We won’t stand snide comments (From Thisisdorset)

We won’t stand snide comments

11:06am Tuesday 1st July 2008 in

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THE boss of a community organisation is warning of legal action over damaging comments about staff involved with local projects.

Steve Place, chief executive of Dorset Community Action, said he had taken legal advice to stop rumours about a member of staff involved in play area projects in Owermoigne and Crossways, near Dorchester.

He said: "We've been aware of rumours circulating in these places in connection with developments that our community worker is working on. Now we have decided to scotch these once and for all."

He added: "As in any community there will be differing views on what is important and what solutions are best.

"DCA has become aware of rumours circulating within the two villages about the current worker's independence and that she will financially benefit from any play area developments.

"Most recently a letter has appeared on the West Dorset District Council website regarding a planning application where the correspondent makes reference to that rumour.

"DCA has robust policies for staff regarding other employment, receiving of gifts and conflicts of interest.

"We are confident that our worker has no such conflict or financial interest in any project work she is undertaking as part of her employment with DCA.

"Therefore, we refute any such rumour or allegation made by individuals or groups."

He said he would welcome any information that pointed to a conflict of interest and warned that the organisation would protect its reputation and that of its employees by taking legal action if staff were accused of wrongdoing or unprofessional conduct without evidence.

Mr Place said he did not want to name his employee, who is one of nearly 40 members of staff employed by the DCA, which has offices in Dorchester.

The letter that sparked the tough line was posted on the district council website in connection with a planning application by Owermoigne Youth Quest for replacement play equipment on Glebe playing field in the village.

A resident of Church Lane had written objecting to the proposal. The letter has now been removed.

A spokesman for the district council said: "If there is a request to take something off the website then we will and that's what's been done in this instance."

The application drew a total of more than 50 responses for and against the proposal. The application will be decided at a meeting of the council's development control committee on July 10.

Plans for play facilities for young people at Crossways are also under way.

The community worker has worked with the communities of both villages.