Comments on: Rogue or bungling planning officer or deliberate secret ploy? How the comhairle secretly blocks small renewable schemes by hunting out objections

By: Herrach

Herrach — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 15:08:15 +0000

I hear that the SNP have defied their former admirer, Mr. Trump with the unfeasible toupee, and given the Aberdeen offshore windfarm consent. Will they now do the same for North Uist and Bernera? What do the MP and MSP have to say?
Not a word , as usual.

By: Monkey Subsidy

Monkey Subsidy — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 09:09:45 +0000

Herrach and Uibhisteach, you are both right. The two applications Manford refers to have already been approved by the council!
Manford’s Masters in the SNP must have told him that they are going to turn the applications down, and he was instructed to get his retaliation in first, so when the news is announced he will be singing his sad song on radio/TV/press, and all you deluded souls in the North will believe him.
Bad is good in the brave new world of the SNP..

By: Uibhisteach

Uibhisteach — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 22:19:20 +0000

Rather than making pointless accusations, Cllr Manford might be better spending his time lobbying his SNP pals in Government not to overturn the legitimate decision of the Comhairle to support these applications. The North Uist development is worth up to £450,000 annually to the local community.

By: Herrach

Herrach — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 09:14:53 +0000

I hear that the planning applications Manford is complaining about have already been APPROVED by the Council! Could it be that he is getting his retaliation in early because it is the SNP government who are stopping these developments? I also hear that he has yet to produce any evidence backing up his allegations. How is he allowed to get away with such behaviour?

By: Monkey Subsidy

Monkey Subsidy — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 08:56:26 +0000

Manford emerges from cover in his usual style- accusations, innuendo, and not a shred of evidence so far. He has form in this regard, and he never follows up with anything of substance. He either has evidence to warrant action against the officers/councillors concerned, or he doesn’t, in which case action should be taken against him- he is , after all the vice chair of Audit and Scrutiny, whatever that means.
My own theory is that this a smokescreen to cover up his appalling transport legacy, pathetic ferry services, which are going to get worse up there when your new tub arrives late, only to immediately break down!

By: John B

John B — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 23:53:37 +0000

Seriously? Manford is more trouble to the islands than the free church. Your old class mate is actually doing a good job as leader Iain. Who else could from this crop? I had hoped the snp would flourish this term, unfortunately my bet on J. Lamont to win miss world has more chance. P.s wishing A. Morrison a speedy recovery

By: Davey H

Davey H — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 15:24:42 +0000

I don’t think the Comhairle would have the bottle to threaten Mr X, I think they are hammering nails into their own coffins without his help. I remember a certain senior officer telling me I was bringing his department into disrepute, my reply? ” you are doing a good job without my Help” keep up the good work Mr Manford. we need you.

By: Iain Maciver

Iain Maciver — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 13:41:44 +0000

Thank you, David M. Just to clarify, I was not threatened over this particular issue.

By: David M

David M — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 12:58:09 +0000

I am not usually a conspiracy theorist but all the signs point to a conspiracy. I hope all the other local media have the brains to look into this too although as Angus Campbell has already called his lawyers in to threaten Mr X , I expect the others will crumble .

By: Monoglot

Monoglot — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 11:31:09 +0000

Good work Manford. Too many secret agendas being pursued and then covered up by the fellow officers and by some members. Two more scandals are about to break which show the contempt that (certain of the top-level) officers have for the elected members and the public. Both are costing the Council much money unnecessarily and the officers remain free to repeat their ‘mistakes’ to benefit their own interests.