Today the Star has published my (genuine) letter about Sheffield's economy. They have also published the apology for their error earlier this week: 

I am currently away on holiday in Norfolk.

I got an email this morning from one of the people who deals with the press to ask me about a letter, apparently from me, that appeared in the Star... I then got a couple of texts from people "checking I was alright"!

The letter was basically a rant about "incompetent public servants, quangocrats, lazy public sector workers" etc.

I managed to get another letter in the Star today - see below.

The Star reported on Monday that Nick Clegg wants Sheffield's economy to focus on technology and manufacturing. One of his first acts in government was to cancel investment in Forgemasters which would have done just that - he really does have some cheek!

Labour has been in power in Sheffield for just over 100 days.

Below is the text of a letter I sent to the Star

100 Days of Action

Sheffield City Council has been a whirlwind of activity since the LibDems were booted out by the people of Sheffield just over 100 days ago.

Today I attended Sheffield Fayre, in my ward. As well as meeting many many people from Arbourthorne and Norfolk Park, it was a great opportunity to see the richness of Sheffield's heritage. 

Sheffield Fayre is northern England's largest free festival. The various attractions include favourites like the Sheffield Horticultural Show and the largest multi-period Living History Camp and Battle Re-enactment in the North of England.

Apologies for the lack of posting.

It is one of the strange things about blogging that when the most exciting / scary / time-demanding political events occur is by definition the times when blogging is least at the forefront of one's mind. Must do better.

Stay posted.

Jack

I have recieved this response from DEFRA regarding dangerious dogs:

Thank you for your email of 3 January to the Secretary of State about dangerous dogs. I have been asked to reply.

We appreciate that the issue of dangerous dogs is increasingly important to the public. We consider that it is not just a problem of dangerous breeds but also one of bad owners. They need to be held to account and stopped from ruining people’s lives.

There are undoubtedly some new opportunities for the VCF sector in the Big Society as well as challenges. It IS more than just about cutting back, but a lot of the rhetoric associated with it offends people already involved in the sector and gives the impression the Coalition discovered volunteering and volunteerism in June sometime.

Thank you Lord Mayor.

Sheffield deserves better a better settlement than this.

Nobody should underestimate the impact this Local Government Settlement will have on Sheffield and its citizens. And nobody should doubt that these cuts will hit front-line services and cause massive job losses in both the public and private sectors, risking a double-dip recession.

I have sent this letter to our local paper today:

VAT hike will hit families and the British economy

The Conservative-led Government raises VAT rises this week. Nick Clegg has broken so many promises it's hardly worth recalling that he categorically promised not to raise VAT and attacked the Tories for planning it.
The stark reality is that an average family will lose an extra £7.50 a week (£390 a year).
As always with a Tory tax rise, the poorest are being hit the hardest while the richest are let off.
This tax rise will damage our economy.