The Rural North Tenants and Residents Association Chairman met up with me to discuss some of the issues he says he is facing with Barry Coleman Leader of the council.
Peter Kirkpatrick told me that rural tenants and residents don’t have representation at any of the council meetings. Peter says that when he asked why this was so, Mr Barry Coleman informed him that he had a Parish Council to fulfil this function.
Peter Kirkpatrick then told me that all he wants is an open debate. He has offered to book and pay for a meeting room and fill it with people who could put questions to Mr Coleman.
Peter Kirkpatrick says that Mr Coleman refused this request by saying that he did not think any meeting would be impartial and that “I do not respond to threatening challenges from individual members of the public”. Mr Kirkpatrick takes issue with the expenses claimed by our local politicians (councillors), the public meeting he proposes will allow local people to challenge their representatives.
Mr Kirkpatrick says in an email to this reporter “I would guess that the town is divided into true Barry supporters, who can see no wrong. Those, who support the opposition, those who frankly my dear, couldn’t give a damn, and those of us who care about the town, ignoring Party politics and being told how to vote. Yes Barry we care. [sentence deleted] …but if you cared for your town then you would hold a public meeting”.
Mr Kirkpatrick wants to know why we do not have an elected Mayor. He wonders is it because they can take power away from the council? He also wonders why the chairs of the scrutiny panels within the Borough are not elected.
Mr Kirkpatrick said we all need to work together and that he is very active in standing up for the tenants, but felt he was not liked by the council because they can say and do what they like and are not held accountable.
Darren Wheeler
96k community reporter
I contacted Mr Barry Coleman by email on the 10/11/2010
Dear Mr Coleman
I had an interview with Mr Peter Kirkpatrick from the Rural North Tenants and Residents Association and have attached the report for your viewing, and wondered in fairness to yourself was there any response to what he as claimed.
Mr Barry Coleman has yet to reply
Darren Wheeler
96k Community Reporter
