take phone calls, email, even complaints in the pub (take note councillors have a life to you know) Never once in 22 years did he moan or say no to anyone. YOU THE VOTERS of Darwen will regret the sad departure of an excellent councillor. Sunnyhurst Ward will suffer under the hands of the "Kid". However I would hope that you muppets that voted David Smith out and the "kid" in never need any real help or assistance. It takes years to learn how to work you way round town hall tactics and the way the work TRUST me i know. I am proud to say David Smith is a Darrener and a good and honest councillor to boot, cant say that about many of the New For Darwen Muppets, did you know they even nicked David Smiths Email Address's from an email sent by him, and used it to canvess for votes, thats really honest and not very clever is it. I am disgusted at the low turn out of voters in Sunnyhurst and the other wards. IF YOU DIDNT VOTE DONT MOAN you aint got the right to do so.
I am sure that David Smith Will bounce back and the For Darwen Party will soon be a forgotten thing of the past.
CLUELESS THATS BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN COUNCIL at present and rudderless tooo[/bold]
I am amazed at many of the comments from these so called Darweneers. How can any saine and right in the head voter stick a cross in the box for a kid who cant string to words together? What ever your politics, or party, Councillor David Smith has served his Ward and His Town Well. He has always been happy to take phone calls, email, even complaints in the pub (take note councillors have a life to you know) Never once in 22 years did he moan or say no to anyone. YOU THE VOTERS of Darwen will regret the sad departure of an excellent councillor. Sunnyhurst Ward will suffer under the hands of the "Kid". However I would hope that you muppets that voted David Smith out and the "kid" in never need any real help or assistance. It takes years to learn how to work you way round town hall tactics and the way the work TRUST me i know. I am proud to say David Smith is a Darrener and a good and honest councillor to boot, cant say that about many of the New For Darwen Muppets, did you know they even nicked David Smiths Email Address's from an email sent by him, and used it to canvess for votes, thats really honest and not very clever is it. I am disgusted at the low turn out of voters in Sunnyhurst and the other wards. IF YOU DIDNT VOTE DONT MOAN you aint got the right to do so.
I am sure that David Smith Will bounce back and the For Darwen Party will soon be a forgotten thing of the past.
CLUELESS THATS BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN COUNCIL at present and rudderless tooo
[quote][bold]Andy Newton[/bold] wrote:
Very sad to see David Smith lose . I just hope we don't live to regret it . As said by others . He's always been there for the people of Sunnyhurst , very helpful and friendly .These sentiments are also echoed by my family .[/quote] I could name plenty of people Dave Smith has helped over the years, but I really think the issue of Sunnyhurst post office closure affected the Labour voters. It's just a good job a genuine person like Andrew was there to collect the votes. Sorry to see you go Dave but I think Mrs Anderson voted the wrong way when the proposed closures were voted on.
Andy Newton wrote:
Very sad to see David Smith lose . I just hope we don't live to regret it . As said by others . He's always been there for the people of Sunnyhurst , very helpful and friendly .These sentiments are also echoed by my family .
I could name plenty of people Dave Smith has helped over the years, but I really think the issue of Sunnyhurst post office closure affected the Labour voters. It's just a good job a genuine person like Andrew was there to collect the votes. Sorry to see you go Dave but I think Mrs Anderson voted the wrong way when the proposed closures were voted on.
It is about time that the MAJORITY are listened to. That majority are the ones who don't vote.Because WE know we won't be lIstened too.Whatever happens your council will take your wage and decrease it- demoralise you by threats of resigning. The Govt will then take more tax off you so in the end you lose.Depsite the fact you work and have children you still lose out.As for gaining with WTC/CTC I havent seen it yet.As they look at GROSS income.It is about time that we had independant parties in Blackburn addressing real issues like prbs with childen, crime, rats, injustice.Not so called political parties fighting for Darwen when all wards should have someone who listens and acts upon it.
It is about time that the MAJORITY are listened to. That majority are the ones who don't vote.Because WE know we won't be lIstened too.Whatever happens your council will take your wage and decrease it- demoralise you by threats of resigning. The Govt will then take more tax off you so in the end you lose.Depsite the fact you work and have children you still lose out.As for gaining with WTC/CTC I havent seen it yet.As they look at GROSS income.It is about time that we had independant parties in Blackburn addressing real issues like prbs with childen, crime, rats, injustice.Not so called political parties fighting for Darwen when all wards should have someone who listens and acts upon it.
Go on then what does the for Darwen party stand for? More things for Darwen? I could say that for all the wards in Blackburn more things!Listeneing to the people - get out there and speak to them! As one of the councils workers who has to sign or it is resiging tell me how you know!
Go on then what does the for Darwen party stand for? More things for Darwen? I could say that for all the wards in Blackburn more things!Listeneing to the people - get out there and speak to them! As one of the councils workers who has to sign or it is resiging tell me how you know!
Posted by: Ex Sunnyhurst Ward Resident, 997-474 on 9:12pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Gerri[/bold] wrote:
A sad day for Darwen and Sunnyhurst in particular. Lets see how much work your new Cllrs really do. You\'ll soon realise how much Dave Smith did - as they saying goes - you don\'t know what you\'ve got \'til its gone. [/quote] very very true gerri, david smith was one in a million... still is and will always be a valued friend, I no longer live in the sunnyhurst ward and he would have got my vote hands down.. the ward will go down hill now hes "not on the case" dedication to his ward was one of his qualities, the residents of that ward will surely miss david and his nack of helping/getting results, and if he could help he said so.. unlike the false promises from other parties DO ANY OF THE SUNNYHURST RESIDENTS KNOW THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR THEIR NEW COUNCILLERS, THEY ARENT PROMOTED ON THEIR CAMPAIGN LEAFLETS, YET DAVIDS WAS CLEARLY STATED FOR ALL TO RING / CONTACT ETC.. THESE FOR DARWENS, ARE NOT ACCESSABLE AT ALL.
SHAME ON YOU "FOR Darwen"
Gerri wrote:
A sad day for Darwen and Sunnyhurst in particular. Lets see how much work your new Cllrs really do. You\'ll soon realise how much Dave Smith did - as they saying goes - you don\'t know what you\'ve got \'til its gone.
very very true gerri, david smith was one in a million... still is and will always be a valued friend, I no longer live in the sunnyhurst ward and he would have got my vote hands down.. the ward will go down hill now hes "not on the case" dedication to his ward was one of his qualities, the residents of that ward will surely miss david and his nack of helping/getting results, and if he could help he said so.. unlike the false promises from other parties DO ANY OF THE SUNNYHURST RESIDENTS KNOW THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR THEIR NEW COUNCILLERS, THEY ARENT PROMOTED ON THEIR CAMPAIGN LEAFLETS, YET DAVIDS WAS CLEARLY STATED FOR ALL TO RING / CONTACT ETC.. THESE FOR DARWENS, ARE NOT ACCESSABLE AT ALL.
SHAME ON YOU "FOR Darwen"
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