A former Richmond councillor is calling for a referendum on whether there should be sex shops in the borough.
Barrister Phillip Taylor raised the idea at a council meeting on Tuesday after becoming concerned at the presence of establishments such as Kew’s Private Shop.
Despite being thwarted at the first hurdle, as it was beyond the remit of the licensing committee he addressed, Mr Taylor has maintained he would look into how a public vote could be launched in future.
He said: “There is a need for local people to be more involved with the decision-making process.
“I am asking it be referred to full council for a referendum to be held.
“There should be some view, established by the community, about what they want on what is considered by many people as an important issue.”
Mr Taylor suggested the idea of a referendum following the application for licence renewal for the Private Shop, in Kew Road.
At Tuesday’s licensing sub-committee meeting, Mr Taylor suggested the initial granting of a licence six years ago had been flawed and had been approved in spite of public objection. He asked that a renewal not be granted.
However, Councillor Brian Miller, chairman of the sub-committee, said: “We found this a very difficult decision to reach and had to discuss it long and hard. If this had been a new application the committee wouldn’t have granted it outright.
“However, as it is being treated without objection, or complaints reported to the authorities and no complaints from the general public other than the interested parties [here tonight] we feel, given the circumstances, the only course open to us is we shall have to continue to grant the licence with the existing conditions.”
Since 2004 the council’s regulatory committee policy is the “appropriate number of sex establishments within each ward is nil” but it can not be used retrospectively to close existing shops.
Once the localism bill is passed later this year, residents could force a referendum by submitting a petition signed by 5 per cent of local electors on a relevant council issue. It must be deemed appropriate by the authority for it to be dealt with.
Alternatively, delivering a petition of 1,000 signatures to the council would, lobbying a councillor or asking a question at a council meeting, could trigger a debate on the issue.
Comments
SEX SHOP...I wonder how Richmondites would vote on a sex shop. (My guess is they would vote against the idea.)
Sex gets everwhere , rabbits will be doing it soon.
I live in a cathedral city. There is H+mping within a mile of the building , ask the taxi drivers., (sorry)
SEX SHOP...I wonder how Richmondites would vote on a sex shop. (My guess is they would vote against the idea.)
Sex gets everwhere , rabbits will be doing it soon.
I live in a cathedral city. There is H+mping within a mile of the building , ask the taxi drivers., (sorry)
There was a recent vote which was referred to at the meeting on Tuesday. It appears that 98% of those questioned in the council's survey did not want these establishments. This verdict was in line with the findings of the Area Consultation Meetings (ACMs) held around 2003.
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All I am seeking is a local vote to see if this view remains the wishes of the public- the councillors didn't believe us when the licence was originally granted.
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We need 1,000 signatures on a petition to have a debate about it at Richmond Council.
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The issue is no longer about the products the shop sells- it is about local democracy and the views of the people being ignored by certain elected members.
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Phillip Taylor
There was a recent vote which was referred to at the meeting on Tuesday. It appears that 98% of those questioned in the council's survey did not want these establishments. This verdict was in line with the findings of the Area Consultation Meetings (ACMs) held around 2003.
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All I am seeking is a local vote to see if this view remains the wishes of the public- the councillors didn't believe us when the licence was originally granted.
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We need 1,000 signatures on a petition to have a debate about it at Richmond Council.
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The issue is no longer about the products the shop sells- it is about local democracy and the views of the people being ignored by certain elected members.
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Phillip Taylor
Of course a referendum would say "we don't want sex shops". If we had one on "would you like free money?" that'd prove popular too. The shops may be tasteless but they're not illegal.
Firstly, isn't Richmond a bit more openminded than the average Home Counties market town? Secondly, for the Conservatives, are you for small government - or small-minded government?
Of course a referendum would say "we don't want sex shops". If we had one on "would you like free money?" that'd prove popular too. The shops may be tasteless but they're not illegal.
Firstly, isn't Richmond a bit more openminded than the average Home Counties market town? Secondly, for the Conservatives, are you for small government - or small-minded government?
The shop wouldn't be there if a market for it didn't exist in the borough. Say no more.
The shop wouldn't be there if a market for it didn't exist in the borough. Say no more.
You have missed the point with your prejudiced statement jsam. This is not about the Tories, Labour, or the LibDems for that matter... and it is not about being open-minded or not here in this part of the world.
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My issue today is with local democracy and the right of the community to express a view on a subject which the elected members take some notice of.
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The products sold are available elsewhere so people can stock up in Soho if they wish, but not here as it is the wrong locality. I maintain, as one of the original councillors on Richmond Council when the initial permission was granted, that it was flawed as the people had said they did not want this shop. A survey has said the same since then.
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I believe Council Tax payers are entitled to express a point of view on this subject or any other for that matter (say masts)- that's all.
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Concerned resident suggests there is a market- where is the proof? There are over 50 of these shops around and the consensus is that they do not trade well, although I may be mistaken if Darker Enterprises wish to tell us how successful these shops really although, frankly, that is now peripheral to the main issue of local community participation in issues which affect residents.
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Phillip Taylor
You have missed the point with your prejudiced statement jsam. This is not about the Tories, Labour, or the LibDems for that matter... and it is not about being open-minded or not here in this part of the world.
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My issue today is with local democracy and the right of the community to express a view on a subject which the elected members take some notice of.
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The products sold are available elsewhere so people can stock up in Soho if they wish, but not here as it is the wrong locality. I maintain, as one of the original councillors on Richmond Council when the initial permission was granted, that it was flawed as the people had said they did not want this shop. A survey has said the same since then.
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I believe Council Tax payers are entitled to express a point of view on this subject or any other for that matter (say masts)- that's all.
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Concerned resident suggests there is a market- where is the proof? There are over 50 of these shops around and the consensus is that they do not trade well, although I may be mistaken if Darker Enterprises wish to tell us how successful these shops really although, frankly, that is now peripheral to the main issue of local community participation in issues which affect residents.
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Phillip Taylor
Simple business economics, Mr Taylor. Aren't Conservatives meant to understand business? And isn't applying for a licence to have one of these establishments quite expensive? I'm sure they wouldn't have bothered renewing if it wasn't profitable for them to be there.
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I'm curious. Who is saying they don't trade well?
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And saying that Soho deserves such places is total 'NIMBYism'. Why isn't Richmond appropriate exactly? Oh, sorry I forgot, our 'villages' don't want a sex shop next to the butcher, greengrocer, the post office, the maypole and the model town oh I mean 'village'.
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Additionally, please think of the logistics (and cost) of carrying out a referendum on everything that moves. I can think of many examples where people in this borough might want one - Twickenham Station, the sorting office site, sex shops, Mortlake brewery, Tangley Hall, the Piano Lounge, Catholic secondary school, primary school expansion, just about every planning application and of course a referendum on having the ability to call a referendum.
