Birmingham City Council’s response to my Freedom Of Information request came through. It again states the break in the consultation exercise was an ‘error of judgement’ and apologises for any inconvenience caused. It also says:
I very much wish to ensure that the Highgate Community’s views are comprehensively understood. I would expect that dialogue to be ongoing and comprehensive and so in that regard I really do hope we can move forward beyond this unfortunate experience towards an ongoing fruitful and very beneficial relationship with the people of Highgate.
Which is good. It would be great if a similar event could be arranged for those that missed the bus. I have childish hopes for an ice cream van. But as Pete Ashton says, it ‘Doesn’t confirm or deny Paul Dale’s original report that Whitby took bus for photo shoot. Answer still needed I think!’
No, it’s not an answer. To be honest, I doubt I’ll ever get one to that particular question. I was hoping one would emerge from my request for an audit trail behind the redirection decision, but apparently this doesn’t exist because ‘The change to the arrangements was organised verbally at very short notice that afternoon and therefore there were no emails, letters, memos and records relating to the change of the bus’ schedule.’ I’ve asked for a review of the FOI response, just to be sure this is the case.
