20/11/2023
⚠️UPDATE ON THE CAR WASH ⚠️
We are very sorry that we have not been able to continue with our fundraising car wash enterprise in front of Colbree.
Here is a message from Colbree to explain why. We're finding it rather confusing and sad. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those that supported us in our fundraising venture. We will keep you posted. Thank you everyone.
Amelie and Bella
Message from Colbree Precision Ltd:
During the summer holidays Colbree Precision Ltd received a letter from the Planning Compliance & Enforcement Officer (North and Central area) with regards to an alleged breach of planning control as it had been reported by a member of the public in January (after the first event the girls conducted) that Colbree were operating a commercial Car Wash on their premises. It had taken Bucks County Council until August to contact Colbree with the threat of a £5K-£10K fine if found to be in contravention of their planning control.
Sadly, this means Colbree have had to stop Amelie and Bella from using their facilities until the matter is resolved, and until Bucks County Council deem that the evidence provided (posters, leaflets, Facebook posts, reports to Camps International..) shows that Colbree did not breach their planning control responsibilities to allow the girls to carry on using the company's premises. Sadly Colbree is now also questioning the use of their premises at the back of their building for Textile recycling (another charity supported by the company for many years).
It is quite sad that after the very first event on a freezing Sunday afternoon, someone deemed it within their wisdom to report this to the authorities instead of simply coming and speaking to the girls. They have worked very hard, taking their Sundays to clean and polish many cars, sometimes in the freezing cold. It takes some grit! More than a lot of us would do. Colbree was very happy to generously support their enthusiasm, which was also fully supported by their school and Camps International (the trip's organisers). It seems many car owners became regulars which made it all worthwhile.
These ventures should be encouraged!
Still, it seems that the girls have gained valuable experience in starting and running an enterprise in what they started out to achieve before they had us shut down.
