Author Archives: Omnipresence

First Blood Drawn in the HMO Wars

Smithfield Hotel: First Skirmish in the HMO War They came, they saw, they recommended approval. Shropshire Council’s planning officers, clipboard warriors of the realm, thought that converting the Smithfield Hotel into a 22-bed HMO was a brilliant idea. After all, it was “an unused building in a sustainable location.” Translation: we can dump people hereContinue reading “First Blood Drawn in the HMO Wars”

The Great British Asylum Housing Caper – Oswestry Edition

The Whispering Council Once upon a time, Oswestry’s councillors claimed to speak for the town. Now they speak mainly in whispers — if at all. A 22-bed HMO rammed into the former Smithfield Hotel, another at 23 Cross Street, and more speculative conversions lining up like dominoes — yet the Town Council contents itself withContinue reading “The Great British Asylum Housing Caper – Oswestry Edition”

Commissioner Watch (3): The Complaints Carousel

Picture this: you’ve been wronged. You summon the courage to complain. You expect justice, or at least daylight. Instead, you’re ushered onto a fairground ride — the Complaints Carousel. It goes round and round, operated by the very people you’re complaining about, while a man in a hi-viz jacket assures you this is accountability. WelcomeContinue reading “Commissioner Watch (3): The Complaints Carousel”

Commissioner Watch (2): The Commissioner’s Purse

If money talks, then in West Mercia it positively shouts. The Police and Crime Commissioner’s office costs a fortune — and for what? Let’s count the purse strings. The Quarter-Million Pound Question Here’s the top of the food chain — the first dip into your council tax purse: • Gareth Boulton – Chief Executive –Continue reading “Commissioner Watch (2): The Commissioner’s Purse”

Police Commissioner – The Biggest Quango You Never See?

Remember the days before 2012, when police oversight was handled by something called the Police Authority? Most people didn’t know who sat on it, but at least it was a committee of councillors and lay members who turned up, shuffled papers, and kept vaguely within budget. Then came the great reform: one elected Police andContinue reading “Police Commissioner – The Biggest Quango You Never See?”

The Riot Roadshow: Now Touring a Hotel Near You

We hear men speaking for us of new laws strong and sweet,Yet is there no man speaketh as we speak in the street.It may be we shall rise the last as Frenchmen rose the first,Our wrath come after Russia’s wrath and our wrath be the worst.It may be we are meant to mark with ourContinue reading “The Riot Roadshow: Now Touring a Hotel Near You”

Hotels Check Out, HMOs Check In: The Great Housing Shuffle No One Talks About

We are told — endlessly — that there is no connection between immigration, asylum hotels, and HMOs. That’s just conspiracy talk, apparently. The “gainsayers brigade” assure us we’re hysterical, paranoid, and probably in need of a nice lie-down. Well, while we’re resting, let’s consider a few inconvenient facts (all straight from the mainstream press):– OverContinue reading “Hotels Check Out, HMOs Check In: The Great Housing Shuffle No One Talks About”

The Dinghy Diaries: Shropshire’s Floating Disaster

Behold the flotilla of futility: Captain Starmer steering for the rocks, First Mate Yvette “Pixie” Cooper rowing in circles, and Shropshire’s Cabinet enjoying the ride — blissfully unaware that the bilge is filling with council debt, migrant hotel bills, and HMO planning approvals. “We’re in control,” they shout, as the mast snaps and the taxpayersContinue reading “The Dinghy Diaries: Shropshire’s Floating Disaster”