COUNCILLORS have been accused of “insulting” the dead of the Afghanistan war by squabbling over who should be invited to a homecoming reception for the troops.

Politicians complained about not being allowed to take their spouses to the event, with one suggesting there could be a “boycott” of the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth council has had to apologise for not initially inviting the families of local service people killed in Afghanistan.

The row, which the Daily Echo can reveal on Armed Forces Day today, comes as Bournemouth prepares to give The Rifles the freedom of Bournemouth on July 25.

The town’s mayor, Cllr Barry Goldbart, has urged councillors to “not lose sight of the real purpose of this event”.

It emerged Cllr Sue Anderson had sent an email suggesting councillors could “boycott” the event if their partners or children could not get in.

She has since told the Daily Echo the soldiers should take priority, adding: “These soldiers will be in their early 20s; they are not going to enjoy just talking to old people.”

She added: “Nobody wants to boycott it.”

Cllr Mark Anderson said he wanted his family to have invitations to the ceremony.

He said: “Our families put in an awful lot for us. Councillors are rather angry we are being treated in isolation.”

But Liberal Democrat opposition leader Cllr Claire Smith condemned her fellow councillors for their complaints. “It’s an insult to all those who served in Afghanistan but obviously most especially to those who’ve lost their lives in the conflict,” she said.

She added: “Even if we had to stand outside, I would be happy. The soldiers are fighting for our country – it’s a question of priorities.”

Cllr Sue Levell agreed, adding: “The soldiers won’t care in the slightest about which councillors and their family members are there. It’s not a jolly.”

Cllr Anne Rey made representations for the Independent group and she said she could “see both sides of the story”.

Cllr Phil Stanley Watts had wanted family invitations but changed his mind. Cllr David Shaw had also supported the calls for family invitations.

The event organiser, David Harrison from democratic services, told objecting councillors: “The main issue is the capacity of the Purbeck Bar and Terrace. “I am sure you will agree that priority should be given to the regiment.”

The Rifles will be represented at the parade by around 200 soldiers, cadets, and veterans and there will be a civic party of 100.

The Rifles have suffered 45 deaths in Afghanistan, more than any other unit, and are the successors to the Devon and Dorsets.

FAMILIES SPEAK OUT

THE family of Captain Mark Hale from Winton, who died last August and served with the parading battalion for almost his entire career, did not get an invitation to the reception.

Neither did the family of Verwood’s Rifleman Phil Allen, who died in November last year.

Bournemouth council has apologised and said it will send them invitations.

Roger Russell, Mark Hale’s dad, from Wallisdown, said: “It’s not a jolly for the councillors. They should respect the bereaved.”

Diana Russell, Mark’s mum, said when she heard about the parade and phoned the council, she was initially told she would have a “good view” with the public from Pier Approach.

Karen Charman-Allen, Phil Allen’s mum, said: “It would have been nice to be asked. It makes me angry because politicians are quick to use our sons’ names in their speeches.”

Karen, who now dedicates herself to The Rifles Care for Casualties appeal, said of the councillors: “They have got their priorities wrong.

“The soldiers would much rather see the families and the general public.

The family of Rifleman Jonny Allott from Kinson, killed in March this year, only received an invitation after a Kinson councillor pointed out the oversifght.