We are seen as obstacles to HDC

The replies to questions about Rookwood from HDC which you include in last week’s WSCT letters section are so revealing.

At last we have a clear, open, written response to the local electorate from powerful council members.

Responses that were only finally stimulated after a direct letter asking for an independent review of the decisions being made by the controlling groups within the council.

Only this action has resulted in an open response despite all the ‘stakeholder’ feedback against the decisions for months.

So when we finally get these responses from HDC what do they offer?

Mr Chipp tells us – in a schoolmasterly way – two things.

The financial gain from the sale of the golf course for building is already well investigated and justified as an action by the council. If we ‘stakeholders’ don’t accept the decision to sell for this short term profit, then we are threatened that any new ‘unitary’ system will impose it anyway….. It seems the financial income has already been justified and we are not stakeholders – but OBSTACLES that need to be overcome by a series of strategies ending in threat.

So where in all of these financial decisions within centre of HDC is representation of local people? Are local stakeholder ‘irritants’ to just be ignored? How can you close a publicly owned and thriving golf course without asking – or even considering – the golf club users as key stakeholders?

If Mr Chipp and Mr Chowen actually recognise any responsibility they might have to us as local voters and taxpayers (outside of purely financial values that is) then, by addressing the Nolan Principles, their letters would surely have had a different tone.

For example, one would expect – rather merely than a presentation of financial calculations and threat of unitary authority – a thank you to all the local community who take so much time to explain their support of public facilities.

To thank the staff at Rookwood for maintaining such a wildlife friendly but beautifully maintained public golf course.

To express how pleased the council are that so many residents are actively using and valuing the recreational space in so many ways thereby minimising the cost to the local health and social care community by maximising their healthy lifestyles.

How good it is to be the chief executive of a community that cares so much about its environment and wants to keep fit and healthy.

How – obviously – the golf club members must be first line stakeholders in any closure of a publicly owned golf club by right.

But we didn’t get that. We got a list of figures related to more house building and a threat if we don’t shut up. That is so revealing.

We are seen as obstacles and I would greatly value it if all this rubbish about ‘stakeholders’ being listened to is dropped. Just call us obstacles – that what you see us as. Please do not patronise. BERNICE BAKER Tower Hill Horsham