Do you feel weary? I know I do. In the 20 years I’ve been monitoring local politics I’ve never experienced a period quite like this.

The old borough council had its moments (Danegate, Macclesfield Market, Newgate Tip etc) but they never behaved like we didn’t exist.

In the past two years, Cheshire East Council has denied, blocked and obscured so many important issues I’m starting to lose count.

Backdating its website to make information comply with planning deadlines.

Continually denying the building of a waste transfer station at Lyme Green but blowing £800k on its construction.

Spending £225k of taxpayers’ money on a report into how it all happened but refusing to release it in full.

Setting up a project for an operator to run an attraction in Tatton while committing taxpayers to funding the entire £5m risk. (Revealed only after a Freedom of Information appeal.)

Promising a ‘Brownfield first’ policy on housing then pushing ahead with green field development plans with no detailed analysis of Brownfield sites whatsoever.

I could go on but you know the pattern. It’s a recurring theme of denial, obfuscation and rush to judgement.

I have emails from residents in every part of East Cheshire enraged by the contempt CEC has shown to the views of local communities.

So, how did this happen? How did our own council emasculate us? Answer: we elected them. Cheshire East is no ethereal regime sent to taunt us. This is your council chosen by you to represent your views.

We have a ruling Tory party so certain of re-election that public opinion is irrelevant. On past form they are right. No bookmaker in the land would give you odds on their defeat at the next election. As our American friends say the Conservatives are a shoo-in. Pin a blue rosette on and you have a winner.

So why would the Tories be sensitive to your opinion? What difference will it make to them if they concrete over the green belt? It will simply generate a big cash surplus followed by another election victory.

The desecration of communities and countryside means nothing to those without fear of the consequences.

So what if CEC goes ahead with a town centre design that proves inappropriate and obsolete? It’s a one-way bet: heads they win, tails you re-elect them.

The certainty of re-election eliminates the need for empathy. Be honest, if you were in their position, how sensitive would you be to public opinion?

Save this article and read it again just before the next local election.

If you want more of the same vote as you have before.

If not...

Britain has indeed got talent, but not on the judging panel...

I watched the final of Britain’s Got Talent the other night. It was an exceptional show (probably better than the Royal Command Performance offered as a prize to the winner).

I loved Jack Carroll, right, the 14 year-old comedian suffering from cerebral palsy, whose response to being told he was second was: ‘Runner-up, that’s a bit insensitive isn’t it’?

I haven’t spotted such obvious comedy talent since I first saw Peter Kay on some dismal stage in Manchester.

How about those young girl singers Arisxandra, Gabz and Asandra?

How talented were they? There are precious few pop stars capable of singing live to that level.

(I was horrified last summer to learn Posh Spice was searching for her jewel-encrusted microphone for her Olympic performance. Fortunately she never found the on button.)

Those little kids, Pre Skool, were unbelievable. Kids are usually extremely self-conscious when performing, especially dance routines, but these kids had real stage presence with no sign of nerves whatsoever.

 It’s a massive occasion for any performer let alone a group of primary children.

Britain clearly does have talent but not, I’m afraid, on the judging panel.

Even they couldn’t fake a reaction at Simon Cowell’s, left, attempt to grab the headlines. When a woman rushed from the back of the stage throwing eggs at the judges they showed no surprise whatsoever. Amanda Holden’s face never altered.

Otherwise, it was a thoroughly enjoyable show.

Well done those kids.

Fundraiser in memory of mum

Family and friends of a loving mum who died at East Cheshire Hospice are holding a charity event.

Irene Wild, who was diagnosed with brain tumours four years ago, lived at the hospice for two months before she died.

Her family wanted to do something to help the hospice which they said cared for her so well.

Her brother John Mayer has teamed up with Jonathan Plant, partner of Irene’s daughter Elizabeth, to organise a charity auction at the Masonic Hall.

John, of Sussex Avenue, said: “The hospice is a very special place. They provided excellent care for Irene and the family.”

Irene lived on Fairfield Avenue, Bollington, with husband Nick and children Richard, 22 and Elizabeth, 19. She worked as an administrator at Macclesfield Hospital.

The auction and disco event takes place this Saturday (June 22), at the Masonic Hall on Riseley Street, from 6.30pm.

Tickets cost £18 available from John Mayer on 07885 782624, Jonathan Plant on 07791 046439 or on the door.