CIIP Discussion Board Stands As A Unique Testament To The Quality Of All Its Members

I BEGAN THIS BLOG two years ago, as a simple experiment to see if there was still a market for local news. Over the past several years the traditional local press had been forced to rationalise its reporting staff, and introduce other cost saving measures, as local advertisers withdrew their support in favour of much cheaper electronic advertising in conjunction with an internet presence.

I was interested to see if the staff cuts had compromised the ability of local papers to keep on top of what was happening in their area – or whether they might have inadvertently provided an opening for freelancers, like myself, to capitalise upon.

I did not really know what to write about, when I first started this Blog. All I knew was that the local Echo rarely covered the island – and that other titles simply plagiarised what their reporters had written. Furthermore, all those pieces were very superficial – reflecting the fact that, whatever experienced reporters were left had very little time in which to conduct any serious investigative journalism.

I had adopted Canvey Island as my base in 2000; but had never considered it, or its residents, as a feature topic. In 2009, I, like many other mainland trespassers, simply looked upon the island as a nice place to live with congenial neighbours going about their day-to-day business; friendly shop keepers; and a welcoming community atmosphere.

I was surprised when, in a straw-poll, early Canvey Beat readers asked me to focus my Blog’s attention upon local politics – and even more surprised when my investigation into Bob Spink’s office expenses opened-up a whole new can of worms concerning his relationship with Dave Blackwell and his Canvey Island Independent Party.

It is not difficult for a journalist to discover when something untoward is taking place. You simply have to present your credentials and ask your subject a question. The guilty do not reply. Not even with that outworn phrase: ‘no comment.’ They simply walk away – or threaten you with legal action.

In such circumstances it is often difficult to discover all the facts, particularly since any journalist is prevented from writing anything that cannot be verified (and hence stand-up in court).

All these Blog’s pieces stand-up. If anyone should ever suggest otherwise – ask them why they do not sue. And, in particular, ask them why they do not challenge any of this Blog’s articles in its readers’ forum. Is it because, unlike the old WordPress site, they now have to use an attributable, recognised internet identity with which to comment?

It is with regret that I have been forced to exclude all ‘anonymous’ comments from these pages during the election campaign; denying the opportunity for the likes of Upset and other local residents whom, due to personal circumstances, prefer to use an alias, to supplement what has been written here. But I would particularly like to take this opportunity of thanking those residents whom have chosen to leave their unattributed comments in this Blog’s STOP PRESS panel, and those whom have kept me informed by email about various issues. Without that input, many of this Blog’s revelations may never have come to light.

This week-end is the last in which postal voters will be able to examine the political Blogs; question their door-step visitors; and read various party leaflets to help them decide where to place their cross. And this will be the last post that this Blog will make before it brings you the election results.

As you pick-up your pen, ask yourself why anyone would choose to vote for a party that continually misrepresents the facts; bans its political opponents from its discussion board; does not answer any questions; and treats its residents like this.

On 5th May, you have the chance to make a difference. Use it to remove the cancer that has continually gnawed at this island’s Democratic roots for the past seven years; and return Canvey Island its dignity.

You need to vote, this year…

• The Canvey Island Independent Party’s Discussion Board.
• The Conservative Party’s Methane, Mud & Memories Blog.
• The Local Labour Party’s Website.