As reported here last month, five Cornish secondary schools are considering breaking away from county council control.
St Ives, Cape Cornwall, Mounts Bay, Hayle and Humphry Davy schools are looking into the possibility of creating a self-governing trust... more>
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Monday, 28 April 2008
Penwith answers Freedom of Information requests within time limits
Since January 2007, Penwith District Council has received 136 requests under the Freedom of Information Act and answered 135 within the 20 working day time limit laid down by the Act. One response took 27 days.
This information was supplied by Barbara Mathews, Penwith's Information Management and Licensing Officer, in response to a request by The St Ivean.
This information was supplied by Barbara Mathews, Penwith's Information Management and Licensing Officer, in response to a request by The St Ivean.
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Housing group hold key to Tate future
A solution to the long-running saga for a multi-million-pound expansion to one of Cornwall's most popular attractions may have been found.
Plans to extend Tate St Ives were first mooted as long ago as 2001, as the gallery became a victim of its own success, drawing nearly three times the predicted number of visitors.
That idea has been pursued in earnest since 2004, when a number of options were put to the public without producing a clear way forward.
Now it has emerged that the Tate has had detailed discussions with Penwith Housing Association, which wants to redevelop and upgrade the Meadow Flats sheltered housing, which neighbours the site... more>
Plans to extend Tate St Ives were first mooted as long ago as 2001, as the gallery became a victim of its own success, drawing nearly three times the predicted number of visitors.
That idea has been pursued in earnest since 2004, when a number of options were put to the public without producing a clear way forward.
Now it has emerged that the Tate has had detailed discussions with Penwith Housing Association, which wants to redevelop and upgrade the Meadow Flats sheltered housing, which neighbours the site... more>
Friday, 25 April 2008
Cornish nationalists silent on 'pauperisation of the poor in Cornwall'
According to the blogger mudhook, Cornish nationalist parties have been silent on the ten pence income tax rate and its effect on the County's poor.
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Diary of a St Ivean
Yesterday the man who seriously overdoses on bathing products boarded the bus at the Malakoff on his way to the Penzance Tesco - but for the first time he was quite odourless. Perhaps his visit to Tesco is to replenish a depleted stock of his favourite odour?
Early indications suggest that the introduction of the national free bus travel pass for the over 60's may lead to riots at bus stations this summer as holidaymakers eschew tour operators and use the free buses for getting around. Sitting behind a couple of holidaymakers from the north of England the other day, I overheard them planning with military like precision how they intended exploring the entire county and beyond by bus during their stay in St Ives. A neighbour who was on her way to visit an elderly relative in hospital, forced her way to the front of a long queue of free bus pass users loudly declaring, "I live here and have important business - please let me through". And, taken by surprise and overawed by her fierceness, they did just that.
Early indications suggest that the introduction of the national free bus travel pass for the over 60's may lead to riots at bus stations this summer as holidaymakers eschew tour operators and use the free buses for getting around. Sitting behind a couple of holidaymakers from the north of England the other day, I overheard them planning with military like precision how they intended exploring the entire county and beyond by bus during their stay in St Ives. A neighbour who was on her way to visit an elderly relative in hospital, forced her way to the front of a long queue of free bus pass users loudly declaring, "I live here and have important business - please let me through". And, taken by surprise and overawed by her fierceness, they did just that.
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Cornish ethnicity : census refuseniks wanted
"I will refuse to fill out the 2011 UK census unless there is a Cornish ethnicity tick box option but only if 1,000 other people will do the same." ... more>
Dogs on beaches (4)
The changes to the dog fouling rules have certainly given the green light to the dog owning fraternity in St Ives. This morning before 10 o'clock I was struck by the number of people walking their dogs on the beaches and through the town. And the fouling isn't just on the beaches. This morning a man whose dog had just used Porthgwidden beach, then proceeded to the Harbour beach for further evacuations, making use of Wheal Dream along the way.
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Dogs on beaches (3)
Porthmeor beach this morning at 08:15 and a dog is yelping and yapping at my ankles until its owner whistles it off. On Porthgwidden there are two dogs one of which is defecating on the sand close to the cafe. The dog's owner is indifferent and walks on.
Millions of pounds was spent on preventing sewage from reaching our beaches. Now it seems they are becoming dog latrines.
Millions of pounds was spent on preventing sewage from reaching our beaches. Now it seems they are becoming dog latrines.
Sunday, 20 April 2008
Eviction of migrant workers: a police version
A police news release in February contains a statement wrongly giving the impression that help with accommodation was provided for migrant workers evicted from premises in Penzance following the 'Operation Westport' dawn raid in January. The truth is that reported on the blog on Tuesday.
But the release also demonstrates that eviction is not the only possible answer to fire and health conditions:
" Many visits were made to accommodation sites where fire safety and environmental health advice was given. One visit included enabling a health worker to visit a mother and her very young baby on a farm and offer support to her. Compliance checks will be made in the future to those landlords who were given ‘advice’."
