Somerset Council sets a budget, Yeovil awaits a "meanwhile" decision, a misuse of statistics, Labour fails to understand neighbourhoods in the south west and the continued decline of local newspapers.
On the odd occasion I don't agree with everything you publish, but at least you go to the trouble of researching and publishing facts, this in turn sparks my grey matter, unlike the majority of journalists and especially politicians who appear to live in cloud-cuckoo-land with the memory of a goldfish.
Although credit where it's due to Cllr. Tom Deakin for the briefest 'whiff of honesty' when he acknowledged his party's role in local government funding when they were in coalition.
You might like to mention, as and when you next meet him, he could pass on some of that 'whiff of honesty' to his clown of a leader (Sub-Postmasters enquiry)!
You must cut a lonely figure in the press box at the council meetings that you attend :-0
Good local journalism is so important. As budget pressures increase our politicians can succumb to weasel-speak “This is being done for your convenience.” (Ha!) “This decision has not been predetermined. (Ha!). “This approach is more holistic/sustainable” (Ha! again). It will only get worse if journalists are not watching and reporting. So thank you for your excellent and balanced work. And apologies to weasels.
I share the applause for Somerset Confidential. You are doing invaluable work. I hold no particular brief for Tindle Newspapers but it’s worth noting that the Wellington Weekly News is still going strong and does a good job attending and reporting town council meetings.
Incidentally, I launched a very small scale version of The Mill called Around Wellington in 2012. It thrived, is still going, expanding under new ownership and run by Ken Bird, former editor of the County Gazette. Old dogs can learn new tricks!
Keith we have no beef with Tindle News at all, but they usually don't publish circulation figures so it is hard to track their success in real numbers terms.
As regards the excellent Around Wellington, all strength to its/your elbow. Having publications like this can only benefit communities in a world where journalists from the big groups have upped sticks and left.
I completely agree with your thoughts on local journalism. Publications such as Somerset Confidential are clearly the way forward. Surely local newspapers selling only a few hundred copies cannot survive much longer? Would we miss them?
I do read the Bridgwater Mercury website. However, as you say, it’s hard going to say the least due to the irritating pop-up ads. They certainly do not hold local councillors, the local MP and companies such as EDF and Agratas to account as their comments go unchallenged far too often. This makes publications such as Somerset Confidential all the more important and valuable.
On the odd occasion I don't agree with everything you publish, but at least you go to the trouble of researching and publishing facts, this in turn sparks my grey matter, unlike the majority of journalists and especially politicians who appear to live in cloud-cuckoo-land with the memory of a goldfish.
Although credit where it's due to Cllr. Tom Deakin for the briefest 'whiff of honesty' when he acknowledged his party's role in local government funding when they were in coalition.
You might like to mention, as and when you next meet him, he could pass on some of that 'whiff of honesty' to his clown of a leader (Sub-Postmasters enquiry)!
You must cut a lonely figure in the press box at the council meetings that you attend :-0
Keep up the excellent work.
not too lonely a figure as quite often I attend them remotely through Teams!!
Good local journalism is so important. As budget pressures increase our politicians can succumb to weasel-speak “This is being done for your convenience.” (Ha!) “This decision has not been predetermined. (Ha!). “This approach is more holistic/sustainable” (Ha! again). It will only get worse if journalists are not watching and reporting. So thank you for your excellent and balanced work. And apologies to weasels.
Thanks for your kind words - they are appreciated!
I share the applause for Somerset Confidential. You are doing invaluable work. I hold no particular brief for Tindle Newspapers but it’s worth noting that the Wellington Weekly News is still going strong and does a good job attending and reporting town council meetings.
Incidentally, I launched a very small scale version of The Mill called Around Wellington in 2012. It thrived, is still going, expanding under new ownership and run by Ken Bird, former editor of the County Gazette. Old dogs can learn new tricks!
Keith we have no beef with Tindle News at all, but they usually don't publish circulation figures so it is hard to track their success in real numbers terms.
As regards the excellent Around Wellington, all strength to its/your elbow. Having publications like this can only benefit communities in a world where journalists from the big groups have upped sticks and left.
Very enjoyable and informative writing as always.
I completely agree with your thoughts on local journalism. Publications such as Somerset Confidential are clearly the way forward. Surely local newspapers selling only a few hundred copies cannot survive much longer? Would we miss them?
I do read the Bridgwater Mercury website. However, as you say, it’s hard going to say the least due to the irritating pop-up ads. They certainly do not hold local councillors, the local MP and companies such as EDF and Agratas to account as their comments go unchallenged far too often. This makes publications such as Somerset Confidential all the more important and valuable.
Thank you Richard - we appreciate your support