I UNDERSTAND that the Angus Buchanan Trust (ABT) are not prepared to sit down and resolve the issues around access to the Recreation Ground. For the information of the ABT, they need to be aware that they cannot use charitable monies to fight legal issues. In the first instance they need to forward their case to the Charities Commission who will review their objections, and having consulted with their own legal advisers, and other interested parties, will then make a decision.
As it stands, and if the issue over access cannot be resolved amicably with Coleford Town Council, then the present ABT trustees will be obliged to foot the bill for any potential costs. It is likely that this is a real probability, and their own personal assets will be at risk to pay any such detrimental outcome of a legal case. One trustee has already resigned, perhaps aware of the futility of the ABT's case and the likelihood of risking personal assets.
The ABT needs to understand that by their bullying and uncaring actions over the closure of the grounds, that they have unleashed a torrent of resentment against them from many residents of Coleford and beyond.
The ABT are acting in their own best interests – four trustees/members of ABT live in houses on either side of the immediate access to the grounds. A slight conflict of interest perhaps?
How many of the ABT are Foresters anyway? The grounds were paid for by public subscription by the people of Coleford and named after Captain Angus Buchanan VC – he would be horrified to know that the grounds that he endorsed are being managed in such a mean spirited and inept way.
The ABT should hold an immediate EGM and allow the people of Coleford an opportunity to air their view points about the management and the future usage of the recreation grounds – but don't hold your breath. The
alternative of course is for the ABT to do the honourable thing and
resign –again don't hold your breath. – Paul McMahon, Chairman, Coleford Bowls Club.