“Jobsworth” councillors have hit back at claims that they are standing in the way of a popular town event.
Long Sutton Parish Council has been accused of refusing permission for this year’s Music in the Park – a free, live music event held in Winfrey Park over August Bank Holiday.
A petition has been started by former councillor Bobbie Ashton in support of the event, which is organised by Events and Entertainment in Long Sutton (EELS).
The council has also come under fire over the Christmas lights and the cancellation of the 2015 Santa Parade.
In response Long Sutton Parish Council has released the following statement: “Over the past two years the parish council have been unfairly criticised due to unfounded statements made in relation to public events and projects in the town.
“The parish council feel it is important to advise parishioners of the following facts in order to bring to an end the unfounded criticism.”
The council says:
It has never requested the return of the Christmas lights, merely asked the committee to identify lights bought using council funds so they can be put on the council asset register.
The 2015 Santa Parade was not cancelled by the council. The parade did not take place because the organiser was not granted permission by Lincolnshire County Council due to the lack of the correct paperwork submitted.
The council has raised concerns over the Music in the Park event over the past three years after realising events were being held without the relevant permissions, risk assessments etc.
The council has not banned Music in the Park but has rescinded permission for a licence held by the committee chairman to be used for the event. Councillors were looking to review the situation and allow the event to go ahead but only if the relevant permissions and documents were received.
The council is aware of the support for these events but has a duty of care to the public to ensure they are safe on land owned by the parish.
The council did not cancel the proposed Queen Elizabeth II 90th birthday party or the lighting of the beacon.
Any events or projects that are to take place on land administered by the parish council will require relevant documentation before permission is granted.
The statement continues: “They (councillors) are not “jobsworths” as they have been described but merely carrying out their duties.
“They also ask parishioners to take on board that they are only eight members of the public, the majority working full time with two part-time members of staff doing their best for the town and they do not deserve the animosity that has recently been aimed at them without just cause.”
