Comments for Councillor Mike Flower http://mikeflower.wordpress.com Serving the people of Aldridge North & Walsall Wood on Walsall Council Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:29:44 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on Would you be interested in becoming a Conservative councillor? by Bill http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/2009/10/22/would-you-be-interested-in-becoming-a-conservative-councillor/#comment-7783 Bill Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:29:44 +0000 http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/?p=588#comment-7783 The answer appears to be no The answer appears to be no

]]> Comment on Walsall Wood FC & Oak Park by ted forster http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/2007/05/17/walsall-wood-fc-oak-park/#comment-7781 ted forster Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:13:54 +0000 http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/2007/05/17/walsall-wood-fc-oak-park/#comment-7781 Some years ago my wife and I had the"pleasure"of being involved with the wood.Having been told a pack of lies by the former comittee,(who to a man resigned within a week of us joining),regarding the finances of the club,left us to find a large sum of money from our own pockets to have the floodlights,which we were assured were paid for,but were not,installed.Thankfully Hednesford brought a good crowd with them for the official turn on of the lights which helped.Following this I spent 3 months building a directors lounge to allow promotion,(last seen being used as a snack bar),and rebuilding the clubhouse all with my own hands,only for the latter to be burnt down 2 days befor we were to open with a splash.I asked a player,a plumber,who had been with the club for 20 years to help with burst pipes to be told that he wanted paying for the work. During all this the fire brigade informed me I had to get 400 people out of the stand in under 30 seconds to get a fire certificate,This when we averaged about 20 at matches,and the interlink league informed me that to gain promotion to that league I had to raise the barrier in front of the septic tank because it was 6 inches to low.A manager who was going to resign because I offered to get David Speedie to play for the club for a while,and a goalkeeper who was mad enough to try to keep pot bellied pigs in his yard.Oh yes,and a council who threatened to sue me for not paying sewage taxes for water that runs onto the street???Oak Rd.I ask you,why do I still have a soft spot for the wood. My name is Ted Forster,and your manager,(a decent full back in his day),can confirm I do exist. Ps,anyone wanting to do so can contact me with regard paying me for MY floodlights. Some years ago my wife and I had the”pleasure”of being involved with the wood.Having been told a pack of lies by the former comittee,(who to a man resigned within a week of us joining),regarding the finances of the club,left us to find a large sum of money from our own pockets to have the floodlights,which we were assured were paid for,but were not,installed.Thankfully Hednesford brought a good crowd with them for the official turn on of the lights which helped.Following this I spent 3 months building a directors lounge to allow promotion,(last seen being used as a snack bar),and rebuilding the clubhouse all with my own hands,only for the latter to be burnt down 2 days befor we were to open with a splash.I asked a player,a plumber,who had been with the club for 20 years to help with burst pipes to be told that he wanted paying for the work.
During all this the fire brigade informed me I had to get 400 people out of the stand in under 30 seconds to get a fire certificate,This when we averaged about 20 at matches,and the interlink league informed me that to gain promotion to that league I had to raise the barrier in front of the septic tank because it was 6 inches to low.A manager who was going to resign because I offered to get David Speedie to play for the club for a while,and a goalkeeper who was mad enough to try to keep pot bellied pigs in his yard.Oh yes,and a council who threatened to sue me for not paying sewage taxes for water that runs onto the street???Oak Rd.I ask you,why do I still have a soft spot for the wood.
My name is Ted Forster,and your manager,(a decent full back in his day),can confirm I do exist.
Ps,anyone wanting to do so can contact me with regard paying me for MY floodlights.

]]> Comment on Contamination issues and brown bin expansion by Andrew http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/contamination-issues-and-brown-bin-expansion/#comment-7778 Andrew Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:28:20 +0000 http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/?p=585#comment-7778 "Most people don’t realise that garden waste is not a statutory service and some councils charge residents extra for the service, charge them to buy their first bin or don’t even provide a garden kerbside collection at all. Value for money" Your post was quite good to this point. The cabinet report states that the bins are to be funded by sale of surplus vehicles (permission being in place to ring fence the proceeds) and a grant from DEFRA. So, investment by WMBC is zero. So, the Tories are trumpeting a Labour Government initiative as their own. I am not making a political point - exactly the same would happen the other way round - particularly when an election is coming up. (And yes, I do know that it makes horticultural and financial sense to do this next Spring so I don't comment on the election date but do hope that this will not be a political matter at that time). The report also talks about savings in landfill charges by composting. Mike Bird (whatever happened to him) was making the point - three years ago - that if the garden waste isn't collected it does not count towards waste collections and therefore WMBC %ge recycled is higher if no garden waste is collected. At the end of the day a total recycling service reduces the need for contamination. On a 'bin related matter' houses on the Broadway have had the same green bin since 1995. If you drive along there you can see that a number are split and are generally worn out. Will people be expected to pay for a new bin that has been factigued by in excess of 650 lifts in and out of a bin lorry. I only mention the Broadway because that is where I drive and know people who live there. The problem will not be unique to that road. “Most people don’t realise that garden waste is not a statutory service and some councils charge residents extra for the service, charge them to buy their first bin or don’t even provide a garden kerbside collection at all. Value for money”

