After witnessing the passing of my Aunty and then losing my Dad just six days later, the grief and pain were unbearable. Life as I knew it stopped. The shock, sadness, and sense of loss consumed everything, and simply getting through each day became a challenge. In the months that followed, I found myself on a path I never expected to walk, learning more than I ever thought possible about local politics and the challenges faced when seeking accountability.
I am not writing this simply because it was my dad's bench. I am writing because he was a champion of honesty and accountability, values he demonstrated throughout his life. Throughout this process, I have tried to approach matters with understanding and patience. However, I now feel that this approach has been mistaken for weakness, as though I am simply an emotional girl who does not understand what is happening.
"A councillor called my dad's memorial bench 'just a friggin bench.'"
At the time, the comment was shocking. Looking back, it was a glimpse into a much bigger story, one that becomes harder to ignore with every document yet to be revealed.
There have been moments that seemed so unbelievable that, if I were to write them as fiction, most people would dismiss them as impossible. Yet every experience has been real. I am documenting my journey in the hope that one day someone will read it, ask the difficult questions, and help ensure that local councils are held accountable for their actions.
Recent Posts
09:47
to lee.brazier,
Dear Town Hall Team,
I am writing to formally record that I have attempted to call the Town Hall today to speak with
Jeanne, as I believe it is inappropriate for me to discuss any matter with Karen while I have an
active complaint involving her.
Karen declined my request and repeatedly asked what the call was regarding, before stating
that I can only speak to the Chair. Given the nature of my complaint, this response is not
acceptable and places me in an uncomfortable and inappropriate position.
I am requesting an urgent call from an appropriate and impartial member of the leadership
team. The handling of this situation is deeply concerning and, in my view, constitutes gross
misconduct requiring immediate attention.
I expect a prompt response.
Kind regards,
25th February 2026
The Day the Bench Disappeared
I'll never forget that day.
I went to see Mum, and one look at her face told me I wasn't going to like what I was about to hear.
She explained that she'd received a letter and had spoken to the Town Hall about twenty minutes earlier. From that conversation, her understanding was that Dad's memorial bench would need to be removed at some point, although it didn't sound urgent.
I could feel my blood starting to boil.
After all the emails, applications, agreements and compromises. After everything I had done to cooperate and find a solution. All of it so I could have a safe place to sit with Dad.
I tried to process it, then went to the Town Hall. The Deputy Clerk handled my emotional reaction with remarkable patience and professionalism. She quite rightly refused to give me the letter without Mum's permission. Once Mum had agreed, I was given a copy and went home.
But I couldn't settle.
So I went to the cemetery.
As I walked down the path, something immediately felt wrong. Then I realised why. The bench was gone.
I asked a young worker nearby what had happened. He wasn't sure of the details, only that two workers had removed it earlier that day.
Removed it. Without telling me. Without warning.
Without giving me any chance to prepare myself for what that would feel like.
Thankfully, the workers acted quickly and returned the bench from storage. But standing there, looking at the space where it had been,
and then at the bench itself once it came back,
I couldn't shake the same question.
Why hadn't anyone told me?
After all the correspondence, all the cooperation and all the effort to accommodate everyone else's concerns,
I once again found myself feeling ignored,
powerless, and somehow the last person to know
about a decision that affected me most.
Late 2024: The Final Installation
The seat was finally installed. Relief mingled with frustration as I looked at the inconsistencies in how the rules were enforced for different residents. A locally sourced bench, perfectly sized to fit the gap, was now in place. At last, I could sit on my dad's bench and enjoy a space I believed no one could take away from me.
After everything it had taken to get there, it felt like a victory. Countless emails had gone unanswered. Policies had to be created. Benches had been placed incorrectly and arguments had dragged on for far longer than they should have. Yet, somehow, I had made it through.
For the first time in a long while, I thought the fight was over. I thought I could finally focus on what the bench represented rather than the battle to keep it.
But that feeling wouldn't last for long.
Just when I believed the matter had finally been settled, a new challenge emerged, reminding me that closure is not always granted when we think we've earned it.
Record Of Events From The Beginning
APRIL 2023
A Double Bereavement
On April 28th, I lost my father, Mike Phillips, followed by my aunt just six days later. In the wake of this sudden double loss, we sought a permanent memorial. Initial inquiries were met with general sympathy but a total absence of specific procedural information. As one initial email stated, "We are here to support you," yet no application forms or official criteria were provided, leaving us in a state of administrative limbo during our peak period of grief.
Initiating Official Dialogue
July 2023
Tue, 18 Jul 2023, 19:10
to office
Good evening,
I would like to apply to put a bench up near my Dad (MP) at the cemetery.
I am more than happy to purchase one that fits in with the current benchs.
Could you please advise me on how to proceed?
Town Clerk <townclerk@ollerton-tc.gov.uk>
16 Aug 2023, 10:27
to Office, me, Office
Hi Rachael
Sorry for the delay in responding to your enquiry.
We have received several requests for commemorative benches in the Cemetery whilst also trying to deal with concerns from visitors to the Cemetery regarding access issues for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs.
Following the elections in May we now have several new councillors and have recently set up a new Environment Committee that will oversee work in the Cemetery, Allotments, Playparks and all Amenity Spaces.
Whilst the day to day running of these areas is generally managed by myself as Proper Officer with the rest of the team, this has to be done alongside Policies and Procedures agreed by elected members of the Town Council.
In line with other councils throughout the country we do not meet in in August but at the next meeting of the Environment Committee in September there will be an item on the agenda for members to discuss the criteria for memorials including commemorative benches.
Primarily benches are donated for general use by all visitors to the Cemetery although we do acknowledge that families wish these to be placed as a tribute to their loved ones.
As a working Cemetery we also have to consider the safety and convenience of all visitors and contractors.
All of these factors will be considered by the Councillors when discussing future permissions.
I hope this explains the current situation and I look forward to updating you once the meeting has taken place.
Kind Regards
Karen Wakefield CiLCA PSLCC
Town Clerk
OLLERTON & BOUGHTON TOWN COUNCIL
The long-awaited response
16th August 2023
Policy In Place
October 2023
Wed, 4 Oct 2023, 12:43
to Office, me
Hi Rachael
The Town Council have now reviewed the Memorial Bench Policy and we are in a position to consider applications.
I’ve attached a copy of the policy for information.
Please can you have a look at it and pay particular attention to the information regarding installation and approval of bench and location.
We’ve had staff off on holiday and with Covid so playing catch up now.
We’ll arrange another site visit to look at all of the pending applications and once agreed will come back to you.
In the meantime if you could send us details of the proposed bench including materials, size and design we can make sure it is suitable.
Take care
Karen
November 2023
Fri, 10 Nov 2023, 13:03
to me
Good afternoon Rachael
Thank you for your email and I apologise for the delay in responding. I’ve spent most of the week away from my desk making arrangements for forthcoming events.
I am really sorry that this has happened and it was not done intentionally. I had wrongly assumed that the site for this latest bench had been agreed with provision made for your commemorative bench for Mike.
Whilst the family had produced all of the requested paperwork and given formal approval for a bench it is an oversight on our part that it was placed in that position.
I will personally work with both families to make sure that you have a bench in a mutually agreed place to commemorate your loved ones.
On a personal note you will know that I thought a lot of Mike and count your Mum as one of my closest friends so the last thing I would do is intentionally cause distress to Liz, yourself and Daniel.
Please bear with me whilst I sort it out. In the meantime do you have details of the bench you would like to install.
If you could make sure that all communication comes to my email address: townclerk@ollerton-tc.gov.uk it will avoid any further confusion.
Take care
Karen
“Really sorry”
November 2023
No Space Left for My Dad’s Bench: My Inquiry and Follow-Up
Sun, 5 Nov 2023, 14:52
to Office
Good afternoon,
I applied for a bench for my Dad on 18th July 2023
Can I please be informed why a bench for someone else has been put in front of my Dad leaving no space for him to have one?
November 2023
November 2023
10 Nov 2023, 19:05
to Town
Hey,
Thankyou for sorting this out.
Have you got any suggestions of where to purchase a bench? Any advice on picking one?
April 2024
9 Apr 2024, 17:0
Good afternoon Rachael
I apologise for the delay in responding to your recent email. I have been on Annual Leave for several days and in year end finance meetings with auditors.
My intention was to have a meeting at the cemetery with you followed by a face to face meeting at the Town Hall to discuss options.
I made several attempts to follow up by email, with my last email sent on 14 August 2023
A response eventually arrived, reminding me that some things in life are worth waiting for. Whether a simple email reply is one of them remains open to debate.
One Year Anniversary of loosing my Dad and Aunty
"Environment Committee in
September there will be
an item on the agenda for
members to discuss the
criteria for memorials
including commemorative
benches."
July - August 2023
My first reply....
April 2024
9 Apr 2024, 16:05
Good afternoon,
Still no response? Am I emailing the correct email address?
Town Clerk <townclerk@XXXXXXuk>?
Rachael Evans
March 2024
29 Mar 2024, 14:12
Hi Karen,
I have had no response to my previous email? Any update on this and suggestions on where to purchase a bench from and sizes that are acceptable?
Following up again...
And again.....
In person meeting
So, my mum and I met with the clerk and a councillor at my dad's grave. During the meeting, we were informed that the other bereaved families did not wish to move their benches. It was therefore agreed that we would obtain a bench that would fit into the remaining gap. I again asked for recommendations on where to source a suitable bench but was simply told that it needed to "fit in" with the others.
Who knew that a bench, purchased using measurements that had actually been provided for a chair, would not resemble the existing benches at all? With proper guidance, this confusion, further delay, and additional upset could easily have been avoided.
Looking back, this raises some interesting questions. I can laugh about it now, particularly in light of the meeting transcripts that emerged further down the line, where I was asked why I had not purchased a "standard bench". It is difficult to understand how I was expected to know what constituted a standard bench when no such specification, recommendation, or guidance had ever been provided, beyond being told that it needed to "fit in". That i was accommodating their error by no pushing them to move other people's benches. One which did not have permission.
At the time, I could easily have reacted very differently. I could have kicked off, been rude, angry, and vile about the situation. Instead, I consciously chose not to. The last thing I wanted was to create additional stress or upset for the other grieving families who had loved ones resting there. Throughout the process, I tried to remain respectful, patient, and considerate of others, despite the mounting frustrations and delays.
What I did not anticipate was that the same kindness, understanding, and consideration would not always be afforded to me in return.
19th April 2024
Finally a meeting!
My understanding of the conversation was straightforward: we needed a wooden bench that would fit the available space. Given that measurements had been taken and discussed, it was obvious that this was not going to be a standard 2 ft × 4 ft bench. It also needed to be installed correctly and securely fastened to the ground.
That seemed clear enough at the time. Unfortunately, without any follow-up email confirming what had been agreed, what was discussed and what was actually understood appear to have become two entirely different things. As it turns out, relying on memory alone is not quite the foolproof communication strategy one might hope for.
Actions Were Agreed. The Follow-Up Email Was Not.
After every meeting where decisions are made and actions agreed, the usual professional practice is for someone to send a follow-up email to everyone involved. It confirms what was discussed, what was agreed, and who is responsible for what. It helps avoid confusion, misunderstandings, and the inevitable "that's not what I thought we agreed" conversations later on.
Or so I've been told.
In this case, there was no helpful summary email, no confirmation of actions, no written record to clarify matters. Just the usual silence.
Apparently, we were all expected to rely on memory, guesswork, and a healthy dose of optimism.
What could possibly go wrong?
2 years on.....
24th February 2026
Tue 24 Feb,
14:11
Dear Chair/whom it may concern,
This email constitutes a formal complaint regarding the conduct of Ollerton & Boughton Town
Council in its handling of my application for a memorial bench for my late father, Mike Phillips. I
raise serious concerns about procedural failures, inadequate communication, potential GDPR
breaches, inconsistency in policy application, and a lack of transparency.
I request that this matter be logged and investigated under the Council’s formal complaints
procedure.
1. Procedural Failures
I submitted my application for a memorial bench on 18 July 2023. Despite this:
- A different family’s bench was installed directly in the exact location of my pending
request.
- On 10 November 2023, the Town Clerk confirmed that this was an administrative
oversight.
- No remedy or alternative location has been offered in the months since that
acknowledgement.
- Significant periods passed with no response to my followup emails.
This represents:
- A failure to follow due process
- A failure to act consistently and professionally
- A failure to communicate decisions within reasonable timeframes
- A failure to rectify acknowledged administrative errors
My family has suffered repeated distress due to these preventable oversights.
2. GDPR Concerns
I, Rachael Evans, submitted the bench application and have been the only point of contact.
Despite this, correspondence relating to my application was sent to Liz Phillips, who was not
listed as the applicant and did not give consent to receive my personal information.
This potentially breaches:
- UK GDPR principles of lawfulness, data minimisation, confidentiality and purpose
limitation
- The Council’s duty to protect the personal information of residents
I request a written explanation of:
- Why personal information relating to my application was shared
- What data was disclosed
- Whether the breach has been internally logged
- What steps will be taken to prevent recurrence
I reserve the right to escalate this matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) should
the explanation be unsatisfactory.
3. Unequal & Unfair Treatment – Request for Investigation
I have repeatedly been told that my father’s bench must comply with certain policies and criteria.
