Bude-Stratton Town Council are seeking three members of the public to join their newly founded Climate Change and Environment Committee, which is responsible for coordinating the council’s response to the climate emergency, which they declared at the beginning of September.

This will be a unique opportunity to directly engage with Bude-Stratton Town Council to help shape their green policies and initiatives, making a difference to the community. The first meeting will be held at 6.30pm at the Parkhouse Centre Conference Room on Tuesday, October 29 and quarterly thereafter.

The public members will be appointed by the voting town councillors of the committee. The selection will be based on their local knowledge, qualifications, and passion for developing a low carbon-emitting environment that is both good for wildlife and the health and well-being of local residents.

Applicants must agree to abide by Bude-Stratton Town Council’s code of conduct and also fulfil the same eligibility as members of the town council: be over 18; a British, Commonwealth or European citizen; an elector in the parish, or resided for more than a year in the parish; within three miles of the boundary; occupied any land or premises in it; and if they had their principal place of work in the area. If anyone is in any doubt they are being encouraged to ask Bude-Stratton Town Council.

Anyone interested should submit a one-page application highlighting how you meet the above criteria and is to be submitted to the Town Clerk, Keith Cornwell, The Parkhouse Centre, Bude EX23 8LD (or can be emailed to [email protected]) by October 28.

Although the public members will be part of the committee, the council voted against giving them the right to be a voting member.

The Bude-Stratton Town Council was split over the decision, which eventually led to the future public committee members to lose their vote.

Cllr Frank Partridge initially posed the question at the full council meeting on Thursday, October 3, asking if they would have voting rights.

The town clerk, Keith Cornwell explained they did with some restrictions. He said: “Yes, the public can have voting rights, if the committee isn’t controlling resources of the council such as finance. The council has control of the resources.”

However, Cllr Lea Deely was unsure of this. She said: “It troubles me, if you have a voting members that can out vote members of the council.”

Similarly Cllr Peter Moores was seemingly deterred by this. He said: “I feel uncomfortable with unelected members voting on council matters, I don’t think it’s democratically right, personally.”

However, Cllr Willingham reminded the council that they would have to sign the same code of conduct as all the councillors have done themselves. But Cllr Moores stated that they are not bound by it.

Cllr Tilzey then added: “I agree with the principle of them dominating a council sub committee.”

Both Cllr La Broy and Cllr Uhlig were all for giving the members the right to vote.

Cllr La Broy explained: “I disagree, the idea and intention was some way to give the community a voice which was very important and I think to give them a power of representation will properly give them a voice.

“The town clerk had looked into the process and it’s reasonable. If you have an event that three non-elected and one elected members came, I say well we should’ve gone to the meeting, if an odd policy gets proposed, if that happens, then it’s brought to the full council to be determined. I don’t see any problem, I see an opportunity.”

Similarly, Cllr Uhlig seconded what Cllr La Broy had said, adding: “A decision that might be made where councillors don’t turn up leaving members of the public to vote, will then be brought to the full council as a safety net, to be fully democratic.”

After the council briefly adjured to hear some suggestions for the committee from members of the public, they proceeded to vote against public members having the right to vote.

A vacant position on the Bude-Stratton Town Council has also recently been announced, following the resignation of Julia Bryson.

At Bude-Stratton Town Council’s most recent full council meeting, on Thursday, October 3 mayor of Bude, Cllr Bob Willingham praised the hard work the former councillor had put into the council during her tenure.

He said: “I want to thank Julia Bryson for her meticulous attention to detail, she was a force to be reckoned with.

“She’s moved to Spain, and I wish her well, especially with all the hours she’s put in here.”

Following this, it means a casual vacancy has opened up to represent the Bude Ward of the council.

If 10 or more electors call for an election by writing to the Returning Officer of Cornwall Council before Friday, October 25, one will be held to fill the vacancy.

If the Returning Officers receives fewer than ten written requests by October 25 then Bude-Stratton Town Council will fill the position by co-option.