The Following statement was released to the Chronicle & Echo newspaper

 

In response to Councillor Pam Varnsverry's letter of February 26  in which she stated, '" I cannot support the current Friends of Delapre Abbey committee or the way it mis-spends its funds "' ,there are several points of contention:
Councillor Varnsverry's unspecified allegations made in her letter are highly contentious, which seems hypocritical given that in the same letter she complains of innuendo by others. Her actions have compromised her elected position, her party and our landlords, Northampton Borough Council.

FoDA has been assured that Northampton Borough Council's press office was unaware of Councillor Varnsverry's letter. Furthermore we have been advised that the accusations made by Councillor Varnsverry can be referred to the borough solicitor for investigation by the Standards Board. Her comments are detrimental to FoDA, its members and trustees, and negatively impact on the reputation and good works of the charity. FoDA, in conjunction with its solicitors, will therefore be pursing this recommended course of action without further delay.

FoDA's annual audited accounts were endorsed by the charity's external auditors,  membership and the Charity Commission and to date, FoDA's trustees, who were democratically elected in November 2009, have made no significant decisions regarding investment or expenditure.

FoDA trustees, with the support of Northampton Borough Council, will continue to raise money from both community and commercial events to aid the preservation of Delapre Abbey Estate. FoDA  is proud of its charity's contribution to restoration, improvement and volunteering projects and its achievement in raising the profile of the Abbey as a valued and respected community asset.

We will continue to grow and improve our charity for the benefit of Delapre Abbey Estate, Northampton Borough Council and the local and wider community. Northampton Borough Council recognises the importance of our charity for the preservation of Delapre Abbey and its good work is also recognised by many supporters. The newly-elected committee is presently working on developing and improving the charity's good governance.
FoDA is currently in advanced stages of negotiations with Northampton Borough Council for a new five-year lease which will give the charity security of tenure and allow us to continue with our many projects and the running of the well - known and much - appreciated tea room.

Councillor Varnsverry is elected to the St James Ward and it would perhaps be more consistent with her responsibilities for her to channel her energies into assisting her constituents.

 

The Committee ,Friends of Delapre Abbey , Northampton