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Parish Council Resignations - Steve (11th Oct 2012 - 17:06:57) Have you seen the Liphook Herald! So more councillors have resigned from the Parish Council. Are we all surprised - No! In my opinion only to be expected with Don Jerrard involved together with people like M Croucher and D Hoskins. At least E Hope saw the light and got out. This is all terrible, and a very sad day for Liphook. What has been achieved in the last year? Nothing. There are no new allotments, no new football pitches and people like Age Concern and the Church did not get grant money. Shame on you councillors that are responsible for what has happened. You have spent thousands and thousands of pounds on what has clearly been a year long witch hunt that has not helped the people of Liphook at all. If lawyers and HR consultants are involved it could probably be nearer £100, 000. Just think what the community could have done with that sort of money. I feel sorry for anybody involved with that lot . The wrong people have resigned although they have done it for the right reasons. I think it is time for Jerrard and his cronies like M Croucher and D Hoskins to resign immediately. I think that they are neither fit to be councillors nor to be trusted running things on our behalf. They must go!

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Me (11th Oct 2012 - 18:01:01) The only trouble with the resignation is that we will have to spend a lot of money on another by-election.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Iam Toshie (11th Oct 2012 - 19:07:40) It doesn’t really take much working out Steve, even for you! Newman was first to go when accusations about his behaviour, past and present forced his resignation as Council Chairman “whilst he saw off his detractors and proved his innocence” which of course, he never did. Perhaps he was all - and more - the dishonest, deceitful, manipulative bully he was made out to be. Whatever Newman was accused of; he was a senior player of a political “gang” who hijacked democratic decision making processes over several years at the B&LPC, aided and abetted by the crooked clerk who, it appears, was out to feather his own nest. With this week’s resignations it would appear the aforementioned “gang” has now been well and truly disbanded and good riddance to them all I say. Perhaps the “gangs press officer”Gabriel Pike should consider her position and make it a “full house”. The tenacity and skills of the F&P committee has to be applauded. The cost to the public of dealing with liars, cheats, bullies and thieves should never come into it. People who ought to know better imply the money “could have been better spent”. How much does fairness in society and freedom of speech cost?

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Frances White (11th Oct 2012 - 19:20:27) I was very interested to read the Haslemere Herald report on the resignation of the four Liphook Councillors. Surely the way forward would have been for them to stay on the Parish Council and make their opinions known from within. It is also interesting to note that Councillor Mouland has only attended one Parish Council meeting in the last three months and additionally only sits on one extra committee. The attendance of Councillor Hope at Parish Council meetings has also been spasmodic in the past year and she does not sit on any extra committees. So not only do they attend fewer meetings than other Councillors but they have also incurred expense to the village by causing further elections. Hardly actions taken with the good of Liphook in mind.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Susie (11th Oct 2012 - 19:58:33) Why are you abusing Dawn's name? I have seen or heard no reason for this attack. I know I've been busy lately but have I missed something? She is the one person on the Parish council that has made a visable effort to improve things. What were you expecting? As far as I know the alotments are privately owned anyway and although they are overdue I don't think it's the fault of the parish council (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong). If you are so critical of everyone else you should stand? I know, you're too busy?? If you believe so strongly what you preech then you have no excuse.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Peter R (12th Oct 2012 - 12:54:03) When a posting starts with an insult such as Iam Toshie's does and I quote "it doesn't take much working out Steve, even for you." I doubt the veracity and plausibility of such a posting and as I continued to read it, the content amply justified my first thoughts. The sentiments expressed were, in my opinion irrational, ill considered, inflamatory and possibly even libellous. With regard to Frances's posting I think that the point was made in a previous posting which was, as the council elections will not take place until 2015, this is an a long time to serve on a council when there is so much bad feeling among the councillors. It is possible that the reason why there has been poor attendance from two of the resigning councillors is because they found the upleasantness at some of meetings is unendurabe and devisive. If councillors cannot work together then this spells disaster for the good of the parish and although I personally was sorry to see the four councillors resign, I think on balance they did the right thing and probably did resign because they do care about Liphook. Susie, allotments are not usually privately owned, but sometimes have charitable status with the parish council acting as a trustee and the parish council are responsible for maintaining and running them. Perhaps someone from the parish council could enlighten us as to the status of the allotments in Liphook.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Frances White (12th Oct 2012 - 15:36:41) I read your comments Peter R. but to say that as the Council elections are not to be held until 2015 these Councillors have the right to resign as it is a long time to serve with ill-feeling seems to me to be laughable. Things didn't go their way so they are giving up and causing an expensive election seems to be childish in the extreme. to quote another contributor 'playground politics'. Let them go - and hopefully elections will be produce four new Councillors - perhaps from people who contribute here - who will pull their weight on Liphook Parish Council unlike some of the four who are resigning.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - H (12th Oct 2012 - 15:54:17) I think the allotment question is answered - the new Bohunt Manor allotments are at present privately owned, the Parish Council do have some which they own which are in Tunbridge Lane, there are also some I believe Gunns Farm which I think are run by EHDC? Perhaps we should now move on and hope that whoever is elected will not leave and throw their toys out if things do not pan out as they would wish.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - jean (12th Oct 2012 - 17:47:21) I read Frances’s posting with growing dismay. There is nothing laughable about the situation in which Bramshott and Liphook finds itself. The four councillors did not resign out of a “fit of peak” because they did not get their own way. It is quite obvious that they resigned because of the unpleasant and undemocratic behaviour of some of the remaining parish councillors which has been happening over the past year, if not longer. I have been present at council meetings over which Cllr Jerrard has presided when he has ranted, accused and generally behaved in an appalling manner. I am not exaggerating. I cannot imagine what this must be like to be on the receiving end. Interestingly in his JAC Party election address at the last local council elections Cllr Jerrard said and I quote “Instead please vote for Eve Hope and Michael Croucher in the District Council Election, and for me, Don Jerrard, in the County Council Election. All three of us are dedicated to doing our best to work democratically and protect our beautiful villages and countryside from unsuitable development.” I wonder what else happened to cause Eve Hope to resign and prompt her make the damning quotes that were reported in The Herald and please do bring out the old chestnut ie "do you believe everything your read in The Herald." I happen to know that the quotes were true and she does feel sidelined and badly treated. Obviously Frances has not been around in Liphook very long otherwise she would not have made the remark about the new councillors pulling their weight implying that the four who resigned, have not.. If she had been around, lunless she goes around with her eyes shut, she would know that Anna James has been a serving parish councillor for 14 years and a district councillor for 12. During that time she has worked tirelessly for Liphook & Bramshott, as have Eve Hope, Bill Mouland and John Tough. These are people who know their own mind and are not afraid to say what they think. They would not be bullied and crushed, but there comes a time when even the most dedicated and stalwart of people decide they have had enough. I think H’s comment about throwing “toys out of prams” if she is implying that that is what the four councillors who have resigned are guilty of, is shameful and she should be ashamed. I will say what I have said before. The past is past and the time has come now to move on and hope that the parish council will now work in the best interests of the people of Liphook & Bramshott.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Frances White (13th Oct 2012 - 10:12:33) Really Jean you do make assumptions in your postings. I have actually lived in Liphook for a long time - and love living here. You are obviously a friend of the Councillors who resigned - to 'know for a fact' that statements made by Eve Hope in the Haslemere Herald are true. I believe also it is time to move on - to let these four Councillors go - for others to stand and bring their influence to the Parish Council about matters on which they feel strongly. I would ask you to look at the record on Parish Council meetings attended and the Committees joined. Councillor Hope does not sit on any Committee and Councillor Mouland only one. Let the other Councillors carry on with their work for Liphhook - such as the new children's playground area, new steps in Radford Park etc.which have all been achieved in the past year.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - simon (13th Oct 2012 - 15:08:54) Well said frances.