| Archive for talkclacton.myfastforum.org A discussion group on local issues for residents of Tendring District |
| admin |
The SquirrelsWhat's the latest on the Squirrels?Can we piece together our threads from the previous forum as they have all been hacked about by the previous adminstrator. |
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| EssexGurl |
I think it would be nice to see Harwich Lad and In The Know's unedited posts on what really happened. I hope that they come along and tell us all. | ||||||
| amenity |
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Log in to check your private messages The Squirrels Goto page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Next Post new topic Reply to topic clacton Forum Index -> About Harwich and Dovercourt View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:33 am Post subject: The Squirrels Reply with quote I haven't met anyone yet who agrees with this sale. What makes it even more galling is that the money from the sale is going to be spent on Clacton and Frinton. Though the sea front is nothing compared to Clacton we really don't want it full of flats/apartments and nothing for the locals. Like most people locally I have been to The Squrrels for different do's - parties, quizzes etc. It's an important facility for the locals and it's just so wrong that TDC can sell off our 'family silver' and give the money to someone else. I think I am right in thinking that The Squirrels used to belong to Harwich Borough Council before it all changed and it handed it over to TDC for safe keeping. Back to top View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail boy_racer Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 46 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 12:45 pm Post subject: Reply with quote I have to say that i know nothing about the sale of The Squirrels but the flats/apartments that they have put up in the place of the old Phoenix and Reflections are fantastic and i think enhance the image of the whole area. _________________ Nemo vir est qui mundum non reddac meliorem. What man is a man, who does not make the world better? Great People talk about ideas. Average People talk about things. Small people talk about other people. Back to top View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail MSN Messenger EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 1:42 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Basically they have sold The Squirrels and are going to use the money for projects in Clacton and Frinton. The Squirrels has a membership of 800 and I think the nearest tennis club will be in Clacton once the Harwich one goes. Though I think the tennis courts are still owned by HTC. The flats/apartments on the Pheonix site do look nice but when they were built it was on a piece of land that had been derelict for sometime, this isnt the case with The Squirrels. I don't know for sure if they intend to build something similar on The Squirrels site I am just guessing. Back to top View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:12 pm Post subject: Reply with quote I see that there is a nice Rolling Eyes comment from Terry Allen in todays Standard. He basically tells people to stop moaning about the sale as its all done and dusted and that the time to voice our unhappiness about this was before the sale - which I am sure people would have done if they had been aware. Perhaps it was in the Standard that the sale was a plan but if it was I don't recall reading it. I do wonder if Mr Allen would have the guts to tell us to shut up if we were the ones to elect him. Back to top View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 1:51 pm Post subject: Reply with quote I was sitting here wondering if Terry Allens comments have done harm to the conservatives for the next election. People will remember what party it was that was responsible for this and I have no doubt that the local Labour party will be rubbing their collective hands together in glee. The angry letters in the Standard shows that people are really not happy and possibly wont let this go without a big fuss. Back to top View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail boy_racer Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 46 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:05 pm Post subject: Reply with quote I'd be in favour of a masterplan to be brought into place for that whole area. The Squirrels site, the "amusements", the Blue Flag Cafe, the Skating Rink, the Croquet Lawn, the lawn behind the croquet lawn - all the way up the putting green. Now alot of these amenities are things that have a place on our seafront and should be supported, perhaps with money attained from the sale of assets like The Squirrels? I don't know - i'm just thinking out loud. What is very important and scandalous if it appears otherwise, is that any cash raised from the sale of The Squirrels (and i hope Douglas will take note of this) should be spent on improving the area around it and not left to be neglected at the expense of unrelated schemes elsewhere in the district. Personally i don't think the amusements have a place in the area and as it is what is a fairly focal point for the seafront i'd like to see this land developed into something else. What cannot be doubted is the area's potential and its importance to the town as a whole as well as to the town's future as a beach resort. _________________ Nemo vir est qui mundum non reddac meliorem. What man is a man, who does not make the world better? Great People talk about ideas. Average People talk about things. Small people talk about other people. Back to top View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail MSN Messenger Seafront resident Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 23 Location: Harwich Esseex, the sunshine coast PostPosted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:20 am Post subject: Reply with quote Cant believe they were allowed to pull down a beautiful and historic building like the Pheonix Hotel and replace it with those tower blocks that look like Prison Blocks..... Squirrils im disgusted about as its a LOCAL amenity being sold to raise funds for that other town across the Bay called Clacton and NOW IM FUMING because Tendering Council now want to destroy Harwich & Parkeston Football Ground the Royal Oak and ALL its history by selling off its carpark....THIS IS MADNESS.....why cant they build their cheap housing somewhere else and leave the football ground alone ..... I am detesting Tendering and want a return to power for the HARWICH COUNCIL like it used to be.... What is this Carswell up to with his new website named TALKCLACTON.COM.... i thought he was supposed to represent us ALL...... BRING BACK IVAN HENDERSON MP _________________ Never drive faster than your 'guardian angel' can fly....... Celica Imports Rule.... Back to top View user's profile Send private message EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:34 pm Post subject: Reply with quote boy_racer wrote: I'd be in favour of a masterplan to be brought into place for that whole area. The Squirrels site, the "amusements", the Blue Flag Cafe, the Skating Rink, the Croquet Lawn, the lawn behind the croquet lawn - all the way up the putting green. Now alot of these amenities are things that have a place on our seafront and should be supported, perhaps with money attained from the sale of assets like The Squirrels? I don't know - i'm just thinking out loud. What is very important and scandalous if it appears otherwise, is that any cash raised from the sale of The Squirrels (and i hope Douglas will take note of this) should be spent on improving the area around it and not left to be neglected at the expense of unrelated schemes elsewhere in the district. Personally i don't think the amusements have a place in the area and as it is what is a fairly focal point for the seafront i'd like to see this land developed into something else. What cannot be doubted is the area's potential and its importance to the town as a whole as well as to the town's future as a beach resort. The money is being spent in the town, thats what is making this whole situation worse. Mr Allen is in the Standard quoting what monies had been spent on Harwich. Shame he didnt compare it to what had been spent in Clacton. He says that Clacton has had propety sold off to pay for things, he doesnt state whether the money obtained from those sales was spent in Clacton or out of it. The sale of The Squirrels a very well used facility is one thing but I think the thing that makes it 100 times worse is the fact the money is being spent out of town. Now of course Dovercourt can make do with horrible old portacabin toilets for 10 yrs as long as Frinton has the £25,000 for its toilet attendant to work at its nice new toilets. Perhaps Douglas ought to point out to Terry Allen that this isnt just going to go away quietly. And now with the sale of the carpark next to the football club wich may result in the clubs demise he is digging a very deep grave for the conservatives in Harwich. Back to top View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Seafront resident Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 23 Location: Harwich Esseex, the sunshine coast PostPosted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 8:34 pm Post subject: Reply with quote how long is your message going to take to validate.......??? _________________ Never drive faster than your 'guardian angel' can fly....... Celica Imports Rule.... Back to top View user's profile Send private message EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 12:03 am Post subject: Reply with quote Seafront resident wrote: I am detesting Tendering and want a return to power for the HARWICH COUNCIL like it used to be.... I am begining to think that the borough council as it used to be wouldnt be a bad idea at all. At least we would know they would have our best interests at heart. Back to top View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail boy_racer Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 46 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:53 am Post subject: Reply with quote When is it that Harwich Borough Council ceased to be? _________________ Nemo vir est qui mundum non reddac meliorem. What man is a man, who does not make the world better? Great People talk about ideas. Average People talk about things. Small people talk about other people. Last edited by boy_racer on Mon Sep 11, 2006 3:53 pm; edited 1 time in total Back to top View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail MSN Messenger EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 3:46 pm Post subject: Reply with quote According to HCT website 1974. Back to top View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Seafront resident Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 23 Location: Harwich Esseex, the sunshine coast PostPosted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 1:58 pm Post subject: Reply with quote I agree that it would have Harwich's interests at heart instead of the Tendering District Council who seem to have never heard of Harwich except when they find something worth selling to benefit elswhere.... If you read some old Harwich and Manningtree Standards you will see the Harwich Borough Council in full flow... Incidentally, that would be the Standard when it was a LOCAL paper, made and printed in Harwich and full of pictures each week taken by LOCAL photographers.....the paper is just a mear shadow of what it used to be.... _________________ Never drive faster than your 'guardian angel' can fly....... Celica Imports Rule.... Back to top View user's profile Send private message challsi Joined: 12 Sep 2006 Posts: 31 PostPosted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 11:23 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Hey guys, I am a Clacton resident and yes, we are having plenty of spaces sold off here to developers for blocks of flats as well. I disapprove of selling off the Squirrels even if I do not live in Dovercourt because I simply believe that no council should take away the local amenities for it's own benefit without proper discussion with the comunity who will be affected. If TDC intend to spend the money from the sale of the Squirrels in Clacton then I dread to think what further usless, unwanted items TDC is thinking of building. Ultimately the "beef" is with TDC and it is in our own hands to change that situation instead of simply accepting it or muttering amongst ourselves. Back to top View user's profile Send private message douglas Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Posts: 16 PostPosted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 12:19 am Post subject: Save the Squirrels Reply with quote As your local MP, I am supporting the campaign to Save the Squirrels. I was very disappointed to learn about the decision by the local council to shut this important centre. It is a decision made by councillors - and as an MP I have no direct power to overturn it. I might add that I was all the more disappointed to hear about this decision first in the pages of the local paper. Where was the local consultation? I am backing the local campaign to save the Squirrels - and I welcome local campaigner, Ben Howlett's, efforts to spearhead the fightback. As the MP, I have often said that Party politics is less important to me than standing up for what is right for our local area. This is such a case. Let's put aside party politics and agree that the Squirrels should stay. I hope that everyone in Harwich and Dovercourt can agree to this. Douglas Douglas Carswell MP Back to top View user's profile Send private message Display posts from previous: Post new topic Reply to topic clacton Forum Index -> About Harwich and Dovercourt All times are GMT + 1 Hour Goto page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Next Page 1 of 6 Deactivate Post Control in this topic Jump to: You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group modified for Westminster by politicos design and hosted by haecceitas Funded by the Incidental Expenses Provision of the House of Commons. I have found the other 5 pages on this one amenity |
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Thanks amenity
This is great stuff. Will you post the other five pages soon? |
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The SquirrelsGoto page Previous 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Next clacton Forum Index -> About Harwich and Dovercourt View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006Posts: 154Location: Harwich Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 12:24 am Post subject: If only it were that simple. Its sale is horrendous no doubt. Like you say finding out through the paper is awful. But I do wonder why the people in the know never stepped forward and said anything. You have to wonder what truly went on in the background. But now that its sold is there anything we can do? Back to top The Gregster Joined: 15 Sep 2006Posts: 3 Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 2:18 pm Post subject: Where will it possibly stop? I personally feel that harwich and dovercourt is a suffering place and this just goes beyond belief. What i ask is next? Back to top HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006Posts: 19 Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 3:28 pm Post subject: The Squirrels Bar & Restaurant or SQUIRRELS CENTER as Douglas called it in the paper is not an amenity, or Tennis Club, it is a private members club and a Bar & Restaurant. It is run by 4 partners (lease Holders)as a business and employs a dozen or so Full and part time staff The Building is falling down and as a result of the sale, the business is now going down the pan. What do you think Ben Howlett's SOS (Save Our Squirrels) campaign will achieve??? Has he ever been in the building? Is he a member? - I thought not! This is just a blatant anti flat campaign with various groups all jumping on the bandwagon to voice there support without any facts and no thought whatsoever to the current lease holders and staff. I know for a fact no one has spoken to them to find out the real facts of the sale. Back to top EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006Posts: 154Location: Harwich Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2006 9:36 am Post subject: So what is it that you want exactly? So are you saying only members get to be peed off and are the only ones who can be angry about the sale. I'm not a member but I have been inside on many occasions. As for anti flat, damn right I am. Especially if they are like the luxury apartments next door. Who is going to benefit from a development like that? How many local people are going to be able to afford to live in apartments like that? Very few people in town. If the present building is in such a bad state, then surely the question should be why was it left to get so bad and who is responsible for it. Is it down to TDC and does that mean its neglect on their part. Or is there a running repair clause in the lease which means that the state of the building is down to the lease holders. HarwichLad you talk as though no one localy has the right to object to this sale, as though we should all sit back and say oh well never mind. People involved may not be members of the club. They may never be but as local people they have every right to object when a local amenity is sold off and the money used to pay for improvements to facilities out of the town. The only people who are going to benefit by this are the developers (and of course the folks in Clacton and Frinton who get nice new or improved facilities.) This reminds me a little of when yrs ago they threatened to close the Maternity Unit and a large group of people objected and marched and the unit was saved. It proved that we werent going to let them walk all over us and take away our facilities without a fight. Not every person who marched and fought against the closure were parents or had been born in the unit, they just felt strongly enough to object. This campaign by people to stop the sale and development may do nothing, but on the other hand it may do something and that has to be worth fighting for. Back to top Seafront resident Joined: 08 Sep 2006Posts: 23Location: Harwich Esseex, the sunshine coast Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 5:11 pm Post subject: HarwichLad wrote: The Squirrels Bar & Restaurant or SQUIRRELS CENTER as Douglas called it in the paper is not an amenity, or Tennis Club, it is a private members club and a Bar & Restaurant. It is run by 4 partners (lease Holders)as a business and employs a dozen or so Full and part time staff The Building is falling down and as a result of the sale, the business is now going down the pan. What do you think Ben Howlett's SOS (Save Our Squirrels) campaign will achieve??? Has he ever been in the building? Is he a member? - I thought not! This is just a blatant anti flat campaign with various groups all jumping on the bandwagon to voice there support without any facts and no thought whatsoever to the current lease holders and staff. I know for a fact no one has spoken to them to find out the real facts of the sale. seems YOU know nothing.....it would now seem that the ajoining tennis club is now in jeperdy due to the fact that teams in the tennis league are banned without a club for changing and refreashments...another reason Squirrils should be saved..._________________Never drive faster than your 'guardian angel' can fly....... Celica Imports Rule.... Back to top HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006Posts: 19 Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 12:06 pm Post subject: Firstly, Seafront Resident, I know everything, Did you know the Tennis Club have been offered the facilities at the Bowls club running adjacent to the courts - Thought Not! Secondly, EssexGurl you make some valid points although the Maternity unit is a totally irrelevant point, as I stated the Squirrels Bar & Restaurant is a Business not a public service. As to the state of the building and the lease. The lease was issued many years ago and has changed hands several times since, with the current leaseholders being at the premises for the last 3 or 4 years. As I read in the Standard the current leaseholders tried to extend the lease to make the necesary improvements required and even tried to purchase the building to protect their