The design competition has hit a problem? Now why doesn't that surprise me? Expect the worst in anything Falkirk Council are concerned with.
Falkirk Council recently issued a newsletter to some Denny residents. A substantial number didn't receive newsletters and were unaware of drop-ins organised by the Council. Just over 80 people turned up over 3 days! A large majority were highly critical of the council-led plan. This was the first of three ‘alleged’ stages of consultation!
The second ‘alleged’ consultation will be “presented” to the Denny community in January 2012. Despite the plans being rejected, council officers will “present” outline planning to an unwilling community.
The single block town centre costing £6.5m is being railroaded through by council officers with no regard to local community wishes.
Car parking, a library and 9 shops constitutes the sum total of the town centre being delivered by Falkirk Council.
Denny residents have already amassed a 1,000 signature petition which will be presented to the council on 7th Dec rejecting plans for the town. It will be a staggering insult to the electorate should Falkirk Council then vote through the rejected plan.
The Council’s demolition of the Church Walk blocks is already running 10 weeks late. Started on August 15th, the 12 week schedule was halted in September when a worker was electrocuted on site. The accidental discovery of a cable was extremely embarrassing and news of its unorthodox discovery has been suppressed. Astonishingly, gas metering equipment was also later discovered and this has further held up the initial phase of demolition. Originally programmed to be finished by 7th November, the site currently sits at a standstill, 10 weeks late on a 12 week contract. The episode has been one embarrassment after another. Planned demolition of a complete Block had to be reviewed when Falkirk Council realised they did not own all of the block. A partial demolition was hastily re-scheduled to try and show some activity.
Davie’s Row, due for closure in September will now be closed in December, dates to be confirmed if the contractor’s progress isn't halted by any further surprises!
The second block will be demolished at the beginning of February as programmed. Fingers crossed.

Typical of this inept lazy organisation.
I can say that as a former employee of the Development Services with insider knowledge of working practices et al. Falkirk Council should get their priorities right, prepare in a professional manner and keep an eye on the ball at all times. Alien to some people I know.
Not long to the strike now eh lads!!

Interested to hear more of your experiences from 'inside' the Development Services, Bairn. Contact John Glenday and he'll put you in touch.

Brian
Lets just say lack of timesheet filling was something they turned a blind eye to and hours/weeks/months of unallocated unaccounted for time would not happen in the private sector. Staff absense for up to 6 months due to 'stress' would make me laugh if it wasnt so disgusting. Stirling is much the same.

Hmmm! More or less as I expected, Bairn. I have been gobsmacked at the level of incompetence on display by some senior individuals who seem to accept the pay-packet for very little accountability. There are some really good people in there, I know. But the level and extent of apathy is deeply disturbing. Cheers!