Last night's full Borough Council meeting:a Variety performance!!
Imagine you decided to go out to the theatre..and when you entered the auditorium..you realised that there were only TWO/THREE of you in the audience!!! The show carries on in front/below you..and you just get the feeling its all for YOU!!So arriving at the Civic Centre last night, I was directed to a staircase which ascended to the Public Gallery of the circular Chamber. I was high up in the "gods" and it was like looking down on a bullring..as the drama unfolded below.At an adjoining seat was the Chief Executive of a Midland Council who was inspecting and checking the audio system as his Council wished to follow suit. We chatted..then Mr Alan Sherring the Labour Party Vice-Chairman joined us.We all stood up as the Mayor (the non smiling Mayor) entered the Chamber..preceeded by an attendant wearing white gloves and carrying the Mace..and followed by the Deputy Mayor.On one side of the circle below sat eleven Conservative Councillors (in the 3 o'clock position)..the Mayor and Hounslow's Chief Executive sat at noon...the Liberals,and Community Group sat at the 9 o'clock position...and beneath us sat all the labour Councillors including Cllr Hughes!! The sound system was excellent..if the speaker spoke properly!The sight of so many celebrity Councillors ;0) and the anticipation of some great speeches was more that one could have wished for.Cllr Oulds didn't wave ;0) but I could see him..and he was in lively form.As the almost inaudible Mayor opened proceedings, some Petitions were called out and interupted progress...including one containing 800 signatures from Feltham North (Cllr Mark Bowen) to do with the St Georges Flag flying denial. An definitive statement was demanded.Early hiccups for the Mayor (Chairman)were linked to members having difficulty understanding his seemingly abrupt style, and pronounciations. Cllr McGregor was most indignant at having his name incorrectly said. However things got better.There were three main items on the agenda...the planned increase in Council House rents...percentage wise to be higher in W4...much to the accompaniment of Conservative howls. The proposals were supported with some 160 pages of A4 statistics and analysis..and complaints that Councillors had only had 24 hours or so to digest it all.Very intersting was the lengthy matter of new Technology..the ICT strategy...part of a wide ranging 3 part scheme to improve communications with residents and all. A very comprehensive report had been prepared by Cllr Amritpal Mann..and his efforts and that of the Scrutiny Committee were hailed by all sides of the Chamber. That was a notable happening.It seems that the Council's computer back up schemes were less than adequate..and measures to resolve this risky area were put in hand.Some great speeches and words from Cllr Adrian Lee and Cllr Bowen, Cllr Lynch and Peter Thompson and Cllr Oulds...from John Connelly (several times) and the Lib Dem Councillors Hills, Howliston, Morgan-Watts. It was a pleasure to listen to their delivery. Others spoke well too. Brentford and Isleworth Councillors were quiet tonight.The discussion on the rent increases is worth seeing and listening too on the webcam video at Hounslow gov website.Soon we were on our feet again..the Mayor and his procession leaving the Chamber. Then the excitment of meeting and being introduced to the Mayor in the foyer. He was charming..called me Jim! after all my forum criticism of his performances...we shook hands ..and then he joked about his "non-smiling" image.He broke into a big grin..acted like a comedian..and cleared the air!! So, another evening out....wandering around this interesting Borough ..behind the scenes..and tomorrow its Chiswick. What questions will they be asking the Leader of the Council?
Jim Lawes ● 7367d9 Comments