However:
- No other family has been asked/forced to review, alter, or relocate their benches
- Several existing benches do not appear to align with the policies I am being told to follow
- My father’s application is the only one that has been delayed, scrutinised, and subjected
to new requirements
Therefore, I formally request a full investigation into:
Why only my father’s bench has been required to comply with processes not applied to
others.
The investigation should include:
1. A review of all benches installed in recent years, including approval status and whether
due process was followed.
2. A comparison of treatment between my application and others.
3. Evidence demonstrating that policies have been applied fairly, consistently and without bias.
Public bodies must adhere to the Nolan Principles, the Public Sector Equality Duty, and
principles of procedural fairness. These do not appear to have been followed.
4. My Father’s Contribution to the Community
My father, Mike Phillips, was a longstanding contributor to the community. He initiated programs
that still exist today and provided extensive support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The
Council itself stated its intention of honoring him with a plaque (after covid) and later a memorial
bench.
Given his role and service, the handling of this matter has been particularly hurtful and has
created unnecessary and ongoing emotional distress.
5. Request for Policies & Documentation
To understand how decisions have been made and ensure transparency, I request:
a) The current Memorial Bench Policy
Including any amendments since July 2023.
b) The current Cemetery Risk Assessment
Including accessibility arrangements, especially in areas with three rows of graves.
c) Copies of all public or funeral director complaints referenced
Redacted as appropriate, including: dates, content, and how they influenced decision-making.
d) A written explanation of the evidence or reasoning presented to claim that my single
proposed bench would cause disruption or access issues, and why no other benches
have been reviewed on the same basis.
6. Required Resolution
I must make clear that nothing can fully repair the distress and trauma this process has
caused. This has not been a oneoff error but a repeated cycle of oversight, delay, and
inconsideration since my father’s death. The emotional impact on my family has been
substantial and entirely preventable.
The lack of care demonstrated is, in my view, shameful given the number of administrative
errors that have occurred.
While the harm cannot now be undone, I request the following steps as a minimum requirement
for resolution:
An agreed and approved location for my father’s memorial bench
Written confirmation of acceptable bench types and specifications
A full investigation into the selective and inconsistent application of policy
A written explanation for all delays and communication failures
Clarification regarding the GDPR incident
Provision of all requested policies, documents, and evidence
7. Request for a Public Statement of Regret
In addition, I formally request that the Council issue a public statement of regret, acknowledging
the errors and distress caused by the mishandling of this matter.
As a public authority, the Council has statutory duties relating to transparency, accountability, and good governance. A public statement is necessary to:
acknowledge the administrative failings
accept responsibility for the oversight involving the installation of another family’s bench
recognise the impact of these failures on my family
outline corrective steps to prevent similar failures in the future
This request is based on principles of procedural justice, transparency, and the Nolan Principles of Public Life (openness, accountability, honesty).
A private apology would not meet the level of accountability warranted by the circumstances.
8. Response Time
I request a full written response within 7 days.
If the matter is not resolved transparently and satisfactorily, I will consider escalation to:
Newark & Sherwood District Council Monitoring Officer
- The Local Government Ombudsman
- The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Thank you for your time and attention.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Rachael Evans
Tue 24 Feb, 14:46
Sorry I have just arrived at the cemetery to find my Dad bench removed at ########## instructions at 1pm today.
I feel this needs escalating further now
At a minimum, I expected the council to:
-
Review ymy original bench application and investigate why a 2 by 4 ft space was not avaliable.
-
Review emails and correspondence.
-
Speak to the clerk and anyone involved in the decision-making.
-
Check why another bench was installed in the requested location and remained.
-
Look into the GDPR issue.
-
Produce a written response setting out their findings.
Five months elapsed between 10 November and 9 April before an email was sent. For context, entire seasons came and went in less time.
I had very little sleep that evening,
but I knew my dad would have wanted me to give them one more chance.
I called the Town Hall, and the Clerk answered.
Once again, the clerk spoke about how
much she had loved and respected my dad,
but refused to let me speak to the Deputy Clerk.
I explained that my complaint concerned her handling of the situation
and that I did not feel it was appropriate
to discuss the matter with the subject of the complaint.
Despite this, she insisted
that because I had submitted a formal complaint,
I would need to deal directly with her.
So i sent an email for evidence-
Thu 26 Feb, 08:34
Good Morning Cllr Brazier,
Thank you for your email and for outlining the Council’s position. I have read your response carefully.
I do need to be clear that, from my family’s perspective, this matter has not been handled with the seriousness or sensitivity it required. My father’s grave, mine and my mum’s wellbeing are not procedural issues, and the impact on her has been significant. This has not been acknowledged in your response.
Your email focuses heavily on defending staff and process, but it does not address the central concern: that my mum and me where extremely distressed, that communication with us was unclear, and that actions were taken based on a verbal exchange with an upset woman without any written confirmation dispite the bench application being in writing by me. For a matter as sensitive as a memorial, this is not an acceptable standard of practice.
I also want to be clear that I have not “abused” any member of staff. I raised concerns publicly because, at the time, the information available to me indicated that communication had not been handled appropriately. That concern remains valid. I have reviewed the post, but I will not accept the suggestion that advocating for my family constitutes misconduct. There is nothing unfactual it in. It was the towns clerk instruction at lunch, I had no information it was being removed.
You have stated that the Council is confident there has been no breach of GDPR. However, the letter was addressed incorrectly, and the handling of personal information and communication with my mum has caused avoidable distress. This deserves more than a brief dismissal.
The Council needs to recognise the emotional impact on us and the shortcomings in communication, not simply reiterate internal processes that only protect your staff.
I would like to escalate this further as I do not feel this is being taken seriously. You have not addressed half of my concerns of flaws in your proceedings.
My reply.....
Thu 26 Feb, 07:47
Good Morning Rachael
I am responding to your email in my capacity as Chair of Ollerton & Boughton Town Council.
At the meeting of the Environment Committee on January 20th 2026 the recommendation was made to Full Council that we consider the removal of the bench. This came following reports that the bench was not in keeping with others within the cemetery and was obstructing the walkway due to its size. A site visit was carried out prior to this by the cemetery working party, which consisted of three councillors. At the Full Council meeting of January 28th 2026, it was unanimously decided by Councillors that we instruct the Clerk to write the letter that was sent February 9th 2026, which invited your family to contact the Clerk to discuss a meeting so that we could find a positive way forward.
On the morning of Tuesday 24th February 2026, staff from the Town Council spoke with your mum, Mrs Phillips, and had verbal confirmation from her that she wanted the amenities team to remove the bench and deliver it to LifeSpring Church and Centre.
I want to make it very clear that no decision was made by the Town Clerk, the Deputy Clerk or any other member of staff. This decision was made by Town Councillors at a public meeting.
I have been made aware of the fact that you have posted about this on social media, tagging the Town Clerks account and placing blame on her. I request this is removed and that a formal apology is given to the Clerk by yourself. We do not accept abuse of our staff or Councillors in any form and a post that directly targets and lays blame at her for simply doing her job as instructed by Councillors is entirely unacceptable. If this is not removed, we may have to take this further as a Council.
In line with our complaints procedure, as Chair of the Council, I will take this matter to the next Full Council meeting on March 18th 2026.
The letter was sent to Mrs Phillips as she is the registered person for your father grave. We apologise if this should have been addressed to you, and the Clerk has expressed this apology already. We are confident though that there is no breach of GDPR. I have had site of the letter and you are not named within it.
As is explained in the letter, you failed to supply the Town Council with draft designs/drawings of the seat with full details of the materials and dimensions. This is a requirement of all memorial benches and as such is a breach of our policy.
I will work with the Town Council staff to get you any further information, but please be aware that we as Councillors are here in a voluntary capacity and many of us work full time on top of being Councillors.
You can see our policies here https://ollerton-tc.gov.uk/documents/policies-documents/
I have also attached a redacted copy of the letter that was sent.
I want to finally reiterate that this is not a decision made by the Clerk or any other member of staff and we will not accept abuse towards our staff in any form.
Kind Regards
Cllr Lee Brazier
Cllr Lee Brazier
Town Mayor
OLLERTON & BOUGHTON TOWN COUNCIL
Left Benched:
Knight of the Town Clerk:
A Masterclass in Missing the Point
Wed 11 Mar, 11:26
Good Morning Cllr Brazier,
Thank you for your response.
I need to be absolutely clear that your apology is not sufficient, nor does it appropriately address the seriousness of the situation. Saying you are “sorry if it came across that way” does not deal with the factual issues I have raised or the impact of the actions taken by the council and its staff.
To reiterate, I raised specific, detailed, and serious concerns in my previous email titled “Follow‑Up: Request for Escalation, SAR & Full Response,” which remain unanswered.
These concerns included:
-
Procedural failures, including an acknowledged administrative error, lack of communication, and removal of the bench without notifying me—despite staff being fully aware of my distress.
-
Being asked to apologise to the very person I had raised a complaint about, instead of the council undertaking a proper investigation.
-
Social media governance issues, including use of unofficial accounts contrary to your own policy.
-
Unequal and inconsistent application of policy, particularly regarding other benches that do not meet standards yet remain untouched.
-
GDPR concerns, including correspondence being sent to someone who was not the applicant.
-
Failure to supply required documents and failure to acknowledge my Subject Access Request (SAR).
Your “sorry if it came across that way” does not address any of this. These are not matters of “tone” or misunderstanding—they are matters of process, transparency, decision‑making, and safeguarding public trust.
I also want to make it absolutely clear that I am deeply unhappy with the fact that:
-
I was asked to apologise to someone I had a legitimate complaint about.
-
That individual was aware I was distressed.
-
Despite this, the bench was removed two hours later without my knowledge, input, or agreement.
This is not only unacceptable, but it demonstrates a lack of care, accountability, and procedural integrity.
The information you have provided now regarding public participation and recording is noted, but it does not resolve the serious failings that have taken place. These issues require a full and formal response, not a passing apology.
My dad passed away on 28 April 2023. As we near the three-year mark, I believe I have demonstrated extraordinary patience. To call it patience at this stage would be an understatement.
Tue 21 Apr, 16:04
to me
Afternoon Rachael
Please find attached the response to my investigation. I apologise for the delay in getting back to you and the lack of communication, this has been down to various factors which I explain in the letter.
Thank you for your patience.
Kind Regards
Cllr Lee Brazier
Cllr Lee Brazier
Town Mayor
OLLERTON & BOUGHTON TOWN COUNCIL
I felt cheated, belittled and treated with contempt.
Instead of addressing the issues I raised, I was left with the clear impression
that I was expected to accept the narrative presented to me
without question, and that my concerns carried little
weight because they came from me.
3 Mar 2026,
19:01
Subject: FollowUp: Request for Escalation, SAR & Full Response
Good Morning Ollerton Town Council,
I am following up as I have still received no response to my previous email. This is unacceptable
given the sensitivity of the matter, and your complaints procedure requires an acknowledgement
from the Monitoring Officer due to the circumstances, which has not been provided.
To recap:
1. Procedural Failures
My bench application was submitted 18 July 2023.
Another bench was installed in the exact requested location.
The Town Clerk confirmed this was an administrative oversight on 10 November 2023.
No resolution, alternative location, or clear communication has been offered since.
Emails have repeatedly gone unanswered.
I would also have expected a phone call from the Clerk before any removal took place. Instead,
assumptions were made at every stage, and this lack of direct communication has significantly
contributed to the situation we now find ourselves in.
Your own policy states the applicant, not the grave owner, is responsible—contradicting what I
have been told.
2. Social Media Policy Concerns
Your Social Media Policy lists only the OBTC Facebook page as an official Council channel.
It does not authorise or reference any Town Clerk Instagram account, yet such an account
posts Councilrelated content. This raises concerns about compliance, governance, and
transparency.
Your policy also states that social media posts are not valid communication, yet informal online
interactions appear to have influenced communication around this matter.
Interesting the only post is to unveil a bench with the quote:
Town Mayor Cllr Bob Murray & Deputy Mayor Donna Cumberlidge with the commemorative
bench donated by Ollerton & Boughton Town Council.
Its is also curious noone said anything about the other post they where tagged in
3. Unequal Treatment
I must highlight that several existing benches do not meet the Council’s own standards, yet no
action has ever been taken regarding them. Moreover, wheelchair access is still restricted in the
same area even after my father’s bench was removed. This clearly shows that the rationale
used to challenge my application has not been applied consistently or fairly.
I therefore request an investigation into whether policies have been applied fairly across all
benches.
4. GDPR Concerns
Correspondence about my application was sent to Liz Phillips, who is not the applicant.
I request clarification of:
why this occurred
what information was shared
whether it has been logged
what steps will prevent recurrence
I reserve the right to escalate this.
5. Required Documents
Please provide:
Current Memorial Bench Policy
Current Cemetery Risk Assessment
All referenced complaints (redacted)
Evidence supporting claims of “access issues” relating only to my bench
6. Subject Access Request (SAR)
I formally request a Subject Access Request for:
all emails, notes, internal correspondence, and records held by Council staff and
committee members
any documents or discussions relating to the memorial bench
any records referencing me, my mother, or my father in connection with this matter
This is in addition to the documents already listed above.
Many Thanks
Rachael Evans
11 Mar 2026, 10:45
Good Morning Rachael
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you around this, I have had a period of ill health and I am catching up on everything.
