Friday, 17 April 2009
Thursday, 25 December 2008
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Well done the Gazette !! Wednesday December 3rd
The Newspaper article in the Gazette is very interesting as Councillor Andrew Williams now espouses new reasons for demolishing the market structure before it is really necessary , see this open letter to him , we await his response with baited breath !!
Open Email / letter to Councillor Andrew Williams , Leader Dacorum Borough Council
Dear Andrew ,
It was a great pleasure to meet you on this Hemel’s Wednesday Antiques , bric a brac and secondhand market ( there has to be a first time for everything ) , it’s a pity you were so busy you couldn't stay longer than 5 minutes as there were many stallholders who wished to speak to you , perhaps you would seriously consider making a second visit to the market next week to speak to them as they desperately want to speak to you , I promise I won't intervene .
Unfortunately when we met today I hadn't registered the quotations attributed to you in the Gazette , I see from the Newspaper that you have “ changed the goalposts “ in relation to the reasons why the Market structure needs to go now , rather than when it definitely “has to go “ to be replaced by your “ 2020 vision “ You said to me today “ that contracts were in the process of being signed and that the Market redevelopment would take place and be finished within two years “ . Can you really be serious ? all around the UK anyone can see , residential and commercial projects being mothballed because no one wants houses and shops at the moment , this must be particularly true in Hemel , why would anyone build 180,000sq feet of new shops now , when there are so many empty shops?
2020 Vision if you've forgotten what that is for the market see it at this link http://hemel2020.blogspot.com/2008/08/blog-post_29.html ( by the way how will you get the sky in Hemel to be that colour ? )
“ changed the goalposts “
I see you no longer put forward the view that you want the market structure removed “ because the CCTV cameras can't see under the canopy “ or that the “ antisocial behaviour “ can't be controlled , ( The ASBOS seem to have worked , don't they ? ) , both arguments were pretty silly anyway weren't they ?
BUT you still say “We’re not spending a lot of money on it’s maintenance at the moment because it’s not being used for the main market so it’s starting to look scruffy .” So you want to demolish it because it’s looking scruffy , but it’s looking scruffy because you spend nothing on maintaining it , so your going to demolish it because it’s looking scruffy , but it’s looking scruffy because you spend nothing on maintaining it , so your g…………. , Catch 22 ?
However you now advance a new reason for demolition which hasn‘t appeared before !!
“While the structure is there it costs the council £25,000 in business rates “
BUT while the structure is there the Wednesday market produces a minimum yearly income of £34,600 ( 50 x 14 x 52 ) probably more , so your council will be worse off if you demolish the structure before it is absolutely necessary as in the Gazette you say it will cost £17,000 to take down ! So year 1 , knock it down lose £11,300 , take it off your salary !!
Oh it’s just clicked , you would rather demolish the structure and lose a little bit of dosh , so that you don't have to send the £25 grand to the Labour treasury , that’s a bit Machiavellian isn't it ? I'm surprised that a man of your mien and integrity would stoop so low , I'd have thought you would have just come out with it , after all Hemel has a lot of Government grievances , the Hospital , 7 Gypsy sites ! What have you done to upset them ? Still I digress .
You said “ I don't believe people make a specific journey to visit the market or that it brings much extra trade to the town “ How many people have you asked , I can tell you in case you've forgotten NONE AT ALL !! We have asked them and people do come to Hemel to visit the Antiques bric a brac and secondhand market they then go shopping in the town , ( they have told us this ) . Take a look at the petition people have signed ( you clearly haven't looked at it yet yourself ) they come from Chesham , Watford , Rickmansworth , Welwyn etc etc , they come for the Wednesday market !
You pledge to hold “ one off events “ such as car shows and fairgrounds , we know that one car show is being planned for next May as a friend of ours is helping in the organisation how many more have you up your sleeve ?
You’re looking for an alternative venue for the Market on Wednesday such as the Old Town , where will the stallholders park their vehicles ? All parking short and long term in the old town is always full , but I don't expect you have ever been there perhaps you should make a first visit as you have done today for the Market .
More people have signed the petition today and these will be added to the Internet site for you to see , we'll let you have the full petition in due course .
Don't forget please , please come to the market next Wednesday and talk to the stallholders particularly Dave and Ralph !!
And Andrew don't forget if you need my address , just let me know !!