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Nothing would ever get done - partly because all the money had been spent on polling stations, but mostly because it'd need voting on first. Aren't councillors elected to take the decisions?
Simple business economics, Mr Taylor. Aren't Conservatives meant to understand business? And isn't applying for a licence to have one of these establishments quite expensive? I'm sure they wouldn't have bothered renewing if it wasn't profitable for them to be there.
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I'm curious. Who is saying they don't trade well?
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And saying that Soho deserves such places is total 'NIMBYism'. Why isn't Richmond appropriate exactly? Oh, sorry I forgot, our 'villages' don't want a sex shop next to the butcher, greengrocer, the post office, the maypole and the model town oh I mean 'village'.
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Additionally, please think of the logistics (and cost) of carrying out a referendum on everything that moves. I can think of many examples where people in this borough might want one - Twickenham Station, the sorting office site, sex shops, Mortlake brewery, Tangley Hall, the Piano Lounge, Catholic secondary school, primary school expansion, just about every planning application and of course a referendum on having the ability to call a referendum.
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Nothing would ever get done - partly because all the money had been spent on polling stations, but mostly because it'd need voting on first. Aren't councillors elected to take the decisions?
Private Shop is occupying premises in a more or less redundant parade of shops by Richmond Circus that would otherwise be empty, causing no offence and doing no harm and paying business rates. The owner, who has risked his capital to set up shop there, has been trading profitably for 6 years and wishes to continue his lawful enterprise. There have been ‘ .. (no) complaints reported to the authorities and no complaints from the general public other than the interested parties [here tonight] . . ‘.
No complaints. None. Zero. Zilch.
Nonetheless some benighted residents of this once liberal borough, having nothing else to do, have decided to take offence and wish to put him out of business. Upon what grounds? Is their objection based on evidence of harm being done to someone, if so to whom? Or is it merely aesthetic, that the sight of the sign, Private Shop, offends them as they drive past?
I don’t believe anyone has been harmed by this shop or that any significant number of residents of Richmond North ward are offended by the sight of it. This is just stirring for its own sake.
Private Shop is occupying premises in a more or less redundant parade of shops by Richmond Circus that would otherwise be empty, causing no offence and doing no harm and paying business rates. The owner, who has risked his capital to set up shop there, has been trading profitably for 6 years and wishes to continue his lawful enterprise. There have been ‘ .. (no) complaints reported to the authorities and no complaints from the general public other than the interested parties [here tonight] . . ‘.
No complaints. None. Zero. Zilch.
Nonetheless some benighted residents of this once liberal borough, having nothing else to do, have decided to take offence and wish to put him out of business. Upon what grounds? Is their objection based on evidence of harm being done to someone, if so to whom? Or is it merely aesthetic, that the sight of the sign, Private Shop, offends them as they drive past?
I don’t believe anyone has been harmed by this shop or that any significant number of residents of Richmond North ward are offended by the sight of it. This is just stirring for its own sake.
Mr Squire is writing biased rubbish as usual as the mouth-piece of the LibDems who have a selective memory with their pavement politics on this one.
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It was the Liberal Democrats who started the campaign in the first place and you know that very well because former councillor Jane Dodds organised the first meeting.
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There have been complaints and the original post bag was very substantial with a large petition, again organised by cross party objectors. The referendum is not just about Private Shop but will cover approvals given for the Piano and these types of licence application in the borough.
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This is not directly anything to do with the Conservative Party, Concerned Resident, and certainly not sponsored by them even though Goldsmith supports local referenda. It covers all shades of opinion, not just those who read 'The Independent' in an effort to opt out of hard case decisions. The shop has always been in the wrong locality with a church, a hospital and now a school nearby. I reject the assertion that this is a NIMBY view as it is not. I tell you what, why don't they re-locate the property to the premises next to your house!
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Phillip Taylor
Mr Squire is writing biased rubbish as usual as the mouth-piece of the LibDems who have a selective memory with their pavement politics on this one.
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It was the Liberal Democrats who started the campaign in the first place and you know that very well because former councillor Jane Dodds organised the first meeting.
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There have been complaints and the original post bag was very substantial with a large petition, again organised by cross party objectors. The referendum is not just about Private Shop but will cover approvals given for the Piano and these types of licence application in the borough.
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This is not directly anything to do with the Conservative Party, Concerned Resident, and certainly not sponsored by them even though Goldsmith supports local referenda. It covers all shades of opinion, not just those who read 'The Independent' in an effort to opt out of hard case decisions. The shop has always been in the wrong locality with a church, a hospital and now a school nearby. I reject the assertion that this is a NIMBY view as it is not. I tell you what, why don't they re-locate the property to the premises next to your house!
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Phillip Taylor
Mr Taylor - is this really the most pressing item in our borough at the moment and do we really need to waste money on this issue?
What about the delays to the development of Whitton High street, repairing the pavements in Twickenham, preserving good quality facilities for dementia sufferers in the borough (and in fact, funding for voluntary groups who have seen their funding withdrawn), and so on etc. Why can't we spend our money where it's needed and not on your moral crusade.
If I were to be cynical, I would say that you are posiitioning yourself to get re elected at some point in one of the richest parts of the borough whilst other parts need desparate attention. But I'm not cynical and I don't believe that politcians are full of it. Have now uncrossed my fingers
Mr Taylor - is this really the most pressing item in our borough at the moment and do we really need to waste money on this issue?
What about the delays to the development of Whitton High street, repairing the pavements in Twickenham, preserving good quality facilities for dementia sufferers in the borough (and in fact, funding for voluntary groups who have seen their funding withdrawn), and so on etc. Why can't we spend our money where it's needed and not on your moral crusade.
If I were to be cynical, I would say that you are posiitioning yourself to get re elected at some point in one of the richest parts of the borough whilst other parts need desparate attention. But I'm not cynical and I don't believe that politcians are full of it. Have now uncrossed my fingers
Bandit, you are wrong!
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What is important to one person may be trivial to another. What I believe is important is the need to engage with the local community more which forms part of the Coalition Government's policy of "the Big Society".
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I agree entirely that the issues in Whitton High Street are important. So are cracked pavements which the Liberals did little about in the forgotten parts of the borough. And the list goes on!
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Your slur that I am doing this for electioneering purposes is pure tripe. I am following through issues which have resounded with the public over the last 8 years. During the 40 years I have been canvassing, the comment to candidates that: "you are only interested when it comes round to election time and we never hear from you in the intervening years" is something I treat seriously as a criticism hence my stance on this issue with 'follow-through'.
