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Public sector must get house in order
In reply to MP Robert Goodwill in the article in the Whitby Gazette on 11 May, I would agree that negativity is not helpful however we shouldn't confuse negativity with sheer frustration.
Unlike my namesake Nigel of the family Ward, a different family to my own, I see little or no point in a Free Whitby movement with no viable alternative.
Going forward, there might be a case to split North Yorkshire into two authorities, abolishing district councils and giving more power to parish/town councils.
However we are where we are and have to work with the system we have to achieve the best for all residents. We have a great town that has achieved much but undoubtedly there is room for improvement.
The residents have justifiable reasons to be concerned on key issues confronting our town. The actual area population, because of the second home market and tourism, is always hugely underestimated when determining needs.
The Primary Care Trust managing, or mismanaging, our hospital is not fit for purpose. There is no vision, investment or strategic plan.
We are witnessing the slow lingering death of Whitby Hospital to the despair of residents and the good staff alike.
The ambulance service is now stretched beyond its capabilities with four ambulances covering an area including Helmsley, Malton, Pickering as well as Whitby and district.
The educational system imposed, by North Yorkshire County Council on this town many years ago, was determined by buildings, not student need.
It has been proved throughout the rest of the country that transfer at 14 does not work as pupils and staff have no time to build the working relationships that are necessary in the five terms before major life-influencing examinations.
The need for a new school and/or total reorganisation of the current sites has been apparent for years.
There is a lack of affordable homes, forcing many out of the town. At times, Yorkshire Water have allowed certain streets and the harbour to be polluted with raw sewage.
Hopefully this year there may be some proper investment at last.
The NYCC transport strategy for the town was compiled in 2002/3.
It is now 2010 but most of the issues remain. Maybe there will be some movement shortly but we are only scratching at the surface. Public transport is also inadequate.
SBC's Project Management has improved but more needs to be done. The problem of asset management is being addressed at long last but where do we find the monies necessary. Maybe fewer chiefs and extra indians might help – only two joiners and two painters at present for borough maintenance.
Too much within the public sector moves at a snail's pace. Residents know the problems but we need the support at the very highest levels to find solutions.
The devolution that is suggested downwards is fine but adequate finance has to be in place. A new SBC harbour board for Whitby is proposed but will it have the necessary teeth and budgets?
It is not always a question of money but rather forward thinking and planning.
There has to be better communication by all councils and public services with residents and an understanding of their concerns.
No-one must think they are banging their head against a brick wall – they must be listened to.
We need more openness, honesty and transparancy.
The public sector has to get its house in order, get real, get organised and respond far quicker.
No wastage on administration, but money and manpower at the sharp to get the job done.
No attempt to defend the indefensible but rather acknowledge weaknesses and ensure performance and outcomes improve.
Mr Goodwill, if we are to have a new beginning, you now have a chance to show this town you can help to make a difference.
Change is necessary and change is needed in Whitby. No problems just solutions.
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Weather for Whitby
Saturday 11 February 2012
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Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
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Wind direction: South west
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