Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Melrose Park Youth Facility:
Last year a St. Mellons resident approached me about setting up a modest facility for young people in Minsmere Close, St. Mellons. Previously there was a childrens play facility here but vandalism and persistent anti-social behaviour lead to this being removed by the Council several years ago.
Concerns raised by Minsmere Close residents prompted the view that alternative, preferrably more easily policed, sites should be considered before developing the proposal further.
The resident decided not to pursue this approach (which is her right) and instead raised the matter with the Council Leader, Liberal Democrat Councillor Rodney Berman. The Council has been working on this proposal without even bothering to discuss it with local Councillors or residents for over six months.
This is either a sign of Liberal Democrat deviousness or incompetence - both provide reason for concern. I’m told it was an “oversight” on their part. It is certainly unacceptable.
Such behaviour undermines local democracy as well as being very unhelpful. We hope the Executive are not busy dealing with other local matters without consulting us. This incident says a lot about Lib Dem politicians who won last years local elections on the promise that they would be inclusive, open and democratic.
Cllr. Ralph Cook
Concerns raised by Minsmere Close residents prompted the view that alternative, preferrably more easily policed, sites should be considered before developing the proposal further.
The resident decided not to pursue this approach (which is her right) and instead raised the matter with the Council Leader, Liberal Democrat Councillor Rodney Berman. The Council has been working on this proposal without even bothering to discuss it with local Councillors or residents for over six months.
This is either a sign of Liberal Democrat deviousness or incompetence - both provide reason for concern. I’m told it was an “oversight” on their part. It is certainly unacceptable.
Such behaviour undermines local democracy as well as being very unhelpful. We hope the Executive are not busy dealing with other local matters without consulting us. This incident says a lot about Lib Dem politicians who won last years local elections on the promise that they would be inclusive, open and democratic.
Cllr. Ralph Cook