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This issue is about empowering local democracy and not about elections which are 3 or 4 years away. Besides, if we don't make a stand on this one, the officials and our elected members do not get full scrutiny when exercising their powers and get away with things they should called to account for.
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Phillip Taylor
Bandit, you are wrong!
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What is important to one person may be trivial to another. What I believe is important is the need to engage with the local community more which forms part of the Coalition Government's policy of "the Big Society".
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I agree entirely that the issues in Whitton High Street are important. So are cracked pavements which the Liberals did little about in the forgotten parts of the borough. And the list goes on!
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Your slur that I am doing this for electioneering purposes is pure tripe. I am following through issues which have resounded with the public over the last 8 years. During the 40 years I have been canvassing, the comment to candidates that: "you are only interested when it comes round to election time and we never hear from you in the intervening years" is something I treat seriously as a criticism hence my stance on this issue with 'follow-through'.
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This issue is about empowering local democracy and not about elections which are 3 or 4 years away. Besides, if we don't make a stand on this one, the officials and our elected members do not get full scrutiny when exercising their powers and get away with things they should called to account for.
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Phillip Taylor
Ha ha ha ha, if it weren't for the Richmond Circus NIMBY'S providing the shop with so much publicity, I really would know it was there.
For crying out loud, I'm getting very tired of the endless bleating.
Ha ha ha ha, if it weren't for the Richmond Circus NIMBY'S providing the shop with so much publicity, I really would know it was there.
For crying out loud, I'm getting very tired of the endless bleating.
Consequently, if m'learned friend thinks we actually live in a democracy he should start reading the papers.
Consequently, if m'learned friend thinks we actually live in a democracy he should start reading the papers.
Well, if this is such a big issue to some people, I wish I had their lives if this is all they have to worry about.
The Tories had a really big opportunity to show they mean business over the Whitton High Street issue, following through with the rejuvenation of the area, granting planning permission on plans that were supported by the locals etc. However, yet again, it's put on hold or "consultation".
Facilities etc., that tend to be used by poorer, disabled or more disadvantaged people in the borough have been cut meanwhile, money is wasted on "Richmond in Bloom".
Previous adminstrations do have a lot to answer for and the public purse needs to managed correctly, but the apparent focus by this council on what most people would see as trivial matters, or the concentration on areas south of the Thames, does not do you any favours
I agree that ALL politicians need to be more accountable, but to demand a vote on this issue is laughable. No such vote has been demanded on the cuts to services, funding etc. I would have had more repsect for you if you had suggested a referendum on these other issues, not on one shop which has offended a small amount of people. How about the large number of us who are fed up with anti social behaviour in all parts of the borough at pub /club chucking out time, yet when the police go to the liceseing sub committee to have pubs etc. where there is persistent trouble closed down, all that happens is they get a little slap on the wrist.
Perhaps I was a little harsh on you, Mr Taylor, but let's get a sense of proportion - closing down one sex shop which most people didn't even know was there vs getting to grips with the other bigger issues? I and most sensible people will go for the latter I think.
Well, if this is such a big issue to some people, I wish I had their lives if this is all they have to worry about.
The Tories had a really big opportunity to show they mean business over the Whitton High Street issue, following through with the rejuvenation of the area, granting planning permission on plans that were supported by the locals etc. However, yet again, it's put on hold or "consultation".
Facilities etc., that tend to be used by poorer, disabled or more disadvantaged people in the borough have been cut meanwhile, money is wasted on "Richmond in Bloom".
Previous adminstrations do have a lot to answer for and the public purse needs to managed correctly, but the apparent focus by this council on what most people would see as trivial matters, or the concentration on areas south of the Thames, does not do you any favours
I agree that ALL politicians need to be more accountable, but to demand a vote on this issue is laughable. No such vote has been demanded on the cuts to services, funding etc. I would have had more repsect for you if you had suggested a referendum on these other issues, not on one shop which has offended a small amount of people. How about the large number of us who are fed up with anti social behaviour in all parts of the borough at pub /club chucking out time, yet when the police go to the liceseing sub committee to have pubs etc. where there is persistent trouble closed down, all that happens is they get a little slap on the wrist.
Perhaps I was a little harsh on you, Mr Taylor, but let's get a sense of proportion - closing down one sex shop which most people didn't even know was there vs getting to grips with the other bigger issues? I and most sensible people will go for the latter I think.
Phil... Can I call you Phil? Oh well.
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I merely suggested that, as a Conservative figure, you'd know how businesses work. I never aligned your 'campaign' to any particular party. So the fact you believed I thought that, must mean it really is!
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Still, I assume you're in agreement with me (because of your silence) over the high cost, the difficult logistics, the stupid number of polls we'd have to have and of course councillors being the ones elected to make decisions in the first place.
And I'd love to have a perfectly legal shop, which nobody complained about, next to where I live. Be it a sex shop or a dry cleaners. It's hardly the place people are going to shout about visiting, is it? So no drunken behaviour, no loud music and closing before midnight. Sounds bliss to me - particularly as I'm human and might like to use what I could buy in there with my wife!
Phil... Can I call you Phil? Oh well.
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I merely suggested that, as a Conservative figure, you'd know how businesses work. I never aligned your 'campaign' to any particular party. So the fact you believed I thought that, must mean it really is!
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Still, I assume you're in agreement with me (because of your silence) over the high cost, the difficult logistics, the stupid number of polls we'd have to have and of course councillors being the ones elected to make decisions in the first place.
And I'd love to have a perfectly legal shop, which nobody complained about, next to where I live. Be it a sex shop or a dry cleaners. It's hardly the place people are going to shout about visiting, is it? So no drunken behaviour, no loud music and closing before midnight. Sounds bliss to me - particularly as I'm human and might like to use what I could buy in there with my wife!
What's wrong with a sex shop? The windows are covered up aren't?
Following on from the previous post - you don't get loads of constant anti social behaviour outside sex shops, or noise, or discarded food wrappers, chicken bones, cans, broken glass etc etc.... talking of which, can we have a referrendum on getting rid of KFC in Twickenham ?
It must cost council tax payers a fortune in policing and Hampton residents got to choose NOT to have one in their "village" in case the deer in nearby Bushy Park found a bargain bucket in the bracken.
April 1st has gone !
What's wrong with a sex shop? The windows are covered up aren't?
Following on from the previous post - you don't get loads of constant anti social behaviour outside sex shops, or noise, or discarded food wrappers, chicken bones, cans, broken glass etc etc.... talking of which, can we have a referrendum on getting rid of KFC in Twickenham ?
It must cost council tax payers a fortune in policing and Hampton residents got to choose NOT to have one in their "village" in case the deer in nearby Bushy Park found a bargain bucket in the bracken.
