LETTER: In it together

After all we must live within our means and we are all in this together.

However, is it possible that the council have measured “successful” decision making against short term cost saving, not value for money, and in the process got rid of expertise and key functions whilst increasing pressure on the remaining staff?

Mr Dendle quoted, in the June 11 edition of the Gazette, in relation to the above: ”The most efficient companies reduce their core workforce and employ specialists to task and finish projects.”

I do find the use of commercial management speak quite inappropriate.

Unlike a company which has shareholders who can choose whether to buy or sell shares, we, as community charge payers, are legally required to contribute to this council whether we like it or not.

Whilst I understand that the council must be financially viable and that certain day-to-day functions, such as rubbish collection, can satisfactorily be out-sourced, other items should be dealt with in a different way.

Surely decisions about community facilities, capital assets and planning are council key functions and should be dealt with by local professionals who know the area and its needs.

Certain extra costs must be included when employing consultants – procurement, contract management and battles with contractors – all of which may add significantly more to the original price.

I understand that the provision of a new bigger facility is already agreed and that the only serious concern of the people of Littlehampton is the siting of it.

Such a fundamentally important decision, as Mr Dendle says, is “for the whole district.”

However, the suitable site to rebuild it and also maintain provision for the young sailors, is actually in Littlehampton and the current cabinet arrangement does not represent us.

The majority of people in this town, old and young, do not want a gated community of expensive flats on our open seafront, however much this would improve the coffers of Arun District Council.

Our seafront and green are unique on the south coast with its provision for families and visitors.

Today there were 13 coaches and a double decker bus in Banjo Road.

There is not a conspiracy theory, just a simple democratic requirement to be given clear proposals on which no previous decisions have already been made, and then for those living in the area be allowed to vote for the one which best suits our community.

Margaret Boulton

Beach Crescent

Littlehampton

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