I have been stopped a couple of times this week, from people asking me why we havent started the development of the St Johns Church in Bollington and our site in Pott Shrigley.

The facts are these:

1. The builder we signed up for St Johns pulled out of the agreement and we have had to go back out to re-tender on the which has delayed the start date.
2. At Pott Shrigley we have had some technical issues due to the make up of the site and the slope and we are having to comply with our planning permission restrictions which includes strict limitation of when we can and cant have machinery on site because of the badgers.

Also, I have seen that the Ford House, Prestbury application has been refused at committee. Such a shame to see a building in such a prominent position be left to fall down. I understand that that it was refused because of the number of trees which would have been affected and the impact that would have had on the conservation area…. From my previous developments I can personally relate to the frustrations of the Rev Patrick Angier and his team of supporters. I feel some of the local Parish Councillors are completely out of touch with the reality of today’s world. They appear to spend too much time trying to live in the past rather than dealing with the reality of today and the future. They clearly have little idea of the costs involved in maintaining our heritage for future generations and I can’t help but feel that if only they would spend as much time raising money to save these wonderful buildings rather than trying to stop change then we wouldn’t be in the position we are in.

When we bought St John’s Church we had a lot a negativity: ‘How dare you shut our church down?’. The facts were: The church had been closed down for eight years before we got involved, the church needed repairing and the cost to repair was more than the building was worth.  It was marketed for 4 years with no interest. We put in an offer [with every intention of retaining such a wonderful land mark]. We worked with Veronica, the local vicar the local council and community to make sure that everyone knew what we doing, why we were doing it and how it would benefit everybody. I love Bollington, it’s buildings but most of all the community because they dont have this supercillious attitude, unlike other Parish councils, and have helped support a local business who is improving the area and putting local money into a local economy.

Prestbury…learn from Bollington and save a building whilst embracing change. Parish Councillors…people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones!

G’day to all our Australian friends. Happy Australia Day!

Celebrating the Year of the Dragon

Monday 23rd January 2012 – the first day of the Chinese Calendar.