Further to the Article “ Diamond Races don’t have our support yet”, as a parish councillor, readers might like to know the position of our council.

The parish council had a meeting on November 17 by Zoom, attended by all parish councillors and some five parishioners.

The parish council unanimously agreed a statement,viewable on the website, which states:

“ There is a long and detailed process which the organisers have to follow with regard to licensing, risk assessment, local consultation, logistics, traffic management and negotiations with landowners for parking, event villages and viewing areas.

Until this process is further advanced and the council is in receipt of much more comprehensive information on how Shorwell would be affected by this proposed event, it is not possible for Shorwell PC to comment as part of the consultation process or make further statements…”

This meeting followed a Zoom meeting organised by Diamond Races on November 9, which had 16 parishioners present.

The extent to which the village is divided was shown by the fact that only one of the 16 attendees spoke out in favour of the event, although there may have been silent supporters listening in, including some parish councillors who wished to be observers and remain objective.

The parish council is concerned to make sure that when the Auto Cycle Union, which provides the road organising event closure permit, is in receipt of all the required information and formally invites the council to commence the consultation process, the community will be out of Covid restrictions to participate freely.

Read more letters sent to the County Press here. Do you have a view on this or any other subject? Send us a letter to editor@iwcp.co.uk