A strange snippet appeared in the Cambridge Evening News on 22.03.08. Hidden in the middle of an article about Cambourne was the startling line:- "the proposed carbon neutral developments in Cambridgeshire are at Mepal, Mereham, Hanley Grange, Alconbury, Six Mile Bottom and Denny St Francis, near Waterbeach."
The Government has tasked every County Council to identify sites to build new 'carbon neutral' towns. When Cambs County Council proposed Mereham, the ensuing fuss was heard a long way around.
But when did Mepal get sneaked onto the list, and why was no-one told ?
Despite falling within the jurisdiction of the neighbouring District Council, Mepal is less than 5 miles from Chatteris and shares parish boundaries. A new town with a target population of 20,000 would certainly effect Chatteris, and the Town Council should be have been consulted before Mepal was ever added to the list.
It seems to me that the Chatteris Town Council should be taking an active interest in this matter, as should the County Councillors for Chatteris.
Walt
Note: When the Government finally published the shortlist, the only Cambridgeshire site selected was Hanley Grange.
Showing posts with label Chatteris. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chatteris. Show all posts
Monday, 14 April 2008
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Here’s looking at you...
I’d like to join Chris Howes, 'Dame' Christine Colbert and Friends, in extending to Ed Bryce our very best wishes for success in his new job and happiness in his new home in Cambridge.
('Seeing as' we understand you will be working in Vision Express - we'll clearly be seeing you in future!)
Chatteris'll miss you.
All the best
Walt, C & C et al
('Seeing as' we understand you will be working in Vision Express - we'll clearly be seeing you in future!)
Chatteris'll miss you.
All the best
Walt, C & C et al
Friday, 21 March 2008
WHAT PRICE FENLAND LIVES ?
Cambridge News 12 March 2008 "More than £8 million is to be spent to make St Neots cleaner and safer."
Have you every asked yourself why nothing seems to be spent on Fenland?
Visit most Cambridgeshire towns and it's clear that lots of public money is spent on things that are needed. However meanwhile, Fenland is left year after year with poor and frequently dangerous roads, a lack of adequate public leisure facilities and town centres that would clearly benefit from investment.
Why does Fenland continually fail to attract investment?
It seems that St Neots is about to receive huge amounts of public money due to its town centre problems from vehicle exhausts. Plans are for a whopping £8 million to be spent co-ordinating traffic lights to improve the flow of vehicles and on improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities.
What could we do with £8million in Fenland ?
For a start we could do something about the 40ft road. A couple of years ago County Council said that it would cost £750,000 to sheet-pile the bank. A similar amount to make the 16 foot road safer would amount to £1.5 million.
And how about pedestrian safety in Fenland ? Or any kind of cycling facilities at all ? It would obviously be very nice if residents could cycle to work or the shops in safety, and we were all able to let our children out on their bikes for leisure or to cycle to school without worrying if they might come to grief. Fenland is also a natural haven for cyclists and it would be a delight to be able to cycle from one community to another, or just cycle for pleasure. Think of all that enjoyable exercise and the natural beauty of the Fens to enjoy, and think about the potential for fewer cars on the roads.
A few million would go a long way to providing cycleways,.
And there are many places in Fenland where safe road crossing places are desperately needed. Many residents of Chatteris drive into town from Doddington Road rather than run the gauntlet of the A141/A142 roundabout. And any morning, or after school, you can see numbers of youngsters or mothers with pushchairs and toddlers teetering on the kerb waiting for a gap in the roaring traffic, so they can get into town, or home again.
This situation is intollerable! The recently built Fordham by pass has a pedestrian and cycle fly over link to Soham, and the new Thorney by-pass has a similar link which seems to be little used at all. But in Chatteris, where two major roads converge, there is a complete absence of attention to public safety. You have to ask yourself why?
Fenlanders, just as much as any other residents of Cambridgeshire, deserve money to be spent on them!
We need safety on roads and the ability to walk or cycle about in safety and with pleasure, just as much as anyone else!
Could the problem by any chance be down to the fact that all of Fenland is represented exclusively by Tory County Councillors? Tory Councillors who are ineffectual and apparently don't wish to upset their ruling Tory colleagues at County Hall by asking for any money to be spent in Fenland!
Let's face it, the sitting Tory Councillors haven't even been able to persuade their colleagues to stick to their promise for a roundabout at the Goosetree junction.
What ARE the local Tories doing for you?
Have you every asked yourself why nothing seems to be spent on Fenland?
Visit most Cambridgeshire towns and it's clear that lots of public money is spent on things that are needed. However meanwhile, Fenland is left year after year with poor and frequently dangerous roads, a lack of adequate public leisure facilities and town centres that would clearly benefit from investment.
Why does Fenland continually fail to attract investment?
It seems that St Neots is about to receive huge amounts of public money due to its town centre problems from vehicle exhausts. Plans are for a whopping £8 million to be spent co-ordinating traffic lights to improve the flow of vehicles and on improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities.
What could we do with £8million in Fenland ?
For a start we could do something about the 40ft road. A couple of years ago County Council said that it would cost £750,000 to sheet-pile the bank. A similar amount to make the 16 foot road safer would amount to £1.5 million.
And how about pedestrian safety in Fenland ? Or any kind of cycling facilities at all ? It would obviously be very nice if residents could cycle to work or the shops in safety, and we were all able to let our children out on their bikes for leisure or to cycle to school without worrying if they might come to grief. Fenland is also a natural haven for cyclists and it would be a delight to be able to cycle from one community to another, or just cycle for pleasure. Think of all that enjoyable exercise and the natural beauty of the Fens to enjoy, and think about the potential for fewer cars on the roads.
A few million would go a long way to providing cycleways,.
And there are many places in Fenland where safe road crossing places are desperately needed. Many residents of Chatteris drive into town from Doddington Road rather than run the gauntlet of the A141/A142 roundabout. And any morning, or after school, you can see numbers of youngsters or mothers with pushchairs and toddlers teetering on the kerb waiting for a gap in the roaring traffic, so they can get into town, or home again.
This situation is intollerable! The recently built Fordham by pass has a pedestrian and cycle fly over link to Soham, and the new Thorney by-pass has a similar link which seems to be little used at all. But in Chatteris, where two major roads converge, there is a complete absence of attention to public safety. You have to ask yourself why?
Fenlanders, just as much as any other residents of Cambridgeshire, deserve money to be spent on them!
We need safety on roads and the ability to walk or cycle about in safety and with pleasure, just as much as anyone else!
Could the problem by any chance be down to the fact that all of Fenland is represented exclusively by Tory County Councillors? Tory Councillors who are ineffectual and apparently don't wish to upset their ruling Tory colleagues at County Hall by asking for any money to be spent in Fenland!
Let's face it, the sitting Tory Councillors haven't even been able to persuade their colleagues to stick to their promise for a roundabout at the Goosetree junction.
What ARE the local Tories doing for you?
Thursday, 7 February 2008
MORE TEA VICAR ?
Email received from Chris Howes:
Following your invitation, I am writing to say how Sunday’s Civic Service went.
In two words - very well ! Christine and I were both very pleased that Council and Church had healed the apparent rift of the failed F.D.C. Civic Service a couple of years ago. Good on the Mayor - rebuilding bridges is part of her job. And good on the Church too.
The congregation ws representative of many parts of the Chatteris community, together with a number of local dignitaries including our retiring M.P. Many of the dignitaries were sporting their Chain of Office, whilst Mr Moss was wearing a gabardine mac. Christine and I had no problem with this apparel, but clearly this was not the view of everyone as I did overhear a disparaging remark about ‘raincoats’ and ‘flashers’. Thoughts return to Michael Foot’s choice of coat in the 1980s.
After a Civic Service, it is customary for guests to attend a reception and engage in polite conversation. You may wonder if this might be tedious, but be assured that in light of the Mayor’s Consort’s skill in making cakes, this was a absolute pleasure. Behold Brian, the ‘Mr Kipling’ of Chatteris.....
Imagine my surprise when my munching was interrupted by our MP Malcolm bouncing straight over to me. On the assumption that I am Walter, (if you follow my meaning) he complimented me on “tricking him into commenting on the blog”, and assured me that he “wouldn’t be doing it again” ! Then, rather abruptly, he enquired if I was going to be the LibDem parliamentary candidate for the next election. This thought had never crossed my mind before Malcolm mentioned it. But with Mr Moss’s apparent recommendation behind me - perhaps I should take the notion seriously ! .
Slightly flabbergasted, I endeavoured to continue the conversation in a manner slightly more akin to the normal polite chit-chat appropriate to church rooms.
“Tell me Mr Moss” I asked, “are you looking forward to your retirement, or do you think you’ll miss the Commons ?”
“20 years is quite enough” Malcolm replied.
“Do you have any plans for your retirement” I continued, “for example, where we previously lived, our last MP, the former Member for Huntingdon, has recently published a book on cricket”
“Really ?”
“Yes,” and I added “he was called John Major !”
Oh how fickle is the memory of a Tory backbencher.
Malcolm Moss is starting to grow on me. One thing is for certain though, our next M.P., whoever it may be, is going to be a different cup of tea. Should I take Malcolm up on his suggestion .... ?
Chris Howes
EDITORS NOTE: This blog accepts contributions from a variety of sources. Any one is welcome to send copy, and all contributions will be considered. Walt.
Following your invitation, I am writing to say how Sunday’s Civic Service went.
In two words - very well ! Christine and I were both very pleased that Council and Church had healed the apparent rift of the failed F.D.C. Civic Service a couple of years ago. Good on the Mayor - rebuilding bridges is part of her job. And good on the Church too.
The congregation ws representative of many parts of the Chatteris community, together with a number of local dignitaries including our retiring M.P. Many of the dignitaries were sporting their Chain of Office, whilst Mr Moss was wearing a gabardine mac. Christine and I had no problem with this apparel, but clearly this was not the view of everyone as I did overhear a disparaging remark about ‘raincoats’ and ‘flashers’. Thoughts return to Michael Foot’s choice of coat in the 1980s.
After a Civic Service, it is customary for guests to attend a reception and engage in polite conversation. You may wonder if this might be tedious, but be assured that in light of the Mayor’s Consort’s skill in making cakes, this was a absolute pleasure. Behold Brian, the ‘Mr Kipling’ of Chatteris.....
Imagine my surprise when my munching was interrupted by our MP Malcolm bouncing straight over to me. On the assumption that I am Walter, (if you follow my meaning) he complimented me on “tricking him into commenting on the blog”, and assured me that he “wouldn’t be doing it again” ! Then, rather abruptly, he enquired if I was going to be the LibDem parliamentary candidate for the next election. This thought had never crossed my mind before Malcolm mentioned it. But with Mr Moss’s apparent recommendation behind me - perhaps I should take the notion seriously ! .
