‘YOU have a duty to your residents; sort this out’.
That was the message to councillors from Christchurch Citizens Association during a fiery meeting about the reshaping of councils across Dorset.
Plans for a protest march, petition and letters to officials across the county were agreed, as the residents group met to discuss the consultation on the reorganisation of councils across Dorset.
The lack of business plan was a major issue for residents, with many saying it was impossible to make a decision based on the lack of information - something many thought might be intentional.
A unanimous resolution agreeing to object to the ‘flawed process’ was passed with chairman Sue Bungey resolving to approach the chief executive of Christchurch council, David McIntosh, over the matter.
Former Christchurch councillor Christine Payne said: “The document is clearly flawed in more ways than one.
“It will not be conclusive. There should be a more comprehensive document including the business plans.”
Town centre ward councillor, Peter Hall said: “We said straight away the consultation should be longer.
“I think it is skewed towards one option and that is wrong.
“There is no financial plan; how can we make a decision when we don’t know how much it will cost?”
Residents were also concerned over the lack of discussion and information available, blaming the council leadership at Christchurch.
Nigel Cook, former chairman of the CCA, said: “Our councillors have a duty to their residents to rise up and sort out what’s going on.
“There is the impression that many are brow beaten; but every single ward councillor should stand up for what they believe and do something about it.”
Responding, Independent councillor, Colin Bungey, said: “Apart from a handful of rebels, the rest of the Conservative councillors will do as they are told.
“That is not representing the people that voted for them.”
He added: “We as councillors have not had the opportunity to sit in the council chamber and say ‘these things need to be considered, they are important to people in this borough’.”
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