There were 18 residents at the parish councils planning meeting last night, (Monday 4th July), which is ironic, as councillors would normally welcome such a large gathering at every council meeting.

Most were there to hear about the cost of the new car park, yet as with the full council last week, there were some rather exasperated exchanges.

It was a surreal situation! The cost for the project began at £216,000, but like an auction, the price kept on changing and slowly creeping up. Eventually we were given a sum of approximately £262,000, which has been paid to-date for work carried out on the car park. However, that was not the end of the discussion.

The company responsible for the work are looking for an additional £150,000. The reasons behind this are unclear as its ‘commercially sensitive’ and wouldn’t be discussed. So it is possible that the grand total for the car park could end-up at £416,000.

This is extremely worrying as it could have series consequences for the village. If the council are obliged to pay this extra £150,000, do they have enough reserves to cover it? Probably not even half that amount. Bankruptcy is a frightening prospect for a village, but especially for those on the council.

On a side note, a rather flippant remark by a councillor, (no doubt unintentional in the way it came over) did startle the audience. “The cost for the car park is nothing compared to the £1.3 million spent on the Hub!” That really did bring a few ‘gasps’ from the residents.

So there we have it, it’s official. To date we have spent approximately £262,000 on the car park and £1.3 million for the hub.

As said previously, the council will tell you ‘It’s all in the minutes’ so you shouldn’t be surprised. Trawling through the months of council minutes looking for the cost of a project is almost impossible. Who was the contractor or project leader, what do the sundry items come under, they all add up?

Spending over £1.5 million in less than 3 years, without telling the residents does look like a cover-up. On top of which, the village could face an unprecedented series situation.

Well done Mr Chairman of Melbourn Parish Council, looks as if you have presided over the most secretive parish council in the land.
 
A week is a long time in politics!
Harold Wilson mid 1960.