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Jean (13th Oct 2012 - 16:34:56) Frances, now who is making assumptions. I am not "friends" with any of the resigning councillors. One does not have to be a "friend" to know that something is true. If you have lived in Liphook for a long time then you must be aware of the work that Anna James in particular has done during her 14 years of service on the PC. I am and I have not lived in Liphook for as long as 14 years. I can only repeat what I said in my last posting, time to move on and see what the present parish council can do for Bramshott and Liphook.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Finchie (13th Oct 2012 - 19:08:16) Just read the herald. What a sad and sorry state of affairs. I have only experienced a couple of council meetings a few years back and thought Anna was very professional and thorough and I was filled with confidence. I know John to chat to and is always visible at the Millenium Hall, and countless sporting events with St Johns and clearly puts much personal time into the community. Plus no one knows transport better. Sorry to see it has come to this, but thank all four of you for all your dedication and I hope you\'ll all still be very involved in the community. Its only a matter of time ... Reading previous threads and the herlald - it sounds like some progress has been made (playground etc). All I ask is that someone on the council posts via Talkback as the minutes tell me nothing other than process and procedure. I\'m a simple guy with simple communication needs ! I hope the remainder of the PC are in it for the long-term and genuine interest of the community, and there was no alternative agenda by getting elected this last year. Your actions and activity over the next few years will speak louder than words ! I suspect we can all help by letting the PC know what we need and our priorities as I personally can\'t be critical of anyone prepared to put the time and effort into what appears to be a thankless task. - Any chance you can sort out the flippin cars that park on the Headley road, creating a dangerous situation !!!!! ? Oh - and while sitting outside the Anchor in the summer I spotted a clock not working which made me late (don\'t panic Gaffer - haven\'t turned to the other side - mini Finchie just wanted chicken nuggets). A sad weekend indeed. A heavy-hearted cheers (without a capital \"C\"), Finchie

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Barry (15th Oct 2012 - 11:07:55) I do not no Eve, but I knew Barry – her husband. He had such a battle with the clerk and with Ann James and with John tough. He wanted the truth out. The Herald painted Barry as some sort of ‘swinger’ and tried to make a fool of him. Ann James threw Eve out of the conservative party because of it and Eve had to make announcement that she was going over to the Libdems. That was only because James got rid of her. At Barry's funeral Eve said she hated the reporter from the herald but now she is in bed with her. It looks like she is in bed with Ann James a well. I do not know what she is setting out to accomplish but those of us who were friends with Barry will think he must be turning in his grave as the way she has set about it.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Dawn Hoskins (16th Oct 2012 - 10:23:23) Dear all At present, we are within the time limitations set down for employees to appeal the decision made by the investigator and disciplinary officer [and/or] to apply for a tribunal to look over the decision making process. To my knowledge, the Parish Council had not planned to release any information until this time period had elapsed, but Mr Groves gave a statement himself. The Parish Council released a very short statement to concur. Given the press and public interest it is likely that we will release a more in-depth public statement, however, no details will be released which will cause detriment to the position of any employee past or present. It is very sad that as fellow councillors we had to read the shocking news of the departure of four of our colleagues in the local paper. I do not believe that this was a necessary or grown-up course of action and it will result in a huge expense should an election be required. It is all the more sad when the last elections, which cost vast amounts of money, were also staged due to resignations of Councillor Austin-Olsen and Sangita Judge. When you are working in a collegiate environment you cannot expect to be ‘best buddies’ with everyone, but that should not eradicate professional business relationships. Also, when 99% of Councillors vote in a way that you would not have chosen – you must face the fact that this is democracy at work and not some personal vendetta which will cause you to throw your toys out of the pram. I am very disappointed that elected members of this Parish Council have chosen to behave in this manner. I request that all of the candidates who stood at the last few elections come forward to state if they are willing to be co-opted onto the Parish Council. However, if more than 20 people submit formal requests for an election then it will happen regardless of the cost.