Polling Station Statement from the residents' association

Following concerns from residents, tThe association has written to Royale as below:-

Use of Dunton Park Country Club as a Polling Station

1. As you're aware, Basildon Council contacted the residents association to say they were disappointed Royale had withdrawn the use of the clubhouse as a polling station. We understand you took this decision because one of your staff said electoral officials were rude to them last time. We asked Basildon Council about this and they said an official had simply complained to a member of staff because the venue was late opening (and there are legal requirements on polling stations to open at prescribed times).

2. The residents association asked Royale to reconsider. We even offered some of our committee members to volunteer to oversee the whole day. However you replied to us to say you would not reconsider because it ‘encourages non residents on the park which normally everybody complains about’.

The residents’ association have been canvassing members’ opinions and they are unanimous that they want to retain the use of the club as a polling station. It’s also worth noting, the Dunton catchment area has just over 300 people registered to vote and almost all of those will be residents on this site.

3. We've been back to the Council who’re naturally disappointed that a venue that’s been used as a polling station for over 30 years has been withdrawn. They’ve tried to find somewhere else but there’s nothing available and they only have a few weeks left before polling cards go to print. Our local councillor has tried to contact Royale’s head office but after several weeks he’s had no replies.

4. The residents' association is bitterly disappointed with Royale's decision and also the way this has been handled. As a qualifying Residents Association, Royale are duty bound to consult us about all matters which relate to operating or managing the site or about improvements to it if it affects the occupiers either directly or indirectly.

The rules say that the site owner must give the association at least 28 days’ notice in writing of the matters they need to consult about, describe the proposed changes and how they may affect occupiers, either directly or indirectly, in the long and short term. Royale are also required to set out the process for us to feedback on proposals and to take our position into account before going ahead with the proposed changes.

None of this was done which is a breach of para 22 (f) of our Implied Terms. In view of all of the above, can you please reconsider your decision otherwise we will have no option but to escalate the matter.

Kind regards