Getting in a tizz at the town council

A HEATED town council meeting saw walk-outs from residents and condemnation of their inability to raise concerns at a public hearing.

From the start of the meeting at the Edward Dunn Memorial Hall last Thursday, over 20 members of the public voiced their concern of the lack of public participation.

Cllr Chris McMahon, chairperson for Maltby Town Council, was quick to strike down objections, insisting that “nothing other than items on the agenda will be discussed”.

But attending residents were furious that they could not raise issues at the meeting and to be told they would have to contact councillors directly.

This became a common theme of the night with residents wishing to ask questions but being told they could not do so.

Before walking out of the meeting, one resident said: “We want to bring issues forward that we have in the community.

“Residents want to find out what you are going to do about these issues and we want you to listen to us.

“Unfortunately, we do not have the privilege of sitting where you are to discuss such important issues.

“Historically, we have been able to come forward at these meetings and raise issues with the full council but we cannot do this anymore.

“We are not getting the answers we deserve.”

There was supposed to be 30 minutes allocated for public participation, but only ten minutes was allowed, while over 25 minutes was taken to discuss a particular wording used at the previous meeting on August 4.

One resident complained about such a long period of time being “wasted discussing points which had no clear relevance to the meeting”.

She added: “Who decides items that are placed on the agenda?

“I have no idea who to contact about issues.

“This is a clear waste of time when we should be discussing residents’ concerns that impact us.

“Couldn’t you have done this at a different time?

“It is not fair to the people who have given their time to turn up.”

One matter discussed — which was on the agenda — was a motion about a visit to York Minster to see the stained glass windows.

Councillors were also able to speak on issues and offer their opinion — especially in regards to matters such as the need to relay road surfaces in Muglet Lane and Braithwell Road.

Cllr McMahon was approached for comment by the Advertiser but did not respond prior to our deadline.