As a council, we allow members of the public to speak for up to three minutes per person during the suspension of standing orders. Where a group of people wish to speak in favour of or against a single matter, we ask that they nominate a spokesperson to share the views of that group.
As Chairman of the council, I have discretion over allowing standing orders to be suspended at other parts of the meeting to allow public to speak, which you may wish to do when we discuss your complaint and the movement forward.
As a council, we do not livestream our meetings, but as council meetings are public meetings, they are allowed to be recorded by councillors, staff, press and public. We request that the recording takes place from a single viewpoint and does not capture any members of the public who are not involved in the part of the meeting you wish to record. There is an agenda item at the start of the meeting in which those who wish to record the meeting must make a declaration.
I hope this gives you the clarity you need on this point.
I also wish to apologise if my initial email response came across as uncaring, I did not intend for that to be the case, I wished simply to lay out how the decision was made and to inform you that the instructions given by the staff were following a decision of council.
If you wish to raise your concerns with the monitoring officer at NSDC, you may do so by contacting monitoringofficer@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.
Kind Regards
Cllr Lee Brazier
From: Rachael Evans
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2026 at 22:12
Subject: Pre‑action correspondence -
Ollerton & Boughton Town Council
Re: Memorial bench for Mike Phillips — pre‑action correspondence (governance, procedural fairness, disclosure, discrimination, SAR, record preservation)
Date: 21.4.26
1. Proposed Parties
Proposed Claimant: Rachael Evans,
Proposed Defendant: Ollerton & Boughton Town Council
2. Status of this Letter (Pre‑Action)
This is formal pre‑action correspondence sent in accordance with the Practice Direction – Pre‑Action Conduct and Protocols and, insofar as applicable, the Pre‑Action Protocol for Judicial Review. Its purpose is to ensure the parties:
(a) understand and properly identify the issues;
(b) share information and relevant documents;
(c) make informed decisions about how to proceed;
(d) seek resolution without proceedings and/or narrow the issues; and
(e) avoid unnecessary expense.
3. Summary of Dispute
This dispute concerns the Council’s handling of my late father’s memorial bench application (Mike Phillips), the process leading to removal, and the Council’s handling of my formal complaint and Subject Access Request(s). I have engaged through the Council’s complaints process and repeated written follow‑ups, but the issues remain unresolved.
4. Core Public Law Concerns — Fairness, Transparency, and Proper Process
The Council is required to act fairly, consistently, and with procedural propriety when exercising public functions and when operating its own adopted procedures. This includes engaging with relevant evidence, giving reasons that are supported by evidence, and handling complaints in a manner consistent with published policy and basic administrative justice.
On the evidence documented and the Council’s own admissions, the pattern of failures appears systemic rather than isolated.
Institutional / Systemic Failure (Not Isolated Error)
The documented pattern of repeated procedural failures across multiple functions — including complaint handling, decision‑making process, communications, disclosure, record management, and SAR compliance — indicates institutional maladministration and systemic governance failure, rather than a single isolated mistake. This concern is reinforced by the Council’s own admissions of administrative/human error and delay, coupled with the absence of a robust, evidence‑based investigation, the continued non‑disclosure of key documents, and the lack of confirmed record preservation. In these circumstances, an adequate pre‑action response must address not only individual incidents but also the systemic causes, including oversight, training, compliance monitoring, and record‑keeping controls, supported by full disclosure and verified preservation of all relevant record
5. What Is Being Challenged (brief summary)
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failures to follow the Council’s complaints procedure;
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failure to honour commitments made at a public meeting;
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an incomplete investigation that did not seek or consider my evidence;
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removal without notice / inconsistent treatment;
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reliance on verbal consent from someone other than the applicant;
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breach of the equality and diversity act
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discrimination shown
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inconsistent policy application;
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unsupported GDPR assurances;
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ongoing SAR non‑compliance;
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failure to provide key documents; and
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failure to confirm record preservation.
6. Action Required
To enable meaningful pre‑action engagement and to narrow issues, I require the Council to provide the following:
A. Disclosure / Information
Please provide:
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Policies & standards
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Memorial Bench Policy (current and historic versions applicable to the relevant periods).
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Complaints Procedure (version applied to my complaint).
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Any removal/notice procedure or cemetery operational guidance relevant to memorial benches.
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Evidence relied upon
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Cemetery Risk Assessment(s) and any access/walkway assessments relied upon.
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Documentary evidence supporting claims that my bench obstructed access or was “not in keeping”.
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Redacted copies of any complaints said to have influenced decision‑making (with dates and nature of complaint).
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Decision‑making records
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Notes/reports from the Cemetery Working Party site visit and any related internal communications.
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The Environment Committee recommendation record and Full Council record relied upon (including any briefing papers, emails, or internal notes).
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Removal process
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The Council’s standard practice regarding notice to be placed on benches prior to removal.
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Records showing what notice steps were considered in my case and why they were not applied.
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Complaint handling records
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Complaint log entry (date logged, stage applied, investigator, and timeline).
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Investigation notes/materials showing what evidence was considered and why conclusions were reached.
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UK GDPR / SAR
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Formal acknowledgement of SAR(s), scope agreed, and a clear timetable.
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A description of the systems/custodians to be searched and date ranges.
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The Council’s documented assessment supporting its conclusion that there was no data breach (including whether the incident was logged and evaluated).
B. Preservation of Records (Formal Notice)
You are on notice to preserve all records relating to this matter, including emails, messages, notes, minutes, drafts, internal communications, and records held by councillors and staff (including on Council systems and devices). This request is made expressly to protect evidential integrity.
C. Remedy / Resolution Sought (to avoid proceedings)
To resolve the matter without proceedings, I require:
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A substantive written response addressing each point raised
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Full compliance with SAR obligations and delivery of personal data within the statutory framework.
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Written confirmation of record preservation.
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Public formal apology
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A fair, transparent, evidence‑based process for a replacement memorial seat/bench application, with consistent criteria applied across comparable benches and written reasons for any conditions imposed.
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Consideration of an appropriate remedy for the injustice/distress caused by maladministration and procedural failures (including clear learning actions, governance improvements, and accountability measures).
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Training for all councillors and appropriate action taken against those not adhering or following processes causing undue stress.
7. ADR / Resolution Without Proceedings
I remain willing to resolve this without litigation. However, with the lack of contact I am assuming the council is not willing to engage in proportionate ADR.
8. Response Requested
Please provide a full written response within 5 days of this letter.
9. Next Steps
If the Council does not provide a substantive response and disclosure within the timeframe above, I will consider commencing proceedings and/or pursuing external remedies.
This letter may be placed before the court on the issues of conduct, disclosure, and costs.
Please see the attached appendix.
Yours faithfully,
Rachael Evans
23rd April 2026
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2026 at 07:35
Subject: Further Information Requests
Hi,
Thank you again for the update regarding the policies and procedures discussed in the public town meeting last night.
I also asked about the policies currently published online and was informed that they are reviewed regularly, and that the date shown online reflects the date each policy was adopted by the council, and that not all policies are published online. However they are in place.
With that in mind, I would like to request all policy documents, including those not published online, along with their full review histories, including:
- dates of each review
- notes from those reviews
- amendments made
- previous versions where applicable
This includes, but is not limited to:
- GDPR
- Whistleblowing
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- Safeguarding (Children & Vulnerable Adults)
- Health & Safety
- Fire Safety / Fire Risk Assessments
- Volunteer Policy
- Complaints Policy
- Environmental / Sustainability Policy
- Financial Procedures / Financial Rules
- Booking & Hire Terms
- Photography / Filming Policy
- DBS / Recruitment of Ex‑Offenders Policy
I would also appreciate clarification regarding the social media policy. The online version states it was adopted in 2019, however the Instagram post referenced was published in 2018. Could you please provide clarity on this discrepancy.
As mentioned after the meeting to the Town Clerk, could you also send me a copy of the CCTV/doorbell recording policy once it has been created and implemented, including the required legal signage details. Along with interim measures now this has been highlighted.
I would additionally like confirmation on whether a subscription is currently being paid for the doorbell system, and if so, the date it began, as well as the date the system was installed.
I would also like to request further information regarding the cases mentioned last night, where previous actions not in line with council policy resulted in a financial cost to the council. As this was raised as part of the discussion on policy compliance, could you please provide clarity on what occurred, the policy areas involved, and what measures have since been put in place to prevent similar issues in future.
May I have confirmation that this request has been received, along with an appropriate timeframe for the information to be provided.
Many thanks,
Rachael Evans
Personal email address used from cllr
Thu 23 Apr, 18:41
to me
Hi Rachel
Thank you so much for agreeing to meet with me today at such short notice.
Please accept my utmost apologies that this has taken nearly 3 years to get somewhere near a solution.
To address some of your concerns:
Yes, you should have been contacted as the donor and not the grave owner. This is an internal error that can be addressed by the Town Council members.
I have emailed one of the other bench owners asking if the Town Council can move her bench a little further up the path. If she is in agreement the Town Council will purchase and install a new bench in memory of your late father at no cost to you or your family.
There is obviously an inconsistency in the way the cemetery is managed regarding flowers. While you are correct in raising the matter you will appreciate it can be a really sensitive issue if these flowers were to be removed. I will suggest to the other Councillors that the policies and wording for the cemetery are revised.
As a Council we are very concerned to hear that the request to meet with the grave owner was never addressed. I will bring this to the attention of the Council and find out why.
I’m sorry that the installation of your fathers bench was not mentioned in the December 2025 cemetery minutes. I don’t know why but will find out.
I will do my best to resolve this for you but please feel free to contact me onXXXXXXXXX if there is anything else I can to in the meantime.
Regards Derek
Cllr Derek Batey
23 Apr 2026, 23:55
to Derek
Dear Derek,
Thank you for meeting with me at such short notice and for taking the time to respond in detail.
I acknowledge and appreciate the formal apology offered, both in relation to the length of time it has taken to address this matter and the errors that have occurred along the way.
I am also grateful for the offer of a public apology at the next Council meeting, which I recognise as an important step in acknowledging what has happened.
As discussed, the steps taken today were welcomed and helped to de‑escalate what has been, at times, a very difficult situation. I was not anticipating any communication or willingness to resolve matters, so today has been a positive and unexpected step towards resolution.
I am reassured to hear that given all the evidence this shows a true light on the situation.
As discussed I will take some time to reflect on today’s discussion and look forward to further constructive conversations as we move towards a full resolution.
Kind regards,
27 Apr 2026, 08:03
to Derek
Dear Derek,
I am writing to follow up on the discussion we recently had and to confirm my position after further reflection.
I remain pleased that the Council, as a whole, did not support the actions that led to distress being caused. However, I continue to have significant concerns that the Council had a duty to ensure that correct procedures were followed and that representations made to Councillors were accurate, lawful, and properly informed.
In order to resolve this matter fully and bring it to a satisfactory conclusion, I respectfully request the following:
That the bench be installed and thereafter maintained by the Council at my Fathers grave as a matter of urgency.
That a plaque be installed on the bench recognizing his service to the community by the Town Council.
That a further commemorative plaque be installed within the Town Hall by them to honour his community service.
That the Town Hall plaque be formally transferred to the new council building once it is completed.
In addition, I request the following assurances and actions from the Council:
That relevant Council policies and procedures will be formally reviewed to ensure they are clear, robust, and implemented, followed and reviewed properly.
That adequate training is provided to officers and councillors to prevent any future misrepresentation or provision of incorrect or incomplete information to the Council.
That steps are taken to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper governance in future decision‑making.
I also request clear acknowledgements of the errors that occurred, specifically:
A formal explanation, accountability and apology, clearly recorded in the Town Council minutes.
Written apologies and acknowledgements of error issued by the Town Clerk, the Mayor, and Councillor A. Brazier personally.
For the avoidance of doubt, these apologies must explicitly acknowledge the specific errors that were made. A generalised or non‑specific apologies would not be sufficient, as it is important that responsibility for the mistakes is clearly recognised and understood.
I wish to be clear that, while I could request disciplinary action and a formal investigation into how and why these failures occurred, my preference is not to pursue that course at this time. I love my community, and I know my father did as well. If meaningful lessons can be learned from this situation, and improvements made without the need for legal or disciplinary action, I believe that is the approach he would have wanted.
I believe the steps set out above provide a fair, proportionate, and constructive resolution, appropriately recognise his contribution to the community, and help restore confidence in the Council’s governance and conduct.
However, should it be required, I will not hesitate to take further steps to ensure my father’s legacy, my reputation, and the governance of our valued community are fully restored.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.
Mon 4 May, 12:04
to Cllr
Hi,
I know it's the bank holiday weekend, so please don't feel any pressure to reply today. I just wanted to check in and see whether there have been any updates since we last spoke.
I can see there's a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, and I'm simply trying to make sure my expectations are realistic ahead of that.
Thanks for your time, and hope you're able to enjoy some of the long weekend.
Rachael Evans
Wed 6 May, 16:39
Good afternoon,
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me and for your efforts in attempting to resolve this matter. I do appreciate your willingness to engage, and I am grateful that the Council is now prepared to make space available for a memorial bench 3 years after my application and council errors.
However, I would be grateful if you could provide a copy of your investigation notes and the outcome in writing, including the evidence considered, the findings reached, and the reasoning applied. This is necessary to ensure transparency and to allow me to properly understand how conclusions have been reached.
