Thomas Bridge 12 June 2015

Failed pirate world record attempt cost council £56k, letter reveals

An investigation has been launched after a council spent over £56,000 on a failed pirate fancy dress world record attempt.

It has emerged Penzance Town Council spent almost three times its £20,000 budget on a bid to get its name in the Guinness World Record books for the ‘largest gathering of pirates’.

A letter sent by mayor David Nesbesnuick to all town councillors has revealed the full amount spent on this section of the town’s 400-year charter celebrations reached £56,056.

Despite spending tens of thousands of ‘pieces of eight’, Penzance ultimately fell 77 pirates short of breaking the record. Hastings still clings on the title, having amassed 14,231 buccaneers at a local beach on 22 July.

Nesbesnuick has now vowed ‘transparency’ about the spending, which he branded a ‘sorry business’.

‘This issue has caused us enormous reputational damage,’ he wrote.

‘We only had £20,000 and this was known in mid-February last year. Despite that £60,000 was spent - who authorised it, when and why?’

The issue was bought to the town hall’s attention at a finance committee meeting, with a resolution passed to bring in accountants to review financial processes.

A motion was launched to rescind the decision but this was defeated at a meeting earlier this month. A petition has now been launched calling for the six councillors behind the motion to stand down.

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner