Tiverton Council Split on Canal Funding and Financial Priorities

Mid Devon faced accusations at Tiverton Town Council for burdening Tiverton’s authority. A big debate happened during the January meeting where councillors argued about canal funding.

The proposal suggested raising the canal budget from £4,000 to £10,000. The canal’s role in boosting local business sparked debate as some felt it helped Tiverton’s economy.

Lance Kennedy proposed the budget increase, stating the canal boosts Tiverton and is a big tourist attraction. Kennedy calculated the cost per household and said it was a small amount yearly.

Sophia Beard voiced her concerns and questioned the extra £6,000 request, noting it did not come from Devon County Council. Beard suggested using the money to lower taxes.

Kennedy responded to Beard’s concerns directly, saying if she doesn’t support traders, so be it. The exchange revealed underlying tensions among council members.

John Vanderwolfe offered a solution: reallocate existing funds, using CCTV money for the canal, to avoid boosting the budget. Chris Berry then questioned funding sources, asking if Mid Devon was reducing their payments and whether Tiverton would cover the difference, seeking clarification on the funding arrangements.

Kennedy assured the council Mid Devon wasn’t reducing funds and said he’d ask them for similar funding. Tim Bridger criticized the timing of the proposal, pointing to established budget processes.

Kate Lejeune was concerned about local traders, questioning the canal’s direct benefit. She thought more support should go to traders who might feel slighted by canal funding.

Ben Holdman spoke about improving the town centre with digitized signs. These improvements offered a counterpoint to canal funding concerns.

Wally Burke criticized Mid Devon’s budget management, saying they need to get their finances in order and suggested they leave the council if they can’t. Holdman was offended by Burke’s remarks, stating they are trying their best and navigating financial struggles, feeling Burke’s comments were unfair.

The vote occurred after a tense discussion. Thirteen councillors voted to increase canal funding, while eight councillors voted against the increase. The funding was then approved.

Westexe Rec paddling pool funding sparked controversy. Neil Senik questioned the pool’s reduced budget from £12,000 to £6,000, wanting to know the reason for the cut.

Vanderwolfe clarified the situation, stating Mid Devon requested £12,000 total, with some funds already existing, equaling $6,000 allotted, and that they wanted to add what was remaining. Jason Lejeune expressed confusion and questioned the pool’s running costs, finding it hard to believe the total was £12,000, noting he used the pool as a family resource.

Davey understood Lejeune’s point, admitting costs often seem too high, but recognized the value of local facilities for families. Holdman defended the budget decision, stating staff do more than expected there and that pools require a lot of labour, wanting it open for the community.

Lejeune remained skeptical about costs, stating £2,000 a month should provide a lifeguard, or the town pays for the splash pool itself.