This group is somewhat mysterious; we do not know who funds them, who they are, what their terms of reference are or indeed what, if anything, they bring to the table.

Cllr Chapman reminds us that this group said that it would find a cinema operator and location by the end of 2007. This they have obviously failed to do.

Therefore, it seems it is time to start blaming other people. That is what his unfair, inaccurate and derogatory letter is about.

Dr Johnson announced the discovery of a cinema operator. If so, who is this? Why does the JPG not inform the local authorities concerned?

Cllr Chapman says that a site was identified by the JPG, when, in fact, this has been under consideration by St Neots Town Council for several years. It is recognised by all as not becoming free until at least May 2009.

The JPG also alleged that it has brought a number of operators to the table but the town council is unaware of any operator who is not at first identified by the town council as part of its feasibility report some considerable time ago.

The JPG has, unless it tells us otherwise, no money, no land and no locus standii. What if anything are they able to contribute?

Dr Johnson has apparently promised to "report back" but no such report has ever been received – only the press release issued last week, which raises more questions than it answers.

We are told that the JPG has achieved something and perhaps we might be told what that is.

We find it concerning that Cllr Chapman, as a member of the town council, chooses to criticise the body of which he is a member rather than support its work.

At the town council meeting last week, he even asked that there be an embargo on the town council issuing statements to the press regarding the issue of the cinema whilst, at the same time, he was writing his letter to the Town Crier.

Contrary to Cllr Chapman's assertion that the town council had done nothing, it has in fact obtained an Arts Council grant for this project, carried out a survey and public consultation (culminating in a public meeting in the Priory Centre in April last year) and has established links with a number of cinema operators and developers.

He is right to say that a community cinema in Cleethorpes was visited at the invitation of one of those cinema operators. That was a council organised visit which included one Conservative councillor.

Cllr Chapman himself was invited but it appears had already taken his bat and ball home by that time.

The earmarking by the council of £10,000 for further work to enable the town and district councils (should they wish to do so) to develop a detailed financial model and business plan and to conduct a tendering process through which a cinema operator will be invited to put forward bids is surely something to be welcomed rather than deprecated.

The town council is discussing this and other matters with the district council and hopes to work in partnership with it to achieve the desired outcome of bringing a cinema to St Neots. It is ludicrous and unfair, therefore, to suggest that we are "blocking" the chance of a cinema for the town.

Dr Johnson has now been invited by the town council to address the council in March.

It is time for the JPG to step out of the shadows and let democratically-elected councillors know what, if anything, they can contribute.

We are happy to work with any individual or group in the interests of the town and we remain as committed as we ever have been to bringing a cinema to St Neots.

Cllr Bob Eaton
Mayor of St Neots
Cllr Derek Giles,
leader of Liberal Democrat Group
St Neots Town Council

Help carnival survive
This is an appeal to the people of Ramsey and the surrounding areas.
Firstly, the committee of the Ramsey Carnival would like to thank all those people who, through the years, have supported the carnival and its committee in what always proves to be a valuable and worthwhile event for the town.

The committee has, at various times in recent years, asked for additional persons to join it.

Unfortunately, nothing has improved in this regard and leaves a very committed, but dwindling committee of only three or four members.
It has now been decided that unless persons come forward to assist the committee with this year's planned carnival for July 12, the event will, reluctantly, have to be cancelled.

To this end, if anyone is able to assist in any way, would they please contact the carnival chairman, Candy Dodsley, on 01487 812673 before Monday, February 25, so that decisions can be finalised if indeed this event is not to take place.
Ramsey Carnival Committee

Great enjoyment
On behalf of our residents I would like to thank family and friends for their support during our in-house fundraising over a period of ten months.

Our first event was the Easter bonnet parade where materials were donated by Brittains.

Once a month we have held a cheese and wine party and in between held our annual garden fete.

Our final event for our project was a ceilidh evening, with the venue donated by the St Neots Conservative Club.

During all our events we have had a raffle, with prizes each time donated by Boots, Martins, Lawsons, Colin and Karen (Thursday plant stall), all from St Neots town centre.

Our activity room now has a wide screen television which has brought great enjoyment to our residents.
Margaret Wilmott
Activities Co-ordinator
Ford House
St Neots