April 1st has gone !
Bandit63 has rather hit the nail on the head: in a time of cuts to a wide range of council services, is it the best use of our time and money to conduct a referendum on an issue of so little import to so many people in the borough?
Mr. Taylor is to be lauded for pursuing issues outside election time, but it's hard not to believe he must have been offered better fish to fry than a couple of shops ...
Bandit63 has rather hit the nail on the head: in a time of cuts to a wide range of council services, is it the best use of our time and money to conduct a referendum on an issue of so little import to so many people in the borough?
Mr. Taylor is to be lauded for pursuing issues outside election time, but it's hard not to believe he must have been offered better fish to fry than a couple of shops ...
It is a great pity that the recent commentators on this story are still missing the point about this issue.
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We moved away from the products in the shop, or the lap dancing, to a fundamental point which is whether local people can participate in local decision making without leaving it to the elected members. I believe in freedom but the locality must feature as a consideration.
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I am somewhat surprised that many of the contributors to this thread are the very ones pushing for a 'yes' vote on AV (which could be viewed as a waste of money) yet they deride the suggestion that we should have a local vote on licensing policy.
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The point is that today it may be the sex shop or the lap dancing club but tomorrow it could be something of very great importance. Just remember the problems with the masts and the alleged health issues as merely one example of modern controversies.
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I suppose you could say World War II was a waste of money, unless you were one of the victims because you have to draw the line somewhere.
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Phillip Taylor
It is a great pity that the recent commentators on this story are still missing the point about this issue.
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We moved away from the products in the shop, or the lap dancing, to a fundamental point which is whether local people can participate in local decision making without leaving it to the elected members. I believe in freedom but the locality must feature as a consideration.
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I am somewhat surprised that many of the contributors to this thread are the very ones pushing for a 'yes' vote on AV (which could be viewed as a waste of money) yet they deride the suggestion that we should have a local vote on licensing policy.
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The point is that today it may be the sex shop or the lap dancing club but tomorrow it could be something of very great importance. Just remember the problems with the masts and the alleged health issues as merely one example of modern controversies.
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I suppose you could say World War II was a waste of money, unless you were one of the victims because you have to draw the line somewhere.
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Phillip Taylor
This is really very silly. Mr Taylor is probably at this moment telling everyone he can that the AV referendum is a waste of money, but at the same time wants a referendum about a sex shop no-one has actually complained about in the last six years!
Presumably there is some local demand for it otherwise it would have closed down.
There is a serious loss of perspective here.
This is really very silly. Mr Taylor is probably at this moment telling everyone he can that the AV referendum is a waste of money, but at the same time wants a referendum about a sex shop no-one has actually complained about in the last six years!
Presumably there is some local demand for it otherwise it would have closed down.
There is a serious loss of perspective here.
To answer Laurence Mann - No there is not! And i question the local demand about the shop and the club- trends show that many who visit the various licensed premises in the borough are not from this area and Richmond is seen as a soft touch because they let any old application through.
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It is also an odd, losers perspective just because you are not winning the national debate on AV. The referendum was promised and is being delivered. What are the Liberals going to do when they lose it?
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The argument about licensing policy in this borough has been lost regularly and is in danger of being the ultimate local lost cause here but it is still worth fighting to be heard on local issues just as the LibDems are being heard on AV nationally. It is not a waste of money... it is called operational democracy!
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Phillip Taylor
To answer Laurence Mann - No there is not! And i question the local demand about the shop and the club- trends show that many who visit the various licensed premises in the borough are not from this area and Richmond is seen as a soft touch because they let any old application through.
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It is also an odd, losers perspective just because you are not winning the national debate on AV. The referendum was promised and is being delivered. What are the Liberals going to do when they lose it?
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The argument about licensing policy in this borough has been lost regularly and is in danger of being the ultimate local lost cause here but it is still worth fighting to be heard on local issues just as the LibDems are being heard on AV nationally. It is not a waste of money... it is called operational democracy!
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Phillip Taylor
I wonder, Mr Taylor, if by adopting a beligerent stance to anybody who appears to disagree with your suggestion you are doing your cause, and that of the people you seek to represent, full justice.
There are, of course, other less costly avenues which are open to you to gain greater prominence for your demands. For example, as you are well aware, you could raise this as a public question at a council meeting. Alternatively you could present a petition of over 1000 names to council to trigger an automatic debate.
I would suggest that the latter may be an intelligent first step as it would go some way to prove that there is a popular ground swell of support for your proposal rather than jumping headlong into demanding a rather costly referendum exercise which would be a large expense to council tax payers.
I wonder, Mr Taylor, if by adopting a beligerent stance to anybody who appears to disagree with your suggestion you are doing your cause, and that of the people you seek to represent, full justice.
There are, of course, other less costly avenues which are open to you to gain greater prominence for your demands. For example, as you are well aware, you could raise this as a public question at a council meeting. Alternatively you could present a petition of over 1000 names to council to trigger an automatic debate.
I would suggest that the latter may be an intelligent first step as it would go some way to prove that there is a popular ground swell of support for your proposal rather than jumping headlong into demanding a rather costly referendum exercise which would be a large expense to council tax payers.
My Taylor - It's great that you bring up issues, as Tim said, but please get out and meet some some people with real issues and concerns , like the rest of us. No one is disputing the need for more say in local issues. However, I bet that if you stood outside Richmond station and asked the following questions on any given day, getting rid of an established sex shop that hardly anyone knew was there will be way down the list:
1) would you like the council to spend thousand's of pounds on a vote whether or not to ban a sex shop OR
2) spend the money on preserving services for the disabled / elderly / needy OR
3) Improving our high streets in areas NORTH of the Thames OR
4) Increasing the enforcement of licensed premises that constantly have issues OR
5) Filling in pot holes in pavements and roads OR
6) Making sure our streets and kept clear of rubbish
Anyone hazard a guess on the percentages applied to each item? I'm guessing .001% on the first item....
My Taylor - It's great that you bring up issues, as Tim said, but please get out and meet some some people with real issues and concerns , like the rest of us. No one is disputing the need for more say in local issues. However, I bet that if you stood outside Richmond station and asked the following questions on any given day, getting rid of an established sex shop that hardly anyone knew was there will be way down the list:
1) would you like the council to spend thousand's of pounds on a vote whether or not to ban a sex shop OR
2) spend the money on preserving services for the disabled / elderly / needy OR
3) Improving our high streets in areas NORTH of the Thames OR
4) Increasing the enforcement of licensed premises that constantly have issues OR
5) Filling in pot holes in pavements and roads OR
6) Making sure our streets and kept clear of rubbish
Anyone hazard a guess on the percentages applied to each item? I'm guessing .001% on the first item....
