That Meeting and Pointed Questions
Nov 25th, 2008 by philjay
I cast my mind back to what is probably one of the most important events in this whole charade, namely the Rivington Parish Council meeting at which GoApe gave there presentation, ably assisted and supported by United Utilities, the day before the deadline for objections to the planning application. Take note GoApe and UU, the best way to avoid objections is don’t tell anyone what you are doing.
As previously stated I was one of only three members of the general public who were lucky enough to find out about it, and the day after tried to sound the alarm. I remember the presentation being very professionally delivered, by I believe, Tristan Mayhew, with added weight supplied by Neville Kidd (UU) in support. Whether or not I was impressed at the time is irrelevant. What I do remember are two questions levied at each of the aforementioned that may be of interest to both sides of the support camp. Both questions came from the RPC committee after the presentation, the first of which was to Neville Kidd (UU).
Q. “Did GoApe approach United Utilities or did you approach them”? The answer in as many words, with some hesitation was, “We approached GoApe”. Confirmation I believe of UU’s persistant efforts to commercialise Lever Park.
The second question was put to GoApe.
Q. “Who uses your activity”? The answer, which surprised me at the time was “well I’m almost embarrassed to say, predominately middle class”.
Now forgive my naivety, but haven’t GoApe maintained that this is a facility for all. We already know that you cannot just roll up, pay and play, even if you can afford to. The truth is that given the choice the corporate clientele must be the preferred option because the revenue is maximised. It surely has to be, because UU will want there cut anyhow.
I think that both parties ought to be extremely embarrassed at the way they have colluded, to steer this project, with definate intent of avoiding public scrutiny. If democracy exists, then you will fail. If not, greed wins, yet again.
