We mentioned Boston’s Big Local project last week – and the resignation of the “facilitator” for the venture, which has received £1 million from the Big Lottery Fund for the benefit of the town.

Since then we’ve seen e-mails which point to divisions within the organisation and dissatisfaction with the Lincoln based representative, Ivan Annibal – who was appointed to oversee the project and guide the committee tasked with spending the money.

In her letter of resignation shown to Boston Eye, the facilitator, Rachel Lauberts, says that she has been “deeply concerned” with the management of the project,

She goes on: “My opinions have been ignored which has resulted in me feeling disempowered and disillusioned. I joined this project because I believed that it was going to be, and clearly should be, resident led and felt that it was a fantastic opportunity for Boston.

“Having been appointed as the Facilitator for Boston Big Local I have naturally made it my business to do extensive research in to the process and procedures as laid down in all the guidelines under the Big Local Trust, from starting the conversation right though to completing and submitting the Big Local Plan.

“My decision to resign is based purely on the facts of how Boston Big Local should be conducted, and despite many efforts on my part to follow the correct guidelines I have often met with obstruction and dismissal which has made my position as Facilitator untenable.”

The resignation comes after the project steering group posed a series of questions for Mr Annibal to answer which raise several points about his role.

The gift to Boston is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the town.

The intention is that the decisions on where the money goes are in the hands of the people, and that Boston Borough Council and other such "worthy" organisations do not have any control over the spending.

Since the announcement of the project at the end of 2012, little has been heard of the progress the group is making.

Now it seems the message from the project is “not waving, but drowning” and it seems high time that the members get their act together.

Read more about the Big Local project and some of its ideas in future issues of Boston Eye.

***

In just a few weeks, we bid farewell to Councillor Paul Kenny as Boston’s 479^th Mayor.

His year in office has seen one of the greatest contributions from a mayor that we can remember – and perhaps the best ever.

He has attended countless functions and events, and was out and about throughout last year’s flooding, lending help and support and generally boosting morale.

We have to say that he also looked the part – more than adequately filling the official robes in the way of a civic Mr Pickwick or Mr Fezziwig – which is an added bonus.

The next Mayor will be Councillor Alison Austin, and from what we know of her warmth, charisma, human kindness and communication skills, we think that councillor Kenny’s legacy has nothing to fear for the 12 months ahead.

Interestingly, when it was agreed to restore the seniority selection process to pick the mayor – on an accumulated service basis, so that a councillor’s previous service would be included in the calculation –  the  first post holder on that basis was Conservative Councillor Colin Brotherton.

But after that, we were told that  things became complicated because the next seven in line all have equal service.

It was decided that the democratic way around this was to choose a mayor by drawing lots – or that's what we were told.

The magnificent seven in question were: Councillors Paul Kenny, Alison and Richard Austin, Michael Gilbert, Brian Rush, Helen Staples, and David Witts.

So far, Councillor Kenny and Mrs Austin have made the cut, and next year's candidate will be in the unenviable position of possibly being appointed and then getting thrown out of office in the elections on 7th May next year.

But here's a question.

Does anyone recall a ballot taking place?

We certainly don't – although like so much that goes on in Worst Street, it may well have been done in secret and behind closed doors.

***

If you’re at a loose end over the Easter weekend holiday, then why not spend a few minutes – because that’s all it takes – to complete Boston Borough Council’s “Drinking in Public Places survey.”

It's being conducted because the current Drinking in Public Places Order (DPPO), introduced to help control drinking of alcohol in public places in certain circumstances, is being repealed.

As the council tirelessly points out, it was never a ban, but a way to prevent alcohol consumption where it resulted in anti-social behaviour.

With the apparent introduction of “new rules” Boston Borough Council wants “to plot a way forwards.”

The council, having pooh-poohed public concerns for years, is now saying that a complete ban on drinking alcohol in the town centre and Central Park may now be the only solution  to “disgusting” anti-social behaviour as councillors "are now at their wit’s end”  – although for some of them, this is perhaps not too long a journey.

Councillor Yvonne Gunter, head of flags, planters, bridges, cemeteries, and parks is pictured grim faced in a recent Boston Target fulminating about drunkenness, coupled with urination and even defecation in the streets as well as the park.

“We have tried everything else – polite notices, warning notices, threats, face-to-face confrontation, reduction of corners they can hide away in, lowering the height of shrubs – but nothing has worked …

“ ... I really do think the only solution will be to completely ban drinking alcohol in the town centre and the park. If it’s illegal then firmer action can be taken against those who choose to flout the law.”

Problems in Central Park have been going on since policemen wore high hats and the involvement of alcohol has increased their severity.

