Have those on NSC who think Croydon is a dump had a good look at parts of Brighton?

[Westdene Seagull]

Your penchant for attempting to find misery in positive things across the city (of which there have been many) is well noted. Your comment on the Open Market is a case in point.

I've been speaking to councillors and prospective councillors of all parties lately, and you do know that the other two parties are prepared to see above-inflation council tax price rises, but won't vote it through for political, rather than practical reasons? The Tories, believe it or not, are more open to the idea; Labour oppose it because they want to make the Greens look the villains of the piece - as led by 'Councillor No', as Warren Morgan is known. But whoever leads the council next time will be looking to push through a larger-than-allowed council tax rise, principally because the cuts in the settlements from the government is not sustainable.

Meanwhile, the city has done well over the past five years - greater visitor numbers, fewer road deaths, fewer road accidents, lesser pollution, more projects to make the city more people-friendly coming through the pipeline. We know that these facts appall you, and you'll look to find a reason as to not credit the city with these positives, but that would be churlish...

Well someone has to counter balance your ridiculously over the top support of the council

With the Open Market I'm just disappointed - so much more could have been done and while the changes were taking place I was hopeful that the new Open Market would return the buzz of the old Open Market of my childhood - it hasn't.

There have been achievements by the current council - the Level being one ( I note you didn't pick up that on my list ). I was a supporter of the i360 when it was proposed to be funded by private funds. I find it utter irresponsible to put the local taxpayer at such risk. Yes I know two Tories voted for it but that was after an under the table deal was done between the Greens and the Tories. The Tory councillors I've spoken to are utterly opposed to what Theobald did.

As for the council tax increases - Labour and Conservatives are going to look extremely hypocritical if they hold a referendum given one of the points they were opposed on ( and jointly agreed ) was it was utter madness to pay the costs for a referendum thus decreasing the spending pot again when in all likelihood the public would reject a rise.

Yes, the city has done well over the last few years in some areas including some of the areas you list although there are areas where the city has been utterly incompetent such as recycling, traveller policy and road maintenance to name a few. As for less pollution - yes in some areas - in other areas pollution has increased.

I'm not going to apologise for being heavily critical of the council - it's needed to keep them on their toes.

 

[Nibble]

Regarding the areas around Croydon, they may have money but by God! They are soulless places, Purley, Cobham, Sutton. There is a reason Reggie Perrin lived in Cheam.

 

[Mo Gosfield]

Regarding the areas around Croydon, they may have money but by God! They are soulless places, Purley, Cobham, Sutton. There is a reason Reggie Perrin lived in Cheam.

Cobham....stretching the area around Croydon a bit...got to be nearly 20 miles!

 

[Nibble]

Cobham....stretching the area around Croydon a bit...got to be nearly 20 miles!

Yes, I suppose it is actually.

 

[pauli cee]

croydon is a ****ing dump....the tram system gave the chance for ****ing morons to enter a shithole......not normal morons either.......top of the range ****ing idiots........croydon is a special place for special people..........Croydon Is Stonehenge For W#nkers

So, what are you trying to say?

 

[The Fifth Column]

Brighton does have its fair share of crappy areas and problems, scores of smackheads and street drinkers infest the city centre like hordes of rats and all the incoming out of towners who big up the city based on their one dimensional view based on shopping in the Lanes/N.Laine and drinking overpriced coffee whilst acting out their faux celebrity lifestyles in poncy coffee shops. We have a green council whose lax approach to travellers make it a mecca for Irish caravan dwelling migrant workers and it seems if you want to protest about anything regardless if it has anything to do with Brighton then this is the place to come to make yourself heard. West street and its surrounds seem intent on taking on Blackpool for the venue of choice for Hen & stag parties and for anyone sane and with even a miniscule amount of taste and self respect is a place to avoid on any night of the week. if you are lucky enough to find a place that doesnt have a group of essex builders and plasterers coked up to the eyeballs and all sporting various premier league footballers hairdos and tattoos then undoubtedly you will be surrounded by students shouting loudly and failing miserably to handle their alcohol. Despite all this, it is infinitely better than Croydon which does not have a single redeeming feature and it is always a relief to see the sign stating 'You are now leaving Croydon'.