THERE was a heated debate at Bude’s Community Network Panel meeting on Monday, October 10, over the way the panel’s share of the Local Devolution fund should be allocated, writes David Sillifant.

Earlier this year it was announced that the Bude and surrounding area’s parish councils were being issued £19,772.

Back in July, at the last Community Network Panel meeting, it was agreed that Bude and Stratton Town Council were to come back with a revised application from their original figure of £13,178. A total of £8,488.84 had already been allocated to six of the 11 parish councils for broadband projects.

However one of the problems faced, was that a couple of the parish councils, including Poundstock, were unaware of the fund, causing a debate as to whether the panel should be fair and allow them the chance to submit an application or, because they were late in doing so, whether they should pass up the opportunity.

Over the summer, Bude and Stratton Town Council took over the management from Cornwall Council resulting in more money being spent by the town council to ensure that the town of Bude has adequate toilet facilities.

At the recent meeting, the councillors were advised of Bude’s new application for the full amount of £13,193, and it certainly provided a mixed response, especially of the £8,436 wanted towards the cost of a new vehicle.

Ray Hockin, chairman of Marhamchurch Parish Council, questioned Bude and Stratton’s representative, Mayor Lea Deely, over why they need such an expensive car.

This prompted Cornwall Councillor for Grenville and Stratton, Paula Dolphin, to suggest that none of the parish councils should be allowed to spend more than £5,000 of the devolution fund.

This caused a reply from Cllr Deely who argued ‘what are Launcells going to do with £5,000’.

This left chairman of the panel and Cornwall Councillor for Poundstock, Nicky Chopak, to remind everyone of what it’s for — to be shared out.

Her suggestion was that of the £11,283 that Bude have a significant proportion of that as they have taken on the running of the toilets but that some should be left over for the parishes who haven’t yet applied.

A proposal was then issued that Bude should get £7,000 with the fund to reopened on the best way to spend the rest.

This was then voted on, with six being in favour and one against.

The final outcome of the allocation of the Local Devolution Fund was agreed to be adjourned until January.