Statement from Mayor Jenny Finch - 3rd August 2006
C.A.R.'s response
Camelford
Association of Residents
Chair: Mrs Melanie Baber
54 Fore Street
Camelford
PL32 9PG
Tel: (01840) 212312
Email: mel@camres.org.uk
Web: www.camres.org.uk
13th August 2006
RESPONSE TO THE STATEMENT MADE BY CLLR JENNY FINCH ON 3RD AUGUST 2006
Cllr Finch, speaking as chair of Camelford Town Council, described Camelford Association of Residents Executive Committee as nasty, evil, bullies, intimidating and cowards. We have written and asked Cllr. Finch to justify her outrageous comments prior to us seeking legal advice.
Camelford Association of Residents exists to provide a voice for anyone in Camelford who wishes for us to speak on their behalf. This is what we do. We have frequent and tangible contact with many, many residents of Camelford, and while this may not always be in the format of formal meetings, we do listen to comments from residents and act as they request.
We have been asked to deal with issues and projects concerning the new pedestrian safety scheme, the cleaning up of the river walk from Fore Street to Fenteroon, the Fireworks display in December, street signs on Fore Street, and a multitude of smaller issues, many of which are actioned in conjunction with the Council, the Chamber of Commerce and other bodies, and we are trustees for Clease Hall. We have also offered our help with many other projects, for example the Queens 80th birthday celebrations, and the distribution of the Forum magazine. Further information on the work we do can always be found on our website, www.camres.org.uk
Cllr Finch has stated that the executive committee of CAR has not been sanctioned by its members. Each and every C.A.R. Executive member was elected at an open meeting of the residents of Camelford, and continues to take their lead from conversations and comments instigated by residents. The Mayor should perhaps consider that her own Council is in the main, unelected. She should perhaps also consider that major decisions taken by the council are often without consultation or consideration for the electorate, believing that ‘the council knows best’. This method of local politics breeds apathy.
Furthermore she has also stated that CAR is a ‘so-called’ association of residents – we are not ‘so-called’, we are registered with NoRA (Network of Residents Associations), we are elected, we are easily contactable by various means, and we will endeavour to deal with any point raised by any resident. We are not ‘nasty, evil, bullies’. We believe in democracy, openness, and accountability. We believe in working for the benefit of our community, and we believe in complementing when deserved and criticizing when justified. But most importantly of all, we believe in the Parish of Camelford and it’s people – each and every one of them.
Finally, following two complaints C.A.R. has received concerning a satirical internet post issued by Mr Eddie McCormick in his personal capacity, he has offered to resign as vice chair of C.A.R. The executive committee has discussed this in depth and have decided that we do not wish to accept this resignation. However, we would also take this opportunity to remind residents that C.A.R.s Annual General Meeting will be in early October, when all the executive posts will be up for election.
To:
Camelford and Delabole Post
Cornish Guardian
Western Morning News
Camelford Town Council
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