By John Ingham, Wimbledon
I’ll give you my stock answer to personal questions: “That’s purely a private matter...”
But Merton council officers don’t hide their salaries for that reason. They don’t want you to know what they earn because, deep down, they know they aren’t worth it.
And they know, or should know, that the gravy train they ride probably won’t run for ever.
Why do I say this? Well, too often our council choose to do nothing, or at a later date “review the situation” or, in the case of Planning Committee, fall back on the excuse that it might be “unreasonable” to enforce a lack of planning permission.
What they mean, actually, is that it might require certain toothless types to flex muscle, answer letters, or phone calls – and justify the money the collect from us.
An example of their Do Nothing attitude? Look at one half of historic Lauriston cottage, on Southside Common.
Incredibly a developer added an extension, altered it inside and out, and added a Moroccan-style electric gate, without council consent!
What happened, you cry? Nothing. The developer moved.
So far this redesigned Grade II listed reminder of the 17th century has a modern facelift.
So what goes on between developers and today’s Merton Council? I couldn’t possibly comment.
Perhaps someone should.
Got something to say? Send your letter to: letters@wimbledonguardian.co.uk
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