Tesco consultation extended (From This is The West Country)

I would say, to all residents who have concerns For or Against this Tesco's Northgate Store, to hear the exact Application for this Developement.
So as to understand the Full Planning Application being proposed.
As, I have written a letter, to be considered @ the Town Hall meeting on the 9th Jan 2013. Before the Planning Panel, meet later in the year to the Application.
I make no secret of my Support for this Northgate Store, I think with the population of Bridgwater due to expand over the next 3-5 years, with all the New Companies, including EDF
With minimum 10.000 extra residents living in Nd around the Town. Opponents of the Scheme, say ' 63%Dont Want the Supermarket, saying we have enough, with all the new housing, business expansion, I believe there is a need. If this results in another retail unit elsewhere closing, then they were not Merchandizing their product correctly, with Price or Quality.
Apart from the small nos of Bridgwater Forward who are against, almost everything in Bridgwater, I am not hearing in the Town, any negative responses to Tesco's proposals
Regards David Preece Former SDC
Councillor
Blue -Owl

Blue ( Ostrich ) Owl DO YOU EVER HIBERNATE ????

Try speaking to some independent traders - I have and the message I get isn't positive

I don know which town Blue Owl is in or who he talks too, but anyone I have discussed it with says why do we need another supermarket when we already have Asda,Sainsburys. Aldi,Lidl,Morrisons, CoOp etc. from what you are saying you don't believe that 63% don't want it but 100% do.

Whilst I am inclined to agree with Mr Owl's comments, one of the fundamental issues within Bridgwater seems to have been overlooked. That is of the road infrastructure, with such a large increase in population, traffic is bound to increase on our already overloaded roads, and having a large superstore located slap bang in the centre of town is bound to compound the issue. What are the council going to do about that?

No amount of tweaking or new reports will change the fact that the proposed entrance to the new site is already a bottleneck for traffic. Maybe Morrisons will benefit as it will be easier to just bypass the ensuing chaos in Mount Street if you are on the West side of town!

Never mind Tesco it's going to go ahead anyway. The road infrastructure should be sorted out first. Sort out the Post Office !!

MINIME2 wrote:
Never mind Tesco it's going to go ahead anyway. The road infrastructure should be sorted out first. Sort out the Post Office !!

Well said. Spot on!

Anyway, I'm sure this has already been well discussed in this medium, looks like the same article re-hashed.

Might pay to save us all a bit of time, find the last one then copy/paste all the comments over. (Blue Owl, don't even think about it, not enough hours in the day to read it all)

Samej1 wrote:
Try speaking to some independent traders - I have and the message I get isn't positive

What independent traders?

Bridgy is full of charity shops, mobile phone shops and pawnbrokers. Oh, and a couple of coffee chains.

MINIME2 wrote:
Never mind Tesco it's going to go ahead anyway. The road infrastructure should be sorted out first. Sort out the Post Office !!

Oh no, the blue rinse post office brigade.

The problem is caused by Somerset CC. Highways, doing nothing in Bridgwater over the last 10 yrs to alleviate the Traffic Congestion, we have now. let alone in Future years as the Town' population swells by over 25.000 Residents.
If they had implemented the road schemes improvements that were already part of 106 Planning Agreements, we would not be congested as we are already.
If they had looked at suggestions put to them re the Penel Orlieu junction with Broad Way & North St!!
No, because we did'nt agree with what they were proposing to do with regard to altering the layout of the Northgate cinema junction, they took the £120.000 fund away from Bridgwater and probably allocated it to Taunton.
Reminds me of ' it's my ball and if we aren't playing the Game I want' I' m off home!!
That was over 6 years ago, still no alterations, apart from altering it so the Carnival Floats could negotiate the Junction. Nuff Said !
Regards Blue-Owl

The development will go ahead whatever objections are raised. The plans will be tweaked here and there so they will say they have listened to the public, but the crux of the matter is the money is needed to pay off the swimming pool loans,

http://www.bbc.co.uk
/news/uk-england-som
erset-20592347

This article of how SCC funded £20k of public money in the planning application stinks of corruption.
Are you telling me that this application will be rejected now based on this? Absolutely not, despite what objections there may be, irrespective of validity , this is a done deal.
If I wanted to apply for a home extension would my application be funded? No because the council won't stand to gain £4 million from me plus a nice little windfall from the loss of the car park.
Blue owl mentioned earlier in his comments that Bridgwater will benefit from having Tesco's in town, err how?
The road infrastructure will not cope, in a relatively recent survey, the people of Bridgwater stated we do not want another supermarket, how clear does it have to be.
Ultimately the whole splash debacle boiled down to the money coming from the land to line SDC & SCC's pockets, the big question would then be how will the people of Bridgwater benefit from this windfall? I'll hazard a guess, some pictures in the murky of a nice "twinning" visit to La Ciotat or some other nonsense.
With all the upheaval due with Hinkley c, Morrisons, Tesco the town deserves a legacy in the form of an ice rink, leisure centre or what ahve you, I won't hold my breath though . . .

thekurgen wrote:
http://www.bbc.co.uk

/news/uk-england-som

erset-20592347

This article of how SCC funded £20k of public money in the planning application stinks of corruption.
Are you telling me that this application will be rejected now based on this? Absolutely not, despite what objections there may be, irrespective of validity , this is a done deal.
If I wanted to apply for a home extension would my application be funded? No because the council won't stand to gain £4 million from me plus a nice little windfall from the loss of the car park.
Blue owl mentioned earlier in his comments that Bridgwater will benefit from having Tesco's in town, err how?
The road infrastructure will not cope, in a relatively recent survey, the people of Bridgwater stated we do not want another supermarket, how clear does it have to be.
Ultimately the whole splash debacle boiled down to the money coming from the land to line SDC & SCC's pockets, the big question would then be how will the people of Bridgwater benefit from this windfall? I'll hazard a guess, some pictures in the murky of a nice "twinning" visit to La Ciotat or some other nonsense.
With all the upheaval due with Hinkley c, Morrisons, Tesco the town deserves a legacy in the form of an ice rink, leisure centre or what ahve you, I won't hold my breath though . . .

You have made some very valid points regarding the spending of public money - however please tell me where /when did "the people of Bridgwater" state that they did not want another supermarket.

References keep being made to this and Cllr Smedley has made the same statement on a number of occasions.

I for one have never been asked by anyone as to whether I wanted Tesco or not and neither have an awful lot of people who post here. Just where does this come from....i'm intrigued.

sheldoncooper wrote:

thekurgen wrote:
http://www.bbc.co.uk


/news/uk-england-som


erset-20592347

This article of how SCC funded £20k of public money in the planning application stinks of corruption.
Are you telling me that this application will be rejected now based on this? Absolutely not, despite what objections there may be, irrespective of validity , this is a done deal.
If I wanted to apply for a home extension would my application be funded? No because the council won't stand to gain £4 million from me plus a nice little windfall from the loss of the car park.
Blue owl mentioned earlier in his comments that Bridgwater will benefit from having Tesco's in town, err how?
The road infrastructure will not cope, in a relatively recent survey, the people of Bridgwater stated we do not want another supermarket, how clear does it have to be.
Ultimately the whole splash debacle boiled down to the money coming from the land to line SDC & SCC's pockets, the big question would then be how will the people of Bridgwater benefit from this windfall? I'll hazard a guess, some pictures in the murky of a nice "twinning" visit to La Ciotat or some other nonsense.
With all the upheaval due with Hinkley c, Morrisons, Tesco the town deserves a legacy in the form of an ice rink, leisure centre or what ahve you, I won't hold my breath though . . .

You have made some very valid points regarding the spending of public money - however please tell me where /when did "the people of Bridgwater" state that they did not want another supermarket.

References keep being made to this and Cllr Smedley has made the same statement on a number of occasions.

I for one have never been asked by anyone as to whether I wanted Tesco or not and neither have an awful lot of people who post here. Just where does this come from....i'm intrigued.

There was survey about the future of bridgwater about 2 years encompassing all aspects of the town, schooling, housing etc etc

