What one trader had to say about the Oakham Town Partnership Oakham Fun Day.
Take notice Oakham Mayor Cllr Dewis. Your propaganda and self arrogant self promotion using the Rutland Times to publish total rubbish about the event does not fool anyone.
The following was posted on Oakham People and i have confirmed its authenticity.
Hi Joanne here from hirst & hirst. Just to say that it might have
been hard for some retailers as we were only told about the fun day the
week before, so with around 10 days' notice.
The fact that shops were
open wasn't actually mentioned on the posters. As the fun day took place
in the park, it wasn't really bringing people into the town.
It
would be useful to hear whether there is a desire among the public to
be able to shop in Oakham on a Sunday or whether, as some customers have
said to us, people like the fact that Oakham is a more traditional
place and shops are closed on a Sunday. We are a business and obviously
if we can sell more and make more money by opening on a Sunday we will
do! We have tried Sunday opening before Christmas in the past, but it
wasn't really worth it. We look forward to hearing your comments! See
you soon ;-)
At the weekend Cllr Adam Lowe Deputy Mayor said "there are many on the council who would be pleased to see the back of the Mayor Cllr Alf Dewis."
I also mentioned the further changes Cllr Dewis is proposing to employee's terms and conditions. This is seems to be a frequent event since Mr Dewis became a councillor.
Despite my personal views about the over paid Clerk, it is not acceptable to keep forcing these regular changes upon the staff.
I asked Cllr Lowe if he would accept this from his employer, he responded "No" So I question why is he
supporting this?
Also at this weeks Council meeting it is to be a proposed a working group is set up and to carry out many of the clerks responsibilities as financial officer.
The local government act strongly advises Councillors should not involve themselves with financial work like this where it can be helped.
Will the clerk be taking a pay cut I doubt it.
I imagine the same guidance would be given to councillors regarding legal matters surrounding employment.
It's clear to me Cllr Dewis is not as competent as he would claim, if he was there would not be continual amendments.
One could say his mistake of forgetting to include in advertising or consult with retailers until the last moment about a event to support them, was not a costly mistake.
But a mistake regarding the terms and conditions of employment of the few council staff could be very costly to the tax payer.
I would like to think members will wake up and pass the documents to a employment solicitor as a safeguard.
