Local Democracy continued

So what was it all about?

Put simply, it was the Parish Council's anger at one resident's impertinence to question - in the name of openness and democracy - on behalf of the people of Binley Woods the process for 'electing' Parish Councillors. After all, this year at the same time as having to tighten our belts, the Parish Council is getting £1,500 more off us that last year. The precept this year is £39,000 and for that we are entitled to ask questions and receive answers.

Remember that the statement mentioned in the Clerk's letter included the words "The Parish Council is always willing to provide any information to residents providing it is not of a personal nature." and "The newsletter is merely a means of communication and we would not like to see it ceased."

We are ill informed by the Parish Council. Their website is basic sees little use. However, Mr Salisbury in one of his early newsletters did give us hope. He said that he would try and get a newsletter out every three months. That is 4 each year. However, in 2003 we had two, 2004 - three, 2005 - two, 2006 - one, 2007 - one, 2008 - two, 2009 - one, and one so far this year.

The statement "The Parish Council is always willing to provide any information to residents providing it is not of a personal nature" does not appear to be a target that they can meet. The Parish Council's 'annus horribilis' was in fact an uncomfortable two months during which probing questions were asked and clear answers evaded. In the cause of openness and democracy, you can download in PDF format an unedited copy of all the emails exchanged here.

Mr Salisbury and Mr Cook made some very interesting comments in the exchange of emails:

"In almost every newsletter I put out, there is a request for people to come forward and work for the benefit of the village." Paul Salisbury, 24 December 2009.

"In addition to the vacancy caused by the recent death of Councillor Pearson, the Parish Council currently has one more vacancy which was caused as a result of the resignation of a Councillor in 2006. I am aware that this vacancy has been mentioned in Newsletters over the past 3 years but no-one has come forward." John Cook, 30 December 2009.

FACT - since the Chairman's first newsletter in December 2002, vacancies have been mentioned only twice, that for March 2003, immediately before the 2003 Parish Council Election, and that for April 2008.

"Because there are not 10 people interested is why we have not had an election for quite a number of years." Paul Salisbury, 24 December 2009.

"Because there are only 8 people wishing to take up the position of councillor is why we are not required to have an election. Hence no voting. would certainly like to fight for my position just to find out if people think we are doing an adequate job." Paul Salisbury, 28 December 2009.

"At the time of the Parish Council Election in 2007…I received the Notice of Election inviting nominations from the Returning Officer in the normal way and displayed the Notice on the Parish Council Notice Boards as required by statute." John Cook, 31 December 2009.

FACT - since Paul Salisbury became Chairman and writer of the newsletter, there have been two opportunities to hold a Parish Council Election. However, in neither year - 2003 and 2007 - was any mention made in the Chairman's newsletter.

"I am not sure if I am allowed to release individual addresses of Parish Councillors and I am seeking the guidance of the Warwickshire and West Midlands Association of Local Councils." John Cook, 30 December 2009.

FACT - Mr Cook could have simply said look on the Rugby Borough Council website where they appear although slightly out of date due to membership changes. Click here to see them.

Of the new Councillors, Mr Brinton - based on an entry in the BT Phone Book - lives in Craven Avenue, whilst for Mr Howells and Mr Short we shall have to wait until 2011 and the nominations for the Parish Council Election before their addresses come into the public domain.

For more on this, please click here