I note all the comments made above, and the conclusion I come to is-
Bridgwater Residents would prefer to have a Sports/ Leisure / Ice Rink, Cinema Complex built, and in an Ideal World, with Wishes being Granted, perhaps so might I.
However, there is No-One out there prepared to Put their Money ,up front to put this type of Scheme Forward, ever since the Bridgwater Vision was
Developed, It has been widely publicised across the Country, not just Locally. With no responses, from any Leisure Operator, as Leisure Centres, whether run by Local Authorities, or Ind Commercial Providers, do not cover their operating costs. Hence, no interest.!!
It, is and was under the Last Labour Gov, that in order to provide the monies for local Councils to sell assets, in order to Fund New Facilities. For the future.
We, the then SDC, made the decision, to reduce our overheads@ Bridgwater House, by what is currently called ' Desk Sharing / some Members of Staff being able to work part of the week from home, where their job allowed, linked into SDC Website / Server.
This enabled us to make sufficient savings on the Annual Costs/ against the Budget.
It also enabled the SCC to come into Bridgwater House, King Sq, and share some of the costs. Which in turn enabled the disposal of land jointly owned by the 2 Councils.
In this savings, we were able to offer to the open market, the Northgate Site, for a variety of options.....After, receiving no Leisure Interest, potential for the Site, Tesco's now are the only Player in the market, who has offered to invest £ Millions into a Supermarket Scheme. To develope on this land.
So with no other, interested party, what should we do . Nothing, let it stay as it is, mothball the Site, or do what the Council is legally responsible for, to obtain the best commercial price, for the Sedgemoor Tax payer. / Resident.
How many times, does it have to be said, Bridgwater Forward, have never come up with any positive project, that is backed by a sound financial strategy and funding.
As I said in my opening lines, there is no other money, available !!!!!
I have Posted last week, an alternative local investor , who makes claims of £ Million's pounds, it is giving the residents of Bridgwater / Sedgemoor.
Well, I hear the funding rhetoric, but yet to see the colour of their money, yes EDF, as I 've stated b4 20-24 Billion ££££'s project @ Hinkley, so far promises of around £100 Million, but this is not coming directly to you and me to fund, projects, and create a lasting legacy, no it is mostly monies going to Bridgwater College, for training, I have no problem with that, but, just how much is EDF actually giving the Town £10-£15 Million, they refused to fund a Bridgwater By-Pass, as in their words not required, they are happy for us to have over 1050 workers living in Campus Accomadation Blocks Bath Rd. with no extra facilities, to cater for their Leisure Time, in the evening or day time when they are working a 24/7 shift pattern cover for construction of Hinkley C.
Recently, it came to public notice that they had bought the whole of Innovia /British Cellophane Site, including the Listed Sydenham Manor House, I wonder what they are going to put on this Land,?
We have already passed Planning on this Land as part of the Morrisons Scheme, for 2000 new homes, to be constructed from the Willow Man upto the Bath Road Sports & Social Club, I hear no mention or complaint, of their plans to demolish the old Cellophane SSC. To make way for their Accom Campus Blocks, we on SDC at the time, said we wanted proper houses built, for the workers on the site on Bath Rd, so that when the 10 Year Build Of Hinkley C was finished, there would be Legacy Housing, that could be revamped/ updated and available for Bridgwater Families/ Residents, no what will happen they will be demolished!!
So as, I've tried to get across, one of the only possibilities that could happen is that EDF, Fund And Build a Leisure Complex Facility on Cellophane / Innovia Site, not only for their Construction Workers to use and enjoy, but also BRIDGWATERs / Sedgemoors Residents, this would create good partnership relations between EDF and the Townsfolk, would enable workers to share Leisure time, with our Locals, would cut out any annamosity between the EDF Workforce,
It could be Named the EDF Hinkley Leisure Centre, and would be a lasting Legacy that we all expected from EDF, when they announced their initial Plans.
So instead of Knocking SDC or SCC over this Scheme, put the Question Directly to whom it should be Addressed.
I realise that I have reiterated many things that I have suggested in the past Forums Comments, but I believe as difficult as the Truth is to hear sometimes, it has to be said!!!
David Eccles and his Board must be rubbing their hands with Glee, as to how Cheaply they are able to forward this Hinkley C Power Station, their Paymasters in France, Bankrupt EDF France, bailed out by the French Government, to complete this Scheme, as I've said before they will be generating Electricity, here, sending it back to France unsea, as they do already, to sell it on to the Germans, who now, have decided not to build any more Nuclear Power Generators.
So they will Construct it cheap, with no lasting legacy for us in and around Sedgemoor, Workers are being drawn from over an hours travel distance to the Site, very little benefit to local firms or contractors.
Who are the Winners EDF, Who are the losers, us for not putting up a strong enough case, for more Funding for our Communities.
Apologies for the length of this Post, but, I feel it has to be said again and again, until they listen and respond to our requests, we cannot demand, and they know it.
Regards David L Preece
Aka Blue-owl