investment. During this time they contacted ALL local councillors to help and try and find a solution. Inadvertadly it seems they just brought the Building to the attention of the Council who then decided on an open market sale after having a valuation made on the price of the Land and not the Building and Business. At the end of the day the Council has sold the land to JDS Developers what can possibly be achieved? If by a miracle planning permission by the very people selling the building is denied the building will still need repairing, who will pay for it? You're so blinkered by the fact you don't want flats you cannot see the hopelessness of the situation. The staff are leaving, the business is only open 4 nights a week & the building is in desperate need of a new roof and windows, the business can be rebuilt but who will pay for everything else, no sane business person would invest in something that is owned by developers! I agree a demonstartion should be made on the sale funding Clacton Leisure Centre but I would concentrate your efforts on protecting the Tennis Courts, Arcade, Skating Rink, Putting Green etc as these will be next I assure you, even better maybe you should start using the amenities so they make money as this is all TDC are interested in. Although TDC generated income for the lease of the Squirrels ultimately it is nothing to what they can achieve by selling the property, in the case of the Squirrels they used the state of the building to their advantage to achieve this Back to top EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006Posts: 154Location: Harwich Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 5:58 pm Post subject: Blinkered, perhaps. Given up no. Its funny you seem determined to put people of trying to stop the closure. I am now wondering what your interest in this is. Your assertion that you know everything suggests to me that you are one of the partners or close to them or one of the developers or even worse a councillor in the know. If its the latter then tell us all what it is you know because you are making some pretty big accusations. Go on the record and make it public what you know. Terry Allen went as far as to say that the time for people to moan and whinge was before the sale and not after. So if you know that other things council owned on the sea front are about to be sold then do us all a favour and tell us now so that we can stop them. Just for the record I do already use the amenities down there. Its a shame that the staff are leaving I cant really blame them when people are sitting there giving up already. Have the contracts been signed as though this is only rumour I had heard that they hadnt been signed yet. It aint over till the fat lady sings, or in this case the bulldozers move in. Back to top EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006Posts: 154Location: Harwich Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 6:21 pm Post subject: One other thought. Even if the situation with The Squirrels is hopeless and other amenities are in danger the reaction of the towns people should hopefully send a clear message to the powers that be......we will not give up our amenities without a long hard fight. If we sit back and do nothing what is to stop them selling off everything in this town that they own. tennis courts, arcade, putting green, cafe, community centres. Now we know how little TDC think of the people of Harwich and Dovercourt and their needs - we know what they are capable of and are ready. Back to top mrs.j.Walton Joined: 19 Sep 2006Posts: 3 Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 9:21 pm Post subject: Dovercourt Bay and Harwich football ground Re the Sale of the Carpark in Main Road There are very few amenities in Dovercourt and Harwich but the football ground which is very well supported by local people and is mainly trouble free. What good is a football ground without a car park? Car parking along Main Road is limited. Without the football club will there be more yobs roaming about smashing windows and damaging cars? The sewage system is already struggling with all the new building why do we need more flats with so many of them still empty, I expect soon they will be filled with DHS people. What is needed is resonably priced housing so our young people can get on the housing ladder. The Friday Market that was held on the car park is no more. This was a very popular meeting place for residents. Like everything else The Hospital, Squirrels The Retreat etc etc. alas is nearly all gone and someone is lining their pockets at Tendering. Why is Clacton benefitting from our loss. Jacky Walton_________________Jacky Walton Back to top boy_racer Joined: 25 Aug 2006Posts: 46Location: Harwich Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 2:26 pm Post subject: Jacky, not sure if you're aware but there is a regeneration plan for Dovercourt town centre. While admittedly this may be some way off being implemented, i believe the long term goal is to move the friday market to the area around Dovercourt station. When, and perhaps if this happens it's up to the local people to make it a success. The traders will not religiously turn up in order to provide the locals with a place to meet, it needs to be financially viable. Regarding the seafront: there needs to be a policy laid down by the council clearly stating the long-term vision for the area._________________Nemo vir est qui mundum non reddac meliorem. What man is a man, who does not make the world better? Great People talk about ideas. Average People talk about things. Small people talk about other people. Back to top HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006Posts: 19 Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 9:10 am Post subject: EG, Did you go to the demonstration on Tuesday night? I noticed in the paper it was reported as 100 people, it was actually 43! My point is, that you are blatantly missing, is The Squirrels is a business NOT an amentity, so with all due respect NOT YOURS TO SAVE! The partners have thought hard against this sale for 2 years, your input is too little too late. It has also been on council agenda's for the past year so open to public domain, not to mention articles in the Standard and for sale notices in local papers and the internet. "Staff are leaving because People are giving up already"! what an insult to those that have thought hard for this to be saved for 2 years!! Maybe the staff just know the facts unlike you. As i said before it angers me that any sale will help finance Clacton facilities and i agree on your stance on that. I also agree that we should fight to save our facilities, we have 4 tennis courts that have a rubbish surface, are covered in glass and have unsuitable nets hense are hardly ever used. The Skating Rink is in dire need of modernising and the Crazy Golf is an absolute joke. I'd concentrate on finding out what the Council's plans for these are rather than keep hitting additional nails into The Squirrels coffin, because unless you are willing to raise in the region of £100,000 to undertake the necessary repairs you will be helping to save a derelict building. Back to top Seafront resident Joined: 08 Sep 2006Posts: 23Location: Harwich Esseex, the sunshine coast Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 9:19 am Post subject: Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 3 Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 9:21 pm Post subject: Dovercourt Bay and Harwich football ground -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Re the Sale of the Carpark in Main Road There are very few amenities in Dovercourt and Harwich but the football ground which is very well supported by local people and is mainly trouble free. What good is a football ground without a car park? Car parking along Main Road is limited. Without the football club will there be more yobs roaming about smashing windows and damaging cars? The sewage system is already --------------------------------------------------------- What people in their right minds would sell off the car park for the Royal Oak football ground.... Saturday again saw the car park full without a space left for the visit of Thetford and again Tuesday evening the car park was full to bursting for Stanways visit to the Oak...and AGAIN last night for the visit of Ipswich Wanderers in the Youth cup match. Saturday next see's Felixtowe visit the Oak where again the car park will be put to good use....SO WHY ...someone please explain....WHY do these faceless people feel the need to take away a car park that is a legal requirement for a Ridgeons Premiere league football team to have....... its beyond me....it really is.._________________Never drive faster than your 'guardian angel' can fly....... Celica Imports Rule.... Back to top EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006Posts: 154Location: Harwich Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 5:10 pm Post subject: HarwichLad wrote: EG, Did you go to the demonstration on Tuesday night? I noticed in the paper it was reported as 100 people, it was actually 43! My point is, that you are blatantly missing, is The Squirrels is a business NOT an amentity, so with all due respect NOT YOURS TO SAVE! The partners have thought hard against this sale for 2 years, your input is too little too late. It has also been on council agenda's for the past year so open to public domain, not to mention articles in the Standard and for sale notices in local papers and the internet. "Staff are leaving because People are giving up already"! what an insult to those that have thought hard for this to be saved for 2 years!! Maybe the staff just know the facts unlike you. As i said before it angers me that any sale will help finance Clacton facilities and i agree on your stance on that. I also agree that we should fight to save our facilities, we have 4 tennis courts that have a rubbish surface, are covered in glass and have unsuitable nets hense are hardly ever used. The Skating Rink is in dire need of modernising and the Crazy Golf is an absolute joke. I'd concentrate on finding out what the Council's plans for these are rather than keep hitting additional nails into The Squirrels coffin, because unless you are willing to raise in the region