POLITICAL idioms (or should that be idiots?) spring to mind when you hear or read about what politicians say.

On September 18 we will know the result of Scotland’s independence referendum.

But let’s scotch any rumours about it being a done deal, it’s neck and neck.

The UK in its present form has heard the robust rhetoric: the pros and cons and the warnings.

Infuriatingly, MPs and councillors now explain their actions to the public in politico-speak as if they have been to night school in Evasion Studies - saying something without, er, actually saying anything.

For example, Ed Milliband pre-fixes all responses to questions with: “Look, it’s important to say this …”

David Cameron, always stresses: “Let’s be perfectly clear…”

We never get to hear their answers - they leave us floating, bemused in mid-air.

But now it’s spreading to local government, too.

I was worried about this issue while awaiting the outcome of Eastham’s Lyndale School’s destiny. The parents and pupils had waited for months for a decision on their future.

The meeting took place last Thursday when parents and children – hand-in-hand, shuffled up the expensive new stair carpets at Wallasey Town Hall.

Council leader Phil Davies said members were going in there with “open minds”.

Later that evening - after the council unanimously agreed to close the school, pre-printed sheets, detailing recommendation for closure, were handed out to councillors and parents.

That was quick.

It was as transparent as the black windows of Barack Obama’s limos at the recent NATO summit in Wales.

But this is ‘summit else.’ This wasn’t a consultation. It wasn’t even a debate, but the presentation of an educational, final end-of-term notice.

Closure.

Tears.

Heartbreak.

Well, we the people who elect politicians and councillors will now use the phrase “open minds” while thinking with our own family, friends and loved ones about EVERY single issue when we decide at the ballot box who will finally, truthfully represent us.

 

LOCAL heroes are people the Globe is proud to shout about.

Characters such as Frank Lund and Major Mace are two creative people who lovingly built the inspirational Black Pearl pirate ship in New Brighton.

The vessel, which is made out of driftwood, has become an educational and tourism attraction.

The community have adopted it and it is now a must-see landmark for visitors to the resort. I hope the support will be there when - and if - they ever need it. I mention this because of a ‘rum do’ in Rushmoor Borough Council in Hampshire.

A place where a four-year-old lad, Joseph Bailey, had a pirate ship built for him by his parents in his garden made out of recycled timber.

Now, one of his five neighbours says it is “invading his privacy”.

The caring council say the family must put in a planning application for this experience - otherwise it will be dismantled.

Can Captain Jack Sparrow sail down there to sort out this red-taped mess to take on the pen-pushers?

AND finally...we commemorate the start of the First World War - and next year mark the end of the Second World War - I was appalled by news of some unpatriotic penny-pinching.

A proposal from Wirral’s ruling cabinet has forced disillusioned armed forces veterans to create an e-petition to oppose forthcoming cuts.

The council want to alter the discount given to current and former members of the armed forces for the borough’s leisure facilities.

Why? It will, in time, allegedly help towards saving £2m. Of course there are vast changes ahead on the Wirral horizon with 500 jobs going; proposed car park charges and whatever else the cost-cutting “fastest improving council” have planned.

Peter Grant