HBC's latest moronic act

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by davemac

Name rings a bell but cant put a face to her.
My time was spent in the parks and open spaces section with a period in charge of the cemetery and crematorium as well (through the competitive tendering days). Now there are some strange tales

Think she was in housing department Dave prior to the change to Hyndburn Homes

[gynn]

Diane was a committee clerk, working with Linda Maloney.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by gynn

Diane was a committee clerk, working with Linda Maloney.

Must have been the housing committee gynn

[gynn]

Originally Posted by jaysay

Must have been the housing committee gynn

Possibly, although the Committee clerks deal with many different things. They tend to be close to councillors, seeing them so regularly for meetings etc, and become the point of contact between councillors and council departments. The chances are Diane knew who the best person in the Housing Department would be to deal with your questions.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by gynn

Possibly, although the Committee clerks deal with many different things. They tend to be close to councillors, seeing them so regularly for meetings etc, and become the point of contact between councillors and council departments. The chances are Diane knew who the best person in the Housing Department would be to deal with your questions.

Might be getting mixed up gynn, the women I talked to regularly was defo in housing. Just looked at an old HBC Diary its Rona Courtney, I dealt with gynn and before that it was gwyneth Sarker, I think thats what she was called, went to work for Blackbur with Darwen

[gynn]

I recognise those names, jaysay. Both they and Diane were excellent officers who always did a professional job in the face of some rather difficult pressure from politicians!

I think the point that davemac makes is relevant. The early retirement scheme led to all the experienced officers leaving, and the Council certainly suffered from this lack of experience in subsequent years.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by gynn

I recognise those names, jaysay. Both they and Diane were excellent officers who always did a professional job in the face of some rather difficult pressure from politicians!

I think the point that davemac makes is relevant. The early retirement scheme led to all the experienced officers leaving, and the Council certainly suffered from this lack of experience in subsequent years.

I actually don't think closing the direct works department was a good idea either, it was one of the best DWs in the area

[gynn]

Originally Posted by jaysay

I actually don't think closing the direct works department was a good idea either, it was one of the best DWs in the area

I agree jaysay, but the Direct Works Department that was so successful during the 1990s had probably had its day by 2002 as changes in Government regulations and work practices blurred the distinction between client and contractor, and forced Councils to look at new ways of providing services.

I'd hate any existing HBC staff to think there is any criticism of them in what I say. They can only work with the tools they are given. The current austerity measures and cuts in spending this year, next year and beyond fill me with horror and are probably confirmation of the nightmare scenario we all feared fifteen or twenty years ago. Massive reductions in staff to a level where, frankly, they simply can't do the job.

Frightening!

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by gynn

I agree jaysay, but the Direct Works Department that was so successful during the 1990s had probably had its day by 2002 as changes in Government regulations and work practices blurred the distinction between client and contractor, and forced Councils to look at new ways of providing services.

I'd hate any existing HBC staff to think there is any criticism of them in what I say. They can only work with the tools they are given. The current austerity measures and cuts in spending this year, next year and beyond fill me with horror and are probably confirmation of the nightmare scenario we all feared fifteen or twenty years ago. Massive reductions in staff to a level where, frankly, they simply can't do the job.

Frightening!

HBC Works Dep. were actually doing work outside the council, besides working for the council itself think in 2001 the brought around £300,000 into the council coffers as well as maintaining HBC stock

[mobertol]

Originally Posted by gynn

Diane was a committee clerk, working with Linda Maloney.

Correct -she used to take all the minutes at council meetings and worked closely wih the mayor and councillors. She did retire early but through ill health about 7yrs ago.

She is still living in Accy though (my reference point when I visit as i stay with her), she dedicates as much of her time as possible to art, painting and teaching. She also takes great photographs of her travels. Last year she spent a few weeks with me in N.Italy and will be coming back this year and taking a house on Lake Garda for a few months hopefully -this to get material for her next exhibition. As I write she is travelling back from NZ where she's been touring and staying with my sister.

I will tell her she has been remembered by some people on here I'm sure she'll be pleased.