Hyndburn Conservatives no-show at full Council meeting

The Conservative group boycotted the full Council meeting on March 22nd, citing that there were too many items being discussed which were outside the power of HBC to affect.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said, "I'm puzzled by this because there is nothing on the agenda which is not directly related to Hyndburn Council. It is dereliction of duty to deliberately stay away from this council chamber and represent the public when they are paid an allowance to do so. Political stunts by the opposition to get a headline in the Observer are unforgivable. This is nothing more than an election stunt."

He added, "We live in a democracy, we should not be shying away from healthy debate but asking questions to make sure that this borough moves forward. The Conservatives are not doing the work, they come with glib sentences and smirk at motions such as those brought recently by Cllr Aziz to improve transport links."

Cabinet member, Cllr Ken Moss, said, "They have run away tonight to attempt a cheap headline in the Accrington Observer. Everyone misses a meeting now and then but to take a night off en masse is blatant electioneering, although I'm not sure how it's a positive thing."

St Andrews Councillor Stewart Eaves said, "I think we might be seeing a glimpse of the future here after May's elections. No Tories in the Council chamber."

Rishton Councillor Jeff Scales said, "Many years ago a guest repeatedly failed to turn up after being booked on 'Have I Got News For You' and was replaced by a tub of lard. Are we going to have to invest in seven tubs for the next Council meeting?"

Huncoat Councillor Eamonn Higgins said, "It's a pathetic act with no more purpose than to attract publicity in the run up to an election. Nonetheless, we debated several issues which directly affect the residents of Hyndburn, such as the proposed bus lane in Clayton and the future of Accrington Victoria walk in centre. I am disgusted that these Tory Councillors who are supposed to be representing the public have the bold brass neck to claim their allowances."

Several members of the public were observing in the gallery over the Council chamber.

Milnshaw Labour candidate, Andy Clegg, said, "I think it's an insult that such an honour as representing your constituents can be used as a cheap headline grabbing stunt. I hope that the people who these people are supposed to represent see through this seemingly desperate attempt to bag a few lines in the local press and win a few cheap votes."

St Oswalds Labour candidate, Gayle Knight, said, "Perhaps they were out campaigning and thought that was more important than representing the public."

The full agenda can be seen below: