Vote condemns council leadership
Whitby Town Council has voted in favour of a motion of no confidence in the Scarborough Borough Council’s leader and cabinet in a dramatic revolt.
Putting forward the proposal, Cllr Ian Havelock said SBC has an ethos of “evasion and secrecy”.
He called on his fellow councillors to back the motion which they did, with six votes in favour, plus four against and two abstentions.
Cllr Havelock cited a number of grievances about the borough council in regard to Whitby, raising concerns over the delayed restoration to the piers and difficulty in obtaining information from the borough council.
Speaking about raising funds to repair Whitby’s piers, he said: “Where the piers are concerned we were told this balance is required and in the same breath discover that SBC had committed £4 million to demolish and redevelop the Futurist theatre site.
“As far as I’m concerned the borough council is treating Whitby with disdain.”
His views were backed by Ron Wilkey, a member of the public who had travelled from Scarborough to the Whitby Town council meeting at Pannett Park, and who delivered a passionate speech calling on the town council to back the motion and drain what he called the “swamp”.
Speaking of his frustration when attending borough council meetings on the Futurist theatre, he made very strongly-worded and direct criticism of Cllr Derek Bastiman, the council leader.
He added: “What a piece of work Bastiman and co are.
“Apart from a couple of exceptions on the cabinet, they are ----, ---------- and arrogant.”
But Cllr Linda Wild said: “I do not believe this motion is in the best interests of Whitby.
“What would be gained if we voted against the council?”
Cllr Phil Trumper added: “I don’t think it is within our interest to vote in favour. We need to maintain communication with the borough council to achieve things.”
But other councillors backed the motion and it was carried.
An online public petition also stating “no confidence” in the council’s leadership has now attracted 2,269 signatures.