Me, I always enjoy popping by to hear Mr. Taylor rant. Less than convincing argument? Move the goalposts!
Don't like the poster? Make a personal attack!
Realised your idea is stupid but unwilling to back down? Quick! Reductio ad abusrdum!
Frankly, for someone who's meant to be adept at making a strong convincing argument, you'd wonder if ... oh, wait, there was a little bit of Mr. Taylor's ad hominem slipping in there - apologies to all!
Me, I always enjoy popping by to hear Mr. Taylor rant. Less than convincing argument? Move the goalposts!
Don't like the poster? Make a personal attack!
Realised your idea is stupid but unwilling to back down? Quick! Reductio ad abusrdum!
Frankly, for someone who's meant to be adept at making a strong convincing argument, you'd wonder if ... oh, wait, there was a little bit of Mr. Taylor's ad hominem slipping in there - apologies to all!
Might I be bold enough to suggest that it might be worth waiting to see what the turn-out is at the referendum on 5 May which, to my mind, is of far greater importance to the electorate in general than a sex-shop in Richmond. Mr Taylor would then be able to judge more easily if it is worth wasting the tax payers money unless, of course, he is offering to fund these referenda himself as a man of his profession could well afford so to do. Who's ever heard of a bankrupt lawyer as the saying goes!
Might I be bold enough to suggest that it might be worth waiting to see what the turn-out is at the referendum on 5 May which, to my mind, is of far greater importance to the electorate in general than a sex-shop in Richmond. Mr Taylor would then be able to judge more easily if it is worth wasting the tax payers money unless, of course, he is offering to fund these referenda himself as a man of his profession could well afford so to do. Who's ever heard of a bankrupt lawyer as the saying goes!
Me, I always enjoy popping by to hear Mr Lennon rant - fortunately, for those of a more tender disposition, its a bit less frequent these days. I have been a victim of one of Tim's (may I call you that?) "personal attacks" in which he accused me of spreading dog faeces on the pavement, I chose to turn the other nether cheek and provided him with the information which he demanded. Sadly his promised apology never materialised. Such is the way of these political warriors who can't bring themselves to apologise for anything - forget the faux one in his last post.
I'm sorry Mr Taylor, I'm with the other posters. This really isn't a particularly hot button and certainly not worthy of a referendum however I'm grateful to you for flushing out Tim_Lennon - he's always good sport and continues to show us the true face of Liberal Democracy. Long may he continue to post and, hopefully, lose them a few more votes every time he does so!
Alex
Me, I always enjoy popping by to hear Mr Lennon rant - fortunately, for those of a more tender disposition, its a bit less frequent these days. I have been a victim of one of Tim's (may I call you that?) "personal attacks" in which he accused me of spreading dog faeces on the pavement, I chose to turn the other nether cheek and provided him with the information which he demanded. Sadly his promised apology never materialised. Such is the way of these political warriors who can't bring themselves to apologise for anything - forget the faux one in his last post.
I'm sorry Mr Taylor, I'm with the other posters. This really isn't a particularly hot button and certainly not worthy of a referendum however I'm grateful to you for flushing out Tim_Lennon - he's always good sport and continues to show us the true face of Liberal Democracy. Long may he continue to post and, hopefully, lose them a few more votes every time he does so!
Alex
Well Alex, as I remember, you said "I wonder why these people bother?" and then wondered off on one. At which point, I said: "So why do *you* bother Alex? (Good cut'n'paste from elsewhere, by the way: such eloquence should be spread, like dog faeces on a busy pavement ...)"
Perhaps it wasn't clear, but I was simply equating the eloquence of your post with an unfortunate mess on the pavement. Did you ever find out who Ken Saro-Wiwa was, by the way?
Well Alex, as I remember, you said "I wonder why these people bother?" and then wondered off on one. At which point, I said: "So why do *you* bother Alex? (Good cut'n'paste from elsewhere, by the way: such eloquence should be spread, like dog faeces on a busy pavement ...)"
Perhaps it wasn't clear, but I was simply equating the eloquence of your post with an unfortunate mess on the pavement. Did you ever find out who Ken Saro-Wiwa was, by the way?
Now we have gone off the subject completely, I would just like to thank all the people who posted points here. many of the points I do agree with.
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I must admit that there are probably more valid subjects for a local referendum here as this really is an old issue now, but I am grateful for the views.
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As Alex and Tim are now debating the wider issues, how about re-visiting a referendum on the Twickenham Riverside, or is that taboo now that was and is a big issue...or even our railway station developments or filming Council meetings even! the list becomes endless.
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Another correspondent of Alex is Councillor Roberts who has made a useful point here about how to get a referendum going and the remarks are very helpful.
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I am going to wait and see what the Localism Act gives us first, although I would point out that Cllr Miller pooh-poohed the concept of a local referendum when he interrupted me right at the beginning of my observations at the hearing. I took it to be the case that the local LibDems actually do not believe in local referenda anyway and I think we should be told that is their policy here.
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Phillip Taylor
Now we have gone off the subject completely, I would just like to thank all the people who posted points here. many of the points I do agree with.
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I must admit that there are probably more valid subjects for a local referendum here as this really is an old issue now, but I am grateful for the views.
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As Alex and Tim are now debating the wider issues, how about re-visiting a referendum on the Twickenham Riverside, or is that taboo now that was and is a big issue...or even our railway station developments or filming Council meetings even! the list becomes endless.
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Another correspondent of Alex is Councillor Roberts who has made a useful point here about how to get a referendum going and the remarks are very helpful.
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I am going to wait and see what the Localism Act gives us first, although I would point out that Cllr Miller pooh-poohed the concept of a local referendum when he interrupted me right at the beginning of my observations at the hearing. I took it to be the case that the local LibDems actually do not believe in local referenda anyway and I think we should be told that is their policy here.
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Phillip Taylor
No sex (shop) please, we're British...
Firstly I agree that the views of residents and local businesses should be taken into account, regardless of the party that are in power.
However, I work a little way down from the 'Private Shop' on Kew Road and was unaware of it for 2 months before a colleague bought it to my attention.
Maybe I'm unobservant, or maybe I'm just an average person who might walk past the shop and think that the blinds resemble nothing more than a doctors surgery, solicitors, funeral directors or some other kind of office.
Presumably the lack of window display and advertisement is a condition on the licence.
There are shops on Richmond Hill that do a better job of advertising 'sex' to sell their products than this non-discript unit on Kew Road.
Where is the arguement?
Who are we to deny a successful small business, particularly in such difficult times? That would be the opposite of Localism, surely?
It doesn't take a genius to guess that local people must be purchasing from the shop, otherwise how would the business succeed?
