CONCERNS have been raised about the use of Market Place in Camelford for some groups and organisations.

The matter was raised with councillors at the meeting of Camelford Town Council on Thursday, August 1, with correspondence complaining about recent use of the area to promote work of a group, which was described as ‘intimidating’. Councillors were then required to resolve on a policy for organisations and groups wishing to use this particular area.

Firstly, deputy mayor, Rob Rotchell, reported to councillors that he and mayor, Claire Hewlett, had attended the recent meeting of ‘Extinction Rebellion’ at the Old Bank, located at Market Place. He noted the speaker’s lengthy knowledge on climate change, with claims stating that people have much less time to act on the issue than they are being led to believe.

“Claire and I went to a public meeting on Sunday morning, held by Extinction Rebellion,” he said. “What I noticed as we sat down, on the chairs was a piece of paper with three questions to fill in.”

The questions on the paper asked if people would be willing to be arrested and go to prison for the cause. Cllr Rotchell, who is also Cornwall Councillor for Camelford, said there was an audience of approximately 30 local people.

“He was saying that it is way, way worse than we’re told that it is,” Cllr Rotchell said. “He went on to say it is worse than we think and unless we take action the world will be in a bit of a mess.

“They said that they have tried writing letters, but nothing is changing. It was suggested that the only way to achieve change is to be radical. At that point, Claire and I decided to leave because it was made very clear that the law has to be broken. We walked out at that point.

“I felt that as a Cornwall Councillor and as a town councillor I had to distance myself away from that, and we felt we didn’t want to be part of it.”

Taking this on board, Cllr Stephen Bond said: “Would you say they are extremists?”

Town clerk, Esther Greig, suggested that the group could be viewed as ‘fundamentalists’.

Cllr Rotchell continued: “I think we have to take a view on where we position ourselves.”

Cllr Andy Shaw wanted to remind his peers that many years ago, it had been agreed that any religious or political groups were not to debate in the bandstand area on Market Place.

“I think everybody was surprised by what we were being told,” Cllr Rotchell said, referring to the Extinction Rebellion meeting. “We were minded that they are very, very concerned, but we didn’t realise the lengths of getting arrested, etc.”

Cllr Rotchell asked the clerk if this particular topic could be added to the next agenda for the September meeting, so councillors can decide a ‘formal position’.

In the correspondence further into the meeting, Cllr Hewlett reported that one resident had complained about the use of Market Place for political gain. The resident had been approached by some volunteers from the ‘Cornwall For Europe’ group and had been made to feel ‘intimidated’.

Cllr Hewlett said: “I know this group and I have been out with them before. I haven’t been out with them since becoming mayor as I don’t feel it’s the right mix.

“However, I have never known them to be rude. They will argue their point as they are very passionate people. This resident feels we should take a view on groups using Market Place — what is our protocol and how do we use it?”

Agreeing that such political groups can be intimidating, Cllr Sue Elford explained she had had a bad experience in Wadebridge recently, with one person reportedly using foul language in front of children.

The town council has responded to the resident’s correspondence, who has now taken the issue up with the police.

Following prior discussions, councillors were required to come up with a policy on how to approach groups and organisations wishing to use Market Place.

Cllr Hewlett said: “We need to decide on a policy. I think everyone should have to ask (for permission), but for those who don’t ask, what should we do?”

Cllr Shaw said: “Tell them to move on!”

It was agreed that this should be delegated to the clerk, who would enforce the rules on the use of Market Place.

Councillors first suggested that no political, religious or prescribed organisations should be allowed to use the area, although Cllr Hewlett noted that Extinction Rebellion do not fit into a ‘prescribed organisation’.

Cllr Rotchell said: “We should just go back to religious and political. It should be at the discretion of the clerk — if she feels it’s a ‘no’ then that’s that.”

Ms Greig said: “I’ll use my common sense, or if I need to phone a friend I’ll phone Claire or Rob.”

Cllr Rotchell proposed to exclude political and religious groups from using Market Place, stating that everyone wishing to use the area has to ask the clerk, which will be at her discretion. Councillors voted unanimously on the proposal.