Anti-swearing councillor tells fellow councillors to ‘bugger off’ over charity row
Cllr Phil Pritchard, often an outspoken figure on the Town Council, was one of several who reacted angrily last night to the news that Welsh Bikers for Suicide Prevention had ended their interest in taking on the ailing Motte & Bailey site.
They blamed a lack of progress on their offer six months back to pay rent as well as breathe fresh life into the historic site which has fallen into a dire state.
But when founder, Jeff Green, presented his impressive plans back in November, he was met by scepticism from some quarters of the council who questioned his background.
Mr Green answered all of the concerns raised, but with a lack of any progress, the charity will instead open a hub in Newtown to tackle mental health issues.
Cllr Nick Howells, who chaired last night’s Property and Services Committee meeting, called it a “dark day for the Town Council”, but Cllr Pritchard went further.
Without mentioning any names, Cllr Pritchard fumed: “Here we have a group of people who were co-opted onto this council, not elected, co-opted and all-of-a-sudden they put us in this bloody mess. And it is a mess.
“The people of Welshpool have got to pay their taxes every year that come into this building and we are supposed to use them for the benefit of the people of Welshpool.
“This is an absolute disgrace by three or four councillors who quite honestly should send their resignations in tonight. Don’t wait until tomorrow morning, bugger off tonight and quote me.”
Last November’s reaction in the chamber to Mr Green’s presentation did make uncomfortable listening at times for observers, with accusations made against the former Llandrindod Wells Mayor.
Cllr Howells addressed that “dark day” for the Town Council last night and said that he was “all for” their proposal, adding: “After his very, very articulate presentation, Mr Green was questioned about his religious beliefs which is totally against the equality act. Would any other presenter be questioned on their religious beliefs? He was accused of being homophobic, racist and a Neo-Nazi. I just think that particular evening in our chamber was a very, very dark day for Welshpool Town Council.”
Cllr Julie Arnold was visibly emotional when she said she wanted to “apologise” to the charity and said the way they were treated was “disgraceful”.
Cllr Chris Davies shared her frustration and anger and said: “Just watch how fantastic it will be for Newtown and how much good it will do there. It’s a huge opportunity missed and a great big money pit left for the people of Welshpool.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Estelle Bleivas, who has Jewish heritage, gave a strong voice of support to the plans last November saying “where do I sign up?” to dispel the right-wing accusations hurled at Mr Green and, last night, said: “Some of us councillors should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.”
Town Mayor, Cllr Phil Owen, tried to bring some balance to the discussion by reminding councillors that there had been a member of the public at the previous meeting who had shown concerns, as had Montgomeryshire’s MP, Steve Witherden.
He also said that he was aware that the surveyor who had recently inspected the site had cautioned the council on accepting the offer of the charity returning it to its former glory through its own tradespeople due to it being a heritage site.
But, on the whole, it was widely accepted last night that an opportunity had been missed, and new Town Clerk, Richard Williams, informed councillors that he had written to Mr Green to thank him for his interest and also to wish the charity well moving forward.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|