Published: Tuesday, 5th October 2021
The leader of the borough council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk has made an offer of support towards resolving the current issues with Downham Market Town Council.
Councillor Stuart Dark MBE has written to the Mayor of Downham Market Councillor Jenny Groom with a financial commitment to help fund expert mediation for parties within the council as well as externally to address the current conflict.
Even though the borough council is an entirely separate and impartial entity from the town council, Councillor Dark has made the suggestion in order to achieve a positive conclusion to the current challenges.
The offer of fifty per cent of the cost of mediation is in addition to assistance the borough council has provided to date in the form of monitoring and complaint handling.
Councillor Dark commented: “The borough council is keen to see the issues resolved with Downham Market Town Council and we are concerned about the impact that the ongoing difficulties are having in the town.
“We have been in dialogue with the town council and are keen to find a way to offer meaningful support to help to bring an end to the current situation.
“For this reason, even though the town council is separate from the borough council, we are offering to make a significant investment in professional mediation. I have extended this offer to the town council and we will be very happy to progress this should the councillors wish to do so.
“I, like everyone else, look forward to seeing an end to this situation so that all parties can move forward for the benefit of the town.”