The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
The chairman of Holbeach Parish Council has been urged to step down until an investigation into financial irregularities at a social club is complete.
Coun John Spencer was chairman of Holbeach Sports and Youth Social Club in Park Road until September. The committee resigned en bloc after it was found that about £51,500 of bills had gone unpaid.
At Monday’s parish council meeting, town business people – including creditors to the club – claimed it was due to “extremely poor management or fraudulent activity”.
Coun Paul Foyster then said: “I don’t see how Coun Spencer can continue as chairman while investigations are ongoing. I propose that he is politely asked to stand down until the investigations are complete.”
Vice-chairman Coun Isobel Hutchinson said it could not be discussed as it was not a council matter.
She added: “It’s not an item we have any jurisdiction over.
“I know it’s frustrating.”
Coun Foyster replied: “I agree it’s outside our jurisdiction but the conduct of the chairman is inside our jurisdiction. I don’t see any bar to taking some kind of action at all.
“We can do what we are able to to protect the reputation of the council. I propose a vote of no confidence in the chairman.”
Coun John Spencer
However, neither a vote nor a decision was permitted as it was in the public forum part of the meeting and not an agenda item.
Coun Spencer insisted that he was not “running away from anything” relating to the investigation.
“I am not in a position to comment but I have answered any messages left at my home,” he said. “I have been there 12 years and have handed all the documents in.
“I hold my hands up and say I should have asked for help but it has no effect on my job in the community nor my job as [council] chairman.”
South Holland district councillor Francis Biggadike added: “If the social committee had followed the legislation and held a meeting and presented the accounts, we would not be in this mess today.
“These people [at the meeting] want paying and they can’t sue the football club.”
Although linked at the council-owned Carter’s Park, the football club and social club each had separate constitutions, bank accounts and committees.
A statement by the football club said: “An interim committee has been formed under the title of Tigers Bar and Social Club to address the financial affairs with all suppliers and utility companies being contacted with regards to any outstanding accounts.
“Holbeach United Football Club are acting as a ‘grandparent committee’ to oversee the current actions of the Tigers Bar and Social Club committee and will retain oversight of the clubs running ensuring closer working links moving forward.”
