THERE has been jubilation in Bude after the town council decided to reverse its controversial decision to rename the Ivor Potter Hall.

The reversal was made at last Thursday’s meeting of Bude-Stratton Town Council, which was attended by a number of members of the public, many keen to air their opinion.

The first member of the public to speak on the matter had attended the previous meeting, when the decision was made to change the name of the hall.

They said: “I remember that the decision was passed unanimously so, if I am right to assume the council will change their mind — it would be nice to see a unanimous vote to the decision.”

Another member of the public added: “I think you completely misjudged what he did for the youth, can I ask who suggested to change it in the first place?”

However, chair, Bude mayor, Cllr Bob Willingham was clear before the public participation stating: “We as councillors will listen and take on board what you have to say however it’s not something we will debate with you.”

Therefore he was unable to respond to the question posed.

Following public comments, Cllr Willingham proposed the council should retain the name of the Ivor Potter Hall.

This motion was seconded by Cornwall Councillor for Bude Peter La Broy.

Cllr Willingham spoke of the overwhelming public response, adding: “We have all seen the public response to the name change, it has been an overwhelming response — some of it has been quite rude. However I feel we should reverse the decision.”

Cllr Derek Towl agreed and said: “In view of the public response I agree.”

Despite the public opinion on the impact Ivor Potter had on the local community, Cllr La Broy was honest in his rational for the decision.

He explained: “At the meeting last month it was a short discussion, it should have been longer. As a long standing resident of Bude, I had never met Ivor Potter and no-one had ever mentioned him to me. I understand the public may have a different view, but I guess that just wasn’t my social circle.

“Due to the large public response I think the council made the wrong decision and I would call to change it back.”

Cllr Lesley Moores was also happy to change the name, however she went into detail about her feelings of injustice given by the public.

She said: “This council does not deserve the abuse it received for its decision, some of which in my view could be covered by the malicious communication act.

“We sit here hour after hour for the grand sum of £15 per month, all doing our best for the community, unlike the accusations of some people that we are in it for ourselves.”

Cllr Tony Gibbs was keen to defend the council and the process taken to reach a decision.

He said: “I wasn’t actually at the meeting when the decision happened. But I know the decision would have been made in good faith without any malice. I have been here two years and I chose Bude as the place I wanted to live because of the community and I know this council does not make these decisions lightly.

“Seeing the response did make me angry and I am not prepared to accept the abuse — I do this because I believe in the community. This is the time and place to discuss the matter, social media isn’t the place. I find it very disappointing.”

Cllr Willingham said: “I know it wasn’t any of you guys that were involved, I am glad you are all here. We try our best. What I have to remember is that it was only a handful of people that were abusive and out of the 10,000 plus people out there it is only a small number. So I am glad you’re here to speak in the right channels.”

Deputy mayor, Cllr Peter Moores put the decision down to a lack of public presence.

He said: “In my opinion if there was a public presence the decision to change the name would have been different.”

A vote was taken on the proposal, with all councillors in favour of the name change reversal, apart from Cllr Julia Bryson who voted against and Cllr Brian Dixon who abstained.

Cllr Willingham said: “It was clear to me that the council didn’t know enough, the council will discuss a commemorative celebration for Ivor Potter and perhaps a picture of Ivor Potter. Our own archivist Audrey will hopefully be able to help piece together words to be placed on the council website.

“For me, I searched online for information on Ivor Potter and all that came up was an American actor.

One way to address this is to use the council’s website. I know it’s not the council’s job to enhance his legacy, but hopefully it will go towards an apology from the council.”

The council moved on to three points of actions proposed in relation to the matter.

Point one — ‘The council unreservedly apologies for the public anxiety caused by the decision to change the name of the Ivor Potter Hall.’

Point two — ‘The council is regretful that it wasn’t aware of the work of Ivor Potter and will create an ‘interpretation’ celebrating his life and contribution to the community of Bude; to be displayed near to the main entrance of the Ivor Potter Hall so that his legacy will be remembered and valued.

Finally, point three — ‘The council would like the Ivor Potter Hall to be used more widely for theatrical productions. It therefore calls for a local amateur dramatic club, organisation or group to come forward with a proposal to create a show celebrating the life of Ivor Potter to be held in the Ivor Potter Hall. The council intends to provide support and co-operation with the group to ensure the life and work of Ivor Potter is celebrated appropriately.’

The wording for point one was discussed at length by the councillors as some of them felt the council should not feel apologetic.

Cllr Simon Browning said: “I must say I don’t feel apologetic. I think the council acted as quick as possible to reverse the decision.”

Cllr La Broy, who composed the suggested actions, said: “I have given this all much deep thought. We are apologising for the level of anxiety caused from our decision.”

New town councillor, Robert Uhlig suggested an alternative. He said: “Perhaps it should be that we recognise the anxiety caused.”

All of the councillors voted in favour of the decision, apart from Cllr Bryson who abstained.

The second point was also subject to much discussion.

Cllr Moores said: “I think things need to be proportionate, the heritage centre would be the right place for that. I’ll refer to councillor Stamp who also did lots for the town, yet there is nothing anywhere about him.”

Cllr Willingham responded: “Well there is a hall with Ivor Potter’s name on.”

Cllr Moores replied: “I’m not that fussed, just I know there are a lot of other people from the town that did good things. If we aren’t careful the place will be filled with plaques.”

The last point was discussed, with Cllr Peter Moores questioning how much support would be offered by the council.

He said: “If it is financial, how much? What sort of support are we giving to this? I am happy to support it, just that the wording is a bit ‘wishy-washy’ and we could be at risk of falling down a slippery slope.”

Cllr Moores was reminded that this would be left down to the Communities Committee to determine how much support would be given.”

Cllr Paul Tilzey agreed. He said: “I think we should leave the hypothetical until it happens.”

Each of the suggested motions were passed by the councillors.