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Val (16th Oct 2012 - 13:57:31) I am replying to Dawn Hoskins\\\' posting. Referring to the first two paragraphs, if the parish council are constrained because there are time limitations set down for employees to appeal, why is Cllr Jerrard inviting Jean, John or any others to contact him to discuss the reasons for the clerk\\\'s dismissal. Surely he would be breaking \\\"the vow of silience\\\" which apparently, according to your posting, applies while employee/s can appeal. I do not think that it is appropriate for the phrase \\\"toys out of the pram\\\" to be used in the instance of the resignation of the four parish councillors. It is derogatory and patronising. People resign when their position becomes untenable, unworkable or both. Their very personal decisions should be respected and not derided. It is doubly sad as Bill Mouland is one of the district councillors for Bramshott & Liphook. One can only hope that a situation does not develop in Liphook as exists in Greatham where their district councillor, Judy Onslow has felt and continues to feel, that she is unable to attend any parish council meetings because of the appalling way Cllr Jerrard has villiefied and traduced both herself and her deceased husband, David Onslow for many years. It is also very hypocritcal to talk about expenses which could be incured in the event of a by election when one considers what has already been spent on the procedures to get rid of the clerk, albeit Cllr Jerrard stating in his recent posting that he is going to reclaim all the money for the taxpayer. I, too, am very disappointed at the way Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council have been tearing themselves apart for the last 18 months or perhaps even longer.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - John Morris (16th Oct 2012 - 18:56:06) Val I read your entry with interest. It seems that Councillor Don Jerrard has a habit of vilifying fellow councillors deceased spouses. This is frankly unacceptable and quite appalling, and yet he claims to represent the people of Liphook under the guise of the JUSTICE AND ANTI-CORRUPTION PARTY. What a ridiculous name, sounds like something from some banana republic.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Councillor Barbara Easton (17th Oct 2012 - 12:21:11) In response to those people who have posted various comments surrounding the recent employment matter, a long press release from Bramshott and Liphook PC has been given to the Liphook Herald. It should now be available for you to read on the Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council website. Ex Councillor Bill Mouland as far as I know has not resigned from the District Council. 16th October 2012. PRESS RELEASE Following a number of inaccurate articles in the Liphook Herald recently the Parish Council wishes to place on record the following points. From May 2011 onwards, Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council (BPLC) received information and disclosures from various sources that made it necessary for a full investigation to take place into the conduct of the Parish Clerk, Mr Anthony Groves. Had BPLC failed to investigate, a liability may have arisen towards the employees, contractors and members of the public who had made these Disclosures. These people requested that the information they gave, should remain confidential and BPLC intends to do all that it can to maintain their anonymity and to protect the confidential nature of their disclosures. In early 2011, a Mrs Pauline Lucas took on the role of reviewing BLPC‘s Policies and Staffing arrangements. The intention was that she would work a few hours per week; she was not taken on to conduct an investigation and was unable to give BLPC the level of support required, when it became apparent that a full, independent investigation was required. Therefore, the Parish Council used its Employment Solicitor to guide them in following a fair and reasonable procedure (ACAS) throughout the investigation. The Independent Investigation Independent professionals were put forward by the Employment Solicitor and interviewed by BLPC because BLPC did not believe it was appropriate or sufficiently independent for any councillor to undertake this investigation on their behalf. Mrs Karen Hill took on the role of Investigator and produced an Investigation Report. Great care was taken to ensure that best practice (ACAS) was followed and direction was taken from the Parish Council’s Employment Solicitor to ensure this was the case. No council member took part in any decision making throughout the investigation. As a result of the investigation, a separate matter came to light which has been handed over to the police. That matter is no longer in the hands of BLPC, however BLPC will release further details as and when appropriate. The Disciplinary Hearing Pursuant to the investigation, a Disciplinary Hearing took place. Independent professionals were again put forward by the Employment Solicitor to the Council and interviewed by members of the Finance and Policy Committee. Ms Julia Homan took the role of Chairperson of the Disciplinary Hearing. No council member took part in any decision making throughout the disciplinary process. Costs A fine line between Public Administrative Law and Employment Law has been trodden throughout. The complex nature of the situation has made it necessary to obtain legal advice and employ professional people, the costs of which BLPC will be taking every possible step to recover. BLPC is aware that this is a matter of public interest and issues have been made as transparent as possible throughout – with public versions of reports issued on a regular basis and available on the PC’s website. All voting pertaining to this issue has been by [either] Full Council or the Finance and Policy Committee. Correct procedures were followed throughout with Agendas, Minutes and Resolutions recorded. At no time has any BLP Councillor been permitted to act alone. All decisions in these matters were made by independent professionals and not by councillors.