Former deputy mayor banned from Truro Cathedral

The former deputy mayor of Truro has been banned from the city's cathedral due to safeguarding concerns, the Diocese of Truro has said.

In a "safeguarding briefing" to cathedral staff and volunteers, the diocese said independent Truro City Council member Sam Rabey was no longer "permitted to attend the cathedral in any official capacity or to worship".

The note, shared by a concerned member of the public, said the only exception to access was polling day on 1 May during the recent local elections and the subsequent count the following day.

When approached, Mr Rabey, who represents the Moresek and Trehaverne ward, said it was not "appropriate for anyone to make comment at this time".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the Anglican diocese stated: "Following information received from statutory agencies, Sam Rabey and the town council have been informed that he is not permitted to attend the cathedral or its grounds.

"Mr Rabey has been informed that should he wish to attend the cathedral or St Mary's for the purpose of worship, a safety plan will need to be agreed and implemented prior to him attending."

The note said if Mr Rabey did attend the cathedral, he should be asked to leave immediately by a responsible person or a member of the clergy, the LDRS added.

In an official statement, the Diocese of Truro said its decision-making process was done "in consultation with statutory agencies."

The briefing came on the same day as the council meeting to elect the next mayor of Truro.

Truro City Council confirmed its members elected Chris Wells as the new mayor of Truro and Loic Rich as deputy mayor on Monday night.

Prior to the vote, David Rodda, Truro City Council's clerk, said it was "aware of the cathedral's position".

He said: "They've taken a position based on information they have and we'll have to act accordingly.

"Our safeguarding policy's in place, which states that the mayor, deputy mayor and senior officers will be DBS [Disclosure and Barring Service] checked.

"We take safeguarding seriously and will act in accordance with our policy."

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