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Transcript of Councillor Graham Chapman's 96.2 TRENT FM interview regarding the Channel 4 'The Secret Millionaire' programme broadcasted on Monday 8th November 2010
Version 1
Broadcast Clip 1: Graham Chapman – “There is not the level of crime that the programme claimed – it is undermining the efforts of a lot of people in the voluntary sector and at the council and the police who’re doing a very good job of keeping on top of the problem”
Trent 96.2FM Cue to his next comments:
We asked is there friction between the Council and Clayton
Broadcast Clip 2: Graham Chapman – “I think it comes across when he’s not talking to the police or the council or other members of the voluntary sector and goes off and does stuff like this. It would have been very helpful if we could have all been in it together.”
Trent 96.2FM Cue into his next comments:
"The 'Secret Millionaire' donated 40-grand to projects run by Nottingham anti-gun campaigner Clayton Byfield. But Councillor Chapman says that cash could be counter-productive if it's not spent correctly..."
Version 2
Broadcast Clip 1: Graham Chapman – “They (the police) are very upset about it because they believe it didn’t portray the city, it doesn’t portray what is happening now, there is not the level of crime that the programme claimed.”
Broadcast Clip 2: Graham Chapman – “His (Clayton’s) heart is in the right place and I do think he needs to talk with the people that are already working on the ground – the officials, the police, the council officials about how he is going to fit in.”
READ: Response to Nottingham City Deputy Councillor Graham Chapman’s rant on 96.2 Trent FM
Dear Graham/ Nottinghamshire Police
Having listened to your clearly misguided comments on Trent FM yesterday afternoon regarding our appearance on Sunday's C4 'The Secret Millionaire' it was also clear you are ill informed of our past efforts to partner with Nottingham City council, CDP and Nottinghamshire Police for over 2 years of our campaigning, supported by a number of email correspondences on record. I would courteously recommend you begin your enquiry in the light of your 'he goes off and does things on his own' comment, by contacting Steve Barker (Nottm City Council/ communications exec), Morris Samuels (Catch 22/ Unity FC mgr), Neil Parnell (Catch 22 mgr), Nicci Parker (Catch 22/ Safe Passage project leader) Julia Hodson, Sue Fish, Simon Alexander (Nottinghamshire Police), Allen Given (former CEO of CDP) and Jon Collins (Nottm City Council leader). All of the aforementioned have strong documented evidence of my attempts to engage in working together. Suffice to say, in response to your comment 'it would have been good for us all to be in this together', Nottingham City Council were invited to take part in the programme as Channel 4 contacted Unity FC to involve Morris Samuels in the filming as personally recommended by me. This was immediately refused by the City.
My strategy for NGO has always been to partner our efforts from day-one since I understand no single organisation can win this battle for change alone. As a result of rejection however, my commitment to drive the 'DONE WITH IT' anti-gun and knives message forward has led to a 'Lone Ranger' led campaign prior to being approached by C4's 'The Secret Millionaire' producers. I would have much preferred you had not approached Trent FM with your comments and spoke to me on a personal level, as I believe your comments regards the portrayal of Nottingham City and its reputation on screen is a completely separate issue to NGO's efforts in the streets. Can I ask, have you personally attempted to engage with young people in the streets after your 9-5pm to show support and understand their genuine fears and concerns? In the most courteous manner your comment 'his hearts in the right place' was insincere and patronising. Not only is my heart in the right place, so is my feet 4 nights a week in Radford, Meadows, St Anns and Bestwood over the last 6 months. Thanks to Nottinghamshire Police and CDP recently funding our NGO Youth bus project we can continue to deliver evening mentoring sessions in Radford and St Anns as we can ill afford to fund operating in these 4 areas ourselves. I too am very angry and appalled by your further comment that 'if the money is not used properly this could be counter-productive to our efforts. The NGO Youth bus could be Nottingham's best weapon to date to engage with gangs and breakdown current violent mindset so; I would say "its money well spent". The show of support from senior Nottingham Police officers, the general public via facebook and texts etc since Sunday's C4 screening has been overwhelming and I'm proud to say remains in total contrast to your own vented anger and opinion on Trent FM.
So, I place the ball in your court; where do you wish to go from here, more public email exchanges showing division between NGO and the City Council, or a rightful show of support to back our aims? It's time to stop putting Nottingham's already damaged reputation, before young lives in our community - it clearly isn't working. I am fed up of this ongoing battle with City leaders; it's embarrassing to me and very unhelpful at this time. Having enlightened you now with the facts, I would expect to receive an apology for your unfair comments in due course and let's all move on.
NGO: Clayton
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