I received a email from a Councillor this morning questioning a news report about a meeting at Oakham Town Council. The residents and tennis club gave what turned out to be a private presentation to members.
Although previously the full council had agreed this meeting should be held in public, using the gallery outside the chamber because of space. It was not until the half way point of the presentations did I find the public entrance was locked.
At this time I told the Mayor Councillor Joyce Lucas the door was locked and she said its because this is a private meeting and was happy to see me leave by saying "good bye then". She and her deputy can be childish at times.
I had been duped into attending a private meeting, this was confirmed by Cllr John Nowell Chairman of planning who also expected the meeting to be held in public.
The meeting was rushed and both the Mayor Cllr Lucas and her Deputy Cllr Haworth and another Councillor were disrespectful towards me during the meeting.
Its good to see I am not the only Town Councillor who can't spell...
----- Original Message -----Cllr #########
From: ########
Sent: 11/14/11 12:01 PM
To: John Nowell, Joyce Lucas
Subject: ####### - Tennis Court - Private & Confidential
STRICTLY PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
Dear ALL
Just a question or two that were put to me.
A resident has asked about the piece in the Friday mercury relateing to the meeting last Wednesday.
They were under the impression it was a closed meeting.
The piece in the paper refuers to anit social behavoiur being an issue if flood lights go in, however,this terminology was not used during the meeting.
Has OTC santioned a press release on Wednesday's meeting ?
Has anyone connected to OTC made a statement or realeased information regarding the meeting to the press?
Can anyone shed light on this please.
Regards
My response:
Dear All,
Can anyone explain why at the last minute the door was locked?
I spoke to Cllr Nowell yesterday and he confirmed, we had agreed to hold the meeting in the gallery so the public could attend the presentations. I raised this at the meeting and was ignored.
The local press only speak to a select few Councillors, so it should be easy to trace the leak.
Anti Social behaviour was used durring the residents presentation. I attemped to mentioned the car park and its late night use.
It is probally best the general public were barred, considering the behaviour of our Mayor and Deputy.
From
Martin Brookes