Your post was quite good to this point. The cabinet report states that the bins are to be funded by sale of surplus vehicles (permission being in place to ring fence the proceeds) and a grant from DEFRA. So, investment by WMBC is zero. So, the Tories are trumpeting a Labour Government initiative as their own. I am not making a political point – exactly the same would happen the other way round – particularly when an election is coming up. (And yes, I do know that it makes horticultural and financial sense to do this next Spring so I don’t comment on the election date but do hope that this will not be a political matter at that time). The report also talks about savings in landfill charges by composting. Mike Bird (whatever happened to him) was making the point – three years ago – that if the garden waste isn’t collected it does not count towards waste collections and therefore WMBC %ge recycled is higher if no garden waste is collected.

At the end of the day a total recycling service reduces the need for contamination.

On a ‘bin related matter’ houses on the Broadway have had the same green bin since 1995. If you drive along there you can see that a number are split and are generally worn out. Will people be expected to pay for a new bin that has been factigued by in excess of 650 lifts in and out of a bin lorry. I only mention the Broadway because that is where I drive and know people who live there. The problem will not be unique to that road.

]]> Comment on Contamination issues and brown bin expansion by BrownhillsBob http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/contamination-issues-and-brown-bin-expansion/#comment-7777 BrownhillsBob Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:02:40 +0000 http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/?p=585#comment-7777 People in flats and dwellings where the gardens are attended to by contractors (sheltered and some OAP accommodation) don't need brown bins. I think it's quite sad that we're expected to be chuffed about the rollout of brown bins being finally completed in this way. Those 20,000 without them have been paying the same council tax as the rest of us, yet have been receiving an inferior refuse service. That this has taken so long to achieve shows that Walsall still doesn't appreciate what customer service means. This isn't rocket science. Bob People in flats and dwellings where the gardens are attended to by contractors (sheltered and some OAP accommodation) don’t need brown bins.

I think it’s quite sad that we’re expected to be chuffed about the rollout of brown bins being finally completed in this way. Those 20,000 without them have been paying the same council tax as the rest of us, yet have been receiving an inferior refuse service. That this has taken so long to achieve shows that Walsall still doesn’t appreciate what customer service means.

This isn’t rocket science.

Bob

]]> Comment on Contamination issues and brown bin expansion by Walsall Guy http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/contamination-issues-and-brown-bin-expansion/#comment-7776 Walsall Guy Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:26:05 +0000 http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/?p=585#comment-7776 Bob has a good resoned point as normal. So, perhaps Walsall Coucil should supply lockable bins if they want this degree of rubbish scrutiny/integrity. However contamination is not helped by poor and often conflicting info about what can and cannot be recycled-perhaps Mike, now it is 'his' departement, would like to get better and standardised info both on the web site and distributed to homes explaining this in some detail. But well done to the Council for making the decision to complee the 'brown' bin service this is long overdue and has been an anomally in the service for years. Thanks. Would Mike care to explain the phrase .. should be everyone that need one (brown bins that is)... means? How will the bins be allocated this time? Bob has a good resoned point as normal. So, perhaps Walsall Coucil should supply lockable bins if they want this degree of rubbish scrutiny/integrity. However contamination is not helped by poor and often conflicting info about what can and cannot be recycled-perhaps Mike, now it is ‘his’ departement, would like to get better and standardised info both on the web site and distributed to homes explaining this in some detail.
But well done to the Council for making the decision to complee the ‘brown’ bin service this is long overdue and has been an anomally in the service for years. Thanks. Would Mike care to explain the phrase .. should be everyone that need one (brown bins that is)… means? How will the bins be allocated this time?

