13th January 2006, 10:18 AM
Speaking personally as a real-life beleaguered heritage sector worker, I appreciate the support. unfortunately e-mailing each other doesn't help that much, as when these messages are passed on by staff under threat of redundancy, they can be dismissed by management simply as attempts by the staff to save their jobs at any cost - no matter how cogent the arguments put forward are. Remember that Local Authority managers are experts at dressing up cuts in jobs and resources as being necessary to "increase efficiency" or provide a "better service" (!!!!), and they will also fob off people who complain to them with responses that say things like "no decisions have been taken" or "the situation is currently under review", rather than provide any answers or take concerns on board. Of course, once they've "taken a decision", it's then too late. 
What can often help, is blitzing the relevant authority contact points with letters and complaints when these proposals are made. National bodies like EH carry some real clout here - if they get their comments right, and get them to the right people. Councillors also really don't like their voters complaining to them about anything - especially if the local press get hold of a few choice facts, so galvanising the local societies and general community is vitally important too.
Rescue has a lot of experience in these areas, and is good at targeting responses to the right people, but needs the support of increased membership. The CBA, IFA and ALGAO really need to be more visible in voicing concerns and raising awareness of these situations as well.
What can often help, is blitzing the relevant authority contact points with letters and complaints when these proposals are made. National bodies like EH carry some real clout here - if they get their comments right, and get them to the right people. Councillors also really don't like their voters complaining to them about anything - especially if the local press get hold of a few choice facts, so galvanising the local societies and general community is vitally important too.
Rescue has a lot of experience in these areas, and is good at targeting responses to the right people, but needs the support of increased membership. The CBA, IFA and ALGAO really need to be more visible in voicing concerns and raising awareness of these situations as well.