Whilst I acknowledge the offer to now accommodate a bench (not provide one), this does not address the substantive concerns I have raised regarding procedural fairness, complaint handling, and governance failures. I do not consider that these issues have been properly or consistently addressed across the Council.
I must also highlight that I have still not received any response to my Subject Access Request, originally raised and requested again on 24 February 2026, which remains outstanding. This represents a continuing failure to comply with statutory obligations.
In addition, I formally raise concerns regarding unequal and inconsistent treatment. To my knowledge, this is the only instance where a memorial bench associated with a Minister of Religion has been removed without notice. This gives the appearance of inconsistent application of policy and a failure to act with due regard to fairness and equality, and requires a clear and evidence-based explanation.
Further, the handling of this matter raises concerns in relation to the standards set out within the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, particularly the duties of fairness, objectivity, and acting in a way that maintains public confidence. The cumulative handling of this matter does not appear consistent with those standards.
As I explained, I viewed this as a final opportunity to resolve matters without further escalation. I genuinely acknowledge your personal efforts; however, the underlying issues of systemic maladministration, lack of transparency, and procedural unfairness remain unresolved.
I am also disappointed that the meeting scheduled for tonight has been cancelled, as this would have provided an opportunity for openness and accountability.
The Council’s position in relation to funding a replacement bench is also difficult to reconcile, particularly given that we were required to purchase one previously as a direct result of Council error. This raises further concerns regarding reasonableness and consistency in decision‑making.
I care deeply about my community and take pride in it. It is precisely for that reason that I feel compelled to pursue this matter further. As it stands, I consider the handling of this matter to reflect systemic maladministration and a failure of proper administrative process, which ultimately undermines confidence in the Council and does a disservice to the community it serves.
I had hoped this would be resolved by yourself. However, where issues are not properly addressed, it becomes necessary for accountability to be established and for standards of governance to be upheld. I intend to see this through as previously explained.
I would appreciate your response in writing
Kind regards,
Rachael Evans
13th May 2026 - Full Council Meeting
Transcripts vs minutes - you can draw your own conclusions
Mon 27 Jul, 23:40
Dear Council,
As my previous email appears to have joined my outstanding Subject Access Request in what I can only assume is a very thorough review process, I thought it appropriate to provide the latest instalment.
At this point, I am no longer sure whether I am corresponding with the Council or gathering material for a future publication.
Following another visit to the cemetery, I noted that the collapsed bench remains, the rotting benches remain, the tree roots remain, the apparent trip hazards remain, and the bench apparently positioned on a grave to be remains.
The only notable change is that the memorial item has now disappeared.
It is reassuring to know that, despite the number of unresolved issues throughout the cemetery, priorities continue to be identified with such impressive precision.
Interestingly, the bench now appearing to collapse has never carried a notice advising that it "may become a health and safety hazard." Evidently, benches which may become dangerous attract more concern than those which already are.
I am also still intrigued by the Council's Ring doorbell camera, the apparent absence of a CCTV policy, and my outstanding Subject Access Request submitted on 24 February. I am sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for all three.
My father was a Minister of Religion. I simply wanted to honour him with a memorial bench. Instead, I have found myself navigating the council's misplaced correspondence, an unanswered Subject Access Request, questions over policy, collapsing benches and a surprisingly detailed education in local government priorities.
It must have been a truly remarkable bench to you all. Fat Boys continue to display similar benches on the public pavement outside their premises, apparently unaware of the dangers posed by outdoor seating. I am surprised the Council has not yet intervened.
I had hoped these matters would be resolved before the Town Clerk's retirement. However, unanswered requests, correspondence and documentary evidence do not generally retire. They simply remain for someone else to explain.
At this stage there is probably enough material for a blog, if not a book.
Title: 'It's Only a Friggin Bench'
A practical guide to local government priorities and unintended comedy.
Most publishers would reject the manuscript as implausible. After all, who would believe that a minister's memorial bench could generate more discussion than a statutory request, multiple safety concerns and a grieving daughter combined?
The difficulty, of course, is that every chapter comes with supporting evidence. In the end, the memorial bench was never the lasting legacy of this process.
The paper trail was.
Funny how statutory obligations, health and safety concerns and documented evidence can all coexist for months, whilst other matters receive rather more immediate attention.
Perhaps that should be the next chapter.
A Council entrusted with the regeneration of Ollerton and Boughton is, after all, expected to demonstrate transparency, accountability and sound decision-making.
Which is why I find myself increasingly interested in the relationship between meeting minutes and meeting transcripts.
One records what was said. The other records what happened. The comparison may prove educational.
Should the blog/book ever take off, I will of course ensure everyone receives a copy. Indeed, I suspect readers may receive it before I receive a substantive response to my Subject Access Request.
Memories fade. Benches rot. Email trails do not.
Rachael Evans
Memories fade. Benches rot.
Email trails do not.
Thu, 30 Jul 2026 at 00:04
Subject: One bench. Endless minutes.
Dear Councillors,
I am writing once again regarding the memorial bench matter. Primarily because, despite the considerable volume of correspondence generated over what is, ultimately, as your councillor described it - 'just a friggin bench', the current period of radio silence has become somewhat deafening.
Having recently taken the opportunity to review the collection of letters, emails, committee decisions, explanations, complaints responses, policy references, and various contradictory statements accumulated throughout this saga, I must admit it has been an unexpectedly fascinating exercise.
What began as a straightforward memorial bench application has somehow evolved into a case study in administrative confusion. If nothing else, it has provided a remarkable example of how a simple issue can become increasingly complex with every attempt to resolve it.
I was particularly interested to revisit the Council's stated desire to "find a positive way forward." Looking at subsequent events, I confess I am still struggling to identify exactly where that positive way forward was located, as it appears to have become lost somewhere between the meeting invitation, discussions about ownership, correspondence sent to the wrong person, and the eventual focus on removal.
Equally, while I appreciate the repeated assurances that various decisions were not made by officers, but by Councillors, and that Councillors acted collectively, I am left wondering whether anyone is actually responsible for any of the outcomes. The correspondence creates the rather impressive impression that every decision was made by someone, while simultaneously nobody appears accountable for it.
One recurring theme throughout this matter appears to be the importance of residents complying with Council policies. What remains somewhat less clear is whether the Council considers the same expectation applies to itself.
As a child, my father used to say, "Do as I say, not as I do." Thankfully, I grew out of that way of thinking many years ago. It is disappointing to discover that the principle may still have supporters elsewhere.
I was particularly surprised when I visited the cemetery today to gather further photographs for 'Just a Friggin' Bench.' I found that the collapsed bench, together with one of the other benches previously identified as a concern, had been removed. Along with all notices on benches. Clearly action can be taken when required. It may not quite match the speed with which my father's brand-new bench was dealt with when it was accommodating the Council's own mistake, but progress is progress.
