Moronic platitudes

LAST week's Mercury contained a report in which Councillor Elfan ap Rees blamed the Prime Minister for the possible demise of Henry Boot's Tropicana. Stap me vitals! I must vote Labour at the next election. Good old Gordon - done something quite imaginative at last.

The councillors 'blames' Government economic policies for what might in reality become a wee bit of egg on his own face, for in respect of both Boot and Mace this local politician has been consistently determined to sell prime beach to flash operators when other nearby and less controversial sites have lain vacant or poorly used for decades.

I am no fan of the Government but credit where credit's due. The councillor might care to thank HMG for financing the entire multi-million pound seafront works: (1) Marine Lake dredging, new causeway and the very attractive secondary wall now near completion; (2) essential flood protection works; (3) underpinning of the Victorian wall and construction of a well designed lower plinth, and (4) the yet-to-be completed new promenade surface, walling and lighting. No other place in the country was awarded such financial support and not a penny has come from North Somerset's coffers.

I've spent two years out of local government during which time my circle of acquaintances has changed considerably. I recommend Cllr ap Rees also takes 'time out' to mix more broadly. He might just find that most people are rather fed up with the moronic platitudes and simplistic arguments with which little men (and it is usually men) confront one another in their quest for tribal domination.

And if the electorate should choose to give him a break, then, without travel expenses, an over generous council allowance and free under-cover town centre car parking far removed from current on-street chaos he might be able to put the Government funded free bus pass to good use.

JOHN CROCKFORD-HAWLEY

Gerard Road, Weston