Update on the Smithy,

                    Further to the village meeting last Wednesday I contacted the economic development officer, Gerard Tucker, who visited the Smithy to advise them. I was thinking of possibly having a meeting with him. On talking to him he explained that he was approached for a meeting at the Smithy in confidence(so he will obviously not disclose the details of this meeting) to advise on the process of applying for change of use on a licenced premise. At no time did he see any accounts or financial statements or did he say that the Smithy was not a viable business. This being the case I see no point in meeting with him ourselves.

 

            Gerard advised me to contact David Norris the Chief of Planning regarding the next steps to be taken pending the expected change of use application. I have done this and Mr Norris said that SSDC policy was to retain community facilities wherever possible and that the case of non viability would have to be proved and other criteria met ie. marketing etc as discussed at the village hall. He also said that the village would have ample time to debate this matter when and if this application was received, he also reiterated that personal letters from parishoners are as important as the Parish Council views when they come to make their decision at committee.

         I have also heard that some people are not on the e-mail list and did not come to the meeting so could people on the list try to update anyone who is interested in this matter whatever their views.