It is important for the Council to deal with small matters effecting everyday life, like the safety of children, as well as the big issues of ‘overall strategy’. Great plans may be exciting, but sorting out everyday matters can do so much to improve the quality of people’s lives. You just have to imagine what it is like to lose a child’s life to get an idea of the sort of thing I mean.

When Council Officers deal with these matters they may not get a lot of kudos, but they do deserve praise, and are a credit to their vocation. The photograph above shows the new railings outside Front Street Methodist Church. People were worried about the risk to children as they ran down the path, as there was nothing to stop them if they went too far, from going straight onto a busy road.

So the Church contacted me, through Mr.Keenlyside who is in the photograph, and I took up the issue with the Council. Both the Mayor’s office and the appropriate officer dealt with the matter promptly and effectively. No weasel words from that officer, no excuses, no inventions, he or she just got on and did it. Well done! It shows what can be achieved with the right approach.