of £100,000 to undertake the necessary repairs you will be helping to save a derelict building. No I didnt go to the demonstration, I didnt even know about it till I read about it in the Evening Gazette. As for me not knowing all the facts I think it is fair to say that very few people know all the facts. I do not claim to be one of those who do know it all. But I can and I will carry on voicing my opinion on things that affect my life and my town. I really dont care if you think it is too little too late it is my democratic right. Knocking down the squirrels will affect my life and that of my children. It may only be in a small way but affect it it will. You mention again the other facilites on the sea front, I asked you before if you had any knowledge about what was planned you havent answered that. Perhaps you do have some real information on what is planned or perhaps like others in this town all you have is rumour. I heard a rumour today that people in town have been overheard saying they have plans for the seafront. But that is all they are rumours and peoples imagination getting 2 plus 2 amd making 5. I dont get you I really dont. When I get read your posts I cannot get where you are coming from. You tell me to concentrate my efforts on trying to save the other things on the sea front giving the impression that you want them saved and therefore care somewhat for the town and its people and then you tell me and others to drop the fight to save the squirrels. Though the building itself may be beyond repair and perhaps pulling it down is a sensible option it doesnt follow that the land should be sold off to build flats or luxury apartments on. If there is no option other than to level the building why shouldnt other facilities be built. If we allow this to happen without a fight then I really do think that we have given TDC and all others the green light to go ahead and do what they will with our town without any thought for us at all. It is to me the principle of it all.Last edited by EssexGurl on Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:39 pm; edited 1 time in total Back to top Seafront resident Joined: 08 Sep 2006Posts: 23Location: Harwich Esseex, the sunshine coast Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 2:11 pm Post subject: safe to say that Harwich Lad contridicts himself so much its hard to take him seriously....so like me...DONT_________________Never drive faster than your 'guardian angel' can fly....... Celica Imports Rule.... Back to top EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006Posts: 154Location: Harwich Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:06 pm Post subject: It does seem odd to get so annoyed about something like people objecting to the sale, especially when its not harming him and no one has asked him to join in. He also says "I'd concentrate on finding out what the Council's plans for these are rather than keep hitting additional nails into The Squirrels coffin" which is also a very odd thing to say when previously he states that the situation is hopeless. So how can people protesting about the sale possibly put any more nails in The Squirrels coffin? Makes me wonder if what we have been told isnt the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. amenity |
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The Squirrels Goto page Previous 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Next Post new topic Reply to topic clacton Forum Index -> About Harwich and Dovercourt View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message boy_racer Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 46 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:14 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Seafront Resident: How has he contradicted himself? _________________ Nemo vir est qui mundum non reddac meliorem. What man is a man, who does not make the world better? Great People talk about ideas. Average People talk about things. Small people talk about other people. Back to top HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 19 PostPosted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:24 pm Post subject: Reply with quote On the off chance that this post doesn't get deleted, how have I contradicted myself SR?? Reading my posts back it looks as though I've been consistent on all of them! Back to top Amenity Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Dovercourt PostPosted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:54 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Harwich Lad Why do you think because it (The Squirrels) is a business it might not also be an amenity? Why also not put flesh on the bones of your assertion that other amenities may soon be lost? Back to top Seafront resident Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 23 Location: Harwich Esseex, the sunshine coast PostPosted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 5:19 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Exactly the way i was thinking.... _________________ Never drive faster than your 'guardian angel' can fly....... Celica Imports Rule.... Back to top HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 19 PostPosted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 11:56 am Post subject: Reply with quote Amenity, Ask Ben Howlett as he stated that there are blue print plans made for these locations at a recent Friends of the Earth meeting at The Cliff Hotel. This is the source of my information Back to top EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 6:16 pm Post subject: Reply with quote HarwichLad wrote: Amenity, Ask Ben Howlett as he stated that there are blue print plans made for these locations at a recent Friends of the Earth meeting at The Cliff Hotel. This is the source of my information So you arent in possesion of all the facts then? Back to top HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 19 PostPosted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 9:11 am Post subject: Reply with quote Only regarding The Squirrels i'm afraid EG, but I wouldn't believe what BH stated anyway as he also stated local residents would raise the money to but The Squirrels building. Back to top EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 10:12 am Post subject: Reply with quote And yet you had the audacity to call us ignorant for talking about things that we dont have all the facts for and look you did the same. Back to top HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 19 PostPosted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 11:17 am Post subject: Reply with quote I called Sleepless Ignorant for saying no one had done anything about Squirrels till the last minute which is factless and untrue There is a difference between talking about things and stating things that are ignorant to the facts. Stating nothing had been done about Squirrels is incorrect and therefore ignorant. This is the last post I will be making as I've tried to enlighten you to the TRUTH and the FACTS but you just want to argue, so good luck with your efforts Back to top boy_racer Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 46 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 11:25 am Post subject: Reply with quote I'd be interested in seeing these blueprints if they are available. Do you have any other information HarwichLad? Why would it be Friends of the Earth that had them? _________________ Nemo vir est qui mundum non reddac meliorem. What man is a man, who does not make the world better? Great People talk about ideas. Average People talk about things. Small people talk about other people. Back to top EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 5:18 pm Post subject: Reply with quote HarwichLad wrote: I called Sleepless Ignorant for saying no one had done anything about Squirrels till the last minute which is factless and untrue There is a difference between talking about things and stating things that are ignorant to the facts. Stating nothing had been done about Squirrels is incorrect and therefore ignorant. This is the last post I will be making as I've tried to enlighten you to the TRUTH and the FACTS but you just want to argue, so good luck with your efforts Perhaps its not what you say but how you say it. One thing I have learnt after years of forum use is that there are countless ways what you say can be taken, and without the benefit of tone what you say can often be taken the wrong way. Also you (and this is my opinion based on what you have posted) sound like you are talking down to people. You have basically ordered us to drop the topic as you knew the facts and you told us it was hopeless etc etc etc. You didnt discuss you dictated. And I dont know about other people but I personally do not take well to being told by someone what I can and cannot think. You have called someone ignorant where their post is at worst factually wrong. Says a whole lot more about you than it does about them. Back to top Seafront resident Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 23 Location: Harwich Esseex, the sunshine coast PostPosted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 7:07 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Got to agree with you whole hartedly there EssexGirl... Wink _________________ Never drive faster than your 'guardian angel' can fly....... Celica Imports Rule.... Back to top Amenity Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Dovercourt PostPosted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 11:59 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Seafront resident, your on the ball with the local paper angle. I am assured that our local is part of Gannet an american company that owns 300 local uk papers. Editors in my experience locally do not seem to allow the line proscribed nationally. Perhaps the Squirrels case would have had more sympathetic treatment from a truly local editor, locally run. Back to top Amenity Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Dovercourt PostPosted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 12:07 am Post subject: Reply with quote Sorry for Gannet read Gannett web site http://www.gannett.com/map/propmap.htm click on map of UK Back to top HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 19 PostPosted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 1:14 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Stop flirting with me EssexGurl!! Back to top |
