I'm currently considering whether to take legal advice on suing the 'Cambs Times' for compensation for injuries suffered due to my falling off my chair laughing ! Posting the story "It's 'back to school' time for 40 councillors" on their web site without an accompanying health warning must surely be negligent ?
The steam rising from the collective heads of our worthy councillors on learning that they are going to be taught to be better councillors must be equivalent to the power output of your average Fenland windturbine !
Fenland is judged one of the very most deprived districts in the country, by almost every available social, economic or welfare indicator. It is clear to me that our district and county councillors "could and should do better" ! Many appear to fail to realise that it is both their job, and their duty, to fight for improvements. Being a district or county councillor shouldn't merely be a well paid sinecure.
I welcome any efforts at improvement, but wonder whether Fenland can be rescued by trying to re-educating its current crop of councillors. I tend to believe we would all be best served by sacking the lot and starting again with a new batch of younger, brighter, more energetic councillors, drawn from a wider range of life and experience.
Walter
Showing posts with label Fenland District Council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fenland District Council. Show all posts
Monday, 7 April 2008
Saturday, 16 February 2008
THREATENING SOUND AND FURY, BUT ACHIEVING NOTHING !
There’s a meeting of FDC Standards Committee on Monday 18th February.
Anyone is welcome to attend, but if you do go expecting to see justice in action - don’t be disappointed if you are asked to leave before the juicy bits start. According to the published agenda, Item No. 6 requires the exclusion of the Public and Press. Why ?
It could well be that this deals with a case against a local councillor which first hit the headlines in December 2006, and continued to create column inches in the local press through the beginning of 2007. Surely if whatever lead to the complaint was in the papers, any investigation, even if only quasi judicial, about that complaint should similarly be public ?
The Standards Board of England insist that their role is to promote “Confidence in Local Democracy”. I can’t see that any of this promotes confidence in anything. There’s one case patiently still waiting for investigation by FDC which allegedly was first reported in September 06, sent to FDC early in ‘07, an officer started to investigate it, but then suddenly left the authority in March 07. It would appear to have languished, forgotten ever since then.
Mind you, even if a case gets to a hearing, it’s not justice in the manner we expect. Last time FDC held a standards hearing, new and uncorroborated ‘evidence’ was unexpectedly produced on the day, the case was immediately dropped, but under scrutiny the ‘evidence’ didn’t hold up.
The problem may be that the Standards Committee doesn’t follow the principals of common law as we understand them. Cllr Howes has been attacked before in the papers by senior councillors (and their associates) as a serial complainer. His complaint is that when something wrong happens - like for example a private company claiming public land in March - the Standards Committee appears to serve to protect the perpetrator, not establish the truth.
Walt
Anyone is welcome to attend, but if you do go expecting to see justice in action - don’t be disappointed if you are asked to leave before the juicy bits start. According to the published agenda, Item No. 6 requires the exclusion of the Public and Press. Why ?
It could well be that this deals with a case against a local councillor which first hit the headlines in December 2006, and continued to create column inches in the local press through the beginning of 2007. Surely if whatever lead to the complaint was in the papers, any investigation, even if only quasi judicial, about that complaint should similarly be public ?
The Standards Board of England insist that their role is to promote “Confidence in Local Democracy”. I can’t see that any of this promotes confidence in anything. There’s one case patiently still waiting for investigation by FDC which allegedly was first reported in September 06, sent to FDC early in ‘07, an officer started to investigate it, but then suddenly left the authority in March 07. It would appear to have languished, forgotten ever since then.
Mind you, even if a case gets to a hearing, it’s not justice in the manner we expect. Last time FDC held a standards hearing, new and uncorroborated ‘evidence’ was unexpectedly produced on the day, the case was immediately dropped, but under scrutiny the ‘evidence’ didn’t hold up.
The problem may be that the Standards Committee doesn’t follow the principals of common law as we understand them. Cllr Howes has been attacked before in the papers by senior councillors (and their associates) as a serial complainer. His complaint is that when something wrong happens - like for example a private company claiming public land in March - the Standards Committee appears to serve to protect the perpetrator, not establish the truth.
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.
Sunday, 13 January 2008
THE MOUSE THAT ROARED
I was recently invited by a reader to provide an update on the Town Council’s endeavours to provide a leisure centre.
Until last week there appeared little to update. Having first undertaken a survey which revealed what everyone already knew - we haven’t got a leisure centre but all want one, the Town Council commissioned architects to undertake a feasibility study on providing an all-weather pitch and fitness facility at Cromwell Community College. This initiative was immediately derailed by the announcement that Cromwell was to receive £millions under the BSF initiative (building schools for the future). No serious planning could be undertaken until plans for a revitalised school were finalised.
But last week a truly remarkable and commendable letter was sent from the Town Council to the District Council. I have reproduced the agenda item and part of that letter:-
1) A letter has been received from District Councillor Garratt (FDC portfolio holder for Leisure) following his visit to the meeting held on 8th November 2007.
2) In the view of your officers, the letter and tenor of his remarks when he attended the Town Council are contemptuous of the Council’s aims and dismissive of the efforts made to date in trying to fill the void in leisure service provision in Chatteris which is the true responsibility of his own council.
3) (we reply expressing) .... this Council’s disenchantment with the abysmal failure of FDC to become actively involved in the provision of leisure facilities in Chatteris, despite the current stimulus of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.
extracts from that letter:
“The impression has been given in BSF meetings to date that FDC has little interest in managing a leisure centre in Chatteris in the same way it does in the other three towns”
“The provision of leisure facilities in Fenland and the management of the centres in Wisbech, March and Whittlesey has been the responsibility of FDC since its formation in 1974, including meeting annual operational revenue deficits. The burden of those deficits has been passed to all council tax payers in Fenland, including those in Chatteris, and now the Town Council feels entitled to ask why the District Council appears to be putting little energy into similar leisure provision in Chatteris as a fast growing town. The final paragraph of your letter “ I trust that my suggestions have been constructive and I wish the Town Council every success with developing leisure facilities in Chatteris” can be interpreted as condescending and indicates to members that you believe that the onus for the provision of such facilities in Chatteris rests solely on the town Council’s shoulders, ignoring the principal that it is FDC’s precept that includes a levy for provision of leisure services districtwide. Why all of a sudden is it the Town Council’s responsibility ?
Not particularly helpful have been comments allegedly made by Cllr Harper, as reported in the press last year, regarding the availability of money from council house sale proceeds and other development monies - “which could mean a leisure centre for Chatteris”. These remarks have only served to confuse the issue and suggest that the Leader has a different agenda and little regard for the ongoing BSF developments. If leisure facilities for Chatteris are part of the District Council plans, why has their been no real discussion with the Town Council, and why has there been little attempt to liaise at the proper level with the BSF ?”
“It is a constant source of irritation to CTC that various FDC cabinet members have attended its meetings and talked about providing leisure facilities for Chatteris - and that is all. FDC is responsible for provision of the leisure service within the district and to date has provided no tangible evidence, other than rhetoric, of its desire to deliver these services to Chatteris. Even now, with the advent of the BSF programme, FDC is standing on the sidelines, with no real involvement in the detailed work, as though it is nothing to do with that council. In fact CTC could be forgiven for believing that if it did not have £1 million saved towards leisure facilities in Chatteris, there would be no proposals for their provision at all.
In this respect, CTC would draw your attention to a Fenland District Council minute, of a meeting on 3 August 2000 and the subject was Leisure Management Contract Working Party (Minute 78/00). The minute reads thus:
‘”Cllr Mrs Newell stated that whilst she had no wish to prevent the Manor Leisure Centre (Whittlesey) being upgraded through the revenue contribution to Chatteris Leisure Centre being deferred for 2 years, she sought a commitment from FDC that Chatteris would not loose out. In replying Cllr Melton expressed the view that the approach being taken is sensible, and that it is till the wish of FDC that, in the fullness of time, Chatteris would have a leisure centre. He could not give an assurance that a leisure centre will open in Chatteris in 2 years time, but gave an undertaking that FDC will facilitate all means possible to raise the funding necessary to provide a leisure centre in Chatteris.”
On the face of it, that seems a pretty firm commitment - but where’s the delivery ?
Finally, CTC is of the view that, if FDC is truly earnest in its desire to provide, or at least assist in providing, leisure facilities in Chatteris, it should engage in formal and meaningful discussions with CTC, instead of standing on the sidelines “wishing us every success”.
I’m never slow to criticise Chatteris Town Council, but praise when praise is due. I must compliment the Officer in the strongest possible manner on this excellent and incisive letter. I must also acknowledge the Council’s resolve in voting to send the letter. Lets now hope that our 4 District Councillors start demanding in increasingly strident terms that FDC “pull their finger out”.
I also think that credit is due to the voice of opposition on Town Council that over the last 4 1/2 years that has battered and bludgeoned at their inactivity, so eventually achieving the position in which the small milestone of this letter which dares to hold FDc to account, could both be written, and actually sent.
Walt.
Until last week there appeared little to update. Having first undertaken a survey which revealed what everyone already knew - we haven’t got a leisure centre but all want one, the Town Council commissioned architects to undertake a feasibility study on providing an all-weather pitch and fitness facility at Cromwell Community College. This initiative was immediately derailed by the announcement that Cromwell was to receive £millions under the BSF initiative (building schools for the future). No serious planning could be undertaken until plans for a revitalised school were finalised.
