City and Suburban
By JOHN BETJEMAN FAMOUS English hotel is to be destroyed this spring. It is the Royal George at Rugby, whose thoughtful Classic facade gives such character to this Midland mar et-place and, with the delightful frontage of Over's shop, reminds all who pass through Rugby that it was once an historic market town. The hotel and adjacent buildings are to be replaced by an arcade of shops of most commonplace design, reminiscent of Slough High Street or Wembley—the usual sort of thing: neo-Gcorgian on top and acres of unrelated plate-glass below, and all on a curve and set back so as to enable lorries and motor-cars to drive faster. The plans for this wretched disfigurement of an old town have been approved by the Borough Council, despite local protest. What makes the Rugby Borough Council's action particularly significant is some remarks made at a Council meeting last month, and which deserve a separate paragraph.
Working in the Dark We all know that local councillors are for the most part disinterested men, anxious to do their best for their com- munities; that they are unpaid and liable to be shot at and misunderstood for much inconvenient voluntary public service. We also know that, when something comes up at the end of a meeting which they are too tired or too uninformed about to understand, they are inclined to vote the way the paid employees of the council imply is best. Councillor Gee, of Rugby, moved an amendment that the agenda of the Council meetings to which the public was admitted should be made available, for comment as well as prior publication, to the Press. This reasonable suggestion, which is in accordance with the rights of all of us as local citizens, was defeated by Rugby Borough Council by 22 to 1, Councillor Gee alone being in favour. Councillor Robotham declared that 'the best type of authority was the one which went about its business quietly, effectively, efficiently, unobtrusively and soberly.' And to this I could add, though not with reference to the Rugby Borough Council, which may be a splendid body of men, 'Without Press comment it can also go about its business slyly, secretly and from questionable motives.' Councillor Robotham also said that such prior information and comments in the Press were 'likely to stir up acrimony before members came to final decisions.' To this 1 might add, again without prejudice, it also might stir up thought and consideration of points of view, other than their own, in the minds of members. Too Many local councils go about their work secretly, particularly in the destruction of old buildings. The decision is made before anyone knows enough to protest. trainscape than for perambulation. The most impressive cemetery I have ever seen is the Necropolis at Glasgow, viewed from the ancient, vast, austere Cathedral. The bill of black stones and granite obelisks bristles against the grey northern sky and is topped by the noble column to John Knox.
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