Camelford
Association of Residents
Minutes of the meeting held on
29 September 2005
at St Thomas’s Church Hall
M Baber welcomed all those present and thanked B Oliver for the use of the hall.
Minutes of the last meeting have been made available in print or via the web site www.camelford.org.
E McCormick responded to residents’ questions about the direct action that took place in the car park (wrapping pay and display meters in film). He was there and interviewed by Spotlight. He made it clear that this action was not on behalf of CAR. This interview was not used, but the facts were noted in the front page press coverage in the Cornish Guardian of 29 September.
E McCormick said that the procedure for a call for a vote of no confidence in the Town Council is being looked into. F Samuel and J Pearce would like to address the meeting.
E McCormick reported that Simon Morris has received his papers to stand for election to the Town Council following the resignation of F Samuel. S Morris is willing to stand as a representative of CAR. Other members of the community are also standing, including Mark Stockwood, but are willing to withdraw strategically. Deadline date for submission Friday 7 October. Unfortunately S Morris was unable to attend this meeting. It is important that the vote is not split, but that we gain some more representation on the Town Council.
John Pearce said he has an interest in keeping the car park free. He has discussed this with a neighbour who is a member of the Standards Committee (a sub-committee of the Standards Board for England which looks at standards in public life). It was suggested that contact be made with Sally Lloyd Jones, head of legal services with North Cornwall District Council. J Pearce has spoken to S Lloyd Jones and R Hart (Clerk to Camelford Town Council). S Lloyd Jones works with the Standards Committee and it has been suggested that she organise an training event to exchange information and clarify whether or not standards have been upheld. It has been suggested, with R Hart’s agreement, that two members from each body attend, but S Lloyd Jones and I feel that more members should be involved. S Lloyd Jones will contact R Hart to arrange this when she returns from holiday. J Pearce will report to the meeting when he has spoken to her. The meeting was in favour of such a meeting, providing it is an open exercise.
F Samuel said that if a candidate is to stand representing CAR then the association must be made more formal, a list of members, etc. He also called for no repeat of direct action. He will continue to look into the possible vote of no confidence and will report back. M Stockwood agreed that CAR needs to be formalised with a formal committee and a financial footing. J Pearce said that every resident of Camelford should be seen as a member of CAR but we need the names and addresses of the members who wish to be active.
M Baber reiterated that at the last meeting residents voted against direct action and wished to dissociate CAR from this. T Tague said that the action was taken by him and Jonathon Holt, both realising that residents were nervous of the idea. However, it was effective in drawing a great deal of publicity, TV, radio and newspaper coverage - the desired effect. Also, the Council had not been able to make a logical response. T Tague said that action could not be ruled out in future, but that CAR does not have to support it. J Hough thanked T Tague and J Holt, agreeing that they did say that the action was not in the name of CAR.
J Harman said that a parking fine for non payment of the pay and display had been waived by the Town Council following a letter to them saying that at the referendum Camelford had voted for a free car park, so it was thought no fee was due. The reason for waiving the fine was that there had been a ‘legitimate reason’ for non payment. J Harman to contact the individual concerned.
J Harman also said that it is difficult to publicise the meetings enough, though the Chairman said that the date had been clearly stated at the last meeting. Word of mouth is still the best way. John Henry Barfoot said that flyers could be delivered by volunteers, especially to Victoria Gardens who had been unable to vote in the referendum, but had been able to vote in the general election. This could be the ‘silent majority’ the Council felt supported the charges. The names of possible voters came from the 2H list. F Samuel will check to see if Victoria Gardens was included. Some discussion followed, wondering if there was anything sinister in this, but S Jasper said no, the registration forms are issued at the same time every year, so it was more likely to be a coincidence. The meeting was reminded that Parkway has offered to do printing for us - just ask.
E McCormick said he has produced handouts available to any resident, having heard that anyone visiting the Medical Centre could ask for a ticket to park. Dr Nash said this was not true.
B Ireland brought to the meeting a copy email from Councillor Williams to J Holt regarding possible capping of the precept. M Stockwood who is consulting the deeds at the moment (which may be of use) felt that this was a rearguard action. B Ireland to investigate and report back. T Tague pointed out that ‘best value’ could be Camelford having a free car park. B Ireland said that it is usually to do with purchasing something. He will talk to NCDC.
C Ireland raised the point that the precept is set for 2006 in Nov/Dec this year. The Town Council promised to review the car park at the end of their financial year they could come back and say that nothing can be changed because the precept has been set. CAR to write, letter to be raised at Council Meeting. C Ireland asked if the setting of the precept was done in public, B Lush replied that it was.
As many people as possible must write to the Council and attend Council Meetings. B Lush reminded the meeting that Council Meetings start at 7.15 and the public can only speak in the first 10 minutes. Standard letters were suggested, to be dropped off at shops in the town for delivery to the Council. B Oliver, and M Stockwood agreed, that hand written letters get more attention. In any event all letters should ask for a written reply from the Council.
J Hough asked if it was true that business is moving bank accounts away from Camelford eg Western Supply. J Harman said that the banks would not give this information but we could ask Western Supply if the reason for changing is the car park charges.
Our Chairman, M Baber thanked residents for attending and reminded them about the Council meeting next Thursday – please attend if you can. Next meeting of CAR will be in two weeks, on 13 October at 7.30 pm at St Thomas’s Church Hall, Camelford.