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Friday, 3rd September 2010

Call for a poll on council split - COMMENT ON THIS STORY

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Published Date: 08 May 2009
By Alex Fredman
A HANDFUL of voters are set to force a costly referendum on whether Whitby should become independent from Scarborough Borough Council.
A town assembly meeting takes place on Tuesday to discuss whether Whitby should be under the borough council's control.

And if a third of those present decide there should be a vote on the issue, then the ballot, likely to cost thousands of pounds
, will go ahead.

Nigel Ward, who is behind ambitious plans to transform the disused cargo shed in Endeavour Wharf into an arts venue is one of those who wants a parish poll.

He believes, given the huge raft of grievances that have been building in recent times against Scarborough Borough Council, enough is enough.

Town mayor Coun Steve Smith announced he was to call the meeting, which is open to the public, at Whitby Town Council earlier this week.

But although he said the town council has listened to the views of the electorate by having the Town Assembly, he feels a poll would be a "waste of taxpayers' money" as it does not carry any legal weight.

Coun Smith told the Gazette a parish poll will cost several thousand pounds if held.

He said: "We are responding to the concern of a minority of residents and although we are keen to listen to people's views we feel in the current economic climate the cost of a poll, if it should go ahead, would be an unnecessary expense. It's Whitby taxpayers' money.

"The legislation as it stands leaves councils open to manipulation by a very small number of the electorate.

"The poll doesn't carry any legal weight at all as the town council nor Scarborough Borough Council have to take people's views into account.

"Who would run the town if Scarborough Borough Council doesn't as the town council doesn't have the resources and the expertise?"

Members of the public are welcome to attend the Town Assembly but only people whose names are included in the electoral register may speak or vote on any matter.

Mr Ward highlighted problems with the town's piers which are in danger of collapse, sewage leaks, the swing bridge, the collapse of the harbour wall where Yorkshire Water are currently carrying out repairs and the beach chalets, among others which are of concern to residents.

He said: "I live opposite where the Regatta rowing races reach their climax. Whitby and Scarborough compete fiercely but fairly.

"It would hardly be fair if Scarborough put their cox in both boats but that is exactly what is happening. They can't compete with Whitby as a visitor destination. "

Before Coun Smith called the meeting, Mr Ward had already prepared a document which had been signed by six voters on the electoral register calling for the Annual Town Assembly – something which is required by law before it can be held.

The parish poll can only be held if 10 or one third of the electors present at the Town Assembly, whichever figure is the lesser, vote in its favour and the town council is then obliged by law to hold one.

Ian Anderson, Scarborough Borough Council's head of legal and support services, said: "It is noted that a Town Assembly has been convened by a number of individuals within the community.

"It will be a matter for the Assembly to consider whether they wish to require the town council to commission the borough council to put a question to the electorate on their behalf by way of a poll. The cost of a poll is currently estimated at £3,000.

"As the entire cost of the poll falls upon the town council the expectation is that the town council will have the powers to deal with the subject matter of the question to be asked.

"It should be noted however, that the result of a poll is not binding on the town council, or indeed, the district council)."

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  • Last Updated: 08 May 2009 4:50 PM
  • Source: Whitby Gazette Friday
  • Location: Whitby
 
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Sensibleman,

08/05/2009 22:07:30
As much as I would want Whitby people to be in more control of what happens in their own town I have to agree with the editor's comments. There is no plan or organisation that is in place to take over and run this location. We need more influence within the existing system and this is what we should be seeking to take place.
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Nigel Ward,

Whitby 09/05/2009 00:24:42
There is indeed a very coherent Plan B, Sensibleman. A referendum result in favour of an independent Whitby carries no legal force, that is true, but the message it sends is just the first step in a well co-ordinated strategy to place Whitby firmly back in charge of her own destiny. That will take time. By stating clearly that we have had enough of watching our infrastructure falling into disrepair, we carry a powerful argument, supported by a mountain of evidence, all the way to Westminster.
The Mayor has stated that he will not settle for a bodge-job repair of our magnificent piers, but he is powerless to influence the outcome. We should settle for nothing less than full restoration of the piers - and never mind 'sticking-plaster' rock-armour repairs. Whitby should be dealing directly with DEFRA about the funding for this. Cut out the middleman. We have some very capable Councillors, and more waiting in the wings. Time to cut away the dead wood. We need strongly contested seats and every Councillor with a full electoral mandate. It's called democracy. That is the kind of Council that will have the moral authority to regain our autonomy. It starts with a reasoned and lawful statement of intent. We are dissatisfied with SBC. It is our duty to stand up and say so. The Whitby worm has turned.
3

Ovenchip,

Whitby 09/05/2009 19:13:14
Who exactly does this Coun Steve Smith think he is?

"He said: "We are responding to the concern of a minority of residents and although we are keen to listen to people's views we feel in the current economic climate the cost of a poll, if it should go ahead, would be an unnecessary expense. It's Whitby taxpayers' money."

Oh, please! These are not the concerns of a minority, and you know it. The only people who are in any way satisfied with SBC are those on its payroll, either directly or indirectly.

Only a poll will reveal this truth and that what people like Steve Smith don't want; hence the futile statements about the cost of a vote. This is supposed to be a democracy for goodness sake, and that means we need to vote on issues occasionally, and yes, shock horror, that costs money.

The whole "unnecessary expense" thing actually made me laugh when I first read this article. It would be like New Labour saying that as all other political parties represent the views of minorities we will not be having any more elections because of their unnecessary expense.

As for the vote carrying no legal weight this is irrelevant. Until Whitby demonstrates its lack of confidence in SBC the entire debate is futile. A well-publicised and well-attended referendum will allow us to see what we all want. Only then we can work out how to do it, or even if it is possible.
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Nigel Ward,

WHITBY 09/05/2009 22:43:40
I think it is important, Ovenchips, to have a clear understanding that what we have to gain from this obviously popular strategy is nothing more (or less) than a Statement of Intent. In simple terms, it's 'Game On!'.

A re-invigorated Town Council, free of the taint of co-option, is the lawful instrument through which the people of Whitby can carry their message to Westminster.

This is not a revolution. It is the revival of the unique resilience of a seaport which has long welcomed artists and free-thinkers.

35 years of SBC neglect has not quenched the spirit of Whitby. There are hard times ahead, worldwide. It will be the natural resilience of our community and the wisdom and integrity of our leaders which will carry us through. I have no doubt whatsoever.

So come to Tuesday's Town Assembly, 6:30pm, Whitby Museum, Pannett Park. Add your voice to our clear Statement of Intent.

Game on.

5

,

10/05/2009 13:57:01
Comment Reported Unsuitable By User
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Billy Scoresby,

Sleights 10/05/2009 16:15:38
Negative criticism of public officials for poor or unsatisfactory performance is easy: fair game, some might say. In my humble opinion, this is not what Mr. Ward is doing: he appears to be offering constructive suggestions as to how Whitby can achieve a truly independent council, rather than suffer an impotent talking-shop, forever in the smothering shadow of Scarborough, even if that means going to Westminster in the process. There is a well-established electoral system in this country, like it or not, and Whitby should be prepared to use it to its advantage.

The co-opting of councillors [who might already have been defeated in other wards] is not the answer. Reducing the number of seats would be a good first step: a bloated council, however well mandated, does nobody any good; the reluctance of those councillors already co-opted to seek a real mandate can only bring the reputation of a council into disrepute; council business can be effected in the interim by a surprisingly small quorum.

Good, altruistic people will not be reluctant to stand for a council which has a real voice and a mandate for positive action in & for the local community: grave challenges are coming for sure, but Whitby has indisputable advantages, not the least of which are its citizens, and Mr. Ward's ideas clearly show how these advantages can be used to help Whitby succeed in these difficult times.

Billy Scoresby

7

Nigel Ward,

WHITBY 10/05/2009 16:45:24
You will know that I am an honest film-maker when you recognise that my films have been produced with the help of the local community, with no funding of any kind from anybody, and these films have raised over £2,000 for another unfunded body, The Whitby Dog Rescue.

Almost a hundred and fifty local people contributed their considerable talents, their props, their wardrobe and their homes to take part in a community efforet to achieve something that, as individuals, we could never achieve.

I draw no penny from Whitby In Shorts, which is a Community Interest Company (Reg.No.6845721) and is legally bound to disburse its profits amongst film/drama and visual artists, and to pay for goods and services amongst local businesses.

If there is anything there that you find inappropriate or contrary to the best interests of the town, then please accept my invitation to meet me for a coffee and a chat. I'll be happy to answer your questions. My email address is symphonetix@tiscali.co.uk.

8

Nigel Ward,

WHITBY 10/05/2009 19:36:47
Re-reading my last posting, I see that I have neglected to mention my Endeavour Wharf Cargo Shed Proposal. On Friday 29th May, I will be screening a Presentation Video at the Coliseum, open to the public FREE OF CHARGE, starting at 7:30pm, with two or three screenings (I hope for a good turn-out).

My Proposal recommends a new iconic structure in place of that hideous eye-sore. The project has the working title 'ARTOPIA' and consists of a Cinema and Theatre, a Bar/Restaurant with a huge open-air viewing platform, and a facility for the making of and teaching of film production. I am also recommending a Whitby Maritime Museum at Endeavour Wharf, offering a permanent home to historic ships including Whitby's own rowing-lifeboat, the William Riley. And a home for the Whitby Heritage Archive.

'ARTOPIA' will be a charity, putting its profits back into the town. If I am involved in its running, it will be as an unpaid volunteer.

Why would I want to do something like this in Whitby?

Easy. I have lived here for 8 years and intend to spend the rest of my life here. I would be a fool if I didn't want to do my bit to make Whitby a self-financing, self-sustaining, thriving and vibrant community.

Whitby Town Council appears to have another agenda.
9

OneEveryman,

Whitby 11/05/2009 00:18:54
It’s great to see a bit of political ‘umph’ waking up this seemingly sleepy town, even if the local press seems to snub the event! The issues raised here by Mr Ward are very enlightening for those of us who are only just realising how unjust, undemocratic and weak Whitby town council really is. I would hope that the people of Whitby not treat this as ‘just another story in the gazette’ but rather a very important event that affects all of us living in this town.

I believe that the referendum that is being fought for is something Whitby desperately needs. If the electorate of Whitby were given a referendum on a split with SBC, I strongly suspect that a strong and clear majority would support such a movement. In the press we see Coun.Steve Smith’s opinion, on the poll to gauge public opinion on the issue, I quote:

“Would be an unnecessary expense. It's Whitby taxpayers' money.”

How much can democracy cost? Obviously the price is too high for Steve, and too high for the Whitby taxpayer. Yes it is Whitby taxpayers’ money, so why is it so unreasonable that it should be spent on something that affects the management and preservation of Whitby. Why are we complacent that Whitby council has virtually no real power to govern the town itself? Also how can anyone believe the practice of ‘co-option’ is acceptable in a democratic society? And why has it taken anyone so long to start asking these types of questions?!

Bottom line is we need a new council, fully made up of elected members. We need to banish the notion of ‘co-option’. But most of all we need a strong community with a strong council willing to put the interests of Whitby first. We have the community already, only complacency will stop us having the council we deserve.
10

john parker,

Paris France 11/05/2009 18:19:50
When Alex Fredman says "the town council doesn't have the expertise" does he mean that the present council is not fit for purpose?
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