We look forward to your comments with acute anticipation but if your recent record is anything to be relied on you won't reply at all if ever
Regards and Best wishes
Mike
Open Email / letter to Councillor Andrew Williams , Leader Dacorum Borough Council
Dear Andrew ,
I forgot to add the comments about the market cost conversation we had today
I said " the market structure cost £1.5M "
You said " no it didn't "
I said , " I have been told by several people in Hemel that is cost £1.5M "
You said " so if I said it cost £5m you would believe that would you ? "
I said " so how much did it cost then ? "
You said , " Oh , I don't know , I haven't been able to find out , although I have tried "
So as far as we all know it cost £1.5M to build until we hear from you the actual cost , is that OK ? , doesn't it seem strange to you as leader of the council that your executive can't tell you how much it cost too build , surely you can't have lost the records or perhaps they don't want to tell you ?
Look forward to hearing the original cost of building the Market structure when and if you find out
Regards and Best wishes
Mike
Dear Andrew ,
I forgot to add the comments about the market cost conversation we had today
I said " the market structure cost £1.5M "
You said " no it didn't "
I said , " I have been told by several people in Hemel that is cost £1.5M "
You said " so if I said it cost £5m you would believe that would you ? "
I said " so how much did it cost then ? "
You said , " Oh , I don't know , I haven't been able to find out , although I have tried "
So as far as we all know it cost £1.5M to build until we hear from you the actual cost , is that OK ? , doesn't it seem strange to you as leader of the council that your executive can't tell you how much it cost too build , surely you can't have lost the records or perhaps they don't want to tell you ?
Look forward to hearing the original cost of building the Market structure when and if you find out
Regards and Best wishes
Mike
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Email to Andrew Williams Leader??? of Dacorum Council
| To: Andrew.Williams@dacorum.gov.uk Subject: Re:Hemel Hempstead Market structure to be demolished |
Hello Mr Williams ,
I understand that you are going to demolish Hemel Hempstead Market structure because of the severe problems detailed in your email , severe , you are having a laugh , or you are so simple you shouldn't be in your council job ,
"we have planning to remove the existing structure for a number of reasons the first being the problems of anti social behaviour occurring at the site which has an effect on the residents living nearby. The police can deal with but it is not possible for them to be there constantly and our CCTV cannot see under the canopies to spot any problems. Secondly the structure is looking tatty and as it will be sometime before work begins on the new development this will only get worse and we do hope by clearing the site we will be able to encourage other use whilst the site is awaiting redevelopment"
1) anti social behaviour , I have been told today that as result of ASBOS this has decreased significantly
2) CCTV cannot be seen under the canopy , --you cannot be serious ! put a camera under the canopy , don't demolish a structure that cost £1.5M for the cots of a camera !
3) the market looks tatty --- only because you and your council don't spend any money on maintenance
WHAT IS THE REAL REASON TO DEMOLISH A VIABLE STRUCTURE THAT COULD EARN REVENUE FOR THE COUNCIL , WE SHOULD BE TOLD
No Consultation has been been undertaken my your mediocre council , and no effort has been made to find alternative uses for the structure all you want to do is knock it down like the Pavilion . and build something else when in 2020 ?
As a conservative council you should be promulgating conservative values , antisocial behaviour , lock 'em up , don't demolish, support entrepreneurial activity , the Wednesday Market traders are not on the dole , they pay your rates and taxes!!
Hundreds of people signed a petition today today to ask you to think again , surprisingly , 70% of these people were from outside Hemel !! They come to Hemel on a Wednesday for the Market and they surprise , surprise go off into the town to visit cafes , Poundland , Gregs etc etc , that's probably 1,000+ people on a Wednesday come to visit the Market , that's , 50,000+ people a year , No Wednesday Market , No visitors they won't leave Watford to visit Hemel when they have the same shops in their own town , you will effectively be reducing the income for your towns traders
YOU NEED TO THINK AGAIN
I understand that you are going to demolish Hemel Hempstead Market structure because of the severe problems detailed in your email , severe , you are having a laugh , or you are so simple you shouldn't be in your council job ,
"we have planning to remove the existing structure for a number of reasons the first being the problems of anti social behaviour occurring at the site which has an effect on the residents living nearby. The police can deal with but it is not possible for them to be there constantly and our CCTV cannot see under the canopies to spot any problems. Secondly the structure is looking tatty and as it will be sometime before work begins on the new development this will only get worse and we do hope by clearing the site we will be able to encourage other use whilst the site is awaiting redevelopment"
1) anti social behaviour , I have been told today that as result of ASBOS this has decreased significantly
2) CCTV cannot be seen under the canopy , --you cannot be serious ! put a camera under the canopy , don't demolish a structure that cost £1.5M for the cots of a camera !