Slightly flabbergasted, I endeavoured to continue the conversation in a manner slightly more akin to the normal polite chit-chat appropriate to church rooms.
“Tell me Mr Moss” I asked, “are you looking forward to your retirement, or do you think you’ll miss the Commons ?”
“20 years is quite enough” Malcolm replied.
“Do you have any plans for your retirement” I continued, “for example, where we previously lived, our last MP, the former Member for Huntingdon, has recently published a book on cricket”
“Really ?”
“Yes,” and I added “he was called John Major !”
Oh how fickle is the memory of a Tory backbencher.
Malcolm Moss is starting to grow on me. One thing is for certain though, our next M.P., whoever it may be, is going to be a different cup of tea. Should I take Malcolm up on his suggestion .... ?
Chris Howes
EDITORS NOTE: This blog accepts contributions from a variety of sources. Any one is welcome to send copy, and all contributions will be considered. Walt.
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
GLAD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY !
This morning I received a four page colour newspaper extolling the virtues and achievements of my M.P. - Malcolm Moss.
It begins "Welcome to my first constituency newsletter as your Member of Parliament" Mr. Moss was first elected in 1987. Never one to rush into anything, we must all congratulate Malcolm on his alacrity in producing his first constituency news letter after 20 years in the post !
Walt.
It begins "Welcome to my first constituency newsletter as your Member of Parliament" Mr. Moss was first elected in 1987. Never one to rush into anything, we must all congratulate Malcolm on his alacrity in producing his first constituency news letter after 20 years in the post !
Walt.
Monday, 14 January 2008
Bad habits and camels
In a surprising but encouraging twist of fate, Chatteris Town Council and Fenland District are working together in partnership to put on a major Chatteris event in 2008. A medieval weekend is being planned on 4/5/6th July, with a school’s living history encampment on the Friday, historic lifestyle and combat reenactments and a fayre, over the weekend. As you read this,a variety of other Town events are hopefully being planned.
The Town Council group forming their half of the partnership with FDC is lead by Chris Howes, who allegedly could be seen on the occasion in December of the ‘turning on of the christmas lights’, dressed as a Monk, and handing out promotional flyers for the event, dashingly assisted by Christine.
Chris reports, tongue in cheek (I hope), a predicament facing a recent partners meeting:
“Our event stewards need to be easily identifiable”
“Couldn’t we dress in a medieval theme ?”
“Health & Safety Regulations demand ‘High Visibility clothing’ “
“So why don’t we get high viz. monks habits !”
It puts you in mind of the words of the late, great, Alec Issigonis
"A camel is a horse designed by committee."
Walt.
The Town Council group forming their half of the partnership with FDC is lead by Chris Howes, who allegedly could be seen on the occasion in December of the ‘turning on of the christmas lights’, dressed as a Monk, and handing out promotional flyers for the event, dashingly assisted by Christine.
Chris reports, tongue in cheek (I hope), a predicament facing a recent partners meeting:
“Our event stewards need to be easily identifiable”
“Couldn’t we dress in a medieval theme ?”
“Health & Safety Regulations demand ‘High Visibility clothing’ “
“So why don’t we get high viz. monks habits !”
It puts you in mind of the words of the late, great, Alec Issigonis
"A camel is a horse designed by committee."
Walt.
Friday, 30 November 2007
Cromwell Community College - a misnomer ?
C.A.T.S (Chatteris Amateur Thespian Society) are staging their forth coming production of Cinderella on 14th and 15th December - at Doddington Village Hall. It’s always good to have local community groups putting on events, but why isn’t this Chatteris Am’ Dram’ group performing in Chatteris ? Previously C.A.T.S have used the South Hall at Cromwell Community College, conveniently and coincidentally located in Chatteris. Could C.A.T.S.’s unfortunate removal to a more distant venue be because the hire of Cromwell is too expensive?
Chatteris Amateur Boxing Club are putting on a major show on Friday 30th November. Will this be in Chatteris ? No, parents, participators and spectators will have to travel to Soham. Why ? Because it appears Cromwell Community College demanded a prohibitively high figure for this Chatteris club to hire the school dining hall to stage this Chatteris community event.
Cromwell Community College says that it prides itself on being community based. This admirable principle formed a significant argument in their recent successful application for 6th form specialist status. What’s more, the Town Council is trying to provide both an all weather football pitch, and gym facilities on the Cromwell site. It’s our Council’s intention that both facilities will be available for all residents of Chatteris to enjoy. But Cromwell’s current charging structure for out of hours hire of school facilities does little to inspire confidence that we’ll be able to reasonably enjoy these long over due facilities should they one day finally arrive.
Am I the only person to feel something is going dreadfully wrong?
Walt.
Chatteris Amateur Boxing Club are putting on a major show on Friday 30th November. Will this be in Chatteris ? No, parents, participators and spectators will have to travel to Soham. Why ? Because it appears Cromwell Community College demanded a prohibitively high figure for this Chatteris club to hire the school dining hall to stage this Chatteris community event.
Cromwell Community College says that it prides itself on being community based. This admirable principle formed a significant argument in their recent successful application for 6th form specialist status. What’s more, the Town Council is trying to provide both an all weather football pitch, and gym facilities on the Cromwell site. It’s our Council’s intention that both facilities will be available for all residents of Chatteris to enjoy. But Cromwell’s current charging structure for out of hours hire of school facilities does little to inspire confidence that we’ll be able to reasonably enjoy these long over due facilities should they one day finally arrive.