Blue Owl wrote:
I note all the comments made above, and the conclusion I come to is- Bridgwater Residents would prefer to have a Sports/ Leisure / Ice Rink, Cinema Complex built, and in an Ideal World, with Wishes being Granted, perhaps so might I. However, there is No-One out there prepared to Put their Money ,up front to put this type of Scheme Forward, ever since the Bridgwater Vision was Developed, It has been widely publicised across the Country, not just Locally. With no responses, from any Leisure Operator, as Leisure Centres, whether run by Local Authorities, or Ind Commercial Providers, do not cover their operating costs. Hence, no interest.!! It, is and was under the Last Labour Gov, that in order to provide the monies for local Councils to sell assets, in order to Fund New Facilities. For the future. We, the then SDC, made the decision, to reduce our overheads@ Bridgwater House, by what is currently called ' Desk Sharing / some Members of Staff being able to work part of the week from home, where their job allowed, linked into SDC Website / Server. This enabled us to make sufficient savings on the Annual Costs/ against the Budget. It also enabled the SCC to come into Bridgwater House, King Sq, and share some of the costs. Which in turn enabled the disposal of land jointly owned by the 2 Councils. In this savings, we were able to offer to the open market, the Northgate Site, for a variety of options.....After, receiving no Leisure Interest, potential for the Site, Tesco's now are the only Player in the market, who has offered to invest £ Millions into a Supermarket Scheme. To develope on this land. So with no other, interested party, what should we do . Nothing, let it stay as it is, mothball the Site, or do what the Council is legally responsible for, to obtain the best commercial price, for the Sedgemoor Tax payer. / Resident. How many times, does it have to be said, Bridgwater Forward, have never come up with any positive project, that is backed by a sound financial strategy and funding. As I said in my opening lines, there is no other money, available !!!!! I have Posted last week, an alternative local investor , who makes claims of £ Million's pounds, it is giving the residents of Bridgwater / Sedgemoor. Well, I hear the funding rhetoric, but yet to see the colour of their money, yes EDF, as I 've stated b4 20-24 Billion ££££'s project @ Hinkley, so far promises of around £100 Million, but this is not coming directly to you and me to fund, projects, and create a lasting legacy, no it is mostly monies going to Bridgwater College, for training, I have no problem with that, but, just how much is EDF actually giving the Town £10-£15 Million, they refused to fund a Bridgwater By-Pass, as in their words not required, they are happy for us to have over 1050 workers living in Campus Accomadation Blocks Bath Rd. with no extra facilities, to cater for their Leisure Time, in the evening or day time when they are working a 24/7 shift pattern cover for construction of Hinkley C. Recently, it came to public notice that they had bought the whole of Innovia /British Cellophane Site, including the Listed Sydenham Manor House, I wonder what they are going to put on this Land,? We have already passed Planning on this Land as part of the Morrisons Scheme, for 2000 new homes, to be constructed from the Willow Man upto the Bath Road Sports & Social Club, I hear no mention or complaint, of their plans to demolish the old Cellophane SSC. To make way for their Accom Campus Blocks, we on SDC at the time, said we wanted proper houses built, for the workers on the site on Bath Rd, so that when the 10 Year Build Of Hinkley C was finished, there would be Legacy Housing, that could be revamped/ updated and available for Bridgwater Families/ Residents, no what will happen they will be demolished!! So as, I've tried to get across, one of the only possibilities that could happen is that EDF, Fund And Build a Leisure Complex Facility on Cellophane / Innovia Site, not only for their Construction Workers to use and enjoy, but also BRIDGWATERs / Sedgemoors Residents, this would create good partnership relations between EDF and the Townsfolk, would enable workers to share Leisure time, with our Locals, would cut out any annamosity between the EDF Workforce, It could be Named the EDF Hinkley Leisure Centre, and would be a lasting Legacy that we all expected from EDF, when they announced their initial Plans. So instead of Knocking SDC or SCC over this Scheme, put the Question Directly to whom it should be Addressed. I realise that I have reiterated many things that I have suggested in the past Forums Comments, but I believe as difficult as the Truth is to hear sometimes, it has to be said!!! David Eccles and his Board must be rubbing their hands with Glee, as to how Cheaply they are able to forward this Hinkley C Power Station, their Paymasters in France, Bankrupt EDF France, bailed out by the French Government, to complete this Scheme, as I've said before they will be generating Electricity, here, sending it back to France unsea, as they do already, to sell it on to the Germans, who now, have decided not to build any more Nuclear Power Generators. So they will Construct it cheap, with no lasting legacy for us in and around Sedgemoor, Workers are being drawn from over an hours travel distance to the Site, very little benefit to local firms or contractors. Who are the Winners EDF, Who are the losers, us for not putting up a strong enough case, for more Funding for our Communities. Apologies for the length of this Post, but, I feel it has to be said again and again, until they listen and respond to our requests, we cannot demand, and they know it. Regards David L Preece Aka Blue-owl

