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The thinning blue line

20/12/2006

CAN I just say merry Christmas to all our front line police officers, community wardens and PCSOs. It's a tough job at the best of times but when you're stretched to breaking and moved from one job to another and expected to record every word you utter it's nigh on impossible.

Of course, they are the ones who have to face the public and explain all the bewildering decisions coming down from above which, at times, must be downright embarrassing.

To our ambulance crews, fire fighters, doctors, nurses and all those who come to our aid in our time of need have a wonderful healthy and happy Christmas. You deserve it for you have nowhere to hide, no time to pontificate and theorise, your neck is on the line almost as much as ours. May God bless you all.

Now, I know we complain about Macclesfield Borough Council but where else would you see a butcher's van, banned from the town centre for being too heavy, replaced by an army tank? It's what makes us special and personally, I always find council staff to be extremely helpful.

Just like community bobbies they have to face the public and explain all the weird and wonderful policies inflicted upon them and I reckon they do so with great restraint. Look at it like this: how would you like to be governed from Chester or Liverpool? I rest my case.

In the coming year we may have to set up a 'Hands off our Council' campaign and I'll be first to join. I may disagree with a lot of councillors but contrary to popular, opinion, it is a thankless job with very few perks.

If anyone thinks there's money to be made being a councillor they should try it. My wish for MBC is that they become a lot tougher negotiators. In my humble opinion they allow themselves to be bullied and hoodwinked far too easily by commercial heavyweights.

Having observed a fair number of councils in my time I wouldn't swap MBC for any of them. Compared to councils around the country they are pretty damn good. To all our councillors: good health and happiness.