Why the walkout? (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Why the walkout?

7:50am Tuesday 2nd February 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

I am writing to ask a simple question.

Why did Roger Hollingworth, councillor for Alvechurch, walk out of the overview and scrutiny committee meeting held at the Council House on January 19 before Mr Mitchell, the representative of the Save Bromsgrove Market Hall petitioners, had a chance to speak to the meeting?

Mr Hollingworth’s conscious decision to walk out was a mark of disrespect.

Mr Hollingworth’s actions were a clear statement of contempt directed at the petitioners.

What could have triggered Mr Hollingworth’s walk out?

Perhaps he overheard my comment from the public gallery?

I said: “You were wrong over Parkside and you are wrong over the market hall.”

As council leader Mr Hollingworth’s actions sent a clear signal to the Tory members of the overview and scrutiny committee who, like sheep, dutifully complied, without having the common courtesy of asking the petitioners any questions.

If any questions had been asked then councillors would have heard many concrete and practical suggestions of how we as a community in Bromsgrove can best make use of the hall.

For example, we could follow the lead of people in Tardebigge who gained grant funding to transform Tardebigge Community Hall into a showcase for green technology. The Tory majority on Bromsgrove District Council are guilty of many errors, lack of vision and much foolishness. For too long they have acted like a one party dictatorship, deaf to the rising chorus of protest. Fortunately, just like their corrupt heroine, Julie Kirkbride MP, their days are numbered.

At the next full council meeting on Wednesday, February 24, I will again attend to ensure that democracy prevails and I expect Mr Hollingworth to answer my simple question.

Mark France, Save Bromsgrove Market Hall

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)