THE Wharfemeadows Action Group has from the start of the Otley fence campaign stated clearly that its aim was to channel opposition to the fencing plans through our elected representatives.
From the very beginning we have worked with elected members at all levels and across all parties.
That is what democracy is about. Democracy also has to take account of the fact that mistakes can occur. That is why there have to be checks, contro
ls and balances built in to an effective council system.
WAG has learned that our councillors do not always seem to understand the system they are part of.
We recently requested that our elected members for Otley should put forward a motion to support the Leeds City Council Scrutiny Board in its recommendation that fencing be suspended until their enquiry had been completed. We asked, quite reasonably, for a proper debate on the matter in the council chamber.
Coun Campbell said it would be 'inappropriate' to support this request and Coun Downes said that such a debate would be 'ineffectual'.
Many people are worried that if the fence is erected it will never be removed, whatever the result of the inquiry. Others are concerned that if the fencing goes ahead, the inquiry will lose its impetus. The issue should be debated at a full council meeting.
The debate would give the council its only opportunity to decide whether to support its own Scrutiny Board's recommendation or not. It is as simple as that.
Councillors Campbell and Downes appear have no confidence in this democratic process. If this is the case, what on earth are they doing on the council?
We are not prepared to lie down and let the Executive Board trample over all reasonable objections.
That's why the people of Otley are so disgusted with the City Council. It's our money they are wasting, £165,000 to be precise. This could be more than £1 million at other sites across the city.
Ignorant
WAG witnessed the Scrutiny Board's recommendations being brushed aside in an ignorant and arrogant manner at the council's Executive Board meeting on 22 August. Coun Andrew Carter even referred to those opposing the fencing as 'Otley Town Council and Uncle Tom Cobley'. So much for the respect shown to the people of Otley.
Please be assured that WAG will continue this campaign until every democratic option available has been used.
WAG is, of course, most appreciative of the continuing support of Otley Town Council, our MP Greg Mulholland and the 6,136 people who signed our petition and are prepared to stand up and be counted. Including Uncle Tom Cobley.
Linda Lukats, Sylvia Reid and Tony Hartigan, Wharfemeadows Action Group, Otley
The full article contains 456 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
