Political

My heart goes out to the business directly around the new site of the Cinema. The roads are closed with signs deterring people and cars. The businesses in these areas seem empty - certainly compared to usual. I was in the Empire Cafe the other day - perhaps one of the best examples of how a business can work in a sustainable way with the local community. They bake bread using locally produced flour and have that traditional happy-to-see-you face on when you walk through the door (they are in Cheap Street in Newbury if you've ever in the area - well worth a visit).

Anyway, the Empire Cafe like many of the other businesses in the area are suffering from the lack of thought and indecision by West Berks Council who just seem paralysed by the bickering between the Tories and Lib Dems. The constructor must be laughing at this paralysis as they have managed to wriggle out of anything that would help these businesses to keep going during the construction phase.

I'm amazed by the way that West Berks Council seems to treat people and businesses as things to be managed. Have they forgotten that they are there to support our people, our businesses and our society? In my humble opinion, they are there to make our lives, our life and our society better; they are there to promote growth and sustainability; and they are there to go out of their way to help and support us. Perhaps one day the Green Party will take over this council and things can change for the better.

In the mean time, I would recommend visiting Empire Cafe in Newbury and while you are there look at the other fine shops, barbers, estate agents in the area.

Posted by Adrian Hollister