Front page Helston Packet “Chaos at council over cash grants”

Having attended this inconclusive council meeting, I can begin to understand why not many members of the public attend council meetings, despite the fact many local councils claim they would like more of the public to take an interest and attend.

Whilst I understand that Councillor Ronnie Williams was making a point that he felt the total £159,000 proceeds money from the sale of 3 Penrose Road, should be used for a new community centre, the fact remains, as far as democratically voted decisions are concerned within the council, that option is not possible. The £53,000 unrestricted (by covenant) funds are to be distributed, to some or all of those community groups that submitted a bid. Representatives from those groups turned out to attend the meeting in good faith that decisions of allocation of funds would be made on the night.

For Councillor Ronnie Williams to leave the meeting prematurely simply because he did not agree with current proceedings, I believe was wrong. I think it showed a lack of respect to all those present.

I additionally was surprised to see five councillors missing from the meeting. I understand some may not be able to vote on certain agenda items due to vested interests, or may have genuine reasons for absence, but in my opinion this did not reflect well on the council in general.

Councillor John Boase stated that if a vote went ahead after the departure of Councillor Ronnie Williams, he and his wife would have been left with fifty percent of the vote, which he felt would have been wrong; I agree with his principles. 

I additionally think far too much voting on decisions within councils is left to a minority. I believe anyone who stands for council should be prepared to make decisions and stand by them, regardless of whether or not it gains them popularity.

I think in general, Helston Town Council do a very good job, and they are after all, volunteers.

However, I do find it somewhat ludicrous when more members of the public attend a council meeting than the councillors themselves.

Gill Zella Martin
Mullion