Tuesday 19 January 2010

Joint Press Release: PAYMENT OF NON-DOMESTIC RATES FOR BUSINESSES IN THE WELLS AREA

Joint Press Release


Cllr Christina Borastero
Cllr John Osman
Cllr Sally Robinson (also Chairman of Chamber of Commerce)
Cllr Simon Davies

eMail: spdavies@btinternet.com

11 JAN 10

PAYMENT OF NON-DOMESTIC RATES FOR BUSINESSES IN THE WELLS AREA

The above have joined together to campaign for a delay in the payment of Non-Domestic Rates for local business.

The Non-Domestic Rates are paid annually by businesses in the same way the Council Tax is paid ie over a ten month period. What we are campaigning for the ten month payment period be extended to twelve months for this financial year.

Commentating on the campaigning, Cllr Sally Robinson said “many small businesses were shut over the Christmas period and then they had to shut due to the weather conditions. This has put a lot of pressure on businesses as people just haven’t been out to the shops in what is normally a quiet sales period anyway”.

Cllr Christina Borastero continued “this will make a big difference to several small businesses and their cash flow. We are not asking for a reduction in the rates, just an opportunity to pay over a longer period, but within this financial year”.

On the broader economic front, Cllr Simon Davies said “in what is still a difficult economic situation, businesses deserve as much help from the authorities as possible – especially since small business in this area are by far the largest employer.

John Osman, Councillor for Wells, Mendip and Somerset said “I always want to support businesses, so I gladly support this idea to assist local small businesses in moving forward”.

The campaign was backed by David Heathcoat-Amory MP, who said “It's an excellent idea to spread the payment of business rates over a full year. We must counter this recession by helping small businesses survive and prosper. Local authorities and the public sector must help, and this idea is a good start.”

Saturday 9 January 2010

SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL AND GRITTING: NOT HAPPENED!!

I first thought that SCC had done a reasonable job in gritting around the Wells area!  Then it dawned on me, that they have been their usual incompetant selves. 

First there is a major difference between the gritting of the B&NES area and Somerset - then only parts of the centre of Wells have had anything done at all!!

I acknowledge that some of the pavements were gritted - which was good....be defo not all!  Why is this?

Come on guys at SCC - last year the administration there were pretty usless, for which anyone who remembers last year will testify.  Now a new set of  Councillors are in charge....surely more common sense should be applied????

Thursday 7 January 2010

Pavements gritted...hurrah!

Full congrats to Somerset County Council for gritting both the road and main pavements (centre of Wells).  Didn't happen last year....but they've done it this year!!  The City is now in danger of being able to trade in bad conditions....that'll upset the lefties!!

Wednesday 6 January 2010

I think snow often seeps into peoples brains.....

I was able to drive into Wells today from Oakhill (where I'm looking after friends dogs).  The journey was slow but ok.  My Dad taught me how to handle bad weather when driving, so I arrived safely with my car in one piece!

However, on the way down I can across several people who must of thought "oh, it's snowing - so all the normal rules and laws regarding walking and driving are suspended"!  Quite why they thought that,  I don't know.

There were people walking down the centre of the road (close to some cars which appeared out of control) and even in Wells High Street, some guy who thought that the whole area was the pavement to so walking around without checking for anything or anyone else....what a twat!!

I come to the conclusion that some (but defo not all) acciedents are caused by such morons when it's snowing....and in my view, should be low priority for any response if required!!

Sunday 3 January 2010

What a depressing read....

I have slowly (over 2009) come to the conclusion the the Daily (& Sunday) Mail are quite a depressing read.  However, in the spirit of openess in the new year, I thought I'll read todays edition!! 

What a mistake!!

I felt quite depressed at the end of it.  The only good thing was an interview of David Cameron MP.  Come on DM/SM....get back to your hard hitting, quality reporting self......please!!!!!!

Saturday 2 January 2010

Sir John Major shows the current Government what a shambles they are....

Sir John Mayor today hit oput at the Government at it's handling of the Iraq War.  The story, from the BBC, can be viewed here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8437422.stm.  He may have not been quite the character needed to be PM - but I think he was a very good politian....defo suited to high office.


picture from the BBC website

Friday 1 January 2010

It may help....


WELCOME TO 2010: The blog is jump started for the new decade....

Hi.  After many comments and suggestive chat....I have relaunched my blog!  Please feel free to comment on what ever.  I promise to print all comments (subject to decency and libel etc).  So join in.......