3) the market looks tatty --- only because you and your council don't spend any money on maintenance
WHAT IS THE REAL REASON TO DEMOLISH A VIABLE STRUCTURE THAT COULD EARN REVENUE FOR THE COUNCIL , WE SHOULD BE TOLD
No Consultation has been been undertaken my your mediocre council , and no effort has been made to find alternative uses for the structure all you want to do is knock it down like the Pavilion . and build something else when in 2020 ?
As a conservative council you should be promulgating conservative values , antisocial behaviour , lock 'em up , don't demolish, support entrepreneurial activity , the Wednesday Market traders are not on the dole , they pay your rates and taxes!!
Hundreds of people signed a petition today today to ask you to think again , surprisingly , 70% of these people were from outside Hemel !! They come to Hemel on a Wednesday for the Market and they surprise , surprise go off into the town to visit cafes , Poundland , Gregs etc etc , that's probably 1,000+ people on a Wednesday come to visit the Market , that's , 50,000+ people a year , No Wednesday Market , No visitors they won't leave Watford to visit Hemel when they have the same shops in their own town , you will effectively be reducing the income for your towns traders
YOU NEED TO THINK AGAIN
Thursday, 6 November 2008
Hemel do you live HERE!!! A residents view .
Yes i live here what do you want me to say about Hemel, Hospital dirty
and falling to bits going in there is almost certain you will come out
with more than you went in with if you do not exit in a box. Schools
are being amalgamated how long before closures. The industrial estate is
a complete farce nearly every factory is to let, the industry that used
to be there is long gone no one makes anything any more of course this
was compounded by Buncefield blowing up another shambles with residents
whose houses and workplaces were destroyed still have not being paid.
the roads don't make me laugh I am sure the council have shares in the
garages,the potholes are huge no matter what estate you visit you need
a 4x4 or even a tank .the council aided by the la la land occupents
the labour government have not been near the roads only interested in
repairing the pavements when they (repaired)????? Galley hill i think
the contractors ran out of tarmac they put strips of it at intervals so
you go bump bump bump its like having mini speed humps ah theres a bone
of contention some are so high the car exhausts are having to be
replaced at alarming short intervals god help somone with a bad back
still we should all ride bikes or walk i forgot what about the disabled
the inferm and the old?
still they dont matter close all their post offices and put the the
one you do leave upstairs in smiths that will teach them. market ha ha
ha what a joke that is , the councils policy build a market fit for
the purpose run it down , move the market and scatter it all over the
middle of town have stalls stuck anywhere they can got to keep those (
uncouth ) market traiders away from each other, leave the old market
that was built especialy for the purpose let the riff raff of Hemel
destroy it leave the antique market running on a wednesday they do not
matter if they catch some illness from the filth and pidgeon droppings
promise to clean it up who can we get some cheap contractors that will
go round with a bit of newspape, boast how you have had it cleaned when
the traders complain ,devise a plan to close it down, "er how can we do
this? " I know blaim the the riff raff for their bad habits that will
do it.. there's more but i am getting to depressed yes i live in hemel
hempstead why do you ask
Hemel Market to be demolished !!
So it's confirmed , that the Hemel Hempstead Market structure is going to be "Pavilionised " see emails below , from Cllr Andrew Williams Leader DBC ,
Dear Sir
The clearance of the existing market site will not be done for some weeks/months and in the meantime we are looking at the Wednesday market which I would like to see continue, at this stage it is not certain in what form that might be but it is being looked at.
Once we have a possible solution we will of course advice stallholders and I am happy to drop you a note at that time.
Regards
Andrew Williams
What a short sighted decision , demolish the market structure to stop antisocial behavior !! And all that will be left will, be an open space for the next twenty years as the council's 2020 vision must be in total tatters , with the economic downturn who would want to build more shops or flats at this time .
The open market place will be used for events !! Certainly not for the Wednesday bric a brac market , or any event which would survive the vagaries of the British climate . Note that the Pavillion which was demolished in 2002 to be rebuilt by 2006 is still a grassy knoll , so there is nowhere to hold concerts or Christmas Carols or anything .
This council is appallingly short sighted , an opportunity to reuse the structure for many uses stares one in the face , all that is needed is a small capital outlay on securing the structure and renovation .
- The site is a natural "amphitheater" as it slopes from east to West by several feet .
- Enclosing the whole market with low cost shop type shutters eliminates the anti social behaviour problem ,
- Removing the existing metal stalls and their surrounding structure opens up much of the inside area . wooden trestle table type stalls can be used for the wednesday market , and what else , a monthly indoor Antique Fair? craft Fair ? Anything fair?
