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On behalf of Dover Town Council, I congratulate our local media for its measured coverage of the story concerning the phoney purporting to be Francis Rossi of Status Quo. Would that the recent national-media, feeding frenzy had shown similar consideration for facts! The Council deplores the national publicity for this 18-month old story, which was mostly incorrect and without credibility.
Considerable costs have been incurred, in terms of both money and time, for the required verification of all Council decisions/expenditure and usage of the Civic car, to ensure the accuracy of the statement that I now make.
Therefore, to reassure Dover ratepayers, concerning this matter, I confirm on behalf of the Council that:
a) it has not been duped in any way;
b) it has authorised no expenditure;
c) it has had no dealings with the imposter;
d) it has not been involved in any negotiations with or on behalf of any charlatan;
e) records confirm that there has been no unauthorised usage of the Mayoral car.
The inaccurate coverage has damaged the reputation both of our Town and of the Town Council. It is particularly sad that, as the Council forges ahead on so many fronts, on behalf of Dover, that one person's disaffection has so sabotaged our efforts, and those of our many partners, by taking this non-story to a national tabloid. Given the seriousness of the situation, the Town Council is considering its options, with initial steps already underway.
Michael Webb
TOWN CLERK