]]> Comment on Contamination issues and brown bin expansion by Alan Neath http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/contamination-issues-and-brown-bin-expansion/#comment-7775 Alan Neath Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:07:56 +0000 http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/?p=585#comment-7775 Hello Mike The cost of a reject lorry load of co mingled recyclables destined for Greenstar in Aldridge and then pick up again and taken to land fill must be thousands ? I would guess that it would be possible to identify the round - area or even street causing the problem and with a little extra footwork and inspection of bins plus any feedback from residents, the bin contaminators could be identified. Educational material could be provided, perhaps a fine too, maybe a charge imposed for the service for these offenders, but as an immediate solution, why not give these people clear plastic bags to use for recycleables for a period ( several months) so the collection can be continued and monitored, this should stop idiots putting "crap" into recyling bins, and wasting the boroughs money, and residents money. How many open days - Tours of green star for schools orpublic are held to educate people, why dont you see if you can get central tv to do a feature story, and backit up with the launch of a solution - ie clear bags for offending properties ? Finally - brown bins, good to hear more made available, do walsall residents know what happens to the recycled green waste - that it can be purchased for use in your garden at £2 per bag meaning that it is good value and much better for the environment as it does not destroy "Peatland Area" simply because it contains no peat ? I guess that the vast majority of our green waste will go to our parks and open spaces, again a good thing as it saves te Borough and residents money Cheers Alan - Aldridge website Hello Mike

The cost of a reject lorry load of co mingled recyclables destined for Greenstar in Aldridge and then pick up again and taken to land fill must be thousands ?

I would guess that it would be possible to identify the round – area or even street causing the problem and with a little extra footwork and inspection of bins plus any feedback from residents, the bin contaminators could be identified. Educational material could be provided, perhaps a fine too, maybe a charge imposed for the service for these offenders, but as an immediate solution, why not give these people clear plastic bags to use for recycleables for a period ( several months) so the collection can be continued and monitored, this should stop idiots putting “crap” into recyling bins, and wasting the boroughs money, and residents money.

How many open days – Tours of green star for schools orpublic are held to educate people, why dont you see if you can get central tv to do a feature story, and backit up with the launch of a solution – ie clear bags for offending properties ?

Finally – brown bins, good to hear more made available, do walsall residents know what happens to the recycled green waste – that it can be purchased for use in your garden at £2 per bag meaning that it is good value and much better for the environment as it does not destroy “Peatland Area” simply because it contains no peat ? I guess that the vast majority of our green waste will go to our parks and open spaces, again a good thing as it saves te Borough and residents money

Cheers
Alan – Aldridge website

]]> Comment on Contamination issues and brown bin expansion by BrownhillsBob http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/contamination-issues-and-brown-bin-expansion/#comment-7774 BrownhillsBob Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:59:45 +0000 http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/?p=585#comment-7774 I'm tempted to point out that we elect them (present company excepted). Bob I’m tempted to point out that we elect them (present company excepted).

Bob

]]> Comment on Contamination issues and brown bin expansion by stymaster http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/contamination-issues-and-brown-bin-expansion/#comment-7773 stymaster Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:20:29 +0000 http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/?p=585#comment-7773 No such problems here, thankfully. Bob, have you thought about a contract killing? It would bump average IQ up as well. No serious suggestions, I'm afraid. Just what do you do with the worthless obnoxious types that don't give a crap? No such problems here, thankfully.

Bob, have you thought about a contract killing? It would bump average IQ up as well.

No serious suggestions, I’m afraid. Just what do you do with the worthless obnoxious types that don’t give a crap?

]]> Comment on Contamination issues and brown bin expansion by BrownhillsBob http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/contamination-issues-and-brown-bin-expansion/#comment-7772 BrownhillsBob Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:38:43 +0000 http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/?p=585#comment-7772 Oh, I see, there was me thinking it was your department. Mike, this is supposed to be two-way. Since you ask, I'd have the binmen collect the bin from my property like the old days. That way I can guarantee some scrote won't fill it with their dirty nappies. Why the hell should I be penalised for somebody else? Bob Oh, I see, there was me thinking it was your department. Mike, this is supposed to be two-way.

Since you ask, I’d have the binmen collect the bin from my property like the old days. That way I can guarantee some scrote won’t fill it with their dirty nappies.

Why the hell should I be penalised for somebody else?

Bob

]]> Comment on Contamination issues and brown bin expansion by Cllr Mike Flower http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/contamination-issues-and-brown-bin-expansion/#comment-7771 Cllr Mike Flower Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:32:59 +0000 http://mikeflower.wordpress.com/?p=585#comment-7771 I'd appreciate your thoughts even more. What would you do? Lets us the comments to brainstorm: I’d appreciate your thoughts even more. What would you do? Lets us the comments to brainstorm:

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