But last week a truly remarkable and commendable letter was sent from the Town Council to the District Council. I have reproduced the agenda item and part of that letter:-
Agenda Item 9, Chatteris Town Council, 08.01.08 Leisure Facilities
1) A letter has been received from District Councillor Garratt (FDC portfolio holder for Leisure) following his visit to the meeting held on 8th November 2007.
2) In the view of your officers, the letter and tenor of his remarks when he attended the Town Council are contemptuous of the Council’s aims and dismissive of the efforts made to date in trying to fill the void in leisure service provision in Chatteris which is the true responsibility of his own council.
3) (we reply expressing) .... this Council’s disenchantment with the abysmal failure of FDC to become actively involved in the provision of leisure facilities in Chatteris, despite the current stimulus of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.
extracts from that letter:
“The impression has been given in BSF meetings to date that FDC has little interest in managing a leisure centre in Chatteris in the same way it does in the other three towns”
“The provision of leisure facilities in Fenland and the management of the centres in Wisbech, March and Whittlesey has been the responsibility of FDC since its formation in 1974, including meeting annual operational revenue deficits. The burden of those deficits has been passed to all council tax payers in Fenland, including those in Chatteris, and now the Town Council feels entitled to ask why the District Council appears to be putting little energy into similar leisure provision in Chatteris as a fast growing town. The final paragraph of your letter “ I trust that my suggestions have been constructive and I wish the Town Council every success with developing leisure facilities in Chatteris” can be interpreted as condescending and indicates to members that you believe that the onus for the provision of such facilities in Chatteris rests solely on the town Council’s shoulders, ignoring the principal that it is FDC’s precept that includes a levy for provision of leisure services districtwide. Why all of a sudden is it the Town Council’s responsibility ?
Not particularly helpful have been comments allegedly made by Cllr Harper, as reported in the press last year, regarding the availability of money from council house sale proceeds and other development monies - “which could mean a leisure centre for Chatteris”. These remarks have only served to confuse the issue and suggest that the Leader has a different agenda and little regard for the ongoing BSF developments. If leisure facilities for Chatteris are part of the District Council plans, why has their been no real discussion with the Town Council, and why has there been little attempt to liaise at the proper level with the BSF ?”
“It is a constant source of irritation to CTC that various FDC cabinet members have attended its meetings and talked about providing leisure facilities for Chatteris - and that is all. FDC is responsible for provision of the leisure service within the district and to date has provided no tangible evidence, other than rhetoric, of its desire to deliver these services to Chatteris. Even now, with the advent of the BSF programme, FDC is standing on the sidelines, with no real involvement in the detailed work, as though it is nothing to do with that council. In fact CTC could be forgiven for believing that if it did not have £1 million saved towards leisure facilities in Chatteris, there would be no proposals for their provision at all.
In this respect, CTC would draw your attention to a Fenland District Council minute, of a meeting on 3 August 2000 and the subject was Leisure Management Contract Working Party (Minute 78/00). The minute reads thus:
‘”Cllr Mrs Newell stated that whilst she had no wish to prevent the Manor Leisure Centre (Whittlesey) being upgraded through the revenue contribution to Chatteris Leisure Centre being deferred for 2 years, she sought a commitment from FDC that Chatteris would not loose out. In replying Cllr Melton expressed the view that the approach being taken is sensible, and that it is till the wish of FDC that, in the fullness of time, Chatteris would have a leisure centre. He could not give an assurance that a leisure centre will open in Chatteris in 2 years time, but gave an undertaking that FDC will facilitate all means possible to raise the funding necessary to provide a leisure centre in Chatteris.”
On the face of it, that seems a pretty firm commitment - but where’s the delivery ?
Finally, CTC is of the view that, if FDC is truly earnest in its desire to provide, or at least assist in providing, leisure facilities in Chatteris, it should engage in formal and meaningful discussions with CTC, instead of standing on the sidelines “wishing us every success”.
I’m never slow to criticise Chatteris Town Council, but praise when praise is due. I must compliment the Officer in the strongest possible manner on this excellent and incisive letter. I must also acknowledge the Council’s resolve in voting to send the letter. Lets now hope that our 4 District Councillors start demanding in increasingly strident terms that FDC “pull their finger out”.
I also think that credit is due to the voice of opposition on Town Council that over the last 4 1/2 years that has battered and bludgeoned at their inactivity, so eventually achieving the position in which the small milestone of this letter which dares to hold FDc to account, could both be written, and actually sent.
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
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