PUBLIC attendance to a working group’s meetings in Bude has been questioned, but right to attendance should be allowed, according to town councillors.

Councillors at the full council meeting of Bude-Stratton Town Council on Thursday, October 4 presented a discussion in regards to the questioning of the right to public attendance at the Weir working group’s meetings.

Acting town clerk and responsible financial officer for the council, Keith Cornwell, told the meeting that two individuals included in this working group were invited to the meetings as representatives of certain organisations, but their representative status is now being questioned as they have been attending as individuals instead.

The Weir working group was set up by the environmental services and highways committee to explore the possibility of the Weir on the River Neet and Strat being raised by 1m to keep a level of water in the river through the town. This could provide an amenity resource and enhance the town setting, however, there are a number of operational, environmental and safety issues that require careful consideration before any final decision on the town council’s position can be made. The working group explores all of these issues before making a recommendation back to the council’s committee.

Cllr Bob Willingham, mayor, said: “The chair (of the Weir working group) is not here today, but basically is looking to exclude these individuals from the working group and for a public consultation to take place — that’s what’s on the table and I know councillors have different views.”

Cllr Paul Tilzey said: “I know what it’s like, hearing from second-ear. But there should be no problem with people attending from the public.”

Cllr Tony Gibbs agreed, stating: “It’s very significant and quite a contentious issue. There is no reason why the public shouldn’t be allowed to attend. To have closed sessions on what is a very important issue, it’s just not the right way to go.”

Cllr Heather Partridge said: “They (the people in question) should be allowed to attend as they are the ones who are most affected — they should be allowed to have a voice.”

To make the issue clear, Cllr Willingham said: “The representative bodies are coming as individuals rather than what they say they are representing.”

Cllr Lea Deely suggested drafting a letter to residents nearby to make them aware of the working group and to make comments from there.

Cllr Willingham continued: “They must have been misrepresented to be stopped from coming, saying they’re a representative group when they’re not.

“I’m happy to cover a meeting for the Strand and Crescent and let them speak as individuals.”

However, Cllr Gibbs suggested some form of evidence to prove representatives are ‘who they say they are’ should be presented if such a meeting were to take place.

Cllr Willingham said: “I believe the public have every right to attend, but perhaps should sit at the side and be allocated public speaking time, like we do here.”

Cllr Peter Moores made the proposal to allow members of the public to attend, but said it should be at the discretion of the chair in how and when the public speak. Cllr Frank Partridge seconded and the vote was unanimous.