The miserable side of travelling

It's a mess! From the moment you arrive at the airport, the whole security system is fractious and frustrating. More to the point, it doesn't work. No wonder Martin Broughton is calling for much needed changes.

I have a pal who is a deputy manager of a major US airport. He reckons the mantra is 'if you maximise the inconvenience to the customer, they'll believe you're doing the job properly'. The plain truth is it just isn't 100% possible. We do a fair amount of flying and I accept security checks need to be done, but if Liverpool airport for instance is anything to go by, you might as well do away with all of it. I've walked through the metal detector having forgotten to remove my belt, but no alarm bell rang. I've walked through with boots on and seen Julie behind me having to remove sandals. Last month I witnessed a maniac in uniform demand a woman empty a bottle of boiled water she had because 'that's the rules'. Her protest with a tin of SMA in one hand and baby in the other was lost on him.

It's a shambles and it needs reviewing urgently!


nick

A dangerous false economy

I never disguised my concerns at the complete waste of public money that Richard Brunstrom saddled (sic) with his ill-advised and ineffective mounted unit. However, I would be the first to stand by the daily work of police helicopter units across our nation.

I really hope that we don't see the scrapping of the Dyfed-Powys helicopter. It's easy to quote figures today, it's impossible to know what will happen tomorrow and where it may be urgently needed


nick

An evening with the Rossonero

Just back from a very enjoyable Milan trip which included one on the bucket list, watching an AC Milan game at the San Siro. Well that was the original intention, however the incredible atmosphere and warm welcome to foreign fans has meant I'm already working on how and when to return.


nick

For Whose Benefit?

Six major Welsh charities have joined forces to condemn the Westminster government’s proposed cuts to housing benefit and local housing allowance.

Shelter Cymru, Community Housing Cymru, Mind Cymru, Citizens’ Advice Cymru, Gofal and Cymorth, together with the Chartered Institute of Housing, the National Landlords Association, the Welsh Tenants Federation say that the cuts will have a devastating impact on the most vulnerable people in our society and contribute to homelessness, housing need and poverty.

The proposed changes were announced in the UK government’s emergency budget in June and further announcements are expected in the Comprehensive Spending Review, which will be published on 20 October.

To sign the online petition calling on the UK government to reconsider the cuts to housing benefit and local housing allowance, please go here


nick