Council bureaucracy gone mad
 

Was looking up my old motorcycle training school (Essex Bike Zone in Colchester) online earlier only to found out they had gone out of business :(

After a bit of link surfing, etc, eventually stumbled across this:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-21533320

What a very sad state of affairs when people are treated like this.

Asa (my old instructor) was (and I'm sure still is) a really top bloke. Am really gutted for him and his family :(

Re: Council bureaucracy gone mad
 

There is a great deal more to this story than has been reported in the media. They brought most of their plight on themselves.

Save your sympathy for others more deserving

Re: Council bureaucracy gone mad
 

I don't see how losing your home due to a business failure and living in caravans is "bringing it on yourself".

As ever there are two sides to every story, so please feel free to elaborate.

Re: Council bureaucracy gone mad
 

It's all about who owns the land they decided to put their caravan and tents on. I've chatted to someone in the planning department of the local council and they knew exactly the legalities of the situation. They were also offered several houses to go to through the council and housing associations. I don't know about the closure of his business however

Re: Council bureaucracy gone mad
 

Just an unpleasant situation all round I think, and perhaps a sign of the times in our country.

I would have thought if there was a better option than staying put they would have taken it rather than going to prison (especially when there's children involved).

Either way we only know the facts either as reported or through second hand information. Two sides to every story, but a sad outcome.

Re: Council bureaucracy gone mad
 

Hardly council bureaucracy gone mad either way.

It's not easy or quick to get people off land when they occupy it illegally IMHO it should be A LOT easier and quicker.

Re: Council bureaucracy gone mad
 

How come pikies don't get thrown in the slammer for doing the same thing?

Re: Council bureaucracy gone mad
 

Some do.

But like I said it takes bloody ages.

Re: Council bureaucracy gone mad
 

No wonder the prisons are full.
How come other western democratic countries(USA excepted)dont feel the need to put people in prison for these kind of things.

Re: Council bureaucracy gone mad
 

Quite often they do.