Nedburn Thaffe, Gleaner Writer

Mayor and councillors in the St Mary Parish Council are planning to have talks with the custos for the parish regarding the high cost they say they have to be paying in rental fees whenever Parish Development Committee meetings are held at the Civic Centre.

While Mayor Richard Creary said he does not have any problem in contributing to the cost of utilities whenever meetings are held, he won't be paying the $15,000 per month in rental fees that the custos is demanding.

Appalled

On top of that, Creary said he was appalled with the high rent, especially since the Civic Centre Committee has not held a meeting with councillors in over 10 years.

He accused the custos of wanting to "take over" the state-owned establishment, and described his actions as impertinent.

It is understood that upon the establishment of the centre, a committee was set up by the Urban Development Cooperation, for which the custos was made chairman.

The Civic Centre, which now houses the custos' office, is currently undergoing phase-two construction. Upon completion, it is expected to tie in with developmental plans for the parish. Up to press time, attempts to get in touch with the Custos proved unsuccessful.