Am I the only person to feel something is going dreadfully wrong?
Walt.
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
It's how you ask the question
e-mail received from this morning Chris Howes, and reproduced with his permission.
As a regular visitor to the Chatteris One Stop Shop (average 1 visit per week) I have nothing for praise for the staff whom I’ve always found helpful and friendly.
But I often wonder at the FDC Customer Satisfaction figures for the one stop shops, which FDC claim are always in the high 90's%. This may indeed be the case, but in all my visits I have never once been asked about for my satisfaction ratings. So whom do they survey, when ?
In Chatteris One Stop Shop this morning there was a glamorous blond with the sexiest shoes ever seen in town, asking customers about the quality of service they had just received.
Every male visitor to the shop interviewed while I was in there, expressed complete delight ! Quelle surprise ?
Rant Web Turtle is an anagram
As a regular visitor to the Chatteris One Stop Shop (average 1 visit per week) I have nothing for praise for the staff whom I’ve always found helpful and friendly.
But I often wonder at the FDC Customer Satisfaction figures for the one stop shops, which FDC claim are always in the high 90's%. This may indeed be the case, but in all my visits I have never once been asked about for my satisfaction ratings. So whom do they survey, when ?
In Chatteris One Stop Shop this morning there was a glamorous blond with the sexiest shoes ever seen in town, asking customers about the quality of service they had just received.
Every male visitor to the shop interviewed while I was in there, expressed complete delight ! Quelle surprise ?
Rant Web Turtle is an anagram
Monday, 16 July 2007
KING EDWARD COMMUNITY CENTRE
A tale of squandered opportunities,
I have broken it down into ‘bite size’ chunks to minimise the potential risk of readers losing all patience with the continued inactivity of our civic bodies and ‘head butting’ their screen in frustration
The proposals were warmly greeted by the many people at the meeting. Less warmly greeted was the news that Cambs County Council wanted £250,000 if they were to sell the building back to the people of Chatteris.
Unfortunately (and perhaps inevitably) the vital lottery bid was to prove unsuccessful, as I understand it, because there were only months left on the trustees lease on the building with the County Council.
The Trustees needed a minimum of a 25 year lease to qualify for lottery money. As the old lease ran out, County Council eventually offered a new three year lease, which transferred the onerous responsibility of maintenance of the building from the County Council to the Trustees personally. Not only did this scupper any lottery bid, but this dear old building showed little indication of more than minimal maintenance, and little significant improvements by the County council over the preceding years ! Hardly fair on the voluntary Trustees !
The Lottery bid failed, so the grant offer was withdrawn. It’s nearly 4 years ago that this all happened, but I recollect hazily that the lost grant monies totaled over £200,000. This opportunity was disgracefully squandered.
The King Edward Centre is probably the most valuable and indispensable resource at the heart of Chatteris Community life. Sadly it has had a troubled existence for several years. We must all pay tribute to the Trustees, all private individuals, who stepped in 7 years ago to save it from closure. I believe that the burden of financial responsibility currently resting on the shoulders of the trustees is unfair. Under coming terms demanded by Cambs County Council the burden dramatically worsens. I believe that it will become unnecessarily onerous, and down right unreasonable and unfair on the trustees, and on the users.
The many and varied community groups who fill the centre every week pay testament to its value and importance. Its future needs to be secured NOW !
The Trustees are soon coming to speak to Chatteris Town Council. I intend to use my very best endeavours to lobby my colleagues on Council to buy the centre from Cambs County Council. We have to secure its future and stop squandering opportunities of significant grant aid for maintenance and improvements.
3 years ago C.C.C. valued the centre at 1/4 £million. On the open market its probably nearer 1/3 £million now . But Chatteris Town Council doesn’t need to pay that ! Nothing like it. We need to strongly remind Cambs CC that the Government definition of “Best Value” does not always mean the best monetary price. “Best Value” can mean the best value to the Community. And what is of greater value to the Chatteris Community than the King Edward Centre ?.
If, by any chance, you agree with me, and if you think that the Town Council must save the centre, and if like me you believe that they should undertake ‘hard nosed’ negotiations to obtain a true and affordable community value, please let me know. Please feel free to write to me either at home (19 Pound Road, Chatteris PE16 6RL) or c/o Chatteris Town Council, 14 Church lane, Chatteris. Send a petitions if you wish. Now is the time to speak up for what you want!
Chris Howes
Chatteris Town Councillor
Cautionary Foreword.
This author apologises for the severe length of this article. However he believes that the subject matter is so important to Chatteris that he has a duty to be as thorough and detailed in his reported accounts as possible.I have broken it down into ‘bite size’ chunks to minimise the potential risk of readers losing all patience with the continued inactivity of our civic bodies and ‘head butting’ their screen in frustration
Failed Lottery Bid
Late in 2003 or early in 2004 the King Edward centre held a public consultation of exciting new plans to dramatically repair and enhance the building. These were to form the basis of a substantial Lottery Bid and were to be part funded by large grants from government bodies.The proposals were warmly greeted by the many people at the meeting. Less warmly greeted was the news that Cambs County Council wanted £250,000 if they were to sell the building back to the people of Chatteris.
Unfortunately (and perhaps inevitably) the vital lottery bid was to prove unsuccessful, as I understand it, because there were only months left on the trustees lease on the building with the County Council.
The Trustees needed a minimum of a 25 year lease to qualify for lottery money. As the old lease ran out, County Council eventually offered a new three year lease, which transferred the onerous responsibility of maintenance of the building from the County Council to the Trustees personally. Not only did this scupper any lottery bid, but this dear old building showed little indication of more than minimal maintenance, and little significant improvements by the County council over the preceding years ! Hardly fair on the voluntary Trustees !
The Lottery bid failed, so the grant offer was withdrawn. It’s nearly 4 years ago that this all happened, but I recollect hazily that the lost grant monies totaled over £200,000. This opportunity was disgracefully squandered.
Hold the Front Page !
The front page of the community news letter Centrepoint, published a letter in March 2006 on the front page:THE FUTURE OF THE KING EDWARD CENTRE
A personal view from a Chatteris Town Councillor
A personal view from a Chatteris Town Councillor
The King Edward Centre is probably the most valuable and indispensable resource at the heart of Chatteris Community life. Sadly it has had a troubled existence for several years. We must all pay tribute to the Trustees, all private individuals, who stepped in 7 years ago to save it from closure. I believe that the burden of financial responsibility currently resting on the shoulders of the trustees is unfair. Under coming terms demanded by Cambs County Council the burden dramatically worsens. I believe that it will become unnecessarily onerous, and down right unreasonable and unfair on the trustees, and on the users.
The many and varied community groups who fill the centre every week pay testament to its value and importance. Its future needs to be secured NOW !
The Trustees are soon coming to speak to Chatteris Town Council. I intend to use my very best endeavours to lobby my colleagues on Council to buy the centre from Cambs County Council. We have to secure its future and stop squandering opportunities of significant grant aid for maintenance and improvements.
3 years ago C.C.C. valued the centre at 1/4 £million. On the open market its probably nearer 1/3 £million now . But Chatteris Town Council doesn’t need to pay that ! Nothing like it. We need to strongly remind Cambs CC that the Government definition of “Best Value” does not always mean the best monetary price. “Best Value” can mean the best value to the Community. And what is of greater value to the Chatteris Community than the King Edward Centre ?.
If, by any chance, you agree with me, and if you think that the Town Council must save the centre, and if like me you believe that they should undertake ‘hard nosed’ negotiations to obtain a true and affordable community value, please let me know. Please feel free to write to me either at home (19 Pound Road, Chatteris PE16 6RL) or c/o Chatteris Town Council, 14 Church lane, Chatteris. Send a petitions if you wish. Now is the time to speak up for what you want!
Chris Howes
Chatteris Town Councillor
What happened next ?
Letters of support, and a petition were received. The Town Council set up a meeting on 21.03.06 with the Trustees of the Centre, the Town Council, and District & County Councillors Melton and Harper. The story of this meeting has never yet been fully told. But I’ll tell it now !
‘secret meeting .......’
The details of this bid, specifically the proportionate sources of funding, weren’t initially terribly clear, but it emerged after a while that the cunning plan drawn up by FDC was that Town Council should contribute over £100,000 to obtain matched funding. What was the District Council (the designated leisure provider) contributing to this scheme ? Well less than nothing. They were actually proposing charging Town Council between £20,000 and £30,000 just for putting the bid in !
Cllr Howes argued with Cllr Melton that the government requirement for best value could mean best community value, not maximum fiscal value. Three times Cllr Melton interrupted him and dismissed his question as “childish” In fact Cllr Melton wasn’t to answer that question properly until May 2007 (see Blog MORE STUFF)
Cllr Howes then inquired of the leader of the District Council why FDC wasn’t contributing funding themselves. Initially Councillor Harper refused to answer the question on the grounds that he was there as a County Councillor, not a District Councillor. With a hint of sarcasm Cllr Howes reportedly then asked: “ Could we respectfully ask Cllr Harper, wearing his county council ‘hat’ if he could communicate with his colleague, Cllr Harper in his leader of the district council ‘hat’ why FDC weren’t pulling their financial weight”. Cllr Harpo angrily replied (wearing either none, one or both of his hats) “because Chatteris Town Council hadn’t asked FDC for a financial contribution”.
This remarkable answer posed the immediate question why FDC, the bid originator, felt that any suggestion of their making a financial commitment should have come in advance from a second party that were unaware at the time of the proposed bid, despite being included as a major financial contributor. (Makes you want to weep doesn’t it ?)
The meeting was adjourned, because it was suggested that little could be progresseduntil the result of the funding bid be known. This would only be a “month or so”, and in the meantime we mustn’t “do or say anything in case it compromised the bid to Cambridgeshire Horizons”.
At the start of the meeting it was declared that the meeting would be “Private & Confidential” Apparently the District Council had hurriedly cobbled together a bid to Cambridgeshire Horizons for funding which included buying the building at full Market Value.
The details of this bid, specifically the proportionate sources of funding, weren’t initially terribly clear, but it emerged after a while that the cunning plan drawn up by FDC was that Town Council should contribute over £100,000 to obtain matched funding. What was the District Council (the designated leisure provider) contributing to this scheme ? Well less than nothing. They were actually proposing charging Town Council between £20,000 and £30,000 just for putting the bid in !
Cllr Howes argued with Cllr Melton that the government requirement for best value could mean best community value, not maximum fiscal value. Three times Cllr Melton interrupted him and dismissed his question as “childish” In fact Cllr Melton wasn’t to answer that question properly until May 2007 (see Blog MORE STUFF)
Cllr Howes then inquired of the leader of the District Council why FDC wasn’t contributing funding themselves. Initially Councillor Harper refused to answer the question on the grounds that he was there as a County Councillor, not a District Councillor. With a hint of sarcasm Cllr Howes reportedly then asked: “ Could we respectfully ask Cllr Harper, wearing his county council ‘hat’ if he could communicate with his colleague, Cllr Harper in his leader of the district council ‘hat’ why FDC weren’t pulling their financial weight”. Cllr Harpo angrily replied (wearing either none, one or both of his hats) “because Chatteris Town Council hadn’t asked FDC for a financial contribution”.
This remarkable answer posed the immediate question why FDC, the bid originator, felt that any suggestion of their making a financial commitment should have come in advance from a second party that were unaware at the time of the proposed bid, despite being included as a major financial contributor. (Makes you want to weep doesn’t it ?)
The meeting was adjourned, because it was suggested that little could be progresseduntil the result of the funding bid be known. This would only be a “month or so”, and in the meantime we mustn’t “do or say anything in case it compromised the bid to Cambridgeshire Horizons”.
COME ON FDC, COUGH UP !
"This Council calls upon Fenland District Council to commit in principal to match fund all contributions from Chatteris Town Council to purchase and or renovate the King Edward Centre".
Before the motion could be published, the Town Clerk phoned Cllr Howes and passed on a request from the Finance Officer that the motion be withdrawn until it was known whether the bid was successful or not. The matter was never debated, and over a year later, FDC still haven’t been asked to contribute towards the K.E.C.
However it wasn’t only a month or so until we would know the result of this bid which had being given as the reason that no progress could be made. After 3 or 4 months, word dribbled back, that the initial reaction to the bid was unfavourable, but it might be reconsidered if nobody said anything that might rock the boat.
This disgraceful, unnecessary ‘cloak of secrecy’ paralised all visible activity for nearly 17 months ! The facts of the ‘secret meeting’ and the Cambridgeshire Horizons bid emerged during this period, but it is only now that the bid has officially been declared failed.
Following Cllr Harper’s statement that FDC only weren’t proposing financial commitment to KEC because ‘nobody had ever asked them’, Cllr Howes immediately submitted the following written motion for the next meeting of Chatteris Town Council on 4 April 2006:
"This Council calls upon Fenland District Council to commit in principal to match fund all contributions from Chatteris Town Council to purchase and or renovate the King Edward Centre".
Before the motion could be published, the Town Clerk phoned Cllr Howes and passed on a request from the Finance Officer that the motion be withdrawn until it was known whether the bid was successful or not. The matter was never debated, and over a year later, FDC still haven’t been asked to contribute towards the K.E.C.
However it wasn’t only a month or so until we would know the result of this bid which had being given as the reason that no progress could be made. After 3 or 4 months, word dribbled back, that the initial reaction to the bid was unfavourable, but it might be reconsidered if nobody said anything that might rock the boat.
This disgraceful, unnecessary ‘cloak of secrecy’ paralised all visible activity for nearly 17 months ! The facts of the ‘secret meeting’ and the Cambridgeshire Horizons bid emerged during this period, but it is only now that the bid has officially been declared failed.
So where does the matter stand now ?
Chatteris Town Council are now free to debate the matter and ‘suggest’ to FDC that they honour their commitments.
I believe that Chatteris Town Council have an absolute moral obligation to act now. They should offer to buy the King Edward Centre from County Council for £1. In partnership with District Council they could take over responsibility for the fabric of the building and offer the Trustees a 25 year (or 99 year) lease at a peppercorn rent.
This would free the Trustees from the current unfair burden, and finally allow outside money to be injected into the building. The 2003 improvement plans could be dusted down and reconsidered. Amongst other things these included forming a new entrance feature which during the day would serve as a reception and cafe for ‘mums and tots’, and in the evening could possibly serve as that most desperately needed facility - a ‘young person’s cafe’ !
Mind you, FDC could easily contribute to the KEC from the £507,000 they recently received from selling of former Chatteris council land !
Walter Burnett is a pen name
Apparently the County Council have graciously offered the Trustees a new 3 year lease. In addition to maintaining the unfair burden of repair and maintenance on the shoulders of the Trustees, it also demands £10,000 p.a. rent. Is this the Tory pledge in the recent election to guarantee the future of the K.E.C. Well FDC have generously given KEC a grant of £10,000 this year (funded in part by halving the Cromwell Community College grant), but isn’t this simply robbing Peter to pay Paul ? An 3 year lease certainly disqualifies the Trustees from significant grant aid or Lottery money ! It’s not even a temporary and unsatisfactory patch.
Chatteris Town Council are now free to debate the matter and ‘suggest’ to FDC that they honour their commitments.
What could happen ?
At the May meeting of Chatteris Town Council, the newly promoted County Council portfolio holder in charge of Corporate Services Cllr Melton announced that County Council had finally accepted that the requirement to achieve “best value” when disposing of assets, could mean “best community value”, not just “best financial value”.I believe that Chatteris Town Council have an absolute moral obligation to act now. They should offer to buy the King Edward Centre from County Council for £1. In partnership with District Council they could take over responsibility for the fabric of the building and offer the Trustees a 25 year (or 99 year) lease at a peppercorn rent.
