Datchet Parish has issued a Public Statement about the DRCCT dated 1 October 2026. The Clerk and Chair simply refuse to face the fact that their claim to own the Sabatini Land and buildings is without merit. The Clerk and the Chair have used partial and incomplete evidence to justify their position (on the AGAR submission) to the External Auditor. The Clerk and eleven of the fifteen Datchet Parish Councillors did not attend an Extraordinary Meeting called to consider the issues. There is a detailed report here
The DPC statement is unsigned and reads as follows:
In response to concerns raised by residents, we feel it is necessary to state our position regarding DRCCT; why we voted unanimously to remove the two councillors from their positions within DRCCT, and why we have taken legal measures to protect residents’ assets.
This matter began in 2024 when the then new Parish Clerk requested clarity from the then DRCCT board to explain the relationship between the two entities, and local authorities role as sole trustees, as well as liabilities associated to becoming a charity trustee so that new councillors could understand the governance framework. Their response to these questions was to leave it alone.
Since raising these concerns, the Clerk has been subjected to unacceptable behaviour, including bullying, harassment and verbal abuse from the two councillors who made up the DRCCT Board.
In response, the DRCCT trustees voted unanimously to remove the two councillors from their positions on the DRCCT Board.
Rather than step aside, they ignored the motion, refused to surrender DRCCT assets and instead initiated legal proceedings against DPC in May 2025.
Again, in response to their actions, DPC acting in capacity as sole trustee has commenced formal legal proceedings to protect Datchet residents and their assets.
We are limited in what we can say while the legal process is ongoing, but we are consulting with the Charity Commission and are following the appropriate procedures.
Our priority remains to protect Datchet residents, their charities, their assets and our staff.
Thank you. [unsigned]
The above Public Statement can be found on the Datchet Parish Council website here