Down South

Kingskerswell bypass back to square one…

SWE — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:06:42 +0000

This is the headline in today’s Teignbridge Herald Express reporting on the latest failure to get government backing for the much needed relief road to bypass Kingskerswell and smooth the way between Newton Abbot and Torbay.

The awful holdups on the A380 don’t seem to hold back the holidaymakers who only come for one or two weeks at a time, but potential inward investors, seeking to bring their businesses to Torquay, Paignton and the rest of Torbay are significantly deterred when they hear of “up to one hour” journeys from where the dual carriageway ends in Newton Abbot, up to the Willows estate and the local major hospital, trading estates and schools – the distance is under 6 miles!

The Herald Express reports reports that the bypass was originally suggested in 1936, and included in the Devon County Development Plan in 1952. Now it seems that the Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, is calling for more work on the project plan before it can be considered even for one of the lower tiers of funding.

All this at a time when many are set to lose their jobs, but are promised that the supposedly recovering private sector, will be able to absorb those seeking new positions. Rather oddly too, Mr Hammond had advised Anne Marie Morris, MP for Newton Abbot, that his department does not have a current appraisal of the scheme! How has this happened? One for Devon’s road planners…

We plan anywhere

SWE — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:42:15 +0000

East Devon District Council has produced a short video aimed at younger audiences. We Plan Anywhere.com is based on WeBuyAnyCar.com, whose wacky ad has apparently become a hit. This version aims to attract more interest in the Council’s town planning scheme – part of the Local Development Framework (LDF). Lots of hits already with some interesting views.

Delegation – sideways, upwards, any way you like…

SWE — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:42:43 +0000

“Do you have capacity for this? X is underwater.”

“As usual, I’m snowed under. Can you take this on?”

“So sorry to ask for your help again, but … we are up against it.”

“I realise that this is hot on the heels of another that I passed over but I would really appreciate your help with this one as well.”

“As ever, I am sinking under the weight of various projects. Is this one that you could look at?”

How many more can you add? Most of these came shortly after colleagues returned from time management courses! Got to learn to say NO when you simply cannot fit in the demands of others.