THIS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF 'SUPPORT' FROM THE COUNCIL. CLLR ROYDEN sent this as his objection just after the public left the Parish Meeting where we asked the council to represent us and were told no. We then approached Cllr Stephen Moon who represented objectors at the Licensing Hearing, Cllr Royden did not appear and Cllr Rider read the objection which was issued on their website.
(Click on image to enlarge) Bedford has been TESCOED! 14 Tesco owned stores in Bedford alone!
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Cllr Mark Fitzpatrick’s letter in (T&C Feb 9) is truthful in some aspects.
Brickhill Parish Council was not ‘given’ the £500 from Tesco’s, they were merely asked for suggestions. REF: Item 5 – Correspondence received from Tesco ‘I have received an email from Carol Leslie (regional Corporate Affairs Manager for Tesco). Which asked the following- ‘We will shortly be opening a Tesco Express store in Brickhill Drive, Bedford. As part of this opening we will be making a donation to a worthwhile local cause. Whilst we have received some ideas from people, they are not really that local and I wondered if the Parish Council would like to make some suggestions?’ I have since contacted her to seek more information about the level of donation and she confirmed the amount would be £500. It can be split or given in full. Any local schools, charities, groups or worthwhile causes would be considered. The Council may consider investing the money so that it would benefit the whole community, perhaps something on Wavenely Green? We do need to replace at least 2 trees or replanting of the flower beds near the play area etc. Alternatively the money could fund an activity at the Gathering on the Green event? Any thoughts and ideas would be appreciated. Though the council made it clear that they would not accept this contribution, due to the opposition from local residents but they would not write to Tesco to say they would not suggest or accept this as they are opposed to Tesco installing a store on the Brickhill Parade. Refurbishment of the parades – notice any big difference there? Parking provision? No, didn’t happen They did support the campaign to keep the Post Office open on Brickhill Drive, likewise for keeping open the Bird in Hand Pub, both to no avail. They did support the parish poll, they had no choice they were legally bound to accept the residents demand for this. Cllr Royden & Cllr Rider met with Tesco but NOT in an official capacity. ‘The meeting was a personal meeting’ quote from Cllr Royden. They had little choice in making it clear to Tesco & Beds Borough Council the views of residents as we attended Parish meetings demanding answers and received very little feedback and even then receiving the information took a long time and in some instances had to be requested again and again. The answers would vary especially regarding the restrictive covenants. The Parish Council have shown support to a minimalist degree because they HAVE TO! That’s their job! Parish Councils act as nothing more than a buffer zone for Bedford Borough Council. Residents have a problem they take it to the Parish Council; they ‘deal ‘with it as best they can, consult the Bedford Borough Council who then make the final decision. It begs the question ‘Do we need a Parish Council?’ |
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Freedom of Information received information.
Click on image to enlarge: _ Inconsistancies, contradictions and double standards
There has been clear inconsistency and contradiction’s in statements and actions made by Councillors and Officers’ regarding the enforceability of the restrictive covenants and other efforts on the Bird in Hand property 117 Brickhill Drive, Bedford. This , in effect, has prolonged any decision and has allowed Tesco to continue building on the site in preparation for its opening on 24th February 2012. The inconsistencies, contradictions and stalling by the Council and Officers has led to a great deal of speculation and a clear case of negligence on the part of those elected officials whose job and duty it is to give proper advise in the first instance and to make clear, concise decisions which include the publics opinion and not choose to ignore it. Section 1: 1st petition Link to be added soon Section 2: Restrictive Covenants and outcome Link to be added soon Section 3: Outcome of poll vote: Link to be added soon Section 4: 2nd Petition Link to be added soon Section 5: Full Council meeting regarding 2nd petition Link to be added soon Section 6: Brickhill Parish Meeting held on 5 January 2012 Link to be added soon Section 7: Full Council meeting to be held on 11 January 2012Link to be added soon |
Brickhill residents & supporters say NO to major supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury, Morrisons, Asda, developing their stores on either of the Brickhill Drive or Avon Drive neighbourhood shopping parades, or in close proximity to them.
94% of Brickhill residents voting in the poll Thursday 6th October 2011 have voted NO to Tesco! We wish to thank the residents of Brickhill Parish for a taking part in a Historic vote on 6th October 2011, whereby an overwhelming 94% majority rejected Tesco plans for an Express store in the former Bird in Hand pub. The Poll gives the people of Brickhill a Democratic Voice, and the result sends a clear message to Tesco that they are not welcome in Brickhill. We urge the Borough Council to use this mandate to pursue the enforcement of the Restrictive Covenant which effectively states the premises can only be used as a pub. The Historic result was achieved despite: Restricted voting time No postal votes No Proxy voting No Poll Cards The turnout was higher than the referendum on whether Bedford Borough wanted an elected Mayor in 2002. |