The visit also reminded me why I continue to struggle with the repeated focus on my father's bench. I was genuinely surprised by the number of other benches that appear to have escaped similar scrutiny over the years. No doubt that will become clearer in due course, as I continue to seek the fairness, consistency, and transparency that the Council frequently refers to.
I must also commend the Council's approach to transparency. It has been demonstrated in such a unique way that residents are left piecing together events from scattered correspondence, contradictory explanations, and prolonged periods of silence. It is certainly a more interactive approach than simply providing clear answers.
As Councillor Lee Brazier has explained, he instructed the staff. The staff, in turn, explain that they cannot discuss decisions because they are acting on the instructions of Councillors. And so the carousel continues to turn, while accountability remains strangely difficult to locate.
At this point, the silence itself has become a form of communication. Unfortunately, it is still unclear what message the Council intends to convey beyond an apparent hope that the matter will eventually become less inconvenient if left unanswered for long enough.
In the interests of preserving everyone's inboxes, I will refrain from sending daily emails going forward. Instead, once completed, I will provide a link to the blog.
The good news is that I have now reached the stage of uploading the emails, letters, meeting records, and transcripts. The less good news, from the Council's perspective at least, is that revisiting the timeline has only served to highlight how many contradictions, inconsistencies, and unanswered questions have accumulated around what was, in the beginning, just a friggin' bench.
Yours faithfully,
Author of the forthcoming local government thriller: Just a Friggin' Bench. More twists than a memorial seat should reasonably contain, and considerably more scrutiny than several of the warped ones still standing in the cemetery.
Tagline: The true story of a memorial bench that generated considerably more paperwork than seating.
P.S. It turns out the real memorial wasn't the bench after all. It was common sense
31 Jul 2026, 15:37 (7 days ago)
to Cllr, Cllr, Cllr, cllr.david.clark, Cllr, Cllr, Cllr, Town, Raja, Office, icocasework, Monitoring, rob.lilley, ray.shilling, Michelle
As promised, here's the link to my blog.
Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone who has participated in this journey so far. Your contributions, feedback, challenges, and occasional reality checks have all helped shape what's been documented.
I'm sure many of you will insist you've already read this cover to cover and could probably recite parts of it from memory. However, in the unlikely event that anyone needs a little further enlightenment into the inner workings, feel free to have a browse.
I'll continue to update it and add documentation as things evolve, so there may even be something new hidden amongst the familiar bits.
Have a great weekend.
Best regards,
Just received An Email From the Clerk, Nearly fell off my chair... then read the disclaimer at the bottom and burst out laughing. You couldn't make it up!
The information contained within this e-mail and its attachments should be considered confidential and therefore prohibited from unauthorised use. The content and attachments herein are intended solely for the addressee, and access to this e-mail by anyone else is unauthorised.
If you are not the intended recipient, any reproduction, dissemination, copying, disclosure, modification, distribution and/or publication is prohibited and may be deemed unlawful.
As the Internet's security cannot be guaranteed, Ollerton and Boughton Town Council will not be held liable for any claims arising as a result of the use of this medium.
The views expressed within this email and/or its attachments are not necessarily those expressed by Ollerton and Boughton Town Council, and therefore Ollerton and Boughton Town Council does not accept responsibility for their content.
August 2026
6 August 2026
During a telephone conversation with the Town Hall, the Town Clerk advised that legal advice was being sought regarding the request. No substantive response was provided to the outstanding requests or concerns raised.
13 August 2026
A written response was received from the Town Clerk stating:
"We have now received official confirmation that only audited accounts can be made available for public inspection and only during the dates as specified on the attached legal notice."
The email also requested that a written application be submitted containing:
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Name
-
Contact details
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Full details of the information sought
However, the response did not address:
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The delays since February 2026.
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Why legal advice was only sought in August 2026.
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What changed between the July position, when the matter was said to be unable to be discussed, and the August response.
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The status of the Subject Access Request.
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Questions concerning the handling of the request and the decision-making process.
Ongoing Concern
Although a response has now been received regarding access to financial information, the Subject Access Request remains outstanding. Furthermore, the reasons for the prolonged delay and the Town Clerk's handling of the matter have not been explained, leaving several substantive questions unanswered.
Efficiency at its finest,
provided the clock starts in August.
Health & Safety vs Common Sense: A Bench-Sized Legal Epic
Dear Councillors,
(Don't worry, I copied in your solicitor and ICO to save you the hassle)
Thank you for another fascinating update on my Subject Access Request this evening. By "update", I of course mean a fresh variation of:
- We're looking into it.
- Legal are looking into it.
- We won't discuss this
- Someone has just returned from holiday.
- Legal are reviewing Legal's review of Legal's previous advice.
- The new ICO are aware.
- Everyone is looking into everyone else looking into it.
Month seven now, I believe.... What began as a simple statutory request for information has somehow developed into a project requiring more meetings, correspondence and legal discussion than most major building developments.
I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on protecting council taxpayers' money. An excellent principal. Which does raise the question: how much time, effort and expense has now been invested in avoiding a conversation that could probably have been resolved in less time than one council meeting agenda item? At this stage, I'm fairly certain the solicitor knows more about my request than anyone who should have actually processed it.
Still, I remain positive and community-minded. I've decided to enter the scarecrow competition with a theme of: Health & Safety vs Common Sense.
The display will feature a scarecrow, a bench, and an impressive collection of warning signs:
- Warning: Bench may encourage sitting.
- Caution: Common sense detected.
- Please seek legal advice before relaxing.
- This bench is currently under review.
- The review is under review.
- Awaiting legal advice regarding previous legal advice.
- Accountability hazard ahead.
- Subject Access Request crossing.
- Emergency Contact: Somebody Else.
- Questions may result in answers. Proceed with caution.
- Does not fit in because of our mistake
Exhibit Description:
"A scarecrow observes a bench, guilty only of being a bench, generating more paperwork, meetings and legal correspondence than most infrastructure projects."
With a bit of luck, the scarecrow competition may be judged before my Subject Access Request is concluded. As I have advised numerous times, it is a statutory requirement, has time frames that have not been adhered to and continues to be ignored. However i wont advise further on GDPR, FOI as a council i'm sure you're all fully aware by now. You might want to review the policies and procedures again, still waiting on that CCTV policy and so much more.
Until then, thank you for the continuing supply of material. My blog, website and sense of humour remain very well supported by your efforts. Should anyone require me, I'll be sitting on the bench, awaiting legal advice on whether sitting on the bench is permitted. By this point, the legal fees could probably have bought a replacement bench, a spare bench, and a commemorative plaque explaining why neither can be used.
Kind regards,
Rachael Evans
Still Awaiting Clarification on the Clarification to Clarify