This would free the Trustees from the current unfair burden, and finally allow outside money to be injected into the building. The 2003 improvement plans could be dusted down and reconsidered. Amongst other things these included forming a new entrance feature which during the day would serve as a reception and cafe for ‘mums and tots’, and in the evening could possibly serve as that most desperately needed facility - a ‘young person’s cafe’ !
Can it be done ?
Strange to say, yes it can ! Cllr Howes reports that the highly successful Priory Centre halls complex in St Neots is jointly owned by Town and District Councils, and run by a management committee composed of users of the centre, and representatives of the 2 councils. Does Cllr Howes actually know what he’s talking about ? Just possibly he does, he chaired the Priory Centre management committee for several years in the late 1990’s !Anything actually likely to really happen ?
Dunno ! Depends if there is the political will amongst the ruling ‘elite’ to honour promises made both in their literature doing the May local elections, and in a recent newspaper article !Mind you, FDC could easily contribute to the KEC from the £507,000 they recently received from selling of former Chatteris council land !
Walter Burnett is a pen name
Saturday, 12 May 2007
The Queen is dead ! Long live the Queeen ! (not)
The new Chatteris Town Council met for the first time on the 8th May. Your dedicated blogger has pledged to report to you all the triumphs, disasters, and shenanigans of this august body.
The burning question was who would become Chatteris’ first Mayor. Would Florrie surrender her vice like grip on the chair after 16 years ? Would the eternal bridesmaid, Sue Elam, finally get her hour of glory ? The meeting started with a eulogy of praise for Florrie, appropriately lead by the ‘oldest member’ octogenarian Ray German. Flowers and paintings were given in recognition of her truly memorable achievement (the praise being directed at Florrie’s longevity, not her actual record of achievement which could be best summarised as keeping the Town’s £1million languishing in the bank for almost all that period).
The outgoing chair then named her heir - and indeed it was our Sue ! Cllr Elam accepted the honour with yet more fulsome praise for her predecessor, and the meeting turned to its next appointment, that of mayor in waiting, or deputy mayor. Quick as a flash Florrie’s sister in law (Cllr Stimson) proposed - no wait for it, guess - yes Florrie herself.
As the smoke cleared and the mirrors stopped revolving (metaphorically speaking) it became clear that the whole succession was an elaborately stage managed illusion. Florrie was still close to the top of the table, the reigns as firmly grasped in her hands as ever, and Sue little more than a titular head. “Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme difference !” (the more things change, the more they stay the same) Spare a thought for poor Sue. Will she really be allowed to get on with trying to achieve positive change, or will her worthwhile endeavours continue to be put down, suppressed, or simply vetoed ?
Both mayor and deputy made frequent and repeated reference to the ‘great loss’ to the council of the councillors who failed to be re-elected, unenthusiastically welcoming the new councillors through apparently gritted teeth. It appeared that the “old guards’ ” wrath was not directed at the new members who belonged to their own party, but at the new 23 year old Lib Dem, Ed Bryce, for his temerity in obtaining a democratic mandate. A bizarre and slightly unpleasant ritual then followed, when the councillors went round the table introducing themselves. One by one they justified their office solely in terms of how long they have lived in Chatteris. It appears that the combined group are qualified entirely on the basis of having lived in town for over 300 years between them. Florrie’s ‘iron grip’ is justified by the Doomsday book ! All hope of a new and inclusive council flew out the window with the clearly implied criticism of the three lib dem councillors (7 years, 7 years and 13 years in Chatteris) as new comers. This ongoing criticism that new comers shouldn’t have any say in the future of the Town they have chosen to make their home, was a dark and deeply offensive characteristic of the last Council, clearly inherited by the new Council. This blogger believes that the Council should represent all Chatteris, not denigrate recent arrivals and continue to compound the myth of a deep division between ‘old & new Chatteris’ !
More of this fascinating Machiavellian tragedy to follow !
Walter Burnett is a pen name.
The burning question was who would become Chatteris’ first Mayor. Would Florrie surrender her vice like grip on the chair after 16 years ? Would the eternal bridesmaid, Sue Elam, finally get her hour of glory ? The meeting started with a eulogy of praise for Florrie, appropriately lead by the ‘oldest member’ octogenarian Ray German. Flowers and paintings were given in recognition of her truly memorable achievement (the praise being directed at Florrie’s longevity, not her actual record of achievement which could be best summarised as keeping the Town’s £1million languishing in the bank for almost all that period).
The outgoing chair then named her heir - and indeed it was our Sue ! Cllr Elam accepted the honour with yet more fulsome praise for her predecessor, and the meeting turned to its next appointment, that of mayor in waiting, or deputy mayor. Quick as a flash Florrie’s sister in law (Cllr Stimson) proposed - no wait for it, guess - yes Florrie herself.
As the smoke cleared and the mirrors stopped revolving (metaphorically speaking) it became clear that the whole succession was an elaborately stage managed illusion. Florrie was still close to the top of the table, the reigns as firmly grasped in her hands as ever, and Sue little more than a titular head. “Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme difference !” (the more things change, the more they stay the same) Spare a thought for poor Sue. Will she really be allowed to get on with trying to achieve positive change, or will her worthwhile endeavours continue to be put down, suppressed, or simply vetoed ?
