Northamptonshire... first entry?
I'm surprised I haven't seen any other entries from Northamptonshire as they are one of the most cnutish councils around. Not only have they issued us with recycling bins (which are collected every fortnight) but are also talking about REDUCING the amount of collections. Honestly

Anyway, my particular story begins at the Derngate Theatre (some of you may have heard of it but its quite a large theatre in Northampton and is actually quite good. There is story around that which I will tell you at the end.) Anyway, I had to do 2 concerts in one day. It was a piece which allowed all the little kiddies from various Music Centres around the County to come to the Derngate (one of the biggest theatres in the surrounding counties) and sing. I arrived at 10.30 and had to pay for parking. I paid £2.30 for 2 hours (which in itself is a rip off) and went to the rehearsal. Little did I know that the rehearsal would go straight into the concert, therefore giving me no time to get the the car park to top up. As expected, I received a parking ticket. 'No problems' thinks I 'I shall write to the council and explain and since they were the organisers, it will be fine'

No. Fucking. Chance.

I explained what I basically have already explained to you and received a letter back saying that it was my responsibility to top up (after already paying £2.30 for 2hours!) and that I had 14 days to pay £30 or it would go up to £60. Not only did they not provide parking for performers, they fined a student who was playing in their fucking concert! I think it makes their special parts warm.

Anyway, about the theatre, it was recently done up (millions of pounds were spent) and they've actually done a good job. As soon as it re-opened, there were plans to demolish it in favour of (and I'm sure you've heard this before) 'affordable housing'.

Length? About 3 hours long.
(The_Reaper, Fri 27 Jul 2007, 15:26, Reply)