No decisions at ‘farce’ meeting

THE FIRST Failsworth Area Committee was described as a ‘farce’ and a ‘shambles’ after the selection of co-optee members was deferred.

Elected members voted to defer the selection of eight co-optee members following concerns that residents had not had a chance to submit their nomination forms.

The Failsworth newletter did not contain information about submitting a nomination and the matter had not been advertised in the press.

Critics said seven nominees were present at the meeting and an eighth nominee could easily be sought.

But fears were raised that not giving everyone a chance to get involved would be undemocratic.

Councillor Glenys Butterworth, chairman, said people had complained they hadn’t had a chance to take part and become a co-optee, a position that lasts four years.

She said: “It needs to be fair, to give people the chance to put in their nomination, to look at the nominations and make a decision at the next meeting.”

Resident and Green party member Warren Bates said: “It is an absolute farce. Labour does not want area committees to work.”

He said people present at the meeting had given their free time to attend and the nominations should go ahead. But Councillor Butterworth said she had taken advice before the meeting and elected members voted to defer the decision.

As a result, the meeting had to defer the election of chairman and vice-chairman, the election of a representative to serve on Oldham Partnership Steering Group, the election of sub-groups and the decision on delegated budgets.