The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
The candidate for Pinchbeck and Surfleet who wrote in The Voice (April 23) has yet again given false information.
Firstly, his allegation that we have funded the magazine via our budgets. Wrong!
The printing costs of parish magazine Pinchbeck Chimes are not funded by our ward budgets. There were ten issues of The Chimes during the financial year 2014-15; during that time the budgets covered the costs of only one month.
Secondly, his allegation that we have somehow “hijacked the magazine’s content”. Wrong!
The editors asked us to provide news about the council or our actions each month. That is all. If he is elected he will also be asked to contribute. The Chimes is a free magazine produced by volunteers from the church for the people of Pinchbeck, regardless of politics, wealth or religion. Its purpose is to provide details of events and information for the people, something which we happen to think is important.
It is not written by or produced by us. The editorial content of the magazine is not controlled by us.
Perhaps he should direct his criticisms about content to the editorial team? Perhaps he should contribute some interesting articles or photographs? I am sure they would be delighted to receive them.
Thirdly, he has implied that we are misusing public money. He is wrong again.
Designated Councillor Budgets are intended for councillors to directly help local people and groups; this we have done.
To suggest that this would be to the detriment of front-line services, or that it could be in future, is frankly ridiculous. The provision of efficient and cost-effective services will always be the top priority for Conservative councillors.
Couns James Avery, Sally Slade and Elizabeth Sneath