The suggestion that the majority of visitors live outside Richmond is, quite frankly, ridiculous. How could anyone possibly know? I've not spotted anyone with a clipboard outside the shop(!)
Why would anyone from another area travel to a place that only has 1 sex-shop to purchase items. They wouldn't. They would shop online. Particularly as there is next to no parking outside said shop.
I'm not saying the people visiting the shop are 'you' of course, but they must be out there!
There are, at this moment in time, so many more important things to be discussed.
No sex (shop) please, we're British...
Firstly I agree that the views of residents and local businesses should be taken into account, regardless of the party that are in power.
However, I work a little way down from the 'Private Shop' on Kew Road and was unaware of it for 2 months before a colleague bought it to my attention.
Maybe I'm unobservant, or maybe I'm just an average person who might walk past the shop and think that the blinds resemble nothing more than a doctors surgery, solicitors, funeral directors or some other kind of office.
Presumably the lack of window display and advertisement is a condition on the licence.
There are shops on Richmond Hill that do a better job of advertising 'sex' to sell their products than this non-discript unit on Kew Road.
Where is the arguement?
Who are we to deny a successful small business, particularly in such difficult times? That would be the opposite of Localism, surely?
It doesn't take a genius to guess that local people must be purchasing from the shop, otherwise how would the business succeed?
The suggestion that the majority of visitors live outside Richmond is, quite frankly, ridiculous. How could anyone possibly know? I've not spotted anyone with a clipboard outside the shop(!)
Why would anyone from another area travel to a place that only has 1 sex-shop to purchase items. They wouldn't. They would shop online. Particularly as there is next to no parking outside said shop.
I'm not saying the people visiting the shop are 'you' of course, but they must be out there!
There are, at this moment in time, so many more important things to be discussed.
Sorry Mr Taylor, I can't let Mr Lennon's last post go unchallenged - I'm way off subject but this will be my last comment.
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Mr Lennon confirms my point - these local LibDem political warriors are oblivious to the harm they do to their cause which is probably driven by arrogance and disbelief that they could have been voted out of office after so long. Everything he writes seems to come from their handbook "Effective Opposition" - be wicked etc. Wiser heads in the party claimed that it had been ditched however a few hotheads clearly still lurk and turn it's pages for inspiration. What a pity - I used to vote for them until I observed their casual disdain for us at first hand. Is it any wonder that many former friends have become implaccable adversaries?
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Interestingly, following Paddy Ashdowns' outburst about the AV campaigns, today's Independent contains a quote from a former Labour MP, Jane Kennedy who is quoted as saying that the Liberal Democrats had "perfected the technique" of conducting personally abusive campaigns - I think we know all about that in our green and leafy borough, don't we?
I won't comment about Mr Lennon's reference to the late Ken Saro-Wiwa other than to hope that he will withdraw his rather tasteless slur.
Alex
Sorry Mr Taylor, I can't let Mr Lennon's last post go unchallenged - I'm way off subject but this will be my last comment.
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Mr Lennon confirms my point - these local LibDem political warriors are oblivious to the harm they do to their cause which is probably driven by arrogance and disbelief that they could have been voted out of office after so long. Everything he writes seems to come from their handbook "Effective Opposition" - be wicked etc. Wiser heads in the party claimed that it had been ditched however a few hotheads clearly still lurk and turn it's pages for inspiration. What a pity - I used to vote for them until I observed their casual disdain for us at first hand. Is it any wonder that many former friends have become implaccable adversaries?
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Interestingly, following Paddy Ashdowns' outburst about the AV campaigns, today's Independent contains a quote from a former Labour MP, Jane Kennedy who is quoted as saying that the Liberal Democrats had "perfected the technique" of conducting personally abusive campaigns - I think we know all about that in our green and leafy borough, don't we?
I won't comment about Mr Lennon's reference to the late Ken Saro-Wiwa other than to hope that he will withdraw his rather tasteless slur.
Alex
I don't speak for the local Liberal Democrats, Alex, I speak for myself.
Still, I'm flattered that you apply such effort to analysis of what I write! (Local LibDems are probably also flattered at your apparent knowledge of party and process, too.)
I don't speak for the local Liberal Democrats, Alex, I speak for myself.
Still, I'm flattered that you apply such effort to analysis of what I write! (Local LibDems are probably also flattered at your apparent knowledge of party and process, too.)
I'm sorry Mr Taylor; If it's OK for Nick Clegg to renege on an election pledge, I'm sure you will agree that its OK for me to renege on my pledge and add a final final comment:
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Please have a look at Mr Lennon's post of Tuesday 19th at 2.19pm - lots of LibDem attack dog stuff, also, interestingly, several latin references. Thats unusual on these forums - to my knowledge the only local latin scholar who shares his wisdom with us is our very own new hot-shot LibDem Councillor Gareth Roberts. Could he and Tim_Lennon be one and the same person or a shared alias?
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Now have a look at his most recent, posted today at 3.05pm - quite different aren't they? Still no apology for the Ken Saro-Wiwa slur, but then, thats typical of the blind stubborness of these sort of people. Why don't they ever learn?
Alex
I'm sorry Mr Taylor; If it's OK for Nick Clegg to renege on an election pledge, I'm sure you will agree that its OK for me to renege on my pledge and add a final final comment:
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Please have a look at Mr Lennon's post of Tuesday 19th at 2.19pm - lots of LibDem attack dog stuff, also, interestingly, several latin references. Thats unusual on these forums - to my knowledge the only local latin scholar who shares his wisdom with us is our very own new hot-shot LibDem Councillor Gareth Roberts. Could he and Tim_Lennon be one and the same person or a shared alias?
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Now have a look at his most recent, posted today at 3.05pm - quite different aren't they? Still no apology for the Ken Saro-Wiwa slur, but then, thats typical of the blind stubborness of these sort of people. Why don't they ever learn?
Alex
Tim Lennon and I the same person? I'm afraid not though I can understand why you'd make that mistake.
Cuiusvis hominis est errare; nullius nisi insipientis in errore perseverare
Tim Lennon and I the same person? I'm afraid not though I can understand why you'd make that mistake.
Cuiusvis hominis est errare; nullius nisi insipientis in errore perseverare
To answer Kew500, it was agreed by the applicants at the meeting that there would be no loss of jobs should the licence be refused as it would revert back to a shop which was not licensed but we would have window displays which would upset some people (possibly). It would not affect small business. With the Piano, the eastern Europeans would presumably be re-located although I have little knowledge of that establishment but it would be included in the referendum issue.
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I see the points you make but maintain we should have a clear indication of what the policy on licensing should be in the borough.
