Carrick district council do not appear to be aware of the details of the constitution of the Falmouth Rugby Club, which is believed to operate under the provisions of Trustee Law and the conditions under which it currently uses the recreation ground are stated to be for the purpose of "the playing of rugby football and athletics and the related social club."

From 1980 to 1987 the consideration for the permitted use was £1,100 per annum but remarkably this was reduced to just £100 pa (£2 per week!) from 1984 to 1989 and indeed this rate appears to have been extended until July 6, 2001, when payment was varied to £500 pa to March 31, 2002. Then it was £1,000 pa to March 31, 2003, and £1,500 to March 31, 2004.

The figure of £1,500 pa does not appear to have varied since. Despite these peppercorn rentals, compared to the football clubs at Dracaena Avenue, the club in addition has failed to observe its full repairing obligations effectively and in a report to a Kerrier district committee Kerrier's planning officer described the condition of the ground as "near derelict."

It may be concluded that for years, substantial support has been afforded to the club by the council, including maximum relief from non-domestic rates of £13,500 pa. The rugby club developments that are envisaged for the future are frightening for the council tax payer as indeed are the costs already incurred in the past year. Furthermore, one of the ideas is for the council to extend the lease on the "rec" for a term of 125 years at a low rental and a provision that the Tregenver Field (old Grammar School field) can be used. Could that mean that the club intends to develop on that as well?

Thankfully the Falmouth town council and the people of Falmouth have once again said "no!" Having invited Falmouth council to hold a special meeting, it is impossible to imagine Carrick council going against an 11-1 majority. If that were even considered Mayor Varney and his fellow councillors and the population will be insulted beyond belief and might as well not exist. Democracy still exists, we trust.

Name and address supplied