Speak up. We can't hear you at the back!

Word reaches us that the Council's decision to compulsory purchase the Vicarage in Plumstead and the Prince Alebrt pub have now been waved through. Readers may remember that the other week the Council found itself a little embarassed as it was accused of "maladministration" by the Archdiocese of Southwark for failing to consult them about this politically motivated decision.

On Tuesday evening the meeting was held again to issue the order. According to our sources, the PA system in the meeting room wasn't working. This meant that the people at the back were unaware at what point they were supposed to speak up to protest and thus it was done and dusted before anyone really knew what was going. Accident or stitch-up?