- Removing some of the inside large supports looks eminently feasible to me , but would need confirmation by a structural engineer , this would open up more viewable and visible space .
- Once the inside is opened up , a removable stage could be used at the West end and the area filled with stackable chairs , who knows you may even be able to get a Philharmonic Orchestra into the town .
- This space could be used by the council to generate substantial revenue over the next twenty years with only a small amount of cost and trouble .
BUT they won't do anything just "Pavilionise" It , it doesn't bode well for the next Conservative government if they are all like Dacorum Borough councillors
Still I guess that Dacorum voters get what they deserve as none of them seem interested in their main town what a shame !!
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2008 9:45 AM
Subject: Re: Hemel mkt
Dear Sir
The clearance of the existing market site will not be done for some weeks/months and in the meantime we are looking at the Wednesday market which I would like to see continue, at this stage it is not certain in what form that might be but it is being looked at.
Once we have a possible solution we will of course advice stallholders and I am happy to drop you a note at that time.
Regards
Andrew Williams
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 12:09 PM
Dear Sir
Thank you for your email regarding the Hemel market, we have planning to remove the existing structure for a number of reasons the first being the problems of anti social behaviour occurring at the site which has an effect on the residents living nearby. The police can deal with but it is not possible for them to be there constantly and our CCTV cannot see under the canopies to spot any problems. Secondly the structure is looking tatty and as it will be sometime before work begins on the new development this will only get worse and we do hope by clearing the site we will be able to encourage other use whilst the site is awaiting redevelopment.
Yours sincerely
Cllr Andrew Williams
Leader DBC
Subject: Re: Hemel mkt
Dear Sir
Thank you for your email regarding the Hemel market, we have planning to remove the existing structure for a number of reasons the first being the problems of anti social behaviour occurring at the site which has an effect on the residents living nearby. The police can deal with but it is not possible for them to be there constantly and our CCTV cannot see under the canopies to spot any problems. Secondly the structure is looking tatty and as it will be sometime before work begins on the new development this will only get worse and we do hope by clearing the site we will be able to encourage other use whilst the site is awaiting redevelopment.
Yours sincerely
Cllr Andrew Williams
Leader DBC
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Dacorum Borough Council Complaints
Dacorum Borough Council Complaints
Click Here to see current complaints and progress
If you have a complaint email the council and send the details to us at cctsts@ntlworld.com to place it on this site
Click Here to see current complaints and progress
If you have a complaint email the council and send the details to us at cctsts@ntlworld.com to place it on this site
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Friday, 22 August 2008
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Market Stall availability
For Market Stall availability ring Tony on 07980 731353
If you have a stall at the market on Wednesday , Friday or Saturday ,
get included , send us a picture of your stall/goods and a brief
description and we will add it to the site .
If you have your own website or Ebay shop let us know the details
so we can add a link .
See some simple websites we have started at
http://www.clearviewclearance.co.uk
http://www.ACDforU.co.uk
http://www.bookmanuk.co.uk
http://www.emisuzukilondon.co.ukhttp://www.bettyscakes.co.uk/
http://www.terrysrecords.co.uk/http://www.dynamitedesigns.me.uk/http://www.bootsbootsboots.co.uk/
http://rainbowbooksportobello.co.uk
If you have a stall at the market on Wednesday , Friday or Saturday ,
get included , send us a picture of your stall/goods and a brief
description and we will add it to the site .
If you have your own website or Ebay shop let us know the details
so we can add a link .
If you haven’t a website we can start a simple .co.uk site for you for only £10.00 a year.
See some simple websites we have started at
http://www.clearviewclearance.co.uk
http://www.ACDforU.co.uk
http://www.bookmanuk.co.uk
http://www.emisuzukilondon.co.ukhttp://www.bettyscakes.co.uk/
http://www.terrysrecords.co.uk/http://www.dynamitedesigns.me.uk/http://www.bootsbootsboots.co.uk/
http://rainbowbooksportobello.co.uk
Friday, 1 August 2008
Hemel Hempstead Market Map and details
Hemel Hempstead Market , Wednesday bric a brac and antique market
Hemel Hempstead Market Map and details
Hemel Hempstead Market , Wednesday bric a brac and antique market
Hemel Hempstead Market
Hemel Hempstead Market , Wednesday bric a brac and antique market from 6.30 am to about 2.00 pm , run by Town and Country Markets Ltd , Cameras , Gramophones , 78's Books , Jewellery , Records , Cd's , Videos , Bric a brac , Chandeliers , Oil lamps , Wade Pigs , Sylvac , Everything !!!
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