Criticised cllrs answer back

Published on 5th April 2007 in News

The two East Riding councillors for the Snaith and Cowick ward have responded to concerns raised by town councillors last week about their levels of attendance and input into issues affecting the local area.

At last week's town council meeting, Snaith and Cowick town councillors raised issues involving East Riding councillors Terry Allison and Christine Arnold's attendance at town council meetings and contributions to the Snaith and Cowick area.

Unfortunately, the ward councillors could not be present throughout the discussion, due to prior engagements, but took the opportunity to speak out at last week's annual parish meeting, held at Snaith School's library on Thursday.

Cllr Arnold told town councillors: "I cannot often attend town council meetings on a Monday evening because I have to work. We compile an East Riding councillor's report, but we only have five minutes to speak and then that's it.

"A comment was made that we have failed, but on what? So much money was spent on the Snaith area last year."

Cllr Allison added: "I have always given my apologies when I have not been present at a town council meeting. I have remarked previously that two-weekly town council meetings often clash with other commitments.

"I would like to make it clear that I am not a member of Snaith and Cowick Town Council, nor am I a accountable to it.

"I have told town councillors that if they are questioning my pro-activity, then please write to the chief executive of East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) to check out what my activity is within the Snaith and Cowick ward, but we have been working extremely hard."

Figures were previously presented at last week's town council meeting, showing the attendance levels for both councillors since the annual general meeting last year. Snaith town councillor Richard Bridge said Cllr Allison had attended seven of the 18 meetings and Cllr Arnold had attended one.

Cllr Bridge told Thursday's meeting: "The facts presented at the town council meeting were not made up, they were matters of fact. We wanted to restrict the discussion to the activities of ward councillors within Snaith and Cowick only, and discuss pro-activity in these areas."

Cllr Bridge reinforced his request that ward councillors submit a report to each town council meeting, even if they were unable to attend in person.