The report is now available on East Devon District Council’s website. Its astonishing blandness is likely to cause consternation, however, given the grave concerns surrounding the resignation earlier this year of one of its senior councillors.
The report, with the agenda for the Audit and Governance Meeting (2pm, Thursday, 14th November) can be viewed here: http://eastdevon.gov.uk/combined_agenda_141113.pdf
SOS Mass March..first Anniversary today!
(More photos and videos archived in CATEGORIES-MASS MARCH)
The 4,000 people who joined the Mass March to Knowle organised by Save Our Sidmouth on 3rd November 2012, will remember the mood of cheerful determination mixed with strong anger at East Devon District Council’s “democratic deficit” (Leader, Paul Diviani’s own words). The scale of support for the protest, from campaigners across East Devon, took even the organisers by surprise. Since that event, more members of the public have been attending EDDC meetings, and are witnessing the style and standard of debate, which has led to continuing disquiet. Of current concern is of course the Knowle office relocation decision, a multi-million pound ‘ambition’ which puts taxpayers’ money at risk. SOS has published evidence to show it is based on unsound calculations,and opposition has been voiced not just by SOS, but by many Councillors with strong business acumen.
The Mass March has set many things in motion. Click here for a summary, and note of other developments this year: First anniversaryMass March
Councillor Twiss has “nothing further to add”
Save Our Sidmouth Chair has received the following reply to his e-mail (see Letter to Phil Twiss, published on this SOS website yesterday,27th Oct):
Dear Mr Thurlow,
Thank you for your E Mail and the comments you make. I have nothing further to add other than to make clear that a decision has already been made by members of East Devon District Council to relocate away from Knowle based on a number of factors including reports from professionally qualified consultants commissioned by EDDC.
No final decision has yet been made on where EDDC will move to and a stake holders meeting will be held in the near future to update people on possible sites for relocation and when a decision will be made.
It has well publicised that to “stand still” i.e. remain at Knowle will cost tax payers from all of East Devon £4.1 million more than by relocating away from Knowle (in maintenance and running costs of the building over a period of time in which a new build would be operational with the higher cost of running Knowle ongoing indefinitely after the new build costs have been paid) and I do not wish to saddle future generations with that debt which it is not possible to “service” from relatively low reserves held by EDDC.
I personally look towards a very positive economic future for Sidmouth and the likelihood that jobs lost in a move from Knowle by EDDC being replaced elsewhere in the surrounding Sid Valley area and that this needs to be factored in when considering the overall picture and not just Knowle in isolation. It is particularly disappointing that barely a mention is given to future generations and their prospects for employment more locally in a variety areas of well paid employment roles that suit them.
Kind regards
Phil
Phil Twiss
EDDC Councillor
Honiton St Michael’s ward, Portfolio holder, Corporate Services
Save Our Sidmouth 