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The Squirrels Page 4
Goto page Previous 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Next Post new topic Reply to topic clacton Forum Index -> About Harwich and Dovercourt View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 11:54 am Post subject: I'd like to but your animal magnetism is just to much for me HL. Laughing Back to top HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 19 PostPosted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 3:09 pm Post subject: Knew I'd win you over in the end! All the best EG EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:34 pm : HL its been a pleasure. All it takes to win me over is an ice-lolly and a packet of hob nobs! Laughing EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:38 pm After an interesting conversation that I had today I am now confused about the whole situation with the Squirrels. This person, lets call them Person A stated that they had been told from a very reliable source that the lease on the squirrels was protected and not due to run out for another 10 years. Now there will be some cynics out there who say that this may be just another rumour and if I hadn’t read the email sent from TDC confirming this fact I might not have believed it myself. Quoting directly from the email. The tenants have what is known as a Secure Tenancy under Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 on a 21 year full repairing lease expiring on 31/3/2016. The Council has not made any offer or paid any sum of money or for the avoidance of doubt been a party to any offer or payment to the tenants designed to persuade them to give up their rights under the tenancy (if there has been such an offer or payment). I can therefore help you no further on this question. So the question is now why are the clubs using the Squirrels so worried about having to find now premises when it would appear that they have till 2016 when the lease runs out. Unless the present leaseholders decide to (if they haven’t already) give up the lease early. If they hadn’t decided to give up the lease when this story broke and they were planning to carry on as normal till 2016 has the Save Our Squirrels campaign done them more harm than good? Another interesting quote from another email from someone at TDC. The building and land currently housing the Squirrels Social club was put on the market after lengthy discussions with the tenant, who were in point of fact expected to submit a bid with a view to continuing to operate their business. Any relationship with the users of the club is between the patrons and the tenants not the Council . However, the original report to Cabinet dated 12 October 2005 declaring the land surplus did identify the community use and Cabinet decided as a result to persue a negotiated agreement with the tenants and if that failed to place the property on the open market. The reality is that in view of the major cost of bringing the property up to the standard required under the terms of the lease a purchase of the club with a view to continuing its current uses was not economically viable. This has been determined by the market – not the Council. The Council had previously attempted to broker a deal with the East of England Development Agency EEDA with a view to obtaining grant funds in partnership with Harwich Connexions but this proved unsuccessful. So it would appear that some councillors did know about it before it was sold!! HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 19 PostPosted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 10:01 am Post subject: Reply with quote Nice work Sherlock, I have been telling you councillors were contacted etc and asked for help. One of them double crossed the tenants leaving a very sour taste in people's mouths! Feel free to mail and i'll enlighten you to some of the dubious tactics that have been used on this sale, unfortunately a public forum isn't the place EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 12:41 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Well I admit when I am wrong so I apologise and offer the olive branch of peace, or a chocloate hob nob what ever you prefer. I am interested in what you have to say about double crossing nasties so I think I will get in contact. EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 4:15 pm Oh my, Oh my, Oh my. Some people are just so, so, so dim. Shocked Shocked Shocked EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Fri Oct 27, 2006 7:32 pm For those who don't know there is a public meeting organised by Ben Howlett on sunday at 6pm at the park pavillion. EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 1:07 pm Post subject: Reply with quote I'm interested to see how the papers report this meeting. Rolling Eyes ferret Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 4 Location: HARWICH PostPosted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:01 pm Harwich Lad seems to know what was done to try to save Squirrels, but whatever it was it was not good enough. I hear the rent was put up. This could have been taken up at a rent tribunal and would not have cost the tenants anything. Judging by the state Tendring District Council let the building deteriorate into I would have thought the tenants would have a good chance of getting the rent reduced. Were the tenants offered a chance to buy it and was any figures put in writing? Did they Trust TDC? Did anyone else local offer financial help I wonder. John Prescott wants houses built in the South big time and Councils have to fill their quota. It is of course much more profitable to sell to a developer. How dare Harwich Lad say this has nothing to do with the rest of us. I think the Squirrels uses the Local Green Grocer so the loss of the Squirrels would affect his business too. We do not need our town to go further downhill thankyou. Time for action now. HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 19 PostPosted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:56 pm Thanks for your kind words Ferret! 3 young families who relied on Squirrels for their income have fought hard to keep The Squirrels going for over 2 years. Because of irresponsible reporting, TDC spin and unhelpful councillors like Bill Bleakley who was asked to help but declined because he had a conflict of interests (claiming to be a member, which he isn't)the business is on it's knees and the tenants are basically working their butts off just to keep the business afloat. As I previously pointed out the Squirrels is now shut 3 nights a week and staff have now left. Knowing what I know about how hard this has been fought for your comments are an insult. If you have read the local Standard postbag you will know that the tenants tried to increase the length of the lease to protect the investment needed to bring the building up to scratch (new roof and windows)when this failed they asked for a valuation of the building but were priced out the market by TDC's valuation of the land as a residential area. As you know TDC then sold the building/land in a sealed bid auction to JDS. And for your information they do not use a local grocer. Not sure where you get your information. Are you a member? ferret Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 4 Location: HARWICH PostPosted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 6:52 am I am sure we should all be proud of the valiant efforts of Squirrels to keep their business going. I did not mean to sound cruel Local lad. I am left wondering if they got the best advice on how to do this though. I know it all very well to be wise after the event. Some of us already know about the Standard’s biased reporting problems although they hide it very well. Are they really a free press I wonder? Perhaps they just want to sell papers. TDC have been twice been prosecuted for fraud in the past and should not be trusted. I think they believe in shooting squirrels. Harwich Council is busy witch hunting this time of year. Wicked Tories and some local business men are being sort for the stew pot. This hinders progress for any of us. The information on the local greengrocer came from my own observations when I was in the greengrocers many years ago there was a phone order that seem to be taken for Squirrels. I thought at the time it was nice that local business men were supporting each other. Lastly I am not a member although have like many others have been in Squirrels a few times. I know people that are members and know how much they will miss it. HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 19 PostPosted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 10:50 am Post subject: Reply with quote Rest assured every avenue was explored with legal representative gained every step of the way. Unfortunately this was performed out of the public eye as not to have a negative effect on business until TDC and the Standard got together to leak the story and start the demise of the business, this is just one of a load of bullyboy tactics used on 3 young mums. They did use a local grocer until a dispute, they do however use a local butcher and fishmonger so your point is actually valid. Unfortunatly using the Squirrels a few times does not help in this case. Functions, which formally made the business profitable cannot now be booked as the future is uncertain & only 4.5% of the members actually use the club regularly. I don't think you have to be a mathmatician to work out what i'm saying. Amenity Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Dovercourt PostPosted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 11:02 pm TDC ought to have shown more interest in the number of JOBS lost by the demise of the Squirrels. It is all very well but once you have spent the family silver it can't be done again. Local business is interdependent and marginal local business's that enjoyed patronage from such companies as the Squirrels may go out of business in a chain reaction fashion or lay of staff. This principle is well known in economics but is more important in an area such as this, effectively a cul-de-sac.Passing trade in cul-de-sac's is generally lower by quite a large factor maybe as much as a half of similar business's inland situated on crossroads. TDC should be asked to justify their actions in these terms, showing that they have taken account properly of the needs of our very special area and not try to fob us of with stories of the "MARKET". ferret Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 4 Location: HARWICH PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 5:36 pm How times change. I have just been looking at the newspaper archives which are kept at Clacton Newspaper Office, and apparently in 1925 during the contruction of Marine Parade it has this to say." The kerbing is of Granite and the carriageway and footpath of reinforced concrete. The reason for adopting this class of construction were:- (1) To employ the maximum amount of local labour on the works; and (2) To counterbalance the treacherous nature of the road. This was when were served by Harwich Borough Council of course. |
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The Squirrels Page 5
Goto page Previous 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Next Author Message In The know Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 10 PostPosted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 4:02 pm Douglas what rubbish you or Ben Howlett did not know the Squirrels existed until it was sold. If Ben had got his facts before he tried to make political gains fromthe sale of The Squirrels then he wouuld have been far more credible. If you or any of your buddies had been bothered to consult the lease holders of The Squirrels then perhaps he would have had the true situation at his fingertips. As for other contributors to this forum apart from Harwich Lad, had they supported the Squirrels in the past than this situation may never have happened. I look forward to your comments HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 19 PostPosted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 5:06 pm ITK, not sure who you are but I assume you are a regular or you wouldn't be so blunt about your points. To be fair some of the posters on here couldn't support the Squirrels as the situation was kept out of the public eye as long as possible as not to have a negative effect on the club. However when the information was leaked there was a huge outcry by local councillors, MP's etc who had no regard for the business and actually mananged to nail the coffin firmly shut. Like you I do find it amazing the people who seem to be shouting the loudest are the ones that never frequent the place Amenity Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Dovercourt PostPosted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 8:13 pm In the know said "As for other contributors to this forum apart from Harwich Lad, had they supported the Squirrels in the past than this situation may never have happened. I look forward to your comments" I for one never realised that the Squirrels suffered from a lack of support or that more support could have fought of a sale. I think there is a general concern about establishments being lost due to what are perceived to be underhand tactics. Would you suggest we watch the Squirrels slide under the waves, noislessly, is it really, as Harwich Lad infers none of our business? In The know Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 10 PostPosted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 11:54 am I believe that every Tendring councilor was writen to in November of last year by the squirrels asking for help. Not one replyed so why all the uproar now Amenity Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Dovercourt PostPosted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 9:06 pm In The Know, It would be helpful for you to answer questions about your previous assertions, see my last post. Just goes to show how useful this site is and a pity it was not up and running years ago. In The know Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 10 PostPosted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 12:26 pm Ameinty What I am saying is Squirrels was asking for help over a year ago with letters to every Tendring Councilor and letters to the local press but none was forth coming Amenity Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Dovercourt PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 1:33 am In The Know, What was the response from the local press? Did you ask for some sort of assistance? In The know Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 10 PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 10:21 am I believe there was no response what so ever apart from One Clacton Councilor trying to save Clacton Golf Club ferret Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 4 Location: HARWICH PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 11:45 am I find it strange that In The Know is unaware that Ben Howlett is local born and bred as his family has been for generations before him. Of course he knows where squirrels is. I am not impressed with any of the big polictical parties but I do believe Ben is genuine in his concern for his town. In The know Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 10 PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 1:48 pm Ferret Who said I did not know that Ben was Local ??? I lived behind his family for many years when we were children and am sure I know his family a lot beter than most on here HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 19 PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 3:17 pm Is it true Ben Howlett is planning on standing for the local elections next year? Call me a cynic but I think this may be a blatant piece of vote gaining otherwise I'm sure he could of approached the tenants before his anti-flat leaflet campaign or his rounding up of non-members for his propoganda photo shoot. Don't be naive Ferret In The know Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 10 PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 5:18 pm Stop Prees in Tonights Gazette Ben Howlett has been selected as tory candidate for Harwich East Central Ward EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 5:37 pm Anyone like to guess what ward The Squirrels are in? boy_racer Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 46 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 2:52 pm Quote: Anyone like to guess what ward The Squirrels are in? Personally i think it should be up to the local councillor to sort this problem out with the Squirrels. Squirrels are technically classed as vermin and if they're starting to get out of control it can become a big health risk. Laughing _________________ Nemo vir est qui mundum non reddac meliorem. What man is a man, who does not make the world better? Great People talk about ideas. Average People talk about things. Small people talk about other people. In The know Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 10 PostPosted: Sat Nov 11, 2006 10:01 am Can't believe you did not publish my last post. all I put was HG you are now seeing the Picture that HL has been painting. Come on it's freedom of speach |
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The Squirrels PAGE 6
Goto page Previous 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Author Message EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Sat Nov 11, 2006 11:04 pm If you check my last few posts you'll know that I got what he was saying a while back. In The know Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 10 PostPosted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 11:31 am EG Yes I see you have seen the light and I hope other have as well Last edited by In The know on Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:48 am; edited 1 time in total amenity Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Dovercourt PostPosted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 1:05 am Now you have seen the light, In The Know, what about answering my earlier questions to your first post? But don't tell me about the councillors again please. The question on support interests me and the specific type of help you requested from the press? Cheers. In The know Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 10 PostPosted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 1:23 pm Amenity If you had read Standard Postbag around 17th Oct 2005 you would have aeen the letter which was submited by the Squirrels four partners. It's no good coming back over a year later when the building has been sold. We hear all this outcry but does anyone care about the 10 or so jobs that will be lost. I dought not Amenity Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Dovercourt PostPosted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 7:22 pm In The Know, Are you certain the sale of the building was the deciding factor? After all, if my memory serves me well, the lease had to run if the tennants were determined so to do, or as an alternative the landlord could have provided alternative premises, (to get them out) or some other sweetner. I realise they may have been responsible for maintenance, however. Just curios. I think my question vis a vis the press deserved a clear answer since as you know there is much correspondence on the matter on this site. HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 19 PostPosted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 11:59 am Amenity, let me help you out here! In terms of the press, I have already stated on here that the tenants investigated certain avenues to save the club without involving the press so to protect the business as much as possible. A story full of council spin was then leaked to the press to assist in the councils main aim of selling the building etc and since then the club has become a loss making business. Would you join a members club with no future? There was also other tactics used by the buildings owners (which i'm not prepared to discuss on here) to bully the tenants into a hopeless situation, I know for a fact one of the council people was deeply embarrassed by what was going on but was ultimately doing his job. Despite letters in the