Express & Echo Article

Subject: Full/Half Page Article in the Express and Echo

Various emails, starting with one from myself to CF/SDNP and SL/EPW + others.

Hi All – I have persuaded the Express and Echo to do a full/half page feature re Looe Road Park and its surrounding community. The article will include the input from various partnership organisations particularly Exeter Parks Watch and the Parks Department. I particularly want to include some input from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.

Response from Christine Fraser/SDNP -

Hi Bob Well done. I saw your picture in today's edition, so it looks as if you are taking up residence in that journal! Happy to do whatever (within reason!) is required...!
Christine

Response from Susan Lawrence/EPW -
Hi Bob Happy to help to promote Looe Road Park and the work of Parks Watch.Regards Sue

Sorry Bob. Forgot to give you my number: XXXXXXXXXX.See you next Friday. Susan


Another email from Susan Lawrence/EPW, following on from her previous message.

Hi Bob do be careful about this link with E&E. I have been down this avenue with the E&E before and one discordant word and the E&E will splash it over everywhere and the voice of reason will be forgotten. Also everyone has to be careful that they do not give their views which then appears to be the views of Parks Watch. I don’t want PW to lose all its credibility that PW and other local residents have worked hard to achieve in their own particular parks throughout Exeter, hard work that has gone on for 6 years. Believe me it can happen. Been there – done it and don’t want to do it again!
Emails end.

It would appear from SL's second email that she shares SDNP's concerns about 'losing credibility'. What both organisations are unable, or unwilling, to see is that any credibility they have lost is because of their own actions, not those of anyone else.

Because of inaction from CF/SDNP/SL/EPW on this matter I took the initiative and arranged for a comprehensive article, re Looe Road Park, to be published in the Express & Echo. I thought this would be an ideal opportunity to 'sell ourselves/involved organisations' and what we are all trying to achieve within our community'. I also thought, by raising our profile, it may help raise awareness of the need for funding.

Christine Fraser/SDNP/Susan Lawrence/EPW were originally very receptive and positive towards the idea (see above). However, approximately a week before the Express and Echo journalist was due to contact various members (listed at the start of this paragraph + others) of involved organisations and specific individuals, I was contacted by SL who expressed her reluctance to being involved, in spite of originally expressing her support for the article. Because of SLs concerns I requested a copy of the article from the E&E before publication to ensure there would be no negativity included. The article will be (was) published but any contribution from EPW only relate to 'generalities' rather than the specifics of Looe Road Park. My main concern was that this reluctance from EPW to be involved could affect important opportunities in the future and may have already done so.

CF also commented that she and SDNP, “Don’t get involved in this sort of thing”. It was agreed, between the Express and Echo and myself that, in view of Susan Lawrence’s and Christine Fraser’s and, of course SDNPs reluctance to be involved, that they would not be asked to contribute to this article. The subsequent article gave a very positive overview of what we, as a community are trying to achieve, despite EPW’s/SDNP’s refusal to participate.

It was also unfortunate that Paul Faulkner, Manager of Parks and Open Spaces was 'unable to attend, but he did at least send one of his staff to represent his department.

In conclusion - Whilst I appreciate that some level of 'monitoring' is probably necessary, any personal initiatives are generally frowned upon and discouraged. I appreciate that Sue Lawrence works and is therefore limited in the time and energy that she can/wants to devote to our community but this is surely sufficient reason alone to delegate some of the responsibility. The work restrictions on Sue Lawrence’s time also allowed Christine Fraser to do more or less as she pleased, which she generally did/does anyway.

So much for supporting our community. Whilst CF/SDNP/SL/EPW refused, yet again, to support initiatives and contribute to the article focussing on our community, "because they don't get involved in this sort of thing", they are more than happy to use the local press in other matters when it suits them.

Statement Specifically Requested by Susan Lawrence for Inclusion in EPW Meeting Minutes Part1

Below is copied some of my original statement,specifically requested by Susan Lawrence for the inclusion in the Minutes of an EPW meeting. Parts of this statement have been excluded from this message but will be included at a later date and in greater detail.

Final paragraph from my original statement presented at the Looe Road Parks Watch meeting 08/02/08.
"This is not a ‘witch-hunt’, and it is never my intention to ‘step-on toes’, but this is perhaps a good opportunity to review procedures so that initiatives can move forward more smoothly. Because of the infrequency of meetings and reluctance of the Chair to delegate anything other than minor responsibilities I am concerned that future opportunities for support/funding may be missed".

