Over 100 people once again packed into the Ivor Potter Hall on October 3, as discussions resumed at the Bude-Stratton Town Council meeting over the proposals to Cornwall Council, in the highly contentious Community Governance Review (CGR).

It was evident at the Community Governance meeting in September that the surrounding parishes affected by what was proposed were unanimously against the idea.

Representatives from parish councils once again brought their passion with them, as they spoke in the public participation section of the town council meeting.

Speakers from Launcells, Marhamchurch and Poundstock all voiced their stance on the town council’s proposals. The changes also included Kilkhampton, but there wasn’t a representative at the meeting. However they did send correspondence in their absence against the review.

Chair of Launcells Parish Council Dr Alan Whittle began by echoing what had been said at the previous meeting.

He said: “I’m sure we were all here at the last Community Governance Review meeting. There was an overwhelming feeling that it wasn’t a good idea and we (parish councils) were all unified in that.

“I have since spent a significant amount of time reading through Cornwall Council documents.

“The government expects more, rather then fewer councils, and to disband a parish council there has to be a really good reason, but I have heard nothing.”

One of the points made by the town council during this process, has been the use of the town’s library. Again the point was made that only 15 people within Launcells use the library.

On behalf of Marhamchurch parish, Tom O’Sullivan said: “Thank you Mr Mayor, it’s great to be back here. We, the rural parishes, are unanimous in the decision from Bude-Stratton Town Council in what we saw at the meeting a few weeks ago, an overwhelming opposition.

“I went to Launceston’s meeting and very similar arguments were made on both sides. People from the rural parishes were passionate about being part of rural communities themselves.”

Mr O’Sullivan offered his empathy to the town councils in the area, adding: “One other thing, I have sympathy for the town councils in that you have to charge parishioners more than we do, but I think we have a form for discussion for these issues. If you had issues why didn’t you raise them there at the Community Panel meeting? It is unacceptable how you went about it.”

Poundstock Parish Council chairman, Steve Pawley commended his own council and explained how they had no need for the town to assume parts of their area.

He said: “Our finances are well managed and have invested for future plans, we have no need to be managed by another council. I have heard no argument that they will bring anything to better the area.

“I cannot see many people here from Bude or Stratton to support their proposal, unlike those from the neighbouring parishes — may I thank you for coming and showing your support.”

Once the public had the chance to speak, Cllr Peter Moores explained why the proposals were put forward. He explained that BSTC’s tax base was much lower than other town councils in Cornwall, with only 3,006 houses contributing.

He said: “We want to do our best for our electorate. Some people pay well over £100 in Stratton for a little flat and up the road in Launcells a million pound Band H property would cost significantly less. We’re not trying to take over.”

This was met by laughter from the public, causing chair of the meeting, mayor and Cllr Bob Willingham to remind the public that he would adjourn the meeting if he needed to.

Cllr Moores responded: “Well it was a phrase that was used. Option one seems to be a non-starter, despite there being valid reasons in my view.”

Cllr Moores went onto describe Widemouth Bay as a ‘split community’.

He said: “Go along Marine Drive travelling away from Bude, you start off in Bude then you go through Marhamchurch and end up in Poundstock. You have three in one very short distance and I thought it was very sensible to move them into one.”

Cllr Robert Uhlig has been against the CGR proposals since his recent appointment onto the council.

He said: “I’ve been a councillor for a short time, I had only been a councillor for four or five days when this came up. I was quite confused by it and the justifications given to me were odd. If Cornwall Council gave up financing the library and toilets then Bude and Stratton Town Council decided to take on the cost, we can’t shift the responsibility for it — we take them on and absorb them ourselves. Also we need to make toilets available if we want tourists to come here.

“People have a right and a say in the running of it, the localism, I think it’s important. This council reconsidered the name of the hall after a public outcry, this is a similar issue of people coming to the council with issues. It’s the same as declaring a climate emergency.”

Speaking as a representative from Poughill and Flexbury, Cllr Uhlig added: “I can’t see the benefits to people in Poughill and Flexbury apart from the minor decrease in their council tax.”

Before making a proposal, Cllr Peter La Broy was grateful to see so many people but addressed how the process was always going to be a difficult one.

He said: “I am very glad to see people in the audience demonstrate how important this is. Regarding the loss of identity I don’t go with that. But this process hasn’t done us well.”

Cllr La Broy proposed that Bude-Stratton Town Council withdraw its submission to the Community Governance Review in recognition of the anxiety caused to those parishes affected. Furthermore; Bude-Stratton Town Council inform the CGR panel that the procedures laid out were always likely to be divisive to Community Area Networks and ask that any future CGR is planned in a more sensitive way.

This motion was then carried, with 13 voting members in favour, two abstentions and Cllr Moores against.