13th February 2002 Power to residential claims

The power to residential claims issue is certainly arousing lively debate and bringing forth many and varied issues including mental health.

One very pleasing factor is that those involved are prepared to adopt a 'self help' attitude and are busy preparing statistics in their relative areas.

Councillors Waterford, Treweeke, Lane and Hewlett provided useful information when a number of residential claimholders met with the group recently.

Councillors Waterford and Treweeke favoured power and whilst Clcrs Lane and Hewlett were not opposed they were not for changing the nature of the fields.

There were a number of key words emerge from these discussions; safety, sterilisation, liability, density, compromise, cost and land values.

Residential claimholders were encouraged to gather statistics and to be very specific about what they wanted.

Many unique circumstances emerged from these discussions and productive outcomes are being pursued. The present system appeared to be very much 'hit and run' with those seeking a legal solution the victims.

The present climate is reminiscent of the pre 'residential claim' era when everyone was in the unenviable position of unravelling the 'comedy of errors' that had existed for many years.

The issue of power is no less emotive than the 'dirt floors and bulldozing days' and will require rational discussion by all involved to achieve a workable solution.

The Working Party, which meets this Thursday, will receive a small delegation of 'power seekers'. If you would like to co-ordinate statistics in your area call into the Black Opal Advocate today.