It is understood by the Parish Council that there is great concern over several matters discussed at the Parish Council meeting held on 15th May, 2018. This follows a Facebook post by Mr Colin Jackson. It appears to the Parish Council that Mr Jackson has problems accurately reporting Parish Council matters or else the reporting is being done in such a way as to suit aims of his own.

So, what is causing the concern?

It appears that Mr Jackson is implying that the Parish Council has made a decision to spend £3,000 on a village map as opposed to giving £2,000 to pay for a defibrillator.

But what was really discussed at the Parish Meeting?

Truethe Parish Council have received a planning gain amount of £6,771.

Truethe Parish Council have set aside £600 of that money to go towards a defibrillator for the village.

Falsethe Parish Council have earmarked £3,000 for the refurbishment of the map on the village green’.

Yes, the idea of renewing part of the Millennium Village Map is on our wish-list, but at present it is only a proposal while accurate costs are obtained. The £3,000 quoted was an indicative figure of the likely total replacement cost of the whole – the stand and the two descriptive panels. But the Council is only looking to replace one panel – the map. A final decision will only be made once accurate costs are obtained. Indeed, if costs are not considered reasonable then that item on the wish-list will not proceed.

As with any wish-list many ideas are put forward for consideration, covering a wide range of needs and activities. Some wishes are acted upon and some are not.

Mr Jackson’s assertion that £3,000 is going to be spent on a village map is

totally false.

False – The parish council has nearly £50,000 to spend as it wishes

The Parish Council holds funds in various reserves which are designated for specific purposes. Indeed, the main reserve is for the maintenance of the village green and playing field, monies received under a planning gain from the 1980’s. Under the conditions of that planning gain, we are only allowed to spend the income received from the capital on maintenance of the village green and playing field. With interest rates today at such a low level, it means we do not get enough income to cover the upkeep, even though the reserve holds nearly £35,000. Of the balance amount of £15,000, nearly £5,000 of that is the recent Planning Gain money, so that leaves £10,000 to operate the Parish Council and all its functions over the financial year.

With regards to a defibrillator, what is true and what is false?

True As stated above, the Parish Council have so far set aside £600 to go towards a defibrillator fund.

The facts that were considered by the Parish Council in making that decision were that the 2015 Parish Plan contains mention of a defibrillator (plus several other items) as a possibility for consideration in the future. It states that, ‘In order to assess, whether these suggestions are viable and move some of these ideas forward, the involvement of more of the residents of the Parish will be needed’.

The intention is clear, i.e. that a defibrillator should be organised by, and come with the involvement of the public and not just by the Parish Council itself. This approach is further backed up by research carried out into what other Dorset Towns and Parishes have done. It was found that most defibrillators are entirely funded, installed and serviced by voluntary groups and not by Town or Parish Councils. Indeed, the residents of Sydling St. Nicholas, and more recently Bradford Peverell, both raised funds without, as far as we know, any financial input from the Parish Councils. So, it could be said that Stratton Parish Council are already doing more than many other councils.

At the meeting the Council was informed that a voluntary group was going to be formed to provide funding and on-going costs. The amount offered by the Council was felt to be a useful and reasonable amount to allocate to help start the project. This does not preclude further funds being considered at a later time when it is clear that a group has been formed and the Parish Council made aware of its operational protocols, how the group is to be organised and managed and is viable. The Council clearly stated at the meeting – and would like to reiterate – that it supports the village having a defibrillator, along with the setting up of a voluntary group to organise and service it.

It is noted that people are demanding that the whole £2,000 price quoted for a defibrillator be immediately provided by the Parish Council. That would mean, however, that many other items which councillors consider important for the parish would not be carried out. Councillors are faced with many decisions in dealing with the different aspects of running the Parish, it is not able to wear blinkers and support one specific project above other needs – no matter how worthy. The council also has to follow a balanced and best value approach. Should the Parish Council purchase a defibrillator it would mean the council would be ultimately liable for the management, for costs, testing of the product etc. when it does not have the resources to do so.

Perhaps Mr Jackson feels that by promoting this misrepresentation of ‘it’s either a village map or a defibrillator’ will pressure the Council into handing over £2,000.

There is no credibility in the assertion that the council has chosen to replace a map on the village green at a cost of £3000 over supporting the purchase of a defibrillator.

Many residents appear to be seriously concerned and committed to having a defibrillator in the village. This is excellent news and it is good to see people in the parish wanting to become involved in doing something to help the community. No doubt many of you will contact the voluntary group to offer your services.

Several people have suggested that residents should take the time to go along to a Parish Council meeting and express their opinions. This is something I and other councillors would totally agree with and encourage. It would be good to see more people attending Parish Council meetings. Everyone is most welcome to come along and listen to the various items that are considered, debated and dealt with. This would enable parishioners to gain a wider appreciation of what the Parish Council does and the breadth of things it must contend and deal with.

My final comment is the old adage and truism, ‘Do not always believe what is written in the papers’. Check out the accuracy of comments made against other sources, ask councillors for facts, contact the Parish Clerk or read the minutes of meetings on the Parish Council website (www.strattondorsetpc.org.uk) or notice boards before making up your mind. Facebook may give instantaneous information to people, but it can also generate an angry ‘knee-jerk’ reaction. This is particularly unfortunate when information is incorrect or slewed, thus creating an erroneous impression or situation.

Please be assured that the Parish Council is always working for the benefit of the whole of Stratton Parish and every one of its residents, being ever mindful of operating in a correct and legal manner.

Thank you for taking the time to read this statement which I hope clarifies the Parish Council’s position.

Andy Aylott

Chairman – Stratton Parish Council

May 2018

 

24th May 2018 – Statement By The Chairman On Behalf Of Stratton Parish Council
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