Also see Gangmaster Operation: Operation Westport
But the release also demonstrates that eviction is not the only possible answer to fire and health conditions:
" Many visits were made to accommodation sites where fire safety and environmental health advice was given. One visit included enabling a health worker to visit a mother and her very young baby on a farm and offer support to her. Compliance checks will be made in the future to those landlords who were given ‘advice’."
Also see Gangmaster Operation: Operation Westport
Dogs on beaches (2)
This morning at 09:50 there were ten people on Porthmeor Beach - and just as many dogs. Leaving aside for the moment the horrors of dog fouling, I don't see why I should have to share the beach with a pack of hounds on a Sunday morning.
New signs have gone up since my last post on the subject. Now dogs are banned from some beaches from 1 May and September 30 - at least we are rid of the fuzzy 'Easter Day' problem. But the confusion is likely to persist because there are different rules and penalties for different beaches. A ban on dogs on beaches throughout the year with hefty fines for offenders would make things clear.
New signs have gone up since my last post on the subject. Now dogs are banned from some beaches from 1 May and September 30 - at least we are rid of the fuzzy 'Easter Day' problem. But the confusion is likely to persist because there are different rules and penalties for different beaches. A ban on dogs on beaches throughout the year with hefty fines for offenders would make things clear.
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Let's have more alfresco dining in St Ives
Congratulations to the Alfresco Restaurant which looks set to get permission to expand its seating by using part of the pedestrian area outside the restaurant for tables and chairs, according to a report in this week's St Ives Times & Echo.
District councillors are due to make a decision on Tuesday. County Highways have not objected but have suggested a solid barrier rather than the proposed rope barrier.
Last month St Ives Town Council objected (of course) fearing it would somehow make life more difficult for pedestrians along the Wharf and that a precedent would be set. But in a report, Penwith planners say that there would still be enough space for pedestrians since there would be just two tables with four chairs. Penwith also dismissed the precedent objection.
The report says,
"Given the variety of shop fronts, awnings and signage which characterise the Wharf, the proposal is not considered to be intrusive and an outdoor seating area is not out of keeping with this seaside town."
Exactly. Indeed, The St Ivean hopes a precedent has been set. Although, as the report points out, there are limited opportunities for such developments through lack of space in front of shops, more outside seating will add to the colour and vibrancy of the town.
District councillors are due to make a decision on Tuesday. County Highways have not objected but have suggested a solid barrier rather than the proposed rope barrier.
Last month St Ives Town Council objected (of course) fearing it would somehow make life more difficult for pedestrians along the Wharf and that a precedent would be set. But in a report, Penwith planners say that there would still be enough space for pedestrians since there would be just two tables with four chairs. Penwith also dismissed the precedent objection.
The report says,
"Given the variety of shop fronts, awnings and signage which characterise the Wharf, the proposal is not considered to be intrusive and an outdoor seating area is not out of keeping with this seaside town."
Exactly. Indeed, The St Ivean hopes a precedent has been set. Although, as the report points out, there are limited opportunities for such developments through lack of space in front of shops, more outside seating will add to the colour and vibrancy of the town.
Friday, 18 April 2008
Diary of a St Ivean
This week I saw in Fore Street a man I encountered recently on the St Erth to St Ives train. He and two companions were travelling on a train from London which was running a few minutes late and which I had boarded at Truro. As we arrived at St Erth, the branch line train departed.
The branch line train cannot wait for late mainline trains because it is now a twice an hour service which is a tight timetable.
The man I saw in Fore Street (I suspect he is a second homer and a Londoner), began to berate the ticker collector on the branch line train when it arrived. His male companion - closely shaven head, outrageous shorts - joined in. Only their woman companion seemed embarrassed by the inability of this pair to understand why their demand that the branch line train could and should wait for any late mainline trains could not be satisfied.
They informed us all that although they were supporters of public transport, this support might well be withdrawn if they had to wait for trains in Cornwall. (I rather assumed that where they came from, trains were never late).
If the branch line train departs as the mainline train arrives, it is certainly irritating but not quite the end of the world. It means a twenty-five minute wait for the train to return. Of course, if it were to wait it would be late on its return which might mean passengers missing connections to London, Glasgow - anywhere up the line. And that really would be cause for complaint.
The branch line train cannot wait for late mainline trains because it is now a twice an hour service which is a tight timetable.
The man I saw in Fore Street (I suspect he is a second homer and a Londoner), began to berate the ticker collector on the branch line train when it arrived. His male companion - closely shaven head, outrageous shorts - joined in. Only their woman companion seemed embarrassed by the inability of this pair to understand why their demand that the branch line train could and should wait for any late mainline trains could not be satisfied.
They informed us all that although they were supporters of public transport, this support might well be withdrawn if they had to wait for trains in Cornwall. (I rather assumed that where they came from, trains were never late).
If the branch line train departs as the mainline train arrives, it is certainly irritating but not quite the end of the world. It means a twenty-five minute wait for the train to return. Of course, if it were to wait it would be late on its return which might mean passengers missing connections to London, Glasgow - anywhere up the line. And that really would be cause for complaint.
Thursday, 17 April 2008
UPDATE: Migrant workers and FoIA - Penwith's response
Penwith District Council has now responded to my Freedom of Information Act (FoIA) requests for information about the eviction of migrant workers and my separate request for information about the Council's record on responding to FoIA questions.
The Council's response:
The Council is in receipt of three FOI requests from you dated 12 April 2008, asking :-
1 - "Please provide me with all information in the Council's possession relating to the eviction of migrant workers from premises in Penzance on 9 November 2007 and of any other evictions of migrant workers that year"
2- "Over the last 24 months, how many properties have been recorded by the Council where there was a possibility of overcrowding and unsafe conditions within the properties?
What action did the Council take? Please give kind of action and numbers. (For example, 'In 6 cases, a Warning'.)
Where evictions took place, how many of those properties were occupied by migrant workers?"
3 - "How many complaints relating to noise nuisance and litter accumulations have been received by the Council over the past 24 months?
What action did the Council take?
Did any evictions result and, if so, how many of those involved migrant workers?"
The Council is also in receipt of a letter from you dated 12 April 2008, addressed to Mr B Turnbull which was further to Mr Turnbull's answer to your FOI request of 1 March 2008.
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, in certain situations, the costs of answering more than one request can be added together or aggregated for the purposes of estimating whether the appropriate limit would be exceeded. It is the Council's opinion that your requests outlined above shall be treated as an aggregated request.
Under the freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004, the Council considers that the cost of complying with your FOI request would be in the region of £1425.00 (estimated at 37 hours to deal with noise nuisance and litter element of request and 20 hours to deal with housing element of request = 57 hours x £25.00 per hour = £1425.00) therefore exceeding the appropriate limit.
You should be advised that a modified request will be given due consideration provided the work involved does not, again exceed the appropriate limit.
Please do not hesitate to contact this office or Barry Turnbull direct if you require any further assistance on this matter or if you wish to discuss what information might be available within a time scale, which does not exceed the appropriate limit.
Please find attached a copy of the Council's FOI complaints procedure and details regarding charging.
Regards
Clare James
I post below the text of the letter sent to Mr Barry Turnbull on April 12.
Mr B Turnbull
Penwith District Council
St Clare
Penzance
Cornwall
TR18 3QW
Your Ref: btu
12 April 2008
Dear Mr Turnbull
Freedom of Information Act 2000 / Environmental Information Regulations 2004
Thank you for your letter dated March 7 2008 in response to my FoIA request of March 1 2008, emailed to me (outside the Act’s 20-business day requirement) on April 8 2008. Please note that the original letter has not been received here.
1) Please provide me with a copy of the authorisation for entry and of the 24 hours notice of intention to enter; if Sec 72, 95 or 233(3) of the Act applied, please supply details.
2) Please tell me the legal reasons why you have not disclosed the Fire Safety Authority’s Report to me. It is clearly in the public interest that such reports are published to help avoid future risk to life or injury relating to fire. Indeed, it would appear irresponsible not to disclose. You will also be aware of your duty under section 16 of the Act.
3) Was there actual overcrowding at the properties and if so by what legal/statutory criteria, if those criteria had been applied? How many occupants were there at each property and how many rooms did the properties have?
4) What were the circumstances of the person accommodated for one night and what happened to him/her subsequently?
5) Please give me the legal reasoning for your refusal to tell me the addresses raided. If it is a public interest reason, tell me the criteria used. The addresses are known to the occupants of the premises, witnesses, and support groups and to others in the community. In those circumstances, your claim that the addresses are confidential to the Council appears irrational. It is difficult for members of the public to exercise their right to scrutinise the actions of public officials when those officials keep essential information secret.
I am happy to receive the requested information in hard copy or electronic format and to inspect documents on site.
If my request is denied in whole or in part, I ask that you justify all deletions by reference to specific exemptions of the Act. I will also expect you to release all non-exempt material. I reserve the right to appeal your decision to withhold any information or to charge excessive fees.
I understand that it is your responsibility to provide the information I require and that I do not have to specify particular files or documents.
Please respond within the 20 business days as outlined in the Act.
The Council's response:
The Council is in receipt of three FOI requests from you dated 12 April 2008, asking :-
1 - "Please provide me with all information in the Council's possession relating to the eviction of migrant workers from premises in Penzance on 9 November 2007 and of any other evictions of migrant workers that year"
2- "Over the last 24 months, how many properties have been recorded by the Council where there was a possibility of overcrowding and unsafe conditions within the properties?
What action did the Council take? Please give kind of action and numbers. (For example, 'In 6 cases, a Warning'.)
Where evictions took place, how many of those properties were occupied by migrant workers?"
3 - "How many complaints relating to noise nuisance and litter accumulations have been received by the Council over the past 24 months?
What action did the Council take?
Did any evictions result and, if so, how many of those involved migrant workers?"
The Council is also in receipt of a letter from you dated 12 April 2008, addressed to Mr B Turnbull which was further to Mr Turnbull's answer to your FOI request of 1 March 2008.
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, in certain situations, the costs of answering more than one request can be added together or aggregated for the purposes of estimating whether the appropriate limit would be exceeded. It is the Council's opinion that your requests outlined above shall be treated as an aggregated request.
Under the freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004, the Council considers that the cost of complying with your FOI request would be in the region of £1425.00 (estimated at 37 hours to deal with noise nuisance and litter element of request and 20 hours to deal with housing element of request = 57 hours x £25.00 per hour = £1425.00) therefore exceeding the appropriate limit.
You should be advised that a modified request will be given due consideration provided the work involved does not, again exceed the appropriate limit.
Please do not hesitate to contact this office or Barry Turnbull direct if you require any further assistance on this matter or if you wish to discuss what information might be available within a time scale, which does not exceed the appropriate limit.
Please find attached a copy of the Council's FOI complaints procedure and details regarding charging.
Regards
Clare James
I post below the text of the letter sent to Mr Barry Turnbull on April 12.
Mr B Turnbull
Penwith District Council
St Clare
Penzance
Cornwall
TR18 3QW
Your Ref: btu
12 April 2008
Dear Mr Turnbull
Freedom of Information Act 2000 / Environmental Information Regulations 2004
Thank you for your letter dated March 7 2008 in response to my FoIA request of March 1 2008, emailed to me (outside the Act’s 20-business day requirement) on April 8 2008. Please note that the original letter has not been received here.
1) Please provide me with a copy of the authorisation for entry and of the 24 hours notice of intention to enter; if Sec 72, 95 or 233(3) of the Act applied, please supply details.
2) Please tell me the legal reasons why you have not disclosed the Fire Safety Authority’s Report to me. It is clearly in the public interest that such reports are published to help avoid future risk to life or injury relating to fire. Indeed, it would appear irresponsible not to disclose. You will also be aware of your duty under section 16 of the Act.
3) Was there actual overcrowding at the properties and if so by what legal/statutory criteria, if those criteria had been applied? How many occupants were there at each property and how many rooms did the properties have?
4) What were the circumstances of the person accommodated for one night and what happened to him/her subsequently?
5) Please give me the legal reasoning for your refusal to tell me the addresses raided. If it is a public interest reason, tell me the criteria used. The addresses are known to the occupants of the premises, witnesses, and support groups and to others in the community. In those circumstances, your claim that the addresses are confidential to the Council appears irrational. It is difficult for members of the public to exercise their right to scrutinise the actions of public officials when those officials keep essential information secret.
I am happy to receive the requested information in hard copy or electronic format and to inspect documents on site.
If my request is denied in whole or in part, I ask that you justify all deletions by reference to specific exemptions of the Act. I will also expect you to release all non-exempt material. I reserve the right to appeal your decision to withhold any information or to charge excessive fees.
I understand that it is your responsibility to provide the information I require and that I do not have to specify particular files or documents.
Please respond within the 20 business days as outlined in the Act.
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
Sorry, but no new Tory dawn for St Ives after all (2)
Earlier this week, The St Ivean posted the blog's first report (see below) on the misfortunes of St Ives Conservatives with the story of how 'a new Dawn for St Ives' Mrs Dawn Parry failed to be selected as Conservative candidate for three parliamentary seats, one of which was St Ives. Instead, at the selection meeting last October, the St Ives Association selected Derek Thomas as its candidate.
So far, so good - and the party's website invited visitors to return to the site for regular updates on Derek's activities in the Constituency.
Not so good, since, according to the site, Derek seems to have done absolutely nothing at all since his victory over Mrs Parry six months ago.
Another failed new dawn for St Ives Conservatives?
So far, so good - and the party's website invited visitors to return to the site for regular updates on Derek's activities in the Constituency.
Not so good, since, according to the site, Derek seems to have done absolutely nothing at all since his victory over Mrs Parry six months ago.
Another failed new dawn for St Ives Conservatives?
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Gangmaster licence loophole 'must close'
A loophole which allows gangmasters to break their licences but escape effective punishment must be closed immediately, Westcountry politicians have demanded... more>
Migrant workers evicted by Penwith Council were told, 'Sorry, the Housing Department is closed this afternoon'
Twenty-two Polish migrants evicted from premises in Penzance in January in 'Operation Westport,' were told by Penwith's Housing Department that the department was closed on Wednesday afternoons and that there was no help available, sources have told The St Ivean. The source added that on other occasions assistance offered by Penwith was just a list of unaffordable accommodation addresses.
The source, who has close connections with the migrant community in Cornwall, said that some of the properties closed down by Penwith in the past needed to be closed. But the source was shocked at the way in which the operation was carried out.
It is understood that in the past Penwith has suggested that temporary hostel accommodation might be provided for such situations, but so far nothing has come of the idea.
The St Ivean has learned that at a soon to be held meeting of groups charged with the welfare of migrant workers, it will be strongly argued that the methods of any future 'Operation Westports' need to change.
The St Ivean believes that the Council is wrong in its belief that it has no duty in law to house homeless migrant workers from the A8 accession states which include Poland.
The source, who has close connections with the migrant community in Cornwall, said that some of the properties closed down by Penwith in the past needed to be closed. But the source was shocked at the way in which the operation was carried out.
It is understood that in the past Penwith has suggested that temporary hostel accommodation might be provided for such situations, but so far nothing has come of the idea.
The St Ivean has learned that at a soon to be held meeting of groups charged with the welfare of migrant workers, it will be strongly argued that the methods of any future 'Operation Westports' need to change.
The St Ivean believes that the Council is wrong in its belief that it has no duty in law to house homeless migrant workers from the A8 accession states which include Poland.
Freedom of Information: more questions for Penwith District Council about migrant workers
I have asked Penwith District Council more questions under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, relating to migrant workers and a question about the Council's record on replying to FoIA requests for information. These can be seen at WhatDoTheyKnow?
I have followed-up Penwith's reply to my questions of March 1 with a letter to Penwith's Mr B Turnbull. The full text of that letter will be posted on the blog soon.
I have followed-up Penwith's reply to my questions of March 1 with a letter to Penwith's Mr B Turnbull. The full text of that letter will be posted on the blog soon.
Monday, 14 April 2008
Sorry, but no new Tory Dawn for St Ives after all
Over coming months, The St Ivean will be reporting on the fortunes - and certainly the misfortunes - of Conservatives in St Ives. And what better start could one hope for than the story of Councillor Dawn Parry, a member of Weston Town Council and unitary authority.
The Weston & Somerset Mercury has just reported how Councillor Parry - a singer - has failed to be selected as Conservative candidate for no less than three parliamentary seats - one being St Ives for whose fortunate folk Councillor Parry threatened 'a new Dawn for St Ives'. And now there are no more vacant seats in the South West. As another Weston councillor put it: "It sounds like she cannot wait to get out of Weston."
Councillor Parry has trashed her 'a new Dawn for St Ives' promise from her website (there's a picture, though, of the Councillor training for her Westminster ambitions by scaling the north face of the Eiger), but it's all there in the cached original. Enjoy.
The Weston & Somerset Mercury has just reported how Councillor Parry - a singer - has failed to be selected as Conservative candidate for no less than three parliamentary seats - one being St Ives for whose fortunate folk Councillor Parry threatened 'a new Dawn for St Ives'. And now there are no more vacant seats in the South West. As another Weston councillor put it: "It sounds like she cannot wait to get out of Weston."
Councillor Parry has trashed her 'a new Dawn for St Ives' promise from her website (there's a picture, though, of the Councillor training for her Westminster ambitions by scaling the north face of the Eiger), but it's all there in the cached original. Enjoy.
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Diary of a St Ivean
Yesterday, the man of the overpowering bathing product boarded the bus en route from Penzance to St Ives. He was wearing flapping khaki shorts, a khaki shirt and a large bush hat of the same colour, with sandals and white ankle socks - the sort of outfit redolent of Australian outbackers or the dress requirement for an African safari rather than a shopping trip to Morrisons. Once seated and having removed his hat, he immediately pulled from his shopping bag his Rubrik Cube which occupied him for about two minutes when he returned it to his bag, the puzzle satisfactorily completed. He then produced a pack of playing cards, the shuffling of which occupied him all the way to Lelant when the Rubrik Cube reappeared.
The death of 'Nokka'
A letter in the correspondence columns of the St Ives Times & Echo records the death of 'Nokka', a man who lived in Steeple Woods and who was found dead inside his bender shelter. The letter writer says that he was in a 'poor state' and that he was well known to many people in the area.
An 'In Memoriam' entry in the paper 'from friends' calls him 'Keeper to the Woods'.
Many years ago when people first moved into Steeple Woods, there was the usual reaction from the authorities who claimed danger to heath as one reason to evict the bender dwellers.
I do not know who 'Nokka' was (if anyone would like to contact The St Ivean with more information, a fuller obituary may be posted), but it is encouraging to learn that his unusual lifestyle was tolerated and that he was well-regarded and liked. As the 'beatnik' years demonstrated, St Ives does not have a good record in accommodating unconventional lifestyles.
An 'In Memoriam' entry in the paper 'from friends' calls him 'Keeper to the Woods'.
Many years ago when people first moved into Steeple Woods, there was the usual reaction from the authorities who claimed danger to heath as one reason to evict the bender dwellers.
I do not know who 'Nokka' was (if anyone would like to contact The St Ivean with more information, a fuller obituary may be posted), but it is encouraging to learn that his unusual lifestyle was tolerated and that he was well-regarded and liked. As the 'beatnik' years demonstrated, St Ives does not have a good record in accommodating unconventional lifestyles.
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Migrant workers and official secrecy
I have now responded to Penwith's late reply to my FoIA request for information about the eviction of Polish migrant workers from premises in Penzance, in a letter to Mr B Turnbull, the Council's Environmental Health Co-ordinator (Housing). I shall shortly post that letter on the blog and the details of two further FoIA requests I am placing on a public site.
A new issue is emerging from this matter - that of the secrecy and obfuscation which is the instinctive response of public servants and politicians to requests for information from members of the public. It's an issue The St Ivean will be exploring and campaigning on over the coming months - and this blog's raison d'etre.
A new issue is emerging from this matter - that of the secrecy and obfuscation which is the instinctive response of public servants and politicians to requests for information from members of the public. It's an issue The St Ivean will be exploring and campaigning on over the coming months - and this blog's raison d'etre.
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Migrant workers: The FoIA request and reply
I have now received Penwith's response, which I now post here, to my FoIA request for information about the eviction of Polish migrant workers from premises in Penzance earlier this year. Comment will follow.
The Freedom of Information Request
The Chief Executive
Penzance District Council
St Clare
Penzance
Cornwall
TR18 3QW
1 March 2008
Dear Mr McKenna
I write with a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act regarding the eviction in February this year of migrant workers from premises in Penzance by Council officers and others.
(1) Please tell me under what legislation (Sections, etc) the Council acted.
(2) Please tell me the precise circumstances (i.e. the nature of the overcrowding and risks to life or injury) at the raided premises; and why those circumstances required the immediate ejection of the tenants into the street.
(3) Please tell me what enquiries the Council made prior to the raid to contact the landlord and/or tenants to establish the facts; and what notices were given.
(4) Please tell me the precise nature of the advice given by the eviction team to the evicted tenants, how many were subsequently accommodated by the Council, and for how long.
(5) Please tell me the addresses raided.
I very much welcome public statements by Council officers that they are concerned with others in the county for the welfare of migrants.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
The Reply:
Your Ref :
My Ref: btu
Ask For: Mr B Turnbull
Direct Dial: 01736 336634
Email: barry.turnbull@penwith.gov.uk
Date: 07 March 2008
Dear Mr Bland
Freedom of Information Act 2000
I write in response to your letter received 03 March 2008.
1. Council officers acted under sections 4 and 239 of the Housing Act 2004
2. Two properties were visited and inspected under warrant. Conditions of risk to life or injury relating to fire safety were enforced by the Fire Safety Authority, so therefore I cannot comment on this under this request. Conditions of overcrowding were found at both premises inspected, however as Fire Safety Officers were serving formal notice to prohibit the use of the premises for occupation, no action under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System was deemed necessary.
3. Council were made aware of the possibility of overcrowding and unsafe conditions within the properties through information gathered from Environmental Protection (from complaints from members of the public in respect of noise nuisance and refuse accumulations), Devon and Cornwall Police and support organisations who were approached by the occupants of the houses directly.
4. All occupiers were interviewed by a Polish translator working for the support organisation mentions in 3. above, who then liaised with the Councils Housing Advice team; the advice given was under Outcome 2 of the Councils 2025 Vision, which is published on the Council website www.penwith.gov.uk., which applies to all residing in Penwith. The outcome of the interviews was that one person was placed into temporary accommodation by the Council for one night; all others were either
accommodated by the landlord or by the employment agency from whom the property was rented.
5. The addresses of the properties inspected under Operation Westport are and will remain confidential to Penwith District Council.
I trust that this answers your request.
Yours sincerely
B Turnbull
Environmental Health Co-ordinator (Housing)
The Freedom of Information Request
The Chief Executive
Penzance District Council
St Clare
Penzance
Cornwall
TR18 3QW
1 March 2008
Dear Mr McKenna
I write with a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act regarding the eviction in February this year of migrant workers from premises in Penzance by Council officers and others.
(1) Please tell me under what legislation (Sections, etc) the Council acted.
(2) Please tell me the precise circumstances (i.e. the nature of the overcrowding and risks to life or injury) at the raided premises; and why those circumstances required the immediate ejection of the tenants into the street.
(3) Please tell me what enquiries the Council made prior to the raid to contact the landlord and/or tenants to establish the facts; and what notices were given.
(4) Please tell me the precise nature of the advice given by the eviction team to the evicted tenants, how many were subsequently accommodated by the Council, and for how long.
(5) Please tell me the addresses raided.
I very much welcome public statements by Council officers that they are concerned with others in the county for the welfare of migrants.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
The Reply:
Your Ref :
My Ref: btu
Ask For: Mr B Turnbull
Direct Dial: 01736 336634
Email: barry.turnbull@penwith.gov.uk
Date: 07 March 2008
Dear Mr Bland
Freedom of Information Act 2000
I write in response to your letter received 03 March 2008.
1. Council officers acted under sections 4 and 239 of the Housing Act 2004
2. Two properties were visited and inspected under warrant. Conditions of risk to life or injury relating to fire safety were enforced by the Fire Safety Authority, so therefore I cannot comment on this under this request. Conditions of overcrowding were found at both premises inspected, however as Fire Safety Officers were serving formal notice to prohibit the use of the premises for occupation, no action under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System was deemed necessary.
3. Council were made aware of the possibility of overcrowding and unsafe conditions within the properties through information gathered from Environmental Protection (from complaints from members of the public in respect of noise nuisance and refuse accumulations), Devon and Cornwall Police and support organisations who were approached by the occupants of the houses directly.
4. All occupiers were interviewed by a Polish translator working for the support organisation mentions in 3. above, who then liaised with the Councils Housing Advice team; the advice given was under Outcome 2 of the Councils 2025 Vision, which is published on the Council website www.penwith.gov.uk., which applies to all residing in Penwith. The outcome of the interviews was that one person was placed into temporary accommodation by the Council for one night; all others were either
accommodated by the landlord or by the employment agency from whom the property was rented.
5. The addresses of the properties inspected under Operation Westport are and will remain confidential to Penwith District Council.
I trust that this answers your request.
Yours sincerely
B Turnbull
Environmental Health Co-ordinator (Housing)
The things they say: Councillor Harry Isaacs
An insight into the minds of local personalities and politicians through their own words.
This week, Councillor Harry Isaacs who appeared (rabbit like) transfixed by the lamps of the Cafe Pasta.
The St Ives Times & Echo reported on Friday that planning officers had approved lighting on the exterior of the Cafe Pasta (which had already subdued its lighting) on the Wharf - an approval too far for Cllr Isaacs who told St Ives Town Council:
"I don't understand. I totally disagree. If you look at the harbour it [sic] stands out like a sore thumb. It's totally different to everything else that's in the Wharf area. It shines like a headlamp across the harbour.
'The majority of people keep a sensible level of lighting but this goes against everything else others are doing there."
He added that there was a lot of good illumination but the fluorescent lighting was "too harsh."
And:
"It takes away what everyone else down there has done with their lighting. It's totally unnecessary."
Cllr Isaacs is an electrician.
Next week: Councillor Harry Isaacs says NO.
This week, Councillor Harry Isaacs who appeared (rabbit like) transfixed by the lamps of the Cafe Pasta.
The St Ives Times & Echo reported on Friday that planning officers had approved lighting on the exterior of the Cafe Pasta (which had already subdued its lighting) on the Wharf - an approval too far for Cllr Isaacs who told St Ives Town Council:
"I don't understand. I totally disagree. If you look at the harbour it [sic] stands out like a sore thumb. It's totally different to everything else that's in the Wharf area. It shines like a headlamp across the harbour.
'The majority of people keep a sensible level of lighting but this goes against everything else others are doing there."
He added that there was a lot of good illumination but the fluorescent lighting was "too harsh."
And:
"It takes away what everyone else down there has done with their lighting. It's totally unnecessary."
Cllr Isaacs is an electrician.
Next week: Councillor Harry Isaacs says NO.
Saturday, 5 April 2008
Migrant workers: Penwith misses FOIA deadline
Penwith District Council has failed to respond within the statutory 20-working day limit to my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for information about the eviction of Polish migrant workers from premises in Penzance earlier this year. The deadline for a reply was last Tuesday, April 1.
The Council has now been considering my request for five weeks. No explanation has been offered by the Council for the delay.
As this is a request for information about a very recent matter, one would expect all relevant documents to be readily available.
I have told Clare James, Penwith's Information Management and Licensing Officer, of my concern at the Council's failure to carry out its statutory duty and asked to see the Council's complaints handling policy.
The evictions and the manner in which they were carried out is of concern to individuals and to the community. It is in the public interest that there should be full and transparent disclosure of all the facts.
I expect to soon lodge another FOIA request to the Council for information about at least one other case involving the eviction of migrant workers from premises in Penzance.
The Council has now been considering my request for five weeks. No explanation has been offered by the Council for the delay.
As this is a request for information about a very recent matter, one would expect all relevant documents to be readily available.
I have told Clare James, Penwith's Information Management and Licensing Officer, of my concern at the Council's failure to carry out its statutory duty and asked to see the Council's complaints handling policy.
The evictions and the manner in which they were carried out is of concern to individuals and to the community. It is in the public interest that there should be full and transparent disclosure of all the facts.
I expect to soon lodge another FOIA request to the Council for information about at least one other case involving the eviction of migrant workers from premises in Penzance.
Friday, 4 April 2008
Diary of a St Ivean
A young man who used to catch the 9.05 a.m St Ives to Penzance bus possessed an uncanny ability to arrive at the Malakoff bus station just seconds before the bus departed. Of course, it would not have been at all remarkable if the bus had always left on time, but it rarely did so. And the young man never missed the bus. I guess he was a garage mechanic as he always wore clean blue overalls and got off the bus at a stop close to a garage. Do garage mechanics have some kind of sixth sense that tells them even at a distance when a vehicle's engine is about to start? Did the young man live close to the Malakoff and was thus able to observe from his window the state of readiness of the bus and its driver? Was he in some kind of telepathic communication with the driver?
He also had a unique manner of de-bussing. He would ring the bell but would remain seated even after the bus had stopped. In my experience, most people rise from their seat just before they arrive at their stop. Elderly people are even more cautious and are out of their seats far too early. This young man always waited until the bus had come completely to rest on its springs and passengers were looking around to see why the bell had been rung before he sprang to his feet and strode decisively down the aisle looking straight ahead and off the bus thanking the driver as he went.
He always carried a plastic box which I assumed contained his packed lunch. I often wondered what it consisted of, but was never able to discover just what it might be.
He also had a unique manner of de-bussing. He would ring the bell but would remain seated even after the bus had stopped. In my experience, most people rise from their seat just before they arrive at their stop. Elderly people are even more cautious and are out of their seats far too early. This young man always waited until the bus had come completely to rest on its springs and passengers were looking around to see why the bell had been rung before he sprang to his feet and strode decisively down the aisle looking straight ahead and off the bus thanking the driver as he went.
He always carried a plastic box which I assumed contained his packed lunch. I often wondered what it consisted of, but was never able to discover just what it might be.
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
UPDATE: Penzance Co-op to get 'makeover'
Penzance's Market Jew Street Co-op is to have a 'makeover' this year.
Mr John Holmes, of the Co-op's customer relations team, told The St Ivean today that the Co-op's stores are due for refit in the coming months.
The St Ivean criticised the state of the Penzance store in a recent post.
Mr Holmes said:
"I do not have a exact date when this is due to happen, but please be assured that it will have its 'makeover' this year, and hopefully you will be very pleased with the results."
Mr John Holmes, of the Co-op's customer relations team, told The St Ivean today that the Co-op's stores are due for refit in the coming months.
The St Ivean criticised the state of the Penzance store in a recent post.
Mr Holmes said:
"I do not have a exact date when this is due to happen, but please be assured that it will have its 'makeover' this year, and hopefully you will be very pleased with the results."
Dogs on beaches
The decision to modify the rules on allowing dogs on beaches seems to have produced either confusion or irresponsibility amongst dog owners in St Ives. Over the past few days, I have seen dogs on Porthmeor, Porthgwidden and the Harbour beaches outside the times (between 7pm and 8am) dogs are allowed there under the new rules - if, indeed, the new rules have yet come into force.
But why choose Easter Day as the start day for the annual ban (which runs until October 1) on dogs on some beaches ? Many people don't know the date when that day falls (this year it was March 23). The end date is clear and so should the start date. It makes no sense to use a moveable and thus ambiguous date.
But why choose Easter Day as the start day for the annual ban (which runs until October 1) on dogs on some beaches ? Many people don't know the date when that day falls (this year it was March 23). The end date is clear and so should the start date. It makes no sense to use a moveable and thus ambiguous date.
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Life expectancy mapped
A child born in one area of the Westcountry could live up to 18 years longer than a child born elsewhere in the region, a report has revealed.
And even within towns there can be a staggering difference in the age someone can hope to live to.
Devon sees the most dramatic difference in life expectancy, with both the highest predicted lifespan, in Ivybridge Woodlands in the south of the county, and the lowest, in Ilfracombe in the north.
However, in Cornwall, life expectancy can still vary by nearly ten years depending on the town of birth... more>
And even within towns there can be a staggering difference in the age someone can hope to live to.
Devon sees the most dramatic difference in life expectancy, with both the highest predicted lifespan, in Ivybridge Woodlands in the south of the county, and the lowest, in Ilfracombe in the north.
However, in Cornwall, life expectancy can still vary by nearly ten years depending on the town of birth... more>
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