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March 20, 2007
Pay rise horror
It's been an extremely hectic morning at Gazette House and for all the right reasons.
I described last week's paper in my blog as another 'strong edition' and was taken to task for being 'so modest' and told that I should let the readers be the judge of that.
Well I have no hesitation in saying that this week's Gazette is a really strong edition with several stories that are going to be real talking points across the whole borough. It's been one of the best overall news weeks for a while and we had a great selection of stories for the early news pages.
We received a healthy response to last week's splash about plans to close the outdoor activity centre used by school children across the borough.
However, I expect a bulging postbag in response to this week's lead story about the massive pay increases being proposed for senior councillors in the borough.
These include a whopping 56.1 per cent for council leader Ray Puddifoot and 71 per cent for deputy leader David Simmonds. The increases come at the same time that a number of community groups and voluntary organisations in the borough have seen their funding slashed by the council and now face a very uncertain future as they scrabble around to keep going.
All I can say is watch next week's Gazette for what I expect to be a general outcry of horror and amazement from many of our readers to this news.
I am also sure there will be some interesting debate at the council meeting on Thursday when the proposed increases will be discussed.
Another story you will be absorbed by is our page three lead about local club which places bets on which of them is going to die next. It makes fascinating reading especially as the no-smoking ban which comes into force in July means that this particular club's days could be numbered in more ways than one.
Anyway, as usual to catch up with all the week's local news make sure you pick up a copy of the Gazette when it hits the streets tomorrow morning.
PS: Team Gazette asked me not to mention how they got on in the Hasbro charity football tournament last Friday. However, I feel it only fair to report that they finished bottom but one of their group with one solitary victory. I think it's back to the training ground lads ...
Posted by aseal at March 20, 2007 2:23 PM
Comments...
Only fare?
Comment posted by: Anon at March 20, 2007 5:22 PM
Now corrected
Comment posted by: adrian at March 21, 2007 7:27 AM