Today (Friday 19th January 2001), the government published a bill to allow the police to take samples from everyone and store them for all time - all in the interests of public order.

Think about it for once. We have accepted cameras in all our main urban areas, we have sensors installed in the roads (it’s those diamond shaped grids, in case you wondered!), cameras installed to ensure we drive down dual carriageways at three o'clock in the morning at 30 mph and now the innocent will be compelled to provide a sample for DNA testing and storage.

The bill is being promoted in such a way that you couldn't possibly object if you are a law abiding citizen. It really is just a small step to trace everywhere you go, who you meet and talk to or indeed any aspect of your life.

I do worry, as like you, I am a member of the human race and not perfect. Yes -  I do exceed the speed limit on occasions, yes - I have been known not to be perfect in every way and I doesn’t really like the idea of ‘big brother’ not only knowing everything I get up to, but being able to prove it.

There are safeguards in place and as a senior police officer once told me, the police ‘may do’ this or that. The amount of discretion is much larger than you realise, but it shouldn’t take much to change that.

If you agree, with my concerns, why not let the press and your local MP know your concerns. I know an election will most probably put an end to the bill for the time being, but complacency and apathy allow democracy to take the back seat.

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This week, I going to be serious for once.
I was working in a customers flat recently, when I noticed that one of the electrical circuit breakers was ‘off’. I asked if there was a reason, to which the reply was ‘no’, so I switched it on. The smoke detector started to beep loudly, so being kind to everyone's’ ears, I promptly switched  it off again and went to investigate.
It turned out that the battery was missing, so a battery was installed, circuit switched on, and all was well.

The point is that this flat was only built last year and obviously the electrical contractor, the builder or the developer couldn't afford to either install a PP3 battery or tell anyone it was needed. Of course, the smoke detector looked very nice on the ceiling, but if no battery was fitted and actually switched on, then it might as well not be there!

I suspect the rest of the 17 flats in this development are in the same state and how about the other 150+ new dwellings either recently or in the process of being built?

As it  has now resumed raining, I am sure I have identified the way to solve our parking problem.

All it needs is for the traffic laws to be actually enforced. I mean, it would concentrate the minds of residents and others if, for example, you couldn't park on the pavement and must leave enough room for emergency vehicles to pass along the Queens highway. Both these actions just need enforcement and not turn a blind eye all the time.

We must decide whether or not we wish to solve the parking problem.
If not, then put up and shut up.
If we do, then is it asking too much to enforce parking rules with the same enthusiasm as speeding and traffic calming?

Let me have your views on this or any other subject you wish to bring up.