Cottesmore protest march is called off

Cllr. Martin Brookes,
13 Willow Crescent,
Oakham,
Rutland,
LE15 6EQ

2nd April 2010


Re: Cottesmore protest march is called off.

I am writing as a serving Oakham Town Councillor. The content of this blog is not the view of Oakham Town Council.

The Rutland Times front page article published on 1st April 2010 concerns me.

I was concerned to read Mr Allison is angry with the response he received from Oakham Town Council.

I can not comment on this response because I have no knowledge of the content of response given to Mr Allison.

I would like to explain to Mr Allison and his supporters my reason for refusing his request to use Cutts Close for his event.

I received an email from The Town Clerk of Oakham Town Council outlining Mr Allison’s request.

His email was marked private and confidential so I can not publish the content of that communication.

To assist me with the decision I made, I was told the Council’s insurers would not cover Mr Alison event.

I do not understand why Oakham Town Council would not make a comment about Mr Allison’s anger and criticism I do know I was not consulted about this decision not to comment.

I do wonder who is running Oakham Town Council.

I am working very hard to make Oakham Town Council more open and accountable to the people we are meant to serve.

I would like to remind the public they are very welcome to attend all council meetings.

The next council meeting is at Victoria Hall, Wednesday 7th April 2010.at 7 pm.



The Agenda includes:

Councillors Questions

Chairman and Member’s Reports

Clerk’s Report

Deputations by the public.

A discussion to agree arrangements and timetable for the co-option of two new town councillors

To discuss and agree what is to happen to the bus shelter currently situated on Burley Road.

The entrance to the old school

We will also be reviewing Standing Orders, one is discriminatory. Another relates to advertising for contracts.

The last one relates to delegated powers given to the Clerk of the Council who is authorised to act in an unspecified urgent situation in the best interest of the Council. The standing Order allows for this to take place without consultation with any other member of the Council. I feel the Clerk need to be safeguarded and not have the responsibility of making a decision that ultimately town councillors could be held legally responsible. I suggest the clerk attempts to consult the chairman or deputy if neither of them is available then a councillor in order of seniority.

Council Surgery

I will be holding my first ward surgery on Saturday 17th April 2010 at Victoria Hall 10 am – 1.00 pm

This may be held in the doorway, I am told I can not use the Council office for health and safety reasons.

I was also told it is not normal for Oakham Town Councillors to hold surgeries because the public don’t turn up.

There is one Cllr who holds successful surgeries in their own home.

Strangely my Rutland County Councillor holds his surgery on his own in the very place I can’t.