The chairman of a community group has launched a scathing attack on the local district council over fears an event will have to be cancelled.
Richard Crook, chairman of Active Fakenham, has blasted North Norfolk District Council for what he believes is its shortcomings in the ability to work cooperatively with local community groups and residents, as he fears the Easter Sunday fun day may be cancelled over cost fears.
Active Fakenham has organised free events and activities for over 10 years, with nearly 200 well-being activities which have been inclusive or low-cost.
Mr Crook wrote on January 31 to Tim Adams, leader of NNDC and Steve Blatch, the council’s chief executive.
A spokesman for NNDC said: “The council received Mr Crook’s letter and promptly responded, seeking further information on his enquiry and are waiting for Mr Crook to come back to us with details of his request.
“NNDC has a long and continued history of engaging with charities, local groups and events, providing services and equipment to the benefit of the community.”
Mr Crook said he wrote the letter as a way to get a dialogue between the various parties that should be beneficial for the town, adding: “We have so much potential if we work together.”
The chairman said that although NNDC has no responsibility for the event, he thought its possible demise may illustrate some issues.
“For several years we have borrowed the NNDC barriers at no cost to them, we collected and returned them,” Mr Crook said.
“When I asked last year to borrow them I was told that NNDC had ‘lost’ them. When I tried to clarify this by email I received no reply and further emails were returned as ‘not read’, similarly this year, I have had no luck.
“The lowest estimate I've been able to obtain for the hire of these barriers is £1,500, which is likely to make the event unworkable.
“As well as feeling this response was unprofessional, I felt patronised and ignored. I do not feel this attitude encourages community support at a time when resources are limited.
“It's situations like this that make people think local authorities prioritise the coastal and tourist areas at the expense of the less glamorous towns.”
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