Heated Debate at Oakham Town Council Meeting Yields Key Decisions

Heated Debate at Oakham Town Council Meeting Yields Key Decisions

Victoria Hall Oakham Rutland 2016

Oakham Town Council's meeting last night was marked by a tense atmosphere, yet despite the palpable unease, councillors managed to address several important issues.  The most significant decision was the agreement in principle to relocate the council's offices back to Victoria Hall.  As part of this move, the council also agreed to fund the replacement of Victoria Hall's boiler.

However, the path to this decision wasn't without its challenges.  Cllr Martin Brookes fought for the establishment of a formal working group to oversee future interactions with Victoria Hall, ensuring they adhere to council rules and procedures.  Cllrs Paul Ainsley, Sally-Anne Wadsworth, and Chris Nix were appointed to this working group.  They will liaise with the Victoria Hall Trustees and report back to the full council, who will then make the final decision regarding the move once all agreements are in place.

Cllr Brookes also voiced concerns regarding the costs associated with the previous move to Long Row.  Cllr Wadsworth reassured members that the council would exercise fiscal responsibility this time around, promising to avoid excessive spending. ("Over the top spending")

A serious issue affecting a tenant renting a town council business premises on Princess Avenue was brought to light. Some councillors surprise, admitting they were previously unaware of the severity of the situation. The tenant is reportedly impacted by drug-related problems in the area.

On a more positive note, the council approved funding for several town improvement projects, all financed by a government grant. A proposal to spend £5,425 on a website using money granted to Oakham Town Council by Rutland County Council from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Cllr Martin Brookes asked why there was only one quote?, Cllr Paul Ainsley, said there was no other company apart from Rutland Web Design capable of doing the job. £5,425 was allocated for the town centre spring event, another £5,000 for the development of a new town centre website, and £10,000 for a town cleaning project.  This project will involve employing individuals to thoroughly clean the town centre and repair damaged street furniture.  The council has received £50,000 in government grant funding, with £30,000 earmarked for the refurbishment of the Church Street Public Toilets.

This last item proved contentious.  Cllr Brookes left the meeting and returned only after the matter was concluded, citing concerns about proper procurement procedures.  He stated he did not wish to be involved in a decision where he believed proper process had not been followed.  Oakham Town Council had previously acknowledged a procedural error in the initial tender process for the toilet refurbishment.  Following this, the council re-advertised the tender for a very short period, after closing it they then re-opened it again, raising further questions about the process. Metcalf Ltd was awarded the £156,000 contract.

 

Heated Debate at Oakham Town Council Meeting Yields Key Decisions 
12th February 2025 Audio Recording.

Oakham Town Council has expanded its ranks with the co-option of Evie Tempest to represent the Barleythorpe Ward. 

However, the circumstances surrounding her appointment have raised some eyebrows.

Tempest's introduction to the council was not without its hiccups. She failed to appear at the time initially announced by the chairman, leading to some confusion. 

While she was ultimately co-opted onto the council, no further details about the new representative were made public during the meeting.

Adding to the intrigue, Cllr Paul Ainsley revealed that he and the Clerk had previously met privately with Tempest to ensure "she was not a person of ill repute." 

This disclosure has prompted questions about the council's vetting process for new members and the criteria used to assess their suitability.

The lack of transparency surrounding Tempest's background and qualifications has left some residents wondering about the council's decision-making process. 

While the council may have had its reasons for keeping details confidential, the limited information available to the public has fuelled speculation and raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

The situation has also highlighted the importance of open communication and transparency in local government. 

Residents rely on their elected officials to be accountable and forthcoming about their decisions, especially when it comes to appointing new members to represent their interests.

As Evie Tempest takes her place on the council, it remains to be seen how she will serve the residents of Barleythorpe Ward and whether the council will address the concerns raised about her appointment.

Cllr Martin Brookes said members were sent a copy of Evies Application after a complaint was raised by another member of the council. He can confirm Evie is a resident of Oakham and is also a partner in a local family run retail business Baubles and Bangles, Melton Road, Oakham and he is looking forward to Evie joining us at the next meeting of the council.