Firstly, I would like to apologise to all those present at the meeting for my angry response directed mainly at Christine Fraser. This was not without provocation from Christine, who chose to direct a personal verbal attack against myself and my motives for involvement in our local community. Yes, I am passionate about this work but I resent her comment that I am a "martyr to it". Since this disagreement Christine no longer keeps me informed of any information that relates to what is, or isn't, occurring in our community. Clearly Christine and Susan have taken the original statement very personally and responded or, more to the point, not responded, as she (they) see fit. I draw your attention to the first paragraph of this statement.

Some of the other issues raised in my original statement are dealt with below; others will be published elsewhere on this Blog.

To Add a Little 'Balance', The Oft Trumpeted 'List of EPW Achievements' -

How impressive is this? There is, needless to say, a difference between the claims and actual 'reality', something that EPW/SDNP are particularly skilled at. Some of these 'successes' have already been covered in this Blog and those that haven't, will be in due course. Meanwhile, I have added a few comments below, in blue, to the 'hallowed' list and will be commenting on them all on this Blog, plus many other 'achievements' they obviously thought unworthy for inclusion.

This list of achievements is 'touted' around by EPW/SDNP to various authorities, organisations, and funding providers and used as, basically, a 'didn't we do well by this community' PR exercise to, yet again, promote their own self-seeking aims. As always, SDNP and EPW like to imply involvement even if their contribution is zero/minimal. No, actually you didn't do as well as you would like people to believe.

LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS IN LOOE ROAD MARCH TO OCT 2007 (As published by EPW)

It should be noted that the views expressed by EPW do not necessarily agree with reality or those of the community.

Look what has been achieved:

· Park cleaner (Debatable)
· Grass cut (Yes)
· Summer Film Programme delivered with partnership funding (Already covered)
· Devon Youth Service Bus visiting weekly (More details to follow)
· Links now establish between EPW and St David's Primary School (These links are?)
· Children installing their new goalposts (Yes)
· Soccer Workshop programme started (More details to follow)
· Funding bids prepared and achieved by local people for film programme and soccer sessions. (Films already included on this Blog. More on the Soccer in due course)
· Partnership between EPW and Exeter Housing Society established (More on this to come)
· Community survey (More on this to come)
· Action Plan created - and being delivered (Think positive, you know it makes sense!)
· New substation and cover organised for Jan 2008 ( It's nearly 2010, still no new cover, but this will be carried out when the redevelopment of the Apollo site commneces.)
· Special Bulk collection Oct to prevent illegal bonfire 5 Nov (More details to follow)
· Negotiations with Network Rail and First Great Western for community funding (link is Looe road were railways cottages) (Negotiations for what, a sculpture? More to follow)
· Football pitch to be marked out with young people for Half Term (More to follow)
· Railings to be Painted with young people/parents for Half Term (More to follow)
· Funding research and applications being undertaken by EPW volunteers ( True, up to a point)
· Housing Corporation Bid submitted (I was informed that, "this bid was so badly presented that it, 'didn't stand a cat in Hell's chance' of succeeding".)
· Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator appointed. (Really? A NHW Co-ordinator was already in position before any involvement of CF/SDNP/SL/EPW.)
· Stronger links established with PCSO, Community Patrollers. (If you say so, it must be true!)
· Community engaging with City Tree and Woodlands consultation process. ( No community reps were aware of this)
· Tree Planting on EHS triangle being considered. ( Details to follow)
· Discarded boat/rubbish on triangle actively being removed (needs notification of possible owner) (A triumph! We had a selection of abandoned vehicles instead, that have subsequently been removed since SDNPs and EPWs exit from involvement)
· Possible use by community of empty Apollo Warehouse until development starts being discussed with owner. ( Always a non-starter, given the very dilapidated state of this building and the massive financial implications of renovation to even a basic level. This building has been subsequently demolished).
· Art Workshop – ‘Design Your Park Sign’ – plus Creative Play day with City Playrangers booked for December 2007 (More on this to come)
· Reports of significant reduction in anti-social behaviour (True)
· Ongoing…….. (Precisely what is 'ongoing'?)

Christine Fraser, SDNP, Susan Lawrence, and EPW are truly impressive, if only in their ability to exagerate their actions.

The Promised Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) Check

Much of my work revolved around involvement with the youngsters of our community. Sadly, over a period of time this had raised questions, from a few residents, relating to my 'interest' in the kids. As an individual I am unable to apply for a CRB check myself.

Amid increasing concerns for my personal reputation I raised the CRB matter at an Exeter Parks Watch meeting and was reassured that, "it will be sorted out". Despite raising this same issue, several times over the following months, no action had been taken and I stated that I was reluctant to continue my involvement without the appropriate CRB check. Susan Lawrence said that she would deal with it through EPW and her connections with Devon & Cornwall Community Watch Association - she didn't. Christine Fraser said that she would organise it through SDNP - she didn't. Kelvin Lacey, SDNP and Governor of St.David's Primary School said that he would arrange it through the Primary School - he didn't. I even offered to pay any costs involved myself to any organisation that could resolve this matter so that they would not be out of pocket.
Promises of support made and subsequently ignored, again.
I eventually achieved satisfactory vetting from Devon & Cornwall Constabulary.

