THE chief executive of Bournemouth council had to urge political leaders to “sort out” councillors who were complaining about their families not being invited to a reception to honour The Rifles.

The Daily Echo revealed on Saturday how some councillors were protesting about not being allowed guests at the event, which will be held after The Rifles are given the freedom of the borough on July 25.

Now an email seen by the Echo reveals that chief executive Pam Donnellan voiced her concern last week about the continued grumbling to her staff by councillors.

She thanked Independent Cllr Ron Whittaker, who complained that the Town Hall’s democratic services team had “had to endure some very strong words” from unhappy councillors.

The chief executive said she had discussed the subject with leaders of the political groups in an attempt to put an end to the issue. “However there are still some members who are voicing continued criticisms and I have referred them to their group leader to sort out,” she said. Cllr Whittaker said the public would have been “totally appalled” at the antics of some councillors.

The council’s leader, Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin, said he would be reminding some members of “what’s important here”. “The event is not about the council, it’s about the whole town honouring The Rifles. It’s about the brave men and women, many of whom will have seen active service in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s a day for them and it’s a day for us as a town to honour them – it’s not particularly a day for councillors’ spouses,” he added.

Councillors who complained about the invitations were roundly condemned on the Echo’s website, bournemouthecho.co.uk.

Cathy Franklin of Blandford said: “Having a hissy fit because your family can’t be there? Some families are broken forever and the soldiers coming home in coffins.”

Roysses of Pokesdown said: “This Freedom parade has taken a year to arrange and it is for the Servicemen and women, families of the fallen, old comrades, and cadets. Unless a councillor falls into one of those categories, they should not even be at the reception, but in the street with the rest of us, cheering.”