Meeting ends in a 'rumpus' (From Warrington Guardian)

Meeting ends in a 'rumpus'

A WINSFORD Town Council meeting was nearly abandoned on Monday night after a discussion over a petition descended into a 'rumpus'.

Feelings were running high after town mayor Don Beckett told the council that two councillors contacted a police officer without permission over the issue of locking Over Recreation Ground at night.

Speaking at the meeting, Clr Beckett said: "This council gave me delegated powers to talk to Insp Brian Roberts so the police got the message - they didn't need your intervention. Insp Roberts is now going to write a letter of complaint."

Clr Peter Gannon responded to the mayor by saying: "Myself and councillor Worthington were involved with this long before you were on the scene."

Clr Beckett said: "Sit down Clr Gannon - when I stand you sit down. We will have order in this chamber otherwise I will abandon the meeting."

The mayor then apologised to resident Ray Whalley who had brought the petition to the meeting. He said: "I would like to apologise for that rumpus but thank you for attending."

Concerns were also raised that some councillors were dealing with issues in other wards without permission.

Clr Brian Clarke said: "They are going into other wards and upsetting other councillors."

The issue of concessionary travel in Winsford also resulted in a heated debate.

The Labour controlled town council decided to offer a £3 discount for concessionary railcards after the Liberal Democrat controlled borough council increased the cost of railcards by 480 per cent.

Clr Pam Booher said: "Liberal Democrats should be ashamed of themselves for voting for something so outlandish."

But Liberal Democrat councillor Malcolm Gaskill said: "All these crocodile tears coming from other parties are because this has had to be done now.

"You neglected it and now we are playing catch up."

The next Winsford Town Council meeting will take place on March 14 and members of the public are welcome to attend.

l Over Recreation Ground petition presented to council - see Page 7.