Councillors row over memorial to historic figure

Dispute over plaque to Johnstone Radical John Fraser

A plaque is set to be erected in tribute to an historic Johnstone figure following a heated debate between elected members during a full council meeting.

Councillor Andy Doig put forward a motion requesting a plaque be put in place in Johnstone Town Hall commemorating the work of John Fraser, who was the founder of the Cooperative Society in the town and was involved in the Radical War of 1820, which took place 200 years ago.

Despite the motion eventually being voted through by councillors, members were engaged in a dispute over whether the community of Johnstone should be the ones to decide what historical figures are recognised in the town.

Councillor Emma Rodden tabled an amendment highlighting the council agreed procedures for community applications for commemorative events and memorials two years ago, and suggested residents should have the chance to decide who they want to memorialise.

She also suggested the council should carry out “due diligence checks” of any proposal in relation to the person’s “historical acceptance”.

She told elected members: “The point of my amendment wasn’t to detract from the commemoration.

“What I did disagree with was the opportunity for communities to decide who we should and shouldn’t honour.

“There have been problems with some people being commemorated in the past.

“Our job is to be representatives of communities. We shouldn’t be leading them and we shouldn’t be dictating to them.

“I don’t believe it’s appropriate for councillors to decide these things on their behalf.”

Councillor Doig hit back and said he was unwilling to accept the amendment, insisting he did have support from relevant groups in the town.

He said: “I’ve managed to get proposals for plaques through before. “These were accepted by full council. “I have got the backing of Johnstone History Society for this and I am not accepting this amendment.

“Yes, we need to listen to our communities but we are there to provide leadership to them, and so we have a perfect right to raise items we feel are important.

“The full council is the place for this and I will always work in consultation with the community.

“It is up to us to make these decisions in consultation with the community. “It’s an authoritarian amendment.” A total of 23 councillors backed Councillor Doig’s motion, while 19 voted for Councillor Rodden’s amendment, meaning a plaque will now be installed in the town hall in Mr Fraser’s memory.

I have got the backing of Johnstone History Society for this and I am not accepting this amendment