Here's where we're at...
Lots of people who haven't been keeping up with developments have been in touch asking about the Hanging Chapel.
Here's what we think we know so far:
The Masons' tenancy agreement (expired in 2012) stated that they were responsible for the upkeep of the building. However, the Town Trust (Town Council) never enforced that clause and so it has fallen into a poor state.
Some of you may have noticed that when it rains for a day, water can be seen seeping through - not down - the outer wall of the chapel where the little side path is.
It's estimated roofing and pointing repairs could cost around £80,000.
The Masons pay a rent and have exclusive use of the building. Rather than renegotiate the lease or seek funding to repair the building - the trust (council) had a secret vote to offer to sell it to the Masons.
Just 7 councillors voted for it. Two were absent and didn't even know the vote was taking place, one abstained.
One Councillor, Val Saunders and the only one who voted against it, went public believing that
public interest vastly outweighs any issues over confidentiality.
- and she's right. Code of conduct rules within several organisations clearly state that disclosures can be made if the person exposing a piece of information believes there is a strong public interest.
However, the town council has lodged a formal complaint about her to South Somerset District Council claiming she breached the code of conduct.
public interest vastly outweighs any issues over confidentiality.
- and she's right. Code of conduct rules within several organisations clearly state that disclosures can be made if the person exposing a piece of information believes there is a strong public interest.
However, the town council has lodged a formal complaint about her to South Somerset District Council claiming she breached the code of conduct.
It's believed that at least two councillors have quietly suggested to Ms Saunders that she resign.
- and this is where we are now.
A campaign group called Friends of the Chapel has been created. It intends to hold a public meeting shortly to make people more aware of what's been going on.
An online petition's also been launched and already has just under a thousand signatures (Saturday morning)
Click on the link below to take part.
You can also write to the Charity Commission in London, which overseas and regulates the activities of town trusts and what they do with their assets.
Council leaders are aware of the public anger over the issue but are apparently digging their heels in, with one former chairwoman allegedly saying to a campaigner "The matter's confidential and if Councillor Saunders hadn't gone public about the vote then there wouldn't be any public anger would there?" - or words to that effect.
This alleged quote is priceless - and possibly the funniest thing ever written on Carry On Langport.
Watch this space for details of public meetings and other activities aimed at ensuring our centuries-old grade I listed Hanging Chapel is managed properly and not sold off at the first sign of trouble.
Many thanks to all those who contributed to this article.
Many thanks to all those who contributed to this article.
Editor's note: Carry On Langport strongly believes in the journalistic right of reply and is happy to print correspondence from those who support the town trust's (council's) stance.
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Get in touch via the blog's Facebook page or find the Editor in all the usual haunts.
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