Great post Blue owl, alas I do not know the politics of Bridgwater House. Surely the opportunities for Bridgwater are dictated by the local authority not the commercial input. If as you say Bridgwater vision is failing in it's duties for future potential why is it not widely known? If I recall the idea of an ice rink was mooted a few years ago by a local investor, this was shot down in flames immediatly by the local authority. Surely with Bristol rink shutting down last year a niche in the leisure industry is begging?
Who is putting forward the case for the people of Bridgwater? The apathetic attitude beggars belief. The sign on Morrisons entrance on Bristol Rd quotes " Morrisons buying into the Bridgwater vision"
If anyone knows what this is, answers on a postcard to . . .
I do feel that there is little interest via the local authority to drive potential schemes, maybe because us locals are happy to jump in a car and drive to other towns to pursue our leisure pursuits.
Personally since the closure of splash I have been driving 3 times a week to Quantock lodge for my sons swimming lessons. I wonder if the hierarchy of the council were in this situation whether the political will would be more dogmatic? Not judging merely asking . . .

Great post Blue Owl, well said.

thekurgen wrote:

Blue Owl wrote:
I note all the comments made above, and the conclusion I come to is- Bridgwater Residents would prefer to have a Sports/ Leisure / Ice Rink, Cinema Complex built, and in an Ideal World, with Wishes being Granted, perhaps so might I. However, there is No-One out there prepared to Put their Money ,up front to put this type of Scheme Forward, ever since the Bridgwater Vision was Developed, It has been widely publicised across the Country, not just Locally. With no responses, from any Leisure Operator, as Leisure Centres, whether run by Local Authorities, or Ind Commercial Providers, do not cover their operating costs. Hence, no interest.!! It, is and was under the Last Labour Gov, that in order to provide the monies for local Councils to sell assets, in order to Fund New Facilities. For the future. We, the then SDC, made the decision, to reduce our overheads@ Bridgwater House, by what is currently called ' Desk Sharing / some Members of Staff being able to work part of the week from home, where their job allowed, linked into SDC Website / Server. This enabled us to make sufficient savings on the Annual Costs/ against the Budget. It also enabled the SCC to come into Bridgwater House, King Sq, and share some of the costs. Which in turn enabled the disposal of land jointly owned by the 2 Councils. In this savings, we were able to offer to the open market, the Northgate Site, for a variety of options.....After, receiving no Leisure Interest, potential for the Site, Tesco's now are the only Player in the market, who has offered to invest £ Millions into a Supermarket Scheme. To develope on this land. So with no other, interested party, what should we do . Nothing, let it stay as it is, mothball the Site, or do what the Council is legally responsible for, to obtain the best commercial price, for the Sedgemoor Tax payer. / Resident. How many times, does it have to be said, Bridgwater Forward, have never come up with any positive project, that is backed by a sound financial strategy and funding. As I said in my opening lines, there is no other money, available !!!!! I have Posted last week, an alternative local investor , who makes claims of £ Million's pounds, it is giving the residents of Bridgwater / Sedgemoor. Well, I hear the funding rhetoric, but yet to see the colour of their money, yes EDF, as I 've stated b4 20-24 Billion ££££'s project @ Hinkley, so far promises of around £100 Million, but this is not coming directly to you and me to fund, projects, and create a lasting legacy, no it is mostly monies going to Bridgwater College, for training, I have no problem with that, but, just how much is EDF actually giving the Town £10-£15 Million, they refused to fund a Bridgwater By-Pass, as in their words not required, they are happy for us to have over 1050 workers living in Campus Accomadation Blocks Bath Rd. with no extra facilities, to cater for their Leisure Time, in the evening or day time when they are working a 24/7 shift pattern cover for construction of Hinkley C. Recently, it came to public notice that they had bought the whole of Innovia /British Cellophane Site, including the Listed Sydenham Manor House, I wonder what they are going to put on this Land,? We have already passed Planning on this Land as part of the Morrisons Scheme, for 2000 new homes, to be constructed from the Willow Man upto the Bath Road Sports & Social Club, I hear no mention or complaint, of their plans to demolish the old Cellophane SSC. To make way for their Accom Campus Blocks, we on SDC at the time, said we wanted proper houses built, for the workers on the site on Bath Rd, so that when the 10 Year Build Of Hinkley C was finished, there would be Legacy Housing, that could be revamped/ updated and available for Bridgwater Families/ Residents, no what will happen they will be demolished!! So as, I've tried to get across, one of the only possibilities that could happen is that EDF, Fund And Build a Leisure Complex Facility on Cellophane / Innovia Site, not only for their Construction Workers to use and enjoy, but also BRIDGWATERs / Sedgemoors Residents, this would create good partnership relations between EDF and the Townsfolk, would enable workers to share Leisure time, with our Locals, would cut out any annamosity between the EDF Workforce, It could be Named the EDF Hinkley Leisure Centre, and would be a lasting Legacy that we all expected from EDF, when they announced their initial Plans. So instead of Knocking SDC or SCC over this Scheme, put the Question Directly to whom it should be Addressed. I realise that I have reiterated many things that I have suggested in the past Forums Comments, but I believe as difficult as the Truth is to hear sometimes, it has to be said!!! David Eccles and his Board must be rubbing their hands with Glee, as to how Cheaply they are able to forward this Hinkley C Power Station, their Paymasters in France, Bankrupt EDF France, bailed out by the French Government, to complete this Scheme, as I've said before they will be generating Electricity, here, sending it back to France unsea, as they do already, to sell it on to the Germans, who now, have decided not to build any more Nuclear Power Generators. So they will Construct it cheap, with no lasting legacy for us in and around Sedgemoor, Workers are being drawn from over an hours travel distance to the Site, very little benefit to local firms or contractors. Who are the Winners EDF, Who are the losers, us for not putting up a strong enough case, for more Funding for our Communities. Apologies for the length of this Post, but, I feel it has to be said again and again, until they listen and respond to our requests, we cannot demand, and they know it. Regards David L Preece Aka Blue-owl

