Hello,
Thank you to everyone who has signed up, shared and raised awareness of the petition so far. Thank you also to the second person, anonymous, who has donated to Change so that they will promote this petition.
Above is a message I sent to East Riding Council this morning, cc to GTDB against the background of how difficult it has been over a long period of time to get answers to specific questions. It seems that having ERYC, GTC and GTDB has been seized as an opportunity to evade scrutiny and accountability to the public. The above email points out that ERYC has overall responsibility, even though it has delegated aspects to GTC and GTDB.
I mentioned in an email to Helen Hoult who had contacted me on behalf of the Town Deal Board, that this petition had been launched. Ms Hoult replied later with what I took to be the GTDB official position.
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Town Deal Board meetings are not open to the public, however, minutes are published on the Town Deal website.
The Town Investment Plan (as published on the Town Deal website) is the strategic proposal/funding application prepared and submitted to central Government for Goole, to support rejuvenation and boost economic activity in Goole town centre and is structured against the published guidance document when applying for a Town Deal.
The Town Investment Plan and its proposals resulted in the Governments offer of £25 million to Goole for a time limited programme ending in March 2026.
The current process of delivering an agreed Town Deal funded programme is not open to changing the Town Investment Plan at this stage. However, the Town Deal Board do expect that the Town Deal legacy will continue to build capacity for change and secure ongoing investment from a variety of public and private funding sources and highlight ongoing opportunities for economic growth, social value and reactivation of town centres.
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I think few of us were under any illusions that East Riding Council, Goole Town Council and Goole Town Deal Board would take any notice of anyone who disagrees with decisions. The consultation came across as token gestures with no intention of listening to any dissenting voices. The purpose of this petition is to create evidence of the portion of people who think some elements of the Town Deal Plan are not the best way forward. Then we can take that evidence to others outside Goole and the East Riding who have the power to make changes.
Below is an excerpt of my reply:
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Thank you for your email.
Yes, it is my understanding that change to the Town Deal would have to be made at Govt Minister level or by a court. The petition was launched with that understanding.
Best wishes,
Richard
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Please keep sharing this petition by mobile phone, email, on social media and by word of mouth. The more signatures, the stronger the evidence of public feeling in Goole.
Thank you for your time.
Best wishes,
Richard