SDNP and 'Community Funding' - A Question

I would be interested to know precisely how much of SDNP's subscription fees have been contributed towards community initiatives. No, I'm not referring to sources like 'My Neighbourhood' or, possibly, Devon & Cornwall Constabulary funding etc, I mean your 'Partnerships' own money, derived from subscriptions. Have you actually contributed financially to anything within your own community that didn't revolve around improving your image and your anticipated takeover of the Community Centre?

Freedom of Information Act. Mmm...If only!

In view of the somewhat unpleasant nature of the email previously detailed on this Blog I thought it may be appropriate to make a formal request to Susan Lawrence (EPW) , using the Freedom of Information Act, for copies of emails exchanged between herself and Christine Fraser.
Exeter Parks Watch is classified as a 'public body' and, therefore, is required to fulfill requests made using the FOI Act. This was confirmed by Exeter City Council's Freedom of Information Department and the relevant Central Government Office.

A request for specific information was emailed to Susan Lawrence and followed up with a 'Recorded Delivery' hard copy to ensure that she received it. Email can be so unreliable at times.

A written response was received from Susan, stating that, "she did not have to provide the requested information and would not enter into any further communication with me". I was not particularly surprised at Susan's response, it merely confirmed that, perhaps, some of the requested emails may have been less than positive/complimentary, not only about myself and community reps but also various other positive Exeter City, Devon County, and Devon & Cornwall Constabulary staff.

The simple fact is that copies of the requested emails were not really necessary at this particular time, both Christine Fraser and Susan Lawrence have consistently 'shot themselves in the foot' in 101 other ways.

The Christine Fraser/SDNP 'Time-Line' Chart.

I attended an Exeter Parks Watch (EPW) meeting at which Christine Fraser presented a 'Time Line' Chart that 'detailed' St.David's Neighbourhood Partnership's (SDNP) 'involvement' in the Lower St.David's community from 2003. Yet another blatant misrepresentation of the true facts by CF. The earliest involvement of EPW/SDNP was not until late 2006/early 2007. There had been a not so subtle shift shift from EPW to EPW and SDNP involvement in Lower St.David's. It was clear that Christine Fraser was determined to create a non-existent (SDNP) presence in Lower St.David's from 2003 when this was clearly untrue. No doubt this 'perceived' involvement would have improved SDNPs funding opportunities to take control of the Community Centre and was all 'part and parcel' of the caring/sharing rebranded SDNP.

I questioned CFs misrepresentation, as did other community representatives, and she commented that, "It (the chart) would need 'beefing up' a bit". From this comment I, and other community reps, deduced that further lies would be included to enhance the reputation and exaggerate the real contribution of SDNP. Susan Lawrence (EPW Chair) chose to ignore the concerns expressed by community reps at this obvious misrepresentation.
I was concerned that this 'self-serving' offering would/could affect future plans for our community. CF soon realised that she would get no support from our community in the 'SDNP self-promotion' cause based on her 'Time Line Fiction'.
By questioning the motives of Christine Fraser and those of Susan Lawrence, who supported CF, I only added to the increasing disenchantment that was becoming the norm at EPW meetings.

Oh Dear! Toes Getting Trod On ...and the Consequences.

EPW meetings have, by now, descended into little more than farce. Lots of 'important' meetings and 'action plans' that focus more on 'talk' and less on 'action'.

Hi Susan Lawrence (EPW Chair), my future posts will include a few more details of the 'promises' of support that never materialised and, coming shortly, a copy of the statement that you requested, for inclusion in the minutes of the meeting, but you refused to accept. Tsk! Tsk! You request a statement and then promptly ignore it because the contents highlight your own, and Christine Frasers, inadequacies and appalling attitude. No doubt Christine Fraser was, as ever, 'pulling your strings', you puppet!

Dared I mention CRB checks, the Express & Echo article, Christine Fraser's SDNP/Lower St.David's 'Time Line' chart re our community, Logos, personal comments re our Council representative (another of Christine's 'valuable contributions'), EPW and SDNP's support for 'a closer working relationship with Social Housing Residents Committee', Section 106 funding, Christine Fraser's opinions re Bury Meadow Residents Association, the fencing around part of Looe Road Park, non-collection of completed survey forms etc. etc? Not forgetting to include Christine's choice words re Kelvin Lacey's 'performance' at a meeting and her comments re your own involvement in Lower St.David's community matters.

Sue, you are, of course, welcome to respond to any of the comments on this Blog, as is Christine Fraser and any of her/your cohorts.