Wind turbine centre

CONFIRMATION, indeed, that Fenland is fast becoming the wind turbine centre of East Anglia.

McCains wants to build three turbines in Whittlesey and its application, carefully scrutinised by the usual suspects, has won a recommendation of approval from planning officers.

However, I was struck by the comments of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, which has, in the past, not been short of a thought or two on the subject. Not this time.

The campaign "considers Fenland District Council has sufficient experience to determine this applications and also raises no particular concerns", says a summary to this week's planning committee.

VISITORS to Peter Humphrey Associates, in Old Market, Wisbech, are greeted with a sign listing the names of those who owe the company money.

"The following are bad debtors of Peter Humphrey Associates" says the ominous sounding note pinned up in reception. "No more works will be undertaken for these clients until the debts have been paid in full."

Five names are on the list, but it's not for Brakespeare to spread the word as to who they are.

HOW terribly modern of Cambridgeshire County Council to invite six members of the county's Youth Parliament to interview the shortlisted candidates for the vacant post of director of learning.

Councillor Shona Johnstone, cabinet member for children and young people's services, said of the youngsters: "Their findings were perceptive, thoughtful and mature and provided the panel with invaluable information from a young person's perspective.

"The director of learning will be working closely with children and young people, so it is entirely appropriate that the opinions of the young people are sought."

And to think of the thousands of pounds Fenland is committed to spending on a recruitment agency to find a new £85,000-a-year executive.

Perhaps it's time we gave the kids the keys to Fenland Hall.

NOT sure what's behind a recent plethora of e-mails inviting me to surrender some of my personal account details, allegedly to my bank.

However, an e-mail which suggests that "at HSBC we belive (sic) that you deserve the best in banking" is hardly likely to appeal to someone more than deserving of the best in SPELLING.

HEAVEN forbid anyone should suspect Fenland Council leader Geoff Harper of cancelling a Conservative group meeting because of the World Cup.

No doubt those proffering their apologies for non-attendance for last Thursday's meeting had perfectly legitimate excuses.

Mind you councillors did get caught up in football mania for two years ago when the then leader, Alan Melton, was forced to hit out at suggestions he was to blame for cutting short a council meeting on the night England played Portugal in Euro 2004.

Cllr Melton said at the time: "I am getting a little fed up with the criticism. I am not, and never have been a football fan, although of course I wanted England to do well.

"But the idea I would cancel a meeting for a football match, or cut a meeting short because of it, is ridiculous.

"The opposition did help, though, since Labour's Steve Cawthorne said on two occasions he would refrain from questions because it was not 'in the national interest' to do. I suppose he was thinking of the football match."

A REPORT prepared by West Norfolk Borough Council informs councillors of the budget provision of £180,000 for maintenance of a 'multi storey care park'.

I suppose that's one way to deal with the growing problems of the elderly.

NICE idea from Jenny Holding of Doddington who tells me of lip reading classes starting in the Fens later this month.

She says they will be of particular interest to the hard of hearing but also of interest perhaps to their family or friends.

If you're interested please call her on 01354 740894.

HOW apt that on Wednesday, the longest day of the year and the height of summer, March Town Council should announce a competition to find the lucky person who will get the opportunity to switch on the Christmas lights.