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And, yes, it does look very ordinary, and the survey that was taken some years ago by a resident who is now abroad suggested that virtually no-one goes into the place.
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At least you have made your point Kew500, some of which I agree with.
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Phillip Taylor
To answer Kew500, it was agreed by the applicants at the meeting that there would be no loss of jobs should the licence be refused as it would revert back to a shop which was not licensed but we would have window displays which would upset some people (possibly). It would not affect small business. With the Piano, the eastern Europeans would presumably be re-located although I have little knowledge of that establishment but it would be included in the referendum issue.
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I see the points you make but maintain we should have a clear indication of what the policy on licensing should be in the borough.
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And, yes, it does look very ordinary, and the survey that was taken some years ago by a resident who is now abroad suggested that virtually no-one goes into the place.
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At least you have made your point Kew500, some of which I agree with.
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Phillip Taylor
Nice, Alex: can't make the dog mess stick (ahem) so now it's a dead Ogoni activist?
Besides, it's hard not to believe that there's more than one person in the borough who can remember a bit of Latin. One needs only to have gone to the right school, after all!
Nice, Alex: can't make the dog mess stick (ahem) so now it's a dead Ogoni activist?
Besides, it's hard not to believe that there's more than one person in the borough who can remember a bit of Latin. One needs only to have gone to the right school, after all!
Aah - the beauty of Councillor Gareth Roberts' latin! He really is terribly pleased with himself isn't he? Remember his mugshot in the Informer in front of the warning sign in Cricket Lane, Hampton Hill?
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For those who can't be bothered to google his quote here is a translation:
Cuiusvis hominis est errare; nullius nisi insipientis in errore perseverare. "Any man can make a mistake; only a fool keeps making the same one."
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Not bad at all, although, sadly for Gareth, he doesn't realise that I was indeed the fool who made the mistake of involving myself with the Liberal Democrats more than once before I realised what they were really like - more fool me. This series of posts may well prompt other readers to wonder why it took me so long to realise the error of my ways. If so, they would be right - the truth is that they are all sweetness and light on the surface but red in tooth and claw if you dare to challenge them.
I will ignore Tim_Lennon's characteristically unpleasant post. One day he will realise the power of an appropriate apology - until then, further debate is pointless.
Alex
Aah - the beauty of Councillor Gareth Roberts' latin! He really is terribly pleased with himself isn't he? Remember his mugshot in the Informer in front of the warning sign in Cricket Lane, Hampton Hill?
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For those who can't be bothered to google his quote here is a translation:
Cuiusvis hominis est errare; nullius nisi insipientis in errore perseverare. "Any man can make a mistake; only a fool keeps making the same one."
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Not bad at all, although, sadly for Gareth, he doesn't realise that I was indeed the fool who made the mistake of involving myself with the Liberal Democrats more than once before I realised what they were really like - more fool me. This series of posts may well prompt other readers to wonder why it took me so long to realise the error of my ways. If so, they would be right - the truth is that they are all sweetness and light on the surface but red in tooth and claw if you dare to challenge them.
I will ignore Tim_Lennon's characteristically unpleasant post. One day he will realise the power of an appropriate apology - until then, further debate is pointless.
Alex
Oh my goodness me, Mr Taylor... You've surpassed yourself now - xenophobia [type comments] and changing what you are calling for... all in one post.
So just to get it straight in my mind - you're now calling for people to support a referendum on policy, not the Kew sex shop specifically and you are making assumptions about the Piano Lounge's workers. Have you ever been into the Piano Lounge, to enable you to form the view that it is only eastern European women who work there? You must have, as you're so aware of the 'facts'.
Here are a few of Mr Taylor's 'facts':
-the Kew sex shop couldn't possibly be making money
-nobody in the borough would dream of using a sex shop
-this is a huge issue for the borough at wide
Well I don't see the sex shop closing, I don't see your proof nobody in the borough isn't using it and I certainly don't see any support here for your lunacy.
I think you've completely discredited yourself and your case (not that this wasn't done before), so please find something else to be a hero over now.
Oh my goodness me, Mr Taylor... You've surpassed yourself now - xenophobia [type comments] and changing what you are calling for... all in one post.
So just to get it straight in my mind - you're now calling for people to support a referendum on policy, not the Kew sex shop specifically and you are making assumptions about the Piano Lounge's workers. Have you ever been into the Piano Lounge, to enable you to form the view that it is only eastern European women who work there? You must have, as you're so aware of the 'facts'.
Here are a few of Mr Taylor's 'facts':
-the Kew sex shop couldn't possibly be making money
-nobody in the borough would dream of using a sex shop
-this is a huge issue for the borough at wide
Well I don't see the sex shop closing, I don't see your proof nobody in the borough isn't using it and I certainly don't see any support here for your lunacy.
I think you've completely discredited yourself and your case (not that this wasn't done before), so please find something else to be a hero over now.
You are writing the usual rubbish, Concerned Resident.
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If you look carefully at what has been suggested, I have indicated that a referendum would need to be on a wider theme than merely Private Shop because it is the licensing policy as a whole which needs to be ratified in this borough.
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Your other points just embellish your own personal agenda. The 'facts' you claim I state are your assumptions- I do not know whether the shop makes money (and don't care); I am sure many people would use the shop if they wish to; and it is not a huge issue but was an important one for the ward when the original permission was granted.
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I have not discredited myself at all- you are the one who is discredited with your partial approach to the 'facts' which are twisted to suit your own nickname as you do not have the guts to say who you are.
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As for the Piano, I have no direct evidence of the origins of those who work there, merely anecdoctal comment from recent law reports, but I am well aware of the issues concerning the trafficking of women from parts of Europe to Britain and I have supported the attempts by people like Mrs Justice Cox and the Legal Action Group to do something about it and highlight its profile because the lap dancing function is an area which lends itself to this form of slavery.
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I have at no time suggested the Piano is involved directly or indirectly in this matter but it has been raised with me on the doorstep and they are merely allegations which are not substantiated as far as I am concerned.
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I am also not interested in being a hero, thank you.
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Phillip Taylor
You are writing the usual rubbish, Concerned Resident.
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If you look carefully at what has been suggested, I have indicated that a referendum would need to be on a wider theme than merely Private Shop because it is the licensing policy as a whole which needs to be ratified in this borough.
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Your other points just embellish your own personal agenda. The 'facts' you claim I state are your assumptions- I do not know whether the shop makes money (and don't care); I am sure many people would use the shop if they wish to; and it is not a huge issue but was an important one for the ward when the original permission was granted.
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I have not discredited myself at all- you are the one who is discredited with your partial approach to the 'facts' which are twisted to suit your own nickname as you do not have the guts to say who you are.
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As for the Piano, I have no direct evidence of the origins of those who work there, merely anecdoctal comment from recent law reports, but I am well aware of the issues concerning the trafficking of women from parts of Europe to Britain and I have supported the attempts by people like Mrs Justice Cox and the Legal Action Group to do something about it and highlight its profile because the lap dancing function is an area which lends itself to this form of slavery.
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I have at no time suggested the Piano is involved directly or indirectly in this matter but it has been raised with me on the doorstep and they are merely allegations which are not substantiated as far as I am concerned.
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I am also not interested in being a hero, thank you.
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Phillip Taylor
My Taylor accuses me of twisting the facts to suit my own personal agenda, so I will make my next point using only his own words and his own contradiction:
"With the Piano, the eastern Europeans would presumably be re-located" against "As for the Piano, I have no direct evidence of the origins of those who work there, merely anecdoctal comment from recent law reports".
A statement of fact substantiated anecdotal evidence. What do you make of that Mr Taylor?
As for my identity, I'll make the same point now as I have done directly to you before. The internet provides a degree of anonymity to anyone who uses it. You use the internet knowing this. So if you are struggling to come to terms with that fact, you know what you can do (hint: it involves the "off" button). And I fail to see how you not knowing who to look for detracts from my comments anyway.
My Taylor accuses me of twisting the facts to suit my own personal agenda, so I will make my next point using only his own words and his own contradiction:
"With the Piano, the eastern Europeans would presumably be re-located" against "As for the Piano, I have no direct evidence of the origins of those who work there, merely anecdoctal comment from recent law reports".
A statement of fact substantiated anecdotal evidence. What do you make of that Mr Taylor?
As for my identity, I'll make the same point now as I have done directly to you before. The internet provides a degree of anonymity to anyone who uses it. You use the internet knowing this. So if you are struggling to come to terms with that fact, you know what you can do (hint: it involves the "off" button). And I fail to see how you not knowing who to look for detracts from my comments anyway.
"Substantiated by", by the way.
"Substantiated by", by the way.
It's a legitimate business so why should it be shut down? Let it stay I say (and I'll make a point of using it more to support it!)
It's a legitimate business so why should it be shut down? Let it stay I say (and I'll make a point of using it more to support it!)
You protest too much, "Concerned", and good luck to you with your profound nickname which will give you the level of gravitas you feel you deserve for your postings here. Hm! "Concerned" but "secretive".
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And to Ms Moloney... good on you, and why not get photographed doing so to support a local businesses on the Kew Road as they need the publicity- that would give the shop even more legitimacy.
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I am not suggesting it is illegitimate, merely that a decision by local people was ignored by councillors and was a 'flawed' decision. Private Shop has its licence fair and square even though the original application should have been refused and, according to Cllr Miller, would have been last week if it was a new application. At least you don't have to go up to London now for your supplies although you could always go over to Kingston, I suppose- the bus fare is now £1.40.
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Phillip Taylor
You protest too much, "Concerned", and good luck to you with your profound nickname which will give you the level of gravitas you feel you deserve for your postings here. Hm! "Concerned" but "secretive".
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And to Ms Moloney... good on you, and why not get photographed doing so to support a local businesses on the Kew Road as they need the publicity- that would give the shop even more legitimacy.
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I am not suggesting it is illegitimate, merely that a decision by local people was ignored by councillors and was a 'flawed' decision. Private Shop has its licence fair and square even though the original application should have been refused and, according to Cllr Miller, would have been last week if it was a new application. At least you don't have to go up to London now for your supplies although you could always go over to Kingston, I suppose- the bus fare is now £1.40.
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Phillip Taylor
Why is it that some Richmond residents are scared of the unknown. It's what keeps them from moving into the current millennium. Villages for a city, against anonymity on the internet, listening to residents on a matter that they seem not to care about... What next?
No wonder the headline of this article begins "Barrister Phillip Taylor" - I fear this is because people may have forgotten you're apparently an educated man.
Goodnight all!
Why is it that some Richmond residents are scared of the unknown. It's what keeps them from moving into the current millennium. Villages for a city, against anonymity on the internet, listening to residents on a matter that they seem not to care about... What next?
No wonder the headline of this article begins "Barrister Phillip Taylor" - I fear this is because people may have forgotten you're apparently an educated man.
Goodnight all!
There is no 'apparent' about it, 'Concerned'.
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Anyway, Christine Fleming decided on the use of the word 'barrister' not me in her excellent article. I did not even mention I was a lawyer at the hearing because it was not a relevant issue as I was speaking as a local resident.
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Keep your anonymity if you must but it gives you less credibility with your postings as you have something to hide- come on, tell us what you have been up to, to seek the pseudonym!
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Phillip Taylor
There is no 'apparent' about it, 'Concerned'.
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Anyway, Christine Fleming decided on the use of the word 'barrister' not me in her excellent article. I did not even mention I was a lawyer at the hearing because it was not a relevant issue as I was speaking as a local resident.
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Keep your anonymity if you must but it gives you less credibility with your postings as you have something to hide- come on, tell us what you have been up to, to seek the pseudonym!
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Phillip Taylor
There is no 'apparent' about it, 'Concerned'.
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Anyway, Christine Fleming decided on the use of the word 'barrister' not me in her excellent article. I did not even mention I was a lawyer at the hearing because it was not a relevant issue as I was speaking as a local resident.
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Keep your anonymity if you must but it gives you less credibility with your postings as you have something to hide- come on, tell us what you have been up to, to seek the pseudonym!
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Phillip Taylor
There is no 'apparent' about it, 'Concerned'.
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Anyway, Christine Fleming decided on the use of the word 'barrister' not me in her excellent article. I did not even mention I was a lawyer at the hearing because it was not a relevant issue as I was speaking as a local resident.
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Keep your anonymity if you must but it gives you less credibility with your postings as you have something to hide- come on, tell us what you have been up to, to seek the pseudonym!
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Phillip Taylor
Bus fare to Kingstom £1.40!! That's with an Oyster card I suppose. Unfortunately I lost my Oyster card and have not replaced it so it is even more.
Oh and btw, there is no need for a sex shop in Kew.
As for Internet nom de plumes, it is a bit of a tradition from the early days.
It is not really anonymous as all digital activity is traceable. Nonetheless a harmless nom de plume is not really the issue.
Bus fare to Kingstom £1.40!! That's with an Oyster card I suppose. Unfortunately I lost my Oyster card and have not replaced it so it is even more.
Oh and btw, there is no need for a sex shop in Kew.
As for Internet nom de plumes, it is a bit of a tradition from the early days.
It is not really anonymous as all digital activity is traceable. Nonetheless a harmless nom de plume is not really the issue.