Great post Blue owl, alas I do not know the politics of Bridgwater House. Surely the opportunities for Bridgwater are dictated by the local authority not the commercial input. If as you say Bridgwater vision is failing in it's duties for future potential why is it not widely known? If I recall the idea of an ice rink was mooted a few years ago by a local investor, this was shot down in flames immediatly by the local authority. Surely with Bristol rink shutting down last year a niche in the leisure industry is begging?
Who is putting forward the case for the people of Bridgwater? The apathetic attitude beggars belief. The sign on Morrisons entrance on Bristol Rd quotes " Morrisons buying into the Bridgwater vision"
If anyone knows what this is, answers on a postcard to . . .
I do feel that there is little interest via the local authority to drive potential schemes, maybe because us locals are happy to jump in a car and drive to other towns to pursue our leisure pursuits.
Personally since the closure of splash I have been driving 3 times a week to Quantock lodge for my sons swimming lessons. I wonder if the hierarchy of the council were in this situation whether the political will would be more dogmatic? Not judging merely asking . . .

As I've tried for the last few Months via this Post Site, to lay out the reasons why, things can not always be done to the expectation of the Residents in Bridgwater.
Mainly because, leisure costs money, and as I've tried to get across, it has no financial return, as you say, Bristol a City, only ice rink is closing or already closed, so if a City the size of can not operate a Rink, with the catchment area they have. Well, that answers the question, you mentioned that a few years ago, there was a proposal from a Entrepenor Business man, who wanted to, build and operate one in Bridgwater, or Burnham. He pulled the plug when his business plan didn't stack up and he wasn't able to get any Government, or Lottery funding for the project.
The local Authorities both SDC and SCC , have for at least the last 10 years had to cut their cloth according to revenue received from Central Gov and the Business Rate Grant, percentage of Business Rates that get returned to Councils, no where near what is actually collected. A year on Year 3% saving , with a Max 4-5 % rate precept Cap, capped.So no way of raising revenue to pay for Projects that we perhaps would have liked or wished to support.
As to Swimming provision, it is not one of the many Statatory Duties that SDC have to fund,!! Bur, we as a Council then said we wanted too, but with the right option and greatest benefit to our Residents. Labour Cllr's along with the Bridgwater < Backward> Forward Group as I personally refer to them, oppose every thing that SDC, proposes, whether beneficial to the Residents or not. Then have the Arrogence not to come up with an alternative Scheme, costed, possible, actionable, or indeed reasonable, they are just not ABLe, ....3 Steps Backward..
The Labour Councillors Control their BTC Headquarters Our Town Hall, just what have they done with the " Civic Enhancement Fund"- Nothing, I will keep asking until I get an answer..!?