Leader's U-turn on council logo
THE controversial logo for Cornwall's new council looks set to be scrapped after an "embarrassing" U-turn by county council leaders, writes WMN chief reporter Andy Greenwood.
Thousands of people had opposed the new flame-like emblem designed for the impending unitary authority which comes into force in April.
Critics insisted the current crest – featuring bezants, the chough and the Cornish for "One and All" – should not be sidelined in favour of a new logo likened to the hairstyles of singer Amy Winehouse and US boxing promoter Don King.
Now Liberal Democrat council leader David Whalley has announced he is referring the logo decision back to the Implementation Executive – the committee driving the process towards the new council.
Mr Whalley said he was aware of "strong feelings" on both sides of the debate which had been discussed by councillors "quite vigorously".
Coun Whalley insisted councillors were "listening to people" after accusations the logo had been chosen without any consultation.
"It is not too late to change that decision," he added. "If the Implementation Executive, listening to all the views, think the best decision is to keep the existing logo, I will ask them to make that decision."
In an earlier statement, Coun Whalley said he was putting the issue on the agenda for the next meeting on January 29.
He later confirmed councillors would be faced with supporting the new logo or keeping the current image, which would be altered to read "Cornwall Council".
The latest announcement followed a private briefing by new chief executive Kevin Lavery to the committee on Thursday. He is understood to have urged councillors to resolve the issue once and for all in light of other, more pressing, issues.
Yesterday's move was welcomed by critics of the logo, who now hope it will be ditched.
County councillor and Kerrier District Council leader Graeme Hicks said it was an "embarrassing" climbdown for Mr Whalley.
Another critic, Coun Mark Kaczmarek, added: "People were outraged because it was playing around with Cornwall's identity. They felt it was gradually being eroded."
A 12,000-signature petition against the new logo was handed to council bosses last week. Another petition on the Prime Minister's website, which closes today, has attracted 1,350 supporters.
10 Comments
by C A SWIFT, HAYLE
Monday, January 26 2009, 12:16AM
“Cornwall county council have been going down the financial pan ever since the Lib Dems won overall control at the last council elections.With a monopoly of control they blindly blunder on from one financial disaster to another.Squillions of pounds have been wasted on many schemes including the ongoing drain at Newquay Airport.This is why cllr whalley has deperately tried to keep his lib dem cronies in power at County Hall,and reduce the number of new councillors for the unitary authority.They are also trying to replace the experienced officers of the council with a new intake of their choice.However all is not lost as the people of Cornwall can vote them all out in October (if they bother), so its up to everyone to make sure this happens.”
by Justin, Cornwall
Sunday, January 25 2009, 7:45PM
“I shouldn't worry about Reg. The new Unitary Authority will be the biggest waste of money the county of Cornwall will ever see. People have been SCAMED!!!. No real vote to allow the taxpayers of Cornwall a choice on the issue. Centralization=privatization. The sooner people recognize how diseased this new council is the better,but unfortunately the damage is already done. The council will fully control it's budget's without Governmental help and taxes overtime will have to rise which will put pressure on the taxpayer and the service to either downgrade or privatize. This system has nothing to do with a better Cornwall,it's more to do with the hand of business in Local Authorities. Let the sell off begin...”
by Reg, Camborne
Sunday, January 25 2009, 1:09PM
“None of that sort of surgery would have been required if they were Trepanned at birth!”
by George Fairbank, Tiverton
Saturday, January 24 2009, 6:33PM
“P.S. I have a vacant slot on Tuesday at 2.30pm when I can carry out the procedure. It shouldn't take long.”
by George Fairbank, Tiverton
Saturday, January 24 2009, 6:27PM
“Unfortunately, Mr Whalley and his fellow council sufferers appear to have succumbed to a condition known to us surgeons as having a small particle of brain lodged in the skull. Once that's removed, he'll be quite alright.”
by a g rawlings, truro
Saturday, January 24 2009, 5:12PM
“Let's invest the money in local companies to create jobs, and not pensions as is. I will ask you all again, do we need any council?”
by Farringdon Loon, Menabilly
Saturday, January 24 2009, 4:37PM
“Reg, while I agree with your sentiments, I fear they are lost causes. Local government exists to soak up all of those people who can't get proper jobs anywhere else. Once that's done, they charge us a hideous amount of council tax which, if we don't pay, we go to jail. Once they've got their nasty sticky hands on the money, they reserve the right to spend it on all kinds of nonsensical and mindless rubbish. For this, their officers will then draw a huge index-linked salary and gold plated pension paid for - you've guessed it - by us, the council tax payer.
We'd might as well get used to it or revolt. But the latter option is, sadly, not part of the British way of doing things.”
by Reg, Camborne
Saturday, January 24 2009, 3:53PM
“So, are Wally Whalley and his cronies also going to spend £0.5m on the likes of changing badges at currently fixed locations - like the Tamar Bridge for example?! There are enough areas where such funds could, no should, be used. Remember, these funds have been raised through us who who pay our full taxes and we - the full tax payer - should determine their destination. Similarly so, we should be able to tell him not to spend on such frivolous and moronic money-wasting ventures. Come on Councillor Whalley, put this stupid idea to bed and spend sensibly - I am sure someone in this County - even if you have difficulty within your organisation to find such a person - can advise you the difference between crass stupidity and commonsense”
by a g rawlings, truro
Saturday, January 24 2009, 12:38PM
“What a difference a logo makes?”
by Eddie, Camelford
Saturday, January 24 2009, 11:31AM
“They are all a bunch of "Whalleys"!!”