Shortened forum 'disgraceful' rap

Oct 1 2009 Kevin Edge

Anger as public meeting cut to hour

Angry Chase folk have labelled last week’s Cannock Community Forum ‘farcical and disgraceful’ after the meeting was cut short to an hour due to industrial action.

Members of the public turned up to the meeting in droves to quiz council chiefs over policies and problems in their area.

But they were stunned when told the meeting would last only 60 minutes because of industrial action at Cannock Chase Council office’s main building.

Shortening the meeting meant many residents were not able to discuss their problems with the council.

The situation was made worse when the council decided to stage a presentation on the future strategy of Cannock Park - eating into half of the meeting.

“It was disgraceful that we were limited to one hour’s discussion as council staff allegedly did not realise that their colleagues are taking industrial action,” resident George Adamson said.

“There are plenty of church halls in Cannock that could have been hired to host the forum, or is it easier to restrict debate and potential criticism?

“The forum is one of the few chances that members of the public have to speak to officers and council members about issues of concern and should be an essential part of the council’s communication strategy, not the minor irritation that it obviously is.

“We are council tax payers and have a right to make our views known.”

Anger at the curtailed meeting was echoed by Councillor Christine Mitchell.

“It is absurd to even hold the meeting at the council offices if they knew there was industrial action taking place,” Cllr Mitchell said.

“Surely they would realise and know beforehand.

“The items were rushed through and it was a disgusting way to treat the people who turned up.”

A Cannock Chase Council spokesman said: “We would like to apologise to residents who attended last week’s Community Forum at the Civic Centre in Cannock.

“Before the forum, it was decided, in consultation with the forum chairman, to retain the venue and date.

“We recognise, however, that because the meeting was cut short, many residents did not have the opportunity to ask questions or to make their views heard.

“We will be consulting on whether an additional Cannock Community Forum should now be held.”