Heckling councillors discourage debate
On Thursday, February 29 I attended the full council budget meeting as a resident to ask a question to Councillor Josh Reynolds about the proposed closure of the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum and Tourist Information Centre.
It was the first time I’d attended a council meeting but wanted to ask what the plans and costs were and draw Councillor Reynolds’ attention to the petition which has gathered over 1,200 signatures.
I stood before full council hoping for a positive and respectful response.
In fact, I had barely started thanking those concerned when I was heckled, jeered and interrupted by councillors.
At least three cabinet members shouted out and there was laughing and jeering around the room. It was most intimidating.
Following all the interruptions my time allowance was used and I was not allowed to finish my question.
We still don’t know what the plans for the museum and tourist centre are, yet this was a top issue raised by residents in the budget consultation some time ago and this was the budget meeting on which cost plans were agreed!
I found the whole council experience shocking.
Surely this is not the level of conduct expected from our Councillors and far from the standards the public want to see?
I was very grateful to Councillor Maureen Hunt who called for ‘a point of order’ and to Councillor Carole Da Costa who asked the Mayor for an apology on my behalf.
It was disappointing to discover that council meetings have become more of a theatrical experience, with heckling, jeering, one-sided clapping, even standing ovations for favoured speeches, rather than a professional council chamber where respect to each other and to residents is upheld.
I feel that members of the public should be able to attend these meetings and ask their questions without being interrupted and intimidated in this way.
The leader of the council should surely encourage healthy debate on all sides and civil behaviour from councillors in these meetings.
SARAH WALKER
Windsor