The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
I’m disappointed to read in The Voice (April 30) I was accused of providing false information about the funding of the Pinchbeck Chimes.
This is entirely untrue; the last issue of the Pinchbeck Chimes for the financial year 2014-2015 clearly states “the printing of this magazine has been funded from the designated budgets of the district councillors”.
This clearly means that public funds have been used.
Whether it is “ward funds” or “designated funds” it is still public money.
Perhaps the trio should consider taking action to prevent me from saying this?
By going to the South Holland District Council website it soon reveals that three Pinchbeck and Surfleet Tory councillors have allocated funds from their “designated budgets” to Glen Group Magazines for Surfleet, Pinchbeck and West Pinchbeck. So is that also false information?
I’ve never said that the editorial content of the magazine is controlled by any of the councillors, I’ve only pointed out that the trio seem to feature most prominently in the run-up to the elections; by the way; the sister of one of the councillors is also one of the group magazine editors.
Whether or not that might influence content I’d not like to say. However, may I state most clearly, I have every right as a taxpayer to say, as a matter of opinion, whether or not paying printing costs is money misused, and, whether or not, such spending might effect frontline services.
As for contributing to the Chimes, I understand, from one edition I received, the going rate is £100 for a “special article”.
If and when, I do make a contribution, be assured, I’ll use my own money.
Allow me to assure your readers, if elected, I will never use public funds for self-promotion publicity.
Finally, having read the Pinchbeck Chimes in the run-up to these elections, councillors, I guess I will not be needing their party sponsored “election” leaflets.
David Turp
Independent candidate for Pinchbeck and Surfleet