Both mayor and deputy made frequent and repeated reference to the ‘great loss’ to the council of the councillors who failed to be re-elected, unenthusiastically welcoming the new councillors through apparently gritted teeth. It appeared that the “old guards’ ” wrath was not directed at the new members who belonged to their own party, but at the new 23 year old Lib Dem, Ed Bryce, for his temerity in obtaining a democratic mandate. A bizarre and slightly unpleasant ritual then followed, when the councillors went round the table introducing themselves. One by one they justified their office solely in terms of how long they have lived in Chatteris. It appears that the combined group are qualified entirely on the basis of having lived in town for over 300 years between them. Florrie’s ‘iron grip’ is justified by the Doomsday book ! All hope of a new and inclusive council flew out the window with the clearly implied criticism of the three lib dem councillors (7 years, 7 years and 13 years in Chatteris) as new comers. This ongoing criticism that new comers shouldn’t have any say in the future of the Town they have chosen to make their home, was a dark and deeply offensive characteristic of the last Council, clearly inherited by the new Council. This blogger believes that the Council should represent all Chatteris, not denigrate recent arrivals and continue to compound the myth of a deep division between ‘old & new Chatteris’ !
More of this fascinating Machiavellian tragedy to follow !
Walter Burnett is a pen name.
BATTLE FOR THE CROWN
The freshly elected new Chatteris Town Council meets for the first time on Tuesday 8 May 2007.
Its first job will be to elect Chatteris’ first Mayor. The prospect of donning the Chain has engaged many of the Members, and betting is fierce on who will receive this honour. Leading contenders are:
No. 1 - Cllr Mrs Florence Newell. ‘Florrie’ has already been chairman of the town council for a quite remarkable 16 years ! In May ‘06 Florrie went to press saying that should would not even stand again for Town Council in May 07, however a change of heart has seen her re-elected for the Wenneye ward. More recently she has ruled out becoming the first Mayor, but will the glitter of Office prove too seductive to the only member of the council who doesn’t actually live in Chatteris ?
No. 2 - Cllr Mrs Sue Elam. Sue has loyally served Florrie as deputy Chairman for 9 years, not even protesting when Florence has claimed credit for Sue’s achievements (for example the mini skate board park). It is widely know that Sue coverts the ‘crown’ and many believe she has always been promised the succession. But in the cold light of the new council will political ambition take precedence over old promises ? And if the promise to Sue is reneged on, will Sue be able to bare to stay on the council ? She may be offered the consultation of Deputy Mayor, but can Sue remain for ever the bridesmaid ?
No. 3 - Cllr Peter Murphy. Peter appeared to become Florence’s deadliest of enemies in 2003 when he defeated her in the 2003 district council election. However since Florence defected and became a ‘born again Conservative’ an uneasy marriage of convenience exists, which extended to Florence standing with Peter in Wenneye ward for town (and accepting the diminished role of ‘second fiddle’) and the reverse alliance happening in Slade Lode ward. Peter’s rise within the District Council was been meteoric, with his almost immediate elevation to ‘portfolio holder for toilets’. Hot money is on Peter becoming the first Mayor, but most observers believe that no-one can achieve this exalted position without Florence’s blessing. Are all the old wounds really completely healed ?
This blogger promises not only to update you with the result, but also report all the shenanigans and political manoevering. And I plan to regularly update you on happenings at this ‘vicar of Dibleyesque’ body. Wait with baited breath for your next installment !
Walter Burnett is a pen name
Its first job will be to elect Chatteris’ first Mayor. The prospect of donning the Chain has engaged many of the Members, and betting is fierce on who will receive this honour. Leading contenders are:
No. 1 - Cllr Mrs Florence Newell. ‘Florrie’ has already been chairman of the town council for a quite remarkable 16 years ! In May ‘06 Florrie went to press saying that should would not even stand again for Town Council in May 07, however a change of heart has seen her re-elected for the Wenneye ward. More recently she has ruled out becoming the first Mayor, but will the glitter of Office prove too seductive to the only member of the council who doesn’t actually live in Chatteris ?
No. 2 - Cllr Mrs Sue Elam. Sue has loyally served Florrie as deputy Chairman for 9 years, not even protesting when Florence has claimed credit for Sue’s achievements (for example the mini skate board park). It is widely know that Sue coverts the ‘crown’ and many believe she has always been promised the succession. But in the cold light of the new council will political ambition take precedence over old promises ? And if the promise to Sue is reneged on, will Sue be able to bare to stay on the council ? She may be offered the consultation of Deputy Mayor, but can Sue remain for ever the bridesmaid ?
No. 3 - Cllr Peter Murphy. Peter appeared to become Florence’s deadliest of enemies in 2003 when he defeated her in the 2003 district council election. However since Florence defected and became a ‘born again Conservative’ an uneasy marriage of convenience exists, which extended to Florence standing with Peter in Wenneye ward for town (and accepting the diminished role of ‘second fiddle’) and the reverse alliance happening in Slade Lode ward. Peter’s rise within the District Council was been meteoric, with his almost immediate elevation to ‘portfolio holder for toilets’. Hot money is on Peter becoming the first Mayor, but most observers believe that no-one can achieve this exalted position without Florence’s blessing. Are all the old wounds really completely healed ?
This blogger promises not only to update you with the result, but also report all the shenanigans and political manoevering. And I plan to regularly update you on happenings at this ‘vicar of Dibleyesque’ body. Wait with baited breath for your next installment !
Walter Burnett is a pen name
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