Arundel and South Downs MP, Andrew Griffith MP, has expressed his deep disappointed that a motion put forward to address a recent policy change will not be amended to show support for the Royal British Legion poppy collectors in Petworth.
At the Chichester District Council Full Council meeting on Tuesday evening (18th November), Councillor Roy Briscoe (Conservative) put forward a motion to seek an exemption for the Royal British Legion and their associated volunteer groups from council charges associated with their annual Poppy Appeal collection days.
The council’s recent change means they are now seeking a payment from the John Newton Military Collection for displaying their full vehicle collection in the council run car park at Petworth. The vehicle display helps to draw attention to their collection days and boost donations to The Poppy Appeal.
In a rebuttal to the Motion, Councillor Jonathan Brown (Liberal Democrat) confirmed the change in policy is to make charges and use of council car parks equal for all local charities.
Councillor Briscoe said the council has a duty to apply policy but to also exercise judgement, compassion and commonsense when it really matters. He pointed out that the Royal British Legion plays a unique and vital role in honouring those who have served, supporting veterans and their families. He reminded the council that the Royal British Legion is the living embodiment of national remembrance and that the displays in Petworth had been going on for many years without charge.
Andrew Griffith said:
“It is deeply disappointing that Chichester District Council have determined to proceed with its policy changes without exemption. This will mean that the Military vehicles display for Remembrance Day in Petworth will have to pay to use the council’s car park, reducing their fundraising efforts.”
“It is quite shocking to see how Petworth is being attacked by the Liberal Democrat run council who are using our car parks as a way to increase revenues, but hitting residents, local businesses and charities with the costs, just as they did when they decided to bring in Sunday parking charges.”
Photo credit: Rachel Sargent-Pryer
