Hi Val,
It has been brought to my attention that there has been a series of posts on Taglines refering to the sale of the building opposite the restaurant in Verfeil. I would like to try and clarify some of the points made.
At this point there has been a vote by the Conseil of Verfeil giving the go ahead to a feasibility study, to ascertain whether the building can be bought by the Marie, then simultaneously partly sold to an interested party. A part of this building will be retained by the Marie to offer affordable housing to local people. This was done in accordance of a democratic vote by 11 members of the Conseil. Eight members voted for and three against. I have sat on many, many meetings with these councillors and they have all proved themselves to be intelligent people able to make studied and reasonable decisions. Just as a side note, only one member lives in the Village all the others live on the outskirts but as we are the Conseil it is irrelevant where we live and we are all given an equal vote in all matters.
This feasibility study will be carried out by a local Notaire, he will be looking into the financial viability of the sale. If his report comes back positive, the Marie will then be looking at the other aspects of the impact the sale may have on the village. This will include of course positive as well as negative impact. There may be extra noise and cars in the village but we also need young people and children to allow the village to retain it's vibrancy.
I would imagine that anybody would be allowed to apply to purchase the property, this hasn't been discussed, but nobody will be excluded from applying based on colour, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or lifestyle. It just so happens that the people from "The Commune" showed an interest in the building and that has resulted in putting the cogs in motion.
I have dealt with some of the interested party on a professional level, they have bought hay and straw from me to use in their various market gardens and farm. So as far as I can see they have gainful employment. They are also wanting to buy the property, not rent or even squat, for this they must be solvent so I cannot see how it has been suggested that they are unemployed.
It has been suggested that they are engaged in criminal activity, on what evidence is this based? If there are grounds for such an accusation then perhaps the evidence should be brought to the attention of the police. If on the other hand there is no evidence.............
It has also been suggested that the crime rate has risen in Verfeil since these people arrived, where has this fact come from because to my knowledge this is a completely unfounded statement.
Of course this type of unsubstantiated accusation will also have a very negative effect on their children, they go to school and have their little lives here. It would be horrendous if they were bullied at school because of rumours.
I think above all it is important to remember that although many people have come to Verfeil to retire, that does not make Verfeil a retirement village.
Perhaps the commune people do seen very different and that is scary to some who don't like change, but the fact is unless we encourage more young people into the village in 10 years time there won't be a village, as the older residents pass on, who will replace them? No people means no facilities. Verfeil has always had a bit of a Bohemian reputation perhaps that is why they want to settle here. Everybody has to start somewhere, as far as I can see, they are trying to get on, to make something of their lives, isn't that what we all want?
I hope I have clarified the situation as I understand it. If anybody has any further worries I would suggest that they come to the next Conseil meeting and voice their concerns.
Kevin
Val says After this response from a member of the conseil I think we should leave it there for the moment.
Interested parties should follow Kevin's advice and go to the next conseil meeting.
