Ferret was pleased to see that Independent Hemsworth Town Council, led by Chair – Jim Kenyon finally agreed to a “Forensic Examination” of their business dealings at the Town Council Meeting on 7 April 2022.
This motion, put forward by Labour Councillor Donna Moran, came after mounting pressure and criticism by the good people of the parish and was supported by our “good” Councillors.
Ferret feels it must be noted however, that Mr Alan Draper – Clerk, Independent Hemsworth Town Council and Mr Jim Kenyon made a number of comments during the discussion into this, which raised Ferret’s eyebrows.
Mr Jim Kenyon seemed to be worried about the costs of a Forensic Examination. This is the man who we are all aware has “wasted” over £2 MILLION of our money since May 2019.
He also seemed reluctant to engage the previous firm “Frenkels” who he engaged in vain, in his vendetta against the last Labour Town Council, after he made numerous unfounded accusations, all of which were proven false by the said Forensic Examination.
Instead it seems Mr Jim Kenyon would like to employee a “local firm” this time. Maybe, Mr Jim Kenyon or one of the Eccles’ already have a company lined up which the Town Council could use?
Let’s face it – It wouldn’t be the first time they have done this and declared an interest, but failed to leave the room during the discussion and subsequent appointment.
Mr Draper was somewhat startled and reluctant, when it was mentioned by Councillor Hird that she believed the investigation should also include Hemsworth Town Council’s computer equipment as well as documentation.
As if anyone would even start to believe any of the dealings that have been revealed would need any alteration or rewording or even redating to make them acceptable for a forensic audit!
Just a thought though, Mr Draper did seem to disappear for quite a while and always said he was extremely busy. Ferret can’t understand what he may have been up to, any ideas?
Ferret was also not surprised, that Mr Jim Kenyon suggested that any concerns to be investigated should be sent to Mr Draper, the Town Clerk, so he could “pass them on” to the investigation team.
Mr Draper and his work role, are likely to be a key aspect of this investigation, Ferret does not believe this to be appropriate, after all, isn’t this akin to the police asking a suspect to coordinate their investigations or a victim to have to liaise with the perpetrator?
So, Hemsworth Town Council:
Why aren’t you utilising an outside really “independent” person to act as a liaison/coordinator between the Town Council and the firm that will be engaged to perform this investigation?
Why do you think it is appropriate to send any concerns to Mr Draper first, when these should be sent directly to the Forensic Investigation team?
Ferret feels we must all remain vigilant, or otherwise the much needed and fought for Investigation will turn into nothing but a Kenyon controlled whitewash operation…
I hope the decent councillors take these comments on board and react appropriately to ensure a proper investigation takes place
You know that when we raised possible misappropriation of finances, in the letter from Kenyon to me regarding our request for a Parish Meeting I was advised to contact the police if I felt offences had been committed.
As I said in person at the council meeting 2 weeks ago, there is a threshold that both the police and cps must feel has been reached, before criminal proceedings will be started. We have never said offences have been committed.
As Ferret knows, we have said our concerns rest with the apparant waste of huge amounts of precept money. It has been thrown away on legal fees, despite legal advice right at the start, saying that HTC should complete the Contract with Sauls. Then more wasted on a merit less appeal. Add to this, money thrown at the Windsurfer, Kenyons Tonka Toys (Digger etc), Tent (ripped), vanity project (Vengas), services and supplies from company’s perhaps too close to certain Councillors for comfort. Throw in to this mix concerns regarding nepotism, bullying, diverting fences to Councillors land away from areas which could be dangerous to children, and failure to keep the community informed of plans to build large numbers of new houses across 7 sites in and around Hemsworth. Then you have a perfect recipe for a Vote of No Confidence in the Chair.
But, let’s not just signal out Mr Kenyon. Yes, we have some very good Councillors. But, let’s not forget that the public pushed for a Parish Meeting from 13th February 2022. Its time for some real transparency and integrity, and that’s regardless of any personal agendas or ambitions.
So, please people ensure you turn out next Tuesday to let the Council know your true feelings. It’s your precept money and the communities – Hemsworth, Kinsley and Fitzwilliam-deserve Councillors who put Community interest first.
As for Mr Draper.. really Alan?! You are the professional, and it’s no good hiding behind the excuse that you have to follow Jim’s lead. You have professional and legal responsibilities. So, please don’t insult the collective community intelligence.
And, let’s keep it clean on Tuesday. We don’t want to be accused (again) of being a lynch mob. (You know who you are, to the person who said this to me after the Council Meeting when Jim stormed out). We are better than that. We just want the truth and fair representation. And, we Are Not forgetting that we also have some very well intentioned Councillors who want to make a difference.
Regards