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Cllr Jock Trodden (18th Oct 2012 - 09:53:56) Dear Jean or whoever you may be. You rant on about Cllr Jerrard like a person obsessed. It appears to me at least you go out of your way to defame this man using all the uninformed rhetoric you can muster. I sit on the Greatham Parish Council and serve on the planning committee of which Cllr Jerrard is chair. I have never served on any committee with a more honest and dedicated public servant. He sometimes comes across as blunt as he is guileless but in my experience he is thorough and dedicated to serving the community to the best of his considerable ability. At all meetings I have attended over the years, Greatham or Liphook, he patiently allows everyone to have their say. I do not agree with all his views or decisions but I respect them and he respects other opposing views. We Councillors, Liphook or Greatham, give our time and experience freely. We must be seen to act fairly, honestly and courteously at all times. The attacks on Councillors I have read recently on this forum have frankly been disgraceful and the people making these accusations, based on innuendo and gossip, do not have to justify their ranting rhetoric. Perhaps I suggest they take the democratic route, attend meetings, give their name and ask their questions from the floor.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Val (18th Oct 2012 - 19:18:46) In view of the seriousness of 4 parish councillors resigning en block because of the dismissal of the parish clerk, why don't the parish council call a meeting with all the parish councillors present, as far as is possible, for the purpose of informing the public of the reasons for the clerk's resignation/dismissal. Just present the facts, no naming and blaming, no saying who did and said what, to whom and where? Perhaps at the end of the meeting time could be allocated for questions to be asked. This would end the speculation once and for all. The Press Release in The Herald tells us nothing as to why the clerk was dismissed, only highlights the procedures which implemented this. I feel that BLPC will not be able to move until the truth is known.

Re: Parish Council Resignations - jean (19th Oct 2012 - 13:06:52) Val's suggestion is a good idea. I would be only too willing to attend a council meeting where members of the public were invited to listen to the facts as to why clerk was dismissed. There would be no need to drag anyone's name into the equation thereby protecting their anonymity. What I will not do is enter into a "person to person" discussion with Cllr Jerrard or any other individual councillor. No single councillor runs the council - all should have input particuarly in something which is as important as the dismissal of a clerk. To meet and discuss with an individual councillor would achieve little and would not be democratic. I refer to Michael's posting on 16 October when he said that he had been to the parish office after the investigation was over and was informed that he could not be told anything. That was just over a week ago, so what has changed?

Re: Parish Council Resignations - jaybee (23rd Oct 2012 - 17:06:15) If you have unanswered question,why not attend the next meeting of Bramshott & Liphook Parish Council which will be held at The Peak Centre Midhurst Road LIPHOOK at 8pm on Monday 29 October 2012

Re: Parish Council Resignations - Peter R (27th Oct 2012 - 16:35:53) I will take a leaf out of Cllr Trodden's book and leave the same posting on 2 Threads which seem to be connected. After all if this is OK for a sitting councillor to do, then it is also OK for a member of the public. Unfortunately I am on holiday from today so will not be able to be present at the Bramshott & Liphook Parish Council meeting to be held at The Parish Office in The Peak Centre, Midhurst Road on Monday 29 October at 8 pm. I draw your attention to item 6 on the Agenda. 6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION Adjournment of the meeting for public Public Questions (a) To allow members of the public to address the Council with respect to items not on the agenda. (b) To Allow members of the public to address the Council about business on the agenda at the discretion of the Chairman. This is the item when questions can be asked regarding the reasons for the Clerk's dismissal. These are the questions to ask: Was he dismissed or did he resign? If he was dismissed were the mandatory verbal and written warnings given to him? What were the reasons for his dismissal? Several people have asked these questions on Liphook Talkback so now is the time to get answers. Cllr Jerrard has offered to meet anyone to discuss the matter in his Thread dated 14 October and I quote "Last of all I again repeat my offer to meet with Jean, John or whoever wants to discuss what really has been happening. Or please come to a Council meeting and ask questions there" Now is the time to ask!

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