Published April 14th, 2008
A Shameless Plug
I was recently interviewed by Drystone Radio(a direct consequence of this website). Drystone Radio is a non for profit organisation which broadcasts regularly to the dales with the aim of providing a voice for this community.
David and his team made me feel welcome and skilfully teased out views/opinions in the interview, they took my 15 minutes rambling and made me sound erudite and articulate - quite a feat!
If you would like to listen to some quality radio with a local slant and tackling local issues I suggest you give it a listen.
Published March 16th, 2008
Post Office Closures - Is there another way?
Liberal Democrats at North Yorkshire County Council are asking the ruling Conservatives to look at what Essex County Council are doing to try to save Post Offices.
This is an interesting proposal and merits further investigation particularly where the affected local communities across North Yorkshire are showing a commitment to supporting their local Post Office.
Mark says “It cannot be an open cheque book but the County Council needs to liaise with Parish Councils (who can levy a rate) and District Councils to see whether individual communities should receive support. The County Council for instance has mobile library services serving communities across the County area already.
We do know that some of the Post Offices proposed for closure are viable and that axing them is just to meet the arbitary 2500 closures that the Government have imposed on Post Office”.
Published March 16th, 2008
County Council Services - have your say
1.The County Council through its Scrutiny Committees is currently reviewing its winter gritting service. Are you satisfied that the trouble-spots in your parish are not overlooked? Can we improve this service? Are there areas that are gritted that we do not need to do? Please send your views to me.
2. How easy is it to get hold of County Council Departments. Is our switchboard working? Do you get the correct information from our switchboard? If you have any issues with this service please advise me and I will forward your views to the scrutiny committee reviewing this service.
Published February 14th, 2008
Post Office Closure at Farnhill
Despite a co-ordinated and well-reasoned campaign to keep Farnhill Post Office open, the decision to close Farnhill Post Office went ahead. The suggestion they adopt an outreach service(reduced provision) was also not accepted. The response to all who made representation to the consultation is below(taken from the “Area Plan Decision Booklet”). The full document is available to download at -
ftp://ftp.royalmail.com/Downloads/public/ctf/po/North_Yorks_decision_booklet.pdf
Post Office® Farnhill branch
“The main issues raised by the respondents concerned a lack of public transport between this branch and the alternatives, the distances between the branches and the impact this may have on elderly customers. A petition was also received opposing the proposed closure.
During the local consultation period Post Office Ltd was alerted to some incorrect information contained in its original proposal relating to access to public transport and that there are external posting facilities at Farnhill branch. A further comprehensive review of the proposal has been conducted and the above information has been fully considered.
Following the review, and taking into account all comments received Post Office Ltd considers that the suggested alternative branches provide reasonable access to Post Office facilities. Cross Hills Post Office is located less than a mile away. It has level access via a ramp for customers with mobility constraints and has longer opening hours than currently offered at Farnhill. There is roadside parking close to this branch.
Residents travel to nearby towns to shop. As the two nearest towns, Skipton and Keighley have Post Office services it is considered reasonable that customers will access these services when making shopping journeys.
Taking these and all other relevant factors into consideration Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of this branch”
It looks like another 2 fingers up to local service provision for those that really need it….When you read the justification above you have to wonder how much was actually understood by the Post Office regarding the difficulties that would face the residents of Farnhill and Kildwick should they close down the post office. Profit vs people! In a review that would mean closure of 2500 post offices that was sanctioned by Labour whose track record was 4000 post offices already axed, following on from the miserable record of the Conservatives of 3500 post offices given the death sentence. We will continue to fight for some form of service for Farnhill through Postwatch.
