Following yesterday’s revelation that the Isle of Wight council refuses to recognise Ventnor Town Council’s nomination for the Coastal Centre as a Community Asset, we got in touch with the town’s two county councillors to find out their views on the decision.
Scoccia: “Requested a meeting with officers”
Cllr Susan Scoccia, Conservative councillor for Ventnor West told OnTheWight, “Before I am able to give my opinion, I need to fully understand why this decision has been reached, and I have therefore requested a meeting with officers. I will get back to you as soon as I can.”
We’ll update this article with Cllr Scoccia’s response once she’d had the meeting with officers.
Welsford: “No evidence to support the panel’s conclusions”
Cllr Chris Welsford, Independent councillor for Ventnor East told OnTheWight, “In my view there is no evidence to support the panel’s conclusions. Why they believe what they believe, is anyone’s guess. I think it must be a mistake.
“When a decision like this is taken in a process that does not allow any right to appeal, it is all the more important that the decision is transparent, easily evidenced, robust and understandable to all involved, not least residents.
“I am currently unable to justify this decision to myself let alone residents. It is most unedifying.”
Decided under delegated powers
He went on to say, “I have asked for the evidence and the minutes for the meeting that led to this decision. Whilst the decision was made under delegated powers as agreed by full council, that does not mean there is no democratic accountability and I will be bringing the matter before Full Council next week (20th March), through members’ questions.”
