It appears that a tree disease, possibly Phytophthora ramorum as been found on the Go-Ape site.

This could be the same disease that cleaned out the rhododendrons in the terraced gardens or it could be another strain which is evident in Rivington Hall avenue, apparently samples will be taken to ascertain which strain it is.

We have asked the question “Can human contact spread this disease?”.

If it can, we wouldn’t want it spreading to other parks and properties in the Borough.

The planning application is not acceptable by the planning authority in its present format, so therefore the applicant will have the opportunity to either withdraw the application or submit again in a format that is acceptable.

Don’t forget the ‘Ironman’ race in Rivington on Sunday 1^st Aug. The swimming is at Pennington Flash, followed by a cycle ride round Lancashire, including Sheephouse Lane  and finally the run section leaving Rivington High School.  Here’s a link to the cycling course details on the Ironman website.

Tags: 'Iron \Man', Triathlon

I have been reliably informed by a planning committee member that:

Letters of objection are not distributed to committee members days previous to the committe meeting, nor are they distributed at the meeting.

If this is true, the only person who will be privaliged to read the objections will be the Planning Officer .

What is the point of having a committee if they are not allowed to view evidence and comments submitted?

I have been told that individuals can email a copy of their objection directly to the committee members, if this is true how many planning objectors know/knew about this practice by the council.

I personally find all this hard to believe, but can I afford to ignore it. I DON’T THINK SO!

Here’s the link to Go Ape’s application on Chorley’s online planning system:

http://planning.chorley.gov.uk/PublicAccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=L3BZXWET00O00

Comments and objections need to be made before 5th July. Its quick and easy on line – it takes no more than 5 minutes to make your views heard.

Tags: planning application

They’ve submitted the following planning application 10/00426/Ful on which they state:

The Ombudsman was ignored, but will they ignore this !

ROYAL ASSENT

Go-Ape have submitted a planning application for Lever Park, it appears they are trying to say it’s a completion of the original course.  since when was it a completion 2 years after the original application, if they get away with this what’s to stop them trying the same tactic 2 years plus down the line.

We will be reminding the Council and Go-Ape that we will not stand by and allow the rstrictions set out within the 1902 Act to be violated.

History shows that going to the LGO is a waste of time, so this time we will be prepared to go to Judicial Review.

We will not allow the 3 months to pass by before submitting our case, last time the planning department stated the the Act wasn’t a planning issue.

Ignorance won’t be allowed to go unchallenged next time, and all council officers will be made aware of the dodgy waters they will be stepping into.

The council must this time be prepared to go to the courts to take on the restrictions set out in the 1902 Liverpool Corporation Act.

The Ombudsman stated:

Article 74 of the final decision:

“I have also found that the Council acted with maladministration by not complying with its own constitution that excludes officers from using delegated powers to determine planning applications on sites that are over one hectare and the decision would be contrary to a written comment received from a consultee”.

The Council have stated:

In order to clarify, Chorley BC do not accept the findings of the Local Government Ombudsman in the decision note where they relate to alleged breaches of the Council’s Constitution. It is not accepted the use of delegated powers amounted to a breach of the Constitution.

That is the position of the Council.

Lets see what the Ombudsman makes of this, or are they as usefull has a chocolate fireguard?

The Constitution is there for a reason, and cannot be interpreted in any other way” Responsibility for Functions” appendix 2 of the Constitution 6.6 C (ii)

Tags: chorley, constitution, LGO

Obituary printed in the London Times - Interesting and sadly rather true.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn’t always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I’m A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing