An enquiry process has now been set up following my meeting this morning and that has been targeted for the next Audit and Scrutiny meeting in March. As a committee Scrutiny can call for evidence from any source and has been directed to four specific areas associated with this matter. Chair of Scrutiny, P/F of the Environment and Directors will detail the process with the objective of transparency in all the events since the original planning permission in 2007. All members should by now be informed.
Thanks for that, it's one of the many reasons blogs like this are so useful, you can clarify a situation that many of us are concerned about and we can express our concern.
ReplyDeleteTwo questions, what are the four specific areas and where will we be able to access the findings?
But isn't the Scrutiny Committee still an internal accessment? When there is talk of "an exchange of brown envelopes" in the local press -Wouldn't you appear more transparant and irroproachabe to if you willing sort the advice of an external professional qualified body and sanctioned their findings and advice?
ReplyDeleteFor a matter of such potential seriousness an independent enquiry is the very least the citizens of this town should expect. It should be referred to the standards board immediately.
ReplyDeleteReading the comments on today's Echo Report people are in agreement. Otherwise you will be accused of a cover-up. Unless ........
ReplyDeleteThe Chief Executive made the statement in The Echo dated 7/2/14that said "No action will be taken against the developer... What then is the point of an enquiry when the councils own Chief Executive has already made this statement to the press? Any internal meetings mean nothing as faith has already been lost when blanket statements like the one above are made on the council's behalf.
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ReplyDeleteOn my way home this evening I happened upon a notice that had been pinned up near the entrance of Druitt Gardens. It took the form of a joint statement between Christchurch Conservation Trust and Trees For Dorset. In it they make pointed reference to "some senior Councillors" being "from out of town and out of touch". I wonder who they had in mind?
ReplyDeleteIn view of the red alert danger to life warning in Christchurch harbour you might accept that the matter of the trees in Druitt Gardens is not on my priority list.
ReplyDeletePeople who are forced out of their homes tonight are being directed to Grange School for safety. I do hope you will be there to give them comfort. Or do you just poke and hide behind your anonymity. Get out and do something will you.
ReplyDeletePlease keep to topic. You have had four days to respond to comments.
ReplyDeleteI read in the Echo yesterday that the matter has now been referred to the local government ombudsman. I believe that there could be grounds for a criminal investigation but at least this is a start.
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