A visit to my colleagues in SW Councils.

At least twice a year I make the long drive to Exeter for discussions with colleagues from all political sections and from all the Councils that form one of the largest in territory municipal areas in the UK. I have always said that it is a rather charming statistic that Dorset is a County bereft of motorways that is until you have to drive through its fantastic country side on roads designed for the fifties. Canford Bottom was interesting having just opened after a complete redesign to make the flow of traffic easier for the Olympics. Millions have been spent as it alone was highlighted as a traffic jam waiting to happen when the sailing competition gets under way. Traffic lights adorn the side turns and I can understand why it is named a 'hamburger' round-a-bout, we approached it with much excitement and yes we got on the system quickly, moved through it at a pace only to discover a tractor, two massive Lorries and a low loader were trundling up the A31 at a snail’s pace. And there we were stuck meandering along as if time did not matter and drivers in front and behind increasing blood pressure evident from their contorted faces. Not surprised? Well I was because it was at seven o-clock in the morning! We did get there and on time and spent the next four hours in intense discussion ranging from superfast broadband, where some Counties are much further ahead than Dorset, very useful, to the economic situation ,housing and local plans, job creation and economic growth finishing with a fascinating insight into the dark world of child abuse and domestic violence. What always gets to me is the commitment and drive being directed to all the challenges being shown by councillors from a wide span of experience. The overall conclusion was that we are a million miles away from stability in just about every area of Municipal activity, the only certainty is uncertainty and it will require much more than we have already done to get to a position of financial stability and an understanding of a service provision based on need not want.