standard postbag etc, these were edited and contradictory stories were run on the front page where no contact with the tenants had been sought. It is an eye opener to see how what we perceived to be our local paper is actually run. As for your comment on providing another premises!! get in the real world! Why did you edit your name back off the below reply John?? Last edited by HarwichLad on Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:29 pm; edited 1 time in total HarwichLad wrote: Amenity, let me help you out here! In terms of the press, I have already stated on here that the tenants investigated certain avenues to save the club without involving the press so to protect the business as much as possible. A story full of council spin was then leaked to the press to assist in the councils main aim of selling the building etc and since then the club has become a loss making business. Would you join a members club with no future? There was also other tactics used by the buildings owners (which i'm not prepared to discuss on here) to bully the tenants into a hopeless situation, I know for a fact one of the council people was deeply embarrassed by what was going on but was ultimately doing his job. Despite letters in the standard postbag etc, these were edited and contradictory stories were run on the front page where no contact with the tenants had been sought. It is an eye opener to see how what we perceived to be our local paper is actually run. As for your comment on providing another premises!! get in the real world! Standard Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Posts: 1 PostPosted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 12:52 pm Right, I can't take this anymore! These comments are just wrong, simple as that! Let me put you straight on the issues you raise: 1) We have never assisted Tendring Council in trying to sell The Squirrels. Why would we do such a thing? I can assure you we're not in partnership with the council on anything! (quite the opposite in many cases) 2) We have offered, and will continue to offer, the tenants every right to give their side of the story. We have printed every letter they have sent to us in full and they have declined any further contact. When the tenants won't speak to us what are we supposed to do?! 3) The Standard is, as far as I'm concerned, a local paper. Your local paper. Yes our parent company is American-based, but what does that have to do with it?! The real world, as you're so keen on it, is that we do everything possible to give a fair and balanced run-down on Harwich news. There is absolutely no outside influence on us! (as you would understand if I ever have the pleasure of your company!) Last edited by Standard on Tue Nov 14, 2006 2:55 pm; edited 1 time in total HarwichLad Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 19 PostPosted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:27 pm Well my last post in reply to you John wasn't validated that only and I repeat only stated FACTS I think that says everything! douglas Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Posts: 16 PostPosted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:36 pm Post subject: A note on moderation Quite rightly people care passionately about the local community and issues affecting our community. However, in order for a community site like this to work, it is important to retain precisely that - a sense of community. When you post a submission, please can you take care to use the right tone and language. Write as if communicating with friends - we are all on the same side. I am sure that most users will agree that we need to keep this site pleasant and polite. Thanks Douglas EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 5:13 pm Standard wrote: There is absolutely no outside influence on us! (as you would understand if I ever have the pleasure of your company!) Are you asking him out on a date? Laughing Laughing J/K EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 5:59 pm Standard wrote: 1) We have never assisted Tendring Council in trying to sell The Squirrels. Why would we do such a thing? I can assure you we're not in partnership with the council on anything! (quite the opposite in many cases) Interesting comment. I am not a great lover of TDC but I do see that they are not all bad (you have no idea how much I hate saying that Laughing ) but your comment makes me wonder if a local paper could possibly ever be for the good of the local people if they seem to be unable to report things fairly. There is obviously quite a lot of bias at play there. In The know Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 10 PostPosted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:05 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Why was my last post unvalidated?? I only stated FACTS but they don't seem to be welcome. I said Why was it reported that 100 people with banners attended a meeting outside the Squirrels when in FACT ther were 43. That includes Ben Howlett, A photographer and your impartial reporter. The ' BANNERS' were Flyers distributed bt Ben on the night. We would all love to here the answer to this one Amenity Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Dovercourt PostPosted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 10:05 pm Standard, Your quote " Anyway, must go as I have to speak to our New York office. Were about to broker a deal with Hutchison Ports to pay me £2million to write nice things about Bathside Bay..." I thought this was just a joke but now? Were you shoved to edit it? EssexGurl Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Harwich PostPosted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 9:28 am Amenity wrote: Standard, Your quote " Anyway, must go as I have to speak to our New York office. Were about to broker a deal with Hutchison Ports to pay me £2million to write nice things about Bathside Bay..." I thought this was just a joke but now? Were you shoved to edit it? I quite like this quote.... "Serious things are often said in jest." - Anonymous Laughing Laughing I am not of course saying that John is being paid 2 mill to write a story - he said that, I just dont think it'd be that much Wink Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group modified for Westminster by politicos design and hosted by haecceitas Funded by the Incidental Expenses Provision of the House of Commons. |
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Hi this is Beach Bunny of the Harwich and Dovercourt Beach Hut Association.Having recently discovered this web site I have found it interesting reading therefor would like to contribute my comments.
Selling of the Squirrels - the block of flats now dominating the skyline of Dovercourt Seafront like a huge carbuncle giving the appearance of slums is in my opinion most unacceptable and to think with horror that another grotesque building is planned is scarey. To make matters worse rumour has it that the flats at the back of the existing building will be let to Social Security tenants god help those who have paid in the region of £300.000 for the privilege of owning. How much further do TDC intend to move along the Seafront selling off all and everything to pay for Clacton's pleasure. Wether Ben is working at a political ploy or not is irrelevant at least he is doing something he is working for upgrading our seafront not degredation.If we the members of the public sit back with a complacent attitude letting it happen then to be guarented after all is done moaning will be heard from all directions. Harwich Town Councillors of the Labour party are constantly writing letters to our friend Terry Allen receiving no reply at least he replied to my email when reading between the lines I got the impression " I am talking down to you ". What of the new toilet block at Frinton over ten years we have nagged for a new toilet block on Dovercourt Seafront getting nowhere only to be told at every attempt there is no money yet they have money to upgrade the Leisure Centre at Clacton and a new toilet at Frinton. One assumes the money of the sale of Reflections land is being held back for Leisure at Clacton. |
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'the block of flats now dominating the skyline of Dovercourt Seafront like a huge carbuncle giving the appearance of slums is in my opinion most unacceptable and to think with horror that another grotesque building is planned'.
Just after the 2ndWW restauratuers (cafe owners) used to say "The English will eat anything" we have moved on a bit from that but there is no doubt the english will live in anything but is it the lack of choice? Sadly modern english builders do seem to lack culture if their buildings are anything to go by. If we are ever to educate the builders we must not buy or rent that which we find unacceptably ugly. |
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| amenity |
Ivan admits to being amazed.
From The Standard this wekend "Leaflets amaze me AS a resident of East Central ward, I am amazed by the leaflet being put out by the Conservative candidates ahead of May's local elections. In it, the Tory candidates thank the local Conservatives for campaigning against the sale of Squirrels. Would they be the same local Conservatives who are responsible for selling Squirrels in the first place? Having waited until Squirrels had been sold before surveying residents about whether or not they wanted the sale to go ahead, the local Tories are now asking us to congratulate them for complaining about their own decision. I totally disagree with the manner in which the Conservative leader of Tendring District Council (TDC), Terry Allen, is running our district. I must say, however, that he does not hide from the decisions that he takes and he accepts responsibility for the actions of his Conservative-led administration. I believe it is time for the Conservative candidates in East Central ward to show similar courage. After all, they are seeking to join Terry Allen's Tories on TDC in next May's local elections. IVAN HENDERSON Labour's Parliamentary spokesman for the region, Dovercourt." |
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| Noholdsbarred |
Having read Ivan Henderson’s letter “Leaflets amaze me” to the Standard.
