Answer the questions and they might stop

A FEW weeks ago, Lynne Doherty, leader of the Conservative-run West Berkshire Council, was publicly praising the council for how they had democratised their meetings with many more members of the public viewing their online meetings than attended in person before Covid. In contrast, at the executive meeting on February 11, she complained about the type and number of public questions, moaning that most of the questions submitted were either about the council’s plans for London Road Industrial Estate or their premature closure of Faraday Road football ground. They proceeded to mention to each public questioner how many questions they had previously submitted, as though that might deter them from continuing to do so in future (I was told I had submitted 13 questions in the last six months).

A number of questions submitted for this meeting (including one of mine) had been spuriously rejected as having been answered before by council officers, I suspect acting on the behest of councillor Doherty.

Maybe if they had given clear, and not misleading, answers to most of the questions or if they engaged with constituents rather than stick to decisions because it was too politically embarrassing to change their minds then the questions might stop.

It is not leadership to stick with a decision or path that is clearly wrong, it is a misuse of power.

VAUGHAN MILLER

Liberal Democrat, East Fields Newbury Town Council

HAVING read the article about the way West Berkshire Council have treated residents, I am absolutely disgusted (Newbury Weekly News, February 11).

People, who are not builders, are being treated outrageously for making a simple mistake, which the council know was a mistake.

This needs looking into and the council have to be made to be accountable and refund the money taken.

I expect there will be a lot more people that this has happened to and hopefully they will come forward after seeing your article.

Thank you for highlighting this.

MRS B LYFORD

Thatcham

BY way of introduction, my name is Stuart Gourley, the Liberal Democrat candidate for the upcoming Clay Hill by-election.

I am a passionate believer in equality, opportunity and community.

As a current parish councillor I have enjoyed working hard for residents and helping to solve their issues and I understand what it means to be a representative of ward members.

And I hope to be able to draw on that experience as a Newbury town councillor, should I be elected.

Going forward I want to make the case for a caring, compassionate Newbury, joining my Lib Dem colleagues in Clay Hill in making sure that residents’ voices are heard, unlike the outgoing Tory.

I also want to build on the great work the town council has done on tackling the climate emergency, so that we can help ensure that the future of our planet and town remains bright.

I look forward to talking to residents of Clay Hill over the coming weeks, months and beyond to listen to concerns, and discuss the future. Contact me at stuart.gourley@ wbld.org.uk

STUART GOURLEY

Liberal Democrat campaigner for Newbury Clay Hill