But we do not think that a ban on alcohol should be the knee jerk reaction to the problem.

Such a law would make it impossible for a picnicker in the park to enjoy a tin of beer or a glass of wine – which is part of what a park should be for.

Over the past few years, Boston’s response to the problems of drinking has had the result of ruining the enjoyment of everyone other than the culprits.

We have seen amenity benches removed across the town, attractive shrubbery uprooted and flower borders ploughed over … all because of a handful of drinkers.

“Trying everything” does not seem to have included enforcement  of the DPPO at any stage – otherwise we are sure that the council would have shouted about it from the rooftops.

And at no time can we recall court appearances by any of the ne’er do wells who commit these unpleasant offences.

The police have announced the occasional “crackdown” on street drinking – the most recent being the preposterously named “Operation Dakota*” – which like all such exercises is a sop to public opinion that lulls people into a false belief that our police are really doing something, and which is shortly to be resurrected now that the lighter evenings have arrived.

It is the inaction in all of this that is most aggravating.

The council simply blows hot air.

The police do nothing.

Yet both authorities have the manpower and resources to act.

The bulk of the offences are confined to Central Park, where the council has ground staff and the presence of several volunteer groups.

The police have Neighbourhood Police officers for the town centre.

The idea when they appeared was that they would be “out and about” and the quote “more bobbies back on the beat” was brandished like swords at Agincourt.

We also have Police Community Support Officers.

The idea when they appeared was that they would be “out and about” and the quote “more bobbies back on the beat” was brandished like swords at a musketeers’ training camp.

Now, they all ride around in cars – allowing the public a brief glimpse of broken promises in action.

Boston Borough Council also has an Anti-Social Behaviour team.

Yet between all these people and their fancy titles, it seems that we can’t muster an organised effort to rid Central Park of the drinkers and piddlers once and for all.

So the next thing will be the imposition of an outright ban – if it actually is possible.

And if it becomes possible to impose one, then that’s what will happen, without a doubt.

The borough council survey asks only three questions posed in a way which makes the answers a foregone conclusion.

The handful of people who complete it will comprise only those who want to ban drinking– so expect the triumphal announcement of “overwhelming” public support.

What else could you expect from three questions …?

1 Should people be allowed to drink alcohol in a public place (e.g. streets, parks, car parks etc

2 Do you think there is a problem with drinking alcohol in a public place in the following areas?

3 If Boston Borough Council had sufficient evidence to BAN the drinking of alcohol in "defined" public places would you support this?

Not for the first time, the answer to the problems seems to be to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, when some positive policing could doubtless bring matters to an end and let the park remain a place for families to enjoy a glass of wine with their picnic if they wish – and that’s the important thing … the ability to live our lives with as few rules and regulations as possible.

And don’t forget – even if stringent new laws are enacted, they will be useless without enforcement … and if that had been done earlier, we wouldn’t have reached this sorry pass.

***

At long last, a good idea has been hatched in the corridors of Worst Street – an official calendar that hopefully will look different from the usual run-of-the-mill stuff.

The pictures will be the work of Boston photographer Christopher Lewis.

We have seen some samples, and they certainly are outstanding.

The borough has been seeking sponsorship to cover the costs and Boston Eye has been delighted to buy one of the pages.

***

Last week’s suggestion that Boston town centre is now in such a state of decay that it could well be twinned with Havana in Cuba was, as you probably guessed, tongue in cheek.

But has the idea struck a chord with one of our senior council members?

We’re told that no lesser figure than Boston’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Councillor Raymond Singleton-McGuire has paid the Caribbean paradise a visit – and who knows, when he sees things first hand he may agree with us about the similarities with Boston.

But just one thing, Regimental Sergeant Major … watch out for the "no parking" signs.

Although Cuba hasn't employed it for years, we understand it still has the firing squad for miscreants.

***

Finally, if you decide on a day out over Easter – rather than spending time filling out a survey on drinking in public places – we assume that there is something going on in Boston to entertain you. We say “assume” after reading the heavily promoted “Discover Lincolnshire” day being publicised by Lincolnshire County Council – which features news of events in Lincoln, Gainsborough, Lincoln, Spalding,  Lincoln and Alford. Mention of Boston is there none – which is often the case where the county council is concerned. And nearer home, the borough’s so-called “guide”  to Easter activities (pictured left) lists no fewer than five events at RSPB Frampton Marsh Nature Reserve – although two of them finish before the holiday break – and a distinctly non-Easterish coaching session at Boston Bowls Club.

 

*Dakota has a variety of connotations and definitions – none of which has any connection to binge drinking in the streets.

You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com  Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.

Our former blog is archived at: http://bostoneyelincolnshire.blogspot.com