I am provoked to give an opinion. I see in this letter the authentic hand of ‘New Labour’ an indelible deftness of touch. Ivan worked very closely and publicly with TDC in their support for the proposal by Hutchison Whampoa to construct a port at Bathside Bay, showing undivided loyalty to supporters of that scheme. With the local MP supporting the developers, who was there to voice the concerns of local residents about the plans? Was it Ivan, then our MP, or did he leave that responsibility to others? I am saddened to say Ivan Henderson’s letter has all the hallmarks of inebriate thinking displayed by the local New Labour, but I am not a voting Conservative. Is there another choice? And to conclude isn’t it about time Ivan, one time self-proclaimed Socialist, shed some light on his association with Golden Arrow and how long he has held that position? And how does he marry those loyalties with his duties as ‘Labour's Parliamentary spokesman for the region, Dovercourt’? |
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| EssexGurl |
Whats golden arrow?
Whats the betting that that letter wasnt even written by Ivan. |
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| amenity |
According to the register of interests House of Commons;
Ivan Henderson Researcher, Golden Arrow Communications (public affairs organisation). His sponser A Wright. |
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| ferret |
Now look at this site to see who was a client of Golden Arrow http://www.goldenarrowcomms.com/ If you look at latest news going round on the left of this site you will see Hutchison Ports come up. |
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| amenity |
From the same website that Ivan has his biography on is this.
David Jamieson; David has extensive experience of Westminster and Whitehall, including serving as a Transport Minister in the Labour Government between 2001 and 2005. David now advises Golden Arrow clients on public policy and government relations. His knowledge of legislation, policy development and parliamentary procedure are invaluable to clients seeking to engage with the political world. As an MP for 13 years David served on the Education Select Committee and as a Government Whip before joining the Labour transport team. During his four years at the Department for Transport, David gained an in-depth understanding of how government works. As a Minister he was responsible for roads, road construction and procurement, safety, new technology, cleaner fuels and the maritime industry. |
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| EssexGurl |
Sooooo not dodgy at all then. |
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| ferret |
Not a case of a taste of the good life and wanting to keep it that way then? We have had Ivan's brilliant mind on the subject of Squirrels even if it is 3 years to late. Perhaps we should look for help wherever it may come from. Not much choice really. |
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| EssexGurl |
Ivan's brilliant mind - not normally words you see together. | ||||||
| ferret |
True. He cannot pretend he cares at this late stage. He must have known about it for a long time. Now he wants to try and make political gain over poor old Squirrels by making petty remarks about the wicked tories. All any of want to know is what he intends to do about the deterioration of our town and the loss of anything decent to the property developers. His only solution seems to be an enormous dock promoting a way of life that is unsustainable. |
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| EssexGurl |
There was a dvd that the labour party put out in the last election. On it Ivan and Vicky Williams were going on about how brilliant the new hospital would be for Harwich. One has to wonder why, when things have gone wrong are they not the voices we hear calling out for answers. Well we do hear a little from V.Williams but perhaps not as much as one would expect from her. | ||||||
| EssexGurl |
You'd think that he would be a little more vocal, perhaps he isnt planning as standing as an MP again - or if he is perhaps its not going to be here. I have no doubt that he knew from the start but I'm guessing he really didnt want to make waves when there was something for him to lose. After all there is no point making a noise unless you know if the public will agree with you. |
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| amenity |
Reading thses posts does raise the question, how could he stand again in view of his alliegence to G A? Surely he must see that the public will examine this move and conclude that this individual thought it through and decided not to stand again (or thought he had little chance of standing again) and went for the security of a paid job?
What is a puzzle is what type of research could he possibly have been employed for? Interests need to be transparant and this case might not look that way to ordinary mortals who don't have access to the register, locals should have been told. |
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| amenity |
Such a good line I had to see it again |
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| EssexGurl |
Do you think the majority of the people will even care? I believe there are plans for him to stand again and going out on a limb I dont think it will be for Harwich - possibly clacton if the clacton branch of the labour party dont insist on having someone they want. I'm thinking if its not Ivan standing here it might be Les Double. Whoever it is, is going to have helluva battle. |
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| amenity |
I must admit Essex Gurl that's the first time I've thought of Double as a replacement.
They say if you can't think of anything good to say |
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| frankie |
it all seems to have gone quiet on the squirrels front,does anyone know what is happenning? | ||||||
| HarwichLad |
Yep! so has Ben Howlett now he has ruined the livelihood of 3 young Mums. And he denied his campaign was politically motivated - What a Joke!! Thank God the people in his ward could see through his empty promises and lies and his use of someone's business as a political vehicle. |
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| HarwichLad |
Yep! so has Ben Howlett now he has ruined the livelihood of 3 young Mums. And he denied his campaign was politically motivated - What a Joke!! Thank God the people in his ward could see through his empty promises and lies and his use of someone's business as a political vehicle. |
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| EssexGurl |
He got on the town council though....will be interesting to see how he fares there | ||||||
| HarwichLad |
He'll fall on his fat ar5e if there is any justice! | ||||||
| EssexGurl |
Oh he is....he is. And looks like he is taking his party (locally) with him. |
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| amenity |
I hope it was a lovely holiday EssexGurl, and now tell us a bit more? |
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| EssexGurl |
Howlett sent out a leaflet in his and Barry Browns name saying that HTC were finally getting behind his SOS campaign....or words to that affect.
The truth of the matter was what was discussed was the development. As it was a planning meeting that was all that could be discussed. At the start of the meeting Cllr Henderson who was in charge made it clear that if anyone mentioned Squirrels he would stop it and it would have to be discussed at a later date. So all that was discussed was the development.....which they refused planning permission for. So Howletts leaflet was an out and out lie as at no time did the council even mention Squirrels. He was challeneged on this at a later meeting and he refused to see what he did was wrong. Add that to all the other rubbish that he has been coming out with I think it is fair to say that he is really ruining the conservatives reputation on the council. This year is the most cllrs they have had on for a very long time, possibly since the borough council days and it looks like he is almost going to destroy that all onhis own. Also not forgetting when he managed to insult most of the council regarding how the mayor is chosen. He threw around some accusations and had to have the rules about the mayor pointed out at him. He had the chance to do good for his party but all he has done is show himself up for the spoilt little boy that he so obviously is. If he wants to become a career politican he really already has the lying down to a T. I think so far in the paper he has he been publically rebuked 2 or 3 times already. I know they say all publicity is good pulicity but in this case I dont really think thats true. His party should be trying to sort him out, though I have read that there are some other young consevative cllrs over at TDC who are making tits of themselves coughmayzescough. Its starting to look like the youngsters arent working out to well on the councils. |
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| ivan burit |
Amenity Sir, you are a smooth tonged citizen, are you not........lol...
..." I have read that there are some other young consevative cllrs over at TDC who are making tits of themselves coughmayzescough. Its starting to look like the youngsters arent working out to well on the councils"..... .........pass the crisps.............lol.... |
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| EssexGurl |
That were me Ivan 
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