Pressure is mounting for Essex's highways boss to stand down over "arrogant" remarks he made about a streetlights petition.
What did he say? And does he not have the right to say it?
Mother-of-two Traci Beamish launched a campaign calling for the lights to be turned back on overnight after her home in Ghyllgrove, Basildon, was burgled last week.
Despite more than 2,700 people signing the petition, Mr Bass branded the bid "nonsense".
Well, that’s a little impolite. But the overreaction is…well, frankly, bonkers!
Miss Beamish, who has two disabled children, told the Echo how raiders ransacked her garage, which contained medical equipment for her son.
She said the insensitive remarks made by Mr Bass rocked her faith in Essex County Council.
She added: “Our police has been cut so we have to police ourselves, but how can we do that if we can’t see at night?
“I know of many cases where people’s houses have been burgled and the police can’t help because the CCTV is too dark.
“He should make an apology to the people who care about this, and he should stand down.
“It is people’s human right to feel safe and it is our right to be listened to without being told we are talking nonsense.”
It’s your right to get up a petition. But it’s
not your right to not to be told you’re talking nonsense if that’s indeed what you are doing.
Rochford Council leader Terry Cutmore believes crime is not related to poor lighting, and called on residents to be vigilant.
He said: "The way Mr Bass handled the petition is his matter, he clearly has a distinct opinion on the matter.
"Crime is mostly from gangs in London. I don't think street lighting prevents crime, thieves are more likely to operate in the day when they can see."
Mr Cutmore added that resident in fear of being burgled should invest in improved security.
Sound advice.
It would be nice if we could invest in a large calibre hand gun too.
ReplyDeleteGo home, you blinkin' street light?
ReplyDeleteNo, the evidence for the importance of street lighting in cutting crime - and improving safety - is so strong, I suspect the cuts are to do with stupid environmentalism and an attempt to blame the Government for unpopular cuts. This time it's a Conservative Government, but in the past Labour Governments have been blamed.
ReplyDeleteSo 'AP' what would you actually do?
ReplyDeleteAd who would pay for it.
Like all things to do with Council funding it is a matter of priorities. For instance who could question that street lighting should take second place to funding golf lessons for 16-21 year olds http://www.rochford.gov.uk/press-release/golf4all
ReplyDeleteSweep the streets, empty the bins, and provide street lighting. That's all anyone wants the local Council to do, really.
"...I suspect the cuts are to do with stupid environmentalism..."
ReplyDeleteI wonder if anyone's tracked the crime rate on 'Earth Day'..?
"So 'AP' what would you actually do? "
About what?
"Sweep the streets, empty the bins, and provide street lighting. That's all anyone wants the local Council to do, really."
Spot on!