Subject: Oswestry Town Council Meeting Wednesday 10th January 2024
The financial naivety of Oswestry Town Council
I have observed that Wednesday’s Council meeting will deliberate on a proposed 5% increase in the precept. According to the provided figures, this would result in a shortfall of approximately £50,000 between income and expenditure.
It is crucial to recognise that the windfall from Morrisons is finite, and with each withdrawal, the interest on the capital diminishes. Eventually, this source of funding will be depleted. Given the Council’s current spending trends on what can only be described as follies, this depletion seems inevitable.
By “follies,” I am specifically referring to the proposed Splash Pad, estimated to cost £600,000, and the Centre North West, which requires roof repairs. I sincerely hope these repairs occur before, rather than after, the facility is taken over by the OTC. Once operational, both projects will necessitate ongoing maintenance and day-to-day operational costs. It is likely that this additional expenditure will not be covered by the windfall but may lead to a substantial increase in the precept. It’s worth noting that Mr. Kerr and his associates may no longer be in office when these financial consequences materialise.
Now, shifting attention to the Oswestry CCTV system, I’ve acquired additional information that should have been promptly provided indicating suspicions of a ‘cover-up’ by those involved; and really should know better.
From 2000 to 2015, the CCTV control room was managed by Group Volunteers, funded by Oswestry Town Council, including a Coordinator, a paid position held by Mr. Jim Stafford, funded by the Council. From 2015 to the present, the volunteers transitioned into Police Volunteers under the operational control of West Mercia Police.
My question is straightforward: Why are the taxpayers of Oswestry still funding this service through their precept while also contributing through a separate precept for policing within the West Mercia Police area? This arrangement seems like a double payment for a service that should fall under the responsibility of the Police Commissioner.
What the current Police Commissioner doesn’t appear to realise is that when he increases the police precept by 5.94% for the current financial year there is a consequence, and in this case the consequence is that people will begin to monitor his activities more closely.
Paul Wiseman
Same meeting, another letter, from Phil Brown
SPLASH PARK DILEMMA
I cannot fathom why we are once again involving a consultation company to advise on the proposed Splash Pad in the Town Park and this is on top of the £3,000 already spent in consultancy fees to an ‘expert’. This venture, initiated in 2021 with an estimated cost of £600K and an annual upkeep of £30,000, seems to be progressing merely to stroke the ego of Councillor Moore. Two years on, project costs are likely surging due to increases in building expenses, electricity, water rates, and insurance.
It’s important to note that, if and when this construction happens, it won’t be self-sufficient. It’s essentially a gratuitous addition to the park, akin to the maintenance of Edinburgh Mill, Llewyn Mansion, and Centre North West. This could potentially deplete any reserves held by OTC, all in the pursuit of catering to Councillors ego. But assuming the funds are secured, the splash park would only operate for 5-6 months, weather permitting, and remain idle for the rest of the year.
Another glaring issue is the absence of provisions for changing facilities for both able and disabled users. It’s inconceivable that toddlers and young children would have to undress in front of everyone, or that disabled individuals would have to endure wet clothes until they get home. Additionally, the existing toilet facility in the park is inadequate.
In my opinion, this funding could be far more effectively utilized. It could potentially become self-financing if directed towards enhancing the Centre North West proposal, benefiting various groups throughout the year and generating funds. It’s high time we organize a public meeting on this matter, allowing the people of Oswestry to decide. After all, it’s their hard-earned money contributing to council funds through rates, and the Smithfield windfall belongs to them as well. This whole endeavour appears to be more about Councillor ego than addressing the genuine needs of the community
Phil Brown
Two people, both questioning the competence of Oswestry Town Councillors.
What is going on?
Omnipresence from a Faraway Land
The Alternative Council 