Marsh Lane Watch
Still problems with gas guns from Groves Farm. Called last week, OK for a day or two but no back at 05:00. Will have to involve officers.
David Laws resigns over expenses issue. In fact he did nothing wrong but paying rent to your lover just doesn't look good. And of course the Telegraph has to sell papers and the BBC to attract listeners. It's a pity because Laws was making a great start. Cameron should have supported him against the baying hounds of the media, having had to pay back himself several thousand pounds, likewise Clegg.
CHSG abandon International Baccalaureate after just one year. The problem is that it was poorly launched, managed and advertised. The IB needs headteacher focus to get it off the ground and no such focus existed at either school when it was needed.
Recent Ofsted report on The Boys High School, including the Sixth Form, as satisfactory. Previous Ofsteds have rated the Joint Sixth as good. We have work to do.
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Marsh Lane Watch
Gas guns not under control after all. There are guns down the road towards Grove Farm which start before 06:00. I have to make contact with whoever is responsible. And Langmead Farms are shooting in the dark up to 22:30. I have complained about that. Otherwise with the verges cut, the white beam in flower it is a rather agreeable in the lane at this time, if you don't get run down.
Spend all day interviewing candidates for deputy headship at CHSG. Narrowed down to two who were both excellent and virtually impossible to rank. It took the headteacher a further 24 hours to make a decision. Exhausting work but very worthwhile.
Not much change arising from the Council's AGM. I remain chair of the new Overview and Scrutiny (new name for old Policy Development Committee) and of the new Scrutiny Planning Group whose purpose is to provide better focus and flexibility for the scrutiny function.
Complained to officers about use of signs along the verges to advertise Farmers Market days. It would be regarded as flyposting if another organisation did it. We should obey our own rules.
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Marsh Lane Watch
Gas guns definitely under control as they have not been in the past. Congratulations are due to Langmead Farms and their vermin controller. On at 07:00 off at 20:00. Odour only today at the flint wall, otherwise odour free week again. Too early to say for sure but this problem too seems to have been solved. Young deer killed by the A259. I reported it to CDC who said they would dispose of it. Meanwhile grass on verges high enough to conceal an elephant.
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