Subsidised arts centre meals were on agenda

Published on 15th March 2007 in Letters

Sir - The letter published in the Goole Times on March 1 (Real figures for arts centre) in which Cllr Raddings and I claimed that it had been "suggested" that discounted meals etc. be served in the new Arts and Leisure Centre was correct.

This claim was subsequently refuted by the Town Clerk. My proof is that at a Goole Town Council meeting on November 20, 2006 (agenda item 8, section 15) it is stated that staff, visitors, performers and prospective hirers should be given discounted refreshments; also, on the tender forms was an option for the supplier to pay a percentage of their gross takings to the council. With a staff of 30 - more than Bridlington, Beverley and Hornsea put together - and many other recipients, it must be acknowledged that this generosity could be a great cost to the ratepayers.

Having had this substantial perk thrown out by the Lib-Dems and Independents, it is no surprise to me that Town Clerk Brian Robertson should apparently feel embarrassed and annoyed at having this information brought into the public domain. The memory of Wheaton, the ex-Town Clerk and Labour councillor who still owes this town £188,000 is still very clear, and we must all be vigilant in keeping council spending under scrutiny. It is, after all, the highest in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

My advice to Brian is to keep out of politics and do the job the ratepayers of Goole pay him to do.

Keith Tether (Cllr)

Goole