“No Safe Harbour”

“No Safe Harbour”

A Letter to the Editor from Heather RELF of Whitby, in reaction to a Statement on the subject of the parlous state of Whitby Piers, delivered to Scarborough Borough Councillors by Councillor Mike COCKERILL [Ind.], in response to a prepared cue from SBC Councillor Joe PLANT [Con.].

Councillor Mike COCKERILL [Ind.] is the SBC Portfolio Holder for Harbours, Assets, Coast & Flood Protection – and no stranger to the North Yorks Enquirer.

Councillor COCKERILL’s Statement – for those who wish to read it – is reproduced beneath Heather’s letter.

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Dear Editor,

Re: Whitby Piers and Mike Cockerill

“Who do you think you are kidding Mr Cockerill, if you think old Whitby’s done?”

Whilst watching on line, I witnessed with disbelief your plaintive, hard done by, misrepresented moan during the Scarborough Borough Council full council meeting! If only we could believe you.

Unfortunately, this did not wash with many in Whitby. To put matters briefly:

1. It appears you are engaged in more delaying tactics.
2. Your engagement with the people of Whitby is negligible.
3. Most importantly, YOU HAVE NOT GOT THE MONEY AND YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO GET IT!

Very simply, Mr Cockerill, we are approximately £4 million short, by your estimation, of getting the funding. Moreover, it appears you do not have a clue how to get it! You allude to the fact that contributions will be sought from “other responsible authorities”, including North Yorks CC and Whitby Town Council. Where do you honestly think that the likes of NYCC and Whitby TC are going to get that sort of money in this climate of swingeing cuts?

By stating that, “….the aim of the council, providing the necessary funding had been secured, was to start the work on the piers during the third quarter of 2017” seems to me to be paving the way for doing nothing, then laying the blame at the feet of these councils for not coughing up the money.

Perhaps it would be better to admit defeat, give the Harbour in Whitby to its rightful owner, Whitby Town Council, and let them collect the revenues from Harbour land. If this could be the case, rest assured the right thing would be done for The Town!

No harm in admitting defeat, Mr Cockerill, but please stop pretending you are the right man for the job and actually care about the state of Whitby. When was the last time you came before Whitby Town Council to explain what is going on? I am sure you would be most welcome!

“Don’t panic?” I’m not so sure!

Heather Relf

Heather RELF, Whitby. 9th September, 2016.