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Introduction Shropshire Council, the unitary authority formed in 2009, has been on a spectacular journey—one paved with financial blunders, policy U-turns, and governance failures so glaring that even the most creative satirists would struggle to outdo reality. From the shopping centre investment that aged like milk to a “legacy grant” that conveniently went on anContinue reading “Shropshire Council’s Masterclass in Mismanagement (2009–2025): A Triumph of Incompetence”

I think it is time for an update on the Regal Cinema Saga In recent weeks, it has been reported in the local press of the trials and tribulations of Oswestry’s only cinema, until recently run from 9 Arthur Street in Oswestry. There was yet another ego driven Motion by Councillor Duncan Kerr wanting toContinue reading “The Regal Cinema: Unlike Councillor Kerr, our productions don’t leave you wondering where the budget went”

Update on the Bike Of Three Wheels Some of you may remember a previous blog called “A Tale of a Bike with Three Wheels” if not, here’s a refresher: https://thealternativecouncil.blog/2023/09/11/a-tale-of-a-bike-with-three-wheels/ That blog was written somewhat “tongue in cheek”, now however things have moved on apace and become somewhat more serious. Not satisfied with a £30,000Continue reading “The mysterious disappearance of the cinema projector”

For nearly five years now, the Green Party has been prominent in Oswestry’s political landscape, but not necessarily for the right reasons. Let’s take a closer look at some of their so-called achievements during their time in office, or rather, missteps that have left a lasting mark on the community. One of the Green Party’sContinue reading “The Green Party: Five Years of Dubious Achievements”

In his compelling analysis titled “Shifting Landscapes: The Blurring Boundaries of British Politics,” written by Martin Bennett, a seasoned ex Oswestry Town Councillor, Shropshire Councillor, and Trustee of various charities, the intricate tapestry of contemporary political dynamics unfolds. Bennett masterfully navigates the labyrinthine corridors of modern politics, where the once unmistakable boundaries between the ToriesContinue reading “Shifting Landscapes: The Blurring Boundaries of British Politics”

My next blog was going to be entirely different from what follows, so please forgive me, but please, please read the following story and tell me what you think. Jeffrey Matthews is a nice man; he is an elderly man, he is a sick man, and he is a victim not only of a convictedContinue reading “Fraud is a victimless crime, just ask Jeffrey”

For the third time this Town Council has failed to record a meeting, and this was quite an important one, why? Because hidden within the agenda was a begging letter click link (letter) from the Shropshire Cycle Hub begging for £25,000. Not satisfied with living in the Bike Shed (the old Edinburgh Woollen Mill) rentContinue reading “Once is chance, Twice is coincidence, Third time’s a pattern”

The highlight of the Green Party year must surely be the departure of three of their stalwarts to the Liberal Democrat Party. Councillor Moore, who likes to be called Jay, is now on his third party, having begun as a conservative before his quantum leap to the Green Party. He has also reinvented himself asContinue reading “The Day the Earth Stood Still”

Subject: Oswestry Town Council Meeting Wednesday 10th January 2024 The financial naivety of Oswestry Town Council I have observed that Wednesday’s Council meeting will deliberate on a proposed 5% increase in the precept. According to the provided figures, this would result in a shortfall of approximately £50,000 between income and expenditure. It is crucial toContinue reading “A View from a Faraway Land”

Introduction: In the sprawling landscape of our current energy saga, where the glittering promise of a lavish 50-year supply of shale gas and vast reserves of oil and natural gas in the North Sea should be a testament to our organizational prowess, the reality unfolds as more of a tragicomedy. Our supposed visionaries have, inContinue reading “Decoding the Energy Resource Conundrum: Unravelling the Green Energy Paradox”